PDLP Chapter 236
Chapter 236
Zhou Chu met Wang Yangming again, once more, at Tang Bohu's house.
Although Wang Yangming has officially taken over the military power in Jiangnan Province, he is, after all, the governor of Southern Zhili. If he were to appear alone in Suzhou Prefecture and rashly go to Zhou Chu, it would inevitably attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.
Whether for personal safety reasons or other reasons, meeting at the Tang residence is the best option.
"Was it because of the Empress Dowager?"
Zhou Chu looked at the travel-worn Wang Yangming in front of him and, without keeping him in suspense, went straight to the point.
Wang Yangming nodded upon hearing this.
"Weighing instruments, this was probably your doing, wasn't it?"
When Wang Yangming met Zhou Chu, he was no longer in a hurry and took a sip of tea.
As for Tang Bohu, he knew how to avoid suspicion. He was well aware that both his student and Wang Yangming were now extraordinary individuals, and their every word and action would likely involve countless people.
Wang Yangming came alone and hasn't even gone to Zhou Chu's residence yet, so it must be a very secretive and important matter. If I were to hear about it, what good would it do?
"Master, why isn't Lord Wang going to the Imperial Stud?"
As Yunniang watched Tang Bohu approach, she handed the young Xu Wei over to his birth mother.
These days, Xu Wei's birth mother is living like she's in a dream at the Tang Mansion. She no longer has to wash clothes for others, nor does she have to be beaten and scolded by the madam at the slightest provocation, as she did when she was in the Xu Mansion. Everyone in the Tang Mansion, from Tang Bohu and Yunniang to the servants, treats her very well.
Therefore, she felt even more grateful to Zhou Chu. She knew very well that everything she and her son had today was thanks to that young man.
“Bo’an has a special status. He is the governor of Southern Zhili and recently took over the military power of Jiangnan Province. If others find out that Bo’an is alone in Suzhou Prefecture, it will be very dangerous for him. Many people are eyeing the military power he holds.”
Over the years, Tang Bohu had been by Zhou Chu's side and had developed some political awareness.
He said this to Yunniang only when they were alone in his room.
Upon hearing this, Yunniang suddenly realized the truth.
"Master Yangming is right. In fact, I was just going with the flow. These gentry in Jiangnan were also driven to desperation. The land survey would not have driven them to this point. The main reason is that His Majesty has recovered Annam and gained control of Annam's access to the sea."
Zhou Chu smiled.
Wang Yangming nodded upon hearing this.
Wang Yangming had some idea about where the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce smuggled its goods, but it was only a guess at first. Now, Zhou Chu had confirmed it.
"So it seems that the two brothers of the Duke of Changguo really are going to rebel. The Ming Dynasty has a boil on its body that needs to be squeezed out in time. This is a good opportunity. If we don't let them do it this time, they will look for other opportunities. Rather than that, we might as well induce this matter to happen. In this way, everything is still within a controllable range."
Wang Yangming instantly saw through the essence of the matter.
“That’s right. Since it’s inevitable, we might as well take this opportunity to get rid of Empress Dowager Zhang and the two brothers, the Duke of Changguo.”
Zhou Chu grinned.
"But this time, all the wealthy and powerful people in Jiangnan will probably join in. Even if each of them contributes a few dozen private soldiers, they can easily raise an army of 100,000. Is Hengqi confident in his ability to win?"
Wang Yangming hesitated before speaking, but what he wanted to say was whether he was confident that the people would not be harmed. However, upon careful consideration, he realized that this requirement would be difficult to achieve.
"Wasn't Master Yangming concerned about the common people?"
Zhou Chu asked the question knowing the answer already.
"That's right. If this rebellion really breaks out, the people will probably be ravaged by war."
Wang Yangming sighed.
“Mr. Yangming, there is no need to worry. I still have an elite force at my disposal. Although the number of troops is small, their combat strength is no less than that of the entire garrison in Jiangnan Province. At the critical moment, they can easily carry out a decapitation and end this rebellion.”
Zhou Chu said confidently.
"But now we need to get this fire going, the brighter the better. A monkey is still a monkey. At first, he didn't dare to jump, but once more people encouraged him, he thought he could do it."
Upon hearing this, Wang Yangming's eyes lit up. He couldn't help but recall the Japanese pirate rebellion that had occurred in Suzhou Prefecture and the incident involving four or five thousand private soldiers. Clearly, both of these events were orchestrated by the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce, yet they resulted in heavy losses for them.
Wang Yangming could never figure out what Zhou Chu was holding, and even Shen Lian, for the sake of secrecy, never revealed a single detail to him.
Hearing Zhou Chu say this, Wang Yangming immediately felt reassured.
"That's great. It seems I was worrying unnecessarily."
Wang Yangming smiled.
"Master Yangming cared deeply for the people, and I have always held him in the highest esteem. I offer him a cup of tea instead of wine."
As Zhou Chu spoke, he picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.
“In that case, I will not stay in Suzhou any longer. I came here alone and it is not appropriate for me to stay for long.”
After Wang Yangming finished speaking, he stood up, bowed to Zhou Chu, and took his leave.
Zhou Chu returned the greeting, got up and followed Wang Yangming out, watching him mount his horse.
“Send some men to escort Mr. Yangming along the way.”
Zhou Chu looked at Shen Lian behind him.
Shen Lian was deeply moved upon hearing this, after all, Wang Yangming was his teacher. He immediately sent out a dozen or so Jinyiwei guards who were secretly hiding to escort Wang Yangming.
"Weighing instruments, has Bo'an left?"
Tang Bohu saw Zhou Chu appear in his courtyard and asked.
"Yes, teacher, Mr. Yangming asked me to say goodbye to you on his behalf."
Zhou Chu smiled and said.
"That old rascal, he still cares about these old customs."
Tang Bohu said nonchalantly.
Zhang Heling's villa was now full of guests, all of whom were representatives of wealthy gentry and the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce, including Chu Huizu.
By this time, Zhang Heling's mind had already processed what was happening.
"Gentlemen, rebellion is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family. How could I possibly have that ability?"
Zhang Heling said with a bitter expression.
“My Lord Duke, what are you afraid of? As long as you are willing to do it, we will provide you with manpower, resources and money. We can’t guarantee anything else, but we can gather an army of 100,000 in no time.”
Chen Jing spoke earnestly.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Heling's previously somewhat fearful expression froze instantly, and he looked at Chen Jing and the others with disbelief.
"Is what Elder Chen said true?"
Undeniably, Zhang Heling was tempted at this moment. He couldn't help but be tempted. He also knew that doing nothing would only lead to certain death. The emperor would not let the two brothers go. The things they had done in the past deserved to be killed ten times over.
Previously, Empress Dowager Zhang had cleaned up their messes time and time again, but now that Empress Dowager Zhang had passed away, even though Zhang Heling wasn't very smart, he knew that the emperor would definitely settle scores with them.
"Of course it is true, Duke Zhang, you don't need to worry. You just need to give the instructions and let your subordinates handle it."
Chen Jing patiently and skillfully guided him.
"But I don't know how to lead troops into battle."
Zhang Heling said, lacking confidence.
"Your Excellency Zhang is mistaken. When Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, first raised his army, he didn't know how to fight. Fighting is something you can learn by fighting a few times. It's not difficult. Besides, we will send someone who knows military strategy to help you, Your Excellency."
Before Chen Jing could answer, another old man next to him spoke up.
Hearing this, Zhang Heling became even more tempted.