Chapter 204 Zhao Hui's Multiple Uses
As the saying goes, having a legitimate reason for your actions is the most important thing.
Everyone knows perfectly well what the situation in the court has been like over the years, no matter how bizarre this matter may sound. But as long as it's something the Crown Prince proposes, the Emperor has never disagreed. So since the Emperor agrees, there's even less reason for them to speak.
So a group of civil and military officials gathered together and studied for several days, going through all the historical books, both official and unofficial, and the scattered pages were all over the room. Finally, through their tireless efforts, they listed several major crimes against this tiny place.
"Japan has always been a wolf in sheep's clothing, and has never been a true vassal state. It takes advantage of the situation to launch surprise attacks, burn, kill, plunder, and commit all kinds of evil deeds. Such a treacherous little country should be educated and reformed by our great Qing Dynasty, hoping that it will turn over a new leaf and get back on the right path as soon as possible."
Hongzhao was quite satisfied with this reason. As the Celestial Empire, we should always shoulder the responsibility of education. Whether you bring scriptures or cannons, our intention is to persuade the Japanese to repent and reform. If those villains deliberately provoke us, then we can't be blamed.
Bearing the heavy expectations and instructions of Emperor Hongzhao, Wuya Zhaohui stood on the majestic "Zhenyuan" and began his mission of education.
Hongzhao kept a close eye on the battle reports. He had already sent out Wuya Zhaohui, that killing machine, so his intentions were crystal clear. He was determined to eliminate the threat completely. Especially such a vile character, there was no need for him to remain in the world.
Since the entire period of intensive weapons technology upgrades was only about a year, the production of muskets and cannons was naturally much faster due to existing experience. However, the ships were simply too huge. Even with the constant impetus from the likes of the Hongzhao, trial and error were inevitable. In that year, only one ship, the "Zhenyuan," was actually produced.
Hongzhao secretly reflected on the ship, blaming his lack of experience for slowing down the progress. Little did he know that such a warship was already a source of much gossip among onlookers.
Such a massive ship stood before them. Anyone would feel a sense of awe. Moreover, the most striking feature was the row of dark, menacing cannon muzzles. Who could imagine that just over a year ago, Qing soldiers primarily used cold weapons? Now, comparing those swords and spears to these cannons, they couldn't even muster the courage to raise their weapons in resistance.
Simply put, when the disparity in strength reaches a certain point, it makes people unable to muster the will to resist. Just like the Dzungars who were chased to the point of exhaustion by Uya Zhaohui, or the "Japanese pirates" who suddenly saw a dark fleet of ships on their own border.
They've been "closed off from the world" since the late Ming Dynasty, and they really haven't provoked anyone. How come they're being suppressed so suddenly? Are they mounting cannons on ships? Has the outside world developed that fast in recent years?
If they remember correctly, this is an island nation. Surrounded by water on all sides, it's not easy to defend and difficult to attack. Even if it can't be taken down in a short time, food supplies will be a major problem. The key is that they have no tricks up their sleeves and have not provoked anyone. Has the Qing Dynasty gone mad?
Of course, Hongzhao wasn't worried about this at all. He had already sent Wuya Zhaohui out, so why would he worry about supplies? This man was known for not needing supplies when marching and fighting.
Watching the battle situation day after day, Hongzhao wished he could take the monitor off his father's head and install it on the ship. He waited and waited, but before the news of victory came back, another group of people returned.
After two years at sea, the fleet was finally heading home.
To show his respect, the Emperor specially sent the Crown Prince to the city gate to greet him. Hongzhao changed into his most formal court robes and stood with his hands behind his back on the city wall. Behind him, a group of officials and historians gazed into the distance, letting the hem of his robes flutter in the wind. His dashing young appearance made the palace maids behind him blush.
After waiting for a while, the long convoy finally came into view. Hongzhao walked down the city wall and took a few steps forward to greet it.
This group spent most of their two years on the ship, eating and sleeping there, inevitably losing weight from the wind and sun. Especially Fu Yu, who had led the way; before he left, he was described as a handsome young man with rosy lips and white teeth. Now, two years later, he looked more like the sheep from the next village…
Hongzhao stepped forward to help Fu Yu, who was bowing, to his feet, and then raised his hand to the crowd—"Rise."
He squeezed Fu Yu's increasingly strong arm and couldn't help but pat it twice—"You brat, how long has it been since you wrote to me? You're going to have a blast on your trip."
Fu Yu, as if finally seeing a relative, tightly grasped Hong Zhao's wrist and excitedly pressed it twice—"Communication at sea is really inconvenient. I was unable to keep many of the letters you sent, Your Highness. I don't even know which one of the letters I sent out has been returned. I can only wait until I return to report to the Emperor and Your Highness together!"
"Let's go, a banquet has been prepared in the palace. Come back with me and we can talk properly." Hongzhao pulled him and started to walk back, not forgetting to praise the group of dark and bright eyes behind them before they left.
"You are all meritorious officials who have returned from this voyage. I have also ordered a banquet to be prepared. Let's have a good time today, and after a few days of rest, Father Emperor will reward you according to your merits!"
Those selected for the voyage were all Manchu bannermen, who naturally felt a sense of belonging to the capital. They were happy to return to the capital, and even more so when they heard the Crown Prince's words. Their repeated shouts of "The Crown Prince is wise! The Emperor is wise!" were proof of their joy.
At the palace banquet in the evening.
Hongzhao had his reasons for choosing Fu Yu to accompany him on the sea voyage. Fu Yu was the oldest among the companions, and he was usually mature beyond his years. However, he was still a teenager, and his composure revealed a cleverness that was deliberately suppressed.
Being worldly-wise and adaptable is the most valuable quality. Hongzhao left him connections and loopholes on the ship and rehearsed many unexpected events before departure, which gave him a great opportunity. The pole handed over by the Crown Prince was so sturdy that he naturally knew the principle of grabbing the pole and climbing up.
In just two years, he has quietly risen from a mascot in the fleet to the leader.
Now he was standing in the main hall to report his achievements to the Emperor and the Crown Prince. He opened the booklet he had prepared in advance and was reading it fluently, but Hongzhao's gaze could not be focused on him.
If he wasn't mistaken, the shadowy figures visible through the side door, so dark he couldn't make out their faces, looked like a few people...
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