Before hanging himself, Chongzhen lifted the table

Chapter 192 Choice
Zheng Zhilong was stunned when he heard what Emperor Chongzhen said.

He really didn't expect that the emperor would speak so straightforwardly.And it can be heard from these words that the emperor was actually very dissatisfied with him, at least he was dissatisfied with him before.

Zheng Zhilong also knew that his past affairs would definitely not be liked by the emperor, but he was not sure how many things the emperor knew, and he could not grasp the extent to which the emperor was dissatisfied with him.
Now it sounds like, just because Zheng Sen performed well, he can ignore everything in the past.

Thinking of this, Zheng Zhilong couldn't help but feel something in his heart.

At that moment just now, he was thinking of beating this son to death and replacing him with another son.However, it now seems that even if his son didn't say those words, the emperor would still know about them.And it was precisely because his son said those words that the emperor said this.

In other words, this son is still his lucky star?
At this time, Zheng Zhilong didn't think so.At this time, he was just concentrating on facing the emperor, the biggest challenge in his life.

The younger brothers of Zheng Zhilong who were present here also became nervous when they saw that the emperor wanted to show off.

At this time, several people felt a little regretful. How could they have thought that the emperor would suddenly attack!
Here, once the emperor attacks, they have no chance to escape.Not to mention the generals of the imperial court on the opposite side, the imperial guards alone could surround them to death.

As for Zheng Sen himself, he was a little surprised. He looked at his father and then at the emperor, wondering what the situation was.
Emperor Chongzhen looked at Zheng Zhilong and said coldly: "I dropped everything and came to Fujian to find you, not just because the court is in urgent need of food, but you will not do your best to help the court tide over this difficulty, otherwise I You can just suppress the governor of Fujian!"

If Zheng Zhilong still wants to quietly make a fortune on the southeast coast, he must have a good relationship with the imperial court, that is, he must have a good relationship with the governor of Fujian, the imperial court's largest official in Fujian.

If the emperor directly suppresses the governor of Fujian, if Zheng Zhilong wants to maintain the current situation, he must help the governor of Fujian. Otherwise, Zheng Zhilong will not be able to make a fortune in silence!
At this time, Emperor Chongzhen continued to say to Zheng Zhilong: "I came here personally to tell you that I will develop a navy in the future, focusing on both sea and land. Therefore, your fleet must be under the jurisdiction of the imperial court, and no longer have the surname Zheng! If If you resist stubbornly, there will be no place for you on the mainland. After the Dongjiang Navy and Nanjing Navy are rebuilt, they will inevitably go south to encircle and suppress your Zheng family pirates. From now on, all the seas will be dominated by the Ming Navy. If you don’t believe it, you can unite the Dutch, Spanish, etc. to fight against the imperial court!”

Zheng Zhilong heard that the emperor had absolute confidence when he said this.Suddenly, his expression changed drastically.

He didn't even say that he had more than 20 men, but the emperor had already said it directly. Don't talk about him. Even if he unites various families, the court is still confident to destroy them.It is even said that all the seas are under the jurisdiction of the Ming Navy.Such words are simply earth-shattering!
Where did the emperor's confidence come from, and he dared to say this?

Perhaps knowing what he was thinking, Emperor Chongzhen said again: "You defeat the red-haired ghosts, the Dutch, by relying on more ships and fire attacks. You can dominate the southeastern coast by relying on this. Xiyi Their ships are fast and their guns are powerful, but their ships are small and their supplies are far away. But I can tell you that in the future, the navy I rebuild will be the stronger of the two of you. With a little more time, we will be able to produce more armored warships and artillery. The range is also far beyond that of Western artillery. As for whether you believe it or not, you can bet your family on it!"

Zheng Zhilong was shocked when he heard this. From these words, he heard that the emperor really knew about things at sea.Combined with the knowledge about the sea revealed by the emperor before, it is basically certain that the emperor really put in a lot of effort.At this time, he told about the armored warships and the range of artillery. Although it sounded incredible, his intuition told him that this was not bragging. The emperor could really do it!
The emperor also told him bluntly that if he chose to resist, the court would not be able to do anything to him in the short term, but in the long term, he would definitely be wiped out!
If the world is still in chaos, Zheng Zhilong will sneer at such words.There are thieves everywhere and trying to suppress him is just a dream!

But now, the Battle of Dashengguan in Nanjing has laid the foundation for the world to return to peace.The emperor's martial arts were impressive, and he had proven over the past two years that he had absolute strength to bring peace to the world.

In this context, the emperor's threat is a real threat!

This is a promising emperor with ambitions in all directions, including the ocean. He is even more terrifying than the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty or the Yongle Emperor!

Zheng Zhilong was a smart man. While the emperor was speaking, he thought rapidly in his mind and was able to think through the situation in detail.

It's the same, he doesn't even know it, his face is a little pale!
Because in his opinion, as the emperor said, once he was forced to rebel, the southeastern coast of the Ming Dynasty, and even as far away as the Yangtze River Basin, would be attacked by his fleet.

However, for the huge Ming Empire, his rebellion only scratched the itch. At most, it only caused suffering to the people along the coast.

When the imperial court concentrated its power to deal with him, he would only retreat step by step, because it was very simple, he only had a few people, and the strength of the Ming Empire was not at the same level.

Moreover, the emperor also gave him a vision of the future, which further proved that it was only a matter of time before the imperial court eliminated him!

On Emperor Chongzhen's side, when he saw Zheng Zhilong's face turn pale, he knew that his threat had worked, so he softened his tone and continued to say to Zheng Zhilong: "I know that although you were killed among the pirates, , but you are essentially a businessman, you know how to make a calculation and know what is best for you. I will tell you this straightforwardly, you can weigh it yourself!"

When he said this, he saw Zheng Zhilong's eyes move, and knew that Zheng Zhilong wanted to know the conditions he offered, so he said to Zheng Zhilong: "I know that you have more than 3000 people under your command, more than [-] large and small ships, and You are definitely not just the Fujian Navy on the surface. For now, among all the surrounding maritime forces, you are the strongest."

"If I can recruit your fleet and become a real imperial navy, then my plan to establish a navy can be realized faster. With the help of your fleet, I can also calm the world as soon as possible and let my people live and work in peace and contentment. , and then the sea and land went hand in hand, expanding the territory, making the Ming Dynasty a true celestial kingdom, and allowing the people of the Ming Dynasty to live better than any previous dynasty! When going overseas, they will no longer be bullied by the Western barbarians, or even massacred by the imperial court But there is nothing we can do.”

Having said this, Emperor Chongzhen became more serious, stared at Zheng Zhilong and said, "That's why I came to see you in person. If you can truly submit to the imperial court, I can give you a title, and your subordinates will also have real talents." If you have an official status and are talented, you can expand territory for the imperial court, you can also have a wife and a son, and you can honor your ancestors. As the first generation of naval generals of the Ming Dynasty, you will also leave your name in the history books!"

After finishing speaking, he looked at Zheng Zhilong's brothers and his son, then looked at Zheng Zhilong and said: "I know that this matter is of great importance to you. Therefore, I will give you one day to You will give me an answer the day after tomorrow. In addition, no matter how you choose, your son Zheng Sen is good, and I will take him with you to train him!"

Having said this, it has been made absolutely clear enough.

Above the lobby, the generals who were directly under the Biaoying camp were staring at the Zheng family across from them with eager eyes.

Everyone on the Zheng family side looked at Zheng Zhilong and let him make the decision.

Zheng Sen felt a little panicked. If his father made the wrong choice, although he would be fine, the Zheng family would be bleeding like a river.He really didn't want his father to make the wrong choice, so he wanted to persuade his father.

However, Zheng Zhilong also showed his heroic side at this time. Although the storm at this time was bigger than what he had seen before, the emperor had made it very clear and he was absolutely candid.

Therefore, Zheng Zhilong stood up and saluted Emperor Chongzhen and said: "I am deeply grateful to your Majesty for your openness and sincerity. This matter is of great importance. I want to rush to the sea immediately and discuss it with my brothers before making a decision. Is it possible?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Yingyuan immediately stood up and shouted to Emperor Chongzhen: "Your Majesty, no, if he refuses to submit, he will lead troops to attack!"

After all, I just heard from the emperor that Zheng Zhilong has about 1000 men, and the only one the emperor can use is the Biaoying camp directly under the imperial court, which only has more than [-] people!

Jin Zhensun also stood up and said to Emperor Chongzhen: "Your Majesty, it's better to just take him down!"

When Zheng Zhilong heard this, he quickly said to Emperor Chongzhen: "The general will not take away the young man, but he must discuss it with his brothers before returning to your majesty."

The atmosphere in the lobby suddenly became tense.

Emperor Chongzhen smiled confidently and said to Zheng Zhilong: "You can just go. I won't come in person if I am afraid that you will lead an army to attack!"

When Yan Yingyuan, Jin Zhensun and others heard this, they stopped talking and just stared at the Zheng family opposite.

Zheng Zhilong was grateful, and immediately clasped his fists and saluted, "General, I will definitely give your Majesty a reply."

After speaking, he hurried away.

His brothers also glanced at the people in the hall and hurriedly followed him.

Then, Zheng Sen was a little dumbfounded and didn't know what he should do?He really doesn't want to see this happen!
At this time, Zheng Sen didn't know what to do. Should he continue to stay here or follow his father?
At this moment, Emperor Chongzhen smiled and said to him: "Don't worry, I said, even if your father rebels, it's none of your business, and you don't have to worry about your father hurting me. Come on, keep eating, Keep drinking!”

When Zheng Sen heard this, he felt a little uneasy and finally stayed in the lobby.

On the other side, after Zheng Zhilong hurried out of the emperor's side of the campus, he saw that there were no Jinyi guards around, so he immediately ordered his brothers to immediately notify all the leaders of his subordinates, calling everyone they could. .

Zheng Zhibao was a little curious when he heard his order, and immediately asked: "Brother, what do you think? It doesn't matter if you don't agree. Now the emperor is in our territory. Even if he falls out, we are not afraid!"

Zheng Hongkui heard this and quickly reminded: "The current emperor is so brave that no one can use the weapons placed at the door of the palace. Don't talk nonsense!"

After hearing this, several people couldn't help but fell silent.

It was so lively at the entrance of the mansion. Even if they didn't go, there would still be servants who would report it to them.Therefore, they were all shocked by the emperor's divine power.There was only one thought in my mind: This emperor's martial prowess should really only come out every few hundred years!
Zheng Zhilong ignored his younger brothers and after giving them instructions, he emphasized: "I will go to Quanzhou Fucheng to wait for you. Don't disturb me until everyone is gone. I need to be quiet!"

The world of the Zheng family was conquered by Zheng Zhilong single-handedly.How to choose in the future actually depends on Zheng Zhilong's plan.

He needs to be alone, obviously to think about the powerful relationship.Therefore, no one spoke anymore.

At the manor, fast horses soon left overnight.

After the night got late, the banquet ended and Emperor Chongzhen went to bed under the service of Fang Zhenghua.He could feel that Fang Zhenghua seemed a little uneasy.

So Emperor Chongzhen smiled and said to Fang Zhenghua: "Are you worried about Zheng Zhilong?"

When Fang Zhenghua heard this, he quickly stopped what he was doing, looked at Emperor Chongzhen and replied: "Long live my lord, if Zheng Zhilong disagrees, it will be tantamount to turning against him. This is on his territory, so I am really worried! "

After hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen said to him confidently: "There is no need to worry, my dear friend. Although Zheng Zhilong is a pirate, he is more of a businessman. Since he is a businessman, he will measure the relationship and calculate all aspects clearly."

Having said this, he lay down on the bed first, and then continued: "If he is used by the court, his interests will indeed be lost in the short term, but in the long term, it is definitely more cost-effective. If a short-sighted person only He can see what’s in front of him, but he doesn’t deserve to stand out from the many pirates. So don’t worry, Otomo, he will make the right decision.”

After finishing speaking, Emperor Chongzhen saw that Fang Zhenghua still seemed a little worried, so he reminded him: "Actually, he has already made a decision. He just wants to give an explanation to his subordinates, so he puts on a show and lets his subordinates all Look, he actually respects his subordinates. Otherwise, what will happen if his family and children fall out in the manor? "

When Fang Zhenghua heard this, he finally smiled and said quickly: "Your Majesty is still wise and saw through this Zheng Zhilong at once, so this servant can rest assured!"

After saying that, he concentrated on serving the emperor and fell asleep.

However, after he exited the room, he still told the captain of the Jinyi Guards to be on guard and not to be negligent.

Emperor Chongzhen was lying on the bed, unable to sleep for a while, so naturally he was still thinking about Zheng Zhilong.

Speaking of which, Zheng Zhilong definitely has a good vision. He basically makes every choice without missing a beat, which is why he is where he is today.

If in the original history, he finally decided to surrender to the Manchus and paid the price with his life.

Some people say that his decision this time was wrong!

However, if you take a closer look, it may not be so.

After Emperor Longwu proclaimed himself emperor in Fujian, the only force he could rely on was Zheng Zhilong's troops.In other words, they are just Fujian sailors.How could his troops fight against the Manchu and Qing troops sweeping across the country?

Emperor Chongzhen believed that Zheng Zhilong definitely understood that it was impossible to defeat the Manchu army with his own military strength.Not to mention, at that time, there was also King Lu supervising the country.The two forces of the Ming Dynasty were still fighting each other.When the Manchu and Qing armies were pressing down on the border, they were still fighting each other.

It would be weird to win against the Qing Dynasty while fighting among themselves!
Of course, this is also compared to the fact that Zheng Zhilong is not the kind of genius who wants to dominate the world.In fact, he has no ambition. Dominating the southeastern coast and making a fortune quietly are his life goals.

Therefore, Zheng Zhilong is unwilling to invest all his capital for a very slim future.Therefore, he finally chose to surrender to the Manchu Qing.

Zheng Zhilong's mistake actually lies with his son Zheng Sen.

After he surrendered to the Manchus, the Manchus indeed knighted him.Judging from the history of the Manchus demoting other officials and generals, Zheng Zhilong should be able to enjoy his old age in peace.

However, Zheng Sen refused to surrender to the Manchus, and because his mother was forced to death by the Manchu troops, he strengthened his will to fight against the Manchus.

In this way, the Manchu Qing suffered heavy losses due to Zheng Sen's resistance, and after repeatedly trying to persuade him to surrender but refused to surrender, they finally killed Zheng Zhilong to vent their anger.

And in this plane, as the emperor, he came to see Zheng Zhilong in person, showed him the prospects and future, and showed his force overtly and covertly. He was not only sincere, but also threatening. With Zheng Zhilong's ability, I believe he will do it. Make the right decision.

Thinking of this, Emperor Chongzhen slowly fell into sleep.

Early the next morning, except for a few missing heads, the Zheng family's manor seemed to have remained the same.

At the entrance of the manor, the emperor's weapons were still placed there, and there were still many people watching to see who could win the silver reward offered by the emperor.

The only change from yesterday is that not everyone can touch the emperor's weapons. Instead, a stone lock is set up first, and only those who can lift the stone lock are qualified to touch the emperor's weapons.

This does not prevent that after the news spread, people who thought they were strong wanted to try their luck. As a result, the mansion was bustling for a whole day.

As for the rest, the emperor, accompanied by Zheng Sen, visited other parts of the manor and had a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Tagawa and Qian Qianyi. It seemed like an ordinary day, instead of waiting for Zheng Zhilong's reply.

The imperial camp is directly under the Biaoying side, so it is naturally loose on the outside and tight on the inside, ready to respond at any time.

Just like that, the day passed.

The next day, it was time for Zheng Zhilong to reply!
(End of this chapter)