Chapter 649: Fang Zhenghua Boards the Ship

The group hurried along the shore of West Lake, heading straight for the Tower Beyond the Tower.

Soon, they arrived at the Tower Beyond the Tower.

The place had long since been cleared of other patrons; there was hardly anyone around.

Zhu Youxiao led his people inside and went straight up to the best seat on the second floor.

Leaning against the railing and gazing into the distance, he took in the scenery at a glance. The shimmering, rippling lake looked utterly beautiful, lifting one's spirits. A gentle breeze brushed past, and Zhu Youxiao felt as though a weight had been lifted from his entire being.

The food had long been prepared, and dishes began to arrive at the table one after another.

Seated at the table, Zhu Youxiao picked up his chopsticks and took a slice of West Lake Lotus Root. It was soft and glutinous on the tongue, sweet, with a faint fragrance of osmanthus.

"The flavor is quite good." Zhu Youxiao said to Noble Consort Yuan and Noble Consort Tian, "You two should have a taste."

The two women nodded and began to eat together.

Having traveled this whole way enjoying the sights, the two noble consorts were in good spirits as well. Staying by Zhu Youxiao's side, life was easy.

But this kind of life would not last long — it was time to turn back toward the capital. Noble Consort Yuan was with child and could not stay outside for too long. As time passed, her belly would grow larger and larger, and staying away from home would not be good for the child either.

Glancing at Wei Chao standing nearby, Zhu Youxiao said, "Have you gotten any word on how Wei Zhongxian is doing?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, we have." Wei Chao nodded and said, "The people here have cooperated very well; there have basically been no major problems. As for the court's land audit, there hasn't been much concealment — just a few minor issues."

"Those great households have been very cooperative, so Eunuch Wei has had an easy time of it, with no trouble in the ordinary course of things. According to intelligence from the Imperial Household Department, Eunuch Wei has been extremely diligent and devoted in his work this time."

Zhu Youxiao nodded.

He had already guessed as much. Jiangnan was not like other places — especially here in Zhejiang. Over the past few years, with the development of Great Ming trade, Zhejiang's commercial economy had grown very rapidly, and the great households that owned land were basically all big merchants.

Because of the Imperial Household Department's existence, some people found it hard not to cooperate.

Although these merchants valued their land highly, the court was not taking their fields — it was only asking them to pay taxes. Compared with the losses they would suffer from non-cooperation, a paltry bit of tax was nothing major to the merchants. This bit of money they were willing to spend, to buy peace.

As for self-cultivating peasants in the future, there were basically few left. Most of the land had already been swallowed up through annexation — especially in a place like Zhejiang. Some bought it with money, some took advantage of others' misfortunes; one way or another, it was all finished.

These great households wove cloth themselves to make money, planted mulberry trees and raised silkworms — all of which required vast amounts of land. And only with the land in their own hands could they have a complete industrial chain.

Ordinary commoners could only work in their workshops, farming their land for them. If they wanted to achieve anything, they could only do so through commerce.

For ordinary commoners, the possibility of becoming great landowners basically did not exist — unless Zhu Youxiao changed the land policy and supported self-cultivating peasants.

But Zhu Youxiao would not do that.

From the perspective of national development, this situation would instead promote the growth of industry and commerce and strengthen the nation's power.

For ordinary commoners, life would also be a bit better. Compared with agriculture as it now stood, they could earn more by working as laborers.

This was the great trend of historical development, and Zhu Youxiao had no way to stop it. He could hardly drive history in reverse.

All Zhu Youxiao could do was maintain the grain supply, expand outward, and plunder land.

Raising his cup, he took a sip of the warmed daughter's wine and nodded with satisfaction, saying, "After the meal, you all head back first. I will go see Wei Zhongxian, and then we'll make preparations to return to the capital."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Everyone hurriedly assented.

Zhu Youxiao enjoyed this meal immensely.

After arriving in Zhejiang, he had found no major problems either. Hearing that Wei Zhongxian had arrested those people, Zhu Youxiao had not paid it much mind.

As long as matters were proceeding without issue, arresting a few people was no great thing.

After the meal, having seen Noble Consort Yuan and Noble Consort Tian back, Zhu Youxiao took Wei Chao to meet Wei Zhongxian.

Arriving at the Hangzhou Garrison Eunuch's Office, the people there immediately ushered Wei Chao and the others inside.

They might not recognize other offices, but the people at the Garrison Eunuch's Office knew Wei Chao well — many of the eunuchs there knew him.

This Wei Chao was a favorite before the Emperor, just like Wei Zhongxian who was now staying here — both were top figures among the eunuchs. Naturally, these people dared not be negligent.

When Wei Zhongxian heard that Wei Chao had arrived, he hurried forward at a run.

Yang Yunhe, who was at his side, was startled. Looking at Wei Zhongxian, he asked, "Eunuch, why such haste? Even if Eunuch Wei has come, what's the big deal? You needn't treat him with such courtesy."

"What the hell do you know!" Wei Zhongxian cursed urgently. "Is Wei Chao the kind of man who just goes out for a stroll?"

"Since he's left his post, His Majesty must have left too. He stays by His Majesty's side — could he just wander off on his own? Now that Wei Chao has come here, that means His Majesty has come as well!"

Having said this, Wei Zhongxian's pace grew even more urgent.

Although he had been handling matters in Zhejiang recently without stirring up any trouble, and had done his work very conscientiously and smoothly, who knew whether someone had been speaking ill of him before His Majesty?

Wei Chao was exactly the sort to do such a thing. If he truly made His Majesty angry, Wei Zhongxian would have no confidence in his own position.

Yang Yunhe hurried to keep up, not daring to say another word.

Since His Majesty had come, this was absolutely not something to be negligent about.

The two rushed over posthaste.

At this moment, Zhu Youxiao sat in a chair, looking around.

Everyone around stood off to one side; no one dared breathe too loudly.

Seeing Wei Chao, they showed respect; but seeing Wei Chao treat a young man with such deference, they understood — this young man was His Majesty.

Moreover, many of the eunuchs present recognized Zhu Youxiao, which was enough to confirm it.

Soon, Wei Zhongxian walked in from outside. Upon seeing Zhu Youxiao, he hastily bowed and paid his respects: "This servant Wei Zhongxian pays homage to His Majesty. Long live His Majesty, long live, long, long live!"

"Rise." Looking at Wei Zhongxian prostrate on the ground, Zhu Youxiao said.

Once Wei Zhongxian stood up, Zhu Youxiao looked him up and down and said, "It seems life in Jiangnan suits you well — you've grown fairer, and plumper."

"Thanks to His Majesty's blessings." Wei Zhongxian said hastily.

"Spare me such empty flattery. I came to Jiangnan this time simply to see how well you've been handling matters."

"You've done quite well, and things here in Hangzhou are also going nicely. I am very satisfied. I'll note this merit of yours. When we return, you won't be shorted any of the rewards due to you. Keep up the good work."

"This servant thanks His Majesty." Wei Zhongxian said quickly, and the expression on his face finally relaxed.

With such an appraisal from His Majesty, he need no longer worry. As for the rewards, Wei Zhongxian paid them little mind. At his position, rewards of money and such no longer meant much to him.

A further step in official rank was also no longer possible for him. Eunuchs who reached their level were already at the very top; there was basically no way to go higher.

In the Directorate of Ceremonial, there was still the position of seal-holding eunuch, but that belonged to Chen Hong. If Chen Hong did not step down, there was no way Wei Zhongxian could rise to it.

Judging by the current situation, that old fellow Chen Hong wouldn't be going down anytime soon. Wei Zhongxian hadn't held out much hope either.

"Good. Do your work well." Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction and said, "I'll be on my way now. You don't need to stir up any trouble. I'll return to the capital tomorrow or the day after. This trip has been quite fruitful."

"Then this servant will see Your Majesty off." Wei Zhongxian said hurriedly.

Zhu Youxiao nodded, said nothing more, and strode out.

Leaving the Hangzhou eunuch's yamen, Zhu Youxiao returned to the inn where he was staying. With his mood relaxed and nothing pressing to do, he spent time keeping company with his two consorts.

Early on the third morning, Zhu Youxiao departed Hangzhou by boat, hurrying all the way back to the capital.

This time on the return journey, Zhu Youxiao had no intention of sightseeing along the way, so the pace could be called swift.

While Zhu Youxiao was returning to the capital, the Great Ming Imperial Navy finally arrived at the waters off Hirado Island.

They had encountered several Japanese fleets. Though the numbers of men and warships were not great, the Ming navy did not press forward. After all, the other side had not yet surrendered, and their own side had not opened hostilities—advancing would not have been appropriate.

Of course, if it weren't for the purpose of persuading a surrender, they would have simply sailed over and fought.

Standing at the bow, Yu Zigao looked at Fang Zhenghua beside him and said with some helplessness: "Eunuch Fang, do you still insist on going? Why not send someone else? Our Imperial Navy has plenty of men."

"No need." Fang Zhenghua said with a smile: "This one going is just right."

Yu Zigao felt very helpless. Over the past two days he had truly wanted to persuade Fang Zhenghua to retract his decision. But the facts proved that Fang Zhenghua's attitude was resolute—there was no convincing him.

"Alright, the boat has arrived. This one is off." Fang Zhenghua said with a smile, then clasped his hands toward those around him and said: "Everyone, wait for my return."

Having said this, Fang Zhenghua turned and left.

Yu Zigao and the others watched Fang Zhenghua board the ship, and only after the vessel disappeared from sight did they turn back.

On the ship, Zheng Zhilong stood beside Fang Zhenghua. The atmosphere between the two seemed somewhat awkward.

Zheng Zhilong looked at Fang Zhenghua and said: "I humbly request Eunuch Fang's generous care."

Zheng Zhilong had already realized that Fang Zhenghua was one of the more important figures among these people—or rather, the most important one. He was a young eunuch favored by the current Emperor.

Zheng Zhilong knew full well in his heart what status and influence a eunuch could hold in the Great Ming. If he could cultivate a good relationship with this eunuch, he wouldn't need to pay attention to anyone else's attitude.

Fang Zhenghua glanced at him and said: "You seem quite worried."

Zheng Zhilong's expression darkened, then he nodded and said: "One wrong step and everything goes awry. Now that I want to turn back, I have no confidence in my heart. If the court does not trust me, I fear my days will not be easy."

Fang Zhenghua glanced at him and said with a smile: "This one knows what you're thinking, and knows what you intend to do. But there is one thing this one can tell you: the current Emperor is a wise and valiant sovereign. There are many things you dare not even imagine."