Chapter 469

Besides, whether it is the so-called Portuguese, Spanish, or Dutch people of the Franks, Su Qiao truly very much wants to teach them a severe lesson.

And preferably crush the East India Company, cripple it, and then get involved himself!

If someone else went, Su Qiao would really not feel very reassured.

Forget it, if I'm going, I'm going!

Su Qiao did not hesitate long, but directly stepped forward and agreed: "Your subject can immediately establish a military pledge!"

"Good! Su Qing is indeed the backbone of the Great Ming; this time, controlling the southeast and sweeping away the Dutch, I will entrust it to Su Qing!"

Zhu Youjian said, slapping the table.

It was also a decisive way to settle the matter for Su Qiao.

Even if other officials frowned, it was too late to say anything at this point.

Truly unexpected that Zhu Youjian would make a decision so quickly this time!

Normally, shouldn't major matters be discussed by everyone together?

Why did it change this time?

Actually, it was still due to Su Qiao.

When Su Qiao returned, didn't he make a report to Zhu Youjian?

Zhu Youjian had never left the imperial city, and his understanding of Jiangnan, plus Fujian and the southeast, was very little.

When Su Qiao returned, he happened to ask for all the details in detail.

Even the slightest doubt was asked out.

Naturally, Zheng Zhilong, whom Xiong Wenchan had originally summoned to surrender, was exposed from Su Qiao's mouth.

Originally, Zhu Youjian had no interest in a pirate.

But he soon heard from Su Qiao's mouth that Su Qiao greatly appreciated this Zheng Zhilong.

So he asked a bit more.

It is said one cannot listen to one-sided words, cannot listen to one side and believe it.

Zhu Youjian had previously always listened to reports from ministers below, and evaluations were mostly heard from others.

But the arrogance in the bones of the scholar-officials and scholars made them disdainful of Zheng Zhilong.

Zhu Youjian listening to their words would naturally not hear any good evaluations.

Naturally, Zhu Youjian did not take Zheng Zhilong to heart.

Until this time Su Qiao described Zheng Zhilong to Zhu Youjian from a novel angle.

Zhu Youjian immediately became interested in this Zheng Zhilong, who was naturally restless and possessed special naval military talent.

On the very day after Su Qiao left, Zhu Youjian immediately ordered the people of the Eastern Depot plus the Embroidered Uniform Guard to thoroughly investigate the situation of Zheng Zhilong and his family.

And organize all information concerning them and present it up!

Afterwards, the keen Zhu Youjian understood Zheng Zhilong more comprehensively from this material of objective facts.

He truly discovered that Zheng Zhilong was not, as others said, just a small, unworthy pirate.

Being able to possess over seven hundred sea warships and become a pirate hegemon while hunting among various nations.

This Zheng Zhilong was absolutely not, as the ministers deceived him into thinking, some small character.

Especially upon learning that Su Qiao quite appreciated Zheng Zhilong.

Thinking that the Great Ming was about to go to war with the Dutch, Zhu Youjian felt that letting Zheng Zhilong try his hand at naval warfare, with Su Qiao personally supervising, would be just the right time to weigh Zheng Zhilong's level.

This is what led to the scene in the hall today.

Su Qiao also went home speechless.

Arriving home, he told Liu Rushi about the matter of going south again soon.

Liu Rushi naturally followed the chicken if she married a chicken, followed the dog if she married a dog.

There were no acquaintances or friends in Jingcheng itself, plus Su Qiao was alone, and she was also alone.

Naturally, the two had no intention of separating, and it was just right to go together.

Before leaving, Du Du Yinxi, Luo Luo Yangxing, and Hong Hong Chengchou, and a few others, for some reason, invited Su Qiao to a banquet together.

Su Qiao did not refuse.

Putting aside their status and position, Su Qiao himself was also accustomed to valuing harmony.

If others do not provoke oneself, one will absolutely not strike first.

Dislike making enemies on all sides!

Since they deliberately sought to draw close, invited Su Qiao, and wanted to see him off, Su Qiao naturally would not refuse.

Besides, their identities were all top figures in the court, top-tier people.

They gave face; could he deliberately reject their goodwill?

So Su Qiao went.

The result was that Su Qiao was drunk until the sky and earth were dark, and was directly carried home by people.

When he woke up the next day, it was already noon; not only that, because of the hangover, Su Qiao's head hurt terribly.

"Husband, you are awake? This concubine has just cooked a hangover soup; drink it down and you will be fine."

Leaning inside the carriage, Liu Rushi took out a warm hangover soup from the food box and handed it to Su Qiao, who was rubbing his temples.

Su Qiao took it into his hand, closed his eyes, and gulped it all down in one breath.

"Huff... Rushi, where are we now?"

......... 0

Su Qiao, from waking up at noon to sitting in the carriage going south, was in a dazed state the whole way.

It was only just now, with that bowl of hangover-curing soup from Liu Rushi, that he suddenly became much more clear-headed.

However, the aftereffects of the heavy drinking remained; his head still throbbed painfully.

Seeing Su Qiao in discomfort, Liu Rushi had him lie across her lap and extended her jade hand to massage his head.

"We have just left the capital's borders, and it is getting late; I expect we will need to find a place to rest ahead."

Su Qiao nodded upon hearing this. "Very well, who else but me would have woken up so late? By the way, is there anything to eat? My stomach is quite hungry."

Su Qiao had indeed eaten quite a lot last night, but he had drunk too much alcohol and vomited a great deal, leaving his stomach completely empty.

He had eaten nothing since rising at noon, so now that he had come to his senses, was it any wonder he was hungry?

"Yes, there is. Earlier, worried that you might be hungry from not having eaten, I specifically had the kitchen prepare this. We will set up camp shortly; I will have it heated before we eat. Here are some pastries; you can have a few to tide you over for now."

"Good!"

Although Su Qiao was hungry, he could endure it for a while.

Liu Rushi brought the pastries; Su Qiao picked one up, ate it with some tea, consumed two or three pieces, and temporarily suppressed his hunger.

He lifted the carriage curtain; indeed, the sky outside was already turning dark.

Hmm, every time I leave the capital for Tianjin Wei, it seems I have to spend a night in the wilds midway.

This is already the second time!

On this outing, Su Qiao was similarly accompanied by over a hundred Embroidered Uniform Guard escorts.

Matters such as setting up camp and resting could be left entirely to Ma Kui and the others.

Su Qiao did not need to give any orders at all.

325, Low-Posture Zhao Lin!

Neither Su Qiao nor Liu Rushi slept or rested inside the tents with them; instead, they chose to remain in the carriage.

This carriage was specially designed and commissioned by Su Qiao from craftsmen of the Ministry of Works.

Not only was it spacious and comfortable, but many of the intricate features inside were also excellent.

For instance, the small drawers that appeared to take up no space contained quite a few snacks or various daily necessities.

Furthermore, the interior of the large carriage was lined with Persian carpets, soft cushions, and a tea table made of cork, among other things.

Even four or five people could sit side by side inside the carriage compartment.

It could be said to be extremely comfortable, built specifically for traveling.

Everyone simply set up camp, erected tents, lit bonfires, and took turns standing guard on watch.

The others immediately began boiling water and heating dry rations to prepare for eating and resting.

Su Qiao, having been hungry for quite some time, ate together with Liu Rushi once the food she had prepared earlier was heated.

This time, during the night's rest, they did not encounter an attack by remnants of the Bai Lianjiao.