My father is Jiajing

It finally snowed.

It truly is like "a spring breeze suddenly arrives overnight, and thousands of pear trees bloom!"
The snow fell all night, covering Seoul and its surroundings in a blanket of white, giving the city a unique and beautiful atmosphere.

But in the early morning, not only did the snow stop, but the sun also came out.

Moreover, the weather was quite bright, with sunlight slanting through the paper window and falling on the unfolded Korean national document.

This letter of state was the official letter presented to the Ming Dynasty yesterday by Crown Prince Yi Ye of Joseon on behalf of the King of Joseon.

Zhao Wenhua's fingers gently traced the bright red Korean national seal on the letter of credence, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.

This letter of credence came so easily that even Zhao Wenhua, a seasoned veteran of thirty years in officialdom, found it hard to believe.

North Korea is really cowardly!

"Zili, do you see anything wrong with this letter of state?"

Although Zhao Wenhua was delighted, he showed no sign of it on his face. Instead, he appeared to be deep in thought.

After hearing Zhao Wenhua's words, Tan Lun couldn't help but lean closer to take a closer look.

After carefully reviewing it again and again, he confirmed, "There is no problem with the letter; it was indeed written by the King of Joseon himself."

At this point, Tan Lun paused for a moment, and like Zhao Wenhua, continued, "It's just that the North Koreans handed over Jeju Island and Busan Port so readily, without even haggling, which is quite unusual."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wenhua gave a soft snort, then carefully rolled up the official letter and put it into the brocade box.

He continued, "Who cares if they're acting strangely or not? It's all in black and white now, and it even has the North Korean national seal on it. They can't go back on their word."

Tan Lun nodded in deep agreement, confirming that this was indeed the case.

If North Korea dares to renege on its promises and play tricks on the Ming Dynasty, then they will soon face the Ming Dynasty's wrathful punishment!
After placing the official letter, Zhao Wenhua instructed the guards outside, "Someone go and invite Eunuch Yu over. Minister Tan and I have important matters to discuss with him."

Upon hearing Zhao Wenhua's words, the guards outside immediately responded with a "Yes," and hurriedly went to fetch Yu Huatian.

Yu Huatian also arrived in Seoul last night amidst the snowstorm. His place is not far from where Zhao Wenhua and Tan Lun are staying; it only takes about fifteen minutes to get there.

Fifteen minutes later, Yu Huatian arrived as expected.

As soon as Yu Huatian arrived, he greeted Zhao Wenhua and Tan Lun with a beaming smile, saying, "Minister Zhao, Minister Tan, you have made a great contribution this time. Congratulations!"

Zhao Wenhua chuckled and replied, "Congratulations, congratulations. If it weren't for your cooperation, Zili and I wouldn't have been able to complete the task entrusted to us by His Majesty so easily."

Upon hearing this, Yu Huatian burst into laughter again, genuinely overjoyed.

The three of them chatted and laughed in the room for a while.

Zhao Wenhua went straight to the point: "Eunuch Yu, the Crown Prince of Joseon and the others have agreed to return the stolen silver that Luo Longwen has hidden. Have you sent someone to investigate?"

Yu Huatian laughed and said, "We didn't rest as soon as we arrived last night. We went straight to check the information provided by the North Korean side. Now all this silver is hidden in three warehouses in Seoul, and the guards are all Zheng Bin's men. We can take it in at any time."

Zhao Wenhua was delighted upon hearing this and said excitedly, "Then I'll have to trouble Eunuch Yu. To avoid any unforeseen complications, please set off to transport the silver today. Zili, you stay in Seoul and deal with the Korean officials, and take care of the follow-up matters. I will personally count the illicit silver with you."

Tan Lun nodded in agreement with Zhao Wenhua's words, saying, "That's right. However, I urge Minister Zhao to be cautious. The Koreans' overly cooperative attitude makes it seem somewhat unreal."

Zhao Wenhua laughed heartily and said, "With Eunuch Yu and the troops of the Eastern Ocean Navy by our side, what tricks are the Koreans going to play? Even if they had the guts of a bear and the courage of a leopard, they wouldn't dare to act recklessly at this time."

As soon as Zhao Wenhua finished speaking, Tan Lun realized that this was indeed the case.

Then they split up and began to act separately.

Tan Lun landed at headquarters.

Zhao Wenhua and Yu Huatian set off together, leading soldiers of the Eastern Ocean Fleet, to find Jeong Bin, the Left State Councilor of Korea.

When Zheng Bin saw Zhao Wenhua and Yu Huatian arrive, he was extremely respectful and did not delay or hesitate at all.

He immediately led the way, bringing Zhao Wenhua, Yu Huatian, and a large group of people to an inconspicuous courtyard on the outskirts of the city in the afternoon.

From the outside, this courtyard looks like just an ordinary merchant's warehouse, but this small warehouse, with its three courtyards, hides a great secret.

“Two angels, the dirty silver of the wanted criminal Luo Longwen is hidden in the cellar in the backyard here.”

After dismounting, Zheng Bin spoke respectfully to Zhao Wenhua and Yu Huatian, his attitude being countless times more respectful than when he faced the King and Crown Prince of Joseon.

Zhao Wenhua said calmly to Yu Huatian, "Please, sir."

Yu Huatian didn't hesitate. With a wave of his hand, the Japanese naval forces following him immediately dispersed and guarded all the entrances and exits.

The rest of the people followed him, Zhao Wenhua, and Zheng Bin, who was leading the way, into the courtyard.

After passing through two hidden doors, the group arrived at a spacious cellar.

Under the torchlight, dozens of large wooden crates were neatly arranged, each with a seal on it.

"Please let the angels examine it."

Zheng Bin personally went over and opened the nearest box, respectfully addressing Zhao Wenhua and Yu Huatian.

The moment the lid was lifted, a flash of silver light seemed to appear.

Even Zhao Wenhua felt a little dizzy.

But in reality, real silver doesn't actually shine; it's just a psychological effect.

Zhao Wenhua couldn't contain his excitement and went over to pick up a silver ingot. He carefully examined its purity in the firelight and then gently scratched the edge with his fingernail.

"It is indeed Luo Longwen's dirty money."

Zhao Wenhua nodded knowingly, as if he had seen the silver before.

Then Zhao Wenhua asked, "How many are there here?"

Zheng Bin bowed respectfully and replied, "Reporting to Your Excellency, the three warehouses contain a total of three million taels of silver, all of which was stolen silver that Luo Longwen smuggled into Korea. I have already ordered my men to count it, and not a single coin is missing."

Yu Huatian chuckled and said, "In that case, I'll trouble you, Zheng Yizheng. I'll arrange for someone to do a thorough count right away."

Upon hearing Yu Huatian's words, Zheng Bin immediately bowed to Yu Huatian, saying, "Please proceed, Your Excellency."

Yu Huatian immediately waved his hand without any politeness, letting in the professionals responsible for counting the stolen silver.

After a careful and meticulous counting, the silver was finally counted.

Zhao Wenhua and Yu Huatian took the ledgers handed to them by the inventory personnel, and both of them carefully looked at them to confirm that there were no errors.

Zhao Wenhua laughed and said, "Commissioner Zheng is indeed very thorough in his work. Someone with your talent is really limited by Korea. If you were in the Ming Dynasty, you might be able to achieve something no less than what I have accomplished."

Zheng Bin bowed deeply and quickly said, "You flatter me, Your Majesty. How could I possibly compare myself to an angel? Korea is so small, yet it already exhausts me. If I had been born in the Celestial Empire, I would probably only be able to become a county magistrate at most."

Zhao Wenhua chuckled, "Minister Zheng is too modest."

Then Zhao Wenhua added, "After these illicit funds are transported away, Zheng Yizheng and Eunuch Yu should properly hand over the various industries that Luo Longwen has purchased and operated in Korea. I will no longer worry about things here."

Zheng Bin immediately replied, "Your humble servant obeys!" After all the dirty silver was sorted and moved away by the Japanese navy, Yu Huatian began to hand over Luo Longwen's various businesses in Korea to Zheng Bin.

Of course, other things were also being done while these industries were being handed over.

Take Busan Port, for example.

A few days later, ships of the Eastern Ocean Fleet, flying the Ming Dynasty's sun, moon, and dragon flag, began to appear on the sea outside Busan Port.

Standing on the flagship's deck, Deng Zilong, the deputy commander of the Eastern Ocean Fleet, couldn't help but grin as he watched the port's outline draw closer, revealing two rows of large white teeth!

It's clear how happy Deng Zilong was at that moment.

"Pass down the order: all ships shall dock at their designated positions, and sailors are not allowed to go ashore without authorization."

As they approached the shore, Deng Zilong spoke to the messenger beside him in a steady and powerful voice. He also put away his smile and became solemn and serious, displaying the demeanor of a great nation!

At the port of Busan, Tan Lun stood at the front, followed by North Korean officials who had been waiting in line.

As the Ming warships slowly approached the shore, the other ships and idlers in the harbor had already been cleared away, awaiting the arrival of the Ming navy's ships.

Deng Zilong strode down the gangway and bowed to Tan Lun: "This humble general, Deng Zilong, has been ordered by Commander Qi to lead ten warships of the Eastern Ocean Fleet to take over Busan Port. Please give your instructions, Your Excellency!"

Tan Lun looked at Deng Zilong and nodded in satisfaction, suppressing his excitement as he said, "General Deng has arrived at just the right time. Councilor Zheng, please begin the handover ceremony."

Zheng Bin stepped forward, bowed to Tan Lun, and then unfolded a document, loudly proclaiming to the assembled Korean officials and civilians: "By order of the King of Korea, effective immediately, the management of Busan Port is transferred to the Ming Dynasty's Eastern Ocean Fleet for use as a military base for suppressing Japanese pirates. All Korean naval vessels and civilian ships must withdraw immediately. Without the permission of the Great Ming Dynasty, no one may linger here; otherwise, they will be punished for espionage."

After the document was read aloud, Zheng Bin handed over the document and the official seal of the Busan region to Deng Zilong.

At the same time, the Ming Dynasty's sun, moon, and dragon flag was slowly raised amidst the watchful eyes of the surrounding soldiers and civilians.

"Fire the cannons!"

Deng Zilong gave the order.

Ten Ming warships fired salutes in succession, the booming cannons echoing throughout the harbor, announcing the formal change of ownership of this strategic port.

After the ceremony, Deng Zilong immediately began to set up defenses.

"My lord, I plan to build a gun emplacement on the north and south sides of the port, and then send two warships to patrol it permanently. This will ensure the port's safety."

Tan Lun nodded approvingly, "You just need to do this as needed. After I return to the Ming Dynasty, I will sign the transfer documents and have the Ming military industry provide you with the necessary defensive cannons and other equipment."

"This humble general thanks Minister Xie."

Deng Zilong excitedly clasped his hands in a fist and bowed.

After Busan Port was taken over, Jeju Island also began its takeover process.

The sun shines brightly on Jeju Island, and the sea is calm.

Under the blue sky and sea, Jeju Port appears exceptionally tranquil.

When Zhao Wenhua arrived by warship, the island's officials had been waiting at the dock for a long time.

Unlike the militarized handover of Busan Port, the takeover of Jeju Island was more like a friendly ceremony.

Local officials warmly welcomed the Ming Dynasty envoys and even prepared a traditional Korean song and dance performance.

"My lord, the people of Jeju Island are simple and honest, and have suffered from the invasion of Japanese pirates for many years. Upon hearing that the Celestial Empire's navy has been stationed there, the people are overjoyed."

Governor Kim Dae-ju of Jeju Island spoke respectfully to Zhao Wenhua.

He was a refined scholar in his fifties, and he always spoke with a gentle smile.

Zhao Wenhua looked around at the government office on Jeju Island; it was indeed rather shabby.

It was much smaller than a typical county government office in the Ming Dynasty, but its location was quite good.

Zhao Wenhua chuckled and said, "Chief Minister Jin, rest assured, the Ming navy will ensure the safety of this region after its garrison. How many troops are currently stationed on the island?"

"There were only three hundred old and weak soldiers, poorly equipped."

Jin Dazhou replied with shame, "In previous years, when the Japanese pirates came, we could only close the city and defend ourselves, watching helplessly as the coastal villages were ravaged."

Zhao Wenhua laughed and said, "You won't have to worry so much in the future. From now on, the Ming Dynasty soldiers will protect this place, and Chief Kim can return to Seoul to enjoy a peaceful life sooner."

Jin Dazhou felt quite uncomfortable listening to Zhao Wenhua's words.

Although Jeju Island is poor, it was the place he had governed for many years. Now that it was handed over to the Ming Dynasty for management, he was somewhat saddened.

However, this is also a blessing for Jeju Island.

With North Korea governing the area, the people of Jeju Island have no hope other than to live a life of hardship and poverty day after day.

Now that the Ming Dynasty has taken over, they can provide services to the Ming Dynasty. Even if the Ming Dynasty gives them some benefits, it will be much better than their previous lives.

Jin Dazhou bowed deeply to Zhao Wenhua, "Thank you, angel."

Then the handover ceremony officially began.

Kim Dae-joo presented the official seal representing Jeju Island to Zhao Wenhua.

After receiving the official seal, Zhao Wenhua didn't even glance at it before handing it to the attendant beside him.

The reason for this was that the Ming Dynasty would not use their official seals at all, but would instead cast a new seal and hand it over to the Ming officials who were dispatched to the area.

As for this old seal, let's keep it for cracking walnuts.

After the handover of Jeju Island and Busan Port was completed.

Zhao Wenhua and Tan Lun were also on their way back to the Ming Dynasty.

On the night before they left, the two warmed up some wine in a courtyard where they were temporarily staying on Jeju Island.

"This trip has been a great success. Not only have we recovered all the stolen silver, but we have also successfully captured two key locations. His Majesty will surely be overjoyed."

Zhao Wenhua raised his wine glass and smiled wryly at Tan Lun.

Tan Lun also laughed and said, "Yes, it's just that North Korea cooperated too perfectly. From the letter of credence to the silver, and then to the handover between the two ports, there was not a single obstacle. It was truly unexpected, and we thought there would be some twist or something fishy going on."

Zhao Wenhua put down his wine cup and laughed again: "I think so too. Especially that Zheng Bin, he always thinks ahead of us, it's simply incomprehensible, even more so than when Grand Secretary Yan and Grand Secretary Xu were showing respect to the Emperor Emeritus."

When Tan Lun heard Zhao Wenhua mention Yan Song, Xu Jie, and the Jiajing Emperor Emeritus, he was slightly taken aback, and then he laughed.

Although this analogy isn't quite accurate, it seems to be true.

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