Chapter 106: Qin Conglong

The Chaohu Naval Force had little to do with the Dragon and Phoenix regime. The recently joined contingents led by Ma Shixiong and Changshan were originally from the Long Spear and Blue Army units, and everyone was keenly aware of “fighting under their own banner.” Yet, Liu Yi understood that this was not the best time to raise a new flag. “Your Excellency, the Deputy Minister’s words are indeed wise. I initially took up arms only to protect our borders and secure the people, reluctantly swearing allegiance to Lord Han due to the circumstances. But now, it is impossible not to fight under the Dragon and Phoenix banner!”

Lady Jin Hua, standing beside Liu Yi, added, “Although our naval troops are willing to follow Your Excellency to achieve great deeds, the Left Camp is entirely different from ours. We ask for your understanding, Your Excellency.”

The Left Camp was heavily influenced by the Dragon and Phoenix regime, with many staunch loyalists sent by Han Lin’er and Liu Futong among its ranks. This was also the reason why Zhu Yuanzhang, in another timeline, never dared to declare himself king. However, this was merely an excuse Liu Yi and Lady Jin Hua used to deal with the barbarian Haiya.

For Haiya, though, he only needed an excuse. “Marshal Jin Hua speaks truly. Your Excellency Deputy Minister has indeed chosen wisely. Both you and Marshal Liu are rare pillars of the state. If the marshals wish to be honored in Songjiang, I believe it is entirely feasible!”

At present, Zhang Shicheng was fiercely attacking Pingjiang Road (Suzhou) but had yet to send troops to Songjiang Prefecture. This presented a rare opportunity for the Chaohu Naval Force to dispatch troops. Liu Yi’s favorable treatment of Haiya was simply to seize this chance to mobilize.

Yet the more Haiya readily complied, the calmer Liu Yi became. “Thank you, Your Excellency Deputy Minister, for granting me this opportunity for honor. However, as long as the Left Camp and Zhang Shicheng do not engage in battle, I dare not accept honor in Songjiang!”

To Liu Yi and the Chaohu Naval Force, Songjiang Prefecture was both a gold and silver mountain and a tremendous headache.

Neither Zhang Shicheng, Zhu Yuanzhang, nor the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Provincial Administration would allow Songjiang to fall into the hands of the Chaohu Naval Force. Moreover, the actual influence of Deputy Minister Haiya in Songjiang was unknown. Thus, Liu Yi would not rashly commit his elite forces to a city hundreds of miles away.

Furthermore, Zhang Shicheng was advancing swiftly in Jiangnan. Zhu Yuanzhang hoped that the Chaohu Naval Force and Zhang Shicheng would first clash fiercely, allowing him to profit from the aftermath. Naturally, Liu Yi would not, upon capturing Zhenjiang, immediately push eastward to meet Zhang Shicheng head-on.

Lady Jin Hua quickly added, “Your Excellency Deputy Minister, our marshal has long yearned to accept honor in Songjiang. But, as you know, the Huai bandit Zhang Shicheng has already seized Jiangyin and Changshu, blocking our path. Our immediate priority is to firmly establish a foothold in Zhenjiang, and we earnestly seek your strong support!”

Generals Zhao Pusheng, Li Pusheng, Liao Yongan, and others immediately responded, “We implore Your Excellency Deputy Minister for your strong assistance. We shall never forget your great kindness!”

Haiya grew tense upon hearing this, as it conflicted with Liu Yi’s original promise. Liu Yi had assured Haiya that his treatment would remain unchanged—that he would still serve as a Yuan Dynasty official carrying out its affairs, with nothing altered. Now, however, they were pushing him forward hastily.

Though he was already “immersed in the bandit camp,” even “turned bandit,” Haiya, as a Deputy Minister of the Imperial Censorate of the Yuan Dynasty, still held a certain status and dignity. Helping the Chaohu rebels establish themselves in Zhenjiang was beneath his consideration. To openly turn bandit now, while still a Deputy Minister, seemed too cheap.

Reading Haiya’s inner conflict, Liu Yi hurriedly said, “Your Excellency Deputy Minister, the reason for such an awkward request is that while I command tens of thousands of troops, my reputation does not match that of Marshal Zhu of the Left Camp. Many troops have come to join me, but very few scholars are willing to accept my honor alongside me. I wish to ask for a small favor!”

Haiya was at first surprised, then delighted. He most feared Liu Yi would immediately push him out to drain all his value, but what he did not fear was a man like Liu Yi—one who had vision and knew how to maneuver.

Those bandits who only knew how to conquer by force without understanding governance never succeeded. Those who did were like Liu Yi, who understood how to make use of scholars. He had long heard that Zhu Yuanzhang was striving to win over scholars, and now Liu Yi was doing the same.

The presence or absence of scholars was the greatest difference between mere bandits and great warlords. Haiya suddenly felt his position growing firmer. “Marshal Liu, you have come to the right place. Others fear you as a bandit and avoid you, but I know you are a pillar of the nation…”

At this, Haiya recalled someone. “Not to mention, I have many old friends inside and outside Jiqing City who can be summoned with a single letter. There is also a talent within Zhenjiang itself!”

Liu Yi, hungry for capable men, asked eagerly, “May I know who this talent is?”

Haiya was startled by the phrase “talent,” but his thoughts soon ran wild. The talent he casually recommended was seen by Liu Yi as precisely that—a true talent. In the eyes of Liu Yi, this Deputy Minister’s importance was magnified a hundredfold.

Though he understood Liu Yi was likely speaking offhandedly, Haiya could not suppress his excitement.

Though he was of humble origins, reaching the position of Deputy Minister of the Jiangnan Provincial Administration was a rare stroke of luck. He had thought his fortunes were at their lowest, but now luck seemed to beckon. “Marshal Liu, the official I speak of is Qin Conglong, originally from Luoyang, formerly a censor at the Jiangnan Provincial Administration. Recently, due to certain matters, he has been residing in Zhenjiang. I will write a letter to him on your behalf!”

Liu Yi immediately entrusted Zhao Pusheng, “Marshal Zhao, Qin the Censor is in your charge. Ensure his safety without fail. If anything goes wrong, I will hold you accountable!”

Zhao Pusheng’s position was secure, and even if the mission failed, his standing would remain unshaken. But Liu Yi’s words made Haiya feel deeply reassured. “Marshal Liu, there is no need for such worry. Inspector Zhao is an old friend of mine. If I ask him, he will certainly come!”

Zhao Pusheng laughed at once, “Mr. Qin will definitely come. With a name like his, I will spare no effort to invite him out.”

Not only Zhao Pusheng but everyone present agreed that Qin Conglong’s name was exceptional.

Having captured Zhenjiang and secured the presence of Censor Qin Conglong, this marked the most auspicious beginning.