Chongzhen Chat Group

The blue sky, the blue water, and groups of sea fish jumped out of the water from time to time next to the warship, seeming to welcome the distant travelers home.

Su Minggang went on the deck and looked at all this. He couldn't help but take a deep breath and sighed: "The air in my Ming Dynasty smells better!"

Hearing his emotion, Su Minglun, who came up behind, imitated his example, took a deep breath, and excitedly echoed: "The air in my Ming Dynasty smells really good!"

Akito who came up from behind was basically like this.

On the deck, I looked at the blue sky, white clouds, green water and blue waves, and took a deep breath of the long-lost Ming Dynasty air.

A Ming army officer on the deck couldn't help but smile when he saw the scene after they got on the deck. He pointed to the faint black line in the distance and said to them: "Ahead is Taiping Port, where you can disembark and go home!"

After hearing his words, all the people on the deck looked in that direction. This distance is still very far, and only a black line can be seen. It's not that they don't know this, but there are still many people who crane their necks to look, as if they can see more clearly.

Su Minggang stared at that direction, sighed and said: "I think back then, I also boarded a ship from Taiping Port to leave my hometown. I remember that in those days, Taiping Port could dock four large ships. There were two restaurants selling food on the pier. Yes. One is a restaurant, I can’t remember the name anymore, it’s where rich people eat; the other one is called Lao Wang Baozi Shop, which sells meat buns, vegetable buns, and steamed buns. Well, those steamed buns are really delicious. To this day I still remember..."

When he said this, he showed a little hope and said, "I wonder if that Lao Wang bun shop is still there?"

"Mr. Su, he should still be there." One person in the crowd took up the topic and said, "When I left, I remember that these were the only places to eat in Taiping Port, and they haven't changed!"

"Yes, I left in the second year of Tianqi, and it was the same at that time. Taiping Port has not changed much!" Someone else added.

"..."

They all had their own experiences on this topic, and they talked about it one after another. After checking with each other, they felt that from the time when Mr. Su left when he was young, to the time when someone left at the latest in the first year of Chongzhen, it was almost the same.

The Ming army officer standing nearby listened to their conversation, and finally couldn't bear it any longer, so he loudly said: "You will be arriving at Taiping Port soon! If you can still recognize me, I will take your last name!" "

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at him. Disbelief was etched on everyone's face. If Taiping Port has changed over the years, they believe it. After all, the Ming Dynasty has become stronger in recent years. Many Ming Dynasty merchant ships can be seen in Luzon. Taiping Port must also have changed. However, if you want to say that Taiping Port can become unrecognizable to them, haha, is this possible?

Su Minggang was doubtful, because when he thought about it, it seemed that there had indeed been earth-shaking changes in the Ming Dynasty. It had been nearly forty years since he left Ming Dynasty, which was considered a long time. But looking back, even those who left in the first year of Chongzhen just now said that they seemed not to have changed much from when they left. So if it could change, to what extent could it change?

As he was thinking about it, he heard someone in the crowd say unconvincedly: "Sir, I am from Lijiazhuang outside Changle County. It is only ten miles away from Taiping Port. I am not familiar with every plant and tree in Taiping Port, but I am probably familiar with it. It's almost the same. And I went out in the first year of Chongzhen. If you don't recognize me, how about we bet on a banquet?"

"Yes, just a banquet, I'm willing to bet!"

"..."

Unexpectedly, there were quite a few people making noises about this matter.

In the past, they didn't have the courage. But coming all the way from Nanyang, they were also familiar with the officers and soldiers on this ship. They treated them well and did not show any official authority.

However, they really didn't dare to gamble on changing their surname if they lost the bet, but they would be happy to gamble on a banquet. Even if he loses, he is still willing to treat the Ming soldiers to a meal.

After hearing this, the officer couldn't help but smile and said: "You are from Lijiazhuang, right? Haha, so what if Chongzhen went out in the first year of his life? This bet..."

When he said this, he suddenly hesitated for a while and said: "I have to ask the supervisor for instructions!"

Hearing this, everyone thought he was scared, and they all laughed silently in understanding.

"What, you don't believe it?" When the officer saw it, he was a little annoyed, and he immediately slapped his chest and said, "You can still recognize it because there is a ghost! I am afraid of military law, otherwise you think I dare not bet with you?"

It's okay that he didn't explain. With this explanation, even more people laughed silently. Obviously, no one believed what he said and thought he was using it as an excuse. You know, this person just now is a local from Lijiazhuang, which is only ten miles away from Taiping Port. He has not been away for a long time, so how could he not recognize him!

When the Ming army officers and soldiers nearby saw this scene, they did not go to help their comrades. Instead, they watched happily, which further aggravated the crowd's opinions.

When the officer saw this, he glared at several of his comrades, knowing that they wanted to see how embarrassed he was. Then he explained to the crowd: "Without Xiu Mu, you can't leave the barracks, and there won't be any banquets or anything like that." It's possible. If you don't believe it, I can't help it. Just turn around and take a closer look with your eyes wide open!"

Seeing this, Su Minggang quickly smoothed things over and said, "Have we ever gone to Nanyang before the Ming Dynasty and defeated the Western Yi? This is enough to show that our Ming Dynasty has undergone earth-shaking changes. Sir, you don't want the money you have earned so hard. Just lose like this, do you understand? Taiping Port will be here soon, get ready to go home!"

This logic seemed a bit unreasonable, but everyone understood what he meant, and he was trying to save the adult. Therefore, the others quickly agreed and said no more.

The officer was helpless when he saw it. Okay, then just let them go. You'll know when you get to the end of the field anyway.

At this moment, someone suddenly pointed in the direction of the shore and said: "Look, the fleet!"

I saw a long queue of ships of different sizes on the offshore side. From a distance, it seems that the ships are not from the same family.

The people on the boat all went to sea to make a living. Just by looking at it, they knew that these boats coming and going should all come from Taiping Port. With so many ships, could it be that Taiping Port has really changed a lot?

They were all a little surprised, and they estimated in their hearts, based on the ships they saw so far, how much change would Taiping Port have?

After another half an hour, the coastline was in sight, and Taiping Harbor in the distance was also in sight. Although the details of Taiping Port are still clear at this time, you can estimate it just from the ships coming in and out.

At this time, some people were surprised: "Look at these ships, Taiping Harbor has really changed a lot, right?"

"It should be, I estimate, at least ten times more prosperous than when I left!"

"..."

Listening to their discussion, the officer listened with a trace of disdain on his lips, thinking in his heart, wait for it to be closer, you will be surprised!

Sure enough, after getting closer, someone suddenly shouted in surprise, pointed in the direction of Taiping Harbor, and said in surprise: "What is that? Why is it so white? I remember that there are all wastelands and weeds there. How come there is nothing there?" It’s white and looks like a house!”

"Yes, what's going on? It looks like it, but... but how is this possible? There are so many, and I can't even see the end!"

"..."

Amid their surprises, the officer felt comfortable and couldn't help but say: "Let me tell you, those are houses. Today's Taiping Port has been connected with Changle County. The ten miles of wasteland in the past are now all Shops, warehouses and the like.”

Having said this, he pointed at a person in the crowd and said loudly: "That person from Lijiazhuang, the people in your village are all rich now. Let me tell you, the land here has risen to the sky."

At this point, he pointed at Su Minggang and said: "The Lao Wang Baozi Shop you mentioned, there are at least ten in Taiping Port now, and it is said that they are all opened by the same owner. I guess this owner is probably The owner of the Lao Wang Steamed Bun Shop you ate at before!"

Hearing what he said, everyone in the crowd was dumbfounded. How is it possible that what used to be ten miles of wasteland is now filled with shops? Can even the previous steamed bun shops open so many?

They subconsciously didn't believe it. They turned around and saw that the distance was getting clearer and clearer. Vaguely, you can see the back of Taiping Harbor, which seems to be filled with houses.

This...is this true?

When they were confused, the Ming army soldiers beside them finally spoke.

"That's right. Taiping Port is from the port. Maritime merchants from all over the world gather here. In just a few years, it is full of houses!"

"The houses here are very expensive now, and everyone who started doing business here has made a fortune!"

"..."

After hearing this, these people were all dumbfounded. This is really incredible!

Intellectually, they still can't believe it, but emotionally, they really hope it is so, especially the one from Lijiazhuang.

They all stopped talking and stared in the direction of Taiping Harbor.

Finally, we were not far from Taiping Port, and everything was clearly visible.

It stands to reason that those who have traveled far away, who have gone through countless hardships and even almost died in a foreign country, will surely be moved to tears when they return to their hometown. They had thought about this scene countless times when they were in the cabin, feeling that they would definitely be unable to contain their excitement.

However, at this time, as they were getting closer and closer to the port, they were all stunned and didn't react at all. They just stared blankly, like clay Buddhas.

They are on a warship, so naturally they will not enter a civilian port. However, the military port is right next to the civilian port. It is close, the flag is hoisted, and the fleet slowly sails into the port, preparing to dock.

Listening to the roar of people coming from the civilian port, someone finally came back to his senses and muttered to himself: "Why does it feel like a dream!"

After hearing the words, everyone came back to their senses and couldn't help but start talking.

"Is this Taiping Port? I really can't recognize it at all!"

"I had known that our country would become so good in the Ming Dynasty. I was so confused back then that I took risks to make money!"

"I thought Batavia was a big port. Then I saw the Manila port and thought it was big enough. Unexpectedly, our Taiping Port was even bigger than them!"

"Why is the ground so white? What kind of ground is that? I'm really dizzy. I've been away for a few years and even the road feels unfamiliar!"

"..."

Everyone was waiting, and while sighing with emotion, they all forgot the excitement of the wanderer returning home.

At this moment, a soldier from the Ming Army came over and said: "Attention, everyone, we are about to disembark. The Governor will be here soon. Everything must be in order, and there must be no panic!"

Hearing this, Su Minggang and others came to their senses, and their attention was attracted by the word "Governor". The Governor was the person they looked up to. Knowing that the Governor had arrived at the port, they suddenly became nervous again.

There are already officials and soldiers busy at the military dock. One by one, warships docked and unloaded ordinary people, who then had to resupply and rest before continuing northward.

After being busy for about an hour, nearly five thousand people got off the ship and gathered at the dock square.

In addition to the Ming people in Batavia, some of these people were rescued in Temasek, and they all came back with this warship.

In the military port, although these ordinary people did not encounter difficulties, they were somewhat restrained. Although they had set foot on the land of the Ming Dynasty, they did not dare to move and did whatever they were told. This may have become their habit. After all, in Nanyang, if you are not careful, you will be whipped, and it may even endanger your life!

Not long after they gathered, they saw a group of people coming out from the government office, surrounded by a scarlet-robed official striding towards them.

Many people have guessed that this high official should be the governor of the three provinces of Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong in the Ming Dynasty.

Looking secretly, they found that the Governor-General had a cold face, and many people became a little worried.

There is a saying that care leads to chaos. These Ming people who came back from Nanyang were all guessing in their hearts: Will there be anything else after coming back? Pay money? service? Or what? Leaving Ming Dynasty for so many years is equivalent to evading taxes and service for so many years! Isn’t that why the previous government was dissatisfied because of these things?

Amidst their worries, Sun Chuanting walked up to the platform, looked down at the crowd below who were obviously timid, and said loudly: "Everything in the past is not considered by the imperial court. But after setting foot on the land of the Ming Dynasty, it is necessary to register. The real people of Ming Dynasty."

Having said this, he paused and suddenly said: "On behalf of the imperial court, I welcome you back!"

They half understood Sun Chuanting's words. Registration should be different from hiding in the household. In the future, those who should pay taxes in the Ming Dynasty will pay taxes and serve those who should serve.

If this matter had happened before, they would have definitely avoided it. However, after experiencing the suffering outside, especially the kind of being oppressed by foreigners and not even guaranteed their lives, they no longer resisted the life of paying money to serve.

What they didn't even expect was that the dignified Ming Dynasty official and governor of the three provinces would actually welcome them back on behalf of the imperial court.

At this moment, they finally remembered that they had finally returned to Ming Dynasty and their hometown. Now, we are standing on the land of Ming Dynasty.

Thinking of this, the emotions that many people had forgotten before finally came back.

Su Minggang knelt down, excitedly wanting to grab a handful of soil from his hometown and smell it. But, one catch, two catch...

Hey, this is not a stone. Why is it so hard that I can’t pick it up?

Such a strange thing made him lower his head and look at it. For a moment, he even forgot about the emotion that just emerged.

After Sun Chuanting finished speaking, he left again. The remaining matters will naturally be handled by the officials below.

It was only after he left that these people who had returned from Nanyang came back to their senses and couldn't help but start talking in low voices.

"The governor of our Ming Dynasty seems to be very powerful, but why do I feel that he is a good official?"

"Definitely. Those officials in the past would be so polite to us and even say they welcome us back, right?"

"..."

Amid their whispers, an official came over and ordered them to line up.

Su Minggang hadn't come to a conclusion yet and didn't know what the things on the ground were, when he saw the queue.

"Uncle, do you want to make up for the taxes we owe?" Su Minglun came over and asked in a low voice.

When Su Minggang heard this, he looked at it carefully for a while, shook his head and said, "It shouldn't be the case. In the past, when taxes were collected, there would be a basket of tax money next to it. Did you see it? There isn't one here, right?"

Su Minglun took a look and found that it was indeed not there. What was that for? He was a little confused. But fortunately, given Su Minggang's identity, they were at the front of the queue, and they soon knew what they were doing.

Su Minggang stepped forward, came to the table, and looked at the official. When he was about to speak, the official raised his head and glanced at him, and then asked: "Name, where is your surname..."

Upon hearing this, Su Minggang asked about some basic information about him and answered them one by one.

After finally finishing his answer, he heard the official say to him: "Okay, you have completed the registration. From now on, you will be a real Ming citizen. You can enjoy the rights that a Ming citizen should have, and you must also do what a Ming citizen should do." obligations.”

Then, he tilted his head and said to the back: "Next one!"

Su Minggang was a little confused after hearing this. What do you mean? Registration completed? No paper or pen or anything?

Although he was in the chat group, he didn't know that Emperor Chongzhen had registered nationwide through the chat group. Naturally, he couldn't see this kind of information, so it was normal for him to be confused at this moment.

In fact, this is nothing. When I walked towards the next official, I heard that this was someone from the Ming Dynasty Construction Bank. They came here on the order of the Governor to handle banknote exchange procedures for them and even make deposits. After returning to their hometown, they would go to a city above the government. You can take it out.

Nowadays, in the economically developed areas of Ming Dynasty, the branches of Ming Construction Bank have reached the prefectural level. Even some places, such as Nanxun Town in the south of the Yangtze River, have reached the township level.

Su Minggang was obviously a little confused after he set foot on the land of Ming Dynasty. There were really too many things that he had never seen before.

At this time, Emperor Chongzhen, who was far away in the capital, was a little confused when he saw the message from the Tianjin Port Jinyi Guards.

Thanks to Zhang No. 10 for the 500 starting coin reward! Thanks to Han Leyu and anniexie for the reward!