Dominate the Country

Kaesong, Korea, Min Mansion.

Min Honghao's civil and military officials rode horses and sedan chairs to the gate of Min Mansion, and after tidying up their clothes, they walked into the mansion without saying a word.

The big boss suddenly issued an urgent summons, and these people did not dare to delay at all.

But none of them knew what was going on. Including Min Honghao's eldest son, Min Zhenhao, who is now in charge of the Kaesong City Defense Army.

Kaesong is a very important city in Korea. It was the capital of the Goryeo Dynasty and one of the four capitals of the Joseon Dynasty. It was the birthplace of the famous Korean Kaesong merchants.

Of course, with the invasion of the Qing Dynasty, everything about Kaesong merchants had disappeared. When the city returned to the hands of the Koreans, the total number of people in the city was less than 2,000, and the city was in ruins.

In the past two years, the Min family has put a lot of effort into repairing Kaesong. However, the city's houses can be repaired, but the huge and powerful merchant class cannot reappear quickly like those houses that can be repaired one by one.

Min Honghao moved here after the Chinese New Year. The Min family army that was near Gyeonggi also withdrew to Kaesong.

This mansion was also specially built by the Min family army. It was called the Governor's Mansion by the common people. The lobby is larger and wider than the three ordinary houses. It can accommodate thirty or fifty people for discussion. The ground is paved with blue bricks one foot square. There are two rows of tables and chairs on the left and right. Min Honghao's chair is at the top.

There are more than twenty people on the left and right. These are the backbones and power figures of the Min Group. They all sit in a solemn manner.

Min Honghao doesn't look old at all. His hair is black and shiny, his face is rosy, and there are no wrinkles. He doesn't look like a man in his forties or fifties. He looks younger than the Grand Protector of Pyongyang before the dynasty was broken.

Min Zhenhao, who is familiar with his father, immediately noticed the excited nerves under his father's expressionless face. Looking at his eyes, it's like a ball of fire burning.

There must be something good, or a great good thing.

Opposite Min Zhenhao is Min Zhenyu, Min Zhenhao's cousin, the second son of Min Hongxun, another core of the Min family, and now the governor of Kaesong.

Before the fall of Korea, this was a second-rank official.

At that time in Korea, the governor of Hancheng Prefecture was definitely a second-rank official. The chiefs of the four capitals: Kaesong Prefecture, Ganghwa Prefecture, Suwon Prefecture, and Guangzhou Prefecture were called governors, who could be either a second-rank official or a second-rank official.

At that time, the governor of Kaesong was an extremely important position, but now, it is just that. Excluding the influence of Min Hongxun, the so-called governor of Kaesong is far less powerful than Min Zhenhao, who holds military power.

Min Honghao and Min Hongxun have no major conflicts, and they have seen each other's future. It's just that the new round of competition between the younger generations below them has already begun.

Because no matter how large a family is, its resources are limited.

"Everyone!" Min Honghao straightened his back and swept his eyes across the hall, majestic. He said slowly: "This governor has just received the order from the capital, and was ordered to be the inspector of the north to pacify Gangwon and Hamgyong Provinces [northwest Korea] and clean up the local area. He was also ordered by the angels to investigate the traitors who colluded with the slaves in Gangwon Province and Hamgyong Province, and to eradicate all evil."

Min Honghao did not have the official order issued by the Seoul court in his hand. The order in his hand was handed to him by Chen Zhongsheng, and Sun Xuren, who delivered the order, had just gone to rest.

But for the Min family, a dog fed by China, this was enough.

A trace of surprise flashed across the faces of the civil and military officials in the hall, but everyone still stood up, bowed and said: "Congratulations to the governor, congratulations to the governor!"

It's a good thing anyway, right? Although I subconsciously felt that something was wrong. After all, this is working for the angels, which means working for the upper country. Can their benefits be missed?

Although the Min family is still very stable at the moment, this semi-separatist situation is impossible to last, unless Seoul formally establishes the feudal system. Otherwise, in Korea, which is deeply influenced by Confucian culture, what the Min family did is rebellion. And Min Honghao wants to change the "dudu" above him to a general, and then to a grand protector, so he must rely on China's support.

In the current Min family army and the current Korea, no one is unwilling to work for China. Because there will be rich rewards anyway.

Min Honghao waved his hand, his voice trembling: "No need to congratulate first, everyone has thought about this matter clearly. The upper country will not send troops to cooperate with us in the battle. We can only rely on ourselves. Gangwon Province and Hamgyong Province are not easy to deal with. We will take great risks if we break in. You are all old people who have followed me for decades. At this time of war, I just want to ask you whether you are willing to go." Min Honghao is going to unify his thoughts.

The Min family now spans the eastern part of Hwanghae Province and controls Kaesong, which is the northern end of Gyeonggi Province. Together with Lixing, it is close to Seoul. This is also a major reason why Chen Zhongsheng asked Min Honghao to withdraw to Kaesong on his own initiative. He used Min Honghao to show his sincerity.

But it is obvious that those damn rats in Hamgyong Province and Gangwon Province have a tacit understanding with some of the high-level North Korean officials in Seoul. Some officials in Seoul just don't agree. Then Chen Zhongsheng can only follow the emperor's wishes, call people and do it directly!

All the civil and military officials present stood up: "I am willing to follow the governor."

Min Honghao smiled: "Okay, okay. You didn't disappoint me. You are all my Min family's right-hand man!"

This time, the Min family army is going to attack Gangwon Province and Hamgyong Province alone. The combined strength of the forces there is greater than that of the Min family army. But Min Honghao is definitely not afraid of this. War is not about who has more people. Except for a few troops in Gangwon Province and Hamgyong Province, the rest are a mob. It is really difficult to occupy the place!

Moreover, this time, there is no cooperation from Chen Han's father, and even no intention from Chen Han's father. It is conceivable what the Min family army will encounter after entering Gangwon Province and Hamgyong Province.

Not to mention the national slander and abuse, the troops of Hwanghae Province may attack Kaesong. The risk is really not small!

But this is an opportunity. In the long run, it is an opportunity to solve the big problem of the Min family's "future". If most of the territory of Gangwon and Hamgyong Province is swallowed up, Min Honghao will have the confidence to stand shoulder to shoulder with Seoul.

The angel just gave the Min family army a chance. If it fails, Min Honghao can't think of what his fate will be. But he had no choice!

"Since the river was broken, everyone has been tossing around with me for these years. We have fought countless times in the rain of bullets and rushed through the mountains of swords and seas of fire, but we still can't see any hope." There is no long-term future, heavy infamy and moral failure, and diehards are the sharp blade hanging over the heads of the Min family army.

"Until now, now our hope has come!"

"The rebels in Gangwon Province and Hamgyong Province dared to communicate with the remnant Qing Dynasty. The upper country will definitely not let them live well."

"We are eradicating these ungrateful rebels for the upper country and North Korea."

"By then, our territory will not be limited to the current half of Hwanghae Province. The whole of Gangwon Province and the whole of Hamgyong Province will belong to us." More importantly, they have won the favor of the upper country.

"Purge is a merit, and it can expand the army, get promoted, and help the upper country stabilize the entire North Korea in the future. It is another merit. We have to fight together this time. This is not only to fulfill me, but also to fulfill you.

North Korea has no hope. But the upper country can still be relied on. This is our future merit and the capital for future prosperity and wealth." It is completely a naked interest.

At this point, Min Honghao glanced and saw that everyone's face was tense. No one present was stupid, and Min Honghao's words could be understood. North Korea has no hope, and North Korea can't succeed.

But the upper country is next to it, and the future of North Korea lies in the upper country.

And everyone also naturally kept in line with Min Honghao, abandoning North Korea and their own motherland. Don't forget what kind of "origin" the Min family is. They are traitors to the court.

Now that Seoul has really surrendered completely, who dares to have hope for North Korea and those two-class nobles? Those people are in a bad mood, and they will definitely settle accounts after they gain power. Ordinary soldiers in the army are okay, but what about these generals?

If a man does not work for himself, he will be punished by heaven and earth. Don't blame them for being heartless.

It has been two or three years since the Qing Dynasty withdrew from Korea. They have communicated with Seoul, but what is the result?

In the past two years, have they not been worried every day?

How many people want to run to China!

They are desperate. If Korea continues to exist, it will be the biggest disaster for them.

But now Min Honghao has pointed out a broad and smooth road for them, and they are determined to follow the upper country. Even if the whole Korea is overthrown, as long as Korea submits, even if Korea changes a new king, even if they follow the old man to demobilize tomorrow, they will live a stable and happy life in the second half of their lives.

And judging from the actions of the Celestial Empire in Korea - the angel actually ordered the governor to attack Gangwon and Hamgyong Provinces, there is still a great possibility that Korea will submit, and if it really submits, judging from the current situation, the treatment in the future can really be expected.

The upper country has never disappointed those who work for him.

For those who are destined to be incompatible with Seoul, this is definitely the most precious opportunity.

Min Honghao sighed again, but he did not say what kind of promise Chen Zhongsheng had made to him. Everything depends on the hard work of the Min family army!

Some of the things that Chen Zhongsheng promised will only be realized in stages after they complete a certain stage of the task.

And what the Min family army can get now... Min Honghao's eyes turned cold and glanced at everyone.

"War is inseparable from silver." Not to mention the arms, just the military pay: "All officers and soldiers participating in the war will be rewarded with 100 Huayuan each, 100 Huayuan. During the war, the military pay will be doubled, plus a double subsidy." This is three times the original cost.

"The same applies to civil and military officials below the fifth rank, and the civil and military officials above the fifth rank will be doubled again."

Gold and silver wealth is always the best way to boost morale, especially for warlord troops like the Min family army, where military pay represents everything.

And the wealth of several million Huayuan is not worth mentioning for China, not to mention paper money.

"After entering Gangwon Province and Hamgyong Province, you can move freely."

As high-ranking military officers, this is the real source of wealth, unlike the middle and lower-level officers and soldiers whose main income depends on military pay.

"But remember, you are not allowed to kill people at will. Enough Koreans have died, and it is better not to shed unnecessary blood." The current misery of North Korea makes every Korean heartbroken. This also includes Min Honghao.

...

Min's army is taking action, and Chen Zhongsheng in Seoul will not really do nothing and watch Min Honghao's head bleed.

The closest territory to Min's army is Haeju in Hwanghae Province.

Everyone knows that the so-called eight provinces of Korea, except Gyeonggi Province, are all named after the two most important cities in one province.

Gangwon Province is Gangneung and Wonju, and Hwanghae Province is Hwangju and Haeju.

The latter is the key place for Seoul to check and balance Min Honghao.

The general in charge is Kim Ki-dae, the former general of the Dragon and Tiger Camp. As for the elder brother of the former Queen of Korea, the Dragon and Tiger General who also has a great reputation in Korea, how did he get "importantly assigned" to Haeju? We have to ask the Andong Kim family, the dominant family in the royal party.

At the same time that Min Honghao received the order, Kim Ki-dae in Haeju also received a secret order from Chen Zhongsheng.

Kim Ki-dae knew the eunuch who announced the order, who was one of the trusted eunuchs around his sister. Kim Ki-dae knelt on the ground, waiting for the eunuch to announce the order, and his heart was a little complicated.

The order meant that he was asked to go to Jeju Island and be the so-called Jeju governor.

He was also given the title of ‘Right Councillor’.

This is a first-rank official position. The highest official in Joseon is the first-rank Prime Minister, followed by the Left and Right Councillors, who are also first-rank officials. If it was ten years ago, the Qingfeng Jin family could have a Right Councillor, it would be a great honor for the entire Jin family. But now, the so-called Right Councillor is not as important as the Jeju Governor in the eyes of countless Koreans.

The latter means endless wealth.

At present, Joseon either has soldiers or money. If it can hook up with the Han army stationed in Joseon, it would be too beautiful.

Of course, if Kim Ki-dae obeyed the Right Councillor and Jeju Governor, he would be promoted, but he would not have actual military power.

Kim Ki-dae stationed in Haeju holds most of Hwanghae Province and has more than 10,000 soldiers. The 4,000-man Dragon and Tiger Camp can be said to be the elite of the Joseon official army. The Jeju Governor can't control the army of Hwanghae Province anyway.

"Grand Protector, please accept the decree!" The eunuch who read the decree saw that he was still in a daze and could not help but remind him.

Jin Jida finally came to his senses and said hurriedly: "Your Highness Jin Jida, accept the decree!"

Jin Jida chose to obey obediently. He did not doubt the origin of this decree, and whether his sister agreed or not. But Jin Jida suppressed all his doubts in his heart. No matter what, he could not control it. The entire Qingfeng Jin family must not get involved. Chen Zhongsheng's figure was too clear in this decree.

Qingfeng Jin family could not withstand an angel with great power.

Thousands of thoughts disappeared in his heart, and Jin Jida respectfully accepted the decree.

At this time, the eunuch removed the identity of the angel envoy, and immediately changed to a smiling face, saluting Jin Jida: "I congratulate you, Jeju Island is a sea of ​​gold and silver! It can even keep up with the heavenly soldiers of the country..., hehe..."

Many things are becoming more and more explicit in North Korea today.

"The envoy has come from afar, it is really hard, come, bring a hundred taels of silver." Jin Jida knew very well that now is not the past. Since the great changes in Korea, he has put away his arrogance.

Not to mention eunuchs, even maids, he will smile.

After sending the eunuchs to rest, he sat on the chair and thought about this matter silently.

The initial surprise has completely disappeared. This matter is not a bad thing for him. The person who was appointed as the governor of Jeju at least got the recognition of the Han army stationed in Korea. This is an absolute amulet, the greatest grace and trust. Moreover, the mountains and rivers of Korea have been pacified, and he has no ambition to "make achievements". It is also a good way to get out of this mud early and go to Jeju Island, the paradise.

Jeju Island is the "economic center" of the Han army stationed in Korea, and it is also the most prosperous place in Korea now. Just like the eunuch said, a place with mountains of gold and seas of silver, you can get covered in gold and silver even if you roll in it.

If other people saw this result, they would probably be jealous. When Jin Jida thought of this, he looked at the edict in his hand again, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Come here, summon civil and military officials above the fourth rank to the conference hall to discuss matters!" Jin Jida stood up and said to the outside.

Immediately, a personal guard went to pass on the order.

Half an hour later.

"Meet the Grand Protectorate!" The civil and military officials above the fourth rank in Haizhou had gathered and saluted Jin Jida.

"Everyone, don't be polite. I summoned you here today because I have something to announce to you!" Jin Jida didn't keep it a secret. He took out the edict and read it to everyone. He, Jin Jida, no longer had to stay in Haizhou. He was going to Jeju Island with the hat of the Right Prime Minister.

There was an exclamation in the conference hall. This was really a bit surprising. The main reason was that it was too sudden. They didn't even hear any news. This is the Grand Protector of Hwanghae Province. The official names of North Korea are very much like the legacy of the Tang Dynasty.

But after being surprised, everyone present thought about it. This result is really not a bad thing for Jin Jida.

There is nothing else to do, just talk about Jin Jida's new appointment. Jin Jida finally left two Jin clan members to stay, and all the others withdrew. "The decree did not mention who will take over the military power of Hwanghae Province. I think there will be a lot of fighting in Seoul. I don't want to think about these."

"After I leave, the most important thing for you is to hold the military power of the Dragon and Tiger Camp. No matter who the new Grand Protector is, you must not hand over the military power...." The Dragon and Tiger Camp is the lifeline of the Qingfeng Jin family in the army. The entire camp has 4,000 infantry, artillery and cavalry, and is also the elite of the Korean army that fought from south to north. The joy is great and of great significance.

Kim Ki-da, who didn't know that the Min family army was about to march north, could not have imagined that the whole of Korea would soon change.