Extra update at midnight~
Chapter 217
Whether Zhao Zhilong is filial or not, I don't know, but he is certainly disloyal.
Zhu Ci rested his chin in his hand and said, "Zhao Zhilong just left like that?"
A man like Zhao Zhilong, who fears death above all else, naturally wouldn't dare stay in Chengdu; he left that place as quickly as possible the very day he was kicked out.
Zhu Ci glanced at Fu and said, "So you found such an opportunity to frame him."
Fu said with a calm expression, "Zhao Zhilong might not be without such thoughts either, so it can't really be called framing."
Fine, as long as the fire doesn't spread to them.
Zhu Ci said with ill intent, "This matter must be brought to Dorgon's attention as soon as possible. How can we let him be kept in the dark?"
Although Dorgon would be able to deduce that someone was framing the Qing Army as soon as he investigated Alna's whereabouts, it didn't matter; it was enough that Heduoheqin and Zhang Xianzhong believed it.
It would have been even better if Dorgon, in his anger, had executed the person without even investigating.
Anyway, he is just a minor Jala E Zhen; his death won't affect the big picture.
Fu Qingsheng said, "Dorgon should already know by now."
Dorgon indeed already knew, a very obvious irritation appeared on his usually calm face: "What is Prince of Li doing? Those Han people are simply incapable of accomplishing anything and only succeed in causing failure!"
After Dorgon went on his campaign, the person in control of the central government became the Prince of Li, Dai Shan.
Dai Shan was the second son of Nurhaci. Back then, he was also the one who actively supported Fulin's ascension to the throne. Aside from Dorgon, he was the most senior figure in the central government.
Although Dorgon was questioning him, he also had some doubts in his heart.
He always felt that something was not quite right; while Dai Shan's arrangement for Han officials to persuade Zhang Xianzhong was fine, resorting to assassination if persuasion failed was not Dai Shan's style.
On top of that, Heduoheqin was also inexplicably targeted for assassination, it was eventually discovered that the Qing Court was behind it.
Dorgon had never arranged for anyone to carry out an assassination, the Court likely wouldn't have either.
After receiving the news, he also conducted a strict investigation of his subordinates, no one had been ordered to carry out an assassination.
Assassination is an incredibly thankless task; it is something that wandering knights only resort to when they have no other means.
Killing a monarch might not necessarily affect the overall situation; instead, it might actually put one's own side in a passive position.
The current Dorgon must face the pressures of both the Ming Kingdom and the Ordos simultaneously, while small tribes like the Tumet frequently raid through the middle of it.
The Chahar Mongols and the Balin Mongols had already suffered heavy losses and had several grievances against the Great Qing.
If it weren't for their constant friction with the Ordos, they might have been able to withdraw.
The two assassination attempts made Dorgon feel that there must be someone behind the scenes stirring up trouble.
He remembered that the assassins identified on both sides were the same person, he couldn't help but turn his head and say, "Go and investigate who this Alna actually is."
The attendant beside him said cautiously, "My Lord, this man is the Niu Lu E Zhen who previously returned with the Dutch fleet; it was you who personally promoted him to Jala E Zhen."
As soon as this person spoke, Dorgon remembered: "So it is him. He is one of Dodo's subordinates. Go and ask Dodo where this man was before and what he was doing."
Dorgon felt it was very strange. Why had both parties investigated this person?
Alna is a minor figure; even he doesn't particularly remember such a person. Heduoheqin and Zhang Xianzhong might not even know him, yet they have discovered something related to him.
Could it be that this person is hiding some secret that he is unaware of?
No, if this person has secrets, why is it that he doesn't know, but instead Heduoheqin and Zhang Xianzhong do?
Heduoheqin might be one thing, but Zhang Xianzhong had been in Sichuan all this time and had no dealings with the Great Qing; how could he possibly know about this?
The more Dorgon thought about it, the stranger it seemed, but he did not have much energy to waste here, so he simply instructed Dodo to handle it after finishing his investigation.
As for how to handle it.. naturally, if it was related to Alna, then this person would be dealt with; if it wasn't, then the person it was actually related to would be uncovered.
When Dorgon's orders reached Xuzhou, the first to know was not Dodo, but rather Jirgalang.
Upon hearing the news, he immediately sent men to investigate Alna's whereabouts. Once it was confirmed that Alna was in the camp, he ordered his men to arrest him directly.
Alna had long since honed his skills amidst constant crises, he would become extremely vigilant at the slightest sign of trouble.
He had already felt that something was wrong when someone had come to ask if he was in.
He made a quick decision and went straight to Dodo's residence.
Dodo did indeed hold Alna in some regard, for no other reason than the fact that the man was extremely easy to work with.
He was intelligent and highly perceptive of others' expressions; sometimes, he didn't even need to speak for the other person to know what he intended to do.
Therefore, it was not difficult for Alna to see Dodo.
Dodo was practicing his saber skills at this moment. Upon finishing his movement, he heard Alna's sincere praise.
He knew the other man was merely flattering him, but Alna was so sincere that it was quite pleasing to hear.
Enough, you are the only one who knows how to say such sweet words. What happened that made you rush over in such a hurry?
Alna walked to Dodo's side and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, Prince of Zheng's men just came to our camp to investigate something. They came and then left. I asked them a few questions, but they only said they were acting on Prince of Zheng's orders, not yours."
Dodo's expression darkened. "Hmph, don't bother with him. I'm afraid he's just looking for something to use against this Prince."
If the situation were not so special now, requiring the two of them to work together to withstand the attacks of Liu Zhaoji and Shi Kefa, he would have long since lost all patience with Jirgalang.
Alna's heart sank; it seemed Dodo intended to make concessions.
It was also unknown whether the Regent Dorgon had said something, but from the looks of it.. he would have to find a way to save himself.
Even if he didn't know whether the opponent was targeting him, the fact that the opponent had come straight to his camp and then left after a quick visit made him extremely vigilant.
Alna changed the subject and said, "Prince, I have already learned from Zheng Zhilong that he still has a portion of his wealth left in Japan."
“Hmm?” Dodo was clearly very interested upon hearing this: “Japan? Why would it be there?”
Alna said in a low voice, "Zheng Zhilong has two children with the Tanagawa clan. One of them is Zheng Sen, who has already surrendered to the Ming Kingdom. The other was originally named Zheng Zongming; he was sent to Japan in his youth to be raised by his maternal grandfather and changed his name to Tanagawa Shichizaemon. That portion of the wealth may be under his control."
Dodo had no interest in Zheng Zhilong's family situation. Aside from Zheng Chenggong and Tanagawa Shichizaemon, all of Zheng Zhilong's other sons had surrendered to the Qing with Zheng Zhilong and were now locked in prison.
He looked at Alna: "Do you want to go and retrieve that portion of the wealth?"
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Author's Note: Zhu Ci: Alna really runs away at the slightest movement, how can he run so fast! The kitty flicks its tail irritably. jpg
Next update tomorrow morning at six o'clock~
Chapter 218
Alna said, "Yes, My Lord. I must say something disrespectful, but currently, you alone would be enough for Xuzhou. The presence of the Prince of Zheng is actually a burden to you; his frequent disagreements with you only serve to hold our army back. If it were only you, I fear we would have broken through Xiaoxian long ago."
Dodo found this highly agreeable. When Regent Dorgon was around, they only needed to follow orders. Now that the Regent had gone north, the two of them had no choice but to defend Xuzhou together, but they were merely holding the position.
Whenever one person felt it was suitable to deploy troops, the other would feel it was not. After several such instances, there was never a time when both of them agreed it was suitable.
Dodo was naturally feeling stifled, but it could be said that Alna had spoken directly to his heart.
Seeing that he was interested, Alna continued, "The current situation is unique. Even if the Prince wants the Imperial Court to transfer Prince of Zheng away, he still lacks something. If these riches could be transported back, it would be considered a great achievement."
Zheng Zhilong had dominated the seas for so many years that he certainly possessed a great deal of wealth; he had brought quite a lot with him when he surrendered previously, but Alna had always suspected that Zheng Zhilong had not brought all the money.
Later, through harsh interrogation, they finally managed to extract from him that a portion of it was still in Japan.
Dodo was very tempted; who wouldn't want more money? As for handing it over to the Imperial Court to earn merit.. he'd rather not; even if he did, he might not necessarily achieve his goals.
What use is there in transferring Jirgalang? If he is sent to assist the Khorchin Mongols, wouldn't that just give him the opportunity to earn merit?
If that were the case, it would be better to let him stay here.
If this portion of wealth fell into his hands, it would be far more useful to give it to the Regent or the Empress Dowager in the future than to hand it over to the Imperial Court.
Dodo asked, "When do you plan to leave?"
Alna immediately said, "I have already prepared the ships. I only need His Highness to dispatch a few discreet confidants to accompany me."
Dodo was very satisfied with his tactfulness and said after a long silence, "Fine, I will make the arrangements now. You may return and wait for news."
Alna said with some unease, "To avoid any unforeseen complications, Your Highness must act as quickly as possible."
Dodo gave an affirmative response, already calculating in his mind who he should send.
Alna was also calculating in his heart, but he had not yet made a plan. Just as he reached the entrance of the camp, he was suddenly seized by several soldiers who said, "Alna, you have committed a heinous crime. Come with us to see the Prince of Zheng."
Alna felt a sudden panic in his heart; he thought his movements were fast enough, but he never expected that Jirgalang would actually dare to strike him.
He immediately looked toward his trusted confidants beside him, only to find that they had also been captured.
Alna immediately shouted, "The subordinates of the Prince of Zheng have trespassed into our camp! Go and report this to the Prince of Yu!"
As he was being taken away, someone immediately went to report to Dodo.
Dodo stood up on the spot and said with a grim expression, "Jirgalang, how audacious of you to show such blatant disregard for this Prince!"
As he spoke, he led his men straight toward Jirgalang's residence.
Jirgalang had long ago guessed that Dodo would come, said with composure, "You have arrived at the perfect time. The Regent has just sent word, ordering me to investigate that Jala E Zhen under your command."
Dodo gave a cold laugh. "Why would the Regent issue such an order?"
Jirgalang said, "Naturally, it is because this fellow has caused a catastrophe of immense proportions."
Dodo's eyes were cold and fierce. "Oh? What kind of disaster could possibly be called a catastrophe of such magnitude?"
Jirgalang spoke of the matter with great confidence.
Dodo's first reaction was disbelief: "Impossible. He never left the military camp from beginning to end, so how could he have gone to assassinate Heduoheqin? As for Zhang Xianzhong, that is even more preposterous."
Heduoheqin is Batur Khunbul Khos's name; the title Batur Khunbul Khos was bestowed upon him by the Living Buddha.
Jirgalang took a sip of tea and said, "Who knows? Currently, Heduoheqin is using this as an excuse to raise an army for a punitive expedition. For the time being, we do not know how Zhang Xianzhong will react, but he clearly will not let this matter rest. This matter must, of course, be thoroughly investigated."
Dodo narrowed his eyes, reached out, said, "Where is the Regent's order? Let me see it as well."
Jirgalang remained unmoved and simply said, "The Regent has already ordered me to investigate this matter thoroughly; you need not concern yourself with it further."