ATPnovel Chapter 58 Surrender
Chapter 58 Surrender
Valentine's words immediately won applause from several members of parliament, and the governor nodded approvingly, saying, "Mr. Valentine's analysis is very insightful. The Tatars may not be very interested in overseas colonization, but their determination and ability to suppress Chinese resistance forces are beyond question."
"Back then, they repeatedly waged war against the Zheng family who occupied Formosa, and even went so far as to invite the company to join them in sending troops on the condition of returning Formosa. This is enough to prove that. Now that another Ming imperial family has appeared in Southeast Asia, the Tatars have no reason to sit idly by."
After speaking, he turned to the member of parliament in charge of commerce and diplomacy and instructed him: "We need to establish contact with the Tatars as soon as possible. We can do this through our trading posts in Guangzhou and Quanzhou, conveying messages to local officials and emphasizing the danger posed by this Chinese force—"
They are not merely a group of overseas Chinese, but also descendants of the former imperial family. They are rallying under the banner of restoring their nation and have already demonstrated considerable military strength. They are rapidly integrating the Chinese community in Southeast Asia and will undoubtedly become a significant threat to Tatar rule in China in the future.
"Your Excellency, how can we unite with the Tatars?" the councilor asked.
After a moment's thought, the governor replied, "We can propose to the Tatars that the company's powerful fleet be responsible for the naval blockade and attack, destroying their ports and warships; while the Tatars are responsible for assembling their army, landing in the Philippines, and engaging them in land battle."
"After the war, the Chinese in the Philippines and the spoils of war were disposed of by the Tatars. If the Tatars wanted them, the ownership of the land in the Philippines would belong to the company. In exchange, the company could also bear part of the military expenses. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Many in the council chamber nodded in agreement, finding the plan quite appealing. The chances of failure in uniting with the behemoth that was the Tatars to confront a newly emerging Chinese regime were virtually nonexistent.
"However, Your Excellency," the cautious member of parliament spoke again, "Will the Tatars trust us? Won't they worry that we'll renege on our promise and seize control of the Philippines? And is the Tatar navy truly capable of launching a large-scale transoceanic expedition? Their victory over the Zheng family in Formosa was largely due to inside help and internal problems within the Zheng family; the true strength of their navy is questionable."
The governor pondered for a moment and said, "The issue of trust does exist. We can first express our goodwill and promise to provide necessary navigation and supply points when the Qing army marches south. As for the strength of the Tatar navy... even if its ocean-going capabilities are limited, as long as it can transport thousands or even tens of thousands of troops across the strait and land in Manila, it will put enormous pressure on the Ming regime. Moreover, we have our powerful fleet to support us from the sea."
He paused, looked around at everyone, and said decisively, "Gentlemen, uniting with the Tatars is our most strategically valuable option at present."
Even if a joint operation cannot be immediately achieved, at least channels of communication should be established so that they fully understand the threat posed by the Filipino Chinese and are willing to reach a tacit understanding with us to some extent, or even secretly support our containment efforts.
After saying this, he appointed Valentine as plenipotentiary envoy to visit Guangzhou immediately, make contact with the Qing government, and requested the navy to strengthen inspections of any merchant ships coming from the Philippines. He also planned to send more warships and experienced soldiers from India to prepare for war.
Finally, the governor stood up, placed his hands on the edge of the table, and swept his gaze over each attendee, his tone heavy and firm:
"Gentlemen, we are at a critical juncture. This unexpected rise of the Ming regime has disrupted the old balance in the Far East and challenged the company's authority and interests. We must respond with the utmost wisdom, determination, and strength. The company's future dominance in Southeast Asia may depend on our next decisions and actions. For the company's interests, and for the glory of the Netherlands!"
"For the company's benefit! For the glory of the Netherlands!"
Everyone responded in unison.
……
At this moment, Zhu Jiheng, who was far away in Luzon, was unaware that the Dutch had planned to join forces with the Qing court to wage war against him.
At this time, he was personally receiving the indigenous princes from the islands surrounding Luzon. After learning that Cebu had been quickly captured by the Ming army, these princes' attitudes changed significantly. They went from initially observing and testing the waters to eagerly showing goodwill and submitting to the Ming.
Compared to the Spanish, the indigenous princes were more affectionate towards the Ming Dynasty. Many of their ancestors had seen Zheng He's treasure fleet and received investiture from the Ming Dynasty.
Although it is unknown why the Ming Dynasty went to Luzon, since the Ming army has demonstrated its powerful military strength, they naturally came running over to Zhu Jiheng to express their submission and allegiance.
Zhu Jiheng readily accepted this offer, promising that all internal affairs of each department would continue as before and that he would not interfere. The court would only establish Pacification Offices or Inspection Offices on each island, dispatching officials to be responsible for conveying government orders, mediating disputes, protecting trade, collecting appropriate taxes, teaching Chinese, and promoting agriculture, sericulture, and medicine.
However, the various departments must not attack each other without cause. If there is any dispute, it must be reported to the court officials for mediation and arbitration. Furthermore, intelligent young men should be selected to go to the imperial court or Jinghai County to learn Chinese language and skills.
After hearing Zhu Jiheng's promise, the princes were slightly surprised but also somewhat pleased. The conditions were much more lenient than those under Spanish rule, preserving their autonomy and imposing lighter taxes. Although there were some obligations, they did not seem unacceptable.
The promise of learning Chinese language and skills, and receiving protection from the imperial court for trade, were particularly attractive to them.
Therefore, the princes accepted Zhu Jiheng's conditions without hesitation. In the ensuing oath ceremony, they stepped forward one by one and, with the highest etiquette of their respective tribes, either knelt on one knee and touched their chests or prostrated themselves and kissed the ground beneath Zhu Jiheng's feet to swear allegiance to him.
After announcing the appointment of each person, Zhu Jiheng would personally bestow upon them a specially made bronze official seal, an imperial edict bearing the seal of the Regent, and gifts such as silk, porcelain, and ironware.
After the ceremony, Zhu Jiheng hosted a banquet for everyone, featuring local Luzon cuisine and Chinese dishes, as well as dishes to suit the indigenous tastes, such as grilled fish, bananas, and coconut wine.
In the midst of the revelry, Zhu Jiheng casually inquired about the situation on the southern islands from the chieftains, especially about the movements of the Dutch and the Sulu Sultanate.
"I've heard that the Sulu Sea is rich in resources, especially pearls and sea cucumbers. I wonder if any of you have trade dealings with the Sulu Kingdom? Is it peaceful there lately?" Zhu Jiheng asked, raising his wine cup as if in casual conversation.
Several princes from islands near the Sulu Sea exchanged glances, and a young chieftain, emboldened by alcohol, answered frankly:
"Your Highness, the Sulu people are skilled in seafaring and trade, and we do have some dealings with them, exchanging coconuts and rattan for their pearls and cloth; however, recently the Dutch ships have been frequently sailing there, often docking at Jolo Island, and have been in close contact with the Sulu nobles."
Another, more informed elder prince added: "The Sultan of Sulu is old, and his princes each have their own ideas. Some want to expand with the help of the Dutch, while others are worried that the Dutch will take the opportunity to seize power. Their attitudes are wavering."
As for Mindanao, the Spanish were holed up in a few strongholds like Zamboanga. They were few in number, but their firearms were formidable, and they had also won over some fierce mountain tribes, allowing them to temporarily withstand the Sulu siege.