“Beyond the Jiangnan gentry, there are also profit-driven, shortsighted commoners who secretly collude with the pirates, passing them information, guiding their paths, hiding them, supplying food, and even sending their own kin to join their ranks! With these degenerate gentry and commoners secretly supporting them, the pirates have usurped heaven’s timing, terrain, and unity!” Zhang Jing said indignantly to the assembly.
Indeed, Zhang Jing spoke the truth. Since the maritime ban, many coastal residents had secretly collaborated with the pirates.
Not long ago, pirates under Wang Zhi’s command even appeared in markets in Suzhou and Hangzhou, trading with locals. Some residents eagerly sent their relatives to join the pirate ranks.
Zhu Ping’an was well aware of this.
“Governor-General, you’re absolutely right. Once, we set an ambush for the pirates, but some commoners tipped them off. We waited in vain at the ambush site, and when we gave up and withdrew, the pirates ambushed us on the way back, killing many of our brothers. After investigating, we found someone had informed the pirates, but the culprit was cunning—we couldn’t pinpoint who, only narrowing it down to a few villages near the ambush site,” one general said, supporting Zhang Jing’s point.
“We’ve had similar experiences,” another general added. “Our scouts found pirates drinking heavily—a golden opportunity. We organized a group of local youths to surround them while they were drunk, planning to catch them off guard. But when our army arrived, the pirates had vanished. We suspected one of the youths tipped them off, and now it’s clear that’s what happened.”
Two generals quickly corroborated Zhang Jing’s words with their own experiences.
“Another major reason for our army’s repeated defeats is our lack of strength. The guard posts are no longer what they once were. You’re all military leaders—you know better than I how rotten the guard system has become,” Zhang Jing said, scanning the room, his gaze lingering briefly on each martial general.
The room fell silent.
How could they not know the guard system’s decay? Once elite, it had become a shadow of itself, its combat strength diminished tenfold or more.
“There are surely other reasons, but if we address these two, the pirates will be no match for us!” Zhang Jing declared passionately.
“Well said, my lord!” the room responded enthusiastically.
“This is why I’ve summoned you all today,” Zhang Jing said, pressing his hands on the table, leaning slightly forward to address the group. “Please, share your thoughts.”
“Governor-General, give us your orders. We’ll follow without hesitation,” the attendees declared, pledging their full support.
Zhang Jing nodded, pleased with their response, and gestured for calm. “With your unwavering support, the pirates’ days are numbered.”
“The Emperor appointed me as Governor-General to oversee the suppression of pirates in Jiangnan—a trust I will honor with my life. With this imperial mandate, it’s my duty to unify the anti-pirate efforts. From now on, whether in South Zhili, Zhejiang, Fujian, or elsewhere, all operations will be under my command. Any objections?” Zhang Jing asked sternly, his tone leaving no room for dissent despite the question.
“We have no objections. As Governor-General, it’s only right you lead the anti-pirate efforts. We’ll follow your orders,” the group responded.
“Good. To address the two main issues, I’ve decided the first—dealing with gentry and commoners colluding with pirates—will be handled by the regional inspectors. From now on, your top priority is to root out these corrupt gentry who foster pirates and the commoners who aid them. Ensure they cannot sabotage our upcoming anti-pirate strategies and operations!” Zhang Jing said, his gaze pausing briefly on Tu Dashan, Zhu Ping’an, and the other inspectors.
“Yes, sir!” Zhu Ping’an, Tu Dashan, and the other inspectors cupped their hands in acknowledgment.
“Lord Tu, Young Lord Zhu—South Zhili and Zhejiang, especially South Zhili, are heavily afflicted by pirates. The number of gentry fostering pirates and commoners colluding with them is significant, and these regions are key to our future military campaigns. Your responsibilities are heavy. Can you complete this task?” Zhang Jing asked, singling out Tu Dashan and Zhu Ping’an with a serious expression.
*He’s asking us to make a military pledge,* Zhu Ping’an realized from Zhang Jing’s tone and demeanor.
If Zhu Ping’an could see it, Tu Dashan, a seasoned official, certainly could.
The task was daunting. Since the maritime ban, Jiangnan’s coastal gentry and merchants lost legitimate overseas trade channels. But the profits from sea trade were several times higher than inland trade—how could they give that up? When legal trade was blocked, they turned to illicit means.
Illicit trade meant working with pirates—or even fostering pirate groups.
Some even became pirates themselves.
On the surface, they were respectable gentry or wealthy merchants, maintaining good relations with neighbors, often aiding the poor, seen as paragons of virtue. But in secret, they led bands of men, committing heinous acts—murder, arson, rape, and plunder.
Coastal fishermen and commoners, cut off from their livelihoods by the ban, were driven by necessity or resentment toward the court. Under the pirates’ coercion or inducements, supporting or joining them became one of their few options.
Thus, the task was both heavy and difficult. But as Zhang Jing said, failing to address this would leave their anti-pirate efforts at a disadvantage.
This was why Zhang Jing demanded a military pledge from him and Tu Dashan.
To suppress the pirates, this issue had to be resolved.
Though difficult, they had to act!
“Please rest assured, Governor-General. We will complete the task. If we fail, we’ll accept any punishment,” Zhu Ping’an and Tu Dashan said almost in unison, publicly making their pledge.
“Excellent!” Zhang Jing said, clearly satisfied with their commitment.
“With Lord Tu and Young Lord Zhu overseeing South Zhili and Zhejiang, I’m confident. But let me be clear: if our future anti-pirate campaigns are hindered by gentry or commoners colluding with pirates, you’ll bear full responsibility. I’ll report it to the Emperor, and don’t blame me for being merciless. This applies not only to South Zhili and Zhejiang but to all regions!” Zhang Jing said sternly.
“Please rest assured, Governor-General. We, too, will complete the task. If we fail, we’ll accept your punishment,” the other inspectors echoed.
“Good!” Zhang Jing nodded, pleased.
