Chapter Twenty-One

An unexpected troublemaker appeared—none other than the former governor of Tianjin. In such a public setting, he immediately became the focus of the city's people. The lively, sharp-tongued Tianjin folk, always eager for a spectacle, seized the opportunity, thoroughly disrupting the dignified and solemn atmosphere Lin Feng had painstakingly created to foster support for the military and goodwill among the populace. Considering the political implications, Lin Feng promptly ordered an end to the farce, commanding that this tactless fellow be escorted back to the governor's office.

For reasons unknown, Nalan Dexing proved remarkably cooperative. Of course, had he shouted reactionary slogans in public, Lin Feng would have ordered his mouth gagged immediately. In fact, several military police officers were prepared to do just that. Yet, seeing the governor's upright and resolute demeanor, everyone felt that such an act would ruin the scene, and at the very least, make them appear as ruthless villains.

Once the prisoner had been brought into the main hall, Lin Feng ordered the doors closed, driving away the crowds that had followed and watched, so that a secret interrogation could be conducted.

Lin Feng sat in the central chair, eyes narrowed, sizing up the former governor before him. After the initial surge of excitement and anger, Nalan Dexing had clearly regained his composure. Now, his expression was calm, standing upright in the center of the hall, meeting Lin Feng's gaze without fear.

Lin Feng did not retreat, matching his stare, and waved his hand dismissively. "Enough, enough. To be honest, with your intelligence, it's really difficult for me to discuss such complex issues with you."

Nalan Dexing, instead of taking offense, laughed scornfully. "A mere soldier—what wisdom could you possibly possess?"

Lin Feng looked at him impassively. "I'll make you a wager. Do you believe that within a few years, I’ll wipe out your so-called 'Great Qing'? Before you answer, let me add—just don’t hang yourself in confusion before that happens."

Nalan Dexing’s anger was evident, and he retorted, "Fine, fine, fine. I’ll watch how this traitor meets his end!"

Lin Feng shook his head and snorted. "But before that, you’ll have to help me with something..."

"Bah!" Nalan Dexing sneered. "Though I am a scholar, I am also an upright man. To serve the enemy? Perish the thought!"

Lin Feng ignored his protest and continued, "My Han army has already taken Beijing and Tianjin, and soon all of Zhili will be ours. There are millions of people in the territory, including over two hundred thousand women and children of the Eight Banners. We need to find a place to settle them, distribute land so they can make a living. I intend to have you oversee their management."

Nalan Dexing was stunned. He stared at Lin Feng as if seeing him anew, mumbling, "What did you say?... You want me to..."

"Precisely. I've reviewed Tianjin's civil records; you were quite a competent governor. So, I plan to have you manage this." Lin Feng turned to him, speaking gently. "I don’t intend to slaughter those unfortunate souls. As a scholar, you should understand the meaning of 'benevolence.'—Though you see me as a rebel, I refuse to emulate the mad cruelty of the likes of Dorgon and Dodo."

Nalan Dexing’s face flushed red, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked. Though Lin Feng had just insulted his revered ancestors, at this moment, he found himself at a loss for words. After a long silence, he spoke hoarsely, "Why would you entrust me with this? Are you not afraid I’ll lead them in rebellion?"

"In my eyes, Manchus and Han are equals. The so-called Eight Banner families are not enemies, merely pitiable women and children. The Han soldiers are deeply hostile toward the Eight Banners, so I don’t want to send a Han official to manage them, lest those women and children suffer greatly. As for rebellion..." He smiled bitterly and shook his head. "If you insist on destroying the Eight Banners, there’s nothing I can do."

Nalan Dexing was silent for a while, then solemnly straightened his robes and gave Lin Feng a deep bow.

Lin Feng rose, returned the salute, walked down the steps, and stood shoulder to shoulder with Nalan Dexing. He spoke kindly, "You’ve been governor, so you understand Han commoners. In truth, Han people don’t bear grudges for long. After settling in the region, you’ll likely face some isolation in the first few years, but once you become familiar, the common folk won’t remember these things." He patted Nalan Dexing's shoulder. "Go see your wife and children—they’re in the rear courtyard of the office. I’ve ordered my guards not to disturb them. Later, I’ll write you a note; you can prepare to take office."

Nalan Dexing silently bowed, heading for the door. At the threshold, he turned back suddenly, "General Lin... are you Manchu?" Seeing Lin Feng hesitate, he frowned. "Do you have ancestors who..."

Lin Feng sighed and waved him away.

Nalan Dexing said no more, striding out of the hall.

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Apologies, apologies. I was out this morning and returned to find heated arguments. Had I known, I would have updated with two chapters yesterday.

To calm the debate, here’s an extra update.

Also: A word of advice to all brothers—do not equate a handful of slave owners with the vast majority of Manchu compatriots. To this day, the Manchu remain an integral part of the great Chinese nation, bound to us by blood and flesh. The depictions in this book are merely the perspective and reactions of a particular individual under unique historical circumstances.

Ideal Times
8, 4