Chapter 107: Recognizing Talent

In truth, even without the minor incident involving Qin Conglong, the Chaohu Naval Forces would have spared no effort to restore order and normal operations in Zhenjiang Prefecture at the earliest possible moment.

Unlike other towns and fortresses captured by the Chaohu Naval Forces, Zhenjiang Prefecture was their own territory. Within this domain, neither Han Lin’er, Liu Futong, nor Zhu Yuanzhang’s orders held sway; all decisions were solely determined by the Chaohu Naval Forces.

Even on their own ground, from the highest-ranking marshals and commanders down to the hundred-household leaders, squad leaders, ordinary soldiers, and their accompanying families, everyone valued this territory deeply. Before entering Zhenjiang City, Liu Yi repeatedly emphasized, “I can turn a blind eye to chaos outside, but once we’re home, everyone must keep order. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will answer for it with their own head!”

Since entering Zhenjiang Prefecture was considered “coming home,” the Chaohu Naval Forces naturally behaved with the utmost discipline. Even if minor disturbances arose, the commanders of thousands and hundreds could resolve them promptly.

Former Censor Qin Conglong praised Liu Yi and the Chaohu Naval Forces without reservation: “I’ve always heard that the Chaohu troops differ from other righteous militias—they are a true army of benevolence and kingship. I was skeptical until today, but seeing them firsthand has shown me that the reputation does not do them justice. Marshal Liu truly commands a kingly and benevolent force.”

Feeling his words insufficient, Qin Conglong added, “Marshal Liu is unlike any other militia leader I know. In my memory, only Xiang Puluo of old could be compared to him!”

Though Yuan dynasty officials harbored deep hatred for Xiang Puluo, they could not deny his exemplary conduct and strategic vision, which surpassed even the finest Yuan military commanders. His ultimate defeat was but fate’s decree.

Immediately after speaking, Qin Conglong worried he might have misspoken—after all, Xiang Puluo had fallen in battle, an unfortunate comparison that might provoke Marshal Liu’s displeasure. Yet, to his surprise, Lady Jinhua by Liu Yi’s side smiled warmly and said, “Marshal, your words are most fitting. Censor Qin is truly a rare talent!”

A “rare talent”? Qin Conglong nearly thought he had misheard.

Barbarian Haiya’s claim that Qin “retreated to Zhenjiang due to certain matters” was actually an attempt to flatter him. In truth, Qin Conglong had been forced into hiding in Zhenjiang because he had blundered several major investigations simultaneously and offended powerful figures. The situation was so grave and damaging that even the Deputy Censor Haiya could not protect him, leaving him no choice but to seek refuge there.

Given that even his benefactor Haiya could not shield him, and lacking strong backing, Qin Conglong held a bleak view of his own future—let alone now, trapped in enemy hands and unable to denounce his captors. Yet Lady Jinhua’s words suddenly rekindled his hope: “Marshal, you flatter me. But since you praise me so highly, I shall speak frankly. It is no longer appropriate to call you ‘Marshal.’ The time for conquest is at hand, though not yet for governance. Since Zhenjiang has changed hands, we must act swiftly to establish a provincial government!”

If Haiya had been evasive, Qin Conglong was now wholeheartedly advocating for the Chaohu rebels.

Although the Chaohu Naval Forces had set up the “Chaohu Marshal’s Office,” it was merely a military institution, not a governing body. To properly administer Zhenjiang Prefecture and other territories secured by the Chaohu forces, they needed to establish civil provincial and county governments to restore order and implement full wartime mobilization. This was precisely Liu Yi’s intent in courting literati and scholars.

Of course, Qin Conglong’s proposal to establish a provincial government came with ulterior motives. Once the province was set up, Liu Yi would naturally assume the role of Chancellor or Prime Minister, while Qin Conglong, as a recognized talent, could at least hold the title of Vice Minister—essentially a chancellor in his own right.

A lifetime position as chancellor was a source of great satisfaction. Regardless of the ultimate fate of Liu Yi’s army, Qin Conglong could secure such a position. Liu Yi, however, could only smile wryly and say, “Censor Qin, your words are most wise. We shall indeed establish a provincial government, but only with an imperial edict. Moreover, I believe the provincial seat will likely be at Jiqing.”

Qin Conglong knew that although Liu Yi’s Chaohu Naval Forces nominally belonged to the Longfeng Court, they were remnants of Peng Yingyu and Xu Shouhui’s old troops. They were the same faction as Xiang Puluo, who had nearly conquered Jiqing in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces years earlier.

Furthermore, the newly joined Ma Shixiong and Chang Shan were veterans of the Spear Army and the Blue Army, while Kang Maocai and Haiya’s followers were former Yuan soldiers. At Liu Yi’s command, they could readily change their banner—but such a move would sever ties with Zhu Yuanzhang in Jiqing forever.

Although Qin Conglong longed to change banners immediately, he had to think long-term: “We must have the official status of the Marshals’ Office of the Xuanyi Division, a provincial government, or the Privy Council’s branch office. Otherwise, here in Zhenjiang we would be entirely subject to Jiqing, making governance difficult.”

The Marshals’ Office of the Xuanyi Division, provincial governments, and Privy Council branch offices were provisional institutions in the Yuan dynasty’s hierarchy, ranking between the Central Secretariat and the circuits, prefectures, and counties. Though various rebel regimes, including the Longfeng Court, claimed to “restore the Song dynasty,” their administrative structures closely mirrored those of the Yuan. In fact, new Yuan institutions were often immediately imitated by rebel factions—a fact only seasoned operators like Qin Conglong could grasp to help Liu Yi devise suitable official titles.

Hearing this, Liu Yi laughed: “Deputy Censor, what title do you think would best suit our allegiance?”

Haiya was surprised that Liu Yi sought his opinion but appreciated the respect: “With a sincere heart to serve, any title will do. Let Jiqing fret over such matters!”

Liu Yi laughed heartily: “Exactly, Deputy Censor. Let Zhu Yuanzhang in Jiqing bother himself with it!”

Though Zhu Yuanzhang viewed Liu Yi with disdain, since Liu Yi had secured Zhenjiang Prefecture, he naturally needed an appropriate official title: “The urgent matter now is Zhenjiang. Marshal Liu inquired which title among the Privy Council, provincial government, or Xuanyi Marshal’s Office would be most fitting. He is truly eager—thinking of setting up his own regime before the imperial edict has even arrived!”

Li Shanchang’s view, however, differed completely from Zhu Yuanzhang’s: “This is a good thing!”