Bumbutai had never intended to involve herself heavily in court affairs. However, as a woman of the Khorchin Mongol tribe, the news that her own kin had come under attack left her anxious, and she immediately recommended to Fulin that Hong Chengchou be brought in to handle the matter.
Inside the Chongzheng Hall, Hong Chengchou, the former Governor-General of Jiliao for the Great Ming, stood below the steps, waiting patiently for Fulin's arrival. Previously, he had suggested to Fulin that the Qing establish a navy to raid the Great Ming coastline for money and grain, using the plundered resources to sustain the war effort. While this strategy had gained Fulin’s approval, it had also overshadowed the Eight Banners nobility, and ever since, he had been sidelined. Even when Prince Rui returned to power, he had not made use of Hong, choosing instead to keep him in Shengjing, ignored and forgotten. Now that Fulin had summoned him, it was clearly a sign that he intended to rely on him once more.
Before long, Fulin slowly walked in.
Chapter 1015