Emperor Ming Dynasty

Chapter 618 Sweet Potato and Tribute

Both cinchona trees and sweet potatoes are good things for Daming, and they are worth promoting.

Of course, sweet potatoes were transplanted from Central America to Luzon, and spread to Fujian as early as the end of Wanli.

It's just this vague impression that makes him not very sure. It would be great if he could directly introduce it from the Spaniard.

Longqing opened the sea, allowing Daming to truly open the door to the country. Whether it is corn, sweet potatoes, or cinchona cream, they are all imported from Southeast Asia.

Facing the reward and trade of silk, the Spaniards agreed.

In other words, they have no room to resist at all, because they have known for a long time that sweet potatoes have been introduced to China, but they have not been widely promoted.

When they really start to spread to the whole country, they have to wait until the end of Kangxi to Qianlong.Population ushered in explosive growth.

For traditional agricultural countries, population explosion is definitely doing more harm than good, and a short-lived demographic dividend can bring endless harm.

The phantom of the prosperity of Kangxi and Qianlong was broken by the White Lotus Sect uprising in seven provinces.

However, today's Ming Dynasty needs population.

Leaving aside, the barren land in various provinces requires a lot of manpower, whether it is to reclaim Liaodong or develop Taiwan.

Moreover, with the prevalence of maritime trade, the number of people is equivalent to the number of sailors, which is enough to suppress Western countries.

Having received satisfactory answers one after another, Zhu Yixi was extremely satisfied. With this joyful mood, he contacted the Englishman one after another.

Compared with the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, which have a strong sense of presence, England's sense of presence is extremely weak.

Translation is not a problem, the official language of the entire European court is French.

"I heard that your king was beheaded?"

The Englishman looked embarrassed and didn't know where to put his hands.

"Charles I, who was greedy and shameless, broke his promise and was cruel and cruel, so he naturally accepted the trial of the people."

"People? It's your new nobles!"

Zhu Yixi said calmly.

In the blink of an eye, the time has passed unknowingly to 1650. Charles I was beheaded in 1649, that is, last year, which shocked the whole of Europe.

The new aristocrats engaged in commerce fought with the old aristocrats over taxation, and because of faith and the king.

Of course, if you look at Europe as a whole, this is the last aftermath of the 30 years of religious wars.

A profound interpretation of the concept that heretics are more hateful than heretics.

At the same time, throughout the seventeenth century and beyond, the East Asian cultural circle was expelling Catholicism and its believers, and the fear of monotheism was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

In this regard, Zhu Yixi did not completely lock down and restrict the country after hearing the news that Louis XVI of France was sent to the guillotine like Qianlong in history.

What the hell, the change of dynasty in China is even more terrifying, and the whole family is wiped out, and the West is still insignificant.

It was only after hearing this news that Zhu Yixi understood the significance of the shrinking world.

"The new nobles are the people, representing the interests of England."

The English ambassador argued.

Zhu Yixi shook his head, not interested in this seven or eight years old civil war, casually said:

"I invited you here this time for the sake of the Netherlands."

"Netherlands?"

"How about your two countries joining forces to deal with the Netherlands?"

Zhu Yixi asked with great interest: "Your country is in Europe, and I am in the South China Sea. Both have their own gains."

The British textile industry began to challenge the Dutch, so it naturally regarded the Dutch as its biggest enemy. This kind of life-and-death issue was much more serious than that of China.

For Ming, the Dutch controlled the Malacca area, as well as Malaya, Indonesia and other archipelagos, and they were colonies that they longed for.

Hearing this, the English ambassador's face turned red, and he said: "Our country still needs a port in the South China Sea area, a foothold."

"can."

Zhu Yixi responded straight away: "As long as you Englishmen contribute to the Southern Expedition, that's fine."

The reason why they insist on beating the Dutch is that the Dutch are strong outside but capable in the middle, and their development is limited by insufficient population.

Secondly, the Dutch colonies in Asia are really good and too big, basically they were snatched from Spain.

With the prevalence of maritime trade, the Dutch who controlled most of the ships and key ports became big winners. They lost Taiwan but gained wealth.

The Chinese are eager to eliminate middlemen and earn the difference themselves.

And directly prompting Zhu Yixi to fight against the Netherlands, it was the discovery that there were Dutch people in the Korean War.

According to Wu Sangui, a large amount of gunpowder and firearms were found in Seoul, and the presence of Xiyi shipbuilders may not even be ruled out.

Whether it is the funding of weapons or ships, it is not something Daming can bear.

Therefore, Zhu Yixi finally made up his mind.

After defeating the Manchus, build a strong cavalry and infantry.

And to fight against the Netherlands, Ming will build a navy that spans all over the world.

Finally, according to the usual practice, Zhu Yixi asked for a cinchona tree at a high price, and the Englishman naturally patted his chest in response.

A diplomatic event exhausted Zhu Yixi physically and mentally.

"We still have to recruit a diplomatic talent."

He glanced at the translator beside him, and said, "If you have made a contribution as a translator, you can be the chief of the host and guest department!"

"Thanks Your Majesty Ron—"

He was overjoyed, and he was a sixth-rank official. How many people can't reach this position?
After dealing with the affairs of the European countries, the Ministry of Rites sent good news: "North Korea has returned to Pyongyang, and an ambassador will be sent to thank you."

"Thank you, what's the use of talking?"

The emperor was dissatisfied and said: "Jiang Qing, do you have a charter?"

"Since Chongzhen, North Korea has succumbed to the establishment of slaves. Whether it is sending troops or food, it can be said to be diligent and diligent, just like a filial son and grandson."

"As for our Daming, there is only gratitude, but no dedication."

"Your Majesty, North Korea is weak and poor, and there is no other choice."

Jiang Yueguang frowned, and said honestly: "If it's like Jiannu, wouldn't Daming be like a barbarian?"

"You still don't understand what I mean."

Zhu Yixi shook his head, and said with a light smile: "Da Ming helped him restore the country twice, and he paid blindly and only gained some fame. How is this beneficial to the country?"

"The rewards of the soldiers, the money and food consumed, and the lives are in the millions."

"Then what does His Majesty mean, asking for money and food?"

Jiang Yueguang was somewhat critical. In his opinion, shouldn't it be right for an old father to save his son?There is no reason to be paid.

"North Korea has to pay 20,000 shi of grain to Beijing every year, and the Ministry of Households will give [-] yuan of silver as a reward. How about this?"

Collecting food in the name of tribute, and also rewarding silver, is perfect in theory, but in essence it is buying low and selling cheap.

It can also supplement Beijing's grain and grass.

"In addition, Daming promised North Korean merchants to freely enter and exit Daming for trade. In response, North Korea should also allow Daming merchants to enter..."

"North Korea must form a navy, subject to the control of my country's North Sea Navy, and share the navy's military expenses..."

(End of this chapter)