prosperous age

Chapter 1161 1252 Burmese Gemstones
The next day, as soon as Wei Guangde entered the cabinet, he called Lu Bu.

"Don't rush to make the tea, just send the note out to me."

Wei Guangde gave the order. In front of him was a piece of paper with the ink still wet.

Wei Guangde picked up the note, blew on it, and it looked a little dry. He did not fold it, and handed it directly to Lu Bu and said, "Tell someone outside to take the note to the Ministry of War and hand it to Lord Tan."

"Yes, sir."

Lu Bu took it respectfully with both hands and was about to leave when he suddenly heard Wei Guangde's voice again.

"Wait a moment, I'll write another note."

Wei Guangde spread out another piece of paper and picked up the pen to write on it quickly.

After a moment, he put away the pen, picked it up again and blew on it, then handed it to the reed cloth and said, "Send this to the Ministry of Works and give it to Lord Jiang."

Lu Bu held a piece of paper in each hand, agreed, then left the duty room and walked quickly out of the cabinet.

However, as he walked on the road, Lubu still looked at the words curiously.

There were not many words on the note to Jiang Zhi, only asking the Ministry of Industry to arrange for the shipyards in Shandong to build twenty large ships that were suitable for sailing on the Songhua River and Heilongjiang River.

The note to Tan Lun contained a lot more words, and the content surprised Lu Bu a little because it mentioned the name of an official office.

"Nurgan Dusi."

Lu Bu almost cried out, because he had heard of this place before. He also knew that although the government office was still there, it had moved to Liaodong, and the court had actually abandoned this place.

Although there is no explicit text, the Ming Dynasty does not allow the abandonment of any territory, which is also one of the Ming Dynasty's ancestral precepts.

Starting from Chengzu, emperors were not allowed to give up land.

Although the Nurgan Regional Command moved inland during the Xuande period, the imperial court did not dare to give up the land. It only said that it would be allowed to the local Mongols and Jurchens to continue living there and maintain the Ming Dynasty's rule over the area.

Now, Wei Guangde's note clearly stated that the Ministry of War should send a letter to Liaodong to dispatch a thousand households to garrison in Nurgan City and rebuild the Yongning Temple.

The Nurgan Military Command was originally the Yuan Dynasty's Zhengdong Marshal's Office. It was officially upgraded to a military command in the ninth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty.

The seat of the Nurgan Regional Military Commission was located in Nurgan City on the east bank of the lower reaches of the Heilongjiang River, about 200 kilometers downstream from the mouth of the Heilongjiang River. The officials and garrison troops sent to the Nurgan Regional Military Commission were all here.

There were originally more than 400 guards and posts with garrison troops. The jurisdiction extended to the sea in the east, Sakhalin Island in the northeast, the Onon River in the west, the Tumen River in the south, and the Greater Khingan Range in the north.

Yongning Temple was built twice in Nurgan City in the 11th year of Yongle and the 8th year of Xuande, and two steles were erected.

The so-called eternal peace actually means praying for eternal peace.

The Nurgan Regional Command was home to Mongolian, Jurchen, Jirimi, Kuyi, Daur and a small number of Han people, most of whom made a living by gathering and hunting.

There were garrisons in the jurisdiction, and the Ming government also appointed leaders of various ethnic groups to be in charge of each garrison, gave them seals, and continued their customs, governing their subordinates and requiring them to pay tribute from time to time. The tribute included local specialties such as falcons, sable furs, horses, and pearls, which were equivalent to taxes in the inland areas.

Based on the post stations of the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming government restored the post station from Nurgan to the interior, strengthened the political ties, economic exchanges and friendly relations between Nurgan and the Ming court, and promoted the development of local social economy.

The 384 guards and 24 stations under the Nurgan Regional Command were actually mainly distributed along the lower reaches of the Heilongjiang River, in order to ensure transportation and also serve as post stations.

These garrisons were used as strongholds to radiate to surrounding areas, thereby realizing the Ming Dynasty's rule over local areas.

According to Wei Guangde's considerations, he would naturally not set up such a large scale of 400 garrisons as he did in the past.

It would be enough to select a few garrisons with good conditions along the way, rebuild them, build stronger fortresses, and station a hundred households there.

Isn't it the same thing that the Russians did in the past? They built solid fortresses and used guns and cannons to resist attacks from enemies that were several times their number?

Several strongholds were arranged along the way, and the remaining several hundred people went directly into Nurgan City and turned it into a solid fortress.

As for Sakhalin Island, a hundred-household unit can also be stationed there.

In fact, when the Ming Dynasty arrived here, there were permanent residents on Sakhalin Island. The Ming Dynasty called them "Kuyi people" in official documents.

When Wei Guangde was reading the documents of Nurgan Regional Military Commission, he once saw a place name that was deeply rooted in his memory, that is, "Miaojie".

In fact, Wei Guangde originally thought that Temple Street was near the Sino-Russian border, perhaps on the other side of the Heilongjiang River. After all, it is said that during the Qing Dynasty, the Russians had massacred local people here, including Han people.

Only now did Wei Guangde know that Temple Street was in Nurgan City. From a geographical point of view, it was actually on the east side of the mainland at the northwest end of Sakhalin Island. It was also the estuary of the lower reaches of the Heilongjiang River.

Well, it should be said that it was very far away from the Sino-Russian border that he was familiar with in later generations.

The so-called Temple Street is actually a place where many temples gather on the banks of the Heilongjiang River in the south of Nurgan City. During certain festivals every year, many people from the surrounding areas gather here to burn incense and worship Buddha.

Seeing this, Wei Guangde knew that it seemed that China still ruled Sakhalin Island during the Qing Dynasty, so he would never give up here.

Although the place is cold and harsh, there are still so many people living there, so the Ming Dynasty naturally should not withdraw.

Besides, the Ming army has now upgraded its weapons to more advanced ones, and there is no need to mobilize heavy troops to garrison there as in the past.

Just deploy a small number of troops and establish a solid stronghold.

Once this method is feasible, we can continue to advance into the Siberian region and gradually control more areas.

Of course, with the technology currently available to the Ming Dynasty, it can only expand its territory by moving along the rivers.

The Ming Dynasty became increasingly dependent on water transportation.

After Lu Bu had made all the arrangements, he went back to the duty room and reported the situation to Wei Guangde.

"understood."

Wei Guangde just said this lightly and continued to busy himself with his own things.

After finishing the report, Lu Bu remembered that he had not yet made tea for Lord Wei, and hurried out to do his work.

At this time in Ciqing Palace, Feng Bao was also reporting to the two Empress Dowagers what Wei Guangde had said last night.

"That means the imperial court will still do its best to maintain the canal, but the canal will mainly be used by merchant ships, so the burden will also be borne by the merchants?"

Although Emperor Wanli was not born to Empress Dowager Chen, Zhu Yijun had a good relationship with her since childhood and she treated him as her own son, so she actually cared more about the canal than Empress Dowager Li.

There are many people on both sides of the canal who make a living from the canal, which will definitely have a significant impact on the stability of the country.

"That's what Elder Zhang and Elder Wei think. The court is in charge of river works and will increase the tolls for the sluice gates."

Feng Bao replied, "According to the opinions of the two ministers, the number of merchant ships on the canal should increase in the future, and because it will no longer be affected by the canal ships, the speed of traveling from south to north will be faster, which is indeed a convenient measure for the people."

"Sister, what do you think?"

Empress Dowager Chen got the answer she wanted and said to Empress Dowager Li beside her.

"Sister, I have no other questions. As long as the canal remains the same, the people who make a living from the canal can still live a good life, which is naturally good."

Empress Dowager Li said immediately.

"Then let's do this. The Cabinet will submit the memorial and the Imperial Household Department will approve it."

Empress Dowager Chen said to Feng Bao.

"As ordered by the Emperor."

Feng Bao immediately said respectfully.

"Your Majesty, there is one more thing." Feng Bao hesitated, as if he didn't know whether he should say it or not.

"If you have anything to say, just tell me."

Queen Mother Chen said.

"That's right. The Cabinet seems to be preparing for the treatment of Burma after the Southwest War."

So, Feng Bao told the story about Wei Guangde's plan to set up a province in Myanmar at the banquet yesterday, and to have the court send people directly to manage Myanmar instead of indirectly managing it through the appointment of envoys.

"Burma establishes a province?"

Queen Mother Chen looked at Queen Mother Li hesitantly and said, "Is this appropriate?"

“Does the Imperial Ming Ancestor Instructions list Myanmar as a country that should not be conquered?”

Although Empress Dowager Li was the emperor's biological mother, she actually didn't know much about state affairs. She mostly used cabinet ministers to govern the country, and Feng Bao supervised them.

Although it is said that Empress Dowager Li was very strict with Emperor Wanli, at that time, although she was in a respected position, she was still not as high as Empress Dowager Chen in terms of the final say in the harem. Perhaps out of consideration for the emperor's face, everyone praised her very highly, especially Feng Bao, who almost treated her as the master of the harem.

But in fact, if Empress Dowager Chen was present, she wouldn't have much say, unless Empress Dowager Chen didn't want to deal with the matter.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

"Your Majesty, Myanmar was conquered by the Ming Dynasty at the beginning of its founding, so it was managed by the Xuanweisi, that is, the local chieftain served as the Xuanwei envoy, and the court did not send anyone to govern.

Normally, Myanmar affairs are handled by the Yunnan Provincial Administration.

Therefore, Myanmar is not on the list of countries not to be conquered, and the court's establishment of a province in Myanmar does not violate the teachings of Taizu. "

Feng Bao knew a lot about these things, so he naturally told them out immediately.

In fact, when the three of them were drinking last night, no one discussed this issue.

Zhang Juzheng was only worried about whether Myanmar would repeat the mistakes of Annan, while Feng Bao was still in shock.

Yes, although Myanmar seems to belong to the Ming Dynasty, it is actually independent of the Ming Dynasty and the imperial court has never managed it.

Don’t think that Feng Bao didn’t know about Myanmar’s affairs just because he was in the inner court. In fact, the imperial court would send people to Myanmar to purchase gems every few years, and the eunuchs would bring back a lot of news.

Feng Bao knew that the local Burmese people were not submissive to the king and had ulterior motives towards the Ming Dynasty.

When Feng Bao finished speaking at the banquet yesterday, Empress Dowager Li suddenly interrupted and asked, "Are you saying that Wei Guangde plans to let the Li family stay in Burma?"

"Not permanently. Yesterday we discussed the past in Annan. Both Lord Zhang and Lord Wei thought that if Duke Ying had not been so anxious to return to the court, and had waited until Annan was stable and the locals were used to the court's rule before returning, perhaps the result would have been very different."

Feng Bao said, "As for Li Chengliang, Wei Gelao's intention is to let him guard Burma and wait until the locals get used to the Ming Dynasty's rule before letting him return to Beijing.

In recognition of his hard work over the years, it is reasonable to give him the title of earl. After all, he has made some contributions to the expansion of the territory for the court.

The most important thing is that Wei Ge Lao believed that with Myanmar, the southwest would have a more convenient access to the sea, and the southwest goods could be transported through Myanmar to Daqin and other places for sale, and the southwest’s business would become more prosperous.

By then, the Ming Dynasty will officially own the West Sea, and a part of the South China Sea Navy will be stationed in Myanmar for a long time. The court can name it the West China Sea Navy.

In this way, the Ming Dynasty will have the South China Sea Navy and the West China Sea Navy. Earlier, the cabinet also discussed upgrading the Denglai Navy to the East China Sea Navy. So the only thing missing is the North China Sea Navy. "

At this moment, Feng Bao became somewhat arrogant and his voice became louder and louder.

"Does Beihai have a direction?"

Empress Dowager Chen still didn't say anything. She didn't care about external affairs. She just wanted the Ming Dynasty to be stable internally.

However, Empress Dowager Li seemed to take this very seriously. After all, the country belonged to her son. If he did a good job and expanded the territory, it would be recorded in history books in the future.

For royal families, worldly power and wealth are no longer important. Like the literati, what they care about is perhaps their reputation before and after their death.

Because Feng Bao mentioned the East Sea, South Sea and West Sea, but missed the North Sea, Empress Dowager Li asked this question.

"Yes, it is Nurgandusi, the northernmost region of the Ming Dynasty.

However, during the Xuande period, the imperial court relocated the Nurgan Regional Military Commission inland, and now the place is deserted.

If the imperial court wants to restore its garrison there, it needs to consult with the Ministry of War and the Liaodong Regional Military Commission.

Wei Gelao's idea is to reduce the number of troops stationed in Nurgan Dusi, no longer maintain the scale of hundreds of garrisons, but only shrink to the Heilongjiang River Basin, station troops in Nurgan City and Sakhalin Island, and try to find a sea route from there to Daming. "

Feng Bao said.

"Nurgan Dusi, I seem to have seen this place somewhere before."

Empress Dowager Chen suddenly spoke.

"Every year, local chieftains from all over the country are organized to come to Beijing to meet the emperor, including the tribal chieftains of Nurgandusi. Your Majesty must have seen this name there."

Feng Bao immediately laughed.

"Please pay attention to this matter, and also try to find out the opinions of the court and report them in time."

Empress Dowager Li and Empress Dowager Chen looked at each other and finally spoke.

After Feng Bao left, Empress Dowager Li asked Empress Dowager Chen for her opinion on the matter.

"As women, you and I don't understand these national affairs, so it all depends on what the ministers in the court think.

When we have a plan, we will ask the nobles for advice."

Queen Mother Chen said.

"That's fine too."

In fact, as Empress Dowager Chen said, Empress Dowager Li might be able to teach her son, at least that's what she thought.

But when it comes to national affairs, the two of them really know nothing and can only rely on court officials and nobles.

After all, there is only one Wu Zetian in this world.

However, after Feng Bao left the palace, he had different thoughts.

He could sense that Empress Dowager Li seemed enthusiastic and supportive about the affairs of Myanmar and the Nurgan Regional Administration.

He could understand Empress Dowager Li's mentality, and knew that everything was good for her son.

As long as Wei Guangde can really do his job well, the emperor's martial arts will be accomplished.

From this point of view, as long as Wei Guangde gets Zhang Juzheng's full support, he might be able to get things done.

"Myanmar."

Feng Bao muttered something.

Feng Bao had never dared to think about this place before, but now, he suddenly became interested in it.

For no other reason than the gems that are found there.

If the Ming Dynasty could really rule there, Burmese gems could be presented there continuously in the future.

Thinking of the gems purchased from Myanmar, Feng Bao suddenly felt that he should contact Wei Guangde and give it a try.

He had little contact with Li Chengliang, so at this time he could only rely on Wei Guangde.