prosperous age

The study in the Wei Mansion was brightly lit by candles. Wei Guangde had been chatting with Lu Changli for a long time and had a clear understanding of the situation in the southeast coast in recent years.

Especially the situation of Japanese pirates. Although Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou eliminated many Japanese pirates, they were all relatively strong and had a great reputation.

And even more Japanese pirates mysteriously disappeared during those years.

Some said that they had robbed enough money and returned to Japan to live a carefree life, but from what Lu Changli said, it seemed that these people had now been cleansed and became sailors on merchant ships.

In fact, they were originally boatmen. They were like this when they docked, and if they found a fat sheep on the sea, they would not mind going back to play the role of pirates again.

"Master Wei, I heard all this from others, but I have forgotten who said it."

After saying this, Lu Changli perhaps felt that he had said something out of turn, so he quickly added something else.

Wei Guangde understood what that meant.

"As long as those people don't cause trouble along the coast of Ming Dynasty, if they commit crimes in the distant seas, they deserve to be dealt with if they are caught.

But if someone commits a crime along the coast of Daming, it would definitely be a serious crime if he is caught.”

Wei Guangde knew clearly that these people would not do anything bad along the coast. If one of them escaped, the entire ship would be doomed.

Therefore, even if they acted as pirates, they committed crimes in places far away from the Ming Dynasty.

After all, even if things were not done cleanly enough, if the foreign vassal states informed the Ming Dynasty, they would have a way to solve it.

Do you really think that the Celestial Empire is a waste of time? As long as we take good care of the officials, these things are just trivial matters. We just need to not acknowledge the evidence they submitted. What's more, the so-called evidence is nothing more than the confession of the escaped person, whether there is any physical evidence or not.

"So, Guangdong has received such documents?"

Wei Guangde asked curiously.

He had never seen Guangdong report such a situation before, so he asked out of curiosity.

Logically, these things should have happened, otherwise Lu Changli wouldn't know so much.

After all, if a crime is committed overseas, no one would be stupid enough to publicize it.

"A letter from Siam came, saying that a Ming ship robbed two of their cargo ships, but the matter was dismissed by the prefect. He just asked someone to question him, but he didn't admit that it happened, so the matter was dropped."

Lu Changli answered in a low voice.

"Ah."

Wei Guangde nodded, he understood the following operations.

Since no case has been filed, it naturally doesn't count and there is no need to report it.

If a case is really established and involves foreign vassal states, it must be reported.

This is in line with the current working habits of officials, turning big things into small things and small things into nothing.

Just turn a blind eye and you'll see, nothing will happen.

If you take it too seriously, you lose.

"You are close to Fujian, so you should know the news of Yuegang. When the sea merchants went out to do these things, didn't they encounter retaliation?"

Wei Guangde didn't believe that people in other countries were all good men and women, so he just swallowed his anger.

In addition, he had to inform the Ministry of Rites to be on guard against these matters so that others would not take advantage of the emperor's wedding to file a complaint.

In fact, it’s not that Wei Guangde is protecting his own people, but he really doesn’t intend to get involved in these matters.

If he cares about everything, he will be exhausted to death.

The officials below handled the case quite well. If there was sufficient evidence, they would have reported it to the capital long ago.

This means they know, but have no evidence.

"Yes, last year a ship came back with many wounds and was being repaired at my shipyard. There was blood all over the deck and many people died. They reported to the authorities that they encountered pirates in the South China Sea.

There should be others, but the ship hasn't reached me yet, so I have no way of knowing.

Those big sea merchants all have their own secret shipyards, which can even build sea vessels, so repairing ships is naturally no problem."

Lu Changli said again, it was not what he wanted to say, but Wei Guangde wanted to ask, so he had to answer.

In fact, he was very conflicted at the moment and just wanted to talk to Wei Guangde as soon as possible.

Sure enough, after Wei Guangde asked what he wanted to know, he started talking about business.

"I heard that you want to expand your shipyard and build bigger ships?"

Wei Guangde looked at him with a playful smile.

"Lord Wei, my family used to build ships, but later the shipyard's master craftsman was registered as a craftsman and transferred to Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

With only family members left, we can only build some fishing boats or something.

Gradually, we began to build larger passenger and cargo ships.

But people like us don't know anything else except shipbuilding. Now that the imperial court has lifted the maritime ban, we thought of coming to the capital to ask for advice on how to expand the shipyard.

There is not enough money at home, and I want to find some capable shareholders so that we can make money together."

When he heard the serious business, Lu Changli immediately started talking about his own affairs, obviously wanting to get Wei Guangde to join him.

If Lord Wei gets involved in the investment, his shipyard will surely prosper.

As long as the ship is well built, there will be no shortage of customers to order it.

Lord Wei has invested in quite a few chambers of commerce. This is no secret in the capital. Lu Changli has been in the capital for quite some time and has heard about it a long time ago.

"What's the situation at your shipyard?"

Wei Guangde began to ask about the shipyard in detail. Not everyone could understand it as well as he did. At least one had to have a certain foundation.

“The shipyard currently has four docks.”

When Lu Changli said this, he saw Wei Guangde's face change slightly, and hurriedly explained: "Mr. Wei, the court banned the sea in the early years, and my shipyard was left over from the early years, otherwise we would not be allowed to do this business at all.

It has survived to this day by relying on the shipbuilding business for canal transportation and helping with repairs.

My four docks are already the largest shipyards in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong. The government-run ones are incomparable. They receive business from the Governor's Office of the Grain Transport Administration.'

Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong are close to the sea, and most importantly, there are extensive river networks in the area, and water transportation is very convenient. Therefore, relying on inland shipping, the Lu family shipyard has been able to survive until now without collapsing.

"Then how much money do you need me to invest in expanding the shipyard, and how much share do you want me to get?"

Wei Guangde asked casually.

“Lord Wei, actually, shipbuilding is not something that can be done overnight. Now we need to build a big ship, and the expansion of the shipyard is a later matter. The main thing is to ask the master craftsman to take on the responsibility of shipbuilding.

This is what I think. If we can hire a master craftsman from the shipyard, we can try to build one or two large ships first. After customers see our ships and place orders, we can expand the shipyard and recruit more people.

Lu Changli did not intend to get rich overnight, nor did he plan to expand the shipyard directly. Instead, he wanted to master the technology of building large ships, and then expand according to market changes. This was a safe approach.

After all, shipbuilding is not a matter of overnight. Although building a large ship only requires sufficient materials and can be completed in three to five months, the Lu family has not built a large ship for many years, and the technology and workers need a process to accumulate.

"As long as we can help introduce a few master craftsmen and open up connections for purchasing wood from Dongfan Island, the shipyard can contribute 20% of the cost."

Lu Changli was still talking about his ideas, and Wei Guangde understood. It seemed that the news that he would take two components of the shares in order to provide channels to open up connections might have spread outside, and even this Guangdong red man knew about it.

In fact, it’s not that Wei Guangde doesn’t want to develop his own business, but he just doesn’t have many such business talents.

Moreover, Zhang Juzheng's approach was actually more in line with the norm of the Ming Dynasty at that time.

Only families of officials can gain a foothold in the Ming Dynasty for a long time.

Why did he know it was wrong but still couldn't help but secretly arrange for his children to take the imperial examination?

It doesn’t matter whether they can pass the imperial examination or not, but they must have the status of a juren, which is the foundation for settling down and building a career.

What’s the use of having money alone?

The county magistrate who ruined his family and the prefect who wiped out his entire clan, just think about how terrified the ordinary people were when facing officials.

Wei Guangde actually already had some understanding of why the Donglin Party emerged in the late Ming Dynasty and why the Jiangnan merchant group supported them. It was because they were afraid of extortion by officials.

Even Zhang Siwei's family still relies on business as their main occupation, but if there is someone in the family who is educated, the family will try every means to pave the way for him to take the imperial examination.

Wei Guangde was still somewhat undecided. In fact, he was more inclined to let his family members pursue a career in government. As for money, when it reaches a certain level, it is just a string of numbers in the bank, as people in later generations said.

"I need people and wood from Dongfan Island, haha"

Wei Guangde smiled and said that these two things are really necessary for the shipyard to become bigger and stronger.

The master craftsman in the shipyard has rich experience in shipbuilding and knows how to build a ship without any accidents.

The timber on Dongfan Island will be the raw material for shipbuilding in the next hundred years. Only by solving the supply of raw materials can the long-term development of the shipyard be guaranteed.

After Lü Changli finished speaking, Wei Guangde asked with a smile, "That's all, nothing else?"

"I have been running the shipyard for quite some time, and I know how to handle other things."

Lu Changli would not ask for more, there was no need. As long as the issues of craftsmen and wood were resolved, everything else would be easy.

Besides, with Lord Wei as his tiger skin, other evil spirits will also stay away.

At that time, as long as he gives people enough face and does his job well, no one will find fault with him.

He would not be self-righteous just because he introduced Wei Guangde as a shareholder. Having lived for decades, Lu Changli was well aware that a county magistrate is not as good as the current manager.

"Zhang Ji."

Wei Guangde shouted to the housekeeper next to him.

"master."

Zhang Ji stepped forward and bowed in reply.

"After this, you discuss it with Mr. Lu and decide how much money to invest."

Wei Guangde said with a faint smile.

"Yes, sir."

Zhang Ji agreed immediately.

Wei Guangde also picked up the teacup at this time, and Lu Changli tactfully stood up and said goodbye with a very humble attitude.

Zhang Ji saw the person off and returned to the study room shortly afterwards.

"Master, the person has been sent out of the mansion. We have already made an appointment to discuss the details tomorrow."

Zhang Ji bowed and said.

"Well, don't be stingy. Pay what you have to pay."

Wei Guangde's attitude has been made clear. He is willing to invest, but he doesn't want to take dry shares. He still wants to put in some real money.

However, these shares were actually obtained through connections, so naturally not much would be paid, it's just a gesture.

Zhang Ji had done a lot of similar work, so he naturally understood what Wei Guangde meant.

In fact, partners like Wei Guangde who act as matchmakers and do not interfere in the affairs of the workshop or factory are also the favorites of the boss and shopkeeper.

Most businesses these days are passed down from generation to generation, and no one wants their business to be taken away by someone else one day.

Wei Guangde does not interfere in the business and just takes dividends. No one dares to cause trouble when he invests in the company. What a good shareholder he is.

"You're back. Have you finished talking?"

Back in the backyard, Xu Jianglan asked the maid to fetch water and help Wei Guangde wash up, while asking with a smile.

"Yeah, it's agreed."

Wei Guangde took the hot towel handed to him by the maid and wiped his face and hands, saying with a smile.

"Master, I heard from the steward that the imperial physician Li has returned to the capital. When do you think we can invite him to come to your house to see you?"

At this time, Xu Jianglan suddenly said.

"Ok?"

Wei Guangde was stunned for a moment before he realized that he was talking about Li Shizhen.

"Then let Zhang Ji arrange it. I heard that Doctor Li is known as a miracle doctor outside.

By the way, has he ever been to his hometown?"

Wei Guangde remembered and helped him publish a book. His family also asked him to take a look. It was not known whether he had gone to Jiangxi.

"I've already visited him. He prescribed a few conditioning prescriptions for Dad and told me to come back and see him when he returns to Nanjing in two years.

The rest of the family is in good health, and Fuan is said to be as strong as a bull. He is also asked to eat less pork and more beef, saying that eating too much is not good for him. "

Xu Jianglan laughed again.

"Yeah, that's true too. The two kids at home are a little fat."

If Xu Jianglan hadn't said it, Wei Guangde wouldn't have noticed that his son had grown a little fatter.

Two days later, when Wei Guangde returned home, Zhang Ji whispered in his ear, "Master, the great doctor Li came this afternoon and has already checked the backyard."

"Oh, where is he now?"

Wei Guangde asked as he stood at the gate of the mansion.

"Waiting in the West Flower Hall."

Zhang Ji whispered.

"Hello, I'll go back and change my clothes and come over."

Wei Guangde gave an order and hurried to the backyard.

Wei Guangde would certainly not offend a capable doctor.

When changing into casual clothes, he asked about the condition of his wife and younger son. They were both fine, but he just prescribed some conditioning prescription for Xu Jianglan.

"Master, please go over quickly. I have already asked the kitchen to prepare the meal. When the time comes, please have Doctor Li have his meal and then send him back."

Xu Jianglan said very attentively.

"Well, how come Madam also thinks that Doctor Li is a great doctor?"

Wei Guangde wondered, even the miracle doctor was called out.

"Well, it's really amazing. He can even tell some hidden diseases in my body just by feeling my pulse. He deserves the title of miracle doctor."

Xu Jianglan said directly.

"Madam, what hidden disease do you have? Tell me quickly."

Hearing this, Wei Guangde hurriedly asked.

"These are the problems of women. Why should the master care about them?"

Xu Jianglan said something coquettishly and urged Wei Guangde to go to the flower hall.

Wei Guangde didn't ask any more questions. He changed his clothes and went to the West Flower Hall to meet Li Shizhen, who became famous in later generations.

The one who caught Wei Guangde's eye was actually the same medical officer he had met before. He was a thin and handsome old man, who was quite interesting to talk to.

"Dr. Li, Doctor Li, thank you for treating my father and my wife. I am very grateful."

As soon as he entered the room, Wei Guangde took the initiative to greet Li Shizhen.

"Your humble servant greets Lord Wei."

Li Shizhen also stood up at this time and saluted Wei Guangde.

Li Shizhen came from a medical family. In his early years, he worked as a physician in the royal physician's office. Later, he went to Beijing to serve as the judge of the Imperial Medical Bureau. He was recommended to fill a vacancy in the Imperial Medical Bureau, but he soon resigned and returned home.

Although he resigned, Li Shizhen still holds an official position because his son Li Jianzhong entered the officialdom as a juren.

Thanks to his relationship with Li Shizhen, he was appointed as a county magistrate in Sichuan. Because of his diligence, he was transferred to Yunnan last year to serve as a magistrate.

As a reward, Li Shizhen was also given the title of "Wenlinlang, Magistrate of Pengxi County, Sichuan". (End of this chapter)