I'm really not doing business

Chapter 1097 The principles are dry and boring; let's get straight to the point.

Lies don't hurt, truth is the knife.

If Rijaz spouts nonsense and swears, even insulting Felipe's family, Felipe won't even bother with Rijaz, because that's all he's capable of. If Felipe were to pay attention to him, then Felipe would be the one who loses.

But Li Yashi wasn't talking nonsense; he was telling the truth, and his assessment was quite objective.

As a scholar-official, one must know one thing: how to verbally abuse someone until they break down and feel unbearable pain, without using foul language. If one can strike at the heart and soul of a person with just a few words, then one is a qualified scholar-official.

Clearly, Li Yashi was a very qualified scholar-official; when he cursed someone, he always aimed straight for their lungs and heart.

In short, all of Felipe's brilliant achievements in the first half of his life were completely destroyed. So what if Felipe was the emperor of the British Empire? Where was his contribution to the advancement of history?
With so much gold, silver, and goods, did acquiring them, let alone promoting the development of the entire Western region, even solve any problems within Spain itself?

Madrid is still full of slums.

Upon hearing this, Felipe was truly on the verge of losing his composure. This was not surprising at all, as Liya was not very willing to display his offensive power in the Ming Dynasty. Even when he was very restrained, the emperor would sometimes lose his composure and imprison him for a few more days. He was reluctant to kill him, so he could only keep him imprisoned and released intermittently.

What truly broke Felipe's resolve was that Ricardo had always been his loyal subject, and it was Felipe himself who pushed Ricardo out.

This was not the first time Li Yashi had returned to Taixi. The last time the Solon envoy was killed for selling opium, Li Yashi made a special trip back to Taixi from the Ming Dynasty and talked with Felipe for a full fifteen days. Felipe did not listen to a single word he said.

Legazpi advised Felipe not to rush into attacking England, but Felipe ignored him; Legazpi advised Felipe to stop carrying out assassinations, saying they would only further unite the enemy, but Felipe ignored him.

Li Ya spent an entire day explaining to Felipe the decline of China's assassination culture and assassination politics. China has spent thousands of years and countless practical examples to prove that assassination, apart from gaining some emotional value, will only backfire.

Politics is a ruthless game; those who only pursue emotional values ​​will suffer heavy losses.

Assassination, such a crooked and evil practice, should have been abandoned long ago.

Li Yashi said a lot. Although he was not as good as he is now, the time was not far off. If Felipe had listened to even a word of it, he wouldn't have been so stuck in the quagmire of the expedition, unable to move.

Why was Legazpi unwilling to be loyal to Spain? Legazpi was truly loyal; he did everything a subject could do. Unfortunately, Felipe wouldn't listen.

Zhu Yijun felt he had made a fatal mistake; he shouldn't have let Li Yashi return to Taixi. He didn't know what the consequences of this decision would be. As an emperor, he naturally disliked situations that were out of control.

On the bright side, if Li Jiashi returns to Spain, he can muddy the waters there, giving the Ming Dynasty more time to expand overseas, gain more benefits, and more easily and conveniently receive the legacy of Spain at its sunset.

The first empire on which the sun never sets is now in its twilight, a price paid for Felipe's irrational decisions. All nations capable of ocean voyages and circumnavigations are vying for the legacy of this fading empire, and the Ming Dynasty is no exception. The Eastern Pacific Merchant Alliance has three Spanish governorates, and the Ming Dynasty is using various methods to strengthen its control over them.

If the West descends into chaos, the Ming Dynasty can seize the opportunity to gain even more benefits.

However, considering the worst-case scenario, if Legazhn succeeds, the West will truly have a strong enough cohesion, which will ultimately lead the West to victory in maritime expansion.

After all, a divided West is the best West; unable to form a united force, it is difficult to effectively compete with the Ming Dynasty in maritime trade.

Zhu Yijun was adept at anticipating the worst in his enemies. He always considered the worst-case scenario, which often led to good results. This had become his path dependency. In many cases, making the worst-case scenario plan made him more adept at handling state affairs.

For example, in the early years of the Wanli reign, Zhu Yijun even made preparations for the transformation of Liaodong into a regional military governorship. Li Chengliang and the Liaodong people he represented were once targets of the Beijing garrison. Neither Zhu Yijun nor Qi Jiguang concealed this fact from Li Chengliang and Li Rusong.

For a long time, Li Rusong had planned to use his father's military achievements as a reward. This was not a difficult choice. Li Rusong saw the emperor's firm determination to strengthen the military. If his father could not see it, he had to let his father know this determination through his actions.

In the second year of the Wanli reign, Li Chengliang learned of the emperor and General Qi's preparations. Without much deliberation, Li Chengliang made a decision: instead of leading the Liao people down the path of fostering bandits to enhance their own power, he became the noble Marquis of Ningyuan of the Ming Dynasty.

Even if Li Chengliang were to pass away peacefully, his family would immediately become a Duke's mansion. This would mean that Liaodong would not ultimately become a warlord state, which would be the best outcome for the Ming Dynasty, the court, the emperor, Liaodong, and the Liao people.

If things really escalate to the point of armed conflict, no one will be able to maintain a dignified appearance.

Li Chengliang could understand the concerns of the court, the emperor, and General Qi. Anyone with eyes could see that the situation in Liaodong was deteriorating. He said many times that sometimes raising bandits to maintain one's own importance was just for self-preservation. What was the military administration of the Ming Dynasty like before the Wanli Reform? What was it like after the reform?

It is meaningless to discuss behavior without considering its historical context.

The emperor could understand Li Chengliang. Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou had won battles, but they were still required to redeem themselves through meritorious service. The abnormal state of the Ming Dynasty's military administration was obvious to all.

Whether Li Yashi's return to Taixi would give Taixi the strength to confront the Ming Dynasty is a matter that the emperor needs to carefully consider.

The emperor's assessment was that Legazpi would find it difficult to truly change the West. His final solution, unification, was indeed the answer to the West's problem, but Legazpi could not do it, neither could Felipe, nor Napoleon, nor Hitler.

The West could not produce the First Emperor, let alone Zhu Yuanzhang.

During the Wanli Reforms, the Ministry of Rites gained a new understanding of the phrase "following in the legacy of six generations." A careful review of the history during the reign of the First Emperor reveals that when the First Emperor first became King of Qin, the Qin state did not possess the national strength to conquer the world. The First Emperor's unification of the six states was largely a matter of chance.

Only after the First Emperor forged this bloody path did later generations realize that it was a viable and traversable route, and thus they followed it all the way to where they are today.

The Qin state lasted a long time, but the Qin Dynasty was very short. Logically speaking, such a short-lived dynasty should have a weak presence in history. However, scholars from all dynasties have repeatedly discussed the Qin Dynasty, which precisely proves the importance of the First Emperor.

Similarly, the West couldn't produce a Zhu Yuanzhang, and Rome, after so long since its fall, never managed a lightning-fast comeback.

“Li Yashi is a smart man. He has lived in the Ming Dynasty for twenty years and he clearly knows the outcome.” Zhu Yijun put aside his worries. His courage can bring some changes to Taixi, but to change the fundamental situation, it will take more than five hundred years, not ten or fifty years.

Zhu Yijun put aside his worries and finished reading the memorial from the Ministry of Rites.

Felipe sent a special envoy to the Ming Dynasty to replace Legazpi as the new leader, to maintain communication with the Ming Dynasty, ensure smooth trade between the two countries, and safeguard the friendship between the Ming Dynasty and Spain.

To Zhu Yijun's great surprise, Felipe still had a very good impression of the Ming emperor.

In his letter, Felipe specifically mentioned the Ming Emperor in the East, who twice solemnly reminded him in his letters to be careful of storms in the Atlantic Ocean and not to launch expeditions lightly.

Gods cannot shed blood. Minor defeats can be attributed to generals, but a major defeat would mean that a god is no longer a god, and the myth of invincibility would be shattered.

He was fully aware of the devastating consequences of the failed expedition, but there was no turning back now.

Life is always like this: once a move is made, there's no going back.

In his letter, Felipe also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, because last year the Emperor sent a letter with a message from the Ministry of Rites of the Ming Dynasty, which concluded that the chaos in the Atlantic trade was indeed due to the English privateering licenses, which had turned the Atlantic trade into a mess.

But it was Felipe who gave England the opportunity.

If Felipe had treated the overseas colonies any better and regarded the pioneers who went out to develop the colonies as human beings, England would not have had the opportunity to take advantage of them.

On the surface, it is indeed England that is playing an undeniable negative role as a troublemaker, but in reality, the Atlantic trade was already a cesspool long before England stirred things up, which is why the troublemaker came into play.

The brutal and harsh exploitation left the governors of the governor's mansions exhausted and unable to cope, not to mention the natives who were forced into labor. To put it bluntly, the governors of these overseas colonies were even cooperating with England to disrupt Atlantic trade in order to retain more profits locally.

This naturally raises the question: if Spain hadn't launched its expedition to England, would the "Eternal Sun" have truly never set?
The Ming Dynasty did not say it explicitly, but Felipe gave a clear answer in his letter: even without the expedition, the sun would still set, even if he really didn't want to admit it, it was indeed so.

Felipe sadly discovered that, looking back, he had never established a stable order in the Atlantic during his overseas expansion, and even in Spain itself, it was a mess.

Before England turned to the sea, the maritime trade environment was already deteriorating rapidly, but he failed to see this, becoming hopelessly immersed in the glory of countless gold and silver and the arrival of the New World's trading home.

Felipe also made changes. Spain was to reorganize its parliament, this time granting seats to the New World. Each overseas governorate could send an envoy back to Madrid to participate in national decision-making. Similarly, he planned to reduce the quota for treasure ships to give the overseas colonies a breather.

This was a change for Felipe; he finally began to take the status of overseas colonies seriously and adopted a more conciliatory policy.

"Not enough, not at all. He's not even as generous as I am." Zhu Yijun finished reading Felipe's letter of state and gave it a stingy assessment.

Felipe may have thought he was being generous enough, but Zhu Yijun looked at it carefully and found it was all empty talk with no real benefit.

Parliamentary seats? Even if the members of parliament come from the Governor General's House, will they really represent the interests of the Governor General's House and fight for its interests once they get to Parliament? Don't even think about it. Politics is about compromise, the exchange of interests, and the formation of cliques.

Their circumstances meant they would not represent the interests of the Governor's Office.

Similarly, the so-called reduction in the share of the treasure ships was only a slight reduction, still far exceeding the share before the expedition. Is this a concession? Zhu Yijun saw no sincerity whatsoever; it seemed more like a gesture.

The Mexican governor Peto defected to the Ming Dynasty, which enabled him to acquire five-masted ocean-going ships to suppress pirates and protect the maritime trade environment.

Felipe wouldn't even promise the title of king.

“Your Majesty, I am foolish. Aren’t Spain’s current problems all caused by their expedition to England? If that’s the case, why not just stop fighting? Why keep putting up this fight and suffer for the sake of saving face?” Zhang Hong expressed his doubts.

Anyone with eyes can see that this is already a terrible battle, and to continue it is simply inexplicable.

Zhu Yijun shook his head and said, "People can only decide the start of a war, not its end. Felipe, or Spain, simply can't stop. They're now in a situation where they're gambling their national destiny with England."

"Great powers must learn how to bully the weak, rather than gambling their national destiny with small countries. In the end, they will lose completely."

"Your Majesty is dull-witted." Zhang Hong didn't quite understand, nor did he care. He was just filling in temporarily. Once Li Yougong returned, it would be more appropriate for him to take care of His Majesty's daily life. Talent is something you either have or you don't; you can't force it.

Felipe simply couldn't stop; even if he wanted to, the English wouldn't. "Hasn't Chen Dazhuang arrived yet?" Zhu Yijun asked about someone, Chen Dazhuang, the Earl of Tieling of Da Tieling Guard. Upon learning of Ling Yunyi's death, Chen Dazhuang set sail back to the capital to pay his respects at Ling Yunyi's grave.

For Chen Dazhuang, Ling Yunyi was like a second parent.

"Not yet. Three days ago, they said they had arrived in Shurifu, but they're probably still at sea right now." Zhang Hong calculated the time; if they weren't in a hurry, it would take at least another day to arrive.

Zhu Yijun waited for three more days and finally met Chen Dazhuang, who had returned to the Ming Dynasty, and summoned him for an audience.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years and be well." After entering the Imperial Study in Yanqing Palace, Chen Dazhuang immediately performed the grand ceremony of five bows and three kowtows to pay his respects. His manners were impeccable, and he was extremely respectful and attentive.

After the ceremony, Chen Dazhuang bowed and kowtowed again, respectfully saying, "On my way back to the Great Ming, I heard that Your Majesty has bestowed the posthumous title of Wenjing upon my adoptive father. On behalf of my adoptive father, I thank Your Majesty for your boundless grace."

Ling Yunyi's sons are not very promising; they are neither good at academics nor at martial arts. It is the father's fault for not teaching his sons well. Ling Yunyi is too busy and has no time to take care of these children.

Ling Yunyi's adopted sons are quite promising. For example, Chen Dazhuang, who runs the Da Tieling in Juezhou, transports 60 million catties of iron back to the Ming Dynasty every year, which is a great contribution.

“It is only proper, no need for formalities.” Zhu Yijun gestured for Chen Dazhuang to rise before smiling and saying, “Sit down and let’s talk.”

Chen Dazhuang told the emperor about the Great Tieling Guard. There wasn't much to say about the Great Tieling Guard; it was a vast, desolate desert region. Chen Dazhuang only went there twice a year, and most of the time he lived in Yehai City. The mines were full of black barbarians and foreign slaves he had bought, so there was no way to escape; it was all desert for thousands of miles.

The emperor told Chen Dazhuang about the various events that Ling Yunyi had gone through before his departure. Compared to the turmoil that occurred when Wang Chonggu left, the things that happened after Ling Yunyi's death were actually trivial.

"How dare Ye Xianggao be so audacious?" Chen Dazhuang was also extremely surprised. Ye Xianggao did this, and the only punishment he received was a salary deduction. What difference was there between this and no punishment at all? Moreover, this was the opinion of the censors.

"It's not that Ye Xianggao is bold; he has considered the consequences of his actions. History is better written broadly than meticulously. If the cases handled by Wenjing Gong were actually recorded in history, it wouldn't be Wenjing Gong who would be disgraced, but rather these powerful figures, local gentry, and gentry." Zhu Yijun was quite clear that Ye Xianggao was simply fearless.

The major cases that Ling Yunyi handled in Guangdong, Shandong, and Korea all had one thing in common: collusion with Japanese pirates.

After discovering Ye Xianggao's distorted writings, the censors could not find the answer in the imperial archives. However, the official documents from the Ministry of Justice and local government offices that handled these cases were still available. After a little examination, the censors chose to give up.

Because if we keep pressing on this issue, it's easy to bring up another question: during the Jiajing era, the rampant Japanese pirate raids were caused by powerful and influential figures in Jiangnan, as well as local gentry and gentry, who let the wolves into their homes and played with fire, or were the Japanese just incredibly audacious?

These cases are all irrefutable evidence, proving that they were playing with fire and getting burned after inviting wolves into the house. The imperial court's suppression of the Japanese pirates actually covered up the problem, solved the issue, and plugged the mess caused by the powerful and influential people and local gentry in Jiangnan.

Seeing that Ling Yunyi had already been buried in Jinshan Cemetery, the officials dared not cause any trouble.

Right now, His Majesty the Emperor is blaming the Japanese for the Jiajing Emperor's Wokou (Japanese pirate) troubles through the narrative of the Wokou envoys' dispute over tribute. He is pressing on this issue and trying to get His Majesty to investigate the responsibilities of the powerful and influential people of the Ming Dynasty.

It's better to be broad rather than detailed; it's better not to be too explicit or clear.

"So that's how it is." Chen Dazhuang was completely clueless about these things. If His Majesty hadn't explained them in detail, he really wouldn't have known there were so many twists and turns involved. In response, Chen Dazhuang could only say that the hearts and minds of scholars are all black.

It's understandable that Wang Chonggu, that treacherous minister, would fight for power, but Ling Yunyi, who has never acted with treachery in his entire life, still has to make such a fuss before he'll stop.

"I've taken that stele to the imperial treasury. I'm afraid those good-for-nothing sons of Duke Wenjing will destroy it." Zhu Yijun specifically mentioned that dog stele. It was irrefutable evidence. The sins committed by the Kong family of Yanzhou were clear and unambiguous. The stele was placed in Ling Yunyi's residence, and those scoundrel sons would probably destroy it.

When the topic turned to Ling Yunyi's sons, Chen Dazhuang asked with a solemn expression, "Your Majesty, I... have heard that my adoptive father actually interfered in the important matter of the imperial examinations?"

"It is true, but after eight deliberations and eight reprieves, I have pardoned him." Zhu Yijun carefully told Chen Dazhuang the details of the case. It was indeed Ling Yunyi's son who did it. Before Ling Yunyi passed away, he had the emperor kill that son to restore justice to the world.

"I'm returning to the capital intending to give him a good beating! That bastard! My godfather is too old to beat me, but I'm in my prime!" Chen Dazhuang blushed immediately upon hearing this!

It's outrageous that a son would bully his father just because he's old and can't fight back!

"Give them a good beating! Beat them up for me!" Zhu Yijun not only didn't object, but also said angrily, "These wicked bastards! While I was staying at the Southern Palace and away from the capital, they actually left the Jinshan Mausoleum where I was observing mourning and went to brothels!"

Jinshan Cemetery has a Yitang (a type of mourning hall) where families of those buried in the cemetery can stay to observe mourning for their fathers. Their food and clothing are simple, but they are not suffering, nor are they living in thatched huts. According to the original teachings, mourning should be observed in a hut.

But these wretches couldn't stand this mundane life. After just one month, they secretly left, taking prostitutes on a spring outing.

The matter was quickly reported to the emperor by the eunuch in charge of Jinshan Cemetery. The eunuch was so angry that he wrote three memorials in a row, cursing these wretched children. He said that since the establishment of Jinshan Cemetery, he had never seen such rebellious sons!

And it wasn't just one person; there were five children observing mourning, and three of them ran away.

"It's good that you didn't beat him to death. If you don't get a full meal, you won't know who you are." Zhu Yijun originally planned to give him a beating in court after returning to the capital, but since Chen Dazhuang is back, he'll just leave it to Chen Dazhuang.

"I have fought for many years and know how to use my strength. Your Majesty can rest assured." Chen Dazhuang may not know anything else, but he knows how to fight. He knows exactly where to strike and where it hurts the most. When interrogating prisoners, he can often make them remember their grandmother's voice and smile with just one punch!

"It's up to you!" Zhu Yijun added, "Treat it like a serious matter."

“From my province,” Chen Dazhuang replied immediately.

The theory is dry and boring; it's better to get straight to the point with the methods.

At Jinshan Cemetery, one can choose to observe mourning for twenty-seven days or twenty-seven months. These five sons voluntarily chose twenty-seven months, but secretly slipped away. If Zhu Yijun hadn't been concerned about Ling Yunyi's reputation, he would have taken them down and tormented them long ago.

It was more appropriate for Chen Dazhuang to take action, so that it wouldn't be misinterpreted as the emperor sending some kind of signal.

Zhu Yijun saw Chen Dazhuang off. After meeting the emperor, Chen Dazhuang rested for a day before returning to the capital. He observed a 27-day mourning period. After the mourning period ended, he would visit his hometown before continuing south to Yehai City to guard the Iron Mountain of Da Tieling for the Ming Dynasty.

“Your Majesty, Sun Kehong requests an audience with you.” Zhang Hong said hesitantly, “He bribed you with a lot of money just to convey this message.”

"How much?" Zhu Yijun asked rather calmly. Over the years, Feng Bao had spoken well of many people and always explained things directly to the emperor: he would take money and do things, though sometimes he would take the money and not do anything at all.

"Fifteen thousand taels of silver," Zhang Hong told the emperor. These words reached the emperor's ears, revealing how much silver he and his disciples had received.

Being a powerful eunuch under His Majesty is permissible in terms of greed, but there are certain types of money one can take and others one cannot.

If a eunuch doesn't embezzle, he's not a eunuch. Zhang Hong didn't intend to hide anything from the emperor; he accepted the money, and that's that. This statement is worth 15,000 taels of silver. It's only because His Majesty has summoned Sun Kehong multiple times that this statement would never have reached His Majesty's ears. This money is acceptable.

"Summon him to an audience." Zhu Yijun agreed. Zhang Hong had done his best. As for whether the emperor would summon him, that was naturally up to His Majesty to decide.

In the afternoon, after bathing and changing his clothes, Sun Kehong arrived at Yanqing Palace and waited for a quarter of an hour in the West Flower Hall before being summoned by the emperor.

Sun Kehong sat in a swivel chair, and he looked much older than he had appeared. When he retired from his position as president of the company, he was a handsome old man, but now he could only be described as decrepit.

"I apologize for the embarrassing family affair, Your Majesty." Sun Kehong looked helpless. Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels fast. The little scandal in Sun Kehong's family had become a hot topic of discussion in the streets and alleys.

The third brother set a trap for the second brother, the fourth brother set a trap for the third brother, the second brother set a trap for the fourth brother, and the third brother even cheated on the fourth brother. It was a complete mess.

In the end, one was executed immediately, one went to Jinshan Kingdom, and one went to the Governor's Mansion of Jinchi. The seemingly brainless leader was actually the most obedient one; he only needed a beating to know how to repent.

"It's not surprising that it's difficult to pass down a family tradition. What brings you to the palace?" Zhu Yijun didn't laugh at Sun Kehong. He was also burdened with his own problems. The fourth son, Zhu Changhong, was truly something else.

Sun Kehong sat up straight and said, "After much thought, I realized that it's all because of the family's money. When we didn't have money, the children were quite friendly and respectful to each other. But now that we have money, they've started fighting. I plan to donate all the family's money to save them from fighting over this little bit of property and becoming a laughingstock."

"I have thought about it for many days and I intend to donate it to Your Majesty."

"Wait a minute, you're planning to donate all the silver to me?! Are you sure?" Zhu Yijun interrupted Sun Kehong. The turn of events was so sudden that Zhu Yijun hadn't even had time to react. Sun Kehong wanted to donate money, and he wanted to donate it to the emperor.

Sun Kehong said with certainty, "The almshouse is a den of iniquity. I am unwilling to donate my family property to the almshouse. After much thought, I think it is more appropriate to give it to Your Majesty."

"Would your son, Sun Chengzhi, agree to this?" Zhu Yijun asked with great doubt.

"Whether he agrees or not, the money belongs to me, not him. If he wants it, he can earn it himself!" Sun Kehong was actually quite disappointed in his eldest brother. He had recently discovered something: his eldest brother was keeping a mistress outside the marriage, and she was even older than him by thirteen years. People's tastes are truly bizarre.

"How do you plan to donate?" Zhu Yijun sat up straight when he saw that Sun Kehong was serious.

Sun Kehong took out a memorial and said, “Your Majesty, our Great Ming currently has 13,500 medical graduates who have gone to the counties and countryside to serve countless people, and there will be even more in the future. I intend to give Your Majesty the silver and ask Your Majesty to use the annual interest to reward these medical workers.”

“Every year, one outstanding physician and nine skilled doctors from other regions will be selected and given a share of the silver. They should not remain unknown.”

After listening, Zhu Yijun looked at the old man in front of him with even greater respect and nodded, saying, "In that case, I will split the money with you and add some more money to give him a bonus."

How much do you have approximately?

Sun Kehong handed the memorial to Zhang Hong and said, "My entire fortune, converted to silver, amounts to eleven million taels."

"You've given it all to me, what are you going to do with it?" Zhu Yijun read the memorial and saw that Sun Kehong had indeed calculated all the assets under his name and was preparing to donate them all to the imperial treasury, with the interest going to the medics who had made outstanding contributions.

Sun Kehong said with a smile, "Chen Jingyi said he would take care of me in my old age. He even helped me figure out the accounts. I may not be good at raising sons, but I do have some eye for taking on apprentices."

This is a promise that even His Majesty knows. If Chen Jingyi does anything unfilial, then he, Chen Jingyi, has no reason to remain in the Ming Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)