The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

The ivory abacus in the doctor's hand fell apart with a "clatter", and the beads rolled all over the deck. He did not dare to pick it up, and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, this requires 60,000 catties of pig iron and 120,000 catties of charcoal. At present, the Ministry of Industry has only 20,000 catties of pig iron and 50,000 catties of charcoal in stock, which is a huge gap. Moreover, there are not enough craftsmen to cast cannons. There are only 30 skilled craftsmen. At normal speed, at most ten cannons can be made in a month."

“Penghu has iron.”

Zheng Zhilong suddenly interrupted, his bronze face showing excitement: "Last year, I discovered an iron ore vein in Penghu, with an estimated reserve of more than 500,000 tons. Preliminary mining tests showed that the iron content of the produced iron ore is as high as 60%, which is a high-quality material for casting cannons. Currently, a small mine has been established, and 2,000 kilograms of iron ore can be mined every day."

The sea breeze suddenly grew stronger, making Yi Huawei's quiver rustle. He looked into the distance, his eyes deep: "Decree: Establish the Great Ming Maritime Commandery, commanding 100,000 naval forces. Its jurisdiction stretches from Laotie Mountain at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula in the north to the Qiongzhou Strait in the south, including the entire eastern coastal waters. The Commandery will have one commander, first rank, responsible for commanding naval affairs; one left and one right deputy commander, second rank, to assist the commander in handling daily affairs; and under it will be military officers of all levels, including lieutenant generals and guerrillas, totaling 365 people."

The decision made all the officials gasp.

"His Majesty!"

Old Imperial Censor Yang Hexu suddenly stepped out and said: "A 100,000-man navy costs a lot every year. Just military rations need to be mobilized from all over the country. This will increase transportation costs and also bring a heavy burden to the people. In addition, building shipyards and artillery bureaus requires a lot of manpower, and it is estimated that 100,000 civilians will be conscripted. This will affect agricultural production and lead to a reduction in grain production."

Yi Huawei walked slowly to the old minister, and stepped on an abacus bead with the tip of his gold-woven boots. "Mr. Yang, do you know how many merchant ships were looted by the Japanese pirates last year?"

Without waiting for the other party to answer, he continued, "A total of 127 ships, including 35 official ships and 92 civilian ships. The cargo carried by these merchant ships, converted into silver, totaled 2.8 million taels. This is only the loss that can be counted. There are many small merchant ships that were hijacked and could not be reported at all."

Qiu Chengyun took out a roll of account books at the right time: "According to the reports from government offices in various places, a total of 3,214 sailors and merchants were killed by the Japanese pirates. Twenty-three villages in coastal areas were burned down due to the invasion of Japanese pirates, and more than 12,000 people were displaced."

There was silence on the deck.

Zheng Zhilong noticed that when the emperor said these words, his left hand was always pressed on the hilt of the Seven-Star Sword, and his knuckles turned white from the force.

"From now on,"

Yi Huawei's voice echoed on the deck: "The tax revenue of the Maritime Customs is used exclusively for the construction of the navy. The specific distribution is as follows: 40% for the construction and maintenance of warships, 30% for the casting of artillery and the storage of ammunition, 20% for the purchase of military rations, and 10% for the payment of soldiers' salaries."

The ring pointed at the frightened Minister of Revenue: "Every quarter, the accounts will be submitted directly to me for review. If there are any mistakes, they will be severely punished."

As the sun set, Yi Huawei's shadow was stretched out very long, covering the officials who were kneeling on the ground.

"remember,"

Yi Huawei took a final look at the boundless sea: "These 100,000 naval forces have to protect not only the existing territory of the Ming Dynasty. The countries in Southeast Asia are rich in spices and gemstones; in the West, there is a country with gold all over the land. Our fleet must go out and conduct trade, so that the goods of the Ming Dynasty can be spread all over the world. Only a strong navy can ensure the safety of the maritime trade routes and make the Ming Dynasty prosperous.

This is the future of the Ming Dynasty that I want!"

………………

The dusk was as dark as blood, and the sea breeze from the mouth of the Minjiang River, carrying a salty and fishy smell, rushed towards the rocks on the shore.

The tide hit the keel of the warship, making a dull thumping sound. Fifty newly cast "Fuchuan" giant ships of the Fujian Navy were moored in the harbor, and the red "Ming" characters on the black lacquered hulls blazed like flames in the setting sun. Masts were like a forest, and flags were fluttering. Among them, a general's flag with a black background and gold edges was particularly eye-catching, with the words "Admiral Zheng of the East China Sea" written on it.

On the shore, soldiers in armor and holding halberds stood on both sides of the water fort's gate, their eyes under their iron helmets like knives. In the distance, on the training ground, shirtless gunners were practicing with French cannons, the smoke was diffused, and the roar shook the fish on the river. The sailors were shouting and practicing the array of muskets, the sound of armor colliding and the sound of waves hitting the shore intertwined into a solemn sound.

In the lobby of the headquarters, Yi Huawei was wearing a black dragon-patterned uniform, his eyebrows were sharp, and his eyes reflected the candlelight, as if there was an undercurrent surging. He stood with his hands behind his back in front of the huge "Map of the Seas of Japan", and his fingertips slowly crossed the sea route from Ryukyu to Nagasaki.

Qiu Chengyun reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Admiral Zheng has arrived."

"Xuan."

Zheng Zhilong strode into the hall, his armor still on, his temples still stained with sea mist. When he knelt on one knee and clasped his fists, the red lacquer on the scabbard of the Japanese sword at his waist was as dazzling as clotted blood in the candlelight.

"Your Majesty, please pay homage to your Majesty!"

Yi Huawei turned around and supported him: "My dear, please don't be polite. Have you brought the intelligence from Japan?"

"Yes."

Zheng Zhilong took out a cowhide scroll from his arms, and two of his personal guards immediately unfolded it. It turned out to be a detailed map of the deployment of Japanese vassal troops marked with cinnabar. The forts and naval bases along the coast of Kyushu were densely packed like a poisonous spider's web, and even the direction of the tides was marked.

Nodding slightly, Yi Huawei pointed his finger towards Kyushu Island:
"The Matsuura Clan of the Hizen Domain, or the group of jackals that harassed my coastal areas back then?"

Zheng Zhilong bowed and said, "That's right! But now they are nothing but dead bones in the grave. My merchant team learned from Hirado that Matsuura Jinxin has less than 30 warships under his command, and most of the sailors are forced fishermen."

Yi Huawei nodded: "Where is Tokugawa Ieyasu?"

Zheng Zhilong replied: "It has only been seven days since the Battle of Sekigahara ended. Although Tokugawa Ieyasu won the Battle of Sekigahara on September 15, the remnants of the Western Army are still resisting in Kyushu and Shikoku.

The Toyotomi clan was still nominally the common ruler of the world, and the young lord Toyotomi Hideyori lived in Osaka Castle, but in reality, they had lost all power, and the Tokugawa clan had already controlled Kyoto and Kanto. However, the attitudes of the various feudal lords were ambiguous: the Shimazu clan in Kyushu and the Date clan in the northeast surrendered on the surface, but secretly expanded their armies; the Mori clan in western Honshu was reduced in power, and the retainers were resentful... In addition, the people's livelihood was in decline due to years of war. The Battle of Sekigahara killed and injured more than 30,000 people, and ronin and defeated soldiers in various places became bandits and plundered commercial towns.

Date Masamune is ready to make a move in Sendai, and the Shimazu clan in Kyushu surrendered on the surface, but they are actually harboring evil intentions... The warships of the Satsuma Domain just hijacked three Portuguese merchant ships bound for Nagasaki last night..."

"Your intelligence work is excellent!"

Yi Huawei pushed open the carved wooden window and gazed at the newly launched Fujian ship in the harbor. On the towering ship, the muzzles of twenty-four red cannons were facing the east.

"Your Majesty, this is a God-given opportunity!"

Zheng Zhilong took a half step forward, and the armor leaf sounded: "Japan is torn apart, but our navy has a hundred new artillery pieces and 20,000 elite soldiers..."

Yi Huawei smiled, picked up a Japanese sword on the table, and gently pushed the sword guard with his thumb. A cold light flashed, and the blade reflected his deep pupils:
"Have you ever heard of the 'Yuan invaders'?"

Zheng Zhilong was startled, then replied: "Kublai Khan was defeated by the divine wind, but now our warships are ten times stronger than the Mongolian sampans!
Your Majesty, from October to March of the following year is the northwest monsoon period, and it is difficult for the Satsuma navy to go out to sea. The defense of Nagasaki Port is empty, with only stone walls to defend it, but no heavy artillery. "

After a pause, Zheng Zhilong continued: "The Japanese are strong on the outside but weak on the inside. Tokugawa is exhausted by internal strife, and the feudal lords in Kyushu have their own plans. Our army can first take Hirado, use the Dutch trading house as bait, lure the Matsuura party into battle, and annihilate their navy. Then, we can unite with the Ryukyu King Shangning and attack Satsuma from the north and south..."

Yi Huawei turned and looked at Zheng Zhilong: "Tell me more about your idea!"

"Yes!"

Zheng Zhilong stood up, strode to the map, and poked his index finger heavily at Hirado Port in the northwest corner of Kyushu:
"Matsuura Tsuchinobu currently has 37 warships under his command, of which only eight are Atakabune that can carry artillery, and the rest are all Kanbune and Kobayafune. Most of the sailors are forced fishermen, and half of them have never even touched a matchlock gun. Three days ago, the merchant caravan of the former minister brought back news from Hirado that the Dutch are secretly selling gunpowder to the Matsuura party, but the delivery volume is less than 30% of the contract - the Japanese can't even get the silver together."

"After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Tokugawa main force returned to Edo."

After a pause, Zheng Zhilong continued, "But Uesugi Kagekatsu has assembled 20,000 troops in Aizu, and Date Masamune has also withheld the food and fodder that was supposed to be shipped to Kanto. Tokugawa will be unable to take care of Kyushu for at least half a year."

"I ask you to take Hirado first with the force of thunder."

Zheng Zhilong grabbed the wolf hair on the pen holder and drew a red arrow on the map: "The 200 warships of our navy can be divided into three teams: the vanguard will use 10 Fuzhou ships to attack the port fort, the central army will use 60 bird ships to land the land force, and the rear team will outflank and kill the fleeing enemy ships."

Yi Huawei put down his Japanese sword and pressed his five fingers on the edge of the table: "How do we solve the problem of supplies?"

"The Ryukyu King Shangning has secretly agreed to lend the port of Naha." Zheng Zhilong pulled out a letter with a turtle seal from his sleeve: "As long as Your Majesty promises to return the Amami Islands occupied by Satsuma after the war, Ryukyu is willing to provide 5,000 koku of grain and 300 guides."

Suddenly, the sound of war drums came from outside the window, signaling the start of the navy's night training. The drum beats were as dull as distant thunder, causing the candle flame to jump violently.

Yi Huawei picked up the command arrow on the desk and stroked the dragon pattern on the tail of the arrow with his thumb. He turned and looked at the port. In the night, countless torches were flowing along the gangway, and the sailors were shouting and pushing the shells into the barrel.

"deliver an imperial order."

Yi Huawei said calmly: "The navy of Denglai and Zhejiang will assemble today. I want to see the dragon flag planted on the top of Hirado Castle. Tell King Shangning that I will not only return the Amami Islands to him - I will also send the head of Shimazu Yoshihiro to Ryukyu as a sacrifice."

The muscles under Zheng Zhilong's armor suddenly tensed up, and he slammed one knee to the ground and clasped his fists: "I will conquer Japan for your majesty!"

...............

The salty sea breeze carried the smell of gunpowder into his nose. Matsuura Shinnobu stood on the observation deck of Hirado Castle's castle tower, his fingers tightly gripping the railing. The wooden railing had long been eroded by the sea breeze and became rough and cracked, and the stinging pain in his palms made him slightly sober.

Outside the port, the warships of the Ming navy were like a dark cloud looming, and the red dragon flags on the masts fluttered in the twilight.

"Here it comes again..." Matsuura growled through gritted teeth, hoarse anger rolling out of his throat.

Ever since the newly enthroned Emperor Zhaowu of the Ming Dynasty massacred the Jiangnan clans, Hirado Domain's secret agents along the coast were uprooted. The intelligence that was previously obtained through bribery of Ming officials was completely cut off, and instead, the Ming Navy launched increasingly frequent harassments.

Every landing was accompanied by the explosion of musket fire.

Every retreat left behind piles of corpses.

…………

On the stone breakwater of Hirado Port, the foot soldiers huddled behind the crenels, holding their matchlocks with trembling fingers. The barrels were rusted, the gunpowder was damp and clumping, and many people did not even have enough lead bullets, so they could only stuff gravel into the chambers.

"Aim! Don't let them get close!" a warrior roared, waving his sword towards the sea.

However, the only response he got was the sudden fire on the Ming army warships.

"boom--!!!"

Deafening cannon fire tore through the night sky, and dozens of solid iron shells whistled towards the port. Stone walls crumbled, wooden watchtowers collapsed, and burning debris rained down on the crowd.

"Hidden! Hidden!"

The warrior's roar was drowned out by the roar of the explosion, but it was too late.

"Bang bang bang!"

A second barrage of shelling followed, this time with shotgun shells.

Hundreds of lead bullets swept across the dock like a storm, the bodies of the foot soldiers were torn into pieces like rags, and blood splattered on the stone walls and seeped into the sea through the cracks.

"Go ashore! Quick!"

Zheng Zhilong stood on the deck of the Fu ship and shouted orders. He was wearing scale armor, with the "Marujizu" sword seized from the Japanese pirates hanging on his waist. The blood stains on the scabbard had long since dried and turned black.

The sampans were lowered, and hundreds of Ming army musketeers quickly rowed to the shore. They were equipped with the latest flintlock rifles, which had a much faster firing rate than the Japanese pirates' matchlock rifles and were not affected by moisture.

"First row - fire!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The neat volleys instantly shattered the remaining will to resist. The Japanese pirates' foot soldiers didn't even have time to light the fuse before the lead bullets pierced their chests and they fell down screaming.

"Second row—advance!"

The Ming soldiers marched forward in neat steps, their guns pointed forward, their iron boots stepped over the corpses, and the splashes of blood stained their trouser legs red.

Matsuura Shinnobu stood on the top floor of the castle tower and watched the port fall.

"Sir! The Ming army has broken through the second line of defense!"

A warrior covered in blood stumbled in, fell to his knees and screamed.

Matsuura did not answer, but slowly drew out his sword. The blade shone coldly in the candlelight, reflecting his distorted face.

"Where are the Dutch?" he asked in a low voice, his voice as hoarse as sandpaper.

"They...their merchant ships have already fled..."

“Hahahahahaha~~”

Matsuura laughed, his laughter hoarse and crazy.

"Sure enough... foreigners are unreliable..."

He turned around suddenly and smashed the map on the table with a knife:

"Pass the order! Burn down the granaries! Don't leave a single grain of rice for the Ming army!"

When Zheng Zhilong stepped into the Hirado Castle Tower, the body of Matsuura Zhenxin was already hanging on the beam.

His sword was stuck in the floor, with a bloodstained white cloth wrapped around the handle - it was left by the kaishakunin who committed seppuku.

Zheng Zhilong glanced at him coldly and immediately ordered:

"Cut off his head, seal it with lime, and send it to Fuzhou. Also—"

He paused, and glanced at the Japanese pirate captives kneeling on the ground: "Anyone who resists with weapons will be killed."

The fire at Hirado Port burned all night, leaving behind only charred ruins and bodies floating on the sea. The tide washed away the blood on the shore, but it could not wash away the strong smell of rust.

(End of this chapter)