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Chapter 1465 Human Heart
In the early 17th century, the two continents, one in the north and one in the south, were roughly equal, with South America having a slight advantage. However, in the long run, Hong Tao chose North America because of its better development prospects and geographical location.

South America's main advantages right now are its population and infrastructure—several million people. Having been ruled by the Spanish for over a century, much of its former strength has been worn down, making it relatively easier to manage. Furthermore, its dozen or so major cities are well-developed and can essentially be adopted directly.

However, looking at the next few decades or centuries, population and infrastructure become disadvantages. Why is that? Because later generations have provided very accurate answers.

Centuries from now, a closer look at a world map will reveal an interesting phenomenon: countries and regions that speak Spanish and Portuguese tend to have slower economic development and more chaotic political situations.

Why? In two words: culture! Latin peoples have a long history and a brilliant culture, which has also shaped their unique character. On the positive side, they are passionate, humorous, and witty; on the negative side, they are lazy, indolent, and pleasure-seeking.

Coincidentally, the local indigenous people are in the same situation, and the Spanish have instilled a strong religious belief in them over the past century. Transforming them is not impossible, but it will be quite difficult. It may take decades or even centuries, and require a huge investment of human and material resources.

Compared to North America, especially the western regions, which have relatively few indigenous populations and lack unified nations, cultures, and beliefs, North America is like a blank canvas, open to any form of expression. While progress may be slower initially, the problems that arise later on decrease.

As for what to do with the Peruvian Viceroyalty that had already been occupied, Hong Tao had a plan: to use it as leverage in negotiations with European countries and as a gift to demonstrate his magnanimity.

As the war progresses, both sides will inevitably have to sit down and negotiate to redefine spheres of influence and new rules to be followed. At that time, the Ming Empire could proactively offer to return the Viceroyalty of Peru, demonstrating its sincerity to the European nations.

By the way, let me tell them that as long as they are willing to join the new world order, the Ming Empire is still quite reasonable and will not bully others with force. It also has no intention of monopolizing the Americas and is willing to play along with everyone!
Of course, when you spit out such a large piece of meat that you've already swallowed, you have to give some compensation. For example, western North America, which hasn't yet been invaded by European countries, and the Isthmus of Panama in Central America.

Even if the Spanish government is unhappy, other European countries will likely welcome the outcome. After all, European nations have been embroiled in internal conflicts over the distribution of the Americas, all eyeing Spain and Portugal with envy.

If they can't defeat the Ming Empire and can't monopolize Asian resources, surely they can defeat Spain and get a share of the spoils in the Americas? If they can use the strength of the Ming Empire to further weaken Spain's advantage in the New World, that would be exactly what they want.

The debate over whether to go west or east once again went to the emperor's opinion, and today's imperial meeting will be adjourned for the time being.

The General Staff immediately drafted a new order, instructing Huang Taiji and Jieji to withdraw their forces back to their previous defensive lines and remain inactive to observe the situation. The only change was to reduce logistical support from wartime to preparedness levels, thus relieving some logistical pressure.

According to the General Staff's estimates, news of the Ming Empire's occupation of the Peruvian Viceroyalty should have already reached the European Allied Fleet. When they hear that their backyard is on fire, their morale will definitely suffer a major blow, and Enniu Port should still be able to hold out.

Therefore, the Cape of Good Hope theater will not send a large-scale reinforcement for the time being, and will wait for the battle report to arrive before making a decision based on the situation. At the same time, the Indian Ocean fleet is ordered to readjust its deployment, shifting its focus from the Persian Gulf to the southern Indian Ocean.

If something unexpected happens at Enbird Port, a counterattack can be launched within two months, at least to blockade it and prevent the European Allied Fleet from freely entering and leaving the Indian Ocean. "Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, should a governorate also be established in North America? If so, who will be sent to preside over it?" The officials present left one after another, and the Hall of Mental Cultivation gradually became empty, but two people did not leave, or rather, two old men, Yuan Yingtai and Li Ruzhang.

"What? If Grand Secretary Yuan is willing to return to public service, I would be more than happy to do so!"

Hong Tao seemed not to understand the meaning behind Yuan Yingtai's words, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. If asked who the mainstay of the Jingyang Dynasty was, the court officials would unanimously recommend two people: Yuan Yingtai in civil affairs and Li Ruzhang in military affairs.

These two men, one 69 and the other 70, were well past retirement age, yet the emperor retained them in court as Grand Secretaries. On the surface, this was to allow them to continue contributing their remaining energy and assist in state affairs, but in reality, it was also a gesture emphasizing their importance.

"No, no, I am old and frail, and my life is nearing its end. It is a small matter to be abandoned in a foreign land, but to ruin Your Majesty's great plans would be to disgrace your reputation in your later years."

Faced with the emperor's earnest entrustment, Yuan Yingtai remained completely unmoved. This tactic was too cliché and too old-fashioned; no matter how convincing his expression was, the underlying mockery was unmistakable.

However, the old man wasn't discouraged. This emperor had a very eccentric temper and loved to joke. Whoever he joked with first indicated who he trusted. It might feel a little awkward at first, but he'd get used to it over time.

"Your Majesty, please do not tease me. I am a year older than Chief Minister Yuan, and I can no longer ride a horse. If we were to cross the ocean thousands of miles away, I fear I would be buried at sea before even reaching my destination."

Upon seeing the emperor turn his gaze to him again, Li Ruzhang quickly confessed that he had no intention of coveting the position of Governor-General of America, citing the same reason: he was willing but unable to do so.

"Do those two ministers have suitable candidates to recommend to me?" Hong Tao couldn't guess why the two old men were inquiring about this matter, but he was certain they were serious, otherwise they wouldn't have made such a presumptuous move.

"Your Majesty dares not interfere with your decision to appoint people, but I have some concerns. As Your Majesty said, North America is a much larger region than the Empire’s homeland, rich in resources, and far away, unlike Luzon or Port Angkor.

Yuan Yingtai first clasped his hands in a salute before revealing his true thoughts in two words: fear! After most of the day's meeting, he had at least understood one thing: what North America was like, and then he began to feel uneasy.

He wasn't worried about warfare or construction; this wasn't the first time. Ming officials were very experienced in suppressing indigenous peoples, developing land, and building infrastructure, so they would handle it steadily, and there might even be some pleasant surprises.

But what happens after the initial construction is completed and the immigrants have been mostly transported? Management issues will need to be addressed. The army can't always be left to manage things; the empire has no precedent for this.

(End of this chapter)