Great Ming Dynasty Wen Chao Gong

Chapter 204: Don’t ask about the common people, ask about the medicine

"Princess, the West Lake is also beautiful in winter. It would be a wonderful thing to go boating on the lake and drink wine and enjoy the snow at the pavilion in the middle of the lake."

"No wonder you stayed here for so long, Prince Consort. You really feel comfortable living here. But there are also mountains and rivers outside the capital. You can build a few gardens. Willows can also be planted in the capital."

"It is true that they can be planted, but the scenery is still more beautiful in the south of the Yangtze River. The willows in the capital always lack some flavor."

"Prince consort, have you been staying here forever?"

"It all depends on your majesty's wishes. I have not been idle here either. I have also submitted several memorials to your majesty. If your majesty needs to summon me, I will naturally go back at dawn."

The beautiful scenery of the West Lake in front of him did not make Zhang Xiao calm down. He knew what the current Ming Dynasty was like. Zhang Xiao, who knew the script, had a clear idea of ​​it. The emperors of the Ming Dynasty had their own characteristics, but no matter how diligent they were, they always asked their subjects to work hard and have no regrets. He didn't know when his carefree days would end.

But Zhang Xiao did not expect that his carefree days would end so suddenly, because on the same day, people from the palace had arrived in Hangzhou.

"Eunuch Sun, His Majesty's order is that I leave immediately?" Zhang Xiao asked hurriedly after hearing the order and taking the imperial edict.

"Yes, your majesty means that as long as safety can be ensured, the princess will return to the capital as quickly as possible, but there is no need to travel so quickly." The eunuch who delivered the order replied.

Zhang Xiao had no room for negotiation as it was the order of his father and emperor. He set off with his entourage and a few guards. Although there were some turbulent events in the Ming Dynasty, it was generally peaceful, so Zhang Xiao arrived in the capital smoothly.

The moment he met the emperor, Zhang Xiao was about to prepare a report on coastal defense and Southeast Asia, but the emperor's questions made Zhang Xiao speechless.

"We can discuss military and national affairs slowly. Zhang Xiao, you have been in Southeast Asia for many years and you are well-informed. Is the black jade ointment you wrote about in the novel really such a thing?"

When Zhang Xiao submitted a memorial to the emperor a few days ago, he also packed up and sent over the novels he had written during this period. The Black Jade Fissure Ointment originally came from "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber", but Zhang Xiao couldn't write the book no matter what, so he used some of the settings in the book.

Just from the emperor's tone, it seems that he is looking forward to the Black Jade Ointment.

"Your Majesty, this Black Jade Ointment was invented by me. However, it is not surprising that some people in the martial arts world and folk doctors have some special medicines for treating injuries and illnesses." Zhang Xiao thought of Yunnan Baiyao first, but it had not appeared yet, and he didn't know the formula, so he didn't dare to say anything.

But why did the emperor ask this? Zhang Xiao thought about some historical rumors. That is, Emperor Wanli had a leg disease and walked with a limp. It is possible that there were some complications caused by high blood pressure and diabetes, which made walking difficult, and it became more serious in his later years. Now that the emperor asked this, it might be that his condition has worsened. Thinking of this, Zhang Xiao secretly warned himself to answer carefully.

"Zhang Xiao, you said that this black jade ointment is purely fictitious, but I'm afraid that's not entirely true. Since you can write about this thing, I'm afraid there must be some rumors about it."

"Your Majesty, there are innumerable rare and exotic herbs in the world. Not to mention those from overseas, there are also many rare and exotic herbs in the Ming Dynasty whose effects have not yet been discovered. Among them, there must be many medicines that can heal injuries and relieve pain. I have a suggestion. We can build a Hundred Herb Garden to collect rare and exotic herbs from all over the world and cultivate them, and let the Imperial Hospital and famous doctors in the capital study their effects." Zhang Xiao knew that if it was just a painkiller, he would know it, and the emperor should also know it. However, painkillers are basically addictive, so he had to come up with such a relatively comprehensive answer for now.

"Let's do it this way for now. When the Baicao Garden is built, you can come and take a look. If there is any good medicine for healing wounds and relieving pain, you must inform the Imperial Hospital as soon as possible." The emperor instructed.

"The minister obeys the order."

"Do you blame me for leaving the capital this time? You were so prosperous in the capital, but suddenly you walked eight thousand miles and arrived in Lingnan."

"This time I left Beijing to pay homage to the Xiaoling Mausoleum, which is my duty. As for my trip to Guangdong, it is also for the peace of southern Xinjiang. I dare not slack off, and I have no complaints."

"If you blame me in your heart, I'm not surprised. Logically speaking, your contribution of offering the map can be compared to Zhang Qian and Ban Chao of the Han Dynasty, plus you have made many contributions in planning, but it's just that many of the plans cannot be attributed to you. Not only have I not rewarded you, but I've also sent you to such a faraway place on official business. Even some of the officials who impeached you in the first place think I've gone too far."

"I don't dare."

"There is nothing I dare not do. I have read the memorial you submitted. It is well written. I am sure there are many things that are not convenient to say in the memorial. Now you can speak boldly."

"Your Majesty, as the saying goes, a minister should not have friends outside his country. Macau is a leased land, but now it has become a base of Macau. The rent paid every year is a drop in the bucket compared to the military expenditure of Guangdong Province on land and sea. Now, in order to defend against the Portuguese in Macau, thousands of land and sea troops have been added. I don't know how much silver is spent every year, and we dare not cut it. After all, Macau is in a very strategic location. Once the defense is empty, the loss will be great. The cruelty of the Portuguese in America is no worse than that of the Japanese pirates. Now they are honestly trading in Ming Dynasty because they are intimidated by the military power of Ming Dynasty."

"What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, if we only focus on defense, we will be left with nothing. We must have a strong navy as support and seize important places. Macau Island is just a frontier stronghold of the Portuguese. The Portuguese can run rampant in the South Seas because they occupy the territories of Malacca and Luzon. So even if we take Macau, it will not affect the overall situation and will alert the enemy. However, we must keep a close eye on the Portuguese in Macau and prevent them from expanding their territory. We must also pay attention to the Portuguese fleet at all times and never let them go deep into the Pearl River."

"I have read several memorials you submitted, and they are better than the previous ones. The memorials you wrote before about coastal defense were either about building heavy artillery or building giant ships. It cannot be said that they were wrong, but they were not very suitable for the current situation. If you go to Guangdong Province in person, the memorials you write will be much more practical. Since Macau cannot be moved lightly, do you mean that we can only defend ourselves in this way?" "Your Majesty, Malacca is strategically located and is the key for European countries to enter the South Seas. However, the Portuguese have occupied it for a long time, and the fortress they built is extremely solid and not easy to take. If you really want to drive out the Portuguese, I suggest that you can go straight to Luzon Island and take down the city of Manila. In this way, the countries in the South Seas can truly obey our dynasty. Especially the Kingdom of Annan, I am afraid that from now on, they will not dare to have any rebellious thoughts."

"I asked you about overseas mining before, and you said it was too risky. Now you suggest that I capture Luzon directly. The national treasury cannot afford such a long expedition, and I have other uses for my inner treasury." The emperor was silent for a moment before he spoke.

"Your Majesty, mining overseas will certainly attract the attention of foreign nations. If it is one of those vassal states, if their kings come to Beijing to complain, it will damage the prestige of our dynasty. If we mine on the territories of these European countries, it would be stealing their territory. Their territory was originally taken by killing and robbing. If you are not careful, they may start to expel and massacre as soon as you get the news. Therefore, if you want to mine overseas, you must have troops stationed in the local area, otherwise you will be giving money to others for nothing." Zhang Xiao said.

"What you said is of great importance, so let's discuss it later. First, tell me what you have seen and heard in the south these days. I have been in power for so many years, and I have always been in the Forbidden City, let alone Jiangnan. I have only been out once, to visit my mausoleum."

Since it was the emperor's order, Zhang Xiao naturally spoke without reservation, telling about what he saw and heard along the way, as well as the customs and habits of Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou. He also talked about the time he boarded a Portuguese ship for a visit after the negotiations with Macau were completed.

"What does this Portuguese warship look like? How big is it? Are its cannons strong and powerful?" the emperor asked curiously.

"It's not very big, but the ship type is different from the Ming navy. There are more cannons on board, both large and small. The sailors on board also look like experienced warriors. And your majesty, this is a letter entrusted by the Portuguese missionary Fan Lian'an to be delivered to Matteo Ricci. I dare not take it on my own, so please check it." Zhang Xiao took out Fan Lian's letter from his pocket. "Zhang Xiao said.

"You have done a great job on this mission. I will reward you later. Since this letter is for Matteo Ricci, if you agree, just help deliver the letter. I will not read it."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"I heard that you often organized some poetry and prose exchanges in Hangzhou. What job do you want when you return to Beijing this time? Do you want to work in the Ministry of Rites?" the emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, the border situation is not settled yet. I proposed to organize a new army before. General Li Zimao is currently organizing it in Tianjin. I want to go to Tianjin to supervise the new army."

After a long time, the emperor slowly spoke: "Zhang Xiao, you have been an official for the past few years, running around everywhere, all of which were my ideas. Although you entered the court as an official by chance, you have been diligent in your service for several years and have done a lot. I have also neglected to ask you what you think. You came back from Southeast Asia, and now you have handled military affairs, political affairs, and household affairs. What are your ambitions?"

"Your Majesty, the Ming Dynasty was established through military force, the barbarians were driven out, and China was restored. I am willing to follow the example of Zhang Gong, Marquis of Bowang, and Bang Gong, Marquis of Dingyuan, of the former prosperous Han Dynasty, to build roads and expand territory." Zhang Xiao muttered to himself, just like Caesar, I come, I see, I conquer.

"In that case, letting you stay in the capital would actually tie your hands and feet. Li Rusong has also reported to me several times about the training of the new army. It is not easy for him to run such a big business. In this case, you don't have a real job anyway, so you should go to the Ministry of War to help and learn about military affairs. As for whether to go to Tianjin, there is no rush."

"I obey your order." Zhang Xiao took his leave and left.

"Chen Ju, I thought Zhang Xiao was eager to return to Beijing, but I didn't expect that he wanted to learn from Zhang Bowang and Ban Dingyuan. It seems that he wants to make achievements and be awarded a title of nobility." The emperor sighed.

"Prince Consort Zhang is also worried about state affairs," said Chen Ju.

"But there is one thing Zhang Xiao said that I agree with. The Ming Dynasty was indeed founded on military power. Taizu and Chengzu both relied on their military power to have the final say in the court. When I was young, I advised my father not to ride a horse in the courtyard to avoid accidents. Now, living deep in this palace, many things are different. I can only believe what the ministers say."

"Your Majesty, all the ministers are still diligent and loyal in state affairs."

"Of course they have a sense of public spirit, but they are more selfish. My teacher was the same. He taught me filial piety in the past, but later on, in order to exercise power, he even ignored the mourning period. What happened in the end? He had just passed away, and before I had even said a word, his cronies had listed so many charges against him. I was angry at the time and dealt with him like this. Now that I think about it, I was a little anxious. I'm afraid that people all over the world will criticize me. I have been in power for more than 20 years, and I have never executed a minister or used the imperial prison. What else do they want me to do? They must force me." The emperor became a little angry as he spoke.

Chen Ju served carefully at the side, and without knowing when, the others had quietly disappeared from the emperor's sight.

Just like that, the emperor gave an oral order, and Zhang Xiao went to the Ministry of War for training. Zhang Xiao was still thinking about which position he should take, but when he arrived at the Ministry of War, Minister Shi was waiting at the door and directly invited him to have tea.

"Prince Consort Zhang, I just received the imperial edict from His Majesty. I didn't expect you to come so soon. Since you are here to familiarize yourself with the affairs of the Ministry of War, you can read all the documents of the Ministry of War, especially those related to the new army in Tianjin."

"This is a big bother to you. The Ministry of War is very busy right now, and they cannot afford to delay important military matters because of me. Shibu Tang, please find me a quiet place, I will stay here by myself."

"You are too polite, Prince Consort Zhang. You are much smarter than me when it comes to military affairs. If it weren't for your plans, the court might still be entangled with the Japanese kanpaku. Back then, I didn't know the treacherous nature of Japan and insisted on peace talks. Now, if the peace talks fail and the war breaks out again, I am afraid that I will be blamed by the court and the people and lose my job."

"Wakoku is indeed treacherous. Emperor Taizu hated its fickleness, but it was just the beginning of the empire and it was too difficult to make an expedition across the sea, so he decided not to invade Japan. Now it seems that Japan is not grateful for the grace of the Celestial Empire, and it even dares to invade our vassal state. Most people in the court and the public overestimated Korea and underestimated Japan. It is understandable that Minister Shi was negligent for a while. Who would have thought that the powerful Goryeo vassal at that time would be so vulnerable, and that Japan, which was isolated in a corner, would have such great ambitions."

"Yes, now that I think about it, I am indeed scared. Prince Consort Zhang, this is the organizational roster of the new army in Tianjin. Previously, the court was busy with the war in the southwest, and the new army in Tianjin was in arrears of a lot of food, wages and weapons. Fortunately, the war in the southwest was going well, and the Ministry of War still has some inventory and has allocated some expenses. If it was a few days later, I'm afraid General Li Zimao would have come to Beijing to sue the Ministry of War." Minister Shi handed a thick stack of booklets to Zhang Xiao.

(End of this chapter)