Great Ming Dynasty Wen Chao Gong

Chapter 75 Li Zhizao’s visit

In the main hall. Zhang Xiao looked at the visiting Li Zhizao, a little surprised at his youth.

"Xiaosheng pays homage to Zhang Shidu. I didn't expect that Zhang Shidu would take the time to let Xiaosheng come in for a visit," Li Zhizao said.

"Looking at your invitation, you are from Hangzhou. Are you coming to Shuntianfu for the rural examination this time?" Zhang Xiao asked.

"The junior student did come to Shuntianfu for the rural examination, but the results have been released. The junior student has little talent and little knowledge and has already lost his reputation. Now I am moving to the capital. I am going to find some books in the capital to take home. If possible, I also want to find something to do in the capital. ." Li Zhizao said.

"The road to the imperial examination is very difficult, but you are just not ready yet. Practice more and write more, and you will always make progress. How did you think of finding me?"

"Xiaosheng has read several of Zhang Shidu's books. A few days ago, Zhang Shidu gave a lecture at the Imperial College. With the help of his friends, Xiaosheng was able to listen to it in person. After listening to it, I learned a lot, so I thought of giving Zhang Shidu a vote. I'll send you a greeting card. If that doesn't work, I'll write you another letter. I didn't expect you, Zhang Shidu, to actually read the greeting card from me, a fallen scholar." Li Zhizao said.

"After listening to my class, you will be inspired, that is, the class was not in vain. How about it? What are your thoughts after listening?" Zhang Xiao asked.

"The junior student listened to Zhang Shidu's class, which was about sea power. Since there is sea power, there should be land power. At that time, some supervisors also asked about the countermeasures against Mongolia. Zhang Shidu saw that there were many people talking mixed words, Is it inconvenient to say it?" Li Zhizao asked.

"I do have this idea. After all, the strategy for Mongolia is a major policy formulated by the temple. I am a small Hanlin scholar and am not suitable to discuss such important matters. But sea power is not the same. At present, our Ming Dynasty is directly facing threats from the sea. It’s not that big, but Western barbarians, Japanese pirates and some Nanyang pirates often come to harass it. Although they plunder a lot, they don’t have the ability to conquer important towns. Now I’m talking about sea power. I also want to attract some attention from the temple, so I can prepare for a rainy day. ." Zhang Xiao explained.

"Then the Japanese may invade North Korea. Isn't this considered a threat at sea?" Li Zhizao asked.

"This doesn't really count. Although the Japanese have many ships, their ships are not big, especially they don't have any decent warships. So if they want to invade Korea, they can only land at the nearest sea and send their troops Transported over. But the Japanese could not send any main force of the navy, carrying tens of thousands of main forces to attack the two capitals. At most, they could only harass the coast. The so-called navy or navy of the Japanese mainly relied on recruiting a group of troops headed by Jiuki Jialong. Pirates, so when it comes to the navy alone, the Japanese are not something to be afraid of now. On the contrary, their hundreds of thousands of troops are a big trouble. Even if more than ten or two hundred thousand people arrive in North Korea, they will not be easy to deal with." Zhang Xiao explained road.

"Xiaosheng has learned a lesson. It seems that Zhang Shidu knows a lot about the Japanese. Did he already expect that the Japanese would invade our inner vassal of the Ming Dynasty or even the mainland of the Ming Dynasty?" Li Zhizao asked.

"Don't say it, don't tell it. The secret must not be leaked." Zhang Xiao said in riddle.

"This is a major military and national matter, Xiaosheng made a mistake." Li Zhizao apologized.

"No, no, since I can tell you, it's not a secret. But if our Ming Dynasty navy is stronger, we can really make Japanese boats afraid to go to the sea, or even drive big ships directly over. Let the Japanese cede territory and pay compensation for peace, let alone have any plans for the Ming Dynasty's internal vassal. Now there is no time. If the Japanese really dare to invade the Korean internal vassal, they can only use the Ming Dynasty's cavalry and artillery on land. , defeated the Japanese." Zhang Xiao said. "This Japanese country has committed an unreasonable offense and should be punished by the king's master. But in this poor and remote land of the Japanese country, is there any land worthy of my Ming Dynasty?" Li Zhizao was a little puzzled.

"The common people of Japan are indeed poor, but although Japan is remote, it still has some products, such as... forget it, it's hard to say this now. The most urgent thing now is to fight back the claws that Toyotomi Hideyoshi extended. It would be best. Just cut it off." Zhang Xiao said,
  "Zhang Shidu has great advice. Xiaosheng thinks too little, so he has so many doubts. Thank you Zhang Shidu for your generous advice," Li Zhizao said.

"It's easy to say. If you are willing to study, you will have a lot to do in the future. After reading your greetings, I will call you by your name. Zhenzhi, you said you have read my works, which one do you like to read? Ben?" Zhang Xiao asked.

"In fact, I have read them all, but my favorite is "The Conquest of Mexico". The story of the Francois told in it was very novel when I read it for the first time. I also gained something every time I read it again. . But Xiaosheng also has doubts. He has seen foreign monks from the West before. They call themselves missionaries. I feel that they are knowledgeable, have a lot of novelty gadgets, and are kind to others. But look at "The Conquest of Mexico" These foreign monks would not have any other purpose for the actions of so-called conquerors," Li Zhizao said.

"How should I put it? In fact, people like Cortez are in the minority among the Francois. But just like the example I gave in class that day, these people are the pioneers of pioneering. Missionaries are different. Their purpose is They still want to preach, but the Chinese people are not interested in these teachings. So they have to follow their own preferences and want to follow the path of the gentry. So the missionaries have to use some novel gadgets and some astronomy, geography, mathematics They use their knowledge to deal with the gentry. This also varies from person to person. It is not ruled out that some missionaries also have other purposes, such as exploring the inside story of our Ming Dynasty. Of course, many missionaries are indeed not bad people, and they really want to communicate with the Ming Dynasty. There are exchanges, and the teaching is also real knowledge." Zhang Xiao explained.

"Then Xiaosheng probably understands. You can interact with them, but you must also have reservations and observations." Li Zhizao concluded.

"By the way, you said before that you wanted to find something to do in the capital. Now that the imperial examination has not been successful, are you looking for something to do here in the capital?" Zhang Xiao asked.

"It's not like I'm looking for a serious job. I just rushed to take the exam all the way to the capital, and the money is no longer enough. So I thought of finding some copywriting jobs in the capital to earn some money." Li Zhizao said bluntly.

"I have an old relationship with the shopkeeper of Dingjia Bookstore. If you are willing to work there, I will write you a letter. The money they can give you is not low. Wenhua, bring the things up." Zhang Xiao ordered Lu Zhang.

"This is one hundred taels of silver. Don't be too little for Zhenzhi. Although it is not a huge amount of money, it should be enough for you, Li Xiucai, to help you with your emergency needs." Zhang Xiao said.

"Thank you so much, Zhang Shidu. I will definitely repay Shidu for your kindness after my birthday." Li Zhizao thanked him.

"You're welcome, you and I are like-minded after chatting. You are welcome to come and chat more in the future. Lu Zhang, please give my assassination to Li Xiucai." Zhang Xiao said.

(End of this chapter)