Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Chapter 405: Excessive Democracy May Be a Disaster

Zhu Gang put his hands behind his back and paced back and forth in this magnificent yet solemn hall.

His expression was full of passion and enthusiasm, and his words just flowed out continuously.

"As you know, during the Song Dynasty, the Maritime Silk Road became increasingly prosperous."

Li Chongyi leaned slightly to the side, his eyes full of expectation, and said, "Your Highness, I would like to hear the details."

Zhu Gang straightened his back, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and spoke eloquently.

“The skilled craftsmen of the Song Dynasty greatly improved their shipbuilding technology, and the ships they built were sturdy and had excellent sailing performance, providing a solid foundation for the development of overseas trade.

Furthermore, the Song Dynasty court had foresight and adopted an open and encouraging policy towards overseas trade.

Relax restrictions on merchants' sea voyages to allow them to sail far away and explore, and lower tariffs to attract overseas merchants.

During that period, China exported large quantities of silk, porcelain, and tea overseas, and also imported spices, jewelry, medicinal herbs and other rare items from overseas. "

Li Chongyi stroked his beard and asked attentively, "Your Highness, what benefits have these measures of the Song Dynasty brought?"

Zhu Gang put his hands behind his back, paced back and forth, and said excitedly: "The prosperity of overseas trade brings more than just economic development. It is like an invisible bond connecting the cultures of various countries and promoting exchanges and communication.

Coastal cities during the Tang and Song dynasties thus became international commercial centers.

Although there were many difficulties in conducting maritime trade, we finally succeeded with perseverance and wisdom.

Lord Li, I mentioned this matter because I hope you can put the long-term development of Ming Dynasty first and support my plan. "

Li Chongyi, who was sitting nearby, curled his lips slightly after hearing what Zhu Gang said, and thought to himself: "This King of Jin is still young and hot-tempered after all, and he has been thinking about making some earth-shattering moves all day long.

Humph, don't let anything huge happen, or it will implicate our entire court.

I have to keep a close eye on him and not let him do anything reckless like this."

Thinking of this, Li Chongyi did not say much to stop him on the surface, but his expression still showed a bit of disapproval.

But behind the scenes he had already made up his mind to unite with other conservative officials and make careful plans in secret, thinking about how to more effectively stop Zhu Gang's plan.

As a result, the atmosphere at the banquet still seemed a bit dull and depressing, as if a dark cloud was hanging over everyone's hearts.

Zhu Gang was very clear in his mind that if these voices of opposition were not properly handled.

Then this grand plan that I had planned in my mind would probably be difficult to carry out smoothly.

So Zhu Gang took advantage of the break in everyone's conversation and quietly called several of his trusted advisers, whom he relied on very much, to a side hall, intending to discuss the ins and outs of the matter with them in depth.

These counselors who were summoned all had their own abilities, and were all people that Zhu Gang trusted very much.

Among them was a young man named Zhao Xuan, who looked handsome.

His temperament is elegant and extraordinary, as if he is a modest gentleman walking out of a book.

He has been well-read since childhood and has a very quick mind.

He has an extremely keen insight into the situation in this world.

Often, one can see at a glance the key points that many others overlook.

There is also an old man named Sun Boda. The years have carved deep wrinkles on his face, but they have also left him with extremely rich experience.

Sun Boda had assisted several important officials in his life, and he was well versed in the twists and turns of officialdom and the workings of the world. The other was the young and promising Zhang Qiwen, who was good at planning and strategy, and had a lot of research on military and economic aspects.

The novel ideas and unique insights in his head often make people's eyes light up.

After everyone arrived, Zhu Gang frowned slightly.

There was a hint of worry in his expression, and he slowly said, "Gentlemen, you all saw what happened at the banquet today.

The resistance I encountered in my plan to build city walls and forge ironclad ships was quite great.

Although I have tried my best to explain the interests involved, the doubts in everyone's hearts still seem to have not been completely eliminated.

Tell me, what should we do about this matter?"

Zhao Xuan took the lead and bowed respectfully, then raised his head slightly and said seriously and sincerely: "Your Highness, in my opinion, this matter cannot be rushed, and it needs to be done slowly.

Look at those merchants engaged in maritime trade. What they are worried about is whether the port taxes will increase due to the construction of the city wall and whether the trade routes will change as a result.

The officials of the Ministry of Industry were worried about the many risks involved in building ironclad ships.

They all have their own concerns, and we want to resolve these doubts.

Then we have to prescribe the right medicine for the problem and resolve it step by step and slowly."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly, and said with a hint of helplessness in his expression: "Mr. Zhao, I naturally understand the principles you mentioned.

But this plan is related to the future of our Ming Dynasty, and I really can’t wait.

But since everyone has these doubts, we can only do as you said and proceed slowly.

But how to do it specifically still needs your opinions."

Sun Boda stroked his long beard calmly, his eyes revealing a depth.

“Your Highness, I think we can take some practical measures to appease the concerns of those maritime traders.

For example, a special fund can be set up.

If the construction of the city wall causes fluctuations in port taxes in the future.

Then the corresponding amount of money will be allocated from this fund to compensate those merchants for the losses they may suffer.

As for the trade routes, we might as well invite professionals who are familiar with navigation to participate in the discussion at the beginning of the city wall planning, and make sure that the normal trade will not be affected to the greatest extent possible."

After hearing what Sun Boda said, Zhu Gang's eyes suddenly lit up.

A relieved smile appeared on his face, "Mr. Sun, this is a very good plan. This way, maybe those sea traders can really feel more at ease.

So how should we deal with the risks of building ironclad ships that the Ministry of Industry officials are worried about? "

Zhang Qiwen stepped forward, his expression showing some confidence, and said loudly: "Your Highness, building an ironclad ship is risky, but it is not uncontrollable."

Zhu Gang frowned slightly and asked anxiously, "Oh? How to control it?"

Zhang Qiwen bowed slightly and said confidently: "First, we can recruit skilled craftsmen from all over the country and gather together people with superb skills from all sides.

Let's study the craftsmanship of building ironclad ships together, and this will greatly increase the success rate."

(End of this chapter)