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

The warm sun shone into the East Palace meeting hall with its carved beams and painted rafters. Amid the mottled light and shadows, the atmosphere was as solemn as the eve of a storm.

Zhu Gang raised his thick eyebrows and an unruly smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's as he swept over the people around who were watching the excitement.

Zhu Gang said in a loud voice like a bell: "Humph, these smugglers are so arrogant, we have to take drastic measures!

We should encourage people to report, and once verified, we will reward them handsomely!

Let’s see if they dare to act recklessly again!
As for the impact on domestic industries, what is there to fear?
As long as my father plans ahead and guides the transformation and upgrading of the industry.

All of our Ming Dynasty craftsmen have unique skills. Are we afraid that we cannot improve our competitiveness?

If the government can introduce more support policies and properly resettle the affected workers, we will be able to get through this difficult time safely.”

Zhu Gang's tone was filled with innate heroism and confidence, fully displaying the courage and dominance of a royal family member.

When the ministers heard his passionate speech, they were instantly furious.

Hong Yi, the new Minister of Personnel, who came from a Jiangnan aristocratic family, was always conservative and devoted to protecting the interests of the aristocratic family. He was so angry that he blew his beard and glared.

He stepped forward with his eyes wide open, pointed his spear at Zhu Gang, and shouted sternly, "Your Highness, don't make your words sound so light!

Once the maritime ban was lifted, the foundations of the coastal gentry were shaken.

The Japanese pirates and other pirates will surely become more rampant, and the people living along the coast will then be in dire straits.

Can Your Highness bear the responsibility for this crime?"

At this time, the group of ministers behind Hong Yi who had vested interests in him also echoed his words.

"Yes, Your Highness, this move was too hasty!"

"The safety of the coastal areas is not something to be trifled with!"

The scene was noisy and bustling, just like being in a market.

Zhu Gang sneered upon seeing this and met Hong Yi's gaze without fear.

There was a hint of teasing in his eyes, and he said tit for tat: "Minister Hong, since you keep mentioning the bandit problem, I guess you have a good plan?
You might as well tell it to everyone. If it can really solve the problem, I will listen attentively and support it with all my strength.

As for industrial transformation, this is the general trend. How can we shrink back because of a few difficulties?

Could it be that the family behind Minister Hong is worried that their financial resources will be cut off?"

Zhu Gang's words were sharp and mercilessly hit Hong Yi's weak points.

Hong Yi's face turned pale and blue, and he could not help but shout in anger, "Your Highness, please stop making groundless assumptions and slandering me!
We are all for the public good, but Your Highness is so eager to implement the maritime ban, what is your intention?"

Just as the two sides were arguing fiercely, a guard ran in in a panic.

He knelt on the ground with a plop and said anxiously, "Your Highness, something terrible has happened!

Just received an urgent report that a group of Japanese pirates took advantage of the period when the court was discussing the maritime ban and raided a fishing village in the coastal area.

They burned, killed, and looted, and countless people were killed or injured!"

When everyone heard the sad news, they were all shocked.

Hong Yi sneered upon seeing this, and then he said in a sarcastic tone: "Your Highness, look at this!
The maritime ban had not yet been implemented, but the Japanese pirates were already so rampant.

If the maritime ban is really lifted, won’t the coastal areas become a living hell?”

Zhu Gang frowned, a hint of anxiety flashed across his eyes, but it disappeared in an instant.

He then calmly looked around at everyone and said loudly: “My Lords, the invasion of the Japanese pirates shows that we can no longer stick to the old ways.

Due to the maritime ban for many years, the coastal defense was almost useless, which gave the Japanese pirates an opportunity to take advantage.

The only solution is to lift the maritime ban and strengthen coastal defense.

Only by developing maritime trade and strengthening national strength can we fundamentally resist foreign enemies. "

However, some ministers still refused to give in. One official from the Ministry of Personnel shouted in a shrill voice: "Your Highness is clearly making far-fetched arguments and playing with the lives of the people!"

Just when the atmosphere was tense, Zhu Biao, who had been silent all the time, slowly stood up.

He looked solemn, his eyes steady and majestic.

Zhu Biao said slowly, "My Lords, please be patient for now. The Ming Dynasty is facing internal and external troubles. The maritime ban is related to the fate of the country and is no joke.

What my third brother said does make sense.

We cannot give up long-term development because of temporary difficulties.

But at the same time, we must act with caution and make a thorough plan to be absolutely sure of success.”

As the crown prince, Zhu Biao's words at this moment were calm and dignified, showing the demeanor of a crown prince.

Zhu Gang looked at him gratefully and said, "Brother, what you said is absolutely right. We can first try to open the sea ban in some coastal areas.

Take each step carefully and gain experience.

At the same time, we will strengthen our coastal defense capabilities to ensure the safety of the people.”

At this moment, Xie Yuer, who had been standing next to Zhu Gang, raised her eyebrows and stepped forward.

She said in a crisp voice: "My Lords, although I am a woman, I also understand the righteousness of my country.

Now that the Ming Dynasty is in trouble, it is time to work together rather than argue endlessly.

My Xie family has been loyal for generations. If the maritime ban is lifted on a trial basis, my father and brothers will lead the Xie family army and fully assist the court in strengthening coastal defense."

Xie Yuer's words revealed the boldness and courage of a family of military commanders.

Everyone was stunned when they heard her words.

Although Hong Yi's face turned pale, he couldn't get angry.

Li Xian had been observing the situation silently, and at this moment he stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Highness, everyone.

I just heard that the Japanese pirates raided the fishing village, and I have a plan.

We can pretend we don't know and deploy our troops in secret.

Lure the Japanese pirates deep into our territory and catch them in a trap.

This will not only strike a blow to the arrogance of the Japanese pirates, but also show the world that after lifting the maritime ban, the imperial court is capable of ensuring coastal security. "

As a staff member, Li Xian spoke modestly and clearly.

Zhu Gang's eyes lit up when he heard this. He nodded and praised, "This is a great plan. Let's do as Li Xian said!

At the same time, we must speed up the preparations for the lifting of the maritime ban and formulate detailed industrial support policies as soon as possible.”

After some heated debate and twists and turns, the situation temporarily stabilized.

However, Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao both knew that this was just the beginning and there would be more challenges waiting for them in the future.

Chang Qingyun saw that although Zhu Gang had temporarily stabilized the situation, he looked tired and his eyes were full of heartache.

She walked lightly to Zhu Gang, handed him a cup of tea, and said in a gentle voice, "Third brother, are you exhausted?

Drink some tea quickly to moisten your throat.

You handled it really well today, and I'm really proud of you.

But there is still a long way to go, so we must not be complacent because of a temporary victory."

Chang Qingyun's tone is gentle, and her words show the care of an elder.

Zhu Gang took the tea and looked at her gratefully.

"Sister-in-law, I feel much more at ease with you here.

Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

But having said that, the lifting of the maritime ban will lead to frequent trade, which will also bring many changes to the finances of our Ming Dynasty."

Chang Qingyun nodded slightly and said, "Yes, Third Brother.

As trade increases, new measures will be needed in areas such as taxation and capital flow.

Speaking of this, I am reminded of the "National Aid Bonds" you mentioned before. This is a kind of bond-like thing issued by the court to raise funds.

Ordinary people and merchants can buy it and get a certain amount of interest after maturity. " (End of this chapter)