My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

After listening, Zhu Cilang's eyes showed approval, and he nodded, saying:

"My dear minister, your considerations are thorough! These two strategies are exactly what I desire! Let them be implemented! We shall proceed with both 'divide and conquer' and 'strive for excellence'! I grant you permission to utilize all necessary resources—people, money, and materials!"

"This vehicle must be ready for actual combat before the imperial court plans to use force against Liaodong. At least several vehicles that can operate stably are needed to bolster the army's morale!"

The thought of dozens of these steel behemoths, spewing thick smoke and making deafening roars, appearing before the Jurchen army, which was mainly armed with cold weapons, and the scene of their overwhelming and despair-inducing destruction, filled Zhu Cilang with an irrepressible surge of pride!

Wang Hui sensed the urgency and expectation in the Crown Prince's words, knowing the weight of his responsibility, and bowed solemnly, saying:

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will do my utmost, working day and night, to deliver a usable carriage within the timeframe set by Your Highness! I will never fail Your Highness's high expectations!"

"Very well! With your words of wisdom, I am at ease!"

Zhu Cilang nodded in satisfaction.

As the sun sets, it paints the sky a brilliant orange-red.

With indescribable satisfaction and excitement, Zhu Cilang left the Firearms Research Institute, still echoing with the roar of steam engines, surrounded by the crowd.

Sitting in the sedan chair on the way back to the Eastern Palace, he was still filled with excitement.

On this day, he witnessed the birth of the first practical breech-loading rifle in the Ming Dynasty and saw the first steam locomotive that could move on its own!

Although they are still rough, primitive, and full of various defects, this solid step from zero has been taken!

This signifies that the seeds of knowledge he brought have begun to take root and sprout in this ancient land!
He believed that in time, in the hands of these wise and hardworking craftsmen, the rifles would become more accurate and reliable.

The steam engine not only drives vehicles, but also ships, machine tools, and propels the entire country toward an industrialized future!

And the Ming Dynasty will surely stand at the top of the world with this technological advantage!
At this moment, all the hard work and pressure seemed to have been rewarded in the best way.

He was filled with unprecedented confidence in his upcoming southern tour and in the future fate of the Ming Dynasty.

It was April of the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen reign. Although the chill had not completely dissipated, the spring breeze carried a moist and gentle air.

Time flies like an arrow, and amidst tense but orderly preparations, the day of the southern tour finally arrived.

On the eve of the southern tour, the Forbidden City did not fall into silence as usual.

Although the keys to the palace gates have been removed, lanterns and torches illuminate the main passageways inside the palace as brightly as day.

The departments related to travel among the twenty-four departments of the inner court, such as the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, the Directorate of Palace Attendants, and the Directorate of Imperial Supplies, were already brightly lit and bustling with people.

The eunuchs, palace maids, and servants hurried along, yet remained orderly, whispering instructions as they conducted the final count and verification.

The atmosphere was particularly solemn near the warehouses where archives and books were stored.

One by one, large camphor wood chests sealed with seals from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works were carefully carried out, and their numbers and lists were checked by designated personnel.

These boxes and cages contain not only heavy files, but also a microcosm of the empire's economic lifeline!
These are all archives concerning the annual income and expenditure of the Grand Canal, river maps, grain quotas, and lists of boatmen, as well as complete records of maritime exploration attempts, nautical charts, and memorials on coastal navigation and defense against Japanese pirates.

There are also relevant documents from warehouses, salt and iron mines, and textile factories in various regions.

Just after midnight, the convoy loaded with supplies began to assemble in the designated area.

The mules and horses snorted softly as the drivers carefully inspected the harnesses.

Banners, parasols, axes, maces, and stirrups representing the emperor's authority, as well as daily necessities such as tents, tables, chairs, screens, and imperial utensils, were securely loaded onto sturdy carriages.

Although the entire process was complex and multifaceted, it was carried out efficiently and effectively under Wang Chengen's personal supervision, demonstrating the remaining operational efficiency of the imperial central government.

At 3:45 AM, Emperor Chongzhen rose from the East Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace.

Compared to the worry and anxiety that usually lingered between his brows, the emperor's expression today surprisingly revealed a touch of calm and composure.

At the service of palace maids, Chongzhen changed into his most solemn imperial robes, a black upper garment and a yellow lower garment, embroidered with twelve symbols: sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragon, pheasant, ancestral vessels, waterweed, fire, rice grains, axe, and axe. He wore a twelve-tassel crown and a gold and jade belt around his waist.

This attire, though heavy and restrictive, symbolizes supreme imperial power and responsibility to heaven, earth, and ancestors.

He knew that this southern tour was not a leisurely trip like those of emperors throughout history, but a difficult journey concerning the foundation of the country and the reversal of its destiny. It was necessary to endow it with unquestionable legitimacy and seriousness from the very beginning.

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), solemn ceremonial music began.

Emperor Chongzhen went to the Fengxian Hall to worship his ancestors, and then went to the Altar of the God of Soil and Grain to perform the sacrificial ceremony.

Amidst the resounding and melodious chants of the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Emperor Chongzhen meticulously followed the regulations of the "Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty," completing each ritual of bowing, offering incense, and libation with utmost care.

The congratulatory text, meticulously crafted by a Hanlin scholar, resonated powerfully in the morning air:

"I admire Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu, who braved wind and rain to establish the capital in Youyan and opened up the Grand Canal to strengthen the capital and secure the foundation of the nation for ten thousand generations. I have succeeded to this great cause and will be vigilant day and night."

"Now that the troubles in Liaodong have subsided and the bandits have temporarily ceased their activities, it is truly a blessing from Heaven for the Ming Dynasty, which has given us a temporary respite."

"However, the southeast is a vital region for wealth and resources, and the sea route offers lasting benefits. I, having received the Mandate of Heaven and respectfully following ancestral traditions, have resolved to tour the southeast to personally inspect the advantages and disadvantages of the Grand Canal, explore the convenience of maritime transport, provide relief to the soldiers and civilians along the river, and eliminate long-standing malpractices, in order to unclog the nation's arteries, alleviate the people's suffering, comfort the spirits of our ancestors, and bring peace to the hearts of millions."

This proclamation clearly stated that the purpose of the southern tour was to solve the empire's most pressing economic and transportation problems, aiming to silence the dissent of court officials who might object on the grounds of "wasting resources and manpower" or "imitating the Zhengde Emperor."

At 3:45 AM, the ceremony moved to the Taihe Gate.

Above the steps of the Huangji Gate, the throne has been set up, with banners and ceremonial guards arranged on the left and right.

The civil and military officials in the capital, dressed in their court robes according to their rank, had already been standing solemnly in the square waiting.

When Emperor Chongzhen ascended the throne surrounded by eunuchs, the officials, guided by officials from the Court of State Ceremonial, performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices shook the heavens.

Emperor Chongzhen's gaze swept over the sea of ​​officials below, his voice steady and powerful, clearly resounding throughout the square:
"During this southern tour, I have entrusted all state affairs to Prince Ding to oversee the country. Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan and Grand Eunuch Wang Chengen of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, you should all diligently assist Prince Ding in handling daily government affairs."

"All memorials shall be drafted by the cabinet in charge. Urgent ones shall be sent to the imperial court by express courier at a speed of 600 li for my personal decision."

His gaze turned to Prince Ding, Zhu Cijiong, who was standing in front of the throne.

Zhu Cijiong was also dressed in official robes today, with a solemn expression, trying to show a composure beyond his years.

Emperor Chongzhen continued his instructions, addressing not only Prince Ding but also all the officials remaining in the capital:

"My purpose in this trip is to facilitate maritime transport, replenish granaries, and alleviate the people's suffering. These are essential strategies for strengthening the foundation and nourishing the people."

"All officials in the capital should be diligent in their duties, appease the people, ensure supplies, and refrain from slackness, factional strife, or failing the Emperor's trust!"

His tone was full of unquestionable authority and a renewed emphasis on the political direction of his southern tour.

Zhu Cijiong stepped forward, knelt down, and accepted the order:

"Your Majesty, I will obey your decree and work diligently with all the ministers to safeguard the capital. I await Your Majesty's good news." After the farewell ceremony, it was nearly 9:00 AM.

The massive southern tour procession began to depart in sequence. Although it may not have used the full imperial regalia, the core ceremonial guards still displayed the utmost royal grandeur.

At the forefront were dragon flags and guards leading the way, followed by burly Jinyiwei generals carrying golden maces, axes, bows and arrows, and leopard-tail spears. Each of them was tall and imposing, with solemn expressions.

Then came a multitude of banners, canopies, fans, pennants, and flags, creating a dazzling and vibrant display of moving colors.

The imperial carriage carrying the Chongzhen Emperor was located at the core of the procession, pulled by several magnificent imperial horses. The carriage was ornately decorated with golden dragons, which shone brightly in the sunlight.

Zhu Cilang, along with several princes and the women of the harem, followed closely behind in their carriages.

Following behind were the motorcade of civil and military officials in the entourage, as well as supply wagons carrying archives and materials.

The guard force is truly elite!

The core guard consisted of the Tengxiang Five Guards, the Beijing Garrison, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Imperial Guard Division. They wore brand-new armor, their weapons were polished to a gleaming shine, their military bearing was impeccable, and their steps were synchronized.

This team was not only responsible for security, but also demonstrated to the officials and civilians along the way the fighting power and prestige of the Central Imperial Guards, which remained intact after being tempered by war.

The procession traveled south along the central axis of the Forbidden City, passing through the Meridian Gate, the Duan Gate, the Chengtian Gate, and the Daming Gate in succession.

Along both sides of the imperial road, soldiers from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Five Cities Garrison had already set up a tight cordon.

Countless citizens of the capital came upon hearing the news, crowding outside the cordon and eagerly anticipating a glimpse of the emperor.

The procession was vast and impressive, stretching for miles from one end to the other.

When the last supply wagon drove out of Zhengyang Gate, it was already past noon. The entire departure ceremony took nearly two hours.

Zhu Cilang sat in his private sedan chair and breathed a sigh of relief.

The morning's ceremony was solemn and complicated, a considerable test of both physical and mental strength, and he did feel somewhat tired.

The interior of the sedan chair was spacious and comfortable, with thick cushions and a small table.

He did not choose to ride in the imperial carriage with Emperor Chongzhen, firstly because Emperor Chongzhen also had concubines attending to him, which would have been inconvenient for him in the past.

Secondly, he had Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige with him, so he wasn't too bored.

Zheng Xiaomei was thoughtful and had prepared warm water and snacks. Seeing that he looked tired, she gently advised him to rest for a while.

Qiqige was more interested in the long line outside the window and the unfamiliar field scenery in the distance, but she also sensibly kept quiet.

The first stop on this trip was Tianjin.

Tianjin, known as the empire's maritime gateway, was also the starting point and testing ground for this rectification of maritime transport.

It is located at the confluence of the North Canal and the Bohai Sea, and was used by both the Yuan and Ming dynasties to unload grain transported by sea.

Emperor Chongzhen personally visited this place to inspect the coastal defense facilities of Dagukou, the port conditions of the Sancha River estuary and Haihe River, the existing wharves and warehouses, and to summon local officials, naval commanders and even experienced boatmen.

At this point, some people might have a question:

Tianjin is very close to Beijing, practically under the emperor's nose, so the law should be strict. There should be very little smuggling, right?

If you really think that way, then you are oversimplifying the complex political landscape of the late Ming Dynasty.

In fact, smuggling is rampant in Tianjin!

The reason for this is precisely because of its special status as "under the emperor's nose".

The reasons are complex and profound, reflecting the crux of the dynasty's demise.

Firstly, there is the so-called "blind spot" effect. Tianjin's proximity to the center of power has not only failed to effectively curb crime, but has also created intricate connections between smuggling activities and the highest-ranking officials and dignitaries.

Nobles, powerful eunuchs, and even some high-ranking officials in the capital city were eyeing the huge profits from smuggling in Tianjin. Some secretly invested in the business, while others directly acted as protectors.

They used their power and connections to provide political asylum to the smuggling fleet.

If local officials or imperial censors wanted to conduct thorough investigations, they would often receive reprimands, pleas for leniency, or even threats of dismissal from the capital before the cases were even fully investigated.

Under such pressure, who would dare to actually touch those "private ships" with powerful connections?
The fear of unintended consequences has rendered the regulatory system almost ineffective at the top level.

Secondly, there is the huge illegal market that has formed in Beijing itself.

Despite the Ming Dynasty's policy of prohibiting maritime trade, the demand for overseas luxury goods among the imperial family, nobles, officials, and wealthy merchants in the northern capital was extremely strong.

For example, there is a huge market for pepper, sappanwood, pearls, and ivory from Southeast Asia, Japanese swords, gilded fans, lacquerware, and even more exquisite Western clocks.

Although official tribute trade existed, the quantity was far too small to meet the demand, so smuggling became the primary supply channel.

To some extent, Tianjin Port became a "secret logistics center" serving the privileged class in Beijing.

In addition, against the backdrop of the war between the Ming Dynasty and the Jurchens, the Jurchens urgently needed strategic materials such as ironware, saltpeter, sulfur, grain, and cloth.

Some unscrupulous merchants took the risk of smuggling goods to Liaodong through the numerous small harbors and estuaries along the Tianjin coast, making profits of up to dozens of times their initial investment.

The enormous consumption power of the capital city and the abnormal demands of war together provided a powerful economic impetus for smuggling, rendering the ban ineffective.

Thirdly, there is the dual corruption and ineffectiveness of the military and administrative systems.

By the late Ming Dynasty, the Tianjin Three Guards system, established in the early Ming Dynasty, was on the verge of collapse. A large number of military households deserted, their land was seized, and the soldiers left behind were short of food and pay, lacked training, and had no fighting capacity whatsoever.

Such an army is not only unable to effectively patrol the sea and combat smuggling, but its officers and soldiers also actively participate in smuggling activities in order to make a living. They either take advantage of patrols to "let the fish grow in the water" and accept bribes, or simply "steal from their own posts" and use their positions to smuggle private goods.

Meanwhile, the military, canal transport, and local administrative systems in Tianjin have overlapping powers, leading to buck-passing and a fear of taking responsibility, especially of offending vested interests. This creates numerous loopholes in management, providing opportunities for smugglers.

Fourth, the inherent flaws of the canal transport system itself provided cover.

As a hub for the Grand Canal, Tianjin sees tens of thousands of canal boats traveling north and south every year.

Smuggling vessels can easily blend into the large fleet of cargo ships, making them difficult to identify.

Meanwhile, the officers, soldiers, and sailors within the canal transport system often took advantage of the convenience of transporting grain to smuggle private goods into the official grain, or simply used the canal boats to engage in smuggling.

Illegal activities within this "legal" transportation system are highly covert and extremely difficult to investigate and prosecute.

Therefore, the rampant smuggling in Tianjin at the end of the Ming Dynasty was by no means a simple matter of public security, but rather a significant sign of the systemic collapse of the dynasty. (End of Chapter)