Taichang Ming Dynasty

Chapter 191: Closing the Moon and Opening the Sky

After a period of silence, people's attention shifted back to the emperor. Their waiting eyes were filled with anticipation, fear, but mostly worry.

Zhu Changluo glanced sideways and met the young prince's eager eyes. Zhu Changluo smiled silently and asked, "What do you think of Mr. Liu's advice?"

His eyes lingered on each of them for a moment, but no one spoke.

Finally, Deputy Minister Ye Xianggao stepped forward. "I believe what Lord Liu has said is absolutely correct. The Ming dynasty's problems and the court's troubles truly harm the people." But after saying this, he immediately changed the subject, saying, "But as Prime Minister Fang said earlier, things must be done one at a time. Land surveying, population clarification, and equalization of taxes and labor service—these are major undertakings that could disrupt the entire nation if they are addressed. They shouldn't be hastily implemented."

"Hmm. That makes sense. Let's do this for now. I understand." Although Zhu Changluo was deeply impressed by Liu Yirong, he believed that it was not yet time to implement a nationwide land survey and resettlement. While it was possible to conduct experimental land surveys in local areas, the court's energy was limited, and he had other things to do. "Any other proposals?"

"Your Majesty," Liu Yirong wanted to speak, but was stopped by the Emperor. "Alright, let's talk about this later. Mr. Liu, please go back first."

Liu Yirong felt a surge of pent-up energy in his chest, but since the emperor didn't nod, nothing he said was of any use. Finally, he could only kowtow and reply, "Yes."

"I have a report to make." Xu Guangqi glanced at Liu Yirong briefly. He waited until Liu Yirong returned to his seat before coming out to make his report.

"Go ahead." Zhu Changluo nodded.

"I believe that whether it's Fang Shoufu's advice on reducing redundancy, Li Hubu's advice on tax supervision, or Liu Gelao's advice on equalization, they are all about finding ways to increase revenue or reduce expenditure within the Ming Dynasty." Xu Guangqi first briefly summarized and evaluated the advice of the three, then said, "But I believe we can turn our attention beyond the Ming Dynasty and use the profits and customs duties earned through official and private trade with foreign merchants in overseas countries to supplement national expenditures."

"Minister Xu, you're just repeating the same old tune." Li Ruhua objected as Xu Guangqi finished. "Emperor Zhuang had already issued an order to reopen the gates in the first year of the Longqing reign, but state spending didn't increase much."

Throughout the Ming Dynasty, international trade was never considered a major source of national income. In the early Ming, the only form of trade was "tribute," which meant that "only when overseas countries paid tribute would tributary missions be allowed to trade goods."

During the Hongwu and Yongle reigns, in order to demonstrate generosity towards vassal states and to demonstrate the majesty of the Celestial Empire, the imperial court's policies were often based on the principles of "appeasement and benevolence" and "returning generously to those who receive little." This meant no deductions or taxes were levied, and generous returns were given.

For example, in the second year of the Hongwu reign, it was stipulated that "if tributary envoys bring foreign goods with them and wish to trade with China, the government will collect a 60% commission and compensate them with the price, and the taxes will also be waived." In other words, the imperial court had the right to purchase 60% of the tribute mission's goods. However, this so-called "purchase" was actually a "reward," as the imperial court would often reward the mission with goods worth five to six times the price. The envoys themselves would also be given generous gifts and high-level hospitality.

After the Jingnan Rebellion, although Chengzu implemented an active foreign policy, sending Zheng He on six voyages to the West, he continued to refrain from taxing maritime trade. He even said, "Now the barbarians are attracted to come from afar, and we are encroaching on their interests. We gain little, but we bring great disgrace to the country."

The situation of only paying tribute and not private trade continued for more than a hundred years. It was not until the Hongzhi and Zhengde years that the maritime ban was relaxed, but that was all.

The real change occurred after the death of Emperor Jiajing. In the first year of the Longqing reign, under the active advocacy of Fujian Governor Tan Lun, public opinion generally recognized the causal relationship between the maritime ban and pirates.

In order to prevent the recurrence of Japanese invasion in the southeast, Emperor Muzong Zhuang announced the lifting of the maritime ban, adjusted overseas trade policies, allowed private individuals to trade in the East and West Oceans, and opened Yuegang in Zhangzhou Prefecture, Fujian Province for trade.

However, after this loophole was opened, the Ming Dynasty officials gained very little, and the Beijing central government did not make any profit at all.

In the year Yuegang Port opened, it collected 6,000 taels of silver, which was used to pay Fujian's military. In the 22nd year of the Wanli reign, Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea, and the imperial court closed Yuegang Port. It wasn't until the 43rd year of the Wanli reign that Yuegang Port was reopened, with a plan to collect over 27,000 taels of silver annually, still used to pay Fujian's military. Beijing received no money.

What is certain is that neither the 6,000 taels in the first year of the Longqing reign nor the 27,000 taels in the 43rd year of the Wanli reign were directly related to the massive influx of silver into China. After the opening of the Longqing era, the amount of silver flowing into China was estimated at hundreds of millions of taels. If the tax had been levied, the total would have been far more than this.

Although Xu Guangqi didn't know how much silver flowed into China, even if he only looked at the surface, his argument was still very convincing: "I have contacts with foreign scholars overseas, and they told me that there is an endless stream of large ships weighing thousands of tons on the waters of Macau and Fujian, and the number of small boats near the coast is even more innumerable. Therefore, I dare to assert that the reason why national expenditures are not increasing is not because there is no profit from maritime trade, but because the profits from maritime trade are all seized by wealthy merchants along the coast and corrupt officials from the Haicheng County government to the Fujian provincial governor."

"Tell me some specific suggestions." Zhu Changluo nodded.

"I believe we should close the moon and open the sky," Xu Guangqi explained. "That means closing Yuegang in Haicheng, Fujian, and opening Tianjin as a new port."

"Is it under the jurisdiction of Tianjin Guard?" Zhu Changluo asked.

"I think otherwise. The three guards in Tianjin are extremely corrupt. They should be abolished and a Tianjin Prefecture directly under the jurisdiction of the court should be established. And capable officials should be sent to supervise it." Xu Guangqi replied.

"Are you crazy?!" Li Ruhua jumped in to retort, "Tianjin is an important area around the capital. You're withdrawing the garrison, establishing a government, and opening up the port for trade. Do you intend to recreate the Japanese invasion of the southeast in the capital?"

"If the military preparations are neglected and the soldiers are afraid of fighting, what good will it do even if Tianjin has guards?" Xu Guangqi immediately retorted as if he had been prepared: "In the 29th year of the Jiajing reign, Altan Khan attacked Beijing from Gubeikou and plundered everywhere, killing two million people and livestock. Did the Three Guards ever come to the emperor's aid? Do you dare to fight?" After replying to Li Ruhua, Xu Guangqi said to the emperor:

"Your Majesty, I believe the Three Guards have long been abandoned and are no longer useful. The soldiers are called guards, but in reality they are tenants of the officers, with no fighting power at all. It would be better to disband them as soon as possible and recruit new troops to focus on the defense between Beijing and Tianjin. The new troops will not be supplied by military garrisons but by the imperial court through the Ministry of War. As for maritime defense, first, more artillery batteries should be established in Tianjin to protect the harbor. Second, naval forces should be recruited and stationed in Dengzhou and Lushun, and artillery batteries should be established on the islands between the two places."

"In this way, both land and sea are defended, and Bohai Sea will be safe." Xu Guangqi said finally.

Zhu Changluo nodded, then looked at Li Ruhua and called out, "Mr. Li."

"I'm here." Li Ruhua bowed.

"Did Xu Qing convince you?" Zhu Changluo asked.

"I've been persuaded." Li Ruhua replied.

"Does anyone else have any questions?" Zhu Changluo's gaze swept across the court, finally settling on Huang Kezan, the Minister of Justice. Huang Kezan was from Quanzhou, Fujian, and likely had connections to local interest groups. Although Zhu Changluo had a favorable impression of Huang Kezan, if he dared to speak out against him, uttering nonsense like "competing with the people for profit," Zhu Changluo wouldn't hesitate to replace the Minister of Justice.

However, Huang Kezan, like everyone else, stood there quietly without saying a word.

"That's it. Regarding the matter of withdrawing the garrison, setting up a government office and building a port, Mr. Xu, please write a detailed proposal and send it to the Ministry of Public Security." Zhu Changluo withdrew his gaze.

"I obey your order," Xu Guangqi said with a bow. But in fact, he had already finished writing the memorial.

"Regarding the taxation, the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Household Department will discuss and establish a set of regulations," Zhu Changluo continued. "The Ministry of Revenue will receive the order," Li Ruhua accepted.

"The Imperial Household Department has received the order." Wang An looked at Li Ruhua and Xu Guangqi, and thought to himself: These two are acting on the same stage again.

"Which government offices need to be established? What ranks and official vacancies should be established in these government offices? The Ministry of Personnel will work with other ministries to formulate a set of regulations." Zhu Changluo ordered Zhou Jiamo.

"The Ministry of Personnel has received the order." Zhou Jiamo received the order.

"Regarding the preparations for the establishment of the land and naval forces, the Ministry of War should draw up a charter and send the budget to the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Household Department," Zhu Changluo said to Cui Jingrong.

"The Ministry of War has received the order." Cui Jingrong stood there for a long time and said this.

"The Ministry of Works can start working on the site selection of Tianjin Port and various artillery batteries, as well as the urban planning of Tianjin Port City. It must be completed before the Spring Examination begins." Zhu Changluo gave another order to Wang Zuo.

"The Ministry of Works has received the order." Wang Zuo guessed: Xu Guangqi must have discussed this matter with the emperor.

Wang Zuo's guess was soon confirmed.

"General Wei." Zhu Changluo's attitude towards Luo Sigong was obviously much better. At least he did not call him by his name while calling others "Mr. So-and-so".

"I'm here." Luo Sigong was even a little flattered.

"Send your men to the three guard posts in Tianjin and conduct a thorough investigation of all officers at all levels. Those found guilty will be arrested and brought to the capital immediately." After giving the order, Zhu Changluo asked, "Will this not delay your current work?"

"In reply to the emperor, there will be no delay." Luo Sigong clasped his fists and said.

"Okay. That's it. Please kneel down and pay your respects." The rumors about establishing a port in Tianjin had died down, and Zhu Changluo decided to adjourn the meeting.

"I'm waiting to retire."

After the ministers knelt and left, Zhu Youxiao stood up and walked before his father, bowing.

"Any questions?" Zhu Changluo knew from his expression that he had something to say.

"Yes, there is something I don't understand, and I would like to ask Your Majesty to enlighten me." Zhu Youxiao nodded.

"Is it Liu Yirong's advice?" Zhu Changluo asked back.

Zhu Youxiao was startled: "Father, your majesty is wise and enlightened."

"It's too early to say it's just four words. As for why, go down and think about it yourself. Once you figure it out, I will make you the crown prince." Zhu Changluo stood up and patted Zhu Youxiao on the head.

Zhu Changluo looked at Wang An and was about to speak, but paused and said nothing. Instead, he walked to a table with four treasures of the study. He picked up the pen and wrote two big words: Don't be discouraged.

"Wang An, quietly give this to Liu Yirong. If he truly aspires to be the next Zhang Juzheng, I cannot let him become discouraged."

"Yes."

------

After leaving the Qianqing Palace, Xu Guangqi grabbed Liu Yirong.

"You should discuss such an important matter as measuring the land and clearing the land for the people with you with me first!" There was some annoyance in Xu Guangqi's voice.

"What's there to discuss? The Emperor has a purpose. Didn't you hear his assessment of Li Hubu's advice? It was just 'minor repairs'!" Having been previously rebuked by Ye Xianggao, and now hearing Xu Guangqi's rebuke, Liu Yirong's pent-up anger immediately solidified into resentment. "From the Emperor's expression, it's clear he's been persuaded. If Ye Ci Fu hadn't jumped in with his words about 'a single move that stirs up the world' and 'a hasty decision that is carried out without delay,' this would have already been done."

"Why are you so anxious?" Xu Guangqi said loudly, unusually loudly, "Do you know how many people this will offend?"

"Of course I know, but I have to do it no matter how many people I offend! Patching it up is just a way to keep it alive. Since the 15th year of Wanli, there have been civil uprisings every year. If nothing changes, the Ming Dynasty will really perish!" Liu Yirong took a few deep breaths of cold air and let the coldness hit his lungs.

"The hundred-foot ice abyss has not yet thawed. No matter how beautiful your national policy is, someone has to implement it, right? What is the situation in various places now? Do I need to tell you? It's not just about collecting grain taxes. Who else can be used in the local areas? Without adding capable people who dare to fight and fight, can the land measurement and land clearing be carried out? Ji Hui, you are acting too hastily." Xu Guangqi calmed down.

"Donglin has so many virtuous and loyal people who are concerned about national affairs. If we send them all to various places, we will have enough people," said Liu Yirong.

"Of course they're loyal and virtuous if you can't chop them off, but if the land is measured at their homes, do you think they'll still be virtuous?" Xu Guangqi chuckled and shook his head. "I didn't want to talk about this originally, but now that it's been brought up, I won't shy away. Lord Liu, let me ask you, while you're in charge of the land measurement, would you dare send someone like Hai Gangfeng to measure the Liu family's land in Nanchang?"

Liu Yirong was deeply stung by this question. He came from a family of officials. His father, Liu Yuecai, was a Jinshi (Jinshi) in the 32nd year of the Jiajing reign, rising to the position of Left Provincial Governor of Shaanxi. In the 16th year of the Wanli reign, Liu Yirong and his brothers, Liu Yikun and Liu Yiyu, passed the provincial examination. In the 23rd year of the Wanli reign, he and Liu Yiyu both passed the Jinshi (Jinshi) in the Yiwei year. Although Liu Yikun and Liu Yiyu had passed away, their descendants still existed. Even without counting the descendants of his two brothers, the Nanchang Liu family still had other branches.

The Liu family of Nanchang is very wealthy.

When Fang Congzhe was young, he went to Beijing to buy a house and had to sell the houses and land in his hometown. When Xu Guangqi was appointed Minister of Rites, he could only borrow money to buy a house near the Imperial Examination Hall. However, as soon as Liu Yirong became a cabinet member, he bought a mansion directly opposite the Tianshi Zhang Mansion in Nanxunfang, which shows his financial strength.

"Lord Liu, I don't doubt your resolve, but as the saying goes, flourishing doesn't just come from one family. I'm lucky. My father failed in business and squandered all our wealth, so I can focus on pursuing my ambitions without distraction. But can you? How many other members of the Donglin Party can do that? Lord Liu, if you can't do this, someone will definitely use it to attack you."

(End of this chapter)