Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 143 Establishing Another One?!
Galileo glanced at the other person and inwardly cursed him.

At my age, you're still talking to me like that? Aren't you afraid I'll die on the spot?

He then found himself amused by his own mindset.

Perhaps because he saw a glimmer of hope, Galileo found himself less pessimistic than before.

He just hoped that when he arrived in the Ming Dynasty, the young emperor who was rumored to be so amazing wouldn't disappoint him too much.

Galileo had absolute confidence in his talent and believed that his knowledge was ahead of its time.

If only I could meet the Ming emperor after going to the Ming Dynasty, and if the Ming emperor was truly as capable and ambitious as rumored.

Then I'm sure I can use my knowledge to give him a little scientific shock.

He was subsequently given important responsibilities by the other party, and then promoted the Copernican system within the Ming Dynasty, eventually spreading it throughout the world.

Then, he returned to Italy in triumph.

Let's prove to these foolish monkeys that they're all wrong.

Thinking about these wonderful dreams, Galileo couldn't help but drift into a reverie.

It was only when the leading merchant reached out and poked him that he was brought back from his reverie.

"Hey old man, are you coming with us or not? If you think the price is too high, I don't dare take you."

"And since you're so old, I have to tell you beforehand that ocean voyages are both dangerous and arduous, definitely not as easy as you think."

Galileo chuckled and pulled a small bag of gold coins from his person, stuffing it into the other man's hand.

For him, anything that can be solved with money is not a problem.

If simply paying more money could allow him to touch the truth, he would be willing to give up all his wealth without hesitation.

"I know what you're talking about, so you don't need to worry about that. The question is, when are you planning to set off for the Ming Dynasty?"

"I don't have that much time to wait."

Galileo asked the question.

The merchant, beaming with delight, weighed the gold coins in his hand.

"Tomorrow, thank goodness you came to ask today. If you had come tomorrow, there probably wouldn't have been a seat for you in the cabin."

For businessmen, time is money.

This is especially true for international trade, so their caravan travels back and forth between the two countries almost every year, never daring to delay for a moment.

It's incredibly efficient, reaching a height equivalent to several stories high.

Listen to what the other person says.

Galileo felt that this was the Lord exercising His will, giving him this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Thinking of this, a pious expression appeared on his face.

Yes, Galileo did not align with the current Catholic Church's ideology.

But he was essentially a devout Catholic.

As for whether his faith would conflict with local customs and the newly enthroned emperor in the Ming Dynasty, he remained to be seen.

Galileo had never actually thought about this question.

Even geniuses can't think of everything in every aspect.

Even if someone were to pose this question to Galileo at this moment, he would only ponder for a moment before replying with:
"Since things have come to this, let's go and see what happens."

"Anyway, we've already gone."

The leading merchant, seeing Galileo's devout expression, couldn't help but become interested.

"Old man, why do you insist on taking such a great risk to go to the Ming Dynasty?"

Galileo glanced at the other man and said, "I'd rather die than be without freedom."

After saying this, Galileo turned and left.

I hope the Ming emperors won't disappoint me.

The merchant, meanwhile, weighed the money bag in his hand, a helpless smile playing on his lips.

This old man is quite interesting.

Merchants travel frequently to different places, so they naturally tend to be more open-minded.

Unlike the Italian people who genuinely mocked Galileo.

He knew that the old man had some real skills.

However, even after going to the Ming Dynasty, this old man remained determined to promote his heliocentric theory.

His situation would probably be even worse than it is now.

After all, the Italian pope was not even in the same league as the one in the Ming Dynasty in terms of cruelty.

That person didn't seem to be someone who could tolerate such behavior.

But if this old man could change his mindset and focus more on practical science and technology...

Without a doubt, he could greatly promote the scientific development of a country.

The businessman had heard about the two-sphere experiment at the Leaning Tower of Pisa decades ago.

Such talent was highly sought after by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

Judging from the extent of this old man's obsession...

He definitely can't come to terms with this on his own.

Just don't know.

Whether the Ming Dynasty emperors could successfully subdue and utilize them for their own purposes.

The leading businessman shook his head, deciding not to dwell on these matters any longer, and turned to arrange tomorrow's itinerary.

He's just a businessman; as long as he can make money, these things don't concern him much.

the other side.

The journey of the imperial procession back to Beijing from Qufu was not as smooth as the journey there.

Although there were undercurrents and waves when it arrived, none of the events had yet come to light in a straightforward manner.

But things were completely different when we went back.

The imperial procession had only been gone from Qufu for two days when it was attacked by bandits.

Although those bandits were not numerous, each wave consisted of only a few hundred people.

However, its equipment is extremely sophisticated.

Each person was dressed in fine armor and wielded a steel sword; even their tall warhorses were armed to the teeth.

Moreover, this group of people were extremely vicious and fearless.

Without even thinking, it was clear that this group of people were definitely not real bandits or mountain brigands.

If even those kinds of people had this kind of strength, then the Ming Dynasty's territory should now span across Eurasia.

These so-called bandits were all elite troops raised by powerful families in various regions.

They did indeed inflict some casualties on Zhu Youjian's imperial procession. If the elite troops in the procession hadn't been skilled enough in battle, something truly serious might have happened.

Zhu Youjian noticed that the elite troops sent by powerful families from various regions were converging on Shandong, so he personally donned armor and appeared among the soldiers.

This indeed greatly boosted the morale of the army.

At the same time, he kept urging the troops to speed up their march while sending people to the capital to request reinforcements.

Coincidentally.

The people sent out bumped right into the people sent from the capital to gather intelligence.

Therefore, Zhang Weixian hurriedly dispatched 10,000 to 20,000 troops from the Beijing Garrison and the Imperial Horse Administration to welcome the emperor.

The powerful clans in various regions saw that their probing attacks had no effect, and that reinforcements were constantly arriving from the capital.

So they had no choice but to stop.

But nevertheless.

The imperial procession still encountered a large-scale attack when it passed through Hebei.

The powerful local families in Hebei directly used the Hongyi cannon, a powerful weapon, to ambush Zhu Youjian.

no way.

The people of Hebei have always been known for their fierce and unruly nature, and the powerful families and clans there have a deep-seated hatred for the imperial power.

Both of the Grand Secretaries in the cabinet were from Hebei, and both were ultimately executed by Zhu Youjian with a resolute determination.

How could they not be determined to retaliate?
Fortunately, everything turned out alright in the end.

After experiencing various twists and turns, Zhu Youjian successfully arrived in the capital, the city he had always been most loyal to.

After entering the city.

The city was naturally filled with another unrestrained celebration, which we will not go into detail about.

at the same time.

A dramatic change is also taking place in Suzhou Prefecture, thousands of miles away.

After watching the imperial procession successfully return to Beijing.

The heads of prominent families across the country received invitations from the top aristocratic families in Jiangnan.

They were told to go to Suzhou together to discuss important matters.

Although the letter did not specify what this so-called important event actually referred to.

But everyone knew that this was definitely a ploy to get them to plot how to deal with the emperor.

Upon recalling the tyrannical rulers Jie and Zhou, everyone immediately led their people to Suzhou Prefecture.

The emperor has now completely gained power.

He pacified Shaanxi, destroyed Korea, and subdued Shandong.

The fact that the emperor could accomplish these three major tasks in such a short time was something they never expected. If they don't unite and do something together soon, they might never have the chance to do anything again.

The thought that even the Duke Yansheng's mansion, which had a history of thousands of years, could be wiped out by the emperor and his men is unbearable.

Everyone couldn't help but feel a chill run down their spines.

If I had known things would turn out this way, I should have done everything in my power to make him fall into the water as soon as he ascended the throne!

Everyone had already made their decision on the way here.

No matter the cost, no matter the means.

They all had to kill the emperor as quickly as possible, otherwise they would never have a day of peace.

It's obvious to everyone that the emperor will soon turn his sword on his next target.

None of them wanted to become the next Kong family.

At this moment.

With the emergence of established racing teams in various regions.

The already wealthy city of Suzhou now seems to be filled with an atmosphere of extravagance and decadence.

The people of Suzhou were also extremely surprised to see the procession of magnificent carriages and horses.

Due to its advantageous geographical location and developed economy, the people of Suzhou have always considered themselves to be quite knowledgeable.

After all, they had seen plenty of the emperor's ceremonial carriages and entourage, and they looked down on the pomp and circumstance of ordinary ministers or nobles.

But these caravans and processions before us are no less impressive than the emperor's entourage.

In terms of authority, the emperor might have the upper hand.

However, in terms of wealth alone, even the emperor might seem insignificant compared to these people.

I've never seen anything like this before. What's going on today?
The people gathered together to discuss it.

The accompanying guards and attendants did not stop the chattering crowd, but simply looked at them with expressions of utter disbelief.

What seems incredible to some is simply the most ordinary part of life for others.

Exquisite carriages and horses, magnificent ceremonial processions—what do these things amount to?
The mansion called "Qinyuan" where the gentlemen will gather to discuss matters later is the real grand project.

Although they also came from other places.

But they were also very clear that any random rock or artificial hill inside the house could be priceless.

The plant you point to at random might be a product that has been nurtured for decades in some famous mountain or river.

Because their master's garden was mostly like that.

So when these people saw the astonished reactions of the people in Suzhou, they couldn't help but feel a genuine sense of mockery.

Ordinary people are just ignorant!

At this moment, inside Qinyuan Garden.

The figures of maids and servants came and went in an endless stream.

If you look closely, you'll find that even the maids here would be considered stunning beauties outside, the kind that ordinary people couldn't even dream of.

If anyone were to marry a woman with such beauty, the whole surrounding area would probably say, "Your ancestors' graves are emitting auspicious smoke!"

But here, they are just insignificant figures.

Their sole purpose was to serve every important person who came here with utmost care and respect, never daring to show the slightest negligence.

As the maids and servants came and went.

A room in the garden that is not usually used was finally filled with people.

Among these people were the heads of the eight major merchant houses in Shanxi, the heads of prominent families in the Jiangnan region, the chief managers of maritime trade giants in Fujian and Zhejiang, and the heads of prominent families in Hebei and Huguang.
Inside the room were about a hundred people, young and old, dressed and behaving in different ways.

But without a doubt, these were entities that could shake the Ming Dynasty with a mere stomp of their feet.

Representatives from more remote areas such as Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Ningxia, and Liaodong were not included in this invitation.

The local folks in small towns are no good even if you come here.

As the last person in the room took their seat.

Huang Ze, the head of the Huang family in Hebei, was the first to step forward and address the owner of the garden, Qian Qianli of the Qian family in Jiangnan:

"Master Qian, the Qian family of Jiangnan truly lives up to its reputation. This casual garden of yours is several times more magnificent than mine."

"Why didn't you see Qian Qianyi with you this time? His poems are quite to my liking."

Qian Qianli replied with a smile, "Shouzhi has been quite upset by that brat emperor lately and is unwell. I'll have him personally visit Elder Huang to express his gratitude later."

Huang Ze waved his hand: "Alright, alright."

"We all know exactly what you guys want from us."

"So let's skip the small talk and get straight to the point."

"I may as well tell you all here that my Huang family of Hebei has formed a blood alliance with the Zhang, Sun and Wang families of Hebei. From now on, we will share the same fate, whether it be prosperity or ruin."

“Our four families will never sit idly by like the Kong family in Shandong and wait for death. As long as the emperor shows even the slightest sign that he wants to enter Hebei.”

"Our four families will immediately join forces to suppress him and not give him any chance to succeed."

"Moreover, before we came, the four of us made preparations and discussed joining forces to launch a preemptive strike to deflate the arrogance of that little emperor."

"At that time, we will need everyone's support, since we are all in the same boat now."

After Huang Ze finished speaking, apart from the other three family heads from Hebei nodding, everyone else had a faint smile on their faces.

Hebei is the closest to Beijing, so of course you companies are the most afraid.

Now you're putting on this righteous act, are you trying to make everyone think you're fools?
However, what the other party said is not wrong.

We're all in the same boat now, so a chorus of agreement immediately filled the room.

"Well done! You certainly didn't disgrace our aristocratic family!"

"Yes! Cheer up! That's how we do it! Let's see what that brat emperor can do!"

"."

After the noise from the crowd gradually subsided...

A middle-aged man with sharp features stood up with a wry smile.

This person was Xu Guangxu of the Xu family in Songjiang Prefecture. He was of the same generation as Xu Guangqi, but they did not belong to the same clan; they were only of the same generation.

Xu Guangxu said to Huang Ze, who had spoken first:
"Elder Huang, what you just said is indeed a countermeasure, but I believe everyone has witnessed the methods of that little emperor."

"These alone are probably not enough to effectively restrain it,"

This time, everyone in the room nodded in agreement from the bottom of their hearts.

To treat aristocratic families with such ruthless methods and to push them to this point.

This is unique in the entire history of China.

The head of the Huang family snorted coldly: "I have no interest in playing riddles with you here."

"Since you've called us here, you must have already come up with a plan. Tell us quickly so we can go back and help with the arrangements."

"Given the current situation, we can't afford to waste any more time. Nobody knows how quickly that person will make their next move!"

Xu Guangxu did not reply, but smiled and looked at the dozen or so dignified companions beside him.

These people exchanged glances and then slowly stood up.

They had, of course, already devised a plan.

Moreover, once this plan is actually implemented...

That would surely deliver a fatal blow to that brat emperor.

From then on, powerful and influential families in various regions will no longer be in a predicament where they have been constantly suppressed.

The balance of power has completely shifted.

The others, seeing that the heads of various families in the Jiangnan region had all stood up, also became serious.

Everyone knew that the real highlight of this meeting was about to begin.

An old man in the middle of the group slowly stepped forward, his eyelids lowered, and said:

"The reason why our noble families have been suppressed by the emperor recently is because although he is cruel and not like a ruler, he is nominally the emperor of the Ming Dynasty."

"Therefore, it can be said that the greater good has always been on his side."

Whispers broke out inside the room.

Everyone knew what the old man was saying.

Just as no one dared to openly obstruct the emperor's journey when he first left the capital, it was all because he was guided by the principle of righteousness.

The old man coughed lightly, interrupting the discussion, and continued, "So, in order to prevent the situation from becoming so passive again..."

"After thinking it over these past few days, I have decided to establish a separate central court."

Except for a few people, most people showed surprise on their faces.

Establish a separate central government?!
this.
But before anyone could speak...

The door to a secret room inside the house was suddenly pushed open, drawing everyone's attention.

A tall, stout middle-aged man dressed in a silver python robe walked out.

Although this person had a smile on his face, his every move exuded a sense of imposing authority.

The man slowly walked up to the crowd and smiled at them, saying:

"Esteemed family heads, I extend my greetings to you all."

Many people looked at him blankly, still not knowing which prince of the Ming Dynasty he was.

However, judging from the other party's imposing presence alone, one can tell that their identity must be extraordinary.

While everyone was still speculating, several heads of prominent families from Henan exclaimed in surprise:

"Your Highness Prince Fu?!"

(End of this chapter)