Huangming

Chapter 402 The Night Curfew is Lifted, Trade and Gambling Begin
The time came to the eighth day of the first month of the second year of the Tianqi reign.

now.

The festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival has not yet faded.

However, Beijing has become lively again.

Without him.

The Lantern Festival is here.

The Lantern Festival in the Ming Dynasty was not limited to the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.

From the eighth day of the first lunar month when the lanterns are lit, to the eighteenth day when they are taken off, the capital city will be immersed in lanterns and laughter for ten whole days.

Not to mention Beijing, right at the foot of the imperial city, where merchants started "warming up" as early as the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

The craftsmen who make lanterns set up wooden frames in front of the door, and paper cutouts of "May you have abundance every year" and "May your descendants be numerous" hung all over the alleyway.

The shops selling glutinous rice balls started making syrup in advance, and the sweet aroma wafted across half the street.

Even the children clutched the coins given to them by their elders, gathered around the toy stalls to pick out small lanterns, and looked forward to the excitement after nightfall.

The eighth day of the lunar new year is now even more lively.

"Bang! Bang!"

Just after noon.

The sound of gongs from the Five Cities Military Command rang out in the street, and two soldiers in blue uniforms walked in front, shouting loudly:

"By His Majesty's decree, the Lantern Festival is hereby granted a night of remission. Starting today, the night curfew will be lifted for ten days! Neighbors are free to enjoy the lanterns without being bound by the curfew rules!"

This shout instantly enlivened the already bustling street.

It should be noted that, according to the "Great Ming Code", the gates and fences of the city gates and streets in the capital had to be closed after the third watch of the night.

If ordinary people went out without a valid reason, they would be punished with twenty strokes of the cane for minor offenses, or even more serious offenses as "nighttime violations of the imperial guards." Even if they were going to the hospital or attending a funeral, they had to go to the government office in advance to obtain a "nighttime travel permit," and they dared not be careless in the slightest.

However, the "nighttime relaxation" during the Lantern Festival was a "special exception" granted by the imperial court.

Not only was the curfew lifted, but even the night patrol soldiers of the Five City Garrison were only responsible for maintaining order and were not allowed to disturb the people's enjoyment at will.

As old Beijingers often say, "On the Lantern Festival night, the military police don't arrest people, they just protect the fun."

As dusk fell, lanterns began to light up the streets one by one.

Round lanterns made of oiled paper, palace lanterns made of gauze, and revolving lanterns made of bamboo ribs hung from one end of the street to the other, their red, yellow, and green colors casting a warm glow on the remaining snow.

The first place to become lively was the open space on the street corner, where a group of burly men with bare chests, wrapped in red silk belts, held up a dragon lantern that was more than ten meters long and danced to the sound of gongs and drums.

The pearl on the dragon's head shone brightly, and the scales on the dragon's body flickered under the lights. The strong men marched in unison, sometimes circling and sometimes leaping, drawing cheers from the onlookers.

Not far away, in another open space, stilt walkers were slowly making their way over.

They stood on three-foot-high wooden stilts, some dressed as Guan Yu with red faces, wearing green robes and long beards, holding Green Dragon Crescent Blade, looking majestic and awe-inspiring.

Some dressed up as Mu Guiying, wearing pink skirts and armor, with swords hanging at their waists, looking dashing and heroic.

Others dressed up as clowns, their faces painted with greasepaint, and made funny faces from time to time, eliciting bursts of laughter from the crowd.

The stalls of the street performers were packed with people.

The fire-eating performer picked up a piece of red-hot charcoal, put it in his mouth, and then spat out a string of sparks, startling the crowd who took a half step back before bursting into applause.

The knife-wielding performer holds three steel knives in each hand, tossing them into the air. The knives flash coldly in the air, yet the performer always catches them steadily without making a single mistake.

The performer balances a stack of celadon bowls on his head, swaying his waist to the music without moving the bowls. Finally, he lifts a table with one hand, drawing gasps of amazement from the crowd.

Of course, what makes the Lantern Festival different from other times is that many young women come out to admire the lanterns and solve riddles.

Normally, they are bound by the rule that "men and women should not touch each other," and rarely go out except to visit relatives and friends, let alone wander around at night.

However, the "night break" during the Lantern Festival gave them a rare freedom.

Wearing brand-new jackets and skirts, and draped with embroidered cloaks, some children were arm in arm with their mothers, while others followed their older brothers, carrying small lanterns in their hands. Some stopped at the lantern riddle stalls, while others picked out snacks at the food stalls.

Some young women would secretly prepare a handkerchief embroidered with patterns, and if they met a man they liked, they would throw the handkerchief at him when no one was looking.

If the man is interested, he will pick up the handkerchief and go up to strike up a conversation.

If it was unintentional, the handkerchief would be put back in its place, and neither of them would feel awkward.

The custom of "dropping the handkerchief" has become the most romantic scene during the Lantern Festival, adding a touch of tenderness to the usually dull capital city.

It can be said that the Lantern Festival was the most relaxing festival for the people of the Ming Dynasty.

And at this time.

Inside Dongxinglou, a famous restaurant in Beijing, located inside Dongzhimen.

In the private room by the window on the second floor, the mahogany tables and chairs were polished to a shine, and the tables were set with plates of exquisite Beijing-style dishes.

The roast duck, glistening with oil, is sliced ​​as thin as a cicada's wing, and served with sweet bean sauce and lotus leaf buns.

The braised pork hock was stewed until tender, so tender that it could be easily separated from the bone with chopsticks; there were also snacks such as pea flour cake and glutinous rice cake, accompanied by a pot of warm Shaoxing rice wine, the aroma filling the cozy private room.

The paper windows were bathed in the red glow of the lanterns outside. Occasionally, a dragon dance troupe would pass by, and the sounds of gongs and drums would echo in, causing the window frames to tremble slightly.

Three blue-eyed Westerners sat in the private room. Although they were all dressed in silk Hanfu from the Ming Dynasty, their foreign features were still undeniable.

The Portuguese envoy, Giulio, had curly blond hair, and the collar of his Hanfu was slightly tight, making his thick neck appear even more prominent.

The Spanish envoy, Benavides, had lighter-colored hair, while the Dutch envoy's translator, Diaz, had black hair. Both had a gentle, Eastern look in their eyes and brows. The Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) fit them exceptionally well, clearly having been custom-made in advance.

In a corner of the private room, Li Ming, the chief clerk of the Ministry of Rites' Department of Guest Affairs, held a teacup and sipped it seemingly casually, but his eyes kept glancing at the three people out of the corner of his eye.

According to custom, Western envoys must be accompanied by an official when leaving the post station. His task is to "look after" these guests, ensuring they are not impolite and paying attention to their conversation.

"This Beijing city... is truly bustling."

Giulio Aleni put down the lotus leaf cake in his hand and sighed in broken Chinese.

"From Tianjin to Beijing, even... even the number of refugees has decreased. It seems that after the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty ascended the throne, the Ming Dynasty has indeed... improved."

As he spoke, he pointed out the window.

The streets were crowded with people admiring the lanterns, and children ran by carrying lanterns, their laughter ringing out. Not a single beggar or homeless person could be seen.

Upon hearing this, Li Ming's lips curled slightly, and he added softly:

"Last year, due to the late emperor's funeral, all Lantern Festival activities were cancelled; this year, Your Majesty ascended the throne, the world is at peace, and the people have no worries about food and clothing, so naturally they are in the mood to enjoy the lanterns and have fun together."

Giulio Aleni nodded repeatedly.

This was not his first time in Beijing. Three years ago, he had come to the capital with a Portuguese delegation. At that time, during the late Wanli period, the government was in chaos, and he saw many refugees in the suburbs, who were poorly clothed and begging on the streets.

Last year, I heard that two emperors of the Ming Dynasty had died within a year, and I thought the capital would fall into chaos. But I never expected to see such a thriving scene when I came back this time.

The streets were clean and tidy, shops lined the streets, and people were all smiling. Even the Lantern Festival was more lively than in previous years.

"Yes, people only think about entertainment after they've eaten their fill."

Giulio Aleni picked up his wine glass, took a sip of the yellow wine, and squinted his eyes at the richness of the liquid.

"These people are clearly not going hungry."

Benavides, however, was not as relaxed as Alejandro.

He looked at the lively scene outside.

Fireworks, fabrics, porcelain, and food.
Nothing is missing.

My heart felt incredibly heavy.

“The Ming Dynasty is indeed self-sufficient, with no shortage of silk, porcelain, or tea... That’s why they’re not in a hurry to do business with us.”

His tone carried a hint of worry.

"The governor sent me here to promote trade, but judging from the current situation, it may not be easy."

In the letter he brought, he not only requested the opening of Guangzhou and Xiamen as treaty ports, but also hoped to reduce tariffs. However, in his days of contact with officials from the Ministry of Rites, they remained ambiguous, only saying that "His Majesty must make the decision."

If the Ming Dynasty did not need to rely on their silver and goods, they would be at a disadvantage in trade negotiations.

"but……"

Benavides abruptly changed the subject, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

"I have heard that the current emperor of the Ming Dynasty is not opposed to our science."

Missionaries have previously said that the Ming emperor inquired about the use of astronomical instruments and even commissioned craftsmen to replicate Western clocks.

Perhaps we can start here. If we can please the Ming Emperor, there might be a turning point in trade relations.”

“Benavides is right.”

Diaz, who had been silent all along, finally spoke. His Chinese was extremely fluent, with a touch of Cantonese, and there was no trace of a foreign accent.

"The new emperor of the Ming Dynasty is a pragmatic monarch who does not like to talk about the 'Celestial Empire' and values ​​practical benefits more."

The telescopes and artillery blueprints we brought might interest His Majesty.

Diaz is a descendant of a Portuguese man from Macau and a Chinese woman. He has black hair and blue eyes and is knowledgeable about Western technology and culture as well as the social customs of the Ming Dynasty.

He put down the wine jug, refilled their cups, and continued:

"When I observed the Ming army during the New Year's Day military parade, I noticed that their artillery was much more powerful than it had been a few years ago. I also heard that they had new spinning machines that could double the production of silk."

The Ming Dynasty is already making progress; if we can't offer something truly substantial, we might not be able to impress the Ming Emperor.

Giulio Aleni nodded repeatedly, then picked up a piece of pea flour cake, stuffed it into his mouth, and mumbled:
"So, we...we have to offer our best to curry favor with the Ming Emperor?"

Li Ming remained silent while the three Western envoys were talking.

His gaze seemed to be fixed on the lamplight outside the window, but in reality, he memorized every word of the conversation between Giulio Aleni and the other two.

Officials who came from the imperial examination system were best known for their photographic memory and ability to remember everything they heard. Without the need for paper and pen, words like "trade," "silver," and "profits three or four times" were already etched into their minds.

Looking at Giulio's greedy appearance, listening to Benavides's plan to "exchange technology for trade", and then looking at Diaz's fluent but "Cantonese-accented" Chinese, he felt only growing contempt.

In his eyes, these blue-eyed, blond-haired Westerners, even if they wore the silk Hanfu of the Ming Dynasty, could not change their "barbarian" nature.

All they sought was the silk and porcelain of the Ming Dynasty; all they thought about was extracting silver. Even their constant talk of "technological exchange" was nothing more than a pretext for trade.

He didn't show his disdain on his face; instead, it was expressed in the silence throughout the meal.

The roast duck on the table had gone cold, the braised pork knuckle had congealed with oil, and he hadn't even touched the warm yellow wine. He just stood there with a stern face, like a solemn stone statue, completely out of place with the Westerners chatting and laughing in the private room.

"It's almost time, everyone should return to the inn."

As night deepened, the sounds of gongs and drums on the street faded, and Li Ming finally got up.

Although it was called "nighttime release," the Western envoys were absolutely not allowed to wander around the capital without permission.

Li Ming's patience had been completely worn away by these Westerners.

Giulio Aleni wanted to look at the street scene a little longer and was about to plead for mercy when he met Li Ming's cold gaze, and swallowed his words.

Seeing this, Diaz quickly smoothed things over: "Thank you for accompanying us today, Manager Li. We really should go back now."

Li Ming is a member of the Ministry of Rites, and cannot be offended. If he displeases the other party, the subsequent trade negotiations will likely be even more difficult to advance.

The three followed Li Ming downstairs. The people on the street were still admiring the lanterns, and the children were running around with lanterns in their hands. Their laughter reached the ears of the Westerners and became evidence of the "prosperity of the Ming Dynasty".

Diaz whispered to Benavides:
"Look at the scene on the street. The people are warmly dressed and well-fed. The strength of the Ming Dynasty is even stronger than we thought."

If a trade agreement can be reached, each bolt of silk transported to Europe could yield a profit of three or four times the initial investment—a sure-fire way to make money.

Benavides nodded, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes.

He could almost see ships laden with silver being transported from the Ming Dynasty to Spain.

Li Ming escorted the three back to the reception hall, and only after watching the courier close the gate did he turn around and walk quickly toward the Ministry of Rites' office.

It was already late 9 PM, but the candles in the duty room were still lit, and there were piles of documents waiting to be processed on the desk.

After sitting down, he didn't even catch his breath before picking up a pen and writing down the three men's worries and plans, as well as their demands for "technological exchange" and "silver trade," on a piece of paper.

His handwriting was neat, and he even marked the subtle nuances of tone clearly.

After he finished writing, he read it through again to make sure nothing was missing before folding the paper and putting it into the brocade pouch he kept close to his body.

The next day.

Before dawn, the morning mist, carrying a chill, enveloped the Forbidden City.

Li Ming, dressed in a heavy official robe, stood under the corridor on the west side of the Meridian Gate, his hands tucked into his sleeves, occasionally tiptoeing to look at the distant street.

Fang Congzhe's sedan chair would, as was customary, pass by here at the beginning of the Mao hour (5-7 AM).

"Sir, it's so cold outside. Why don't you wait in the warm pavilion over there for a while?" the clerk next to him whispered.

Li Ming shook his head, his gaze still fixed on the street: "Grand Secretary Fang is waiting for a reply; we can't delay."

This intelligence report is related to the decision on "trading with the Western barbarians," and Fang Congzhe must submit it to His Majesty before the morning court session, without allowing any delay.

at last.

A faint sound of sedan chair bearers' footsteps came from afar.

Fang Congzhe's sedan chair has arrived.

A blue sedan chair slowly approached through the morning mist, its curtains tightly closed except for a slit on the side.

Li Ming strode forward and bowed to the sedan chair: "Li Ming, Chief Clerk of the Ministry of Rites' Department of Receptions, pays respects to Grand Secretary Fang."

The old page took the book from Li Ming and said softly:
"Please wait a moment, Master Li. The Grand Secretary will give instructions after reviewing the document."

After saying that, he handed the book into the sedan chair.

Inside the sedan chair, Fang Congzhe leaned against the soft cushions and, by the light of the accompanying lanterns, quickly flipped through Li Ming's records.

His brows furrowed quickly.

By the end, he couldn't help but let out a soft snort, his tone full of disdain:
"These barbarians are certainly cunning! How can we allow them to profit so wantonly from the silk and porcelain of our Great Ming? They even want to open ports of our Great Ming; they are simply pushing their luck!"

He put down the book and said to the outside of the sedan chair:

“Master Li, you have done a good job and investigated thoroughly. You should return to the Ministry of Rites to continue your duties. I need to see His Majesty about this matter immediately.”

Li Ming bowed in agreement and watched the sedan chair slowly drive into the Meridian Gate before finally letting out a sigh of relief.

Inside the sedan chair, Fang Congzhe's mood grew increasingly heavy.

He simply couldn't understand why His Majesty would consider trading with these "barbarians".

In his view, the Ming Dynasty was a superior nation, and to trade with barbarians would not only lower its status but also give these greedy people an opportunity to take advantage of it. If they were to push their luck in the future, it would likely cause even more trouble.

The information that Li Ming had gathered already proved that this matter was true!
now.

Qianqing Palace.

In the sleeping palace.

Zhu Youxiao had already woken up from the brocade quilt.

Consort Cheng, Li Shuzhen, was still asleep beside him. Her wheat-colored skin glowed with a healthy sheen in the morning light, her long eyelashes drooped, and her breathing was even.

Unlike the other concubines, she didn't wear makeup and didn't have fair skin, but she had bright eyes and a lithe figure. Last night, when she served Zhu Youxiao, he barely needed to move and passively enjoyed the experience. Such stamina was rare among the concubines in the harem.

It's about time.

Zhu Youxiao gently got up, his eyes fixed on the sleeping beauty.

Consort Cheng's darker complexion made her stand out among the fair-skinned beauties, but after spending time with her, one realized how rare her healthy and vibrant appearance was.

More importantly, she had a good constitution, and the imperial physician said that such a physique was most suitable for bearing imperial blood.

For emperors, continuing the family line is of utmost importance. Regardless of their appearance, if the concubines in the harem can produce offspring for the royal family, it is a great achievement.

"Your Majesty is awake?"

Li Shuzhen was awakened by the slight noise and quickly propped herself up to sit up.

"Would you like some water to wash up?"

"No need to rush, rest a little longer."

Zhu Youxiao held her hand down, his tone gentle.

"You don't need to go to Kunning Palace to pay your respects today. Just relax and catch up on your sleep in the palace."

Having said that, he turned and walked towards the outer room.

The palace servants outside the hall were already waiting, and when they saw him come out, they quickly stepped forward to serve him.

Holding a warm silver cup for rinsing the mouth, she handed over a towel soaked in warm water, her movements gentle and nimble.

After washing up and getting dressed, Zhu Youxiao went to the East Warm Pavilion.

Not long after.

Breakfast was then laid out on the table:
A bowl of thick millet porridge, several refreshing side dishes, and a basket of crab roe soup dumplings.

He listened to Wei Chao's report while drinking his porridge:
"Her Majesty the Empress has prepared the morning lessons at Kunning Palace. The head of the Imperial Medical Academy will come to take your pulse shortly. Commander Luo of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is waiting outside the palace, saying he has a secret report to present."

"Let Luo Sigong in."

Zhu Youxiao put down the bowl of porridge and wiped the corner of his mouth.

Before long, Luo Sigong, dressed in a flying fish robe, bowed and entered, carrying a black box containing secret reports from the capital and surrounding areas from the previous day.

"Your Majesty, yesterday, all the gates of the capital were open to the public in an orderly manner, and there were no problems during the Lantern Festival."

The displaced people in the suburbs have been settled in soup kitchens in Tongzhou as ordered by His Majesty, and there has been no disturbance for the time being.

News came from the Tianjin Navy that the two newly built warships had been launched and were undergoing sea trials.

"

As Luo Sigong opened the sealed box, he briefly reported the key points.

Zhu Youxiao took the secret report and read it page by page.

Seeing that nothing happened in the Ming Dynasty yesterday, his tense brows gradually relaxed.

Now that the siege of Liaodong has just been lifted, She Chongming in the southwest is stirring up trouble. The stability of the capital is the foundation. Only when the capital region is at peace can he handle important matters such as trade and tax reform with peace of mind.

"good."

Zhu Youxiao put the secret report back into the box.

"Continue to keep an eye on both inside and outside the capital. Report any unusual activity immediately."

"The minister obeys the order!"

Luo Sigong bowed and withdrew. Just as he stepped out of the hall, Wei Chao strode in, bowed, and said:
"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe has submitted a memorial, saying he has important matters to discuss with me."

Zhu Youxiao was slightly taken aback.

Fang Congzhe was always mature and experienced, and he would never request a private audience before the morning court session unless it was something important.

He put down his teacup, nodded, and said, "Let him in."

It didn't take long.

Fang Congzhe's figure appeared at the entrance of the East Warm Pavilion.

This elderly official, over sixty years old, was dressed in a first-rank scarlet robe.

After entering the room, he bowed and knelt before Zhu Youxiao.

"Your Majesty, I, Fang Congzhe, the Grand Secretary, respectfully wish Your Majesty a long and peaceful life!"

"You've worked hard, Prime Minister. Please take a seat."

Zhu Youxiao pointed to the brocade stool next to him and then gestured for Wei Chao to hand over a cup of hot tea.

Wei Chao quickly stepped forward, holding a gilded teacup, and carefully handed it to Fang Congzhe.

Fang Congzhe took the teacup, but had no interest in taking a sip.

After Fang Congzhe was seated, Zhu Youxiao immediately asked:

"The Prime Minister has come early this morning. What brings you here? Could it be that there is news from the Western Barbarians?"

Fang Congzhe quickly stood up and presented the book with both hands:
"Your Majesty is wise! Yesterday, Chief Clerk Li accompanied the Western envoys to watch the lanterns and has clearly understood their demands. This is the detailed report that has been compiled. Please take a look, Your Majesty."

Wei Chao quickly stepped forward, took the book, and gently placed it on the imperial desk in front of Zhu Youxiao.

Zhu Youxiao reached out and picked up the book, slowly turning the pages.

At first, he remained calm, but as his gaze swept over the lines of text, his brows gradually furrowed, and the curve of his lips slowly faded.

"Spain, using Manila as its base, is asking to open Zhangzhou and Quanzhou as trading ports? And it also wants its merchant ships to dock freely?"

He read the first sentence in a low voice, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

When he saw the "request to marry the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty", his expression was somewhat strange.

How dare a barbarian from overseas want to form a marriage alliance with our Great Ming Dynasty?
What grade?
Don't even look in the mirror.

He might consider it if the princess looked like Vivien Leigh, Hedy Lamarr, or Marilyn Monroe.

Having transmigrated and become the emperor, it's only natural that I'd give Western horses a try.

Zhu Youxiao pulled himself out of his thoughts and continued flipping through the pages, his expression growing increasingly grim.

He originally thought Spain had gone too far.

Unexpectedly, Portugal's demands were even stronger:
"Formally recognize the legitimacy of Macau's colonial rule," "Lift the restriction of two Portuguese ships per year," "Reduce tariffs," and "Add churches."
Macau was originally a temporary loan, but now it's being "legalized as a colony"?
They even want to use churches to spread heresy; this is an attempt to carry out a "cultural invasion" on Ming Dynasty soil!
What angered him most was the Dutch demand.

"Cease Penghu", "Open up trade between Xiamen and Kinmen", "Terminate Portugal's monopoly on Macau and let the Netherlands take over intermediary trade".

Zhu Youxiao's fingertips suddenly clenched the book, the pages were crumpled into deep creases, and he could no longer restrain himself, slamming the book onto the imperial desk with a "smack".

"Humph!"

Zhu Youxiao's cold snort echoed in the warm pavilion, carrying a chilling aura.

What do you take my Ming Dynasty for?

What will become the Qing Dynasty, which will be at the mercy of others in the future?
Trade is one thing, but to even mention ceding territory, intermarriage, and cultural invasion!
Do they really think I'm giving them face?

He recalled the humiliation of the Qing Dynasty in the history books before his time travel, and looking at the arrogant demands of these Western barbarians in front of him, his anger almost burned to the top of his head.

He would never allow the Ming Dynasty to repeat its mistakes. These demands that crossed his bottom line were not to be agreed to, and there was no room for negotiation whatsoever!

Fang Congzhe stood below, and seeing the emperor's fury, a hint of smugness secretly appeared on his face.

He knew that these unreasonable demands from the Western barbarians would surely anger His Majesty, and it seemed that the proposal to "expel the barbarians and uphold ancestral rules" would finally be adopted.

He quickly bowed, his tone earnest:

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"
These Western barbarians are uncivilized and ignorant of etiquette, lacking any sense of awe. Their desires are filled with greed, and they even dare to covet the territory and imperial bloodline of our Great Ming Dynasty. Their intentions are truly sinister!

In my humble opinion, it would be better to follow the precedent set by Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu, and expel them from the country, severing their desire for trade, so as to prevent future troubles!

Zhu Youxiao's chest was still heaving, but his anger was gradually subsiding.

He raised his hand to rub his temples, his gaze falling on the words "silver for raw silk and porcelain" on the book.

Although the Western barbarians were arrogant, the silver they plundered in the Americas was the "lifesaving money" that the Ming Dynasty desperately needed at that moment.

The military pay shortfall in Liaodong has not been covered, and the tax reform in Jiangnan has not been fully implemented. If we can earn silver through trade, we can not only replenish the national treasury, but also take the opportunity to control overseas trade. This is better than letting private smugglers make the lion's share of the profits.

Besides
This is only Li Ming's opinion.

These officials, who came through the imperial examination system, already harbored great prejudices against the Western barbarians, so it's not impossible that they would embellish their words.

We still need to let more people try it out.

And
Even if these Western barbarians are rampant, let them be arrogant for a while longer.

After I finish dealing with domestic affairs, I'll let them remember what the Scourge of God really means!

Zhu Youxiao took a deep breath, and his tone regained some of its composure.

“Expulsion is unnecessary. The silver from the Westerners is useful, and trade can be discussed, but none of their unreasonable demands can be agreed to.”

Upon hearing this, Fang Congzhe's smile froze instantly, and a sense of regret welled up in his heart.

He had thought His Majesty would completely abandon the idea of ​​trade, but unexpectedly, he still wanted to talk.

But he dared not refute, and could only lower his head and listen, waiting for His Majesty's further instructions.

"Issue my decree to have the Director of the Ministry of Rites' Department of Receptions in charge of this matter, with the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs also involved, to negotiate with the Western envoys."

Zhu Youxiao spoke slowly and clearly.

"Only Tianjin is permitted to be opened as a treaty port."

With a naval garrison stationed in Tianjin, it's easy to monitor the situation. We absolutely must not open up other important coastal locations like Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, and Xiamen, lest they take the opportunity to infiltrate.

The tariff amount can be negotiated, but it must be based on the regulations of the Ming Dynasty. We must not allow them to take advantage of the tax revenue.

The restriction of two Portuguese ships per year can be relaxed, but it must be based on the number we set; we can't let them do whatever they want.

"As for demands such as ceding territory, intermarriage, recognizing Macau's colonial status, and establishing more churches, they are all rejected and not even allowed to be mentioned again."

Tell the Western barbarians that if they want to trade, they must abide by the rules of the Ming Dynasty.

"If you don't want to follow the rules, then get back home. The Ming Dynasty doesn't need this kind of business!"

"If they think I am too domineering, they are free to send troops to attack me."

Dignity is only on the edge of the sword, and truth is only within the range of the cannon!
"I want to see what they're really made of!"

At this moment, the Ming Dynasty is not something that these tiny countries can easily bully.

Although Fang Congzhe still felt some resistance, he knew that His Majesty's mind was made up.

He could only sigh inwardly.

Hey ~
His Majesty appears furious, but in reality, he is more clear-headed than anyone else. He will neither blindly xenophobic out of anger, nor will he compromise his bottom line out of greed for silver.

He specifically instructed Li Ming to write negative things about the Western barbarians, but unexpectedly His Majesty didn't fall for it!
Fang Congzhe could only bow and accept the order, his voice tinged with helplessness:

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will immediately convey the decree to the Ministry of Rites, instructing them to negotiate with the Western barbarians according to His Majesty's orders, and to ensure that they do not overstep the bounds."

Zhu Youxiao nodded and waved his hand: "Go. During the negotiations, have Chief Li keep an eye on the Western Barbarians' movements. Report any unusual activity immediately."

"Old minister, I obey!"

After saying that, Fang Congzhe left the East Warm Pavilion, looking somewhat tired.

As soon as Fang Congzhe's figure disappeared outside the warm pavilion, Zhu Youxiao got up, walked to the wall, and lifted the "Complete Map of the Ming Dynasty's Coastal Defense" hanging on the wall.

On the map made of silk, ports along the coast of Jiangnan, such as Songjiang, Suzhou, and Zhangzhou, were circled in vermilion, while the location of Tianjin was marked in gilded gold. Even the sea routes were drawn clearly.

He lightly traced the mark of Songjiang Prefecture with his fingertips, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

It was not only a key area for tax reform in Jiangnan, but also a major area for smuggling. Many local officials and gentry colluded with pirates to make a fortune by secretly selling Ming Dynasty silk and porcelain to the Western barbarians.

“Once trade is opened, these people’s good days will come to an end.”

Zhu Youxiao muttered to himself.

He was well aware of the character of these vested interests.

Once the imperial court takes over overseas trade and cuts off their source of income, there will definitely be people who jump out and cause trouble.

At best, they spread rumors that "trading is a disgrace to the country"; at worst, they colluded with pirates, or even pretended to be Japanese pirates, to harass coastal prefectures and counties, attempting to force the court to resume smuggling.

But he had already prepared a countermeasure.

If anyone in Jiangnan dares to take the risk, he can use the pretext of "pacifying the Japanese pirates and calming the seas" to mobilize the Beijing garrison and the Tianjin navy to head south.

When the army arrives, it will not only be able to wipe out the pirates, but also take the opportunity to rectify the officialdom in Jiangnan and wipe out those corrupt officials who collude with smuggling.

As for Tianjin, he was even more fearless.

Although the navy is still being expanded, the two newly built Fujian ships, "Zhenhai" and "Jinghai", have been launched. Each ship is equipped with twelve cannons, which is sufficient to deal with small-scale pirate attacks.

"If they dare to cause trouble in Tianjin, let them taste the power of artillery."

However, he also knew that the Tianjin Navy's current strength was not enough to support the goal of becoming the "number one navy in the world".

At present, the shipyard can only build one new ship per month, and skilled sailors and gunners are still being recruited and trained.

But he wasn't in a hurry.

Once trade is initiated, Tianjin, as the only treaty port, will undoubtedly generate substantial customs revenue.

He has planned to allocate 30% of the tariff revenue specifically to the navy for expanding shipyards, improving artillery, and recruiting soldiers.

Using the silver from the Western barbarians to support the Ming Dynasty's navy, and then using the navy to protect trade routes, a virtuous cycle will be formed. In less than five years, the Tianjin navy will surely surpass those pirates and become the most powerful maritime force in the Ming Dynasty and even the entire East Asia.

"At that time, not to mention those parasites in Jiangnan, even the warships of the Western Barbarians will have to behave properly on the seas of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Youxiao looked at the ocean section on the map, his eyes gleaming.

He could almost see a massive Ming Dynasty fleet, carrying silk and porcelain overseas, and bringing silver and grain back to the country.

Seeing the flag of the Ming Dynasty fluttering in every sea from the Sea of ​​Japan to the South China Sea.

Back then, Zheng He could do things that others couldn't, but he could accomplish!

"Your Majesty, it's getting late, we should head to the Wenhua Hall."

Just then, Wei Chao tiptoed in and bowed to give a reminder.

The time for the morning court session is approaching, and the civil and military officials must already be waiting outside the Wenhua Hall.

Zhu Youxiao withdrew his gaze, re-hung the coastal defense map, straightened his dragon robe, and regained the composure of an emperor:
"Then let's go to court!"

"According to the order!"

Wei Chao quickly bowed in agreement, turned around and strode to the door of the warm pavilion. He lifted the curtain and shouted loudly to the outside:

"By imperial decree, prepare to proceed to the Wenhua Hall!"

ps:
8300 words!
(End of this chapter)