Huangming

Chapter 403 Foreign Envoys' Mediation, the Struggle for Maritime Power

The second year of the Tianqi reign.

The ninth day of the first lunar month.

Beijing city.

The jubilation of the Lantern Festival has not yet subsided.

In the streets and alleys inside Dongzhimen, lanterns still hang high, and the shouts of vendors, the laughter of children, and the occasional sound of firecrackers intertwine, with the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts and glutinous rice balls wafting in the air.

However, this lively atmosphere did not penetrate into the meeting hall where the Western envoys resided.

The courtyard inside the post station was so quiet that you could hear the soft rustling of lanterns under the eaves in the wind. The doors and windows of the main hall were tightly closed, and even the post station guards on duty were silent and solemn.

Inside the main hall, Wang Dehua, a eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial, sat upright in a chair by the window, his face serene in his eunuch's robe.

He held a freshly brewed cup of pre-Qingming Longjing tea in his hands, the teacup steaming, but he didn't touch it.

Yang Hongbei, the Director of the Ministry of Rites' Department of Foreign Affairs, accompanied the delegation to discuss trade. His task was not "negotiation," but "supervision."

His Majesty's parting words still echoed in my ears:

“Yang Hongbei is mature and experienced, but the officials of the Ministry of Rites are always cautious. You go and keep an eye on them to see if they conceal anything or if they are nervous. Every word the Westerners say must be recorded verbatim without any deviation.”

Wang Dehua knew exactly what was going on.

When Li Ming learned that the Western barbarians wanted to cede territory and intermarry, His Majesty was furious, but he also kept a watchful eye on things.

After all, the Western barbarians had witnessed the military might of the New Year's Day parade firsthand. Knowing the strength of the Ming Dynasty, it was illogical for them to make such arrogant demands.

The Emperor suspected that there was a trap involved. Either Li Ming had not investigated thoroughly enough, or the Western barbarians were deliberately spreading rumors to test the waters. That was why he sent Li Ming, a "close advisor to the Emperor," to investigate the truth.

"Dr. Yang, it's almost time. We should invite Mr. Giulio Aleni from Portugal in."

Wang Dehua put down his teacup, his voice steady and devoid of emotion.

His gaze swept across the hall.

On the table were paper, pen, abacus, and a list labeled "Treaty Ports and Tariff Quotas," all prepared in advance by Yang Hongbei.

Yang Hongbei nodded quickly and gave instructions to the person outside the door:

"Please, Portuguese envoy Giulio Aleni."

Before long, Giulio Aleni, dressed in silk Hanfu, walked in. His blue eyes and blond hair stood out in the indoor light.

"I have met Physician Yang and Eunuch Wang."

Giulio Aleni bowed respectfully, his Chinese more fluent than last time.

"Your Excellency, there is no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."

Yang Hongbei raised his hand to signal, and only after Ai Ruli sat down did he open the door to see him.

"The reason I have invited your envoy here today is to discuss the specifics of trade with your country."

We have drafted a preliminary plan. Please take a look, sir, and let us know if there's anything we can discuss.

As he spoke, he pushed the list over.

Giulio Aleni picked up the list, his eyes quickly scanning over items such as "Tianjin is the only treaty port," "Tariffs are levied at 20% of the value of the goods," and "Portuguese ships' annual revenue has increased to five." His brows gradually furrowed.

He put down the list, his tone somewhat tentative:

"Doctor, while Tianjin is a convenient port, most of our Portuguese merchant ships depart from Macau. If we are only allowed to stop in Tianjin, the journey is too long and the cost is too high."

I wonder if it would be possible to... open the Guangzhou port?
Furthermore, regarding the matter of Macau, could your country formally recognize our right of residence?

Yang Hongbei was already prepared, but his face remained expressionless:
"Your Excellency, Tianjin is the only port designated by His Majesty for trade, and there is no room for negotiation on this matter."

As for Macau, it was only temporarily used by your country for the anchorage of ships, not ceded, so the issue of residency rights is irrelevant.

Wang Dehua sat to one side, while the eunuch beside him recorded their every word and action.

Giulio Aleni did not mention "legalization of colonies," but only "right of residence," which was more restrained than the demands that Li Ming had uncovered last time. It seems that the Westerners are indeed testing the waters.

He didn't interrupt, but listened quietly, not even missing the hesitation in Giulio Aleni's tone.

Next.

Both sides had a frank exchange and fully shared their views.

A few days later.

Wang Dehua followed Yang Hongbei and met separately with the Spanish envoy Benavides and the Dutch envoy Diaz.

Benavides did not mention "intermarriage" again, but repeatedly emphasized that "the shipping routes between Manila and Zhangzhou and Quanzhou are closer, and if these two ports are opened, the turnover of silver and goods will be faster."

It also subtly implied that "Spain could provide corn from the Americas as a 'gift' for trade."

Diaz was more direct. Although he did not dare to mention "ceding Penghu", he insisted that "Xiamen and Kinmen are more suitable as trade transit points in terms of geographical location".

They also hope to have residency rights in Penghu, similar to those in Portugal.

He also said, "The Netherlands has advanced shipbuilding technology. If we can cooperate, we can help the Ming Dynasty improve its warships."

Wang Dehua took notes on every single negotiation.

The demands of the Western barbarians were indeed more "mild" than before. Those bottom-line demands such as "ceding territory and intermarriage" were no longer mentioned. Instead, the focus was on trading ports, tariffs, and the number of ships, and there was also a hint of "exchanging technology and crops for convenience".

But the more this was the case, the less Wang Dehua dared to let his guard down.

Is this "concession" by the Western barbarians a genuine show of weakness, or is it an attempt to appease the Ming Dynasty before planning for the future?
After several rounds of negotiations, Yang Hongbei looked at the records and his face showed difficulty:
“Eunuch Wang, although the Western barbarians have not made any more excessive demands, their requests to open other ports and reduce tariffs still exceed His Majesty’s bottom line, and we dare not agree to them on our own.”

Wang Dehua nodded, took out his notebook, and checked it against Yang Hongbei's to make sure nothing was missing before saying:

"This matter is indeed not something that you or I can decide. I will now compile the details of the negotiations and go to the palace to meet with His Majesty for a decision."

He knew in his heart that behind these seemingly "mild" demands lay the greed of the Westerners.

The opening of Guangzhou and Zhangzhou was intended to bring them closer to the silk and porcelain production areas in Jiangnan and reduce costs.

Improving warships is probably an attempt to find out the true strength of the Ming Dynasty's navy.

These are all matters that His Majesty must decide for himself.

That afternoon, Wang Dehua took two record books and hurried back to the palace on horseback.

At this moment, Emperor Zhu Youxiao of the Ming Dynasty was reviewing memorials.

"Your Majesty, Wang Dehua has returned!"

A soft report came from outside the hall, delivered by Wei Chao.

Zhu Youxiao put down his vermilion brush, his fingertips pausing lightly on the memorial, a hint of expectation flashing in his eyes:
"Let him in."

Before long, Wang Dehua strode into the warm pavilion.

As soon as he entered the room, he immediately knelt down on the ground.

After bowing, the eunuch held up two yellowed record books with both hands, his voice slightly hurried:

"Your Majesty, I have recorded the details of the negotiations with the Western barbarians. Please review them!"

"Get up, no need to be polite."

Zhu Youxiao gestured for Wei Chao to take the booklet, his gaze falling on Wang Dehua's slightly sweaty forehead.

"Judging from your appearance, you must have had a long journey. Have some tea first, and then we can talk slowly."

Wang Dehua stood up, respectfully accepted the teacup offered by Wei Chao, took a sip of the hot tea, and then composed himself.
"This servant dares not delay. As soon as the negotiations are over, I will rush back to the palace."

The demands of the Western barbarians this time were much more subdued than what Chief Li had discovered last time.

Zhu Youxiao had already opened the record book and begun to read its contents.

Portugal's "Macau residency rights," Spain's "corn seeds," the Netherlands' "Xiamen trade transit station," and the joint proposal by the three parties to "reduce tariffs."

The demands were clearly listed on the paper, lacking the arrogance of the previous "territory cession" and "intermarriage" demands, and showing more of a pragmatic "business" approach.

"This is how business should be done."

Zhu Youxiao's lips curled up slightly, and a knowing glint flashed in his eyes.

"The records that Li Ming sent last time probably only picked out the most outrageous things the Westerners said, and deliberately omitted the things that they were willing to compromise or exchange."

Upon hearing this, Wang Dehua felt a chill run down his spine.

It seems that the Emperor has seen through Li Ming's "little scheme".

He quickly added, "When I negotiated with Physician Yang, the Westerners did indeed mention 'exchanging technology for trade.' For example, Spain was willing to provide astronomical instruments, and the Netherlands wanted to show shipbuilding blueprints. Not a single word of these was mentioned in Chief Li's records."

Zhu Youxiao sneered, his tone laced with mockery:

"These civil servants do know how to 'selectively record' things."

What Li Ming wrote down were indeed the words spoken by the Western barbarians, and even their innermost thoughts, so it cannot be considered deceiving the emperor.

But he deliberately concealed the Western barbarians' "goodwill" and only revealed their "arrogant" side, simply to make me think that the Western barbarians were unreasonable, thereby discouraging me from engaging in trade.

He paused, his gaze sharpening.

"If you encounter a foolish monarch, you might really be kept in the dark, miss the opportunity to trade, and still have to be grateful for their 'loyalty to protect you'."

Wang Dehua stood with his head bowed, not daring to respond.

He was well aware of the resistance of the civil service to "trading with foreigners".

Li Ming's move stemmed from both his own conservative views and his desire to cater to the ideas of most officials in the court.

Yet His Majesty was able to see through the discrepancies between the lines and discern the underlying schemes; such insight is truly awe-inspiring.

"However, even if the Western barbarians tone down their demands, I will not grant them."

Zhu Youxiao picked up the notebook again and turned to the page on "Macau residency rights".

“Macau is the land of the Ming Dynasty. It is already a favor to allow them to anchor their ships temporarily. The ‘right of residence’ seems gentle, but in reality, it is an attempt to turn Macau into their ‘colony’ step by step. We must not give in.”

He then turned to the Netherlands' demands:
"Does the Netherlands want Xiamen as a 'trade transit point'?"
Do you still want to obtain residency rights in Penghu?
Xiamen is the gateway to Fujian, and Penghu controls the sea route to Japan. If they establish a foothold there, they will inevitably covet the surrounding waters in the future. This gateway must not be opened.

As for the "corn seeds" from Spain, Zhu Youxiao paid extra attention to them.

This crop is drought-resistant and high-yielding. If it can be promoted in the north, it can indeed alleviate the pressure on food production.

But he also knew that Spain would never offer "benefits" for no reason; there must be conditions behind it.

"They are willing to give me seeds, probably hoping to use this as leverage to get me to open the ports of Zhangzhou and Quanzhou."

"Hmph, thinking you can exchange a few bags of seeds for vital coastal lands of the Ming Dynasty? That's incredibly naive."

In fact, Zhu Youxiao had already investigated the general situation in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Of course, many of them are vague memories from past lives.

First is Portugal.

As one of the first European countries to set foot in East Asia, Portugal transformed Macau into a core hub for trade with China after occupying it during the Jiajing era.

By now, their merchant ships have almost monopolized the trade of raw silk and porcelain in the Ming Dynasty with Japanese silver.

They purchased raw silk from Guangzhou, transported it to Macau for sorting, and then transshipped it to Nagasaki, where they exchanged porcelain and silk for Japanese silver.

He then took silver south to purchase spices from Southeast Asia, and returned with a full load, reselling the spices to Europe and earning double the profit.

Zhu Youxiao sneered: "What they want is nothing more than stable trade channels. As long as we maintain Macau's 'temporary' status and prevent it from becoming a true colony, they won't be able to cause any major trouble."

As for Spain, their purpose in coming to trade is also to do business.

Spain, based in the Philippines, made a fortune through the "galaxy trade."
Every early summer, merchant ships laden with raw silk and porcelain from the Ming Dynasty would arrive in Manila. The goods would then be loaded onto Spanish galleons and transported across the Pacific Ocean to Acapulco, Mexico.

There, silk and porcelain were resold to European merchants in exchange for silver from the Americas, which was then carried back to Manila by galleons for the next round of purchases.

"Like Portugal, Spain only seeks silver and profits. As long as tariffs and ports are properly controlled, it can be incorporated into the Ming Dynasty's trade system."

Zhu Youxiao had already made up his mind: although these two countries were greedy, they still adhered to the bottom line of "doing business".

The Netherlands, however, is the real hidden danger.

Unlike Portugal and Spain, who profited from trade, the Dutch were better at making "businesses without capital."

According to Zhu Youxiao, the Dutch East India Company not only dispatched armed merchant ships, but also colluded with coastal pirates to smuggle raw silk from the Ming Dynasty.

They also plundered Spanish and Portuguese merchant ships in the South China Sea, seizing their goods and then reselling them at low prices to make up for their own shortage of supplies.

"They want residency rights in Penghu, not for trade, but to cut off the lifeline of East Asian trade!"

Zhu Youxiao's voice carried a hint of coldness.

"Once the Dutch establish a foothold in Penghu or Taiwan, they can use it as a base to plunder Ming Dynasty merchant ships at will, and even blockade coastal shipping routes. At that time, the losses will be much more than just tariffs!"

After thinking things through, Zhu Youxiao turned to Wang Dehua and said, "Go and tell Yang Hongbei immediately that the bottom line for trade negotiations must not be compromised any further!"

He held up his fingers and listed them one by one:

"First, only Tianjin is permitted to open as a treaty port. No more ports will be added, such as Guangzhou, Zhangzhou, and Xiamen, which are important coastal cities."

Second, tariffs will be levied at a rate of 20% per ten percent, and cannot be reduced by even a penny!
If the Western barbarians want to make money from the Ming Dynasty, they have to show enough sincerity. This amount of tax revenue is just a drop in the ocean compared to their profits.

Third, if the Western barbarians are willing to provide corn, or astronomical or shipbuilding technology, I can agree, but only within a designated 'exchange zone' in Tianjin.

He emphasized his words at the end, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes:
"As for Portugal's request for residency in Macau, Spain's desire to open Zhangzhou, and the Netherlands' covetousness for Penghu, all these requests are rejected without any room for negotiation!" Wang Dehua hurriedly bowed and replied, "This servant obeys the decree and will convey His Majesty's instructions to Physician Yang verbatim!"

Zhu Youxiao continued speaking, recalling the rumors mentioned by the Governor-General of Fujian about the Dutch secretly plotting to occupy Penghu, which added to his vigilance:
"There is one more thing: you must immediately inquire about the Dutch fleet."

How many warships do they have in the South China Sea?
How many cannons are equipped on each ship?

How many sailors and soldiers were there?
Everything must be thoroughly understood, without missing a single detail!

Wang Dehua's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly replied, "Your Majesty is wise! This servant understands, and will make the arrangements immediately!"

Your Majesty is preparing for a possible naval conflict!
Since the Dutch dared to plunder merchant ships and covet Penghu, they would never give up easily. If negotiations broke down, they would likely resort to force.

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle. I want to see just how strong this Dutch fleet really is!"
Although the Tianjin Navy is still expanding, its newly built warships are equipped with modern cannons, so they may not be afraid of them!

He recalled the reputation of the Dutch "seafaring coachmen" in the history books before his time travel, but he felt no fear whatsoever.

The Ming Dynasty's navy, which once dominated the seas during Zheng He's era, is now able to regain its former glory with his support, new technology, and warships.

Moreover, he was fighting on home ground, while the Dutch navy was sailing across the ocean.

"If we don't give these Dutchmen a good beating at sea, they'll never know who the true masters of the world are!"

After Wang Dehua left to carry out his orders, the East Warm Pavilion returned to its usual tranquility.

Zhu Youxiao continued to review memorials and summon officials every day, but his mind was always preoccupied with trade negotiations and news of the Dutch naval strength.

Several days passed in this manner.

The twelfth day of the first lunar month.

Wang Dehua reappeared in the East Warm Pavilion, holding a new secret report in his hands.

"Your Majesty, I have learned details of the Dutch navy's strength in the South China Sea from the Portuguese envoy Giulio."

Zhu Youxiao put down his vermilion brush, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes:
"Oh? Tell me quickly, how many warships does the Dutch have in the South China Sea? And what is their strength?"

"Return to Your Majesty."

Wang Dehua unfolded the secret report and slowly said:
"Alejandro stated that while the Dutch navy on the mainland is indeed strong with numerous warships, the fleet in the South China Sea is far less powerful than that on the mainland."

At most, a dozen or twenty warships can be mobilized at any time.

However, although these ships were few in number, they were mostly large galleons with astonishing tonnage, including many over 500 tons and even armed behemoths around 600 tons.

"Especially the Dutch ship 'Gunningen,' which weighed 700 tons and was equipped with 32 cannons, making it extremely powerful."

While the other ships were not as powerful, each still carried an average of one or two dozen cannons, making them significantly more heavily armed than the Portuguese and Spanish merchant ships in the South China Sea.

Zhu Youxiao listened quietly.

Three hundred and twenty cannons and more than a dozen large ships.

It certainly sounded quite intimidating, but a weight was lifted from his heart.

While large tonnage and powerful firepower are indeed formidable, their numbers are limited. As long as the Tianjin Navy makes preparations in advance and concentrates its forces to deal with them, it may not be without a chance of victory.

"The ships are large, but few in number, making them easy to deal with."

A slight smile played on his lips, and a hint of confidence flashed in his eyes.

"With the Tianjin Navy's current strength and its advance defenses, dealing with these mere dozen or so Dutch warships is no problem."

"However, is Giulio Aleni's statement credible?"

Wang Dehua immediately said, "The Netherlands has long coveted Portugal's 'triangular trade' and wants to monopolize the business of the Ming Dynasty and Japan. There have been many frictions between them and Portugal, and the two sides have a grudge."

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Upon seeing that the Ming Dynasty was inquiring about the Dutch, Giulio Aleni immediately revealed everything in detail.

They also talked at length about the danger posed by the Dutch, wanting the Ming Dynasty to deal with them.

"If Giulio's words are true, then that's the strength of the Dutch navy."

Having said that, he looked up at Wei Chao, who was standing to the side, and suddenly remembered something, asking:

"By the way, has the Tianjin Navy not returned from Korea yet?"

Wei Chao quickly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, the situation in Korea is still somewhat turbulent. General Mao Wenlong's navy is still stationed along the Uiju and Pido line and has not yet returned to base."

Upon hearing Wei Chao's words, Zhu Youxiao suddenly realized what was happening.

Last year, Huang Taiji launched a surprise attack on Korea. Korea was weak and was defeated in less than a month. Huang Taiji saw that his goal had been achieved and feared that the Ming reinforcements would arrive, so he quickly retreated and returned to Hetu Ala.

Mao Wenlong led the Tianjin Navy to the aid, but when they arrived in Korea, only ruins remained. They could only temporarily stay in Pi Island and Uiju to stabilize the local situation.

"I almost forgot that Mao Wenlong had sent a secret letter before."

Zhu Youxiao rubbed his temples, recalling the contents of the secret letter.

Mao Wenlong suggested that, taking advantage of the turmoil and weakened state of Korea, the country should be brought under the complete control of the Ming Dynasty, making Korea a "barrier" for the Ming Dynasty in the Northeast.

"However, the matter of North Korea is not urgent."

Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment, then his tone became more composed.

"Issue my decree to tell Mao Wenlong that if he cannot completely stabilize the situation in Korea within three months, he should withdraw his navy."

The main force of the Tianjin Navy cannot be tied up in Korea for long; the defense of the South China Sea needs them more.

Wei Chao quickly replied, "This servant obeys the decree and will go to draft it immediately."

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said:
"The imperial edict clearly stated that Korea had been plundered by Huang Taiji, and its national strength was not what it used to be."

Now that the Jurchens have been defeated by the Ming Dynasty and have long lost their former arrogance, Korea has no other choice but to submit to the Ming Dynasty.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"There is no need to rush to completely control North Korea. It is not too late to make plans after the situation in the South China Sea has stabilized."

The most important thing right now is to hold the South China Sea, protect trade, and prevent the Dutch from taking advantage of any opportunity.

Wei Chao's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed and said:
"Your Majesty is wise, this servant understands."

His Majesty may seem indifferent to the situation in Korea, but in reality, he has already seen through the situation.

North Korea is already in our grasp; there's no need for hasty actions.

The threat posed by the Netherlands in the South China Sea is the more pressing hidden danger.

"Wang Dehua".

Zhu Youxiao then looked at the young eunuch.

"Go and tell Yang Hongbei that he can be even tougher during the negotiations."

"I have already ascertained the Dutch strength in the South China Sea. If they dare to threaten me with force, I will have the Tianjin Navy teach them a lesson!"

The saying goes, "A weak nation has no diplomacy."

The things that can be negotiated at the negotiating table are always related to strength.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Wang Dehua bowed and accepted the order, feeling more confident.

With His Majesty's decisiveness and the strength of the Tianjin Navy, the Ming Dynasty will surely gain the upper hand in this trade negotiation.

the other side.

Uiju, North Korea, is located hundreds of miles from Beijing.

Dozens of warships of the Tianjin Navy were moored on the shore. Although the sails had been lowered, the imposing hulls were still visible. The scarlet "Ming" flag fluttered on the masts, exuding a chilling military might.

Inside the central command tent, not far from the port, however, was a completely different scene.

In the center of the large tent, the charcoal fire in the bronze brazier was burning brightly, and the tin pot on top was bubbling with hot wine. The aroma of the wine mixed with the smoky fragrance of the charcoal fire filled the tent.

Mao Wenlong, dressed in black armor inlaid with silver scales, sat upright in the main seat, his left hand resting on the hilt of the sword on the table. His gaze swept over the people below the tent, finally landing on the anxious face of the Korean envoy, Hong Ruifeng.

"General Mao!"

Hong Ruifeng finally couldn't hold back any longer, stood up and bowed deeply to Mao Wenlong, her voice trembling noticeably.

"The situation in Pyongyang is critical. His Highness Prince Aungyang is besieged by the Park bandits. We request that the General send troops to his aid immediately!"
Any later, and I'm afraid...

It seems Lord Lingyang is about to be unable to hold out!

As he spoke, beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Although the tent was warm, he seemed to be shivering as if he were being chilled by the cold wind.

Upon hearing this, Mao Wenlong picked up the wine cup on the table, slowly sipped the hot wine, and only spoke after the liquid had gone down his throat, his tone somewhat nonchalant:

"Why is Envoy Hong in such a hurry? He's just a mere bandit, Park Hee. Can't even withstand this little bit of force, Lord Lingyang?"

The "Lord Lingyang" he mentioned was none other than King Injo of Joseon.

Previously, Li Zong, together with Kim Ryu and Li Gui of the Western People's Party, launched a rebellion under the banner of "saving the country and quelling the rebellion".

Ostensibly, the purpose was to eliminate Park Hee, the King of Pyongyang, and Jeon Hwan, the King of Seoul, who were supported by the Jurchens. In reality, the aim was to use the suppression of the rebellion to build up prestige and military strength so that the current incompetent and foolish King of Joseon could be overthrown and replaced by the King himself.

But who would have thought that ideals and reality are worlds apart?

Although Park Hee was a puppet supported by the Jurchens, he had gathered a lot of defeated soldiers and refugees, and his military strength was quite strong. Yi Jong led his army to fight for more than a month, but not only did he fail to capture Pyongyang, he was also outflanked by Park Hee and trapped in a valley outside the city. Even the letter requesting reinforcements could only be sent out secretly by his confidants.

"This is the first time I've ever seen someone get themselves into trouble while fighting bandits."

Mao Wenlong put down his wine cup, a mocking smile playing on his lips, and glanced at Hong Ruifeng.

"Envoy, tell me, how did Lord Lingyang train his troops?"

Hong Ruifeng's face flushed red and then turned pale, but she dared not refute.

Lee Jong was too eager for quick success, resulting in lax military discipline. Most of his soldiers were farmers who had been temporarily recruited and hadn't even gotten used to their weapons before being hastily deployed. It's no wonder they were surrounded by Park Hee, and he had no one else to blame but himself.

But now the situation is critical, and he has no choice but to bite the bullet and plead again:

"General Mao, that traitor Pu has many rebels under his command, and the Jurchens are secretly helping him. His Highness, Lord Lingyang, will find it very difficult to resist!"
I urge the general to consider the close relationship between the Ming Dynasty and Korea and send troops immediately!
The entire nation of Korea will surely be grateful for the general's great kindness!

"Like lips and teeth, inseparable?"

Mao Wenlong seemed to have heard a joke, and suddenly slammed his hand on the table, causing the wine cups to shake slightly.

"Previously, I proposed to lead troops to the vicinity of Pyongyang to help you deal with Park Hee. What did you say?"

They said, "Korea has its own troops to quell the rebellion, and dare not trouble the Ming army," thus turning away my good intentions!

Now look what's happened! They can't win, so they're asking me, the commander, for help?

Does this logic make sense?

The tent fell silent instantly.

Hong Ruifeng lowered her head even further, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her robe.

He was certainly aware of Mao Wenlong's dissatisfaction.

Previously, many ministers in the Joseon court felt that the Ming Dynasty wanted to use the suppression of the rebellion to interfere in Joseon's internal affairs, and strongly opposed Mao Wenlong's military expedition.

Even Lee Jong himself felt that he could win over Park Hee on his own, which would demonstrate his ability.

Now that I've fallen to this state, I truly regret my past actions.

Seeing Hong Ruifeng's embarrassed appearance, Mao Wenlong had already made up his mind.

His reason for leading troops to garrison Uiju this time is, firstly, to comply with His Majesty's decree and stabilize the situation in Korea.

Secondly, they also wanted to take advantage of the internal turmoil in Korea to gain more benefits for the Ming Dynasty.

His Majesty said in his secret letter that he wanted to "completely control Korea," and now is the best opportunity.

Seeing that Hong Ruifeng had been scolded enough, Mao Wenlong casually said:

"It's not impossible for our Great Ming to send troops."

Upon hearing this, Hong Ruifeng's eyes lit up.

"Thank you, General!"

"Don't be so quick to thank me."

Mao Wenlong chuckled and continued:

"The Tianjin Navy under my command has excellent warships and skilled soldiers. It is only a matter of lifting the siege of Pyongyang."

But the envoy should also understand that when the Ming army goes on an expedition, what does it take for them not to spend money on food and military pay?

What can North Korea offer me, General?
What can we offer the Ming Dynasty?

Do you want me to send troops?

you can!

but.
What are the benefits?
ps:
7400 words!
I got a headache from researching so much.

I'll save the extra chapter for tomorrow.

(End of this chapter)