Quanzhou Shipping Department, a sea-going ship slowly entered the port.
The patterns on the sails are quite special, not like the style of the Ming Dynasty.
On the bow of the boat, a man in rich clothes looked at the unfamiliar land ahead, tears filling his eyes with excitement.
This is Ming Dynasty, it has finally arrived!
This person is none other than Mahagui, the younger brother of King Mahabharaya of Champa.
"Your Highness, there are officers and soldiers!"
Mahagui looked up and sure enough, the port was already densely surrounded by officers and soldiers.
He took a deep breath and said: "You are the only one here who can speak Chinese, so go ahead!"
"Yes!"
…………
When the news came out that Prince Zhang Fu of Jing'an County had resigned from the vassal state, the capital was immediately in a state of uproar.
When he was first granted the title of king, all the civil servants Qingliu were very dissatisfied. If some of the most insistent people at that time had not had an accident and were found to have collaborated with the enemy, it would have been another matter whether the title of Prince of Jing'an County would have come down.
Say.
Now we still want to establish a vassal state... But this is not a vassal state. This is a war!
If it was the case before, it would be fine. Now that we have just finished conquering Mobei, the court has not had time to deal with all the big and small matters, and the army has not taken a break. Are we going to attack Annan?
Although the combat effectiveness of the Annan Kingdom is not as good as that of the Oara Tatars, if the imperial court wants to send troops, it will have to travel thousands of miles across mountains and rivers. The cost of this journey is several times greater than that of the expedition to Mobei. Even if the national treasury is sufficient, you cannot
It’s made like this!
All of a sudden, various memorials flew into Wenyuan Pavilion like snowflakes. Cao Nai looked at them and shook his head, and then showed them to Zhang Yi and Gao Hub.
The two of them also looked helpless. The three of them discussed it and finally decided to leave it to King Tao!
After Zhu Qiyu finished reading it, he couldn't help but chew his teeth.
After thinking about it, I first went to the Ministry of Household Affairs to find Wang Zuo and checked the treasury reserves.
If you want to fight a war, you must at least know your own family background and whether you can afford to fight.
All that is needed to fight a war is money. If there is no money in the treasury, it is all in vain.
In the 14th year of Orthodoxy, 50 million taels of silver were confiscated in several major cases such as the Wang Zhen case, the Cao Jixiang case, and the Shanxi merchant case. Immediately afterwards, the imperial court invested more than one million taels of silver in the development of new firearms at the Wang Gong Factory in Xishan. Another five million taels were spent to build the Martyrs' Shrine and reward the soldiers.
Then there was the expedition to Mobei. This trip cost more than 16 million taels in total.
During this period, there were floods in Huai'an and drought in Guanzhong... The court spent another 10 million taels on various disaster relief measures.
Zhu Qiyu looked at the account books and felt his heart bleeding.
When encountering natural disasters, there is nothing you can do about it. If you don’t provide disaster relief, the people will have no choice but to wait to die.
But fighting... this isn't a war at all, it's clearly just throwing money at people!
More than sixteen million taels. Even if one ingot is thrown into the water, it will take several months...
Thinking of this, Zhu Qiyu couldn't help but ask: "Wang Shangshu, is there anything wrong with this account book?"
"His Royal Highness King Xi, what do you mean?"
Wang Zuo almost jumped up. I didn’t spend the money. Why do you doubt me?
Zhu Qiyu hurriedly explained: "Wang Shangshu, don't be anxious for now. I am just asking casually."
Wang Zuo broke into a cold sweat and thought to himself, "Can I not be in a hurry? This money is used by the emperor for war. Who dares to touch it will not want to live?
"Your Highness, please see that the total production of armor, weapons, artillery, muskets, and ammunition is 3.5 million taels. The total cost of food rationing is 6 million taels. The labor cost of recruiting civilians is one million taels. Military expenditures and soldiers
The total amount of the reward is 3.6 million taels. The total travel and resettlement fees for people from all over the Central Plains to move to Mobei and Liaodong are 1.7 million taels. Each item has been recorded in detail. If your highness has any doubts, you can check it.
Specific accounts."
Zhu Qiyu said with a smile: "Don't be excited, Wang Shangshu. In fact... I just want to know how much money is left in the treasury?"
Wang Zuo is in charge of money, so he naturally knows everything about the treasury reserves.
"Go back to Your Highness, there are still fifteen million taels of silver!"
Zhu Qiyu sighed. If it had been in the past, there would have been so much money in the treasury, and he would have woken up laughing while sleeping.
However, today is different from the past. Once people have money, it is difficult to think about going back to poverty.
According to the cost of the expedition to Mobei, if the imperial court really wanted to send troops to Annan, this money would not be able to stop it.
Wang Zuo seemed to see what Zhu Qiyu was thinking, and said: "Is Your Highness worried about... the Prince of Jing'an County becoming a vassal?"
Zhu Qiyu, with a sad face, nodded and said: "Your Majesty has great talents and great strategies, and he has made great achievements in the battle of Mobei. However, this has given rise to a warlike spirit. I am worried that if the imperial court uses weapons again, the lives of the people will not be the same."
It's better."
"What Your Highness saw, I deeply agree with!"
Wang Zuo also said: "I have prepared to write a letter to advise the emperor to put away his warlike heart and start a new life with the people."
"Forget it!" Zhu Qiyu picked up a stack of memorials and said, "There are already more than twenty copies, and I won't miss one for you."
Wang Zuo:......
"I will go to the palace to meet the emperor. If the emperor insists on going to war with Annan... alas!"
Zhu Qiyu didn't finish speaking, he just shook his head, walked out of the Hubu Yamen, and went straight to the Imperial Study Room.
"Your Highness, Your Highness!"
Wynn saw it was Zhu Qiyu and hurried forward.
When Zhu Qiyu saw that it was Huaien, he said: "I have something important to see the emperor, please let me know!"
"Your Highness is unaware of something. The Emperor is not in the palace."
"Oh?" Zhu Qiyu asked, "Where is the emperor?"
"Eunuch Hong is seriously ill, and the emperor went out of the palace to visit Eunuch Hong."
"Eunuch Hong? Which Eunuch Hong?"
Zhu Qiyu looked puzzled. A eunuch named Hong appeared out of nowhere and was still living outside the palace. He wanted the emperor to visit him personally...
"This is Hong Bao who followed the eunuch Sanbao to the West!"
Zhu Qiyu knew about Zheng He, but he really had no impression of Hong Bao.
"Where does this person... live?"
"This slave only knows that it is outside Chaoyang Gate, which seems to be in Guanzhuang, Factory No. 4."
Zhu Qiyu nodded, then turned and left.
Although he didn't know why Hong Bao was there, since the emperor went to visit him in person, there must be a profound meaning in it, so it would be better to go and have a look.
After leaving the palace, he didn't even sit in a sedan, but rode straight to the official village of No. 4 Factory outside Chaoyang Gate.
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The imperial palace here is the private property of the emperor, and is generally looked after by the eunuchs in the palace. Therefore, it has become a retirement home for many eunuchs.
This Hong Bao once went to the West with the eunuch Sanbao. He must be at least seventy or eighty years old and must have retired here.
When we arrived at Guanzhuang of Factory No. 4, we saw the emperor's chariot parked aside from a distance, and we also saw Fan Zhong and his guards guarding this place. I thought this was the place to be.
When Zhu Qiyu came forward, Fan Zhong was slightly surprised and asked, "Your Highness, why are you here?"
"Is the Emperor here?"
Fan Zhong nodded and said: "Your Majesty heard that Hong Bao was seriously ill and came here to visit. His Highness also came..."
"Yes, I, too, will go and have a look!"
While talking, Zhu Qiyu stepped in.
This is an ordinary house, with three brick houses and a courtyard.
There are some flowers and plants planted in the courtyard, which are kept very clean.
After entering, he saw Zhu Qizhen sitting beside the bed and an old man with gray hair lying on the bed.
Jin Ying and several other people stood aside. It seemed that the strangers should be relatives of the old man.
Seeing this scene, Zhu Qiyu felt a little better.
Speaking of which, it is not easy for the eunuchs in the palace. Due to their physical disability, they cannot have children. Therefore, no matter how prosperous they were when they were young, when they are in their twilight years, there is no one at their bedside to care for them. In the end, they are alone and miserable.
.
In contrast, Hong Bao still had people taking care of him, which was already better than most eunuchs.
"Your Majesty!"
Zhu Qizhen turned his head and saw that it was Zhu Qiyu, so he waved his hand, indicating that he would wait for a while.
Hong Bao did not see Zhu Qiyu on the bed, but just held Zhu Qizhen's hand with tears in his eyes.
"Your Majesty, I have something to ask of you!"
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said: "Whatever the Qing family has to ask for, it doesn't matter. As long as I can do it, I will definitely live up to the expectations of the Qing family!"
Hong Bao said tremblingly: "After the old slave dies, I hope that the remains can be sent back to Nanjing and buried next to the tomb of the eunuch Sanbao."
Zhu Qizhen said with a smile: "As for whether he is dead or not, the imperial doctor has already diagnosed him. The Qing family is just sick from overwork. He will be fine after some rest."
Hong Bao was very aware of his physical condition and immediately said: "Your Majesty, I have one more thing to say, I don't know... whether to say it or not..."
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said: "I have already said that no matter what the Qing family has to say, it is okay to say it!"
Hong Bao nodded hard and said: "If a country wants to be rich and powerful, it cannot ignore the sea. Wealth comes from the sea, and danger also comes from the sea. This is what the eunuch Sanbao said. The old slave begs the emperor to lift the sea ban and restart the Western Ocean." p>
After saying this, everyone in the room was stunned.
Jin Ying secretly thought to himself, the emperor thought that you were a meritorious minister, so he paid a visit in person, but you didn't know what to do and said such treacherous and unethical words.
Banning the sea or opening the sea is a national policy. Even if it needs to be discussed, it is a matter for the ministers of the court. Eunuchs in the harem are not allowed to interfere in politics. Did you forget it so quickly?
The expressions of the rest of the people also changed suddenly, and they were all silent.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Qizhen was not annoyed, he just smiled and said: "Don't worry, I'm getting ready to open the sea!"
Hearing this, everyone in the room was stunned.
What's going on...
In a sense, the opening of the sea is more sensitive than the conquest of Annan.
How many people's personal interests are involved in this, even if you are the emperor, you can't just say it in one sentence.
However, Hong Bao seemed very excited and said: "Old slave, on behalf of the eunuch Sanbao... thanked the emperor!"
Zhu Qizhen continued: "Not only do I want to open the sea, but I also want to establish the Ming Dynasty Navigation Academy, and I also want to appoint the Qing family as the dean!"
Hong Bao became even more excited. He struggled to sit up and bowed his head.
Zhu Qizhen hurriedly stepped forward to support him and said: "The Qing family has worked hard for the Ming Dynasty for half their lives. This is what the Qing family deserves. When I get back, I will draft a decree to enshrine the Three Treasures eunuchs, Wang Jinghong and other Western heroes in the Martyrs' Shrine forever."
Enjoy the incense of Daming Dynasty!"
Hong Bao was so excited that he burst into tears and could no longer speak.
Zhu Qizhen then said to the accompanying imperial doctor: "We must do our best to treat Hong Qing's family's illness. No matter what medicinal materials are needed, just go to the Imperial Hospital to get them. Just say it was me!"
After arranging everything, he turned around and left.
Zhu Qiyu also walked out. He was planning to ride back to the palace together, but Zhu Qizhen waved at him, meaning that he would ride in the royal chariot together.
"Brother, let's ride a horse!"
Zhu Qizhen said impatiently: "You can sit down if I tell you to, what nonsense are you talking about?"
When Zhu Qiyu saw this, he didn't know what to say, so he had to get into the chariot together.
"Why are you here?"
"Brother Chen, brother Chen..."
As Zhu Qiyu spoke, he took out a stack of memorial notes from his body.
"Humph!"
Zhu Qizhen snorted lightly and said disapprovingly: "You don't need to look at it to know that it must be aimed at the Prince of Jing'an County to establish a vassal state, right?"
"Exactly...exactly!"
Zhu Qiyu didn't know why, but he couldn't say a single word he had prepared in front of his brother, the emperor.
"What do you think?"
"My dear brother, do you think...this matter needs long-term consideration?"
"I, the Ming Dynasty vassal king, want to take over the vassal state, what can I propose?"
Zhu Qiyu secretly thought, are you going to become a vassal?
Won’t your conscience hurt if you talk like this...
"Brother Imperial, I just went to the Ministry of Household Affairs, and the treasury still has fifteen million taels of silver. If we rashly start a war against Annan, if the war goes unfavorably, we may be dragged into the quagmire, and we will be in a dilemma!"
Zhu Qizhen frowned and said, "I remember that I ransacked my house and confiscated tens of millions of taels, and now I only have this little money left?"
"My brother has gone to see the accounts, and every detail is well documented. It is true that there are only fifteen million taels left."
"Well..."
Zhu Qizhen thought for a while and then said: "I remember that I also searched a large number of real estate title deeds, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, jewelry and jade... these things can be exchanged for silver!"
Zhu Qiyu felt heartbroken. He had never heard that the imperial court would sell real estate and antiques in exchange for money!
Can't you live in peace for a few days and have to fight this battle?
"My brother boldly advised me that the king of Jingan County will become a vassal... There is also the issue of opening up the sea. Should we put it aside for a while? The war has just ended, and the people of the world need to recuperate."
"You said..." Zhu Qizhen said thoughtfully, "Suppose the imperial court has money, can we fight... No, can we let Prince Jing'an become a vassal?"
Zhu Qiyu scratched his head and said: "It should be so."
"That's good!"
Zhu Qizhen slapped his thigh and said: "You don't need to say anything, I will find a way to make money right now!"
Suddenly, Zhu Qiyu was startled, and an ominous premonition arose in his heart.
Thinking back to how the money in the treasury came from last time, I thought to myself, are you addicted to confiscating homes?
Brother, can we do well...
After returning to the palace, Zhu Qizhen issued two imperial edicts in succession.
The first imperial edict was to enshrine the tablets of Zheng He, Wang Jinghong and other meritorious ministers who went to the West in the Martyrs' Shrine.
The officials didn't care. Zheng He and others had indeed contributed to the Ming Dynasty, and it was normal for them to enter the Martyrs' Shrine.
However, the next imperial decree makes people unable to sit still.
Daming Navigation Institute was established, Hongbao was appointed as the dean, and Zheng He was posthumously appointed as the honorary dean.
All the former officials, eunuchs, boatmen, and even handymen who were part of the original expedition team were reactivated and entered the Navigation Academy.
In the words of later generations, it means being included in the compilation.
Now, the ministers could not sit still.
The matter of Prince Jing'an hasn't been explained clearly yet, so you come to the Navigation Academy again.