For Zhu Qizhen, Nanjing could have been banned long ago.
The officials here are all here to provide for their retirement. They receive sufficient salaries, drink tea every day, talk nonsense, and don’t do anything. Even with such a leisurely life, they are not satisfied and secretly plan a rebellion!
I used to dislike you, but now it’s better, just hit the muzzle yourself!
The most important role of Nanjing as the capital is that in the event of the fall of Beijing, a second set of imperial staff can be quickly established here. In fact, this role has not been used from beginning to end.
There were only two times in history when it was possible to move the capital. The first time was during the Tumubao Incident. Many people suggested moving south, but Yu Qian rejected it. Then Jingtai Emperor Zhu Qiyu stepped forward and appointed Yu Qian as the commander-in-chief, winning the battle.
Battle to defend Beijing.
Another time, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, Li Zicheng invaded Beijing. Emperor Chongzhen really wanted to move south, but the Manchu officials disagreed.
In their words, when the king dies in Sheji, you cannot leave. If you want to die, you must die in Beijing. As a result, you really died in Beijing...
Then there was the short-lived and useless Nanming regime. A group of pig-like vassal kings fought for the throne and struggled to support it for eighteen years.
In the past eighteen years, the Qing army and Li Zicheng were still relying on each other, and no one paid attention to Nanjing. It was picked up in vain.
So, looking back now, did Nanjing stay with the capital and stay lonely?
Since it is just a waste of money and food, and it also supports a large number of idle people, it is better to just ban it.
In this rebellion case, a large number of officials were arrested. Especially when investigating smuggling along the southeast coast, a large number of officials were found. Nearly half of the officials in Jiangnan were implicated. If we fill this vacancy, it will cost a lot of talents, so it is not as good as
Directly abolish the Nanjing imperial court and use the remaining officials from the Six Ministries of Nanjing to fill local vacancies.
What's more, today's Ming Dynasty has strong soldiers and horses, and its territory is thousands of miles away. If someone really wants to knock down all the capital, I, the emperor... might as well commit suicide.
Move the capital, what the heck!
Yu Qian didn't think so much. He just felt that the emperor's decision was too unbelievable. After all, it was a law established by the ancestors. How did it come into your hands and change it at the earliest opportunity?
Change the land, change the citizenship, change the army, and also change the imperial examination. Now Nanjing is even banning it?
Aren’t you worried that Taizu Taizong would come to talk to you about life at night?
Even for an enlightened person like Yu Qian, he couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.
Looking at the new policy plan in his hand, it can be seen that the emperor's original intention is good. If it can be implemented smoothly, Ming's comprehensive national strength will inevitably improve by leaps and bounds.
However, if you act too hastily, you may be afraid that it will be counterproductive and eventually lead to chaos...
Zhu Qizhen also knew that no matter how talented Yu Qian was, he would still be limited by history. He had not experienced the changes of later generations, so of course he did not know how to make changes. All he had to do was to keep instilling these concepts in him.
, let him know that the New Deal is imperative and cannot be delayed.
Moreover, there is no room for negotiation on this matter.
Seeing Zhu Qizhen's resolute expression, Yu Qian had no choice but to agree and leave with the new policy letter.
At this moment, a tall middle-aged man came in from outside. The two looked at each other, and the man clasped his fists and bowed.
"Your Majesty, you are well!"
Yu Qian was stunned for a moment, and then replied: "General Shi, congratulations, congratulations!"
Shi Heng laughed and said, "You're welcome, Sir. Shi's ability to get away with his crimes this time is all due to the grace of the emperor, and the soldiers are united as one!"
Yu Qian nodded and left.
Shi Heng came to Zhu Qizhen, kowtowed and saluted, and shouted long live.
Zhu Qizhen smiled and said: "The Qing family is in peace!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Shi Heng stood up, without writing, and said bluntly: "I bring good news to the emperor. The three-headed dragon Shen Lang has been caught!"
Zhu Qizhen could not hide the excitement on his face. This three-headed dragon had been causing trouble along the coast of the Ming Dynasty for many years and had always been a thorn in the side of the imperial court. When Li Zhen led three thousand battalions to intercept and kill the Japanese pirates, Shen Lang never showed up.
Now, I finally caught it!
"Where was it caught?"
Shi Heng replied: "Back to the emperor, he is in the city!"
"Oh?"
Zhu Qizhen suddenly became interested and asked: "Where in the city?"
Shi Heng smiled mysteriously and said: "Nanjing's Minister of Household Affairs, the residence of Wang Gongming!"
"Wang Gongming?"
Zhu Qizhen murmured to himself, he had some impression that this person should be a veteran of the Yongle Dynasty. It stands to reason that after two years in Nanjing, he could retire and return home to his children and grandchildren to take care of himself and live a comfortable life.
Okay, why collude with Japanese pirates?
Moreover, Wang Gongming was not included in the list of arrests this time.
In other words, if Shi Heng hadn't found Shen Lang, a big fish would have been missed!
Being able to hide it from Jin Yiwei shows that this person is still very clever.
"Tell me, how did you find it?"
"It's a coincidence that Jin Yiwei had already searched Mr. Wang's house and found no clues. However, my spy accidentally discovered that a servant of the Wang family went to the pawn shop and actually took out a fine Dongzhu. This
Only then did he realize the problem, so he secretly followed up and investigated, and finally discovered that Shen Lang was hiding in the Wang family!"
Dongzhu is a pearl produced in the East China Sea. It is extremely large and has a round luster. It is the best among pearls.
This thing can only be produced in the deep sea. It is very rare. It is impossible for ordinary people to have it.
"Wang Gongming's family should not be short of money, so why would he go to a pawn shop to sell Dongzhu?"
"The emperor didn't know anything. It was all because this servant was a gambler and lost too much money to the gambling house. In desperation, he had no choice but to steal an East Pearl from home and planned to sell it to pay off the debt!"
Zhu Qizhen couldn't help but laugh. This guy was hiding so deeply, and he was exposed just because a little servant likes gambling?
It’s really... fate plays tricks on people!
"Shen Lang doesn't need to say more. I don't know how many people this man has killed in the Ming Dynasty. Since he was caught today, there is no need to interrogate him. He can just choose a day and behead him. This time he must find a skilled worker and behead him with three thousand knives.
, don’t be like the previous few, who died after only a thousand cuts.”
Shi Heng clasped his fists and said: "I will make arrangements to ensure that no one can die within three thousand swords!"
Zhu Qizhen nodded and said: "Well, I have one more thing to tell you!"
Shi Heng said quickly: "Your Majesty, please speak!"
Zhu Qizhen first showed him a seat, then ordered someone to make tea, and then said: "I want to ask you, what are your plans for the future?"
Shi Heng was stunned for a moment, then stood up and said, "Let the emperor arrange it!"
"Don't be nervous!"
Zhu Qizhen waved his hand and motioned for him to sit down and talk.
"I keep my word. This time I have made a meritorious service and successfully destroyed the Japanese pirates' lair. I will forget about the previous things. I will talk to you about my future plans. Just tell me, what position do you want?"
Shi Heng smiled bitterly and said: "This battle depends entirely on the emperor's planning. My little contribution is really not worthy of mention. As for my official position... I hope to be a general soldier and guard the border for the emperor."
Zhu Qizhen continued: "The north has been pacified. From Beihai Guard, Duoyan Sanwei, to Mohe Guard, there are people guarding it. Hami Guard is guarded by Jun Guogong, and Yunnan is guarded by Qian Guogong. After thinking about it, now I only have
The defense force along the southeast coast is not enough, but I do not plan to send troops to guard it."
Shi Heng was puzzled and said: "I dare to ask, does the emperor want to continue to implement the maritime ban and give up overseas?"
"Of course not!"
Zhu Qizhen shook his head and said: "If a country wants to be rich and powerful, it cannot ignore the ocean. Wealth comes from the sea, and danger also comes from the sea. This is the wise saying of the Three Treasures Eunuch, and I have always kept it in my heart."
"Then the emperor...why..."
"I'm talking about not defending, because defense is always too passive, why not take the initiative to attack?"
"Active attack?"
Shi Heng was even more puzzled, who should he attack?
To the east is Japan, to the south are Luzon and other countries, as well as Annan and other countries that border the Ming Dynasty. Who are you going to fight?
Zhu Qizhen ordered someone to get a map, pointed in the direction of Ningbo, and said: "The Japanese pirates' headquarters is on Zhoushan Island, which is a good place. Now I intend to build a navy. Remember, it is a navy, not a Japanese guard.
The station is located on Zhoushan Island!"
Shi Heng had been undercover in the Zhoushan Islands for more than half a year and was very familiar with the situation there. He nodded and said: "Zhoushan Island can be used as a springboard between the Ming Dynasty and the maritime countries. The terrain is very important. Garrison troops here.
I deeply agree!"
"What I want to say next is another thing!"
Zhu Qizhen suddenly smiled and said, "Have you heard of the East India Company?"
"East India... Company?"
Shi Heng was confused and didn't know what to say.
Zhu Qizhen suddenly realized that in this era, the East India Company seemed not to have been established yet.
Because the Western Age of Discovery has not yet arrived, or in other words, it is still brewing.
If we don't seize control of the sea and wait until others develop strong ships and cannons, they will have no chance.
The East India Company is the most intuitive manifestation of these maritime hegemons, overseas expansion!
Around the beginning of the 16th century, that is, fifty years later, Queen Elizabeth I of England granted the company a royal charter, giving it the privilege of trading in India.
To put it bluntly, these are a group of pirates who blatantly plunder under the banner of the government.
Their mission is: expansion, plunder, and colonization.
The reason why the Kingdom of England granted them a royal warrant is because if they plunder in the name of the royal family, part of the wealth gained will be turned over.
For the English royal family, they only need to be granted a flag and enjoy the benefits at home. Why not?
When the East India Company was first established, it did gain a large amount of property. Then, kingdoms such as the Netherlands began to follow suit and established the East India Company one after another to get a share of the pie.
Their approach was even more exaggerated. For example, the Dutch East India Company was the first company to organize its own mercenaries, issue currency, and the first joint-stock company. It was allowed to establish formal treaties with other countries and colonize the area.
and the power to rule.
In other words, this so-called company has actually become a political power.
Driven by huge profits, they will expand crazily, expand shipping routes crazily, and establish colonies.
This is what Zheng He said: If a country wants to be rich and powerful, it must not ignore the sea. Wealth comes from the sea, and danger also comes from the sea.
Considering various reasons, the Ming Dynasty implemented a maritime ban and ignored Zheng He's warning, allowing the European powers to develop.
How could Zhu Qizhen let go of such an opportunity? He had to seize control of the sea before the group of pirates in Europe.
Even if I don't invade you, I can't let you invade me.
Of course Shi Heng didn't know what the East India Company was, so he looked confused when the emperor asked him.
Zhu Qizhen thought for a moment and then explained: "I established the navy to expand shipping routes and protect the maritime trade of the court or private people. In addition, I plan to cultivate a private trading firm in addition to this navy, which will be called the Four Seas Trading Firm for the time being.
Well, the Sihai Trading Company is free to trade with other countries, and it can train its own guards. The imperial court even allows it to establish formal treaties with other countries in the name of the trading company, and protect the legal rights and interests such as the strongholds the trading company has cultivated overseas."
Shi Heng was shocked. Such an idea was simply unbelievable.
The Ming Dynasty has always been extremely cautious about military power, let alone a civil organization. If it goes to other countries and signs agreements with others, isn't this... rebellion?
Zhu Qizhen wants to do something big now. The great voyage of the West is coming, and there is not much time left for the Ming Dynasty. Only by breaking the rules and breaking the world can we be invincible in the coming era of great voyages.<
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"I'm going to leave these things to you. How about it? Do you have confidence?"
Shi Heng thought about it, is this considered rebellion?
Could it be that you want to kill me, but you can’t find an excuse...
He glanced at Zhu Qizhen suspiciously and said: "This is the first time I have heard of the emperor's thoughts. This... is quite shocking. However, I am worried that the civil and military forces of the entire dynasty will..."
"You don't have to worry about others, I just ask you, do you have confidence?"
Shi Heng nodded and said: "As long as it is ordered by the emperor, let alone a trading company, I will still dare to go even if it is a sea of swords and fire!"
"Very good, this matter has been settled for now. I will give you a detailed plan later. Now, I have a task for you."
"Your Majesty, please speak!"
Zhu Qizhen first asked: "How much do you know about Japan?"
"The words of Japan..."
Shi Heng thought for a while and said: "As far as I know, many Japanese pirates come from the Japanese country and claim to be samurai under some daimyo. The current regime in the Japanese country seems to be unstable, and there are many people fighting for power. That's about all I know."<
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"I just want to ask you, what is the relationship between the Japanese pirates and the Japanese country?"
"There seems to be no direct relationship between the Japanese court and the Japanese pirates, but in fact, the Japanese pirates plundered property and brought it back to the Japanese country to sell the stolen goods. In other words, the proliferation of Japanese pirates was actually supported by the Japanese country. They smuggled and robbed people through the sea.
You plundered the people and gained countless benefits!"
Zhu Qizhen said: "The Japanese envoys have repeatedly emphasized that the Japanese pirates have nothing to do with the Japanese country. What should we do?"
Shi Heng scratched his head and said: "Isn't this lying with open eyes? This person should be arrested and punished for harboring Japanese pirates!"
…………
PS: I recommend a first-person suspense novel "Please Fragrance" written by a friend. The plot is stable and the pace is fast. If you don't believe me, go read it~~