Theoretically, although Macau is the gathering place of Portugal, the actual sovereignty belongs to the Ming Dynasty.
For example, the Portuguese also pay five hundred taels of silver every year as lease money to Xiangshan County.
For example, Chinatown in the United States.
It was not until 1887 that Portugal used the power of Britain to force the Qing government to send people to sign the "Draft of the Sino-Portuguese Conference" and the "Sino-Portuguese Peace and Trade Treaty" in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital.
Not only did it stipulate that Portugal would permanently reside in and manage Macau and the lands belonging to Macau, it also allowed it to live in the treaty port, rent and buy land, build houses, set up churches, etc., thus making Macau separate from the motherland and become a colony of Portugal.
Of course, the symbolic lease of 500 taels was also cancelled.
At this time, the court also had its own considerations.
During the Jiajing period, Japanese pirates were prevalent. The matchlock guns and French cannons brought by the Portuguese were of great military value. In addition, the land was leased and not ceded, so they turned a blind eye.
However, for now, the advantages of Macau's existence still outweigh the disadvantages.
Portugal had this foothold and gathered a large amount of wealth and talents from the West, all of which the Ming Dynasty needed.
We have to admit that although the Ming Dynasty still had advantages in agriculture and light industry, in terms of science and technology, the West had greater advantages.
For example, navigation, casting, geographical discovery, astronomical research, mathematics, physics, etc.
Just like astronomy, since Tang Ruowang accurately predicted the solar eclipse, the position of Qin Tianjian was occupied by Westerners for more than two hundred years during the Manchu and Qing dynasties.
Back at the palace, Zhu Yixi thought for a long time and finally decided to give the Portuguese a good reception.
Being behind is not terrible, what is terrible is pride and complacency.
Several missionaries were very surprised. Before being summoned, they asked Banli for questioning, hoping to learn from him the true situation and taboos of the Ming Emperor.
Ban Li was just dazzled by the gold fan, and said with admiration:
"The obedient priest, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, has supreme power. For example, he declares that he is the son of God."
"Oh, God!"
A priest with a brown beard cracked his mouth: "Heresy, absolute heresy. Apart from Jesus, God will not have a second Son."
"Dear Father, you have misunderstood. Their God is just a name for the blue sky above our heads."
Ban Li hurriedly shook his head and explained, breaking out in a cold sweat.
"In addition, this emperor can add wives to his family at will, and no one can stop him, so they have a large number of heirs and there is never a crisis of extermination."
"God, this is an Ottoman tradition."
The black-bearded priest muttered.
In this aspect, it is relatively easy to accept.
The legalization of mistresses may cause a huge uproar in Europe.
"If Henry of England had known this, he would not have divorced again and again, let alone betray Rome."
Several priests immediately laughed out loud.
Henry VIII of the Tudor Dynasty in England did not hesitate to carry out religious reforms and married five queens in order to produce a legitimate heir.
Finally, he gave birth to a son, Edward VI, who died young.
"Of course, what is enviable is that he has the power to tax at will."
Banley's eyes were shining, and he said with envy and jealousy: "There is no meeting of the three estates, no nobles, priests, and so-called free people to stop it."
"Hundreds of thousands of officials across the country are working hard to collect taxes for him, and they don't dare to complain at all."
"Oh, God!"
Hearing this, the three priests couldn't help but lower their heads, and their expressions instantly became solemn.
In Europe, the level of royal power lies in the power of taxation. Even the pope in the Papal States cannot tax beyond the reach of cardinals.
At this time, the three newly arrived priests immediately realized the power of the Ming Emperor.
Kneel down on one knee and look serious.
Zhu Yixi also understands that in Catholicism, kneeling is a religious ritual, and that's just for ordinary people. If you make these priests kneel, you are forcing them to convert!
"How many years have these priests been in Macau?"
The emperor asked with a relaxed look.
"Answer your dear emperor, it has been half a year since we arrived in Macau and we have learned Chinese quite well."
The leading priest had a huge nose under his brown eyes, and two thick, covered lips under his thick black beard.
When I talk about it, it always smells like mutton skewers.
Of course, it could also be an illusion.
Zhu Yixi was very pleased.
He is worthy of being a high-level talent. In just half a year, he has almost mastered the Chinese language.
However, even those who come all the way to the East cannot reach it.
After some exchanges, several people exchanged ideas on mathematics, clocks, shipbuilding, astronomy, etc.
In the field of science, several priests were also well-read and each had their own strengths, which made Zhu Yixi quite happy.
In Europe at this time, science and theology are not antagonistic, but unified with each other.
If we say that theology is understanding the Bible, Holy Communion, liturgy, etc., it is respecting God, while science is proving the existence of God.
Different paths lead to the same destination, all trying to illustrate the greatness of God.
Later, when science developed and matured, it began to "rebel".
The great physicist Newton did not convert to religion in his later years. He believed in religion from a young age until he was old.
A master of mathematics, an astronomer, and a watchmaker.
Mathematics can be applied to drawing, construction, artillery calibration, and shipbuilding; while astronomers are more important to the navigation industry and are indispensable navigators.
As for clocks and watches, not to mention being able to make complicated clocks, other handicrafts such as artillery and machine tools are also at your fingertips.
Zhu Yixi looked at these three great talents and suddenly thought: "If I had not intercepted them, then these three people would be Manchus."
"I allow you to worship in Mr. Wang's church. The only requirement is that you must teach a group of students."
The emperor looked seriously and said seriously.
"No, my majesty!" The priest with a black beard waved his hand quickly: "We came to Ming Dynasty to preach. Teaching students will delay the Lord's cause."
"Yeah?"
The emperor said calmly: "In this way, as long as each of you can teach two hundred students, I will not only build a cathedral for you, but also allow you to preach in Nanjing."
"Of course, the premise is that there is no force."
Several priests were surprised and beamed with joy.
They didn't expect that they would get permission so easily. It was like a dream.
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Merciful Emperor. Your generosity is wider than the sky."
Zhu Yixi nodded silently and looked at the three people with slight satisfaction.
It's great to be able to get three free laborers. It seems that shipbuilding can be accelerated.