Both cinchona trees and sweet potatoes are good things for the Ming Dynasty and are worthy of promotion.
Of course, sweet potatoes were transplanted from Central America to Luzon and spread to Fujian as early as the end of Wanli.
It was just this vague impression that made him unsure. It would be great if it could be imported directly from the Spanish.
The opening of the sea in Longqing allowed the Ming Dynasty to really open up the country. Whether it was corn, sweet potatoes, or cinchona, they were all introduced from Southeast Asia.
Faced with the reward and trade of silk, the Spaniards readily agreed.
In other words, they have no room for resistance at all, because they have long known that sweet potatoes have been introduced to China, but they have not been promoted on a large scale.
When they really started to be promoted nationwide, they had to wait until the end of Kangxi to Qianlong. The population experienced explosive growth.
For a traditional agricultural country, population explosion will definitely do more harm than good, and a short-term demographic dividend can bring endless harm.
The shadow of the prosperous age of Kangxi and Qianlong was broken by the White Lotus Revolt in seven provinces.
However, today's Ming Dynasty needs population.
Putting aside for the moment, the barren land in each province requires a lot of manpower, whether it is to reclaim Liaodong or develop Taiwan.
Moreover, with the popularity of sea trade, the number of people is equivalent to the number of sailors, which is enough to suppress Western countries.
Zhu Yixi was extremely satisfied after receiving satisfactory answers one after another. With this joyful mood, he contacted the Englishman one after another.
Compared with the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, which have a strong sense of presence, England's sense of presence is extremely weak.
Translation is not a problem, the official language of the entire European court is French.
"I heard that your king was beheaded?"
The Englishman looked embarrassed and didn't know where to put his hands.
"The greedy and shameless Charles I broke his promise and was cruel and cruel. He naturally accepted the judgment of the people."
"People? Are they your new nobles?"
Zhu Yixi said calmly.
In the blink of an eye, time passed unknowingly to 1650. Charles I was beheaded in 1649, that is, last year, which shocked the whole of Europe.
The new nobles engaged in commerce fought with the old nobles over tax collection, and fought with the king because of their beliefs.
Of course, if you look at Europe as a whole, this is the last remnant of the Thirty Years of Religious War.
It profoundly explains the concept that heretics are more abominable than heretics.
At the same time, throughout the seventeenth century and beyond, the East Asian cultural circle was expelling Catholicism and its believers, and the fear of monotheism was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
In this regard, Zhu Yixi did not completely sequester and restrict the country after hearing the news that Louis XVI of France was guillotined like Qianlong in history.
Damn it, the change of dynasties in China is even more terrifying, the whole family is exterminated, and the West is still dwarfed by the big witches.
Only when he heard this news did Zhu Yixi understand the significance of the world being shrunk.
"The new aristocracy is the people and represents the interests of England."
The English ambassador argued hard.
Zhu Yixi shook his head, not interested in this civil war that had lasted for seven or eight years, and said casually:
"I invited you here this time because of the Netherlands."
"Netherlands?"
"How about your two countries joining forces to deal with the Netherlands?"
Zhu Yixi asked with great interest: "Your country is in Europe and I am in the South China Sea. We each have something to gain."
The British textile industry began to challenge the Dutch, and naturally regarded the Dutch as their great enemy. This kind of life-and-death issue was much more serious than that of China.
For the Ming Dynasty, the Dutch controlled the Malacca area, as well as Malaya, Indonesia and other archipelagos, and they were extremely hungry colonies.
Hearing this, the English ambassador's face turned red and he said: "Our country still needs a port and a foothold in the South China Sea."
"Can."
Zhu Yixi agreed: "As long as you Englishmen contribute in the southern expedition."
The reason why we insist on attacking the Dutch is that the Dutch are strong on the outside and weak on the inside, and their insufficient population limits their development.
Secondly, the Dutch colonies in Asia were so good and too big that they were basically snatched from Spain.
With the popularity of sea trade, the Dutch, who controlled most of the ships and key ports, became the big winners. They lost Taiwan but gained wealth.
The Chinese are eager to eliminate middlemen and make the difference themselves.
What directly prompted Zhu Yixi to go to war against the Netherlands was his discovery that the Dutch were involved in the Korean War.
According to Wu Sangui, a large amount of gunpowder and firearms were found in Seoul, and it was not even ruled out that there were Western Yi shipbuilders.
Whether it was funding from weapons or ships, it was not something that Ming Dynasty could endure.
Therefore, Zhu Yixi finally made up his mind.
After defeating the Manchu Qing, you can build a powerful cavalry and infantry force.
By attacking the Netherlands, the Ming Dynasty will build a navy that spans all over the world.
Finally, Zhu Yixi followed the usual practice and asked for some cinchona trees at a high price, and the English people naturally responded with patting their chests.
A diplomatic event left Zhu Yixi exhausted physically and mentally.
"We still need to recruit diplomatic talents."
He glanced at the translator beside him and said: "If you are a good translator, you can serve as the head of the host and guest department!"
"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty——"
He was overjoyed to be promoted to the sixth-rank official position. This is a position that many people can only hope to achieve.
After handling the affairs of the European countries, the Ministry of Rites sent good news: "North Korea has returned to Pyongyang, and an ambassador will be sent to express gratitude."
"Thank you, what's the use of just talking?"
The emperor was dissatisfied and said: "Jiang Qing, do you have regulations?"
"North Korea has succumbed to slavery since Chongzhen. Whether it is sending troops or food, it can be said that they are diligent and conscientious, just like a filial son and a virtuous grandson."
"But for our Ming Dynasty, we are only grateful, but not at all dedicated."
"Your Majesty, North Korea has no choice but to do so because the country is weak and the people are poor."
Jiang Yueguang frowned and said honestly: "If it's like building a slave, then wouldn't the Ming Dynasty be like a barbarian?"
"You still don't understand what I mean."
Zhu Yixi shook his head and chuckled: "The Ming Dynasty helped its country recover twice, but only gained some reputation for its efforts. How does this benefit the country?"
"The rewards for soldiers, the money, food, and lives consumed are in the millions."
"Then your Majesty means to ask for money and food?"
Jiang Yueguang was somewhat critical. In his opinion, wasn't it right for an old father to save his son? How could there be any reason to pay him back?
"North Korea has to pay a tribute of 100,000 dan to Beijing every year, and the Ministry of Household Affairs will give 20,000 dan of silver as a reward. How about this?"
The grain was collected in the name of tribute, and silver was also given as a reward. This was perfect in theory, but in reality it was buying at a low price and selling at a low price.
It can also replenish Beijing's food supply.
"In addition, the Ming Dynasty promised North Korean merchants to freely enter and exit the Ming Dynasty for trade. In response, North Korea should also allow the Ming Dynasty merchants to enter..."
"North Korea must establish a navy, be subject to the control of our North Sea Navy, and share the navy's military expenses..."