Chapter 84 Angry Old Zhu

Zhu Chong had read all the relevant history books of the Ming Dynasty and at that time he realized the existence of a huge interest group in the southeastern region of the Ming Dynasty, which was directly participated by bureaucrats, merchants, and gentry.

The demise of the Ming Dynasty was certainly due to high-level corruption, internal and external troubles, and endless natural disasters, but what truly affected the Ming Dynasty's destiny was this huge interest group.

This interest group is like a blood-sucking worm lying on the Ming Dynasty, constantly sucking nutrients. If the Ming Dynasty wants to remain stable, this blood-sucking worm must be strangled before it can grow into a powerful force.

Therefore, Zhu Chong now wants to directly break this layer of window paper, and the consequence of breaking this layer of window paper is that the entire southeast coast will soon trigger a series of chain reactions.

By then, civil unrest and large numbers of "Japanese pirates" will emerge like mushrooms after rain.

As expected, Old Zhu was definitely not prepared for this, and that was Zhu Chong's opportunity.

That's why Zhu Chong would whisper in Zhu Biao's ear again and again. His elder brother was a wise man, but also a confused one. Although he was smart, how could he be as smart as Zhu Chong, who had nearly a thousand years more knowledge and culture than him?

But before that, Zhu Chong should just be a "commoner".

After Zhu Biao left, Zhu Chong found a way to send the recipe for braised pork to the Eastern Palace. Zhu Biao was of course grateful and used this as an excuse to give Zhu Chong some money. Zhu Chong accepted it without hesitation.

He is now a "commoner" and has three maids to support. His expenses are high. With this money, he can live a much more comfortable life.

But such peaceful days did not last long. Soon, emergency documents from the southeast came from Yingtian Prefecture. A large number of Japanese pirates landed in many places in the southeast and launched inhumane burning, killing and looting. The people of the Ming Dynasty suffered heavy losses!

The most crucial thing is that the Japanese pirates recently reached Gaoyou, which is less than 200 kilometers away from Yingtian Prefecture, and occupied Gaoyou City for three days. Only then did the information about the fall of Gaoyou appear on Zhu's desk.

This incident completely angered Zhu Yuanzhang because the whole thing was too ridiculous!

Japanese pirates actually invaded a place so close to Yingtian Prefecture. Not only did they invade, they also occupied the city and burned, killed and looted. Zhu Yuanzhang's temper flared up and he immediately issued an order.

The left prime minister Hu Weiyong, the Duke of Wei Xu Da, the Duke of Liang Lan Yu, the left commander-in-chief Tang He, the Duke of Xin, and other important civil and military officials all entered the palace to meet Zhu Yuanzhang.

"The Japanese pirates have been wreaking havoc, even daring to occupy Gaoyou City for three days, and we've only just learned of the news. Ministry of War, Ministry of Rites, do you have anything to say?"

The Minister of War Shan Anren and the Minister of Rites Zhao Mao looked at each other, and finally Zhao Mao stepped forward to reply.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites has arranged for the Ministry of Reception to issue multiple warnings to Japan. However, Japan is currently plagued by internal conflicts and is passing the buck, so..."

"So the rampant Japanese pirates have nothing to do with them, so we should just blame ourselves for our bad luck? Is that right or not?" Zhu Yuanzhang was furious.

"Your Majesty!" Tang He stepped forward and bowed, requesting, "I am willing to send troops to Japan and eradicate the Japanese pirates' nest!"

As soon as Tang He's words came out, there was silence. No one expected that Tang He would be so radical. What was even more unexpected was that Lao Zhu had no objection at all.

Zhu Yuanzhang had no objection, which was equivalent to expressing his stance. In terms of foreign policy, Prime Minister Hu Weiyong also appeared to be tough enough.

As a result, the court quickly reached a consensus that fighting against the Japanese pirates and raiding their lair became the latest topic in the Ming court.

Soon, people learned about the Japanese pirates on the southeast coast, and that Gaoyou had fallen and been massacred by the Japanese pirates. The people of the Ming Dynasty were enraged.

The Ming Navy's attack on Japan was put on the agenda, and people inside and outside Yingtian Prefecture were excited. Zhu Chong's courtyard also received the news.

"The emperor is finally willing to fight the Japanese pirates!" When Tang Sai'er heard that they were going to fight the Japanese pirates and were going to attack their lair directly, she cheered in the courtyard.

"I'm afraid the idea is good, but it won't be easy to implement!" Yang Miaozhen appeared very calm. "Japan and the Ming Dynasty are separated by an ocean. If we want to attack from the sea, can the Ming Dynasty navy really do it?"

"I heard that the army sent to destroy Japan was almost completely wiped out due to a storm, which allowed the Japanese to become so rampant."

"Ah? No way!" Tang Sai'er was stunned when she heard this. "Is Japan so far away from our Ming Dynasty?"

"It's not just the distance, it's mainly because the climate at sea is unpredictable." Zhou Xiuying also joined in. "The sea is different from inland rivers. Storms are more likely to occur at sea. With the current Ming navy, it would be difficult to attack Japan directly from the sea!"

"No way, what should we do then?" Tang Sai'er was even more dumbfounded after hearing this. Finally, she looked towards Zhu Chong eagerly, "Sir..."

"You're all just meddling in other people's business. The Emperor isn't worried, so why are you so anxious? Just because you can't think of a solution doesn't mean no one in the court can't think of one!"

After hearing what Zhu Chong said, Tang Sai'er didn't say anything, but from her worried expression, it was obvious that she took what Zhou Xiuying and Yang Miaozhen said seriously.

At this time, the Ming court was indeed arguing endlessly about how to conquer Japan.

Because Tang He, who had previously clamored in front of Zhu Yuanzhang that he would lead troops to attack Japan, suddenly fell ill.

Hu Weiyong didn't know what was going on. He had previously clamored to teach Japan a lesson, but now he suddenly opposed sending troops directly to Japan. Even Xu Da was not optimistic about this expedition.

"Your Majesty, our Ming navy is stationed inland. Although we have been through many battles, our ships are only suitable for cruising inland. I'm afraid they are not qualified to sail on the sea."

"The most crucial thing is that the navy currently lacks commanders proficient in naval warfare, especially commanders and sailors who are adept at crossing the oceans and trekking long distances at sea. I think it would be too hasty to send troops to Japan at this time."

"Finally, it has been confirmed that there is a large amount of evidence of collusion between Ming Dynasty bandits and Japan along the southeastern coast. If the Japanese learn of our navy's expedition, the consequences will be even more disastrous!"

Hearing what the court officials said, Zhu Yuanzhang was speechless. He was also an expert in military affairs and knew that the Ming Dynasty was facing various problems. Under the current circumstances, it was indeed not suitable to send troops to Japan.

However, the news of the war against Japan has already spread. If it starts well but ends badly, it will inevitably deal a heavy blow to the morale of the army and the people. To a certain extent, it will also encourage the arrogance of the Japanese pirates.

Old Zhu definitely didn't want to see this happen, so his expression turned particularly grim. The scene was awkward and solemn for a while, and at this moment...