It's not really a matter of competing with the people for profits. Zhu Yunying only controlled the upstream. He set the market rules, and the court just needed to keep them in check.

Zhu Yunying grinned at Old Zhu and said, "As for those people saying they're competing with the people for profit, we don't care. We know what's going on with those who talk about benevolence and morality. As for the family members, stewards, and servants below, they've done their fair share of business."

Old Zhu chuckled and said, "That makes sense. Those people want both substance and face. They say that doing business is all about money, but they run shops and make money. There are plenty of officials, scholars, and gentry like that."

That's exactly the point. This wasn't just a characteristic of the Ming Dynasty; it wasn't much different in any other dynasty. There were always front men or agents within families; those people wanted both substance and face.

Zhu Yunying continued, “Our thoughts are very simple. We are aware that many merchants and gentry are going to sea without permission. Our Ming navy can catch them, kill those who should be killed, and punish those who should be punished. Our Ming navy not only patrols the coast, but also brings back quite a few good things. We must keep the rules in place.”

Old Zhu suddenly remembered something and quickly asked, "By the way, we remember that the Governor's Office had a lot of naval officers who helped us transport back a lot of good things, which were all given to the Maritime Trade Office and the Ministry of Revenue. Our imperial estates and the Imperial Treasury also received a lot. The navy worked so hard, didn't they get any benefits?"

Zhu Yunying said decisively, "I will not allow soldiers to do business. It is not a good thing for them to make money. Either they will lose interest in military affairs, or they will easily grow stronger on their own with money in their hands."

Old Zhu thought about it and realized that this made sense. It wasn't a bad thing for the garrison to cultivate land on their own, but it would be going too far if they engaged in commerce.

Zhu Yunying still had many thoughts and ideas, and there were indeed some things he was wary of. Perhaps it was because Zhu Yunying had seen some things and was afraid that the great ship of the Ming Dynasty was not on the right course.

"Grandson has actually thought about it too. Our Ming Dynasty is only in control of the overall situation, but those merchants and gentry can also share some of the benefits." Zhu Yunying said to his father with a sly smile, "We have the source of goods, and those people will be under our control in the future. We have the imperial family follow our goods list, firstly to prevent the presence of contraband, and secondly because some people are short-sighted and would sell good things cheaply."

These are definitely Zhu Yunying's true feelings, mainly about price wars and things like that, which need to be controlled nowadays.

While maritime trade is indeed highly profitable, it also carries significant risks. Many people are focused on earning as much as possible. Having goods on hand doesn't necessarily mean hoarding them or hoarding them; 'dumping' at low prices is also an option.

As for causing chaos in the market, that's none of their business; as long as they make enough money in their own households, that's all that matters.

Old Zhu looked at Little Zhu with pride and said, "Our grandson, putting aside everything else, just his vision is something that others can't keep up with."

Zhu Yunying chuckled, but still had to ask, "Grandfather, are you saying that I'm all talk and no action, only good at grandiose ideas?"

Old Zhu smiled without saying anything, probably thinking the same thing. However, it's not to say that young Zhu is all talk and no action; Old Zhu just felt that his grandson preferred grand plans and big strategies.

Old Zhu's precious grandson actually had some 'minor' matters that he didn't think much of.

It doesn't necessarily mean they look down on it; they might just want to be lazy and save themselves some trouble at this time.

"Grandfather, I actually think it's best to keep our bank." Zhu Yunying said smugly, "The huge benefits of maritime trade, and so many goods, are controlled by our court. The imperial family and nobles are tied to us, and those gentry and merchants also have to do business with us. They have no choice but to accept our bank."

Old Zhu was stunned for a moment, then pointed at Zhu Yunying and said, "We originally thought you had some backup plans, but now it seems we underestimated you. You little rascal, you always like to think three steps ahead for every one step you take!"

Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh. This was definitely a compliment, and he certainly wouldn't object to such a statement!