Huang Cheng bowed and replied, "It is my duty as a commoner to serve my country, and it is an honor to share your worries."
After a pause, he added, "The success of this mission is due, first, to the wisdom of the Emperor, second, to the high quality of the mirror, and third, to the fact that Zheng Yiguan is fluent in Portuguese."
"Zheng Yiguan's contribution is undeniable." Zhu Youxiao once again looked at Zheng Zhilong and said, "There are two more tasks for you to handle, namely, trade with the Dutch and the British."
Huang Cheng and Zheng Zhilong listened respectfully, knowing this was a sign of the emperor's trust. Reaching an agreement with the Portuguese would undoubtedly result in a reward, though they had no idea whether it would be a promotion or a silver reward.
"The British aren't something to be feared yet, but the Dutch are." Zhu Youxiao said slowly, "We must first stabilize them. It will take me three years to have the strength to subdue the Dutch. But there is a limit to stability. If the Dutch push their luck further, I won't be afraid to go to war with them."
Although the current Ming navy has not yet reached Zhu Youxiao's requirements, its advantage lies in the large number of ships and the fact that it is located at home. If the Dutch use wolf pack tactics, they will not be able to gain an advantage.
"You may not be very familiar with the situation in Britain and the Netherlands." Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment and said, "I will give you a brief explanation. It will be very helpful for you to deal with them."
The Netherlands, a small country with an area of only more than 40,000 square kilometers and poor natural resources, developed into a European maritime power in just a few decades after breaking away from Spanish rule.
According to statistics, the Netherlands had more than 16,000 ships at that time, accounting for three-quarters of Europe's total tonnage and one-third of the world's transport ships. It was called the "Coachman of the Sea".
In the late sixteenth century, Britain broke the monopoly of Spain and Portugal, emerged as a powerful colonial power, and gradually developed into a powerful colonial power.
However, the Netherlands relied on its maritime power and strong capital to exclude British merchants and monopolize the trade of various countries, making the conflict between Britain and the Netherlands inevitable.
Of course, the contradictions are gradually becoming more acute. Now Britain and the Netherlands are in a competitive state, and Britain does not yet have the strength to challenge the Netherlands.
Huang Cheng was impressed by the emperor's profound knowledge and thorough analysis.
That’s right, although he was a merchant and had met the British and the Dutch, he had no idea about the situation in the two countries.
Zheng Zhilong was also very shocked. He thought that since he had been to Manila and was fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch, he was knowledgeable.
But he never expected that the emperor's understanding of the Western Barbarians had reached such a deep level. Political, economic, and military strength were beyond his reach.
Huang Cheng and Zheng Zhilong certainly didn't know what the emperor was thinking. Civil officials were too pedantic, and only businessmen could negotiate with the cunning and greedy Western barbarians.
Zhu Youxiao had almost finished his speech and ordered the palace servants to read the imperial edict, granting Huang Chengmin the sixth rank of nobility; Zheng Zhilong was temporarily granted the position of interpreter in the Siyi Pavilion.
"If you do a good job, I will reward you."
After Huang Cheng and Zheng Zhilong knelt down to express their gratitude, Zhu Youxiao smiled and said, "Zheng Yiguan is still young, and I think he is a promising talent. I heard that you have brothers who are familiar with maritime life and can also serve the court."
"Your humble servant... thank you for your grace, Your Majesty." Zheng Zhilong kowtowed vigorously.
Zhu Youxiao nodded. Zheng Zhilong was a man of vision and ability, as he was able to seize the opportunity to rise up and become the overlord of the sea within a few years.
He was worried about the lack of naval talent, so he first let Zheng Zhilong manage the trade with Britain and the Netherlands, and then promote him depending on the situation.
Whether engaging in foreign trade or being sent to the navy, they will have the opportunity to display their talents within the increasingly strict organizational structure they set up.
Not only Zheng Zhilong, but also the eighteen Zhis in history, might have had the opportunity to become officials or generals of the Ming Dynasty. Even if they were engaged in maritime trade, the path was much wider than before.
After giving Huang Cheng and Zheng Yi Guan clear instructions and instructions in person, Zhu Youxiao gave them the relevant negotiation documents and asked them to leave.
Huang Cheng and Zheng Yi Guan left the Qianqing Palace and walked outside the palace. They were still intimidated by the magnificence and majesty of the palace and did not dare to show their joy.
It was not until he left the Meridian Gate that Huang Cheng breathed a sigh of relief, straightened his back, and looked very proud and high-spirited.
"My uncle is also a sixth-rank common noble, on the same rank as Li Dan and Yan Siqi." Zheng Yi Guan bowed to Huang Cheng and congratulated him, saying with a smile, "If you do your job well, the Emperor said there will be a reward!"
Huang Cheng couldn't contain his delight and laughed heartily, saying, "In the Maritime Merchants Association, Li and Yan think highly of themselves because of their civilian titles. Now that my uncle has also been granted a title, it's truly remarkable. I'm very happy to see him in a new light!"
After a pause, he said to Zheng Zhilong earnestly, "Your Majesty is very impressed by you, so you must seize this opportunity. Although you can make a fortune through business, you will have to go through hardships and difficulties. Being an official is not as stable and prestigious as this."
Zheng Zhilong blinked and nodded thoughtfully, but did not immediately respond to his uncle's advice.
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