Zheng Chenggong has been investigating smuggling.
Especially the smuggling to Liaodong.
After much investigation, they found out that it was Shi Lang.
Although he did not find any definite evidence of Shi Lang's smuggling, he did find some clues.
The merchant ships managed by Shi Lang were responsible for smuggling to Japan.
Zheng Chenggong initially focused on inspecting the cargo loaded on these merchant ships when they went out to sea.
As long as artillery and gunpowder are found, everyone will be arrested and interrogated regardless of the reason.
I thought I would gain something, but in the end there was no progress.
When a cargo ship goes out to sea, there is too much cargo loaded in the cabin. If you want to check the details of the cargo, you need to turn the loaded cargo upside down.
Then re-align and fix it.
Not only is it time-consuming and laborious, it also delays the trip.
so...
Zheng Chenggong changed his thinking.
He does not check cargo ships going out to sea, only those returning.
At that time, the main types of goods transported by Japan to the Ming Dynasty were the following.
They are sulfur, sumac, raw copper, daggers, waist knives, paper fans and other high-profit items.
There are other things as well, but their quantities are almost negligible.
With the help of this idea, Zheng Chenggong quickly found the problem.
He found large quantities of ginseng, animal furs and other precious Chinese herbs on some returning merchant ships.
Japan does have these things, but they are rarely shipped to Ming Dynasty for sale.
In other words, these things are most likely from Liaodong.
So he temporarily seized the merchant ships and began to interrogate the captains and crews.
Although the captain and crew refused to admit to smuggling the goods to Liaodong, they could not clearly explain the origin of the goods.
And these people were all under Shi Lang's command.
Looking at Shi Lang's somewhat evasive eyes, Zheng Chenggong confirmed his guess.
He patted Shi Lang on the shoulder and said, "Shi Lang, even if you make money from smuggling, you must have principles."
"Don't worry, young master. I have always adhered to principles and never harmed the interests of the Zheng family." Shi Lang clasped his hands together.
"We have to take care of our family, our country and the world at the same time!" Zheng Chenggong looked solemn.
"Young Master is right. Shi Lang will keep it in mind." Shi Lang clasped his fists again.
Zheng Chenggong could tell from Shi Lang's tone that the other party was just being perfunctory and not speaking from the heart.
So I could only sigh in my heart and then turn around and leave.
Inside the house at this time.
Zheng Zhilong was having a secret conversation with Dorgon's men.
"Sir Zheng," Dorgon's men said humbly, "What about transporting grain to Liaodong?"
"Food is available." Zheng Zhilong replied calmly.
"What about weapons and armor...?"
"This..." Zheng Zhilong pretended to hesitate.
"These supplies are extremely important to the Qing Dynasty. With these supplies, the Eight Banners Army can stop the offensive of the Ming Army in Liaodong. I hope that Lord Zheng will help us!"
"Weapons and armor are also possible." Zheng Zhilong answered in a light tone after hesitating.
"Thank you, Lord Zheng, for your help. The Qing Dynasty and the Eight Banners will never forget your kindness."
"Well, everything will be fine." Zheng Zhilong grinned and began to laugh.
Dorgon's men also started laughing.
After laughing, Zheng Zhilong put away his smile and said, "As long as the money is in place, the goods are not a problem. So... did you bring the money?"
"Money?" Dorgon's men were stunned and said in surprise: "The money is all in Liaodong. Isn't it that one hand pays the other hand?"
"Before, we could pay for the goods, but now... we have to pay first!" Zheng Zhilong said with a cunning smile: "What if you have no money?"
"Don't worry, Lord Zheng. Money is not a problem. In order to purchase supplies, Prince Rui has called on the civil and military officials of the Eight Banners to donate money several times. Under the influence of Prince Rui's personal example, one million taels of silver have been successfully collected. As soon as the merchant ship loaded with goods arrives, the silver can be loaded on board immediately."
"No," Zheng Zhilong shook his head. "I am smuggling at the risk of being beheaded. I must pay first."
"Lord Zheng, please be flexible."
"There is no compromise."
“Sir Zheng!” Dorgon’s men began to persuade him with emotion and reason, “Prince Rui has the final say on this matter. I cannot make the decision. Even if Prince Rui agrees, it will take at least two or three months to go back and forth. By then, the Ming army in Liaodong may have already launched an attack.”
"By then... the Qing Dynasty will be in danger."
"It's dangerous, what does it have to do with me?" Zheng Zhilong said nonchalantly, "I'm just a businessman, I only care about making money, and I don't care about anything else."
Dorgon's men smiled and said, "We will discuss this matter later. I have another matter to discuss with Lord Zheng."
"Tell me, what's the matter?"
"Prince Rui intends to borrow some naval forces from Lord Zheng to deal with the Ming army in Liaodong."
"Stop!" Zheng Zhilong stood up immediately: "I said I am just a businessman, I only care about making money, and I don't care about anything else."
"Don't worry, sir. I won't lend it to you for nothing. Give me the money."
"I won't lend you money!" Zheng Zhilong shook his head without hesitation: "This is a matter of principle. I will never lend you money."
"If you don't lend it to me, Prince Rui will send someone to hand over the evidence of our smuggling to the Ming court. If the court investigates, it will be difficult for you to escape unscathed!" Dorgon's men threatened.
Zheng Zhilong drew out his sword, put it on the opponent's neck and shouted: "You are looking for death!"
"If I die or don't arrive in Liaodong within a month, Prince Rui will immediately hand over the evidence to Wang Yongji. I hope Lord Zheng will show mercy."
This threatening yet pleading sentence made Zheng Zhilong stop.
He felt helpless in his heart, but on the surface he sneered and said, "Threatening me?"
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