The Ming Dynasty's reforms are progressing steadily, and reforms like this will basically not encounter much resistance.

For most officials, it is actually more in line with their interests.

After all, the channels for rising have become more diversified.

It is also a good thing for the people, as it means it is easier to become an official.

A scholar worth three hundred thousand, and it’s only been one year.

Now in the 32nd year of Hongwu, it is estimated that there will be more scholars.

In the past, only four to five hundred people were admitted during the three-year imperial examination in the Ming Dynasty, which meant that a large number of scholars would fail.

It is different now. As long as you study hard, it is not difficult to get the title of scholar, and your chances of entering the government will become very great.

However, there is a huge difference between Juren and Xiucai now. Although the number of admissions has increased a lot, it is still only a few hundred people.

In comparison, the competition is more intense.

But it will only be this year. After the university is established, the assessment of Juren will become more detailed, not like it is now.

As for the positioning of Juren, Zhu Ying referred to the Master of later generations.

The imperial court's support for universities was still very strong. Zhu Ying directly allocated 100 million strings of treasure notes from the national treasury to build a university.

The first one is naturally Imperial University of Peking.

Later, Jiangnan University, Guangdong University, Fujian University and more than a dozen other provinces will be established one by one.

It is impossible to reach the same scale as in later generations all at once, but after the establishment of Imperial University of Peking, the first batch of students was about 5,000 people.

With more than a dozen universities admitting tens of thousands of students, this ratio is still very high.

Zhu Ying has asked the Dibao Office to be responsible for spreading the news about the university.

The privileges of the Juren degree will also be cancelled this year.

…

Champa, the navy camp.

Hundreds of people were waiting at the gate of the camp.

In addition to a dozen gang leaders, there are also a large number of gang members here.

The gang leaders were not worried that the navy would attack them at this point in time, but they were worried that other gangs would make some small moves.

No matter what, safety comes first.

In front of the camp, there were more than a dozen gang leaders together.

The gang members behind had to stay far away. If they were too close, it would be misunderstood by the navy, which would not be a good thing.

"It's been almost half an hour. It seems that the navy doesn't take us seriously at all."

The man in the gorgeous silk robe couldn't help but complain.

"Humph, it's only half an hour, can't you bear it? You lie among women every day, I think you, Xu Kexian, will die in a woman's belly sooner or later without anyone doing anything."

The person who spoke was Qiao Zhong, the leader of the Axe Gang.

Qiao Zhong was extremely skilled in the use of the Xuanhua Axe and he always led the charge in every gunfight.

His face is covered with thick beard, like Zhang Fei reborn.

He is eight feet tall and extremely strong, but he has strong limbs and a simple mind. Apart from the protection fee for his territory, he has no other source of income.

But few gangs are willing to mess with him.

Qiao Zhong was wearing heavy armor and even muskets were powerless against him.

During a gunfight, he's like a human bulldozer.

This kind of ** naturally hates the pretty boy leader of the Green Gang, Xu Kexian, the most.

Xu Kexian was obviously not afraid of Qiao Zhong. He snorted coldly and said, "Qiao Zhong, others may be afraid of you, but I am not. I have more than 30,000 members in the Qing Gang. No matter how fierce you are, I will tire you to death."

"You are just a few thousand people. Who gave you the courage to fight me? If your territory was not adjacent to my Qing Gang, you would have been wiped out long ago."

The Qing Gang earned huge income from human trade, and as one of the three major gangs, Xu Kexian was naturally willing to spend money to hire thugs.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhong was immediately furious: "How dare you, a concubine, challenge me? You are really someone other than your grandfather."

"This is right at the gate of the navy camp. Otherwise, I will crush your head!"

As he spoke, Qiao Zhong walked towards Xu Kexian, as if he was about to take action.

There was no one around Xu Kexian, and she was obviously afraid that this idiot would really do something, and she would be the only one to suffer, so she couldn't help but take two steps back.

Upon seeing this, the leader of the Sanhetang Gang, Tan Chen, chuckled and stepped aside to make room for Qiao Zhong.

He wished Qiao Zhong would just hit someone.

Xu Kexian looked so exhausted, it would be very interesting if he was killed with one punch.

The leader of the Cao Gang, Long Dongqiang, just watched quietly and had no intention of going up to stop the fight.

At this time, Qiao Zhong was in a difficult situation.

The road has been cleared, and if I don't go over and punch him a few times, I'd feel embarrassed.

With so many gang leaders watching, losing face is no small matter.

Although he was not smart, he was not stupid either. This was the gate of the navy camp, and there were a group of navy soldiers watching nearby. If a fight really started, who knew what the navy soldiers would do.

In fact, he overthought it.

The soldiers watching over there were whispering to each other.

"Hey, do you think that guy will take action? I think a fight is about to break out."

"I don't think so. I don't think anyone has the guts to fight in front of our camp."

"It's hard to say. These are gangsters. Reputation is the most important thing. At least we have to punch him. That guy looks very weak. He might be killed with one punch. That would be funny."

"It shouldn't take just one punch, at least two."

"I said just one punch, twenty strings of cash?"

"Let's bet."

The two generals were looking forward to a fight, but unfortunately it did not happen as they wished.

A gang leader came out.

"Alright, we are here for an important matter today. This is not your place to fight. Be quiet so as not to anger the navy."

Seeing that this was exactly what he wanted, Qiao Zhong stopped and said to the gang leader, "Okay, Gang Leader Zhang, I will let this concubine go today for your sake."

Green Gang leader Xu Kexian did not say anything else, but the coldness in his eyes was extremely obvious.

At the same time, he whispered, "Thank you."

Zhang Yifan shook his head slightly: "You are my big client, I will not ignore this little favor."

Although Zhang Yifan's Huomen Gang has only six or seven thousand members, they are engaged in the firearms business.

Most of the firearms in Champa came from him.

The nearest city to the port is called Bintonglong, which is also the main base of the Cao Gang. The Huomen Gang has a small base in Bintonglong, where they mainly sell firearms and do not participate in the fight for territory.

It is said that the main residence of the Huomen Gang is in the mountains and forests, where there are a large number of firearms workshops.

Although it is not one of the three major gangs, no one dares to underestimate it.

There is news that the Huomen Gang has the support of many Ming Dynasty families.

After all, firearms craftsmen are not easy to find these days. To be able to supply so many firearms, there must be a large number of firearms craftsmen.

Most of the craftsmen were controlled by the imperial court, with only some of them hidden away by the aristocratic families.

Therefore, the speculation that it is related to the Ming Dynasty family is not groundless.

The soldiers watching the show in Dayingkou were obviously a little disappointed, but soon a messenger came over.

"Commander in chief, order all the gang leaders to enter the camp."

Following the herald came two neat rows of soldiers.

The soldiers stood on both sides of the camp, providing enough deterrence.

Even if there were only dozens of people, they were still not something that the hundreds of gang members in the distance could resist.

By comparing the two, you can understand what a mob is.

"Gang leaders, please!" came the herald's voice.

The gang leaders had no choice but to head into the military camp under the leadership of the herald.

After entering, the sounds of training could be heard everywhere. The powerful shouts made the gang leaders truly feel the majesty of the Ming Dynasty officers and soldiers.

After walking all the way, we finally arrived in front of the big tent.

"Go in, the commander is waiting inside." After the herald said this, he stood guard at the gate of the camp with the other guards.

Inside the tent.

Jin Kaishan, Li Youwei and Guan Xianghai looked at the gang leaders who were entering one after another.

Here, the leader of the Cao Gang, Long Dongqiang, was shocked.

He was once the adopted son of Chai Bai, the commander of Zhenhai Guard. He had the good fortune to meet Guan Xianghai from afar. He was the highest-ranking official he had ever seen in his life, and the image had been deeply engraved in his memory. How could he not recognize him now that he was in person?

As for the eunuch, needless to say, everyone knew that he came from the palace.

Long Dongqiang's heart was pounding.

What a luxurious lineup this is.

Does the Ming Dynasty really want to clean up the Champa gangs?

"Greetings, Commander."

All the gang leaders bowed in salute.

Although they are in Champa, they are all Ming people.

Commander Jin Kaishan paused for a moment and said, "No need to be polite. Come, give each of the gang leaders a seat."

The seats had obviously been prepared long ago, but they were not chairs, but ordinary benches.

Even so, many gang leaders felt relieved. Such politeness at least meant that their lives were not in danger.

Jin Kaishan looked at Guan Xianghai.

Guan Xianghai shook his head slightly: "Please let Commander Jin speak."

Jin Kaishan then looked at Li Youwei again.

Li Youwei also said: "I am not good at speaking, so Commander Jin should speak."

Commander Jin then said to everyone, "I have invited all the gang leaders here today because I have some things to explain."

"You all came from the Ming Dynasty and make a living in Champa. You are one family, so you should help each other and support each other."

"Now our Champa navy headquarters is stationed here for a long time. Although we have the support of the imperial court and the Champa government, the military pay is still a little short. Therefore, we need the assistance of the gang leaders. I wonder if you are willing to help us."

"Don't worry, everyone. We are all Ming people. My navy will never force you. Everything is voluntary."

As soon as Jin Kaishan opened his mouth, he asked for benefits.

Many gang leaders were not in a hurry. When they came, they were already prepared to bleed.

Long Dongqiang was one step ahead and asked, "The navy is suppressing Champa, and it is getting harder and harder. If it weren't for the Ming navy here, how could we have such a good life today?"

"It is our responsibility to help the navy with the military pay. No matter how much, our Cao Gang will definitely support us even if we have to sell everything we have."

Jin Kaishan smiled and nodded at Caobang's Long Dongqiang, and his favorability towards him increased greatly.

The gang leaders didn't expect Long Dongqiang to be so insidious. He actually stood up when no one was paying attention.

Then he immediately followed suit:

"We, the Qing Gang, are willing to serve the navy at our utmost."

"I, Sanhetang, fully support you."

"I, the Axe Gang, will follow the orders of the Commander-in-Chief."

"I am the Huomen Gang..."

"My Chaozhou Gang..."

"My Shanshui Gang..."

Although he knew that the leaders of these gangs would definitely agree, Jin Kaishan was still happy that it went so smoothly.

"Thank you for your help. My navy will never forget it. As for the specific amount, I will discuss it with the gang leaders in detail when the time comes."

Hearing this, the gang leaders were helpless.

They wanted to set the amount here, but it was obvious that Jin Kaishan didn't intend to do so.

No matter how much the amount is, there is no chance to object.

Jin Kaishan continued, "This is Guan Guan, the manager of the Ming Ocean Trade Chamber of Commerce. He is in charge of the Champa area of ​​the Chamber of Commerce. Now Guan Guan is going to open up a Chamber of Commerce base here. If you have heard of the Chamber of Commerce in the martial arts world, please help us."

Guan Xianghai stood up, clasped his fists, and bowed, saying, "My Daming Ocean Trade Chamber of Commerce is headquartered on Hong Kong Island. We do business all over the world, so naturally we need help from friends all over the world."

"I have some connections in China. Currently, the Chamber of Commerce mainly deals in the trading of silk, porcelain, tea, snowflake salt, icing sugar, and alcoholic beverages. If you are interested, you can also buy goods from me. The price will be preferential."

The gang leaders were horrified when they heard this.

Silk, porcelain, tea, snowflake salt, icing sugar, alcohol, etc., all of these things are restricted in the Ming Dynasty.

If they had any of these items, they could make a lot of money from maritime trade, but this chamber of commerce actually sold all of them.

No wonder eunuchs and naval commanders came to support it.

This clearly shows a huge background.

Everyone was terrified and quickly tried to please Guan Xianghai.

Both matters were settled, and there was not much trouble on Jin Kaishan's side, so he immediately expressed his intention to host a banquet for all the gang leaders.

They were still crying poor to the navy before, so the banquet now is naturally just verbal talk.

Of course, the gang leaders cannot be unaware of what is best for them.

This session of parliament ends here.

Long Dongqiang prepared to return with a group of gang leaders.

As he was about to leave, the messenger from before came over and said, "Master Long, please stay."

Long Dongqiang said respectfully, "I wonder if you want to explain to me, sir."

The herald replied, "Follow me."

After a walk, Long Dongqiang returned to the big tent.

"Greetings to Commander Jin, Eunuch, and Lord Guan."

Long Dongqiang bowed respectfully to each of them.

Guan Xianghai was surprised when he heard this: "Do you know me?"

The title "Sir" is usually only used by ordinary people to address officials, or when there is a huge difference in rank.

On the surface, Guan Xianghai is just a manager of a chamber of commerce.

"Your Excellency, in the 27th year of Hongwu, you inspected the water transport in Shanghai. I had the honor of meeting your honorable face."

Long Dongqiang explained.

Guan Xianghai recalled that he did go to Shanghai for inspection in the 27th year of Hongwu.

"You don't have to call me sir. I'm no longer an official. I'm just a manager of the Chamber of Commerce." Guan Xianghai explained.

Long Dongqiang replied respectfully: "Yes."

He certainly didn't think it was as simple as just being in charge.

Which chamber of commerce manager could be so calm and talk so eloquently in front of the naval commander and the court eunuchs?

If you really believe this, you are a fool.

"I asked you to return this time because the Cao Gang has been established the longest and is familiar with all the other gangs. Therefore, I would like to borrow your gang accounts and ask for your opinions on the collection of gang fees."

"The second is that the Chamber of Commerce wants to open a base in Bintonglong. This is your Cao Gang's territory, so you need to come forward to make some arrangements."

Jin Kaishan spoke at this time.

Facing Jin Kaishan's words, Long Dongqiang said hurriedly: "I am not well educated and do not understand arithmetic. The specific details are all handled by my brother Long Chunsheng. If you need me, I will call him to serve you."

"Bintonglong East City is close to the port. I have bought some properties there. If Master Guan doesn't mind, I am willing to give them all to Master Guan for use as a base for the Chamber of Commerce."

No one expected that Long Dongqiang would be so considerate.

Originally, I thought it would be a bit troublesome. After all, handing in the accounts would mean exposing all my past experiences, and it would not go over well with other gangs.

The knight uses force to suppress chaos.

There were always many conflicts between the imperial court and the underworld. Even when forced by the situation, many people in the underworld were unwilling to work for the imperial court.

Guan Xianghai wanted to buy it with money, but Long Dongqiang just gave it to him for free.

"You are a very sensible kid, not bad, not bad. Our family has high hopes for you."

Li Youwei, who had never spoken, suddenly smiled and praised.

When Long Dongqiang heard the eunuch speak, he was stunned at first, then an idea flashed in his mind, and he knelt down and bowed.

"My parents died when I was young, and I only have one brother and one sister. Today, I am overwhelmed with emotion when I see my father-in-law, as if my parents were in person when I was a child."

"If you don't mind, I will take you as my adoptive father, obey your orders, and take care of you until the end of your life."

After saying that, Long Dongqiang prostrated himself on the ground, buried his head in silence.

Li Youwei was stunned at first.

Then he burst into laughter.

"Good, good, good. We are already sixty years old, and I didn't expect that we could have a son when we are old. Happy, very happy!"

It was a common practice for eunuchs to adopt sons in many dynasties.

Ordinary eunuchs do not have this qualification. Generally, only the eunuchs in power and the eunuchs in charge have it.

Before this, Li Youwei was only a minor eunuch in Kunning Palace. It was difficult for him to survive, so how could he dare to adopt a son?

Now that we have arrived in Champa, things are naturally different.

And Long Dong forced himself to become his adoptive father, obviously because of this.

Moreover, he was already familiar with the matter of appointing an adoptive father. He had previously appointed Chai Bai, the commander of Zhenhai Guard, as his adoptive father and became the puppet leader of the Cao Gang.

For a commoner, even if he is a puppet gang leader, it is still a step to success.

Even when something happened later and Chai Bai disbanded the Cao Gang, he did not deprive Long Dongqiang of his title of adopted son. This included his trip to Champa, which was also due to Chai Bai's contribution, otherwise it would not have been so smooth.

But in Champa, Zhenhaiwei was out of reach and Long Dongqiang could not be taken care of.

The Crown Prince was involved in that matter back then, and now the Zhenhai Guards are very honest.

However, during every festival, Long Dongqiang would send gifts to Zhenhaiwei to honor his adoptive father Chai Bai.

So when Li Youwei opened his mouth, Long Dongqiang immediately grasped the opportunity.

He took a eunuch as his adoptive father and was looked down upon by others.

But Long Dongqiang didn't care. He had raised his younger brothers and sisters with great difficulty since childhood, so why would he need any face?

The practical benefits are what matter most.