Chapter 89 Military Training
The news of the merchants' return from their business trip was not only widely spread in Jiangnan, but also gradually spread in northern Zhili as Zhu Yuhuan sent people south to welcome the team.
Especially after seeing the emperor personally summon these envoys from afar and the merchants returning home, as well as the various tributes and sealed boxes of gold and silver following them, the people were talking about it a lot.
Such unexpected wealth naturally has risks, but compared with those in the Beijing army, it is nothing.
In particular, the emperor personally engaged in business before he ascended the throne, and thus accumulated a lot of wealth.
Even the emperor, who was the richest man in the world, loved money so much, let alone ordinary people like them?
Those merchants who were originally on the sidelines about going overseas for business were also tempted.
Although there were fees for sailing with the government fleet, and the merchant's profits were subject to taxes based on the goods sold, with cotton cloth generally rare and luxury items like porcelain, glass, and silk abundant, and the sale of copper and iron strictly prohibited, and goods purchased from abroad and sold back home required an additional port entry fee, the restrictions were numerous. However, just by looking at the dozens of boxes of gold and silver that returned with the fleet, one could tell that this trade trip was bound to be very successful, with the profits far outweighing the costs.
The Ming Dynasty was a superior country. I don’t know how many people envied the Ming Dynasty’s rich products and rare treasures. They could make a profit by just selling some things.
Furthermore, the maritime ban had not yet been completely lifted, and only government-owned ships were allowed to sail. Even if they were fluent in foreign languages and could privately build ships and sail, they could not guarantee their safety. Going with the government fleet was more reassuring, with interpreters accompanying them, and paying a little tax was not a big deal.
Zhu Yuhuan had naturally heard about the rumors among the people, and this was exactly the effect he wanted.
By the time the envoys arrived in Beijing, it was already the Dragon Boat Festival. Zhu Yuhuan took advantage of this opportunity to hold a banquet and awarded several official positions to the merchants who accompanied the envoys on the mission.
Although they had no power, the title sounded good, and they could see the emperor from afar. Moreover, if they went out to sea next time, these merchants who followed them first would have the right to carry more goods to sell overseas.
The businessmen were satisfied, and so were the officials.
Although it is impossible to recover all the expenses of repairing treasure ships, training personnel, and visiting small countries in one trading trip, it at least reduces the cost to a certain extent.
More importantly, Zhu Yuhuan summoned the envoys and stipulated the number and frequency of tribute payments, and emphasized the time and space restrictions on the envoys' stay in the Ming Dynasty. This was obviously a warning to these countries not to think of using tribute payments to cheat people out of food and drink.
During the banquet, an envoy proposed to sell goods in Ming Dynasty by imitating the fleet.
The official in charge of translation at the Siyi Hall was a little at a loss when he heard this, but when the female official beside him urged him, he gritted his teeth and translated the messenger's words.
The officials at the banquet were all very surprised to hear this.
In the past, envoys carried tributes, which were stored in the outer treasury and the inner treasury respectively, but almost no one sold goods openly in the Ming Dynasty. At most, they only secretly bought and sold goods with the people along the way, and acted very low-key.
Zhu Yuhuan's attitude was quite gentle. He said, "That's not a bad idea."
The officials nearby were even more surprised, surprised that the emperor did not seem to have any intention of discussing the matter with the cabinet this time.
In the past, the emperor would stick to his decisions, but he would not be as arbitrary as he is now.
Zhu Yuhuan said with a smile: "Merchants of the Ming Dynasty have to pay money to the government. I cannot treat everyone equally. I will not favor one over another and will allow you, the merchants who came to the Ming Dynasty first to pay tribute, to reduce the fees you have to pay."
The officials couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking that it seemed that the emperor had set his sights on the wealth of these countries after learning about the income from this maritime trade.
However, as a suzerain state, the Ming Dynasty levied taxes on such a small country, which made the Ming Dynasty seem a little petty...
Some officials, however, didn't care and echoed, "Your Majesty is already showing mercy by allowing foreign merchants to trade. You all need to consider this carefully."
Someone echoed Zhu Yuhuan's sentiments, and the female official beside him continued, "Your Majesty, there's no need to rush this matter. We can wait until the next time we come to the capital to pay tribute, but the conditions then will certainly not be as relaxed as they are today."
The implication is "once this opportunity is missed, it will never come back again."
Such behavior is quite like a businessman pursuing profit, which is really too stingy. Several officials couldn't help but frown.
But the female official's words at this moment must have been the emperor's intention. How could the officials stop her when foreign envoys were present?
Zhu Yuhuan didn't care about his face. His most urgent task was to find a way to get some silver and copper coins from these countries to fill the big hole left by his ancestors.
Besides, it wasn't like she didn't respond to the tributes from these countries. Like Zhu Di and others, she usually gave gifts back. So what was wrong with collecting some trade license fees? Others were stupid if they didn't accept it, but she wasn't stupid.
Moreover, this was also within Zhu Yuhuan's expectations. She had been prepared for this. In order to protect the silver and copper used for domestic transactions from flowing out in large quantities, the taxes collected abroad would naturally be higher than those collected domestically.
Of course, Zhu Yuhuan would not leave no room at all for foreign businessmen. After all, excessive protection would only lead to domestic businessmen becoming complacent.
Zhu Yuhuan also wanted to reprocess the spices bought from abroad and sell them to foreigners again.
The matter of restarting or even setting up more customs offices should be put on the agenda as soon as possible.
Upon hearing this, the envoys looked at each other in surprise. They never expected that the once "generous" Ming Dynasty would suddenly become so "stingy" and even charge extra money.
But this emperor was very generous and allowed them to trade freely in the Ming Dynasty after paying money, which is really confusing.
But what the female official said was indeed correct. This time they also imitated the Ming Dynasty merchants and carried a lot of goods. They couldn't take all these things back intact.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't care about the envoys' confusion at all. He asked the female officials around him to explain the restrictions and requirements for merchants one by one, such as the strict prohibition of selling prohibited goods such as swords, spears, swords and halberds.
"If you agree, you can stay in Ming for two months to conduct business, and then return home with my Ming fleet."
The foreign envoys all nodded in agreement and saluted the emperor.
After the meeting with the envoys, there were naturally people from the Huitong Hall and the Siyi Hall to entertain these foreign envoys. During the three months allowed for the delegation to explore, these people would accompany the envoys on a brief visit to the scenic spots and historical sites in the northern Zhili area to experience the superior cultural atmosphere of the Ming Dynasty.
Of course, before leaving, Zhu Yuhuan had other activities to give them.
"Your Majesty is being reckless in allowing foreign envoys to trade in Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Yuhuan asked the imperial physician to check Zeng Heling's pulse and said comfortingly, "I have carefully considered this matter, so please rest assured, Prime Minister."
Zeng Heling is 69 years old this year, but his health has not been good, especially in the past few years when he was appointed as the chief minister by Zhu Yuhuan. He was busy mediating the relationship between the emperor and the cabinet, court officials, and censors, which took a lot of his energy.
The emperor treated him very attentively. He summoned Zeng Heling from time to time and asked the imperial physicians with superb medical skills to treat Zeng Heling. He also summoned Zeng Heling's son and asked him to pay more attention to Zeng Heling's health.
If the emperor had not been so careful, it would be hard to say whether Zeng Heling's health could have survived until today.
"Of course I dare not persuade Your Majesty, but I cannot stop the Censor of the Metropolitan Censorate."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but laugh at this, and said comfortingly, "Do you think I'm afraid of the censors? It just so happens that Xu Gong just submitted a memorial stating that the imperial prison has improved its instruments of torture and punishments. If anyone has any objections, feel free to give it a try."
Zeng Heling was somewhat helpless and said, "Your Majesty previously allowed the female officials to deliver messages on his behalf and replace the eunuchs, which has caused dissatisfaction among some people."
"In the past, the eunuchs were very powerful, and the officials were dissatisfied. Now that I have transferred the eunuchs' power to the female officials, why are they dissatisfied again?" Zhu Yuhuan said with a half-smile: "If I could really satisfy them in everything, I'm afraid I wouldn't have to be the emperor anymore."
Zeng Heling understood Zhu Yuhuan's meaning, but he still felt worried. He said, "The words of scholars are no less powerful than the swords of warriors. I am a little worried..."
Zeng Heling knew that the emperor was using her own unique methods to prosper the Ming Dynasty, but not everyone could understand and accept it.
It was precisely because he understood this that Zeng Heling could not help but advise Zhu Yuhuan.
He really hopes that his students can become emperors who will go down in history.
Zhu Yuhuan could understand what Zeng Heling was thinking, but it was not important to her.
The power to judge her is indeed in the hands of others, but Zhu Yuhuan does not care how others judge her.
Whether he is a foolish ruler or a wise ruler, the only ones who know me and judge me are the Spring and Autumn Annals.
Zhu Yuhuan smiled slightly and said, "That's not important. A journey of a thousand miles tests a horse's strength, and time reveals a person's true character. One day, my ministers will understand my painstaking efforts."
Zeng Heling understood the meaning behind Zhu Yuhuan's smile and said, "Your Majesty..."
Zhu Yuhuan consoled him, "Sir, the most important thing for you now is to take care of your health. I look forward to seeing you every day when I summon the cabinet."
Zeng Heling and Zhu Yuhuan looked at each other and smiled.
After the banquet, Zhu Yuhuan never summoned these foreign envoys again. It wasn't because he lacked interest in them, but rather because news had reached Huguang that Prince Guangtong Zhu Huiyan was secretly planning a rebellion and had even begun contacting the local Miao people to prepare for an uprising. Zhu Huiyan was the fourth son of Prince Min Zhu Xun. His second brother, Prince Min Gong Zhu Huiyan, had succeeded his father to the throne, so he was essentially a mere prince.
Prince of Min, Zhu Xun, was eventually granted fiefdom in Wugang, Huguang. It had only been a year since his death, and his son had just inherited the throne and been granted the title of Prince of a County. He should not have had much power yet, but Prince of Guangtong, Zhu Huixuan, actually began to discuss rebellion with others.
Only then did Zhu Yuhuan understand what it meant to be brainless. Although the main battlefield for Zhu Yuhuan's reform of the native system was in Yunnan rather than Huguang, because Zhu Yuhuan insisted on reforming the native system and dealt with the originally tyrannical native officials according to law, he enjoyed a very high prestige among the native people and was deeply loved.
Moreover, many officials who had worked with Zhu Yuhuan were promoted and transferred to nearby areas such as Huguang and Guizhou after the completion of the land reform in Yunnan. It can be said that Zhu Yuhuan knew the situation in the southwestern border better than anyone else.
Zhu Huixuan actually rebelled under his nose and was even reported by the Miao people in Huguang, which really surprised Zhu Yuhuan.
It's amazing how a person can be so clueless.
Because Zhu Huixuan had been exposed and taken to the government for custody before he could even commit a rebellion, Zhu Yuhuan immediately sent someone to bring Zhu Huixuan back to the capital for interrogation.
As for the people who escorted Zhu Huiyan, it was not Prince Zhu Qiyu of Qin, but Princess Yongqing and Princess Changde.
When this news came out, many people were very surprised.
The officials all knew that the two princesses went south to "inspect people's livelihood", that is, to go out for fun. The whereabouts of the two have always been erratic, but now the emperor suddenly mentioned them, it can be seen that the princesses are not just going out for fun, but are on standby at any time.
Before Zhu Youtong and Zhu Hanjia returned, the envoys who were selling goods in northern Zhili and experiencing the strength of the Ming Dynasty should also prepare to go south. Zhu Yuhuan then showed off the "farewell ceremony" he had prepared long ago.
It was a perfect military exercise, and the exercise location was Huailai, which was very familiar to everyone.
It was here that Zhu Qizhen suffered a crushing defeat. He not only lost the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and the hearts of the people, but also lost his throne.
After Zhu Yuhuan ascended the throne, he erected monuments in Datong and Tumubao respectively to warn future generations that this is a place worth remembering by everyone.
There is another reason for choosing Huailai. That is, in the 19th year of Yongle, Zhu Di once entertained envoys from various countries here, showing the style of the Ming army and opening the eyes of these foreign countries. Zhu Yuhuan once again conducted military exercises here to pay tribute to old friends.
"Your Majesty, the Four Guards, along with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Imperial Guard, the Imperial Guard, and the Imperial Army Vanguard, have assembled. The Five Army Battalion, the Three Thousand Battalion, and the Divine Machine Battalion have assembled. The troops dispatched from Datong, Xuanfu, and Jizhou have assembled. The local troops from Yunnan, Huguang, Guizhou, and Guangdong and Guangxi have assembled."
Zhu Yuhuan wore a gilded phoenix-wing helmet, flanked by fire-breathing dragons. A red tasseled banner fluttered in the wind. Her fish-scale leaf armor gleamed brilliantly in the early autumn sun, the two circling, leaping dragons on her chest especially dazzling, almost blinding. The lion heads adorning her shoulder armor exuded a commanding presence. A belt around her waist held a supply bag, quiver, and sword. Even the emperor's steed was lavishly adorned, crowned with two long feathers, its saddle clad in armor, and its bridle woven from gold thread and adorned with gemstones.
Anyone wearing this gorgeous military uniform, whether male or female, is a true dragon emperor.
Zhu Yuhuan raised her hand slightly, and the armbands made a rustling sound as she moved. Even the foreign envoys who were invited to watch the ceremony could feel the solemnity.
The autumn wind was howling, but the field where nearly 100,000 soldiers gathered was silent.
Suddenly, the emperor, who had been calm, drew the sword hanging from his waist. Without giving any orders himself, the soldiers who had been quiet immediately shouted loudly: "Long live the Ming Dynasty! Long live Your Majesty! The Ming Dynasty is mighty! The Ming army is mighty!"
The uniform shouts were as loud as a bell and deafening.
What followed was the sound of soldiers' fast-moving footsteps, the roar of muskets, and the slogans of changing formations.
It was like Gonggong angrily hitting Mount Buzhou, shaking the heaven and earth.
The foreign envoys could not help but cover their ears with their hands, or cough loudly because of the autumn wind blowing up dust. Only the emperor, leading the female officials, eunuchs, close ministers, and officers, reined in their horses and stood in front of the army, without changing his expression.
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