Li Dongyang was immediately stunned by Yang Ling's words. At this moment, even he, even in front of his colleagues and good friends, would not dare to so brazenly evaluate the Eight Tigers and Jiao Fang. As a member of the Eight Tigers and Jiao Fang's faction, Yang Ling dared to speak so bluntly in front of him. Was he crazy?
Li Dongyang's expression flickered. A moment later, he laughed lightly and said, "Sir Yang, aren't you afraid of the internal court and Scholar Jiao becoming enemies with your words?"
Yang Ling chuckled and said, "Grand Secretary Li, aren't you afraid of being treated as a slanderous scoundrel who sows discord and sows discord? Just say it and let them know."
Li Dongyang was startled. Suddenly, he threw his head back and laughed loudly. Yang Ling looked at him with a smile. Since the two of them were talking in a secret room, no matter how heartfelt they were, these words could not be used as evidence to affect their reputations and official prestige. Yang Ling could speak openly, and Li Dongyang would not have any more misgivings.
As expected, Li Dongyang stopped laughing and rubbed his palms together. "To be able to hear such carefree words, especially coming from Sir Yang's mouth, truly surprises me. What is Sir Yang's purpose in visiting today? Please tell me directly."
Yang Ling smiled and said, "The Great Way of Justice, at the end of the day, is only about benefits. These benefits include the benefits of the empire, the benefits of the people, and personal benefits. This lowly official has come to visit you today to seek benefits for the imperial court and the people."
Li Dongyang's gaze hardened. He stared at him and said, "What do you mean by this, Sir Yang?"
Yang Ling took a deep breath and said, "When I returned from Jiangnan, I deeply felt that Jiangnan has always been a rich and populous place. Just relying on the land cannot make any more progress. Although there are many merchants in Jiangnan, only the rich and powerful can afford the exquisite goods. Because of this restriction, the benefits to the people are limited.
Furthermore, the Wokou pirates are wreaking havoc along the coast. Although they are not a serious threat, the people of Ming Dynasty are troubled by them. The court has stationed a large number of troops along the coast and passively defended everywhere. It is impossible to guard against them. The army has expended a lot of resources but cannot save the people along the coast. All these problems are caused by the ban on the sea.
This lowly official believes that if we lift the ban on trade, then the source of the Wokou pirates will be eliminated. Illegal smugglers will no longer have a place to hide, and the court will be able to increase taxes. The common people will also be able to benefit from this.
Li Dongyang was shocked. He thought that Yang Ling was now in power and wanted to establish his reputation. He didn't expect that he would choose such a difficult path.
Lifting the ban on trade may not be a flawless medicine. But compared to the ban on the sea and commerce, it has many advantages. He has presided over the court for many years and stands at the highest level. He can see the key points clearly. But if he wants to implement this policy, there are many obstacles in the court.
Even when he, Liu Xie and the other two were in charge of the court and were deeply trusted by the Hongzhi Emperor, they knew that if they expended a lot of effort to persuade the Emperor to lift the ban on trade, they might bring trouble to themselves.
Li Dongyang and Liu Xie discussed the court in private. They thought about the complicated details of the ban on the sea and couldn't help but shake their heads. They thought that lifting the ban on the sea was still a long way off.
Although they were practical and capable officials, they didn't expect that after more than 50 years, lifting the ban on the sea would become a top priority. Moreover, with the support of all the parties in the court, it was successfully implemented by the court under the leadership of Ming Destiny. It's just that in the administration of the country, there's a world of difference between taking a step forward and taking a step back. By that time, it was already too late.
Li Dongyang lowered his eyes and gently raised his cup to his lips. He didn't say anything.
Yang Ling knows that he still needs some time to digest his words. More importantly, he wants to guess his real purpose in coming here. So he waited quietly and didn't rush him. After a long time, Li Dongyang took a sip of tea and put down the cup. He smiled and said: "Mr Yang believes that to subdue the Wokou pirates, strengthen the country and enrich the people, lifting the ban on the sea is a good medicine?"
Yang Ling sincerely said: "Your Excellency, there's naturally more than one way to strengthen the country and enrich the people. But lifting the ban on trade is a good idea. The sea is there and the coastline stretches for tens of thousands of miles. It's hard to ban foreign trade.
Those who build brigs can only kill the people of Ming Destiny. The ban on the sea can only ban the people of Ming Destiny. As the saying goes, those who rely on the mountains eat from the mountains, those who rely on the water drink from the water. The sea is like a treasure bowl. Because of the Wokou pirates, this money tree was abandoned. As a result, the merchants lost their livelihood and turned to pirates.
How are the signs of the Wokou pirates now compared to the beginning of the ban on the sea? They're getting stronger. Because of the interests of the various industries, they become pirates. Because of the interests of the good people, they also become pirates. Your Excellency has been in the cabinet for many years and your old friends are all over the world. You should know that the so-called Wokou pirates are mostly the people of Ming Destiny.
Forcing the good to become pirates is a crime. Killing the Wokou pirates is a merit. That's why the officials along the coast are trying to cover up the truth. Pirates and merchants are both human beings. Both come for profit. If the market is open, the pirates will become merchants. If the market is closed, the merchants will become pirates. If the ban on the sea is not lifted, disaster will always exist.
Right now, the tribute trade is limited to the court. That's why private trade is popular. The merchants and aristocratic families along the coast are rampant in smuggling. If the ban on the sea is lifted and the stubborn pirates are eliminated, the people can go to the west and east to trade. Not only will the Wokou pirates disappear, we can also use this as an opportunity to prosper the people and strengthen the country. Why not? "
Li Dongyang looked at Yang Ling and listened to him speak with confidence. There was a hint of regret and anxiety on his face. He couldn't help but feel touched. The person in front of him may be good at scheming and may flatter the Emperor, but it's not like he doesn't have the ambition to serve the court and benefit the people.
If he really coveted power, he should be focusing on the Imperial Court right now, using the turmoil in the Imperial Court to place his trusted aides, win over the hearts of the people, and consolidate his own power. Why would he bother to lift the ban on trade?
He is now powerful and in charge of the tax bureau. He controls the source of income in the Ming Dynasty. There is no need to take this risk. Master Liu, Master Xie, could it be that you have misjudged him? Befriending influential officials and indulging in the emperor's pleasures was just something he had no choice but to do in order to repay his debts?
Li Dongyang sighed softly and said in a low voice: "The ban on the sea naturally has many drawbacks. Strong Han, Tang, Song … since ancient times, there has never been a ban on the sea. Only our court …"
Yang Ling heard his tone soften and was overjoyed. He stood up and said: "Grand Secretary, I know that there are many misunderstandings between Milord and the officials in the court because I am a Xiucai. I have a close relationship with the eunuchs and traitors. The Duke of Zhou is afraid of rumors. Wang Mang has not usurped the throne. As time passes, people's hearts will be revealed. I will not confess now.
But I have no selfish motives in lifting the ban on the sea. If this is successful, it will benefit the country and the people. Moreover, I am willing to advise the Emperor to hand over the customs and yamen to the local officials.
Milord, since ancient times, it is difficult for foreign races to come from the sea. Now that foreign countries have improved their shipbuilding ability, there are already people from thousands of miles away visiting. What will happen in a hundred years? Do you know if the sea will become a smooth road?
Ming Destiny built a Great Wall in the north. Do you want to build another Great Wall by the sea? Do you want to build walls everywhere and throw the great sea to the barbarians? Do you want to stay at home and be beaten everywhere? The sea is also my, Ming Destiny's territory. I should not give it up just because I have the responsibility to protect it! "
Li Dongyang was moved. After thinking for a while, he said slowly: "Lifting the ban on the sea … is difficult!"
Yang Ling said: "Milord is a modest gentleman. That is why you said it is difficult. I have a bad reputation for making friends with eunuchs. Why did I come? If Milord agrees, I will do the rest. "
Li Dongyang looked at him and suddenly stood up. He paced slowly in the room. Yang Ling saw him thinking for a while. He stopped and said: "Agriculture is the foundation of the world. Trade is free. If the rice is exported, what can we do? Even if the government forbids it, it is difficult to guard everywhere. "
Yang Ling was relieved and said with a smile: "In the world today, who can compare with Ming Destiny in terms of wealth and beauty? Silk, tea, porcelain and other goods are shipped across the sea. Even if the government forbids it, will the people give up the goods for ordinary goods?
Ming Destiny originally did not allow the people to use silver as currency. However, banknotes are not trustworthy and copper coins are not enough. The people have already widely used silver for trading. Now the production of goods exceeds that at the beginning of the country. There is not enough silver, causing prices to rise and the people to live in poverty.
If a large amount of silver flows into the country, it can be transferred to the country. It can also be used to buy horses, cattle and sheep of the surrounding barbarians. Other than rice, the people can also eat meat. How many people can afford to eat meat now? Moreover, when the ban on the sea is lifted, the fishermen can only use small boats to fish near the sea. When the ban is lifted, the big boats enter the sea. That is an inexhaustible store of fish and rice.
Thinking back to the time when the Song Dynasty was open to trade, the people were rich and the government had sufficient taxes. However, the land of the Song Dynasty was not as vast as Ming Destiny's. The yield per mu was not as good as Ming Destiny's, but the food that the people ate was still far better than Ming Destiny's. "
Li Dongyang smiled and said: "The land of the Song Dynasty is not as good as Ming Destiny's, but the population is also far less than Ming Destiny's. What you said is reasonable. The possibility of the people exporting rice is not high. However, buying cattle and sheep is controlled by other tribes. Fishing is difficult to meet the people's needs. Once we become enemies with other tribes, won't it be dangerous?
Jiangnan is the granary of the world. When Su Lake is ripe, the world is full. After the trade, the profit of silk is dozens of times that of the farmland. The people are greedy for profits. Those who have land will give up grain to plant mulberry, and those who have land will give up grain to raise silkworms and weave cloth. The rest of the provinces are not good for farming. If there is not enough grain, the people will rebel during natural and man-made disasters. I don't know what will happen in a hundred years, but we have to guard against the chaos that may happen now. "
Yang Ling was full of passion. He thought of the important opportunity that was related to the turning point of the country's history. He did not think enough about the current situation of Ming Destiny. Li Dongyang was tempted by the prospect described by him. However, as the Grand Secretary, he could not ignore the top priority of 'food is heaven'.
However, when Yang Ling heard 'when Su Lake is ripe, the world is full', he felt a bit strange. Didn't the saying of later generations often say 'when the lake is wide, the world is full'? Could it be that the granary of the world has gradually moved from the coastal sea to the inland?
Yang Ling suddenly remembered that when Zhengde was in power, he once approved a memorial about planting high-yield rice in Annan. He also remembered the sweet potatoes that he had eaten as fruits in Jiming Inn. He suppressed the excitement in his heart and cupped his hands to Li Dongyang and said: "Lord Li, if I can solve this food problem and turn the barren inland into a sufficient granary, will you support me?"
Li Dongyang looked at him. His eyes flashed and he said with a smile: "The memorial about planting rice in Annan has been sent back to the capital. This rice is drought-resistant and insect-repellent. It can increase the yield by 10%. I have asked the Emperor to plant it widely in suitable places next year. However, the land suitable for planting rice is limited. Increasing the yield by 10% is not enough to make up for the loss of rice in Jiangnan."
Yang Ling was delighted. Corn and sweet potatoes were very easy to grow. They could grow on sandy land, wetlands, and grass nests on hillsides. If the farmers took good care of them, the yield in various places would not only increase by 10%, but more than double. How could he have forgotten this important event?
Now he just wanted to go back and order his subordinates to search for this kind of place where sweet potatoes and corn were planted. Since the imperial court had not widely planted this crop, it was obvious that most people did not know its important value. If he was the first to promote it, he would have more confidence in what he said.
Thinking of this, he smiled easily and said: "Sir Li does not need to worry. I have a way to solve the problem of Ming Destiny's lack of grain reserves. Will you be willing to support me? I am not talented. I am favored by the Former Emperor and the current Emperor, but I have not made any contribution to the country. If I can do this great thing for the benefit of the country and the people, I am willing to do so. "
Li Dongyang looked at him in surprise: "What a big tone. Planting grain depends on the land and the weather. It is impossible to increase the yield of the existing millet in the barren land and the unsuitable climate. Isn't this Yang Ling's tone too big?"
He suppressed his curiosity and said with a smile: "Okay, if Sir Yang can do this, you will be the first hero of Ming Destiny. Compared to opening up the territory and fighting hundreds of battles, this old man will naturally support you with all my strength. It is just that …"
He sighed and said: "I am old and not as strong as those in the prime of their lives. Recently, I often feel tired, and it is very difficult to read ordinary memorials. Grand Secretary Jiao is much older than me, and I can't bear to let Grand Secretary Jiao work too hard. There are too many daily affairs in the Cabinet, and there is no one to share the burden. Even if I want to help you eliminate the obstacles, I am afraid I will not be able to do it."
Yang Ling was stunned. Li Dongyang's words did not seem to be evading, but also seemed to be evading. What medicine was he selling in the gourd? Yang Ling fixed his eyes on Li Dongyang and saw that Li Dongyang was coughing with his fist in his mouth, but there was a hint of cunning in his old eyes. Yang Ling could not help but understand.
He secretly scolded "old fox", but he laughed and said: "Lord Jiao has just entered the Cabinet, and the state affairs depend on you. No wonder you can't be thorough. I heard that you recommended Mr. Yang Yang Tinghe, the Grand Secretary of Jameson Province, to join the Cabinet. I also think that Mr. Yang is talented and has extraordinary political knowledge, and is a suitable candidate for the Grand Secretary position. I think the Emperor will definitely agree to Mr. Yang joining the Cabinet.
With Mr. Yang to share the burden, when the time comes, when the coastal ban is lifted, the diplomatic envoys are received, the laws are made, the troops are used to suppress the Pirates, the ships are built, the customs are set up, and so on, I think you can be distracted. "
Li Dongyang stroked his beard and said: "I hope it will be as Mr. Yang said, then I can rest assured."
The two looked at each other and could not help but smile.
* * *
"Sweet potato, never heard of it? Hmm … it is also called sweet potato, sweet potato, big sweet potato … still haven't heard of it? "
Yang Ling sighed and turned to leave. The short and fat grain shop owner scratched his head and suddenly called out: "Young master, are you talking about sweet potato?"
"Sweet potato? What is sweet potato? Maybe it is also a name. " Yang Ling thought and hurriedly turned back and said with a cheerful smile: "It is possible, it is possible. Take it out and let me see, I will know if it is the right one or not."
When he came to visit Li Dongyang, he was dressed in casual clothes. However, his high-grade clothes could not be concealed. Furthermore, he was accompanied by eight burly and vigorous subordinates. Even in the capital, it was not easy to find a gang leader like him, so the rice shop owner did not dare to underestimate him.
He smiled embarrassedly and bowed: "Young master, yams are cheap and cheap, the profit is very small, and there are very few people who buy them, so my humble shop does not sell them. However, the grain and oil shops in the northern part of the city might sell them."
North of the city? Yang Ling knew that most of the people living in that area were poor, and sweet potato was indeed a cheap thing in the future. Could it be that it was rare in this era, so it was not worth much? He immediately cupped his hands and said excitedly: "Thank you, boss, I will go and have a look."
Yang Ling went out of the shop, and four sedan bearers carried the small green sedan. Yang Ling got into the sedan and ordered: "Let's go to the east of the city and visit the grain shop."
The sedan bearers did not know why the master came out from the Grand Secretary's Mansion and visited the grain shop all over the city. They thought: Could it be that the Grand Secretary's family has run out of food? Maybe not, I heard that the Grand Secretary Li is an upright official, and there are hundreds of people in his family, and the imperial court's salary is low, it is really tragic that they have to run out of food in the cold weather. But our master has knocked on the door a little, how can he give sweet potato to others to eat? Can they bear to eat that thing for a whole winter?
Although they thought about it, they did not dare to say it out loud. They lifted up Yang Ling and strode towards the north of the city. The sedan slowly arrived at the north of the city, and turned into the shabby slum area. After much difficulty, they found a grain shop. A man dressed as a servant waved his hand, and the small sedan stopped.
He looked around alertly, and signaled his brothers to disperse. He then walked to the side of the sedan and said in a low voice: "Your Excellency, we have arrived at the grain and oil shop."
Yang Ling had already fallen asleep leaning on the cushion of the sedan. Last night he spent the night in Xue Li Mei's room. This little girl had the most tricks in her boudoir, and she had always been the most courageous. Yesterday, he did not know how she managed to gather her courage. He did not have the heart to ask, but she actually shyly asked to serve him in the future.
It seemed that Sheridan had also made preparations. She had learned a recipe from the Shihua House, and used pig fat and almond oil to wash and lubricate her breasts. In the seductive cleavage that looked like a snow-white honey peach, a sparkling daisy was fragrant, soft and greasy, with golden needles pricking the pistil, full of fragrance.
Yang Ling felt as if he had found a treasure. He hugged that young peach-like buttocks, only to feel that they were soft and greasy, open and smooth. Then he listened to Sheridan's sobbing and sweet moans. This night was a little crazy. Yang Ling also knew that this little girl was trying to please him because she was worried about something.
She was a woman, sometimes having a heart is not enough, talking nonsense to them is actually quite necessary. Naturally, Yang Ling understood this principle. After having a good time, he hugged that delicate and timid body and talked to her warmly until the latter half of the night. He coaxed the little girl until she was elated, so happy that she cried. Only then did he fall asleep. He could not help but feel a little tired. Along the way, the small sedan was slowly fanning and he felt sleepy.
The fan Zi called out a few times, but did not hear any response from his Excellency. He hastily lifted the curtain of the sedan and saw Yang Ling leaning on the cushion of the sedan, sleeping soundly. The fan Zi quickly tiptoed and lowered the curtain, signalling everyone to be careful and not to disturb his Excellency.
Unexpectedly, while there was no sound from his side, there was a commotion from the grain and oil shop. A man's voice shouted, "Go, go, go! You beggars, if you want something to eat, I'll give you some coarse rice. Why are you still making noise here? If you continue to spread lies and deceive my Laoniang, I'll send you to the authorities for investigation. "
Along with the voice, a small shopkeeper in a cotton gown and two assistants pushed two people out of the shop. The two people were wearing tattered black gowns. Looking at the dirt on them, it was unknown how long it had been since they last changed. The weather was getting colder and colder, it really was a little pitiful.
These two beggars were tall and thin. From the back, their red and yellow hair did not look like people from the Central Plains. One of the beggars said in a strange tone, "Shopkeeper, we are not beggars, we are God's messengers, we are here to spread the gospel. You, your mother, believe in God, you can obtain salvation, obtain peace of mind …"
Before he could finish, the small shopkeeper glared at him and scolded, "Damn it, what God? Is it bigger than the Jade Emperor? You red ghosts, get out of here. If you continue to disturb my business, don't blame me for being impolite. "
The other blond man in a black gown was pushed down the steps and said, "Don't insult God. God told us that we are all brothers and sisters who love each other, lost lambs … Ouch …"
Just as he was about to lament, the small shopkeeper hit him with something. He covered his head and cried out in pain. The other blond man couldn't help but raise his voice and argue loudly.
The shopkeeper called out to the two groups of people, getting louder and louder. Just as he was about to go forward and chase them away so as not to wake up Yang Ling, Yang Ling had already woken up by the noise. He lifted the curtain of the sedan chair and frowned, "What's going on? Who's arguing?"
He had not finished his sentence when the red-haired man turned around with the help of a golden-haired man. Yang Ling could not help but be stunned when he saw the two of them. He had only seen such strange-looking men in the Huguo Temple ever since he came to the Great Ming Dynasty. Weren't they the western missionaries?
Yang Ling hurriedly got up and got out of the sedan chair. He laughed and said, "Missionaries, long time no see."
He walked closer and saw the appearance of the two Western missionaries. Their black gowns were getting more and more shabby, and both of their faces were emaciated. It seemed that their days were very hard. Yang Ling couldn't help but be surprised and said, "You two, you … Haven't you been living in Hu Guo Temple? The Emperor … Uh … That kind man donated 3,000 taels of silver to the temple. Why … did he drive you out? "
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