"There are no less than ten million people living near the sea, and the sea is the land of the people. Along the coast, the land is narrow and the population is dense. The forests and brine land have become villages with no land to farm. The people's livelihood is difficult, and they rely on the sea trade to support their livelihood.
The sea ban was originally run amok by Wokou pirates. However, since the sea ban, the pirates have become more and more violent. The people on the coast have no way to survive, and in addition to the poor harvests, the poor are forced to join the sea and flee for their lives.
The reason is that the sea ban is so strict that the people have no food to eat. Since this method is ineffective, it is better to let it go. For more than a hundred years, the money that has been wasted by the sea ban is more than a hundred trillion. Banning the sea means abandoning the sea, abandoning the sea means abandoning the country, abandoning the country means abandoning the people!
The sea is also Ming Destiny's territory. It is our duty to protect the land and the sea. The sea power cannot be abandoned. I request that the sea ban be lifted, and with the power to open up the four seas, the power to the eight wastelands, the bandits to pacify the people, the smoke and weeds to be green again, the walls to be magnificent, the wealth of thousands of miles, and the lives of tens of millions … "
Yan Song's Book of Ten Thousand Words contained a lot of information. From economic, political, military, and many other aspects, he proposed the advantages of opening the sea and lifting the ban. He also made detailed suggestions on how to set up the customs, the department of trade, the navy, and other matters once the sea was opened. The Emperor of Zhengde did not comment after reading it. He just copied the Imperial Bulletin and let the civil and military officials comment.
For more than a hundred years, Ming Destiny did not lack wise people who proposed to lift the sea ban. Among them, there were people of high status, but their suggestions were like stones sinking into the sea, and did not cause any ripples in the court. Yan Song was only a small official in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. Who would pay attention to this Ten Thousand Words Book? When the civil and military officials saw this memorial, they just smiled and put it on the shelf.
However, this imperial bulletin somehow spread to the common people and scholars, and unexpectedly attracted the attention of scholars, farmers, merchants, and merchants. The common people were discussing this matter, from scholars to scholars, to the circles of officials and officials, to the brothels, inns, and taverns. There were always people who kept mentioning this matter, describing the various disadvantages of the sea ban, and the beautiful blueprint of lifting the ban on trade. Public opinion and public opinion began to quietly change.
The Six Ministries, the Hanlin Academy and the Imperial Messengers were not aware of this. Some of their leading figures were either on official business, or were given real power, or were granted leave of absence. These actions were seen by them as a small victory over the Emperor's remonstrance: the Emperor could not bear the disturbance, and was now submitting to the hundreds of officials in exchange for peace. So they persisted in their efforts and accused the Emperor of being absurd! Tell Liu Jin to shut himself out! She accused Yang Ling of being frivolous and domineering, and she happily and unyieldingly accused him …
As for these parties involved, they allowed the impeachment memorials to pour in like snowflakes, but the more they sued, the braver they became. The absurd continued to be absurd, the powerful continued to be in power, and the frivolous continued to be frivolous.
The first thing Emperor Zhengde did when he moved to the Leopard Room was to have a large number of felt hats and fur coats made. While the cold had not yet melted, he set an example by changing into the Mongolian Khan's robe as a decoration. He ordered all the guards and palace maids to also change into Mongolian attire. He even set up a huge cowhide tent next to the Tiger Pond and called himself Great Khan Khubilai. They pretended to be Tartars to amuse themselves. He also rode with a group of 'Mongolian' guards, lamas, and monks.
The Hanlin Academy was like a group of dragons without a leader, so they invited the Grand Secretary who had retired long ago, the highly respected, eighty-year-old Old Master Zha, to the Leopard Room to remonstrate. The old man was shakily supported by his two young grandsons into the Leopard Room and entered the cowhide tent.
As soon as Old Master Zha saw the Mongolian Khan's tent, he felt a bit dizzy. When he saw the Emperor in the Mongolian Khan's attire, he didn't know whether he should greet him with the etiquette of an Emperor. He was so knowledgeable that he couldn't speak for a long time.
The young Emperor of Zhengde didn't mind his lack of etiquette. He shook the sleeves of his leather robe and cheerfully welcomed the old man. The first thing he did was give the old man a warm hug and said joyfully, "Brother Zha Muhe, thank you for coming all the way to see me. May the heavens bless you! Please sit down and have a cup of milk tea. "
Hearing this nonsense, Scholar Zha was so angry that he forgot all the tactful words he had prepared for a long time. He trembled like a pendulum for a while and stammered, "I … I … I'll take my leave now!"
Scholar Zha walked to the edge of the tent and thought for a moment. He couldn't help but turn around and say, "Your Majesty, Zha Muhe is not Khubilai's brother. It is Temujin who has become sworn brothers with him."
Before he could say anything, Emperor Zhengde had already caught up with him. He personally placed a white ribbon on Old Master Zha's shoulder. Old Master Zha jumped in fright; he was dumbstruck and tongue-tied. He thought, "I was so angry that I became muddle-headed. How could I expose His Majesty's fallacy to his face? This is not the way of an official! The Emperor gave me this piece of white cloth. Is … is he giving me death? "
Two groups of palace maids dressed as Mongolian shepherds were singing and dancing, holding milk tea in their hands and singing a song that they had learned to send off guests. "Brother Zha Muhe," Emperor Zhengde said seriously, "I don't mind if you and Temujin become sworn brothers. There is more than one string on the horse-head zither, and there is only one brother. We can also call each other brothers. This hada, uh … when you entered the tent, I forgot to prepare it. Great use, great use? Don't forget it if any other officials come. "
Gu Daeyong, who was wearing a leather robe and a leather hat and had a scimitar at his waist, ran over with a smile. "Yes, yes, yes. The Old Slave deserves to die. The Old Slave took a hundred bolts of white silk from the palace and made thousands of hada. I won't forget it."
Scholar Zha felt dizzy. His lips opened and closed as if he was mourning. After a while, he staggered away.
Zhengde looked at Scholar Zha's retreating back and looked at his own attire in confusion. "Great use," he asked, "is my attire not good? Why does Scholar Zha look like he has seen a snake or a scorpion? "
Gu Daeyong smiled flatteringly. "Your Majesty is so handsome and mighty. In this robe, you look like a hero on horseback. How can it not be good? Scholar Zha is just being surprised because you are too ignorant. "
Zhengde laughed and took a cup of milk tea from a palace maid. He took a sip and said with a frown, "I'm not used to this taste."
Gu Dayong surreptitiously looked at his expression and said, "Your Majesty, that memorial to the throne requesting the lifting of the ban on the sea has already been presented for several days, there is not a single person among the ministers who strongly oppose it. Shouldn't Your Majesty issue an edict earlier to set up a trading department and lift the ban on trade?"
Zhengde glanced at him and said with a smile, "What? Are you anxious? You can't run away from this task. Don't make trouble for me. These days, Minister Yang is being impeached and secretly busy with various state affairs. It's not convenient for me to call him to see me. "
Gu Daeyong quickly smiled apologetically, "Yes, yes, yes. The Old Slave is not in a hurry. If he really goes to the south, he will be far away from Your Majesty. Your servant has been with Your Majesty since childhood. I really can't bear to leave. Although Official Yang has been impeached, I heard that he is very happy. He has fallen in love with two famous courtesans from the brothel, one is called Suyue, the other is called Beggar Hua Dui. This romantic affair has spread like wildfire, everybody knows about it. "
Zhengde rolled his eyes and said with a smile, "Snow as skin, snake as bone, flower as intestines, this name is very learned. Suyue is also not bad. They must be two very beautiful women. Minister Yang won't be tempted, will he?"
Gu Daeyong laughed, "Your Majesty does not need to worry. If Your Majesty can bestow marriage once, then you can bestow it a second time. Who doesn't have eight or ten concubines? Mr Yang is a Marquis but only has one wife and two concubines. People say that Madam Yang is jealous."
Zhengde laughed, "Don't talk nonsense. Is Madame Yang that kind of person? I moved to the leopard room and thought that I can see Miss Tang often without restrictions. But with Minister Yang busy, it is not convenient for me to invite Miss Tang out. Ai! I really miss Miss Tang. I don't know how many more days I have to wait. "
* * *
The main hall of the East Faction Guards had been rebuilt after it was destroyed by Yang Ling's cannons. The layout of the West Faction Guards was the same as before, with a fireplace bed and a few mahogany chairs with official hats. A statue of Yue Wumu was placed against the wall, taking the meaning of "loyalty to the country."
Dai Yi had just returned from Jinling to see the Emperor. He then went to the East Editing factory to take up his post. He accepted the greetings of all the heads and officials in the main hall. Just as he was reprimanding them, one of the officials came forward and whispered a few words. Dai Yi immediately waved his hand to dismiss them. He lifted his robe and rushed to the West Hall.
Yang Ling had just sat down when he saw Dai Yi rushing over. He was surprised and quickly got up and said with a smile, "I heard that Eunuch Dai is in the front hall handing out tasks. Why are you here so soon?"
Dai Yi was wearing a brand new He Hong Fei Yu robe. He wore a gauze hat, pink boots and a belt around his waist. He looked very spirited. However, in less than half a year's time, his pale and beardless face had aged a lot.
Dai Yi rushed forward a few steps, turned around and bowed, saying: "Daren once said that within half a year, Dai Yi will be transferred back to the capital and entrusted with an important task. Dai Yi did not dare to have too much hope, but who would have thought that Daren's promise is worth its weight in gold, not only accomplishing this matter, but also giving me such an important task. Dai Yi will never forget Daren's kindness."
Yang Ling quickly helped him up. He said, "You and I are both officials. There is no difference in our ranks. There is no need for Eunuch Dai to bow. Please get up. Please get up."
Dai Yi kowtowed seriously. He then stood up respectfully and said, "Your Excellency, please take a seat."
Dai Yi placed Yang Ling on the seat of honor. He bowed and said, "I have just returned to the capital. I was thinking of going to Your Excellency's mansion to pay my respects. I didn't expect Your Excellency to arrive first."
Yang Ling smiled. "I was on my way to see His Majesty. On the way, I heard that Gong-gong has arrived in the capital today. I haven't seen you for many days, so I came to see you first."
Dai Yi expressed his gratitude. He said with a smile, "On the way, I heard that Your Excellency assisted His Majesty in going to Datong. You have established illustrious military service. Now you have been promoted to Marquis and promoted to Zhu Guo Shang General. Congratulations.
I only heard that some people are accusing Your Excellency of staying in a brothel and being frivolous. It is preposterous. As the saying goes, if one is not dissolute, it will be a waste of one's youth. Your Excellency has a high position and power, you are flushed with success. Occasionally, you will find a woman to drink with. It is indeed an elegant matter. Which of these high-ranking officials hasn't done something like dog skin throwing the kitchen stove? They are jealous of Your Excellency's outstanding military service. They even resorted to this kind of despicable method. I wonder if Your Excellency has anything I can be of service to you? "
Yang Ling chuckled. He thought: Just based on this small matter, it is easier said than done to impeach me. Who knows, in the next few days I will have to send them some more material to teach them a lesson, so that they can accuse me.
Yang Ling hesitated for a moment. "You have just returned to the capital," he said, "It will take some time to sort out the affairs in Dongchang. Let's talk about the search for the Maitreya Cult. We must not let the real members of the cult go, but we must not implicate the innocent and repeat Gu Daeyong's mistake. It is very troublesome. I don't need to trouble Dai Gonggong with this trivial matter."
He smiled and stood up. "I have an appointment with the Imperial Bodyguard's Admiral Mou to see His Majesty. I cannot stay long. Dai Gonggong, please attend to your official business. In the evening, Yang will host a banquet to welcome you."
Dai Yi quickly stood up. "I dare not trouble Your Excellency. I dare not trouble Your Excellency. Is Your Excellency going to see His Majesty with Admiral Mou?"
Yang Ling let out a seemingly unintentional yawn, replying half-truthfully, "That's right. Ever since Eunuch Liu took charge of the Bureau of Rites, things have changed. Commander Mou offended Eunuch Liu over some official matters, and now the Embroidered Uniform Guards are being heavily suppressed by the Bureau of Rites. Everyone is working for Ming Destiny and His Majesty. How can we attack each other and mess up our positions? I am going to see His Majesty to protect Admiral Mou. We are a family. It is better not to damage our harmony. "
He walked to the door and looked at Dai Yi. In a joking tone, he said, "Dai Gonggong is directly under the Department of Rites. Although you are Eunuch Liu's former subordinate, Eunuch Liu has a bad temper now that he has been promoted. You have to be careful when you do things. Don't learn from Admiral Mou and offend Eunuch Liu."
Dai Yi was startled. He suddenly realized the purpose of Yang Ling's visit. It turned out … Eunuch Liu and Mr Yang had already begun to have enmity!
Liu Jin and Yang Ling were both people he could not afford to offend. He had been planning to prepare lavish gifts to visit the two of them that night. Now that Yang Ling had reminded him, it was clear that he was hinting at the discord between the two of them, and it would depend on his attitude.
Which side should he stand on? In terms of power and status, these two people were almost equal. Should he rely on Yang Ling? Liu Jin was in charge of Dongchang. He was his direct superior. If he offended him, it would be difficult for him to move forward in the future. Should he rely on Liu Jin? Yang Ling could kick Gu Daeyong out of power and promote him. Couldn't he do it again? Moreover, would Liu Jin treat him as his confidant?
I can be where I am today because of Mr Yang's protection. Repaying kindness with evil is despicable. Besides, it seems that the Imperial Bodyguard is on Mr Yang's side. In addition, there is also Miao Kui from the West Factory. He is also very close to Mr Yang. Can Liu Jin overthrow Mr Yang? As long as Mr Yang doesn't fall, a monkey like me will not have a place to settle down. "
Thinking of this, Dai Yi's face changed. He solemnly bowed and said, "Thank you for reminding me. I have been away from the capital for a long time. My ears and eyes are closed. Now that people have changed, I am not clear about many things. If I have any doubts in the future, please help me. I am indebted to you for giving me two lives. I entrust my life to you. "
Yang Ling felt relieved, and hurriedly returned the bow. He said, "Please don't say that, Master Dai. If not for Master Dai's warning back then, I would definitely have stepped into the death trap that Fan Ting had set up. I will always remember this kindness, and I am willing to stand by Master Dai's side and help each other out. This request is too much."
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