Ming Dynasty: My Father Zhang Juzheng

Amidst the celebration, the celebration at Zhang’s house came to an end.

Ten days later, Zhang Chongwen, led by officials from the Ministry of Rites, went to the Huangji Hall to pay homage to Emperor Wanli.

With a stroke of his pen, Emperor Wanli not only granted Malacca to Zhang Chongwen, but also several small islands surrounding it.

For this, everyone in the Zhang family, including Zhang Yunxiu, was moved to tears by the emperor.

Although the people of the Ming Dynasty believed in returning to their roots and did not like to wander on the sea, they did not regard the islands as their territory.

But Zhang Yunxiu knew that these islands were actually no different from the land.

In fact, in terms of resources, it has far more advantages than inland areas.

Zhang Chongwen kept thanking the emperor from the audience. Emperor Wanli waved his hand, and Zhang Chongwen stood up and left the Huangji Hall accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Rites.

At this time, only Zhang Yunxiu and Emperor Wanli were left in the hall.

And Wei Qing behind the dragon throne.

The Wanli Emperor, who was over thirty and slightly overweight, was in high spirits. He stared at Zhang Yunxiu and said with a smile, "Yunxiu, it's been ten years. The guards along the southeast coast have been disbanded long ago, and the soldiers have been trained for ten years. Isn't it time to test the results?"

Zhang Yunxiu nodded gently and smiled softly, "Of course. Over the years, I have been using warships to transport Ming people to the Japanese pirates. Whether the two sides intermarry or not, now most of the Japanese have become Ming people."

Sometimes, it is not necessary to use force to wipe out a civilization.

The smart way is to use powerful military deterrence, cultural invasion, and racial invasion.

Just like the American Eagles and the Gallic Rooster in later generations, a originally white country was dyed the color of soy sauce by the black guys.

Although the reproductive capacity of the yellow race is not as good as that of the black race, it is also extremely rapid.

"The Japanese pirates are now in a state of devastation. Isn't the army of our Ming Dynasty useless?" When Emperor Wanli heard him say this, a trace of disappointment appeared on his fat white face.

There is a feeling of being at a high place and it is very cold.

"Haha. Your Majesty, you are joking. If we lose Japan, we still have Europe, where shipping is convenient and connected in all directions. And there is North America, where the land is even more fertile, and the five Great Lakes can support at least tens of millions of people." Seeing the disappointment in Emperor Wanli's eyes, Zhang Yunxiu hurriedly explained.

Since the experience in Japan was successful, Zhang Yunxiu planned to replicate this experience in Europe: "It just so happens that our navy is now reorganized to more than 80,000, with four fleets under its jurisdiction. Most European countries are no match for it."

"Well, then, use them to test my military power. I will lead this battle myself!" Emperor Wanli nodded solemnly, his face full of excitement.

"His Majesty!"

Wei Qing and Zhang Yunxiu were both shocked and shouted in unison.

"What are you shouting about? In those days, Emperor Wuzong came to lead the army in person. Now I have thousands of warships and a hundred thousand soldiers. Can't I be defeated by those red-haired devils in the west?" Feeling despised, Emperor Wanli rolled his eyes at the two of them and snorted angrily.

"Your Majesty, a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. Your life is worth millions, you cannot take risks!" Wei Qing burst into tears and quickly advised.

He and the emperor shared honor and disgrace. If the emperor wanted to lead the army in person, he would have to go. If the emperor really made the same mistake as Emperor Yingzong, how would history judge him?

How to evaluate yourself?
"Hmph, you dog! Are you hoping for my defeat before the battle even starts?" He kicked Wei Qing, who fell to the ground groaning. Emperor Wanli scolded him with a stern face and glared at him.

"Your Majesty, I am a loyal subject and would never dare to hope that the Ming army will be defeated."

Seeing that he was accused of such a big crime, Wei Qing rolled over and cried to show his loyalty, but Emperor Wanli ignored him and only looked at Zhang Yun and ordered: "Yunxiu, go down and prepare for this matter quickly."

Hearing this, Wei Qing turned his gaze to Zhang Yunxiu.

His eyes were burning, he hesitated for a moment, and then said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty has ordered, I dare not disobey, please allow me to go down and prepare, and then inform Your Majesty after we come up with a plan."

Wei Qing's face was full of disbelief, and his face turned the color of liver.

Emperor Wanli clapped his hands and laughed, "Hahaha, good! You are the only one in the whole court who understands my intentions the best. Go down and get ready. I am waiting for your good news."

"Yes."

Zhang Yunxiu nodded, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and walked out of the Huangji Hall quickly. Before he walked out of the four-cornered double-eaved hall, he heard a shrill voice shouting, "Master Zhang, please stay, Master Zhang, please stay."

Zhang Yunxiu stopped and looked back, and saw Wei Qing, with tears on her face, chasing after him.

"Oh, my Lord Zhang, how could you let the emperor do what he wants?" Wei Qing said breathlessly, grabbing Zhang Yunxiu's wrist excitedly. "Your Majesty personally leading the army is a big deal. If it gets out, those ministers will think I instigated it."

"Don't worry, Eunuch Wei. This matter has absolutely nothing to do with you." Zhang Yunxi patted the hand on his body and explained with a smile, "I also know that you are worried that the Tumubao incident will happen again, so you are risking your life to fight against Tianwei."

Wei Qing nodded, staring into Zhang Yunxiu's eyes intently, as if to say - since you knew, why did you still agree to the emperor?
Smiling and shaking his head, Zhang Yunxiu said, "It's different."

"Why is it different?"

"When Emperor Yingzong was personally on the expedition, Wang Zhen blocked the channels of communication and persecuted loyal officials. In addition, the army ran out of food, which led to this great defeat. But now, you, Eunuch Wei, are resourceful and changeable. My army is well-equipped with warships and sufficient food, which is enough to deal with the Portuguese."

"Moreover, when Emperor Yingzong personally led the army, the crown prince, Emperor Xianzong, was barely a child. Now the crown prince is past the age of battle, so we don't need to worry about civil unrest."

After hearing Zhang Yunxiu's analysis, Wei Qing's worries faded a little, but he still felt uncomfortable.

"Eunuch Wei, you know the emperor's temper." Zhang Yunxiu smiled and said indirectly, "The emperor is a man who will do whatever you don't allow him to do. All our power is given by the emperor, and we can't go against him."

"Too."

"Besides, the emperor probably just mentioned it verbally. Not only are the waves strong at sea, but the food is also much worse. If I delay for a while, the emperor's enthusiasm will probably fade away."

"Well, it turns out that you already had a plan. You let an old man like me suffer the consequences while you act like a good guy." Wei Qing frowned and pointed at Zhang Yunxiu and cursed with a smile.

The two have been friends for many years and work together seamlessly, so there is no need to use many formalities when speaking.

"I was wrong. I will apologize to Eunuch Wei." Blinking his eyes, Zhang Yunxiu replied with a smile.

"If you really want to make amends, just take my niece's daughter in as your concubine. It would be fine even if she becomes your concubine. I'm not bragging, my niece is only sixteen years old, as young as a green onion, and she will definitely not humiliate you."

Wei Qing held his head high and spoke proudly, but when he looked down, he found that Zhang Yunxiu had already gone far away. "Hey, if you don't answer, we will take it as your consent and send it to your house tonight!"

Back to the mansion.

Zhang Yunxiu went straight to the study and sat down, and at the same time called Zhang Chongwen. This was the first time for the father and son to meet in such a formal manner in the capital, so Zhang Chongwen inevitably seemed a little reserved.

"Please sit down." Glancing at his nervous son, Zhang Yunxiu pointed at the table and chairs opposite.

"Yes."

Zhang Chongwen's expression eased a little, and he sat down on the chair with his buttocks against it, ready to get up at any time.

"You are the president of Malacca now. Several islands in the southern waters are under your jurisdiction. Let me ask you, do you know where that sea in Malacca leads to?" Staring at his son, Zhang Yunxiu asked very quickly.

"I know. It's the territory of the Portuguese, or the Europeans you mentioned. And there are also the Indians next to us." After a little thought, Zhang Chongwen answered in an orderly manner.

"Do you want to expand your territory further?" Zhang Yunxiu nodded and asked him with a smile.

"what?"

Zhang Chongwen couldn't believe it, and thought he had misheard, so he asked subconsciously. "It means that the governor of Malacca is too small, so it's better to take over Europe and India as well." Looking at his son with a smile, Zhang Yunxiu spoke in a very calm tone about something that others dared not even think about.

It was as if they were discussing a trivial business deal.

Zhang Chongwen was shocked beyond words. He looked at his father with admiration. He swallowed his saliva and said nervously, "I will take what my father gave me. But what about Ruidi and Auntie?"

He was in Malacca, so he naturally knew how powerful the Portuguese were.

I'm afraid it's as big as the Ming Dynasty.

If India is included, the territory under his rule would probably be larger than that of the Ming Dynasty.

"You don't have to worry about him." Seeing the tension in his son's eyes, Zhang Yunxiu explained with a smile, "Rui'er will be in Daming in the future, and I didn't say that all these territories are yours."

"Don't have such a big appetite, or you'll eat yourself to death."

"Yes, my father is right." Zhang Chongwen quickly knelt down and clasped his fists.

However, even a small portion of it would be enough for him to enjoy wealth and prosperity for several generations.

Zhang Yunxiu nodded and continued, "Even if your branch is overseas, you must not forget your ancestral duty. Every year, you must send your relatives to Daming to trace your roots."

"My child understands."

"Okay, you go down first. Go and call Chongrui and Chongjie in."

"Yes."

Zhang Chongwen stood up, clasped his fists to his father, and walked out of the room in high spirits.

After a while, Zhang Chongrui and Zhang Chongjie walked into the study.

After the father and his two sons sat down, Zhang Yunxiu first looked at Zhang Chongrui and said, "Chongrui, I don't have any other requests of you. I just ask you to be a good person and take good care of your brother and brothers and sisters."

As the eldest son who stayed by his side, Zhang Yunxiu really didn't know how to explain it to him.

Over the years, I have spent very little time on his education, and it has always been Xu Ruoxi who has been with him.

It is obvious that Xu Ruoxi and the Xu family raised him to be a traditional scholar-official who is elegant, polite and graceful.

"As you wish, my son." Zhang Chongrui replied hurriedly and respectfully.

"Ah."

Nodding, Zhang Yunxiu looked at Zhang Zhongjie, who looked lively. Compared with Zhang Zhongrui, who followed the rules and behaved elegantly, Zhang Zhongjie seemed much more lively and sunny.

Since childhood, Zhang Yunxiu sent him to a new-style school.

He was allowed to stay with Matteo Ricci, Xu Guangqi and a group of foreign teachers. He did not immerse himself in the Four Books and Five Classics, but yearned for freedom and the exploration of the unknown.

"Starting next year, you don't have to go to college to study. Go to the Dongdaming Chamber of Commerce's fleet and see the outside world." Zhang Yunxiu smiled and nodded, saying softly.

"Thank you, father!" Zhang Zhongjie clenched his fists and shouted excitedly.

Zhang Chongrui frowned, obviously puzzled by his brother's excitement. How could a businessman drifting on the sea be better than being in a high position in government and ruling the world?

Zhang Yunxiu looked at the two people with different expressions, said a few words of encouragement, and then let them leave.

Suddenly, Zhang Yunxiu was the only one left in the study.

He leaned his head back, leaned on the back of the chair, closed his eyes, and recalled the past twenty years. He was the son of the Prime Minister, and he was successful in his youth, with a beautiful wife and concubines as his companions. In his middle age, he was appointed as a prime minister and entered the cabinet.

Under One Person, Above Ten Thousand People
"What else is there to be dissatisfied about?" Zhang Yunxiu murmured to himself.

No one answered.

The study was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

The sunlight through the window formed a staggered beam of light in the room, whirling and spinning. Zhang Yunxiu closed his eyes tightly, and his tired face relaxed slightly, as if he had finally relaxed at this moment.

Spring of the twenty-ninth year of Wanli.

The Ming Dynasty signed the Treaty of Edo with Japan, and the entire territory of Japan became a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty.

In the spring of the same year, four fleets assembled.

Li Rusong was in command, with Qi Guozuo as his deputy, and they led the fleet, along with the Malacca garrison, into the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Malacca.

In the early spring morning of the 30th year of the Wanli reign, the chilly wind in Beijing was still chilly and bleak. In the faint light, the gate of Beijing was slowly pushed open from the inside.

A cavalryman came in with the news, his excited voice almost spreading throughout Beijing: "Great victory, great victory, Marshal Li Rusong defeated the Portuguese in Portugal and captured the Portuguese queen!"

"Great victory. Great victory."

"We won, we won."

Soon, a voice of agreement was heard nearby.

In less than a quarter of an hour, the whole city of Beijing started cheering.

The residence of Grand Secretary Zhang on Dengshi Street.

Zhang Yunxiu, who was awakened from his sleep, was full of energy and jumped out of bed. Although he did not hear the exact shouting, he had a vague feeling from the shouting outside.

"What's wrong? It's so cold, why don't you go to court?" Xu Ruoxi's cheeks were flushed. She leaned over her white and tender body and hugged her husband's waist lazily from behind. "Sleep for a while. No one will bother us anyway."

"I seemed to hear people outside saying that we won the battle." Looking back at his lazy wife, Zhang Yunxiu smiled.

"What victory?" Xu Ruoxi closed her eyes, hugged her husband's thick waist tighter, and asked softly.

"Didn't Li Rusong go to fight the French? He should be victorious now."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a sound of footsteps outside the door.

With a bang, the door was pushed open, and Zheng Xier, Luluo, Chiyoko, and Sun Yahan appeared at the door. They looked at Zhang Yunxiu with eager eyes.

"What do you want to do?" Zhang Yunxiu became nervous instantly.

"Get out, he is mine today." Xu Ruoxi opened her arms and, regardless of the large area of ​​white exposed to the air, protected Zhang Yunxiu's body like a hen.

"Hehe, of course we will help your husband get up and go to see the emperor." The women smiled. Zheng Xier stepped forward first, and the other three followed closely and pounced on Zhang Yunxiu together.

An hour later.

Zhang Yunxiu dressed himself, held onto the wall, and slowly walked out of the bedroom.

Behind him, several people's faces turned red, their breathing was disordered, and their delicate cheeks were full of shyness. (End of this chapter)