Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 425: We can’t ban the sea, right?

"Wakoku is very unhappy that Silla and Baekje have stopped paying tribute to it?
"The Japanese pirates have repeatedly launched raids on the coast of the peninsula and robbed passing merchant ships, causing great suffering to the people.

"The Japanese chieftain has publicly spoken disrespectfully to the Great Celestial Empire many times?"

In the State Council Office mansion in Tangzhou, Li Ming flipped through the information presented by Yuchi Xunyu, and couldn't help but reveal a helpless bitter smile on his face.

Hajiwo was stressed again.

First, they launched a shameless sneak attack on the Celestial Empire without any reason.

Then, before the Celestial Empire could fight back, they started to attack like crazy again, taking advantage of the abnormal weather and calm sea this year to cross the sea to provoke us.

Although Baekje and Silla, the two brothers in distress, have not yet officially become the territory of the Ming Dynasty, they have been regarded as the forbidden delicacy of the Ming Dynasty.

Why are the Japanese so mean?
This is because they are afraid that they will not be able to get the iron fist of their beloved imperialist dictatorship.

"Brother Ming, according to intelligence, the Japanese chieftain is planning to launch another sneak attack on our Celestial Empire, and it will be even more shameless and insidious than the last time. We must be on guard."

Yuchi Xunyu's voice was very dull.

The Japanese were like mosquitoes, annoying and impossible to hit. Getting bitten unexpectedly was very itchy, which made him very angry.

I wish I could slap the Japanese into a bloody totem on the wall.

There is no doubt that Japan's response is clear -

They were the ones who committed the arson at the State Council Office!

Is Naniwa Palace a nest of insects? !

They actually dared to attack the Emperor and the core center with heavy blows. They are no longer ordinary barbarians. The Sixth Division must move them away!

Compared with him, Li Ming, who was regarded as the number one target by the Japanese chieftain, was much calmer.

He asked back:
"Oh. Where will the Japanese start their sneak attack? Which area should we strengthen our defense?"

The Ming Dynasty was a great country.

The bigger the country, the more loopholes it has, and the more loopholes that can be exploited by hostile forces.

It is impossible to be impregnable and completely immune.

You can only focus on defense.

In order to focus on defense, we must have the support of intelligence.

As for intelligence...

"I don't know." Yuchi Xunyu said unreasonably.

Li Ming opened his mouth, not knowing whether to be angry or laugh.

After a while, he asked back in an angry and amused tone:
"Then how do you want me to defend myself? Do you want to declare a maritime ban, prohibiting any sailing from entering the sea, and moving all coastal residents 50 miles inland?

"Even, maybe just build a Great Wall along the coastline?"

This kind of behavior seemed a bit extreme, and Yuchi Xunyu shook his head repeatedly.

"That's not the case. The overseas barbarians are not worth our country cutting off our own limbs..."

Although the Japanese invasion is as annoying as mosquitoes, there is no need to stay at home and not go out just to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

“It’s just that knowing that the Japanese are plotting to attack our country has already mobilized all our intelligence resources between the Japanese and the Koreans.

"As for how the Japanese chieftain plans to attack the Celestial Empire, perhaps only he knows."

The charcoal-haired man spread his hands.

Just knowing that "the Japanese are in trouble" had already taken a lot of effort for him.

After all, Japan is far away across the ocean, and it is poor and mountainous, and the local society is very closed, while China has always ignored that ghost island.

Therefore, it is extremely difficult to hammer in a few nails in a short period of time.

It is already very lucky to have a spy in Naniwa Palace who can even be "close" to the Japanese chief.

Considering the practical difficulties, Li Ming did not continue to embarrass the dark-haired man and turned his attention to the next guest in the room.

"Zhi Shi Bu Zhen, what do you think?"

Zhi Buzhen, one of the three great spies, the president of the Chamber of Commerce who indulged in extravagance and wealth, and the famous market reverse weathervane, huddled in a corner at this time, timidly shaking out a few words from his trembling lips:

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I am just a humble person. I will not…"

Like an innocent kitten that strayed into a group of lions.

Because he had the least chance to go to Beijing to meet the emperor, he was less confident than his unconfident classmate Di Renjie and was more timid.

Especially when the task assigned by His Majesty is not completed.

Japan was obviously planning something, but as an intelligence officer, he knew nothing about it.

This made Zhi Shibu really sweat profusely.

Although he has risen to a high position, Brother Zhishi Buzhen has not become arrogant and domineering, and his self-awareness is still very clear.

At heart, he was still just a small, failed Hu businessman.

How did I, a slave from the grassland, end up in the capital?
The poor Turkic merchant felt that he was the most unworthy person in the core of the entire Ming Dynasty.

Indeed, he had a special talent in organizing and mobilizing businessmen, and his market sense was even more acute, which enabled him to provide another new perspective for thinking about the Ming Dynasty's bureaucratic system.

But when it comes to being a spy and gathering intelligence, or even managing a large group of "intelligence personnel" both inside and outside the organization, at home and abroad, that is really beyond his ability.

The entire chamber of commerce can operate so smoothly and even "effectively" thanks to the middle and low-level professional bureaucrats who are in charge of the operation.

On the contrary, it is not that related to Zhishi Buzhen himself.

Even Zhishi Buzhen didn't know what his men were doing, or what the information presented to him meant.

He is just a guilty mouthpiece.

So he knew that his only support was His Majesty's trust.

Without trust, the wolves and beasts in the officialdom would tear this little jackal to pieces...

"Brother Zhishi!"

Li Ming was still very warm, just like when he smuggled a batch of cloth from the palace to his brother.

"Do you have any special information about the people living on the Japanese island? Don't be nervous, just tell me what you have~"

"No, no, no... nothing special..." Zhi Shibu was trembling with fear, trying hard to recall the report given to him by his subordinates, and said haltingly:
"Japan is building ships, training soldiers, and preparing for war. There are no other unusual movements..."

Although the answer was halting, it was basically consistent with the written report.

Indeed, businessmen can explore a country’s national policy trends from a grassroots and macro level, and serve as a verification and comparison channel for other intelligence sources.

However, it is obviously impossible to find out the real palace secrets through the Chamber of Commerce's private channels.

"Okay, if you have any news, remember to inform me."

Li Ming also did not make things difficult for his younger brother and patted him encouragingly.

"Ha... ha ha, I would rather die than decline..." Zhi Shibu was so nervous that his legs were shaking. He didn't know whether Emperor Li Ming was encouraging him or warning him.

In fact, Li Ming really had no intention of blaming the Chamber of Commerce President.

Because the Chamber of Commerce is not like an ordinary government agency, most of its members are businessmen.

Businessmen value profit over separation, and their movements are rather erratic. If a strong president takes over, these cunning people might be scared away.

Therefore, a weak president like Zhi Shi Bu Zhen, who has some abilities and can fully delegate power, is exactly what Li Ming needs.

However, due to the particularity of the industry, the Chamber of Commerce cannot provide more valuable information regarding the case of Japan and the Japanese chieftain.

Li Ming turned to the third guest present.

"Renjie, what do you think?
"How should we deal with the Japanese rebellion?"

Di Renjie was still shy and whispered one word:

"Butcher."

Yuchi Xunyu looked at him sideways, and Zhishi Buzhen shuddered. Are you discussing how to solve the current Japanese threat, or are you discussing the "final solution" to the Japanese problem?
You can't judge a person by his appearance. The gentle and refined intellectuals can become more extreme and even more reckless than warriors.

Compared with him, Yuchi Xunyu felt like a conservative and had to persuade him kindly:

"Renjie, The Art of War by Sun Tzu says, do not raise an army in anger, and do not attack in anger..."

"The Japanese tried to shoot down the sun, which is an unforgivable crime! Since they are seeking their own death, my heavenly soldiers will fulfill their wish!" Di Renjie said in a sonorous and powerful voice.

"No, no, no, brother, you have to calm down~" Yuchi Xunyu was a little amused.

"But we can't be too emotional, and we can't waste the lives of the Han warriors..."

Yuchi Xunyu felt like his role was reversed.

It seemed as if Di Renjie was the impulsive and irritable black charcoal head, and he was the civil official who tried hard to persuade him.

Japanese, you must do it, you have no choice but to do it.

Yuchi Xunyu also knew about this.

But when to do it, how to do it, and how much to do are all knowledge.

"That damn place called Japan has nothing to produce and is located on the edge of the sea. It's not a trade route and doesn't even have many people.

“It is separated from the mainland by an insurmountable sea, and the cost of ruling is extremely high.

"Will a large-scale attack on Japan now be more costly than beneficial?"

Yuchi Xunyu asked.

It was certainly very satisfying to fight against Japan, but they were all important officials of the imperial court. It was no exaggeration to say that the two capitals of the Ming Dynasty (Tangzhou and Chang'an) and thirteen provinces (the original ten provinces of the Tang Dynasty plus the three newly added provinces of Goguryeo, Xueyantuo and Turkic) were all on their shoulders.

This does not allow them to consider only their own subjective feelings.

We should also consider the interests.

Although the Ming Dynasty is a powerful country, it has more places to spend money. Can it afford some willful squandering?
After all, the blood shed was that of good families, and the money burned was that of ordinary people.

Previously, His Majesty Li Ming spent a huge amount of money to compete with the Tang Dynasty in order to establish his authority and better implement reform policies.

But now, if we were to launch a large-scale attack on Japan and destroy their country in one fell swoop, what benefits would it bring to the Ming Dynasty?

Even if we take over all those poor mountains and bad waters, the profits may not be able to cover the cost of war, right?
What's more, that place is separated by an ocean, so it is definitely impossible to rule it stably.

"That is why we must cut the grass and root it out, raze the Japanese's lair to the ground, and make sure that place can no longer pose a threat to our Celestial Empire!"

Di Renjie's face was very serious and he stared straight at Mingge.

"The entire East China Sea separates Japan from the mainland, which means they will never accept education, obey the king, or be disciplined. It is even more impossible for them to accept your Majesty's rule and be included in the territory of the Celestial Empire.

“That place won’t bring us any profit, but like an unhealable wound, it can bring us endless troubles and losses.

"The islands they occupy have no economic or trade value, but can be used as dens for bandits. Or the Japanese themselves are bandits, constantly harassing our coastal security and maritime trade.

"Even like this ominous incident, trying to stab the emperor and shoot the sun!
"If we just send troops to fight a minor battle, it will only be a temporary solution and will not completely eliminate the scourge.

“When the heavenly soldiers arrive, they just hide in the mountains, and when they leave, they come out again to stir up trouble.

"The sea is vast and defenseless!"

Yuchi Xunyu scratched his head:
"So, you're going to..."

"To solve the problem of the Japanese once and for all, we have to make them lose their ability to cross the sea and harass the inland once and for all." Di Renjie spoke the fiery words of 100 degrees with a mouth of 37 degrees.

Completely demilitarizing and de-threatening the archipelago is equivalent to depopulating it.

It's just the extermination of a clan. This was a common thing in ancient times.

After saying that, both of them stared straight at Li Ming.

At best, they can only offer suggestions, and the only one who can make the decision is His Majesty the Emperor.

Li Ming was not surprised by Di Renjie's answer. He just smiled and patted him on the shoulder:

"Security interests are also one of the core interests of the country."

This seems to be an endorsement of Di Renjie's statement.

But it is not fully recognized.

Li Ming then said to the three intelligence giants:

"No matter what, we must first strengthen the defense of the capital and the core to prevent the Japanese from taking desperate measures.

"I'll leave the intelligence matters to you. I have a lot to do, and I want to focus on domestic affairs."

The three of them also understood the current difficulties faced by His Majesty and the country, so they said goodbye and returned home.

Li Ming sighed, closed the information about Japan again, put it into the incense burner and burned it.

After processing the top-secret intelligence, his mind was cleared of thoughts about Japan, and was once again filled with the most important matters at hand—

Flood prevention and disaster relief.

No matter how arrogant the Japanese pirates are, they are ultimately just a minor problem.

The focus of the Ming Dynasty is still on the internal affairs.

"Is the rain getting lighter? It seems to be lighter? It's almost September. Even if the weather is abnormal, the typhoons should stop, right?"

After quietly complaining about the awful weather, Li Ming gathered his spirits and said to the door:
"They're gone, come in."

Fang Yize, who had always looked pale, floated in lightly.

After his father Fang Xuanling claimed illness and did not attend court, Li Ming used this Ji Sheng as the "prime minister" and moved Fang Yize's office directly to the foot of the throne to work together.

Financial issues were solved directly by Xiaofang on the spot; other government affairs were asked to be taken home early as "homework".

"Finance, maybe... you will have to work harder." Li Ming patted Fang Yize's shoulder.

It was unknown whether Ji Xiang was indifferent or had lost all desire for life. He asked calmly:
"Brother Ming, are you going to fight again? Cross the sea to fight Japan?"

Like other ministers, he did not know about the arson case in the State Council Yamen and only thought that Emperor Li Ming might have some big plan to play in his eastern expedition.

Li Ming did not comment, but asked:
"What is the current financial situation? Is it still tight?"

"It's okay. It's more spacious than half a month ago." Fang Yizhe told the truth.

"Although the flood has not receded, the rainfall in the Yellow River basin has decreased. Although there are some small and medium-sized floods, the levees have generally held up.

“The expenditure on embankment construction can be recovered to a reasonable extent.

"But after all, there are still disaster victims, and a lot of money is still needed for disaster relief and resettlement."

Li Ming frowned:

"Relief and resettlement... Didn't the southern states have the task of supporting the victims? Why do they still need to ask the central government for money?"

Could it be that because the South was not directly run over by Li Ming's truck, it still dares to play the game of pretending to obey but actually disobeying?
When it comes to this issue, Fang Yize's expression becomes a little bitter:

“The floods in the major rivers have peaked, but the rains in the big river (Yangtze River) are still very heavy.

"Their funds are also stretched to the limit. They are lucky enough not to ask Tangzhou for money..."

Oh oh oh, yes, in addition to the Yellow River, there is also the Yangtze River... Li Ming rubbed his eyes, feeling a little headache.

One wave has not yet subsided when another wave rises. This great country is really great...

"We need to find Changsun Wuji for this matter. Where is he?"

This room was originally the office of the chief and deputy goat, Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling. When the three intelligence giants came to discuss secrets, he and Fang Yi, who was "working on behalf of his father", went out to avoid them.

How come after going out, only Fang Yize came back, and the king's uncle disappeared?
But Li Ming didn't have to wait, as Changsun Wuji appeared from the corner, panting.

"Deputy Prime Minister~" Li Ming's expression relaxed.

"I just happen to have something to discuss with you..."

"Your Majesty, I have an urgent matter to report!" Changsun Wuji interrupted His Majesty in a hasty manner, almost in an impolite manner.

"The river has changed its course!"

(End of this chapter)