Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 393 Crisis and Opportunity! Sworn Brotherhood! Enemy Attack!
Today, when Ming Dynasty merchants and Siamese merchants trade, they no longer need to exchange Ming Dynasty goods for Siamese goods, as they used to.

With just a "red bill" in hand, you can buy anything you need in the bustling markets of Siam.

Among the noble class in Siam, a trend of taking pride in collecting and using "red banknotes" (banknotes) has emerged.

In their eyes, the more "red banknotes" a person has in their home, the richer they are, which demonstrates their noble status and abundant wealth.

The fervent pursuit caused the price of the "red note," which originally had a face value of one hundred coins in the Ming Dynasty, to skyrocket in the Siamese market, reaching a high price of one tael of silver per note.

In the eyes of the Siamese, one hundred coins in the Ming Dynasty were equivalent to one tael of silver in Siam.

This absurd scene left many Ming Dynasty merchants speechless.

what is this concept?

To put it simply, an ordinary citizen of the Ming Dynasty would take ten taels of silver from home to the Ming Bank and exchange it for one hundred "red notes" with a face value of one hundred wen. Then, carrying these "red notes," he would embark on a journey to Siam and trade gold and silver with Siamese merchants. The original ten taels of silver in the "red notes" could be exchanged for one hundred taels of silver in Siam!

Without engaging in any trade, simply by taking advantage of the huge exchange rate differences, one can easily obtain ten times the profit!

Of course, given the current transportation limitations, traveling from the Ming Dynasty to Siam was not an easy task.

Furthermore, this astonishingly high price is merely the result of a temporary market frenzy.

As trade between the Ming Dynasty and Siam becomes increasingly close and frequent, prices will certainly not remain at such an absurdly high level indefinitely, and will inevitably fall back in the future.

However, it is undeniable that, at this point in time, the market situation is just as unbelievable.

This clearly demonstrates just how enthusiastically popular the Ming Dynasty's "red banknotes" were in Siam!

Siam was under immense pressure from huge indemnities, and the government itself urgently needed to import large quantities of goods from the Ming Dynasty for domestic development and to meet the needs of the nobility.

Driven by these two factors, Ramaputra II made this request.

Previously, Ming Dynasty officials had suggested to the Siamese government that "red notes" should be used as the currency for future import and export trade between the two countries.

Initially, Siam had reservations about the proposal and did not express a clear opinion.

Although they had not yet fully grasped the relatively complex financial concepts such as monetary sovereignty, out of an instinctive sense of vigilance, Siamese officials vaguely felt that using the Ming Dynasty's currency exclusively in trade between the two sides did not seem to be a proper choice.

However, as the popularity of "red notes" continued to rise in the Siamese market, and they were wildly sought after by the public and the nobility, their prices skyrocketed. Now, the Siamese government's attitude has undergone a complete 180-degree change.

Instead, they were eagerly anticipating using "red notes" as the currency for pricing trade between the two countries.

After all, the Siamese government isn't stupid; they also gather intelligence.

They quickly figured out that the "red notes" had a clear binding relationship with silver in the Ming Dynasty, with a fixed exchange rate.

This predetermined exchange value is unbelievably low compared to the current skyrocketing value of the "red notes" in the Siamese market.

One tael of silver was worth one thousand cash in the Ming Dynasty, which was equivalent to ten "red notes".

In other words, if trade between the Ming Dynasty and Siam, especially long-term, large-volume purchase contracts such as pepper and sappanwood, were priced using "red notes," it would be equivalent to helping the Siamese government significantly increase the export prices of its own goods.

In this way, Siam can gain more benefits from trade and significantly alleviate the pressure of high-value loans.

The Siamese government was naturally more than happy to accept this.

As for the issuance mechanism behind the "red banknotes," such as whether the Ming Dynasty government could produce them in large quantities at low cost, or even print them at will... Siam, due to its backward development level, could not understand this at all.

In the Siamese people's understanding, the "red banknotes" are so exquisite, with lifelike red dragon patterns and bright and eye-catching colors, that the production process must be extremely complicated.

Like other precious commodities, its production process must have been fraught with difficulties, so its high value is only to be expected.

The fact that the Ming Dynasty could produce ten "red notes" with just one tael of silver was already a testament to its high level of skill.

But this does not diminish the value of the "red banknotes" in the slightest.

To put it bluntly, they had no idea that "red banknotes" were fiat currency, merely a monetary symbol backed by the credit of the state.

They naively thought it was a real commodity like gold and silver.

It just so happens that it was chosen by the Ming Dynasty government to serve as currency!

They couldn't even imagine how low the actual production cost of the "red banknotes" that they considered difficult to produce was, in the Ming Dynasty, which had already begun its industrialization process!

Upon hearing Ramaputra II's request, Zhu Shou couldn't help but glance at him again.

But Rama Bodhi II looked anxious and uneasy, his eyes full of expectation, staring at him expectantly.

With Zhu Shou's intelligence, he instantly discerned Rama Bodhidharma's inner thoughts.

This is an attempt to sell Siamese pepper and sappanwood at a higher "price".

However, Zhu Shou knew in his heart that this was a very good thing for the Ming Dynasty.

He was secretly delighted, a slight smile playing on his lips, his heart overflowing with joy.

After all, the current exchange rate between the "red note" and silver in Siam is severely inverted, and such an absurdly high price is only a temporary and special phenomenon.

From a long-term perspective, allowing the Ming Dynasty's paper money to circulate freely in Siam and gradually become the country's common currency is what truly has profound significance for the Ming Dynasty and is extremely beneficial to it.

In comparison, the arbitrage opportunities arising from exchange rate differences might be valued by ordinary small merchants, but for the Ming Dynasty court, they were nothing more than petty gains that should have been decisively abandoned.

Promoting the Ming Dynasty's paper money and ensuring its widespread circulation overseas is of paramount importance.

What the Ming Dynasty needs to do most right now is to take advantage of the value inversion to accelerate the circulation and use of Ming Dynasty banknotes overseas.

Zhu Shou's eyes darted around, and he deliberately feigned deep thought, his brows furrowed. After a long while, he slowly spoke:
"Siam is the closest partner of the Ming Dynasty. Now that Siam is facing financial difficulties, the Ming Dynasty should extend a helping hand and provide full support."

"Moreover, Your Majesty, you have been traveling with me all the way, and I have observed your words and actions and I greatly admire you."

"I will do my utmost to fulfill your request."

"This long-term contract will be priced in 'red bills' according to your wishes."

Upon hearing this, Ramaputra II was overjoyed. He never expected that this dignified, thunderous, and seemingly rude Ming general would be so easy to talk to.

"Thank you, General! Thank you, General!" he said repeatedly.

After expressing his gratitude, Ramaputra II was still quickly processing Zhu Shou's words in his mind. His eyes lit up again, and he mustered his courage to say, "During our journey together, I have observed the General's demeanor and bearing. He has the appearance of a god and I greatly admire him."

"I found myself quite compatible with the General today during our conversation."

"I've heard that you Central Plains people like to swear brotherhood with your very close friends."

"I wonder if I would have the honor of becoming sworn brothers with you, General?"

Since the signing of the "Ming-Siam Friendship and Mutual Assistance Agreement", King Rama Bodhi II has been thinking day and night about how to further strengthen the close ties with the Ming Dynasty.

In his mind, this was both a challenge fraught with hidden crisis and an opportunity to turn the tide for both Siam and himself.

If the Ayutthaya Dynasty wanted its rule to last for generations, and for its descendants to sit securely on the throne, then without a doubt, clinging tightly to the Ming Dynasty was the wisest and most pragmatic choice.

From now on, no matter what happens, such as a foreign enemy's blatant invasion, a popular uprising, or a powerful minister harboring ulterior motives and attempting to usurp power and take his place... he will no longer need to worry.

With the protection of the Ming Dynasty, foreign enemies will surely be routed by the Ming's brave and skilled army, and the people's rebellions can also be suppressed and quelled by the Ming's troops.

As for powerful ministers plotting to usurp the throne, if they do not gain the approval of the Ming Dynasty, they are undoubtedly digging their own graves and courting their own demise.

Therefore, clinging to the Ming Dynasty is like adding an indestructible layer of insurance to one's throne.

Moreover, this protection is equally effective for future generations!

However, a thorny problem looms ahead.

That means establishing a stable and positive relationship with the Ming Dynasty. This relationship does not refer to diplomatic relations between countries.

More importantly, he and his family and descendants established a deep personal relationship with the Ming Dynasty.

The goal was to ensure that the Ming Dynasty recognized only itself and its descendants as the legitimate kings of Siam.

No one else should even dream of taking the throne.

Otherwise, for Ramaputra II, the arrival of the Ming Dynasty and its long-term military presence in Siam would have been a huge crisis.

This is completely different from the official relationship between Siam and the Ming Dynasty.

Even though the official relations between the two countries are very close, the Ming Dynasty could still depose him from the throne at any time and install someone else as the King of Siam if it wanted to.

This is where the importance of personal relationships comes into play.

The ideal way, of course, is to recognize the Ming emperor as one's godfather.

In this way, he, the King of Siam, could be considered a "royal relative" of the Ming Dynasty.

But this is ultimately just a pipe dream, something to think about but not to actually do. It is extremely difficult and almost impossible to implement.

How could the emperor of the Ming Dynasty casually accept "adopted sons"?

Rama Bodhi II didn't even dare to bring it up.

How about becoming sworn brothers with Li Sicong?
Ramaputra II did consider this.

Li Sicong speaks elegantly and treats people with courtesy. When he is with him, Rama Bodhi II feels as if he is bathed in a spring breeze and feels indescribably comfortable.

However, through his inquiries, he learned that Li Sicong was merely a fifth-rank official in the Ming Dynasty.

Although I have been ordered to handle affairs in Siam, Bagan and other places, this position is not static and may be adjusted at any time.

Perhaps in a few years, someone else will take over.

After returning to his home country, given his status as a fifth-rank official, it would be difficult for him to provide any protection to Siam.

Therefore, relying solely on Li Sicong is far from enough.

But Zhu Shou in front of us is completely different; he is a first-rank military minister and commander-in-chief of the Ming Dynasty.

Even after returning to the Ming Dynasty court, he remained a powerful and influential figure.

Getting on his side is tantamount to finding a solid "protective umbrella" for oneself in the Ming Dynasty.

Moreover, Zhu Shou was the Marquis of Zhulu, a founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and his descendants could inherit the title.

If the descendants are capable and ambitious, their titles might even be elevated instead of demoted.

In this way, one's descendants will still be able to receive the protection of the two families who are on good terms.

It was based on this consideration that Ramaputra II disregarded his noble status as king and his lofty position as the incarnation of a "god" in the eyes of the Siamese people, and willingly humbled himself to take the initiative to ask Chu Shou to become sworn brothers.

Upon hearing Rama Bodhi II's request to become sworn brothers, Zhu Shou couldn't help but throw his head back and burst into laughter.

At this time, the Ming Dynasty had successfully won Siam over to its side, and Zhu Shou was naturally very happy to establish a deep personal relationship with the King of Siam.

Firstly, further strengthening the relationship between the Ming and Siam, and binding Siam more closely with the Ming Dynasty, was an important mission he shouldered.

On the one hand, it would stabilize diplomatic relations between the two countries; on the other hand, it would use Siam as a base to expand the influence of the Ming Dynasty throughout the entire Southeast Asia region.

Secondly, as princes and nobles and the founding marquises of the Ming Dynasty, the Zhu family, like other nobles, formed a mercenary army to venture overseas under the strong encouragement of Zhu Yunwen.

Although this mercenary group has not yet set foot in Siam, no one can predict what the future holds.

Who knows, I might come to this land someday.

Even if they don't come, as the Zhu family's overseas businesses continue to grow and expand, their business empire will inevitably extend to Siam.

Maintaining a good personal relationship with the King of Siam would undoubtedly bring more benefits to one's business.

Therefore, forming a sworn brotherhood with the King of Siam is a win-win situation, both publicly and privately.

Zhu Shou was naturally very pleased.

"Your Majesty's invitation is so kind, how could I dare refuse?"

Zhu Shou responded with a cupped-hand salute, his manner generous and straightforward.

When Ramaputra II heard that Zhu Shou had actually nodded in agreement, he was overjoyed and a bright smile instantly spread across his face.

He was only testing the waters, and he was quite uneasy, thinking that if he was rejected, he would have to find another way.

Unexpectedly, everything went so smoothly.

Immediately, Ramaputra II ordered people to prepare offerings and make arrangements.

According to the rules of sworn brotherhood in the Ming Dynasty, the two men burned incense and knelt down together.

"Today, we two become sworn brothers, from now on we will be of one heart and one mind, work together to protect the friendship between Ming and Siam, and make Ming and Siam allies forever, never to betray each other."

"Heaven and Earth bear witness. If I break this oath, may Heaven and Man punish me."

After bowing eight times, Ramaputra II inquired about his age.

Zhu Shou was more than ten years older than his young king.

Ramaputra II immediately addressed Zhu Shou as "elder brother" with great respect, and Zhu Shou responded with a smile, calling him "second brother".

The two stood up, hand in hand, then embraced tightly, bursting into laughter, displaying their deep intimacy.

When the soldiers of Siam heard that their king had become sworn brothers with the general of the Ming Dynasty, they were all stunned into silence.

After all, in the "brainwashing education" they have received for a long time, the king is the incarnation of "god", high above and completely different from ordinary people.

When a king takes wives and concubines, it can be understood as him "favoring" the women.

Sworn brothers?

How can mortals and "gods" become sworn brothers?
However, they quickly filled in the blanks in their minds with their own thoughts.

The king could not possibly become sworn brothers with ordinary mortals in Siam, but the "Great General" of the Ming Dynasty was certainly not an "ordinary person" either.

Otherwise, how could he have commanded such a powerful Ming Dynasty "Heavenly Army"?

In that case, it wouldn't be beneath the king's dignity to become sworn brothers with him.

Moreover, this sworn brotherhood signifies that the relationship between Siam and the Ming Dynasty will become even closer.

From then on, Siam and the Ming Dynasty truly became "brotherly allies".

With the Ming Dynasty as their backing, they can now look down on the surrounding countries with pride.

Thinking of this, the emotions of the Siamese soldiers were instantly ignited. They were all so excited that their faces turned red, and cheers rose and fell, reaching the sky.

Just then, the soldiers patrolling the perimeter suddenly blew their whistles.

"Bago army spotted! All personnel on alert, prepare for battle!"

……

(End of this chapter)