My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Seeing that Ni Yuanlu no longer objected to the matter, Zhu Cilang immediately made the decision:
"In that case, it's settled."

The next second, he turned his gaze to Xue Guoguan and said:
"Grand Secretary Xue, please write a reply to Liang Youdai and tell him that I have agreed to their request."

"As long as they are willing to hand over half of their family property to the imperial court, their previous crimes will be forgiven. In addition, when the imperial court officially opens the seas, they will be given certain preferential treatment."

Upon hearing this, Xue Guoguan quickly stood up from his chair, leaned forward slightly, and cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

"My minister obeys."

Then, Zhu Cilang continued, his tone becoming more serious:
"However, the opening of the sea is a matter of great importance. When the time comes, the civil and military officials of the court will definitely oppose it on the grounds of 'competing with the people for profit' and 'violating ancestral rules'."

"I'll have to trouble you two to come up with some ideas then."

"Moreover, there is no need to keep this matter from the other six ministers and cabinet ministers. Therefore, we can inform the cabinet ministers and the six ministers and discuss a solution together."

He paused, a sharp glint in his eyes, and continued:

"Of course, if any cabinet members or ministers of the six ministries also oppose this matter, then they can retire and return to their hometowns."

Upon hearing this, both Xue Guoguan and Ni Yuanlu's expressions changed.

It should be noted that for the Crown Prince to allow a minister of one of the Six Ministries or a cabinet minister to retire to his hometown was unprecedented; only the Emperor had such power.

But Zhu Cilang actually dared to say that, which clearly shows that he really thought of himself as the emperor!
However, considering what he had done before and Chongzhen's current attitude towards the crown prince, the two felt that this was quite normal.

After all, since taking power, this Crown Prince has demonstrated extraordinary courage and strategy, repeatedly overcoming dissenting opinions in court to implement new policies, and seemingly always receiving the emperor's tacit approval.

Then, the two immediately said:

"My minister obeys."

Although their voices were calm, their hearts were filled with ripples of emotion.

Since ancient times, the six ministers have always been the pillars of the country, and no matter what important national affairs are kept secret from them, so Zhu Cilang had no intention of hiding anything from them.

However, Zhu Cilang also knew that there must be some among these people who opposed opening the sea to the sea.

After all, most of these veteran officials are conservative in their thinking and follow ancestral rules. They would certainly have doubts or even oppose something as unconventional as opening up the sea.

Therefore, he was too lazy to argue. If anyone opposed the decision, he would let them retire and return to their hometowns, and then promote new confidants.

After all, no one could resist the positions of Minister of the Six Ministries and Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, which were the coveted honors and powers for any official.

Immediately afterward, as if he had thought of something, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, and then he cautiously asked:
"May I ask, Your Highness, is His Majesty aware of this matter?"

Zhu Cilang shook his head, a confident expression on his face, and said:

"Father is unaware of this yet, but that's alright. I will speak to Father on his behalf, and I can guarantee that Father will definitely agree to this matter."

Just kidding. Opening up the maritime trade association would bring endless wealth to the Ming Dynasty. How could Chongzhen, that miser, possibly disagree?
I reckon he'd wholeheartedly agree.

Zhu Cilang was secretly pleased with himself. He could almost see the scene after the opening of the seas, with Ming Dynasty merchant ships traveling between the four seas and gold and silver treasures pouring into the court like a tide.

Upon hearing this, Xue Guoguan could say nothing more.

Because he believed that Zhu Cilang had the ability!
Just then, Ni Yuanlu suddenly spoke again:

"May I ask, Your Highness, you previously said that you would inform me about the overseas grain issue after this matter was discussed. May you tell me now?"

Ni Yuanlu's eyes were full of anticipation. He had always paid close attention to the issue of overseas grain, as it was related to the livelihood of the people in the Ming Dynasty.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang realized that there was something he hadn't mentioned.

He gently patted his forehead, then smiled and said:

"I almost forgot about this matter. To tell you the truth, the Zheng family actually sent a letter half a month ago, saying that they had bought enough grain and were on their way back."

"If nothing unexpected happens, the grain should have arrived at Tianjin Port by now."

"The reason you don't know is because this time I plan to have the Zheng family personally deliver the grain to the capital."

what?
Upon hearing this, Ni Yuanlu was slightly taken aback, her eyes widened, and an expression of disbelief appeared on her face.

Xue Guoguan was also somewhat surprised, but the next second, the two of them simultaneously understood.

It seems that Zhu Cilang had long planned to open the seas, and his purpose in doing so was to let the people see the benefits of overseas trade in order to create public opinion and make it impossible for the civil and military officials in the court to resist opening the seas.

Thinking of this, both of them felt a chill run down their spines.

Because they knew that the young crown prince probably had long planned to open the seas, and even if Xue Guoguan hadn't come today, this matter was bound to happen.

Seeing the two of them suddenly understand, Zhu Cilang's smile widened, and he said with a smile:

"Gentlemen, I know what you're thinking. You're right. I've actually been preparing for the opening of the seas all along. I've even sent Zheng Zhilong and several other naval commanders to garrison the Zhejiang area."

"If nothing unexpected happens, the opening of the fishing season should be finalized next year."

He paused for a moment, then continued:

"However, please don't blame me for making a decision without consulting you. It's just that this matter is of great importance, and I don't know if you really agree with opening the sea."

"But now it seems that I was overthinking it. You two both agree with this matter. You are truly the pillars of our Great Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, the two could only smile wryly and bow, saying:

"Your Highness is too kind. We are far too kind to accept such praise."

The two then discussed other matters, such as the potential establishment of trade rules after the opening of the sea and how to manage overseas merchants, before taking their leave.

However, after the two left the East Palace, their expressions gradually softened, and the previous tension disappeared. They walked side by side like old friends.

Ultimately, there was no deep-seated hatred between them. The reason they were at odds just now was simply because of their different positions. In essence, they were both considering the future of the Ming Dynasty.

Ni Yuanlu took the initiative to cup her hands in greeting, and with an apologetic smile on her face, she said:

"Lord Xue, I was truly offended just now."

He had taken a rather tough stance during the discussion and raised some questions about opening the sea. Now that he thinks about it, he feels somewhat sorry for Xue Guoguan.

Upon hearing this, Xue Guoguan smiled and said:
"Minister Ni, please don't be so polite. I was a bit impulsive just now, please forgive me."

Both of them had become quite emotional during the argument, but now that they had calmed down, they both felt that there was no need to ruin their relationship over these things.

Finally, the two smiled at each other and reconciled.

The next second, Ni Yuanlu sighed, a hint of emotion on her face, and said:

"I never imagined His Highness the Crown Prince had already planned to open the seas. Now it seems our argument just now was somewhat unnecessary." "Because no matter what, the seas must be opened!"

Xue Guoguan also said with a smile:

"That's right, our Crown Prince is truly extraordinary. Just like you and me, we've been manipulated by him."

As he said this, his eyes were full of admiration for Zhu Cilang.

However, there was something he didn't say: he actually already knew that Zhu Cilang had this idea, but there was no point in saying it now; it would only make Ni Yuanlu feel awkward. Therefore, he didn't mention it.

Ni Yuanlu then continued:
"His Highness the Crown Prince just said that this matter can be informed of the six ministers and members of the cabinet, and then a result can be reached through joint discussion."

"But if someone really disagrees, will His Highness the Crown Prince really allow them to retire and return to their hometowns?"

Upon hearing this, Xue Guoguan's expression also became somewhat solemn, because to be honest, he felt that the current ministers of the six ministries and cabinet ministers were all capable officials, and therefore he was unwilling to disrupt the existing situation.

If a minister or high-ranking official were to retire and be replaced by someone else, it would inevitably affect the handling of state affairs.

After all, newly appointed officials need time to familiarize themselves with government affairs, and they also need time to work out their cooperation with various departments.

But he couldn't say much about it, only that:

"Since His Highness the Crown Prince has spoken, it proves that this matter is inevitable. If there is anyone who disagrees, then I'm afraid we can only ask him to retire to his hometown."

"However, based on my understanding of those colleagues, they will probably still agree to this matter, since ultimately, it is indeed beneficial to the country and the people."

"If you object, it's simply not right."

Upon hearing this, Ni Yuanlu nodded slightly and then said:
"In that case, let's do as His Highness the Crown Prince wishes. I also hope that this matter can be successfully approved by everyone, which will make it much easier for us to handle."

The two chatted for a while longer before parting ways.

Time passed quickly and it was night in the blink of an eye.

Zhu Cilang did not go to Chongzhen to explain the matter today because he needed to confirm some details before informing Chongzhen.

It was late at night, and Zhu Cilang was just about to rest when Ma Bao rushed in to report.

"Your Highness, Commander Li Ruolian of the Embroidered Uniform Guard requests an audience."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang immediately perked up and said:
"Let him in."

Zhu Cilang knew that Li Ruolian must have something important to report to him in the middle of the night, so he naturally wouldn't delay her.

He then stood up, straightened his clothes, and waited for Li Ruolian to arrive.

Not long after, Li Ruolian was brought before Zhu Cilang by Ma Bao.

He then bowed and said:

"I see His Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Cilang waved his hand, signaling him to stand up, and then asked:

"What's the matter?"

Li Ruolian said without the slightest hesitation:
"Your Highness, Luo Yangxing has sent a secret letter from Nanjing, saying that the matter is urgent and needs to be reported to Your Highness immediately."

"The messenger has also been brought; he is right outside the door."

Zhu Cilang was somewhat surprised to hear this, because he did not expect that Li Ruolian's visit was actually because of Luo Yangxing.

Previously, Luo Yangxing had been demoted to Nanjing by him, and afterwards he would send a secret letter every month, which would describe the recent events that had occurred in Nanjing.

However, Zhu Cilang remained somewhat skeptical about the contents of these letters. After all, no one could guarantee that Luo Yangxing wouldn't be won over by the officials in Nanjing and become their lackey after arriving there.

After all, Nanjing was an important stronghold for the Donglin Party.

However, now that a secret letter has been delivered, he is willing to take a look at Luo Yangxing's letter.

Immediately afterwards, Li Ruolian took out a secret letter from her bosom. The envelope of the secret letter was dark brown and sealed with sealing wax.

Upon seeing this, Ma Bao stepped forward, took the secret letter, and then handed it to Zhu Cilang.

Zhu Cilang took the secret letter, tore open the envelope without hesitation, and then read it carefully.

His eyes scanned the letter quickly, and soon his expression turned strange.

Because the contents of this letter were not about anything else, but rather about the opening of the sea and maritime smuggling.

And coincidentally, the conversation was about Liang Youdai and the maritime nobles discussing donating half of their family fortune to the imperial court.

In his letter, Luo Yangxing said that about half a month ago, he noticed that some merchants and nobles were secretly contacting some officials who had come to Nanjing from the capital.

Therefore, he kept a close eye on them and sent trusted confidants to keep a close watch on them.

Unexpectedly, they actually heard some crucial information: these people were actually going to donate their family property to the imperial court in order to be pardoned for their previous smuggling crimes.

Luo Yangxing knew at the time that this matter was of great importance, so he immediately sent people to protect those people, and in the process, he also eliminated several groups of people who wanted to harm them.

There was nothing they could do. These merchants and nobles were simply too foolish. They didn't even consider that this was Nanjing, the domain of the Donglin Party. How could they not be discovered by the Donglin Party when they so openly sought out officials from the north sent by the imperial court?

Fortunately, with Luo Yangxing's secret help, those people were all safe and sound in the end. Even now, Luo Yangxing is still sending people to secretly protect them.

In addition, Luo Yangxing also included detailed information about those people, their backgrounds, and even the approximate amount of their family assets in the letter.

The information was surprisingly detailed, as if Luo Yangxing knew everything about those maritime merchants and nobles.

Finally, Luo Yangxing asked Zhu Cilang in the letter how to handle the matter, and said that he would do his best to help if needed.

After reading the letter, Zhu Cilang smiled slightly.

That smile carried a hint of pride and satisfaction.

To be honest, when he demoted Luo Yangxing to Nanjing, although nominally to have Luo Yangxing supervise the civil and military officials in Nanjing, he didn't actually have high expectations for him.

After all, the situation in Nanjing is complex, and it won't be easy for Luo Yangxing, a newcomer, to gain a foothold there and acquire useful information.

Unexpectedly, Luo Yangxing actually proved to be quite useful, and in some mysterious way, he helped him a great deal.

If it weren't for Luo Yangxing, none of this would have happened today.

As expected, this guy is actually quite useful. (End of Chapter)