Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

To further strengthen this system, Zhu Cilang implemented a series of economic policies, the most strategic of which was the Ming Dynasty's version of the "Navigation Regulations." The core principle of these regulations was to strictly restrict the export of primary raw materials from the outset, while simultaneously expanding the purchase of various raw materials.

Its fundamental purpose is to ensure that these resources will not be purchased cheaply by overseas countries, converted into industrial products, and then dumped back into the East Asian market, thereby weakening the competitiveness of Ming Dynasty's local handicraft industry.

On the contrary, the Ming Dynasty had to rely on its own strong industrial base to transform raw materials from Southeast Asia, East Asia and other places into high-value-added handicrafts, and then sell them to them at higher prices.

The rise of handicrafts was crucial in this process. If the Ming Dynasty wanted to upgrade its economic structure, it had to first complete primitive capital accumulation, and the trade war became an unavoidable part of this process.

Although the Dutch and Spanish had been active in East Asia for many years, their homelands were remote, and their supply lines were long and fragile. Their scattered overseas outposts alone were insufficient to counter the Ming Dynasty's overwhelming advantages in geography, resources, and population. With the right strategy, the East Asian market would be completely free of the interference of European powers and return to Ming dominance.

From a longer-term perspective, Zhu Cilang understood that mercantilist policies were the optimal solution for the Ming Dynasty's rise in the short term. With a trade surplus as the core, through the continuous inflow of gold and silver, wealth would accumulate, thereby strengthening the foundation of productivity.

This policy would dominate Ming's foreign trade for a long time, until domestic productivity reached a sufficient level to completely suppress competitors. Only then could free-market policies replace mercantilist policies, gradually relaxing trade controls and allowing the market to regulate itself. However, until then, Ming must maintain a firm grip on the entire East Asian trade system to ensure a continuous influx of wealth.

At the same time, Zhu Cilang realized that relying solely on the export of high-end goods like porcelain and silk was insufficient to fully absorb the country's vast labor force. While the Ming Dynasty possessed a vast territory, arable land was ultimately limited. With a population exceeding hundreds of millions, agriculture alone could not sustain the livelihoods of all. Therefore, the textile industry became a necessary area of ​​development.

If mass consumer goods such as cotton and linen can be produced on a large scale, it will not only meet the needs of the Southeast Asian market, but also further promote domestic technological progress and provide employment opportunities for a large number of surplus population, making the prosperity of industry and commerce an important pillar for promoting national development.

However, policy implementation required careful planning and could not be directly implemented in the name of the imperial court. Otherwise, not only would this arouse the vigilance of overseas powers, but it might also spark dissatisfaction among maritime merchant groups. Therefore, while the implementation of this series of regulations was ostensibly spearheaded by trading companies with official backgrounds, it was actually the result of behind-the-scenes manipulation by the Ming Dynasty.

Although Zhang Mingzhen and his colleagues were highly valued merchants, they lacked direct decision-making power and could only execute orders within the policy framework. The major coastal chambers of commerce, while perhaps reluctant, were forced to accept the court's aggressive push and seek new ways to survive within the Ming-dominated trade order.

The implementation of this comprehensive set of policies was both the core of the Ming Dynasty's economic strategy and a key means for Zhu Cilang to consolidate his overseas rule. Through precise market control, he not only gave the Ming Dynasty an advantage in the trade war but also firmly entrenched the centripetal force of overseas Chinese communities, deeply binding their interests to the Ming Dynasty's national destiny.

Driven by this system, the Ming Dynasty was expanding its maritime influence at an unprecedented rate, and a new global trade structure was gradually taking shape under Zhu Cilang's planning. This was precisely one of the advantages brought about by the independence of commercial companies and official institutions.

In this way, Li Xiaolin and Zhang Mingzhen could naturally obtain the support of the navy from all over the Ming Dynasty, and secretly support the pirate forces, so that they could deal with them with ease in the complex southeastern waters.

Not only were they able to maintain a delicate balance between the Japanese, the Nanyang countries, the Han people of Taiwan, the Dutch, the Spanish and the local indigenous people, but they were also able to judge the situation and jointly explore how to deal with policies that hindered the development of Ming Dynasty's maritime trade in order to maximize their own interests.

While local merchants still dominate the capital of maritime trade groups, the landscape has quietly shifted as prominent officials in the imperial court have invested in them. Important officials such as Chen Fu, Zhang Huangyan, and Li Banghua, as well as some prominent generals, have invested in various investment funds and invested in them, securing their voice in the maritime trade landscape.

At the same time, local fortified strongholds and merchant groups also joined in, investing private capital in an attempt to capture a share of this wave of maritime trade expansion. When the accounts were submitted, the results were eye-opening.

"Lord Zhang, General Zhang, General Chen, General Chang, General Lin... a total of 86 people, raised 939,000 taels of silver. Lord Li, Lord Ni, Lord Li... a total of 71 people, raised 1,586,000 taels of silver. The Soldiers' Retirement Fund plans to contribute 450,000 taels of silver this year. In addition, wealthy merchants, gentry, and clan leaders from various places, a total of 1,219 people, raised 1,370,000 taels of silver."

After hearing the list, Zhang Mingzhen leaned slightly to the side, shifting his numb buttocks. A meaningful sneer curled up at the corner of his mouth, and he shook his head and said, "These short-sighted guys are hesitant to lead them to make money. When the time comes and they see others sharing the profits, I'm afraid they will regret it."

The staff member beside them echoed, "They still think that Your Majesty and the Lord are colluding to defraud them of their money. Look at their gloomy faces when they come to register and pay the money. They are afraid that the money will be gone forever, as if we have embezzled their principal."

Zhang Mingzhen sneered and said firmly, "Don't worry about them. When business is booming and the dividends are generous, won't they be rushing to give us money?"

He was confident in the future of maritime trade, knowing that as long as the situation stabilized and wealth rolled in, those currently hesitant would eventually follow suit. He paused briefly, then turned and asked, "Old Lu, what's going on with the red-haired people in Taiwan? How's the communication going with the gentry? How many have agreed to cooperate?"

Old Lu bowed and replied, "Ever since Guo Dehuai's rebellion failed and was suppressed, the Reds have become increasingly wary of the Han Chinese. Not only have they strictly prohibited the Han Chinese from privately possessing weapons, they've also built a more substantial fortress in Chihkan, naming it Fort Provintia. It's rumored that the government has specially appointed a new 'parent official' in Chihkan to mediate disputes between the Dutch, the Han Chinese, and the Taiwanese aborigines."

Zhang Mingzhen frowned and asked, "Are they trying to show mercy and win over others?"

Old Lu nodded and said, "That's exactly what I meant. To appease the Han people, the newly appointed red-haired official even summoned two Han leaders to participate in the trial to demonstrate fairness."

He paused briefly, then continued, "The Military Intelligence Department has previously deployed spies to infiltrate various villages in Tainan. However, due to the intense fighting in Fujian, only four have been dispatched for now. These spies have successfully contacted some Han Chinese leaders and established connections with some merchants. However, due to Guo Dehuai's previous failure, they remain wary and cautious."

Zhang Mingzhen snorted coldly, his eyes grimly scanning the figures in the account book, as if lost in thought. "Hmph, Li Xiaolin's people are responsible for this, so of course they're still worried." Zhang Mingzhen snorted coldly, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain.

He tapped the table lightly, his tone unhurried but filled with unquestionable authority: "Contact the Prince Consort and have the insider at the Military Intelligence Department spread the word that Li Weimin has set his sights on Taiwan again. Give them three days to consider. If they still can't make up their minds, don't blame the court for turning ruthless."

Zhang Mingzhen finished speaking, raising his chin slightly, a sharp glint in his eyes. He understood the situation on Taiwan better than anyone else. Although Li Weimin was no longer on the front lines, his prestige among his former Taiwanese subordinates was far beyond the reach of a junior like Li Xiaolin. Those former pirate leaders had transformed themselves into merchants and provincial governors, but the Dutch remained wary of them and never truly trusted them. Therefore, in the eyes of these leaders and merchants, Li Weimin's attitude was far more intimidating than Li Xiaolin's actions.

"Yes, Lord Zhang!" Old Lu immediately bent down and responded, his attitude respectful and cautious.

Zhang Mingzhen nodded slightly, then thought for a moment and suddenly asked, "By the way, what's going on with He Nan lately? Has he made any plans yet?"

There was a hint of impatience in his tone. If the situation on Taiwan Island changed, maritime trade would inevitably be affected, and He Nanru's role in this matter was crucial.

Upon hearing this, Old Lu's lips curled slightly, clearly dissatisfied with He Nanru's attitude. He lowered his voice and said, "This guy is always adapting to the situation. On the surface, he seems very positive, but he talks about a lot of things that are simply impossible to do now, as if he is sincerely advising us. But whenever we ask him to do something, he always makes excuses and refuses to take action."

Zhang Mingzhen frowned slightly upon hearing this, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. He wasn't surprised. People like He Nanru were always calculating and swaying between the Dutch and the Ming. It would be strange if he truly committed.

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Mingzhen sneered, "This man is quite knowledgeable and can even speak his mind in front of the Dutch. We can't push him too hard. If we push him too hard, he might start talking nonsense in front of the Dutch and ruin our plan."

Old Lu nodded and whispered, "Your Excellency is absolutely right."

Zhang Mingzhen waved his hand and continued, "For now, let's move on with other matters. As for He Nanru, we'll hold off for now. We don't need to expect timely assistance, but there's always someone who can add icing on the cake."

When Old Lu heard this, his eyes lit up slightly and he immediately nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency is wise."

Zhang Mingzhen slowly exhaled, his gaze fixed on the map on the table, a complex expression on his face. After a moment, he suddenly turned his head and looked at Lao Lu, a rare hint of doubt on his face.

"Old Lu, you say..." He paused, as if he was choosing his words.

Seeing this, Old Lu quickly looked up and stared at Zhang Mingzhen's slightly furrowed brows, feeling a little puzzled. "Please speak, sir."

Zhang Mingzhen tapped the table lightly and said slowly, "You say...are countries like England and France really as powerful as the rumors say?"

When these words were spoken, Old Lu was stunned for a moment, his eyes widened and his mouth slightly opened, as if he had not expected Zhang Mingzhen to suddenly ask such a question.

"Ah?" He gasped in surprise and didn't know how to answer for a moment.

The atmosphere in the room subtly grew quieter, as if even the air itself had stagnated for a moment. Zhang Mingzhen's gaze was as still as water, carrying a hint of unfathomable meaning. He wasn't one to ask casual questions; the mention of Western nations at this moment must have been filled with apprehension.

After a while, Old Lu slowly came to his senses and carefully composed his words. "Sir, we've had quite a few dealings with the Dutch over the years. Their firearms are indeed powerful, and their warships are indeed sturdy. But England and France... I haven't directly engaged them. I can only say that these countries, having crossed the oceans and expanded their territory overseas, are undoubtedly no ordinary nations."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mingzhen nodded slowly, as if he was in deep thought.

"Yes..." He murmured softly, his finger sliding gently across the map, finally landing in the direction of Taiwan Island. "These barbarians seem far away, but their hands reach further than we imagine."

Old Lu listened with a start, vaguely sensing Zhang Mingzhen's deeper meaning. While the Ming Dynasty still held sway in the southeast, the shadows of Western powers were already looming over the ocean. This chess game was far more complex than they had imagined.

"Sir, you are worried..." Old Lu asked tentatively.

Zhang Mingzhen was silent for a moment, then revealed a cold smile and said softly, "Worried? No, I'm more curious - if these distant forces dare to set foot on our land one day, how big a storm can they stir up?"

In Chikan City, in a restaurant on South Gate Street, He Nan was leisurely sipping his wine, his expression calm. Opposite him sat the owner of the place, Liu Laoer. To their sides stood a guard each: one was He Nan's personal guard, the other was Liu Laoer's household servant.

On the surface, this restaurant is an ordinary business, but in Chikan City, any place with some power is often not as simple as it seems.

Today, Chikan City is filled with spies from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Li family. Most of the local gentry on the island are long-established local tyrants who rely on their close relationships with the Dutch and local tribal leaders to sit firmly on the lucrative position.

The relationship between these people and the Dutch was not simply one of dominance and subjugation, but rather a mutually beneficial trade bond. Many local tyrants even considered the Dutch their backers, colluding with each other. (End of this chapter)