I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 289 The Whip and the Opening of the Sea! Yaodong Trading Company Returns to Public Control, Shen Nian Happily Receives a New House

On the 20th day of the first lunar month, at dawn, just as the sky was beginning to brighten.

The winter wind was biting and the weather was bitterly cold.

Civil and military officials, clerks, and servants in the capital traveled to various government offices by horse, carriage, sedan chair, or on foot.

After a twenty-day rest, some officials looked radiant and walked with a brisk pace; others were half asleep, their legs weak and their faces tired, clearly not yet fully recovered.

Inside the Daming Gate, on the only route for civil and military officials to get to their offices.

Several censors stood like pine trees, their eyes sweeping over the officials arriving at the yamen with icy scrutiny. Those who were disheveled or listless would be impeached before noon, and might even be punished with a beating.

When the officials saw these censors, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over their heads, and they instantly perked up.

……

A moment later, Shen Nian arrived at the Hanlin Academy on time.

He was sitting in the large chair in the lecture hall, and before he could decide what to do first, a cabinet clerk came to report.

"Scholar Shen, half an hour ago, the three Grand Secretaries submitted a memorial to the Office of Transmission concerning the Single Whip Law and the Order to Open the Sea and Grant Silver. Grand Secretary Yin said that His Majesty is very likely to summon you for a meeting this morning, and hopes that you will prepare in advance."

"Okay, I understand!" Shen Nian nodded.

Shen Nian was surprised by the efficiency of the Third Grand Secretary. On the morning of the first day of the new year, he had already written the most important memorial of the year and submitted it.

The three Grand Secretaries submitted their memorial to the Office of Transmission half an hour ago.

It wasn't that they finished writing half an hour ago, but rather that the Office of Transmission only opened its doors half an hour ago.

Non-secret memorials and reports all had to go through the Office of Transmission, make copies, send them to the Directorate of Ceremonial, and then be handed over to the young Wanli Emperor.

Shen Nian guessed that the three of them must have started writing as soon as the Lantern Festival ended.

The Single Whip Law and the Order to Open the Sea and Attract Silver, though seemingly two separate strategies, are actually one thing, and many details need to be complemented and formulated.

Shen Nian needs to think things through in advance so that she can communicate more effectively during the meeting.

at the same time.

Officials from various government offices gradually heard about the three cabinet ministers submitting the "first memorial of the new year".

This is a clear signal.

This year, all officials must work harder and more diligently than last year, or they will ruin their careers.

……

Half an hour later.

The chief officials of important government offices such as the Six Ministries, the Censorate, the Hanlin Academy, and the Five Military Commissions all received an oral edict from the young Wanli Emperor and came to the Wenhua Hall.

Inside the main hall, the three Grand Secretaries stood at the forefront, their eyes gleaming.

Two junior eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial distributed handwritten copies of the joint memorial submitted by the three Grand Secretaries to the crowd.

Shen Nian began to read it carefully.

The memorial contained two main points.

Firstly, the cabinet suggested that the Single Whip Law be officially implemented nationwide starting from the first day of the second lunar month.

The Single Whip Law was a system that combined taxes and corvée labor, levied grain based on acreage, and collected and remitted by the government, all converted into silver.

Its core principle is to simplify complexity.

After the implementation of the Single Whip Law, the tax system of the Ming Dynasty will be simplified, which will not only reduce the opportunities for officials and clerks to exploit the people, but also promote the development of commerce and trade, and alleviate the burden on landless and land-poor farmers to a certain extent.

Of course, its shortcomings are also very obvious.

This means that local government offices could easily impose additional miscellaneous taxes on a temporary basis, such as adding "suppression tax" when suppressing bandits, or adding "Liaodong tax" when the military funds in Liaodong were insufficient.

This is a common occurrence, and it's what officials often refer to as "there are whips outside the whips, and rules outside the rules."

In their memorial, the three Grand Secretaries stated that once the Single Whip Law was implemented, the court must completely eliminate this practice of levying additional taxes and requested that the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue work together to come up with specific punitive measures.

Another drawback of the Single Whip Method was its dependence on silver.

This is also the second point mentioned in the memorial: the implementation of the order to open up the sea and introduce silver.

The three cabinet ministers believed that if the government were to fully open up the seas and simultaneously implement a series of measures such as "building a navy, increasing the number of seaports, building warships and merchant ships," the court's finances would simply not be able to support it. Therefore, it was necessary to choose the most important measures.

The three cabinet ministers suggested that the navy should be built first, and major ports should be opened at the same time. The court should use its power to earn a batch of silver within six months, and then private commerce should be vigorously developed.

In addition, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of Revenue need to work together to determine the annual expenditure of the imperial court for opening up the sea, the selection of civil and military officials in charge of maritime trade and military training, the time and silver required for building merchant ships and developing ports, etc.

This is practically like the cabinet assigning homework to its ministers.

The Ministry of Personnel needs to select capable officials to participate in the opening of the sea.

The Ministry of War needs to select naval officers and soldiers and formulate training plans.

The Ministry of Works was responsible for building a large number of merchant ships, warships, and upgrading ports.

The Ministry of Revenue needs to provide a detailed breakdown of all expenditures for these measures, allowing other government departments to act within their means. Otherwise, the excessive investment in maritime exploration could deplete the national treasury, and the Ming Dynasty would be on the verge of collapse should a natural disaster or war occur.

The young Wanli Emperor looked down and said, "My lords, after reading the memorials of the three Grand Secretaries, what are your thoughts? Please speak up!"

The main areas that need supplementation and suggestions at present are those related to the "Opening of the Seas and Introduction of Silver Order".

Swish!
Liang Menglong, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, was the first to step forward.

"Your Majesty, the soldiers needed to build the navy can be drawn from the garrisons along the southeast coast. I have already ordered the Ministry of War to compile a list of soldiers who fought against the Japanese pirates in the southeast region. In addition to them, we will select the best soldiers who are skilled in using firearms and have experience sailing at sea..."

"As for the naval training commanders, I suggest that Qi Jiguang, the general of Jizhou who has experience in fighting Japanese pirates, and the Duke of Yingguo recommend them. It would be best if there were generals from the Beijing Garrison as well as border generals."

"In terms of training, the Ministry of War still retains the naval training methods used during the voyages of Zheng He (the Hongwu Emperor) to the Western Ocean, which should be more than sufficient. As for how many naval vessels need to be built, that depends on how many ports can be opened and how many warships can be built..."

Liang Menglong's logic was clear, and he explained very clearly the responsibilities that the Ministry of War should bear and how to proceed.

Clearly, his preparations for the year-end were far more than just celebrating the New Year; he had made them well in advance.

Immediately, Wang Guoguang, the Minister of Personnel, stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, after the court issued the decree to open up the sea trade and introduce silver at the end of last year, the Ministry of Personnel began to select civil officials suitable for managing maritime trade. No matter how many civil officials are needed, the Ministry of Personnel can recommend appropriate officials."

Upon hearing this, the young Wanli Emperor and the three Grand Secretaries couldn't help but laugh; they loved this kind of efficiency in handling official business.

At this moment, Li Youzi, the Minister of Works, stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Works is mainly responsible for the construction of warships, merchant ships, and ports. At present, the Ministry of Works does not lack construction talent. As long as the national treasury has sufficient funds, large nine-masted treasure ships that are fifty zhang long and eighteen zhang wide can also be built. In addition, the Ministry of Works will focus on finding and training talents skilled in navigation, striving to enable the merchant ships of the Ming Dynasty to go further..."

"Boost morale!" Little Wanli couldn't help but exclaim.

Followed by.

Chen Kai, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and Zhang Rong, the Duke of Yingguo, also stepped forward to express their views. Their words were clearly not impromptu, but rather detailed plans that would help promote the Single Whip Law and the Maritime Trade Commission.

These old Dengs, though seemingly having rested for twenty days, were clearly very well prepared.

At this moment, Liu Sijie, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, looked at Shen Nian. He was skilled in financial management and accounting, but he had not yet calculated how many ports to open and how many merchant ships to build.

With these "old masters" setting a precedent, it would be embarrassing for the Ministry of Revenue to say "the amount will be determined after the meeting" at this point.

Shen Nian smiled slightly and stepped forward.

Although he wasn't busy with official business at the end of the year, he made an effort during the rest of the year.

"Your Majesty, after all the ministers have finished speaking, I have only one feeling: all the ministries have made preparations. The only uncertainty is how much money the Ministry of Revenue can spend."

Shen Nian got straight to the point as soon as she opened her mouth.

Money is the most important thing.

With money, there's nothing that can't be done.

Shen Nian paused for a moment, took out a piece of paper from her bosom, and slowly unfolded it. Liu Sijie quickly helped her open it.

The paper was unfolded, revealing a coastal map with many small circles drawn on it.

At this time.

Without saying a word and unaware of his duties in the hall, Yan Qing, the Minister of Justice, strode up to Shen Nian, raised the map with Liu Sijie, and then pointed it toward the young Wanli Emperor and the three Grand Secretaries, making it easier for Shen Nian to read the map.

"Thank you very much, Minister Yan!"

Looking at the map, Shen Nian said, "Based on the current financial resources of the national treasury, in the next three to five years, we can only designate these four ports as overseas trade ports, namely Guangzhou Port, Ningbo Port, Quanzhou Port and Zhangzhou Yue Port."

The first three ports were all large seaports that had been established since the Tang and Song dynasties.

Zhangzhou Yuegang was the most prosperous port for private maritime trade that developed after the opening of China during the Longqing era.

"The key to a good port is quality, not quantity; four are enough!" Yin Zhengmao said, stroking his beard.

Shen Nian continued, "As for building a navy, I suggest that building two naval forces, each with ten warships, would be sufficient for the time being."

Upon hearing this, Li Youzi, the Minister of Works, frowned.

Zheng He's fleet back then consisted of more than a hundred ships, including more than twenty warships. Now, building only twenty warships is far too few.

“Ziheng, the Ministry of Works can also supplement the funds for shipbuilding,” Li Youzi couldn’t help but say.

Shen Nian shook her head slightly and pointed to the map.

“These two fleets of warships do not stop at port when they are not resupplying. They sail around Ryukyu and the Japanese islands and destroy any pirates they encounter. They are protecting not only Ming Dynasty merchants, but also all foreign merchants who do business with us.”

"The reason we don't need many is that if they are bullied by pirates, we will convert all the merchant ships in the four major ports into warships and fight the pirates to the death. This will deter them and force them to avoid us."

“Deterrence is often more effective than attack, and having too many warships is an unnecessary expense at present.”

"In terms of commerce, I suggest that we first take the path of combining government and commerce, and then, after the sea routes and trade are mature, let more private fleets go to sea. Our Ming Dynasty merchants are the smartest, and they will never lose money in business!"

"In addition, I suggest that a new ocean-going fleet be secretly built in Guangzhou Port. The purpose of this fleet is to search for treasures and mines, promote the prestige and culture of the Ming Dynasty, and establish trade cooperation with more distant countries. Of course, this plan can only begin at least three years from now."

……

"The Ministry of Revenue can draft the specific documents for these ideas within three days!" Shen Nian said, bowing deeply to the young Wanli Emperor.

"Good, good, good!" Little Wanli shouted three times.

In the past, court meetings were used to assign tasks, but now everyone feels that they have taken a big step forward on the very first day.

All the goals are very clear.

The young Wanli Emperor was very excited and said, "Good, let's do it this way. After the drafts prepared by each ministry are completed, the Grand Secretary will set a date, and we will discuss it again before implementing it!"

All the ministers bowed their hands.

Then, the young Wanli Emperor added, "In addition, the imperial examinations should also be put on the agenda. The Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy can focus on the imperial examinations in the next two months."

"I obey!"

Minister of Rites Pan Sheng and Hanlin Academician Wang Xijue bowed to each other at the same time.

Just as the young Wanli Emperor was about to adjourn the meeting, Yan Qing, the Minister of Justice, strode out.

"Your Majesty, what should the Ministry of Justice do next to facilitate the implementation of the Single Whip Law and the Maritime Trade Expedition?"

The young Wanli Emperor was taken aback.

He then realized that Yan Qing, the Minister of Justice, was also in the hall. He had not intended to summon the Minister of Justice, but was simply used to summoning the Six Ministries.

Now, the Court of Judicial Review didn't come, but the Ministry of Justice did. The Ministry of Justice thought they had a mission, but in fact, they didn't.

Just as the young Wanli Emperor was wondering how to answer.

Shen Nian cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, at the end of last year, you said you wanted to borrow officials from the Ministry of Justice..."

Upon hearing the words "temporary transfer," the young Wanli Emperor's eyes lit up.

Shen Nian once told the young Wanli Emperor that the new policies and reforms required the participation of everyone.

If officials from some government offices are unable to participate, they are seconded to avoid one office being overworked while the other is idle, which would make the officials in both offices unhappy.

"Yes...yes...I mentioned this last year. Currently, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Revenue, and other government departments are short of officials who are meticulous in their work. Officials in the Ministry of Justice have always been known for their meticulousness. I will issue a loan order later. Minister Yan, you can't refuse to release him then!"

"The new policy is of utmost importance. I will definitely release the person, I will definitely release the person!" Yan Qing's face immediately broke into a smile.

A moment later, the meeting ended, and all the officials knew what to do next.

……

It was the 22nd day of the first lunar month, around noon.

When the young Wanli Emperor saw the letter from Shen Nian's father and father-in-law, presented by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, proposing the "Policy of Returning Dongyao Merchant Guild to the Public," he was deeply moved.

The two men claimed that they would hand over the Yaodong Trading Company to the imperial court, and from that day forward, the imperial court would become the owner of the Yaodong Trading Company. They said that after helping local officials take over the Yaodong Trading Company as advisors, they would prepare to return to their hometown to retire.

The two men made only one request: that the imperial court not change the regulations governing the generous treatment of employees by the Yaodong Trading Company.

It should be noted that the Yaodong Trading Company at present is a large-scale trading company that integrates purchasing, transportation, and sales.

Although the benefits will be passed on to the common people, the scale will continue to grow, with annual profits of at least one million taels of silver. It will also help local areas build roads and solve the livelihood problems of the poor.

This move was tantamount to the Shen family handing over a mountain of wealth to the imperial court.

This is true donation of all wealth, a genuine act of benefiting the people and the country, and a truly righteous act.

The young Wanli Emperor thought for a moment, then looked at Feng Bao beside him and handed him the letter.

After a moment, once Feng Bao had finished reading, the young Wanli Emperor spoke up: "My lord, the Shen family has rendered meritorious service to the court. At this time, the court is short of funds, and this act is truly a timely help. If we do not reward Minister Shen generously, it would seem that I am too ungrateful. What do you think I should reward him with?"

Feng Bao thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, this old servant thinks that Scholar Shen should be rewarded with a more luxurious mansion."

“At present, Scholar Shen has already reached the rank of the third grade official, but he still rents a single-courtyard house, which is inconsistent with his status. In addition, the alley where he lives is full of people and is also dangerous. For safety reasons, he should move to a larger house!”

“Yes, you should be granted a residence. Go and choose one!” Little Wanli nodded and said.

(End of this chapter)