Taichang Ming Dynasty

Chapter 743 Europa Trading Company

“Ma Xiandian did attend a few classes at the Inner Academy, but he wouldn’t write to his subordinates about official matters for no reason. Besides,” Gao Shiming smiled slightly, tapping his fingers unconsciously on his knee, “I’m currently serving outside the palace and can’t help him much.”

“That’s true.” Li Fengxiang took a sip of tea. “The palace opened a branch in Liaodong for two main purposes.” He put down his teacup, his gaze becoming more focused. “First, it’s to recoup cash. Liaodong has been at war for three years, and the court has transferred far more than ten million taels of silver to Liaodong. Once the silver is poured in, we have to find a way to get some back. Second…” He paused, his tone drawing out.

"This is to lay the foundation for implementing the policy of replacing silver with paper money throughout the world in the future. Think about it, the soldiers who came to support Liaodong came from all over the country. After the Liaodong situation is pacified, if they take the paper money back to their hometowns, the paper money will naturally circulate everywhere, which will greatly promote the implementation of the policy. Moreover, Liaodong currently has more silver than goods, and merchants from inside and outside the pass travel frequently. Promoting paper money here will best help it circulate and spread widely."

After saying these two points, Li Fengxiang leaned forward slightly, with a hint of instruction: "Eunuch Gao, if you have any further contact with Minister Wang and he asks about the establishment of the Liaodong branch, you might as well tell him these things clearly. That way, he won't be left wondering and making unfounded suspicions."

"Yes, I understand." Gao Shiming immediately straightened his back and replied respectfully, "I will definitely relay the truth to Minister Wang."

“Hmm,” Li Fengxiang nodded with a smile, then continued, “Oh, and another thing, if Minister Wang is worried that changing to issuing banknotes will affect the morale of the army…” He waved his hand, his tone resolute, “then you should tell him not to worry. His Majesty is wise and insightful; how could he do such a foolish thing that would destroy the Great Wall? There are foolproof plans for the great military and national affairs.”

A barely perceptible glint of inquiry flashed in Gao Shiming's eyes. After a moment's thought, he tentatively asked, "So, it really is going to change military pay to cash in the future?"

Li Fengxiang did not answer directly, but instead asked, "You must have seen the memorial from the Liaodong Military Governor's Office last month, right?"

“Yes,” Gao Shiming nodded, “I only asked this question because I had already seen it.”

“That’s right.” A faint smile appeared on Li Fengxiang’s lips. “Do you know who facilitated this matter in front of Commander Xiong?”

Gao Shiming was slightly taken aback, then realized what he meant and asked with a hint of surprise, "Ma Xiandian, could it be?"

“That’s right!” Li Fengxiang affirmed. “It was he who personally persuaded Xiong Jinglue to submit this memorial.”

"I see." Gao Shiming nodded slowly, a look of understanding on his face. "I understand now."

"Even Chief Wei didn't expect him to handle things so elegantly," Li Fengxiang praised. "You really have a good student."

Gao Shiming waved his hand and said, "Yes. I didn't expect to benefit from his influence so quickly."

Li Fengxiang hadn't expected such a humble remark to be made in this way, and couldn't help but laugh twice before continuing, "If Minister Wang asks further, just tell him that the palace has no shortage of cash! Every tael of silver note issued by the Sun and Moon Bank is backed by real silver in the treasury. Even in the event of a full run on the bank, every penny can be redeemed without fail, ensuring that no one holding the note is left empty-handed. We still have that confidence to establish trust."

"Understood, Your subordinate." Gao Shiming's eyes flickered. "I will report to you immediately if there is any movement from the Ministry of Revenue."

Li Fengxiang nodded in satisfaction, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He reached out and picked up a piece of osmanthus cake, broke it in half, and handed it to Gao Shiming: "Here, don't just talk, have a taste." After saying that, he put the other half into his mouth and slowly began to eat.

As he ate, Li Fengxiang seemed to suddenly remember something, slowing his chewing and looking up at Gao Shiming: "By the way, Minister Wang must have passed through Tianjin on his way north from Nanjing. Did he ask you about the Tianjin branch while he was there?"

Gao Shiming quickly swallowed the leftover pastries with his tea and replied, "I did ask. I also truthfully told Minister Wang about the regulations set by the palace, which stipulate that Western merchants must first exchange cash for banknotes at the bank before they can enter the market to trade."

"Hmm," Li Fengxiang raised an eyebrow slightly, "So what was his attitude?"

“I can’t tell what their attitude is,” Gao Shiming shook his head, “but it shouldn’t be considered opposition.”

"Hmm." Li Fengxiang nodded, putting the rest of the osmanthus cake into his mouth. "It's good that you don't object. As long as you don't object, there will be fewer troubles."

Seeing that Li Fengxiang was in a good mood, Gao Shiming brought up another matter: "By the way, General Affairs Officer Li, Minister Wang asked me something that I couldn't answer at the time. I would like to ask you for advice so that he can ask me again in the future."

"what's up?"

“Minister Wang asked,” Gao Shiming said, “what will happen to Yuegang in Fujian after Tianjin opens to foreign trade? I don’t know what the palace plans, so I didn’t dare to say anything.”

Li Fengxiang listened but did not answer immediately. He slowly finished the osmanthus cake in his hand, then picked up his teacup and sipped it slowly, as if savoring it or carefully choosing his words. Only after setting down the teacup did he slowly speak: "Jiangnan is prosperous and wealthy, and close to Southeast Asia. Yuegang has been open for almost a hundred years since the first year of the Longqing reign. The trade routes are mature and the interests are solidified. If Yuegang continues to operate as before, and continues to open for trade..." He paused, his gaze becoming somewhat distant, "...then wouldn't the Tianjin Port, which His Majesty has painstakingly opened, become nothing more than a decoration?"

Gao Shiming's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, and he tentatively asked, "So, the palace is planning to close Yuegang?"

Li Fengxiang glanced at Gao Shiming and slowly shook his head: "I didn't say that."

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The afternoon sun shone through the gaps in the locust tree leaves, casting dappled shadows on the bluestone pavement. He Xiaokui walked briskly through the streets and alleys of Nanxunfang. Although he had already run two errands and his legs were a little sore, the thought of the reward money he was about to receive invigorated him.

He stopped in front of a grand courtyard house. Although the house had changed owners, it still retained the dignity and style of the capital. The eaves were covered with green tiles, the gate was painted red, and the brand-new plaque above the door, which read "European Trading Company," was written in neat regular script.

He Xiaokui took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his exhaustion. Then, he straightened his sweat-soaked blue robe and cap, and slightly raised his head. Once his breathing was even, He Xiaokui raised his hand and knocked on the brass ring on the merchant house's door.

Du, du, du—

The vermilion gate creaked open a crack, revealing half a slightly gaunt face. The doorman, dressed in ordinary blue cloth, stood upright, but his eyes were unusually sharp: "Young man, who are you looking for?" "I am a servant under Eunuch Gao Shiming, the branch manager of the Zhengyangmen branch of the Sun and Moon Bank," He Xiaokui puffed out his chest, lifted his robe, deliberately slowed his speech, and tried to imitate the tone of an official, "He Xiaokui!"

Upon hearing the words "Eunuch Gao Shiming," a barely perceptible glint flashed in the gatekeeper's eyes. "So it's you, Gao Shiming, from the bank. My apologies for the rudeness." The gatekeeper opened the door, his gaze sweeping over the wooden badge at He Xiaokui's waist, and gave a slight bow. "What are your orders, Eunuch Gao?"

He Xiaokui raised his chin slightly and patted his chest: "I have something important to give to your Western master! Go and inform him quickly."

“Esteemed official.” He Xiaokui’s feigned arrogance and slightly insulting words annoyed the gatekeeper, but his respectful demeanor remained unchanged. “My master is currently listening to a lecture by his master. Could you please entrust me with that important matter to present?”

He Xiaokui chuckled inwardly, thinking to himself, "How could I let you steal the benefits that are about to be mine?" "This matter is of great importance and needs to be presented to your master in person. Just say that 'Eunuch Gao' sent me, and he will definitely see me!"

The gatekeeper's eyes narrowed slightly. After a moment's thought, he ultimately decided not to stop him. "Please wait a moment, I'll go and inform him. Please sit in the gatehouse for a while and have some tea." With that, the gatekeeper stepped aside to let Ah Kui through the door and led him to the gatehouse hut.

A-Kui nodded in satisfaction, thinking that the Westerner's doorman was quite sensible. He walked into the doorman's room, sat down without any ceremony, and his eyes darted around, taking in the furnishings of the courtyard. He could vaguely hear the rhythmic sound of reading coming from the second courtyard.

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The atmosphere of the study in the second courtyard is quite different from that of the traditional Chinese courtyard outside.

In the deepest part of the study, Wang Zheng, a round-faced, broad-nosed scholar who had failed the imperial examinations, sat intently behind his desk. Before him lay a book titled *The Miracle of Western Characters*, and on the desk were several sheets of Xuan paper filled with Latin phonetic symbols. Opposite Wang Zheng sat his five students—

The slender, refined-looking slave trader Wadsław Amato, who at first glance exudes the air of a Western gentleman; the kind-faced yet shrewd Portuguese mine owner Ryan Hobbes; and the somewhat arrogant French plantation owner Rogers Heydrich.

The ship owner Dinesh João, who should have been leading the class, and the arms dealer Harald Brandt were not present. Instead, sitting in their places were Charles Kleiner, the commander of the musketeers, and his second-in-command Salcedo Basque, who had been dragged there to attend the lecture.

They are trying hard to imitate the pronunciation of Chinese words and phrases, following Wang Zheng's pronunciation.

“Repeat after me… ‘Tian’ TIEN… ‘Zhu’ CHU…” Wang Zheng’s voice was clear and gentle as his fingers traced across the pages of the book. In a corner of the study, an exquisite Western-style clock seemed to be ticking in harmony with his voice.

Tuk-tuk-tuk.

A slightly hurried series of footsteps, followed by a knock on the door, broke the harmony inside. Everyone looked up towards the entrance.

In the classroom, the teacher was the most important person, so Władysław Amato, who was in charge, did not speak for a moment, but silently looked at Wang Zheng until Wang Zheng nodded, at which point he said, "Come in."

The doorman pushed open the door and entered, first bowing respectfully to Wang Zheng and the three foreigners who had hired him: "Mr. Wang, gentlemen, I apologize for disturbing you."

"Jiaqing, what is it?" Wadsław Amato asked in much more standard Chinese.

“Master Amato, a messenger surnamed He has arrived at the door. He claims to be sent by Eunuch Gao Shiming, the head of the Zhengyangmen branch of the Sun and Moon Bank. He says he has important matters to inform you, sir,” the doorman named Jiaqing said slowly. “I dare not be negligent, so I apologize for disturbing you. Please forgive me, sir.” After saying this, the doorman did not forget to bow to Wang Zheng.

“It’s alright.” Wang Zheng waved his hand, looked at the leader, Władysław Amato, and seeing that he did not look at him with a questioning gaze, he did not take the initiative to translate.

"Eunuch Gao sent someone over!?" Amato understood. The displeasure he had felt from being disturbed vanished instantly, replaced by a mix of apprehension and joy. Ryan Hobbs and Rogers Heydrich also sat up straight immediately, exchanging a glance.

“Yes, Lord Amato,” the doorman replied. “That’s what he said.”

"Quickly! Quickly invite him to the front yard, to the living room. Serve him carefully! Serve him the best tea, don't neglect him! Absolutely." When Wadsław Amato spoke quickly, his Chinese became stiff and incoherent, and he even occasionally mixed in some Portuguese pronunciations.

"Master Amato, that messenger ran all the way here, he's still covered in sweat," the doorman tactfully reminded Amato that the messenger's status wasn't high and there was no need to pay too much attention to him.

Władysław Amato clearly didn't catch the hidden meaning in the doorman's words: "Okay, I understand. Jiaqing, you go and greet them quickly."

"Yes." The doorman snorted, but didn't say anything more, and turned to leave.

“I’m very sorry, Mr. Wang.” Władysław Amato stood up, turned to Wang Zheng, and slowly bowed apologetically, saying, “The bank’s eunuch is very important to the students. The students must see him. Please forgive me, sir.”

Wang Zheng closed "The Miracle of the Western Characters" and smiled kindly. "Since there's important business, Lord Wudong, please feel free to do as you please. Don't worry about it. I can wait here, or come back another day." Władysław Amato had given himself the Chinese name "Udis" (a homophone for "Udis"), so Wang Zheng always called him Lord Wudong. In contrast, Władysław Amato never called Wang Zheng by his Christian name, 'Philippe'.

“Thank you, sir.” Władysław Amato didn’t move, but asked with an embarrassed smile, “I am only a student with a rudimentary understanding of literature. Could you please help us with the translation? I would be extremely grateful.”

“Alright. It’s no trouble at all.” Wang Zheng skillfully concealed the look of inquiry and curiosity in his eyes and slowly stood up. “Since Lord Wu Dong doesn’t mind, then I will go with you all to take a look.”

The foreign merchants exchanged pleased glances, thanked him profusely, and gestured for Wang Zheng to step outside. "This way, please."

A scholar and three merchants hurriedly left the study, crossed the courtyard, and headed towards the main hall. The two mercenaries, however, stayed in the study, yawning and slumping onto the table.

(End of this chapter)