My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 197, "A Memorial Requesting Court Visits from All Directions"?
Shen Yiguan was already feeling the effects of the alcohol. He rubbed his forehead, thought for a moment, and said:

"This liquor is so strong, it'll probably sell well, right?"

Shen Yiguan said again:

"But whether it can be sold depends on the price."

Su Ze told Shen Yiguan the price of rum at the port of Dengzhou and Laizhou, and Shen Yiguan exclaimed in surprise:
"so cheap?"

Su Ze nodded and said:
"The wines in the Central Plains are all made from grains, so the imperial court would issue prohibition orders for alcohol during years of famine, and the prices would naturally be higher."

"But rum is made from sugarcane waste products, which are inexpensive to produce and therefore inexpensive."

"If we use wooden barrels for transportation, the price will be even lower."

Rum became one of the world's earliest low-priced alcoholic beverages because it was a byproduct of the sugarcane economy and was inexpensive.

Moreover, rum is brewed in a very short time, so the amount of rum produced can be directly proportional to the amount of sugarcane plantations.

So much so that historically, rum was meant for the lowest-class laborers and pirates in the Caribbean, and officers on warships who drank rum would be ridiculed by their colleagues.

Sugarcane is also a very easy crop to grow. Nowadays, there are many plantations in Cochinchina and Luzon. In addition, with the Emperor's brother-in-law Li Wenquan developing Penghu, rum production will soon increase.

Rum is a highly sweet liquor, which is almost exactly what the grasslands are vulnerable to.

In the harsh winter weather of the grasslands, drinking alcohol is a good way to relieve depression.

The high calorie expenditure on the grasslands also makes grassland people prone to having a sweet tooth.

Shen Yiguan thought about it more and more and it seemed feasible. With such a low purchase price, the profit margin was large enough to attract merchants to transport the goods to the grasslands.

Merchants sell wine to the grasslands and then transport wool and horses back from the grasslands; this is a perfect trade route.

"As for wool, I have ways to promote it."
-
The process of turning wool into yarn is actually similar to that of turning cotton into yarn.

Wool, after being cleaned of grease and odor, is processed into fibers by a combing machine, then into yarn by a spinning machine, and finally into balls of yarn.

The preceding steps are actually similar to turning cotton into yarn, and yarn doesn't require the step of weaving cloth.

With the help of his friend Shen Shixing, Su Ze asked Shen Shixing's family, the Shen family, for help in modifying a yarn machine and successfully producing yarn.

All that's left is to promote the yarn.

On July 18th, Zhao Lingxian suddenly returned to the Zhao family home to visit her relatives. The entire Zhao family warmly welcomed the bride who had just gotten married not long ago.

In the backyard of the Zhao residence, the women of the Zhao family looked on with envy as Zhao Lingxian talked with Li, the wife of Zhao Zhenji.

Su Ze was only half a rank away from becoming the wife of a high-ranking official, and it was obvious to everyone that it would only be a matter of time before he reached that position.

Although there were female relatives in the Zhao family who were granted official titles, apart from Lady Li, who was a first-rank lady, the rest of their titles were not of high value.

After exchanging greetings with Madam Li, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

It was just a gathering of the women in the family, so Li didn't need to put on airs. The women sat in the room chatting.

Just then, Zhao Lingxian's personal maid brought over a basket, and Zhao Lingxian took out her knitting needles and began to slowly knit a sweater.

Some of the women noticed the sweater in Zhao Lingxian's hand. Although Zhao Lingxian's knitting skills were not yet proficient, the basic shape of a small garment had already appeared.

This does resemble weaving fabric somewhat?

The Zhao family of Neijiang valued the education of their female relatives, and needlework was a compulsory course. At this time, Li also noticed the sweater in Zhao Lingxian's hand.

"Third Sister, what is this?"

Zhao Lingxian immediately said, "Lingjun, this is a sweater."

"sweater?"

Zhao Lingxian said, "This was brought back from the grasslands by my husband's good friend, Lord Shen. It's made of wool."

“The doctor said my child will be born in February next year. My husband said this sweater is warm, so he knitted a few clothes.”

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Lingxian pulled out a woven little garment from the bamboo basket.

The small-sized sweater was exquisite and cute. Although it was a simple style, it aroused the curiosity of everyone present.

Ms. Li took the little sweater. The sweater felt very soft to the touch, and it was indeed very warm. It was a really nice piece of clothing.

The women all took the little clothes, praising Zhao Lingxian's skillful hands.

Some people also studied the knitting techniques for clothing. Knitting a sweater is similar to weaving cloth. Zhao Lingxian explained and demonstrated as she went. One of the skillful daughters-in-law of the Zhao family quickly knitted a scarf.

The crowd passed the scarf around and found it to be more breathable and comfortable than a fur scarf.

Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Zhao Lingxian ordered her maids to bring in the yarn balls and knitting needles and distribute them to her family members.

Li also saw through Zhao Lingxian's purpose in returning home this time, but she just smiled and didn't say anything.

This sweater is quite interesting. If worn under court robes in winter, it should be lighter and more comfortable than fur.

Thinking of this, Li also wanted to weave one for Zhao Zhenji.

After distributing the items, Zhao Lingxian said again:
“My husband said that we can also weave patterns, but I’m clumsy and can’t learn it.”

The speaker is intentional, and the listener is also intentional.

Women in the inner quarters of the household are naturally fond of comparison, especially with such a large family like the Zhao family living together; they often compare things like that.

The husband's official position is unlikely to be promoted in the short term, and whether the children will be successful depends on fate. The Zhao family has strict rules for managing the household, and they cannot compare with those who indulge in luxury and pleasure.

Knitting sweaters seems to be a good way to show off; knitting a more fitted and better-looking sweater can also make your man feel proud.

Moreover, this yarn is much cheaper than silk, and all it takes is time.

Women in the inner quarters, who doesn't have time?

Moreover, Zhao Lingxian was knitting a sweater while chatting. Knitting, like spinning, involves repetitive actions, and once you become proficient, you can indeed multitask.

After Zhao Lingxian left, looking at the yarn and knitting needles she had left behind, Madam Li said to the maid:

"I'm going to visit those old sisters in the next few days, please inform them."

"As ordered."
-
The summer heat was intense, and the cicadas chirping outside the palace newspaper office made it difficult to concentrate. Luo Wanhua decided to temporarily move the editorial office back inside the palace, since there were eunuchs from the Sticky Rod Office inside to deal with these annoying creatures.

Another reason for moving back into the palace was that Emperor Longqing bestowed ice upon them.

In winter, the emperor would bestow charcoal upon his high-ranking officials, and in summer, he would bestow ice upon them. This was a preferential treatment the emperor gave to his important ministers.

Su Ze certainly hadn't reached the level of a high-ranking official, but since the Imperial Academy was part of the Hanlin Academy, and the emperor had bestowed ice upon all the institutions in the inner court, the Imperial Academy naturally received one as well.

An ice cube was placed in a copper hourglass, emitting a cool breeze.

In the days before compressors, the only way to use ice in the summer was to dig cellars to store it.

The idea of ​​making ice with saltpeter is pure nonsense from time-travel novels.

Only the imperial family in the capital could excavate such a large ice cellar.

After Luo Wanhua finished editing the latest issue of the newspaper, he fanned himself with a palm-leaf fan and looked at Su Ze, who was leisurely reading a book.

Zhang Wei and Wang Jiaping weren't so relaxed. One was in charge of typesetting and printing, and the other was in charge of leading the field research team on visits and research trips. The most relaxed person in the entire history museum was Su Ze. After stretching, Su Ze walked to the water clock and took out a metal food box from the bronze water clock.

"Brother Yifu?"

Luo Wanhua waved his hand, saying that this was mung bean soup prepared for him by Su Ze's wife. The mung beans were boiled until they split open, then mixed with white sugar, and chilled to make it an even better way to beat the summer heat.

“It’s so hot!”

Shen Yiguan burst into the history museum. He rushed to the water clock, pulled open his collar, and turned to look at the mung bean soup in Su Ze's hand.

Su Ze handed over the mung bean soup, but Shen Yiguan shook his head and said:
"I don't eat sweets."

Su Ze then took out another food box from the ice funnel. It contained crystal clear jelly, along with soy sauce, vinegar, and chopped Liubiju pickles.

Shen Yiguan took the food box, and the aroma made his mouth water. He quickly finished the food with his chopsticks and let out a satisfied burp.

"My sister-in-law's cooking is amazing!"

Shen Yiguan praised as he spoke:
"Unlike my wife, all she knows how to make is rice cake."

Su Ze then remembered that Shen Yiguan and his wife were both from Ningbo, and rice cakes were an important part of Ningbo cuisine, even more so than staple foods.

Su Ze almost burst out laughing when he thought about how Shen Yiguan ate rice cakes at home every day.

Su Ze said:

"This jelly is also made from mung beans. I'll have my wife write down a recipe another day so my sister-in-law can make it for you too."

The emergence of inexpensive soy sauce led to the popularity of cold dishes in the capital.

Ordinary people could afford soy sauce. A serving of soy sauce with a side of vegetables was a refreshing treat in the summer, and the people praised the prince's benevolent rule.

"Have you heard? Chief Minister Li has requested to retire again?"

The emperor and officials alike were accustomed to Li's slacking off.

"What's the reason this time?"

"What else could it be? He's not feeling well."

Luo Wanhua asked in confusion:

"The censor didn't say anything?"

"Who dares to say that our Chief Minister Li has accomplished more in the past six months than Chief Minister Xu did in his entire tenure? We can't impeach him for obstructing government affairs, can we?"

Luo Wanhua also fell silent. Li Chunfang had indeed done a lot since taking office. Now that the country was stable and the world praised the cabinet for its virtue, who would dare to impeach Li Chunfang?

If anyone were to impeach Li Chunfang, the emperor would probably be the first to fight to the death.

The cabinet during the Longqing reign was quite interesting. It included Li Chunfang, a master of diplomacy; Gao Gong, an organizational expert; Zhang Juzheng, a financial genius; and Zhao Zhenji, a master of philosophy who was well-versed in military affairs. No one dared to mess with these four cabinet ministers on matters of state.

However, Su Ze knew the reason why Li Chunfang asked for leave: there weren't many drafts left of Journey to the West.

Shen Yiguan said again:

“Wang Honglu petitioned His Majesty to increase the tribute of timber from Kuwu to twice a year instead of once every three years. The court also bestowed salt, iron, sugar, wine and silk upon them. The Kuwu tribute envoy knelt in gratitude at the Honglu Temple for another day.”

Luo Wanhua remembered the tribute mission from Kuwu, and he asked, "The Kuwu tribute envoy hasn't left yet?"

“They haven’t left yet. Who would want to leave once they see the capital? That Kuwu tribute envoy has already handed over his chieftainship to his son, saying he’ll retire in the capital.”

"Indeed, it is a bitterly cold and desolate place."

Kuwu is actually Sakhalin Island in later times.

When Wang Shizhen took office at the Court of State Ceremonies, he was in charge of the tribute affairs from all directions.

After thousands of years of development in the Central Plains, there are not many giant trees left that can be felled.

Otherwise, when Emperor Jiajing rebuilt the three main halls, he wouldn't have needed to transport timber from Yunnan.

With the rise of the Dengzhou-Laizhou shipping route, timber shortages have become a serious problem.

At that time, the vast fir forests on Kuwu Island were the best shipbuilding material.

Historically, during the late Ming Dynasty, ships were built in Kuwu in an attempt to attack the Jurchens from the rear. However, by then the Ming Dynasty was already in decline and could not organize such a project.

These high-quality shipbuilding timbers were transported to Dengzhou and Laizhou, where the Maritime Trade Office could then build them into ocean-going vessels.

Timber is also related to the naval fleet.

While the box-shaped structure of Fujian-style ships was convenient for transporting cargo, Western keel-hulled warships were still more suitable for long-distance ocean voyages.

In fact, there were also shipbuilding styles of keel-hulled warships in the Song Dynasty. Su Ze suspects that the use of flat-bottomed Fujian ships in the Ming Dynasty was very likely because after the Song Dynasty, the Central Plains could no longer find enough timber to build such warships.

Fir is one of the best timbers for shipbuilding, and there are also large fir forests on the mainland near Kuwu Island, which are excellent sources of timber.

Furthermore, Kuwu has an ice-free port. The warm currents from the Japanese Strait pass through the western port of Kuwu Island, bringing abundant fish catches and ensuring that the port does not freeze in winter.

An ice-free port meant a trade route that ran year-round, allowing the Kuwa people to exchange timber for various goods from the Celestial Empire. They were ecstatic.

One can only marvel at how precious East Asia truly is.

The sparsely populated Far East region is a high-quality timber-producing area that Europeans have been searching for in vain.

Southeast Asia is also a tropical sugarcane producing region that Western colonists drool over.

The tributary system of the Ming Dynasty was a super-economy that was completely self-sustaining.

Unfortunately, the Ming Dynasty itself abandoned the tributary system, and today, fewer and fewer countries pay tribute, with many, like the Kuwu, ceasing all tribute.

Su Ze looked at Shen Yiguan and asked:
"Brother Jianwu, how is Wang Honglu's health these days?"

After Shen Yiguan returned from the grasslands, his relationship with Wang Shizhen became even closer, after all, the two had gone through hardships together.

Moreover, Shen Yiguan is currently in charge of the Ministry of Rites' Department of Receptions, and Wang Shizhen is in charge of the Court of State Ceremonies. The responsibilities of the two departments overlap to some extent, so Shen Yiguan also frequently travels to and from the Court of State Ceremonies.

"That's great. I heard that Doctor Li sent a prescription for spleen-nourishing medicine. Wang Honglu is much better after taking it and his health has improved a lot recently."

Hearing that Wang Shizhen had recovered, Su Ze was relieved.

He took out a memorial and handed it to Shen Yiguan, saying:
“Brother Jianwu, take a look at this memorial.”

Shen Yiguan took the memorial and saw the title: "Memorial Requesting Court Visits from All Directions".
what is this?
"Paying homage from all directions"—isn't that an auspicious saying?

Who puts auspicious words in the title of a memorial to the throne? That's too obsequious!

Surely we scholars shouldn't fawn over the emperor like this?

Shen Yiguan opened the memorial with a puzzled look, and then he understood why Su Ze had asked about Wang Shizhen's health.

The phrase "all directions pay homage" is not an auspicious saying, but rather refers to something Su Ze needs to do.

Su Ze requested that, following the precedent set by Emperor Chengzu, all tributary states of the Ming Dynasty be required to come to the capital to pay tribute!

(End of this chapter)