My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 280 A New Way to Save Prestige Points

The memorial was simple: it requested the emperor to issue an edict ordering the naval fleet anchored in Penghu to patrol the South China Sea and assess the situation there.

Of course, the emperor and his ministers understood Su Ze's scheme.

The cruise to Southeast Asia was just a pretext. Just like Su Ze's proposal to cruise Ryukyu, this cruise to Southeast Asia was naturally also to demonstrate the Ming Dynasty's influence in Southeast Asia.

However, unlike the cruise to Ryukyu, this time the memorial to go to Southeast Asia encountered a lot of opposition.

The reason, of course, is that the situation in Southeast Asia is different from that in Ryukyu.

Before the Ming fleet went to Ryukyu, the Ryukyu Administration Office had already investigated the situation in Ryukyu.

Those who coveted Ryukyu were merely a local force within Japan, not particularly powerful, and the Ryukyu people were all loyal to the Ming Dynasty.

The situation in Southeast Asia is different.

After Su Ze submitted his memorial, the emperor also ordered the Ministry of State Affairs to send a report from the Southern Ocean Administration.

After reading Zhang Xuan's report, the Longqing Emperor understood the complexity of the situation in Southeast Asia and sent the report to the cabinet for discussion.

Clearly, there are disagreements within the cabinet on this matter.

Within the cabinet, Zhang Juzheng, because his eldest son was in the navy, requested the emperor to recuse himself from any potential conflict of interest and therefore did not express his opinion.

Grand Secretary Li Chunfang remained at home recuperating from his illness, and there was no controversy surrounding him.

Second Grand Secretary Gao Gong agreed with Su Ze's proposal, believing that the Ming Dynasty navy stationed in Penghu should be dispatched south to patrol Luzon and Malacca and investigate the local situation.

Zhao Zhenji, the fourth minister, agreed to intervene in Southeast Asian affairs, but opposed sending a fleet.

Zhao Zhenji's reasoning was simple: since Liu Daxia destroyed the archives of Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean, there was a lack of geographical and hydrological data on the South Seas. If the long-distance voyage encountered danger, it would damage the Ming Dynasty's deterrent power.

Because it was a joint discussion by the cabinet, Rayleigh also expressed his opinion.

The newly appointed Grand Secretary Lei Li agreed with the opinion of the Second Grand Secretary Gao Gong, believing that this fleet was originally a new ship built by the Ministry of Works, and that going to the South Seas would be a good opportunity to test the performance of the new ships and provide experience for the Ministry of Works to improve the ships.

The cabinet was two to one, but there were many opposition ministers among the cabinet ministers.

The reasons for opposition were probably that the fleet's long voyages were too costly, the situation in the South China Sea was uncertain, and there was a risk that the fleet might encounter danger.

However, Zhao Zhenji's opinion was indeed correct. The Ming fleet had not been to the South Seas for a century, and the necessary shipping route data had been destroyed by Liu Daxia. Reopening the South Seas route would inevitably consume a lot of manpower and resources, and there was also the possibility of losses.

This is something that the currently weak Ming navy cannot accept.

Many ministers believed that a longer-term plan should be taken, including gathering intelligence on the South Seas shipping routes and trying to collect information on these routes from merchant families.

However, shipping routes are closely guarded secrets of maritime merchant families, the foundation of their livelihood, so why would anyone give them up?
Furthermore, how can the safety of nautical charts offered by merchants be guaranteed? What if someone sets up an ambush at sea?
East Palace.

Little Fatty Jun said anxiously, "Master Su, the ministers are debating endlessly, and even Father Emperor can't make up his mind. Can this fleet still go to Malacca?"

During this period, Xiao Pangjun paid close attention to the situation in Malacca. Even though the information he received was a month behind due to the transmission of news, he still tirelessly analyzed the situation in Malacca.

The little eunuch named Chen Ju also spent his days playing war games with Little Fatty Jun.

Su Ze had seen their simulations several times, and Chen Ju's level of military theory had improved by leaps and bounds since he went to the Military Supervisory Commission.

However, Xiao Pangjun also studied military strategy for a period of time and always came up with some wild and unconventional ideas.

The results of several simulations by both sides were always the same: a stalemate.

In fact, this situation is in line with Su Ze's expectations.

The Ottoman fleet was technologically backward, had come from afar, and lacked support near Malacca.

However, the Ottoman fleet was larger in number.

The Portuguese had been operating in Malacca for a long time, building fortresses and gun emplacements.

They couldn't defeat the Ottomans outside the port, but they could defend the port without any problems.

The Ottomans adopted a tactic of defending the port.

This situation means that it is impossible for either side to determine a winner in the short term.

Historically, sieges of Hong Kong have sometimes lasted for six months or even several years.

"Your Highness, please be patient. His Majesty should be able to make a judgment soon."

Su Ze wasn't trying to comfort Zhu Yijun; instead, after returning to his private quarters, he took out the "Portable Ming Dynasty" mobile phone.

This time, Su Ze did not immediately simulate the memorial after submitting it.

On the one hand, the emperor and his ministers lacked understanding of the Southeast Asian issue, and making decisions on matters they did not understand would certainly require a tremendous amount of prestige.

Therefore, Su Zexian submitted a memorial to raise this issue, and at this time the emperor would naturally request the report from the Nanyang Tongzhengshu (Southern Ocean Administration Office).

This can be seen as Su Ze repaying Yang Sizhong for a favor.

As expected, Zhang Xuan's reports received unanimous praise from the emperor and his ministers.

The emperor praised Zhang Xuan for being "loyal and diligent in serving the king," and Gao Gong further lauded Zhang Xuan's report as "practical in learning and application to governance."

Su Ze only remembered that during the simulation, the [Handheld Ming Dynasty] said:

Zhang Xuan, the first director of the Nanyang Administration Bureau and an official in the Administration Office, was stationed in Nanyang, greatly enhancing the prestige of the Ming Dynasty. The rulers of various Nanyang countries repeatedly urged him to stay, and he remained in Nanyang for twenty years, strengthening their control over the region.

Oh no, it seems Zhang Xuan won't be able to come back for the time being.

But you can get promoted!
Among so many local officials in the Ming Dynasty, being able to make the emperor remember this person was a great help to Zhang Xuan's official career.

On the other hand, Su Ze first published "A Discussion on the Great Controversy" in the newspaper, then published a series of articles introducing the situation in Southeast Asia, and then tried to influence the court by submitting a memorial to the emperor.

Su Ze already wielded immense influence over the court. He would first use that influence to push the agenda forward, and then use the system to deliver the final verdict. This was a new way Su Ze had used the system that he had recently learned.

Su Ze inserted a copy of the memorial into the system.

——[Simulation Start]——

The memorial requesting an inspection tour of the borders and the South Seas was sent to the cabinet, and the emperor ordered the cabinet ministers to discuss it together.

The court officials debated endlessly. Gao Gong and Lei Li in the cabinet supported your memorial, while Zhao Zhenji partially opposed it.

The emperor ordered his ministers to discuss the matter again. Although there was a strong public demand for a trip to Southeast Asia, the ministers of the various ministries and departments still opposed it.

Because of a lack of necessary route information, there were concerns about the loss of the fleet.

The Emperor approved part of your memorial, ordering the Nanyang Administration to continue collecting information on the South Seas and not to send a navy to the South Seas.

——[Simulation End]——

[Remaining Prestige: 2340.]

[To fully approve your memorial, you need to pay 1000 prestige points. Do you wish to pay?]

Indeed, for such a significant national policy, using only 1000 prestige points is already considered very cheap.

Su Ze decisively chose "yes," and now he would see what surprises the system would give him.

[Prestige points have been deducted, remaining prestige points: 1340.]
-
"Brother Zhifu (Huang Wenbin's courtesy name), it's time to leave the office." Huang Wenbin's colleague Xu Shuli called out. Huang Wenbin was stunned for a moment before he began to pack his things to leave the office.

Xu Shuli and Huang Wenbin were transferred back to the Ministry of Justice a while ago, and the two now live together in a rented courtyard in the west of the city.

This relationship led the two to become friends.

Seeing Huang Wenbin's preoccupied appearance, Xu Shuli quickly asked, "Brother Zhifu, you've seemed preoccupied these past few days. Is there some pressing official business at hand?"

Huang Wenbin waited until they left the Office of the Court of Judicial Review before whispering:

"Brother Mingda (Xu Shuli's courtesy name), if you had the opportunity to leave the Office of Transmission, what would you do?"

Xu Shuli was startled and asked:
"Brother Zhifu, do you have connections?!"

Huang Wenbin said:
"It's not exactly the right path, but we can give it a try. Brother Mingda, would you like to leave the Ministry of Justice?"

Xu Shuli thought for a moment and said:

"Actually, our Office of General Affairs is quite good, it's just that the issue of being assigned to a post outside the capital is always hanging over our heads, making us uneasy."

Huang Wenbin nodded repeatedly and said:
"Yes, yes, that's what I think too."

Xu Shuli said sincerely:

"Since Brother Zhifu has the opportunity to leave, it would be best to find another place. Besides, your predecessor in this position has been appointed to another post. If a new Office of General Affairs is to be established, you won't be able to escape."

Huang Wenbin made up his mind and said:
"Then we should give it a try!"

The next day, Huang Wenbin arrived at Yang Sizhong's public housing.

After finishing organizing the memorial, Huang Wenbin looked at Yang Sizhong.

Seeing that the magistrate seemed to be in a good mood, he took the opportunity to say:

"Da Yintai, I have a book to present to the court."

Yang Sizhong looked at Huang Wenbin with a puzzled expression and asked:

"Offering a book?"

It is indeed possible for private individuals to submit their book collections through the Tongzhengsi (Office of General Affairs).

The emperors of the Ming Dynasty would often collect books from the people, and if they were rare and well-preserved unique copies, the court would reward them.

Huang Wenbin took an old book out of his sleeve and placed it on Yang Sizhong's desk, saying:
"This is the 'Minhai Needle Classic' passed down in Huang's family."

Upon hearing "Needle Classic," Yang Sizhong knew what book he was going to present.

"Needle Classic" is short for "Seaway Needle Classic". Historically, since the Three Kingdoms period, seaways have become more numerous. Just like roads, people can travel along seaways, so they began to be called "seaways".

After the invention of the nautical compass, the compass needle position and distance of the "sea route" were recorded in a book for navigation. This book was called "needle classic" and was collectively referred to as "sea route needle classic", which is what we call a navigation guide book today.

In fact, "sea routes" are mature shipping routes with significant commercial value. Each sea route is a way to make money for boat owners. Therefore, the secrets of sea routes are usually passed down only within families and are not easily shared with outsiders.

The "Needle Classic" is not just a simple nautical chart, but also a summary of important hydrological data on the shipping route, such as monsoon currents, reefs, and weather conditions. It is a very valuable source of information for shipping routes.

Huang Wenbin's "Minhai Needle Classic" is a summary of the sea routes taken by Huang's ancestors from Fujian to Southeast Asia.

Yang Sizhong opened it and took a look. This "Minhai Needle Classic" was very detailed and contained many exquisite hand-drawn nautical charts.

If the shipping routes recorded in the "Minhai Needle Classic" are still navigable, the problem of the Ming Dynasty's navy heading south will be solved!
Yang Sizhong looked at Huang Wenbin and asked:
"You have rendered a great service by presenting this book, and someone will owe you a favor. Tell me what you want?"

After struggling with his thoughts for a long time, Huang Wenbin said:
"Da Yintai, I wish to leave the Ministry of Justice."

At this point, Yang Sizhong frowned.

Huang Wenbin said fearfully:

“Master Yintai, since I came to the Office of Transmission, I have been working diligently every day, but I still cannot handle official business well. I have really failed the trust placed in me by you.”

"I am not a person with great ambitions, please grant my request, Your Excellency."

Yang Sizhong stared at Huang Wenbin, confirming that he was telling the truth, and then said:

"Alright then, where do you want to go?"

Huang Wenbin thought it would be a happy thing to leave the Ministry of Justice, but he didn't expect Yang Sizhong to be willing to help him.

He quickly replied, "This subordinate wishes to go to the Imperial Academy."

"The Imperial College?"

Yang Sizhong frowned and said, "The Imperial Academy is no longer a peaceful place. Are you sure you want to go there?"

Huang Wenbin was well aware that the workload at the Imperial Academy was increasing, and that Shen Li, the Director of Studies, had repeatedly petitioned the court to expand the staff of the Imperial Academy.

If the Imperial Academy is short of staff, it is naturally easier to transfer people in.

Huang Wenbin chose the Imperial College for a simple reason: the Imperial College does not send students to other places.

The Imperial College was only established in the northern and southern provinces of Zhili. At most, people were sent to the Nanjing Imperial College, which was a leisurely and comfortable job.

Huang Wenbin had finally been transferred from the provinces to the capital, and he didn't want to suffer in the provinces again, so he chose the Imperial Academy.

Huang Wenbin stated firmly:

"I have wanted to teach and nurture people since I was a child. Please grant me this wish, Your Excellency!"

Seeing Huang Wenbin's resolute attitude, Yang Sizhong said:

"In that case, I will discuss this matter with Grand Secretary Gao."

Huang Wenbin was overjoyed and said, "Thank you so much, Grand Yintai! Thank you so much, Grand Yintai!"
-
The next day.

Shen Yiguan rushed into the newspaper office and told Huang Wenbin, the Director of the Court of State Affairs, about the presentation of the "Minhai Needle Classic".

Shen Yiguan said:
"His Majesty has already issued an order to have the authenticity of the 'Minhai Needle Manual' verified. If it is confirmed to be genuine, then Brother Zilin's proposal to go to Southeast Asia will be successful!"

Su Ze remembered the introverted official in the Ministry of Justice; he never expected that it was the one who helped him pass the memorial.

Su Ze was somewhat moved that Huang Wenbin was willing to present his family's heirloom, "The Needle Classic of Fujian," to the imperial court. After all, the Ming Dynasty had many loyal ministers.

Remembering Huang Wenbin's name once again, Su Ze opened the system.

As expected, the system displayed a settlement report.

Huang Wenbin, an official in the Ministry of Justice, presented his family's heirloom, "The Fujian Sea Navigation Manual," which dispelled the emperor's and his officials' doubts about the Southeast Asian sea routes.

The memorial requesting an inspection tour of the southern seas was passed, and the emperor ordered the Ming navy, which was anchored in Penghu, to set sail for the southern seas.

Guided by the "Minhai Needle Manual," the navy safely arrived in Manila in just ten days.

Zhang Xuan, the chief official of the Southern Ocean Administration, organized the upper echelons of Manila to welcome the Ming army.

The city-state of Manila submitted to the Ming Dynasty, becoming a vassal state once again. A city council composed of Chinese merchants and former nobles of Luzon jointly governed Manila.

The Ming Dynasty navy assisted in the construction of fortifications in Manila and organized Chinese craftsmen within the city to build artillery shell and gunpowder factories, thus strengthening Manila's defenses.

The Spanish, upon hearing of the arrival of the Ming Dynasty navy, were greatly alarmed and abandoned their plan to capture Manila.

[National fortune +5.]

[Prestige +500.]

[Remaining Prestige: 1890.]

(End of this chapter)