Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 286 Do the Japanese have a servile nature? Commander, this is the silver His Majesty ordered you to collect!

The emperor was incredibly swift; Zhang Juzheng received the emperor's decree at the Wenyuan Pavilion the very next day.

Emperor Wanli had not actively participated in court affairs for a long time, and when the clerks of the Wenyuan Pavilion received the news, they could hardly believe it.

Zhang Juzheng held the imperial edict in his hand, his brows furrowed. He handed the edict to Shen Shixing and said...

"Ru Mo, take a look."

Shen Shixing was also curious, and when he took a look, his eyes widened in surprise.

This edict is more specific than before, as previous imperial edicts were often more general in meaning.

For example, a simple six-character phrase like "rectify the tax system in Jiangnan" would be relayed to the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Wenyuan Pavilion. The Directorate of Ceremonial would write it down roughly, and then the Grand Secretariat would refine it.

Once finalized, it might become something like "send a certain official to inspect and verify a certain tax type, with a three-month deadline," and so on.

Then it was presented to the emperor for his imperial approval.

Today, however, the Wanli Emperor described the matter in great detail and made very meticulous arrangements regarding the Penghu issue.

"The Fujian Governor shall appoint additional Southern Route Guerrilla Commanders to garrison Penghu during the flood season. Furthermore, one officer shall be selected from each of the garrisons on the islands of Haitan, Nanri, Wuyu, and Tongshan, each commanding three sturdy ships, to patrol the seas alongside the Penghu Navy during the flood season. Additional Penghu Guerrilla Commanders, Captains, and officers shall be appointed, along with an equal number of ships and soldiers."

Shen Shixing suddenly looked up, sensing the changing winds in the air.

"Does Your Majesty intend to revisit the issue of lifting the sea ban?"

Shen Shixing only had a vague understanding, but Zhang Juzheng was very clear about the schemes of those with young children. He narrowed his eyes, thought for a moment, and finally spoke.

"Draft a list of candidates, polish it carefully, and submit it to the Directorate of Ceremonial."

"Your Excellency!" Shen Shixing was somewhat shocked. "If this matter is rashly implemented, it will inevitably cause controversy throughout the land, and this new round of disputes over opening the sea will likely be sparked again."

During the Longqing era, the imperial court was embroiled in heated debates over whether to lift the maritime ban, and finally settled on "opening Yuegang" as a compromise.

"I have always supported the opening of the seas. Governing the country requires prioritizing what is important and urgent. The court's finances are currently in a state of disarray. Relying on opening the seas to improve the treasury would be far more beneficial than harmful."

Zhang Juzheng said with a smile.

During the Longqing era, he was also a strong supporter of opening up the sea to the sea.

“But,” Shen Shixing said worriedly, “the North and South are already in chaos; another conflict might be inevitable.”

"It's just the wind direction." Zhang Juzheng didn't elaborate. "The court has never explicitly stated that it wants to open up the sea; it's merely to consolidate the coastal borders. There's nothing seriously wrong with it."

That's the logic, but the imperial court's decision to send troops to the Penghu Islands, which are located at the southernmost tip of the islands, is obvious to anyone with eyes to see.

Shen Shixing looked distressed, unsure of where to begin offering advice.

Zhang Juzheng, however, looked relieved and patted Shen Shixing on the shoulder, offering words of comfort.

“Our Emperor has grown up and has his own considerations. He has finally decided to implement a policy that is not wrong. How can we, as his subjects, pour cold water on it?”

Compared to before, Zhang Juzheng's approach to interacting with the emperor has changed significantly.

"Your Excellency, it is not that I am pedantic, but rather..."

Before he could finish speaking, Shenshi was interrupted by Zhang Juzheng.

"Don't worry, Rumo, the sky isn't going to fall down."

After saying this, Zhang Juzheng strolled leisurely toward the backyard of Wenyuan Pavilion, looking nothing like the busy Grand Secretary he used to be.

Since the Jiajing era, nearly fifty years of anti-Japanese wars have almost completely dismantled large-scale Japanese pirate groups.

However, due to the Ming Dynasty's long-standing maritime ban, coupled with the huge trade demand arising from Southeast Asia and Europe, the situation changed.

The lucrative profits have attracted countless people to flock to it.

Historically, starting from the ninth year of the Wanli reign, the power of the Ming Dynasty on its maritime borders began to grow wildly. Later, Li Dan, Yan Siqi, Zheng Zhilong, and others rose to prominence in this sea area during the mid-to-late Wanli period, and their power once included thousands of ships.

Zheng Zhilong even faced off against the Dutch team and emerged victorious.

This period clearly presents a tremendous opportunity to develop naval power.

Qi Jiguang got up very early. During the late autumn and early winter of the ninth year of the Wanli reign, the naval power around the Ming Dynasty was extremely weak.

There were pirates, but they were only a few in number and did not amount to much.

The Japanese are ambitious, but they are already overwhelmed with domestic problems.

The Portuguese were capable of fighting, but firstly, they relied on trade with the Ming Dynasty, and secondly, Southeast Asia was thousands of miles away from Europe, so their reach was limited.

This allowed Qi Jiguang and his Qi Family Army to thrive.

These two hundred-plus soldiers of Qi Jiguang's army were originally selected from skilled seamen, and they were equipped with the most advanced Fujian ships of the Ming Dynasty.

Furthermore, the improved gunpowder technology and telescope exploration capabilities of the Xishan Workshop, along with ample logistical support, made them virtually invincible against any enemy on the high seas, much like an adult beating a child.

In just one month, Qi Jiguang's army had already traversed this route several times, and with the information provided by Yuegang, they were always able to accurately locate the Japanese ships.

Occasionally, when encountering pirates or similar groups, Qi Jiguang would also take the opportunity to eliminate them.

When the Portuguese in Luzon first received the news, they were somewhat alarmed and sent ships to investigate.

Later, the Portuguese discovered that these "pirate kings" did not target Portuguese merchant ships, but instead had a particular fondness for Japanese ships.

In the eyes of the Portuguese, the Japanese were no different from the Ming people, except that the latter were more powerful and the former were like a vassal state.

Their own internal disputes did not affect their own interests, so the Portuguese naturally had no interest in dealing with this group of pirates.

In fact, the Japanese would even hire Portuguese guards to protect their ships for safety.

Even so, he was still caught by Qi Jiguang every time.

Qi Jiguang's army was always disciplined. They had a principle when dealing with Japanese merchant ships: if all the soldiers and supplies were handed over, everyone else could return safely.

Over time, some Japanese merchants even got used to it. Whenever they encountered Qi Jiguang, they would consciously stop their ships, lay down all their weapons, and wait for this great man's "inspection".

Sometimes, Japanese merchants would grovel before this "pirate" from the Ming Dynasty, and after making a request, they would receive his favor.

They took all their cargo, in exchange for some goods from the Ming Dynasty on board.

Of course, such a replacement is by no means fair.

But people are all about compromise. If you talk business with merchants nicely, they might haggle over the price. But if you take their lives and then do business with them, they'll be eternally grateful.

Bijia Mountain Island, located near northern Luzon.

"Dear Pirate Lord, we will do our utmost to serve you if needed in the future!"

"Merciful Lord Ming, we will be eternally grateful for your kindness today!"

"My lord! My name is Konishi Saemon. It is truly an honor to have seen your face!"

"roll!"

Standing on the deck, Qi Jiguang heard the nauseatingly broken Chinese and saw the obsequious Japanese on the departing ships, and a look of disgust appeared on his face.

At first, Qi Jiguang was very apprehensive about the sea voyage, feeling that Zhang Yunxiu was too optimistic. How could the South Seas be so easy to conquer? Was it so easy to become a pirate?
But reality gave Qi Jiguang a resounding slap in the face.

After arriving in Southeast Asia, apart from the initial fierce resistance from the Japanese, every subsequent encounter with Japanese merchant ships was the same.

Even now, Qi Jiguang no longer needs to go looking for the Japanese; they will come to him on their own, bringing civilians, samurai swords, seafood, and so on, to trade with Qi Jiguang's army. They don't even need Qi Jiguang to plunder; they will pay a "protection fee" on their own.

"This must be the 'training' that Commander Zhang was talking about," Hu Shouren said, standing beside Qi Jiguang and looking at the departing Japanese ships. "Even if they lack backbone, barbarians are still barbarians. Even if they try to imitate others blindly, they will never learn the essence." Qi Jiguang shook his head, looking rather disappointed.

Forcing the Japanese to engage in trade was indeed Qi Jiguang's main objective on this trip, but the fact that things went too smoothly made him feel uneasy.

Hu Shouren thought for a moment and said, "Just as Lord Qi said recently, the Japanese are constantly embroiled in internal strife. They have a strong martial spirit, do not care about propriety, righteousness, or morality. The only thing they respect is strength."

They have a servile nature deep in their bones.

Once you beat them into submission and subdue them, they will obey you like servants.

“I didn’t say that,” Qi Jiguang said with a strange expression. “It was said in a letter sent by that boy Shiyuan.”

Hu Shouren said with some surprise.

"Zhang Zhangwei knows everything under the sun without leaving his home. As far as I know, he is only fourteen years old and has never even left the capital. Yet he knows so much about the Japanese."

"Shiyuan, you've got a lot of supernatural and ghostly stuff going on."

Qi Jiguang's mind flashed through a series of events that had occurred in the capital, and he continued to remind him.

"That kid also said that when you are powerful, the Japanese are like loyal dogs, but if you show any signs of weakness, they will be like ungrateful wild dogs that will bite you back."

"That's really... meticulous."

Hu Shouren looked at him strangely, feeling that Zhang Yunxiu's description of the characteristics of the Japanese was truly insightful.

"Hey~"

Qi Jiguang smiled and shook his head as he spoke.

"More than that, I'm wondering when that Japanese leader will make contact with us?"

Hu Shouren said, "We have already sent out the message, and it should have reached Oda Nobunaga by now. It will take some time for the message to travel back and forth, but it shouldn't be too late."

"Will things turn out as Shi Yuan predicted this time?" Qi Jiguang raised an eyebrow and looked at his subordinate.

Hu Shouren revealed a simple and honest smile. His skin had become increasingly dark from the days at sea, and his nose was also peeling quite a bit.

“This humble servant is in charge of guard duties.”

Zhang Yunxiu's past achievements have already fully demonstrated his reliability.

Qi Jiguang nodded slightly and said nothing more. He exhaled and looked at the vast sea.

"It's getting late. We need to set sail back to Moonport. The brothers have been working hard for so many days and deserve a good rest."

A dozen days ago, the fleet had already unloaded cargo at Yuegang. This time was no different. Even if Qi Jiguang and his Qi family army could endure the rough seas, the ships were already full, and there was no point in "plundering" any further.

Three days later.

Inside a restaurant in Zhangzhou Port, the atmosphere was bustling with activity.

Merchants from Xishan who have returned from overseas are holding a grand banquet here today. They have booked the entire restaurant, and it is packed with nearly two hundred people. Every sailor has a happy face.

Deng Yu, the commander of the Zhangzhou Garrison, stopped his horse outside the restaurant and hurriedly ran into it.

When the restaurant owner saw Deng Yu, he was startled. He thought the man was there to cause trouble, so he quickly bowed and said...

"Oh my, it's Commander Deng! I'm so sorry for not greeting you properly."

"So, Commander Deng, you've come here for drinks today? I'm truly sorry, but my humble establishment is booked for the entire day. If you require anything, Commander, we can deliver the food to your residence free of charge. What do you say?"

The restaurant owner looked beaming, indicating he had made a fortune today. To appease Deng Yu, he was even willing to provide meals for free.

But Deng Yu didn't say a word. He grabbed the restaurant manager and said in a low voice.

"I won't waste any more words with you. Is the gentleman from the Xishan merchant ship in the restaurant? I don't care if you cheat on the weight or weight on ordinary days, but today you must bring out the best dishes in the restaurant. If you slight these people, I will hold you accountable!"

The restaurant owner was stunned by what he was saying and didn't understand what had happened.

It seemed that Commander Deng held these merchants in great awe.

Normally, the merchants of Yuegang are terrified of Deng Yu. Is there something different about this Xishan merchant ship today?
Deng Yu didn't explain much. After finding out where Qi Jiguang was in the private room, he rushed upstairs, leaving the innkeeper bewildered.

The shopkeeper swallowed hard and turned his gaze to the "sailors" who were eating, drinking, chatting and laughing in the shop. He hadn't thought much of them before, but now they all seemed to be carrying a murderous aura.

The shopkeeper shuddered and, not daring to be negligent, hurriedly ran towards the kitchen.

"Qi," Deng Yu said, knocking gently on the door from behind. He immediately changed his words and said, "Mr. Yuan Jing, Deng Yu, the commander of the Zhangzhou Guard, has come to pay his respects."

The private room fell silent for a moment, then a deep voice came from inside.

"Commander Deng, what a perfect coincidence! Come in and have a meal with us!"

Deng Yu nervously pushed open the door and was greeted by Qi Jiguang sitting in the center, with Hu Shouren sitting beside him. There were more than a dozen people in the room, presumably all of whom were Qi Jiguang's confidants.

Deng Yu's lips twitched. These people were nominally merchants, but each of them probably held a higher official position than him. For a moment, he even felt a little uneasy.

Qi Jiguang stood up to greet him, pulled him to the table, and said with a slightly flushed face.

"I have been negligent. We were hosting a banquet to celebrate, and we actually forgot about Commander Deng. This is my fault."

"Come, come, let this old man have a cup with Commander Deng!"

"How dare I!" Deng Yu felt his scalp tingle. The old general was toasting him, and he wished he could kneel down on the spot.

He quickly poured wine for Qi Jiguang.

"Mr. Yuanjing, you are all serving the imperial court. How could Deng Yu dare to be presumptuous? You mustn't do this, you mustn't do this, you're making me feel too ashamed!"

Qi Jiguang glared with his bull-like eyes: "Commander Deng, do you look down on an old man like me, a mere merchant?"

Stop messing with me, General Qi!

Deng Yu inwardly groaned, but dared not reveal Qi Jiguang's identity directly. He quickly raised his wine cup and said...

"Mr. Yuanjing, then I shall offer you a toast."

After Deng Yu finished drinking, Qi Jiguang nodded in satisfaction and said with a slightly tipsy expression.

"Now that Commander Deng has arrived, there is something we must do."

As they were talking, Qi Jiguang took out a bag of silver from his pocket and pushed it in front of Deng Yu.

"This voyage has been very fruitful, and everyone has made some money. Naturally, Commander Deng should also receive his share. Please accept it."

Deng Yu was so frightened he almost jumped up, waving his hands repeatedly as he spoke.

"Mr. Yuanjing, you jest. Deng Yu is an official appointed by the imperial court. How could he possibly accept money? Absolutely not, absolutely not!"

With an expression as calm as still water, Qi Jiguang scrutinized Deng Yu as he spoke.

"If Commander Deng doesn't collect today, how can others go to sea with peace of mind in the future? If Commander Deng doesn't collect, how will the imperial court get its revenue?"

"Huh?" Deng Yu was confused. Large beads of sweat kept rolling down his face, and he looked very uneasy.

Seeing his nervous expression, Qi Jiguang smiled, pulled Deng Yu aside, patted him on the shoulder, and said...

"Commander Deng, please rest assured. It wasn't me who ordered you to take it; it was Xishan who ordered you to take it, and it was His Majesty who ordered you to take it."
What are your concerns?

(End of this chapter)