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

Chapter 380 As long as His Majesty is willing to pay! Do you even know what a bastard is?
"this one"

Emperor Wanli's face was stiff, clearly indicating that he was somewhat pained by the loss.

Building a navy is no small feat, especially since ocean-going naval forces are not what they used to be.

In the past, when the imperial court wanted to build a navy, it was only a small-scale matter. They would bring over ships from previous years, repair them, and draw some personnel from the existing coastal defense garrisons. The cost was only a few tens of thousands of taels of silver.

It's obvious to anyone with eyes that Qi Jiguang's navy cost a considerable amount of money.

Leaving aside the military pay given to the crew, the construction of these ships alone was a huge investment.

The emperor had clearly calculated the amount of money involved.

Emperor Wanli coughed, looked at Zhang Yunxiu, and said with a smile.

"Shiyuan, it's not that I'm unwilling to spend money, but rashly using a million taels of silver is a considerable expense. It would be better to proceed slowly and sustain the war effort through warfare. What do you think?"

Last year's imperial revenue, excluding the businesses that Xishan and Zhang Yunxiu had created, was only about four million taels.

If you want to build a decent and combat-capable fleet, one million taels of silver is definitely not enough.

Although the imperial treasury was now quite well-off, taking out so much silver all at once was more painful for Emperor Wanli than killing him.

Not to mention, since the beginning of spring, the expenses of the court have suddenly soared. There is nothing that can be done about it. The Ming Dynasty is like a middle-aged man with a body full of holes. If you want to repair and restore it, you will have to spend money everywhere.

Not to mention the Five Military Commissions, which recently submitted a memorial requesting the emperor to reorganize military affairs.

Qi Jiguang also looked troubled; he knew all too well the hardships involved.

When the Qi Family Army was first formed, there was often a shortage of military pay and supplies. Naturally, he had some complaints, but it was also understandable.

The imperial court's annual revenue seems good, but this is only a matter of the last two years.

From the Jiajing reign to the Longqing reign, the annual revenue of the imperial treasury was only two million taels of silver. This amount was simply insufficient to cover the expenses of such a large country.

After the Wanli Emperor's reforms, the situation improved considerably, with most incomes reaching over three million taels of silver, and last year's revenue set a new record.

Even so, it's still a drop in the ocean when it comes to the expenses of a full-fledged online army.

Qi Jiguang sighed and said, "Your Majesty is right. We were rash. I think we should not rush into building an ocean-going navy. The method of using war to sustain war has been used before, and it can be continued."

Previously, when Qi Jiguang was at sea, his fleet consisted of only a dozen or so small boats. By "fighting for justice" at sea, he not only did not need the court to pay his military expenses, but he was even able to make a fortune.

But Zhang Yunxiu clearly had a different opinion; he shook his head and said...

"Your Majesty, I believe this matter is inappropriate."

Emperor Wanli was stunned for a moment, and suddenly felt that his purse was in grave danger.

Zhang Yunxiu continued speaking.

"The matter of the ocean-going navy is a matter of national policy. If His Majesty cannot make a decision, how can he expect his ministers to devote themselves wholeheartedly?"

Emperor Wanli frowned and said, "You're wrong. Establishing an ocean-going navy is not a national policy; opening up maritime trade is. The two should not be confused."

Although the emperor was playful and absurd, he was still quite clear-headed.

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and said, "Your Majesty, opening up maritime trade means establishing a navy, and establishing a navy means opening up maritime trade. The two complement each other and are indispensable."

Without a powerful navy, even if the Ming Dynasty opens up maritime trade, it will be powerless to protect its supplies and goods. Once on the high seas, even bearing the name of the Ming Dynasty will be futile.

On the high seas, strength speaks volumes. Even if your Great Ming Dynasty is powerful, it ultimately cannot extend its influence to the sea.

He shook his head and sighed.

"Your Majesty, think about it. Why are the Portuguese and the foreigners so arrogant and domineering at sea? Their countries are thousands of miles away, yet they dare to act arrogantly and domineeringly in the South China Sea of ​​our Great Ming Dynasty. It's simply because they have a powerful navy."

If our Great Ming Dynasty wants to engage in maritime trade, dealing with them is essential.

Barbarians are cunning and treacherous. If Ming merchants suffer injustice overseas, should they go to the ports of the Portuguese instead of seeking the protection of the Ming Dynasty?

Or does His Majesty intend for these people to become patrons of bandits, turning them into one pirate after another on the seas?

Zhang Yunxiu's words struck a chord with the Wanli Emperor.

Why did the imperial court face so many difficulties in opening up the seas in the past? It was not only due to the obstruction of the Jiangnan gentry, but also because the conditions for going to sea were really hard to predict.

From the perspective of the Ming imperial family, maintaining their rule was absolutely the most important thing.

Once ordinary people, merchants, and gentry ventured into the sea, the vast and boundless ocean would completely free them from the control of the imperial court.

If another Xu Hai or Wang Zhi were to appear at sea, how would the imperial court deal with them?

Not to mention the Frankish people of Southeast Asia today.

Making money at sea is never just a slogan or something that can be achieved with a few planks of a boat.

Emperor Wanli still harbored a glimmer of hope, he said tentatively.

"Take it slow and steady. The opening of the seas by our Great Ming Dynasty is not something that can be done overnight. As trade expands, the navy will gradually expand as well, won't that be enough?"

Zhang Yunxiu grew anxious and frowned as he spoke.

"Why is Your Majesty so timid? Your Majesty should know in your heart that maritime trade has brought you profits. Just in Yuegang alone, with the help of Qi Shaobao and his few hundred subordinates, you have already made a profit of one million taels of silver in just half a year last year!"
Not to mention, the economy of Jiangnan was in a state of disarray. If it weren't for overseas trade in silk and cloth, countless people would have been displaced.

"Our Great Ming Dynasty is now inseparable from maritime trade in every aspect of its existence. Without a naval force, we would face a tremendous security threat!"

Qi Jiguang was stunned by Zhang Yunxiu's outburst. He never expected that this kid would be so audacious as to speak like that in front of the emperor.

However, Emperor Wanli and Zhang Yunxiu had long been accustomed to this way of speaking.

The chubby emperor stroked his chin, lost in thought. He then picked up a brush and ink and began to write and draw on the paper, which was covered with characters and symbols that Qi Jiguang could not understand.

Zhang Yunxiu watched the emperor calculate using Arabic numerals with the same skill as an accountant in his former company.

Emperor Wanli cared more about money than protecting his throne.

After thinking for a long time, the emperor slowly nodded and said.

“What Shi Yuan said makes sense. I was too narrow-minded. Developing a navy is certainly wasteful, but if we don’t develop a navy, the money lost will far exceed the expenses. It’s a losing proposition.”

Qi Jiguang almost dropped his jaw. He had never seen anything like it before, not only because of Emperor Wanli's analytical and accounting skills, but also because of Zhang Yunxiu's method of persuading the emperor.

If I had known the emperor was so easy to talk to, I would have just asked Zhang Yunxiu to help me with the military pay in the past.

One of the most important national policies of the Ming Dynasty was decided during this conversation.

Of course, the emperor merely gave the approval and was responsible for providing more money; the specific details still needed to be handled by the Grand Secretaries and Ministers.

Zhang Juzheng was originally worried about where to divert silver, but with the support of Emperor Wanli's private treasury, all matters of the court became clear.

As long as the emperor is willing to spend money, everything is easy to handle. Since the beginning of spring, Zhang Yunxiu's most important task has been farming in the Western Hills.

The sweet potato cultivation fields on Xishan Mountain have stretched for thousands of acres. Apart from the fields of the local people in Xishan Mountain, Zhang Yunxiu planted sweet potatoes in almost every place where they could be grown.

Many people even chose to trust Zhang Engong and planted the grain seeds provided by Xishan.

Of course, most people still can't understand it. Zhang Yunxiu has already made enough money. Even if he lies on his laurels and just loafs around all day, no one will say anything.

But he just has to stir up trouble all the time.

The fact that this yield of forty shi of grain per mu is a pipe dream to farmers with even a little farming experience; it's a miracle that could only happen in heaven.

However, the people of Xishan are mostly simple and honest. It can be said that Zhang Yunxiu is no different from a benevolent ruler in their eyes. It is only natural for them to place him in the ancestral hall and build a shrine for him.

After all, for these people who came from humble backgrounds, only Xishan provided them with food.

But for the high-ranking officials and wealthy nobles of the capital, as well as the idle playboys, this place became a place to watch and have fun.

Zhang Yunxiu was out of his mind and wanted to throw all the money away, which everyone found amusing.

In addition, Xishan now boasts beautiful scenery and offers many agritainment services. After watching a play at the Xishan Theater, many people like to stroll around Xishan Village and watch from afar, which also becomes a topic of conversation after meals.

In a teahouse in Xishan Village, in a private room on the second floor, Yu Shenxing held a fan in his hand, looked out the window at the endless fields in the distance, and couldn't help but shake his head and say something.

"He knows nothing of the hardships of farming, nor does he hear of the toil of commoners. He only indulges in pleasure and follows this Zhang Shiyuan. He spends his days doing things to attract attention. Although he may please His Majesty, it is a waste of resources and manpower. Since ancient times, farmers have worked hard, and every grain of their harvest is earned with their sweat."

But he was quite the idiot, indulging in wild fantasies, claiming that a magical seed he found overseas could yield forty bushels per mu (a unit of land area), which was utterly ridiculous.

Could this also be an auspicious omen? Is Zhang Shiyuan trying to emulate the wandering monks of the Jiajing era, urging His Majesty to devote himself to Taoist cultivation and seek immortality?

As Yu Shenxing spoke, he would occasionally glance up to observe the changes in the expression on Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu's face.

He had put in a lot of effort, hoping that this time he could finally win the prince's heart.

However, to everyone's surprise, Zhu Yiliu did not agree; instead, he looked serious.

Zhu Yiliu slowly turned his head, frowned, and stared intently at the other person as he spoke.

"Who told you that sweet potatoes are a waste of manpower and resources?"

"This"

Sweat was pouring down Yu Shenxing's forehead. He was completely flustered and at a loss, and hurriedly tried to find something to say.

"Your Highness, you may not know this, but the news has spread throughout the capital. Zhang Shiyuan invented this 'immortal seed' last year, saying that he would ensure that no one in the world would go hungry again."

Such boasts would make even a three-year-old child burst into laughter. Everyone in and around the capital was watching the West Mountain's antics, waiting for His Majesty's thunderous wrath to teach Zhang Shiyuan a lesson!

Your Highness, look at how thriving these teahouses and restaurants are; nine times out of ten, they're all here to see Xishan make a fool of himself.

Hahahaha~"

Yu Shenxing let out a dry laugh, but found that Zhu Yiliu didn't react at all, and there was still no smile on his face.

This made Yu Shenxing even more nervous, wondering what he had done wrong, and he quickly added another sentence.

"Your Highness, please don't disbelieve me. I've heard that even the Grand Secretary Zhang Shuda has refuted Zhang Shiyuan. This guy actually wants to use all the land in Jiangnan to grow sweet potatoes. He's treating national affairs like a joke."

If Zhang Shuda and his son Zhang Shiyuan were like this, then the question of what sweet potatoes actually were is self-evident.

Zhang Shiyuan was brilliant for a time, but how could he be brilliant forever? No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. This was the time for him to stumble.

Hahahaha~"

Yu Shenxing let out another dry laugh and turned his gaze to Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu. However, Zhu Yiliu's expression was truly disappointing; he still had a stern face, and it was even a little red.

Yu Shenxing was filled with doubt.

Why isn't Your Highness smiling at all? I clearly said that what I said was reasonable and well-founded. This sweet potato is a type of grain that I have never seen in any ancient books. So where did I go wrong?

He mustered his courage and carefully observed the expression of Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu. He thought to himself that the prince's expression was so rigid and he hadn't been smiling much lately. Could it be that he was ill?

I've heard that Renmin Medical Clinic has recently conducted new research showing that not only the body can get sick, but the brain can also get sick, just like the "depression" described in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic.

Could it be that the prince is depressed?
Just as he was racking his brains trying to figure it out, Shen Li stepped in to smooth things over.

"Your Highness, there seems to be something to this sweet potato. We must not be careless. Perhaps this person is using a feint to deceive us, and has other motives."

Prince Zhu Yiliu of Lu looked at Yu Shenxing and then at Shen Li, both of whom were his capable advisors.

That's precisely why he felt somewhat sad.
"enough!"

Zhu Yiliu slammed his hand on the table.

"Students deserve to die!"

Yu Shenxing and Shen Li were terrified and immediately knelt down and kowtowed.

"You two idiots!"

Zhu Yiliu's chest heaved, his face flushed red, and his eyes were filled with disgust as he looked at the two of them.

Look at the people under Zhang Yunxiu's command—the likes of Zhao Shizhen and Li Shizhen. And what about the people under my command? They're all sycophants. How can I possibly compete with them?
He glanced again at the fields outside the window, where the lush green sweet potato seedlings were lined up like an army, each one thriving.

This is only what's happening outside; inside the greenhouses in Xishan, the cultivation of sweet potatoes has reportedly gone through several rounds.

Zhu Yiliu couldn't help but raise his head and say.

"How cruel is Heaven to me!"

Yu Shenxing and Shen Li exchanged a glance.

Your Highness has become obsessed with Romance of the Three Kingdoms, seeing yourself as Zhuge Liang and Zhang Shiyuan as Sima Yi.
That's hardly a good analogy!
Xishan Military Colony.

Inside a separate greenhouse, pea seedlings of varying heights were growing. Some seedlings were tall enough to reach above the knees, while others were short enough to only reach the ankles. Some pea pods were round and plump, while others were shriveled like dehydrated raisins.

Xu Guangqi stared at the peas with wide curiosity, his mind filled with questions. Today, he had been summoned by Zhang Shiyuan, and the two had been discussing how to cultivate crops. Zhang Yunxiu said he would take him to the fields to find out more.

But in this pea field, the varieties are of varying heights and seem to be of inconsistent quality. How can good crops be cultivated?

Wearing a straw hat, Zhang Yunxiu walked through the fields, clearly familiar with the area. He noticed Xu Guangqi's confusion and then asked with a smile.

"Zixian, do you know what a bastard is?"

"Ah?"

Xu Guangqi was stunned, his face showing disbelief.

(End of this chapter)