How can one be Emperor Chongzhen without money?

Chapter 197 Vibrant Life, All Things Flourish (Please Subscribe)
On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month in the second year of the Chongzhen reign, Beijing was much more lively than in previous years, full of vitality and with everything flourishing.

Although Zhenhai Fortress still surrounds the north, the festive atmosphere under the emperor's nose is still strong. Shops along the main streets have long since hung up new signs, and shop assistants are using ladders to hang bright red lanterns high. Donkey carts and mule carts block the intersections, all carrying people from the surrounding countryside who have come to the city to buy New Year's goods. Children cover their ears, gather around the firecracker stalls, laughing and waiting for nightfall.

Over at Qianmen Street, there was a teahouse. The storyteller struck his gavel and began recounting the story of the Duke Yansheng's righteous act of sacrificing his own family for the greater good. The audience included scholars in long robes and ordinary people in short clothes. When they heard Kong Yinshu's head fall to the ground, the whole hall erupted in cheers.

"If you ask me, His Majesty is wise! Confucius was also very righteous!" An old man took a sip of tea. "Fighting the Tartars is of utmost importance! Anyone who dares to resist taxes is going against all the people of the Ming Dynasty!"

"That's right! I heard that the 'military training donation' is going much smoother these days..."

"Well, it's not much, really. It's only one in a hundred. Even if it goes through a few more checkpoints, the price of goods from Tianjin to Beijing will only increase by a tiny bit."

Just then, a commotion broke out on the street. Several riders on horseback galloped past, their riders dressed in military uniforms shouting orders to clear the way. Following closely behind, a long procession slowly approached.

In the middle of the procession, a large banner, about ten feet tall, stood out conspicuously, embroidered with the four characters "Prince of Jeju." The men beneath the banner were all dark-skinned and wiry, dressed in silk robes, yet their bearing could not conceal the air of those who risked their lives at sea.

At the very front of the procession sat a man on a somewhat adorable-looking folded-ear horse. He appeared to be around thirty years old, with a slightly dark complexion and piercingly bright eyes that exuded an indescribable air of authority. This was Zheng Zhilong, the Prince-designate of Jizhou, who had come to the capital to receive his official title.

"Is this the Sea King?"

"Wow, what a grand display! Look at what's loaded on that car behind, it must be full of treasures!"

"I heard that they have thousands of ships at sea..."

The people crowded along the roadside, pointing and whispering amongst themselves. Zheng Zhilong sat upright on his horse, seemingly oblivious to the commotion on both sides, only occasionally glancing up to survey the city walls and streets of Beijing with a deep, thoughtful look.

No one noticed that Hou Xingguo, dressed in coarse cloth, was staring at Zheng Zhilong's group with a glint in his eyes. After watching for a while, he quietly slipped away and disappeared into the depths of the alley.

Tsinghua University, Yihai Hall.

Although it was New Year's Eve, the garden wasn't decorated with many extravagant lanterns; only a few festive palace lanterns hung under the eaves. The thin ice on the water reflected the setting sun, giving it a golden-red glow.

Inside the warm pavilion, the underfloor heating kept it cozy. Emperor Chongzhen had changed out of his plain court robes and was now wearing a crimson robe with dragon motifs. He sat in the main seat, still holding the warm, lustrous rosewood cup filled with goji berries.

Three people were seated at the lower end.

The first person on the left was Zheng Zhilong. He had changed into a brand-new set of the county court's robes, which fit him well. However, he sat there with his back ramrod straight, unlike the casual posture of ordinary civil officials.

Next to Zheng Zhilong was Duke Yansheng, Kong Yinzhi. His face was still somewhat pale, and although he held a cup of tea, he hadn't taken a sip for a long time, his eyes occasionally darting around. Ever since that incident at Xisi Archway, his legs had started to cramp whenever he saw the Emperor.

Seated alone to the right is Zhu Cunxu, the Prince of Qin. This nobleman, who had been captured and brought to Beijing by Wei Zhongxian, seems to be in a good mood. During his time in Beijing, he has enjoyed a freedom he's never known before.

In Beijing, no one forbids him from leaving the city! He's already in Beijing, what restrictions are there? He can wander freely inside and outside the city. Goulan Hutong, Zhuan Ta Hutong, Fenzi Hutong—the prince goes there every day and nobody cares, he's so happy!

None of the cabinet ministers were present; only Wei Zhongxian, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, was there, quietly serving in a corner with a few servants. The newly appointed compiler of the Hanlin Academy, Niu Jinxing, sat on a small stool by the window, with a small table in front of him covered with paper and pen, clearly responsible for taking notes.

"At the end of the year, I've summoned my beloved ministers here. I appreciate your hard work," Emperor Chongzhen said, his voice calm.

"We dare not," the three men said, bowing respectfully.

"The past year has not been easy." Chongzhen gently blew on the steam rising from the rim of his cup. "In the year of Ji Si, the Jurchens invaded, causing great shock in Xuanfu and Datong. Fortunately, the soldiers fought bravely and the officials did their best, and we managed to get through it. Right now, Huang Taiji is still besieging Zhenhai Fort. This year, neither I nor the soldiers on the border have had a peaceful time."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three men: "Therefore, in this new year, we must work even harder. Internal governance and external defense against powerful enemies are fundamental. But how do we govern and how do we defend? Relying solely on the meager harvest from the land is not enough. We must increase our sources of income."

Emperor Chongzhen looked at Zheng Zhilong: "Official, you have been at sea for many years and have broad experience. Tell me, where is the way to open up new avenues?"

Zheng Zhilong immediately cupped his hands and said in a booming voice, "Your Majesty! The benefits of land are finite, but the benefits of the sea are infinite! The Western barbarians can become extremely wealthy by sailing across the ocean with just a few ships. Our Great Ming is rich in resources. If we can use the strength of the nation to organize a fleet and open up maritime trade, the benefits will be more than ten million! It can not only replenish the military funds, but also show our national power beyond the vast ocean!"

"Well said!" Emperor Chongzhen praised. "How exactly should we proceed?"

Zheng Zhilong, clearly having prepared his answer, spoke eloquently: "Your Majesty, the first step in increasing revenue is to promote trade. After much deliberation, I believe that it would be more prudent to proceed in two steps."

He paused briefly, and seeing that Chongzhen was listening intently, he continued, "For this first step, I am willing to respond to Your Majesty's call and invest in the 'Great Ming Europa Trade Company.' I can contribute 300,000 taels of silver, taking a 20% stake. I am willing to assist in raising funds for the fleet, sailors, and trade routes to the Western Ocean, but the main responsibility will be entrusted to the court and the shareholders to jointly manage the business. The profits will be distributed according to the shareholding."

"Oh?" A hint of interest flashed in Chongzhen's eyes. "Then what is the second step?"

Zheng Zhilong raised his voice slightly: "Secondly, I humbly request Your Majesty to establish a separate company to exclusively handle trade between the Ming Dynasty and Japan. This company may be named the 'Ming-Japan Licensed Trading Company'! I am willing to invest 800,000 taels of silver, holding a 50% stake, with the remaining 50% going to the court. Your Majesty can rest assured that I will personally handle all matters concerning the company, including ships, personnel, shipping routes, and even negotiations with Japan. The court will not need to spend a single tael of silver or send a single soldier; we can simply sit back and wait for the annual dividends!"

His words carried weight, and the warm pavilion fell silent instantly. Kong Yinzhi was dumbfounded. Eight hundred thousand taels! And the court didn't even need to pay? The Prince of Qin stroked his beard, his face showing astonishment. Even Wei Zhongxian in the corner twitched his eyelids.

Emperor Chongzhen looked at Zheng Zhilong with perfect clarity. Zheng Yiguan was clearly determined to seize control of the trade between the Ming Dynasty and Japan! As for the 50% profit he was supposed to "give away" to the court, well, with a few good accountants, he could easily pocket 70-80% of that profit.

However, as long as his behavior isn't too unseemly, isn't giving the imperial court a few hundred thousand taels of silver a year a form of extra income?

After all, Sino-Japanese trade has always been the Zheng family's "private territory," and it is difficult for others to get involved.

In the corner, Niu Jinxing wielded his pen with incredible speed, his face flushed with excitement.

Emperor Chongzhen pondered for a moment, then looked at Kong Yinzhi: "Duke Yansheng, what do you think?"

Kong Yinzhi was startled and quickly put down his teacup, stood up and bowed: "Your Majesty is wise! Prince Zheng's proposal is indeed a good strategy for enriching the country and strengthening the army! Your subject... Your subject is willing to take the lead in responding and call on the gentry in Beizhili, Shandong and even Jiangnan to actively subscribe to the 'shares' of these... these companies, to help the court achieve this great undertaking!"

He's learned his lesson now; wherever the emperor points, he goes.

A smile appeared on Chongzhen's face, and he looked at the Prince of Qin: "Where is the Prince of Qin?"

The King of Qin smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Majesty has great foresight; I can only offer my full support."

"Very well!" Emperor Chongzhen gently patted the armrest. "Since you both support this, the remaining unsold shares of the Great Ming Europa Chartered Trading Company will be divided between your two families. It won't cost much, just 150,000 shares each, 10% each. As for the Great Ming-Japan Chartered Trading Company... well, let's leave it to the Prince of Jeju! Japan is closed off from the world, and outsiders can't get in. Only your Zheng family has the connections." Zheng Yiguan was overjoyed and immediately expressed his gratitude—he had just attributed all the negotiations with Japan to this "Chartered Trading Company"! Next time he met the Tokugawa Shogun, he would be a Great Ming Prince and Great Ming Envoy, on equal footing with the Shogun!
Emperor Chongzhen nodded and said to Niu Jinxing, "Minister Niu, today's discussion concerns national policy, so it must be recorded in detail. Publish it at the beginning of the *Imperial Ming Bulletin* so that all the subjects of the realm may know that the court has taken new measures and that the Ming Dynasty is showing a new look!"

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Niu Jinxing replied excitedly.

Meanwhile, in Datong Town, a thousand miles away, the scene was quite different.

As darkness fell, the north wind blowing from beyond the Great Wall howled like ghosts and wolves. Yet, inside the newly established wagon camp outside the city, it was steaming hot.

Squads of soldiers, lined up in neat rows, received their New Year's Eve feast from the supply officer one by one. Large chunks of stewed meat, white flour buns, and even a small bowl of strong liquor for each person. Laughter and cheerful conversation dispelled the chill of the frontier.

Sun Chuanting, who held the rank of Vice Minister of War and was in charge of military affairs in Xuanfu, Datong and Shanxi, and Cao Wenzhao, the General Commander of Datong, inspected the camp side by side.

Looking at the spirited soldiers and touching the cold cannon barrel, Cao Wenzhao grinned and said, "Sir, looking at these lads and these weapons, I feel at ease! Now, I'm just looking forward to the snow melting in the spring so I can have a good showdown with Huang Taiji!"

Sun Chuanting remained calm, but his eyes betrayed his satisfaction: "A thousand days of training for a single day of use. The key to this wagon camp tactic lies in formation, marching, and the coordination of firearms. It seems that the results are only slightly ahead. We can only proceed steadily and cautiously, step by step, and eventually reach the border and relieve the siege of Zhenhai Fortress."

He looked up at the dark night sky to the north, his tone firm: "Let that barbarian chieftain know that our Great Ming is not a soft persimmon he can squeeze at will!"

The atmosphere was quite different in the eunuch's office of Datong Town, which was not far from the main camp.

A charcoal brazier burned in the hall, making it warm and cozy. Liu Yingkun, the eunuch in charge of the imperial guards and the imperial envoy for peace negotiations, was wearing a brand-new python robe and was sitting opposite a Han scholar dressed in Manchu attire, drinking tea.

That man was Fan Wencheng, a Han Chinese strategist under Huang Taiji.

"Mr. Fan, please try this newly arrived Longjing tea." Liu Yingkun smiled, like a wealthy old man who was good at making money. "It's the New Year, and you still have to go to all this trouble, sir. You've worked hard."

Fan Wencheng cupped his hands and smiled politely: "Eunuch Liu, you flatter me. It is my honor to be able to work for the peace negotiations between our two countries. I just wonder, what has His Majesty of your dynasty thought about the peace terms proposed by my Great Khan?"

"Oh, no rush, no rush," Liu Yingkun waved his hand. "Such an important matter cannot be decided in a few days. My Emperor truly wants to end the war and let the people live in peace for a few days. But some things need to be carefully considered, don't they? For example, that Consort Su Tai..."

The two exchanged words with smiles on their faces, but their words were laced with hidden barbs.

The wind on the Hetao Grassland is stronger than in Datong.

On the snow-covered wasteland, two camps faced each other. On one side was a makeshift camp for refugees, enclosed by carts and tents, where hungry and cold people huddled around campfires, their eyes numb. On the other side were scattered yurts, and the faint neighing of horses could be heard.

Gao Yingxiang wrapped a worn-out leather coat tightly around himself, his breath instantly turning to frost. Beside him were his nephew Gao Jie and several valiant brothers.

"Uncle, are you really going?" Gao Jie asked, his hand resting on the short sword at his waist, somewhat uneasy.

"What can we do if we don't go?" Gao Yingxiang asked hoarsely, staring at the faint firelight of the yurts in the distance. "We've almost run out of the grain we looted. These Mongols have been blocking our way for a month. If we don't fight, we'll have to negotiate. If we fight, with our current numbers, we're in trouble."

He took a deep breath of the cold air: "Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we have to take the plunge. Be smart later."

The group trudged through the snow, their steps uneven, towards the unknown campsite.

"Dang——dang——dang——"

Inside Beijing, the bells of the Bell Tower struck midnight. The second year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign had passed, and the third year of his reign had officially begun.

Deafening firecrackers echoed throughout the Forbidden City. Fireworks lit up the night sky in every palace and courtyard.

Having returned to the palace from Tsinghua Garden, Emperor Chongzhen walked alone to the corridor of Qianqing Palace, gazing at the fireworks that continuously bloomed in the night sky, remaining silent for a long time.

A thick mink cloak was gently draped over his shoulders. Chongzhen turned around and saw Empress Zhou, her pregnant belly protruding, looking at him tenderly.

"Your Majesty, it's getting late and the air is chilly. Please return to your palace to rest," Empress Zhou said softly, her voice filled with concern.

Chongzhen took her slightly cold hand and pulled her closer to him, looking together at the night sky illuminated by fireworks. "I'm not cold, but you are. You're quite heavy, so don't catch a cold."

He paused, his gaze shifting from the night sky to Empress Zhou's round belly. He gently stroked it, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty and a rare tenderness: "Empress, I know that the one in your belly is definitely a son."

Empress Zhou blushed and nestled against the emperor, saying, "I also hope to give birth to a legitimate prince for Your Majesty."

“It’s not just hoping, it’s certain.” Chongzhen’s tone was resolute, as if he were declaring a given fact. “I’ve even thought of a name for him. ‘Lang’ means bright and clear. My eldest son will surely bring light to my Ming Dynasty, just like the fireworks that illuminate the night sky. He will be a good child and a good crown prince.”

Historically, Zhu Cilang was already ten months old at this time, but history has changed, hasn't it? Perhaps Emperor Chongzhen was too busy when he first ascended the throne—busy purging people, collecting money, and winning over the army—and neglected Empress Zhou somewhat.
However, Empress Zhou was unaware of all this. She felt both sweet and at peace, and softly hummed in agreement.

Emperor Chongzhen looked up at the night sky again, his gaze seemingly piercing through the palace walls and traversing thousands of mountains and rivers.

A faint glimmer of light was already appearing on the eastern horizon.

It's almost bright.

On the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the quiet streets of Beijing were suddenly filled with the clear shouts of newsboys.

"Newspapers for sale! The inaugural issue of the *Huangming Baotong*! The Emperor hosts a banquet for the King of Jeju, and a grand maritime trade plan will determine the fate of the nation!"

"Come and see! The Xuanda Chariot Battalion is awe-inspiring on the border, and its 100,000 banners will soon sweep across the northern frontier!"

"Breaking news! The Duke of Yansheng is leading the supervision of local militia donations, and gentry are enthusiastically contributing funds to resist the slaves!"

The brand-new newspapers, still smelling of ink, were bought by hurried passersby and delivered to various government offices, schools, and guild halls.

(End of this chapter)