How can one be Emperor Chongzhen without money?

Chapter 241 A Way Out and a Dead End

In December of the third year of the Chongzhen reign, Beijing was dry and cold, with no auspicious snow to herald a bountiful year, which was quite worrying.

But in Tsinghua University in Haidian District, northwest of Beijing, a completely different scene of "vibrant life" unfolds.

Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, is seeing off the Ming Dynasty's delegation to Europe, which also serves as the Ming Dynasty's European Trade Company—one delegation, two names!
From the perspective of the Ming Dynasty, this was just an ordinary merchant group.

Once outside the Ming Dynasty, they became a legitimate diplomatic mission, representing the friendship between the Celestial Empire and the royal families and nobles of various European countries. Of course, they also took the opportunity to sell them some special products of the Ming Dynasty, such as porcelain, silk, tea, white sugar, and lacquerware—goods that Zheng Zhilong ordered from Japan, but which were also labeled "Made in the Ming Dynasty Court," making them private-label products.

The people sitting below all had complex expressions, a mix of anticipation and trepidation.

The first person on the lower left of the main seat is You Shiwei, who has been specially granted the title of "Imperial Envoy to the Western Ocean" by imperial decree. His scarlet official robe with a qilin embroidered patch and a jade belt around his waist could not conceal the fierce air he exuded from his military background.

He actually fought quite well in the battle of Changping, but because Emperor Tianqi had someone steal his tomb, he was constantly criticized by a group of upright officials, which made him look bad. He resigned a while ago. Emperor Chongzhen did not try to persuade him to stay, but instead gave him a mission to go abroad.

Of course, this mission was a double-edged sword. While he was an envoy of the Celestial Empire abroad, he had to keep a low profile domestically because Emperor Chongzhen never even formally approved the mission to Europe. The court was completely unaware of You Shiwei's appointment as the "Imperial Envoy to the West," or at least pretended not to know.

Standing next to You Shiwei was Wang Chengen, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who stood upright with clear, bright eyes that exuded competence. He was the financial manager of the mission, or rather, the merchant group!
This mission is almost a reverse version of "tribute trade." Instead of people coming, the Ming Dynasty itself is going, but the business is huge. If it succeeds, the profit will be millions of taels! There must be someone from our own side to manage the finances.

Sitting opposite me was Sun Yuanhua. He had been serving as the head of the Ministry of Works and the head of the Beijing Garrison Artillery Factory for some time. Among the delegation, he was the only one who truly understood Western firearms and languages.

Next were Yang Tiansheng and Ding Xuewen. Both were dressed in the robes of military officers and sat upright. Yang Tiansheng was Zheng Zhilong's man, while Ding Xuewen represented Liu Xiang, who was in charge of business negotiations after going abroad, such as signing some kind of trade treaty.

The most spirited of them all was Yang Qi. His official robes as a vice admiral of the Ryukyu navy accentuated his tall, imposing figure, sharp features, and piercing eyes. He was in command of the entire "envoy fleet," and once they reached Europe, he would be a Ming Dynasty admiral!

The hall was quiet. Emperor Chongzhen did not touch his chopsticks, and everyone else sat properly.

"Relax, everyone," Emperor Chongzhen said. "Today is a family banquet to bid you farewell."

He picked up the warm Jinhua wine in front of him.

"This first cup," Chongzhen's gaze fell on You Shiwei's face, "You Qing, I toast you."

You Shiwei immediately stood up, holding the cup with both hands: "Your subject dares not!"

"You are capable of shouldering this responsibility." Chongzhen looked at him. "You have rendered meritorious service to the country in the bloody battle of Changping. This journey westward will take you across tens of thousands of miles of turbulent waters, and the outcome is uncertain. You are a general of my Great Ming Dynasty and the chief envoy of the mission. When you reach those foreign lands, your upright posture will be the backbone of the Great Ming. You must let them witness the majesty of a general of the Celestial Empire."

Those were strong words. Yu Shiwei felt a surge of emotion, and he tilted his head back, downing the wine in one gulp. The spiciness made his eyes well up with tears. "Your subject... will certainly not dishonor the nation!"

Emperor Chongzhen nodded, gesturing for him to sit down.

Wang Chengen quietly stepped forward and silently refilled the empty cup with wine.

Emperor Chongzhen looked at Sun Yuanhua. "Mr. Sun."

Sun Yuanhua stood up: "Your subject is here."

“You are a wise man.” Chongzhen’s tone softened a bit. “Bring back to me all the designs for muskets, cannons, and warships that the West has but the Ming Dynasty does not, and that are beneficial to the military and the country. Ask for books and craftsmen if you can, and buy them if you can. Do not be stingy with money.”

"Your subject understands." Sun Yuanhua bowed. "I will do my utmost to retrieve the true scriptures for our Great Ming."

"Very well." Chongzhen turned to Wang Chengen, "Wang, my companion."

“This servant is here.” Wang Chengen stepped forward.

"This time, my private treasury has been used to fund the mission," Chongzhen said directly. "All expenses of the mission will be accounted for through the 'Great Ming Europa Trading Company.' You are in charge, so the accounts must be clear and reported monthly. Proceeds from the sale of goods should be used for procurement, and profits and losses must be transparent. Dividends should be distributed upon their return so that this business can last."

Wang Chengen's eyes were focused as he bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant understands. I will certainly keep good accounts and manage the money well, so that this business can last a long time."

Finally, Chongzhen's gaze fell on Yang Tiansheng, Ding Xuewen, and Yang Qi.

The three immediately left their seats and knelt down on the ground.

"Stand up and speak." Emperor Chongzhen raised his hand.

The three of them stood up in response.

"You are experts in maritime and merchant affairs," Chongzhen said calmly. "The silk, porcelain, tea, and sugar carried by the fleet are partly state gifts, but mostly goods. Once they arrive, you will negotiate with the local merchants and officials on how to sell them and to whom. Tell them that the Emperor of the Great Ming has been gracious, granting them permission to trade at seven ports: Tianjin, Yangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Quanzhou, Guangzhou, and Xiangshan. Ming goods are of high quality and will not lack buyers. As for their goods, as long as they are of good quality, the Ming Dynasty will also want them. You must pave the way for this free trade for me!"

Yang Tiansheng and Ding Xuewen clasped their hands in greeting, their eyes flashing with the shrewdness typical of merchants eyeing huge profits: "Your humble servant obeys the imperial decree! We will certainly proclaim the Emperor's grace to the West and open up this trade route!"

Chongzhen looked at Yang Qi.

"Deputy General Yang."

Yang Qi's voice boomed like a bell as he clasped his hands and said, "Your subordinate is here!"

"Twenty or thirty ships, the lives of thousands of people, and the fate of the Ming Dynasty—I entrust them all to you." Chongzhen stared at him, his gaze sharp. "You must be familiar with the shipping routes and accurately predict the weather. In case of danger, you are authorized to make on-the-spot decisions! Your primary responsibility is to protect the mission, to bring this fleet out safely and back without incident!"

Yang Qi grinned, revealing his white teeth, exuding the unique boldness of a seaman: "Your Majesty, rest assured! With Yang Qi here, the fleet is here! We'll make those red-haired barbarians witness the might of our Great Ming Navy!"

After giving his instructions, Chongzhen raised his cup again.

Chongzhen's gaze slowly swept over everyone—You Shiwei's perseverance, Sun Yuanhua's professionalism, Wang Chengen's loyalty, Yang Tiansheng and Ding Xuewen's enthusiasm, and Yang Qi's boldness.

He paused for a moment, his voice not loud, but clear enough to reach everyone's ears, carrying a resolute force:

"Remember! The deck beneath your feet is the territory of my Great Ming! The new knowledge you see is the wealth of my Great Ming! I, and the hundreds of millions of people of this Great Ming, await your return!"

"We (your humble servants, your lowly generals) would gladly die for you!"

The crowd roared in agreement, tilting their heads back to drink their glasses of liquor. The strong liquor ignited a fire within them, dispelling the last vestiges of unease and chill.

After the banquet, everyone bowed and took their leave.

Emperor Chongzhen walked alone to the window of Yihaitang Hall and looked out at the clear blue sky—this winter, Beijing was experiencing drought and little rain!
Fang Huazheng quietly approached: "Your Majesty, it's windy, be careful not to catch a cold."

Emperor Chongzhen did not turn around. After a long while, he asked softly, "Huazheng, tell me, how was my move?"

Fang Huazheng replied, "His Majesty's decision is made with the utmost wisdom and for the sake of the nation. This servant believes that this move is the right one! As long as the business succeeds, the navy can be strengthened, and the future of the Ming Dynasty is within reach!"

Emperor Chongzhen nodded slightly and said nothing more. Almost at the same moment.

Thousands of miles away in North Korea, Jeonju Prefecture.

The weather was just as dry and cold, but the wind carried the smell of burnt wood and a faint stench of blood.

Kim Seong-in huddled in the back room of the Jeonju Prefectural Office, wrapped in a thick cotton robe, yet still felt the chill seep into his bones. He wasn't cold; he was afraid.

The sounds of horses' hooves, along with the chaotic footsteps and shouts of Korean soldiers, echoed through the streets. Ever since Huang Taiji issued the "shaving order," Quanzhou had been anything but peaceful. Just a few days ago, Li Demao, a member of the Quanzhou Li family and one of the two local officials, actually led his servants and a group of reckless righteous men to burn down a small granary belonging to a Manchu bannerman!

Now things are really bad; the whole city is under martial law, and the Eight Banners soldiers and the Korean Green Standard Army are arresting people everywhere. The severed heads are hung on the flagpoles at the four gates, frozen stiff.

Kim Song-in is now a "traitor to the dynasty," and he is more afraid than those who have been beheaded. He fears that Li Demao and his "righteous men" will storm in and tear him, this traitor who "betrayed his ancestors," to pieces.

"What are you afraid of!" a rough voice rang out behind him.

Jin Chengren shuddered and turned around to see Zhao Si, the garrison commander of Quanzhou City. Zhao Si was wearing a cotton armor, with a knife at his waist. His pockmarked face was full of ferocity, and he looked completely nonchalant.

“Commander Zhao…Commander Zhao,” Kim Seong-in’s voice trembled, “when…when will this mess be resolved?”

Zhao Si scoffed, plopped down in a chair, grabbed a swig of cold tea from the table, and said, "Ping? With those bookish young masters like Li Demao and a few broken muskets, what good are they! Just you wait, once Lord Eshuo's army arrives, they'll be finished!"

The Eshuo he mentioned was the garrison general of the whole prefecture, a Bayara Banner officer of the Bordered Yellow Banner, a famously fierce general.

Kim Sung-in was still uneasy: "But...but people's hearts..."

"Human nature?" Zhao Si glanced at him sideways, as if looking at a fool. "Old Jin, you're an educated man, how come you still can't understand? In this world, nothing beats human nature!" He patted the hilt of his sword. "Whoever has the strongest fist is the boss! Those yangban lords of the Joseon Dynasty, they act all high and mighty all the time, but when it comes to real combat, they're utterly useless! Their meager courage is only enough to tinker a granary."

Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside, stopping abruptly at the entrance of the yamen. A man named Goshha rushed in, sweating profusely, knelt on one knee, and handed over a command arrow: "Commander Zhao! General Eshuo's order! You are ordered to immediately reorganize the Green Standard Army of the entire prefecture and accompany the general out of the city to quell the rebellion in the western suburbs!"

Zhao Si jumped up, grabbed the command token, his face contorted with rage, and a bloodthirsty smile appeared on his lips: "See? They're here!"

He turned to Jin Chengren, who was slumped in a chair, and said, "Old Jin, you keep a close eye on the city gate for me! When I get back that brat Li Demao's head, you can use it as a football!"

After saying that, he strode out, shouting as he ran, "Gather! Everyone, gather here! It's time to break the ice!"

Two or three hours later, on a hillside in the western suburbs of Quanzhou.

Li Demao was dressed in a worn blue yangban uniform, wearing a square crown on his head and holding a sword in his hand. He was surrounded by about a hundred servants and righteous people who had rushed over upon hearing the news, their weapons a motley collection, including muskets, spears, and mostly hoes and wooden sticks. Many of them still wore expressions of panic.

Facing them were the Manchu Eight Banners soldiers and Zhao Si's Korean Green Standard Army, arrayed in formation. Their helmets gleamed, their armor gleamed, and their swords and spears reflected the pale sunlight. The silent ranks exuded a palpable air of menace.

E'shuo, mounted on his horse, watched the rabble from afar, a slight smirk playing on his lips. He didn't even bother to give any orders. He gestured with his chin toward Zhao Si beside him.

Zhao Si understood, drew his knife, pointed at the slope, and roared, "Fire arrows! Charge!"

The Korean Green Standard Army soldiers fired a sparse volley of arrows, then charged forward with howls. The Eight Banners soldiers behind them held the line, watching coldly, not needing them to participate at all.

The rebels on the slope fired a few shots, killing two or three Green Standard soldiers who were charging ahead. But more men rushed up. The muskets were too slow to reload, and the rebels frantically raised their makeshift weapons.

The battle was almost entirely one-sided.

Zhao Si's "fierce generals" Zhang Zhongjin and Li Xiaoqi charged ahead, brandishing their swords. The Green Standard Army soldiers followed them, hacking and slashing. These former Korean soldiers were even more ruthless than the Eight Banners soldiers when it came to killing their own men.

Li Demao parried a few blows with his sword, but as a scholar, he was no match for seasoned soldiers like Zhang Zhongjin and Li Xiaoqi. In no time, his sword was knocked from his hand. Zhang Zhongjin grinned maliciously, his blade aimed straight for Li Demao's neck.

Li Demao closed his eyes.

The expected pain didn't come; instead, he heard a muffled thud and Zhao Si's angry curses. He opened his eyes and saw an old servant lying in front of him, his back slashed open by Zhang Zhongjin's knife, blood gushing out.

"Young master... hurry up and go..." The old servant said, and then he breathed his last.

Li Demao's eyes were bloodshot, and he still wanted to fight back, but he was dragged back by several servants.

The slope was already littered with the corpses of the rebels. The resistance quickly crumbled, and the survivors fled in all directions, crying out. The Eight Banners cavalry began to move out, chasing and killing like sheep.

Zhang Zhongjin slashed down the servant who had shielded him from the attack, then looked for Li Demao, only to find him already dragged away by the servants. He cursed and continued to hack at the civilians who couldn't escape.

In less than the time it takes to eat a meal, the hillside fell silent. Only corpses littered the ground and the heavy stench of blood remained.

Zhao Si also killed a few people, and carrying a blood-dripping knife, he went to E Shuo's horse to report: "General, the rebels have been quelled! A few escaped, and I sent men to pursue them!"

Eshuo grunted and turned his horse around: "Cut off their heads and hang them back. Let everyone in the prefecture see the consequences of resisting the Heavenly Army!"

"Whoo!"

A few days later, at Dagukou, Tianjin.

A biting wind howled, the sea was murky, and the waves surged.

More than twenty tall Fujian and Guangdong ships were quietly moored in the harbor, their masts like a forest. You Shiwei, Sun Yuanhua, Wang Chengen and others had already boarded the largest "treasure ship".

Yang Qi stood at the bow of the ship and blew the conch shell.

"woo"

The sails rose one by one. The massive ship began to move slowly, cleaving through the icy seawater and sailing into the vast ocean depths.

The fleet gradually became a string of black dots on the horizon, and then disappeared.

Almost simultaneously, a fast horse galloped into Quanzhou City, handing E Shuo a dusty military report. The report contained only a few brief sentences: "The rebels in the western suburbs of Quanzhou have been quelled, with over three hundred heads taken. The bandit leader, Li Demao, has fled into the mountains and is being pursued."

Eshuo glanced at it and casually tossed it onto the table.

Qianqing Palace, Beijing.

Emperor Chongzhen also received a report, a secret report from Gao Yushun, the eunuch in charge of the Tianjin Maritime Trade Office: "Your Majesty, the fleet has set sail as scheduled, and everything is going smoothly."

(End of this chapter)