I founded a heavy industry group in the late Ming Dynasty.

Chapter 156 The Early Industrial Empire of Lushun

Chapter 155 The Tianqi Emperor had finally devised a plan that could solve the Ming Dynasty's chronic problems once and for all, not only weakening the Jurchens but also eradicating the malignant tumor that was the Donglin Party. However, plans often go awry, and this perfect plan was stillborn because of Chen Boying.

This was both their strength and their weakness.

Seeing the Tianqi Emperor's dejected expression, Sun Chengzong felt a pang of sympathy. The fate of the Ming Dynasty, the lives of hundreds of millions of people, rested entirely on the Tianqi Emperor's shoulders. The crucial point was that he was still just a child. He had personally witnessed the Tianqi Emperor ascend the throne as a fifteen-year-old boy, knowing nothing and fearing nothing. The court officials were in turmoil, and he sat on the dragon throne, helpless and bewildered. But now, more than five years later, he had learned to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, to find balance in the complex political landscape, and even to use himself as bait. He had become a qualified emperor.

The problems of the Ming Dynasty were not formed overnight; they were the result of accumulated issues. For example, the court's preferential treatment of scholars stemmed from the fact that when Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, raised his army, he deeply understood the principle that "military force quells chaos, while literature brings peace." He urgently needed the assistance of scholars, and he treated them with respect. He placed great importance on the role of scholars when conquering the country, and the main reason for his success was his ability to employ them. After the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the attitude shifted from "emphasizing" to "controlling." Through the law that "scholars do not serve the ruler," he used forceful means to compel talented people from all over the country to serve him.

The core of the Ming Dynasty's imperial examination system was the eight-legged essay, with exam content and answers strictly confined to Confucian classics such as the "Four Books and Five Classics." By linking official advancement to officially designated standard answers, the court successfully transformed Confucianism into an ideological tool for maintaining its rule. However, Zhu Yuanzhang's good intentions backfired. In a traditional society where "imperial power did not extend to the county level," the court's control over the grassroots was limited. The "gentry" class, possessing academic titles, naturally became a bridge connecting the state and the local areas due to their cultural authority and official background. They often played a key role in "gentry governance" in rural society, undertaking numerous administrative functions such as mediating disputes, organizing public welfare, and disseminating education, greatly reducing the dynasty's governance costs.

The Ming Dynasty's preferential treatment of scholars was essentially a clever transformation of respect for intellectuals into a sophisticated talent investment and power project. The emperor used a three-pronged approach of preferential treatment—legal, material, and career prospects—to attract the nation's elite to the narrow bridge of the imperial examinations. Through layers of selection, the emperor not only gained loyal technical bureaucrats but also used them to firmly grasp the two lifelines of grassroots governance and ideology.

However, this design to win people's hearts also sowed the seeds of hidden dangers. The political, economic and judicial privileges enjoyed by the gentry class grew increasingly larger, eventually becoming a double-edged sword and an important cause of the financial depletion and national decline in the late Ming Dynasty.

Sun Chengzong also saw the harm that the gentry class posed to the Ming Dynasty. However, the problem was that, as a member of the gentry, he was very clear that the gentry class had become too powerful to be controlled. As long as the officials did not change their ways, the Ming Dynasty's chronic problems would continue to exist and would not be changed by a single victory.

"His Majesty!"

Sun Chengzong finally spoke, his voice gentle: "This old minister has something to say, but I don't know if I should."

The Tianqi Emperor raised his head and looked at him: "Master Sun, please speak."

"Your Majesty, governing a large country is like cooking a small fish. If the heat is too high, it will burn; if you turn it too often, it will fall apart. You have to take it slowly and patiently. When the heat is right, it will naturally be cooked."

The Tianqi Emperor smiled bitterly and said, "Master Sun, I know this principle, but I'm anxious. I've been on the throne for five years, Liaodong has been lost, people have died, the Jurchens are getting stronger the more we fight them, and the factional strife is getting more and more intense. I want to move quickly, but I can't."

"Your Majesty, some things cannot be rushed, and some things cannot be delayed. What cannot be rushed is the will of the people; what cannot be delayed is the finances. Why were the Jurchens able to gain a foothold in Liaodong? It was not because they had a large army and many generals, but because they had money, grain, and weapons. Where did these money, grain, and weapons come from? They were plundered from the Ming Dynasty. Your Majesty, the fundamental problem of the Ming Dynasty is not the Jurchens, but silver. If the court does not have silver, it cannot support an army; if it cannot support an army, it cannot fight a war; if it cannot fight a war, it cannot reclaim Liaodong. This is a deadlock."

The Tianqi Emperor remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Master Sun, I know we should solve the financial problem first, but the question is—how do we solve it?"

"Even I, your humble servant, didn't know how to solve this problem before!"

Sun Chengzong said solemnly, "Your Majesty, now this old minister understands. Look at what Chen Boying is doing. He runs schools and trains craftsmen. He opens banks and circulates silver. He builds shipyards and builds a navy. Everything he does is to solve the silver problem for the Ming Dynasty. As long as the silver of the Ming Dynasty is circulating, merchants are rich, and the people are well-fed, the Jurchens will not be a threat."

The Tianqi Emperor seemed to be deep in thought.

Sun Chengzong continued, "As for the Donglin Party—Your Majesty, this old minister dares to say that Your Majesty should not be too hasty. Because the Donglin Party is not just a few people, but dozens or hundreds of people. They are deeply entrenched and spread throughout the court and the country. Behind them are the gentry of Jiangnan, the merchants of the Grand Canal, and the tycoons of the salt fields. If Your Majesty pushes them too hard, they will become desperate and do something rash, and most of the country will fall into chaos."

The Tianqi Emperor gritted his teeth: "Am I just going to stand by and watch them betray us?"

"It's not about watching, it's about waiting."

Sun Chengzong explained with a profound look in his eyes, "Waiting for the right opportunity, waiting for an opportunity that will allow the world to see their true colors. Your Majesty, do you remember what Chen Boying said? He said that fighting a war cannot rely solely on passion; one must also consider the consequences. The same applies to governing a country. Your Majesty's most important task now is not to eliminate the Donglin Party. Even if the Donglin Party is gone, there is still the Zhejiang Party, the Qi Party, the Wu Party, the Luo Party, and the Qin Party. Chen Boying understood this very well. He first cultivated his own people, accumulated his own wealth, and trained his own troops. Once his strength was strong enough, those people would naturally become obedient."

The Tianqi Emperor remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "Master Sun, you're right. But I still feel somewhat resentful."

"Your Majesty," Sun Chengzong smiled, "It's good to be unwilling. Unwillingness is what drives us. But Your Majesty must remember that unwillingness must not turn into impatience, and impatience must not turn into recklessness. Taking it one step at a time, being steady and pragmatic, is the long-term solution. Your Majesty, this old minister has another thing to say, but I don't know if I should."

"speak."

"Your Majesty, do you know why Chen Boying was able to win the battle?"

The Tianqi Emperor thought for a moment and said, "Because he has firearms, cannons, and well-trained soldiers."

Not entirely.

Sun Chengzong shook his head and said, "Because he is never in a hurry. Every time he goes to war, he is fully prepared before he fights. He would rather wait than act rashly. Your Majesty should learn from him in this respect."

The Tianqi Emperor suddenly laughed: "Master Sun, are you praising Chen Boying or insulting me?"

Sun Chengzong also smiled: "This old minister dares not. This old minister only feels that it is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty to have someone like Chen Boying by Your Majesty's side. Your Majesty should trust him, give him important responsibilities, and let him do things that Your Majesty cannot do yourself."

The Tianqi Emperor nodded, stood up, walked to the window, gazed at the night outside, and murmured, "Master Sun, do you think Chen Boying can handle the financial matters well if I entrust them to him as well?"

Sun Chengzong thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, Chen Boying is capable of running schools, banks, shipbuilding, and warfare. Given time, he should also be able to manage finances. However, this old minister suggests that Your Majesty should let him focus on doing one thing well first. Trying to do too much at once will only lead to failure."

The Tianqi Emperor turned around and smiled: "Master Sun, I will remember your words."

Just as Sun Chengzong was about to speak, another report came from outside: "Your Majesty, Chen Ying, the Commander of the Great Ning Army, requests an audience."

95

The Tianqi Emperor was taken aback: "Wasn't he in Lushun? How did he end up in Ningyuan?"

"Your Majesty, Lord Chen arrived by boat and has just arrived."

"Announce."

"Your subject Chen Ying greets Your Majesty."

The Tianqi Emperor helped him up, frowning as he asked, "Minister Chen, what are you doing in Ningyuan?"

Chen Ying smiled wryly and said, "Your Majesty, I have come to apologize."

"Apologize? Apologize for what?"

Chen Ying lowered his head, his voice tinged with self-reproach: "Your Majesty put yourself in the trap, intending to lure the Jurchens to attack Ningyuan so that I could launch a pincer attack from Liaonan. However, I intercepted the Donglin Party's grain and took in the Shachuan Gang's men. The Jurchens retreated upon hearing the news, and Your Majesty's plan was in vain. I have lost more than I gained by focusing on a small matter. I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

The Tianqi Emperor looked at him and remained silent for a long time.

Sun Chengzong stood aside, secretly sweating. He knew the Tianqi Emperor's temperament. This young emperor was good in every way, but sometimes he could get stuck on things. He had finally mustered up the courage to "get involved," only to have Chen Boying ruin his plans. How could he be happy about that?

But the Tianqi Emperor did not get angry. He stared at Chen Ying for a long time, then suddenly sighed, turned around and sat back down on the stone bench, pointing to the seat opposite him: "Sit down."

Chen thanked him and sat down.

"Minister Chen," the Tianqi Emperor said slowly, "do you know that I was actually very afraid during the past ten days in Ningyuan?"

Chen Ying was taken aback.

The Tianqi Emperor smiled bitterly: "I fear the Jurchens will truly come. I fear Ningyuan cannot be defended. I fear I will become a second Emperor Yingzong. I fear even more what will happen to the Ming Dynasty if something happens to me. Therefore, although I say I will personally participate in this," I secretly hope that the Jurchens will not come.

Chen Ying fell silent.

The Tianqi Emperor looked at him and suddenly laughed: "You intercepted the Donglin Party's grain and took in the Shachuan Gang's men, and the Jurchens were so frightened they retreated. Although I didn't catch a big fish, I no longer need to live in fear. Tell me, is this losing the big for the small, or losing the small for the big?"

Chen Ying smiled wryly: "Your Majesty, I simply—"

"Just what?" the Tianqi Emperor interrupted him. "Just that poverty makes people lose their ambition, and a thin horse has a long mane?"

Chen Ying lowered his head and remained silent.

The Tianqi Emperor stood up, walked over to him, and patted him on the shoulder: "Minister Chen, I know your difficulties. Hundreds of thousands of people in Daning need to be fed, tens of thousands of soldiers in Shahewei need to be supported, the shipyard in Lushun needs money, Lanxiang Academy needs money, you need money everywhere. But what the court can give you is pitifully little. I don't blame you for intercepting the Donglin Party's grain. That grain was originally squeezed from the mouths of ordinary people. Rather than letting the Donglin Party give it to the Jurchens, it's better for you to use it to build ships, support the army, and run schools."

Chen Ying knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty is wise."

The Tianqi Emperor turned around and helped him up: "But remember this, next time I set a trap, you have to discuss it with me beforehand. I can't be the bait in front and you eat the bait behind me."

Chen Ying smiled wryly: "I've remembered."

Sun Chengzong stood aside, watching the emperor and his minister, his heart filled with emotion. He suddenly felt that the future of the Ming Dynasty might be placed on this young emperor and this young general.

The Tianqi Emperor decided to return to the capital. The autumn wind in Ningyuan City was already chilly, and wild geese flew south in V-formations. Sun Chengzong advised him to set off early, lest the weather turn cold and the sea become rough, but the Tianqi Emperor insisted on going to Lushun. He wanted to see with his own eyes what Chen Boying had accomplished in the past few months.

The fleet departed from Ningyuan, sailing south with the wind, and within a day, the outline of Lushun Port came into view. The Tianqi Emperor stood at the bow, holding a telescope, gazing towards the shore. He was stunned after just one glance.

In my memory, Lushun was nothing more than two lonely little towns, a desolate mudflat, and a few dilapidated fishing boats. But the Lushun before my eyes is a completely different scene. The docks are lined with gun slings, and hundreds of ships come and go, including sand barges, Fujian ships, and Guangdong ships. People come and go on the docks, laborers carrying goods shouting work songs, and supervisors patrolling back and forth with account books in their hands. In the distance, more than a dozen docks are lined up in a row, each with a giant ship under construction. The keel stretches towards the sky like the ribs of a giant beast, and the craftsmen are busy on the scaffolding like ants.

"This...this is Lushun?"

The Tianqi Emperor murmured to himself, he could hardly believe it. In just over two months, earth-shaking changes had taken place.

Chen Ying continued, "On the east side of the port is a steel mill. I have built twenty refining furnaces that produce steel day and night. Part of the molten steel is cast into ship plates, keels, and cannonballs, and the rest is rolled into steel bars. On the west side of the port is a timber processing plant."

Red pine and fir trees transported from Liaodong and Korea were sawn into planks, dried, and treated with preservatives here before being sent to the shipyard. On the north bank of the port were sail and cable factories, ironworks, artillery factories, and ammunition depots. All shipbuilding materials could be produced in Lushun on a self-sufficient basis.

The Tianqi Emperor remained silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Minister Chen, tell me, how much silver was spent on these workshops, these ships, and these people?"

Chen Ying thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, since construction began in Lushun, a total of approximately 3.8 million taels of silver has been invested. Of this, about half came from donations from the Donglin Party, and the remainder came from the output of Dalu Island, Shahewei, and Yongning Port, as well as bank loans."

The Tianqi Emperor smiled bitterly: "If the Donglin Party knew that the grain and silver they sent had been turned into warships to fight the Jurchens, they would probably be so angry they would vomit blood."

Chen Ying also laughed: "Your Majesty, whether they vomit blood or not, I do not know. I only know that after these ships are launched, the Jurchens will no longer be able to compete with the Ming Dynasty at sea."

>