Daming: If I find a great-grandson, I will teach an emperor through the ages

Chapter 95: Rich businessman returns, amazing profits overseas!

The Ma He mentioned by Cao Wei was Zheng He, the No. 1 Kaihai of the Ming Dynasty who was known to later generations.

Speaking of Zheng He, a more reliable theory spread by later generations is that during the Yunnan Campaign of Ming Dynasty, Ma He was captured and taken to the palace to serve.

Later, in the 18th year of Hongwu, Fu Youde and Lan Yu were transferred to guard Beiping. Ma He went with the army and was transferred to serve in the Prince of Yan's Mansion.

The reason why Ma He at this time changed his name to Zheng He was because of his contribution during the Jingnan period. After Zhu Di proclaimed himself emperor, he gave his surname Zheng.

But now Zhu Di obviously has no chance to appease Jingnan, and Ma He's name will probably not be changed.

Although the names were different, Cao Wei knew that Ma He beside Zhu Di was Zheng He, the pioneer who later left his name in history.

Although Zheng He was a eunuch, he had outstanding military talents. Because of this, he gained the trust of his master Zhu Di.

This can also be seen from some of the later deeds of Zheng He's seven voyages to the West.

When Zheng He led his fleet to sea for the first time, he passed by the old port of Sriwijaya, (the capital of South Sumatra Province in Indonesia and the largest port and trade center in southern Sumatra.) Shi Jinqing, the leader of overseas Chinese from Guangdong in the old port, came to report that the pirate Chen Zuyi was invading. Zheng He He sent someone to advise Chen Zuyi. After hearing the news, Chen Zuyi pretended to surrender and attempted to attack Zheng He's fleet.

Zheng He saw through Chen Zuyi's little idea, and immediately killed more than 5000 pirates, burned ten pirate ships, captured seven pirate ships, and captured the pirate leader Chen Zuyi and three other people alive. They took them all the way to the Ming Dynasty and were ordered to be beheaded.

Zheng He also went to sea for the third time. On his way back, he passed through the country of Mount Ceylon. The king of Mount Ceylon, Ariel Kunel, lured Zheng He to the country. He suddenly sent [-] troops to besiege Zheng He's fleet and cut down trees to block Zheng He's retreat.

However, Zheng He was able to remain calm in the face of danger. He led his entourage of [-] officers and soldiers to raid the royal city of Ariel Kunel at night, broke into the city, and captured Ariel Kunel and his family alive.

According to the "History of the Ming Dynasty: Biography of Zheng He", Zheng He visited a total of 36 countries: Champa, Java, Chenla, Old Port, Siam, Guri, Managa, Boni, Sumatra, Alu . Shan, Sunci, Mu Gudushu, Ma Lindi, Cisa, Zufa'er, Zhubu, Manbasa, Tianfang, Lidai, Na Orphan, Saliwanni, Buchawa.

Zheng He's Seven Voyages to the West sounds like a magnificent epic chapter, but the journey to foreign lands far away from the motherland is completely unknown. It must be dangerous and unpredictable, and it must be full of bloodshed and sacrifice.

Under such circumstances, Zheng He was able to complete his journey to sea again and again, promote the power of the Ming Dynasty, intimidate neighboring countries, and make countries "not dare to disobey any orders." It can only be said that Zheng He was born to do this.

It was also because of this that Cao Wei took the initiative to find Zhu Yuanzhang to recommend Zheng He to him, who was also the unknown Ma He at this time.

But now Zhu Yuanzhang didn't know Ma He. He suddenly heard Cao Wei read out Ma He's name. He was stunned for a moment and then quickly went through it in his mind, without remembering who this name represented.

There were an unknown number of people who served in the palace with Ma He, so Zhu Yuanzhang naturally would not remember the names of these captured people.

That is to say, Ma He was lucky and came to work in Zhu Di's house by chance, and that's how he got ahead.

"Ma He was once a valet of His Highness King Yan. Now he went to Hangzhou with His Highness King Yan to train troops and took up the position of steward." Cao Wei replied.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gray brows frowned.

Attendant, steward...

This is just a small person, not even the commander-in-chief. How can he take on the important task of going to sea this time?
"This trip to sea is no small matter. We must find high-yield grains from overseas and bring them back to the Ming Dynasty. Such an important task requires a small manager to go..." Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Cao Wei in front of him, "What kind of medicine are you selling in this gourd? ?”

Zhu Yuanzhang's reaction was also what Cao Wei expected. He smiled faintly: "Your Majesty, the common people have seen Ma He beside King Yan. This man has a tough temperament, experienced behavior, talent and proficiency in water. He is suitable for this sea mission. , the grassroots people dare to say that Ma He will be able to successfully bring high-yield grain from overseas back to His Majesty!"

Looking at Cao Wei, who was swearing so eloquently, Zhu Yuanzhang started to murmur in his heart.

Is this Ma He really that capable?
Going to sea to search for high-yield grains was of great significance to the Ming Dynasty, and there must be no mistakes. Zhu Yuanzhang even wanted to let veteran Fu Youde lead the fleet to sea, which shows that he attached great importance to this matter.

But Cao Wei suddenly came to recommend Ma He...

Based on Zhu Yuanzhang's understanding of Cao Wei, he would not make a blind move. Since he was willing to vouch for Ma He, there must be some basis for it. However, Ma He, a name he had never heard of before, really made Zhu Yuanzhang feel unsure.

"This is not just a matter of words. What if he cannot successfully find high-yielding grain?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked in a deep voice.

"If Ma He cannot find high-yielding grain, the common people will set up their own boats and go to sea to find it. If they can't find it, they will not return to the Ming Dynasty. Or... Your Majesty can do whatever you want with the common people." Cao Wei still looked confident. .

Cao Wei is a master who will never suffer losses in vain. He has said so. Zhu Yuanzhang knew that Cao Wei must have his support, and Ma He must also have his outstanding qualities.

After pondering for a long time, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded silently.

"This time, we will trust you and send the horse and Chuhai."

Cao Wei cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

Zhu Yuanzhang ignored him and directly drafted a decree for Zhu Di, who returned to Hangzhou to train troops, to summon horses and return to Yingtian.

This time, Zhu Yuanzhang chose to believe Cao Wei.

Don't use the suspect, but don't use it.

Fu Youde is a veteran general of the Ming Dynasty, but he is old after all.

Cao Wei relied on his extraordinary achievements for the Ming Dynasty to make Zhu Yuanzhang willing to trust him without reservation.

After Cao Wei left the imperial study, he did not rush back to the manufacturing bureau. Instead, he went to the Ministry of Industry to find some navigation information preserved by previous dynasties, so that Ma He's trip to sea would be smoother.

Five days later.

Ma He rushed to Yingtian. After entering the palace at noon, he went to the manufacturing bureau to find Cao Wei in the afternoon.

"Sir!" Ma He bowed his hands respectfully towards Cao Wei, who was leaning on the chair.

Cao Wei waved to him, "No need to be so polite, come and sit."

Ma He hesitated for a moment and sat down next to Cao Wei.

"Have you met Your Majesty?" Cao Wei asked.

Ma He nodded, "Your Majesty asked me about my life."

"Then you should understand why you are summoned to respond to Tiansuo this time." Cao Wei said.

Ma He immediately stood up again and saluted Cao Wei respectfully, "I am grateful for your recommendation!"

Cao Wei nodded slightly and took out a stack of books and a self-made booklet from the side.

"These are the nautical charts preserved by previous dynasties. I have sorted them out for you. This one was drawn by me based on the nautical charts. It marked the locations of high-yield grains..."

The world is so big, with five continents and four oceans. If Ma He were to rely entirely on luck, or to run a complete circle around all the continents, I don't know how long it would take.Cao Wei marked the producing areas of high-yielding grains such as corn, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.

Corn, sweet potatoes and potatoes can be found in South America, peanuts and other crops are also found in South America, and peppers are found in North America, as well as sunflowers, tomatoes, tobacco, etc. Cao Wei marked the production areas on his homemade simplified chart. good.

Ma He carefully took the information books compiled by Cao Wei as if he had found a treasure, "Ma He would like to thank you, sir."

Logically speaking, Ma He is a steward in the navy, and Cao Wei is just an ordinary householder who runs a workshop. Ma He should be in a higher position than Cao Wei.

But Ma He knew that Cao Wei was no ordinary person!
The Minister of Industry and Industry had an irreversible friendship with Cao Wei. King Zhu Di of Yan regarded Cao Wei as a friend. Even Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang valued Cao Wei very much. Just a recommendation from Cao Wei made Zhu Yuanzhang choose the unknown himself to lead the fleet. Go to sea!
This shows that Cao Wei's position in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart is really not low!As long as Cao Wei is willing, he will be able to rise to the top in no time!

Ma He knew all this very well, and the lord who shouted to Cao Wei was also sincerely convinced!
Cao Wei waved his hand politely, "I recommended you to go to sea, and I made a promise to His Majesty. You must spare no effort to find these high-yielding grains! Furthermore, even if it is for King Yan, you must do your best. As long as you can bring these high-yielding crops back, not only will your future be bright, but King Yan will also have a bright future."

Ma He nodded solemnly, with a solemn look on his face, "Don't worry, Sir, we will find high-yielding grain for the Ming Dynasty. Ma Hewan will not hesitate to die!"

Cao Wei waved his hand, "Okay, I have nothing to do here."

Ma He said goodbye and left with the books and materials.

The next day.

Zhu Yuanzhang issued an imperial decree, ordering Ma He to serve as the commander-in-chief of the navy, lead [-] warships and [-] soldiers to go to sea to find high-yield grain for the Ming Dynasty, and set out on a different day.

Ma He returned to Hangzhou with the decree, and the next day, under the watch of countless people, he led twenty warships out to sea.

It's time for April.

The wealthy businessman who once went to sea is finally back!

When the merchant ship and the accompanying warship approached the Qixia Mountain Pier, the shore was already full of people. Most of them were businessmen who wanted to see the final result of the merchant ship's voyage, and some of them were nearby people who heard the news and came to watch the excitement.

Naturally, Cao Wei and Yan Zhenzhi also came, and with them came Zhao Mian, the Minister of Household Affairs. They wanted to test the benefits of this sea trade. This matter was related to the tax revenue expected from sea trade in the future.

Boss Liu, who had gone to sea, disembarked from the deck and landed.

Compared with the image of more than four months ago, Boss Liu has obviously lost a lot of weight, and his big belly has become a small belly. It seems that he is quite busy this time.

After Boss Liu landed on the shore, Zhao Mian came forward with his entourage, and Cao Wei and Yan Zhen followed him.

Boss Liu remembered Yan Zhenzhi and walked over happily to see him.

Before he could speak to Yan Zhenzhi, Zhao Mian stopped him with his hand and wanted to check the accounts of his merchant ship.

Boss Liu, who had never met Zhao Mian, was a little confused.

"This is Zhao Mian, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. It's just a routine matter." Yan Zhen said bluntly.

Boss Liu's face immediately turned 180 degrees, and he answered Zhao Mian's question with a smile on his face. At the same time, he called the guys on the ship to move everything off the merchant ship...

Cao Wei noticed that the warships on the side were not very obvious, but the number of men on this merchant ship was about one-sixth less.

It seems like it’s not easy to make money at sea!

As the guys moved out and opened several large boxes on the ship, there was an uproar around them and the sound of breathing.

The box was filled with all kinds of precious jewelry and a small amount of broken silver.

"The coins from other countries are no longer useful when they return to the Ming Dynasty. They can only be purchased locally and exchanged for jewelry." Boss Liu whispered to Zhao Mian next to him.

Zhao Mian nodded and asked his subordinates to start checking and calculating.

After two hours of careful calculation, Zhao Mian concluded that Boss Liu's income from overseas trading was a total of 360 and [-] taels, with a balance of more than [-] copper coins.

Suddenly, there was another gasp from the crowd around him.

When Boss Liu loaded the goods on the ship, they all watched with their own eyes.

Those goods cost more than 4000 taels, and they only sold for more than 6000 taels in the Ming Dynasty. Unexpectedly, when Boss Liu went overseas, the price of these goods doubled!
More than 8000 taels!
Not only did I make up for the money I paid for the sea voyage order, but I also made no less money. I even made 2000 taels more than when I traded in Daming!

What a terrifying profit!

You know, the sea voyage order can be used for a long time.

During this period, if Boss Liu prepares enough goods to go overseas again, he can earn more than 1 taels... After deducting taxes, it will all be Boss Liu's own profit!

The profits from overseas markets are amazing!
There was a green light in the eyes of all the surrounding businessmen. They stared at Boss Liu's boxes like hungry wolves, eager to take them for themselves!
Soon, Zhao Mian gave Boss Liu the amount of tax to pay according to the proportion. Boss Liu happily paid the money, and then started walking towards Yingtian City with his assistant.

After a brief period of silence, the remaining merchants swarmed towards Kaihai Bureau!

Zhao Mian looked at this scene and said with a smile: "It seems that your opening sea bureau will be busy for a while."

Yan Zhenzhi smiled helplessly, "This is nothing."

"In this case, I will go back and report to Your Majesty." Zhao Mian handed over to the two of them and left with a few subordinates.

Cao Wei wanted to run away, but was stopped by Yan Zhenzhi.

"You can't leave at this time. His Majesty asked you to assist in opening up the sea. Now is the time." Yan Zhenzhi firmly grabbed the lapel of Cao Wei's clothes.

Cao Wei had no choice but to follow Yan Zhenzhi to Kaihai Bureau.

This was not the first time for Cao Wei to come to Kaihai Bureau, but it was the first time that he felt that Kaihai Bureau was a bit cramped.

The Kaihai Bureau was the official portal of the imperial court, so its scale was naturally very large. It was about three times the size of the steelmaking plant after the expansion was completed.

In the past, when Cao Wei came to Kaihai Bureau, he even felt a little empty.

But now Cao Wei looked at the merchants filling the courtyard and began to think...how long will they be busy?

(End of this chapter)