Dragon Sea Empire

The ninth day of March in the third year of Tianqi.News of the fall of Wuchang City.With the memorial signed by 26 civil and military officials under Hanyang Chen Daoheng.It was sent to the capital in a hurry by eight hundred miles.In the early spring, the capital is cold and cold.The news was even more chilling.

Then there was a Tang newspaper: when Zhu Huakui, the ninth king of Chu, fell in Wuchang City.Captured by the pirate army.The Chu Palace has been looted by pirates.All members of the royal family including concubines, princes, and princesses below King Chu.No one can escape from Wuchang City.

Only one day has passed.A memorial came from the prefect of Jingzhou.It is reported that ten naval gunboats have bombarded Jingzhou City.And there are signs of landing on the shore. ...

The vast inland of the Ming Dynasty.Except for Sichuan, which has inconvenient transportation.It has been divided into north and south parts.The world of the Zhu family is in jeopardy.

These news shocked the entire court inside and outside.Emperor Apocalypse, who was obsessed with his superb carpentry skills, had to drop his tools.Convene the cabinet ministers to discuss matters.This time the cabinet ministers meeting.Even Xu Guangqi, who had just been promoted to the right minister of the Ministry of Rites and a bachelor's degree attendant, was summoned.

Xu Guangqi is really different from the officialdom.Passionate about doing practical things.unwilling to join the party.But he was mistaken by party disputes: people in Donglin borrowed his academic fame.But he did not agree with his political views; and Wei Zhongxian, who was expanding his strength, originally wanted to win over Xu Guangqi.But seeing him is not on the road.Therefore, Xu Guangqi was excluded everywhere.On the pretext that he negotiated peace with pirates to harm the country.Let him go to Qin Tianjian to rework the calendar.

After the new army rebellion.Although Xu Guangqi is not directly responsible.But because the new army was first established under his auspices.So affected.He was almost about to be removed from the position of serving as a bachelor.so far.Xu Guangqi handed in a letter requesting to return home.But was retained by the chief assistant Ye Xianggao.

It's noon this day.Xu Guangqi was called out from the Qin Tianjian by several young eunuchs.Still haven't figured out what's going on.He was taken to Qianqing Palace to meet Emperor Tianqi.

In the main hall.Xu Guangqi saw Ye Xianggao, the chief assistant of the cabinet, and Han Yu, a scholar of Dongge University, who had already arrived.Then came Zhu Guozhen who had just been appointed as a scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion.As well as Gu Bingqian and Wei Guangwei, who are despised by the Donglin party members, are two newly promoted cabinet scholars.Gu Bingqian and Wei Guangwei are both bearded.He also eagerly ran to offer courtesy to Wei Zhongxian.The former openly told Wei Zhongxian that he wanted to worship Wei Zhongxian as his father.It's just that "I wanted to worship under my knees. I'm afraid I don't like this white-bearded child. So let the child recognize the grandson."

And Wei Guangwei and Wei Zhongxian are from the same hometown.He called himself "Zongdi".He considers himself the nephew of Wei Zhongxian.Call to worship the Minister of the Ministry of Rites.Participate in maintenance.At that time, it was called "Wai Wei Gong".At the beginning of the third year of the apocalypse.He has just entered the cabinet as a bachelor.Zhao Nanxing, his father's friend, hated him.Shut up.He said to people, "Jianquan (Wei Yunzhen, Wei Guangwei's father) has no children."

Gu Bingqian and Wei Guangwei were able to enter the cabinet as bachelors.They all relied on Wei Zhongxian's help.therefore.Cabinet business at this time.It has been gradually controlled by Wei Zhongxian.

subsequently.The principals of the six departments have also arrived.Many of these positions are in the hands of Donglin party members.There are Zhang Wenda, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and Li Changgeng, Minister of the Ministry of Households.The Ministry of Rites Shang Shusheng took Hongyuan as the commander of Tongguan Guards.He was a Jinshi in the 26th year of Wanli (1598).It was written by the Shu Jishi and the Ministry of Rites.Ariake generation.Those who have a post in the health office and are dignified by the imperial examination.There are only father and son Sheng Na and Sheng Yihong.He has always been friendly to the Donglin Party members.It is not in harmony with other parties such as Chu and Shaanxi.

Dong Hanru, Minister of the Ministry of War, attended the meeting.The main reason is that Sun Chengzong, Shangshu of the Ministry of War, was still trapped in Jinling City by the pirate army.This person is not from the Donglin faction.Getting closer to Wei Zhongxian.

Shangshu of the Ministry of Justice is an old man in the officialdom who is nearly seventy years old.His name is Sun Wei.The word Chunyu.Weinan people.He was a Jinshi in the fifth year of Wanli.From local to central.Nanjing to the capital.Six ministries at all levels, supervisory envoys, etc.He's been through them all.Being an official is still a due diligence.But also very careful not to offend people.Therefore, the official luck is not prosperous.But it is rising steadily.He has always expressed his good opinion of the Donglin Party.

Zhong Yuzheng, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, does not belong to Donglin Zhongren.But he doesn't cling to Wei Zhongxian either.His name is Shu Lian.A native of Zhongjiazhuang, Yidu, Qingzhou.Already 69 years old this year.Notoriously good old man.When he was appointed magistrate in Huaxian County, Henan Province.The local people called him a good official for the people.Now waiting to retire.Zhong Shangshu was escorted into the palace by a young eunuch.After kowtowing to Emperor Tianqi.He had to be supported by the little eunuch to stand up.

Ranked last is the man of the hour.Zhao Nanxing, the chieftain of the Eastern Forest, is the censor of Zuodu.The word dream white.No. peer crane.Alias ​​Qingdu FIT.A native of Gaoyi (now Gaoyi County, Hebei).Now 73 years old, Zhao Nanxing has white beard and hair.Tall and energetic.He was older than Zhong Yuzheng, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry who needed help to stand upright.But it looks like it's old and strong.Talk loudly.Not at all like a 73-year-old man.

On the opposite side of these highest-ranking civil officials of the Ming Dynasty.Apocalypse Emperor Zhu Youxiao's young face was full of impatience.He is only 18 years old.He was neglected since childhood.Although he studied under Sun Chengzong.But not much culture.But a woodworking genius.Self-taught top carpenter.And manage the state affairs and deal with the major affairs of the world.It was a very dull thing for him.If it weren't for the fact that the matter involved a royal family like King Chu.Moreover, it was a major event of the fall of the famous city of Dayi.He didn't want to sit on the throne and meet these ministers at all.think they are too annoying.

Standing behind him.It was Wei Zhongxian who he trusted the most.At this time, Wei Zhongxian had just become the eunuch of Si Li Bingbi.The former eunuch Si Li Bingbi.Eunuch Wang An, who was once Wei Zhongxian's benefactor.It was only a month ago that Wei Zhongxian beat him to death.

The person who holds the supreme power of the Ming Empire has spoken.The voice was urgent and hoarse: "Zhuqing's family. The pirates have invaded the country for three months. Jinling has been surrounded and Anqing has been trapped. Master Sun is still trapped in the southern capital. Now the pirates have even broken through Wuchang. The vassal king has fallen and the bandits are among them. This is something that has never happened since the founding of the country. Now, gentlemen and ministers, what is the way to deal with this pirate. To appease or suppress it. We must come up with a regulation today."

Everyone looked at Ye Xianggao, the chief minister of the cabinet.The old man in the political arena, who served as chief assistant for the third time, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, humble ministers and others are in vain as ministers. We can't stop the pirates. We should calm down the sea and the border. It's a crime that deserves death. The current situation. The only way to deal with the pirates is to pay. Only then can you rest with the people. And focus on training the new army. Buy firearms. Then plan the overall situation of suppressing thieves."

The so-called payment.It's a political term.In fact, it is a negotiation.

Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay: His Majesty the Emperor first raised the topic of "suppression or appeasement".Shoufu immediately proposed to pay the pirates.This seems to have been discussed long ago.Sing together.

present.Among the cabinet, Han Yu, a senior and prudent Dongge University scholar, was in favor of the advance payment.Then try to restore.On the other hand, Zhu Guozhen, a scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion with a straightforward and straightforward personality, stood up to express his opposition.

Gu Bingqian and Wei Guangwei, who belonged to Wei Zhongxian's faction, also expressed their opposition to "paying money" to the pirates.

This is an emergency joint meeting of the six cabinet ministries.From the very beginning, the cabinet was divided into two factions.What surprised everyone was the attitude of the two bachelors, Han Yu and Zhu Guozhen.The two of them had always agreed with Shoufu Ye Xianggao's opinions.And Wei Zhongxian is not the same way.But Zhu Guozhen sang against Ye Xianggao today.The two grand scholars that Wei Zhongxian placed in the cabinet maintained a united front with him.

The main opinion of the opponents is: the arrogant behavior of pirates cannot be tolerated.It is necessary to regain lost ground with the strength of the whole country.Zhu Guozhen's specific suggestion: take the main force of the pirate army in the south of the Yangtze River.The remaining Jurchen Eight Banners in Liaodong are still fighting the pirates.We should take the opportunity to send troops to recover Liaodong.

When Donglin Party members deal with actual government affairs.It has always adhered to the principle that "the enemy's opinion must be opposed anyway".Ye Xianggao seemed very isolated now.I'm afraid that those Donglin colleagues will stand up and speak.He has been secretly signaling the principals of the six ministries not to speak yet.In the case of serious divisions in the cabinet.The head of the Six Departments, the Imperial Envoy, etc., who are mainly supporters of Donglin.Although most do not agree with solicitation.But because of Ye Xianggao's face.It's really not convenient to express an opinion.

Ye Xianggao has a good impression of Zhonghua Company.Everyone knows this: In addition.His family also secretly traded with Chinese companies.When Ye Xianggao Zhishi was at home.There are also contacts with Chinese companies.He has a better understanding of the strength of the group of maritime merchants in Taiwan.So he advocated appeasement.

Everyone turned to Xu Guangqi at this moment.The six Grand Masters split into two factions.Only he has yet to take a stand.

Wei Zhongxian took a step forward.Pass a cup of tea to the young emperor.Secretly gestured with his eyes.

Zhu Youxiao frowned.Turning to Xu Guangqi: "Mr. Xu, the last time you appeased the pirates. You presided over it. Although the matter was not done well, it also made the country stable for a few years. This time, the pirate army once again used the sea ban as an excuse. They invaded the country. You figured out what to do."

From the heart.Apocalypse Emperor Zhu Youxiao did not want to fight.Wei Zhongxian privately urged him to propose "payment" first: those Donglin Party members who claim to be upright will definitely oppose recruiting.so.Eunuch Wei will have the opportunity to eliminate dissidents.

did not expect.Ye Xianggao actually offered to comfort him from the very beginning.Wei Zhongxian was caught off guard.The two grand maesters he had installed in the cabinet had to object.

All eyes were on Xu Guangqi.He was forced to do nothing.I had no choice but to stand up and kowtow to the ground first.Then he stood up and said: "The last time I recruited the pirates, I got twice the result with half the effort. I gave up halfway. Although I won a few years of stable life for the people in the southeast, I really entrusted the emperor's mighty spirit. I rely on the officers and men to use their lives. I am a blunt person. Let me down The emperor's deep trust; since he entered the cabinet, the bandits and mutinies in various places have not been eliminated. Outside, the pirates have invaded. The vassal king has lost his opponent. As a result, his majesty has to worry about work at night and sleep. He deserves death..."

"Qing's difficulty. I understand it very well. There is no need to say more." Tianqi Emperor Zhu Youxiao interrupted Xu Guangqi's self-blame impatiently.Forced to ask: "I'm here to ask you. The current strategy. Appease or suppress. Which one is more appropriate."

Xu Guangqi had expected that the emperor would ask him this question sooner or later.I have prepared in my heart.only.Say his opinion.It is bound to offend Wei Zhongxian's faction.was directly involved in the party struggle.This is a situation he has always wanted to avoid.

"My minister thinks that it is a plan for the present. Only the advance payment is required. Gain a few years to train recruits. Buy new firearms. Only then can Liaodong and the southeast coast be recovered."

Xu Guangqi finished speaking.He said with a lot of meaning: "I think that at present, the government is beneficial to the country. It can be relied on for the time being. If you take advantage of this time to warn the soldiers, rectify the first battle, rest and supplement. This is what Gou Jian means. .”

Gu Bingqian stood up and objected.Said in his Kunshan dialect: "Xu Xueshi's words are different. The pirates are now sweeping the southeast. The power is arrogant. It is like appeasing their actions. Given time, it may not become a serious problem for the court. Besides. Now the pirates have captured my vassal king. At this time Bank money. There must be many opponents in the DPRK and China..."

Xu Guangqi thought to himself: Haikou is now a serious problem.These guys can't see the timing yet.He was excited.About to make some nasty remarks.Ye Xianggao stood up in time and said: "In the past, I answered the proposal. There are not many opponents. When the payment is completed, I will accept the seal. The tribute and horses will be exchanged. From then on, everything will be safe. The imperial court has to relieve the troubles in the northwest. Let's work together. Use soldiers in Donghu. Everyone knows that it is a good idea to answer my money. Today's matter is similar to it."

The first assistant spoke.Zhao Nanxing, Minister of the Ministry of Officials Zhang Wenda, and Minister of the Ministry of Households Li Changgeng, who received the signal, immediately stood up and echoed Ye Xianggao.

After a lot of discussion.Everyone looked at the Supreme Arbiter on the throne.

Tianqi Emperor Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Zhongxian beside him.Nose humming twice.Pointing to Xu Guangqi, he said, "You guys have a lot of opinions. I think Mr. Xu is right. About the payment. Let Mr. Xu preside over it. Mr. Ye. What do you think?"

Ye Xianggao quickly bowed his head: "The sage is wise. I will definitely assist Mr. Xu. We will handle this matter well."

Wei Zhongxian secretly signaled to Zhu Youxiao again.The young emperor suddenly remembered something: "Oh, that's right. Regarding the matter of paying the pirates, the mansion newspaper is not allowed to copy the biography, and it is not allowed to publish another pond newspaper. What is discussed today. Don't spread it outside. Everyone knows. "

Reluctantly, Xu Guangqi took on the task of "paying money" to appease him.

Ye Xianggao was still kind to him.Although he doesn't take Xu Guangqi's deviant behavior of believing in foreign religions and concentrating on Western learning.But I also admire Xu's knowledge and integrity.After today's meeting.Ye Xianggao invited Xu Guangqi to his home for a talk.

Inside the study.Ye Xianggao reprimanded the servants.Only Xu Guangqi was left alone.The two sat opposite each other.Each feels connected.They looked at each other and smiled.

"Master Xu is knowledgeable and talented. He naturally knows what I said in the palace about my answer to the payment. It is completely different from today's situation." Ye Xianggao pointed directly at the subject: "The current plan. There is no way to make money. Master Xu must have thought the same way."

Xu Guangqi nodded: "Master Shoufu spared no expense on his own reputation for the sake of the country. I admire it. In reality, I negotiated peace with me that day. Emperor Longqing ruled the world well. The foundation of the country is still very strong. In addition, there are names such as Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong. The minister is in the court. Outside there are famous generals such as Qi Shaobao guarding the nine sides. The court is much stronger than I Da, so it is possible to make money like this. Today's situation can't be compared with that of the past..." Xu Guangqi sighed: "I will take over this matter .It's like carrying a heavy burden on your shoulders. The road ahead is boundless."

Ye Xianggao also sighed: "Masters inside and outside the imperial court. Few people can see the current situation clearly. Don't train the new army and buy firearms. I'm afraid something unbearable will happen...Master Xu. Please negotiate the peace payment Yes. I am in the court. I will do my best to promote the training of new troops and the purchase of firearms. You have to buy some time for the court..."

Two important ministers of the Ming Dynasty who had different political views.Now after being shocked by the capture of Wuchang by the Chinese army.However, a consensus on the current situation has been achieved.However.Among the Ming court.How many people can have such insight and tolerance?