I was the emperor in the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 408 Merchants in the capital
In fact, Li Tian has always had an unwillingness in his heart.

That is also a voyage, and it is also an expansion of the horizon of the empire.

Why did Columbus become a world-renowned navigator.

But Zheng He, who was earlier and greater than him, could only leave a little bit of prestige in the history of China in the end.

The reason is simply that Columbus finally returned to his country with a boatload of gold, while Zheng He returned with a boatload of envoys who opened their mouths to ask for money and shut their mouths to ask for money.

It is conceivable that one is bringing money back and the other is sending money out. It goes without saying which one is more popular with everyone.

In fact, Zheng He is no worse than Columbus in terms of humanities or historical reasons.

The main reason why he was cast aside by the people of the Ming Dynasty during his lifetime was because of Zhu Di's wrong decision at the time.

In Li Tian's view, what shows the demeanor of a big country and what cultural exchanges do have its historical significance, but this meaning is actually of little significance to a prosperous civilization.

The Ming Dynasty, which had not yet experienced the Industrial Revolution, was actually in an era when barbarism defeated civilization.

In such an era, using civilized methods to exchange for the recognition of other civilizations is simply whimsical.

Columbus opened a window to the Western world, but the Western countries used guns and plagues to smash this window, and then turned it into a feast of plunder and slavery.

In the end, he became the greatest pioneer in human history, which has to be said to be a great irony.

Everyone knows the reason behind this, but no one is willing to refute it.

Why is that?
It's not all about profit.

Li Tian didn't want to be a barbarian like the Western powers, but he didn't agree with Zhu Di's meaningless sense of identity.

He believed in the truth that axioms lie within the range of guns.

Strong deterrence can also achieve the same effect.

Conquest does not mean destruction, and win-win cooperation does not mean slavery.

Of course, to achieve this goal, you must first have sufficient strength.

But Li Tian can say at this time that there is everyone in the world who can fight, so what else is he afraid of.

Zheng He in the original history was great and sad at the same time.

His persistence and hard work throughout his life did not bring any real benefits to Daming or even Huaxia.

But it's different now. Although Li Tian's plan seems a bit rough at this time, given time, it will eventually bring earth-shaking changes to Daming.

And the source of all this will start from Zheng He's next voyage.

After all, the dominant Zheng He was remembered by history in a different tone.

What he gave to Zheng He and the entire Ming Dynasty was not only a brand-new picture scroll with wanton brushstrokes, but also a brand-new empire map and countless howling feats.

"Brave young man, go to the unknown sea, where there are countless wealth and countless legends waiting for you to write!"

This is Li Tian's dream, and it is also the dream of countless future otakus.

They may not have this opportunity and energy anymore, but Daming still has countless teenagers who are growing up.

A successful leader does not mean that he can be as capable as he is, but that while he is capable, he can also inspire and train more capable people. This is what a leader should really do.

Tang Saier's ideas may be deviant in this era, but for Li Tian, ​​her behavior is very consistent with Li Tian's concept of adventurers.

She is capable, insightful, and courageous, which are the basic qualities that an adventurer should possess.

He might have been a little brooding about her kidnapping Zhu Zhanji before, but after he realized what she really wanted to do, he wished to help him and help her realize this dream.

Previously, Li Tian might just be infatuated with Tang Saier, a legendary woman, but at this time she actually resonated with Li Tian in thought.

This actually made Li Tian appreciate her even more.

He stared at the small islands standing quietly on the chart, as if he wanted to project his consciousness into them, fascinated.

"Tang Sai'er, you are really a woman who impresses me. I look forward to the day when I meet you. Perhaps, that day is not far away!"

……

In the heart of the Ming Dynasty in the capital, there are countless joys and sorrows going on every day.

No matter what time it is, it seems to be shrouded in an invisible fog, which makes people never be able to figure it out thoroughly, and also makes people have no time to relax.

On this day, an important news spread quietly among the merchants in the capital.

In a certain teahouse, three or five merchants wearing satin robes and looking very rich were discussing matters.

"Have you heard that there is a new semi-public and semi-private office on Zhengyang Street recently? I heard it is called an exchange!"

"I've heard about it too, but I haven't been there yet, so I don't know what it's for. Brother Shen has found out something inside, so why not tell him about it!"

The rich businessman surnamed Shen took a sip of his tea, stretched his arms comfortably, and said with great satisfaction,

"Now you are asking the right person. I heard from some fellow countrymen who are officials in the court that this exchange is amazing!"

"What's so great about it, brother Shen, tell me quickly, it's exciting, is it interesting!"

"Hey, don't worry, listen to me slowly!"

"This exchange was jointly established by the imperial court, the Royal Bank, and several large firms."

"Not to mention the financial strength of the imperial court and the royal bank, but just the few big merchants that have joined, they account for nearly [-]% of the market in the capital.

Guess what the imperial court wants to do! "

Those few people didn't understand for a while, they all stared at each other, looked at each other a few times, and immediately shifted their eyes to the rich businessman surnamed Shen.

"Brother Shen, you must have received some internal news, please tell us quickly, can't we pay for this tea?"

The wealthy businessman surnamed Shen laughed even brighter when he heard what they said.

While asking Xiao Er to serve some side dishes, he said,
"Such a large-scale move is naturally impossible to be a trivial matter.

I heard that since the establishment of the exchange, the Royal Bank and that big firm have joined hands to sweep almost all the goods that have just arrived at the port into their mouths.

This way, the supply of goods in the capital is concentrated in the hands of the exchange! "

Several people were surprised at the same time,
"This... this, are they going to raise prices on the floor and force all merchants in the capital to do business with them!"

(End of this chapter)