"My son is willing to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty!" Zhu Ping knelt down to Lao Zhu solemnly and said every word with determination on his face.
Being able to expand his territory made Zhu Ping come alive again, and he was full of energy. And it was overseas. Even if Han Du didn't tell him directly, he could still imagine it. If he goes overseas, neither his father nor the prince will restrain him. He can do whatever he wants without any scruples.
Zhu Fang also wanted to make achievements and express himself in front of his father through his achievements, proving that he was not a waste who only wanted to enjoy himself. In the past, the reason why he built a lot of construction projects in the fiefdom for pleasure was because he couldn't see hope for the future? No matter how great his achievements were in Xi'an, for him, he was just making wedding clothes for the prince.
Although the prince treated him well, it was not to the point where he had to sacrifice his life for the prince. But if you go overseas, it's completely different. No matter where his feudal kingdom is established overseas, it belongs to his own country.
In the Ming Dynasty, he worked very hard and only worked for Zhu Biao. But once he went overseas, he would use the excuse of opening up territory for the Ming Dynasty to fight for himself.
If the results are different, the whole person's mood will naturally be different.
Lao Zhu didn't even know why Zhu Ping's reaction was so different before and after, and he didn't even notice the reason for Zhu Ping's change of attitude before and after. Anyway, in Lao Zhu's view, he had sealed Zhu Ping in Xi'an before, just to make him a barrier of the Ming Dynasty and protect the imperial capital. Although Zhu Feng is now outside the vassal state, he is still opening up territory for the Ming Dynasty, and the difference is not big.
There was something moving in his heart, but Lao Zhu still turned to look at Han Du and asked: "Moving overseas, is this overseas really as good as you say?"
After saying that, he looked back at Zhu Chen and said leisurely: "Zhang'er is also my prince after all. I don't want him to suffer too much. If the overseas is desolate, then it is better to stay in the capital."
Hearing his father's words, Zhu Ping was even more anxious than Han Du. What could he do if he stayed in the capital? It’s not like just eating and waiting to die. He was quite happy with such days at the beginning, but after a few years in the fiefdom, he was driven almost crazy by such days. Otherwise, he would not have done anything wanton and evil in Xi'an.
"Father, I am not afraid of hardship. I have been guarding the border and have gone deep into the bitter cold of the grassland more than once. No matter how hard it is overseas, it will not be as bitter and cold as the grassland, right?" Zhu Xi quickly persuaded his father, fearing that Lao Zhu would change his mind.
Han Du also helped in time, smiled and nodded to Lao Zhu and said: "Your Majesty, this overseas country used to have only local natives, and it was indeed a bit desolate. However, in recent years, the Ming Dynasty has been continuously exiling criminals to the sea. Now, the places close to the Ming Dynasty have become more desolate. It has become prosperous. For example, Annan, Luzon and other places are no longer much different from those in the Ming Dynasty. Now there are a large number of maritime merchants buying property in these places. With the current situation, these places may become similar to those in the Ming Dynasty in the future. It’s no different.”
Hearing what Han Du said, Lao Zhu felt better. Regarding Zhu Feng's desire to move overseas, he also relieved some of his worries and no longer resisted as before.
Lao Zhu sat on the dragon chair, leaned back with a smile on his face, crossed his hands in front of his belly, looked at Zhu Ping, Zhu Biao and others with relief, and finally his eyes fell on Zhu Ping, smiling. He sighed and said: "Well, since this is your choice, I have no reason to stop you. However, if this overseas is not as good as you think, and you want to come back again, I will not stop you.
Baimeng book
However, by that time, your feudal kingdom will definitely be gone. The most I can do is prepare a royal palace for you in this capital city so that you can have a place to stay. You still have to think about this matter carefully before making a decision. "
"I would like to thank my father. I have made up my mind and am willing to move overseas. Zhu Xi thanked his father first, and then made an unswerving decision to go overseas.
Lao Zhu looked at Zhu Ping with a determined look and sighed in his heart. In the past, even though Zhu Xi was already in his thirties, Lao Zhu would still subconsciously treat him as a child. But now that Lao Zhu saw Zhu Ping's performance, he had to admit that he, the second child, had truly grown up and was no longer a child.
"Okay. Now that you have made up your mind, I won't persuade you anymore. Just go back and wait, I will issue an order. You can prepare in advance when you go back. It is not easy to be as thorough as possible when going to sea." Zhu Biao waved his hand lightly, causing Zhu Biao and the other three to retreat.
Han Du walked out of the hall, originally thinking of going home directly, but was chased by Zhu Xi who was smiling.
"If the King of Qin doesn't go and prepare as soon as possible, what's the matter with following me?" Han Du stood still with a smile, looked at Zhu Ping who walked in front of him and asked in confusion, and at the same time glanced at Zhu Biao who was following him.
Zhu Ping's attitude toward Han Du became much closer within this day. He laughed loudly and said: "Isn't this king about to move overseas? I have a dark eye on overseas countries. Haven't you been to the sea a few times? The emperor asked me to come to you to learn more about overseas affairs. Situation." Zhu Xi thanked Zhu Biao with his hands, and then looked back at Han Du intently.
"You're welcome, second brother. There is no need for us brothers to be so open to each other." Zhu Biao reached out and held Zhu Ming's hand, then looked up at Han Du.
The matter of moving overseas was proposed to Zhu Ping by Han Du, and he could not avoid it at all. Moreover, Han Du had nothing to hide. Of course, overseas matters must be explained clearly to King Qin.
"I just want to have a word with His Highness the King of Qin..." Han Du nodded slightly and said seriously to Zhu Xi.
Hearing this, Zhu Biao smiled heartily and said: "That's just right. This is not the place to talk. Why don't you go to the East Palace with Gu? Let Gu let someone prepare a table of wine and food. Firstly, we haven't had a drink together for a long time. Secondly, let's go to the East Palace. I was very curious when I listened to you talk about overseas affairs while drinking."
"Thank you, brother."
"Thank you, Prince."
Han Du and Zhu Xi followed Zhu Biao to the East Palace. In a side hall, the tables were filled with good wine and food. The three of them sat on the table, and Zhu Xi and Han Du sat on the left and right of Zhu Biao.
After drinking for three rounds, Zhu Xi put down his glass and spoke, "Handu, you are Anqing's consort. I will also call you brother-in-law."
"The King of Qin is too polite. Just call me Han Du, but I will obey your orders." Han Du responded with a smile.
Not to mention, it is really rare for Zhu Xi to let go of his posture. The reason why he was like this was not only because of Handu, but also because of Anqing. His mother gave birth to several sons, but there was only one daughter like Anqing. Zhu Xi only had such a sister, so of course he loved her to the core.
Aiwujiwuxia, he didn't use that condescending attitude toward Han Du.
Zhu Ming smiled and nodded. Some words were enough to be mentioned only, but saying too much would make the original relationship seem unfamiliar. He asked with some confusion and curiosity: "Although I want to move overseas, my understanding of this overseas country is really dark. What is the situation overseas? Han Du, you have to give me a good life." He said. Otherwise, I will really think that you want to trick me."
After saying that, Zhu Xi laughed twice.
Zhu Biao and Han Du listened and laughed in agreement. Zhu Biao knew something about the situation overseas. He knew that what Han Du said was true, so there was no problem of cheating Zhu Chong, so he smiled very calmly.
Han Du stopped laughing and explained slowly: "How should I put it? Overseas is definitely a good place, and it will even become a lively land in the future. But how should I tell the prince..."
After thinking for a moment, Han Du continued: "Let's put it this way, does the prince know how much money the emperor spent this time to compensate the people for the prince?"
Zhu Xi was stunned when he heard this. He really didn't know this. But he knew that this would definitely not be a small sum. He knew very well how much money he had collected. In addition, his father promised to repay the people twice as much, so the expense was astonishing.
"There should be several million strings." Several million strings, in the past, would have been enough for the Ming Dynasty to launch a mighty Northern Expedition, but now they were used to compensate the people.
Until now, Zhu Xi was a little surprised and moved. He knew his father's character very well, and he wanted to spend every penny wisely. He was also touched that these fathers could spend so much money to clean up his mess without hesitation.
Han Du smiled and pointed at Zhu Xi with three fingers, "A total of three and a half million strings."
Hiss~ Zhu Xi was a little surprised. Did he waste so much money in Xi'an?
"My lord, have you ever thought about why the emperor was able to spend so much money so easily and so easily?" Han Du looked at Zhu Ping with deep eyes and continued to ask with a smile.
"Why?" Zhu Xi shook his head. He really couldn't imagine why his father, who lived within his means, would be so generous this time.
Han Du smiled and said nothing, and glanced at Zhu Biao.
Zhu Biao immediately understood and said to Zhu Xi with a smile on his face: "Second brother, in the past few years since you have been away from the capital, my father has made a fortune."
Zhu Xi didn't think how his father would get rich, because if that were the case, his father would have gotten rich long ago instead of being poor for so many years. Zhu Zhen was guarding Xi'an and had a large number of troops. He was the most aware of the supply of food and pay for the army. In recent years, my father has been worried about the food and wages of the border troops. Even the Northern Expedition to Mongolia and Yuan Dynasty was such a difficult matter that my father had to fight and fight again and again. Why, isn’t it just because there is no money and no food?
If my father had been rich a long time ago, would he have kept Meng Yuan alive for so long? The army had already pressed down on the territory and wiped it out.
Seeing that his second brother was listening attentively, Zhu Biao coughed twice, and after attracting his attention, he said: "You just need to know some things, don't tell them."
"Brother, let's save it." Seeing Zhu Biao's solemn words, Zhu Feng nodded and promised.
Zhu Biao glanced at Han Du, then looked back at Zhu Xi and said: "The Ming Dynasty now has thirty-three governor's mansions in Nanyang. Each governor's mansion can pay millions of tributes to the father every year."
Zhu Xiang's eyes widened instantly when he heard it, his eyeballs protruded, and he simply couldn't believe his ears.
One governor's mansion can pay millions of dollars in tribute a year. How much tribute can the thirty-three governor's mansions pay?
Zhu Ming only made a brief calculation before being shocked and speechless. No wonder my father has been building cement roads aggressively in the past two years, encouraging people to reclaim wasteland, and increasing the tax exemption period for reclaimed wasteland from three to five years. And there is still enough spare power to mobilize an army of 300,000 to carry out the Northern Expedition against the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty.
All the reasons are because my father is rich.
At the same time, Zhu Xi turned his attention to Han Du. he
Now I understand the reason why Han Du did not tell him directly about the situation in Nanyang, but instead mentioned his father's situation.
With such pearls and jade in front of him, couldn't Zhu Chen have guessed that Nanyang was not the overseas wasteland in ordinary people's eyes, but a place where wealth gathered?
The annual income of nearly 40 million guan can be continuously sent to the palace as tribute, which shows that the wealth of this Nanyang is average.
"Haha, okay, it's really good news." After all, no one has too much money. Even though Zhu Xi was the King of Qin, he actually didn't have much money. Otherwise, he would not have put his idea into the people's heads just to build some gardens.
Doesn't he know that if he steals the people's wealth, he will be punished by his father? But there is no way, who makes it impossible for him to spend money to build a garden.
"However, I heard that there are many islands in the South Sea. I can't just pick one at random, right?" Zhu Fang said and cast a look at Han Du for help.
Han Du did not refuse and said directly: "Then we have to see what kind of place you like, my lord."
"Oh? Isn't it rare that these places are different from each other?" Zhu Xi asked jokingly.
"Of course." Han Du nodded with a smile, turned to Zhu Biao and said, "It would be better for the prince and prince to move, and let's take a look at the map."
"Okay." Zhu Xi agreed without hesitation.
Zhu Biao also stood up with a smile and took Han Du to the room where the map was placed.
Since Han Du presented the complete map of the world to Lao Zhu, Lao Zhu left the one presented by Han Du in the Jinshen Palace. But someone was found to make an exact replica and send it to Zhu Biao. The reason is that Zhu Biao can also look at the world and have a broad mind.
The three of them came to the map of the world. Han Du walked to the map with a smile on his face and turned around to face Zhu Ping diagonally. He raised his hand and pointed at a place on the map and said: "This is Luzon. Now there are 100,000 people from the Ming Dynasty, 300,000 survivors from the former Song Dynasty, and of course hundreds of thousands of natives. This is the richest place in Southeast Asia." , the island is rich in silver and copper minerals, and the land is fertile. Nowadays, a large amount of grain and sugar cane are grown on it, and a large amount of grain and sugar are transported to the Ming Dynasty every year."
I am somewhat interested in Zhu Xi of Luzon. After all, it is a prosperous place. As long as it is a rich place, no one will dislike it. But there is some trouble for the survivors of the former Song Dynasty in Luzon. These people are not barbarians and can be dealt with at will.
Lao Zhu had long issued an edict recognizing that these survivors of the former Song Dynasty were also of Chinese origin, which meant that the Ming Dynasty regarded them as Han people. If these people are squeezed too hard, Lao Zhu will definitely be dissatisfied.
"This is the old port, and it is also where the Xuanwei Department of the Ming Dynasty's old port is located. Although the land and minerals here are not as rich as Luzon, it is a place where Western maritime merchants come here to trade goods with the Ming Dynasty. Nine out of ten maritime merchants in the Ming Dynasty are It was here to trade with Western merchants. However, when I went there, there were not even a single Ming citizen here, only a group of Han people living overseas. Among them, the Shi family was the strongest in Old Port, so I asked Your Majesty, appoint Shi Jinqing as the envoy of the Old Port to guard the island. Of course, if the prince chooses to stay here, it will be fine. This island is large enough for the prince and the Shi family to guard it."
Hearing that he was about to squeeze in with others, Zhu Ping frowned involuntarily.
Of course, the Shi family was not qualified to compare with him, Zhu Ping, but as Han Du said, there were too few Ming people in the Xuanwei Department of Jiugang, and those who went there were almost all maritime merchants. And this place is so important, related to the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty's maritime trade.
Of course, Zhu Ming could go and force the Shi family away, but this would definitely have an impact on Ming Dynasty's maritime trade, and it felt like the gains outweighed the losses.
Seeing Zhu Xi's hesitation, Han Du put his palm on the largest piece of land in the sea, "This is the continent. It is rich in products. Not only does it have a large amount of gold, silver, copper, iron, tin and other minerals, but also a large amount of minerals. Plain land. There are wild buffalo and wild sheep in herds. The natives living on it do not need to cultivate at all. They can eat without worries just by hunting these cattle and sheep. And it is vast, even compared with the Ming Dynasty. It’s pretty much the same.”
Zhu Xi couldn't help but take a deep breath. When he saw the position where Han Du's palm was pressed, he felt that it was about the same size as Daming. But maps are always inaccurate. Zhu Xi thought it was drawn casually and did not represent its true size.
But now that he heard Han Du confirm that this continent was no smaller than the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Xi was a little surprised.
At the same time, he also asked excitedly: "Father, can you seal this continent to us? If that's the case, then we don't have to choose, let's just stay here."
Han Du slowly retracted his hand, glanced at Zhu Biao with some embarrassment, looked at Zhu Xi with an embarrassed expression, coughed twice and said: "This, the prince will ask the emperor. But I thought that the emperor probably didn't I will agree, after all, this continent is too big to be given to the prince."
If they were all sealed to you, wouldn’t you go to heaven? There is no shortage of minerals, trees, fertile land, cattle and sheep. This is a completely independent kingdom, even a kingdom richer than the Ming Dynasty.
The only flaw now is that there is not enough population. Once the population increases, won't it mean that even the Ming Dynasty will not take it seriously?
Lao Zhu is not that stupid yet. Even if Zhu Ping is to be sealed here, it will definitely only be a small area for him.
