Everyone knew very well that the matter to be discussed next was extremely important and there was no room for neglect!
After all, the emperor once said personally that there is a silver mine in Japan called the Iwami Silver Mine. The silver production there is extremely rich. As long as the Ming Dynasty can occupy the Iwami Silver Mine, then within a hundred years, the Ming Dynasty will not have to worry about it. Silver is worried!
And now, the puppet supported by Jin Yiwei has established a firm foothold in the Kyushu region of Japan!
The next thing to consider is how to firmly control this puppet and let it be used by Ming Dynasty.
At this time, a look of joy flashed across Gao Gong's face. Since he took control of the Maritime Trade Department, he has actively dispatched ships to trade with the Kyushu region of Japan in accordance with the previously formulated plan.
Since Jiajing abolished the Kaizhong Law, implemented the salt and iron monopoly, and used sea-going certificates issued by the Maritime Trade Department to replace the salt that originally needed to be paid to the caravans, the caravans responsible for transporting materials quickly reacted and began to Delivering supplies to the imperial court with unprecedented efficiency.
After all, anyone with a discerning eye can see that as long as they can obtain a sea-going certificate issued by the court, it means that future generations will no longer have to worry about what kind of sea-going certificate this is. It is clearly a money-spinner!
Several large caravans had even joined forces to transport supplies to the imperial court day and night, and finally succeeded in receiving a complete sea-going voucher from the Maritime Trade Department.
These ships that have sea-going certificates and are able to go to sea for trade also need to obey the orders of the Maritime Trade Department.
During this process, the Maritime Trade Department where Gao Gong worked also gradually mastered the customs and detailed maps of the Kyushu region in Japan.
Gao Gong felt that he had the most say in this regard!
Time passed by slowly, and Jiajing glanced at Lu Fang, who quickly understood, took a step forward, faced everyone, and said in a deep voice.
"The next thing to discuss is the second matter for this cabinet discussion, which is the specific matter of the court's aid to Tsunoda Makoto!"
After Lu Fang finished speaking, he nodded slightly to Jiajing, then returned to his position and stood still.
After Jiajing looked around, he spoke slowly.
"Well, you guys have any ideas, but it doesn't matter!"
When Jiajing said this, his eyes fell on Gao Gong and gave instructions.
"Gao Gong, as the Minister of Maritime and Trade, you know more about this aspect. It's up to you to take the lead!"
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
Upon hearing this, Gao Gong immediately stood up from his seat and said respectfully.
Afterwards, Gao Gong pondered for a moment, and after organizing the words in his mind, he told everything he knew about the situation.
"As you all know, the imperial court has established a maritime trade department and started trade with the Kyushu region of Japan for some time!"
"During this period, the Maritime Trade Department has been following His Majesty's instructions. While conducting trade, it has learned about the local customs and social classes, and secretly drawn many detailed maps of the Kyushu region."
"Japan's social system and social classes have many similarities with our Ming Dynasty. They also have the four major strata of scholars, farmers, industry and commerce, but they do not have imperial examinations and various strata like our Ming Dynasty. They can circulate with each other.”
"In their country, the nominal supreme ruler is the emperor, but the actual ruler is the shogun, and the current shogun is named Ashikaga Yoshiteru!"
"Below the shogun, there are daimyo, feudal lords, samurai, commoners, untouchables and other classes. The daimyo is equivalent to the princes. They have their own land and management institutions, and can appoint officials independently!"
"Right now, the whole of Japan is in the Warring States Period. The daimyo are divided into one party and wars often break out. Among them, Takeda Shingen of Kai, Tokugawa Ieyasu of Mikawa, Oda Nobunaga of Owari, and Motonori Motonori of Nakashu are all powerful A more outstanding name!"
"The local people are short in stature and submissive. No matter how harshly they are exploited by the daimyo, they will not resist easily!"
After listening to Gao Gong's narration, everyone looked thoughtful, while Yan Shifan on the side lowered his head and murmured to himself.
"So it turns out that the power of the emperor has fallen to the side, so that the powerful ministers have seized the throne, the local princes have divided themselves and fought, and the people are living in dire straits. However, this is also an opportunity for our Ming Dynasty. After all, only in this way can our Ming Dynasty obtain the greatest benefits at the minimum cost!"
When Yan Shifan thought of this, he became more and more excited, because judging from the current situation, the court would not even need to think too much about the reasons for starting a war. It would only need to officially start the war in the name of "Qingjun side" for the emperor. Got it!
Jiajing heard Yan Shifan's thoughts, looked in the direction of Yan Shifan, raised his eyebrows, and asked.
"Yan Shifan, what are you muttering about?"
"Your Majesty, I was thinking just now that the power of the emperor has fallen from power, powerful ministers have stolen the throne, and the daimyo in various places are fighting in a chaotic war. When the time comes, I, the Ming Dynasty, will only need to use the name of "Qingjun side" on behalf of the emperor to officially start a war with Japan. !”
Faced with Jiajing's inquiry, Yan Shifan had no intention of hiding anything and told all his previous thoughts.
"Well, Qingjun, is it interesting?"
When Jiajing heard this, he gently rubbed his chin with his hand and said to himself.
When Zhang Juzheng heard this, he seemed to have a clear understanding, with an inexplicable look in his eyes.
Then, Zhang Juzheng stood up from his seat, bowed to the ground, and begged Jiajing.
"Your Majesty, I think we can take advantage of this and let Makoto Tsunoda, the puppet supported by Kinyiwei in the Kyushu region, use the banner of "Qingjun's side" for the emperor. Not only can he firmly occupy the right side, but he can also win the support of more people. !”
"Although after raising this banner, the other daimyo will be hostile, but with the support of my Ming Dynasty, it is impossible for them to lose in a short time!"
"In the future, I, Da Ming, will be able to legitimately intervene in related affairs and gain more benefits from them!"
After Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Xu Jie stood up and expressed his attitude.
"Your Majesty, I think this strategy is very feasible!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I also think this strategy is feasible!"
After Xu Jie, Yan Song stood up from his seat tremblingly and followed suit.
Afterwards, Jiajing nodded imperceptibly, turned his gaze away, and after pondering for a moment, gave a response.
"Well, in that case, in your opinion, what level of support should I, Ming, give him?"
"Should we transport ordnance and baggage there, or send troops to join the war directly?"
When Xu Jie heard this, a look of panic flashed across his face, and he made his attitude clear almost immediately.
"Your Majesty, I feel that the cost of using the army is too high. It is safer to transport some obsolete ordnance and baggage!"
"Currently, the Ordnance Department is continuously producing new types of firearms. The old matchlock guns that were equipped in the army in the past have no use!"
"Weichen thought, why not use those obsolete matchlock guns and transport them to Japan through the merchant ships of the Maritime Trade Department!"
When Xu Jie said this, he inevitably paused for a while and then added.
"Of course, this batch of assistance is not free. We can put forward corresponding conditions. Only if he agrees to our conditions can he receive assistance. Otherwise, we can completely replace him with another person!"
Jiajing was quite satisfied with Xu Jie's proposal. He saw a look of relief on his face, nodded and gave instructions.
"Well, that's good, let's do it!"
Seeing that the matter had been settled, everyone present could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.
"Okay, I'm a little tired too, so let's just come here today!"
After Jiajing finished speaking, he stood up from his seat and walked out of the cabinet. Lu Fang, who was waiting beside Jiajing, saw this and quickly followed Jiajing's pace.
Immediately afterwards, under the leadership of Yan Song, the chief minister of the cabinet, everyone knelt on the ground and saluted respectfully towards Jiajing's leaving figure.
"I will respectfully send you off to Your Majesty!"
After leaving the cabinet, Jiajing turned around, looked at Lu Fang and reminded him.
"Lu Fang, don't forget what I told you before!"
"As ordered, Your Majesty, I will send the people from Dongchang to set off immediately!"
When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately looked stern and responded respectfully.
…
On the other side, the Forbidden City, the Inspectorate.
In the duty room, Zhao Zhenji closed the book in front of him out of boredom and sighed helplessly.
"Oh, I'm almost sick!"
At present, Zhao Zhenji has handed over most of the work at hand and has fallen into a state of doing nothing.
And for an official like him who is about to take up a local post, he has nothing to do with many affairs within the Supervisory Court.
Therefore, Zhao Zhenji's daily routine in recent times is to arrive at the Inspectorate on time every day and then clock in and get off work.
"That's all, I'd better go out for a walk!"
Zhao Zhenji said this, then stood up from his seat, left the duty room, put his hands behind his back, and wandered around the Inspectorate.
Along the way, Zhao Zhenji met many officials from the Inspectorate. After seeing that the person coming was Zhao Zhenji, those officials stopped one after another and got out of the way. Their words were full of respect and flattery.
After all, Zhao Zhenji will go to Zhejiang soon to serve as the governor-general of Zhejiang and governor of Zhejiang. He is a veritable official of the frontier!
In addition, Hai Rui, who was recommended to the imperial court by Zhao Zhenji, has made great achievements many times and has now become the censor of the right capital of the Inspectorate. He is the boss of their boss's boss!
I would like to ask, how can an official with such a profound background, unique insight, and high position prevent others from trying to please him?
No matter how bad it is, it is good to be familiar with Zhao Zhenji. If something happens in the future, you can also say a few words. Sometimes just one or two words may be able to save a life!
After Zhao Zhenji wandered around the Inspectorate for a while, he lost interest. Just when he was about to return to his duty room, a low-pitched discussion between two subordinates came from not far away.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Youdu Yushi, you are too desperate. He comes the earliest and leaves the last every day!"
"Oh, yes, if Mr. Youdu Censor doesn't leave, we have to accompany him. It will be completely dark when we get back from the Inspectorate!"
"Yeah, if I get to that position..."
When the subordinate official saw Zhao Zhenji not far away, a look of panic flashed across his face. Then he reacted, pulled his companion beside him, and bowed to Zhao Zhenji.
"Meet...meet my lord!"
"Um."
When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he responded in a subtle way, and immediately glanced at the two subordinate officials.
The two subordinate officials were a little frightened by Zhao Zhenji's gaze. One of them summoned up the courage to ask cautiously.
"Sir... Sir, do you have anything to tell me?"
Hearing this, Zhao Zhenji withdrew his gaze from the two subordinate officials and asked.
"Is what you just said true?"
"What do you mean, sir?"
When the two subordinate officials saw this situation, their faces were full of panic and they hesitated.
"That's what you just said, Mr. Youdu Yushi, you are the first to come and the last to leave every day!"
When Zhao Zhenji heard this, he glanced at the two subordinate officials and said coldly.
"Sir... Your Majesty, it is indeed true. Recently, Mr. Youdu Yushi came to the Inspectorate at dawn every day and only left when the moon and stars were dimming."
"Well, I know, you can leave!"
After Zhao Zhenji learned the news from the two subordinate officials, he asked them to leave.
"Sir, please leave now!"
When the two subordinate officials heard what Zhao Zhenji said, they couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief, and then left the scene.
"That's all, I'd better go check out the situation!"
After Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, he walked straight to the duty room where Hai Rui was.
…
Since taking up the post of Yushi of Youdu, Hai Rui has obviously felt that the burden on his shoulders is much heavier than before.
At the moment, Hai Rui is responsible for the daily operations of the entire Supervisory Office, including supervision, corrections, and other matters. He is also responsible for hearing major cases and evaluating officials.
While Hai Rui was immersed in his desk, processing the official documents in front of him, he heard a knock on the door.
Seeing this situation, Hai Rui had no choice but to look away from the official documents in front of him and gave instructions.
"Come in!"
After the words fell, there was only a "squeak" sound, the door of the room was pushed open, and a guard walked in and reported respectfully.
"Your Excellency, the censor Zhao Zhenji is outside asking for an audience!"
"Oh, let him in quickly!"
After Hai Rui learned the identity of the visitor, his face lit up and he immediately gave instructions.
"Yes, sir!"
The subordinate official quickly took the order and left after responding.
Not long after, Zhao Zhenji stepped into the duty room under the guidance of the previous guard.
After the guard left, Hai Rui quickly stood up from his seat and led Zhao Zhenji to a seat beside him to sit down.
Soon after, subordinate officials brought a bowl of steaming tea for Hai Rui and Zhao Zhenji.
Then, Hai Rui turned his attention to Zhao Zhenji and asked.
"Sir, do you have anything to explain when you come here?"
Seeing this situation, Zhao Zhenji had a warm smile on his face and spoke unhurriedly.
"Hai Rui, no matter how busy you are with work, you should pay more attention to your health!"
When Hai Rui heard what Zhao Zhenji said and learned about Zhao Zhenji's purpose, he couldn't help but feel warm in his heart. He nodded and explained.
"Thank you for your concern, sir. After this period of busy work, things will get better!"
Zhao Zhenji did not comment on Hai Rui's statement, but he changed the subject and continued immediately.
"Alas, it's already mid-July, and soon I will be leaving for Zhejiang to take up a post!"
"So I plan to have a good chat with you while I still have time. Maybe there will be no chance in the future!"
Hai Rui couldn't help but fell into silence after hearing Zhao Zhenji's words.
This is because all high-ranking officials in the border areas can only enter the capital if they are summoned by His Majesty, or if something particularly important happens within their jurisdiction, and with the permission of the imperial court.
After the matter is over, the feudal officials are not allowed to stay in the capital and must leave the capital immediately!
On weekdays, the officials in the border areas must stay in their own jurisdiction and are not allowed to leave even half a step. Once they enter the capital without authorization, they will be punished by the court for treason!
From Hai Rui's point of view, as the censor of Youdu and one of the highest officials of the Inspectorate, if nothing unexpected happens, he will generally be stationed in the capital.
As Zhao Zhenji was a high official in the border areas, he might not have many opportunities to meet him in the future.
Hai Rui thought this, and couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness in his heart.
After all, since he entered Beijing, he has been taken care of by Zhao Zhenji in many aspects. It can be said that without Zhao Zhenji, he would not be where he is today!
Afterwards, Hai Rui calmed down, looked at Zhao Zhenji and asked.
"Sir, you came here specifically to remind me to take care of yourself, right?"
Hearing Hai Rui's words, Zhao Zhenji had a disappointed expression on his face, and then he sighed and said slowly.
"Well, that's right, I have other things to do when I come here this time!"
"Please speak up, sir!"
Seeing this, Hai Rui's face was full of determination, he cupped his hands to Zhao Zhenji and said in a deep voice.
Zhao Zhenji saw the expression on Hai Rui's face. After hesitating for a long time, she looked at Hai Rui and asked.
"Hai Rui, do you think I am qualified to serve as the governor of Zhejiang Province and the governor of Zhejiang Province?"
"With your character and talents, you are fully qualified for this position!"
As soon as Zhao Zhenji finished speaking, Hai Rui responded without thinking.
After hearing what Hai Rui said, the anxiety in Zhao Zhenji's heart alleviated a lot.
Then, he picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip, and said to himself.
"Hai Rui, this time I am not just going to Zhejiang to serve. In addition, I also have tasks assigned by His Majesty!"
"The mission assigned by His Majesty?"
After Hai Rui learned the news from Zhao Zhenji, his face was full of shock that could not be concealed.
After Zhao Zhenji heard this, he nodded and said slowly.
"Well, that's right. In addition to going to Zhejiang this time to serve as the governor-general of Zhejiang and the governor of Zhejiang, I am also responsible for checking the population and acres of land hidden by the local gentry and wealthy households, so as to help the imperial court check the country's land and population. Be prepared."
After hearing what Zhao Zhenji said, Hai Rui finally understood what troubled Zhao Zhenji.
Then, after thinking for a moment, he confirmed to Zhao Zhenji: "May I ask, sir, are you worried about not being able to find a suitable candidate?"
"After all, Zhejiang Governor Zheng Michang, Inspector He Maocai, and Hangzhou Magistrate Ma Ningyuan are all senior Yan Ge!"
Seeing that Hai Rui noticed the worries in her heart, Zhao Zhenji nodded and said helplessly.
"Hai Rui, you are right. I am worried about this matter. Once I reveal my intention in this regard, I will soon be noticed by Zheng Michang and He Maocai. When the time comes, Yan Ge will They will also know about this!"
"Once this news is known to Mr. Yan Ge and the others, those wealthy gentry and wealthy households will definitely be on guard!"
"At that time, it will not be that simple to find out the population and land they have hidden, and the court will also encounter huge resistance!"
After hearing Zhao Zhenji's complaint, Hai Rui also spoke with emotion.
"Yes, I felt the same way when I took up the post of Chun'an County Magistrate in Zhejiang Province. The entire Zhejiang Province is made up of people from Yan Ge and the others!"
Then, as if he suddenly remembered something, Hai Rui slapped his thigh and suggested to Zhao Zhenji.
"Sir, I suddenly remembered someone who might be useful to you!"
"who?"
When Zhao Zhenji heard Hai Rui's words, he couldn't restrain his eagerness and turned to ask.
"Sir, do you still remember Wang Yongji, who succeeded me and became the new magistrate of Chun'an County?"
"Wang Yongji?"
After hearing the candidates proposed by Hai Rui, Zhao Zhenji showed confusion on his face, and then fell into deep thought.
Hai Rui saw the expression on Zhao Zhenji's face and explained in a leisurely manner.
"Sir, you don't know something. Before taking office, this Wang Yongji came to me specifically to inquire about the customs of Chun'an County and his experience in governance. Judging from his various behaviors, this man was full of ambitions and wanted to serve for the people. People do something practical!"
"My lord, after you take office, you might as well get in touch with Wang Yongji before making any plans!"
After Hai Rui finished speaking, Zhao Zhenji came back to his senses and kept mumbling the name Wang Yongji.
Then, I saw a look of gratitude on Zhao Zhenji's face, and he spoke immediately.
"Well, when the time comes, I will consider this Wang Yongji!"
Later, when Zhao Zhenji saw the official documents piled up on Hai Rui's desk, she immediately stood up from her seat and bid farewell to Hai Rui.
"Okay, you can continue your work, I won't disturb you anymore!"
"Sir, walk slowly!"
Seeing this, Hai Rui quickly stood up from his seat and said respectfully.
After just a few steps, Zhao Zhenji seemed to suddenly remember something, stopped suddenly, turned around, and warned.
"Hai Rui, there is news in the court that the imperial concubine Shen will give birth in September at the latest. You should pay more attention!"
"Thank you for reminding me, sir!"
(End of chapter)
