Chapter 137 Old Port Conference
Zhu Yuanzhang decided to recall He Xi. No one at court would stop it.
However, it will take a long time for the news of Zhu Yuanzhang to reach Nanyang Old Port. The reason is simple: headwinds.
Even though Fuchuan can use the wind from all directions, sailing against the wind on the sea is still as slow as a turtle. This can also be seen as the reason why Xu Da wanted to attack Annan first. With Annan in hand, he could rush to Indochina by 800 miles. Enter the sea from Indochina, or simply go all the way to Malacca.
Maybe a little slower, but compared to the sea, when the wind direction changes, the time changes erratically, the fastest is ten days, the slowest is a few months. Not to mention the unpredictable storms at sea. Once you encounter a storm, it's hard to say whether you will live or die, and there is no time to speak of.
Therefore, although Zhu Yuanzhang's imperial edict was issued a long time ago.
But the Old Port side has never received it.
However, He Xi would not stop doing things just because the imperial edict had not arrived.
He Xi came back from Java and hardly stayed for a moment. Invitations were immediately sent out to almost all countries in Southeast Asia. Luzon, Sulu, Hemaoli, Meloju, Borneo, Kumalalang, Fengjiasilan, Chenla, Disili, Jilaxiaji, Sumatra, Subendana, Johor, Wenlang Ma Shen, Diman, Saiyang Zori, Zori, Rambang Tamba, Baihua, Pahang, Nagui, Livar, Nambali, Alu, Guri, Kochi, Little Kelan, Big Kelan, Ceylon Mountain, Bang Ge La, Zhu Na Pu'er, Zu Fa'er, Mu Gu Du Shu, Bu La Wa, Zhu Bu, A Dan, La Sa, Ma Lin, Hu Lu Mosi, Liu Shan Bi La, Sun La Nan Wuli, Jia Yile, Ganbari, Qilandan, Shaliwanni, Dili, Qianlida, Shilabi, Gulibanzu, Lani Xalabi, Qilani, Kuchani, Seraqi, Pengana, Bakeyi , Usala kick, Kamba, Awa, back to back, Bai Geda, Heigeda.
Wait, of course, the Boyi Kingdom, the Ye Kingdom, and the Zhongxian Kingdom of the Ming Dynasty are indispensable.
Many of the so-called envoys from these countries are represented by businessmen from their respective countries. There are a large number of Huihui merchants among them.
He Xi actually knew it too. These envoys did not communicate with the country at all. For example, Guli, He Xi knew that Guli was in India. Even not just Guri, many countries here are in India. After all, before modern times, India was always a geographical term, not a national term.
And some of these countries were also Majapahit's former vassals. News of King Wulu's death came out. The Majapahit empire collapsed completely. Some of these subjects were original natives who had been conquered by Java, so they paid tribute to Java. Some were simply from Javanese nobles and served abroad. But now everything has changed and they have become their own countries. Become a vassal to the Ming Dynasty.
But Majapahit and Yeguo, although the two countries have negotiated peace, they are each licking their wounds. Waiting for the next showdown.
Each other's main forces also restrain each other.
In fact, Majapahit was divided into two parts. But there is no doubt about the strength of the former Nanyang overlord. Some small countries are no match at all. If the two countries were not trying to contain each other, there would be no problem in putting down the rebellions in various places according to the original power atmosphere.
However, neither side dared to let the main force leave the mainland of Java Island.
So it became like this.
We can only watch these former vassals rushing to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty one by one, even fearing that if they are slower, they will not be able to become a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty.
The envoys of Manchu Boyi and Ye Guo could only drink wine. Pretend you haven't seen it.
This time the conference hasn’t even started yet, Lu Zhongheng’s eyes are already filled with golden light.
Lu Zhongheng made money in Nanyang. But he never expected that the tribute materials this time would be so rich, including rare treasures from all over the country, South Sea traveling beads, various gemstones in bags, and even bay leaf Buddhist scriptures and Buddha bone relics. and other rare treasures. In addition to these, there are various spices and even beauties.
Things that really have no characteristics are just rice, precious wood, etc.
In short, He Xi estimated that these tributes alone would be equivalent to one million taels.
After all, this is a Nanyang tradition.
The Nanyang powerful countries demanded tribute from their vassal countries, which was not the case in the Ming Dynasty. Rather, it was a tribute similar to that of the Mid-Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, which meant paying protection fees. Majapayi withdrew, and Ming Dynasty became the overlord of Nanyang. The power to collect protection fees in Nanyang was in the hands of Ming Dynasty.
It can be seen that this hegemony is also very valuable.
Of course, this price is also unusual.
Because this was the first tribute after the replacement of the old and new overlords, all the small countries were energetic and wanted to leave a good impression on the Ming Dynasty, so they had so much money. From now on, the annual tribute will probably not be so large. But there are also hundreds of thousands of taels.
"You have created a big problem for the Ministry of Rites." When Lu Zhongheng inspected these tributes, he said: "It is a national policy to use thicker things to thinner ones. How can the Ministry of Rites have so much money? If nothing else, just this gem, when it comes to the country, it will be at least three times higher. . Now it is one million taels, but in the Ming Dynasty it was three million taels, tsk tsk------"
Lawrence Lu held a ruby the size of a goose egg in his hand.
This gem has been processed, and under the sunlight, it reflects the gorgeous night color, making it extremely jewel-like. Lu Zhongheng couldn't put it down. He did a lot of business in Nanyang. Haven't made much money yet. However, all parties paid tribute and the court made a lot of money first.
Lu Zhongheng felt very uncomfortable in his heart. But it's okay. As the person in charge of the Ming Dynasty in Nanyang, countries will not be so ignorant. The money that should be given to Lu Zhongheng will not be withheld. Lu Zhongheng didn't have to do anything. The gifts from all countries combined were enough for tens of thousands of taels.
But it is far inferior to the property in front of me.
He Xi actually knew about Lu Zhongheng's secret greed for money. He even signaled to the people around him not to record the ruby in Lu Zhongheng's hand. In other words, Lu Zhongheng took it by default.
He Xi said: "There is a problem in the exchange of national gifts between the imperial court and the government. But the so-called national gifts are only a few pieces. But bulk goods must be sold as they go. This time, I quoted such Many countries have returned to pay tribute. I have given the Ministry of Rites face. What else does the Ministry of Rites want?"
"However, Lord Marquis, the most profitable thing in Nanyang is sea trade. For this conference, I am going to divide all countries into two parts. The first part is the countries in Nanyang. These countries are all under our control. Many were once vassals of Java."
"We will determine the borders of these people, determine the etiquette of their domestic monarchs and ministers, and mediate disputes. This time, the tribute will be collected in full. In the future, we will agree with them on a number, not too much. But the merchant ships of the Ming Dynasty must be able to flow unimpeded."
"As for the merchants who came to these countries from the west, many of them just made up a name. We will admit it regardless of whether it is true or false. They are allowed to travel here to do business. But at the same time, we must send merchant ships to have a look. Whether true or false. From Nanyang to the Ming Dynasty , the profit at sea is one price. From Daming to Tianzhu is another price. This is the most profitable place."
"Master Hou, what do you think?"
Lu Zhongheng laughed. He actually knew that He Xi was hinting to him that he should not be too greedy. Don't let the small lose the big. Lu Zhongheng knew this. He knew that sea trade was profitable, but the money delivered to his door should not be wasted. Lu Zhongheng went south and suffered so much just for money.
Lu Zhongheng said: "I can rest assured that you will do things, everything will be according to your wishes." Lu Zhongheng paused slightly and said: "Don't worry, I will try my best to support you in the last big scene before you leave Nanyang."
Many things are no secret.
Many people can figure out He Xi's desire to go back. Although it has not been finalized and there is no news from the north, Lu Zhongheng feels that with He Xi's status in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind, it is impossible for He Xi to stay here forever.
He Xi felt a little uneasy. Although he felt the same, he still didn't dare to confirm it until the matter came to an end. He could only say: "Then thank you Lord Marquis for your kind words."
The long preparation is over, and the auspicious day has arrived. On the largest school grounds in Old Port, hundreds of envoys were present at the same time, and it was extremely solemn.
Before He Xi left, the last big article was finally written.
