"The common people admit that these common people have indeed done it!"
Zheng Zhilong didn't show the slightest fear when he said this, but was a little excited: "But if ordinary people had the means, they wouldn't do these things.
As the saying goes, those who rely on mountains and mountains rely on water. Nan'an is close to the sea and people have made a living by fishing for generations. However, the imperial court implemented a sea ban.
With a lack of arable land and exorbitant taxes, people have to survive, right?
Even so, we are still on guard. The sea is more dangerous than the land. Not only do we have to face the unpredictable weather, but we also have to face robberies by pirates, Japanese pirates, etc.
It ranges from being robbed to death, to death without a whole body, and the soldiers are gathered just to protect themselves.
Your Majesty, you should have sent someone to investigate. Did I do anything harmful to nature and law in the Nan'an area?
But relying on power and wealth in the Fish and Meat Village?
Did he betray Ming Dynasty and collude with the enemy?
Not only that, the grass-roots people also help the countryside and relieve the poor. There are tens of thousands of people suffering from drought and starvation in Fujian. The grass-roots people give three taels of silver and three people a cow. If it were not for the grass-roots people, Fujian would be full of dead bodies by now.
There are slaves breaking through the customs in the northeast, there is a severe drought in the northwest, and Japanese pirates invade in the east. If there is another severe drought in the south and victims are everywhere, even if the court can suppress it, how much energy will it have to expend?
Although what the common people did was trespassing, it was a helpless act. "
Having said this, Zheng Zhilong seemed to have vented his depression and his mood had stabilized.
"The imperial court's navy is currently weak, and the Japanese pirates are on the rise again. The navy in the hands of the common people is enough to cope with it, so the common people are worth the price."
Chongzhen's face was calm, but his heart was surging.
This guy just met himself and other emperors. If he dared to speak like this, he could be killed directly.
What he said was true, and the court must accept this sentiment.
Chongzhen in history must have known this, so when Zheng Zhilong expressed his intention to join the imperial court, the imperial court directly gave him the title of Five Tigers Guerrilla General. He became the commander-in-chief in two or three years, and his promotion was not unusually fast.
This was due not only to Zheng Zhilong's naval power, but also to his devotion to the people of Fujian.
Yuan Keli and Sun Chengzong, who had been silent since Zheng Zhilong entered Dongnuan Pavilion, looked at Zheng Zhilong with strange and appreciative expressions in their eyes.
Naturally, they had seen Jin Yiwei's investigation of Zheng Zhilong and knew about his ability in commanding troops and doing business.
Especially the ability of naval warfare is exactly what the court needs. I never thought that this person would be so courageous.
"Zheng Zhilong, I agree to your request!"
"A-A, agreed?"
The sudden words made Zheng Zhilong a little confused.
To be honest, even though he had laid the groundwork and praised himself for his good naval power, the current situation in the Ming Dynasty really didn't require it.
At worst, we will reorganize the navy in a few years. We will not go to sea for the time being and focus on local defense.
The third-grade official position was just for bargaining. His mental goal was fourth-grade official position. As for the ten fifth-grade official positions, they were only added temporarily.
But now the emperor agreed directly without bargaining, leaving him a little confused.
Without waiting for him to thank him, Chongzhen continued: "I have two considerations for your arrangement. I divide the navy you currently have into two parts, the navy force and the merchant ship force.
First, based on your naval strength, expand it to form a brand new navy.
Secondly, use your merchant ship as the basis or expand it to form a brand new caravan, you choose one!
If you choose the Navy, you will be given a military position as a general. The Navy will be temporarily under your command.
Choosing the caravan will give you the official position of the right minister of the household department. You will have all the benefits and powers of the right minister of the household department, but at this stage you will only be responsible for the caravan affairs. "
Although Chongzhen's voice was soft, it was like thunder in Zheng Zhilong's ears.
He keenly grasped two key pieces of information from the emperor's words, or the imperial court's plan for the future.
First, the emperor is not satisfied with using the navy only for coastal defense. He may also, like the Netherlands and others, conduct cross-sea campaigns and seize resources.
Second, the emperor had plans to impose a sea ban.
The most important point is that the navy protects the safety of the caravan, and the caravan provides the navy with military pay. The two complement each other and restrict each other, even if he wants to dominate the family.
Various thoughts flashed and weighed in Zheng Zhilong's mind. After a moment, Zheng Zhilong raised his head and said: "Your Majesty, forgive the boldness of the common people. Does your Majesty have any plans to fight across the sea? Is it of the same nature as the Dutch East India Company?"
"So what?"
"So what if I don't?"
"The common people choose the navy!"
Listening to Chongzhen's reply, Zheng Zhilong made an instant decision because he knew the emperor's ambition.
If the emperor had this plan, then he would be the first person to expand overseas territory for the Ming Dynasty.
If he didn't fight it out, it would be no loss to him.
With his current strength, he can easily defeat Japanese pirates, Dutch and other foreign enemies. Coupled with the support of the imperial court, he can deal with them easily.
Even if you don't play well, the worst is to be dismissed and investigated.
With his many years of connections and his military position, he could have wealth and wealth at his fingertips whenever he wanted.
Chongzhen was not surprised by Zheng Zhilong's choice.
It can be seen from his experience that this is a restless master who wants to go out and see.
"You have to think clearly. Once you choose the navy commander, the current caravan will have nothing to do with you. They all belong to the court. There are still many restrictions, and they are far less free and unrestrained than you are now!"
"The grassroots people are willing to take it as their own responsibility to eliminate the barbarians and suppress the bandits, and to restore peace to the people along the coast of Fujian."
"good!"
Chongzhen slapped Long An fiercely: "Since you have such an idea, it won't be justified if I don't help you.
Zheng Zhilong, I heard that you have four brothers, named after tiger, phoenix, leopard and reng respectively?
In this case, from now on, I will grant you the title of Third-Rank Five-Tiger General, and the other four will be naval guerrillas.
Based on your naval strength, form a South China Sea naval fleet, under your command, to guard the coast of Fujian to prevent pirates, Japanese pirates and Dutch from attacking.
How far you can go in the future depends on your own abilities.
As long as you have the ability, it won't be a problem for you to be the commander-in-chief, admiral Cao Jiang, or even Duke Bohou! "
"I thank Your Majesty for His grace. Long live my Emperor!"
Zheng Zhilong knelt down instantly, his eyes full of shock and surprise.
The military merit of a Duke can only be achieved by pacifying a neighboring country. This statement once again exposed the emperor's ambition.
The navy could not participate in such a battle to bulldoze the slaves and sweep through all the Mongolian tribes.
Only overseas battles are the navy's home field. Only war can provide opportunities for promotion, promotion, title, and chancellorship.
In the entire Ming Dynasty, when it comes to naval capabilities and naval warfare, among the generals known so far, he considers himself second, and no one dares to call him first.
After Zheng Zhilong suppressed the excitement in his heart, he hesitated and asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, do you have any requirements for the final strength of the Nanhai Navy Fleet?"
