bookbashuk Chapter 632 Cabinet Meeting!
Chapter 632 Cabinet Meeting!
About ten days later, a group of officials gathered in the East Warm Pavilion of the Wenhua Hall.
They were to participate in an extremely important closed-door royal conference that would determine the empire's overseas landscape for decades to come, and even longer.
It was less like a morning assembly and more like a top-level "project planning meeting".
The huge rosewood desk in the center of the warm pavilion was now almost entirely covered with various documents.
On one side was a huge world map, densely marked with the names of the princes, their intended fiefdoms, and the preliminary boundaries in red ink, black ink, and even various colored pens; next to it were several thick blue ledgers, recording detailed lists and valuations of the assets "contributed" by each prince's residence.
On the other hand, there were the Ministry of War's "Armament Compendium" and "Naval Warship Atlas," the Ministry of Works' "Estimated Costs of Ordnance and Labor Hours," and the Ministry of Revenue's "Table of Costs of Various Materials and Labor in Silver"... a vast array of data.
Zhu Cilang was not wearing court robes today, but only a black casual robe, and sat upright in a rosewood armchair at one end of a long table.
He didn't look at the specific documents, but calmly scanned the key ministers seated on either side:
The newly appointed Grand Secretary Hong Chengchou, along with several other cabinet scholars, Minister of Revenue Ni Yuanlu, Minister of War Li Banghua, and several other officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Works, stood respectfully on the outer perimeter, ready to be questioned or to provide specific data at any time.
The atmosphere was serious, but not oppressive.
The air was filled with the scents of ink and paper, as well as a secretive excitement that was about to usher in a new era.
"Everyone is here."
Zhu Cilang spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.
“A few days ago, I discussed with Minister Ni and Minister Li the matters concerning the overseas enfeoffment of princes and the corresponding military and financial affairs. Today, I have summoned you all here to establish specific procedures. Mr. Hong, as the chief minister, you are in charge of the overall situation. Please share your views first.”
Hong Chengchou remained calm and composed, his gaze sharp. Upon hearing this, he bowed slightly, cleared his throat, and spoke in a clear and powerful voice:
"Your Majesty's wisdom is profound. The policies of 'compensation' and 'export' that you have devised have been admired by all of us. This is a grand plan with a strategic vision and multiple benefits. It can not only completely solve the long-standing problem of the powerful imperial clan, but also absorb the arrogant soldiers, alleviate financial difficulties, and expand the territory of our Great Ming Dynasty beyond the vast ocean. It is truly a supreme strategy that removes the fuel from the fire and turns misfortune into blessing!"
He paused, looked around at everyone, and continued:
"However, for this strategy to be implemented, it requires a meticulous plan, a clear price list, and a reliable guarantee. Otherwise, disputes may easily arise, and the benefits may be lost. The primary task of today's meeting is to draft a detailed, fair, and most favorable 'price list' for the court, so that the princes can clearly 'purchase' what they need, and the court can clearly receive what they deserve."
At the same time, it is also necessary to establish long-term methods of control and restraint, so that their overseas fiefdoms will forever remain a bulwark of the Ming Dynasty, rather than uncivilized states.
These words not only expressed support but also set the tone for the subsequent discussions—to achieve the substance of "what is most beneficial to the court" under the guise of "fairness".
"Mr. Hong is absolutely right."
Zhu Cilang nodded, then turned his gaze to Ni Yuanlu and Li Banghua.
“Ni Qing, Li Qing, you two are the ones who are in charge of the specific arrangements. Please feel free to speak your mind regarding any specific plans you may have.”
Minister of Revenue Ni Yuanlu and Minister of War Li Banghua exchanged a glance. Having already prepared their speeches after their previous private conversation with the Emperor, Ni Yuanlu spoke first.
"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Hong."
Ni Yuanlu opened a draft filled with numbers in front of her.
"I have discussed this with my colleagues in the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Works for several days. We believe that this 'price list' should cover all aspects, including personnel, military, equipment, ships, and follow-up costs. It should take into account the actual costs and reasonable profits of the court, as well as the affordability and psychological expectations of the vassal kings. Furthermore, it should contain hidden tricks and leave room for maneuver."
He spoke the last sentence slightly lower than usual, but everyone present understood what he meant.
"Alright, Ni Qing, please explain in detail."
Zhu Cilang leaned forward slightly to show his concern.
Ni Yuanlu then began to explain the preliminary "price list" framework item by item.
The most important thing is people!
When vassal kings expand overseas, they need people. They can recruit refugees and disaster victims on their own, but for each Ming citizen recruited, they must pay the court a "relocation and resettlement fee" of fifty taels of silver. This fee is used to compensate for possible losses of poll tax in the original place of residence and the costs of handling relevant relocation and travel permit procedures.
Secondly, and most importantly, is the army!
The army was the foundation for the vassal kings' foothold overseas, and also the key for the court to deal with arrogant soldiers and obtain benefits.
The recruitment fee is one hundred taels per person.
The imperial court "leased" these soldiers to the vassal kings, bearing the risks of their potential desertion, rebellion, or death in battle. This fee served as collateral for these risks.
If a soldier fails to return within the agreed service period, the court may deduct a portion of this expense as "compensation" to compensate his/her family members who have been left behind, as a sign of the court's benevolence.
The remainder represents the risks and benefits for the imperial court.
Then there's the resettlement allowance, which is also one hundred taels per person.
Soldiers are going to distant oceans, their fate uncertain. This allowance is to be distributed in a lump sum to their immediate family members remaining in the Ming Dynasty before their departure, as a means to settle their families, to reassure the army, and to show the court's compassion.
Their military pay was based on the standard of the elite border troops of the Ming Dynasty, which was two taels per month.
This payment was made directly by the employed feudal lord.
For convenience, the imperial court can "issue" the funds on behalf of the government, but 10% of the funds will be deducted as "handling fees" and "fund supervision fees".
Secondly, there's the pricing of weapons!
Old-style matchlock guns, five ounces each. A basic maintenance tool kit is included; gunpowder and bullets are extra. These are obsolete stock, being cleared out.
Flintlock musket, 50 taels each. Includes 10 standard bullets. This is currently the main product sold overseas, with extremely high profit margins.
As for breech-loading rifles, they will not be sold for the time being.
After all, it was a new and advanced weapon, with a range, accuracy, and rate of fire far exceeding that of the flintlock musket. It was a core secret of the Ming Dynasty and a vital national asset.
To maintain a technological advantage, it should never be sold to outsiders. The vassal king could be informed that this item cannot be possessed without special permission from the imperial court, thus increasing its mystique and deterrent effect.
Armor, swords, spears, bows, crossbows, shields and other cold weapons are all clearly priced, with reasonable prices and profits controlled between 50% and 100%.
As for consumables such as gunpowder, shells, and lead bullets, they can be priced separately, with profits reaching several times the cost, and they are in long-term demand.
Besides these, hot air balloons are priced at 1,000 taels, the Divine Iron Fortress at 100,000 taels, and warships at 1,000 to 100,000 taels.
After the basic framework of the price list was explained, Minister of Revenue Ni Yuanlu spoke again, proposing more crucial follow-up clauses.
"Your Majesty, Your Excellencies."
Ni Yuanlu said, “At such a price, even the most frugal prince would need an astonishing amount of ‘contribution value’ to acquire a basic military force capable of establishing a foothold overseas. I fear that most princes would not be able to afford it all.”
He changed the subject:
“However, Your Majesty has said that credit can be granted. I believe that this ‘credit’ should be governed by rules and regulations, and more importantly, it should have a long-term binding effect.”
"IOUs are permitted: Princes may enter into contracts to repay debts in the form of special products produced in their future fiefdoms. These include gold and silver from South America, high-quality furs and timber from North America, spices, sappanwood, and pearls from Southeast Asia, and cotton and gemstones from India. The imperial court will determine the 'compensation price' for each type of specialty product."
"Secondly, a 'tribute-trade' system was established: the imperial court promised to purchase these special products from the fiefdoms of the vassal kings at 'preferential' prices on a long-term and stable basis. At the same time, the vassal kings would also have priority to purchase goods from the Central Plains from the Ming Dynasty. The two sides signed a long-term trade agreement."
"In this way, the economic lifeline of the vassal kings, their output and needs, are closely linked to the Ming Dynasty. Their wealth depends on the trade surplus with the Ming Dynasty; their shortages depend on the supply from the Ming Dynasty. Over time, although their place is far away, it is no different from a province of the Ming Dynasty."
Grand Secretary Hong Chengchou spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying a chill:
"The articles of association, prices, and trade must all be in black and white, with clear contracts. However, the performance of a contract requires the backing of strength. I believe that the final contract should include a clause stating that if any vassal king fails to repay his debts on time or violates the trade agreement, the Ming Dynasty has the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of the court and the dignity of the contract. At that time, Your Majesty's navy shall fulfill its duty of 'pursuit'."
He glanced around at everyone and said calmly:
"This clause need not be explicitly written in the main text of the contract given to the vassal kings. It can be included in the supplementary agreement kept by the court, or His Majesty can verbally inform the vassal kings and their envoys. The unspoken understanding is the best form of deterrence."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Even if these vassal kings are all driven overseas, they must still be under the control of the imperial court!
The meeting lasted from the afternoon until dusk.
The candlelight cast their shadows on the wall, flickering like their intense thoughts at that moment.
Every price item was carefully considered and calculated to ensure that the court could obtain the greatest benefit under the guise of "reasonableness," and to lay the groundwork for long-term control.
Zhu Cilang spent most of his time listening, only offering opinions or making decisions at crucial points.
He watched his senior officials meticulously calculating and racking their brains for the benefit of the empire, and felt quite satisfied.
This is the team he wants—shrewd, pragmatic, loyal, and capable of understanding and executing his forward-thinking strategic intentions.
Finally, a lengthy document, containing hundreds of specific items and accompanied by various detailed rules and explanations, titled "Regulations for the Conversion of Armed Forces and Material Supply for Overseas Princes," was basically completed.
As the Grand Secretary, Hong Chengchou was responsible for organizing the cabinet to make final revisions and finalize the official documents.
"Thank you all for your hard work."
Zhu Cilang looked at everyone one last time, his gaze sweeping over those who appeared somewhat tired.
"This charter is the cornerstone of our Great Ming's overseas expansion. It must be detailed, thorough, and flawless. Mr. Hong, please present the final draft to me for review within three days. After that, we can summon the various vassal kings, set prices, and let each get what they need."
"I will obey your orders!"
The crowd responded in unison.
When I walked out of the Wenhua Hall, the night sky was already full of stars.
The night breeze brought a touch of coolness, dispelling the stuffiness and fatigue inside the hall.
Ni Yuanlu and Li Banghua walked side by side, exchanging a glance. They both saw a complex expression in each other's eyes—the ease of completing a difficult task, the excitement of participating in a major secret, the anticipation of the upcoming "business" with the vassal king, and a hint of awe at the emperor's profound foresight.
The will of the empire is about to be transformed into a cold, numerical price list.
This price list will be like an invisible chain and net, tightly binding and weaving together the Ming Dynasty's imperial family, army, and even the vast coastal regions of the future, sailing towards that unfathomable yet alluring blue horizon.
Two weeks later.
The weather was already quite hot on a June morning.
The main hall of Wenhua Hall, however, had its doors wide open, and a breeze carrying the scent of plants and trees from the courtyard slightly alleviated the summer heat.
The arrangement here today is completely different from the solemnity of the morning court assemblies in the past.
The throne was still on the Danbi steps, but instead of a Danbi step where officials stood, dozens of rosewood armchairs and tea tables were placed along the east and west sides. Each tea table was set with fresh fruits and tea, creating the atmosphere of a high-class "tea party".
The atmosphere in the air was not one of relaxed conversation and laughter, but rather a heavy feeling mixed with anticipation, tension, calculation, and a strange kind of "family affection."
Seated inside the hall were the most elite "royal family guests" of the Ming Empire, a dozen or so princes and dukes, led by the Prince of Chu, the Prince of Zhou, the Prince of Shu, the Prince of Lu, and the Prince of Dai.
They were all dressed in ordinary clothes, but the fabric was luxurious and they had an extraordinary air about them. However, their brows all carried a hint of trepidation before leaving their hometown and boundless anticipation for the future.
After attending the coronation ceremony, they stayed at the post station in the capital, anxiously waiting for the court to fulfill its promise of "exchanging contributions for fiefdoms". Today, they were finally summoned, and their feelings were naturally complicated.
On the steps of the imperial palace, Emperor Tianwu, Zhu Cilang, was dressed in a bright yellow casual robe, without a crown, appearing quite approachable.
He sat upright on the throne, a faint, perfectly measured smile on his face.
Grand Secretary Hong Chengchou, Minister of Revenue Ni Yuanlu, and Minister of War Li Banghua stood solemnly to the left and right of the throne, like assistants about to conduct an important negotiation.
The eunuchs moved silently, placing a beautifully bound booklet with a brocade cover on each prince's tea table. The cover had several large characters written in gold ink: "Regulations on the Conversion Price of Armed Supplies for Overseas Princes".
The princes picked up the booklets, exchanging glances. Some eagerly opened them, while others pretended to be calm and took a sip of tea first, but their eyes were involuntarily drawn to the booklets.
After exchanging pleasantries, Zhu Cilang put down his teacup, the crisp clinking of the porcelain instantly silencing the hall.
His gaze swept gently over the uncles and brothers below, and he spoke with a warm smile:
"My dear uncles and brothers, the reason I have summoned you all here today is to fulfill our previous promise and finalize what we agreed upon."
He spoke casually, as if discussing the distribution of assets within a family:
"The Ministry of Revenue has already inventoried and calculated the amount of silver you have 'contributed' to the court, including the fields, houses, shops, mountains, forests, lakes, and marshes. This is something you all know."
He pointed to the booklets in the princes' hands:
"Today, let's speak frankly and openly, with clear prices and no deception. If you want to expand your territory overseas, you'll need people, soldiers, ships, cannons, and all sorts of equipment to make a living. This booklet lists everything clearly, item by item, and their prices. Use the silver equivalent of your 'contributed' assets to choose from the prices listed in this booklet."
He leaned forward slightly, his smile conveying a sincere sense of "family members wouldn't lie to each other."
"Rest assured, everything the imperial court gives you is of the highest quality, absolutely no inferior goods will be provided. Especially the soldiers—"
He emphasized his words and looked at Li Banghua.
"Minister Li, tell me, what kind of soldiers are we planning to 'send' to the princes?" (End of Chapter)