Zhu Yunhuan is a person who likes to worry, or you can say that he is a person with a strong desire for control, so he likes to arrange many things in an orderly manner.

In this way, things will be organized, and even if there are a lot of things, it doesn't matter, they can be handled in time.

Even if there are some emergencies or changes, even if some small adjustments are needed, there is no need to worry too much, and you won’t be so confused that you don’t know where to start.

Although this might be a bit tiring and involve more things to worry about, there is no harm in doing so anyway, as he is used to this style.

Xu Miaojing is actually in the same situation. She is intelligent and has a high level of understanding. There are some things that do not require Lao Zhu or Zhu Yunhuan to be too straightforward. She can understand the meaning of the music and can arrange things in advance.

This is very good. Everything inside and outside the house is arranged, which naturally means that everything is organized.

Although good days were getting closer, Zhu Yunhuan was not too excited. He still arranged some work matters in an orderly manner. Government affairs could not be delayed.

Chang Sheng happily came to Wenhua Palace, "Your Highness, there is a report from Taicang Port, requesting to dispatch some large ships."

Zhu Yunhuan took the report with a smile and read it carefully. "These people's appetites are getting bigger and bigger. Now they are eyeing the Fuchuan and want more and more people."

Chang Sheng could fully understand Zhu Yunhuan's complaints. It was true that the people at Taicang Port had too big an appetite, and the size of the fleet was constantly expanding.

This is not just about adding a few large ships, but also requires a lot of sailors, soldiers, etc. The fresh water, food or goods that need to be carried also need to be increased.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at the report and said, "Fight back. Are these people going out to do business or to fight? Thirty thousand people, these people are really capable. They can take the troops of six or seven guards in one go!"

"Your Highness, 30,000 people is not a lot!" Chang Sheng said, "It is said that there are many pirates out there, with thousands of ships and tens of thousands of people. How many troops are needed!"

Zhu Yunhuan looked at Chang Sheng and asked, "Do you really think those people have thousands of ships? And tens of thousands of elite soldiers and generals?"

Chang Sheng was suddenly embarrassed. He knew that some of the things reported by those people who went out to sea last time were meaningful and reasonable, but also somewhat exaggerated.

Many people in the court had heard of Chen Zuyi, the big pirate entrenched in the South Seas, but that only meant he had a hundred ships and nearly ten thousand people, which seemed to be an exaggerated number, almost making him the pirate king.

He did have such ability. He was rampant in Southeast Asia. Many small countries in Southeast Asia did not even dare to provoke this pirate and had to pay tribute to him to avoid being robbed.

But in the eyes of the Ming Dynasty, Chen Zuyi's strength was exaggerated. Big ships, small ships, good ships, broken ships, they were all ships, so there were hundreds of ships. Those who were attached to him were all pirates, that was 10,000 people.

In fact, these are just like the tens of thousands of soldiers claimed during the troubled times, with many old, weak, sick and disabled soldiers, and the number of core members is more than half reduced.

Although Chang Sheng's ability is average, he is well aware of these principles and naturally knows some of the actual situations.

However, Chang Sheng still said, "Your Highness, I think it is not good to have too few soldiers. We don't know how many small countries we will pass through along the way, and there may be conflicts. If there are no elite soldiers and strong generals, those barbarians will definitely cause chaos!"

Zhu Yunhuan knew what Chang Sheng meant and did not object. "That is indeed true. If we do not have enough troops, let alone the small countries along the way, those pirates might dare to cause trouble."

Zhu Yunhuan and Chang Sheng knew about this. After all, Chen Zuyi had even plundered fleets from vassal states that paid tribute to the Ming Dynasty, and had also plundered Ming merchant ships.

He simply relied on his influence in Southeast Asia and thought that he could avoid the limelight by hiding in a remote corner. The Ming army would not be able to find him at all, so there would naturally be no question of conquering him.

In addition to the big pirate Chen Zuyi, some small countries in Southeast Asia do need to pay a little attention.

The Ming army might think that they were just bandits, but maybe they were the elite troops of a small country in Southeast Asia. Maybe the rulers of those small countries also wanted to rob the wealthy Ming envoys.

Historically, when Zheng He traveled to the West, he was mistakenly involved in wars in some Southeast Asian countries. He also once commanded his troops to directly break into the capital of a small country and captured the king alive.

The so-called journey to the West to conduct some trade definitely requires a certain amount of military protection, otherwise it would be a luxury to conduct some trade peacefully, as there are many people who covet the treasures of the Ming Dynasty.

Chang Sheng continued, "Your Highness, I still think that the number of people is too small and it will definitely not work. The Jinyiwei said that there is a powerful country with tens of thousands of troops outside."

Southeast Asia is not entirely made up of small countries. There are also some that have managed to gather an army of 40,000 or 50,000, such as the Kingdom of Ceylon, Java, Siam, etc.

Those countries are not considered a threat by the Ming Dynasty for the time being. First, they are relatively far away. Second, the overall combat effectiveness of those countries is not as good as that of the Ming Dynasty, and their weapons and equipment are also not as good as those of the Ming Dynasty. However, it definitely means that they are just losers.

Chang Sheng added, "Your Highness, the previous voyage was good. Those who do not obey the king should be taught a lesson."

"Then what have we become? Pirates?" Zhu Yunhuan could not help but scold, "We go out to sea once, destroy a few small countries, and then let our soldiers plunder. What has our Ming Dynasty become?"

After being scolded by Zhu Yunhuan, Chang Sheng was speechless. He was just speaking his mind and knew that his previous proposals were somewhat absurd and unlikely to be approved.

Not to mention that Zhu Yunhuan disapproved. If the fleet really continued as usual, there would be a lot of discussion in the court and the country, and many civil servants would probably be furious. It would definitely not be good for the Ming Dynasty.

Nowadays, there are indeed some scholars who like to talk about educating the disloyal and want to influence the barbarians with the teachings of sages, etc. Among these people, there are also many who are opposed to actively fighting foreign wars.

If the Ming army went out to sea again and again to destroy small countries, even if it could seize some gold, silver and jewelry, it would lose the support of the people.

The most important thing is that it will have a fatal impact on the military discipline of the army. It seems that the military discipline can be slightly relaxed when the army is fighting abroad, especially when it is in a foreign country, the military discipline can be even more relaxed.

But this is definitely not a reason to allow the soldiers to plunder. After all, these soldiers are going back to the Ming Dynasty. If they become wild at heart, they might just become ruffians. With money, they will be even more fearless.

"Remember, the fleet goes out to sea not only for maritime trade, but also to promote national prestige and have more exchanges with overseas countries." Zhu Yunhuan said earnestly, "Don't underestimate those countries just because they are small countries. This is not good!"

These are also Zhu Yunhuan's inner thoughts. If the fleet encounters some people with more ideas when going out to sea, then there is no need to be polite. When it is time to fight, it must be fought hard. However, all this is also done on the premise of escorting trade and allowing the Ming Dynasty to have diplomacy with more overseas countries. This is not just simple trade, it is also politics.

If we follow the habits of Chang Sheng and others, good economic, trade and diplomatic affairs will turn into a thorough military operation, which would not be good.

Chang Sheng was a little embarrassed, but he nodded obediently. He actually understood these principles, but he just didn't want to think too deeply about them.

As a noble or a military general, if you think that the Ming Dynasty is strong in military power, then just send troops to seize it. This is a very profitable thing and saves a lot of trouble. You don't have to put in too much thought.

Moreover, when the time comes, the soldiers will be rewarded for their meritorious service, which will seem to be a happy thing for everyone. This is definitely in the interests of some nobles, who will get the most benefits from "maritime trade".

Zhu Yunhuan looked at Daoyan and said, "We need to tell Chen Di about this. The Ministry of Rites and the Honglu Temple should also send more envoys. We need to spread education and help the weak. Only in this way can the surrounding areas of our Ming Dynasty be peaceful."

Daoyan understood what Zhu Yunhuan meant and immediately said, "Your Highness, I think that this voyage can also allow other countries to send envoys to the court."

The coming of all nations to pay tribute is one of the biggest events for feudal rulers, and it seems necessary for the current Ming Dynasty to have some diplomatic relations with more overseas countries.

Zhu Yunhuan did not object and said, "These matters do need to be arranged. Go and discuss them with Chen Di and others. They must be finalized before the fleet sets out to sea."

Zhu Yunhuan's words are naturally the golden rule, Daoyan and others must implement these things. This is not forced, and it is also in the interests of some civil service groups in the Ming Dynasty.

To spread enlightenment and attract more countries to send envoys to the court is one of the unremitting pursuits of scholars, and it is also in line with the teachings of sages.

It is obvious that maritime trade is not just simple maritime trade, nor is it just simple economic and trade exchanges. There are various interests and pursuits involved, and many interest groups are involved.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at Chang Sheng and asked, "Before this, many gentry in Jiangnan wanted to go to sea and control the Maritime Customs. How is the situation going now?"

Chang Sheng said confidently, "Don't worry, Your Highness. Those who showed up some time ago have been dealt with. Good gentry should benefit their hometown, why would they compete with the court!"

Listening to Chang Sheng's smug words, Zhu Yunhuan could only take a deep breath. Some good things coming out of Chang Sheng's mouth seemed a little unpleasant.

This is clearly a matter of national policy, and Chang Sheng's words give people the feeling that he is "competing with the people for profit", meaning that the court does not care about the lives of some gentry and wants to eat all the food alone.

However, Zhu Yunhuan was too lazy to care about it. "That's good. If they shouldn't worry about it, then don't worry about it. They also have some benefits to gain."

Daoyan and Xia Yuanji standing by did not say anything. They both knew that the greatest benefit of maritime trade belonged to the imperial court, and they did not think there was anything wrong with such practices.

As for not allowing gentry to participate too much, it is normal. It is definitely necessary to make the court rich first. If these gentry rush to maritime trade, the interests of the court will be affected.

In the future, some policies may be gradually relaxed, and some gentry may be allowed to slowly join in, but at this stage, the court should be the leader of maritime trade, and there is no room for further negotiation on this matter.

Chang Sheng, who came here excitedly, left Wenhua Hall somewhat depressed. He was indeed a little disappointed.

The reason why he cares so much about maritime trade is not only because it is related to the benefits of the court, but also because it is related to the interests of the nobles. What's more, Chang Sen is now in charge of Taicang Port.

The more merits the navy makes and the more benefits it brings to the court, the better Chang Sen's future development will be, and he may even have the opportunity to obtain a title.

Even though Chang Sen was Zhu Yunhuan's third uncle, he would not be granted a title of nobility without military merit. It was well known that the imperial court would not easily award titles.

The current situation is that the imperial court will abolish the title whenever it gets the chance, rather than bestowing it as a reward or hereditary title because of some relationship, etc. It's not that good.

Seeing Chang Sheng leave, Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "My second uncle's thoughts are too straightforward. I'm afraid many nobles have the same thoughts."

Daoyan smiled and replied, "Your Highness, many noble families have sent their capable sons to the navy. They believe that there is no war on land now, so they all go to the navy."

Don't say that the nobles are all military men and have no ideas. In fact, these people are all smart. They dare to place bets when they see the wind direction. If they win the bet, they will naturally make a fortune.

As for some of the risks involved, everyone is clear about it, but think about how their own titles came about, weren't they all chopped out by the older generation with knives? Without risks, there would be no wealth and glory today!

This truth is not only clear to the nobles, but also known to many civil servants. It’s just that they may not have the courage or the opportunity to do so.

Zhu Yunhuan was naturally aware of the little thoughts of the nobles, but there was no need for him to care about such things.

It is true that the nobles have some small thoughts, but this is not a bad thing. If the nobles all lie down and have no ambition at all, then we need to start worrying about something.

Xia Yuanji also added, "Your Highness, if the navy goes out to sea this time, the accompanying soldiers must be indispensable, and there is a lot of cargo this time."

Zhu Yunhuan was also aware of this. "I understand. If you count the sailors and soldiers, there are at least 30,000 people, not to mention the officials and boatmen who accompanied them. The Duke of Kaiguo and his men just have too big an appetite."

A boatman is a boatman, a sailor is not necessarily just a sailor, and a soldier is just a soldier.

If a war really breaks out, sailors and boatmen will be enough, not to mention that the Ming army has the advantage in military equipment, not necessarily swords and knives, but firearms.

Whether it is muskets, cannons, etc., they are overwhelming advantages for some small countries in Southeast Asia.

Therefore, Zhu Yunhuan really does not need to worry about the lack of manpower and combat power of the fleet. He sent people to start economic trade, not to destroy countries all the way! (End of this chapter)