Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Ninth Year of Maritime Opening

Chapter Ninety-Seven: Opening the Sea—Part Nine

Yang Shiqi spoke: “I believe that although Li Shimian made mistakes, he has always been loyal to the court and is one of Your Majesty’s instructors. He should be treated with leniency.”

The Grand Empress Dowager said, “As for other matters, an old woman like me will not interfere. But Li Shimian has portrayed Wang Zhen as a heinous criminal, guilty beyond redemption. If the court does not take action, what will the people outside say about the emperor?”

A stir moved within Zhu Qizhen’s heart. Only now did he understand the reason behind the Grand Empress Dowager’s intervention—why she was backing him up.

Was it because she knew Zhu Qizhen’s strategy was for the good of the Ming Empire? Or that she foresaw the potential of the ocean?

No. It was purely to uphold Zhu Qizhen’s authority.

Yü Qian’s words were only half heard by the Grand Empress Dowager.

She intended for Zhu Qizhen to endure some hardship, so he would understand the difficulties of governing at court.

Yet, while he should face some trials, his prestige must remain intact.

Since Zhu Qizhen wished to pursue this matter, the Grand Empress Dowager was determined to see it through. This had nothing to do with her sensitivity to maritime affairs but stemmed purely from a grandmother’s love.

Yang Rong, having seemed to discern the Grand Empress Dowager’s intent, stepped forward immediately and said, “Your Majesty, the Grand Empress Dowager is wise. I believe Li Shimian’s offense is grave enough that he should no longer remain in the capital but be exiled to a distant border prefecture.”

Yang Shiqi said nothing, falling silent, seemingly unsurprised by this outcome.

The Grand Empress Dowager looked at Yang Shiqi and said, “Is exile enough? Does that mean he can escape death?”

Yang Shiqi narrowed his eyes slightly, viewing the matter from Zhu Qizhen’s perspective. A gleam of sharp insight flashed in his eyes as he said, “Li Shimian was a remonstrating minister appointed by the late emperor, known throughout the realm for his loyalty and integrity, and also an instructor to Your Majesty. To execute a minister for a minor offense would deeply wound Your Majesty’s reputation.”

“Moreover, Li Yu advocated for execution, proposing to execute two ministers in a single day. I fear this would damage the morale of the entire bureaucracy.”

Zhu Qizhen pondered silently: “So Li Yu’s life is to be sacrificed here.”

Whether the Head of the Imperial Academy or the Deputy Minister of War, both were high-ranking officials. Li Yu’s death was already decided. This was not a trivial matter, and consecutive executions would indeed unsettle the lower officials.

The Grand Empress Dowager asked, “In that case, Chancellor Yang, what do you propose?”

Yang Shiqi seemed prepared and replied, “Since Li Shimian behaved improperly at the morning court session today, he should be dismissed from his post as Head of the Imperial Academy and sent to a remote county as magistrate.”

“However, since the matter of the voyage to the Western Seas is baseless, the court should issue a formal edict to clarify the truth.”

The Grand Empress Dowager said, “Very well. Since we have discussed the matter of the Western Seas today, Emperor, please share your thoughts.”

Zhu Qizhen’s mind raced rapidly, analyzing every exchange between the Grand Empress Dowager and Yang Shiqi, scrutinizing every word.

He had not understood before, but prior to arriving, the Grand Empress Dowager had given him a hint or two. Reflecting on the materials he had collected, he discerned the underlying communication between them.

Just as he was quietly pondering, the Grand Empress Dowager’s words brought sudden clarity to his heart.

She intended to let him present himself before these senior ministers, to offer him an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities. Moved, Zhu Qizhen cleared his throat gently and said, “My venture to the Western Seas has burdened the people and wasted resources; it should not proceed further. However, the court still has many subjects in the Southern Seas.”

“If they were merely tributary states, allowing them to pay tribute would suffice. But since many Han people reside there, the court must consider their welfare. The court fleet’s cessation of southern expeditions does not mean abandoning these people.”

“Therefore, a proper solution must be devised to accommodate them.”

Zhu Qizhen intended to continue, but suddenly inspiration struck. He said, “I have sought counsel from Instructor Yu, whose advice aligns closely with my own views. Since everyone is present today, why not let Instructor Yu speak?”

Words spoken by Zhu Qizhen himself would leave no room for retreat. But if spoken by another, Zhu Qizhen could still maintain a seemingly neutral stance and seek compromise.

Moreover, with the Grand Empress Dowager encouraging Zhu Qizhen to show his face before the ministers, he recalled Lord Jian’s words. He knew that at such a moment, it was better to do little than to err.

Letting Yü Qian speak first meant that if his proposals were rejected, it would merely be a misunderstanding on Zhu Qizhen’s part.

This was a position from which one could advance or retreat.

This was why minor officials were often sent ahead in court disputes.

Yet even in such a high-level meeting, Yü Qian could only play the role of a frontline soldier.

The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at Zhu Qizhen, inwardly pleased, and said, “Then let Yü Qian come forward.”

Yü Qian arrived shortly thereafter. On the way, a young eunuch had already briefed him, and he immediately understood. He laid out the previously discussed plan in full.

He proposed selecting a harbor in the South Sea to conduct trade with Han people scattered throughout the Southern Seas.

Under the framework of tributary trade, a separate category for private trade would be established as a supplement.

At present, only the inhabitants of the old port’s administrative region would be allowed to travel and trade in the South Sea.

People from other areas would be temporarily prohibited.

From Yü Qian’s account, this was merely a slight amendment to the existing maritime ban policy.

But the Three Yangs were no fools; they understood the subtlety, especially Yang Rong, a native of Fujian—the region with the largest maritime merchant population.

Though the Ming’s regulatory net was tight, it still could not prevent common folk from risking their lives to venture into the sea.

Yang Rong himself naturally desired to lift the sea ban.

However, the maritime ban was never a purely economic or political issue; it was a grand matter intertwined with economics, military affairs, politics, and popular sentiment.

Yang Rong would never agree to sweeping reforms, but he welcomed the creation of a small crack in the policy.

Thus, Yang Rong said first, “I believe Yü Qian’s plan can serve as a pragmatic measure. Even if the court ceases patrols in the Southern Seas, it does not mean abandoning the subjects of the Celestial Empire. For instance, the people of Wansheng Shitangyu Island guard our borders. We cannot forsake them; they should be permitted to trade and support their families while defending the realm.”

Zhu Qizhen asked curiously, “Where is this Wansheng Shitangyu?”

Yang Rong explained, “Wansheng Shitangyu is the gateway to the South Sea. Since the voyages to the Western Seas began, there have been boatmen stationed there. During the Xuande reign, someone petitioned the late emperor regarding the island’s status. The late emperor personally wrote, ‘Wanshengyu, allow them to settle,’ permitting the Zeng family of boatmen to reside there and guard the island for the court. Considering the hardships of guarding an island amidst thousands of miles of waves, how could the court not grant them some leniency?”

Zhu Qizhen had not known that besides the old port, the court had direct jurisdiction over other places in the South Sea. Listening to this, he learned Wansheng Shitangyu was not large.

But no matter the size, to gain something tangible was a boon.

Yet he still could not recall which island Wansheng Shitangyu was in the Southern Seas.

It was no wonder he could not remember, for in later times this island was no longer Chinese territory but part of the Natuna Islands.

Zhu Qizhen became increasingly interested in Wansheng Shitangyu. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him: “If Li Shimian is to be exiled, why not send him there?”

Zhu Qizhen understood Li Shimian’s abilities and loyalty well. He reckoned that even if Li Shimian were sent away, within a year or two he would be recalled.

This would be an excellent opportunity to gather intelligence on the Southern Seas.

Now that Zhu Qizhen had learned to speak cautiously, though he held this thought, he kept it entirely to himself, instead asking Yang Shiqi, “Chancellor, what is your opinion?”

Yang Shiqi’s gaze shifted; he lowered his head slightly and said, “Since the Grand Empress Dowager and Your Majesty have such intentions, how could we dare disobey? We shall deliberate on the location and then submit a memorial requesting a decree.”

Zhu Qizhen knew Yang Shiqi’s words were reasonable but still left room for maneuver.

Zhu Qizhen said, “There is no need to deliberate further. It should be near Guangzhou, perhaps Xinan.”

He had done his homework during this period.

He had originally thought of Hong Kong, but Hong Kong’s history was relatively recent, and the others did not yet know its location. But he had already investigated and learned that Hong Kong belonged under the jurisdiction of Xinan County, which also held a good geographical position.

The Grand Empress Dowager said, “Then Xinan it shall be.”

Once the Grand Empress Dowager spoke, Yang Shiqi could not oppose her openly and could only acquiesce.

Thus, without the people of Guangzhou’s Xinan County being aware, this became the sole breach in the empire’s vast maritime frontier. Its future prosperity was easily imagined.