My father is Jiajing

In the third year of the Longqing reign, in the depths of spring, when the grass grows and the orioles fly, all things revive and a hundred flowers bloom.

On this day, Zhu Zaiji did not stay in the capital, nor did he go on a spring outing. Instead, he went to Tianjin Port, which is more than a hundred miles away from the capital!

At dawn, Tianjin Port was shrouded in a thin layer of mist, but the mist was very light. As the first rays of dawn appeared at the horizon where the sea met the sky, it disappeared.

At this moment, the port of Tianjin is already under strict martial law, with guards every three steps and sentries every five steps!
Countless Imperial Guards in flying fish robes and even more ornate and solemn Han generals stood in their assigned posts, their figures particularly striking in the morning light, highlighting the majestic and imposing national aura of the Ming Dynasty.

At this time, the ministers of the six ministries of the cabinet stood in their respective orders on both sides of a red carpet that resembled a dragon. They were all dressed in their finest attire, some wearing the python robes or bullfighting robes bestowed by the emperor, and others wearing the official robes corresponding to their rank and position.

Everything was so solemn and dignified.

Wearing a bright red robe with gold thread, Li Chunfang stood in front of the officials, and couldn't help but nervously and curiously tiptoe to see the commotion at the end of the red carpet, and the giant ship Xuande that connected the sea and sky at the other end of the red carpet!

This giant ship was just launched this year and delivered to the main force of the Eastern Fleet. It belongs to the same super-warship category as the Yongle and Jiajing giant ships launched earlier.
Moreover, the main cannons on this warship are a significant improvement over the previous two ships, and it is said that their range is almost twenty miles.

But no one present knows the specifics.

The mystery can only be solved when His Majesty the Emperor arrives.

Cabinet members such as Gao Gong, Zhao Zhenji, Hu Zongxian, and Zhang Juzheng were also eagerly anticipating it.

Zhang Juzheng was also a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet who had just been transferred back to the capital from Nanjing this year. The person who succeeded him in his original position in Nanjing was Hai Rui, the governor of Yingtian, who had always been his partner.

Therefore, Hai Rui has now made further progress and obtained a ticket to the cabinet, becoming a Grand Secretary stationed in the Jiangnan region.

However, Hai Rui, as a Grand Secretary, did not have a formal title of "Three Halls and Three Pavilions," but instead had the title "Assistant."

Clearly, this was a deliberate move by Zhu Zaiji.

His goal is to gradually transform the current political landscape of the Ming Dynasty and reshape it into a more effective and easier-to-control political model.

Unlike before, the cabinet is no longer burdened with unclear responsibilities and powers, which were sometimes light and sometimes heavy.

Therefore, the direction that Zhu Zaiji wants to reform now is to make the division of power and responsibility clear between the court and the public, and to ensure efficient operation.

Only in this way could Zhu Zaiji's more political ideas and ideals gradually be transformed from thoughts into practice, and then into something that could propel the Ming Dynasty toward a more vibrant and hopeful future.

So that they wouldn't fall into the vicious cycle of dynastic decline halfway through their journey.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

Just as the officials and onlookers were eagerly anticipating what was to come, a melodious voice pierced the sky, plunging the entire port of Tianjin into solemnity.

Then, in the distance, the emperor's imperial carriage slowly approached and gradually came into view. In front of and behind the carriage, there were also a group of ceremonial guards, including the Imperial Guards and Golden Gourd Warriors, dressed in full regalia.

Moreover, for this joyous occasion, Zhu Zaiji specially wore a festive rather than solemn vermilion dragon robe, and also wore a black winged crown decorated with two lifelike golden dragons.

He also exuded an extraordinary sense of authority.

Zhu Zaiji sat upright on the dragon carriage, his gaze calmly fixed on the distance, which seemed so profound and unfathomable that no one dared to look directly at him or ponder his meaning.

When the imperial carriage arrived in front of the red carpet, a chorus of greetings, just like the previous announcements of "The Emperor has arrived," rang out, and the officials began to kneel in obeisance!
"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome your arrival! Long live the Emperor!"

At this moment, the officials, led by Grand Secretary Li Chunfang, knelt on the ground, their voices in unison, to welcome the arrival of the emperor.

Zhu Zaiji bowed slightly and stepped down from the imperial carriage. His gaze swept over the crowd and landed on the faint outline of the fleet visible on the distant sea, revealing a faint smile.

Then he turned his gaze closer to Li Chunfang and the others, and said calmly, "All of you, rise."

"Long live thanks!"

The officials bowed and paid their respects before rising and returning to their proper places.

At this moment, Hu Zongxian, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet in charge of the Ministry of War, and Tan Lun, the Minister of War, stepped forward and bowed to Zhu Zaiji, saying, "Your Majesty, Qi Jiguang, the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Ocean Fleet, and Yu Huatian, the supervising eunuch, are already lined up at sea, awaiting Your Majesty's inspection."

A glint of anticipation flashed in Zhu Zaiji's eyes, and he replied in a joyful voice, "Granted!"

Upon hearing the word "approved," Hu Zongxian and Tan Lun immediately bowed again and said, "As you command!"

Then, a magnificently decorated dragon boat was prepared at the front of the red carpet, and Zhu Zaiji boarded the boat surrounded by the crowd.

Then the dragon boat slowly sailed away from the port and entered the vast sea. The scenery on the sea gradually became clearer as the dragon boat moved forward.

Standing at the very front of the dragon boat, Zhu Zaiji couldn't help but gasp as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds!
This was also the first time in his many years of travel that he had stood on the sea and seen such a magnificent sight.

Between the sea and the sky, one hundred and twenty warships stood in neat formation, their masts like a forest and their sails obscuring the sun.

The largest Xuande warship is over 150 meters long, with a ferocious dragon head carved on its prow; agile Cangshan ships line both sides, with long hulls; and dozens of centipede ships weave through the ship like sharp swords.

On each ship, the soldiers' armor was gleaming, and their swords and spears gleamed like snow in the sunlight.

"Well done, Qi Jiguang!"

Zhu Zaiji couldn't help but admire that Qi Jiguang had truly made a great contribution to the training of these naval warships!

As the dragon boat approached the center of the fleet, a huge warship stood out, with the words "Xuande" carved on its bow.

On the deck, a general dressed in armor and with a sword at his waist stood solemnly like a pine tree, awaiting the emperor's inspection. This man was none other than Qi Jiguang, who was renowned throughout the East!

Standing beside Qi Jiguang was Yu Huatian, the supervising eunuch dressed in a python robe, and behind them were dozens of officers and generals of the Eastern Ocean Navy.

"Your humble servants, Qi Jiguang and Yu Huatian, respectfully welcome Your Majesty!"

As the dragon boat approached, Qi Jiguang and the others spoke loudly, their voices echoing across the sea.

Then the dragon boats drew closer, and Zhu Zaiji, along with his officials and guards, boarded the giant ship "Xuande".

Qi Jiguang and Yu Huatian immediately led their generals to kneel and pay their respects.

Zhu Zaiji smiled slightly, took a step forward and personally helped Qi Jiguang up. This time, Zhu Zaiji was also carefully examining this famous historical general.

Now, Qi Jiguang is nearly fifty years old and shows signs of aging, but his spirit remains vigorous, his brows reveal determination, and his rough but strong hands are clearly the result of years of fighting and wielding weapons.

"Minister Qi has guarded the Eastern Seas for many years, and the Japanese pirates are terrified of him. I am very pleased."

Zhu Zaiji spoke softly, which made Qi Jiguang feel very honored.

Qi Jiguang immediately clasped his hands and bowed: "Your subject dares not accept such praise. Your subject has only made a small contribution, and it is entirely thanks to the Emperor's wisdom and the soldiers' bravery that the peace of the coastal borders has been maintained."

At the same time, Yu Huatian bowed and said, "Your Majesty's personal inspection is an unparalleled honor for the Eastern Ocean Navy. Please allow General Qi and me to demonstrate the naval exercises for Your Majesty." Zhu Zaiji nodded slightly and said, "Granted."

Then everything entered the inspection phase.

At Qi Jiguang's command, bugle calls resounded across the sea and sky. The fleet began to change formation, moving with perfect coordination and uniformity.

First, there was the "long snake formation," with warships lined up end to end for miles; then it changed to the "two dragons emerging from the water," positioned on the left and right; finally, it formed the "five tigers and sheep," with the main ship in the center and four squadrons surrounding it.

"fire!"

Qi Jiguang waved his command flag.

"Boom—boom—boom—"

The deafening roar of cannons continued unabated, and jets of water exploded on the sea.

Zhu Zaiji watched intently, seeing the flashes of gunfire from the side cannons of each ship, with the shells landing precisely in the designated sea area without any deviation.

Seeing this, Zhu Zaiji couldn't help but clap his hands in praise.

"color!"

Then Zhu Zaiji praised, "Minister Qi's training of troops is indeed well-deserved!"

The exercise lasted for two hours, during which the fleet demonstrated various tactics, including naval warfare, boarding, and fire attacks.

It was nearly noon when Qi Jiguang invited Zhu Zaiji into the cabin for a meal.

However, Zhu Zaiji did not like the feeling inside the cabin. He only went in for a walk and took a look at the furnishings.

Then Yu Huatian moved the table to the deck and they dined together with the naval officers and soldiers who were training with him.

"Minister Qi, I have observed that the navy is highly capable, but I do not know the recent movements of the Japanese pirates?"

During the meal, Zhu Zaiji picked up a piece of fresh fish with his chopsticks and casually asked Qi Jiguang a question.

Qi Jiguang put down his chopsticks and replied with a solemn expression: "Your Majesty, although the Japanese pirates have not dared to launch large-scale invasions in recent years, they have been constantly harassing us in small groups. What is even more worrying is that Japan has been secretly supporting some pirates, providing them with port supplies, and even sending some so-called samurai and ronin to infiltrate them."

Yu Huatian, who was standing nearby, also seized the opportunity to add: "This servant was also ordered to investigate, and there is indeed evidence of collusion between Japanese daimyo and pirates. They robbed our merchant ships and kidnapped our people, and the people along the southeast coast are living in misery."

Zhu Zaiji frowned, seemingly deep in thought, and said, "Since I ascended the throne, I have repeatedly sent envoys to issue edicts to question the King of Japan, but I have only received perfunctory words. It seems that relying solely on defense will not be enough to eliminate future troubles."

But in reality, this was just a charade between Zhu Zaiji and Qi Jiguang, a performance designed to provide the accompanying officials with a clear historical record.

In fact, in the past two years, Zhu Zaiji has not sent a single envoy, nor has there been any story of Japanese invasion of the southeastern coast.

The reason for saying this is to have a legitimate reason for our actions and to remember the past.

After all, the Japanese pirates did indeed invade the southeastern border.

It's just that it's no longer there.

However, it is still permissible for political reasons.

Qi Jiguang bowed again in response: "Your Majesty is wise. I believe that the root of the Japanese pirate problem lies in Japan itself. If we do not strike at the heart of the problem, it will be difficult to eradicate it completely."

Zhu Zaiji seemed to ponder deeply for a long time before suddenly asking, "If I were to order you to lead an army on a distant expedition against Japan, what would you think?"

After Zhu Zaiji said this, the deck fell silent.

Qi Jiguang took a deep breath, rose and knelt: "Your subject is willing to accept the order! The Eastern Ocean Navy has been ready for battle for many years and will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations!"

Zhu Zaiji's eyes shone brightly, and he chuckled, "Alright, get up first. Have your meal first, and we'll continue the inspection in the afternoon. I will make my own decision."

In the afternoon, the fleet displayed even more sophisticated tactical coordination.

An old ship simulating an enemy vessel was set on fire, and the navy ships quickly surrounded it, extinguishing the fire, boarding the ship, and capturing the enemy all in one smooth motion.

Zhu Zaiji stood at the bow of the ship, the sea breeze ruffling his dragon robe, his eyes gleaming with resolute light.

As the sun set, the review drew to a close. Qi Jiguang ordered all the warships to line up, and the soldiers stood in neat rows on the decks, their swords and spears forming a forest, creating a magnificent scene in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Zhu Zaiji ordered an incense table to be set up and personally offered incense to the sea. Then, he turned to his generals and soldiers, his voice booming:
"Today I have observed the Eastern Ocean Fleet. Its soldiers are brave and its ships are strong and its cannons are powerful. It is truly the pillar of our nation! However, the Japanese pirates have repeatedly invaded our territory, killed our people, and plundered our property. This hatred is irreconcilable! Since the founding of the nation by Emperor Taizu, the Japanese have repeatedly failed to learn their lesson. Now I am determined to send troops to punish them!"

The sea was completely silent, save for the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull.

A eunuch approached carrying a tray covered with red silk. The emperor personally unveiled the silk, revealing a jade bronze axe—a symbol of supreme military command.

"Qi Jiguang, heed the imperial decree!"

Zhu Zaiji personally issued an imperial edict.

Qi Jiguang strode forward, knelt on one knee, and solemnly bowed to Zhu Zaiji: "Your subject is here!"

Zhu Zaiji solemnly said: "I hereby appoint you as the Grand General Who Conquers the Japanese, and you shall wear the seal of the General Who Conquers the East, and shall be in charge of all troops and ships in the Eastern Ocean, and shall be fully responsible for the conquest of the Japanese."

"I hereby grant you the authority to wield an axe and halberd. Anyone in the army who disobeys orders may be executed first and reported later!"

As soon as Zhu Zaiji issued his decree, a sea breeze began to rise.

The battle robes of Qi Jiguang and other officers and soldiers of the Eastern Ocean Navy fluttered in the wind, like victory flags waving in the air!

Qi Jiguang solemnly raised both hands to receive the axe bestowed upon him by Zhu Zaiji with one hand. His voice trembled slightly with excitement as he bowed deeply to Zhu Zaiji and said, "Your subject Qi Jiguang accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude! I will fight to the death and not return until the Japanese are defeated!"

After Qi Jiguang uttered the vow, "I will not return until the Japanese are defeated,"

At this moment, tens of thousands of sailors and soldiers of the Eastern Fleet shouted in unison:

"We will not return until we have defeated Japan!"

The tens of thousands of naval officers and soldiers shouted in unison, their voices shaking the sea and sky, inspiring and drawing attention!
And this is the power and prestige of the Ming Dynasty!
Zhu Zaiji personally helped Qi Jiguang up and continued speaking to him earnestly: "Qi Qing, I entrust the vast coastal frontier to you. I hope you will return in triumph soon. I will host a banquet for you in the capital!"

Upon hearing Zhu Zaiji's words, Qi Jiguang could not hide his excitement. He bowed deeply to Zhu Zaiji again, saying, "Your subject will certainly not fail the Emperor's grace! I will surely return in triumph!"

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