My father is Jiajing

In the autumn of the fourth year of the Longqing reign, an unusual atmosphere permeated the Wenhua Hall.

The officials of the Six Ministries and Nine Courts held their tablets, their eyes occasionally glancing at the bright yellow imperial edict on the imperial steps!

Today, His Majesty will issue the "Edict on Expanding the Territory of the Southern Seas".

Meng Chong, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, stood beside the throne, respectfully holding an imperial edict.

Zhu Zaiji's gaze swept over the officials in the hall, then he gently raised his hand and said in a calm and unhurried voice, "Proclaim the decree."

Meng Chong bowed respectfully, then held the imperial edict and came to the steps of the palace to announce the decree on behalf of Zhu Zaiji.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have received this great mandate to nurture all peoples. Now, the new land of the Southern Ocean is fertile and stretches for thousands of miles. I shall expand the territory to ensure the well-being of the people."

Upon returning from Nanjing, Prince Jing, Zhu Zaizhen, stood before his officials, head bowed, listening respectfully to the contents of the imperial edict, a slight smile involuntarily playing on his lips.

Zhu Zaiji had already shown him the draft of this edict and had even tried to get his opinion on it.

He even personally drafted many of the clauses within it.

But when I actually heard it being issued in the form of an imperial edict, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

This also demonstrates Zhu Zaiji's affection for his younger brother.

The imperial edict continued to be read aloud.

"From this day forward, except for those guilty of the ten heinous crimes, all criminals in the land may voluntarily be exiled to the Southern Sea, where they will be pardoned for their original sins. Upon arrival in the Southern Sea, each criminal will be granted 500 mu of land, 30 head of livestock, and 100 sets of farming tools."

As the imperial edict continued to be read, the court officials in the hall couldn't help but look up.

At this moment, Ge Shouli, who had been transferred from the Censorate to the Ministry of Justice, couldn't help but step forward and say after the imperial edict was read: "Your Majesty, once this decree is issued, I fear that all the wicked people in the world will regard crime as a shortcut, and the law and discipline will be completely destroyed!"

Zhu Zaiji's gaze remained calm as he said composedly, "Minister Ge is overthinking it. The imperial edict clearly states that only those convicted can choose exile; it is not an encouragement of crime. Furthermore, the Southern Ocean is thousands of miles away, a place of near-death experiences. Who would willingly go there unless they were desperate?"

Zhu Zaizhen secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

This was precisely the balance he and his brother had carefully designed—to give criminals a way out without making that way out too tempting.

At this moment, Guo Bin, the Minister of Works, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the construction of Tu Nan City requires tens of thousands of craftsmen and countless materials. Sea transport over thousands of miles will result in enormous losses, and I fear it will be a waste of resources and manpower."

Zhu Zaiji glanced at Guo Bin, his voice still calm, yet carrying an undeniable authority, "I have ordered the Maritime Trade Office to establish the Nanming Fleet, dedicated to transportation. Craftsmen who voluntarily go will have their entire families exempted from taxes and corvée labor for ten years; materials will be purchased at market prices, without employing laborers or corvée labor."

Zhu Zaizhen quietly noticed that when Zhu Zaiji mentioned "not using laborers and corvée labor," the expressions of many court officials softened considerably.

This was something they had anticipated – the civil service group feared nothing more than wasting public resources and causing popular uprisings.

As long as the foundation of the nation is not shaken, they are not actually very resistant to expanding overseas.

"The people of Nanming who obtain official titles recognized by Jingfan are treated the same as natives. However, only those who have immigrated for two generations are allowed to return to the Central Plains to serve in official positions."

Meng Chong continued reading the imperial edict.

This caused an even greater uproar.

Yin Shidan, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, couldn't help but step forward and bow, saying, "Your Majesty, if this precedent is set, it may damage the prestige of the imperial examinations! How can the barbaric lands of the Southern Sea be ranked alongside the Central Plains?"

Zhu Zaizhen took a deep breath; this was the strongest objection he had anticipated. He was about to step forward to explain when Zhu Zaiji gently raised his hand to stop him.

The Longqing Emperor's voice rang out softly, carrying a hint of profound meaning, "Confucius said, 'In education, there should be no discrimination.' Although the Southern Sea is far away, it is still the Emperor's land; although its people have migrated, they are still of Han descent. If we can spread poetry, books, rites, and music far and wide overseas, is this not precisely the wish of the sage?"

Yin Shidan wanted to argue further, but was stopped by a single look from Grand Secretary Li Chunfang.

Li Chunfang was well aware that the emperor's move had a deeper purpose—to maintain the cohesion of overseas territories through cultural identity.

After the imperial edict was read aloud, Zhu Zaiji looked around at his ministers and asked, "Do any of you have any objections?"

Silence fell over the Wenhua Hall. Finally, Li Chunfang, on behalf of the cabinet, stated, "Your Majesty, we will respectfully obey your decree."

After the court session, Zhu Zaizhen was summoned alone to the Qin Zheng Hall.

Zhu Zaiji had also changed out of his court robes and was now wearing a plain Taoist robe, which gave him a resemblance to the Jiajing Emperor of yesteryear.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Zhu Zaizhen bowed.

Then Zhu Zaizhen added with emotion, "Today's court meeting was all thanks to Your Majesty's wisdom. Otherwise, I would never have imagined that things would go so smoothly."

Zhu Zaiji chuckled and gestured for Zhu Zaizhen to sit down.

Zhu Zaiji said, “What Ge Shouli, Yin Shidan and others said is not without reason. These policies need to be implemented with care. Now that you are the target of public criticism, you should understand the importance of being cautious in your words and actions during this period.”

"Brother Chen understands."

Zhu Zaizhen bows again.

Zhu Zaizhen then continued, “Regarding the exile of criminals, I have ordered people to conduct a strict screening. Local ruffians and hooligans are allowed to go, but notorious bandits and traitors will absolutely not be accepted.”

Zhu Zaiji nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Zhu Zaizhen and said, "There is one more thing. I intend to appoint Yu Qiang as the admiral of the Nanming Navy, in charge of the safety of the sea routes. He is familiar with the South Seas and is also your old subordinate, so it should be much more convenient to use him."

Zhu Zaizhen was overjoyed upon hearing this.

Yu Qiang is a rare talent, and Zhu Zaizhen is considering how to recommend him.

Zhu Zaizhen was also worried that his third brother would suspect him of cultivating his own private power.

But to my surprise, Zhu Zaiji was so magnanimous, taking everything into consideration for him.

It is evident that Zhu Zaiji truly did not care that Zhu Zaizhen would establish his own independent power and rule as a sovereign after arriving in Nanming.

Zhu Zaizhen exclaimed excitedly, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your grace!"

Zhu Zaiji chuckled and said, "However, some things still need to be done with rules from the beginning, and cannot be overdone. I will have Yu Qiang report to the Ming Dynasty every three years. Although Nanming is your fief, coastal defense is related to the national strategy, and I cannot ignore it."

Zhu Zaizhen felt a chill run down his spine and immediately understood his brother's intention—to maintain military control over Nanming.

But this is the reality now, and he has no choice but to comply. After all, taking too big a step can really lead to disaster.

Zhu Zaizhen bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough, and I will certainly comply."

Zhu Zaiji nodded in satisfaction, then said, "When you go to your fiefdom, take the heir apparent with you. He needs to broaden his horizons. As for the princess consort, you can decide for yourself."

Upon hearing Zhu Zaiji's words, Zhu Zaizhen couldn't help but feel moved.

Zhu Zaizhen immediately bowed again, "Your Majesty, I swear that no matter how far Jingfan develops in the future, it will always be a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty! It will always recognize the Ming Dynasty as the legitimate dynasty!"

Zhu Zaiji chuckled and said, "We'll talk about the future later. Now, let's get ready."

Zhu Zaizhen was moved and bowed again before taking his leave.

Zhu Zaiji watched Zhu Zaizhen's disappearing figure with a slight smile on his lips. He knew very well that even if the Jingfan faction grew powerful in Nanming, it would never be able to do without the Ming Dynasty because it was too isolated and its resources were too limited.

Moreover, the Ming Dynasty's navy already possessed the capability for long-range operations, so there was naturally no need to worry about Nanming becoming arrogant.

Therefore, Zhu Zaiji would not bother to consider those overly worrying things.

Winter of the fourth year of the Longqing reign. On the southern continent, at the site chosen for the Jingfan royal city of Tu Nan.

Standing on a small hill, Yu Qiang looked at the desolate wilderness before him and the azure coastline in the distance, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

Three months ago, when he led his fleet to escort the first group of immigrants and artisans to this place, there was almost nothing there except for dense primeval forests and the occasional native.

What's even more amazing is that the climate here is the opposite of that in the Ming Dynasty.

It was winter in the Ming Dynasty, but here it was summer.

"Admiral Yu, the foundation for the city wall has been surveyed and completed."

Han Dong strode over, his face covered in dust. "According to the plan, we'll build the rammed earth wall first, and then cover it with bricks after the stones arrive."

Yu Qiang nodded and unfolded the blueprints in his hand: "The palace will be located here, facing south, backed by hills, and facing a river. Although it cannot compare to the Forbidden City, its layout must still conform to the King's dignity."

"It's difficult."

Han Dong sighed, "Timber can be obtained locally, but while bricks, tiles, and stones are sourced nearby, the local people and the craftsmen we brought are really not very skilled."

"That's why we had to build the kiln and stone quarry first."

Yu Qiang pointed to a hill in the distance, "With the kilns and quarries, the craftsmen and local people can work. Moreover, the prince has already purchased a batch of steam equipment from the Western Hills and prioritized its delivery. With the help of these magical tools, things will naturally become much easier."

As the two were talking, a commotion suddenly arose in the distance. A group of soldiers were seen leading a dozen or so ragged natives toward the camp.

"Caught them again?"

Yu Qiang frowned and asked.

Han Dong nodded helplessly: "These natives are elusive and often steal tools and food. According to King Jing's decree, they must not be killed indiscriminately, but we cannot allow them to cause trouble."

Yu Qiang stepped forward and carefully observed the captured natives. They had dark skin, curly hair, and eyes filled with fear and hostility. One of the older men appeared to be seriously injured and was groaning in pain.

"Give them food and water, and let the medic examine the wounded. Then let them go."

Yu Qiang didn't make things difficult for them.

The centurion in charge of escorting them hesitated. "His Highness said that captured natives could be used as laborers."

"The prince also said that one should win people over with virtue."

Yu Qiang said in a deep voice, "We are new here. If we use force, it will only provoke greater resistance. Let them go back and let them know that we are not bloodthirsty people."

Upon hearing Yu Qiang's words, the centurion had no choice but to obey.

When the natives were untied and given food and treatment, the hostility in their eyes did indeed diminish considerably.

The older local man, in particular, even made a strange gesture to Yu Qiang, which seemed to be a thank you or some kind of blessing.

That evening, Yu Qiang recorded the incident in detail in a secret memorial to Zhu Zaiji, concluding with: "The natives of Nanming, though different in appearance, also have joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. If treated with sincerity and given time, they may not be unable to be assimilated."

Quanzhou Port, Registration Office for Exiled Criminals.

Former scholar Zhang Wenzong, dragging his heavy shackles, staggered toward the registration desk.

Three months ago, he was stripped of his official title and sentenced to exile three thousand miles away for "slandering the government" in his poems and essays.

However, after the "Order to Expand the Southern Territory" was issued, he did not hesitate to choose to travel across the ocean.

"Name? Age? Place of origin? Crime?" the registrar asked without looking up.

"Zhang Wenzong, thirty-two years old, was from Ji'an Prefecture, Jiangxi Province. He was convicted of a crime because of his writings."

Zhang Wenzong answered in a low voice.

The registrar then looked up at him and asked, "A scholar?"

"He once passed the county-level imperial examination."

The registrar made a few notes in the register. "According to the new decree, scholars can be exempted from corvée labor and appointed as private tutors to teach the children of immigrants. Are you willing?"

Zhang Wenzong was stunned. He had thought that hard labor and slavery awaited him, but he never expected to be able to take up the teaching post again.

"Yes! The students are willing!"

Zhang Wenzong's voice trembled with excitement.

The registrar nodded and ordered his shackles to be removed: "Go over there and get your new clothes and travel permit. There will be someone on the ship to teach you the rules of Nanming."

Following the directions, Zhang Wenzong arrived at a warehouse filled with brand-new clothes and daily necessities. To his even greater surprise, everyone was also given a set of "Collected Annotations on the Four Books" and the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper).

"These are all... for us?"

Zhang Wenzong asked in disbelief.

The clerk distributing the supplies smiled and said, "His Majesty has decreed that all scholars who go to Nanming will be given books. Moreover, His Majesty also said that although Nanming is newly established, the teachings of rites and music should not be abandoned."

Holding the Four Books in his hands, Zhang Wenzong's eyes welled up with tears.

At this moment, he suddenly felt very guilty, because he had been criticizing the court's national policies for years, believing that the court was now blindly expanding and disregarding the people's livelihood.

But he doesn't think that way now.

He finally understood the Emperor's profound meaning.

After waiting for several days at Quanzhou Port, Zhang Wenzong also deeply reflected on his past thoughts, realizing that he was truly a frog in a well back then.

They thought that because they had read some classic texts and heard some seemingly plausible but ultimately flawed principles, they were right.

As a result, they began to insist on their own opinions based on hearsay, and started to criticize the court's major policies, believing that they were right.

But now, looking at the scene before him, at the prosperity outside the port, and at the peace and wealth of the people he had seen, he realized how wrong he had been.

All those years of studying the classics have been a waste; I can't even think about things seriously anymore.

Now he has been stripped of his honors and exiled to the Southern Sea.

What I thought was a lifelong sin now seems like a rebirth!
The next day, everyone finally gathered.

The large ship from Quanzhou to Nanming is finally about to set sail.

On the eve of boarding, all immigrants were gathered in an open area of ​​the port to hear the reading of the "Order for Settlement in the Southern Seas":
"Although you are guilty of crimes, the Emperor's grace is boundless, granting you a chance to reform. Upon arriving in Nanming, each of you will be granted 500 mu of land, 30 head of livestock, and a plot of land for residence. Those who diligently cultivate the land for three years may apply to have their families join them. Children who attend school for five years and pass the examinations may participate in the Jingfan Imperial Examinations."

As Zhang Wenzong listened to these policies, his heart was filled with hope!

Perhaps, in that distant Southern Continent, he can truly be reborn and even create a brand new future for his descendants.

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