Quickly wear "I am the empress"

Three years was enough time for Huang Taiji to recuperate and strengthen his forces.

Similarly, three years is enough time for the Ming Dynasty to establish connections with other countries in the world and begin frequent trade exchanges.

Large quantities of tea and porcelain were exported overseas, bringing with them an influx of countless amounts of silver.

In addition, a loom improved by the Ministry of Industry was introduced in the first year after the armistice.

Although this loom can only be started by the river using the power of the river, it is much faster than before, saving a lot of manpower and time.

The advent of improved looms increased the production of cloth, and now even the poorest people can afford a few decent sets of clothes.

After solving the domestic clothing problem, large quantities of high-quality and inexpensive cloth were shipped to other countries, and the reputation of Ming Dynasty cotton cloth spread far and wide.

In recent years, countless people have become rich overnight by growing cotton.

Those who did not own land chose to work in government-run textile factories or private factories.

Because of the strict control by the government, the oppression of workers did not occur in the Ming Dynasty. Workers' wages and working hours were normal, and the Ming Dynasty was thriving.

Thanks to the improvements made by agronomists, the yields of crops such as corn and potatoes have increased, and they are suitable for cultivation in areas with poor soil. These seeds are now being promoted throughout the country.

It is worth mentioning that, due to the Ming Dynasty's lifting of the maritime ban and encouragement of the development of maritime trade, the Japanese pirates who had been suppressed in earlier years were showing signs of making a comeback.

However, Zhiyu did not tolerate them. As long as they dared to rob Ming Dynasty cargo ships at sea or harass the coastal people, she would send people with cannons to fire a few shots at the Japanese pirates' hometown.

If it really comes down to a head-on confrontation, the Ming Dynasty can't possibly be afraid of a mere Japanese pirate, can it?

The Ming Dynasty's overwhelming power actually instilled fear in the small island where the Japanese pirates resided. After all, the Ming Dynasty was truly willing to hurl cannons at their country. But they... were truly afraid to throw them back.

—

Spring of the fifth year of the Qiyuan era.

in the hall.

The officials looked at Zhiyu on the dragon throne with heavy hearts.

"Your Majesty, the ceasefire we agreed upon with the Later Jin has expired. The Later Jin are ambitious, and we should make plans as soon as possible."

"Your Majesty, I agree."

"Your Majesty, I agree."

Zhiyu nodded, “My dear ministers, there is no need to be anxious. If the Later Jin wants to attack our Great Ming, they need to have troops.”

According to news from Phoenix, Mongolia does not seem to want to lend troops to Huang Taiji.

"Your Majesty, the Mongols and the Later Jin have a long-standing tradition of intermarriage. The reason the Mongols are not lending troops to the Later Jin now is simply because the benefits they offer are not yet sufficient. If the benefits offered by the Later Jin were more generous..."

"We should make plans as soon as possible."

Zhiyu nodded. "I am well aware of this matter."

After saying that, Zhiyu turned her gaze to Wei Zhongxian, who had remained silent throughout the court session. "Lord Wei, I wish to send you on a diplomatic mission to Mongolia. Would you be willing?"

Everyone present was intelligent; when Zhiyu suggested sending Wei Zhongxian to Mongolia, they immediately guessed his intentions.

Compared to previous years, Wei Zhongxian, who looked much older, slowly stepped forward.

"I am honored by Your Majesty's high regard and am willing to go to Mongolia."

Zhiyu nodded: "In that case, I will entrust the affairs of Mongolia to you."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to share the burdens of the nation."

Looking at Wei Zhongxian's aged figure, many veteran officials who had served during the Tianqi era couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.

Who would have thought that Wei Zhongxian, who was once so arrogant, would now become a rare "wise" minister of the Ming Dynasty?