The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Wei Guangde is still considering developing the industry of the Ming Dynasty, so he will start with the wool textile industry.

These days, it is a thorough seller's market. The products of the Ming Dynasty are famous for their exquisite craftsmanship, and they are almost never worried about selling them.

Why don't you worry about not being able to sell the products?

Isn't it that the West is a nouveau riche now, and the largest market is Spain. They have dug mines in the Americas and have countless gold and silver, which greatly stimulates the purchasing power of the Spanish nobles.

The best things in the whole of Europe have been bought by them, and of course a large amount of gold and silver has flowed to other European countries.

In this way, the whole of Europe is full of gold and silver from the Americas, and the market activity has increased.

Of course, these gold and silver are still in the hands of nobles and big businessmen in various countries, and ordinary people are still suffering and working hard for three meals a day.

Correspondingly, the Portuguese have also gained huge profits through trade in Africa and Asia.

Trade is actually easier to get involved in this era, as long as you have the ability to transport.

The Age of Exploration was all about shipbuilding. As long as you could build ships to conduct international trade, you could make profits.

Therefore, countries and regions with developed shipbuilding industries also followed the example of Spain and Portugal and vigorously developed maritime trade.

Among them, the first to rise was not the future European hegemons, Britain, France and Germany, but a place called the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is just a region along the northern coast of Europe, roughly including the current Netherlands, parts of western Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and northern France.

In the Middle Ages, there were many feudal territories, belonging to the Duchy of Burgundy and the Holy Roman Empire.

The Netherlands was officially established in the early 1460s, but it was in a state of feudal separatism until the 16th century.

In the early 16th century, due to complex royal marriages, it gradually unified under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty of the Holy Roman Empire, and because the ruler of the Habsburg dynasty at that time was also the King of Spain.

Therefore, the Netherlands began to be ruled by Spain at this time.

The King of Spain at that time was Charles V, who was the Emperor of the Habsburg Dynasty of the Holy Roman Empire, the monarch of the Netherlands, the King of Germany, and a member of the Habsburg Dynasty of Austria.

Spain was extremely powerful at that time, and it also won the wars with the Kingdom of France and the Ottoman Empire, laying the foundation for its hegemony on the European continent.

In order to get rid of Spain, the Netherlands at that time, under the leadership of Prince William I of Orange, started a long war that lasted 80 years in 1568, also known as the Eighty Years' War.

The budding of capitalism in the Netherlands appeared almost at the same time as Italy in the 14th century AD.

In the 16th century, the development of capitalism gradually entered the shackles in Italy, but it developed rapidly in the Netherlands.

The capitalist economy of the Netherlands developed earlier and grew faster, among which the handicraft workshops for manufacturing woolen cloth, silk, linen, carpets, soap, glassware, leather and metal products developed rapidly.

Although at this time, the situation of the separatist regimes in the Netherlands led to internal chaos, and they were not able to reach out to the sea to compete with old maritime powers such as Spain and Portugal.

However, the development of capitalism laid a good foundation for the development of the Netherlands. Its shipbuilding industry was also on the rise at this time, and began to export local materials.

In fact, from the development of the Netherlands at this time, it can be seen that thanks to the large amount of gold and silver brought back to Europe by the Spaniards, the entire European market was activated and the economy was in an unprecedented state of development.

This is also the main reason why Ming Dynasty products can be circulated around the world almost without resistance during this period of the Ming Dynasty.

Although the Europeans opened the Age of Exploration, they still belonged to extensive industrial production and could not compare with the products made by the Ming Dynasty.

The products of the Ming Dynasty were treasures that the European upper class and big businessmen flocked to, and they were not worried about selling.

Even though the wool textile industry in Europe had flourished during this period, the product quality was still behind that of the Ming Dynasty. Perhaps after the wool textiles of the Ming Dynasty entered the European market, they could only compete in the low-end and mid-end markets.

For the high-end market, nobles and big businessmen still prefer products from the East.

Wei Guangde actually didn't know that Europe was also developing the wool textile industry at this time, but it was still in the early stages of development and had not reached the point of "sheep eating people".

But it will be soon. After all, there, in order to make money, any method can be thought of and done.

So, he is still considering using the sheep on the Mongolian grassland to provide him with a steady supply of cheap wool for textile, and then dump it to make money.

However, after he had dinner, Zhang Ji came in to report: "Master, Lord Tan, Lord Jiang and others are here."

"Apart from them, are there others?"

Wei Guangde asked lightly.

"There are also Lord Wang Xilie of the Ministry of Rites and Lord Wei Shiliang of the Ministry of Justice"

Zhang Ji reported a few more names, and Wei Guangde nodded, "Please ask them to go to the flower hall for tea, I will change my clothes and go out."

Several old guys came to Wei Guangde, naturally for Zou Yuanbiao's matter.

Even though the matter seems insignificant, it involves the unity of their small group.

Why can they command the people below when they are at the top? Or they think that their careers will be much smoother when they see someone protecting them from above.

Although Zou Yuanbiao was looking for trouble, they were all watching to see if the bosses could protect him.

At first, they thought Wei Shiliang could hold Zou Yuanbiao down, after all, he was his superior. If Zou Yuanbiao wanted to stay in the capital, he had to protect Wei Shiliang.

But who knew that in the afternoon, they heard the news from the Ministry of Justice that Zou Yuanbiao and Wei Shiliang were at loggerheads and refused to withdraw the memorial.

They understood that it was a headache to meet such a stubborn person, no matter who it was.

Just now, when they saw Wei Shiliang outside, several people asked about this matter.

"I have already discussed the matter with Feng Bao this afternoon.

He will definitely not get away with this beating. His Majesty got angry yesterday and beat a few people to make an example of him.

He committed a crime against the wind, and His Majesty will definitely not let him off easily.

But Feng Bao also promised that he would not kill him. It was just a superficial injury and he would recover after a few days of rest.

He can stay as an official, but he will be sent to a remote place to serve as an official.

With his personality, he is really not suitable to stay in the capital. This is also to protect him."

In the flower hall, Wei Guangde sat down and exchanged a few pleasantries before getting down to business.

"That's good. I hope Erzhan can mature after this setback."

Wei Shiliang said.

"For a stubborn person like him, the Censorate is actually the best place for him to go."

Wang Xilie said.

Wei Guangde glanced at Wang Xilie. This old guy should also want to make progress.

It is estimated that seeing the current situation of the cabinet, he may be betting on entering the cabinet or succeeding Ma Ziqiang as the Minister of Rites.

Now in the cabinet, Zhang Juzheng introduced Zhang Siwei, who suppressed Wei Guangde in the cabinet.

Ordinarily, Wei Guangde should also consider introducing allies to increase his voice in the cabinet.

Previously, he had some conflicts with Wei Guangde, but now Wang Xilie seems to have figured it out and plans to cooperate with Wei Guangde.

However, Wei Guangde never thought of helping Wang Xilie. There was no way. He had a big beard and it was too late to think about making progress now.

Age is the flaw of officials.

"Come on, if he enters the Censorate, Shandai may not be able to help him.

It's not a small matter to cause trouble just after entering the court.

The memorial he submitted was a contempt for the emperor."

Jiang Zhi said.

With Zou Yuanbiao's temper, none of his fellow villagers dared to speak for him or use him.

Next, Wei Guangde talked to them about the Yellow River water control and the southwest, and then sent them out of the mansion.

Before leaving, Wei Guangde also gave each person a woolen cloth.

Cashmere is precious, and even people like Tan Lun and Jiang Zhi don't have it.

Wang Xilie's family is well-off, and he recognized the woolen cloth at a glance that it was not blue cashmere, but a slightly inferior fabric.

"This is not woven from cashmere, but woven from wool on the Mongolian grassland.

They keep warm by weaving wool into blankets, but the craftsmanship is much worse.

I found someone to set up a chamber of commerce, and brought back a lot of wool from the grassland for weaving, and then we got this thing.

In fact, we made a batch last year, but the quantity was not large, and it is said that the cold-proof effect is not bad."

Wei Guangde smiled.

Wei Guangde didn't want the woolen cloth from last year, mainly because the output was small.

These things were sent to the caravan in Liaodong to use, and they also let them feel the warmth-keeping effect of woolen cloth.

If other things are made, but they don't keep warm, then they are finished.

After using it last year, I felt that the cold-proof effect was good, so I started to increase the output, and the officially produced products were naturally sent to Wei Mansion first.

There is still time before winter, so we can make some clothes and change into them when the weather gets cooler.

The next morning, not long after Wei Guangde entered the cabinet, Lu Bu came to deliver a letter. Jinyiwei was ordered to arrest Zou Yuanbiao early in the morning.

Not only that, the palace issued an order, asking all Beijing officials to go to Wumen to supervise the execution unless there was something particularly urgent.

The news from Lu Bu was naturally a notice, and Wei Guangde had to go too.

Wei Guangde was speechless after seeing two beatings in three consecutive days.

According to the time, Wei Guangde arrived at Wumen and saw a man in a white inner garment tied to a bench, and four eunuchs were still standing there in front and behind to prepare for the torture.

The man looked a little embarrassed, with messy hair.

"Wei Ge Lao."

"Wei Ge Lao, you are here."

After Wei Guangde arrived, several people from the six ministries in front of him greeted him one after another.

Wei Guangde also bowed all the way. After all, he was a higher official, but he was younger than most people here, so he couldn't be arrogant.

Age was both an advantage and a disadvantage for Wei Guangde.

Seeing Wei Shiliang, Wei Guangde pointed over there and asked in a low voice: "What's going on?"

The day before yesterday, Wu Zhongxing and others were not so embarrassed, at least they were not so miserable before the execution.

"The Jinyiwei went over, and he resisted, but that's it."

Wei Shiliang said in a low voice, and Wei Guangde was speechless.

It is said that when a scholar meets a soldier, he can't explain his reason. This Zou Yuanbiao is too stupid, and he actually made a move with the Jinyiwei.

"Have you found a doctor?"

Wei Guangde asked in a low voice.

"The best trauma doctor in the city of Sijiu, take him away for treatment immediately after the beating, alas"

Wei Shiliang answered in a low voice.

After all, he was on his side, and it was a bit embarrassing to see someone spanking in public.

Although the "Ting" Chen of the Ming Dynasty was very powerful, and many people were proud to have received the imperial staff, this was actually just an ignorant view among the people, thinking that those who dared to contradict the emperor were all strong-willed men.

They have never seen the miserable condition of those who were subjected to the imperial cane. Not to mention those who did not survive, but those who did survive. If they are not in time, one of the disadvantages will be disability.

"Fifty boards, I hope I can wake him up."

Wei Guangde whispered.

When the time came, Zhang Hong walked out of the Meridian Gate, said a few words to the eunuch outside, and then ordered the execution.

Feng Bao didn't come, so he probably found it boring.

If he comes, I'm afraid that I won't be able to hold it back and forget how to put my feet.

"Papa pa pa"

The two imperial staffs were waved one after another. The person in front loudly reported the number, while the other person squatted there to observe the condition of the victim.

If the wooden stick falls from the mouth, the torture must be stopped immediately, and the torture must be resumed after being bitten.

There were no heart-rending screams, and there were no other sounds than the sound of hitting the board and counting the numbers.

When the waiter shouted "fifty", the sound of hitting the board suddenly stopped.

"The execution is over, let's all disperse."

Zhang Hong shouted at the officials surrounding him at this time, not even bothering to say a lesson.

Perhaps, in the eyes of these eunuchs, the officials outside, whether they are in Fei robes or Qing robes, are just a bunch of people without discernment.

Knowing clearly that the empress is unhappy and the emperor is dissatisfied, you still go up to the pole to get beaten. Isn't it mean?

Wei Guangde did not go up to check on the situation. The four chamberlains over there had already retreated, and Wei Shiliang had already gone up with several people.

Since the person is from the Ministry of Punishments, it is natural that they still have to shoulder the responsibility.

A doctor passed by carrying a medicine box. Wei Guangde only glanced at it, turned around and walked towards the Meridian Gate.

This matter is over today, I hope no one will continue to cause trouble.

Outside the Meridian Gate, all the people who had gathered around had left, but there were still more than twenty new scholars who had not left. They were still concerned about Zou Yuanbiao's injury.

When Wei Guangde returned to the check-in room, another note came from Lu Bu.

"The chief steward sent someone to deliver it. He said it was about what happened at the chief minister's residence last night."

Lu Bu whispered.

Wei Guangde took it and took a look. It was Ma Ziqiang, Wang Xijue and others who ran to Zhang Juzheng to plead for mercy, asking him to plead with the palace and bypass Zou Yuanbiao.

Seeing this, Wei Guangde's eyes widened.

Was this because he was afraid that Zhang Juzheng would let Zou Yuanbiao go?

It's obvious that the palace will never let this matter go, otherwise I don't know how many people will follow suit and continue to make trouble.

However, it was written that when Zhang Juzheng was forced to do anything, he actually took out the knife and handed it to Ma Ziqiang, asking him to kill him.

This frightened Ma Ziqiang and Wang Xijue directly, and they could only return in anger.

"Hey, what kind of reforms are there? In ancient China, no one who carried out reforms would have a good death."

After a long time, Wei Guangde put down the note and sighed. (End of chapter)