To put it bluntly, these are a group of pirates under the guise of the government.

Their mission is: expansion, plunder, and colonization.

The reason why the Kingdom of England granted them a royal warrant was because if they robbed in the name of the royal family, part of the wealth gained would be turned over.

For the English royal family, they only need to be granted a flag and can enjoy the benefits at home. Why not?

When the East India Company was first established, it did indeed gain a lot of wealth. Then, kingdoms such as the Netherlands began to follow suit and established the East India Company one after another to get a share of the pie.

Their approach was even more exaggerated. For example, the Dutch East India Company was the first company to organize its own mercenaries, issue currency, and the first joint-stock company. It was allowed to establish formal treaties with other countries and colonize the area. and the power to rule.

In other words, this so-called company has actually become a political power.

Driven by profit, they will expand crazily, expand shipping routes crazily, and establish colonies.

This is what Zheng He said: If a country wants to be rich and powerful, it must not ignore the sea. Wealth comes from the sea, and danger also comes from the sea.

Considering various reasons, the Ming Dynasty implemented a maritime ban and ignored Zheng He's warning, allowing the European powers to develop.

How could Zhu Qizhen let go of such an opportunity? He must dare to take control of the sea before the European pirates.

Even if I don't invade you, I can't let you invade me.

Of course Shi Heng didn't know what the East India Company was, so he looked confused when the emperor asked him.

Zhu Qizhen thought for a moment and then explained: "I established the navy to expand shipping routes and protect the maritime trade of the court or private people. In addition, I plan to cultivate a private trading firm in addition to this navy, which will be called the Four Seas Trading Firm for the time being.

Well, the Four Seas Trading Company is free to trade with other countries, and it can train its own guards. The imperial court even allows it to establish formal treaties with other countries in the name of the trading company, and protect the legal rights and interests such as the strongholds the trading company has cultivated overseas."

Shi Heng was shocked, such an idea was simply unbelievable.

The Ming Dynasty has always been extremely cautious about military power, let alone a civil organization going to other countries and signing agreements with others. Isn't this... rebellion?

Zhu Qizhen wants to do something big now. The great voyage of the West is coming, and there is not much time left for the Ming Dynasty. Only by breaking the rules and breaking the world can we be invincible in the coming era of great voyages.

"I'm going to leave these things to you. How about it? Do you have confidence?"

Shi Heng thought about it, was this considered rebellion?

Could it be that he wanted to kill me but couldn't find an excuse...

He glanced at Zhu Qizhen suspiciously and said: "This is the first time I have heard of the emperor's thoughts. This... is quite shocking. Moreover, I am worried that the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty... will..."

"You don't have to worry about others. I just ask you, do you have confidence?"

Shi Heng nodded and said: "As long as it is ordered by the emperor, let alone a trading company, I will still dare to go even if it is a mountain of swords and a sea of ​​fire!"

"Very good, this matter has been settled for now. I will give you a detailed plan later. Now, I have a task for you."

"Your Majesty, please speak!"

Zhu Qizhen first asked: "How much do you know about Japan?"

"The words of Japan..."

Shi Heng thought for a while and said: "As far as I know, many Japanese pirates come from the Japanese country and claim to be samurai under some daimyo. The current regime in the Japanese country seems to be unstable and there are many people fighting for power. That's about it."

"I just want to ask you, what is the relationship between the Japanese pirates and the Japanese country?"

"Japanese pirates plundered property and brought it back to the Japanese country to sell the stolen goods. In other words, the proliferation of Japanese pirates was actually supported by the Japanese country. They smuggled at sea, robbed the people, and gained countless benefits!"

"The envoys of the Japanese country have repeatedly emphasized that the Japanese pirates have nothing to do with the Japanese country. What should we do?"

Shi Heng scratched his head and said, "Isn't this lying with open eyes? This person should be arrested and punished for harboring Japanese pirates!"

Zhu Qi smiled calmly and said: "I want to catch the thief and arrest him for his crimes. I have no evidence. How can I punish him?"

…………

ps: I recommend a first-person suspense book "Please Fragrance" written by a friend. The plot is stable and the pace is fast. If you don't believe me, go read it~~


Chapter completed!