The fishermen were just sighing that the foot-binding grass was edible, and they had not had time to think about the problem of salvage.
Now being reminded by Zheng Chiyuan, the fishermen finally came to their senses as if they were waking up from a dream.
Yes, the seaweed is overrun. If they had known that this thing was edible, how could they still be hungry?
At this moment, many fishermen had a spark of hope in their eyes.
But then someone realized a problem and asked, "But General Zheng, what should we do with the pirates?"
This sentence is like a ladle of cold water poured on the fisherman's heart.
They just forgot about pirates!
If the pirates hadn't made such a big fuss, would they have been hungry?
The place with the most kelp is Maolang Island, which is a famous pirate den. Didn't they seek death in the past?
Even if you don't go to Maolang Island, picking near the east coast is probably not safe.
Piracy has been so rampant recently, and in this era there are no satellites, radars, or instant messaging tools. With such a long coastline in the East China Sea, even if the navy patrols the sea all the time, there is no way to catch all the pirates.
"The Imperial Preceptor discovered that kelp can be eaten. It was also the Imperial Preceptor who suggested that kelp be picked from the sea. Do you think that the Imperial Preceptor would not have thought of the questions you can think of given his wisdom?"
Zheng Chiyuan said loudly: "In order to solve everyone's hunger worries, the National Preceptor decided to send speedboats and hot-air balloons to destroy the pirates on Maolang Island. After the pirates are dealt with, everyone can go to Maolang Island to pick kelp with peace of mind!
In order to protect everyone’s safety, the National Guard will arrange two fleets of speedboats to form a rapid response patrol team with the navy to sail on the route between Maolang Island and the pier day and night to ensure everyone’s safety!”
As soon as the words fell, thunderous applause and cheers immediately erupted from below the stage!
"Long live the Imperial Preceptor!"
"Long live the Imperial Preceptor!"
Speedboats often come to the East China Sea to deliver letters and newspapers, and they also pass by the East China Sea when going to Yuguan City. Fishermen have long seen the speed of speedboats.
When a speedboat encounters pirates at sea, they will usually deal with them easily.
Therefore, many fishermen have seen speedboats attack pirates.
The pirate ship is vulnerable to a speedboat!
Hearing Zheng Chiyuan say that Jin Feng would arrange speedboats to protect them, the fishermen's hearts suddenly fell to the ground!
On the stage, Tang Xiaobei frowned slightly.
Going to Maolang Island to encircle and suppress pirates was considered a military secret, but Zheng Chiyuan said it in public.
Although Tang Xiaobei knew that he said this to reassure the fishermen, what if there were pirates among the fishermen who were careful and passed the news to the pirates, and the pirates escaped early?
Thinking of this, Tang Xiaobei couldn't help but turn his head and look at Jin Feng.
Noticing Jin Feng's indifferent expression, Tang Xiaobei asked in confusion: "Ms. sir, did you know in advance that General Zheng was going to announce the suppression of bandits?"
"I know, General Zheng has discussed this with me."
Jin Feng nodded, and then explained in a low voice: "General Zheng said that there are pirates among the fishermen, and he wants to find these black sheep!"
"That's it!" When Tang Xiaobei heard this, he immediately showed a look of astonishment.
If a team wants to go far, it is very necessary to eliminate the bad apples.
However, fine works are generally hidden deep, and it is not easy to find them.
This time is indeed an opportunity.
When Sesaku learns the news, he will definitely find a way to inform the pirates. At this time, whoever dares to risk going to sea can basically confirm who is Sesaku.
Zheng Chiyuan raised his hand again when the excitement of the fishermen was almost exhausted.
The fishermen calmed down very tacitly.
"Everyone should know that although there is a lot of kelp on Maolang Island, it is not endless. Once you finish picking it, it will be gone..."
As soon as Zheng Chiyuan spoke, the faces of the fishermen in the audience changed.
Yes, although there are a lot of footweeds on Maolang Island, there are also a lot of fishermen, and there will always be a day when the kelp is finished.
What will they do then? Will they go hungry again?
The fishermen all looked at Zheng Chiyuan with solemn faces, waiting for his next words.
"In order to provide everyone with a long-term and stable way of living, the National Master decided to establish a Marine Management Department to specifically manage marine-related affairs!"
As soon as Zheng Chiyuan said something, the expressions of the fishermen in the audience changed again.
When the imperial court wants to collect exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes, it usually has to come up with a reason. In the eyes of the fishermen, the so-called Marine Management Department is Jin Feng’s excuse to collect exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes!
"No wonder the Imperial Master is studying kelp and sending speedboats to suppress bandits. He is waiting for us here!"
"Yeah, they didn't care about us before, but now they find out that the foot-binding grass is edible, and immediately set up a marine management department to take care of us!"
"It's true that officials don't have any good things. They want to break the bones of us people and suck out the marrow!"
"Keep your voices down, you want to die!"
Many fishermen whispered, expressing their inner dissatisfaction.
Even Tang Xiaobei and Hong Taoping turned to look at Jin Feng in surprise.
Aren't we going to set up a fishing team? Why did it become the Marine Management Department again?
Jin Feng saw Tang Xiaobei's questioning look and said with a smile, "We'll talk about it when we get back!"
Tang Xiaobei could only suppress his curiosity and continued to look at Zheng Chiyuan on the stage.
Before Zheng Chiyuan announced the news, he had already guessed what the fishermen would think.
After the fishermen calmed down, they continued: "I know what everyone is worried about. I, Zheng Chiyuan, can assure you with my life and fortune that your worries are unnecessary!"
"Your Majesty the Imperial Guard established the Marine Management Department not to get a little profit from everyone's hands, but really to serve the fishermen and to provide everyone with a way to eat for a long time!"
Zheng Chiyuan said: "Besides, in the whole world, is it the king's land, is it the shore of the land, is it the king's ministers, the East China Sea is also part of the territory of Dakang, the Imperial Adviser will give our navy support, food, grass, military pay and weapons, let us protect you!
When we are beyond our power to drive away all the pirates, and we are worried that everyone will starve to death, under such difficult circumstances in Sichuan, Sichuan and Jiangnan, we still travel thousands of miles to bring food from all over the place and give porridge to everyone! Shouldn't everyone accept it?
Is it under the jurisdiction of the imperial court?”
Hearing what Zheng Chiyuan said, many of the fishermen who had just complained lowered their heads.
Indeed, without the navy, they would have been killed by pirates long ago.
Without the porridge provided by the Jinchuan Chamber of Commerce, they might have starved to death and had no idea that footbinding grass could be eaten.
Although the fishermen don't understand many principles, they are simple and reasonable by nature.
Since Jin Feng and the imperial court have paid so much for them, they are under the jurisdiction of the imperial court, and it is normal for them to pay taxes to the imperial court when they are able.
Thinking of this, a fisherman asked: "General Zheng, just tell me, we want to go to Maolang Island to pick footweed, how much percentage should we pay to the Marine Management Department?"
The fishermen were already mentally prepared to be exploited, but they saw Zheng Chiyuan shaking his head and saying, "You don't have to hand over even 10%!"