"This is Gong Hyo-won, a student at Sungkyunkwan."
After paying a courtesy visit to Zhao Xin, the three guys who came by boat from North Korea introduced their identities. Zhao Xin was surprised to find that these three people actually spoke pretty good Mandarin, but their accents were a bit strange.
He seems to have a southern accent.
The three visitors from the Li Dynasty couldn't help but look at Zhao Xin. They thought that this was the descendant who claimed to be King Zhu Ming Zhao? The gap with the image in their minds was too big! Although this person was extremely tall, his hair was short.
His lapel is not like that of a Chinese from the Central Plains; besides, he has a pair of panda eyes, making him look like he has been drinking too much.
"It seems that rumors are just rumors after all, and they should not be believed at all! The sage has said that if China invades the barbarians, the barbarians will be conquered. Do not deceive me." Although Kong Xiaoyuan felt contempt in his heart, his face remained calm, neither humble nor arrogant. He originally thought that when he arrived,
In Beihai Town, you can see Ming Dynasty clothes all over the place, but who knows that from the moment we got off the ship, everyone was wearing short hair and short clothes, and there were all kinds of tricks and tricks, but none of Zhu Ming's banners could be seen.
Let’s take a look at the meeting place here. It is an ordinary wooden house. Although the area of the house is not small, except for a few things that cannot be recognized for what they are used for, it is just a table and a few tables without armrests.
Chairs. The four of them sat across from each other, showing no sign of Chinese etiquette.
However, when they arrived at the port, they were really frightened by the Thor docked at the beach, so they were still very respectful in their words.
Zhao Xin was so busy every day that he wished he could break one minute into two minutes. He had no time to talk around in circles with these three people. So after being polite, he said straight to the point: "What are the three of you here for? Business is welcome in Beihai Town; as for
For the rest, tell me first and let me listen."
Li Shangyi quickly raised his hands and said: "We heard in Hanyang that your army raised the banner of the Ming Dynasty to fight against the barbarians, and we admired it greatly. As entrusted by Master Zuo Yizheng, I came here with 500 shi of polished rice, 300 jins of ginseng, and 1,000 taels of silver.
Help."
"Zuo Yizheng? Don't you know his surname?"
Kong Xiaoyuan said: "This is Lord Zuo Yizheng Li Suizhi, who is originally from the Li family in Yan'an."
Zhao Xin shook his head and said he had never heard of it. This made Kong Xiaoyuan feel very hurt. The famous Shuangxi Gong (Li Fuyuan, courtesy name Suizhi, Shuangxi) in Korea was even known to many people in the Qing Dynasty next door. In the forty-eighth year of Qianlong's reign,
When Qianlong visited the ancestral mausoleum in the east, Li Zhen sent Li Fuyuan to Shenyang to greet him in the name of Grand Sicheng of Chengjun Palace (equivalent to the Imperial Academy's sacrificial wine). Even Qianlong was impressed by him.
Zhao Xin picked up a box of cigarettes produced in Beihai Town from the table, opened the lid and asked the three people in front of him: "Do you three smoke?"
"smokes?"
Smoking is said to be the best thing these days. Li Shangyi, a businessman, looked curiously at the white paper roll in the wooden box. After hesitating for a moment, he reached out and took one. Li Douhuan on the side also took it, while Kong Xiaoyuan shook his head slightly.
.
With a "click", a match was lit. The three people opposite Zhao Xin were stunned. Until the match went out, the three people's eyes were still fixed on the black matchstick in Zhao Xin's hand.
"Excuse me, General, what is the purpose of this thing? Why can it make fire just by rubbing it?"
Faced with Kong Xiaoyuan's question, Zhao Xin simply introduced: "I can't explain it in a few words. This is a chemical problem."
Zhao Xin struck another match, lit a cigarette first, and took two puffs as a demonstration. Only then did Li Shangyi understand what "smoking" was, and he quickly came over with a cigarette.
Kong Xiaoyuan was stunned after hearing this, Chemistry? Which school of thought is this? At this time, the word "chemistry" did not exist in Chinese. It was not until the mid-19th century that the Englishman Wei Lianchen proposed it in his Chinese work "Ge Wu Tan Yuan".
gradually spread.
As the smoke filled the air, Merchant Er Li gradually relaxed and began to talk more.
Zhao Xin gradually learned from the conversation that Li Shangyi was a Beijing merchant from Hanyang, engaged in the business of grain, rice and ginseng; while Li Douhuan was a pine merchant, engaged in the wholesale business of horses, ginseng and dried seafood. In addition to doing some
In addition to the Qing Dynasty's border trade business, they also had close business contacts with island countries.
During the Goryeo Dynasty, Kaesong was still called "Songak", and later it was renamed Kaegyeong; therefore, the merchants in Kaesong were called Songdo merchants. These people opened "Songfang" all over the peninsula, forming a
Huge business network.
As for Kong Hyo-won, this student from Sungkyunkwan is ostensibly from Sungkyunkwan, but his real identity is the golden secret agent of Zuo Yizheng Li Fuyuan. His mission on this trip is to carefully investigate the situation in Beihai Town to determine the other party's influence on North Korea.
attitude, and whether it deserves support.
Kong Xiaoyuan asked again: "I heard that your troops defeated the Qing army in the Shuangcheng area last year. I wonder how the general dealt with the Qing prisoners later?" Because the three of them set out relatively early, they encountered wind and waves at sea and were delayed for a while.
, so there is no news about the Manchu people being redeemed.
Zhao Xin felt that there was nothing he could not say about this matter. The more people who knew about it, the more embarrassed the Manchus would be. So he said: "Oh, after paying the ransom, most of them were released."
"Ransom?! Put them back?!" Kong Xiaoyuan said to himself, are you trying to kidnap people with meat tickets? You actually resorted to paying money to let people go! Besides, since they are enemies of the Manchus, they should collect money and tear up the tickets!
Bah! I am a scholar and I cannot have such a dirty mind. Thinking of this, Kong Xiaoyuan raised his hand and asked: "Since your department is raising the banner of the Ming Dynasty, I wonder which clan it is serving?"
Zhao Xindao: "King Zhao of the former Ming Dynasty."
"Forgive me for being bold, could it be that General, you are a descendant of Queen Zhao?" Kong Xiaoyuan saw Zhao Xin hesitate and nodded, and then continued to ask: "In that case, why does General still use the surname Zhao? Why are all the people wearing barbarian clothes here?"
"This is outside the customs. No one cares whether my surname is Zhu or Zhao. As for the clothes of the barbarians you mentioned, they are just for the convenience of doing things."
Kong Xiaoyuan was somewhat dissatisfied with Zhao Xin's statement. He shook his head and said: "The general's words are wrong! As the saying goes, if the name is not correct, the words will not go well, and if the words are not right, the things will not be accomplished. The general occupies a dangerous position outside the pass, and has tens of thousands of men and horses under his command. The soldiers and horses are strong, and they can respond to a hundred calls.
You should hold high the banner of righteousness and attract heroes from all over the world to join you."
Zhao Xinxin said that he should return the heroes of the world. Is this scholar named Kong stupid because of his studies? So he just smiled lightly and said nothing.
When Kong Xiaoyuan saw that Zhao Xin didn't respond, he speculated in his heart: "Is what I said wrong? That's right! This place is very far away from the pass, and all the surrounding roads are occupied by the Manchus. It is estimated that even if there are people with lofty ideals who want to come, they will not come because of
The journey through mountains and rivers is impossible."
"In this way, our country may be able to help one or two. Although the number of scholars in our country is not as large as that of the Celestial Empire, the number of learned scholars is comparable to that of the Qing Dynasty." The implication of Kong Xiaoyuan's words is that a learned scholar like me is right in front of you.
Come and ask me for advice! I can show you what I have learned and help you make suggestions.
It is said that there were too many scholars in ancient times who wanted to be Zhuge Liang or Liu Bowen. The scholar class in North Korea felt humiliated because of the "Ding Chou went to the city" back then, and they always wanted to find opportunities to avenge their shame. Now, a new Zhao Xin was born, and it was a great success.
After defeating tens of thousands of elite Qing troops, they naturally had a glimmer of hope.
"Oh? Mr. Kong, do what you say represent North Korea's attitude?"
"I don't dare. The general has misunderstood. But all the scholars in our country hope to revive China, drive out the barbarians, and restore our Ming Dynasty clothes." Kong Xiaoyuan shook his sleeves, stood up and saluted: "If what I expected is correct, the general is currently in the army.
There was a lack of food and it was impossible to feed many people, so the barbarians were released in exchange for money. Since the general is a member of the Ming Dynasty clan and a descendant of Queen Zhao, can you please have a family tree? Although our country is small, it still has three thousand miles of beautiful mountains and rivers. Wait.
I will go back and report to Mingzuo Yizheng and His Highness, and I will definitely help you!"
Zhao Xin smiled and asked Kong Xiaoyuan: "I wonder which king is in power in your country now?"
Kong Xiaoyuan raised his hands in the direction of Hanyang and said: "The king of our country is the grandson of King Yeongjo. He has been on the throne for nearly ten years. He is a rare and promising king."
Zhao Xin tapped his fingers on the table and shook his head and sighed: "Oh, it turns out he is the son of Crown Prince Si Mou. I heard that Crown Prince Si Mou suffered from mental illness back then. Is this true?"
As soon as these words came out, the three people opposite looked embarrassed. Twenty-three years have passed since this incident, and the truth has been covered up. According to folklore, it was because of mental problems, but Kong Xiaoyuan knew that it was not the case at all.
At this time, Zhao Xin probably guessed that the three pieces of information in front of him might be spies sent by the Li Dynasty, coming to find out the true and false status of Beihai Town and himself in the name of support. After thinking about it, he said to Li Shangyi and Li Douhuan: "
Since you two are businessmen, if you want to do business with me in Beihai Town, I will arrange for someone to talk to you later."
Er Li was overjoyed when he heard this. He bought the so-called "match" that Zhao Xin used to light cigarettes just now, and he could make a fortune by taking it back. As for whether there are other commercial goods in Beihai Town, locally produced furs and
Ginseng is OK too!
However, what Zhao Xin said next made the three of them stunned.
"Three of you, my time is precious, and I have things to do later. So what I am going to say next, I hope you will go back and tell the officials of the Li Dynasty, oh, that is Mr. Zuo Yizheng. To conquer the outside of the pass, or even attack inside the pass, for our Beihai
For the town, it's easy. The reason why I didn't enter the customs is that I first need to clarify and resolve the territorial disputes in various places in the outer northeast."
Kong Xiaoyuan asked: "Are you following Rakshasa?"
Zhao Xin nodded and said slowly: "There is only one Rakshasa, and the other one is your country."
Kong Xiaoyuan's expression changed, he stood up and said, "What do you mean by this?"
Zhao Xindao: "My point is very clear. Your court officials know what happened during the Manchu and Qing Dynasty's border demarcation. If you want to find out what happened in the Qing Dynasty, I will bully you. But in the years from Kangxi to Qianlong
, whether the Manchus accommodate you or you fool them, all the territory you have annexed over the past few hundred years must be handed back to me."
Since the Yongle Year of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Keren, the leader of the Jurchens, has reported that Xianzhou is in the north, and it has been the land of Liao and Jin since ancient times. The Ming Dynasty Emperor Chengzu at that time recognized this judgment, so he sent an edict to North Korea and demanded ten people in this area (mainly
(Jurchen). As a result, the Korean state sent a special envoy to make the Ming Dynasty give up its management of this area by calculating the texts in "History of Liao", "History of Jin" and other related materials.
After the Manchus entered the customs, during the Kangxi period, in order to appease North Korea, Kangxi even gave away the territory north of Tieling and south of Jizhou.
In the fiftieth year of Kangxi's reign, due to North Korean border residents crossing the border and killing people, Emperor Kangxi secretly ordered Mu Keden, the director of animal hunting and hunting, and others to take advantage of the opportunity to go to Phoenix City to interrogate the case and go to the source areas of the two rivers to inspect the border and delineate boundary markers.
When the two sides were demarcating the border in Changbai Mountain, North Korean officials who were fully prepared produced so-called "evidence" from the Yongle era and used the sophistry method of asking for soil from the Ming Dynasty to prevaricate Mukeden's doubts.
In the end, when Mukden failed to attract attention, he took the opportunity to complete the final expansion operation south of the Tumen River in the form of setting up boundary monuments, thus acquiring the source of the river including the southern foothills of Changbai Mountain.
The land to the south.
In fact, before Mukden inspected the border area, the Changjin River, Fongzhan River, Fongzhanling Mountains, Hamgyeong Mountains, and the area surrounded by Seongcheon River were not Korean territory. North Korean officials took advantage of the difference in the name of Changbai Mountain to mislead Mukden.
Only then did we get the results of the subsequent border check.
As soon as Zhao Xin said this, Kong Xiaoyuan said angrily: "You are making an unreasonable request, and we have evidence! Since the Goryeo Dynasty, these territories have belonged to our country!"
Zhao Xin said rudely: "I don't think it's too hard to use your so-called evidence as wiping paper! Go back and tell the King of North Korea to return the southern foot of Changbai Mountain to me! Return North Hamgyong Province as well, and I can forget about it. Otherwise, wait."
I will capture Hunchun again, and what awaits you will be the army from Beihai Town!"
"If you have something to say, you have something to say. General Zhao, why are you doing this? Beihai Town is invincible. Feng Da Ming Zhengshuo, even if we drive the Hulu out of the pass, we are still a clan. Territory matters, this
, this is not something we dare to interfere with!" Li Shangyi and Li Douhuan hurriedly persuaded them with their hands in hand.
"Haha, since Li Chao sent you to find out my details, I just asked you to tell me. If you are not careful, you will get into trouble. The former Ming and Qing Dynasties will let you know, but I have no interest in it! It's normal to want to do business.
We welcome contacts; if you engage in intrigues and conspiracies to occupy territory, I will take it back! That’s it! I have something else to do, please three of you.”
Kong Xiaoyuan was so angry that he was shaking all over, and the black gauze and black hat on his head couldn't help shaking. He didn't expect Zhao Xin to be so arrogant and unreasonable. He was a scholar, and he brought food and grass to support him! Not to mention treating him politely, but he didn't
Just say a few words and make a claim to the territory.
Kong Hyo-won actually doesn’t know what’s going on here, but Li Shangyi and Li Dou-hwan probably know a little bit about it. Both of their businesses are engaged in the ginseng and fur trade, and many of their supplies come from Hamgyeong Province and the southern foothills of Changbai Mountain.
At this time, two strong guards with pistols on their waists came forward and signaled to take the three people out. The three people were helpless. Er Li had to do business, so he remembered to bow to Zhao Xin and leave, while Kong Xiaoyuan bowed lightly.
Turned around and went out.
After the three of them went out, a young man with short hair and short clothes came over. He cupped his fists and saluted the three of them and said: "Zhao Pingtai in Xiabeihai Town is responsible for trade affairs between North Korea and island countries. Please follow me, please.
Let's go to the guest house to rest first. Meals will be prepared for you in the dining hall. If you need anything, we can talk after dinner."
The so-called guest houses are actually several newly built small courtyards on the road leading to the port in the south of the square, which are used to arrange accommodation for future trading partners ashore. Each courtyard house has three independent bedrooms, a living room, and a corner of the living room.
There is a faucet and sink connected to the house, as well as a stove for heating. The toilet is located in the corner of the yard, but there is no kitchen.
Pingtai led the three of them to the door of a small courtyard. He diligently opened the door for the three of them, unlocked the door, and introduced with a smile: "These courtyards are all newly built, so the smell of wood may be stronger."
, Later, workers will bring hot water and tea for you to wash up and make tea. As for other needs, you can just ask the workers directly. Later, someone will come to take the three of you to dinner. "
After Kong Xiaoyuan entered the room and took a seat, he smacked the table angrily and said, "This is really unreasonable! Your Highness and the ministers in the court have good intentions, so they sent me here. Many scholars in the Sungkyun Hall are also waiting for news about me, hoping to
Come to help. I didn’t expect that he would treat our country like this! We will leave to return to our country tomorrow!”
Li Douhuan advised: "Mr. Kong, there is no need to be angry. We have just arrived here and the situation here is not very clear yet. We have to go around and find out clearly."
Li Shangyi first stood up, opened the door and looked outside the house, and then agreed: "Yes, yes. That man named Zhao treats us like this and is bent on squeezing him. I guess he openly uses the territory as a threat, but secretly hopes that I can come to court."
Send him lots of food and grass."
Kong Xiaoyuan said: "How can there be such a thing?"
While the three of them were talking, there was a sudden knock on the door outside the house. Kong Xiaoyuan stopped talking, and Li Shangyi cleared his throat and said, "Come in."
In the 18th century, in addition to the border market trade between Lee's Korea and the Qing Dynasty, the most important thing was the ginseng trade. The ginseng trade was also called the "eight packages trade", that is, each package of ginseng was 10 kilograms. North Korea allowed missions to Beijing to
Each person carries eight bags.
Later, the Li Dynasty stopped the export of ginseng because North Korean borderers crossed the border to collect ginseng and harmed Chinese local officials. Therefore, the mission was converted to 25 taels of silver per kilogram of ginseng, and they could bring 2,000 taels of silver to the Qing Dynasty to buy goods. Later, in order to prevent excessive outflow of silver
, and converted into goods worth two thousand taels, such as furs, paper, dried seafood and other sundries. Only senior officials can carry one and a half eight bags (3,000 taels of silver) of goods. Due to the limited funds of low-level officials such as translators in the mission,
There was a shortage, so private traders took advantage of the situation, either lending money to translators, or directly providing ginseng and silver packages to the missions, and buying goods from China. They sold ginseng and other Korean products in exchange for fabrics, daily groceries, metal products,
Books, medicinal materials, dyes, as well as medicinal materials used by the North Korean royal family, jewelry, Suzhou and Hangzhou silk and satin and other luxury goods were purchased in large quantities. In order to pursue profits, some North Korean giants even acted as grooms and slaves for the mission, accompanying the mission to Beijing.