Great Ming: Ten Years of Free Trade in Qiongzhou, and Zhu Yuanzhang Loses It

During the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang declared a ban on maritime trade. His ninth son, Zhu Qi, indignantly submitted a memorial:

"The sea can feed tens of millions of people. Only by controlling the sea can the glorious Ming endure for generations to come."

Zhu Qi got his wish and was enfeoffed in Qiongzhou, where he pioneered an entirely new path of development for the Ming.

Qiongzhou was like a spark that set the entire Ming ablaze in an instant.

"Simplified characters? Even commoners can read? This is outrageous! What was the point of my ten years of studying by lamplight?"

"Math, physics, chemistry, biology? The library has no Confucian classics? Burn it down at once!"

"Your Majesty, let Qiongzhou govern itself for a hundred years. We don't want that land anymore. We can't afford to take it!"

Zhu Yuanzhang: "..."

Zhu Biao: "Abolish the fiefs? Just look at my fourth and ninth brothers. Do they look like feudal lords to you? They're my own flesh and blood!"

Zhu Yunwen: "If Father doesn't dare do it, I'll do it."

Prince of Qiong Zhu Qi: "?"

Great General of the Northern Expedition Zhu Di: "!"

The people of the Ming: "Your Highness, the Prince of Qiong, the weather's getting cold. Put on a yellow robe."

This novel and its characters are entirely fictional. Any resemblance is purely coincidental. Do not imitate.