Chapter 479: Census of the Foreigners

But soon the news spread—after all, with something this big, there was no way to keep it under wraps.

After receiving the news, Han Kuang's face took on a thoughtful expression, and a notion couldn't help but arise in his mind.

At that moment, Huang Kezuan walked over to Han Kuang's side and asked directly: "Shouldn't we do something?"

"Don't make any moves for now." Han Kuang shook his head and said: "Wait a while—let's watch how things develop. We don't know what direction this will take right now, so doing nothing is the best course."

In Han Kuang's heart, he was well aware of how highly His Majesty regarded Xu Guangqi. If this matter turned out to be Xu Guangqi bringing ruin upon himself, then there was nothing to be done—Han Kuang would certainly seize the chance to kick him while he was down. But if it wasn't Xu Guangqi's own doing, then there was no way to strike at him, because His Majesty would surely protect them.

"This affair was stirred up by Wei Zhongxian—there might be a turning point." Huang Kezuan narrowed his eyes and said: "That old eunuch isn't so easy to deal with. Perhaps this time he's set his sights on Xu Guangqi and his people."

"That still requires Xu Guangqi and the others to take the bait," Han Kuang sighed and said: "The most important thing is His Majesty's attitude. We can't act rashly."

Huang Kezuan nodded and said: "What you say makes sense. I'll give the orders and have my men not act recklessly. If the timing is right, we'll make our move then."

Without saying anything more, Han Kuang simply nodded.

As for the secret scheming between Han Kuang and the other, Xu Guangqi naturally knew nothing of it. At this moment, he had no leisure to concern himself with those two either.

He was now very worried about Nicolas Trigault and Guo Jingju—once they entered the palace, things probably wouldn't be so easy.

If this affair hadn't been stirred up by Wei Zhongxian, it would have been somewhat better; but since Wei Zhongxian was the one making trouble, this matter would be hard to handle.

Xu Guangqi rushed frantically to wait outside the palace gates. If anything truly went wrong, he needed to report to His Majesty at the first opportunity, and to counsel His Majesty at the first opportunity.

Soon, Guo Jingju and Nicolas Trigault were led into the palace.

Zhu Youxiao also met with Guo Jingju and the other.

Two foreigners—or rather, white men. As for exactly where in Europe they came from, Zhu Youxiao had no idea.

Looking the two of them up and down, Zhu Youxiao said nothing, merely quietly observing these two men.

Upon seeing Zhu Youxiao, Guo Jingju and the other respectfully performed a religious salute and said: "We pay our respects to Your Majesty, the Great Ming Emperor."

"No need for formalities." Zhu Youxiao looked at Guo Jingju and the other, and said with a smile: "In truth, I have long wished to meet you, but simply haven't had the time. You should also know that although I rule this nation, there are always some people causing trouble. Recently I just fought a war—fortunately, I won it."

Seeing that Zhu Youxiao's tone was gentle and his words kind, Guo Jingju and the other finally breathed a sigh of relief in their hearts.

This young emperor of the Great Ming might perhaps be able to lend strong support to their cause—this was truly wonderful.

After a few brief pleasantries, Zhu Youxiao turned the conversation to the main topic.

Glancing at Guo Jingju and the other, Zhu Youxiao said directly: "I already know about the matter concerning the two of you. But that's not why I wished to see you—there's something I want to ask. Do you know Wang Zheng?"

In fact, this Wang Zheng was also a man of talent. He was over fifty years old this year, and had taken the imperial examinations ten times before finally passing. Moreover, he was well-versed in both Chinese and Western learning.

Zhu Youxiao could use Wang Zheng for a certain task—he had already settled on the official post for him.

However, for Zhu Youxiao, Wang Zheng could not yet be employed for the time being. There was one matter that needed resolving, and if it couldn't be resolved, then this man couldn't be used.

Upon hearing these words, Nicolas Trigault hastily said: "To answer Your Majesty, we do know Wang Zheng. He is a very devout believer. After we met him, we had many exchanges, and they were very pleasant."

Gently nodding, Zhu Youxiao said with a smile: "It's good that you know him. But I've heard that your exchanges don't seem to have been all that pleasant."

Guo Jingju understood the Great Ming better than Nicolas Trigault did.

Although this Great Ming emperor wore a brilliant smile on his face, Guo Jingju had seen this kind of smile on the faces of Great Ming officials more than once—which proved one thing: this was a hypocritical smile. What these Great Ming people said and what they actually did were two completely different things.

Under such circumstances, he could no longer speak carelessly.

So Guo Jingju tugged at Nicolas Trigault, and asked: "May I ask what matter Your Majesty is referring to?"

"The Great Ming governs the realm through filial piety. I believe that since you've been in the Great Ming for so long, you should understand the meaning of these words. Of the three unfilial acts, having no heir is the greatest. Wang Zheng has no son—this is a very serious matter in the Great Ming. And taking a concubine is both a custom and a rule of the Great Ming."

As Zhu Youxiao spoke these words, the expression on his face had already turned serious.

He looked directly at Nicolas Trigault and said: "In this matter, he seems to have violated your religious doctrines. He has been very troubled lately, seeking out many priests in hopes of obtaining forgiveness. But it seems he hasn't received it."

The truth was even more serious than what Zhu Youxiao had said—because after Wang Zheng's parents had died, he had once entertained the notion of divorcing his concubine, and had even tried to marry her off to someone else.

It was only because Wang Zheng's concubine threatened to kill herself that Wang Zheng hadn't succeeded. But Wang Zheng had still cut ties with his concubine, letting her continue to stay at home, yet no longer in the capacity of a concubine.

Zhu Youxiao absolutely would not permit such a thing.

Customs could be changed, but definitely not at this time—and certainly not through changes initiated by these missionaries. Rather, it had to be the Great Ming that took the initiative to drive such changes.

Taking concubines, in this era, was not some unforgivable sin. Many people might think monogamy was the natural state of things, but in reality, in ancient times, men were the primary labor force, and with wars on the battlefield being frequent as well, this created an imbalance in the ratio of men to women—it was very easy for a situation to arise where there were more women than men.

Taking concubines was actually a form of balancing, and also for the sake of procreation. Of course, it was also a display of privilege for those in power.

The practice of taking concubines could be changed, but it couldn't be changed by the missionaries—and it certainly couldn't be changed through such methods.

Elevating women's status was the key; liberating thought was the key. Converting to Catholicism was simply a joke.

Upon hearing Zhu Youxiao's words and seeing the smile on Zhu Youxiao's face, a chill ran through Guo Jingju's heart.

He understood why this Great Ming emperor had summoned people like them.

It was because he had developed dissatisfaction toward people like them.

Guo Jingju knew what kind of power and influence this emperor possessed—a single sentence from this Great Ming emperor's lips could decide the lives of countless people.

Faced with such supreme authority, Guo Jingju knew that people like them had no power to resist. Back then, the religious incident hadn't even received this much attention from the emperor, and everyone knew very well what the outcome had been.

Guo Jingju stepped forward and said: "May I ask what Your Majesty is thinking?"

"When you came to the Great Ming to spread your religion, the Great Ming still accepted it. But there is one point I hope you will understand clearly—that in the nation I govern, all religious sects must abide by the laws of the Great Ming, and must observe the public order and good customs of the Great Ming. If you can do this, then naturally there will be no problem."

Zhu Youxiao still intended to make use of these missionaries—only, he couldn't let them know that he wanted to do certain things behind the scenes. On the surface, he still had to placate these missionaries, locking their thoughts inside a cage.

"As for the matter of Wang Zheng, don't you think you've gone a bit too far? And in spreading your religion in the Great Ming, don't you think your doctrines are unsuitable? Shouldn't you devise a set of doctrines better suited to the Great Ming? Wouldn't creating a new sect be a good thing? It seems you yourselves have split into many sects, haven't you?"

As Zhu Youxiao spoke these words, his gaze was icy as he stared at Guo Jingju and the other. If the two of them dared to disagree, then this matter would be up in the air.

In truth, for Zhu Youxiao, this matter was not up for discussion.

Standing off to the side, Wei Zhongxian's heart was racing with excitement. Although the expression on his face was relaxed, he wished he could refuse on behalf of those two.

Hurry up and refute him! Hurry up and make a scene!

Wei Zhongxian was disappointed.

Guo Jingju and the other exchanged thoughtful glances with each other.

The work of spreading their faith was truly too difficult. They had traveled tens of thousands of li to reach this nation, yet the result was far from what they had imagined.

This nation's level of acceptance toward them was simply too low. If they wanted to spread their religion here, it seemed impossible without making changes. Even Matteo Ricci back in the day hadn't managed to accomplish that much.

Guo Jingju thought for a moment and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. You are wise and discerning, and what you say makes perfect sense. We feel we should do exactly as you propose."

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's expression finally relaxed.

At least they knew which way the wind blew.

"But the two of you alone are still a bit thin on the ground." Zhu Youxiao looked at Guo Jingju and his companion and said, "You should gather all of your people here in the capital to join in this grand endeavor. I will build you a great church here in the capital, and I will also build you a grand library, where all the books you have brought can be housed and translated, so that our two sides may engage in friendly exchange. What do you think of that?"

Guo Jingju and his companion exchanged glances upon hearing this, and both saw the delight in each other's eyes.

This was indeed good news for them.

They hurriedly said, "We thank Your Majesty, the Great Ming Emperor! Your wisdom and brilliance shine through the ages!"

Guo Jingju and his companion had learned the language of the Great Ming quite fluently, but when it came to flattery, they still needed practice.

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said to Wei Chao at his side, "Transmit my decree to the local offices of every region: wherever foreigners have gathered, conduct a census and register them all, and send every foreigner to the capital. Once they receive the order, they must not delay or disregard it. As for the books and various instruments these foreigners have brought, not a single one is to be missing or damaged — send them all to the capital as well. Have the Embroidered Uniform Guard cooperate on this matter."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will give the orders immediately and have them carry it out." Wei Chao nodded hurriedly.

Zhu Youxiao nodded with satisfaction and said, "Very good. Prepare a banquet — I wish to entertain the two fathers."