Setting the Policy

Li Shimian grew angrier the more he spoke, shouting, "Japan is even more shameless! Last time two delegations entered the harbor, each scrambling to prove that the tally permit in their hands was the genuine one. They started fighting right in Quanzhou Prefecture, plundering our people of Quanzhou, and causing the Ming Dynasty to lose two generals in battle! If the rules on tally permits were of any use, the Maritime Trade Office would not be in its current state!"

"Then what do you propose? What do you propose?" Chen Xun beat his chest and stamped his feet, tears streaming down his face. "Since Taizu decreed that not even an inch of plank could go to sea, the coastal fishermen have reached their third generation, yet after relocating, they still cannot survive. They still cannot survive!"

Everyone fell silent.

Yang Pu sighed and called to Cao Nai, Chen Xun, and Li Shimian, "Come into the Grand Secretariat."

The few men followed Yang Pu into the chamber. The remaining officials clustered outside the door instead of leaving, discussing and arguing in low voices.

Yang Pu took out a letter. "Chen Xun, was the Investigating Censor in South of the Yangtze you mentioned just now Xue Shao?"

After a moment of silence, Chen Xun said, "Yes."

Yang Pu handed him the letter. "This was delivered by Xue Xuan today. I think his proposal is rather good."

Chen Xun accepted it and opened it. Cao Nai unceremoniously leaned over to read it as well.

Xue Shao had an idea. It was not particularly good, and it was somewhat underhanded.

He proposed establishing five grades of return gifts based on the gifts returned during Taizu's reign.

The types and quantities of state gifts would all be fixed. Corresponding state gifts could be selected and