dognovel Chapter 367 Consort Fucha
Chapter 367 Consort Fucha
After Princess Wenyan saw that everyone had discussed the bank matter to a sufficient extent, she brought up the matter of the online army again:
"Your Majesty, although financial matters are of paramount importance, the navy has been resting and recuperating for so long; it would be good if it could make another appearance."
Today, the Qing Dynasty is powerful and its navy is strong and well-equipped.
If a suitable opportunity can be found to expand territory,
It would not only bring abundant resources to the Qing Dynasty, but also demonstrate its national power.
Hongchang was somewhat helpless; he hadn't expected Wen Yan to be a warmonger.
"So, based on Wen Yan's ideas, where should we attack next?"
Wen Yan said, "In the past few years, we have successively conquered the Northern Kingdom and the Japanese Kingdom."
The Burmese and Russian ministers believe that our next step could be to attack the Philippines.
The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia and its strategic position is extremely important.
Furthermore, it possesses abundant domestic resources; if it could be incorporated into the Qing Dynasty's territory,
This would not only further expand the Qing Dynasty's maritime trade routes,
It could also bring a large amount of supplies to the Qing Dynasty.
Hongchang frowned slightly and pondered for a moment:
"The Philippines is located in Southeast Asia, and its strategic position is indeed important, and it is also rich in resources."
However, attacking the Philippines will not be easy; we need to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Seeing that Hongchang had some reservations, Princess Wenyan continued:
"Your Majesty, I believe that although the Philippines was garrisoned by Spanish colonists..."
However, it was riddled with internal contradictions, and the people longed to break free from colonial rule.
If we can unite with the local resistance forces and work together from within and without, we will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort.
Moreover, our navy is now strong and well-equipped, and is fully capable of taking over the Philippines.
Fucha Peiyun also spoke up, "Wen Yan has a point."
But war is cruel after all, and we cannot only see the benefits, but also have to consider the potential risks.
The Philippines is relatively far from us, and our supply lines are long.
This may pose some difficulties for our operations.
Moreover, Spain's influence in Southeast Asia should not be underestimated.
If we attack the Philippines, it may provoke a strong reaction from Spain.
This could even trigger a larger-scale conflict.
Hongchang nodded and said:
"Empress Dowager is right, there are indeed many risks in attacking the Philippines."
But Wen Yan is also right; the online trolls have had so much time to recover.
Appropriate actions are also needed to maintain combat effectiveness.
Hongchang looked at the other princesses and their consorts.
"Besides the Philippines, do any of you have other suitable targets?"
Princess Wenning pondered for a moment and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe we can consider taking action against Java."
Java is also an important island in Southeast Asia.
Its advantageous geographical location and abundant resources make it strategically valuable, no less than that of the Philippines.
Moreover, compared to the Philippines, Java was relatively closer to the Qing Dynasty.
The shorter supply lines reduced the difficulty of operations to some extent.
Princess Wenwan nodded in agreement: "Sister Wenning is right."
Although the Dutch colonists on Java Island wielded considerable power, internal conflicts have gradually emerged in recent years.
If we can cleverly utilize this point and unite with local resistance forces,
It might achieve unexpected results.
Moreover, Java's trading position is extremely important.
If we could incorporate it into the Qing Dynasty's territory, it would greatly expand our maritime trade network.
After listening, Hongchang nodded slightly, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes:
"Java Island is indeed a good choice."
However, whether it's the Philippines or Java, war is no child's play, and we need to act with caution.
Before making a final decision, we need to conduct detailed reconnaissance of the target area.
Understand its military strength, geographical environment, internal conflicts, and other aspects.
There is another matter that is also giving me quite a headache.
"Your Majesty, what difficulties do you have? Please tell us so we can discuss them together."
Princess Shuhe noticed that Hongchang looked worried, so she asked him what was wrong.
After the Qing Dynasty occupied northern China, Burma, and Russia,
Almost all the relatives who were capable of guarding these new territories have been dispatched.
It is indeed difficult to find suitable people to guard the new territory now.
These new territories are vast and rich in resources.
However, it also faces many challenges and requires capable and prestigious individuals to manage it.
"I cannot think of a suitable candidate at the moment."
Hongchang said with a frown.
Li Zhenxuan glanced at Princess Shuhe and saw her nod.
Li Zhenxuan stepped forward and respectfully said:
"Your Majesty, I am willing to go."
Hongchang was slightly taken aback, then his gaze fell on Li Zhenxuan, and he carefully examined him.
Li Zhenxuan is Princess Shuhe's consort; if he were to go...
That would necessarily mean separating from Princess Shuhe, or the couple going together.
It's not impossible for them to go together, but their child is still young.
The sea is fraught with danger, and it's really not appropriate to bring a child along.
Princess Shuhe noticed Hongchang's hesitation and stood up, saying:
"Your Majesty, Zhenxuan's determination is truly a blessing for the Qing Dynasty."
My husband and I discussed it and decided that although our child is young, national affairs should be our top priority.
We are willing to go together to the new territory and guard the region for the Qing Dynasty.
"With my mother at the Princess's residence, she will surely take good care of the child; Your Majesty can rest assured."
Upon hearing Princess Shuhe's words, Hongchang felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
Sister Shuhe has made great contributions to the Qing Dynasty over the years.
Although she didn't return to the battlefield after becoming pregnant and giving birth, she wasn't idle either.
He has always advised on the internal affairs of the Qing Dynasty, and now he is willing to go to sea for the Qing Dynasty.
"Good! With you two going, I feel much more at ease."
Hongchang's eyes were full of trust.
"However, the situation in the new territory is complicated."
You must prepare in advance and make sure everything goes perfectly.
Fucha Peiyun said, "Don't worry, there are so many children in the palace."
I will bring Yongpu to the palace then. He will have people to take care of him and playmates there, so you don't need to worry.”
Liang Wanyi also said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, Yongpu will enter the palace..."
The siblings Yongding, Yonglian, and Yongjue will also take care of Yongpu in the palace; he will surely be safe and sound.
"But the sea is dangerous, Your Highness, you must all be careful."
Princess Shuhe and Li Zhenxuan quickly expressed their gratitude.
Hongchang then brought up another matter: "After the Qing Dynasty abolished the chastity arches and banned foot binding, etc..."
The population has indeed increased somewhat, but it's still not enough.
The territory of the Qing Dynasty is now expanding and will continue to expand in the future.
The new territory needs people to develop and manage it, and infrastructure projects also require a large workforce.
However, our domestic population growth rate still cannot keep up with the demand.
The matter of population growth once again drew people into deep thought.
Princess Wenting's eyes suddenly lit up, and she said:
"Your Majesty, we can encourage childbirth."
Families with multiple children may be given material rewards, such as food and money, and may also have their taxes reduced or exempted.
At the same time, improving medical conditions and reducing infant mortality rates will naturally encourage people to have more children.
When it comes to medical conditions, Jinghe has a lot to say.
Childbirth is a life-threatening ordeal for women, and Fucha Peiyun had long ago instructed Wen Shichu to find a solution.
When Japan was destroyed, Fucha Peiyun originally intended to administer a sterilization drug to the Japanese.
All the common Japanese went to mine, while nobles and royalty were sent to the Imperial Medical Academy for drug trials.
Later, Fucha Peiyun changed her mind and had the character "倭" (Wō, meaning Japanese) tattooed on the faces of all the Japanese.
Besides mining, land reclamation, and drug testing, they also had to be used as experimental subjects in surgery.
If a Japanese woman becomes pregnant, it would be a good opportunity for the imperial physicians and female doctors of the Imperial Medical Academy to conduct experiments on cesarean sections.
In Japan, children are expected to learn to do things after they turn three years old.
In any case, the Japanese were thoroughly exploited.
Princess Jinghe studied medicine under Wen Shichu and even performed cesarean sections on women experiencing difficult labor.
Princess Jinghe said, "Your Majesty, improving medical conditions is indeed crucial."
I studied medicine under Wen Taiyi and once saved a woman in difficult labor by performing a cesarean section.
We can establish clinics in various places to train more doctors and female physicians.
To teach advanced birthing and treatment methods, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
At the same time, it can also treat other ailments among the people, making them healthier and giving them more energy to reproduce and work.
After listening, Hongchang nodded in approval:
"Jinghe is absolutely right. This medical matter needs to be expedited."
In addition, policies to encourage childbirth should be formulated and implemented as soon as possible.
Fucha Peiyun then said, "It seems we've all overlooked something."
Upon hearing this, Hongchang asked, "What is it that Your Majesty speaks of?"
Fucha Peiyun looked grim. (The text then abruptly shifts to a seemingly unrelated topic: "The Eight Great Hu
Princess Shuhe, upon hearing "Eight Great Hutongs," also realized what it meant and frowned, saying:
"What the Empress Dowager said is true; there are many young women in the Eight Great Hutongs."
If they could be reformed and married, it would increase the birth rate.
The other princesses' expressions also changed; they had all overlooked such an important matter.
Princess Wenyi also said indignantly, "Your Majesty, the matter of the Eight Great Hutongs is truly heartbreaking."
Today, the Qing Dynasty is powerful and its people live prosperous lives.
But the women in the Eight Great Hutongs continued to live in dire straits.
They were forced to sell themselves, without any control over their own lives.
This was completely out of step with the prosperous scene of the Qing Dynasty.
We cannot ignore their suffering; we must find a way to solve this problem.
Hongchang's expression was serious. "These brothels and prostitutes are a persistent problem, and it's giving me a headache too."
Nian Shilan said, "Then it's because Your Majesty is too kind."
Anyone who dares to open a brothel, regardless of who they are or their status, will be severely punished without exception.
Any official who dares to visit a brothel is considered to have violated private morality and will be dismissed from his post, investigated, and never reappointed.
Only in this way can we fundamentally eliminate the breeding ground for brothels.
Hongchang nodded and said:
“Mother Nian is right. Your son understands as well.”
To completely solve this problem, we must take strong measures.
But I also worry, if we forcibly abolish this practice, how will those women survive?
Liang Wanyi said, "Arranging these women isn't difficult; they work in textile factories and paper mills..."
There are also many small workshops such as porcelain factories that require a large workforce.
We can set up specialized training schools to teach them a skill so they can support themselves.
Hongchang's eyes lit up upon hearing this:
"Wanyi is right. Most of these women were forced into their plight."
If they are given a chance to start over, they will definitely be able to live a good life.
Princess Wenting said, "We can start with the Eight Great Hutongs and establish a special resettlement agency."
They are responsible for the registration, training, and employment arrangements of these women.
At the same time, women who are willing to leave their profession will be given certain financial assistance to help them transition smoothly.
Just then, Yongding, one of the triplets, suddenly spoke up:
“Father, I think we can send those women who are willing to reform to the new territories.”
That area needs development; their presence there will give them a fresh start.
Hongchang looked at Yongding in surprise. He hadn't expected his young daughter to have such mature ideas.
He looked at his beloved daughter with satisfaction, his eyes full of approval:
“Yongding speaks very well. I am pleased to see that you have your own insights into matters of state.”
Indeed, new territories require a large workforce for development and construction.
Women who wish to reform themselves and are willing to go there voluntarily
This would not only provide them with a new beginning, but also contribute to the development of the Qing Dynasty.
Yongding smiled happily upon hearing Hongchang's praise.
Dimples appeared on her face:
"Father, I believe that as long as we are truly doing what is best for them, they will definitely be willing to go."
Furthermore, we can establish institutions in the new territory specifically to provide assistance to them.
Make sure they can adapt to the new environment.
Hongchang nodded and looked at the other princesses and their consorts:
“Yongding makes a good point; we can consider this suggestion.”
However, this requires us to be fully prepared.
"Ensure these women receive proper resettlement and care in the new territory."
Princess Jinghe said, "Many women have spent too much time in brothels..."
They will definitely contract some diseases that they find difficult to talk about.
These illnesses not only affect their physical health
It could also cause them to lose faith in their new life.
We can arrange skilled imperial physicians and female physicians to provide them with free treatment and rehabilitation services.
At the same time, we can also set up dedicated medical points in the new territory.
To ensure they receive timely medical care in their new environment.
I've heard this illness is both painful and difficult to treat. I think the imperial physicians and female doctors should examine it carefully.
Let's see if there's any way to treat this illness.
After listening to Princess Jinghe's words, Fucha Peiyun nodded in agreement:
"Jinghe is right, this is indeed an important matter."
Wen Shichu and his colleagues have improved their medical skills considerably over the years; let them study it carefully.
Hongchang also said, "This matter will be handed over to the Imperial Hospital when the time comes."
We must do everything we can to cure those women's illnesses.
Fucha Peiyun concluded, "These brothels and clandestine prostitution must be banned."
However, we must address the problem at its root, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Most of these women in brothels were trafficked or forced into this situation by their families.
We must address the root cause of human trafficking; buying and selling should be punished equally.
Those involved in human trafficking, whether traffickers or buyers, shall be subject to severe legal sanctions.
At the same time, we must strengthen public awareness campaigns and raise public legal awareness.
Let everyone understand the seriousness of human trafficking.
Those families that sell their daughters should also be severely punished.
If they truly cannot afford to raise their child, and have reached the point of having to sell their daughter...
Then sign a contract and send all the children in the family to the nursery.
"In the future, whether you work in the palace or in a factory, there will be plenty of opportunities as long as you work hard."
“Empress Mother is right, this problem must be solved at its root.”
Hongchang said in a deep voice,
"I will issue an order to strictly investigate human trafficking, punishing both buyers and sellers equally, and showing absolutely no leniency."
At the same time, we should strengthen public awareness campaigns to make people understand the dangers of human trafficking.
Princess Wenyi added, "We can also establish a reward system for reporting violations."
The public is encouraged to actively report human trafficking.
I believe there will be far fewer cases of human trafficking.