Quanzhou Port After the Longqing Open-Door Policy: The Spice Tax System of 1567
Here’s the story. In 1567, the first year of Longqing, Fujian Surveillance Commissioner Tu Zemin petitioned Emperor Muzong, “Please open the maritime trade office, transforming private traders into licensed merchants.” In one sentence, he loosened the Ming court’s maritime ban on the southeast coast. But the opening wasn’t at Quanzhou. It was at Yuegang in Zhangzhou. Quanzhou merchants could go overseas. But the port of departure was Yuegang. That made me really curious. ...