Xiao Feng is indeed very busy, busy cultivating sweet potato seedlings with different views on WTO.
Many people have grown sweet potatoes and know that there are two ways to propagate sweet potatoes, one is the sprout method and the other is the vine method.
The sprout method is to take sweet potato rhizomes, select the part with spores on it, cut it into pieces, and bury it in the soil to grow sweet potato seedlings. This is the standard propagation method for tuber plants, and potatoes are propagated in this way.
The vine seedling method is an open-hanging breeding method that can only be used by vine plants. It is a clone technique in the plant world. A section of vine, as long as it can grow roots, can grow and reproduce as an independent individual.
Sweet potato is a natural loser in this regard. It is both a rhizome and a vine, so it can be propagated in both ways.
Xiao Feng chose the method of cheating without any hesitation. Because there was only less than a year between the time he got the sweet potato vine and the year of great famine designed by Xiao Qin.
During this period of time, he allowed him to produce a season of sweet potatoes, and then let the sweet potatoes turn into seedlings. The cucumbers and vegetables were already cold! He could only use this time to propagate sweet potato vines like crazy.
Fortunately, sweet potatoes are not very smart and can be easily deceived. As long as the temperature is given to it, it will think that spring has arrived and start to work hard to germinate.
So, in the greenhouse of the World View, the vines turned into seedlings, the seedlings were planted and grew into vines, and the vines grew into seedlings. Each cycle took more than two months.
Although Xiao Feng desperately tried to get people to heat and fertilize, he couldn't go any faster. There is also a bottom line for cheating...
Up to now, Xiao Feng has accumulated a mountain of sweet potato seedlings, which are stored in Jingcheng Wishiguan, Qingzhou Wishiguan, Yiwang Wishiguan, and Jiangnan Wishiguan.
This is Xiao Feng's last trump card, preparing for a large-scale reduction in staple food production after a severe drought.
The most important thing is that even in the north of the Yangtze River, sweet potatoes can be planted until July, when other grains can no longer complete their growth cycle.
As Chun Yu came late, the atmosphere in the court became more solemn day by day. Finally, at a court meeting, Xu Jie made a suggestion.
"Long live, the cabinet has discussed that instead of waiting passively, the imperial court should take the initiative. Before the disaster comes, send troops first to annihilate the Miao territory to eliminate future troubles!"
The ministers were silent, and Xiao Feng looked at Xu Jie: "Xu Shoufu, why don't I know about this?"
Xu Jie smiled and said: "Master Xiao, don't worry too much. It is true that Master Xiao has been very busy recently. We mostly discuss things at night recently and we didn't go out of our way to disturb Master Xiao.
Anyway, this suggestion will be discussed at the court meeting. Mr. Xiao will only know about it a little later, so it is not too late to discuss it now. "
This is said with affection and justice. I know you are tired, so I want you to get more rest. We often work overtime until late at night recently, so we don’t go to pull you out of bed.
But think about it on the other hand, the cabinet has been very worried recently and works overtime until late at night every day. As a cabinet minister, you are not in the cabinet, but you are sleeping at home. If I don't tell you, don't take the initiative to show your shame.
Xiao Feng acted as if he didn't understand and only focused on the issue itself: "I don't agree with this suggestion. The Miao territory has not yet caused rebellion, and has no intention of causing rebellion, so how can it raise unknown troops?"
Xu Jie said: "How can we say that we have no intention of causing rebellion when we seize the patrolling censor and kill the censor's guards in Miao territory? Do we have to wait until the rebel flag is raised to be considered as having the intention of causing rebellion?"
Xiao Feng said: "I have written in the memorial that the chieftain of Miao territory was controlled by Xiao Qin. Xiao Qin really wanted to incite rebellion in Miao territory. But the people of Miao territory did not revolt.
Xiao Qin arrested Hai Rui in order to force him to admit that the imperial court wanted to wipe out the Miao territory. Hai Rui refused to say this even after a narrow escape. Are we going to testify for Xiao Qin now? "
The smile on Xu Jie's face remained unchanged, he was humble and open-minded: "Master Xiao, I also know the disadvantages of preemptive strikes, but if we don't do this, when the world is starved, there will be firewood everywhere.
What if Miao territory suddenly gets into trouble, hungry people respond in large numbers, and war breaks out everywhere? Who can shoulder such a responsibility? "
With these words, any passionate young man who thinks he is awesome will probably stand up and shout loudly at this time.
"Just do as I say! If anything happens, it's mine!"
When Xiao Feng was seventeen, he began to fight against the strict party, which no one dared to resist. He won a complete victory at the age of nineteen. Who dares to say that he is not passionate?
Even in this day and age, nineteen years old is definitely considered a young man. Who dares to say that he is not a young man?
So Xu Jie looked at Xiao Feng expectantly, hoping that this passionate young man would shout, "If anything happens, it's mine!"
Xu Jie was very clear about Xiao Feng's attitude towards this matter, and also very clear about Jiajing's trust in Xiao Feng. The preemptive strike he had discussed with Gao Gong was just a false shot.
Because it is impossible for Xiao Feng to agree, and if Xiao Feng does not agree, it is impossible for Jiajing to agree. But this is not the main purpose. The main purpose is to hope that Xiao Feng can say this line of a passionate young man.
As long as this sentence is said, the future Miao rebellion, no matter whether it succeeds or fails, will definitely be a bloody battle. Even if it wins in the end, there will be people who are convicted in the process.
According to Jiajing's past style, he would never take a stand personally. Whoever takes a stand will have to take the blame. Even Xiao Feng would have to strain his muscles and bones to carry such a big pot.
Let's see, the cabinet has long recommended a pre-emptive strike. You, Xiao Feng, have been blocking everything and not giving in. Now that things have become big, it is naturally your responsibility.
To be fair, Xu Jie didn't want Xiao Feng to die. He just hoped that Xiao Feng could withdraw from the court and be his Taoist master. It is up to us scholars to manage the country and ensure its security!
Zhang Juzheng lowered his head and clenched his hands tightly into fists, struggling fiercely between whether to remind Xiao Feng or not.
Liu Tong was very anxious, but now the first assistant and the second assistant were discussing big things. As the left minister of household affairs, he really had no status to intervene.
Xiao Feng smiled faintly: "Xu Chief Assistant, you are the chief assistant of the cabinet, otherwise I should strike preemptively as you wish."
Um? Everyone was stunned. Zhang Juzheng looked up in shock, Liu Tong looked confused, and Jiajing opened his eyes for a moment and quickly closed them again.
The most surprised person was Xu Jie. He glanced at Gao Gong, who looked at his nose and nose, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.
"Master Xiao, do you mean that the court can take a pre-emptive strike?"
Xiao Feng said calmly: "Xu Shoufu just said that if I don't agree to preemptively strike, the Miao rebellion will become bigger later, and I will be responsible.
Naturally, the imperial court acted preemptively according to Xu Shoufu's opinion, and the responsibility was naturally borne by Xu Shoufu.
If this causes dissatisfaction among the Tibetans, Hui people, Mongolian people, and even the Jurchens, who think that the imperial court does not regard them as their own, and rise up to support the Miao border, it is Xu Shoufang's responsibility, am I right? "
Xu Jie was stunned. Isn't he the general's man? Why didn't the other party follow the routine and directly confront me against the veteran?
Jiajing closed his eyes tighter. He also knew that both approaches were reasonable. For this reason, he couldn't express his position. In this way, no matter what the outcome was, he was wise and the blame belonged to others.
Xu Jie thought about it, knowing that Xiao Feng was threatening him, but he really couldn't afford the gamble. This feeling was really terrible.
This is not a fair bet, because if Xiao Feng loses, at most he will no longer be an official. He is still a Taoist master with a huge wealth that no one dares to touch.
If he loses, Yan Song will be his fate. The chief assistant is nothing. Without this black gauze hat, he is just a bad old man.
Xu Jie swallowed his saliva and helplessly reconciled himself: "Master Xiao said something harsh, I didn't mean that, it was just a discussion.
No matter what opinions they hold, they are all for the sake of the court. In the end, the cabinet is naturally responsible and the blame cannot be placed on one person. Are you right, Gao Suqing? "
Seeing Xu Jie's roll call, Gao Gong couldn't pretend to be dumb anymore, so he had to cup his hands: "I second the proposal."
Xu Jie rolled his eyes, damn, you're playing like this, aren't you? These are all leftovers from my play! But Gao Gong is an ally after all, and it is not convenient for him to fall out.
"Master Xiao, you have personally visited the Miao border and are more experienced than us. Since you feel that we should not strike preemptively, the cabinet is willing to work with you to advance and retreat."
Jiajing breathed a sigh of relief. Since the cabinet had reached a consensus, the blame would naturally fall on the cabinet, so he immediately opened his eyes.
"That's very good. It's accurate."
Xu Jie thought for a while, but after all he was unwilling to give in, so he spoke again, this time in a more humble tone.
"Master Xiao, since we have decided not to strike preemptively, we must be fully prepared. The biggest risk we face now is a severe drought.
If this continues, spring plowing will inevitably be delayed. Even if early-maturing grains can be grown in Jiangnan and other places, if there continues to be no rain, the harvest will be poor or even extinct.
The imperial court's grain reserves are stretched thin, and it must always be on guard against the destruction of the White Lotus Sect. Do you have any countermeasures? "
Xiao Feng shook his head: "You said something wrong. There is no world-wide drought, it's just a drought in the Central Plains."
Everyone was stunned. Is there any difference between the Central Plains and the world? The Central Plains is the world, and the world is the Central Plains. Chasing the Central Plains is to unify the world!
Xiao Feng looked helplessly at the group of men in front of him who had trapped their hearts in the Central Plains. Can't you open up your plans a little bit?
"Zhang Tianci's business outside the customs sent back news that outside Shanhaiguan, only parts of Liaodong Road are experiencing drought, and it has rained in both Liaoxi Road and Liaonan Road.
The land of Guandong has not been cultivated for a long time, and the land is so fertile that if you throw a handful of seeds, they will grow without any care. Isn't it possible to farm in such a good place? "
Everyone was shocked by Xiao Feng's imagination. Gao Gong was an academic among the cabinet ministers, and at this time he was an ally with Xu Jie, so it was natural for him to say a few words.
"Master Xiao, you don't know something about this. Guandong is a bitterly cold place. Except for the area outside Shanhaiguan and within the first line of Ningjin, it is okay. The further east you go, the colder it gets.
Although the land is fertile, the cultivation period is too short and the yield of rice, wheat and other crops is not high. In fact, if it were just the weather, it would be okay to say that less production is better than no production.
However, although the land outside the pass was under the jurisdiction of the Ming Dynasty, the Jurchen tribes and the Mongolian tribes were intermingled, coming and going, surrendering and rebelling, making it difficult to stabilize.
Therefore, the imperial court never collects grain or pays taxes for the areas outside the customs. As long as they can be self-sufficient and do not ask for grain from the imperial court or rob the border people, it is already rare. "
Xiao Feng also knew that the Ming Dynasty was in the Little Ice Age. Although the coldest years would not be until the end of the Ming Dynasty, the weather now was several degrees colder than in later generations.
But in fact, the most critical thing is that agricultural technology at this time was relatively backward, there were relatively few cold-resistant crops, and it was difficult to grow the staple food of rice and wheat in the Northeast.
In addition to what Gao Gong said, the Ming Dynasty actually had more nominal jurisdiction over the entire Northeast than actual management, and no common people were willing to risk going to the Northeast to farm.
After a year of hard work, horse bandits robbed them all. Jurchens or Mongols on horseback come and go like the wind, even if they complain to the government, it will be useless. Who is willing to farm?
Xiao Feng took a deep breath: "Whether there is a severe drought or not, the land of Guandong must be cultivated. Without a stable food supply, the nomadic people will not stabilize.
Without stability, wars will continue. The land of Guandong cannot become a land of alienation, otherwise there will be chaos in the long run! If the land of Guandong is included in the kingdom, the Mongols will be cut off in the north.
Moreover, the Mongols and the Jurchens are connected by blood. If the Jurchens become kings, the Mongols will naturally get closer. "
Xu Jie blinked: "Of course what Mr. Xiao said is good. But in actual practice, I'm afraid it will be as difficult as going to heaven.
The people inside the customs are living a good life, so who is willing to risk their heads and go farming outside the customs? People outside the customs are used to riding horses and herding animals, who would be willing to pick up a hoe?
There are nomadic people everywhere outside the pass, and they want to rob and kill them. How can the Ming Dynasty have so many troops to protect the people and cultivated land? "
Xiao Feng had already thought about it over and over again, and now he had a clear idea in his mind, so he said it unhurriedly.
"First, all those who are being exiled in prisons in various places are sent outside the customs to serve in farming. Those who can farm well will be exempted from crime and serve the people.
Second, various health stations were streamlined and merged, and the streamlined personnel were moved outside the customs into one thousand people per guard. Land, farm tools, and weapons were issued.
He served the people in his spare time and protected himself in times of war. The court did not collect taxes for ten years, and all his income went to his family.
Third, nomadic people were recruited to settle down and cultivate. The court issued agricultural tools and grain seeds, added agricultural science categories to the technical sciences, and dispatched agricultural science officials to assist in farming. There will also be no tax collection for ten years.
The first three are all methods to encourage farming. There must also be methods to protect farmers, and the court must organize cavalry and issue muskets.
Anyone who dares to burn, kill, and loot farmers outside the Pass will be guilty of killing imperial officials! Regardless of thousands of miles, we must catch up, kill everyone in the family, and destroy the nine tribes! "
No one in the civil or military circles of the Manchu Dynasty spoke up. After a long time, Zhang Juzheng, as the Minister of Punishment, had to express his dissent.
"Master Xiao, robbing farmers is the same crime as killing court officials. This is...a bit too much. Not to mention that there are also exiled criminals..."
Xiao Feng shook his head: "These farmers are the horse bones bought by the imperial court and the wooden poles erected at Shang Yang's city gate. The whole world is watching.
If it succeeds, all the land in Guandong will return to the Ming Dynasty, and all the people outside the Guan will return to the Ming Dynasty. If it fails, there will be a steel knife hanging over Daming's head outside the pass!
If a place truly wants to be transformed into a king, it must open schools and build academic palaces. Only then can it finally establish a cultural identity and use culture to dissolve the barriers between blood and ethnic groups.
If everyone in that place was riding around on horses every day, would you let the teachers chase the horses’ butts to teach? "
Everyone understands what Xiao Feng said, but they still feel that this matter is too difficult. What if it doesn't work well? Why can't we wait a little longer and wait for future generations to do it?
Jiajing was hesitant to speak. He was also worried that Xiao Feng was taking too big a step and would hurt his balls. He wanted to persuade his junior brother to take it one step at a time. The situation was good now, so there was no need to rush.
"What's more, I have asked Longhu Mountain to see the land of Guandong. It is the land of dragon veins. If it cannot be included in the Ming Dynasty, it will surely become a disaster in the long run.
If it can be included in the Ming Dynasty, the national destiny of the Ming Dynasty will skyrocket! With the blessing of this national destiny, no matter what you do, you will be twice as fast! "
Jiajing nodded immediately: "Junior brother's words make sense! This matter has been settled, no further discussion is needed!"
Xu Jie and Gao Gong looked at each other and looked at Zhang Juzheng together.
See, am I right? The national destiny of the Ming Dynasty is like an extremely juicy carrot that Xiao Feng dangles in front of Long Live.
No matter what Xiao Feng wants to do, as long as he throws this carrot to the destination, Long live will run over with his tongue hanging out and wheezing.
Moreover, he would bar his teeth and growl at those who want to kick away the carrot: "Junior brother is right! This matter has been settled, there is no need for further discussion!"
Zhang Juzheng looked at Xu Jie speechlessly. He wanted to refute Xu Jie. So far, Xiao Feng had thrown carrots in the direction Daming needed.
But he knew what Xu Jie would say: What if one day, Xiao Feng throws the wrong ball? Whether he did it on purpose or not, who could stop him?
Zhang Juzheng gritted his teeth and raised his head: "Long live Mr. Xiao, I think that although this matter can be done, the Miao border issue should be given priority at this time.
Otherwise, if the implementation of the matter does not go smoothly and the conflict with the Nvzhen outside the Pass is intensified, a fight will begin. If it cannot be resolved quickly, wouldn't it be possible for Xiao Qin to take advantage of it? "
Everyone was stunned, but Xu Jie and Gao Gong smiled secretly and looked away.
The two of them have always maintained a polite but not close relationship with Xiao Feng, so their opposition is official. However, Zhang Juzheng had a good personal relationship with Xiao Feng, so his opposition was of the nature of backstabbing.
Long live, look, his friends can't stand his behavior, aren't you alert?
Jiajing was not alert at all, but looked at Zhang Juzheng unhappily. He suddenly felt that without Yan Song, everyone's speech was not as nice as before.
"Zhang Juzheng, I just said that there is no need to discuss this matter again! Do you not understand, or do you think I am confused?"
In an awkward and tense atmosphere, Xiao Feng looked at Zhang Juzheng, then at Xu Jie and Gao Gong, and smiled calmly.
"What Taiyue said is also the intention of being an old man to seek the country. So I will say something bold. If Xiao Qin takes advantage of this move, I will bear the responsibility."
Jiajing looked at Xiao Feng in surprise, and Xu Jie also raised his head suddenly.
The circle I drew for you was so big and round that you refused to get in. How come the circle Zhang Juzheng drew was so round and not flat, but you got in instead.
Zhang Juzheng looked up in shock and saw Xiao Feng looking at him with a smile. He suddenly understood. My heart felt hot and my eyes were red.
How could Xiao Feng, such a shrewd person, fail to see the risk of taking the blame? But when he takes risks and does stupid things, it is always to protect the people he cares about.
As we all know, the last time he willingly fell into a trap was so that Qiaoqiao and Liu Xueer did not have to go to court to testify.
The people in the hall were all human beings. After thinking for a moment, they made up their mind, and then they all looked at Liu Tong's face.
Liu Tong was still secretly worried about his son-in-law. Feeling the passionate gaze, he looked around in surprise. What are you looking at me for? Are there flowers on my face?
