In the side hall of Shouning Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao and his son both came close to the globe and looked at the circles drawn by Han Cheng on it with great seriousness.
You know, generally speaking, Han Cheng rarely speaks to himself so solemnly.
Even when we talked about gunpowder and corresponding improvements in firearms, it was never like this.
Now, he is so solemn.
There is no need to consider anything else. Just look at Han Cheng's attitude at this time and listen to what he said, and you will know how important these circles are!
After carefully looking at the circles drawn by Han Cheng, Zhu Yuanzhang quickly saw some clues.
Although many of the maps on Han Cheng's globe were basically the first time he had seen them.
Especially those circled places, all of which have never been seen before.
But as a person who often fought and needed to read maps to march and fight, Zhu Yuanzhang could see something from it.
Although the circles drawn by Han Cheng do not overlap, they have one thing in common.
That's where these circles are, or where two seas meet.
Or the intersection of two lands.
They are all important transportation nodes, and each one is a chokepoint.
After carefully looking at the circles drawn by Han Cheng and the terrain outside the circles, Zhu Yuanzhang quickly understood Han Cheng's intention.
I also understand why Han Cheng is so solemn.
Han Cheng is right, these places must be in the hands of the imperial court!
No matter how far it is, it must be under the direct control of the imperial court.
These places must not be crowned kings, and they must not be allowed to be touched by princes who have been crowned outside.
It needs to be made into a taboo.
As long as these places can be firmly held in hand, with the huge first-mover advantage that the Ming Dynasty itself occupies, then in the future, those external vassal kings can really develop, one by one. Bigger and stronger.
But these choke points are all controlled by the Ming Dynasty. It is far from easy for them to stir up too big a wave!
There is no need to think too much about anything else. Just look at the circles drawn by Han Cheng. Zhu Yuanzhang can now be sure that Han Cheng is really thinking about the Ming Dynasty.
They are thinking about the Ming Dynasty and China's long-term plans.
In this regard, Han Cheng is very sincere.
Zhu Yuanzhang understood clearly, but Zhu Biao did not see it as thoroughly as Zhu Yuanzhang.
Compared with Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor who fought all the way, Zhu Biao was still a little worse.
Han Cheng waited for a while, and after confirming that both of them had seen clearly, he took the initiative to explain without waiting for Zhu Biao to ask.
"Your Majesty, brother, from now on the vassal king will be entrusted to the outside world and the Age of Discovery will begin. The connections between the entire world will become increasingly close, and the exchanges between various places will also increase.
Then shipping must be extremely prosperous.
It is the most important link in the exchanges between various places and has an unshakable status.
Even later, as various modes of transportation continued to develop, shipping was still the most important mode of transportation between major states.
Especially the transportation of bulk goods.
Therefore, these places are particularly important. "
As Han Cheng spoke, he turned the globe and displayed the circle closest to the Ming Dynasty in front of Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao.
He pointed at the circle and said: "In later generations, this place will be called the Strait of Malacca, located between Sumatra Island and the Malay Peninsula.
Its geographical location is extremely important as it is a strategic artery connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Through it, Asia, Africa and Europe can be communicated. "
As he spoke, Han Cheng turned the globe slightly, pointed to another circle and said: "This will be called the Suez Canal in later generations, with the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the south.
On the dividing line between Asia and Africa.
Through the Suez Canal, West Asia, Europe and Africa can access the Indian and Atlantic Oceans without taking many detours.
It is three to four thousand nautical miles shorter than taking a detour to the Cape of Good Hope at the southwest tip of the African continent.
One nautical mile is approximately equal to about three and a half miles.
If you calculate it this way, it is equivalent to saving more than 10,000 miles of distance. It is an undisputed shortcut.
Therefore, it has extremely important economic and strategic significance.
Of course, at this time, there was no Suez Canal here. It was only dug out later.
But here His Majesty can write it down and hold it firmly in his hand without sealing it out.
In the future, when the Ming Dynasty has enough spare capacity and the demand for shipping in all aspects is relatively large, a canal can be dug here.
As for the name of the canal, His Majesty can choose it as he likes. "
“This place, later called the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is the southern gate of the Red Sea. Together with the Suez Canal, one south and one north guard the Red Sea and connect to the Gulf of Aden.
It is a maritime traffic artery between the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. "
“This place was called the Black Sea Strait in later generations, also known as the Tuji Strait.
It is the only strait between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. "
“In later generations, this place was called the Strait of Hormuz.
The reason why this place is important is that the Persian Gulf region where it is located is rich in a strategic material that will be extremely important in later generations, oil.
This kind of thing is called black gold, or black blood.
Many machines in later generations are inseparable from this thing.
Therefore, guarding the Strait of Hormuz here has become extremely important. "
“This place was called the Strait of Gibraltar in later generations and is known as the lifeline of the West.
This is the only waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Western European and Nordic countries export industrial products, import crude oil, and most of the raw materials pass here. "
“This is called the Panama Canal, which is an international canal and a maritime transportation hub that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Of course, this canal does not yet exist at this time, and it will need to be dug later when the demand for shipping increases..."
"This is called the Bering Strait. It is the only water channel connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic Ocean..."
"This is called the English Channel..."
Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao and his son listened carefully to Han Cheng's words here.
Zhu Yuanzhang had already realized the important role of the circles drawn by Han Cheng. After Han Cheng's explanation, it became clearer.
As for Zhu Biao, he now fully understood the significance of these circles and Han Cheng's good intentions.
Han Cheng is right. Under the premise of the opening of the great voyage he said, these places are indeed very important!
They are all strategic points and must be held in the hands of the Ming court.
But then, after Zhu Biao looked at the globe for a while, he made a new discovery.
"Han Cheng, these places are also very important, right?
It's very similar to the straits you circled before. Why don't you circle them too? "
As Zhu Biao spoke, he stretched out his hand and pointed to three places in turn: "These places are close to Daming. It will definitely be very busy in the future, and the location will definitely be very important."
After Han Cheng saw clearly the three places pointed by Zhu Biao, he nodded vigorously: "Brother, you are absolutely right. These three straits will definitely be very important in the future.
Moreover, because our Ming Dynasty was the first to promote the great voyage, the Ming Dynasty must occupy a dominant position in maritime trade.
In this case, these straits become more important and cannot be ignored. "
The three straits pointed by Zhu Biao are Yingzhou Strait, Qiongzhou Strait, and Bohai Strait.
"It's just that these places originally belonged to our Ming Dynasty. From now on, it is natural that they will be in the hands of the Ming Dynasty, so we did not encircle them separately."
After listening to Han Cheng's explanation, Zhu Biao thought it was right. He had forgotten to consider this aspect just now.
After Han Cheng said this, he thought about it and drew two circles on the globe with the charcoal pen in his hand.
“This is called the Tatar Strait, and the islands outside are called Sakhalin.
This place belonged to China at first. In the ninth year of Yongle, officers and soldiers from Ming Dynasty came on a big ship and established Nuer Gandu Division.
But later, when the Tatars were reunified, they were pressed on the neck and cut off.
Later on, this place was also extremely important.
It is of great significance to the development of Northeast China.
I thought before that this place would definitely be brought under the direct rule of Ming Dynasty in the future, so I didn’t highlight it.
Now that I think about it, it would be better to mark it.
It can attract attention and help people realize the important role here.
Although it is located in the north, the climate is warm because it is close to the ocean.
It has a temperate monsoon climate, and the average annual precipitation is more than 500 millimeters.
Therefore, it is suitable for planting here. "
“As for this place, because it is close to Chaoxian, it is called Chaoxian Strait.
This is also very important. The closest way to Japan is to start from Goryeo and cross this strait.
From now on, this place must also be controlled.
When the Ming Dynasty becomes capable in the future, it is best to directly establish rule here in Goryeo instead of making the king here..."
Speaking of these places, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao are quite familiar with them.
After listening to Han Cheng's words, the two nodded repeatedly, indicating that Han Cheng was right.
These places should indeed be in the hands of Ming Dynasty!
“I hope that in the future these straits will become the inland seas of the Ming Dynasty!
The surrounding oceans have also become the inland sea of the Ming Dynasty! "
Han Cheng stood here and spoke of a dream that was difficult to achieve and out of reach, but it made people excited and get goosebumps just thinking about it!
"Then let's work hard together! I hope that one day we can achieve it. Wherever the sun and the moon shine, and wherever the rivers go, it will be my great Ming!"
Zhu Biao looked at Han Cheng and said in a longing and firm tone.
"In the past, these may have been your dreams, but now, this has become our dream!
Let’s go in this direction from now on!
Wherever the sun and moon shine, and wherever the rivers go, it is my great light! "
Zhu Yuanzhang's voice also contained some impassionedness.
After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang went to the Globe again and felt that his mind had broadened.
In the past, subject to the limitations of the times, Zhu Yuanzhang only felt that he was satisfied with driving out the Tartars, restoring China, taking back the Sixteen Yanyun Prefectures that had been lost for hundreds of years, and then taking back the southwest region occupied by the remnants of the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty.
The best place in the world has been held in his hands.
The only thing left is to manage these places well, manage them well, and let the Ming Dynasty be passed down for a long time.
Now, Han Cheng, a later generation, came here and took out the globe and told him about it, which suddenly broadened his horizons.
The vision is no longer limited to the three-quarter acre of land under your feet, but takes a longer-term view.
Zhu Yuanzhang has always liked to compare Liu Bang.
In the past, he felt that he could be equal to Liu Bang in history.
Now, looking at the globe in front of him, and recalling what Han Cheng said to him, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that as long as he kept doing this, he would definitely surpass Liu Bang, not be equal to Liu Bang! !
Now, he has found a new direction of struggle!
Zhu Yuanzhang, who was already full of energy, was full of inexhaustible energy at this time, and he just wanted to give it a good fight.
While Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were immersed in excitement and shock, Han Cheng once again picked up a pen to mark on the map.
In order not to affect the later use of the map as much as possible, Han Cheng used dotted lines for marking.
"Han Cheng, is this...the route you mentioned to get potatoes and sweet potatoes?"
Zhu Yuanzhang stood here quietly, waiting for Han Cheng to finish the painting before he asked.
Han Cheng nodded and said: "It is indeed this route."
He pointed to South America: "Potatoes and sweet potatoes generally exist in this large area.
Here we pass through the Yingzhou Strait, the Malacca Strait, the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, the Mozambique Strait, and around the Cape of Good Hope..."
Han Cheng turned the globe, followed the line he drew on it, and told Zhu Yuanzhang about this route.
Because this time there is a globe, everything can be seen intuitively.
Therefore, when Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the globe and listened to Han Cheng's explanation, they would no longer be confused.
Have a very clear idea of these.
It was precisely because of the globe that Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao deeply felt the importance of the Suez Canal when they looked at the route drawn by Han Cheng.
If a canal is dug here, how much distance will be shortened this time!
"Han Cheng, this is not right!"
After Zhu Yuanzhang looked at it for a while, he found something wrong, looked at Han Cheng and raised questions.
“Since the earth is round, wouldn’t it be possible to go directly east from our Ming Dynasty and cross the... Pacific Ocean to reach America?
Isn't this distance much closer?
Why go around in such a big circle here? "
As he spoke, he pointed to the location of the Ming Dynasty and the Americas on the globe.
Zhu Biao looked at the globe, thoughtfully.
Han Cheng nodded: "It's indeed much closer from here.
But there are many drawbacks to going from here.
The biggest drawback is that there are too few places to get supplies along the way.
When we got to the back, we simply couldn’t get supplies even over long distances.
According to current technology, it is too dangerous.
If one person doesn't do it right, all those who go forward will be wiped out.
In addition, the opening of routes also needs to make economic sense.
Without economic support, even if the route is open, it will not be long before it will be abandoned.
Because no one wants to do a business that is always losing money, and they will not continue to do it.
The route I marked is different.
There are people in most places along the way here.
Connecting many places such as Southeast Asia and the West.
Only with settlements can we obtain supplies, conduct trade, and gain huge profits.
Even if we have to cross the Atlantic later, the distance we need to cross will be much less.
safer.
This route seems far, but in fact it is the most cost-effective. "
Hearing what Han Cheng said, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao nodded and understood Han Cheng's intention.
“So, it’s not possible to go all the way north and then go through the Bering Strait?”
Han Cheng said: "To be precise, it's not impossible, but it's very uneconomical.
If there are more places in the north that are not fully developed, it would be more cost-effective to just cross the Pacific Ocean. "
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, stopped talking, stared at the globe in front of him, and fell into deep thought.
Seeing this, Han Cheng and Zhu Biao knew that Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking about things and making some decisions, so they did not disturb him.
After doing this for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath and slowly exhaled it.
"Han Cheng, we have decided to carry out both routes at the same time from now on!
Or give priority to the Pacific route.
This route is for nothing else but to obtain these two divine seeds, potatoes and sweet potatoes!
As long as we can get these two divine species back as quickly as possible, it will be a good deal for me and Ming Dynasty!
There is no loss.
If we get them back one day earlier, Ming Dynasty will be able to get more food one day earlier, and less people will starve.
If the many people under the rule can have enough to eat, then our Ming Dynasty's troubles will be reduced a lot!
After obtaining high-yield crops such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, the worst case scenario would be to abolish this route. "
Regarding grain, especially high-yielding grain, Zhu Yuanzhang had a persistence beyond ordinary people's imagination.
Hearing what Zhu Yuanzhang said, Han Cheng naturally said nothing more and nodded to express his agreement with Zhu Yuanzhang's words.
If he was so anxious to obtain potatoes and sweet potatoes, then it would be understandable and understandable for Zhu Yuanzhang to do so.
Mentioning this matter, Han Cheng felt slightly worried.
It's not that I'm worried about not being able to find these two things, but I'm worried that there is a big gap between the potatoes and sweet potatoes of this era and the sweet potatoes that have been carefully cultivated for many generations in later generations.
Far from reaching the terrifying output of later generations.
If, after all the hard work, we finally get these two seeds back, but once we plant them, we find that the yield is just that, it will be the end of the world.
Think about how excited Zhu Yuanzhang was when he learned about the high yields of potatoes and sweet potatoes from him.
Looking at Lao Zhu in front of him, in order to obtain these two things, he had to go directly from the Pacific Ocean, regardless of gains and losses, Han Cheng felt an even greater sense of crisis.
This... if something unexpected happens and the gap is too big, Lao Zhu will definitely slap himself!
After thinking about it for a while, Han Cheng suppressed this thought.
Don't overthink it.
No, no, the gap won't be that big... right?
That is, after hundreds of years of cultivation...that's all.
"Han Cheng, what's wrong? Why does your face look a little ugly?
Still worried about the Pacific route? Afraid of death?
Worried about paying too much?
Don't worry.
Sometimes, there are some things that you can do regardless of the gains and losses.
Ever since we learned about these two divine seeds, potatoes and sweet potatoes, we have been dreaming of getting these two things!
Thinking about the amazing output, we are so excited that we can’t sleep!
In order to obtain these two things, no matter how much we pay, it doesn’t hurt! "
The more Zhu Yuanzhang said this, the more heartbroken Han Cheng felt. He was vaguely worried, and the ominous premonition in his heart became more and more serious.
But he couldn't tell Lao Zhu at this time that what he said before was the yield of fine varieties carefully cultivated for many generations by later generations, so he could give Lao Zhu a vaccination in advance.
Because of Lao Zhu's state, Han Cheng was very sure that as long as he said so, he would definitely receive this beating in advance.
It would be better to wait until we actually bring potatoes and sweet potatoes back and see what the actual situation is like.
Even if there really is a gap, the gap shouldn't be as outrageous as I thought...
Having said this, what needs to be said has basically been said. Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were ready to say goodbye and leave from Han Cheng.
Han Cheng was sure that he had really ignited the flame in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart this time, and it would not be extinguished again in the future.
Because of its own existence, the great voyage will be started first by the Ming Dynasty, at least more than a hundred years in advance.
Under such circumstances, the departure of Zhu Yuanzhang and his two men was naturally a wish.
In his heart, he was still thinking about the date with Princess Ningguo.
I want to see if I can continue it.
When he arrived, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed a little worried.
I have always been worried about the problems of the feudal king system.
Leaving at this time, all the worries in my heart are gone.
After Han Cheng's analysis, the vassal king was no longer a burden to the Ming Dynasty, but directly became a sharp sword in the hands of the Ming Dynasty!
Externally, it will play a positive role far beyond imagination!
"Hey, that Han Cheng..."
Han Cheng sent Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao outside the palace gate, already thinking about his future daughter-in-law.
As a result, at this time, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly stopped again and looked at Han Cheng to speak.
When Han Cheng heard Zhu Yuanzhang speak again, his heart suddenly went cold.
It was not too early now. If Zhu Yuanzhang and the others left now, how would he have time to get married to his little wife?
If Lao Zhu asks some more questions, tonight will really be ruined.
"Your Majesty, it's getting late, it's time to go to bed.
I talked about so many things tonight, my head hurts, and my thoughts are a little confused.
If you have anything else, just ask tomorrow. "
Han Cheng quickly blocked Zhu Yuanzhang's words.
Zhu Yuanzhang's face twitched and he said: "We are asking, can we take the globe back? We want to see more of this world."
It turns out to be this!
"Yes, yes! Absolutely!" Han Cheng, who breathed a sigh of relief, said repeatedly.
Lao Zhu only wants a globe, and if he doesn't continue to ask himself things, it's easy to talk about it.
After repeatedly agreeing, Han Chengcheng arrived at the house and came out with a globe.
Han Cheng had originally planned to give this globe to Lao Zhu, but just now he was only thinking about Lao Zhu's daughter. If Zhu Yuanzhang hadn't reminded him, Han Cheng would have forgotten about it.
The globe has brought many benefits to Lao Zhu.
You can let Lao Zhu read and ponder it every day.
Give him a lot of motivation so that he won't slack off later.
Seeing Han Chenggong carrying the globe out like this made Zhu Yuanzhang feel very distressed.
This thing is so valuable, how could Han Cheng treat it so rudely?
This bastard! !
Zhu Yuanzhang hurried over and caught it with both hands: "Han Cheng, slow down!"
After taking it, he held it in his hand and looked at it carefully, for fear of being damaged somewhere by Han Cheng.
This extremely simple globe, handmade by Han Cheng, fell into Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes. It was simply a supreme treasure! !
After discovering that the globe was not damaged by Han Cheng, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Han Cheng, you said that when you made the globe, why couldn't you put the ball straight? It would be nice to have it straight up and down, but you have to make it crooked."
After Zhu Yuanzhang looked at it carefully for a while, he couldn't help but look at Han Cheng and complain.
For a person who is obsessed with details and has obsessive-compulsive disorder in many things, the crooked state of the globe seems really torturous.
Zhu Biao beside him also nodded. He wanted to vomit after hearing this.
He also felt that this kind of crookedness was very uncomfortable.
Han Cheng shook his head and said: "I also want to correct it, but it won't work!
Because when the earth itself rotates and revolves, it is tilted.
In order to comply with the actual situation, this can only be done. "
Oh, so that’s it!
Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao understood immediately.
But then I remembered that the earth had always been tilted, that I and others were unable to change it, and that we still had to live on it, and I became even more uncomfortable.
Especially Zhu Yuanzhang!
This is simply a rhythm that drives obsessive-compulsive disorder to death!
If I had known this was the case, I wouldn't have asked anything.
well! You shouldn’t be so mean-mouthed! !
Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to slap his mouth!
"Then what are rotation and revolution?"
Zhu Biao looked at Han Cheng and asked.
Zhu Biao is now extremely interested in what Han Cheng said.
From Han Cheng, he could see a completely different world from what he had seen before.
"The rotation and revolution of the earth... it's a little hard to explain. It's getting late. I'll talk to you another day when I have time.
I would also like to sort out the corresponding knowledge. "
Han Cheng really didn't want to say much tonight. With such a beautiful scene, he was still waiting to date his future wife!
These two light bulbs cannot be left on forever.
"Okay, let's talk about it another day."
Zhu Biao said while holding back some regrets.
Then he and Zhu Yuanzhang left Shouning Palace.
Han Cheng sent them to the gate and watched the two leave. After confirming that they would not come back again, he immediately closed the door of Shouning Palace and locked it from the inside.
Then he quickly headed towards Princess Ningguo's palace, eager to see his young wife.
I hope there will be a good result tonight...
…
At this time, there were also people speeding towards the Forbidden City from the Longjiang Treasure Ship!
This man looked anxious and wanted to run the horse to death!
Something big happened at Longjiang Bao Shipyard!! !
(End of chapter)
