It is unrealistic for one person to change the lives of hundreds of millions of people living in an area of millions of square kilometers in just over ten years.
The power of the time traveler is not that great.
Don’t you see, until later generations, the most prosperous places are the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, and the rest are still developing at the national level.
After boarding the carriage again, the emperor saw the two of them thoughtful and said with a smile:
"Don't look at how difficult the conditions are, but compared to the past, they are much better than before."
Speaking of this, the emperor couldn't help but boast: "Since Suiyuan and Chahar were stabilized, cattle and sheep from the two places have been transported to the interior on a large scale. It is estimated that more than 50,000 cattle enter the customs every year. This is equivalent to How much manpower and material resources did you need?"
"Take Wanping County as an example. According to a report from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the price of cattle in Wanping County has been falling. It is only 20 yuan per head, while in Kaifeng, Henan, the price of cattle is more than 30 yuan."
"So when cattle became cheaper, more people ate beef, and there were so many lawsuits that the Yamen couldn't bear to be bothered."
It is illegal to slaughter farm cattle privately, as it always was in the feudal dynasty, let alone eat beef.
Over the years, even the prince only ate some beef during the New Year and festivals.
"With cattle, wasteland will increase, food production will increase, people will multiply, and taxes will increase, so there will be a prosperous age."
The prince said seriously.
"That's right." Zhu Yixi praised in admiration: "However, you have to understand that the land of Ming Dynasty is limited, but the population growth is unlimited. The land can accommodate 100 million. 200 million, but can it accommodate 3 to 500 million? "
"When there is not enough land, the world will be in turmoil and the court will overthrow. A wise king and wise ministers can only ease this process."
The scope of these words was so great that the prince and King Qi were a little confused.
Because this is completely different from the traditional moral system.
In the three views of Confucianism, as long as there are wise kings and virtuous ministers in the court, the world will be peaceful, but the emperor said that the effect is only relief.
This completely overturns their thinking.
"Then Father, what should we do?"
The prince suppressed his heart palpitations and asked impatiently. His hands clenched unconsciously, and sweat broke out on his forehead and palms. It was obvious that this was a huge blow to him.
King Qi on the side was not much better. His eyes were quite dull, and his thoughts seemed to be still soaked in those words, and he couldn't get them out.
Zhu Yixi spoke earnestly and thoughtfully, saying word by word:
"Open, expand, vassal, country, move, migrate, people, masses——"
At this time, King Qi came back to his senses: "What do you mean, Qi State and Qin State?"
"That's right." The emperor showed a confident smile and looked at his two sons: "During the reign of Emperor Zhou, including the feudal lords, there was nothing more than the Yangtze River to the south and Youyun to the north."
"And now, isn't the vastness of the land developed by the feudal kingdom?"
As he said that, he turned his eyes to the prince and chuckled: "I know what you are thinking. Seeing that King Qin and King Qi are extremely powerful, although it is difficult to threaten the position of the East Palace, I must feel uncomfortable in my heart."
"But you have to understand that the establishment of each of their vassal states will allow our Zhu family's world to last for at least ten years."
"My son, I dare not—" The prince quickly lowered his head, with a little guilt on his face.
King Qi raised his head and felt a little proud after hearing these words.
"The vassal state is located in a remote area, surrounded by barren mountains and rivers, and has many enemies. It needs the support of the imperial court to stabilize the country forever."
When the emperor saw that his two sons had different expressions, he said amusedly: "The vassal state and the imperial court are inseparable from each other, and one is indispensable."
"To put it bluntly, when the imperial court is overthrown by a rebellion like the intruders, the princes and grandsons will be able to escape and survive."
Although this sounds ugly, it makes sense.
The prince and King Qi obviously listened and understood the emperor's painstaking efforts.
Although he seemed calm on the surface, the relaxation of the atmosphere actually made him feel calm.
It is visible to the naked eye.
The emperor emphasized: "The two capitals, twenty-five provinces, and three generals' mansions must not be enfeoffed. This is the bottom line and fundamental of the imperial court."
"You have also seen the map of the territory of the world. Such a vast place can be freely displayed. Of course, only those capable princes can become vassals. Those who are weak and incompetent should enjoy it in the capital!"
Hearing this, the prince naturally nodded his head, because this was meant for him.
King Qi was overjoyed and smiled unconsciously.
"What? What are you happy about?"
The emperor was surprised.
"Hey, after hearing what my father said, the kid is really happy. Now that Qi Guo is a vassal, it means that the kid is also a capable person——"
King Qi chuckled, as if a mouse had stolen lamp oil.
"You may find something good in it."
Zhu Yixi said angrily: "Do you think it's that easy to become a vassal?"
"As far as I know, Qi is located in the south of Luzon. It is covered with rainforests. There are only dry seasons and rainy seasons. There are many indigenous people."
"When you go to become a vassal queen, every day I raise my head, I just think about how to chop down the tree."
Hearing these words, the fear on King Qi's face disappeared in an instant, and he showed a flattering smile: "Isn't there still a father here?"
"With you here, although I will suffer a little, my life will definitely be good in the future."
Speaking of this, King Qi expressed his thoughts: "My son feels that the Luzon Governor's Office is not very serious about the development of Qi State, so he wants to send his retainers there..."
"Yes, but it shouldn't take too long."
Zhu Yixi thought for a while and then agreed: "You stay in the capital for two or three years. After you give birth to the prince, you can go to Qi to become a vassal."
"Send more people over, it's easier to do things with more people."
The prince also interjected at this time: "My son thinks that there are too few people in Qi. When the second brother goes to join the feudal vassal, the court will organize tens of thousands of people to fill the gap?"
"Prince, who wants to go to Qi State?"
King Qi sighed.
"In the twenty-five provinces of the Ming Dynasty, there are always disasters in some places every year, so naturally there are people there."
The emperor said softly: "However, considering the climate of Qi State, the three southwest provinces, Fujian and Guangxi are the first choices."
As for whether the ministers will monopolize power and sideline the King of Qi, this is not very likely.
Because Qi State relied on the support of Lu Song during the years of opening up wasteland. The imperial court was here to support it, and no matter how bad it was, there was still a large army.
There was a smile on his face, but King Qi was beating a drum in his heart.
He has been well clothed and well-fed since he was a child. Although it is very painful to learn, compared with those ordinary people, he is very good.
Nowadays, it is self-evident to leave one's hometown and go to a foreign country to establish a vassal state.
The emperor was a little estranged from these sons and didn't know them very well, but the prince caught a glimpse of King Qi's expression and had studied together since childhood, so of course he knew.
Thinking like this, the prince suddenly said: "Father, I think that there may be many vassal kings who are quite capable and good at caring for the people, but their ability to develop is insufficient."
"After all, the journey is really difficult, and the prince is not an all-rounder."
"I'm very pleased that you can take care of brotherly feelings."
The emperor nodded slightly: "What do you mean?"
"My son thinks that a yamen can be set up to assist the vassal in development. Firstly, it can save the lord's energy. Secondly, it can be transferred back after development, avoiding the difficulty of returning the power..."
The prince kept observing the emperor's face with his peripheral vision, and immediately stopped making assertions if something was wrong.
"The third visit has also restored the friendship of the royal family." Zhu Yixi said happily: "I am very relieved that the prince has such an idea."
This is indeed a good approach.
Transferring development costs to the imperial court would not only deepen ties with the vassal state, but also support the establishment of the vassal state as quickly as possible.
"Then set up a vassal affairs department in the Ministry of Household Affairs to be responsible for developing the vassal state."
「
Each vassal country needs at least three to five years of help before it can be truly supported. "
King Qi glanced at the prince gratefully and said to the emperor: "Father, this is really great for my son."
"Brother, thank you very much for your advice."
After this conversation, the relationship between their brothers seemed to be much more harmonious.
…
Ryukyu Prefecture.
After the imperial court helped the Ryukyu Kingdom to get rid of Japanese control, the Ryukyu royal family chose to annex under persuasion.
In other words, the Ming Dynasty gained a whole government without spending almost a single soldier. Although the Shimadzu family of Japan was defeated first, it was just a help and the obligation of the suzerain.
The Shang clan was also moved to Beijing City and was granted the title of Prince of Ryukyu County. One daughter entered the harem as a concubine, and the remaining descendants were also married to clan daughters.
It has become one over the years.
Because it was a peaceful handover, Ryukyu could safely accept the rule of the Ming Dynasty.
The Ming Dynasty established three counties in Shanbei, Shanzhong and Shannan here, with a total population of just over 50,000.
After several years of development, because it is located between Taiwan and Japan, it functions as a transit station, and a large number of ships supply supplies here.
The population has multiplied rapidly and has reached the 100,000 mark.
In this way, the disadvantages of island countries are fully revealed:
There is not enough food to eat.
After all, many ships transfer, in addition to fresh water, they also need to replenish food.
The Ryukyu prefect was helpless: "We have to import food again. What do Taiwan say? How much can be shipped this year."
After spring plowing, and after counting the summer grain harvest, Ryukyu Prefecture began to measure the grain that needed to be imported.
If there is a shortage of food, the people will naturally import it themselves.
The Ryukyu government only needs to ensure the food security of the navy and the salaries of officials.
Silver yuan and grain, both of which are indispensable for salary.
"Taiwan Prefecture is also short of food." A colleague from Ryukyu Prefecture said distressedly: "All their land has been planted with sugar cane, and there are very few grain growers. There was still some left last year, and I am afraid they will have to import it from Guangdong this year."
As for the nearest Fujian, forget it. There are many people but little land, so they have to import food from abroad.
"How about we go to Guangdong?"
"It's too far, food prices are high, and costs are high due to the distance. We have to pay for it."
Transportation costs are here, shipping anything by sea is more profitable than transporting grain. As for the imperial court's sea transportation, it is purely due to survival issues.
Of course, after the canal was vacated, it was used for commercial purposes, so it was nothing to make up for it with tariffs.
The salaries of the navy and Ryukyu government officials are basically self-sufficient. If they spend too much, they have to pay for it.
Taxes are low, passing exams are illegal, and the future is in danger. Who can bear this?
Regarding his future official career, the prefect gritted his teeth and said, "For now, we can only import it from Kagoshima Domain."
Tongzhi hesitated: "Is this okay? After all, it involves a vassal state."
"You are stupid. Let the private organization fleet buy it, and then we will buy it from them. Then it will not be us who have anything to do with the Shimadzu family."
The prefect smiled and clapped his hands, shocked at his own wisdom.
"The governor is wise." Tongzhi quickly flattered him: "It's just that the gap we have is tens of thousands of koku, and the people of the Kagoshima domain naturally don't have it, so we can only contact the domain government."
"If the Yamen doesn't come forward, I'm afraid not many people will have such a relationship..."
"Why are you looking at me like this?" Seeing his focused gaze, the prefect couldn't help but said:
"My letters and staff can leave clues. It's impossible."
"Look for it, I don't believe there is no one among the people——"
At this time, at the wharf of Yamanaka County near Ryukyu Prefecture, an eight-hundred-ton merchant ship slowly sailed into the port and was instantly surrounded by a large number of coolies.
Shimazu Hisari touched the grease on his head. Seeing the bustling pier, he sighed: "I haven't been able to wash it for several days."
My head is so dirty. "
After saying that, there were of course the usual workers. All the captain needed to do was contact the porter, and then he walked off the ship with a salute.
After walking across the trestle, the carriage stopped for a long time.
"Master, you are finally back. There is someone waiting for you at home!"
The housekeeper couldn't wait to say it. He was a little anxious and angry, with blisters on his lips.
"What's wrong?" Shimazu Hisari said displeased.
Since moving to Ryukyu Prefecture, he changed his name to Narihisa, completely breaking away from Ryukyu.
At the same time, thanks to the fact that there are not many scholars in Ryukyu, he passed the county examination and the government examination in succession, and finally passed the examination in the hospital three times.
It is precisely because of this that he wore a square scarf and a scholar's robe and became a scholar.
With this status, he can be said to be prosperous in the entire Ryukyu Mansion, and everyone respects him.
After all, Ryukyu was newly established, and for so many years, there were only two or three scholar spots, which can be said to be extremely rare.
This also made him no longer want to be an official.
After all, his identity cannot be hidden from the officialdom. Scholars are the top, so they can only place their hopes on his son.
Just relying on his status as a scholar, his wealth increased sharply, and it took less than a year to exchange his broken ship for a big one with eight hundred materials.
Isn't this better than being a samurai who sticks to his salary in the Kagoshima Domain?
To this day, he is still grateful to his benefactor who inspired him to move to Ryukyu Prefecture in Beijing that year.
"The prefect sent someone."
Hearing this, Shimazu Hisari was shocked.
I hurriedly returned home, and as expected I met the man and invited him to his home as a guest.
"Master Xiu Cai, let me tell you the truth. I am asking you to play house this time because I have something important to ask of you."
The prefect spoke out about the food shortage crisis sincerely: "With your status and connections, both official and private matters are being facilitated."
"I will never forget such a favor."
