In fact, the Ming Dynasty currently has nearly 3,000 warships of various types on its books. If we only look at the scale, then the navy picked up by Lao Zhu is definitely the number one existence in this era.
However, the Ming Dynasty had a long and narrow coastline, and most of these warships were scattered at various naval garrison stations along the rivers and coasts from Dengzhou in the north to Qiongzhou in the south. The originally huge number suddenly became a little stretched when spread out.
In addition, a large number of the boats are actually just flat-bottomed river boats and cannot travel too far from the coastline. If they set sail and set sail, no storm is needed, just a few small waves on the sea, and these ships will capsize and fall apart on their own.
Even if the existing ships are deployed, whether they have the ability to sail across the sea and reach the Americas is another matter. Let’s talk about the various military expenses, supplies, and maintenance expenses for the navy’s departure. This is an astronomical amount. It is also necessary to set up shipyards and add new ports along the coast to supply the navy's operations. It also takes a lot of time to develop routes. This is a bottomless abyss...
No wonder Lao Zhu backed down.
"Moreover, there are very few giant trees needed for shipbuilding after the Ming Dynasty was devastated by wars. If you want to find them, only the south of Yunnan, Annan and other places still grow. However, Yunnan is not in peace, and His Majesty wants to build a treasure ship. , the extravagance will inevitably be even greater." The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue added.
"Yunnan..." Lao Zhu muttered, Yunnan must be peaceful. It's just that this matter of peace in Yunnan is actually linked to shipbuilding...
"I dare to ask Mr. Ru, if we take Yunnan, will the cost of building a treasure ship be lowered?" At this time, a young general who had been listening quietly suddenly asked. .
"Ah, yes. It will be lower...but that's limited..." Shangshu of the Ministry of Finance was stunned for a moment, but he answered honestly. The young general who spoke was none other than Mu Ying, the adopted son of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, who is currently the governor of the Metropolitan Governor's Office.
Mu Ying has always been cautious in her words and deeds, and believes that "a thousand words are worth a thousand words, but it is better to be silent". She is a figure like Feng Yi, the great tree general of the former Han Dynasty. How could he, who had always been silent, suddenly speak?
But I heard Mu Ying continue: "The general thinks that our Ming Dynasty is in the Central Plains, how can we not be able to afford a navy! Since the Ming Dynasty is in a difficult situation at this time, your majesty can first choose a place to build ships and train ships. Master, plan in advance. It will take several years to build the left and right ships."
"The past few years have been enough for the Ming Dynasty to stabilize the country and create a prosperous age! By then, the Ming Dynasty must have recovered Yunnan and obtained huge trees. The annual income of the imperial court must also have increased."
"If we prepare early, we will naturally be ready by then, and we can set sail early. But if we have to wait until everything is ready before we start, I am afraid that by then, the vast overseas sea territory will no longer belong to our Ming Dynasty. !”
Mu Ying had always been serious about her words, but now her face was flushed with excitement. Lao Zhu looked at his most loyal adopted son and thought about his opinion: Ying'er is right. Even if the court is short of silver at this time, it is better to put up the navy's airs first, so as not to have no rules to follow and no one to use. It was a mess.
"Ying'er is right! The Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War will draft a charter for us in the next few days."
"You can first let the navies from all over the country gather together a naval fleet, and then put out a list and mobilize the shipyards from various places to start building ships first, and build one ship after another."
"The naval station will be arranged first... Poyang Lake." In the past bloody battle with Chen Youliang in Poyang Lake, Lao Zhu still remembers the vastness of Poyang Lake. Drilling in Poyang Lake must also be able to simulate the vastness of the sea to some extent. "This matter is settled. Zhongshu Province has been paying more attention to us these days. We must draw up a feasible charter for us."
"...Yes." The two ministers of the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Ministry of War could only reluctantly agree. The newly appointed Prime Minister Hu Weiyong also resigned. When he takes office as a new official, he will naturally not refute Lao Zhu's wishes.
"Then, just retreat." Lao Zhu waved his hand, and the ministers said another holy bow and a long blessing, and then retreated one after another. Walking to the entrance of Jinshen Hall, the Minister of War pulled the sleeve of Uncle Chengyi Liu Bowen and whispered: "Uncle Chengyi just now, why didn't you say something to persuade your Majesty?"
"Your Majesty is so aggressive in his military affairs, and he also wants to engage in provocation at sea. If this is true, I am afraid that from now on, our Ming Dynasty will never have peace!"
What he said was high-sounding, but Liu Bowen didn't know. What he meant was to ask him, the so-called leader of Qingliu, why he didn't persuade your majesty to put the weapons into the treasury and release the horses to Nanshan.
If we don't abolish the military affairs, how can we stop the momentum of Huaixi Xungui? Huaixi Xungui made his fortune by fighting!
Then when will they be able to succeed as civil servants?
"Your Majesty has his own considerations, and it is not something that I and other ministers can say in vain." Liu Bowen glanced at him lightly. How could he not know that these people wanted to use him as a gun to resist the nobles of Huaixi.
But he has always been indifferent, so why did he ever think about fighting for power?
If he were not worried about the power of Huaixi Xungui, he would never stand up for Qingliu on weekdays. He almost caused disaster when he persuaded His Majesty to increase troops on the Great Wall before. How could he open his mouth to argue over this trivial matter now?
Moreover, there was no sign of establishing an ocean-going navy before.
I'm afraid it's the work of the master behind His Majesty again.
Whether this matter is an advantage or a disadvantage, he cannot tell clearly.
Let's see... Liu Bowen looked back at Jinshen Hall, quickly abandoned the still chattering Minister, and walked down the stairs.
…
"Ying'er, why are you still here? Is something wrong?" In the hall, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Mu Ying who was still standing aside without saying a word, with a hint of curiosity in his tone.
My adopted son is very rigid and always follows the rules in doing things. If you don't call him, he will always look like a capable person who puts business first and is cautious in his words and deeds.
This was the first time that he kept something without permission after discussing the matter.
"Your Majesty, the last general..."
"Your Majesty's junior general, call him godfather!" Lao Zhu waved his hand and said with a smile. "There are no outsiders now, so what's the point of living?"
"Then... godfather..." The restraint on Mu Ying's face relaxed slightly. He thought for a while, gritted his teeth, lifted up his clothes, and knelt down on one knee towards Lao Zhu.
"My son, I sincerely ask my godfather to forgive His Highness the Fifth Prince for his misconduct!"
"My godfather, I don't know. Although His Majesty the Fifth Prince is young, he is indeed a man of great talent...given time, he will definitely become a pillar of our Ming Dynasty!"
"If I abandon you because of a small mistake, it will be a great loss to our Ming Dynasty and our Zhu family!"
"My son, I am willing to use my military achievements in the past to avenge the sins of His Majesty the Fifth Highness! You can demote your minister to serve as a civilian and only ask for your godfather. Never abandon him to His Majesty the Fifth Highness!"
The crime of misconduct was exactly what Lao Zhu casually assigned to Zhu Su. Looking at his godson pleading for Zhu Su in front of him, he was stunned for a moment.
These words were sincere, and by the time she finished speaking, Mu Ying was in awe. As far as the eye can see, his back is still standing tall, looking sincere and determined.
After regaining consciousness, Lao Zhu helped Mu Ying up with both hands. With a satisfied smile on his face, he said warmly: "You rushed back from Fengyang just to plead with us for your incompetent fifth brother?"
