Fengtian Temple.
Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting alone on the dragon chair, looking at the empty palace in front of him, a look of loneliness flashed in his eyes.
"Mr. Li, I hope you understand and don't make it difficult for us."
Immediately, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly again, looked at the solemn palace gate in front of him, and murmured again.
The friendship between monarch and minister for more than ten years.
I still remember that Li Shanchang was forty years old and Zhu Yuanzhang was twenty-six years old that year.
"Your Majesty, it's late at night."
The eunuch Wang Jinghong on the side bowed and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "It's time to return to the palace."
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zuo of Zhongshu Province, and Duke Li Shanchang of South Korea, would like to see Your Majesty!"
Zhu Yuanzhang did not nod, but still looked at the palace gate in concentration, but there was no movement for a long time. Then, he was filled with disappointment and when he was about to leave, an old but gentle voice sounded.
Immediately, he saw Li Shanda stepping into Fengtian Hall, looking at Zhu Yuanzhang, and bowing slightly.
Zhu Yuanzhang paused, then turned his head. Then, he was stunned for a moment, and his eyes were relieved. He was still wearing the same coarse linen clothes as when he first met Zhu Yuanzhang that year.
That night, the emperor and his ministers talked freely all night, and the laughter spread throughout the Fengtian Palace.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Master Hou."
"Li Xiangguo entered the palace overnight. When he entered the palace, a carriage was sent to the imperial city. Li Xiangguo entered on foot, wearing a linen garment."
In the Prince's East Palace, Tong Zhangshun looked at Zhu Biao and Xiao Han, bowed slightly.
"Mr. Li, I understand."
Zhu Biao turned to look at Xiao Han, and then sighed slightly: "But, is it worth spending more than ten years on the elders' friendship?"
"But doing it for the world is worth it."
There was a faint light in Xiao Han's eyes, and then he also raised his head, looked at Zhu Biao and said with a smile: "Besides, Mr. Li made a mistake first, and I just set things right. If he didn't understand, today's result would be a loss." If there is a friendship between monarch and minister, then the friendship between elders will gradually drift away, so why is it not worth it?"
"Um."
"Mr. Li still has beauty in his heart, and that's enough."
Zhu Biao nodded slightly and said nothing more.
"Over at Huaixi, you need to be there."
Xiao Han raised his eyes again, looked at Zhu Biao and said softly: "Although Mr. Li is helping, Huaixi still has to do its best to comfort him so as not to collide with the holy driver."
"Um."
"But what should we do with the nine officials who were not punished before?"
Zhu Biao nodded first, then looked at Xiao Han and asked softly: "It's impossible for the court to keep them in prison, right?"
"The destruction of Jiangnan and Eastern Zhejiang has established the situation of the imperial court. Even the imperial court's finances can be buffered for a long time, right?"
Xiao Han thought for a moment, then looked at Zhu Biao and asked.
"Um."
"Many family properties were confiscated, and the court was able to stand tall."
Zhu Biao smiled and nodded.
Sure enough, if the court wanted to make money, it would be easier to confiscate the family and exterminate the family. Not only could the land be recovered, but the national treasury could also be enriched. It was really a good business with huge profits.
This made Zhu Biao, who was always afraid of poverty, feel a little excited.
"Then have you ever thought about how the tenants will live after this cold winter?"
Xiao Han raised his head again, looked at Zhu Biao and asked.
"What do you mean, let the court list it for rent first and let the tenants farm first?"
Zhu Biao thought for a moment and said.
“It’s not just about farming.”
“There are still rice seeds for food, where should they come from?”
"You can't really expect those tenants to produce rice seeds, right?"
"Besides, you don't want to think about how the rich and powerful families exploit the common people. The high rents and food and clothing are all due to the kindness of those guys."
Xiao Han looked at Zhu Biao, nodded slightly and said: "So, if you want to change this situation, you must fully grasp it and not relax even a little bit."
"Take full advantage of it."
"It's about taking control of the overall situation."
"First of all, the destruction of Jiangnan and eastern Zhejiang has greatly enriched the imperial court's financial budget."
"Not only can we cope with foreign wars next year, but we must also follow up on domestic infrastructure construction."
"The main source of driving the economy is acres of food."
"So, spend a sum of money to establish the Agricultural Construction Department, which will take charge of the management of the fields, the registration of tenants, and the regular collection of rent."
"Of course, in the first year, the court needs to vigorously support tenant farmers to grow food. Whether it is rice seeds or food and clothing, the court must pay in advance."
"But remember, this is not the court's disaster relief. The tenants need to return the rice to the court, but they only need to return the rice seeds that belong to the court and support them. There is absolutely no additional payment."
"In this regard, all tenants registered with the Department of Agriculture and Construction can apply for support from the court based on their family's conditions."
Xiao Han looked at Zhu Biao, who was a little confused, and without any pause, he told the whole plan of the Agricultural Construction Division in one breath.
"Is the Department of Agriculture and Construction independent of the six imperial ministries, or is it integrated with the Ministry of Household Affairs?"
Zhu Biao thought for a moment, then looked at Xiao Handao with his sword pointed at the core.
Indeed, for the current Ming Dynasty, the establishment of the Agricultural Construction Department and the support for tenant farmers are naturally very good.
But there are also disadvantages, that is, if so many unfamiliar departments are established at once, problems will inevitably arise in the operation of the court, and this is Zhu Biao's worry.
Furthermore, as for Tianmu, all the officials who know about this situation are in the Ministry of Household Affairs. If there is a temporary adjustment, the Ministry of Household Affairs will inevitably be affected, which will be a crisis for the court.
"Um."
"Think about it, the Department of Agriculture and Construction really needs to be integrated into the Ministry of Household Affairs."
"After all, it is in charge of the work of reclaiming land and the daily allocation of tenants. This is not a big problem. The Ministry of Household Affairs can handle it well."
"Let's see. The appointment of officials in the Department of Agriculture and Construction is all left to Lu Chang. He is an expert in this field and will definitely be able to figure it out."
"Furthermore, as for how to select officials in this area, Yingtian Mansion should be used as a pilot."
Before Xiao Han finished speaking, he paused slightly. Then he looked at Zhu Biao and shook his head: "The destruction of Jiangnan and Zhejiang will cause many tenants to lose their livelihood. Therefore, Yingtian Mansion cannot be used as a pilot project."
"Take Jiangnan and eastern Zhejiang as pilot projects?"
Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows and looked at Xiao Han.
"Um."
"The early pilot projects are to choose Jiangnan and eastern Zhejiang. After all, restoring people's livelihood is the most important thing."
"As for officials, they are mobilized from all major provinces. Without affecting the operation of other provinces, a group of officials are mobilized to stabilize the main functions of the Agricultural Construction Department."
"At the same time, we will recommend and select talents from various places and send them to the Department of Agriculture and Construction and the Department of Trade Management, so that they can see and learn more."
"In the later stage, they will be directly transferred to major provinces to take charge of agricultural construction government affairs and transaction management government affairs."
Xiao Han finished speaking in one breath, then took the teacup handed over by Tong Zhangshun and drank it all in one gulp, which relieved the dryness of his throat.
But these words directly calmed Zhu Biao.
Xiao Han's brain is a bit too easy to use!
Such a huge project can be explained so clearly in just a few words, which is really unbelievable!
"The country is in troubled times, and there is no time for them to adapt. Therefore, the best choice is to carry out work at the front line."
"After all, true knowledge comes from practice."
"And if they don't even have this ability, it's better to let them go back to farming, so as not to starve to death in the court."
Xiao Han looked at Zhu Biao, who was still a little hesitant, and said angrily: "Don't worry, the opportunity is right in front of you. If you don't work hard, you can't blame others. In addition, there are Jin Yiwei, so for major industries, You are definitely well aware of the situation in the province. When the time comes, you can make appropriate adjustments to the appointment of officials, and then the situation will be at your fingertips!"
"Done!"
"I can ask the Ministry of Civil Affairs to compile a list, as well as the official positions for the Department of Agriculture and Construction."
Zhu Biao nodded without thinking, then turned to look at Li Heng and said: "Go to the Ministry of Personnel to pass the order and ask Zhang Mingshan, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, to come to the East Palace."
"As commanded."
A flash of helplessness flashed in Li Heng's eyes. Zhu Biao's message was really getting louder and louder!
"Brother, it's late at night, why did you ask the Minister of Civil Affairs to come here?"
Xiao Han on the side waved his hand directly, asking Li Heng to stop. Then he rolled his eyes and looked at Zhu Biao and said, "Let's do it tomorrow. Don't bother them in the middle of the night. Besides, in a few o'clock, those guys will be there." Come on, don’t be in a hurry.”
"Um."
Zhu Biao then waved his hand, signaling Li Heng to step back.
"As for the nine tribes of Jiangnan civil servants and Mr. Zhedong, what a good labor force they have?"
"Take them all to reclaim the wasteland."
"Starting from the south of the Yangtze River, we will reclaim wasteland and open up acres of land for my Ming Dynasty bit by bit."
Xiao Han turned to look at Zhu Biao again and chuckled: "Anyway, I have always believed that as long as food production keeps up, the world will become more and more prosperous."
"Um."
"Then let's do it together tomorrow. Shan Anren, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, will be called over tomorrow."
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then said: "The supervision of the Yamen must be done as soon as possible. By the beginning of next spring, the Yamen team must be set up."
"Um."
"I'll sleep in your east palace tonight."
Xiao Han glanced at Zhu Biao a little sleepily, then turned around and lay down on the couch. Then he waved his hand and said: "Tomorrow morning, I have nothing to do, so don't call me, let me be safe." Get some sleep."
"Um."
Zhu Biao lay on the other side, then nodded and said with a somewhat emotional smile: "The previous dynasties never participated in agriculture. Is our Ming Dynasty a pioneer?"
"certainly."
"In three years at most, the word tenant should disappear from the long river of history."
"The lives of the people of my Ming Dynasty will get better and better."
Xiao Han closed his eyes, but a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Thousands of hammers have carved out the deep mountains, and the fire burns them as if they were idle!"
"Don't be afraid of being shattered into pieces. You must keep your innocence in this world!"
"It's truly a song of eternity."
Zhu Biao turned to look at Xiao Han again and chuckled: "But, why is it so different from your personality?"
But Xiao Han remained motionless without any answer, and if it weren't for his steady breathing, Zhu Biao would have thought that Xiao Han was cold.
It seems that Xiao Han must be sleepy, otherwise, how could he fall asleep so quickly.
Then, Zhu Biao shook his head again and closed his eyes. After all, as the prince, he couldn't miss tomorrow's morning court.
As for Xiao Han, he got up from the bed at noon on the second day.
"Master Hou, you're awake."
Xiao Han stood up sleepily, and the maid of the East Palace who was waiting on the side quickly came over, then looked at Xiao Han and bowed slightly.
"Um."
"Go get some hot water."
Xiao Han rubbed his aching head and waved his hands slightly.
"As commanded."
The maid quickly walked to the table, poured a cup of hot tea for Xiao Han, then quickly brought it over and said: "Master Hou, tea."
"Um."
Xiao Han took the tea and took a sip. His throat suddenly felt much better. Then he looked at the maid and asked, "His Royal Highness hasn't returned to the East Palace yet?"
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has not returned to the palace yet, but he has sent someone back to ask the Marquis to go directly to the Hall of Supreme Harmony after he wakes up. His Highness the Crown Prince is waiting for you there."
The maid took the tea cup from Xiao Han's hand and bowed slightly again.
"Um."
Xiao Han nodded, then stood up and washed up, then went directly to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
"My lord, pay homage to Your Majesty, pay homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Your Majesty, greetings."
Not long after, Xiao Han stepped into the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Immediately, he looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, who was looking up at him, and Zhu Biao beside him, and bowed slightly.
"I am safe."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand slightly.
"You brat, haven't you seen us two?"
When Xiao Han finished the ceremony, Chang Yuchun's voice sounded from the side, and there was a trace of dissatisfaction in his tone.
"No way, Uncle Chang, Uncle Xu."
Xiao Han turned his head and looked at Chang Yuchun and Xu Da with his scalp numb. He smiled and said, "My nephew, I don't have to pay homage to your majesty first."
"snort!"
Xu Da smiled indifferently, but Chang Yuchun still had a cold face, as if Xiao Han owed him eighteen million.
"Uh-huh."
When Xiao Han saw this, he could only smile awkwardly. Now it seems that Chang Mao and Lan Yu, these two careless people, have told Chang Yuchun about Yangzhou. Otherwise, Chang Yuchun How could this be the reaction today?
"Okay, uncle is not a stingy person. How is your illness?"
But not long after, Chang Yuchun's expression improved a little, but he still looked at Xiao Han angrily and asked.
"Uncle Chang is worried about me. I can withstand the wind and snow."
Xiao Han breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Chang Yuchun was not an unreasonable master. Otherwise, he might have lost half his life today.
However, to be honest, Chang Qingling was Xiao Han's unmarried daughter-in-law. Let alone just lying on the same bed, even if she really did something, what could Chang Yuchun do?
But after thinking about these words, Xiao Han didn't dare to say them out. After all, at this time, it was still a feudal dynasty, and women's chastity should not be blasphemed.
Moreover, Chang Yuchun is definitely good at blowing things up. If he offends this rogue, he will not have a good life in the future.
"Okay, I don't care about what's going on between you and your son-in-law."
"I invited you here today because I have something to discuss."
Zhu Yuanzhang, who was sitting on the dragon chair, also waved his hand and said with a smile: "As for Li Xiangguo and the left and right ministers of Zhongshu Province, it doesn't matter, just give the order when the time comes."
"According to the order."
Chang Yuchun and Xu Da looked at each other and bowed in unison.
"I don't know, superior, what do you want to discuss?"
Immediately, Xu Da raised his head and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.
"Prince, tell me."
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand gently, signaling Zhu Biao to speak.
After all, as the emperor now, he is solely here to build momentum.
Anyway, ministers who can see the situation clearly understand that Zhu Biao is now the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. As for Lao Zhu, he is the emperor.
"According to the order."
Zhu Biao looked at his father who was like a shopkeeper, shook his head helplessly, then looked at Chang Yuchun and Xu Da, slightly cupped his hands and said: "Two uncles, the affairs in Jiangnan and Eastern Zhejiang have seriously damaged the vitality of the imperial court. , There are not enough officials to dispatch, so I want my two uncles to recommend some talents to fill the vacancies in the court."
"What the hell?"
"No, Your Highness the Crown Prince, are you kidding me and my two brothers?"
"My brothers have never dealt with civil servants, so how can we know any talents? Besides, this is not a war in the army. How can I recommend generals to lead troops in battles?"
After Zhu Biao finished speaking, Chang Yuchun opened his eyes and said.
Didn't this damn thing force Zhang Fei to do embroidery?
These bastards from Lao Zhu's family can really do whatever they want.
You asked two big men to recommend civil servants to assist in government affairs?
Aren't you sick?
"My two uncles recommended military generals to serve as local magistrates and local officials."
Xiao Han glanced at Chang Yuchun and said.
"Recommend an army general?"
"Do they still have this ability?"
Chang Yuchun still stared wide-eyed, and then he said angrily: "Also, let's talk about the prefect. Although he is only a fifth-rank official, he is the parent official of one side, so no matter which side you start from, the military Generals are not suitable. After all, if you let a group of big bosses take the pen, you might as well kill them."
"Besides, when I take office next year, I will launch the Northern Expedition while also overthrowing the Xia regime. This is equivalent to a long-term large-scale war. For the generals in the army, we can only do more, not less, otherwise, the overall situation will be unstable."
Xu Da also stood up, looked at Zhu Biao and Xiao Han, shook his head and said.
Chang Yuchun and Xu Da were telling the truth. Although they were not of high rank when governing a place, they were still the parents of one party. They had to be responsible for the people and must not be careless in controlling the situation. , but fighting is different. Battlefield duels, charging into battle, and you only need to follow military orders to win.
These are two completely different professions, and there is a clear division of labor between them. But now you mix these two together and let this group of warriors become local officials. Isn't this crazy?
Furthermore, if you let a group of soldiers with guns become civil servants with pens, can they manage the place well? Let’s not talk about it for now. Let’s just talk about the army. Next year’s Northern Expedition will be carried out while the Xia regime will be overthrown. This is all In a long-term large-scale battle, if the generals in the army fail to respond, wouldn't it be the Ming Dynasty that would suffer the loss?
Of course, Xu Da and Chang Yuchun are soldiers. They only consider what soldiers should do, not the government affairs of the court, so they have to take a longer-term view.
After all, if the Ming Dynasty wants to unify its internal affairs and launch wars externally, the generals in the army are the top priority. Otherwise, how can it ensure a triumphant victory if there is no one available?
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(End of chapter)
