Wuying Palace.
Xie Jin, Yang Shiqi, Tie Xuan, Xu Huizu, Li Jian and Zhu Di took their seats.
A table and stools were placed in the middle.
Zhu Wenkui sat in the middle, a little nervous, and quietly looked at Xie Jin and Yang Shiqi, wondering whether these two gentlemen were satisfied with his article.
Xie Jin exchanged papers with Yang Shiqi, and after reading them, reported them to Zhu Yunwen.
Yang Shiqi came out and said with great joy: "Your Majesty, the prince's article has a clear intention, and it goes into detail. It uses history as evidence and details the relationship between land and the rise and fall of the dynasty. It makes us suddenly realize it like a enlightenment. I think this article is better than Among the many articles in the Imperial College, it is a wonderful article."
Xie Jin admired: "It has always been said that we should learn from history, but we are short-sighted and did not see the harm of land annexation is so profound. This article is shocking and enlightening. At that time, it should be published in Jianwen Bao and announced to the world."
Zhu Yunwen glanced at the relaxed Zhu Wenkui and snorted coldly.
Zhu Wenkui immediately lowered his head.
Zhu Yunwen picked up Zhu Wenkui's article. This article was somewhat tricky. Many of the views in it, including the "dynasty cycle" theory, were taught by him, not Zhu Wenkui's thoughts.
But it has to be said that Zhu Wenkui can understand this theory in depth and fully explain it, which is considered good for him.
"Then let's send it out according to Jie Ge's words. Now many local officials are complaining about the imperial court's control of the number of acres. Use this article to tell them that as long as they are officials in the Ming Dynasty, they will never think about annexing land too much!"
Zhu Yunwen said majestically.
Xie Jin was very bitter, you are like this, your son is like this, indeed, it is impossible for them to annex the land unscrupulously.
Yang Shiqi frowned: "Your Majesty, if officials don't annex land, the local gentry..."
Xie Jin shivered and looked at Yang Shiqi.
Yang Shiqi didn't mind. His own land had been withdrawn. Why did the gentry still occupy a large amount of land, more than the officials? Who was the official?
Zhu Yunwen nodded solemnly and said: "Land annexation must be curbed. Officials cannot be arrogant, and the gentry cannot be arrogant to prevent officials from colluding with the gentry and concealing land. After the court has rectified the land of officials, let's start dealing with the local gentry. Consider this. The impact of this incident is huge, and the amount of land that the gentry should be restricted needs to be carefully determined by the Ministry of Household Affairs and the Cabinet."
Yang Shiqi and Xie Jin agreed.
Zhu Yunwen looked at Xie Jin, who looked embarrassed, and said solemnly: "I know that this move will offend many people, but if I don't do such an offending thing, who will do it? When Wen Kui succeeds, the resistance will probably be even greater This time is a hundred times better. You must understand that my move is not to slim down the world and fatten up the royal family, but to build the foundation for the Ming Dynasty! For the sake of future generations, our generation must make sacrifices!"
Xie Jin understood these truths, but Zhu Yunwen's words were too far away. Those things were at least one or two hundred years later.
Future generations?
Yes, there are countless people living who think about their children and grandchildren, but Your Majesty, not many people think about their children and grandchildren, it’s too far away. Few people are willing to sacrifice their immediate interests in exchange for the long-term interests of their fourth, fifth or even sixteenth generation grandchildren.
The stipulation on the quantity of land has caused many officials to vomit blood. If you still want to touch the local gentry, are you not afraid of causing big trouble? You must know that there is only one magistrate in a county, but there can be several gentry or dozens of gentry in a county!
Zhu Yunwen also understood the consequences of this move. It was not advisable to attack these people hastily before being fully prepared, so he added: "This matter will be put on hold for the time being. It will be discussed after the official's property is dealt with. It must be kept confidential and cannot be leaked."
Xie Jin and Yang Shiqi nodded heavily.
"continue."
Zhu Yunwen looked at Tie Xuan.
Tie Xuan took out several documents and a test paper and handed them to Zhu Wenkui: "This question tests inference. The question is given by the Navy Commander's Office."
Zhu Wenkui took it and looked at the test paper, only two lines of words:
Based on these materials, we can infer the approximate time of Japan's northern expedition to Korea.
Zhu Wenkui looked at Tie Xuan, and then turned his attention to Li Jian at the Navy Commander's Mansion.
When did Japan start its northern expedition? The Security Bureau didn’t have accurate information, so I asked myself to deduce it. How could I deduce it?
There is no way, this is an exam that cannot be avoided.
Zhu Wenkui calmed down and began to look through the documents. These were all intelligence from different sources, including the Security Bureau, North Korea, and the Ainu people.
This information all illustrates one problem, that is, the Ashikaga Shogunate of Japan is preparing for the Northern Expedition, but no specific time has been mentioned.
After burning a stick of incense, Zhu Wenkui took up his pen and answered.
Tie Xuan took the test paper, looked at it, and circulated it to Zhu Di, Xu Huizu, and Li Jian. After reading it, the three of them all nodded slightly.
】
After Yang Shiqi and Xie Jin read it, they presented the test paper to Zhu Yunwen.
Zhu Yunwen glanced at Zhu Wenkui and said, "Do you think Ashikaga Yoshimochi will cross the sea and conquer North Korea in May?"
"Yes."
Zhu Wenkui answered seriously.
Zhu Yunwen knocked on the table: "Reason."
Zhu Wenkui unfolded a document: "According to information provided by North Korea, the Security Bureau and the Ainu people, when Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was still alive, the total number of troops in the shogunate was only between 50,000 and 70,000. Including the local guardian daimyo, the total number of troops The number of troops should not exceed 200,000. But the news is that Ashikaga Yoshitomichi is now recruiting an army of 300,000."
Zhu Yunwen picked up the tea bowl and looked at Zhu Wenkui quietly. Zhu Di, Xu Huizu and others are also looking forward to it.
Zhu Wenkui put down the document and said seriously: "My father and all the gentlemen have taught me that before the troops and horses are moved, food and grass go first. Any war must rely on logistics. For Japan, its military strength is not large in peacetime. Suddenly, Adding a large number of troops in a short period of time will inevitably lead to problems in logistics supply. If they do not want to be hindered by logistics, the only way is to send troops as soon as possible."
"Considering that if Japan wants to conquer Korea, it must take a sea route. And Japan does not have steam engines and ships, so it must rely on the monsoon. All these determine that they can only choose to fight before autumn. Therefore, I boldly guessed that the Ashikaga Shogunate was extremely It is possible that we will choose to send troops in May."
Zhu Yunwen did not speak, but looked at Zhu Di, Xu Huizu and others.
Zhu Di stood up and asked: "From April to July, the southeast wind blows in the southern waters of North Korea. Why don't you guess June or July?"
Li Jian and Xu Huizu nodded repeatedly.
Zhu Wenkui knew that his father did not like unfounded speculations and needed to provide basis for judgment, so he said slowly: "Because the expedition is in May, June and July can stabilize the rear and build a logistics warehouse. If the expedition is in June or July , the time left for logistical replenishment is very limited, and whether the operation goes well or not, it will be detrimental to the situation."
Zhu Di clapped his hands and turned to look at Zhu Yunzhen: "Congratulations to the emperor, congratulations to the emperor, the prince is extremely intelligent and has a bright eye." Xu Huizu was very pleased. It could be seen that although Zhu Wenkui was a little rusty in handling government affairs, he was not confused about major matters. , make reasonable judgments on things. From this point of view, Zhu Wenkui is hundreds of times better than the crown prince of North Korea, Li Zhen.
Zhu Yunwen raised his hand: "Today's assessment is over. The gentlemen are very satisfied with you. Go down and rest."
Zhu Wenkui saluted and left Wuying Hall.
Zhu Yunwen looked at Xie Jin and Yang Shiqi: "The prince is here today because of your hard work, and Mr. Zhan Shifu, they are all contributors."
Xie Jin and Yang Shiqi were deeply moved.
Zhu Yunwen looked at Zhu Di and said with a smile: "Fourth uncle, Zhan Ji is eleven or twelve years old. I want him to enter the East Palace and study with the prince. What do you think?"
Zhu Di looked at Zhu Yunwen in surprise. He suddenly jumped from assessment to state affairs to family affairs, and he felt a little uncomfortable.
Let Zhu Zhanji study with the prince?
What is Zhu Yunwen planning?
Zhu Di didn't understand what Zhu Yunwen was thinking, but he knew that this was an opportunity for his grandson Zhu Zhanji, so he quickly said: "I will thank the emperor on behalf of Zhanji."
Zhu Yunwen smiled with satisfaction: "Zhan Jicong is a studious, mellow and kind person. I like him very much. Let him accompany the prince and make them brothers Get close to him, and secondly, look after the prince and correct his mistakes."
Xu Huizu looked at Zhu Di and smiled with envy.
Everyone knows that there is absolutely no harm in being close to the prince, and there is no telling that this relationship can bring greater glory to the family in the future.
Yang Shiqi lowered his head and thought.
Emperor Jianwen's arrangements around the prince continued to increase, and he even began to let the prince participate in some government affairs, but these actions seemed a bit hasty and anxious.
Although Zhu Biao came into contact with government affairs documents when he was fifteen or sixteen during the Taizu era, he did not really participate in government affairs until he became an adult.
But Zhu Wenkui was still five or six years away from reaching adulthood, and Emperor Jianwen was only in his early thirties.
One is young and energetic, the other is in the prime of life.
It stands to reason that Emperor Jianwen did not need to transfer some of his powers so early, or allow the prince to have real contact with government affairs too early. It would not be too late to wait ten years. But Emperor Jianwen just did it when his energy was high.
"Imitate Taizu?"
Yang Shiqi couldn't figure out Zhu Yunwen's plan.
There is no doubt that Zhu Wenkui is excellent, there is no dispute about this.
The time Zhu Wenkui speculated on Japan's northern expedition to Korea was exactly the time inferred by the Ministry of War, the Fifth Army Commander's Office, and others. It was already mid-April, not far from May.
"Your Majesty, I request an order to go to Liaodong or Daning."
Zhu Di said seriously.
Zhu Yunwen stared and ordered someone to hang up a map of the Northeast.
Xu Huizu said: "According to the information obtained by the Security Bureau and businessmen, Duoyanwei is indeed in contact with the Tatars. However, for a long time, the main figures of Duoyanwei did not go to the Tatar tribe. But in March In the middle of the month, a Qianhu from Duoyanwei entered Mount Halawen, which should be evidence of increased risk of exposure."
Zhu Di pointed at Halawen Mountain and then pointed in the direction of North Korea: "Your Majesty, if Japan really attacks North Korea, and Doyanwei colludes with the Tatars at this time, we are very likely to face the danger of a two-front or even a three-front war. . At this time, I lead the troops out of the pass, which will help to deter the Duoyan guards and the Tatars, so that they dare not act rashly."
Zhu Yunwen stared at the map and asked softly: "Does Duoyanwei really have the courage to rebel?"
