Whether the earth and stars under our feet are round or square has been controversial since ancient times and there is no final conclusion.
There are many sayings that the sky is round and the place is square, and it is like virtue. In many people's understanding, the earth is like a piece of wrinkled cloth, with four feet supported by something. Some people live in the high places of the folds, which are mountains. , Some people live in the low places, which is the plains, and some people live on the edge, which is the sea.
However, there are many ancient people who proposed that the earth and stars are round. After years of debate between the Imperial College and the Imperial College, they still have not reached a conclusion because some problems cannot be explained. But as materials about the great voyages continue to appear and be studied, the theory of a round earth has gained more support.
Faced with this kind of academic issue, a big understanding issue related to the rules of the earth's operation, Zhu Yunwen could not open his mouth and tell them: The earth is round, you should stop arguing.
What will drive the future development and progress of the Ming Dynasty are the graduates of the Imperial College, who are talented people from generation to generation. Some are big issues related to basic science and worldview. What is needed is not the emperor's conclusion, but the true knowledge gained through practice.
After solving the problem of understanding that the earth is round, we will have a clearer understanding of sunrise and sunset, the changes of the four seasons, where the wind comes from, where the rain falls, the climate in different regions, and the secrets of ocean currents, so that we can gain a deeper understanding of the world. To understand gravity and study natural and physical sciences.
Zhu Yunwen looked deeply at Zheng He and said seriously: "This is not only a round-the-world voyage to verify the theory of a round earth, but also about how the Ming people see and understand the world."
Zheng He looked solemn.
What is the world like? The navy wants to go out and see.
Just fine. Only the Navy can accomplish this mission!
Zheng He turned his attention to the map, thought carefully, and spoke after nearly half a quarter of an hour: "Your Majesty, I not only need steam engine iron ships, but also ten steam engine treasure ships to accompany them to ensure that the supplies can keep up!"
The biggest problem with long-distance voyages of steam-engine ships is that they consume a large amount of coal. Coal will occupy most of the space in the cabin. Without logistical supplements, the supplies carried by ordinary steam-engine iron ships cannot support the ship's long-distance voyage.
Under this situation, the only way to ensure sufficient coal, food, and water sources is to transform the Dabao Ship into a large supply ship.
Zhu Yunwen saw Zheng He agreeing and nodded slightly: "The reason why the navy is great is that you dare to venture into unknown seas. This naval spirit of adventure, exploration and struggle will one day be integrated into the bones of the people of the Ming Dynasty. Since You have returned to Jinling, then stay and prepare for another voyage."
"I accept your order."
Zheng He knew the significance of this mission and the significance of this adventure.
Li Jian thought of something and asked, "Your Majesty, if Zheng He personally leads the fleet from Nanyang to the east, who will lead the fleet from Nanyang to the west?"
Two completely different routes, but only one Zheng He.
Zhu Yunwen shook his head slightly: "Let Zheng He decide on this choice. There are not many naval officers who can take on this important task. A great voyage has made many great captains, but I only have one request."
Zheng He and Li Jian waited respectfully.
Zhu Yunwen walked to the map and pointed in the direction of North America: "King Yan has made great contributions. I gave the land of North America as a reward and enfeoffed it to
King Yan. Therefore, no matter who leads this westward voyage, Wang Jinghong will be the captain of King Yan's fleet. "
Wang Jinghong, like Zheng He, was originally the eunuch beside Zhu Di.
Zhu Yunwen transferred Zheng He, and Zheng He recommended Wang Jinghong.
During the great voyage to South America, Wang Jinghong proved himself with his ability and became a captain-level existence. Now Zhu Yunwen returns Wang Jinghong to Zhu Di, mainly to ensure the safety of Zhu Di's family and to ensure that he can lead people to reclaim wasteland.
"Prince Yan is going to America?"
Zheng He and Yang Rong were shocked by the sudden news and looked at each other, a little unclear about Zhu Yunwen's plans. Could it be that Emperor Jianwen, who was wise and powerful, was also afraid that his great achievements would shock his master, and that King Yan would threaten the royal family?
Thinking about Zhu Gui and Zhu Yunxi, this seems to be a good idea for Zhu Yunwen.
At least he didn't kill Zhu Di. However, would it chill people's hearts to "exile" a god of war tens of thousands of miles away in the Americas?
Zhu Yunwen saw the two people's thoughts and said with a smile: "The King of Yan's contribution lies in Sheji, and the court should not set up any more feudal states, but the court has no place to reward him. North America was given to the King of Yan. As for whether he goes or not, Since he has made the decision, I will not embarrass a hero."
Yang Rong breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as the emperor does not embarrass King Yan, no matter what King Yan chooses, it will be fine. Even if he wants to open a new enclave in America, it will be his own choice, so it will not chill people's hearts.
But if you think about it carefully, Zhu Yunwen was in his prime in the Spring and Autumn Period and was Lao Zhu's grandson. Zhu Di was Lao Zhu's son. They already knew their fate. After all, Zhu Yunqi was not the old Zhu Yuanzhang. Any threat would have to be eliminated.
If you lose, you can survive Zhu Di even if you live a long life, so there is no need to force Zhu Di to leave.
Zheng He had no objection to Wang Jinghong's appointment as Captain Zhu Di: "I will actively prepare for the voyage. However, will this voyage sail from Jinling or Tianjin Port?"
The date of sailing is September. Taking advantage of the wind will save resources and be a good omen.
But the imperial court was about to move its capital in autumn. In September, Zhu Yunwen had already held a court meeting at Fengtian Hall in Beiping.
Zhu Yunwen pondered for a while, but did not change his plan: "Although it is more convenient for me to send navy officers and soldiers to sail in Tianjin Port, Jinling is a place for long voyages, a city of glory, and the center of the shipbuilding industry. Naturally, it is necessary to set sail from Jinling. . On such a large-scale voyage, I will personally see you off, and I will also come here to welcome you home!"
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is smooth and equipped with steam engines and ships. It only takes four or five days from Peking to Jinling, so there won't be much delay.
Zheng He has no problem.
Zhu Yunwen looked at Yang Rong: "Since you are in charge of the War Department, you should take a good rest for a few days and go to the War Department to work. We need to come up with plans for the merger and disarmament of the guard stations as soon as possible."
Yang Rong took the order.
After Yang Rong, Zheng He and others left, Zhu Yunwen looked at Li Jian with a flattering smile on his face: "Is there anything else?"
Li Jian smiled and said: "Your Majesty, I didn't have a chance on the first great voyage. This second voyage around the world will be recorded in history. Can you give me a chance..."
"cannot."
Zhu Yunwen flatly rejected Li Jian.
Li Jian is a reliable person. He has managed the navy in an orderly manner over the years. Although he does not have much experience at sea, he is a good hand in handling naval government affairs.
With such people gone, the Navy Commander's Mansion
Find someone to do the work for you. Live a good life, and don’t always think about running out when you have nothing to do...
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