Ming Dynasty Household Department.
Shangshu Yang Siyi looked at the decree that Zhu Yuanzhang had just issued. He was quite excited, but also a little scared.
This established an agricultural college to study farming laws, increase yields per mu, and improve people's livelihoods.
No matter how you think about it, it is a great thing that benefits the country and the people.
Once it's done, it's a great achievement, and it's possible that it will be remembered for generations to come.
But this was something proposed by Prince Zhu Biao, and the example of Guanglu Temple is right before our eyes.
However, compared to Gao Lu, the minister of Guanglu Temple, Yang Siyi was still much more relaxed.
As early as when Zhu Yuanzhang was still King of Wu, Yang Siyi was Sinongqing. Later, when six ministries were established, he became Shangshu of the Ministry of Household Affairs.
It can be said that this has always been his old profession, and what he did has always been recognized by Zhu Yuanzhang.
But why did the prince suddenly propose to establish an agricultural college?
Yang Siyi was puzzled.
As for Prince Zhu Biao, although Yang Siyi is the Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, his access to him is limited.
But Yang Siyi still knew some of Zhu Biao's talents.
But the farming aspect has never been mentioned by Prince Zhu Biao before.
Could it be Mr. Su?
Yang Siyi naturally thought of Su Jing. Only Su Jing could make the prince change like this.
Recalling that the various anti-corruption reform measures in the court not long ago were all initiated by Prince Zhu Biao, Yang Siyi also had a little more respect for Su Jing in his heart.
Such a person is the prince's teacher, which is really a blessing for the Ming Dynasty!
Yang Siyi sighed silently and went to prepare for the Agricultural College.
At this time, in the main hall, a group of princes were still studying.
But their mood is obviously not high.
Just because Prince Zhu Biao was away, he also carried out a wave of big operations in the Ming Dynasty.
Naturally, they also knew about Guanglu Temple.
Zhu Biao's decree on anti-corruption was even used as a teaching material by Lao Zhu, asking these princes to study hard.
Regarding trust, what Lao Zhu believes in most is always his own family.
"Okay, that's it for this morning's class."
As the lecturer ended the class, the princes started to have fun like wild horses running wild.
"Second brother, tell me quickly. What's the new news about eldest brother?"
"Second brother, did the eldest brother get something again?"
A group of princes surrounded Zhu Ping and asked chattering.
Zhu Biao is not here, and Zhu Feng is the eldest among the brothers.
He also has more ways to obtain information than these younger brothers.
Zhu Xi was surrounded in the middle, and he was quite enjoying it. He said with a smile: "Don't worry, don't worry, I heard that my father just issued a decree to set up an agricultural college under the Ministry of Household Affairs to specialize in the study of various crops. It is said that this matter was also suggested by my eldest brother.”
Agricultural college?
When such a word appeared in the ears of all the princes, they all stared at it with big eyes and small eyes, some of them didn't quite understand.
"Second brother, how do you study crops?"
"Can we go to the Agricultural College?"
“Are crops fun?”
"Is this agricultural college interesting?"
As soon as Zhu Fang finished speaking, his brothers started asking again like curious babies.
This made Zhu Xi a little stunned, because he didn't know either.
From beginning to end, he only inquired about the agricultural college and crops, but he couldn't figure out the rest.
"Ha ha."
Just when Zhu Xi was embarrassed and didn't know how to answer, Zhu Yuanzhang's hearty laughter came.
"Father!"
"Father!"
All the princes immediately lined up respectfully and saluted Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang was in a good mood, waving his hands and saying: "Okay, no need to be formal, I'm also stopping by to see you."
"From what you're saying, it sounds like you're quite interested in the Agricultural College."
The second prince Zhu Xi replied: "Father, it was my son who was chatting with his brothers, and they happened to talk about the Agricultural College, but my son didn't know much about it, which made my father laugh."
Now Zhu Xi has learned to be smart, so he needs to recognize a wave of dishes first.
Regardless of whether Zhu Yuanzhang wants to take the exam or not, it has nothing to do with him anyway.
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Xi and didn't pay much attention. Instead, he looked at the others and said:
"As for you, if you want to know anything about the Agricultural College, you can ask your father."
The Agricultural College was something Zhu Biao proposed, and Empress Ma also supported it. Zhu Yuanzhang would definitely have to help publicize it.
These are all Zhu Biao’s achievements!
"Father, is this agricultural college really proposed by my eldest brother?"
The third prince Zhu Fan asked Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said: "Yes, this is exactly what your eldest brother proposed to me."
Zhu Fan asked again: "Has the eldest brother ever said why this agricultural college was established and what does this agricultural college do?"
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Fan. This third child was quite interesting.
He replied: "As the second son of the Agricultural College just said, it specializes in the study of crops, that is, the things farmers plant in the fields. These things have their own characteristics when growing. What the Agricultural College needs to do is to study these things. , find their characteristics, let farmers grow them better and get more harvests."
Lao Zhu is a rough man. Although he has been learning since he became emperor, his essence has not changed much.
Now using Su Jing's things to show off in front of his son, he feels particularly accomplished.
"Thank you very much, Father, for clearing up the confusion. My brother's move will really benefit the Ming Dynasty!"
Zhu Fan sighed towards Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied and felt quite comfortable hearing these words.
"Third brother, I know you are very smart, but you must not be arrogant. In the future, you will share your worries for your elder brother and protect the Ming Dynasty forever."
Zhu Yuanzhang made a promise to Zhu Fan.
Zhu Fan immediately nodded and said: "Yes, father, I understand."
At this time, the sixth prince Zhu Zhen on the side said: "Father, is the Agricultural College fun? Can I go and play?"
Six-year-old Zhu Zhen didn't know so many things. What he focused on was whether it was fun or not.
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "Lao Liu, what, do you want to go to the Agricultural College?"
"Yes, Father."
Zhu Zhen was just about to agree, but when he saw the look in the eyes of the second prince Zhu Xi, he immediately said: "No, father, I am just curious and have no intention of going."
Zhu Zhen doesn't understand, but Zhu Zhen is not stupid.
College of Agriculture, College of Agriculture, studies crops. To put it bluntly, it’s just farming.
The eldest brother Zhu Biao studied with Su Jing and also farmed. He had tanned for a few months and had calluses on his hands.
How can this Agricultural College thing be so fun?
He couldn't bear to see his sixth brother being trapped in, so he reminded him with a wink.
However, these small actions were clearly visible in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.
"Second brother, do you have anything to say?"
Zhu Yuanzhang turned to look at Zhu Xiandao.
Zhu Yuanzhang, his second son, was also quite helpless.
She was obviously born to the same mother as Zhu Biao, but she was far different from Zhu Biao in every aspect.
The third child is much better than the second child. He is smart and willing to learn.
As for the fourth child, Zhu Di, he is a master who wields swords and guns all day long and does not want to read at all.
"No, father, I have nothing to say."
Zhu Xi replied immediately, nervousness visible to the naked eye.
Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly and said: "Since it's okay, then don't wink there. What does a dignified prince look like?"
"I understand, Father."
Zhu Ping lowered his head and said.
At this time, the fifth prince Zhu Zhu on the side said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Father, I would like to go to the Agricultural College to study."
Um?
Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly startled, looked at the fifth child Zhu Ru and said: "Lao Wu, don't tell my father, you and the sixth child have the same idea. You only want to go for fun."
Zhu Zhu is three years older than Zhu Zhen, and is now nine years old.
Although he is still very young, in ancient times, he was a royal family and was taught by famous teachers all day long. It was normal for him to mature mentally precociously.
Zhu Zhen can still understand nothing, but Zhu Zhu can't.
Zhu Xi looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said seriously: "I don't want to go because I think it's fun."
Zhu Yuanzhang became interested and asked, "Tell me, why do you want to go to the Agricultural College?"
“It’s very hard to study in an agricultural college.”
Zhu Yuanzhang didn't have that much energy to pay attention to his fifth child on weekdays.
There were too many state affairs, and the prince Zhu Biao had to be trained. Naturally, the other sons could only be taught by teachers.
Zhu Wei replied: "I know that the Agricultural College is engaged in agricultural research, which must be done by going to the farmland. But I am not afraid. I just feel that everything produced in this field is particularly magical. I want to understand the truth, so I want to learn."
Although he is still young, Zhu Rui has already shown his passion for botany.
Compared with other princes, Zhu Rui is undoubtedly special.
If Su Jing saw it, he would definitely feel emotional. He is indeed the fifth prince Zhu Ji.
In later generations, Su Jing knew something about this person, but not as Zhu Yuanzhang's fifth son, but because of his achievements.
Medical works such as "Compendium of Materia Medica for Relief from Famine", "Remaining Records of Preserving Life", "Pocket Prescriptions" and "Puji Prescriptions" have been circulated for a long time.
Su Jing's parents in her previous life loved to read these ancient medical books, so Su Jing also knew something about them.
Of course, these achievements of Zhu Xi were all after he became an adult and became a feudal lord.
But now, it can be said that there are clues.
Zhu Yuanzhang was a little surprised when he heard Zhu Xi's answer, but he was more happy: "Okay, since it's not just a whim, I'm sure. When the Agricultural College is ready, you can go there and study at any time."
"Of course, I will also ask about the situation. If you are just trying to have fun, you will be punished when the time comes."
Zhu Yuanzhang still supports his son's initiative to learn.
In particular, this agricultural college is engaged in agricultural research, which is a matter of national importance.
"Thank you very much, Father. I will definitely live up to my father's trust."
Zhu Xi said to Zhu Yuanzhang very seriously.
Zhu Ming on the side carefully winked at Zhu Zhen, as if to say:
How about it, Lao Liu, did you see it? If you didn't listen to me just now, this will be your fate now.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction and said: "Father, I promise you that if you can really study hard, it is not impossible to let Mr. Su teach you."
Although Zhu Biao proposed this agricultural college, its root cause was actually Su Jing.
Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang directly used Su Jing as a reward.
Mr. Su!
As soon as they heard this name, the expressions of the princes immediately changed.
This is the teacher of eldest brother Zhu Biao, and Zhu Biao has to learn from him.
They had heard a lot of rumors about Su Jing inside and outside the palace.
Now, there was an opportunity for Su Jing to teach, and the princes' hearts became restless.
"Father, my son also wants to study at the Agricultural College."
Zhu Xi immediately said to Zhu Yuanzhang.
It's just a bit of hardship, but being able to get Su Jing's teachings is the key!
In his heart, Zhu Xi actually envied Zhu Biao.
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Xi and said calmly: "Just study hard in the main hall for me. I will come back to assess you in a few days. If you can study well, I will consider letting you go."
Zhu Xiang immediately withered. He really couldn't study.
Several other princes were also ready to make a move. Zhu Yuanzhang continued:
"Don't even think about it. What I asked Mr. Su to teach me must still be about agriculture."
Su Jing has a lot of knowledge, but some of them cannot be learned by anyone except Zhu Biao.
Zhu Yuanzhang's words also dispelled the thoughts of other princes.
None of them were as interested in plants as Zhu Rui. They were all just to accept Su Jing's teachings.
(End of chapter)
