Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2302: Three Triumphant Returns (XIV) Development Plan for the Western Region (Part )

The emperor asked Gao Youshi to speak quickly. Gao Youshi did not pretend to be pretentious. He cupped his hands and said, "I think that if we want to develop the economy of the Western Regions so that they can support their people and even benefit the Central Plains, there are eight major areas that require the court's policy."

Zhu Yijun was quite surprised and asked in astonishment: "You mean, just in terms of economic development, there are eight aspects that need to be handled by the court?"

"Yes." Gao Youshi said, "These eight aspects are what remains after I removed the establishment (politics), military affairs, supervision and other matters that I just discussed."

Zhu Yijun calmed himself down, retracted his surprised expression, and said seriously: "Then please ask for advice, Prime Minister." He changed the address, which obviously meant that the conversation had entered a formal dialogue between the emperor and his ministers.

Gao Youshi also looked solemn and spoke eloquently: "These eight aspects are infrastructure construction, agricultural development, trade promotion, cultural consolidation, military support, technology introduction, soil control and sand prevention, and medical and health care."

Zhu Yijun understood some of the "eight aspects" proposed by Gao Youshi, but not others. However, he knew that according to Gao Youshi's style, there should be relatively detailed plans, so he nodded and said, "Then, please explain them one by one to me, Yuan Fu."

Gao Youshi coughed lightly and said, "Your Majesty, like the provinces in Han, infrastructure is also the cornerstone of the development of the Western Region. I plan to carry out three major tasks separately to ensure smooth transportation within and outside the Western Region, proper water conservancy, and strong cities."

Zhu Yijun didn't say anything this time, but just nodded and signaled Gao Youshi with his eyes to continue.

Gao Guoshi said: "First, regarding road construction, I suggest using stone slabs, gravel or rammed earth to pave the main roads. These materials are durable and easy to maintain. More importantly, they are everywhere in the Western Regions, making it easy to use local materials, which can greatly ease investment pressure and reduce fiscal burden.

I think the initial stage of the project should focus on repairing and expanding the Silk Road. This ancient trade route was once a link between the East and the West. Now that we are setting foot in the Western Regions, we should revitalize it. To this end, we can follow the old system of Taizu and set up post stations along the way, which will not only provide food and accommodation for passing merchants, but also facilitate the rapid transmission of military information. "

Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "As you said, roads are like the blood vessels of a country, and they must be unobstructed. You have explained these principles in detail in your "Shu Yilu Shu" back then, and I will not forget them."

Gao Fusi smiled slightly, and then continued: "Secondly, water conservancy facilities are of vital importance. Although there are many snow-capped mountains in the Western Regions, there are thousands of miles of deserts and Gobi beneath the snow-capped mountains, so water resources are extremely precious.

I propose to utilize water resources in many ways. Large-scale projects include digging channels to divert water, building reservoirs in suitable areas to regulate water volume, using simple machinery such as water wheels to improve irrigation efficiency, and expanding the scope of karez construction according to local traditions. In short, these projects will greatly increase crop yields and ensure that the Western Regions can achieve food self-sufficiency after introducing enough Han people. "

Zhu Yijun asked with concern: "Water conservancy is indeed the foundation of people's livelihood, but you mentioned introducing enough Han people in the Western Regions..."

Gao Youshi raised his hand to stop him and said, "I will discuss this matter with the emperor later."

"Ah, this is my fault. Please continue, Prime Minister." The minister interrupted the emperor, and the emperor even wanted to express his apology. It seemed like the two of them did not seem like they were in the Ming Dynasty.

Gao Youshi had long been accustomed to it, so he just nodded slightly and continued, "Finally, the construction of cities cannot be ignored. According to the military report submitted by Liu Jing, although there are many cities in various parts of the Western Regions, their construction scale and solidity are relatively average, at least not in line with the strengths of us Han people. Strong cities and dangerous passes are the tradition of the Han people, which cannot be ignored in the Western Regions.

In my opinion, the city can be rebuilt, reinforced, or expanded in key areas such as the Yili Basin and the four military preparatory stations. The layout of the city should also be focused, with clear divisions of commercial areas, residential areas, and military areas. Strong city walls and wide moats should also be built to not only resist foreign enemies, but also provide a good environment for commercial activities. The planning of the city center should also pay equal attention to beauty and practicality, making it a window to showcase the glory of our Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yijun was very interested when he heard this and praised: "Prime Minister, this plan is a long-term plan. Especially since the Western Regions have been away from the king for a long time, I am afraid they have long forgotten the prosperity of China. We must build a few big cities to eliminate the stench of Mongolia and spread the fragrance of China."

Seeing that Zhu Yijun was a little bit excited, Gao Youshi coughed lightly and reminded him: "What the emperor said can be a plan for a hundred years, but it is better to focus on something now. For example, as for this "big city", I think we should build one in Yili first, and the rest of the areas should be sufficient for use..."

This statement is actually quite straightforward: Your Majesty, your idea is very good, but you want to build all the cities in the Western Regions as "big cities", which is impossible, we are not rich enough yet. Now, it is great to be able to build a big city in Yili, the core area of ​​the Western Regions, and the rest can be dealt with after we get rich...

Zhu Yijun also came back to his senses, remembering that his treasury was mainly replenished by the city of Yili, and nodded hurriedly, saying: "Ah, yes, yes, what the Prime Minister said is absolutely right, what the Prime Minister said is absolutely right."

Gao Youshi saw that he understood, so he concluded: "Building roads, diverting water, and building cities are the three major priorities of infrastructure. The seven items that follow will also depend on them. I hope that the emperor will be firm in this determination and not slow down the progress of these three major priorities for any reason."

"How could that be?" Zhu Yijun waved his hands and said, "You have explained it so clearly, how can I not help you with all my strength? Don't worry." After a pause, he asked, "What is the second aspect?"

"Agricultural development." Gao Youshi said: "Your Majesty, agriculture is the foundation of the country. Although the Western Region is located in a remote area, it has a vast territory, as large as several provinces in Han territory. Therefore, outside of the desert, Gobi and snow-capped mountains, there are still many basins and oases.

These areas have fertile soil and diverse climates, making them a great place for agricultural development. I would like to propose several strategies for agricultural development, hoping that they will be recognized by Your Majesty.

Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "Please speak, Prime Minister. I am all ears."

Gao Shishi said: "First, regarding crop planting, I suggest that we adapt to local conditions and choose suitable crop types according to the soil fertility and climatic conditions in different regions.

For example, in river valleys, we can grow rice and use abundant water resources to increase production; in arid areas, we can promote drought-resistant crops such as corn.

At the same time, we will also introduce drought-resistant technology and high-quality seeds from the mainland to improve the adaptability of various crops and ultimately achieve the goal of increasing production.”

Zhu Yijun smiled and said, "It is indeed wise to adapt to local conditions. But since you mentioned corn, why don't you mention sweet potatoes? Isn't it said that the yield of sweet potatoes is also very large?"

"Sweet potatoes are naturally included, but compared to corn, sweet potatoes have slightly higher requirements for the planting environment. Although they are drought-tolerant, they are not as drought-tolerant as corn. At the same time, they are also afraid of waterlogging, so they are somewhat picky about the land. Therefore, we need to send people to build some test plots in various parts of the Western Regions first, and then promote them after they are successfully adapted to the soil."

"I see." Zhu Yijun nodded, and couldn't help asking, "Then there's no need to test corn?"

Gao Youshi said confidently: "No need! Corn planted in the Western Region will definitely yield high yields."

Why was Gao Youshi so confident? Because Gao Youshi was very clear about the corn yield in Xinjiang in later generations. In short, it was high yield!

How high? It is at the leading level in the country - for example, in 2020, it set a record of 3326 kilograms per mu!

Moreover, corn is not a simple thing. Corn beans can be eaten by humans, corn cobs can be ground into powder and fed to horses, and even corn husks can be ground into powder and fed to horses and cattle. It has a high utilization rate. Zhu Yijun's understanding of agriculture is average, but he trusts Gao Youshi enough. Since Gao Youshi is so confident, Zhu Yijun is not worried at all and laughs: "That's great!"

Gao Youshi also laughed and continued, "The second is about animal husbandry improvement. The grasslands in the Western Regions are vast and have great potential for the development of animal husbandry. I propose to breed excellent breeding stock in the Western Regions. Needless to say, I will let Jinghua Horse Farm cooperate with Erdemutu, Boshoketu and others to strive to breed better horse breeds.

In addition, we should vigorously introduce excellent livestock such as Ningxia Tan sheep, and improve local livestock breeds through better breeding technology. At the same time, we should establish a pasture management system and plan grazing areas to prevent grassland degradation caused by overgrazing. "

Zhu Yijun was even more confused by these things, but he still understood the general idea, so he nodded repeatedly: "Improving animal husbandry can not only increase the supply of meat, but also increase the goods that can be traded. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone."

Gao Shishi said: "In addition, I also suggest promoting the crop rotation and fallow system in the Western Regions, rationally arranging the crop planting and land rest cycles to protect soil fertility and maintain agricultural production. At the same time, encourage farmers - both local farmers and Han people who will migrate from the interior in the future - to widely use human and animal manure to increase soil fertility and improve productivity."

This question was beyond the scope of the syllabus, and Zhu Yijun could only nod.

Gao Youshi therefore turned to the next item and said, "Your Majesty, the Western Regions have been an important node on the Silk Road since ancient times, with frequent trade and unique handicrafts. I think we can develop industry and commerce in the Western Regions on this basis and lay the foundation for the permanent consolidation of the Western Regions."

Industry and commerce are more profitable than agriculture, and Zhu Yijun has known this for many years. Therefore, when Gao Youshi mentioned industry and commerce, he immediately asked with great interest: "What do you think, Yuan Fu?"

Gao Youshi smiled slightly and said, "First, regarding commercial development, I suggest setting up several large markets in the Western Regions, such as Ili, Kashgar, Hami, and Hotan, to create distribution markets and attract merchants from all over the world.

We can manage the branding of special products from the Western Regions, such as jade, spices, dried fruits, and furs, to enhance their market competitiveness. At the same time, we can simplify tariff procedures, lower trade barriers, and encourage domestic and foreign merchants to do business here.”

Zhu Yijun pondered and said, "You have been saying this for thirty years. I understand it. But, the brand management you mentioned... is it the golden signboard of 'Jinghua'? Are you saying that we should continue to expand the influence of Jinghua brand in the Western Regions and strive to make more goods have that... what is that? Oh, brand premium?"

Gao Youshi shook his head and said, "Jinghua's influence is already enough. What I mean is that all the specialties in the Western Regions should have new brand management, and strive to cultivate another or more Jinghua."

"Where can we train them?" Zhu Yijun was a little confused: "There is only one Jinghua in the Ming Dynasty."

Gao Youshi smiled and said, "This is the issue I just said I would discuss later: All the noble families in the Ming Dynasty, as well as the major families in Jiangnan, must relocate a group of their clansmen to the Western Regions to guard the border."

Zhu Yijun was shocked: "What?"

Gao Youshi slowly reiterated: "All the noble families in the Ming Dynasty, as well as the major families in Jiangnan, must relocate a group of their clansmen to the Western Regions to guard the border."

Zhu Yijun took a breath and said hesitantly: "This move... is a serious matter."

Gao Fusi said calmly: "I am also a nobleman today, and I will also choose a branch from my clan to migrate to the Western Regions."

"Why are you doing this?" Although Zhu Yijun also valued the Western Regions, in fact, in his eyes, that place was not much better than a barren land. How could he bear Gao Youshi's "sacrifice"? He shook his head and said, "It is not appropriate for nobles to move west. This... is limited by the ancestral system. As for the great families in the south of the Yangtze River, I think it is feasible and in line with the rules of the past dynasties."

It is indeed one of the "rules of all ages" for the Han people to have the big clans settle in the border areas. Of course, they not only settle in the border areas, but sometimes also settle in the capital. There are too many examples of both types, so I will not list them here.

Gao Youshi explained, "Your Majesty, if I don't send my people to migrate west, how can the Jiangnan clans be convinced? Even if Your Majesty issues an order, who would think that I have no suggestions? The Jiangnan clans are just angry but dare not speak out. If they deliberately interfere, it would be bad."

Seeing Gao Youshi's insistence, Zhu Yijun was filled with worry and asked anxiously, "Does your clan have a suitable candidate?"

"My eldest brother has been guarding the ancestral temple for a long time. This time he is just setting an example for you."

Zhu Yijun recalled the news reported to him by the Jinyiwei, and said thoughtfully: "Your elder brother... seems to have only one son, who is now very important in Southern Xinjiang. You said that you want to move a group of people to the Western Regions. Does your nephew want to go there too?"

Gao Fusi was not surprised that the emperor knew about his family's situation. It would be strange if he didn't know anything about it. However, Gao Fusi didn't care. Instead, he smiled and said, "Your Majesty, you don't know that my elder brother actually had a son a few months ago. Therefore, there is no need for my nephew to go to the Western Regions with him."

Zhu Yijun was stunned, but since Gao Fusi had said so, he could not say anything else. After all, he also knew that Gao's eldest wife had some conflicts with Gao Fusi more than 20 years ago. However, what he did not know was that although Gao Wuzi had a son in his old age, the youngest son was born to a concubine, so Gao Fusi made this decision.

There is another question, why did Gao Youshi insist on "migrating a branch" of the nobles and big families? Because in a clan society, if a branch of a clan were to migrate thousands of miles away, then those who did not need to migrate would have to try their best to collect enough money for the journey - the "money" of a big family was no joke, it was a huge sum of money, and it was intended to allow the branch to dominate the area once it arrived at the destination.

Through such means, we can bring in a large number of Han population and a large amount of wealth, which are the necessary foundations for stabilizing and developing the Western Regions.

At this point, Zhu Yijun could no longer object, so Gao Youshi continued, "Secondly, regarding industrial development, the Western Regions are rich in mineral resources, such as iron ore and copper ore. As previously proposed, I propose to establish government-run or private smelting workshops in these areas, introduce advanced smelting technology, and improve metal production and quality. In addition, develop handicrafts such as textiles and ceramics, take advantage of local raw materials, and produce unique products to meet market demand."

Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "As you said before, industry is the foundation of a strong country and cannot be ignored. As for the establishment of industry, you have already mentioned it last time, and I know it."

Gao Youshi skipped this topic and continued, "Then there is the construction of the financial system. I think the Minglian Reserve must immediately enter various parts of the Western Regions to provide credit support for industry and commerce, and even for large farms, to help merchants and landlords raise funds. At the same time, we must promote the use of currency, including the Minglian Reserve's small-denomination silver bills, to facilitate transaction settlement and promote the standardization of commercial activities."

Zhu Yijun waved his hand and said, "You are an expert in this matter. What you say is what I say."

Gao Youshi did not shirk his responsibility and continued, "Finally, regarding the training and introduction of talents, I suggest setting up schools and academies at all levels in the Western Regions to train local commercial and industrial talents. At the same time, we should attract outstanding craftsmen and ambitious merchants from various provinces in the Han area to take root in the Western Regions, or teach their skills and exchange experiences, so as to jointly promote the prosperity and development of industry and commerce."

Zhu Yijun pondered and said, "Your Beiyang Maritime Trade Alliance can play a leading role in this matter."

  Gao Youshi smiled and said, "Of course, I have no choice but to do this."
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PS: 4600+ words, and I’m too lazy to add 5k. Anyway, this part of the content should be divided into two chapters.