Jingming

Chapter 454: Directing the Way
Dagu, Tianjin, where the Haihe River flows into the sea.

At this time, it was also called Zhigu River and Dagu River.

Its uppermost reaches is still in Shanxi, and is connected to the northern end of the canal, and also faces the sea.

Since the Cao Army was reorganized and the Maritime Bureau was established with General Zheyang as the backbone, Dagu, Tianjin has become the headquarters of the Maritime Bureau.

Later, Bao Ship Supervisor also set up a shipyard here.When the Ming Dynasty decided to build three naval divisions: Beiyang, Dongyang, and Nanyang, the headquarters of the Beiyang Navy was also located here.

Similarly, as a special enterprise with armed forces, the Maritime Great Wall Company cannot be too far away from Beijing's control.

Today, Tianjin is already an important town in Beijing, and the scale of Dagu Port is growing day by day.

With the finalization of the steam engine, in addition to the heavy industry park in the northeast of Liangxiang, new industrial parks are also beginning to be built in Tianjin.It will not rely on the water power of the Haihe River, but will be powered by steam engines.

Next to Dagu Port, the Dagu Shipyard has been built for a long time. In recent years, it has developed into the fourth largest shipbuilding plant on par with Dongguan, Quanzhou and Ningbo.

This is due to the expansion of border trade and the huge trees purchased from North Korea and the Jurchens.

Now, the first preparation work received from Dagu Shipyard is to build a larger shipyard.

"According to rough calculations, according to the new standards set by the Ministry of Engineering of the Shipyard, the length must be more than 120 meters and the width must be [-] meters, so that a larger pulley crane can be built. The depth must also be [-] meters. This new The dock can only be dug new!”

"Yes, the other shipyards are occupied by ships from the Marine Division, Maritime Great Wall Company, and the Maritime Bureau. Even if you want to merge the two into one, you still have to dig deeper and longer, so it is better to dig a new one!"

"If you ask me, if you want to dig, why not dig two at a time? What if you dig out only one and something goes wrong?"

Listening to their chattering, the factory supervisor of Dagu Shipyard asked worriedly: "President Shen, digging such a large shipyard will consume a lot of labor and money. Can the factory pay for it first?"

"No need to worry, just start doing it! Build a new one first and prepare for the next one!"

"...It's really a waste of time and money!" the factory supervisor of Dagu Shipyard reminded again.

"You don't have to worry, I'll be responsible for the money!" Treasure Ship Supervisor Shen Qi glanced at everyone, "In addition, we must build a courtyard. His Majesty's decree is that the Ship Research Branch of the Academy of Sciences will be established here at Dagu Shipyard. In June, All the academicians, doctors and master craftsmen are coming here. Not only them, but also the Baojin Bureau, the Military War Bureau, the Construction Bureau, and the Tongyi Bureau are all going to build new factories and stations in Tianjin. This steam ironclad ship is an important item of the great nation appointed by His Majesty. Tool!"

The people he called to the meeting were stunned.

"The ships under construction cannot be stopped. I have sent orders to various places to dispatch a group of master craftsmen and skilled workers to go north." Shen Qi's eyes lit up, "The big treasure ships of the past were only seventy meters apart according to today's new standards. The big ships are one hundred meters away." If it can be built, the Ming Dynasty will be invincible!"

Everyone looked at him in shock.

Nowadays, in fact, most of the companies still have honorable ministers as presidents, but Treasure Ship Supervisor is an exception.

Shen Qi, who is only fifty years old, can be regarded as a middle-aged man who succeeded in his career.

He passed the Jinshi examination in the 11th year of Jiajing's reign after the imperial examination syllabus was changed. By then he was already over 40.

The reason is: he likes miscellaneous studies very much.

After becoming a Jinshi, he entered the Treasure Ship Supervisor as a Jinshi. At that time, many people did not understand.

But four years later, his book "The Ship Chronicles of the Ming Dynasty" reached Tianting, and he rose to prominence from then on.The steam engine was made last year, and after the major national policy meeting, he came directly to the position of Treasure Ship Supervisor. Now everyone understood: it turned out that the emperor liked him because he knew ships.

This "Chronicle of Ships of the Ming Dynasty" can now be regarded as the most comprehensive work on the shipbuilding industry of the Ming Dynasty.There are four volumes, one of which describes the shipbuilding material specifications and drawings of various types of ships in the Ming Dynasty today, one volume which describes the evolution of shipbuilding technology in the past dynasties, and one volume which summarizes the official responsibilities of the Ming Dynasty shipbuilding industry and the industry status of private shipyards and shipbuilding craftsmen. , a volume detailing various management methods for the shipbuilding process.

Historically, Shen Qi was 48 years old before he won the Jinshi in the 17th year of Jiajing. After going to the Longjiang Examination Department of the Ministry of Industry the next year, he finally started to work hard.Longjiang is located in the north of Nanjing and is a major shipyard in the Ming Dynasty. Zheng He set sail from there on his seventh voyage to the West.

Shen Qi completed the book "Chronicles of the Southern Ships" at the age of 50, but this time, he had a new encounter.

The government-run shipyards of the Ming Dynasty were unified and integrated into the Treasure Ship Supervision, and the Ming Dynasty also had a new standard of ships and an official shipbuilding office management system.

At this moment, Shen Qi, who is also just over 50 years old, is already at the top of the Ming Dynasty's shipbuilding industry. He hopes that in his hands, he can surpass the achievements of the Dabao Ship.

"I will personally supervise the construction of this steam ironclad ship!" He looked around at everyone, "Use wood and iron together, and sail and oar together! Cast iron keel, steam engine oar, if you can figure out these problems, you will be the leader in the shipping industry in the future! His Majesty has issued an edict, if you can On the day it is completed and launched into the water, the royal driver will come to congratulate you!"

So that afternoon, the Treasure Ship Supervisors launched a large campaign in nearby Tianjin, Jinghai, Baoding, Wen'an, Qingxian, Cangzhou and even Dezhou in Shandong.

Not only the Treasure Ship Supervisor, but also other companies have also started recruiting wars nearby.

Dagu, Tianjin, is about to undergo major construction projects. Starting this year, millions of silver taels will be spent there every year. What kind of opportunity is this?

The attractive prospect attracted some young men and merchants on the canal.

In the capital, people were waiting to see the results.

On February [-]th, the joint examination had just ended and the rankings had not yet come out, but new news was published in Ming Pao.

News about the reform of the palace examination, free choice of direction, re-opening of academic subjects, and two new earls spread like wildfire.

Exam candidates are confused.

There is not much time left for them, the imperial examination will be held at the beginning of next month.

The results haven't come out yet, but if you make it to the main list, you have to consider which direction to choose now.

Wang Chonggu was very confused.

According to his previous views, the Wang family was originally a big businessman in Shanxi, and what they needed most in the future was to take root in the officialdom.

But now the emperor wants to divide the Jinshi into three directions: government, enterprise, and academy of sciences, and his intention is quite obvious.

Dacha Industry and Commerce is at the forefront, establishing the Great Harmony Party in the middle, and Jinshi classification is at the back. His Majesty is dissatisfied with the fact that those in official positions are involved in businesses related to their own families.

There are three types of officials. One is to work as an official in the government to "serve the people" for Your Majesty; the other is to work as an official in a company to make money for Your Majesty and the court and stabilize the economic lifeline; the other is to work as an official in the Academy of Sciences or in the field of culture and education, Sow the future for Ming Dynasty.

Wang Chonggu's original intention to become an official was to take care of the Wang family's business.

From this point of view, it is probably better to choose the direction of the enterprise.

Based on his family background and the skills he had learned from childhood, he might even be able to take a look at the leader of the economic and civil sciences.

Wang Chonggu thought about it for several days, and finally the list was released.

No surprise, he is indeed on the list.

With this identity, he could finally give the order: "Prepare two generous gifts. I am going to visit Tang Guowu and Chief Yang."

One is Tang Shunzhi, who has a close relationship with the Wang family, and the other is Yang Bo, the chief of the imperial study room, who is also from Shanxi. Wang Chonggu, as a new tribute scholar, can now visit them.

We also need to ask for their suggestions on the way forward.

Like Wang Chonggu, all tribute scholars on the official list must face this problem.

How to choose the future path?
At this moment, Zhu Houcong was also looking at the list of Xinke Gongshi and their scores in the imperial study room.

What was presented to the emperor was a more detailed analysis.

In today's general examination, the syllabus has been changed, and some arithmetic and general knowledge questions have been added. Optional questions such as "additional questions" have also been included in the final practical questions.

After changing the imperial examination from the original test of only Neo-Confucianism to the present, Zhu Houcong could only use this method to select some talents who may be different.

For example, Shen Qi back then, the reason why he went directly to the Treasure Ship Supervisor was probably because Zhu Houcong mentioned Yan Song to him and asked him to pay attention to Shen Qi.

Otherwise, due to inertia, of course everyone would still choose to serve in the government.

All the questions for the palace examination have been published. For the first time in more than 20 years, Zhu Houcong is looking forward to the results of the palace examination.This time, it is natural to guide some people to take a bold step and choose another direction.

"After all, the system is just two leaders, Fengbo." Zhu Houcong looked at the analysis while drawing circles or ticks next to some names, "Going to the enterprise, making a lot of money, but still being as strict as an official. , the actual power is not as good as that of local officials, but their salary is higher. Going to the Academy of Sciences and various schools makes you look even more impoverished. But some people are potential seedlings and should be encouraged."

Zhu Houcong raised his head and glanced. In front of him, Tang Shunzhi, Yang Bo, Yan Song, Huang Zuo and other important ministers were here, as well as Hu Zongxian and Shen Lian.

"You are all important ministers who are familiar with me. Since the list has been released, you must be inundated with calls." Zhu Houcong handed the list to them, "You can try to give some advice to these people. I do not set up enterprises to monopolize all walks of life. Industry, it’s just that the country needs to concentrate on doing some big things, and do things that will pay off in the long run. With enterprises as the hub, as long as we abide by the law, I am happy to see private and commercial development getting better and better."

"As for running culture, education, and science, I'm afraid it does require some enthusiasm. But in terms of reputation, status, and salary, I will definitely give it to you. When the first batch of academicians is selected, I will express my condolences on every festival, the Spring Festival state banquet, and the kindness of my children. , there will be no shortage.”

Zhu Houcong sighed slightly: "I am almost forty, and my energy will gradually decline from now on. But the importance of the Academy of Sciences, many officials and scholars, and the common people are not important. I have told you this over and over again. Once again. If you want to have a successor on the path of physics, you have to start from today. Go ahead, except for leaking questions, you are all here to guide the way."

Yan Song smiled and bent down: "I and others understand that Your Majesty has worked so hard."

State-owned enterprises are still dominated by virtuous ministers. It would be a good thing to have more civil servants with academic backgrounds, as long as they are willing.

As for the honorable ministers who may be a little unhappy, that doesn't matter.When things in Japan are finished, there will probably be a group of people who can be resettled there.

The plate is getting bigger and bigger.

After Tang Shunzhi and others left, Zhu Houcong asked Yang Bo: "Do you need to practice or should you keep a straight face every day?"

Yang Bo smiled: "Although Mr. Yang is unhappy, since all state affairs have been agreed upon, he will still be careful."

Zhu Houcong also smiled.

There are nine state affairs in total including the general assistant, and there is an emperor above them.Although the power of the chief assistant is great, if the ability and structure of the chief assistant are not large enough, then it will actually be a situation of joint decision-making.

Yang Shen, this guy, really doesn't have a big enough structure and doesn't have a long-term vision.

I don't know where his spirit of remembering the past and present and writing "many things in ancient and modern times are all laughed at" came from when he was down and out.

Could it be that we only have time to reminisce about the past and present when we are sad for spring and autumn, but when it comes to doing practical things, our horizons are too small?
Zhu Houcong didn't blame him, and Yang Shen's considerations were reasonable.Ming Dynasty is now in the lead. To make further progress is to get twice the result with half the effort. After all, you have to find your own way out first.

Besides, there are naturally many solutions to the money problem at the national level, so we don’t have to tie our hands to this.

The emperor said that his energy would gradually decline from now on, but that is obviously not the case now.

In recent months, he has obviously moved faster.Not only in matters of state, but also in body.

After nightfall, he walked quickly to Lin Qingping Palace.

The treasure books of the five new concubines have been awarded. In fact, they have been regarded as Zhu Houcong's women since they entered the palace, so they have naturally got their hands on them.

There was a new person in the palace, and since around the Chinese New Year, Zhu Houcong actually tried his best to maintain a more regular schedule.

Dealing with state affairs is one thing. Now that steam engines are available and Ming Dynasty has entered a new stage, he must also have a sense of health care.

If you live longer, you can ensure that the path of Ming Dynasty will be wider.

So now the palaces can see the emperor more often. At least the emperor doesn't spend the night in Yangxin Palace every day, and always stays in a certain palace.

Talking about gossip is a way to appease someone.

Listening to the piano and enjoying dancing are my favorite things.

If you fight in bed again, it will be even more of a favor.

Needless to say where to wake up.

The emperor used another kind of "energy" to reconcile the stability of the harem, but he has obviously paid a lot during this period.

Huang Jin was a little afraid that he wouldn't be able to bear it.

So when we arrived at Lin Qingping's place, a nourishing and health-preserving meal was already prepared.

What can be missing in the palace?

There is no shortage of good medicinal herbs, good ingredients, and good recipes.

Besides, people feel refreshed during happy events, and newlyweds are even fresher now.

Seeing that the emperor was dragging her to go to the inner room after eating, Lin Qingping stopped.

"Your Majesty, there is something wrong with my concubine today. Your Majesty will go to your concubine's place."

Zhu Houcong couldn't help but look at her.

Lin Qingping smiled slightly: "I and Concubine Shu both know the general situation. Before and after the queen enters the palace, they will help your majesty to restrain everyone. But your majesty, the dragon body is more important, so there is no need to worry. The harem is so busy.”

Zhu Houcong was a little embarrassed. Could it be that he has been acting a bit outrageous recently?
Lin Qingping hugged him: "I and your majesty's son have grown up, I am satisfied."

Zhu Houcong thought of his eldest son in Yunnan and stroked her back: "He wrote a letter and said that he is very comfortable in Kunming."

"The princess is pregnant, and I am even more happy. I hope she will give birth to a child safely."

Zhu Houcong was in a daze: He's not even forty yet, are he going to have grandchildren?

"You're pregnant, so it's not advisable to travel around. After the child is born, I will announce that he will return to Beijing next year and reunite the family."

"Ok!"

Lin Qingping let go of him, smiled and pushed him with a look that said "I don't know you yet", "Go ahead. If Your Majesty wants to have both rain and dew, I can just turn around and wait for Your Majesty to sleep in peace. For more than 20 years, in Your Majesty sleeps the most soundly among your concubines."

Zhu Houcong thought about the old incident when she and Huang Jin took turns keeping vigil when they first entered the palace, and felt that it was the most difficult thing to bear the kindness of a beauty.

But his body is still honest.

After that, he made a joke: "Why is the dragon body important? I am not as good as before now? Just wait!"

Lin Qingping watched him go to the side hall with a smile, and then sat down quietly.

She didn't say anything against her will, but the new person was better than the old person, which made her feel a little sad.

However, if you think about it carefully, the emperor is also somewhat touching.

Although it cannot be said that the body is not as good as before, although it can be said that it is for the sake of the peace of the harem, after all, it is also the inner feeling of "trying your best" to take care of the concubines.

Even if you have proper arrangements for your children, you are still afraid that they will feel sad. As a concubine, what can you complain about when you meet such an emperor?
Jealous?Let him only love one person?
A person like this in the Ming Dynasty has been living in Renshou Palace for many years.

Duan concubine had other thoughts, and now her three daughters were all terrified.

Lin Qingping sighed, thinking that she would mention this matter to him when the emperor came back.

It’s okay for the concubines to just let it happen, but the three princesses should really think about it.

When a new Jinshi comes out, the eldest princess born to concubine Jing and the second princess born to concubine Duan should choose a consort?
She hesitated again. The queen was going to enter the palace soon. If she mentioned this now, would the queen think that she was acting as the master of the harem?
After thinking about it for a while, she decided to forget it.

Your Majesty is wise and mighty, so he should have his own opinions.

(End of this chapter)