Early Ming Dynasty: Turning Clouds and Rains into New Learning Saints

Chapter 205 Zhu Yuanzhang’s Roar
I don't know if Zhu Yuanzhang remembered Zhang Yifan's reminder that this kind of official business trip would cause great pressure on the local people. Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang had an edict to travel this time.

All the civil and military officials who were required to accompany him were required to go alone, and a thousand guards in brocade were responsible for guarding the road.

And except for Zhu Yuanzhang who had his own carriage for working on the road, other civil and military officials all traveled on horseback.

As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang issued this decree, there was a lot of chaos along the way to the south.

It's not that he wants to welcome him. Zhu Yuanzhang's goal is Xiangshan County, which has little to do with the places along the way.Only one thing is relevant, and that is officialdom.

Fortunately, cement has been out for a few years. In most places, cement roads have been built on the most important official roads.

That part of the local government that is flying like dogs and dogs is not even repairing the most important official roads with concrete roads.Nowadays, the emperor and all the civil and military officials have to pass by. Whether the people's livelihood is good or not, you can tell at a glance whether the road is good or not.

So, when the news spread, it was road construction overnight. At least on the surface, it could not be compared to other places.

Thanks to Zhu Yuanzhang's decree last year, all provinces must have cement workshops, and priority should be given to important prefectures, with rainy areas in the south, so we could finally build roads on a temporary basis.

Originally, when the emperor was traveling with all the civil and military officials, such a large team would definitely travel slowly.

However, it was unbearable that Zhu Yuanzhang was the founding emperor, and he was born in poverty. He fought for hegemony with the princes and built a kingdom. His military career accompanied him for the first half of his life.After ascending the throne and proclaiming himself emperor, he became a very diligent ruler.

Therefore, his journey was very fast, just like when he led the army to attack the target.

For a military commander, this is nothing.But for civil servants, even those who had experienced the founding of the People's Republic of China, they suffered when they encountered such a high-intensity march. Before entering Guangdong Province, a small number of them could not hold on, especially those who were older, and fell ill. .

On the Guangdong side, after receiving the order, preparations began.Lan Yu led the army and was even more prepared.

This is the emperor's personal visit, nothing else can compare with it.Even the last time the Grand Master came, he didn't show up at all.

Zhang Yifan and Zhu Jingjing also rushed to Guangzhou from Xiangshan County to meet him.These are unprecedented things.

The people of Guangdong were also very excited, especially the people of Xiangshan County. After knowing that the emperor was coming, they did not need to be informed by the government. Based on the pride of the Xiangshan people, they began to prepare early, cleaning what should be cleaned, and handling what should be dealt with. In short , just to let the emperor see the best side of Xiangshan County.

Perhaps Zhu Yuanzhang did have a domineering spirit. Although it was the typhoon-prone season, God was also wise and did not let the typhoon disturb him, allowing Zhu Yuanzhang to arrive in Guangzhou safely.

When the city of Guangzhou was in sight, Deng Yu, the Duke of Wei next to Zhu Yuanzhang, couldn't help but praise: "With this cement official road, the journey has indeed sped up a lot. What the consort said before is true!"

When Zhang Yifan first donated cement and said it was a national treasure, he once said that one of the benefits of cement was that it would facilitate transportation, which would not only save losses during the transportation of grain and grass, but also help the Ming Dynasty expand its territory.

Although Deng Yu was not present at the time, he later heard about and paid attention to matters related to military commanders.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang pointed his horsewhip at the canal not far from the official road and said: "The benefits of cement are more about building water conservancy, so the crop harvest will be much better!"

After hearing this, Deng Yu's face became a little gloomy, but then he returned to normal and replied with a smile: "There are really many benefits to this cement!"

Just this time, Deng Yu actually wanted to find out whether Zhu Yuanzhang had any plans to expand his territory.
After all, Deng Yu was only 42 years old. He was in his prime. It would be a pity if he didn't do it when he had the opportunity to expand his territory!

However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not answer directly. Instead, he paid more attention to the existing basic market.As for whether he will expand his territory in the future, he did not comment.

To a certain extent, it can be seen from his answer that he is actually not keen on opening up new territories.

The new prince consort beside them, Mei Yin, who had competed with Zhang Yifan, was deeply liked by Zhu Yuanzhang, so he kept him with him. When he heard their conversation, he said with emotion: "Food is the most important thing for the people, so water conservancy projects must be built." It’s a top priority, especially in the south where there is a lot of rain. This cement is really easy to use!”

Obviously, he did not hear the real intention of the communication between Deng Yu and Zhu Yuanzhang just now.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him and said to him kindly: "After meeting Yifan, if you don't understand anything, don't have any scruples, just ask Yifan."

In the original history, among Zhu Yuanzhang's sons-in-law, Mei Yin was actually the most outstanding and the most valued by Zhu Yuanzhang. Legend has it that he was eventually named Rong Guogong.

However, in this dimension, Zhang Yifan emerged from nowhere. As an orphan, his peerless talent firmly occupied the first position.

If it were still the same situation as when he was competing to be the Prince Consort, then Mei Yin would not be convinced by Zhang Yifan after he went back to study hard.However, now that Zhang Yifan has the achievements of Xiangshan County, even if Mei Yin is very arrogant, he is still suppressed by Zhang Yifan's strength.

Others may be dissatisfied, but Zhang Yifan has no choice but to accept it.

Therefore, after Mei Yin heard Zhu Yuanzhang's order, she readily accepted and said, "Father, don't worry, I should ask my brother-in-law more."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded after hearing this, and then looked sideways and behind his group of sons, feeling slightly dissatisfied.

Except for the fourth child who satisfied him, none of the second, third, and fifth children were satisfied.

Look, everyone else is surrounding you, but these bastards are so far away from you because they are afraid of being scolded by you!
Humph, don’t think you won’t deal with them if you are far away.They still have to protect the Zhu family's empire. If every one of them fails to imitate, they will be punished one by one later!

With this in mind, Zhu Yuanzhang continued to go south.

The crowds greeting him in Guangzhou City naturally knew that the emperor had arrived, so they rushed over to greet him, and the two sides met.

"Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was riding on his horse, looking at his daughter and son-in-law who was the leader, he couldn't help but reveal a happy smile on his face, and immediately said in a loud voice: "Ping Shen!"

After the welcoming crowd all stood up, Zhu Yuanzhang waved to Zhang Yifan and Zhu Jingjing, motioning them to come forward.

At this time, the difference is reflected.

The other officials all stood respectfully.But Zhang Yifan and his wife arrived in front of the emperor, and the emperor showed a loving face, just like an old father.

No, Zhu Yuanzhang said with a little emotion: "We haven't seen each other for almost three years. You have grown up, become thinner, and darker. Thank you both for the hard work!" When Zhang Yifan and Zhu Jingjing left the capital, they both I was 16 years old, and now I am 19 years old.

This age group is also the age of growing taller, similar to the three years of high school in later generations. Moved back two years at most, it is the transition stage from boyhood to youth. The changes in people are still quite big.Especially under the premise that I haven't seen it for a long time, this change is even more obvious.

Zhang Yifan didn't expect that the dignified Emperor Hongwu would care so much about the two of them when they met. For a moment, he seemed to be in a trance, as if the man in front of him had really become his father.

But soon, Zhang Yifan came back to his senses and said seriously: "My father also has a little more gray hair on his temples. Seeing how sweaty my father is, he should pay more attention to rest and take good care of his body."

In the 12th year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang was already 51 years old, and he was indeed not young.

But on weekdays, who dares to say that Zhu Yuanzhang is old?Everyone was flattering and praised Zhu Yuanzhang as if he was still a young man.

But who is Zhu Yuanzhang? How could he forget how old he is just because of other people's flattery?

At this time, when he heard Zhang Yifan's words, he was very pleased.This son-in-law really cares about himself and is thoughtful.

So, he smiled slightly and said: "The fourth child and you are about to get married together. Now we both have a big fat son. What about you two? Is there any news? I don't have a grandson or granddaughter yet. I have been thinking about it for a long time. Got it!"

When Zhu Jingjing heard this, she immediately blushed.

Zhang Yifan smiled and said, "If I go back to my father, Jing Jing is already three months pregnant."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was overjoyed, and then said a little strangely: "Jing Jing is pregnant, why do you ask her to do it? Raise the baby in Xiangshan County, and don't move too much. If you are not in the capital, there will be no one to help you." You are really messing around by reminding me of this!"

Zhang Yifan listened and replied with a smile: "Jing Jing said that he has not seen his father for three years. He misses his father and must come to greet him. He said that he must see his father as soon as possible."

Zhu Jingjing also explained: "Father, be careful and everything will be fine."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Jingjing even more softly.Suddenly, he turned around and yelled at his sons: "Are you all heartless? Why don't you come and see your sister when she's here?"

King Qin and others: "..."

Shouldn't the eldest sister go over to meet them?
However, Zhu Yuanzhang roared, and they did not dare not listen. They quickly drove their horses closer and started to greet him one by one.

After all, Zhu Jingjing is indeed their eldest sister, the first sister, so she is sure to be favored.Therefore, after not seeing each other for three years, I feel a little missed.

Now in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, he didn't dare to be indifferent, and everyone gathered around to talk.

As a result, they didn't say a few words before they heard Zhu Yuanzhang roar again: "Jing Jing is pregnant, so you should stop making noise!"

King Qin and others: "..."

You said you were the one to talk, and now you say you want to disturb your eldest sister. What do you want?
However, they only dared to keep these words in their hearts, but they did not dare to reveal them.

Anyway, having more sons will just annoy you, right?

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't care about these sons at all. He changed his face and showed a loving face again. He ordered the eunuchs who were waiting around him to help Princess Lin'an to rest in his car.

All civil and military officials, looking at this scene, suddenly knew something in their hearts.This consort holds a very important position in the emperor's mind!
Later, Zhang Yifan accompanied Zhu Yuanzhang and continued southward, passing through Guangzhou City without stopping. He went directly to the dock and boarded a warship. Under the escort of the Guangdong Navy, he headed for Xiangshan County in a mighty manner.

Along the way, Zhu Yuanzhang discovered that the use of cement in Guangzhou was gradually increasing. Especially after passing Guangzhou, the closer to Xiangshan County in the south, the more popular the use of cement became.

At least along the Pearl River, the embankments and some water conservancy facilities are all built with cement.

After arriving at the boundary of Xiangshan County, Zhu Yuanzhang and the accompanying civil and military officials were still as shocked as anyone who came to Xiangshan County for the first time by what they saw.

In this ancient world, it was absolutely shocking when they saw a city built with cement for the first time, and it was far larger than they imagined.

The population of Xiangshan County has been growing.Housing construction and supporting road facilities in Xiangshan County are also expanding.

These dignitaries from the capital all know that three years ago, who knew what Xiangshan County was, it was just a low-class county in the corner; but now, looking at its scale, it is estimated that it has a population of 50, right?It’s only been three years, it’s really unimaginable!
In Xiangshan County, the soldiers from the Thousand Households Office could no longer guarantee the martial law in the town.On Sapphire's side, the army was dispatched in advance, and the entire town was put under martial law.

There are military sentries at every concrete intersection.All people are required to stay in their residences and are not allowed to go out.However, every household has hung up red lanterns and other festive props, as if celebrating the New Year.

After the fleet stopped at the dock, Zhang Yifan said apologetically: "Father, because we received the news too late, we rushed to build a temporary palace, which is a bit crude."

Zhu Yuanzhang had a do-it-yourself character. He decided to visit Xiangshan County in person and immediately led a group of civil and military officials all the way south.

Xiangshan County is no better than the ancient city of Kaifeng. It originally had an imperial city. Although it has experienced wars, it can still be used as a palace.

Xiangshan County used to be a small county, so how could it have such a foundation?And because the time was so tight, the construction period was limited to only a few days.

Zhu Yuanzhang had actually thought of this a long time ago and didn't mind.Instead, after listening to Zhang Yifan's words, he asked in surprise: "A palace was built in such a short time?"

After asking, he felt that his words were in vain, so he added: "It's okay, I just brought them here temporarily to see if they have ever lived in a war before. It doesn't matter."

King Qin and others listened and remained silent.They felt that if it was them, they would probably be yelled at by their father again.

Who is the father's own son, sometimes I really don't know!
So, after the group got off the boat, they went to the palace to rest.

As a result, what Zhu Yuanzhang didn't expect was that after arriving at the end of the field, he asked in disbelief: "How long did it take you to build this palace?"

He was a little suspicious. Could it be that his son-in-law had guessed his intention to come, so he fixed it in advance?

(End of this chapter)