Rebirth of Zhu Di's son

Chapter 170 The Setting of the Quartermaster
Zhu Gaoxu asked Mei Yin to make a seismometer for long-term planning.

The exact number of earthquakes in Chinese history is unknown. There are about [-] recorded in historical books, of which [-] were extremely destructive earthquakes (including Wenchuan).

The earthquake with the greatest number of casualties, the largest impact, and the most destructive power was clearly recorded in history books and was the Guanzhong earthquake that occurred during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty.

This earthquake was called the "Jiajing Yimao Earthquake" in history books. It was a huge earthquake with a magnitude of [-] and an intensity of [-] degrees!

After the brief earthquake, the three most populous provinces in the Central Plains, Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan during the Ming Dynasty, became the hardest hit areas.

Moreover, in addition to these three hardest-hit areas, the earthquake also radiated radiation that affected most of the Ming Dynasty's territory at that time.

According to statistics from historians, during the 270 years of the Ming Dynasty's rule, there were 160 five earthquakes recorded in the history books.

These earthquakes killed countless people and triggered widespread plagues in their wake.

Zhu Gaoxu came from the era of information explosion and knew the horror of a major earthquake. If post-earthquake disaster relief matters were not handled properly, the chain reaction would be enough to bring the huge Ming Empire into the abyss.

However, making a seismometer is a long-term solution, and the key is to develop a model of the planetary movements in the solar system at the moment.

If people's views on solar eclipses change and they believe that solar eclipses can be predicted, then it will not be difficult to accept the idea that earthquakes are also regular.

In this era, ordinary people worship the sun and moon as gods. Even educated scholars are in awe of the sun, moon and stars. Mei Yin is sure that if you look at the world, you can say "simulate the movement of the sun and the moon." The person who said this must be the only prince in front of him!

"Your Highness is like a secret from the heavens, always unexpected. The exquisiteness of the seismometer is just like what the heavens taught you. It simulates the movement of the sun and the moon. It is a shocking instrument. I have led a group of students to make an armillary sphere according to the blueprint of the armillary sphere that was taught to me last time by Your Highness. Small model.”

Mei Yin said respectfully.

During the Han Dynasty, people's views on the universe were mainly divided into Zhoubi School and Huntian School.

The classic of Zhoubi School is "Zhoubi Suanjing", which advocates the theory of Gaitian. This school describes the sky as a hemisphere and the earth as a bowl, floating on the water. It is full of air so it will not sink. In this way The sky and the earth form two concentric circles.The Big Dipper is in the center of the sky, and the place where people live is in the center of the earth. The rainwater falls and flows to the four edges to become the ocean.

Since the curvature of the earth's surface is a phenomenon that is relatively easy to observe, in the Zhoubi School's understanding, the earth is already curved. However, they do not believe that the sun and the moon will pass through the underground, which means that it does not Agree that the earth is spherical.

The Huntian sect is represented by Zhang Heng's "Lingxian". The so-called Huntian mainly refers to the celestial sphere, which means that the sky is a sphere. It also mentions that the earth is like an egg yolk. In the celestial sphere, there is no Huntian. The Celestial Sect also believes that the earth floats on water.

In the theory of this school, it is necessary to explain how the sun and the moon pass through the underground water and return to the east in the morning, so it is difficult for ordinary people to accept this concept.

In the Song Dynasty, due to the development of maritime trade, supporters of the Huntian theory had new ideas about the way the earth existed in the celestial sphere, mainly represented by Zhu Xi's views.

Zhu Xi believed that the earth is the "dregs of air" and is located in the celestial sphere. It does not float in the water. Instead, because there is a rapidly rotating "strong wind" in the celestial sphere, the earth can float in the center of the celestial sphere, that is, "the sky is just Qi... When people are on the ground, they are only so high, and even the ground is the sky." In fact, this is very close to the view of later generations.

Because only by thinking that the earth is a sphere and the sky and the earth are concentric spheres can we explain why the celestial bodies move regularly.

What was more difficult for the ancients to accept and understand was the theory of seismic motion, that is, the revolution and rotation of the earth.

Historically, it was not until the late Ming Dynasty that anyone proposed this advanced point of view.

"Small models are not enough."

Zhu Gaoxu said something first, and then shouted outside the hall: "Kang Ping?"

"My servant is here." Kang Ping entered the hall and bowed.

Zhu Gaoxu ordered: "Bring someone over to bring a table, as well as pen, ink, paper and inkstone. I want to make another picture for Dr. Mei."

After a while, in front of Mei Yin, he drew a design diagram of an instrument that could simulate the movement of the sun and the moon on a piece of pale yellow blank paper.

Mei Yin once suspected that the drawings of the seismometer and armillary sphere given by Zhu Gaoxu were not drawn by himself. Now that he has opened his eyes, he realizes that he is a little bit like a villain, trying to judge the belly of a gentleman.

"This is the earth we are stepping on. It is a giant blue ball with mountains, rivers and lakes on the surface. This is the sun and the moon, which are also giant spheres. The sun, moon, and earth will all rotate automatically. The sun is a ball of fire, and the moon is a ball of fire. A stone ball, the side of the earth facing the sun is daytime, the side facing away from the sun is nighttime, and the moonlight seen is the reflected light of the sun.”

Zhu Gaoxu pointed to the drawing and introduced it to Mei Yin: "The moon revolves around the earth, and the earth revolves around the sun. When the moon happens to be between the earth and the sun, blocking the sunlight, the celestial phenomenon seen by people in the shadow on the ground is a solar eclipse."

"On the contrary, when the earth is located between the sun and the moon and blocks the sunlight, the celestial phenomenon seen by people on the side of the earth facing away from the sun is a lunar eclipse."

Mei Yin listened to Zhu Gaoxu's explanation and looked suspicious at first. But when he understood the principle, he suddenly said: "That's it!"

Because the theory of a round earth has existed since ancient times, the concepts he inherited are also the theories of this school.

Therefore, he did not ask Zhu Gaoxu why the sun, moon and earth are all spherical, nor why the sun is a fire ball and the moon is a stone ball.

"Your Highness, this instrument is exactly the same as the Armillary Sphere."

Mei Yin stroked his beard and said.

Zhu Gaoxu said: "Not bad."

"Your Highness, I plan to return to the academy immediately and lead a group of students to make this instrument, and strive to have it completed in three days."

Mei Yin vowed.

"Okay." Zhu Gaoxu nodded.

Seeing that the prince was in a good mood, Mei Yin quickly took the opportunity to say: "Your Highness, I have a heartless request. I hope your Highness can accept it."

Zhu Gaoxu looked calm and said, "Tell me."

"Please Your Highness to set up a room in the capital, called the 'Celestial Evolution Room', specifically for simulating solar and lunar eclipses, and allow people to visit, so as to teach the people in the city the laws of the movement of the sun and the moon, and borrow the knowledge of the people. It is spread throughout the world by word of mouth, and it has the effect of educating and enlightening all peoples.”

When Mei Yin spoke, she bowed her waist deeply and her attitude was very sincere.

Zhu Gaoxu was slightly shocked. He did not expect Mei Yin to have such foresight, even thinking of the science and technology exhibition halls that would be common in later generations.

Mei Yin need not elaborate on the benefits of building a celestial phenomena demonstration hall. Zhu Gaoxu naturally understood that in addition to improving the reputation of the prince as a wise man, it could also be used to educate people and dilute the blind superstition of various celestial phenomena in people's hearts in this era.

"My uncle is indeed a famous Confucian who takes it as his mission to educate the people. I admire him for being so broad-minded."

Zhu Gaoxu praised with a smile.

Mei Yin bowed and said, "Your Highness has given you too much praise."

"That being the case, uncle, let's get started with setting up the 'Celestial Evolution Room'!"

Zhu Gaoxu ordered: "Uncle, don't forget to calculate the time of the next solar eclipse."

He remembered the phenomenon of solar eclipses. For the whole world, there are at least two solar eclipses a year, and there can be up to five.

But for a certain location in the same place, you can only see a partial solar eclipse every three years or so, and a total solar eclipse only once every three to four hundred years.

"I hereby obey the orders of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Mei Yin bowed and saluted.

After watching Mei Yin leave, Zhu Gaoxu wanted to go to the harem to see Empress Xu, but he did not expect that Li Xing, on Zhu Di's order, came to invite him to Wuying Hall to discuss matters.

A quarter of an hour later.

Hall of Martial Arts.

"My son has seen his father."

"Exemption."

Zhu Di raised his hand and said, "Sit down and talk."

"Thank you, Father."

Zhu Gaoxu bowed.

Zhu Di watched Zhu Gaoxu sit down, and then said straight to the point: "Gaoxu, you proposed last time that taking advantage of this increase in troops to the northwest, a special quartermaster should be set up in the army to aid the west. I think feasible."

The so-called military supplies are a collective term for supplies, clothing, equipment, daily necessities and other materials needed by the army, including materials and equipment needed for daily life during military operations and daily training.

Zhu Di changed the topic and said: "However, there is a question, which is who should be appointed as the general quartermaster of this army to aid the West?"

Zhu Gaoxu understood what Zhu Di's concerns were.

Not long ago, in the Cultural Hall, Zhu Di had just appointed King Ning, King Gu, and King Dai to be responsible for coordinating three routes for transferring military supplies to send supplies to Song Sheng and the army aiding the west.These three people are the quartermasters of these three routes.

As for the Chief Quartermaster, who is above these three Quartermasters, if he were an ordinary person, he would definitely be looked down upon by the three Ming princes.

Although the general quartermaster is only temporary and may not even interact with the three princes' quartermasters many times, the person who holds this position does not expect him to be able to suppress the three princes. At least he must make other generals think it is reasonable. Just fine.

"I wonder if my father has a suitable candidate in mind?"

Zhu Gaoxu asked.

Zhu Di said: "This person must be reliable, able to do his job, and have a certain reputation among the ministers and generals. In terms of age, it is best to be older than your three uncles."

"Father, I think my uncle is quite suitable."

Xu Huizu's face appeared in Zhu Gaoxu's mind.

Zhu Di shook his head and said, "Just because he is your uncle, he is not the best candidate."

"Marquis of Wuding or Marquis of Changxing?"

Zhu Gaoxu asked again.

Zhu Di said solemnly: "They are all too old."

"Father, how about letting my second uncle (Xu Yingxu) be the chief quartermaster?"

After Zhu Gaoxu pondered for a moment, he said seriously.

In March of the 31st year of Hongwu's reign, Xu Yingxu was appointed by Zhu Yuanzhang as the commander of Jinwu's vanguard (third rank) of the Twelve Guards of the Pro-Army.

The Twelve Guards on the Imperial Guard are the emperor's imperial guards responsible for guarding the left and right sides and guarding the palace. The sergeants are all carefully selected soldiers.

The Jinwu avant-garde is mainly responsible for guard patrols and is responsible for the security of the palace.

Zhu Di said: "Yingxu is currently the commander of Jinwu's vanguard. It would be appropriate for him to be the chief quartermaster of this army to aid the West."

Three hours later.

Qitai, the Minister of War, personally found Xu Yingxu sitting in the duty room.

"Is there something wrong, Mr. Qi?"

Xu Yingxu asked loudly when he saw that Qitai was not on duty at the Ministry of War Yamen and ran into the guard room of their Jinwu vanguard.

"Your Majesty has a message."

Qi Tai knew that the matter was urgent, so he immediately said loudly without greeting Xu Yingxu.

Xu Yingxu and others in the duty room immediately knelt down to receive the emperor's oral instructions.

"His Majesty ordered that Xu Yingxu, the commander of Jinwu's vanguard, be appointed as the chief quartermaster of the army aiding the West. He will immediately go to the Arsenal Department of the Ministry of War to take up the post."

Qitai said loudly.

"Your Majesty Xu Yingxu accepts the order!"

After sending Qi Tai off, Xu Yingxu said to the guards behind him: "You guys can work safely and don't cheat on me just because someone is not here!"

"Order!"

The guards clasped their fists and saluted.

After Xu Yingxu left, the guards began to discuss quietly.

"Do you know what the position of Chief Quartermaster is?"

"It sounds like he should be a senior official in charge of military supplies, right?"

"This official position is probably newly created by His Majesty."

"..."

at the same time.

Beijing.

Bada Restaurant.

At this time, a group of officers and soldiers rushed into the restaurant lobby and drove all the guests out.

Director Chen of the Military Selection Department of the Ministry of War walked into the hall and said loudly: "Where is Platinum Fortune?"

"The common people have seen the official, but don't know who he is?"

After receiving the report from the clerk, Bai Jinfu hurried to the hall and bowed to Chief Chen.

"I am Chen Ning, the head of the Military Selection Department of the Ministry of War. By order of Jin Shangshu of the Ministry of War, please take this certificate to the Arsenal Department of the Ministry of War and obey the dispatch of the General Quartermaster of the army aiding the West."

Chief Chen returned the greeting with cupped fists.

After saying this, he took out a letter of appointment from his sleeve pocket and handed it to Bai Jinfu.

The Arsenal Department of the Ministry of War, as its name suggests, is responsible for the deployment of military supplies and weapons in various places.

After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, according to the old system of the Tang and Song Dynasties, the transfer and placement of civilian officials were managed by the Ministry of Personnel, while the transfer and placement of military attachés were managed by the Ministry of War.

Theoretically speaking, whether they are military officers or civil servants, they must be arranged personally by the Minister of War or the Ministry of Personnel.

However, the actual situation is that the minister is in a high position and is busy with military affairs and has no time to pay attention to specific personnel appointments and removals.

For example, there were hundreds of guards in the Ming Dynasty, and each guard had a commander, a minister, a thousand households, a hundred households, a general banner, etc., and it was impossible for the Minister of War to know all of them.

In the same way, the same goes for the Minister of Civil Affairs. There are so many prefectures and counties in the world, and it is impossible for him to know every prefect or county magistrate.

Therefore, from the middle to late Hongwu period, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War gradually formed a default rule.

In the Ministry of Personnel, civil servants with grades above the fourth grade are personally selected by the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. As for prefects, magistrates and other officials below the fourth grade, they are all selected by the Minister of Literature and Selection.

In the Ministry of War, command officers of the fourth rank and above are selected by the Minister of War. As for military positions such as Zhenfu, Qianhu, and experience below the fourth rank, they are all selected by the military selection department.

If war breaks out, the emperor temporarily appoints a special person to serve as the chief military officer to lead the garrison troops on the expedition.

The deputy generals and generals below the chief military officer are selected by the Minister of War, and the military attachés below the generals are selected by the military selection department.

It can be said that the Wen Xuan Si Lang Zhong and the Wu Xuan Si Lang Zhong are the two most powerful fifth-rank officials in the Ming Dynasty officialdom.

"Please be sure to report to the Arsenal Department of the Ministry of War before dark, Shopkeeper Bai. I'll take my leave."

Chief Chen cupped his hands and said.

"Thank you, Mr. Guan, for reminding me."

Bai Jinfu looked normal and bowed with his hands raised.

After he personally sent Master Chen off, the waiter immediately came up to him and said with a cheerful smile: "Congratulations, shopkeeper!"

"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, I'm not sure yet. What's there to congratulate?"

Bai Jinfu said to the clerk with a cold face.

However, he was full of expectations for this trip in his heart.

PS: Thanks to Immortal Emperor and other veterans for the reward!
(End of this chapter)