The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 252 Building an Empire System
It can be seen that Zhu Yuanzhang could not understand this at all, so he was very cautious.

Therefore, Chen Jingke did not directly affirm his words, but said:

“I’m actually very confused as to whether we need to use business as a link.”

"Because this is unprecedented, no one can predict the consequences of this."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's vigilance relaxed a lot, and he also expressed his true concerns:

"All dynasties have taken strict precautions against merchants, and it is unprecedented to govern the country the way merchants do."

"You yourself said that the consequences of this method are unpredictable. How can we agree to it?"

After all, he still couldn't distinguish between business and businessmanship.

It's not his fault for this matter. Chen Jingke couldn't tell them the capital directly. This was the most fundamental crux.

It can only be guided step by step.

"The scariest thing is that it can also imprison people's hearts."

After drawing the map, he connected the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Southwest Mountains, the Tianshan Mountains, and the Great Desert.

"To be irresponsible, even if it fails, the turmoil will only be in Nanyang, and it will have no impact on the mainland of the Ming Dynasty."

"Within this barrier is the land of China that nurtured China."

It’s hard not to think, is it possible that we, the Chinese, are really the ethnic group of destiny?
Chen Jingke continued: "This barrier, when we were weak, blocked almost all external enemies for us."

He insisted on moving the capital to the north because although the natural dangers of the Yangtze River could block the enemy, it also tended to make people conservative and short-sighted.

"Your Majesty, please give me paper and pen." Chen Jingke asked him for paper and pen, and drew a picture of the Ming Dynasty.

"So, there are some things we have to try, even if we fail, we can leave enough experience."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded repeatedly, he could understand this very well.

"But what does this have to do with what I just said?"

Contains the three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.

The map drawing progress has also been accelerated a lot, and the entire Asia, most of Europe and Central and North Africa have been drawn.

Sooner or later, Ming Dynasty will have a battle with it.

"The difference is whether it is broken by others or we take the initiative to break it."

Maybe it was before, but isn't our ambition enough now?
Chen Jingke didn't know that Lao Zhu's thoughts had gone astray again, so he said to himself:
"But we are making progress, and people in the outside world are also developing and progressing."

"What Ming Dynasty will face is an unprecedented era, and the old methods can no longer be applied to the current situation."

Make it more consistent with the real terrain.

"What are the changes you're seeing? Just because of the opening of the sea?"

As mentioned before, Zhu Yuanzhang has actually been collecting information about the outside world.

"What's more, the system we design must take into account the future."

Then his expression became suspicious, what do you mean?
Do you want to say that our hearts are also imprisoned by that barrier?

Chen Jingke shook his head and said: "The opening of the sea is just a superficial phenomenon. The real change is that Ming Dynasty will step out of the cradle and face the outside world."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said: "The Ming Dynasty has undergone unprecedented changes. Isn't it still unable to cope with future changes?"

What the Mongols could do back then, other countries could do too.

What a coincidence. The mountains, rivers, seas and deserts formed a natural barrier and surrounded this land.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not feel alarmist, after all, the lessons learned from the Mongolian Empire were not far away.

After Chen Jingke saw the Ming Hun Yi map, he made adjustments based on the world map in his previous life memory.

In the original world, he drew China's first world map, the Map of the Ming Dynasty.

"One day, all natural barriers will be broken."

However, due to the technical and standard issues of map drawing, there is a huge difference between ancient maps and the real topography.

"What's more, the place used for testing this time is Nanyang, not the mainland of Ming Dynasty."

Timur was ambitious, claiming to be a descendant of the Mongol Empire, and was very hostile to the Ming Dynasty.

It depends on whether he comes in or Daming comes out.

To put it bluntly, what he drew was a world map of the three continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Not to mention, Timur's empire is growing stronger and stronger, and the Chagatai Khanate in the Western Regions has surrendered to him.

Zhu Yuanzhang was even more confused: "What do you mean?"

"If our generation doesn't do it, it will be even more impossible to expect future generations."

Because of the appearance of Chen Jingke in this life, he was more curious about the outside world and sent more forces to explore.

"But when we are strong, it also prevents us from going out."

"Look, Your Majesty, these mountains and deserts form a natural barrier."

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but nod. He thought it was magical when he looked at the map before.

"It's just that the soldiers came to block the water and the earth covered it. Why should the Ming Dynasty be afraid of powerful enemies?"

Zhu Xiongying interjected: "It does matter. Grandpa Huang, please think about it. How will we manage these lands after we fight them out?"

"It takes half a year to travel from Yingtian to the Western Regions..."

"If there is no appropriate system, I am afraid it will follow the footsteps of the Han and Tang Dynasties."

Zhu Yuanzhang said doubtfully: "Didn't we agree that the princes will be enfeoffed on these lands and they will be given kingships and established institutions?"

"When the time comes, there will naturally be kings nearby to manage these lands."

"Da Ming only needs to give guidance in the general direction."

Chen Jingke answered: "Let me tell you something that your Majesty doesn't like to hear. Within two or three generations, we are all brothers. What about after three or five generations?"

"A vassal country thousands of miles away has no other connection except a patriarchal relationship. Will they gradually become alienated from the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, he didn't like hearing this very much.

But he also knew that this was reality, so he did not refute it.

Thinking of another plan in his mind, he didn't even have the thought to refute it.

Chen Jingke continued: "We can't conquer all the land, otherwise the Ming Dynasty will become the public enemy of the world."

"For example, among the Southeast Asian countries, we can only destroy a few that threaten us and have better geographical environments."

"For some vassal states that are relatively docile and have poor geographical location, the gain outweighs the loss by destroying them."

"When the time comes in the future, it is not impossible to destroy them, but at least it is not suitable for now."

"And beyond Nanyang, the world outside is even broader."

"Now that we have gone out, we must do something good."

"But for countries thousands of miles away, it is easy to defeat them, but it is difficult to completely conquer them."

"Even if we defeat them, how to govern them is still a problem."

"Be aware that it is beyond our reach. If we continue to use the old methods, I am afraid that Ming Dynasty will fall into the quagmire of war."

"So, Ming Dynasty needs a brand new rope to tie up all the forces." "When the time comes, even if there is a problem in a country thousands of miles away, Ming Dynasty will be able to stop them by moving the rope."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows: "Why are we becoming more and more mysterious the more we hear this? Don't try to make a big deal for us. Business can tie up these people?"

Zhu Xiongying was also puzzled. Can this be achieved through business?
Even if he has a fascination with Chen Jingke, he will inevitably have some doubts.

Chen Jingke said: "Let me tell your majesty how to operate it. Your majesty...well, my grandson should be able to understand."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately became unhappy. What's going on? Do you look down on us?

Then he said to Zhu Xiongying: "My dear grandson, listen carefully. It's up to you to make the decision when your father is not here."

Zhu Xiongying almost laughed. This old man is getting more and more funny now.

However, he also cheered up and wanted to see what kind of system Chen Jingke was going to design that could tie down so many countries.

Chen Jingke decided not to talk about so many big principles and started directly with how to do it:
"First of all, we need to strengthen the sect-vassal relationship. We need to establish a unified set of rules."

"Everything from unified weights and measures, language and writing, to something as small as walking on the right side, all vassal states must use this set of standards."

"The most important thing is the treasure banknotes. All vassal states must accept the treasure banknotes."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up and he asked: "If all vassal states use treasure banknotes, can the imperial court print more?"

Chen Jingke is speechless. You know how to add stamps, right?

Zhu Xiongying explained patiently: "It is certain to add stamps, but the amount still needs to be calculated."

Zhu Yuanzhang said repeatedly: "This is good, this is good, we agree to this."

"Exactly what to do, you should come up with a detailed charter as soon as possible."

Zhu Xiongying's eyes also lit up. He thought more than Zhu Yuanzhang and already understood what Chen Jingke meant.

The previous standards of weights, measures, language, etc. are conducive to the development and communication of business.

The treasure banknotes at the back are the trump card, and Ming can use the treasure banknotes to control them.

Inspired, he had already thought of several good ideas.

He was eager to know more, so he urged: "Speak quickly, what's next?"

Zhu Yuanzhang knew at a glance that his eldest grandson understood, and he was extremely happy.

This grandson belongs to our family.

Chen Jingke continued: "Whether it is unified weights and measures or treasure banknotes, they only lay the foundation for business plans."

"When the standards are adopted by various countries and become popular, we can proceed to the second step, the trade alliance."

Zhu Xiongying was very excited. I knew that things were not that simple, and it was true.

"What is this trade alliance for?"

Chen Jingke explained in detail: "Trade alliances are institutions used to manage the commercial activities of various countries."

"Supervise the implementation of multilateral trade agreements, preside over multilateral trade negotiations, and resolve trade disputes."

"Review the trade policies of each member and help developing members improve their trade capabilities."

"At the same time, it can also help countries formulate monetary policies to avoid money shortages or inflation."

Zhu Yuanzhang has completely fainted. What are you talking about?
But Zhu Xiongying understood it and couldn't help but applaud: "The trade alliance controls the commerce of all countries."

"The Ming Dynasty is the suzerain country, so naturally it is the leader of the trade alliance."

"In other words, we control the business of all the vassal countries, which is equivalent to seizing their economic lifeline."

"It will become more difficult for the vassal states to break away from the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang scratched his head. He didn't understand, but he looked very powerful.

Chen Jingke nodded and said, "That's it. The trade alliance is in charge of the business practices of all participating countries."

"Furthermore, trade alliances are exclusive. Unless you join this alliance, you will be excluded and discriminated against in cross-border trade."

"To be more serious, you can just play without them."

Zhu Xiongying was moved in his heart and said: "The Ming Dynasty is the most powerful country in the world and the most productive country. Our products are the most abundant and diverse."

"Coupled with the resources of the vassal countries, our trade alliance will be very strong."

"For countries that cannot be controlled with the military, you can use trade alliances to attract them."

"If they don't join, we'll support their enemy."

"In this way, the more countries that join, the stronger the trade alliance will be, and the more it can force more countries to join."

"When the time comes, Ming will be able to use the trade alliance to control more countries."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked doubtfully: "Can't others form an alliance?"

Zhu Xiongying replied: "Okay, let's compare whose business alliance is stronger and who represents greater interests."

"With the productivity of the Ming Dynasty and the support of the vassal state system, I believe we can defeat any competitor."

Chen Jingke added: “Mainstream countries all need Ming Dynasty products.”

“Silk, tea, porcelain, colored glaze, lacquerware, cotton, sugar and other products are sold all over the world.”

"There are also Javanese spices, which are also sought after by many countries."

"As long as they still need these things, as long as they still want to buy high-quality and affordable goods, they have to join in."

"Otherwise, you can only buy it from others at a price ten times or a hundred times higher."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked again: "These things are not necessities. What if others close their doors and refuse to do business with outsiders?"

The Ming Dynasty did this by seclusion.

Zhu Xiongying showed a ferocious smile: "Hey, Ming's warships are not vegetarian."

Chen Jingke shook his head and said: "Using troops is only a last resort. Unless it is a last resort, Ming Dynasty had better not fall directly into the quagmire of war."

"If we really want to fight, we will support the agents..."

"Whoever you want to fight, support his hostile forces and let his enemies fight him."

"The Ming Dynasty only needs to provide money and supplies. If we win, we will enjoy the benefits. If we lose, we will lose some money."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said, "Aren't you afraid of the dangers of raising tigers?"

Chen Jingke said: "This is inevitable, but it doesn't matter. Just support another force and let them continue to fight."

"The whole country will be completely smashed, and everyone will die. Ming Dynasty will go over and harvest."

"When the time comes, wouldn't it be better to seize the entire land and establish a feudal state?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyelids were twitching, what a boy, you are so gloomy.

Zhu Xiongying said repeatedly: "Proxy war, okay, okay, this method is good."

"We can pull the vassal countries, or even the countries in the entire trade alliance, to spend money to support the agents."

"Until then, Ming Dynasty will truly be invincible."

Chen Jingke thought to himself, you are really a genius.

(End of this chapter)