King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Chapter 119 Lao Zhu: Why don’t we learn from the Song Dynasty?
  Forbidden City.

Xuanzheng Hall.

at this time.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood with his hands behind his back.

Looking outside the hall.

By the side.

Zhu Biao frowned and said: "Father, this year is the best year for the court. Not to mention the 400 million taels of silver promised by the tenth brother at the end of the year, even the silver that the tenth brother sent last time is enough for the court's expenses!
  The rewards for the Southern Expedition given to Duke Ying have been distributed, and preparations for the Northern Expedition are almost complete, and may even begin next year!
  Why do you want to do it for the 200 million taels of silver from your tenth brother?"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around and smiled.

Asked: "For a mere 200 million taels of silver, we will postpone the imperial examination?"

Prince, do you really think we care about a little money? "

Zhu Biao was stunned.

Don't care?

The way you were bargaining just now
  I can still vividly remember it!
  Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said to himself: "Does the Ming Dynasty really lack money? We once asked the Korean public what the previous generation's finances were like!
  The situation in the previous dynasty was special. Those Tatars were in poor financial management, and they even came up with such a weird system as the tax package system. They earned millions of taels a year, but we didn't care about it!

Taking the Song Dynasty alone, during the Xining-Yuanfeng years of the Northern Song Dynasty, the annual income of the imperial court could reach 6000 million yuan! If converted into silver, it would be 6000 million taels!

During the Southern Song Dynasty, even if only half of the country was left, the overall income could reach 100 million yuan!

Is the Ming Dynasty not as vast as the Song Dynasty, or is it not as densely populated as the Song Dynasty?

If we want to imitate the Song Dynasty in taxation, our annual income will not be only 10 million taels! "

Zhu Biao was stunned.

This was the first time he had heard of his father's view.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "Why was the Song Dynasty so financially wealthy? Duke Han said that, on the one hand, it levied excessive taxes on the people and levied no taxes! But the most important thing was business!"

Zhu Biao nodded and said: "Yes! Those wealthy businessmen often have tens or even millions of money in their hands! The raid on the salt merchants this time also shows their strength! I heard that the seized property was worth four A million taels!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "Four million taels? That's how much! There is an old friend, and we have ordered Jiang Yu to find him! Only if you find him will you truly know how powerful the businessman is!"

Zhu Biao nodded confusedly.

In his eyes.

This four million taels is already shocking.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said: "Prince! We won't mention it today!

Didn't you ask why we agreed to Tan'er that the imperial examination could be postponed?
  That’s because we also think that it’s not a good thing to only test the Four Books and Five Classics in the imperial examination!

Hongwu four years, we can see it!
  Who are the people selected by the imperial examination?

Although he is proficient in the classics and history, and his reading is clear and logical, when it comes to practical work, he is far from it!

For so many years, we have selected talents from the civil service examinations and selected available people for the Imperial College, all because the people selected from the imperial examinations are not good!
  If the country continues to select talents in this way for many years, I am afraid that there will be fewer and fewer available people!

By then, officials will not know the people, let alone government affairs!
  I'm afraid that the power of the prefecture and county will be stolen by their masters and officials!

Those guys have no hope of promotion in their lives. When the time comes, they will try their best to plunder the people. Will our Ming Dynasty be destroyed?
  Tan'er said, if you want to benefit the country's life and death, how can you avoid it because of misfortunes and blessings?

The reform of the imperial examination had nothing to do with him, but when he saw this, he had to argue with us, Song Ne and others!

For this reason, we believe that Tan'er is really dedicated to serving the country and the people! "

Zhu Biao nodded and said: "My tenth brother has far-sighted vision and dares to speak out for our Ming Dynasty. I admire him deeply in my heart!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.

"Him? He didn't look far enough!"

When Zhu Biao heard this, he smiled and said, "Father, please show me!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Tan'er is a good at getting things done, so he only sees practical matters, but not far-sightedness!

He has never been an emperor, so it is normal for him not to understand!
  In fact, it doesn't matter if officials don't understand government affairs. We can ask the officials to formulate more detailed methods for observing government and learning, and make them strict and detailed during assessments.

How can anyone be stupid if they can pass the Jinshi examination? After some study and experience, it’s done!

What we thought at first was that these nerds only study the Four Books and Five Classics. Isn’t that the best education for them?
  In the future, all officials in Ming Dynasty will recognize the concept of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism!
  That’s why we deleted all the rebellious remarks in Mencius’ book, more than 100 of them!

Inciting the people to rebel at every turn!

Humph, this old master is really cruel! "

Zhu Yuanzhang paced.

He frowned and said, "But let's think about it again. If from now on the imperial examination only tests the Four Books and Five Classics, will it lead to the same result?"

Zhu Biao couldn't help but ask: "What's the result?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Officials in the world all come from the same family! We are all disciples of Confucius and Mencius. When we speak and do things, our final views and interests are also the same! It's okay for us in this life!

But in later generations, if these officials were all like this, wouldn't it mean that the emperor was ignored?

It may even lead to confrontation!
  How can our descendants fight against them? "

When Zhu Biao heard this, his face became very serious, and he understood what his father meant.

Zhu Biao couldn't help but nodded and said: "Father said so!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "Officials from all over the world come from different categories. Not only can they attract more talents from different fields, but they can also prevent their interests and tendencies from being consistent!
  As a king, what you fear most is not that your ministers will be rebellious, but that your ministers will unite as one."

talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang also frowned and said: "In addition, we also thought of another thing!
  Reading is expensive!

The so-called ten years of hard study means that scholars almost do nothing during the more than ten years of study!

Completely dependent on family support!

At the same time, I also have to hire famous teachers, travel around, and read a lot of books!

This is not something that people from poor families can do!

Even if there is a person from a poor background, if he wants to change his destiny, he must attach himself to a wealthy family!

In the long run, all officials in the world will come from rich families. Who else will be willing to speak for the poor?
  At that time, all the government decrees will benefit the rich and harm the poor!
  Weren't the roots of the Ming Dynasty destroyed by them? "

When Zhu Biao heard this, he felt as if he was enlightened. He couldn't help but said: "Father is right! If this continues for a long time, in a few lifetimes, all the princes in the dynasty will only speak for the rich!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao and said with a faint smile: "Prince, you are not as good as Tan'er!
  Although he doesn’t understand us either!
  But he will at least think that we think that only the Four Books and Five Classics in the imperial examination are not conducive to the smooth flow of national government affairs and the selection of officials!

You are different!
  You would actually think that we would let Tan'er fool around for a mere 200 million taels of silver! "

Zhu Biao gave a bitter smile and said, "I know my crime!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly: "Now let's talk about the silver!
  Prince, we told you just now!
  If we want money, it's easy!
  Just learn from the Song Dynasty in the tax system!
  At the same time, we attach great importance to business in the system. With the territory and people of Ming Dynasty!

Within a few years, the tax revenue can reach hundreds of millions! "

Zhu Biao couldn't help but frown slightly when he heard this.

Now the annual income of the Ming Dynasty is only over 1000 million taels!
  Officials all lived a miserable life, and the court's expenses were often stretched thin.
  Then why not implement a pro-business policy?

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao and smiled: "We know what you are thinking!
  We also love money in our hearts! With money, you can do more things!
  It can make people live better, and even use the extra money to pay salaries to officials!
  Build a palace for us, and let everyone wear good clothes, eat well, and use good things!
  Why not! "

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he said: "However, once mercantile is implemented, a new problem will arise!"

talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang said word by word: "The etiquette is ruined and the music is ruined!
  In our eyes, Ming Dynasty is already rich and powerful enough! If you get richer, something will happen!

We hope that our Ming Dynasty can continue for a long time from generation to generation!

Farmers will be farmers, soldiers will be soldiers, businessmen will be businessmen, and craftsmen will be craftsmen!
  Everyone performs their duties and enjoys their own happiness. Although everyone works hard, they can still have food to eat and clothing to wear!

Wouldn't that be great? If only we could have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a place to live! Is it still time to rebel?
  The people are actually very satisfied, but their current living conditions are enough.

So we don’t want so much money. If there is too much money, people’s hearts will be in chaos!

Everyone will be greedy for pleasure, extravagant, and even try to get something for nothing!

How can such a world last forever? "

When Zhu Biao heard this, he also nodded.

"That's what my father said! I always listen to my father's teachings that the foundation of the world lies in agriculture, and commerce is just the end!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "That's right! We have experienced hardships in the world since we were young, and we are well aware of the suffering of the people!
  Agriculture is the foundation of the country, and social stability and people's security depend on it.

When we first came to the throne, we immediately issued an edict to repair water conservancy and develop agriculture and mulberry trees, so that everyone in the world would have their own place and have no worries about food and clothing!
  We know that the benefits of business can connect the wealth of a country and invigorate the economy. However, if business is encouraged, it will easily make people indulge in huge profits and abandon the foundation of farming!
  If everyone abandons farming and engages in business, who will plow the fields? Where does food come from? Where does the foundation of the country exist? "

Zhu Biao said: "It is the foundation of the country to emphasize agriculture and suppress business! It cannot be shaken!"

Zhu Yuanzhang continued: "We don't want to imitate the Song Dynasty! It's also because the founding of the Ming Dynasty was really difficult!
  In other dynasties, if the previous dynasty perishes, it is destroyed!

There will never be any more disputes!
  But the Yuan Dynasty was different!
  The so-called death in name but existence in reality!
  Which dynasty in history is said to have perished even though it lost its capital?
  There are millions of troops under my command, and they are surrounding my Ming Dynasty from several directions?

What is even more hateful is the little Japanese pirates, which have not disappeared for a year since the early years of Hongwu!

We even suffered great shame and humiliation! "

When Zhu Biao heard Zhu Yuanzhang's words, he couldn't help but think of the early years of Hongwu.

The humiliation suffered by Ming Dynasty.

In the first year of Hongwu, the imperial court sent envoys to announce that China had changed dynasties in places such as Korea, Annan, Siam, and Japan.

All parties sent envoys to pay homage to their father. But no one came from Japan. It was not until I asked the Japanese that they were told that as soon as the Ming envoys entered Japan, they were attacked and killed by the Japanese, and no edict remained.

The second year of Hongwu.

The Ming Dynasty again sent envoys Yang Zai, Wu Wenhua and others to Japan, and ordered the Japanese to come to pay homage to the Ming Dynasty after seeing the imperial edict, and to declare themselves ministers and pay tribute.

If you don't surrender, be prepared to be punished by the Ming Dynasty!
  At that time, Japan was divided into North and South.

The person who received Yang Zai, Wu Wenhua and their entourage was Prince Huai Liang of the south.

After seeing the edict, he immediately ordered all the Ming Dynasty envoys to be killed, humiliated Yang Zai and Wu Wenhua, and imprisoned them for several months before deporting them!
  Such a shame and humiliation made Zhu Yuanzhang furious at the time.

But in the end, considering that the Ming Dynasty had just founded the country and had to deal with wars from all sides, and the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan, sent two large armies to attack Japan when the Yuan Dynasty was at its peak, but both failed.

Then he swallowed his anger and gave up teaching Japan a lesson.

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment and said: "It's just Japan, sooner or later we will make them pay with blood!"

Later, Zhu Yuanzhang continued: "This emphasis on business means that trade with overseas countries is indispensable!

By then, Japanese pirates will be rampant and pirates will be rampant! I'm afraid it will be harder to deal with the sea frontier!
  The coastal provinces are all important areas for finance and taxation, so nothing can happen to them!
  So, let’s not take this business seriously!

If the Haiyan River is clear in the future, it will not hurt to develop!

But in today's Ming Dynasty, it is really necessary to focus on business! "

Zhu Biao heard this.

Looking at Zhu Yuanzhang's tall and straight back.

Suddenly there was some emotion in my heart.

I originally felt that I had made considerable progress in observing politics over the years, but when it comes to these imperial arts, it seems that there is still a lot to learn.
  The Duke's Mansion of the State of Wei.

Xu Da was still very weak at this time.

But on the advice of the imperial doctor, he still sat in the yard to bask in the sun.

Opposite him.

Sitting there was Zhu Tan, the savior.

Xu Da looked at Zhu Tan and asked with a smile: "I wonder why Your Highness is free today and is willing to come to my house?"

Zhu Tan smiled and said: "Nothing! Mainly because I want to borrow a few people from Wei Guogong!"

Xu Da waved his hands grandly and said: "What's the point of borrowing between you and me? Just take it away, you don't have to pay it back! From now on, you will be His Highness's!"

Zhu Tan laughed dryly and said, "I don't dare to take that seriously. I want to borrow the two young masters from Wei Guogong!"

Xu Da was stunned for a moment and said with a wry smile: "I'm exaggerating! Although they can borrow it, they still have to pay it back! I wonder what His Highness wants them to do?"

Zhu Tan said: "Study and take the imperial examination! It's best to take the top prize!"

Xu Da was stunned.

As if he didn't hear clearly, he looked at Zhu Tan and said, "Your Highness, you want them to study for the imperial examination? Are you looking for the wrong person? My eldest son Huizu, my third son Yingxu, and my fourth son Zengshou are not scholars. Material!

This is not only true for my family, but also for the children of all families! If you hold a military position yourself, your descendants will also hold a military position!

I have danced with guns and sticks since I was a child, and as for reading, I only did it for literacy, but I didn’t learn anything in depth!
  If you ask them to take the imperial examination, even if it doesn't take 10 or 8 years of preparation? "

Although Xu Da did not explicitly reject Zhu Tan.

But Zhu Tan can also hear it.

It's okay to lend you the child for a while.

But if you want to borrow it for 10 or 8 years, don’t even think about it!
  By then the future of several children has been delayed, who cares?
  Zhu Tan smiled and said: "Duke Wei has misunderstood. First of all, I will only lend you the third and fourth sons! After all, the eldest son will inherit the family business in the future, so it is useless to be admitted to the Jinshi!

For both of them, things are different!

Although becoming a military attache is also a way out!

But why not give yourself one more choice?

If you pass the Jinshi exam, why not become a civil servant in the court? "

talking.

Zhu Tan said: "I came here after asking my father for permission on this matter! Don't worry, Duke Wei!
  I only need to borrow them for half a year!

If they still fail to pass the Jinshi exam after half a year, they will naturally come back to do whatever they need to do! "

When Xu Da heard this, he nodded immediately.

If you only borrow it for half a year, then there is nothing to refuse!

What's more, His Royal Highness King Lu has already carried His Majesty out.

Even if His Majesty did not agree with him, he could not refuse his life-saving grace, so let the two children study with him.

Xu Da nodded and said with a smile: "In that case, let them go. Reading more is also a good thing. Even if you can't learn anything, it's good to cultivate your character. Haha!"

Until now, Xu Da still can't believe that Zhu Tan can transform them!

Especially since the time is only half a year.

Although Xu Da didn't know much about the civil service affairs, he also knew how difficult the imperial examination was. He was more than one among the scholars!
  My own children have not liked reading since they were young, let alone not read much. It would be incredible if these people could pass the Jinshi examination in only half a year.

Zhu Tan saw that Xu Da had agreed to him.

Leave immediately with a smile.

"Wei Guogong, please remember to send someone when the time comes!"

Xu Da smiled.

"Don't worry, Your Highness! We will tie them up even if they are tied up!"

The Duke's Mansion of the State of Wei.

A martial arts training room.

Xu Zengshou is shirtless, carrying a machete, and dancing like a tiger!

Revealing a body of tangled muscles.

not far away.

Several servants were standing, cheering for Xu Zengshou!

Om-!
  Xu Zengshou slashed out with his sword, and there was a soft sound from the blade!

"it is good!"

"Young Master is amazing!"

"The young master will definitely be a peerless warrior in the future!"

Xu Zengshou's face was full of pride.

"I think so too!"

suddenly.

The door of the house was kicked open by the eldest brother Xu Huizu with a sullen face.

"Stop practicing!"

Xu Zengshou was startled when he heard the sound.

He stopped dancing his sword, looked at Xu Huizu, and couldn't help but said: "Brother, what's the matter?"

Xu Huizu said: "You may not need to practice martial arts for the time being!"

Xu Zengshou was stunned and said: "Brother, didn't I just say something about going to a brothel, drinking wine, and playing courtesan?
  His Royal Highness King Lu has been away for several days, why do you still remember him?
  Who will I offend if I practice swordsmanship honestly now?
  There’s nothing wrong with that, right?
  Why don't you let me practice martial arts now? Then what else can I do in the future? "

Xu Huizu coughed lightly and said: "Fourth, don't get me wrong, I'm not stopping you from practicing martial arts, I just have something to tell you!

In the next six months, you may have to follow His Highness Prince Lu. "

Xu Zengshou frowned and said, "Follow His Royal Highness King Lu? What are you doing with him? Is he going to the battlefield?"

Xu Huizu shook his head and said: "His Royal Highness King Lu is not going to the battlefield, but he just needs you and your third brother to help!"

Xu Zengshou was surprised: "Help? Could it be that he thinks there are too few people drinking wine and wants me and Third Brother to accompany him?"

Xu Huizu gritted his teeth and said: "Shut up! I'm going to study with him! It will take half a year!"

Xu Zengshou screamed!
  "Studying? Half a year? Then you might as well let me go drink wine with you!"

Xu Huizu sighed.

I don’t know if this kid was led astray or if he really has such a bad temper. Ever since King Lu left, the word “drinking flower wine” has never left his lips.

Xu Huizu said to a servant: "Go and get the whip!"

When Xu Zengshou heard this, he trembled all over.

"Brother! What do you want to do?"

Xu Huizu sighed: "Fourth brother! My eldest brother is like my father, who made you so ineffective! I don't know, all I can think about all day long is drinking wine, so I have no choice but to wake you up!"

When Xu Zengshou heard this, he ran away without saying a word!
  Xu Huizu shouted angrily: "Close the door! Don't let this kid escape!"

　There will be another update later!
  　　
  　
  (End of this chapter)