Hongwu Survival Guide

Chapter 82 This is a trivial matter
The time came to March in the first year of Hongwu, which was the second day of March.

Jinling.

Before the night ban last night, General Xu Da, who conquered captives, personally wrote an army report and sent it to the capital.

Previously on February 27, Xu Da led an army to conquer Le'an, wiped out the rebels, and ordered Hua Yunlong to guard it.Coincidentally, Prime Minister Yuan was also speeding up his army to help Le'an. Xu Da personally met the enemy, and was quickly defeated. He pursued northward for more than [-] li, killing and capturing nothing.

Before the military report was sent out, Prime Minister Yuan also quickly led his remnant troops to flee to Cangzhou, unable to see Shandong again.

Shandong has been pacified so far.

Lao Zhu was overjoyed by the military report, and wrote an imperial edict to the north overnight, rewarding and encouraging the generals.After the morning court today, I called together all the ministers of the central government to discuss various matters concerning the invasion of Henan.

Even if there is a record in the "Book of Heaven", Lao Zhu knew that the battle in Henan would go very smoothly, so he still didn't dare to neglect it.

After discussing with the ministers until noon, even eating and talking over lunch, they finally decided on a series of strategies, and quickly drafted and sent them out.

One of the most important items was to appoint Deng Yu, the right censor who guarded Xiangyang, as the general of the garrison, ordering him to lead the troops to march northward to Nanyang, contain the Yuan court troops in western Henan, and reduce the pressure on the Northern Expeditionary Army on the eastern front.

At the same time, Lao Zhu discussed the army on paper as usual, and after discussing with the ministers, he drew up a detailed strategy for advancing troops in Henan and sent it to Xu Da, but he did not forget to emphasize that the military situation is changeable. If you are in a rut, you can make a decision on the fly.

As for other things, such as urging Tang Hesuo, who had already arrived in Huai'an, to speed up the march, such as trying again to recruit Zuo Junbi, the former red scarf general who defended Chenzhou in the south of Bianliang, such as asking Zhongshu to plan the western grain road in advance, etc. Needless to say.

It's not the end of the day when all this is done.

The courtier reported that Baihu Wenzao of the Gongwei Division had been waiting for a long time.

Pass it in quickly.

Soon, there were all kinds of happy bags again, including a six-foot long scroll that Wen Zao carefully brought in himself.

This time, Lao Zhu was not in a hurry to unpack the various letters and documents of his precious 23rd grandson, but asked someone to unfold the scroll.

This is a map of Mingzhou's offshore seas that has been colored with reference to sketching techniques.

Lao Zhu already knew the concepts of scale and triangular drawing in the documents he sent before, and he had also seen some regional island drawings, so he could probably imagine what a more accurate map would look like.

However, Lao Zhu was still shocked when he saw this detailed map where even the peaks on some islands seemed to jump off the paper. This kind of shock was no less than the first time he saw a globe and a world map before.

Because Lao Zhu knows that the globe and the world map are just rough drawings drawn by Zhu Yuan based on his memory, and there are many mistakes and omissions.

But in front of him, referring to what he knew before and the real-time explanation made by him, on this map, the size of each island and the distance between them are quite accurate.Even when Lao Zhu got closer, he could see the approximate heights marked on the peaks of some islands.

After Wen Zao finished explaining all the details, Lao Zhu had already made a decision to immediately order the team that drew the map back and send it to the north.

In addition to his status as an emperor, as an equally outstanding military strategist, Mrs. Zhu understands how important an accurate map is to the actions of an army.Not to mention other things, in all dynasties, there are almost all records of generals who lost their way and led to the defeat of the army, which shows the importance of accurate maps.

After asking a few questions in detail, Lao Zhu walked around the East Pavilion a few times, and soon called someone over to draft an imperial edict.

With reference to the Surveying and Mapping Department of the Yinghai Division set up by Zhu Yuan, Lao Zhu plans to set up a surveying and mapping department of the fifth grade under the Jiangzuo Division, and asks someone to draw up an order to directly promote Tu Xiao, the chief of the eighth grade of the Surveying and Mapping Department of the Yinghai Division, to be the doctor of the Surveying and Mapping Department. The rank is the fifth rank, so that he will immediately lead his troops back to Jinling, and he will be appointed after listening.

After giving such instructions, Lao Zhu realized that it seemed... It was not very kind to poach the corner of the 23rd grandson of his own treasure.What's more, the things in Mingzhou are equally important.So it was changed again, as long as Tu Xiao was alone.

Here in Jinling, there is no shortage of people who are good at painting.

The key is to have someone who can take charge.

At the same time, Lao Zhu made up his mind that the imperial court should pay more attention to the cultivation of drawing for the world's students in the future. What he has learned from Zhu Yuan in the past few months has made him feel more and more that this is too useful.

Also, drawing tools.

The workshops for making charcoal pencils under the company will also be expanded.

After drawing up an edict to dispatch Tu Xiao, Lao Zhu confirmed it and asked him to seal it.It's not sent out immediately, Wen Zao is here, let him take it with him when he returns to Mingzhou tomorrow, it will only be faster than the official post.

After dealing with this matter, Lao Zhu asked people to put away the map of Mingzhou's outer seas again, planning to appreciate it carefully when he had time in the future, so he opened the various letters and documents of his precious 23rd generation grandson.

The course records sent last time, such as tides and ocean currents, Lao Zhu thinks they are very insightful, and he almost wants to cherish his own broom again, and he doesn't want too many people to know.

hold back.

This time, Lao Zhu still read Zhu Yuan's letter first, which was thicker than the previous letters.

Soon it was full of emotion again.

In the previous few correspondences, Lao Zhu didn't quite understand Zhu Yuan's various arrangements, and he was always worried about whether he would be able to complete the important task of transporting grain.

This letter can be regarded as a report from Zhu Yuan.

From ships to personnel, from the construction of lighthouse systems to the construction of rescue systems, from the technical support of maritime schools to the money, talents and ships contributed by maritime merchants, and so on.Even, thinking about the various things known before, such as setting up timber storage bases in the southeastern seaports, ordering the states and counties to plant tung tree, and so on, the long-term considerations for the future of the 23rd grandson of my baby have already been arranged.

Lao Zhu sorted it out a little, as if he had seen Qian Fan sailing out to Jiaozhou with a ship full of grain.

This……

It was only [-] days since Zhu Yuan left Jinling!
Because of emotion, after Lao Zhu saw the maritime trade company and other matters, although it was inevitable that he would have some ideas of his own, after a little deliberation, he decided to let Zhu Yuan do it.

The Northern Expeditionary Army will soon march westward, the battle line will be stretched, and the consumption of supplies will also increase rapidly.

At this time, as long as the transportation of grain by sea can be achieved, everything else is a last resort.

However, Lao Zhu still carefully read Zhu Yuan's ideas on opening a maritime trade company and issuing a total of 12 licenses.

Maritime trade is very beneficial, and according to the information Zhu Yuan collected and sent recently, Lao Zhu also roughly understands it.

Yuan Ting didn't say anything, all kinds of records are still in Dadu.

Going forward, the income of Shibo in the Song Dynasty could reach up to 200 million yuan.

缗, equivalent to 'through'.

200 million min, this is not a small number.

Daming's annual income from salt lessons last year was only 130 million guan.

Moreover, based on this estimate, the scale of sea trade in the Song Dynasty was between 1000 million and 2000 million guan.

According to Zhu Yuan's idea in the letter, in the next ten years, as long as he maintains a liberal and encouraging attitude, Daming Maritime Trade will definitely be able to achieve higher levels.

As for ten years later, according to the 23rd grandson of my own baby, it should gradually transform into internal trade between the provinces of Ming Dynasty.Therefore, Zhu Yuan set up several ten-year periods, 12 licenses, which will remain unchanged for ten years.The Daming City Shipping Law, once confirmed after the trial implementation, will remain unchanged for ten years.

Ten years later, the situation is different, and of course reconsideration.

Seeing this, Lao Zhu smiled knowingly.

It's the little things.

Because of some of the big plans that Zhu Yuan mentioned at the beginning, Lao Zhu pondered over the globe more than once in private.

After pacifying the Central Plains, Lao Zhu felt that he had to recuperate for a few years first, develop production based on the various insights brought by his precious 23rd grandson from later generations, and quickly improve the national strength of Ming Dynasty.

Then go north, completely solve the troubles of Mongolia, and then consider other things.

In the longer term, Lao Zhu privately thinks that it should go west.

The north side is big, but too cold.

The west side is not only big enough, but also a troublesome area.

Get rid of it early and clean it early!

As for those island countries in the southeast, the country is small and the people are weak, and there are no products. If they are conquered too early, Lao Zhu thinks that they will only waste money and food.No matter how far away, the American continent, and the Australian continent in the south, Lao Zhu is very greedy, but he can't reach it for a while, so there is no rush.

Don't rush!

Even if I can't finish it in my life, Biao'er and a group of other children can continue to do it.

However, since the 23rd generation grandson of his own baby is interested and wants to make a move, he has no objection. They have already started to invest in the construction of the navy.

Then came the matter of taking [-]% ​​of the shares from various maritime trade companies.

Zhu Yuan believes that since the profits of sea trade are so rich, it is reasonable for the imperial court to directly divide the benefits while strictly supervising and collecting taxes.Zhu Yuan also stated frankly that if he does not make it clear, this part of the benefits will also be quietly snatched by powerful ministers and nobles in the future. If this is the case, it is better for the government to distribute it openly.

After reading this, what Lao Zhu thought of was the section in "Book of Heaven", where Li Zicheng broke the capital, the imperial treasury was empty, and the families of hundreds of officials and nobles squeezed out 7000 million taels of silver.

Of course this can't happen again.

Therefore, Lao Zhu actually felt that taking 23% ​​was too little, but after thinking about it for a while, he still decided to trust Zhu Yuan.After all, my baby's [-]rd generation grandson also left two additional license plates. The letter said that it was to establish a state-owned company.

For example, having two licenses does not mean that they can only take [-]% of all maritime trade.

Moreover, Zhu Yuan also mentioned another purpose of doing this. In the future, for the rewards of hundreds of officials and honorable officials, various "company" shares can be used instead of land.

This can also restrain land mergers and kill two birds with one stone.

This time, the shares of Haimao Company can be regarded as an attempt.In the future, various 'companies' will be established.

Lao Zhu agreed very much.

For this part, Lao Zhu's only intervention was the license of a maritime trade company related to Huagao.

Zhu Yuan said a lot of good things for Huagao, which is also true.

Mr. Hua has been concentrating on business just like him these days, facing countless requests from wealthy businessmen, he has been closing the door to thank guests.As a powerful naval commander, it is very rare to be able to do this. Therefore, it is reasonable for Zhu Yuan to let him share [-]% of a license, which can also be considered as pension funds after he becomes an official in the future.

Whenever he remembered that Zhu Yuan said that Huagao died in Qiongzhou early without leaving any heirs in another life, Lao Zhu would inevitably feel a little guilty in his heart.

Moreover, because of Zhu Yuan's continuous indoctrination, Lao Zhu's views on businessmen are also unconsciously changing.

I am no longer so disgusted with officials doing business.

As Zhu Yuan said in his letter, it is much better to let officials go into business than to let them annex land.

Therefore, allowing Huagao to take a share, according to another statement in Zhu Yuan's letter, this is called "high salary to support honesty", and Lao Zhu has no objection.However, I changed it myself. Zhu Yuan took [-]% of this license, Huagao took [-]%, and the court took another [-]% as usual, and the remaining [-]% was distributed to the merchants themselves.

The 23rd grandson of his own baby, Liangtian, doesn't want any salary, dragging his sickly little body to rush around, if he doesn't take any of it, Lao Zhu himself feels that it can't be justified.

Therefore, not only to account, but of course to account for the most.

Lao Zhu even thought about giving Zhu Yuan one of the redundant licenses, but Zhu Yuan also said in the letter that these two state-owned maritime trade companies are used to regulate the market, balance trade and engage in other special trading activities. Zhu didn't quite understand it for the time being, but he also felt that it was very important. Therefore, the shares of these two companies were obviously not suitable for private individuals.

As for the license fee of 20 taels of silver, the marine merchants should pay as much as the proportion, and Zhu Yuan and Huagao will be fine.

Certainly not.

The ten licenses are expected to gather 200 million taels, which is not bad.

However, 200 million taels at a time!
Not even capital.

My baby's 23rd generation grandson was indeed a successful businessman in his previous life. This business...he couldn't do it when he first entered the red scarf.

After reading Zhu Yuan's letter several times, Lao Zhu was about to read other documents such as the first draft of the city ship decree mentioned in the letter and the materials of the Maritime Trade Company's plan. Li Shanchang asked to see him.

According to Lao Zhu's explanation at noon, Zhongshu Province initially drew up a plan for grain transportation on the west route from the two lakes to the north and expected to reach Bianliang.

This is the big deal.

Lao Zhu put away the things at hand for the time being, and deal with this one first.

Afterwards, things came one after another, until at night, after dinner, and returning to the study of Qianqing Palace, Lao Zhu picked up the various documents that Zhu Yuan had sent in the afternoon.

Before I knew it, I was busy until late at night again.

When the child was about to end, He Shou, the emissary and supervisor, rushed over. It turned out that it was sent by the empress to urge Lao Zhu to go to bed earlier.

Lao Zhu was not too sleepy, but he still got up from the study.

Zhu Yuan also mentioned in the "Precautions" that the work and rest time should be reasonable, although... Lao Zhu thinks that he lived to be 71 years old in his previous life, which is not bad, but if he pays attention to daily life, he can live for a few more years and help his children and grandchildren. They arranged more things, and he couldn't wish for it.

Instead of going to Kunning Palace to disturb Mrs. Ma, Lao Zhu went directly to his bedroom in Qianqing Palace, and did not call his concubine over to attend his bed.

After rinsing, he walked to the bedside, Lao Zhu let He Shou help him take off his coat, but he remembered something again, and asked casually, "Has Yuan'er's 'Zhiyongzhai' opened yet?"

Feeling Lao Zhu's tone, He Shou smiled cooperatively and said, "Master, it's a coincidence. I have always remembered the matter of purchasing. I only got the letter yesterday. Zhiyongzhai will open tomorrow."

Lao Zhu also laughed, thought about it and said: "Since that's the case... just you, go there in person tomorrow, heh, you don't need to do anything else, just stand there for a while, that's enough."

The 23rd generation grandson of his own baby has done so much, and Lao Zhu feels that, apart from purchasing the thousand pens in the palace, it can be regarded as a support for Zhiyongzhai, so as to avoid the embarrassment of bad business.Letting He Shou come forward now is also to express his attitude again.

Zhu Yuan doesn't mind others imitating fountain pens, and Lao Zhu also thinks it's good for him to have such a heart, but he himself really minds.

Home stuff!

To put it this way, at least in Jinling City, there will be no one who doesn't have eyes to compete with his precious 23rd generation grandson for business?

He Shou can also understand His Majesty's thoughts, thinking about the letter from his godson He Xuan from Mingzhou... Even if there is no order from Lao Zhu, even if he can't come forward in person tomorrow, he is ready to express it.

Now, with His Majesty's explanation, it is justified.

(End of this chapter)