eldest son of Ming dynasty

"I originally thought that the Ming Dynasty would conquer all directions and attract all nations to come to the dynasty, which would be an unprecedented prosperous age. I didn't expect that there are still obvious shortcomings such as the old system of sects and vassals and the inability to control monetary sovereignty by the imperial court." Zai Yi's emotion is not surprising. Don't talk about these things like cheating. Many important officials in the DPRK didn't think much about it.

Zai Yan wanted to keep a respectful distance from the clan affairs.

Everyone knows that the emperor's will cannot be disobeyed, and he is also a sensible person.

In terms of what I mentioned a few days ago about public motives and selfish motives, in fact, the brothers do not have too many other thoughts whether they are out of public motives or selfish motives.

After all, although the Zhu family belongs to the world, it is mainly their father and son, and the remaining seven aunts and eight aunts are all the burden of their family.

It's best to let Zhang Cong handle this kind of mess, and he is justified in doing so.

Is it this currency reform...

Jiang Yong was originally considered an expert. He took a little time to explain to Zai Shen, and finally said: "It can be foreseen that starting from the 20th year of Zhengde, the issue of minting new money must be one of the major events that your Majesty has been thinking about. First, after the vassal restructuring, the emperor needs to see the talents of the princes, so the prince and his highness must show their performance in this aspect."

These words were a bit explicit, and Zai Yan glanced at Jin Gui beside him.

He understood what Jiang Yong meant, and by saying it deliberately, he was actually trying to get Jin Gui to join his side. You know it, and if you don't object, doesn't that mean you agree?

But what Zai Chen wanted to do was not to talk about it in front of outsiders.

"There are specialties in the arts. I have always been light on coin matters, and I am not involved deeply. Although making meritorious service is the duty of a minister and a son, you should not be eager for quick success. I would like to read a few more books. Jiang Situ Na If there are any books nearby, you can lend them to me for reading."

Jiang Yong cupped his hands and said, "Of course this is not a problem."

"Then I will ask you two for advice when I gain some insights."

The second son of the emperor suddenly started to drive away guests, and it was difficult for the two of them to stay for long.

Before leaving, Jin Gui took a deep look at him.

Zai Yan didn't know why and deliberately avoided it.

But there seemed to be some enlightenment in my heart, but I couldn't grasp it, and I was so confused that I didn't know what I was thinking.

So much so that when Yu walked up to him, he didn't realize it yet.

"Your Majesty?"

Zai Yan suddenly turned around, stretched out his hand to wipe his mouth, and asked, "What's wrong?"

Yu saluted, "I was thinking about what the prince said yesterday. Speaking of which, my father also called my sister-in-law. If the prince is really worried, why not let me go to my sister-in-law to explain it first?"

She was talking about Zaiyan being granted the title of prince first.

"Okay, you are right. My eldest brother always listens to my eldest sister-in-law."

Yu Shi smiled, happy that she had done something right, and then raised her eyebrows, "What was the prince thinking just now?"

Zai Yan suddenly took her hand and said, "Father has decreed to change the rules of the clan. From now on, I don't have to leave the vassal, but I can always be by my father's side. You don't have to worry about moving to a remote place..."

In recent years, the emperor has moved many clans to their vassal areas. They thought they were going to a place thousands of miles away.

"However, it is difficult to say whether things are good or bad in this world. Being far away from the capital, although life is inconvenient, you can ignore the rights and wrongs of the capital. The two people who just came here, what they said implicitly, is that the father wants to see the talents of our brothers. , this is extremely dangerous."

Yu's heart suddenly rose, "Dangerous?"

"We talk between husband and wife, but you can't talk to outsiders. Think about it, in the past, although my father refused to appoint a heir, there was always a consensus in the court that the eldest brother is the eldest son. With this name, everyone will feel that sooner or later thing.

But after the clan was restructured, our brothers' abilities in running errands were mixed. Over time, I'm afraid this consensus will be destroyed. "

Yu covered her mouth in surprise, "How... is this possible? Doesn't my father care about my eldest brother?"

"I don't know." Zai Yan was not sure. He did not dare to mention this matter to his father. "The reason why I am telling you this is to make you understand that from now on this life will be different from the past. "

"I understand that since I married the prince, I will be his person in life and his ghost in death. At this time in my life, I have no regrets."

……

……

Zhu Houzhao was indeed very concerned about minting coins.

Although the mint has not been built for a while, the people below are already designing the styles of the three coins: copper coins, silver dollars, and gold coins.

Designing and drawing a diagram can be almost completed in a few days.

There are three sets in total, and each set of coins has four denominations: 1, 2, 5, and 10.

When he first discussed this issue, Zhu Houzhao didn't know that Jing Yang had returned to China, but it was different now. When he got these design drawings, he first explained to Gu Renyi,

"As for coinage technology, you have to ask Jing Yang when he arrives in Rehe. He brought many Western envoys to see if they have relevant technology. No matter what society, money is always needed , the three of us must have my teacher, don’t put on the arrogance of the country, maybe they will have what we need."

Gu Renyi did not doubt that he was there and said that he obeyed the order.

Zhu Houzhao said this because he knew that the current Spanish Empire did have a history of minting silver coins.

Before real paper money became available, they used silver and gold coins.

One of the reasons for casting coins is that they are light and durable. They cannot withstand wear and tear and become damaged after a short period of use.

The other is to prevent counterfeiting. If the technology is too simple and can be made by anyone with a stove, then it will not be possible no matter what.

Slow work produces careful work, and this matter still needs to be done bit by bit. Gu Renyi continued: "Wei Chen and others discussed that the new coins are similar in size to the previous copper coins. They are round in shape and divided into two sides. The face value is marked on the front, and the era number and year are marked on the back."

Zhu Houzhao knew that this was a bit similar to the flavor of Jiajing Tongbao, which was a classic.

"That's not good. It's too simple."

"Your Majesty, please give me your instructions."

These pictures are all beautifully drawn, and the words on them are all written in block letters, which are beautiful and powerful.

"You also know that I have been constructing the concept of nation over the years. The shaping of culture is reflected in all aspects, and coins are also a cultural carrier. To put it simply, it is impossible for the money we made in the Ming Dynasty to use Korean characters, and it is impossible to Whatever their princes use, everything belongs to us.

The culture of the Central Plains has a long history, and there are many iconic things that can be used. Why not use any of them? "

Zhu Houzhao directly took a pen and circled it, "The denomination, issuing bank, year and year are all needed. Then we can add something on different coins. It can be figures like Emperor Qin and Han Wu, or Mount Tai." view."

Gu Renyi could understand it, but there was one thing.

"If we want to join these sages and wise kings, should we put our ancestors first?"

Zhu Houzhao knew what he was thinking.

The reason why you let go of the emperors of the previous generation is very simple: they are wise.

But it’s hard to think deeply about this thing. For example, why didn’t you let Ming Yingzong go? Do you think that guy is stupid?

"There are twelve in total, and not all of them are emperors. We also have to commemorate some national heroes, as well as famous mountains and rivers. There are only three or two emperors at most. Do you think it is difficult to choose?"

Gu Renyi's face froze, okay.

If you put it this way, it is indeed understandable to not let go of the emperors of your own family.

There have been so many emperors for more than a thousand years, and you have to put Emperor Yingzong on top. People will not say that you are loyal, but they will say that you have bad intentions and that you are deliberately mocking!

At that time I will ask you what exactly you mean.

These are all minutiae. Zhu Houzhao just wants to see the results. "How is the preparation for the mint? When can I see the first batch of coins? You know, no matter how beautiful the regulations on currency reform are, there is no set like a model." Decent new coins are useless."

"Don't worry, your majesty. I have asked the Ministry of Industry to search for skilled craftsmen. If we cast it ourselves, it will take less than a month for your majesty to see the newly minted coins. However, if we wait for Jing Yang, it will be a little later." .”

Zhu Houzhao waved his hand, "Walking on two legs relies on our Ming Dynasty's own technology. We should build what we can first, and we cannot pin all our hopes on others. On the other hand, if they really have any better technology, they will ask for it when the time comes." It’s not too late to come here. Coin issuance is not a one-time deal. It starts from the first generation and then goes to the second, third, and fourth generations... Just like making artillery, this technology is always constantly improving."

"Weichen understands that Weichen will first modify the style, and then order people to speed up the minting. As for the mint, it should not be a problem. The Shaofu has experience in setting up new factories over the years, selecting sites and building factories. , recruitment... has already begun, your Majesty will just wait for your ministers' good news."

Zhu Houzhao touched his nose and said, "Where is the director of the mint? Do you have a candidate?"

This is the big factory director who manages money.

If this person commits suicide, or the casting process is not strictly controlled, or some leak occurs, and the people master this method, the impact will be huge.

He seems to be a small factory director, but in fact he is not careless at all.

"The power of employment rests with the superiors. Naturally, the candidates for the mint should be appointed by His Majesty."

"I really have a suitable candidate."

The emperor curled his lips and smiled.

When doing this, there is no need to mention loyalty. The main thing is to be careful and meticulously straighten out all the joints of the piles. Don't make mistakes everywhere.

"Prince Yu Zaiyan, what do you think?"

Gu Renyi said without hesitation, "Your Highness is talented and intelligent, so he is the best choice."

Another point is that the main thing is that the second child can make Zhu Houzhao feel that he is really whole-hearted and wants to implement the things he has told him quickly. In the end, there are two words, attentiveness.

Although the minting is said to be steady, it is also worrying if it continues to be delayed.

"Okay, you go and do your work first. I will have my decree later."

Now he handles national affairs, which roughly revolves around the aspects mentioned before.

The second dick has the right momentum, it’s time to use it.

Colonial consciousness, Lao San is pretty good. He doesn't even feel that he is invading at all. Instead, he feels that he is bringing the light of heaven to others.

As for the army itself, it was only him.

Speaking of which, Zhu Houzhao is also a little worried about it. It's almost August. I wonder if Zaiyao is still going well there... Jing Yang is back now. If his memory is correct, the Spaniards have discovered the New World by this time. Continue The great migration and plundering that had lasted for centuries also officially began.

One bad thing is that America is too far away from them.

Australia is closer, and Captain Cook landed in the New World and declared it to belong to the British King. That was in 1770, more than two hundred years ago.

Australia is known as the cursed continent. It is rich in mineral resources, but its natural conditions are not very good.

But it doesn't matter, even if it can't be developed, Zhu Houzhao can catch up with the current trend, just get a few boats, send a few people over, stand up there, and then declare that this place will be mine from now on.

Westerners in North and South America do this.

As long as such an announcement is made, others will come and start a war with Ming Dynasty. Even if you lose the fight for a while, future generations can still get an explanation, which is called "since ancient times".