Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

Zhu Di stood up and spoke slowly.

"Jiang Xinghuo has the last three classes before he is released from prison. Before the next class, I will go to jail to listen to one or two classes and observe him to finally judge whether I should use his methods after I worship him as a national teacher. Come and develop the national power of the Ming Dynasty and help me complete the unparalleled achievements of 'ruling the Tang and Song Dynasties and reaching far across the Han and Tang Dynasties'."

"In addition, as the master said, Jiang Xinghuo's interference must be eliminated first. Just the matter of the two princes going south and north is also something that needs to be discussed."

Zhu Di's thoughts are actually easy to understand.

In fact, whether it is the 'emperor-prince' decentralization of power between Beijing and South that was nominally vetoed by Zhu Di, or if there is no interference from Jiang Xinghuo in the historical line, Zhu Di and Zhu Gaochi will inevitably appear in the future, one in the south and one in the north.

The root cause lies in the situation in the early Ming Dynasty when the north and the south were like two countries.

The South and the North have been divided for hundreds of years. They are completely separated from each other in terms of the imperial examination system, cultural level, living habits and sense of belonging.

Therefore, for the unification of the Ming Dynasty, the Yongle Dynasty and the two or three generations of kings after that must choose this path.

——Someone has to be in the south, and someone has to be in the north.

So if Zhu Di went to take charge of a certain capital city by himself, in Zhu Di's mind at this time, it would be better to let his two sons live in the south and in the north.

Because in this case, the problem that not only Nanjing and Beijing need people to guard them will be solved immediately.

Zhu Di can also be released from a certain fixed position. It is even said that if his two sons are divided into two capitals, Zhu Di can take his troops to the north to conquer Mongolia. There is no need to worry about leaving a certain capital without anyone because of his departure. guard.

The two sons can avoid the conflict becoming more intense when they get together, causing the courtiers to take sides one after another, fighting against each other's differences, leading to constant internal fighting, which affects Zhu Di's imperial power.

Zhu Di can also observe their abilities through their respective attitudes and performances in governing the place and handling events, and see who is more suitable to be the successor to his throne.

Therefore, Zhu Di believes that there are many benefits to testing the two sons separately.

Avoid internal strife, avoid the dismantling of imperial power, resolve the need for people to guard South Beijing, and be able to better observe who is more suitable to be the crown prince.

Moreover, Dao Yan also gave solutions to the issue of "military power" that Zhu Di was most concerned about.

Throw together the generals who are not dealing with each other and the two sons. No son can influence another group of generals who are more supportive of him in the distance, but the emperor can firmly control the military power through cross control.

But there is still one most critical issue.

How to investigate after the two sons are separated?

If it is a drawing of lots, then whoever draws Beijing loses!

Because of the four years of Jingnan, under the constant depletion of water, all for the sake of war, the human and material resources of the Peking Province have long been exhausted, the population has dropped sharply, the cultivated land has been abandoned, and the poor are left with nothing but white land.

On the other hand, Nanjing has always been the rear area of ​​the Jianwen court. Except for the last Yan army crossing the river, it has not been attacked by any war at all. It has a large population, fertile fields, and Yangtze River shipping, which can be said to be extremely wealthy.

Therefore, compared with Nanjing, Beijing is not at the same level at all.

Zhu Di looked at Dao Yan and asked: "Master, who goes to Nanjing? Who goes to Beijing? How to conduct a fair investigation?"

Daoyan turned the Buddha beads in his hand and said, "Your Majesty, what matters most is not who goes to Nanjing or Beijing, but the word 'fairness'."

"The Northland is dilapidated. In the eighth year of Hongwu's reign, Beijing's population was only over 100,000. After nearly 20 years of development, now including military households, Beijing's household registration is only 60,000, and the population is only over 300,000."

"Looking at Nanjing, there are 140,000 confirmed household registrations and a population of more than 700,000. Counting the merchants and officials from the Jiangnan area, the shift craftsmen who are recruited to build various buildings every year, and the Imperial College students, the population is probably There are close to 900,000 people, which is nearly a million people."

"In terms of population alone, there is more than three times the gap between Nanjing and Beijing. As for the fertility of the fields, trade routes and trade volume, culture and education, etc., they are even more different."

Dao Yan concluded: "Therefore, if His Majesty intends to fairly examine the two princes, he must choose to determine the gap between Nanjing and Beijing based on population, taxation, trade, culture and education, etc., and use fairer numbers from different aspects. Only by using a multiplier to smooth out the gap between the two parties can we conduct a fair investigation."

"At the same time, it should be noted that the multipliers in these aspects should not be too large in some aspects, such as population growth. This is because the population in the south has almost filled the city, while the decline in the north requires relocation of the population. If the multiplier is too large, the population in the north will grow faster due to poor population base. Once the multiplier is added to the growth, the number in the north will suddenly exceed that in the south."

Zhu Di rubbed his eyebrows a little, put down his hand and said.

"What the master said makes sense, and it's fair. As for how to determine these multipliers, the master has been in charge of Beijing's affairs for four years. I think even if there is something unclear, just write to the Ministry of Household Affairs to find out." Can you provide relevant information about Nanjing?"

Dao Yan replied: "That's right. I need Xia Shangshu to look at the information, balance it, and finally explain the truth to His Majesty."

"Xia Yuanji?" Zhu Di nodded slightly, "I am always at ease when Xia Shangshu handles affairs. If I write an edict in my hand, Master Daoyan will go and explain it clearly to Xia Shangshu on my behalf."

Seeing Zhu Di sitting at his desk drafting an edict, Dao Yan smiled.

"Qian Gang is arbitrary. It is only within the thoughts of His Majesty's Sacred Heart. As long as Your Majesty does not reveal his decision or draw lots fairly, then the person who makes the rules will definitely not favor any party."

Hearing this, the corners of Zhu Di's pursed lips moved.

This is the truth. As long as he is not sure of the final result, anyone who wants to make a fuss about the inspection rules must consider whether he will shoot himself in the foot.

At the same time, the same is true for the variable Jiang Xinghuo.

As long as Zhu Di doesn't say which side to put Jiang Xinghuo, who is worshiped as the national master, then any party's plan will also be self-defeating.

Zhu Di personally completed the edict and handed over to Xia Yuanji the task of inquiring about Nanjing and Beijing's population, taxes, products, commerce, the number of scholars, as well as information about children, scholars, and candidates, and asked him to determine the relevant multipliers.

Zhu Di handed the edict to Dao Yan, looked at Dao Yan and said.

"This is a big matter involving the establishment of a crown prince. Except for Xia Shangshu, no one else is allowed to know."

Zhu Di believed that Daoyan had never made any mistakes after following him for so many years. He still had some sense of propriety, and he just gave casual instructions out of habit.

"certainly."

There was an inexplicable meaning in Daoyan Gujing Mubo's expression.

"I won't go into details about my considerations. Master must be very clear about it. The prince's decision is just like the master's suggestion. Let the eldest son and the second son go to Nanjing and Beijing respectively. The period can be set for a fixed period of time. Finally, the plan will be drawn up according to the plan. The multiplier rules will be used to examine their performance in all aspects and ultimately determine the position of the crown prince."

"No matter who becomes the crown prince, the other must go to the anointed place to be crowned king, and swear a blood oath in front of the ancestral temple. The future Ming emperor will not harm him for any reason or by any method."

Dao Yan nodded, this method is quite fair.

In fact, it is precisely because of this special era and special people that there is a fight for the crown prince. If it were left to peacetime, there would be no controversy at all about the establishment of a direct heir.

It's just that Zhu Gaochi now has the full support of Zhu Di's basic base - the Jingnan Xungui Group. In addition, Zhu Gaochi is in poor health and is not happy with the civil servant group, so Zhu Gaochi doesn't like it, so there is such a thing as a battle for the crown prince.

After the solution on how to deal with the dispute between his two sons was determined, Zhu Di's expression also relaxed a lot.

The two of them sat opposite each other, which was the end of the duel between monarch and minister, and they switched to the mode of chatting with friends.

"Actually, I also know in my heart that the reason for today's dispute is simply that I myself can't make up my mind because of all these involvements, and I can't decide on the heir."

"But master, you should understand my difficulties."

Zhu Di's expression was full of helplessness.

Only at this time, Zhu Di didn't look like an iron-blooded emperor, but an old father who worried about his son.

"Although Lao Er has a reckless and irritable personality, he did make great contributions during the Jingnan Campaign, especially in the fierce battles at Gaocheng and Jiahe. If Lao Er hadn't worked so hard to boost morale, our heavy cavalry would have been exhausted and sweating. Even though I am wearing heavy armor, I am still charging into the battle with him, I am afraid that I have been defeated long ago."

Zhu Di paused and said: "Of course, the biggest shortcoming of the second child is that he is not familiar with government affairs. The second shortcoming is that he rarely listens to people's advice. He has been like a demon king since he was a child. Jiang Xinghuo can control him. It is really the so-called "one thing can bring down the enemy". It’s something that even I can’t think of.”

"Time is also fate."

Daoyan stopped the beads in his hand and said pointedly.

"This may not be the fate of the second prince."

"As for the boss." Zhu Di shook his head, "I feel I owe him and understand his prudence and hard work, but I also don't like that he is too close to the civil servants. It's okay if I don't like it. What worries me the most .is the boss’s body!”

"I am afraid that if I make my eldest son the crown prince, something like my eldest brother will happen, and I will really follow the path of Emperor Taizu Gao."

Every word Zhu Di said was sincere. This was a rare expression of true feelings from an emperor, and Dao Yan was also a little moved for a moment.

Dao Yan sighed softly: "Your Majesty feels that all this is too similar to what happened in Hongwu in the past, and even if your Majesty appoints the eldest prince as the heir in the future, there will be changes due to physical reasons. If your Majesty wants to pave the way for the future grandson, , the events of Jingnan will have to happen again."

Zhu Di was silent for a moment and finally nodded.

This is what Zhu Di is worried about. If Zhu Gaochi is healthy, he will not be able to compete for the reserve.

But at such a young age, Zhu Gaochi often felt dizzy and nauseated, and his body was weak. Sometimes he would faint if he was sleep deprived and anxious.

This information cannot be hidden from Zhu Di at all.

"Great grandson."

Zhu Di fell into deep thought.

The eldest brother also has an advantage, that is, compared with the second child, the eldest son has children, and Zhu Zhanji is smart and smart even when he is young, and is very popular with Zhu Di and Queen Xu.

Therefore, Zhu Di had the idea of ​​​​making Zhu Zhanji the grandson if he made the boss the crown prince.

This is the same path his father Zhu Yuanzhang followed. Zhu Yuanzhang appointed Zhu Yunwen as his grandson after the death of Prince Zhu Biao due to illness, instead of choosing one from among the vassal kings.

But again, Zhu Di knows the consequences of doing so better than anyone else.

That is to say, it is very easy to trigger another peace battle.

The second child was already qualified to be the crown prince. If his nephew were to become the emperor, Zhu Di could almost repeat the second child's mentality exactly the same.

Because Zhu Di himself is a precedent.

Zhu Di came back from his thoughts and looked at Dao Yan, his eyes gradually becoming firmer.

"We will discuss the matter about my great-grandson later."

Looking at Zhu Di's look, Daoyan knew that the chat was over, so he stood up and left.

Zhu Di looked at the retreating figure of old monk Dao Yan, and finally just shook his head with his hands on his hips.

I pity the hearts of parents in the world.

——————

Housekeeping department.

Xia Yuanji had just sent away Li Zhigang, who came to discuss the funds needed to expand the establishment.

Li Zhigang opened his mouth loudly. The first reason was the funds that the Ministry of Rites could not spend in a year. Xia Yuanji was indifferent to this.

Originally, the main expenses required to establish the Ming Dynasty's "angels and consulates" system were personnel and training, and other expenses were not much.

After all, when the Ming Dynasty envoys are sent to other countries, the local country must bear part of the space, food and clothing expenses free of charge.

Otherwise, would the Ming court have to travel thousands of miles to deliver it?

According to the principle of "three-ring diplomacy", even if Ming Dynasty's angels are to be sent, they must first be sent to Korea, Japan, Annan, Ryukyu and other countries. There are a lot of interpreters in these places, and interpreters do not need to spend money and money. Training only requires personnel.

The total number of people is at most twenty, which is the expenditure required by the Ministry of Rites next year for the establishment of the "angels and consulates" system.

However, Li Zhigang directly used the "three-ring diplomacy" to recruit full-time staff from twenty countries and asked Xia Yuanji for funds. How could Xia Yuanji agree?

Of course, this is actually very likely Li Zhigang's intention to advance before retreating. It is nothing more than a demonstration of his newly acquired authority, and at the same time raising the psychological expectations of the Ministry of Revenue, so that when funds are really needed next year, it will be easier to talk.

Seeing Dao Yan come in, Xia Yuanji still didn't stop holding his brush.

If it were before, Xia Yuanji would naturally stand up to greet him.

However, after the two people revealed their feelings, since they became fellow travelers and wanted to work hard to build a world of great harmony that "takes from the people and uses them for the people", they naturally lost a bit of politeness.

"Xia Shangshu, His Majesty's decree."

Dao Yan took out Zhu Di's imperial edict from his sleeve and handed it to Xia Yuanji.

Xia Yuanji was slightly surprised, but after looking at it, he felt it was a bit tricky.

"I have something extra you need to do."

"Let's talk." Xia Yuanji looked up at Dao Yan, "It's just that this matter is not easy to manipulate."

"It's not a gimmick, but an extra transfer of files from the Household Department to check one thing."

"What's the matter?" Xia Yuanji was a little confused.

Dao Yan took out another paper that he had prepared from the sleeve of his black cassock, spread it out and handed it to Xia Yuanji.

"I will give you a scale. According to this scale, you can find out the number and proportion of large, medium and small landowners around Nanjing, as well as the ratio of landlords to tenant farmers and self-cultivated farmers, as well as the number and proportion of wealthy farmers, normal farmers and poor farmers among the self-cultivated farmers. "

Xia Yuanji took the piece of paper, feeling vaguely uneasy. Why did Dao Yan need these numbers and proportions?

It stands to reason that if it is an inspection between princes, it is only necessary to count the tax payers and the people who paid the taxes. As for the specific amount of property they have and how they are divided, it is not important at all.

Xia Yuanji looked at Daoyan, who just smiled meaningfully.