Bright Spring

Zhu Gaoxu walked behind the big table in the middle, and when Qi Tai turned around, he glanced at the painting on the wall.Zhu Gaoxu suddenly asked: "Does Qi Butang know this painting?"

Qi Tai clasped his fists and said, "Returning to the Holy Lord, it seems to be the 'Late Crossing of Xuexi River' in the Song Dynasty."

After hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu gave a thumbs up.Miao Jin stood there with a smile, without saying a word.

Sitting down behind the big table, Zhu Gaoxu pointed to the stool on the side and said: "Sit in Qibutang."

Qi Tai clasped his hands and said, "I thank you, Your Majesty, for sitting down."

"I had a conversation with Xia Yuanji before. They talked about treasure banknotes and currency on the market, but there was no result. Those things may have accumulated disadvantages, but they are all related to various parties and the operation of the court. It is not a trivial matter to move." Zhu Gaoxu He said directly, "Now it seems that if the sea trade can bring back a large amount of gold and silver as expected, it may be the best solution to the currency problem."

Qi Tai was stunned for a moment when he heard this, and could only say: "The Holy One is right."

He was noncommittal, and maybe he was also wondering, could he be a minister of the Ministry of War and manage things like treasure money?However, a minister of Qi Tai's level is still very calm.

Zhu Gaoxu glanced at him, and said again: "I have also talked with Hu Min. Hu Min talked about his ambition to be an official, which is to let the people live without hunger or cold. Probably no emperor would object to this Political|Political ambition, the people will not rebel if they can survive, and the dynasty will be able to maintain it.”

Both Qi Tai and Miao Jin looked sideways subconsciously, slightly surprised by such words.

Zhu Gaoxu went on to say: "However, farmers' harvest depends on both the amount of land and the sky. We want to maintain it, but why do we only think about collecting taxes from agriculture?"

Qi Tai said: "The Holy Master has shown that there are more than one million officials, soldiers, and civilians in the capital, and there are many people who don't do farming in various places. If there is no food, the capital may not be able to maintain it."

"Daming is still a country dominated by farming, so of course we have to collect food." Zhu Gaoxu said, "However, if there is a sound maritime trade system, we can also supply the capital's needs by shipping grain from southern countries through trading. The cost of sea transportation is relatively high. Low, the cost is not necessarily comparable to transporting grain from various states and counties.”

He paused, "I'm just using grain as an example. It's also like those states and counties that supply the military supplies of the frontier army. From raising horses, making armor and weapons, to enlisting a large number of corvees to transport them, they are all oppressing the people and delaying farming. And There is no guarantee of excellence and timeliness, and the officials and people in various places are only a burden, and they can handle it. But if the treasury has enough currency turnover, it will definitely save a lot of trouble by doing these things through trade.”

Qi Tai thought about it for a while, nodded slightly in agreement, and then asked carefully: "The Holy One intends to reform?"

"It's not yet time." Zhu Gaoxu said, "I hope that aspiring ministers will come forward to preside over important events. I only need to give some support. However, the recent strategies of Japan, Malacca and other places are not a big deal, and they are discouraged. There are also many officials. I seem to be against everyone, and I feel like I am struggling..."

Qi Tai hurriedly clasped his fists and said, "I owe you the grace of the sage. As long as you can understand the painstaking efforts of the sage, you will share your worries with all your heart."

After hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu nodded in satisfaction, and he knew that Qi Tai was willing to stand with him.

"Please take a look at Qibutang." Zhu Gaoxu gradually became interested, pointing to the map on the big table and said, "'Someone mentioned' a strategy, Qibutang can refer to it for details. Look here, from the east of the Strait of Malacca, all coastal areas The countries and regions of the Ming Dynasty will be included in the Ming trade system; and we will collect taxes and formulate laws, and the income must be astronomical. Within this system, Japan still has a large number of gold and silver mines that can be mined.

Going further west, the sea route is too far away, so it is not easy to control.However, silk porcelain is still a favorite of the Far West countries. We can establish some strongholds and open up the 'Ocean Silk Road'.This road continues to the strait between Persia and northern Africa.Along the road, you can do business in the Muslim area in Persia, India and other places; further forward, you will establish trade and military fortresses in Egypt, and use this as your base camp to communicate with European and other Nestorian countries (Christ). Market trade on the southern coast of the Mediterranean..."

Qi Tai stared, as if he didn't quite understand what Zhu Gaoxu said, and he replied: "I'm not sure about the situation in the distance, but judging from the charts of the fleet's voyage to the west, the Holy Majesty may be tens of thousands of miles away. It feels a little out of reach."

Zhu Gaoxu said: "It's not that exaggerated. To the west of the Strait of Malacca, we can set up yamen like Xuanweisi and the governor, and seal off some strongholds. Silk, porcelain, and spices are huge profits in the distance, even if the water is long and the road is long It is profitable. If the opportunity is right, a little plunder|looting of wealth is also fine."

Qi Tai pondered and said: "Your Majesty's grand plans and strategies are beyond the knowledge of ordinary people."

"It sounds a bit like the Arabian Nights." Zhu Gaoxu said angrily, "This matter was proposed by an official who went to sea. Qi Butang should not publicize it for the time being, do you understand?"

Qi Tai hurriedly said: "The minister leads the decree." He pondered for a moment, then clasped his fists and said, "The minister has a matter in front of me, please show me. Tsushima Island is a barren land. Now that we occupy this place, the target should be Japan." On the mainland of the country, how should the military department be arranged?"

Zhu Gaoxu let out a breath, frowned and said: "Steady first. We have discussed before, and there is only one goal, to occupy the territory of Iwami country in order to obtain silver mines. But in the meantime, we must try our best to make use of Japan's domestic problems and reduce the use of troops cost, so don’t be impatient.”

Qi Tai said: "I understand." He raised his eyes and glanced at Zhu Gaoxu, as if he was observing whether the emperor's lecture was over.

But Zhu Gaoxu didn't mean to see off the guests, he still rubbed his forehead with his palm, trying to find a way to make Qi Tai understand.

Zhu Gaoxu felt that between him and Qi Tai's monarch and ministers, sometimes they were in the same mind, but sometimes they were separated by an invisible wall, which was really impressive.

Chapter 783 Live Another 500 Years

Qi Tai sat on a stool, but saw Zhu Gaoxu standing up from the chair, pacing there with his hands behind his back.The imperial concubine was also standing, her eyes were on Zhu Gaoxu.Qi Tai hesitated for a while, and finally sat on the stool without moving.

After Zhu Gaoxu stood up, he felt a sense of pressure.He didn't look elegant like some people wearing robes, but had a sense of stability. His broad shoulders and chest supported the tight silhouette of the silk, and the robe made his body look even more slender.He had his hands behind his back, and seemed to be meditating on something.

"I don't want to talk about responsibility, impartiality, etc. The main reason is that if I talk too much, it will appear false." Zhu Gaoxu said in his voice.

Even the imperial concubine Miao Jin smiled when she heard these words.

Qi Tai suddenly felt a little ashamed, he guessed that the emperor seemed to want his confidants to understand; Qi Tai was unable to understand the Sacred Heart for a while, so that the emperor showed such a embarrassed look.

Qi Tai could no longer care about etiquette, he raised his head to observe Zhu Gaoxu's expression carefully, hoping to get more hints.

At this time, Zhu Gaoxu glanced at the Song Dynasty painting on the wall again, then turned his head and said: "Sometimes we think about it, I live in such a big palace, and tens of thousands of people serve it. Even Xia Yuanji, Qi Butang Waiting for the court ministers, no matter what, there are spacious and elegant courtyards, and there are maids and servants to take care of them.

You and I have a very comfortable life.Of course, there is nothing wrong with trying to live a good life for yourself; we can also use piano, chess, calligraphy, and Tao Yi's sentiments, marry a good wife, have beautiful concubines, and run a family to make life more happy.But after getting so much, in this position, we still have to "join the WTO" and fulfill our responsibilities, so that future generations will not scold us. "

Zhu Gaoxu smiled when he said this: "Sometimes I'm not very good at talking, is it too complicated?"

Qi Tai clasped his hands and said, "What the Holy Majesty says is the duty of all ministers."

Zhu Gaoxu nodded thoughtfully, and suddenly said something else: "Before Qi Butang passed the Jinshi examination, he didn't seem to come from a very good background, so he understands the sufferings of the common people?"

Qi Tai said: "The minister's family used to be considered well-off in their hometown, but they didn't have any salary, so they had to save as much as possible when going to Beijing and traveling, and even stayed in private houses."

Zhu Gaoxu pointed to Qi Tai and said: "Then Qi Butang should empathize with what I said. I have heard people talk about some small things before, and that person said things about childhood. Every time he came back from visiting relatives and friends with his parents , there are endless things to do, the chickens, ducks, pigs and sheep at home have to be taken care of, and they have to be busy cooking and clearing up the grains to dry; it is not possible to rest because of the exhaustion of the journey and go home. He is very tired, so the impression Deep."

Qi Tai looked at Zhu Gaoxu's face again, nodded and said: "Your Majesty understands the people, the people of the country are very lucky."

Zhu Gaoxu said: "But how much return does such a self-sufficient farmer's family get in a year? I think his family has done a lot of things, but the 'efficiency' is not high... It means half the effort with twice the effort. After all, what kind of life does an ordinary farmer live? , Qi Butang also knows."

Qi Tai tilted his head slightly, thinking seriously about Zhu Gaoxu's words.

Zhu Gaoxu said again: "Another example is that the officials and common people in our capital love to eat duck meat. I heard that some people specialize in raising ducks, and they raise tens of thousands of ducks by the river; there are also people who specialize in making duck cages and selling them to everyone They do nothing else, but they can buy a house in the capital city and live a good life.

I then thought, maybe people in the world can divide labor more finely and create industries; it doesn't necessarily have to be farming to harvest food, weaving cloth to make clothes, and making farm tools by themselves.Everyone just does one thing, and then exchange it through trade, or they can live better.

For example, in Annan and other places, we asked the local people to plant mulberry and raise silkworms in the mountains; after purchasing the cocoons, they shipped them back to China and made them into silk in large quantities; City, Siam and other places to buy food and raw materials.All domestic artisans who make looms, silk, and textiles are all alive, and only need to divide their labor to do one thing. "

Zhu Gaoxu looked at Qi Tai and said meaningfully: "People just want to live and live better. If more people can live better and better, that is the most powerful display, and it seems to be true. Holding the sun and the moon on the cusp of the storm."

When Qi Tai heard such remarks, he didn't come to his senses for a while. Emphasizing agriculture over business has always been the foundation of the country. As an emperor, he came up with the opposite idea, and Qi Tai was completely unprepared.However, he didn't refute immediately, which disturbed the emperor's elegance, so he could only ponder and say: "It is really rare for a person to speak to the Holy One."

Hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu waved his hand and said, "Forget it, you and I have known each other for many years, the monarch and his ministers are like friends, just talk casually. National policies and decrees count only when they are put on paper, and Qi Butang doesn't have to be nervous."

Qi Tai got up and cupped his fists and said, "I dare not (to be a good friend)." He observed the emperor's waving movement, so he respectfully said, "I beg you to thank you and leave."

When he left the Hall of Rouyi, Qi Tai looked up at the sky, the sun was still high in the west, and it was far from the next hour.He didn't go out of the imperial city, but went south through the Wuying Hall, then walked out of the palace through the gate of the right hall, and came to the Thousand Steps Corridor.

On both sides of this street, there are simple and spacious houses. Most of the government offices of the central government are nearby, and the government office of the Ministry of War is also here.Looking at the orderly scene, Qi Tai somehow felt more at ease.

Qi Tai passed by Dali Temple, and suddenly wanted to talk to his favorite student Gao Xianning, so he turned and walked over.The officials on duty at Dali Temple hurriedly welcomed Qi Tai into the gate, and after a while Gao Xianning also came to the lobby, and went up to greet him.

Gao Xianning repeatedly apologized: "The student was not in the lobby just now, so he couldn't greet his teacher in person. The teacher came to visit, and there were some welcomes and some welcomes."

Qi Tai said sternly: "What kind of teacher and student, we are all officials ordered by the court."

Gao Xianning smiled and said: "Qi Butang has taught you the right thing, don't make an example! You are welcome."

The two went to Gao Xianning's study inside, Qi Tai took a look, and saw a book and a cup of tea on Gao Xianning's desk, he felt that this student was very comfortable as an official.