Chapter 393: Conservatives consider innovators to be pedantic
Chapter 393: Conservatives consider innovators to be pedantic
Inside Prince Yingtian's mansion, the atmosphere in the study was solemn and quiet.
Outside the window, the breeze gently blows through the lush bamboo leaves, making a rustling sound, but it can hardly penetrate the dullness inside the heavy walls.
The study is decorated simply and has soft lighting.
Light shines in through the carved window lattices, sprinkling across the quaint ground.
The long desk used by Zhu Biao for his office has been renovated according to the new plan.
It was moved to the east wall instead of facing the doors and windows, which can effectively prevent assassination and peeping.
At this time, Crown Prince Zhu Biao,
She was wearing an exquisite brocade robe with intricate cloud and dragon patterns embroidered on the lapels, and she was sitting quietly behind the desk.
There was no sign of relaxation on his face, and his brows were tightly furrowed.
His deep eyes were focused intently on the letter held tightly in his hand.
The letter came from the southwest, and the information was revealed between the lines.
This made him, the crown prince, feel heavy-hearted.
Not far away, next to a shorter desk,
Zuodu Yushi Zhan Hui and Minister of Rites Fu Youwen sat side by side.
Zhan Hui was wearing official uniform, his face was ashen, his features were gaunt, his nose was high, and his brows revealed an air of majesty without even getting angry.
His sharp eyes swept across the documents in his hands from time to time, as if he was trying to find the crux of the problem.
His fingers tapped lightly on the table.
There is a subtle anxiety in the rhythm.
In contrast, Fu Youwen, the younger brother of Duke Ying, appears to be more rugged.
He was tall and strong, with a resolute face, thick eyebrows like swords, eyes as sharp as an eagle, and an equally solemn expression.
Even wearing the red robe of the Ministry of Rites, it was difficult to conceal his majesty.
He held a roll of delicate paper in his hand, his brows furrowed.
I do not know how long it has been,
Crown Prince Zhu Biao put down the document in his hand and let out a heavy sigh.
He stood up and sat down on the chair opposite the two adults, and said in a deep voice:
"My Lords, what do you think about what happened in the southwest?"
Zhan Hui looked down at the densely packed letters in his hands, a bitter smile appeared on the corner of his mouth:
"Your Highness, there are so many things happening in Yunnan that I don't even know how to start."
Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao also rarely showed a smile and sighed:
"Yes, it's only been a year.
So many big things have happened. Let’s start with the sweet potato incident.”
Crown Prince Zhu Biao stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming with brilliance and eagerness to try!
He did not hide this expression, and it was seen by the two adults opposite him.
The two were not surprised by this.
They were even more shocked when they saw the letter.
Zuodu Yushi Zhan Hui looked at Fu Youwen and chuckled:
"Brother Yizhi, you work in the Ministry of Revenue, so you should speak for yourself."
Fu Youwen, who is a bit burly, is nearly sixty years old.
But facing this news at this moment, he couldn't help but smile.
"Your Highness, the discovery of the sweet potato is an unprecedented achievement.
If this plant is successfully cultivated by Yunnan Agricultural University,
Even if it cannot be spread across the country, it can be planted only in Yunnan.
It can save two million shi of grain a year.
If we add in the loss and manpower of transporting grain from various places to Yunnan, I'm afraid we could save nearly one million taels!
And sweet potatoes can be grown in the land of Yunnan,
Naturally, it can also be grown in Henan, Shandong and other places.
What's more, if we can plant them in Beijing and Liaodong,
Even if the yield is only half a stone per mu, the amount is astonishing enough.
At that time, we will capture all the grassland people and use them to farm the land.
In a year, at least tens of millions of shi of grain will be saved.”
As soon as the words fell, the originally quiet and silent study suddenly became warmer, and the temperature seemed to be gradually rising.
A gleam of light flashed in Zhan Hui's eyes, his expression was gloomy, and he chuckled:
"Brother Yizhi, you work in the Ministry of Revenue, and all you think about all day is money transactions.
In my opinion, we should plant the sweet potatoes in Guanzhong as soon as possible."
As soon as these words were spoken, Crown Prince Zhu Biao, who originally had a faint smile on his face, suddenly became solemn, and his palm, which was originally placed casually at his side, suddenly clenched.
He seemed unable to control his emotions and his breathing was a little rapid.
"Yes, we should have planted them in Guanzhong earlier.
We need Wenying to send the seeds as soon as possible, and we will try to plant them this year."
Fu Youwen was stunned, and then suddenly thought of something.
His expression became solemn and deep, and his lips were tightly pursed!
There was a flash of confusion and hesitation in his eyes. Finally, he raised his head suddenly and spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, please think twice. This is a critical moment.
If you act rashly, you might attract a pack of wolves and make enemies for nothing.
In this way, we will face too many enemies."
Speaking of this, Fu Youwen added:
"Yes, yes, Your Highness.
At least we have to wait until my brother returns after suppressing the rebellion.
You can only do this if you sit in Yingtian together with the general.
Or, could we order the Duke of Song to come to the capital, so that the three dukes can be in charge, which would be more secure. "
Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face suddenly turned gloomy, and murderous intent was revealed all over his body.
The gnashing of teeth shocked the two adults opposite him.
It was the first time they saw the prince like this.
A trace of unwillingness flashed in the eyes of Crown Prince Zhu Biao:
"You're right, you should eat your meal one bite at a time.
The external enemies have been defeated, but the internal enemies have not been pacified. We still need to wait to move the capital.
We can’t show any clues and be discovered.”
"Your Highness the Crown Prince is absolutely right!"
Zuodu Yushi Zhan Hui also breathed a sigh of relief.
He was somewhat afraid that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would mount the horse by force, and then there would be enemies everywhere.
Zhu Biao stood up suddenly, walked back and forth in the room with his hands behind his back, and the two of them also stood up quickly.
After a moment, Zhu Biao turned back suddenly and looked at the two of them with a resolute gaze:
"Gentlemen, do you know what I am thinking?
Whenever I think of the suffering people in the north are still experiencing, I feel extremely sad.
Although several of my brothers worked hard in the frontiers and planned for the people,
But after all, it is not the imperial court, and there are some things that cannot be done.
I wish I could be in Guanzhong right now and kill all those old people from the previous dynasty who are causing trouble for the area, and skin them alive and stuff them with straw."
Zhu Biao's voice was sonorous and powerful, full of murderous intent.
This made the two powerful men feel a chill.
Zuodu Yushi Zhan Hui cupped his hands and spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, please calm down and deal with things one by one.
If you act too hastily, all your efforts will be wasted!
Last year, except for Shandong,
The five provinces of Peking, Shanxi, Henan, Shaanxi, and Liaodong,
According to the official register, the number of people who died of starvation and freezing had been reduced by more than half, and the amount of cultivated land was also increasing day by day.
Your Highness, do not be anxious!
Pan Geng moved the capital to Yin, King Ping moved the capital to the east, and Emperor Xiaowen moved the capital to Luoyang. It took at least twenty years.
Moving the capital has always been a matter of time and effort, so we can’t rush it and we need to consider the overall situation.”
After these words were spoken, Crown Prince Zhu Biao walked even faster, which surprised the two men.
After a while, Crown Prince Zhu Biao stopped and looked back at Zhan Hui:
"Master Zhan, the number of people who died of freezing and starvation has been reduced by more than half, but aren't there still over 10,000 casualties?
The amount of cultivated land is increasing day by day, but so are the annexations.
Last year, a total of 36,850 mu of wasteland was reclaimed in the north.
However, the amount of land subject to tax actually decreased by 10,900 acres.
What is this? This is a merger!!
A full 40,000 acres of land disappeared from my Ming tax books.
The land is there, the people are there, but the money is gone, why?"
“The people of the North are not concerned about the overall situation when it comes to considering the overall situation, and are concerned about the cost when it comes to not sparing the cost!”
"How can I not be anxious?"
"The imperial court is not in the north, so those former dignitaries dare to reach out and ignore the imperial court!!"
The two men's faces changed drastically, as they were important officials in the court.
This is the first time I have heard of such secret information.
Zhan Hui said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, is this true? Where did the specific accounts come from? Why don't I know?"
The prince waved his hand impatiently:
"The account is true. You don't need to worry about where it comes from."
After hearing this, the two of them began to speculate.
It must have been done by your Majesty's four legitimate sons in the north.
Crown Prince Zhu Biao sat down at the head again, picked up the teacup and drank the tea in it:
"I lost my composure."
"Your Highness, you care about the people and are a blessing to the country."
Fu Youwen spoke in a deep voice, and the two of them slowly sat down.
Zhu Biao waved his hand:
"No need to say polite words, Wenying handed over the letter,
What do you think of preparing to enter the capital with the Beijing Army? "
Zhan Hui frowned slightly and spoke softly:
"Marquis Xiping is the pillar of the southwest. Now that Luchuan has been defeated, he should have come to the capital to be commended for his achievements. I just don't know what Your Majesty thinks."
"Father naturally hopes that Wenying will come to Beijing to reunite with us.
But I am wary. I also know the purpose of Wenying's visit to Beijing, and I am afraid that something troublesome will happen."
Fu Youwen laughed:
"Your Highness, you don't know that I lived with my brother and father in Xiangcheng. My father was the county magistrate.
There was a wealthy family in the county who often insulted his father and elder brother.
I was young and full of passion at that time.
I picked up a knife and chopped him to death in the alley. It was so satisfying!
I didn't think about the consequences at that time.
I just can't bear to see my father and brother give in in every way, while others are still pushing for more."
At this point, everyone present knew what he was talking about and the atmosphere eased a little.
Zhu Biao rarely showed a warm smile:
"Forget it, forget it. If Wenying wants to come, let him come."
Zhan Hui laughed: "The father-in-law and son-in-law joined hands to defeat the enemy and entered the capital together. This is also a good story."
Fu Youwen on the side smiled and nodded, stroking his beard:
"My Ming Dynasty has another general, who is so brave and courageous at such a young age.
If Bei Yuan's trip can be attributed to luck,
The trip to the southwest is a real skill."
“Yes, I heard that his father was a student of Old Liu.
It's really strange, this old man is studying evil ways all day long, but his disciples are more powerful than each other."
Zhan Hui also laughed, and soon his face became more secretive:
"This boy has too strong a desire to kill, which is against the harmony of nature."
"Oh, oh, oh, please don't say that.
If the general hears this, he will kick you again."
Fu Youwen, who was standing by, waved his hands hastily, with a fearful look on his face: "Don't look at your age, this is a good time to ask for a beating."
At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside the study.
Accompanied by a few cadenced exclamations,
"Your Highness, Your Highness? Your Highness!!"
Zhan Hui quickly sat up straight, looking at his nose and his heart, with a calm look.
Fu Youwen did the same, picking up the teacup and pretending to be indifferent.
The prince sitting at the top saw this, smiled and said loudly:
"Uncle, in the study."
The door opened and Lan Yu, wearing a light blue robe and smiling, walked in quickly.
He immediately saw Zhan Hui and Fu Youwen sitting there, and the smile on his face widened:
"Oh, you two old guys are here too." The two of them were already accustomed to the general's domineering behavior, and they quickly stood up and bowed slightly:
"Meet the General."
Lan Yu smiled, closed the door, walked in, and waved his hand casually:
"Sit down, sit down. Why are you being so polite?"
The prince sat at the top, smiled and pointed to the chair beside him:
"Uncle, come and sit here."
Lan Yu was not polite either. He walked over and sat down next to the prince.
As soon as he sat down, he burst into laughter and looked at the prince:
"Your Highness, the southwest has won a great victory, and several well-known generals have been killed or captured.
Even Si Lunfa was captured. This kind of war is really inspiring."
Crown Prince Zhu Biao smiled and nodded:
"Uncle, you want to say that Lu Yunyi has made great contributions, right?
Hanba and Aruta, both of them fell into his hands."
Lan Yu's eyes widened and she waved her hands repeatedly, but she couldn't stop smiling:
"Your Highness, the Ming army has successors!
Mu Sheng, this kid, seems out of tune on weekdays.
Unexpectedly, he was able to carry out the important task after being entrusted with it.
Deng Zhizhong was generous in praising it in the documents he sent.
Of course, the most outstanding ones are Lu Yunyi and his team.
Jiujiang, Zigong and Guo Quan are all very outstanding.
It can be considered as a master, and I can be entrusted with important tasks in the future."
Speaking of this, Lan Yu patted the bench with some emotion:
"We old guys can finally rest assured."
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere at the scene suddenly became strange.
Fu Youwen and Zhan Hui looked at each other and shook their heads helplessly.
You are considered an old guy, what are we?
Crown Prince Zhu Biao ignored the strange atmosphere and laughed:
"My uncle is so happy, and my nephew is happy too."
Lan Yu looked at the two people opposite him with a somewhat obscure expression, and said something suggestive:
"Your Highness, the old and the new should take over.
The old guys who can't fight anymore should retire and make way for the young people.
Otherwise, the army would be a stagnant pool, and I would be upset just looking at it."
The Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face changed, and the faces of Zhan Hui and Fu Youwen opposite him changed slightly.
He lowered his head slightly and looked at the tea in the cup, thoughtfully.
But Lan Yu ignored the reactions of the three people and continued:
“During the Northern Expedition, the generals in the Yuan army were all old men in their seventies or eighties.
It’s hard for you to even walk, how can you beat us?
Whenever they lead the troops, the army can easily win.
Instead, it was some young generals entrenched in various places who caused us some trouble."
At this point, the words couldn't be made any clearer, so Zhan Hui interrupted:
"General, there is no one else in the room now, so you can say whatever you want. There is no need to make indirect accusations."
"Old people are just smart."
Lan Yu's smile widened, he looked at Crown Prince Zhu Biao, clasped his hands and said:
“Your Highness, now that the external enemies have been defeated, it is time to eliminate the internal troubles.
At present, the court has Your Majesty sitting high in the court and making plans, and the Crown Prince assisting in the administration. What are the use of so many old ministers?
I think that being an official is the same as being in the army. If you can't be an official, then your life is not over.
If your brain is not working well anymore, you should make room for those who are newer.
In this way, the court will not be a stagnant pool.
In the imperial court today, only Your Majesty and the Crown Prince have the authority granted by heaven, and can reign supreme for eternity."
As soon as these words came out, it was shocking!
Zhan Hui and Fu Youwen's faces changed drastically, with deep fear in their eyes.
He looked around fearfully, fearing that there might be ears on the other side of the wall!
Zhan Hui even shouted angrily:
"Lan Yu! Do you know what you are talking about?"
Zhan Hui lowered his voice to a very low level:
"During the Song Dynasty, Emperor Shenzong carried out reforms and Wang Anshi introduced the "Three-She Method".
This was an event that shook the foundation of the dynasty, and Shenzong and Wang Anshi were cursed for all eternity.
Not to mention that there was Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji.
Officials were ordered to retire at the age of 70. From then on, the Kaiyuan Prosperity was gone and the Tang Dynasty went from prosperity to decline.
The Ming Dynasty has only been established for 20 years. If we act in this way, we will be going against the grain and cause dissatisfaction among the people of the world!"
Lan Yu stood up suddenly and looked directly at Zhan Hui:
"All the people in the world? People like you?"
He looked at Fu Youwen again: "You are still such a commoner."
Lan Yu turned to look at the solemn-looking Crown Prince Zhu Biao and bowed:
“Your Highness, in this world, only Your Majesty and Your Highness can stay in the court for a long time.
The rest are not worth mentioning as I am.
Although I am a military man, I have read some history books.
In any prosperous era, the emperor and the crown prince would control the court for decades, and officials would be constantly replaced.
If you don't change and stick with one person forever, it will be a disaster!"
Such simple and straightforward words,
It even made Zhan Hui and Fu Youwen tremble.
Even the Crown Prince Zhu Biao had a deep look in his eyes.
As members of the royal family, how could they not understand such truth?
But it is easier to invite gods than to send them away, whether it is the Song, Yuan, or previous dynasties.
The imperial examinations were held to select officials, and once you passed, becoming an official would be your lifelong pursuit.
Setting this precedent in the Ming Dynasty would be countless times more difficult than moving the capital.
Zhu Biao knew that if the court forced this matter through.
Tomorrow there will be rebellions everywhere, and the uprisings will continue. The world will be in turmoil again.
Without waiting for the prince to speak, Fu Youwen spoke in a deep voice:
"General, His Majesty has issued an order,
All civil and military officials over the age of sixty were allowed to retire. If I remember correctly, it was after the Hu Rebellion case.
Lan Yu turned back suddenly, looking at Fu Youwen with sharp eyes:
"In two years you will be sixty, do you want to retire?
Duke Ying is sixty-four years old this year, and he is still fighting outside.
If it is not put into practice, it is just empty talk! "
Fu Youwen opened his mouth slightly, let out a sigh, and said nothing more.
Lan Yu looked at Zhan Hui suddenly and saw that he lowered his head and said nothing.
He looked at the crown prince Zhu Biao who was sitting at the top again, with a sincere expression on his face, and bowed deeply:
"Your Highness, when your Majesty's death comes, you will inherit the throne.
I wish to be a role model for the civil and military officials of the world, take off my armor and return home, live in the capital for a long time, and from now on not be involved in military affairs. "
The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze, and Crown Prince Zhu Biao pursed his lips tightly. As a nephew, he believed this.
Only if you truly have this heart will you be so generous in supporting the younger generation.
One will be so happy only after discovering that the successor is capable of standing on his own.
Moreover, living in the capital for a long time is itself a statement.
Nowadays, any high-ranking official in the imperial court who returns home can stir up trouble in his hometown.
Today, Fengyang, the ancestral land, is experiencing a turbulent period.
After an unknown amount of time, Zhu Biao chuckled and waved his hand gently:
"Uncle, please sit down first. This matter is of great importance and needs to be carefully considered."
Lan Yu suddenly let out the breath he had been holding and let out a long sigh.
He walked slowly to the chair and sat down in silence.
Seeing this, Zhu Biao looked at Zhan Hui and Fu Youwen opposite him, his face became serious, and he spoke in a deep voice:
"My Lords, please do not reveal a single word of what we said today. If it gets out, I will look for you two."
Zhan Hui and Fu Youwen quickly stood up and bowed:
"I obey your orders."
As it was getting dark, Kunming's Shangshui Sugar Factory was shrouded in a faint twilight.
The afterglow of the setting sun shines through the sparse clouds.
The mottled light shines on the quaint tile eaves and carved wooden doors, adding a touch of charm.
The shop is filled with a greasy sweet aroma and caramel flavor.
That is the tempting smell released by the sugarcane juice during boiling.
When they pile up into a mountain, it's disgusting.
Steam rose from huge copper cauldrons.
Intertwined with the gradually dimming light, it formed a hazy picture.
The disabled soldiers staggered and looked more focused under the dim light.
They held long-handled wooden spoons and slowly stirred the steaming pot.
He moves between neatly arranged pottery jars, carefully monitoring the color and concentration of each jar of syrup.
Sweat glistened on their foreheads.
Their clothes had become sticky, but it did not slow down their movements at all.
Not far away, Liu Heiying was sitting there wearing armor.
His face was extremely gloomy and he felt extremely upset.
He took his hand away from the kneepad, but suddenly there were lines of wires.
The stickiness of it was unbearable even for Liu Heiying, a once bloody warrior.
He gently moved the mask on his face.
He took the linen cloth from one side and rubbed it vigorously, making his vision clear again.
After just one day here, he found it hard to bear.
It is hard to imagine how these craftsmen could endure it.
Not far away, Ban Yan, the owner of Shangshui Sugar Factory, came hurriedly from outside with a clay jar in his hand.
He came to Liu Heiying and shouted:
"General Liu, there is a zhang of yellow mud on the ground. I don't know if it will work."
Liu Heiying looked over, sighed heavily, stood up and nodded:
"Thank you for your hard work, boss. I'll try one last time. If it doesn't work, I'll go back and think of another way."
"it is good!!"
Ban Yan roared and walked resolutely towards the big pot in front.
Two quarters of an hour later, Liu Heiying stood in front of the filter, half bent over.
Looking carefully at the brown sugar separating from each other, disappointment flashed across his face.
What’s the difference?
Ban Yan, who was standing next to him, spoke in a thick Yunnan accent, and his words were incoherent:
"General Liu, did you remember it wrongly?"
Liu Heiying stood up and took off the mask on his face.
He waved towards the outer door and walked over, and Ban Yan followed him.
When he came outside, Liu Heiying took a deep breath.
For the first time, he felt that the air outside was so beautiful.
Ban Yan walked outside and took off his hood.
He also breathed a sigh of relief. He was over 40 years old.
Perhaps because he spends all day immersed in the sugar jar, he looks very young, probably only about thirty years old.
Liu Heiying shook his head:
"The method is correct, there must be something wrong."
"Boss Ban, you have been making sugar for many years, do you think this method will work?"
Ban Yan thought about it carefully and nodded gently:
“Although we can’t make white sugar, the brown sugar that has been drizzled with yellow mud is much finer and can be sold at a good price.
If it can really be turned into white sugar, then the direction should be correct, but I don’t understand some of the tricks.”
Liu Heiying nodded after hearing this:
"In that case, I will go back and study it. Thank you very much for today, Manager Ban."
Owe, owe, owe, owe.
(End of this chapter)