Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

The plowing ceremony in March of the sixth year of Hongzhi was unprecedentedly grand.

A mighty royal procession set off from the Meridian Gate Square, left Beijing via Zhengyang Gate, and headed straight for the Shanchuan Altar on the west side of the official road.

Even the short journey was heavily guarded, and countless people and students had already paid homage to both sides of the road to welcome Emperor Hongzhi as he passed by.

Zhu Youtang was wearing a dragon robe and a golden crown. He slowly entered the gate of Shanchuan Altar in a golden carriage. When he got off the golden carriage, he saw the Taisui Palace in front of him.

This Shanchuan Altar is like a royal garden. In addition to the Taisui Hall, there are also the God's Kitchen Storehouse, the Farming Room, the Farming Platform, the Gufu Hall, the Qingcheng Palace, the God's Storehouse, the Sacrificial Vessel Storehouse, and the Altar.

"I respectfully greet you, Holy Ann!" Liu Zhong, Minister of Agriculture, has led a group of relevant officials to pay respect here for a long time, appearing to be polite.

Their faces are filled with gentle smiles, and they know that the plowing ceremony is not just a ceremony, but also an emphasis on agricultural production and concern for people's livelihood.

Now that the emperor can come in person to participate in the plowing ceremony, this is not only a blessing to the people of the world, but also a high regard for their Ministry of Agriculture.

Zhu Youtang seemed to attach great importance to today's plowing ceremony. After bowing his head to the kneeling officials, he immediately ordered the ceremony to begin.

The plowing and borrowing ceremony is not only a kind of etiquette, but also one of the current propaganda platforms for Ming Dynasty agriculture. The details of this etiquette can be published to the world by the "Ming" magazine.

The spring is bright, and the one-third-acre field is made of black soil from the Northeast. Under the careful care of relevant personnel, the soil now appears to be very fertile.

Zhu Youtang changed into different clothes according to the process, and finally stood on the farmland, holding the plow with his own hands, driving the obedient old cattle in front to draw neat ravines on the land.

When the soft soil is turned up, the air is filled with the smell of earth, and this is also the smell of the times.

All the officials watching the ceremony suddenly started whispering to each other, because they were very excited when they saw Baozhong being taken out by the eunuchs and officials.

For these three seemingly ordinary treasures, the imperial court not only spent a lot of money to build three Mingyuan treasure ships, but also sent officials and crew members across the East China Sea to the mysterious continent to search for the treasures.

It took two years, and after losing more than half of the crew, Liu Zhang finally brought back Baozhong. Now everyone is full of expectations for Baozhong.

"A tree with one harvest is a grain; a tree with ten harvests is a tree; a tree with a hundred harvests is a human being; a tree with a thousand harvests is a treasure seed!"

"Don't exaggerate. It's not as exaggerated as you heard that one tree can produce a thousand catties per mu!"

"You are not a farmer, and you don't know the difference between a yield of 500 jins per mu and a yield of 1,000 jins per mu. Doubling the harvest means more than doubling the number of people!"

…

Although the officials who were watching the ceremony had not been verified, they were already full of optimism after receiving Baozhong's yield data per mu from Liu Zhang.

In the past, they might have doubted something that had not been confirmed, but this was a dream entrusted to His Majesty by Taizu, not to mention that Liu Zhang had already confirmed it.

There is a new continent on the other side of the East China Sea, and the new continent really has the treasure species described by your majesty. Now the treasure species was brought back by Liu Zhang in two years. Such things are enough to dispel their immature suspicions.

Because of this, they all believed Liu Zhang's statement that the treasure species could produce a thousand catties per mu, and they were full of expectations for the treasure species that grew in the New World of the East China Sea.

Liu Zhang, wearing a first-grade official uniform, stood among the officials in the front row, but there was no joy on his face.

Since he returned to Tianjin Port on a treasure ship, he has received a grand welcome from the imperial court. Especially when he returned to the capital, he was personally welcomed by the emperor and hundreds of officials just like Liu Zhong had been.

What an honor this is, enough to make him proud of his ancestors.

After successfully completing his mission this time, the imperial court not only promoted him to the rank of Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Agriculture, but was also awarded the title of New Tubo. Now he is responsible for cultivating and promoting the cultivation of the precious seeds he brought back in the Ming Dynasty.

Because he was granted the false title of Crown Prince and Grand Master by the emperor, he was now a first-rank official, so he was ranked ahead of Liu Zhong, Minister of Agriculture, and became a real high-ranking official of the imperial court.

"New Tubo, why are you so unhappy?" Jia Jun, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, noticed the serious expression on his former subordinate's face and asked curiously.

In fact, when Liu Zhang returned from overseas this time, he could clearly feel that Liu Zhang seemed a little different, and he often appeared to be worried.

It's just that the identity of the other party is not what it used to be, and two years of overseas experience may also change a person, so he has never been able to point it out directly.

But today I saw Liu Zhang still looking depressed on this big day, so I finally couldn't help but ask directly.

Liu Zhang was slightly stunned at first, then forced out a smile and said: "Jia Shangshu, I'm afraid you have misunderstood. I am very happy in my heart, but I am not good at showing it on my face!"

"Originally, we all thought that the matter of the title of uncle could be postponed for a while, and it would not be too late to award the reward when the treasure seeds are harvested. However, His Majesty overcame all the objections and granted you the title of knight. Your Majesty is very kind to you. You It's not because of yourself, right?" Jia Jun, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, suddenly became energetic and analyzed it frankly and honestly.

Liu Zhang did not expect that his former boss spoke so straightforwardly, so he immediately nodded and said: "Not only has your Majesty been knighted, but I have also been promoted to an official position, and I have received many additional rewards. How can I be dissatisfied!"

But after saying these words, I suddenly realized that the nod I just made was inappropriate. Isn't this tantamount to admitting in disguise that it is because other people are unhappy?

"It seems that I guessed it right. You were involved in Su Can's family! Last year's Jiangnan case was very involved, and Su Can's family was also involved. His uncle was suspected of cooperating with the White Lotus cultists to place gunpowder in the canal, so the court is unlikely to forgive him. Su Can's family!" Jia Jun, Minister of Industry, sighed deeply when he thought of Su Can traveling to the American continent with Liu Zhang.

Since Su Can became successful, Su Can's family has a certain status in Jiangnan.

Because Su Can's uncle not only joined the Jiangnan business, but also participated in the assassination of the emperor, he became a person involved in the Jiangnan case, and Su Can's family was implicated.

Because the Mingyuan treasure ship left for the American continent for nearly two years and did not return, everyone thought that Liu Zhang and Su Can had committed treason or had already perished in the ocean.

But who would have thought that not long after the beginning of the new year, they would learn the news of Liu Zhang's return.

Although Su Can has died overseas, since Su Can made such great contributions to the court's search for treasure seeds, his family members should not be killed.

Just like this, although the court's approach was inappropriate, it could also be regarded as a trick of fate.

"The court's approach was not wrong, and the dismissal was not out of dissatisfaction!" Liu Zhang already knew the whole story and expressed his position bitterly.

Jia Jun, Minister of the Ministry of Industry, took a deep look at Liu Zhang and patted him heavily on the shoulder: "Your Majesty is leading the Ming Dynasty to create a prosperous age. Anyone who is disloyal to Your Majesty today is the countercurrent of the courtiers and the public enemy of all people. I hope you can think twice." !”

Liu Zhang was put on his shoulder by this hand, and he immediately felt the strong force, and a stream of sweat silently fell from his forehead.

At this time, the emperor's personal plowing ceremony ended, and then it was the turn of their important ministers to participate.

It is said that the emperor is not interested in farming. In fact, these important ministers have already lived a pampered life, and naturally they do not know how to work.

Fortunately, they are all able to stand in this position because they are all smart and eager to learn. They will naturally preview in advance and know how to farm.

Wang Yue is an exception. He and Hu Daniu competed in cutting rice, so he naturally knew how to plow the fields.

Perhaps it was his experience in exile that made him understand how difficult life was for the people at the bottom, and he also understood how wise it was for the emperor to spend huge sums of money to find treasure seeds.

When it comes to sowing, this year is different from previous years.

Since Zhu Youtang added cotton seeds in the first year of Hongzhi, three precious species were naturally introduced this time. Due to the limited land of one-third of an acre, in addition to planting three precious species this time, only cotton, barley and rice were left.

Xie Qian is also the editor-in-chief of the current "Ming" magazine, which also recorded this change.

Because the Ministry of Agriculture was added to the imperial court, the sowing process was mainly carried out by Liu Zhong and Liu Zhang.

Liu Zhang, the left minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, was also in charge of this three-acre land, so he worked hard and carefully planted the seeds in his hands.

His fate has been deeply tied to Baozhong. Not only did he obtain the title of New Tubo because of his search for Baozhong, but he was also responsible for the cultivation and promotion of Baozhong as the Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Agriculture.

But when he was planting potatoes, he hesitated several times, but suddenly felt a piercing gaze.

When Liu Zhang turned his head and looked over, he saw Su Can staring at him coldly. However, when he thought about taking a closer look, he found that Su Can was not in the crowd.

"What happened to Liu Zhang?"

"He makes me feel weird!"

"I heard that I was frightened in the American continent. It should be fine later!"

…

The civil and military officials present noticed Liu Zhang's abnormal behavior, and they all expressed their understanding just thinking that Liu Zhang had gone through two years of hardships.

With the plowing ceremony over, the emperor's honor guard returned directly to the palace.

Zhu Youtang is now the engine of this empire. Although the central and local government agencies perform their own duties, important things are still started by him.

Since the emperor took over Xiyuan, the layout here has been constantly adjusted.

An independent office of the cabinet was built to the south of Yangxin Hall, but now there is a courtyard opposite, which is the newly established Military Aircraft Department.

Anyone can see that the emperor's establishment of the Military Aircraft Department was not only to strengthen the country's military decision-making capabilities, but also to decentralize power in a dominant cabinet.

The Military Aircraft Department currently has only three members, namely Wang Yue, Zhao Chengqing and Zhang Yong.

Wang Yue naturally had no objections. If he had not been a civil servant, he should be the chief minister of the cabinet now. The newly promoted Duke of Jing, Zhao Chengqing, was promoted based on his military merits and was also qualified. The person who raised objections was the eunuch Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong was originally a eunuch in the palace. Because Zhu Youtang, who had just ascended the throne, wanted to control the military camp, Zhang Yong and other twelve eunuchs were sent to lead the 12th battalion.

Because of his outstanding performance, when Zhu Youtang built the heavy cavalry Aegis Battalion, Zhang Yong was directly promoted by the emperor to be the first commander of the Aegis Battalion.

Over the years, the Aegis Battalion has been victorious in many battles, and has become the most powerful army recognized by the entire Ming Dynasty. The people of the Ming Dynasty are also proud of the Aegis Battalion.

Although Zhang Yong's selection as a member of the Military Aircraft Department was met with some criticism, Emperor Hongzhi's prestige was enough that even if some officials from the Department of Science and Technology expressed dissatisfaction, they were easily suppressed.

In fact, the opposition mainly came from the civil servant group, while the military generals did not raise objections. Even Ping Liaobo Tie Xiangshan and other generals supported Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong's fighting style is very fierce, and his ability to lead the army has won everyone's unanimous recognition. If he hadn't been a eunuch, he would have been made a marquis long ago.

Due to the formation of the Military Aircraft Department by three heavyweight personnel, the power of the Military Aircraft Department now seems to have surpassed that of the cabinet led by Yin Zhi.

After the plowing ceremony was over, the empire's eyes naturally turned to the north again.

Summoned by Zhu Youtang, the three people from the Military Aircraft Department passed Tongzhen in front of the door and arrived at the Yangxin Hall filled with sandalwood.

Zhu Youtang, who was wearing a dragon robe, was sitting in front of the case handling memorials from the two capitals and twelve provinces. When he saw the young eunuch leading the three people to the court, he gently put down the memorial in his hand.

Although the Ming Dynasty is now stable, it is not without any problems.

The ban on silver in Jiangnan has achieved results, but the complete implementation of the new currency across the country will also take time, and some minor problems still need to be properly handled.

What is gratifying is that the construction of national bonds has been recognized by the general gentry and the common people, and now the interests of the new currency and the common people are actually quietly tied together.

When Zhu Youtang saw the three people appearing, he went straight to the point: "The Queen Mother of Beishun has replied to the letter. She said that the last raid on Ji Town was Yi Bulu's personal act. Now she has been deprived of her status as Grand Master of Beishun. He also promised to send troops to help us encircle and suppress the Yin tribe. What does your Military Aircraft Department think of this?"

This time, Bu Yin led his troops to raid Ji Town, which can be regarded as the Northern Yuan Dynasty tearing up the peace agreement.

Although Zhu Youtang has always had the idea of ​​​​annexing Mongolia, the cost of this investment is too high, and he does not want to make a huge gamble with his personal life on the fate of the country.

What the Ming Dynasty needs now is to develop its national strength. If it costs hundreds of millions of silver to capture Mongolia, not to mention that Mongolia's output value will not be able to fill it up at all, and Mongolia may have to be supported by the court's finances.

What's more, there is one of his beloved concubines sandwiched between the two countries. Especially since that crazy night, Concubine Bei's stomach seems to have moved.

That's why Manduhai has now taken the initiative to draw a clear line with Yibuliyin, and has even expressed his willingness to send troops to support Yibuliyin. Yibuliyin led his troops to raid Ji Town, which can be interpreted as Yibuliyin's personal behavior.

"We at the Military Aircraft Department unanimously believe that it is not appropriate to start a war against the Beishun Kingdom. Our Ming Dynasty's Qing Dynasty will not attack Yinbu!" Wang Yue and the other three exchanged glances, and Wang Yue answered.

Zhu Youtang knew that the three of them were important ministers who could take the overall situation into consideration, so he nodded gently: "In that case, let's discuss it today and formulate a strategy to eliminate the enemy without ruthlessly attacking the cause!"

As soon as these words came out, it foreshadowed a war in the sixth year of Hongzhi, a crazy revenge against Mongolia's southward movement. (End of chapter)