Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 108: Know the current situation! Forgotten things, Lao Zhu’s reminder!
Autumn is getting deeper.

The weather is getting colder.

Gradually, the chirping of insects disappeared.

When Zhu Gaochi was in a daze, the surroundings were very quiet, with only his heart pounding.

Although he was still a teenager, how could Zhu Gaochi not know how much money 30 million taels of silver was?

He has always been very sensitive about gold, silver and money.

After a while, Zhu Gaochi's Adam's apple moved, and he spoke with difficulty: "Your Highness the Prince of Wu wants to invest 30 million taels of silver to make guns and gunpowder?"

"It's not just guns and gunpowder." Zhu Yunhuan repeated patiently, "There are also many machines, such as better textile machines, more powerful cannons, cars that can run on their own without being pulled by horses... and many more strange and bizarre things you have never seen before."

Zhu Gaochi's eyes lit up, and he thought, wouldn't it be fun if he could really build a car that could run on its own without the need for horses or people to pull it?
But he immediately raised another question, saying, "Your Highness the King of Wu uses so much money to play with these things, aren't you afraid of being punished by the Emperor?"

"Play?" Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but laugh in astonishment, and said, "I'm not playing, this is an investment."

"It is Ming Dynasty's investment in the future."

"This investment will determine the future of the entire Ming Dynasty, change the fate of millions of people in the Ming Dynasty, and will also usher the world into a new era."

Zhu Gaochi carefully digested the meaning of Zhu Yunhuan's words, but still didn't quite understand what he meant.

But when I think about it, it seems to have nothing to do with me.

Anyway, you are not the one who pays the money.

If there are any problems or responsibilities, it is not your responsibility.

After thinking for a while, he asked, "If that's the case, why did His Royal Highness the King of Wu let me manage this investment?"

Zhu Yunxun laughed and asked, "Why, you don't believe in your own abilities?"

"I..." Zhu Gaochi opened his mouth but didn't say anything else.

Young men of his age, regardless of whether they are rich or poor, are often full of confidence in themselves.

I feel that the world is so big and I will definitely be able to achieve something.

One day, I will surely make my parents and relatives look at me with new eyes.

But there is not much reason for this kind of confidence, it is just the instinct of young people.

Young people have their own mentality and their own ambition.

On the other hand, despite this confidence, they are actually very confused.

Because once it comes to specific matters, it seems that I always fail to do well enough to satisfy my parents and elders.

It really puts a heavy burden on him, and he doesn't know what to do.

"I believe you!" Zhu Yunhuan patted his shoulder and said, "I am the grandson of the emperor, and so are you."

"Who is Grandpa Huang?"

"He is a great hero who can conquer the whole world with just a bowl and a stick. He is the true dragon emperor!"

"As the grandson of the Emperor, I will naturally surpass him in the future."

“The waves behind push forward the waves ahead, and the new generation is better than the old.”

"One day, I will surpass you."

"As for you."

Zhu Yunhuan glanced at him, smiled slightly, and sighed softly: "Although your ability is not even one thousandth of mine, you are at least one of the many grandchildren of the emperor."

"He has some dragon blood heritage, which makes him much more powerful than those people outside."

"I am still a little short of being the director of the Ming Manufacturing Bureau, but I am still barely qualified."

"Besides, who makes you and I both grandchildren and my cousins?"

"I have to help my brothers, right?"

"I feel even more worried about handing such an important position to an outsider."

Zhu Gaochi was dumbfounded after hearing these words. He wanted to retort and curse out something like "You are so shameless."

When the words came to his lips, he suddenly remembered that he was still in the Prince Wu's mansion. The wound on his buttocks had just healed and he was still hungry. He quickly changed his words, bowed deeply, and said, "Your Highness the Prince Wu is a genius, the best in the world, unparalleled in the world, I can't even compare to him."

"But as a descendant of the royal family and the grandson of the emperor, I should serve the Ming Dynasty and the country."

"Please rest assured, Your Highness Prince Wu, I will definitely manage the Daming Manufacturing Bureau well."

"Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Wu, we will change the fate of millions of people in the Ming Dynasty and lead the Ming Dynasty into a new era."

what……

I just like your ability to bow down and worship!

Understand the current situation and know when to advance and retreat.

With such unique skills, your future is limitless!
Zhu Yunxun nodded with satisfaction and said, "Not bad! You have ambition!"

"Your father has now accepted me as his master, I'm sure you know that."

"Your brother is also very capable in doing things for me, and now you are here too."

"From now on, all three of you will work under me."

"I will naturally remember your loyalty."

Zhu Gaochi's mouth twitched slightly, and soon turned into a smile, and he said loudly: "Thank you, Your Highness, King Wu!"

……

After making arrangements for Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Yunhuan asked someone to call Zhao Rui.

"See His Highness King Wu!"

As soon as Zhao Rui came in, he bowed respectfully.

Before Zhu Yunhuan could give any orders, he reported something first.

"This morning, Eunuch Ji from the palace came and said that His Majesty rewarded him with 100,000 new-edition banknotes, which was worth 10,000 taels of silver."

"But there is only silver in the palace, not so many new banknotes. Your Majesty asked him to come to Your Highness to withdraw it."

"Eunuch Ji found me."

"With such a large sum of money, I dare not make the decision on my own."

"But Lord Ji is after all a man close to His Majesty, and he claims to be His Majesty's decree. I dare not refuse, so I have no choice but to accept it temporarily and say I will send someone to deliver it to him tomorrow."

"How should this matter be decided? Your Highness, King Wu, please give us your instructions."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "Since it was given to him by the Emperor, then just give it to him. Why hesitate... No... That's not right!"

He suddenly came to his senses and then glanced at Zhao Rui indifferently.

Old Zhu is different from other emperors.

Old Zhu, who came from a poor family, was always stingy even when rewarding people around him.

The only exception is for one's own sons, grandchildren and other relatives.

But why would such a huge reward be given to a eunuch for no reason today?

"Eunuch Ji?" Zhu Yunhuan suddenly remembered something and asked, "But his name is Ji Yuan?"

Zhao Rui responded: "Exactly!"

Zhu Yunhuan immediately remembered that it was this Yoshigaki who led Yang Shiqi to the palace to meet the emperor for the first time.

Later, he deliberately used words to test Yang Shiqi.

Not long ago, it was Ji Yuan who secretly sent a message to the person who delivered the report to the palace, saying that His Majesty had ordered the King of Wu to just do it!

Today, Old Zhu suddenly rewarded him with such a large sum of money, and asked him to come to him to withdraw it on the grounds that there were no new versions of banknotes in the palace. What was his intention?

Zhu Yunhuan thought for a moment and then asked, "Have you ever asked Eunuch Ji why His Majesty gave him the new version of the treasure notes instead of silver?"

Zhao Rui bowed and said, "I asked during the conversation."

"Eunuch Ji said that His Majesty gave him the reward because he heard that His Royal Highness Prince Wu's new version of the treasure banknote was a great success."

"Originally, I rewarded him with one thousand taels of silver."

"But Eunuch Keji told His Majesty that now everyone no longer uses silver, but the new version of the treasure banknotes. If Your Majesty wants to reward, why not give new banknotes?"

"His Majesty was even happier after hearing this, so he rewarded him with 100,000 new banknotes."

That's it!

Zhu Yunhuan glanced at Zhao Rui again, and seeing that he was standing with his hands down and his waist bent, maintaining an excellent posture, he couldn't help but admire him slightly.

This person is indeed cautious in his work.

As to why Yoshigaki was rewarded, he didn't need to explain. He just knew that he should take the initiative to inquire and then report back.

This alone makes me surpass many people.

You know, most of the servants in the palace work according to the principle of "the more you do, the more mistakes you make, and the less you do, the fewer mistakes you make."

If you can ignore something, then ignore it.

I would rather be scolded for being stupid than take on any more work.

Because the degree is very difficult to grasp.

If you do less, you will just be scolded; if you do more, you may lose your life.

Zhao Rui is completely different from those people.

He knows what to ask more about and what to say less about.

Zhao Rui knew that he had to find out the details about Yoshigaki's situation.

But if Zhu Yunhuan didn't ask, he wouldn't say anything more to show that he was smarter than his master.

When Zhu Yunhuan asked, he just answered truthfully without making any further comments.

These seem to be commonplace things on the surface.

But in reality it is anti-human.

Just like the workers in later generations, they often can’t help but show off their abilities in front of their boss.

It’s probably not intentional, but it can easily come out unconsciously.

Because it is driven by human instinct.

People who can control their human instincts at all times are very extraordinary.

It seems that the reward that Lao Zhu gave to Yoshigaki was indeed a hint to himself.

So what is it?

Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

New version of banknotes... generous rewards...

Correct!
Zhu Yunhuan suddenly came to his senses.

The Ming Bank and the new version of the treasure notes achieved unprecedented success.

However, he seemed to have forgotten to reward those who helped him in this matter!

In later generations, company bosses all know to paint a rosy picture for their employees, saying that if the listing is successful, they will give you shares, dividends, huge bonuses, etc.

Of course, promises are just promises, and only a few are fulfilled in the end.

But on the other hand, in those hugely successful companies, those who followed the boss at the beginning really became rich.

Shares...dividends...huge bonuses...capitalists really gave them!

After all, capitalists also know that if you want cattle and horses to run, you still have to feed them grass.

You have to know how to draw the pie, and occasionally you have to fulfill it.

In this era, it is a reward!

Lots of rewards!
The rewards of this era are essentially similar to bonuses in later generations and have their own unique internal logic.

In theory, the wealthy families who bought maids home did not need to pay them a penny, because they had already paid for their bodies. But in reality, as described in "Dream of Red Mansions", maids would also receive monthly wages, and many rewards during festivals.

It is to make them work harder.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was always stingy with the servants around him, he was also very unambiguous in rewarding meritorious soldiers.

At one time, he awarded 50 million treasure notes, which was equivalent to the fiscal revenue of the Ming Dynasty for two years.

Such a large sum of money can't be said to be small.

Although the Ming Dynasty's treasure notes later became almost waste paper, Zhu Yuanzhang still used them to give out rewards in the early days.

The Ming Dynasty treasure notes at that time were still quite valuable.

Establishing the Ming Bank, printing and issuing new versions of banknotes... this is a big event, an unprecedented event.

Getting this done is tantamount to winning a great victory.

It has a more far-reaching impact and greater significance than even winning a great battle!
If this thing is successful, of course the relevant personnel should be rewarded heavily... From the bank teller to the technicians who print the banknotes, all should be rewarded according to their merits.

I want to give everyone a bonus!
Only in this way can we gather people's hearts.

In the future, when it comes to getting things done, the people below will work harder.

Otherwise, I only earn 3,000 yuan a month, why should I work so hard for you?

Simply beheading or intimidating them will not motivate them.

Slacking off at work is a widespread problem and it's hard to find anyone to punish!

Only if they are heavily rewarded will they truly work hard.

An army without pay is doomed to fail in battle.

No matter how harshly you threaten me, it will be in vain!

But Zhu Yunhuan really forgot about this matter.

Having traveled here from the future, he still feels a little uncomfortable.

Two thoughts were fighting in my mind, and I was busy all day with the power struggle in the court, all kinds of swordplay, open and secret struggles, adapting to the new life, and forgetting such an important thing.

Yang Shiqi and Yao Guangxiao certainly would not have any objections.

Yang Shiqi rose from a commoner to become a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy. This was a great reward in itself.

Yao Guangxiao wanted to change the world, and he wanted rewards and the like... He was a monk who didn't even eat meat and never touched women. What was the point of giving him gold, silver and treasures?
But the people below are different.

Following His Royal Highness Prince Wu's work eagerly.

He thought that he had accomplished his mission and that His Royal Highness the King of Wu would reward him handsomely.

The result: nothing?
What do the people below think?
I'm afraid that from now on, the reputation of King Wu as being mean and ungrateful will spread.

It would be extremely detrimental to his control of the Ming Dynasty and winning the hearts of the people.

However, Yang Shiqi and Yao Guangxiao were not sure about bringing up this matter.

After all, they themselves are the most important participants.

Mentioning it has a bit of the meaning of seeking credit and reward for oneself.

Furthermore, in their opinion, with His Royal Highness the King of Wu’s talent and ability, he would definitely not forget even the most basic common sense.

The King of Wu must have a reason for not ordering any reward. We just need to wait patiently.

Only Zhu Yuanzhang saw it clearly, so he reminded Zhu Yunhuan by giving Yoshigaki a valuable reward.

You have printed so much banknotes, don’t forget to reward the people around you and those who do things for you!

Next, he will go to the Ming Military Academy to serve as the president.

When dealing with those meritorious officials, governors and generals, it is also necessary to use both kindness and severity.

This is of vital importance to a man who is already regent and is about to be appointed crown prince and inheritor of the Ming Dynasty.

Since ancient times, the crown prince has needed a reputation for being "gracious".

The crown prince is often more generous than the emperor and gives more rewards to his subordinates.

This is of course a deliberate display of "personality".

Zhu Yunhuan is now in this position and also needs such a "personality".

On the other hand, Mr. Zhu had other intentions in choosing Yoshigaki.

He had previously tried to test her with words and quietly passed on secret orders, and now he was doing it again...

Thinking of this, Zhu Yunhuan made up his mind and said, "Go to Jiyuan's house tomorrow and give him 200,000 new banknotes."

"Tell him that you have worked hard during this period, and I will remember it in my heart."

"The Emperor rewarded him with 100,000 new banknotes, and I will also reward him with 100,000 new banknotes to comfort Eunuch Ji for his contribution."

Old Zhu wanted to test Ji Heng and use him, so Zhu Yunhuan followed suit.

Zhao Rui was slightly startled, with a look of surprise on his face. He did not expect that His Royal Highness the King of Wu would give such a heavy reward to a eunuch, but he did not ask anything, and bent down and said, "Yes!"

"One more thing!" Zhu Yunxun said again: "Go and tell Mr. Yang and Master Daoyan."

"Everyone has worked hard during this period."

"Now the Ming Bank and the new version of the banknotes are both a great success, all thanks to the concerted efforts of everyone."

"Let Mr. Yang and Master Daoyan compile a list of meritorious personnel, assess their achievements, and report them. We will reward them according to their merits."

After a pause, he continued, "As for the people in Prince Wu's Palace, you are in charge of them."

"You can also make a list and evaluate everyone's achievements and hard work, and we will also reward them."

According to the rules of that era, every time a large reward was bestowed, it was important to make it available to everyone.

When the emperor rewarded his meritorious officials, palace maids and eunuchs, even all the cats and dogs in the palace were rewarded.

Even mice would have some food rewarded in front of their holes.

This is called "the emperor's great grace"!
The emperor's grace is widely extended to all his subjects, leaving no corner untouched.

As for exterminating the rats later, that is another matter.

Although Zhu Yunhuan is not the emperor now, he is already the regent and is seen by everyone as the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

He should act in the same way.

"Thank you, Your Highness the King of Wu!" Zhao Rui quickly knelt down and bowed to express his gratitude.

After all, he was also a member of the Prince of Wu's Palace and a steward.

Zhu Yunhuan rewarded all the palace maids, slaves and guards in the Prince of Wu's palace, and the first person to receive the reward was himself.

"Get up!" Zhu Yunhuan waved his hand and said with a smile: "I called you here today for one more thing."

"This king sees that you are diligent and cautious in your work, and you are a useful talent."

"It would be a waste of talent for you to stay in my Wu Palace all the time."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Rui immediately knelt down again and kowtowed, saying, "Your Highness, I am willing to serve you forever. I beg you to..."

Before he could finish, Zhu Yunhuan interrupted him and said with a smile: "I didn't say I would drive you away, what are you afraid of?"

Zhao Rui raised his head, his expression obviously relaxed a lot.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at him and couldn't help feeling strange in his heart.

Since he came to this world, he has tried his best to employ famous historical figures.

There is no other reason.

History has proven the abilities and capabilities of these people. There is almost zero risk in using them and there is no need to doubt their abilities.

However, are those really the only talented people in the world?

not necessarily!

The talent of a county is enough to govern a country!
Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang relied on the talents of Pei County to fight for supremacy in the Chu-Han war.

Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu used the talents of Nanyang to restore the Han Dynasty.

The Cao family mainly relied on the talents in Qiao County, and controlled one third of the country.

Zhu Yuanzhang conquered the world, expelled the Tartars, and established the Ming Dynasty. Most of the heroes of the Ming Dynasty were from Huaixi.

The twenty-four generals of Huaixi were all from Zhu Yuanzhang’s hometown.

Are all the talented people in the world concentrated in Huaixi?
Are there no talented people elsewhere?

This is certainly not the case and does not conform to basic natural laws.

It's just that these people in Huaixi are lucky. They have a good boss, Lao Zhu, to lead them, and they can achieve some achievements.

Become a talent who can conquer the world, govern the world, and leave your name in history!
What if it wasn't Zhu who took over the world, but someone else?

The place that produces the most talented people is not Huaixi, but Jiangxi, or Hunan, or Suzhou and Hangzhou, etc.

Talent is important, but platform is more important!

With a suitable platform for training, the talents of a county are enough to govern the country!
However, from Zhu Yunhuan's perspective, since he was familiar with history, he would try to make use of this advantage and directly use famous talents in history.

After all, it is very difficult to identify talents by relying on one's own keen eyes, and it involves considerable risks.

There is no reason to throw away the ready-made "plug-in" and make things difficult for yourself.

However, historical talents are ultimately limited and have their limitations.

He wanted to develop science and technology and lead the Ming Dynasty into the industrial age, and sometimes he had to discover talents on his own.

For example, Zhao Rui in front of us.

"This prince intends to invest 30 million taels of silver to establish the Daming Manufacturing Bureau and have Zhu Gaochi, the son of the Prince of Yan, in charge."

"But he is still young after all. He cannot manage such a large sum of money by himself."

"Since you are diligent and cautious, I have decided to send you to assist him and supervise him to take good care of the money."

Zhao Rui was shocked, then surprised, and kowtowed, "Thank you, Your Highness King Wu!"

As he spoke, he was already extremely excited, with tears streaming down his face and sobbing uncontrollably.

The eunuchs in the palace all knew what it meant to be sent out to manage affairs.

It is no exaggeration to say that it is a quick success.

What's more, it is an institution established with an investment of 30 million taels of silver. You can imagine how powerful it is.

Although the King of Wu said that the person in charge was Zhu Gaochi, the son of the King of Yan, as he was specially appointed by the King of Wu to be in charge of the purse, it goes without saying that his status was very high.

Not to mention that the King of Wu also said that he also had the responsibility of supervision!
How could Zhao Rui not be happy?
"Okay, let's prepare well." Zhu Yunhuan was not surprised by his reaction.

Anyone would be extremely excited by such a blessing from heaven.

Zhu Yunhuan reminded him again: "In order to establish the Daming Manufacturing Bureau, I have emptied all the money that Daming Bank can lend."

"This king is burdened with a huge responsibility."

"The Ming Manufacturing Bureau is related to the future of the Ming Dynasty and the future of the world. You must work seriously."

"If you do a good job, not only will the king reward you handsomely."

"Moreover, your name, Zhao Rui, will also be recorded in the history books of the ages."

"If you don't do it well, I will be the first to chop off your head."

Eunuchs have no descendants or families, but many of them care very much about their reputation after death.

The four words "bring glory to the ancestors" have been engraved in the bones of the Chinese people since ancient times.

As for eunuchs, since they have no descendants, their posthumous reputation means bringing honor to their family.

Zhao Rui kowtowed heavily and said, "Please rest assured, Your Highness Prince Wu, Zhao Rui will do his best to cooperate with the Crown Prince and swear to run the Daming Manufacturing Bureau well even if he dies."

……

(End of this chapter)