Bringing the Railway to Daming

Chapter 207: Zhu Biao's movie review, the kings agreed to establish overseas vassal states! [Large chapter, please subscribe!]

How hybrid rice was born?
After listening to Liu Kuan's summary of the movie's content, Lao Zhu and Zhu Biao both looked ecstatic.

Ever since they heard Liu Kuan mention the yield of hybrid rice in the future, the father and son have been obsessed with hybrid rice. They are even prepared to launch a hybrid rice experimental project in the Ming Dynasty based on the relevant information they got from Liu Kuan.

People like Zhu Su and Zhu Zhen who didn't know what hybrid rice was also looked forward to the movie after asking people who knew.

This movie is not too long. Firstly, it is only an hour and a half long originally. Secondly, Liu Kuan edited it and cut out some small parts that were not suitable for broadcast and were not critical.

After the old-fashioned movie opening credits, a child drew lots and chose rice. Then the picture switched to the starry sky, and three big words appeared - Yuan Longping!

Seeing this, the Zhu family all looked at it attentively.

The film begins with a scene of Mr. Yuan being interviewed by a foreign reporter at the beach. At that time, Mr. Yuan had successfully developed hybrid rice and had gained great fame internationally.

The film begins with Yuan Lao's emotion and memories of the glorious years of hybrid rice research, and then moves on to the main content...
After more than an hour, the movie came to an end.

The hybrid rice experiment went through many ups and downs and hardships, but with the unremitting efforts and never-give-up spirit of Mr. Yuan and his work partners, plus a bit of luck, they finally achieved unprecedented success!
The hybrid rice experiment in Hainan's experimental fields yielded a bumper harvest, prompting people from all over the country to come and buy hybrid rice seeds. The film ends with the people rejoicing over the harvest. (You can find the film yourself.)
Compared with the films Liu Kuan has released before, this biographical film is obviously much more boring.

This can be seen from the fact that several younger children start to doze off in the latter part of the movie.

However, whether it was the men of the Zhu family, such as Zhu Lao, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Di, or the women, such as Empress Ma, they all watched with rapt attention.

After the movie, those in the Zhu family who understood it were deeply moved.

Old Zhu was the first to speak: "I never expected that the birth of hybrid rice in this later era would be so tortuous and full of dangers."

"If it weren't for Mr. Yuan's unwavering perseverance, the high-ranking officials of the New Dynasty taking this matter seriously, and a bit of luck, this hybrid rice might not have been created."

"Even if it could be achieved, it would probably be delayed for many years. At that time, China had a large population and a huge demand for food. Every year that hybrid rice was delayed, countless people would starve to death in the famine."

"If the scientists of the Ming Dynasty could possess this spirit and determination in the future, why would we worry about the Ming Dynasty's technological advancement? Why would we worry about the world hegemony not being achieved?"

After hearing what Zhu Yuanzhang said, Zhu Biao couldn't help but say, "Father, I think Mr. Yuan's experience in this film is quite helpless."

"Most of the setbacks he encountered during his experiments were man-made. If the imperial court had given his experiments the utmost attention and sent soldiers to protect them throughout the entire process to ensure their smooth progress, hybrid rice might have been born several years earlier."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head and laughed, "Biao'er, your thoughts are a bit hindsight-just like you are now the crown prince, a high-level decision-maker in the Ming Dynasty, in charge of many aspects of the Ming Dynasty."

"And within the imperial court, there are many scientific workers like Mr. Yuan, many of whom are even more famous than Mr. Yuan."

"Plus, the experimental idea proposed by Mr. Yuan is not widely accepted. Will you give it the highest regard and greatest support from the outset?"

Liu Kuan nodded in agreement after hearing what Lao Zhu said.

To be honest, when he first saw this film, he was also moved by Mr. Yuan's experience and had similar thoughts as Zhu Biao.

However, there are very few things in this world that go smoothly. In the film, the Xin Dynasty was facing many other problems and difficulties at that time. It was rare for someone among the top leaders to recognize that Mr. Yuan was a real gold in advance. It can even be said that there was a hint of luck involved.

After all, no one knew at that time that the inconspicuous Mr. Yuan would use a theory that was absolutely incredible at the time to experimentally produce hybrid rice.

Zhu Biao listened to Zhu Yuanzhang's words, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly realized his mistake. He said with a hint of shame, "I am indeed a little wise after the event... But I still believe that some of the setbacks during Mr. Yuan's experiment could have been avoided."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "Indeed."

Seeing this, Zhu Biao continued, "Therefore, I believe that if the Ming Dynasty wants to promote the rapid development of science and technology, in addition to ensuring the working conditions of scientific personnel as much as possible, it must also prevent them from being involved in court struggles."

"It's best to let them focus on scientific research without having to worry about other things. That way, scientific research will progress faster."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and smiled with satisfaction, then looked at Liu Kuan and asked, "Liu Kuan, what do you think?"

"My thoughts are similar to what His Royal Highness the Crown Prince just said," Liu Kuan said with a smile, then changed the subject, "However, I believe that with Your Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince here, the scientific researchers in the various bureaus and institutes under my jurisdiction will receive the treatment they deserve and will not be troubled by the affairs of the court."

Liu Kuan's words seemed to be a roundabout way of flattering.

If someone else flatters him, Old Zhu probably won't feel anything. But as long as Liu Kuan flatters him, no matter how crude the method, Old Zhu will feel very happy - this is a very strange psychology.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily at this moment. "Boy, if you say that, it would be embarrassing for Biaoer and I to not guarantee the treatment of those people in the Science and Technology Department and help you to block the dissenting opinions from the court and the public."

After laughing, Zhu Yuanzhang said seriously: "Biao'er, after watching the movie just now, I believe you have a deeper understanding of hybrid rice. For example, the male is not..."

Halfway through his speech, Zhu Yuanzhang got stuck and couldn't remember the tongue-twisting noun.

At this time, Zhu Xiongying reminded him, "Grandpa Emperor, it's 'male sterile plant'."

Zhu Tan, who was about to speak, looked annoyed and glanced at Zhu Xiongying in surprise. He didn't expect that his nephew would react faster than him this time.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "My eldest grandson is really clever... If we cross the male sterile rice with a wild rice plant from Qiongzhou Prefecture, we can get hybrid rice of later generations."

"Now that we know the general answer, we just need to find these two types of rice, and we can avoid many detours in our research."

"Even though our Ming Dynasty doesn't have the scientific research conditions of later generations, nor do we have as many relevant talents, we have this answer. As long as we work hard, we may be able to see hybrid rice cultivated by the Ming Dynasty in our lifetime!"

It is now the sixteenth year of Hongwu. If calculated according to Zhu's historical lifespan, he can still live for fourteen years.

But during this time, Zhu not only had the imperial physician perform regular physical examinations, but also followed the doctor's orders more closely and controlled his diet according to the imperial physician's suggestions.

The most important thing is that the state affairs that Zhu Yuanzhang needs to deal with now are much less than in history, and he will no longer experience the pain of losing his grandchildren, wife, and son at an early age.

There were even many good things happening in the Ming Dynasty that made him happy.

Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang today is likely to live longer than in history - Liu Kuan is not sure exactly how long he can live.

If Zhu Yuanzhang could live another 20 years, he might have really seen the emergence of hybrid rice in the Ming Dynasty.

Except for Liu Kuan, Zhu Biao, Empress Ma, and Zhu Huilan, no one else present knew Zhu Yuanzhang's age.

But everyone can say auspicious words.

Immediately, all the princes and princesses said one after another: "May your father live a long life and surely see the birth of hybrid rice!"

Zhu Yuanzhang had no intention of discussing the question of his lifespan. He smiled and said, "Now that we've finished watching the movie, let's go to the side hall and talk about the overseas vassalage. All princes and grandsons over the age of five are welcome to come and listen."

Zhu Zhi, Zhu Yunwen and other princes and grandsons who were less than ten years old almost cheered with joy when they heard this.

Adult princes such as Zhu Ying and Zhu Di were speechless, thinking: What can a child of such age understand?
Regardless of what they thought, the twenty or so princes and grandchildren followed Zhu to the side hall of Dashan Hall. When Liu Kuan came in, he found that Zhu had already arranged the "meeting place".

First of all, there are several large maps hanging on the screens in the hall, including both global maps and regional maps.

Secondly, there were dozens of tables and chairs, on which were provided writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone.

If someone who doesn't know the truth sees this scene for the first time, they might mistakenly think they have entered an examination room.

After Zhu Yuanzhang came in, he first sat down on a throne in the north (there was no throne in the side hall), then waved his hand and said, "You all can sit down too."

Liu Kuan found a seat at the very end and wanted to sit down, but Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Liu Kuan, please sit next to Biao'er. It will be more convenient for you to talk to everyone about overseas affairs later."

"Yes."

Liu Kuan agreed and sat down below Zhu Biao.

Zhu Chong glanced at Liu Kuan curiously, then looked away—he had figured it out; he was here to listen. If he couldn't regain his princely status, the issue of overseas fiefdoms would have little to do with him.

After everyone was seated, Zhu Yuanzhang said loudly: "This year, our Ming Dynasty has dealt with Nahachu, which is equivalent to removing the right arm of the Northern Yuan Dynasty."

"Plus, the Xuzhou-Beijing railway is about to be completed, and our Ming Dynasty's maritime transport is booming. Therefore, starting this year, the Northern Yuan Dynasty will have no choice but to take a defensive stance against our Ming Dynasty."

"In just two or three years, the Ming Dynasty will be fully prepared to launch another northern expedition and destroy the Northern Yuan Dynasty!"

After a pause, Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "I say this to make you understand that the Northern Yuan Dynasty is like a grasshopper in autumn, and it won't be able to jump for much longer."

"Therefore, now our Ming Dynasty does not need to spend a large amount of military and material resources in the north as before, and the court's military focus does not need to be placed entirely on the northern border."

"Now, our Ming Dynasty has the conditions to start the great voyages - we have decided that starting next year, our Ming Dynasty will fully open the seas!"

"At that time, the Beiyang Fleet would be responsible for dealing with Korea and Japan, protecting official and private merchant ships going to the two countries to conduct trade."

"The East China Sea Navy will pacify the East China Sea pirates and develop Dongfan Island and other East China Sea islands."

"The South China Sea Navy is responsible for protecting official and private merchant ships traveling to the South Pacific Islands for trade, promoting the prestige of the Ming Dynasty, and understanding the conditions of the countries in the South Pacific Islands."

"This deployment is the initial plan for our Ming Dynasty to embark on a great voyage of discovery. Once it is completed, the time will be ripe for you to establish your vassalage overseas."

After hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Zhu Jing, Zhu Di, Zhu Zhen and others who had long wanted to establish vassal states overseas became excited. If it weren't for the fear of being scolded by Zhu Yuanzhang, the lively Zhu Gui would have even wanted to cheer loudly.

In his excitement, Zhu Di glanced at Zhu Ying, who was so happy to see him that he took the initiative to ask, "Father, if I and your son wish to become a vassal state overseas, are there any rules?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Of course there are—you can't just go whenever you want. Let's take advantage of the Mid-Autumn Festival to call all of you who are on exile back to the capital, firstly for a reunion, and secondly to discuss this matter."

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang looked to the side and said, "Liu Kuan, didn't you say that some people in later generations would write time-travel novels or post things online that mentioned the overseas feudal lords in the early Ming Dynasty?"

"Those novels and posts generally describe how this was carried out? What are the requirements for the royal children who were enfeoffed?"

Liu Kuan didn't expect to be called out by Lao Zhu so early.

Although there are many novels and posts about this in later generations, Liu Kuan feels that he should not be the first to talk about this matter.

So he said, "Your Majesty, what I know is, after all, the jokes of later generations, and may not be suitable for the Ming Dynasty at this time."

Old Zhu frowned and said, "Even if it's not suitable, can't you tell us so we can learn from it?"

After hearing what Lao Zhu said, Liu Kuan had no choice but to speak.

"There are so many diverse opinions on this topic in later generations that I can only roughly summarize three suggestions. It is entirely up to Your Majesty to decide how to adopt them."

"First, let your majesty's descendants independently choose whether to establish vassal states overseas. If anyone is interested, they can first hone their skills in the Ming army. Only after gaining a certain amount of military merit can they have the opportunity to establish a vassal state overseas."

"Secondly, we need to conduct a literary examination on the vassal kings. After all, establishing a vassal state overseas requires more than just military knowledge. One must also possess certain domestic governance capabilities and sufficient understanding of overseas situations."

"Thirdly, once the vassal king passes these two assessments and obtains the qualifications to become a vassal, he can establish a government and recruit talented individuals and people willing to venture overseas."

Having said this, Liu Kuan stopped.

After all, he was Zhu Yuanzhang's son-in-law, not his son, so there were some things he couldn't say, and shouldn't say - saying them might not only displease Zhu Yuanzhang, but also offend several vassal kings.

For example, how to arrange for the vassal kings who do not want to be enfeoffed, what the specifications of the vassal kings' governments should be, how many immigrants the court should allow them to recruit, etc.

Old Zhu was quite perceptive in this regard. He saw that Liu Kuan was intentionally stopping, so he didn't ask any more questions.

He thought for a moment and said, "Requiring a vassal king to perform military service before he can be granted a fiefdom is exactly what we're thinking. So let's discuss this first. Third Brother, what kind of military merit do you think a vassal king should have to achieve before he can be granted an overseas fiefdom?"

"Father is the first one to ask for my advice!"

Zhu Ying was extremely surprised and felt very happy.

He had long considered the issue of enfeoffment abroad, and after a moment's hesitation, he said, "Your Majesty, I believe that if a vassal king wishes to be enfeoffed abroad, the standard of military merit should not be too low, but it should not be too high either."

"It's too low, and it won't meet the requirements for assessing a vassal's military talent. But if the standard is set too high and difficult to achieve, it will likely significantly dampen the vassal's enthusiasm for establishing a fiefdom overseas."

"Also considering that a royal family member would not start out as a soldier, the lowest rank would be a captain, right? This way, it would be easier for them to gain military merit."

"Therefore, after careful consideration, I believe that if a member of the royal family joins the army starting with the rank of a thousand households, and if he can accumulate merit and become a guard commander, he will be eligible for a fiefdom overseas."

After hearing what Zhu Ying said, the other princes and grandchildren all started to think seriously - even the five-year-old Zhu Gaochi, although he didn't understand much, pretended to think by pinching his double chin with his chubby hands.

The Ming army is now mainly based on the garrison system.

A Qianhu was a fifth-rank military officer, while a Wei Zhihuishi (commonly known as a Zhihuishi) was a third-rank military officer.

From the fifth rank to the third rank, one must be promoted four levels... It is easier for the children of the royal family to make meritorious deeds, and it does not seem difficult to accumulate merits in the army and be promoted four levels to the commander.

　Second update,

　　More than four thousand words!

　　Good night~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)