First Minister of Ming Dynasty

The sailors boarded the boat, hoisted the sails, and the big ship finally moved.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Ximeng stepped on the gangway, one behind the other, and the old Zhu went straight to the top deck with big strides, while Zhang Ximeng could only follow behind.

But every time he took a step, he felt terrified, such a broken boat, who knows how long it can last, if it cracked, he and Zhu Yuanzhang fell into the river, it would be a lot of fun, and maybe it would be the laughing stock of the ages.

Unlike Zhang Ximeng's nervousness, Zhu Yuanzhang took great strides, vigorously and without any hesitation. He reached the top floor, found a chair, and sat down directly.

Chen Han's flag on the bow was removed, and the vermilion flag has been replaced.

At this time Zhang Ximeng also caught up, and Lao Zhu let him sit beside him, the big boat started, the river was blowing... Lao Zhu raised his eyes and saw that the water and the sky were the same color, and the mountains and rivers were boundless, so he couldn't help laughing.

"Mr. Zhang, do you know what we are thinking?"

Zhang Ximeng was startled, his face was slightly pale, "I don't know, I only know that it's like facing an abyss, like facing a great enemy, facing the abyss, you should be cautious!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly taken aback, but he also stretched out his hand and wiped his forehead. There was a faint layer of sweat on his fingers.

"Sir, we have the same thoughts as you, but we can't tell others. Sitting in this position, a tiger can still take a nap after eating a man. Do you think we can take a nap?"

Zhang Ximeng stared at Zhu Yuanzhang and found that there were beads of sweat on his forehead and nose.He thought that Lao Zhu had already been tempered into steel, but who would have expected that he also has a weak side.

But that's exactly what made him look like a living person, not the Hongwu Emperor in the cold history.

Thinking of this, Zhang Ximeng actually relaxed a lot, with a smile on his face.

"My lord, do you want to feel Chen Youliang's defeat when you sit on this boat?"

"Well! There is such a meaning, but we also want to remind ourselves that although the buildings and boats are large, they are destroyed by ashes, and the dikes of thousands of miles are collapsed by ant nests. Now we have hundreds of thousands of troops in our hands and rule tens of millions of people. , and just defeated a strong enemy, it is time to be full of vigor, swallow the world, and sweep the country. But we can't be happy, but we are terrified and trembling in our hearts."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, took two steps slowly, suddenly pointed to the plank under his feet, and said in a low voice: "Sir, we are standing in the same position as Chen Youliang, and we are afraid that our rule will be like this ship." , it looks like the scenery is boundless and high above, but it is actually leaking from all sides, vulnerable to a single blow!"

Zhang Ximeng was terrified. He had worked very hard to improve Zhu Yuanzhang's situation, let him see farther and know more, and tried his best to find books so that Lao Zhu could read more.

Today, Zhang Ximeng is very sure that Zhu Yuanzhang's heart structure has exceeded his imagination. In other words, he already has the heart of an emperor, and he still wants to start the heart of a sage and hero!

The emperor and his ministers looked at each other, Zhu Yuanzhang looked dignified, leaned over and said, "Sir, you may tell us how to be an emperor?"

Zhang Ximeng was stunned for a while, and was about to speak, when suddenly someone ran up from below, yelling in a panic, "Sir, it's not good, the bottom of the boat is leaking seriously, please change the boat quickly!"

"Don't change!"

Old Zhu roared angrily: "You guys think of a way. We have more important matters to discuss with Mr. Zhang. Before the discussion is over, even if there is a knife in the sky, don't tell us! The worst is to take a bath in the river together!"

The subordinates were made to lose their temper, and the superior has always been very talkative, why are they so awkward today!

There is no other way but to risk your life.

The sailors used cotton and linen glue paint and everything available to make up for the leaking gap. They also tried their best to ensure the stability of the building and boat. alive.

"Sir, the situation is urgent. Although it is not a matter of life and death, there is no room for nonsense. Sir, please tell me, what should we do? How should this emperor be, how should the world be governed?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flickered, staring at Zhang Ximeng.

Facing Lao Zhu, a sense of oppression came to his face.

The wrecked boat under my feet is in fear.

The joy of the great victory is not much left.

Instead, it was frightening and trembling.

Zhang Ximeng couldn't help gnashing his teeth, good you Zhu Chongba!

You are a real dog!

Is it necessary to do this step in order to force me to speak?

"My lord, I don't think too much about it now."

"Speak as much as you want, we like to listen." Old Zhu didn't want to let Zhang Ximeng go.

"Then, the minister can only resign himself to it." Zhang Ximeng gritted his molars, "The minister proposed three rises, divided into three thousand years... In the three generations, the land of China was just between the Yangtze River and the Yellow River. After the unification of Qin and Han , south of Lingnan, east to the sea, west to the Western Regions, north to the vast sea and desert... This is the acme of the world, and there are some other countries, needless to say."

"My lord, if we want to start a new millennium great cause, first of all, in terms of territory, we must greatly surpass the previous dynasty and have a huge breakthrough. I thought that the Yuan court's western expedition and the destruction of countless countries just gave us the direction to make progress. But we We can’t learn from the Yuan Dynasty and only know how to conquer and kill. We need more ingenious ways to spread Chinese civilization, expand the influence of China, and greatly increase the territory left by our ancestors. This can be said to be the third rise of China, otherwise it is just an inheritance of the Han Dynasty. It's just Tang."

Zhu Yuanzhang listened silently. In fact, very early on, he knew that the Yuan court had a vast territory. It would be a lie to say that he didn't envy it, but there was no such condition at that time.

Now that Lao Zhu realized the possibility, Zhang Ximeng's words made his heart skip a beat.

"Can you be more specific?"

Zhang Ximeng pondered for a while, and suddenly there was a slight cracking sound from under him. Zhang Ximeng was startled, and he could only quickly say: "I just thought that the heroes of the world will rise together. Instead of staying in the Central Plains to kill each other, it is better to let them out and start fighting." To expand the territory. That is, even the civil and military ministers under the lord can do the same. Send them to the barren land to forge ahead. At that time, the lord ruled the world, and the kings of the eight wildernesses were all Chinese. All ethnic groups in the country read the books of Huaxia and practice the rule of Huaxia. It doesn’t have to be the case in the whole world. As long as there are a few lands as large as the Central Plains, they can be transformed into the land of Huaxia. Great cause, enough to shine for thousands of years.”

Hearing this, Lao Zhu finally let out a long breath, "Hahaha, we have long felt that what Mr. said about the third revival of Huaxia seems to have too much to say, and today you are finally willing to say something. We Now that Chen Youliang has not been completely defeated, and the territory he owns is only two provinces, the master can think so far, we really did not expect it!"

Zhang Ximeng rolled his eyelids, and said angrily, "Since the lord knows that the territory is limited and the strength is far from enough, why do you force me to say these things?"

Old Zhu couldn't help but smiled slightly, "Sir, you are so smart, why are you still pretending to be confused with us! We are overjoyed with such a big victory. The servants and generals under your command, those who have meritorious service, how to award rewards, there must be Let's draw a conclusion! You asked us to give high-ranking officials a generous salary, and a wife and son...I always feel that Mr. He's idea may not be appropriate. There are some things in my heart that are not smooth. So only in this place, through this building boat , to ask Mr. for an idea. Please rest assured, Mr. Wangfei will not know these words."

Zhang Ximeng snorted coldly, thank you for your understanding, but if you come up with some unconventional ideas, who doesn't know that I can't get rid of it.

But judging from Lao Zhu's words, there is a high probability that there will be no death-free gold medal.

I guess I don't have to face the reminder.

With lofty goals and the world in mind, all civil servants and generals, don't think it's time to enjoy, let alone indulge yourself and do whatever you want.

After the big victory, the biggest crisis can be regarded as a solution.

No loss!

Zhang Ximeng relaxed, but suddenly heard a louder breaking sound, and he jumped up in fright.

"My lord, if this wreck sinks, all grand plans and ambitions will become a thing of the past. Let's quickly find a way!"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly, "Sir, what are you afraid of? The big ship is so big, and we have prepared two small boats at the stern... If it really couldn't hold it, we would have abandoned the ship long ago."

Zhang Ximeng was burning with anger, he was so angry, sure enough, if a man is going to be emperor, he will not have the slightest kind heart!

His heart was relieved, the boat was safe and sound, and finally arrived at the mouth of the lake.

At this time, after the nightly battle, a round of red sun gushed out, and the eastern sky was bright for thousands of miles... Zhang Ximeng took a deep breath, stepped on the springboard, and boarded the land on the south bank.

"My lord, let's keep this big boat and put it here as a souvenir... so as to wake up future generations so that they don't repeat the same mistakes."

Zhu Yuanzhang's heart moved, and he nodded vigorously, "It is true that we should teach our descendants a lesson!"

Chapter 354 Sacred Monarch and Worthy Minister

This large ship, carrying Zhang Ximeng and Zhu Yuanzhang, arrived at the camp at Hukou. The keel broke several times, so that it was hopeless, the ship broke, and the river poured in.

Fortunately, not far from the shore, it ran aground on a sandbar, and there was no accident in the end.

All the pawns on the boat were sweating, but fortunately they were fine, otherwise the big guys might not be able to survive.

But soon there was a saying that the building boat broke when it was in the middle of the river, and a huge red dragon floated up from the bottom of the river, and said to the sailor on the boat: "Nine-day true dragon crossing the river, I will cross it."

After all, the old dragon possessed himself at the bottom of the boat and crossed the river with the boat on his back.

This statement can be regarded as giving old Zhu face, calling him the real dragon emperor.

But soon there was another saying, saying that he saw a general riding a divine horse and carrying a spear, coming from the east, and told people that he came to repay his benefactor under the decree of Emperor Rensheng of Dongyue.

After finishing speaking, the man waved his spear, split the Yangtze River, and sent the building boat across the river.

Some people even rumored that they saw a big banner behind this person, and wrote four golden words of loyalty and dedication to the country.

There is no doubt that the person who came was Marshal Yue, one of Dongyue Ten Taibao.

Zhang Xiang wrote a lot of articles, dissecting the grievances of a hundred years ago, clarifying right from wrong, distinguishing loyalty from traitors, Zhao Gou kneeling, and China rejuvenated.Grandpa Yue loves the common people the most, and he knows how to repay his kindness.

After he died unjustly, his soul returned to Dongyue, and he was granted the title of Dongyue Ten Taibao, who sat on Mount Tai to protect China's well-being.

Everyone admired Grandpa Yue, needless to say, Emperor Dongyue also knew about Zhang Xiang?

I'm afraid that in the future, Zhang Xiang will also be among the immortals, in charge of the blessings and misfortunes of the world!

Yes, Zhang Xiang is the reincarnation of Jiang Ziya, assisting the Holy Lord, and wants to open 800 years of peace.

I heard that Zhang Xiang assists the country and governs the people during the day, and goes to Dongyue Taishan at night. Like Bao Zheng, he deals with the injustice of the underworld. That's a favor!

With the arrival of the good news, all kinds of news spread everywhere.

There are many, many more outrageous than this, and it is not clear at all.

Myths and legends are a very interesting thing.

Especially Chinese mythology, not to mention Pangu opened the sky, nor the mythology of the great desolation of later generations... There are countless gods who have been continuously improved in the past dynasties alone.

Unlike Buddhism, Taoism believes that the east is the place where all things grow, and Mount Tai is the head of the five mountains. Therefore, everyone who dies must go to the east and be managed by Dongyue Rensheng.

In the five directions, set up the Great Ghostbuster, the Nether Emperor, the Lord Yan of the Ten Palaces, the Four Judges, and the ten great protectors of Dongyue.There are also city gods, land...a whole set of administrative teams in the local area.

Looking at all the ancient civilizations in such a way of weaving the mythical world, this is really the only one.

In other myths and stories, the gods are mostly relatives. The so-called myths and legends are probably the infighting between relatives. If the blood is not enough, even the offspring of the combination of man and god cannot truly become the supreme god.

But in the eastern land, they took another path. Most of the gods are mortals.

There is no justice in the world. After death, Bao Zheng, Zhong Kui, Cui Judge and others will avenge your grievances and make you a god.

Probably this is the romance of the East.

Of course, these myths and legends also have richer connotations. For example, the Dragon King of the Yangtze River carried Zhu Yuanzhang across the river, which means that the people have recognized his status as the ruler of the world.

After all, among the heroes in troubled times, Zhu Yuanzhang is the one with the most kingly spirit, and with the great victory in Hukou, he is even more certain.

As long as there is a wise king, there must be good ministers.

Although Zhang Ximeng kept downplaying his existence, he didn't want to make it so that only Zhang Ximeng was known and Zhu Yuanzhang was unknown... His efforts succeeded, but only a little bit.

People who are in officialdom or who have read books probably know Zhang Ximeng's situation. He belongs to Zhu Yuanzhang's think tank and is responsible for formulating major policies and thinking about the overall situation.

But Zhang Ximeng does not really have much power in his hands, and no one would think that Zhang Ximeng can steal Zhu Yuanzhang's power.From this point of view, Zhang Ximeng was successful.

It can make people laugh and cry is a folk routine. King Wen of Zhou has Jiang Taigong, Uncle Liu Huang has Zhuge Liang, and King Wu should also have a living fairy by his side.

It is a great honor that Zhang Ximeng was selected, and the NGO decided to let you take on this glorious mission.

Zhang Ximeng is not unaware of this, he hopes to produce a new set of things, to replace the original ones, to replace these thousands of years of routines blessed by the gods.

Although these routines have their merits, the official should have something better.

For example, Zhang Ximeng felt that more articles could be done on this building boat.

Zhu Yuanzhang's vision was very precise. From a young soldier, within a few years, Chen Youliang had the troops of several provinces, dominated the world, and was unstoppable.

But it was defeated in an instant, thousands of buildings and ships were burned, hundreds of thousands of troops, not much left... Isn't such an example enough to warn future generations?

A country is like this building boat. It is absolutely impossible to look bright on the outside, but full of evils on the inside, it cannot withstand impact.

A country must have a solid foundation, and this foundation lies in the people, in the hearts of the people. "

Zhu Yuanzhang put himself on a dangerous ship, not just persecuting Zhang Ximeng.He also wanted to remind himself that he was still on a dangerous ship, and he must not think that after this battle, he could sit back and relax, enjoy wealth, and relax his subordinates.

No, absolutely not!

When Zhu Yuanzhang was asking Zhang Ximeng, he was also asking himself, what should he do to rule the world?

"The last general pays homage to the superior."

Xu Da knelt down on one knee, saluted Zhu Yuanzhang, then raised his head and said, "If you return to your superior position, you will be humble and incompetent. If you haven't caught up with Chen Youliang, this thief may have escaped. Please punish him."

At this moment, the battle is still going on, the generals are still chasing and killing, Xu Da is carrying fireworks, excited with exhaustion, and there is a little regret in the excitement.

Zhu Yuanzhang stretched out his hand with a smile, leaned over to pull Xu Da up, and patted him.

"Needless to mention Chen Youliang, that's a trivial matter... You led the army to defeat Chen's army this time, took the lead, and made great achievements in battle. We will reward you well!"

Old Zhu stared at Xu Da, smiled and said: "Chen Youliang ascended the throne of Han Dynasty, so Zhang Dingbian was made a captain, and Zhang Bixian was made a general. Now you are just a mere commander, and you are really inferior."

Xu Da was slightly taken aback, his face gradually became serious, "The superior, the junior general, the junior general dare not take credit, and the junior general still has a few words, I wonder if I can say them?"

Old Zhu smiled, "Is there anything you can't say, don't you know our temper?"

Xu Da thought for a while, then bowed his hands sternly, and said with emotion: "Although the current battle has severely injured Chen Jun, it has not been fully successful. There is still a vast land in Huguang, Jiangxi, which has not been brought under the rule of the superior. What's more, the Yuan court is still dominant. In the north, the Central Plains have not been restored, and China has not yet flourished, even Suzhou and other places are in Zhang Shicheng's hands."

Xu Da said solemnly: "The champion Hou Huo Qubing once said that the Xiongnu are still alive, so what is the family doing? The last general has the courage to say that China is not prosperous, so how can we talk about rewards?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed in his heart, couldn't help chuckling and said: "This is very bold, you are worthy of being our general!"

Old Zhu actually called him as a divine general, Xu Da only felt the blood rushing in his heart, but he also hurriedly said: "The last few years, under the supervision of the superior, and Zhang Xiang gave advice, I actually read a few books and understood some truths. , These words come from the bottom of my heart, the last general, the last general also has the heart to leave a name in history, and the ambition of a famous general is comparable to that of a famous general, and I hope the superiors will understand."

Zhu Yuanzhang was even more delighted to see Xu Da's heart and soul, and what he said was from the bottom of his heart.

It is said that these years of whispering and telling each other have finally had an effect.