First Minister of Ming Dynasty

Whenever any major or minor incident happened in the village, they were used to coming here to listen to Master Qin's opinion.

Zhang Ximeng looked up. He seemed to understand what the Qin family thought. If a chastity archway were erected outside this ancestral hall, it would increase the majesty.

At that time, there will be a strong woman in the family, which means that the family has a good tradition and rich heritage, and it will be more confident to speak locally.

"Change this ancestral hall, build a school, and let the children of the village come here to study. Facing the patriarchal authority, only the weapon of thought can defeat it, and the school is the beginning of tempering the magic weapon."

Zhang Ximeng pondered for a while, wrote down the words of Jimin Mengxue, and kept it.

Then he left. On the way to Fuliangzhou, Zhu Ying became excited again. After all, this is the place where he became famous in the first battle, and Zhu Ying relied on the help of kiln workers to carry Zhang Dingbian. offensive.

That's Zhang Dingbian, one of the few fierce men in the world, even Chang Yuchun has suffered in his hands!

It's just that no matter how fierce Zhang Dingbian is, facing the kiln worker's red-hot anvil hammer, he is helpless and helpless.

When Zhang Ximeng arrived in Fuliang, he easily found some kiln workers and chatted with them.At this moment, Zhang Ximeng is not some well-known Mr. Zhang, nor is he a high-ranking Mr. Zhang. He is just a listener who understands the changes over the years and what the kiln workers think.

"In the past, we all strived for perfection. The work in hand must be good. If the work is not good, we will not be able to eat."

Zhu Ying asked curiously: "What's going on? Old Zhang, after hearing what you said, you can fool things now?"

Lao Zhang, a kiln worker, quickly waved his hands, "My lord, look at what you said, when will you be able to fool me? What I mean is that there are too many goods now, and according to the old methods, I can't get them out even if I am exhausted."

"Oh! That's right, after the land is equalized, every household can use porcelain, and naturally buy more. Then, what do you do?"

"I, I taught the skills to the two sons and three girls in the family, let them help together." Lao Zhang laughed.

"Wait!" Zhu Ying interrupted him, "Old Zhang, why are you willing to teach it to your daughter? Isn't there a saying that if you pass on a male but not a female, you are not afraid that this skill will leak out?"

Lao Zhang chuckled, "My lord, why don't you understand King Wu's decree? As mentioned above, men and women are the same... My son married a daughter-in-law, she can't steal my family's craftsmanship, my daughter married Husband and son-in-law can't take away my daughter's ability. You say they are all my children, can I not be equal?"

Liu Bowen was also listening beside him, he was shocked suddenly, is it so simple?

He couldn't help but look at Zhang Ximeng, only to find that Zhang Ximeng was bowing his head, writing vigorously, as if he was writing something... Anyone with a little common sense knows that the former craftsmen regarded craftsmanship as life, and passed it down from generation to generation. I lost my life, and I didn't want to give up.

It is very difficult to become their apprentice.

It is an iron law to pass on males and not females.

There are too many people who would rather bring their craftsmanship into the coffin than teach it to outsiders, so many of their craftsmanship are lost... Only when they get the cultural relics that have been passed down by luck hundreds of years later and conduct analysis and speculation Lamenting the exquisite techniques of the ancestors, mourning why they were lost.

Even Zhang Ximeng once thought that as long as there is a patent law to make technology valuable and get enough benefits, craftsmen will take the initiative to take it out. If there are still people who are unwilling, it is very simple, but the benefits are not enough. !

But now, Zhang Ximeng finds that this problem doesn't seem so simple... Let's take the simple issue of passing on a male but not a female, in a situation like Ni's, if you teach her the skills of housekeeping, won't she be snatched away by her in-laws?She couldn't even save her own life, and was forced to die for her husband, so she had no choice but to die. Could she still keep her ancestral craftsmanship?

Scholars, farmers, businessmen, and craftsmen have a very low status. Most of them are very poor and have no land. They all rely on craftsmanship to make ends meet.

The lives of the whole family are tied to this, can the problem be solved by mere interests?

I'm afraid it won't work, even if there is a patent and the money is earned, how can they keep it?It's not about being taken away!

Therefore, if we don't solve the fundamental problem, don't let them feel at ease, and want to promote the spread of technology, I'm afraid it is not that simple.

This principle is the same as farmers' reluctance to grow cash crops, and it is a logic that safety is greater than economy.

What's even more frustrating is that since artisans can only live by their craftsmanship, they can only do their best to improve a technology to the point where it cannot be improved, thus forming a barrier to prevent outsiders from entering.

Work slowly and meticulously, use superb skills, spare no expense to create high-quality products, and strive to rely on everything to obtain the maximum profit instead of small profits but quick turnover... This model, after hundreds of years, has been inherited in the old craft , You can also see shadows on the exquisite and unique handicrafts, which are probably intangible cultural heritage.

What makes people very helpless is that this kind of manual workshop model is completely contrary to industrialization and large-scale mass production.

It is also different from the production model that puts efficiency first.

Zhang Ximeng has not been able to give a definite answer so far, why this land did not give birth to industrialization, and why it is difficult for that sprout to take root and grow.

Maybe this is one of the reasons!

It is easy to say to develop productivity, and it is easy to encourage scientific and technological progress and innovation, but no one seems to be able to explain what kind of soil can promote this industry and what conditions can be used to play these games.

If you don't make this logic clear, it seems that some things will only backfire.

Zhang Ximeng feels that he may be able to work hard in this direction in the future. If the road is clear, he may be able to smile at Jiuquan.

In Fuliang Prefecture, Jingdezhen traveled for ten days and wrote a summary of as many as [-] words. During this period, he received three letters from Zhu Yuanzhang. Under his constant urging, Zhang Ximeng reluctantly returned to Yingtian.

Zhang Xianggong is back!

The ruling and opposition parties couldn't help but stare.

Today, no one can ignore Zhang Ximeng's influence. It is not an exaggeration to say that Zhang Ximeng is so important and his body is in the world.

"Zhang Xiang, you can be regarded as coming back. The superior has asked more than once, and the next step is to ascend the throne and proclaim the emperor. How should the title of this country be determined?" Song Lian asked when they met.

Then he noticed Liu Ji, whose appearance had changed suddenly, rubbed his eyes, and it took him a long time to recognize it. Two old friends hugged each other and wept, and they met for a long talk all night.

Turning back to talk about the name of the country, Song Lian murmured: "Mr. Zhang, I was thinking about the original name of our country as Huaxia Wu, can we remove Wu and call it Huaxia directly?"

Song Lian is also miserable, Zhang Ximeng has repeatedly improved the situation, and there are really not many national titles worthy of Lao Zhu, or just forget about the hard work!

This proposal stunned Zhang Ximeng. It's not that the country is called Huaxia, it's just that there are some problems...

"Scholar Song, what do you think about those places outside the border?"

"This... is naturally a land of barbarians!"

"Then, what if they bathe in Wanghua and worship Zhongyuan Zhengshuo? If they are still regarded as barbarians, isn't it a bit unreasonable?"

Song Lian was silent, "This... I still haven't thought about it."

Liu Ji suddenly smiled and said: "China is the world, so it's good to think of another country name. That's what Zhang Xiang meant, right?"

Chapter 395 Preparing to Ascend the Throne

After Liu Ji returned from practice, his realm had improved so quickly that it was beyond imagination. He directly added: "Xiang Zhang said long ago that this is the third rise of China. How can it be considered a rise? Besides, the territory is unprecedentedly vast. Yu Yuan Dynasty, I am afraid it is one of them!"

Song Lian was startled, thought for a while, and hurriedly said: "Brother Bowen, the territory of the Yuan Dynasty may not be as large as that of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. What's more, there are so many vassals in the Yuan Dynasty. to that extent."

"Hahaha!" Liu Bowen laughed loudly, "I can't agree with this statement. First, it depends on human effort. There is no reason why the Mongols can do it, but we can't. Second, even if we can't control such a large territory, we can These places have become vassals, and the so-called Huatian Xiadi means this. As for who can rule the Xia and become the lord of Huaxia, that means another thing."

Song Lian was stunned, and finally gradually understood, "I understand. This means following the example of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, feudalizing the world, taking the land of the Central Plains as the Great Zhou, and using the vassals as the Xias. The sky is high and the land is far away, and it will always be Huaxia! The king of the Central Plains , the Lord of China... Wonderful! It really is wonderful!" Song Lian clapped his palms and laughed, "In this way, the pattern is opened, and I have a good idea. Then I can prepare to sacrifice to heaven and earth, ascend the throne and proclaim the emperor !"

"Wait a minute!"

Liu Bowen stopped Song Lian and murmured, "I don't think things are that simple. The superior is going to create an unprecedented great career and prosperity. This enthronement ceremony cannot be the same as before. It must reflect the atmosphere of the new dynasty."

Song Lian paused, grinned helplessly, "I asked a few days ago, the superior doesn't want to spend too much money. Although there is still money in the treasury, Chen Youliang is still there, and the great cause of the Northern Expedition has not yet begun. manage."

Liu Bowen shook his head, "Otherwise, what I mean is that this matter does not need to cost money, but it must be magnificent and extraordinary."

Having said that, both of them stopped, and looked at Zhang Ximeng together. Needless to say, this kind of thing is his specialty, and others may not be able to come up with a proper solution if they try their best. Idea, or listen to him.

Zhang Ximeng pondered slightly, "I do have some ideas, but I need to discuss this matter with the lord. I'll discuss it first, and I'll talk to you later."

Both Liu Bowen and Song Lian are smart people. The so-called doing things can't be controlled, and it's useless to die from exhaustion.This is a big event for Lao Zhu to ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor.To put it bluntly, getting married requires careful planning. Even if you are the emperor, the enthronement ceremony is only once, and it is impossible to do it every year.

Of course, a detailed strategy can be drawn up for Lao Zhu, but it is more important to act according to Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.It is obvious that Zhang Ximeng has been keeping a courtier's sobriety.

The big guy is preparing first, and after Zhang Ximeng and Zhu Yuanzhang communicate, then implement it.

On the second day, Zhang Ximeng got up early, had some breakfast, and was going to see Lao Zhu, who knew that he had not gone out yet, and drove to the back door of Zhang's house. Zhu Yuanzhang and Mrs. Ma came one after the other.

Mrs. Ma said with a smile: "Mr. Zhang, if you take the liberty to interrupt, you won't blame me!"

Zhang Ximeng hurriedly said: "Princess, my lord, I am very grateful for your presence, but according to the logic, I should be the one to pay my respects."

Mrs. Ma waved his hand, "You are talking about the righteousness of the monarch and his ministers, but I am talking about the friendship between friends. Mr. Mr. worked hard and got sick for the sake of our old Zhu's family. It is also right for us husband and wife to come and have a look."

Zhu Yuanzhang also said: "Sir, don't be too polite. Some things can't be discussed smoothly in the palace, so I just say it here." Old Zhu turned to look at Mrs. Ma, grinned and said, "Sister, I'm afraid it will cause trouble. It's up to you, order dishes for us and Mr. Zhangluo."

Mrs. Ma nodded, "Sure, let's have a good chat."

Zhang Ximeng couldn't refuse, so he had to lead Zhu Yuanzhang to Dongkuayuan, where Zhang Ximeng's books were stored, and outsiders were usually not allowed to approach, so it was much more convenient to talk here.

"My lord... the matter is really difficult? Why is it not convenient to talk about it in the palace?" Zhang Ximeng asked straightforwardly. After all, the two couples could get up early. Apart from the friendship mentioned above, most of them were related to messy things. It's not convenient to talk about it in the palace. After all, there are too many people, and I'm afraid there will be trouble if it is spread out.

Old Zhu sighed heavily, scratched his head and said, "Sir, why is it so troublesome to be an emperor?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "My lord, the Ninth Five-Year Supreme, one person in the world, how can it be simple?"

Old Zhu sighed and said: "If you say that you are tired and hard, we will endure it. But these days, we have received letters and regulations drawn up by the Imperial Academy of the Ministry of Rites. Spend money." Zhu Yuanzhang leaned forward and said in a low voice, "How do we calculate, the treasury doesn't have enough money and food, what do you want us to do?"

Zhang Ximeng was taken aback. He was indeed not in Yingtian these days, and the preparations for the enthronement ceremony were not just a matter of the Imperial Academy. Song Lian's national title was only a matter of title, and there were many specific tasks. No accidents , all cost a lot of money.

"My lord, let's do the calculation slowly, one by one, and see which ones are necessary and which ones can be simplified."

Old Zhu nodded, and he took out a list from his sleeve... To ascend the throne and become emperor, the first item is the civil construction of the capital.

Not surprisingly, the capital city will be placed in Yingtian for the time being. First of all, the stone city will be built, and the city wall will be expanded and refurbished. According to preliminary planning, the city wall of nearly a hundred miles will enclose Jinling.

The city wall brick alone is not a small amount.

Outside the city walls, the imperial palace will be built, the imperial temple for sacrifices will be built, roads will be built, the main hall of the early dynasty, the Temple of Heaven, the Temple of Earth, and the Temple of Agriculture.

There are also the offices of the various government offices, the mansions of other heroes, the warehouses that supply the capital, and the water and land passages that transport food and vegetables to the capital.

Counting these items one by one, Zhu Yuanzhang's head is getting bigger.

The city wall alone costs almost 800 million pieces. This still allows the common people to serve in corvee for free, and it is only the cost of firing bricks and stones and transporting them.

It is really too much effort to build a capital city that can last for hundreds of years.

After reading it, Zhang Ximeng felt helpless, "My lord, city walls, palaces, roads and docks are all unavoidable... I don't have any way to save money, but there is one thing, since we have overturned the relationship between heaven and man, we don't pay attention to it. Could it be that the Temple of Heaven, the Temple of Earth, and the Temple of Agriculture can be omitted? Of course, the Lord’s family temple cannot be omitted.”

Lao Zhu was stunned for a moment, yes, why did he build the Temple of Heaven even if he didn't recognize the connection between heaven and man?

"The Ministry of Rites is really a bad thing, there is no need to build it!" Lao Zhu heaved a sigh of relief after removing three major projects, but he soon realized another thing, "Mr. thing?"

Zhang Ximeng nodded vigorously, "My lord, please tell me, do you still remember the temple in Tongling?"

Lao Zhu slapped his thigh fiercely, suddenly enlightened.

"Yes, there are so many who have gone on and on. Warriors who sacrificed their lives for the country cannot be unknown. Sacrifice to them is more important than offering sacrifices to heaven and earth. This money can't be saved. Use the money to build the Temple of Heaven and the Temple of Earth to build a ancestral hall for heroes... so, just opposite the palace , Whenever there is a big event, you have to go out of the palace to offer sacrifices, so don't neglect it."

The two of them finalized the matter of the building, and there are still a lot of things to come... Why is Zhu Yuanzhang unwilling to discuss it in the palace?Because if you want to ascend the throne and proclaim yourself emperor, you must reward the heroes.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew this a long time ago, and there is no problem.

But in real operation, Zhu Yuanzhang's head is big.

Not to mention anything else, just the clothes worn by the duke and the jade belt he wears make people speechless... The best weavers can't weave three inches a day, and it takes at least half a year to weave a piece of cloth.

Based on the current situation of the Zhu family army, it is easy to confer dozens of meritorious officials. Each person has two sets of clothes, and hundreds of weavers are required to work for several months.

Moreover, Jinling City does not have so many high-level weavers.

This is not to mention the more troublesome emperor's clothes, the clothes in the harem... "Sir, let's not talk about anything else, just getting us that crown is very cumbersome and costly."

Zhang Ximeng nodded slightly, there was nothing he could do about it, the Tian family was decent!

Old Zhu sighed again: "When we were in Hukou, we seized Chen Youliang's clothes. At that time, we joked that he was a grass-headed emperor. Now that I think about it, we want to wear his clothes and forget it, so as to save money." some money!"

Zhang Ximeng waved his hands again and again, "My lord, you can't do this, although I don't believe those who have them. But my lord still has to be dignified..." Zhang Ximeng pondered for a while, as if he had an idea, "My lord, can you see if this is okay? Since the Yuan court is still in ruins, the world is still undecided... Can the emperor and ministers participate in the grand ceremony in military uniform?"

"Military uniform? Armor and weaponry?"

Zhang Ximeng nodded, "We have a quilt factory in the army, and there are many skilled craftsmen. It is enough to decorate it properly. As for the officials, it is enough to issue two sets of uniforms to each of them first. If there is a shortage, find a way slowly, and if things are slow Circle... and the construction of the city wall and the palace, I mean the place used for the enthronement ceremony, it might as well be repaired first, and the rest of the place can be a little bit slower. Build it in stages, in stages."

Faced with such a bad idea, Zhu Yuanzhang agreed greatly, and it really shouldn't be wasted.

Zhu Yuanzhang thought about it again, he shook his head with a wry smile, and said helplessly: "Sir, we said that Chen Youliang is the emperor of grass. If we really do this, will we also become emperor of grass? This enthronement ceremony is too confusing. I'm afraid Is it not good?"

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "My lord, in fact, holding a grand ceremony is not about how much money is spent, but who is willing to join in the show. Once the atmosphere is up, who would dare to underestimate the lord?"

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath and stared at Zhang Ximeng, "What's the best plan, sir?"

"My lord, if you don't offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, how can you not be in awe of people's hearts? If you can gather the will of all people, congratulate your lord on his enthronement, it will be more dignified than any decoration!"

Lao Zhu seemed to have an idea, "Sir, do you want more people to persuade you to come in?"

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "My lord, we don't need to engage in any dramas of persuasion and concession... I just ask my lord, if even the Mongols can stand up and support the emperor, my lord will be the heart of the world?"

Mongolia!

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a while, and immediately thought of Timur and others first!

This guy has been transformed and came out of the prisoner-of-war camp. He first opened a veterinary shop, then opened a cattle and horse business, and now he is selling goods.Due to the low shipping cost and on-time delivery, the reputation is quite good.

Not only him, but also many reformed Mongolians live and work in Yingtian.

Indeed, if people like them can support Zhu Yuanzhang, what could be more convincing than this?

"Fortunately, I listened to Mr.'s advice at the beginning, and I really benefited a lot!" Lao Zhu showed a relieved smile on his face...

Chapter 396 Invitation from King Wu