Seiwa

As the New Year approaches, Shengjia returns to Luan, and the city of Jinling is extremely lively.

On the second day after returning to the palace, Emperor Yongle hosted a banquet in Fengtian Hall for all the officials.

The queen hosted a banquet in Kunning Palace, and rewarded the women of the fifth rank and above with treasures and silk, and each of the treasures below the fifth rank was one ingot.

When the reward was issued, all the officials were happy.Only Meng Qinghe was a little awkward, double reward, should he be happy or feel awkward?In an economic sense, you should be happy... right?

Zheng He, Wang Jinghong, and Hou Xian led the fleet to sail to promote the country's prestige, brought back rare treasures, and were rewarded by the emperor with brocade clothes and gold belts.

Emperor Yongle was not Emperor Zhengde, he would not use python suits, unicorn suits and bullfighting suits as work clothes and distribute them in large quantities.The brocade clothes worn by Zheng He and the others are mainly indigo and deep purple. Except for the exquisite materials, the sunflower pattern embroidered on them is very ordinary, and there is nothing unusual about it.The gold belt is very simple, not even a golden lychee pattern.

This kind of reward is not for them to wear it out to show off, but to tell the officials that the three people have made contributions to the country and won the heart of the emperor.

The three of Zheng He kowtowed to thank Shengen, their faces were flushed with excitement, and tears flowed down.

"The slaves were smashed to pieces and failed to repay His Majesty Long's grace!"

Seasickness is nothing, even if the emperor asked them to jump into the sea and swim in search of a new continent, the three of them would have nothing to say!

He took off his clothes and jumped, with all the strength in his body, enough to have a three-on-one contest with the tiger shark.

Naobu is indeed a bit exaggerated, and it is constantly moving in a strange direction.Meng Qinghe pinched his thigh hard, gasped in pain, and finally pulled his thinking back to the normal track.

On the day of the palace banquet, the interpreters, sailors, doctors, cooks, etc. who sailed with the fleet all had food and wine.Those who have official status and have made meritorious service will be given a banquet to the governor's mansion of the army.

There is no need to mention the dishes, the key is the emperor's grace and face.If it weren't for the kindness of the emperor, no one would have dreamed of being where they are today.

It doesn't matter if you don't have enough to eat, pick up a chopstick dish and drink a cup of imperial wine bestowed by the emperor, it's enough to show off to your children and grandchildren, you know, back then, your old man had tasted the skills of imperial chefs and drank imperial wine!You kid can only know a few words and can use a few waist knives, so you think you are great?It's not too late to get into your old man's role first, and then get up.

In front of Fengtian Hall, the music and dancing took a break, Emperor Yongle wore Ming Huang Panlong's regular clothes and a winged crown on his head, raised his wine cup and said in a loud voice: "I will drink with you all!"

All the Chinese and military officers at the banquet stood up and toasted, saying in unison: "Your Majesty Long En, I respect you!"

Zhu Gaoxu, the King of Han, and Zhu Gaosui, the King of Zhao, stood at the front, held up the wine cups, and drank them all in one gulp, "I respectfully wish my father and emperor will conquer the world and rule the world! My great Ming will rest in peace for generations to come!"

"it is good!"

Emperor Yongle was so delighted that he drank three cups in a row.

The ministers toasted again, even if they were light drinkers, they would be bored.If you dare not drink, you will not give the emperor face.If you don't give the emperor face, your brilliant career will come to an end in advance.

Still want to be an official butcher?Go home and farm early.

The two emperors and grandsons were not allowed to drink, and the wine cups were filled with sugar water.

The queen strictly ordered that the emperor's grandson was not allowed to drink a drop of wine.The eunuchs serving the two could only stare wide-eyed, paying attention to every detail like a searchlight.Seeing His Royal Highness the King of Han put down the wine glass, picked up the chopsticks to dip the wine, and brought it to Zhu Zhanhe's mouth, Huang Shaojian's eyes were so hanging that they didn't pop out.

The queen forbids the emperor's grandson to drink alcohol, and the emperor's own father insists on letting his son taste the wine, how can he forcefully stop him?

Fortunately, Zhu Zhanhe is an obedient child, he always remembers the teaching of the emperor's grandmother, no matter how his father "seduces", he just keeps his mouth shut.

He was fooled once at a palace banquet before, and the spicy taste is still unforgettable.Since then, Zhu Zhanhe has had a psychological shadow on "wine".And I asked my two masters for this, "Why can't we drink all the sugar water at the palace banquet?"

"Why do you have such doubts?"

"I feel that wine is difficult to drink, but sugar water is better."

Xia Yuanji tore off a handful of beards, but failed to give an answer.

It is really a difficult task to explain the origin and symbolic meaning of wine to the emperor and grandson.As for the sugar water, let alone mention it to outsiders.

Xia Shangshu thought very far-reaching, if the words spread out, were recorded by historians, or were misinterpreted by interested people, it would definitely have a great impact on the reputation of the son of the King of Han.Playing with things and losing one's mind is not enough. Maverick and whimsical ideas are not very good descriptions for the default emperor's successor.

Meng Qinghe's idea is much simpler, abandoning the big truths one after another, and directly throwing out the panacea to answer children's questions.

"The son is still young, and he will be able to solve it when he is old."

That is to say, Shizi is still young, and he will understand when he grows up.

Zhu Zhanhe blinked his big eyes twice, the chubby held a peasant's hand, pondered for a few seconds, and reluctantly accepted the answer.

Xia Yuanji was dumbfounded, and unconsciously pulled off a handful of beards.

So the problem can be explained like this?Sure enough, in old age, there will be less change?

"Uncle Xing Ning's words may be suspected of prevaricating the son."

Professor Hanwangfu is upright and has a somewhat rigid personality.Seeing Meng Qinghe like this, he thought it was inappropriate and pointed it out.

Meng Qinghe didn't take it seriously, and said with a smile: "What's wrong with what I said?"

"This……"

"The son is young, and he still can't understand the profound meaning of wine. What I said is only to be taught when the son is older. Professor Liu thinks what I have done is wrong?"

Professor Liu was speechless.

Although he is straightforward, he is not brainless.

Xingning Bojian is in the emperor's heart, and he is also a popular person in front of King Han and King Zhao, so he is accused of disrespect?The result is very likely that Xingning Boding has nothing to do, and his black head was picked.

In the end, Santoshen's question about wine and sugar water was settled.

Above the palace banquet, there is no seat for foreign envoys.

The emperor decreed that after the palace banquet, another banquet will be held in the Huagai Hall to entertain the overseas envoys.Afterwards, Zhu Di passed on an oral order that the banquet for overseas envoys should be presided over by the King of Han, with Honglu Temple and Guanglu Temple coordinating on the sidelines.

This decree virtually affirmed the status of the Han King's heir.

Historically, only emperors, empresses and crown princes can hold banquets in the palace to entertain ministers and ministers from foreign countries.When King Ping was in Beijing, he never had this honor.

When the news came out, the Hanwang faction was naturally rejoiced, while the Pingwang faction seemed depressed. Hardcore elements like Hu Guang and Huang Huai couldn't help being shaken.Yang Shiqi, a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, is still as calm as ever.It is unknown what happened to people before and what happens to people after.

After two palace banquets, the footsteps of history entered the eighth year of Yongle.

Meng Qinghe has been in a state of excitement since the Lantern Festival holiday in the first lunar month, and went to work after the festival.

He had already received confirmation from Zheng He that during this voyage, the fleet had indeed found a vast overseas continent and several islands.Among them, there are bays that can be used as good harbors, and there are also uninhabited islands with dense vegetation and flocks of seabirds, but no human traces.

"I haven't been able to find all the things my uncle told me before. But these two kinds have been found. The local local people have chosen good varieties to plant for many generations. Although the yield is not as high as that described by my uncle, it does not require fertile land and is more fertile than rice and wheat. Drought tolerance, but I can't compare with grains."

While speaking, Zheng He took out a somewhat crumpled booklet.Turning over a few pages, there are crops such as corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.This booklet was dictated by Meng Qinghe and drawn by Fang Langzhong, a staff member of the Ministry of War. It can be called a "treasure hunting catalog".

"This kind of crop grows underground. I don't know what the leaves and flowers look like, but it took a lot of effort."

Zheng He pointed at the potatoes, while Meng Qinghe scratched his chin and laughed dryly.He also wanted to explain in detail, but there was really no way.How many people living in the city have seen potato leaves, and how many know what potato flowers look like?On the contrary, corn, which often appears on TV, can more or less describe the general shape.

"If these two crops can be carefully cultivated and widely planted in the northern border, within a few years, they can be used as food for the border people."

Meng Qinghe wasn't stupefied, so naturally he wouldn't pat his chest and promise that growing corn and potatoes would immediately solve the country's food problem.

The yield of hundreds of catties per mu in later generations is achieved by relying on high-quality seeds and high-efficiency chemical fertilizers, and through the efforts of multiple generations.The potatoes and corn introduced to the Ming Dynasty in history were also cultivated and improved by Europeans for a long time.It is not the "original ecological" species of the American continent.

Meng Qinghe had seen that the potatoes brought back by Zheng He's fleet were no bigger than half a fist, and the smallest ones were only as thick as a thumb.The corn plant is less than one meter long, and according to the interpreter, the locals call it "short grass".It can be seen that the original corn was nothing but weeds.

To be honest, Meng Qinghe was a little disappointed.

The reality is so far behind expectations that it is impossible not to be disappointed.

After sighing, he slapped his head twice violently, committing himself as a dead end.The American continent was discovered, and potatoes and corn were brought back. What kind of disappointment is there?

It's okay if the seeds aren't fine.

The most indispensable thing in Ming Dynasty is farmers and skillful hands. "Tiangong Kaiwu" was published in the Ming Dynasty. Even after 200 years, it can prove that the agronomists of the Ming Dynasty definitely had real materials.There are also agricultural books left over from the Song and Yuan Dynasties. There are scholars in the Ming Dynasty who have a wide range of hobbies, and they still worry about not being able to grow high-yield grain?

Taking a step back, during the Little Ice Age, floods and droughts, earthquakes, locusts, and grain failures, these crops brought back from the Americas are the hope for the survival of thousands of people.

Meng Qinghe talked a lot with Zheng He, and he hoped that through Zheng He's mouth, he would give Emperor Yongle a vaccination in advance, the new food can liven the people, but it needs to be improved.

"Our family remembers what Uncle said." Zheng He said, "These are also what the survivors of the previous dynasty said?"

"Huh..." Meng Qinghe paused, bit the bullet, and said yes.

Zheng He showed a look of "as expected", and said: "Uncle, I don't know yet. Our family has found an overseas place this time. We sent people to visit the place and found that although the person is different from our dynasty, but according to the legend of his family, the priests He is a god, but he is quite similar to Xia Shang. The translator on the boat learned the local dialect very quickly, and everyone in the fleet was quite surprised. Our family guessed that this place has a lot to do with my dynasty. In this way, Uncle met As for the survivors of the former dynasty, there should be a definite number in the dark."

Meng Qinghe laughed dryly, what could he say?

Sure enough, one cannot lie.A lie often needs more lies to make up.Fortunately, without the death of thousands of brain cells, Eunuch Zheng has already used his spirit of friendship to supplement his brain.

"What Eunuch Zheng said makes sense, I admire it."

"Don't dare."

Zheng He smiled kindly, the survivors of the previous dynasty that Uncle Xingning said was just an introduction.It doesn't really matter whether there is such a person.

As long as it is insisted that overseas places have a deep connection with Ming Dynasty, in the future, whether it is to do business with the local area, establish friendly diplomatic relations, send military officials, set up a propaganda department, the reasons for the emperor's decision can be justified.

Sending Zheng He away, Meng Qinghe pondered for a long time. After thinking about it, he shook his head. It seemed that he was really not a political material.

To be able to get to today step by step, apart from working hard, I should really thank the good luck against the sky, allowing him to meet Duke Ding.Otherwise, he would have been tortured to the point where there would be no scum left in front of fierce men from all walks of life.Not to mention other people, Song Zhong back then could have crushed him to death with one finger.

After Zheng He returned to the palace, he reported to Zhu Di as soon as possible, and he did not forget Meng Qinghe's kind words between the lines.

Zhu Di didn't express much, just said: "I see, you go down first."

"Yes."

Zheng He bowed and saluted, and was about to quit the Snappers.

"Hold on."

Zheng He stopped.

"I have seen all the sea charts presented. Several islands are extremely rare. They can be used to build seaports and supply ships for trade."

"Your Majesty Shengming."

"I have decided to send the fleet out after three months, and King Zhao will accompany him."

"Your Majesty," Zheng He was frightened, "Think twice, Your Majesty! The dangers at sea are unpredictable, and your majesty's rich body, how can..."

"I have made up my mind." Zhu Di said decisively, "I am guarding the gate of the country, and my son should not seek to enjoy comfort. Moreover, King Zhao has repeatedly expressed his desire to go to sea with the fleet, so I don't need to say much."

Zheng He didn't persuade him any more, but began to think in his heart, the emperor's mind had been made up and could not be changed.It is necessary to make thorough preparations for this voyage, and at the risk of offending others, it is necessary to drag the judge of the Taiyuan Hospital on board.

In February of the eighth year of Yongle, Shuo Wang looked at the court.

After the worship of all the officials, the emperor made a decree that the imperial court found drought-tolerant and high-yielding crops from Fanbang. During spring plowing, they were planted in Huangzhuang in Shuntian Prefecture. After the high yield was verified, good varieties were selected and promoted to drought-prone and sandy lands.

"Since I ascended the throne, there have been earthquakes and natural disasters from time to time. I have reduced taxes and food, and distributed food to relieve disasters. It can relieve temporary suffering, but it cannot last forever. Only by getting food from poor land and high yields can we solve the hardships of all people. The people are like my own sons and daughters. , The people are not hungry, how can I speak of holiness. With this word, I hope that you will agree with me."

"Your Majesty Shengming!"

Speaking of this, no matter how many doubts you have, you can't say it, otherwise you will disregard the benevolence of the emperor, and don't care about the common people in the world.

Meng Qinghe stood in the queue of military officers and knelt down with everyone.After returning home, he made up his mind and immediately wrote a letter to persuade Meng Qingyi to set aside 150 mu of land for planting potatoes and corn.

Seeds are not a problem, nor are experienced farmers hard to find.The emperor said "One heart with me", if you don't follow up now, when will you have to wait?

After retiring from the imperial court, Shen Xuan was summoned by Youshunmen to accompany him, and Meng Qinghe went out of the palace with the others.Seeing Xu Zengshou and Zhang Fu walking in front, he immediately walked a few steps quickly, "Marquis of Wuyang, Marquis of Xincheng, take a step slower."

Xu Zengshou and Zhang Fu stopped at the same time, seeing that it was Meng Qinghe, they both smiled.

The imperial fleet made two voyages to the West, and the military generals were honorable, one counted as the other, and they all made a lot of money.This is thanks to the emperor's grace, but everyone will not forget the hero behind the scenes, Uncle Xingning.

"You two Marquis, please be courteous."

"So much courtesy, it seems out of place." Xu Zengshou laughed, "Uncle Xing Ning told me to stop, there must be something wrong."

"Master Hou has a wonderful plan." Meng Qinghe said with a smile, his expression was natural, and he only lowered his voice slightly, "What did Lord Hou think of what the Holy Majesty said in the court?"

"What does Xingningbo mean?"

"Food from overseas."

When Meng Qing spoke out, Xu Zengshou and Zhang Fu's hearts moved at the same time.

Xu Zengshou said: "The Marquis got a jar of good wine the day before yesterday, how about the two of you going to the Marquis' mansion to have a talk?"

"It's better to be respectful than to follow orders." Meng Qinghe said with a smile, "It's just that the lower officials can't drink too much, so I'd like to ask Lord Hou to raise your hands high then."

"Good to say."

The three of them walked out of Fengtianmen talking and laughing, met Yang Duo who was passing by, and Meng Qinghe took the initiative to say hello.Xu Zengshou and Zhang Fu were surprised to find that the commander of Jin Yiwei, who was so gloomy that he didn't look like a living person, actually laughed.

The smile only flashed across the face, but it was a smile!

The two looked at Meng Qinghe with incredible expressions.

Uncle Xingning, it's really amazing!

In the evening, Meng Qinghe came out from the Marquis Mansion of Wuyang.

The matter has been negotiated, and the three of them are a little drunk.

Xu Zengshou wanted to send his family to send Meng Qinghe back to the mansion, but as soon as he left the mansion, he ran into Shen Xuan who came to pick him up.

Ding Guogong was still wearing court clothes, obviously he came directly after leaving the palace.

The guards of the Hou's mansion did not dare to do anything wrong, they clasped their fists in salute, and watched helplessly as the Duke leaned over and lifted Uncle Meng onto the horse's back, turned around and left without saying hello.

The guard was stunned for a while, and hurriedly sent someone to report to Marquis Wuyang.

In this case, follow or not?

"No, come back." Xu Zengshou unfolded a warm handkerchief, covered his face, and let out a long sigh of relief, "The protection is so tight... Really, can I still eat people?"

The family members stared down at their feet as if they hadn't heard anything.

"If you don't go to court tomorrow, the Marquis will go to the farm outside the city. Xu Cheng."

"exist."

"You arrange people to go to Baoding. Benhou remembers that when he ascended the throne today, he rewarded me with [-] mu of dry land."

"What does Lord Hou mean?"

"Let me tell you, don't be in a hurry to grow food this spring, and set aside [-] mu of land for other uses by the Marquis."

"Yes."

Although puzzled, the family still took orders and went down to make arrangements.

After Zhang Fu returned to the mansion, he ordered his family to inspect the Zhuangtian, and at the same time sent someone to send a letter to Cheng Guogong Zhu Neng.Since it's a good thing, naturally Cheng Guogong cannot be left out.

Since returning from Jiaozhi, Zhu Neng has reported illness every now and then, making it clear that he is not in charge of the army.However, the children in the family began to rise up, gradually gaining prestige in the army.People in the court all admire Cheng Guogong when they mention it.This kind of freedom is not something ordinary people can have.

During the discussion, Meng Qinghe deliberately reminded that they should not eat alone.Only when everyone works hard for the people can we truly appreciate the holy will.

How big is Huangzhuang?Even if the yield of potatoes and corn is high, how many seeds can we wait for?

All the nobles have the imperial gift of Zhuangtian, and they happen to contribute to Ming Dynasty together.Anyway, everyone has made a fortune in ocean trade, even if the new crop fails, it is just a waste of a year's grain.If you don't rely on these fields to live, you won't feel bad if you lose them.

In contrast, the Sacred Heart is more important.

Meng Qinghe saw Xungui's mentality, so he talked to Xu Zengshou and Zhang Fu.Convincing these two people is equivalent to making a good start, and he doesn't need to worry about the next thing, smart people know what to do.

Back at Duke Dingguo's mansion, Meng Qinghe was mostly sober from his drink.Looking at the silent Grand Duke, he hesitated in his steps.

How do you say that?

Men go out to socialize and drink, which makes the family dissatisfied. In mild cases, they are driven out of the bedroom, and in severe cases, they are served on the washboard.

Based on the relationship between him and the Duke, it should, maybe, not need such high-end weapons, right?

Shen Xuan remained silent, threw away the whip, and put one hand behind his back.

Toga with big sleeves, eight beams facing the crown, red clothes and black shoes, handsome, unrestrained, with outstanding temperament.It's just that the expression is half a smile, which makes Uncle Meng uncertain.

"Your Highness..."

"Twelve Langs have made great contributions to their suggestions, and the emperor will reward them."

Shen Xuan finally spoke, but Meng Qinghe was stunned for a while by what he said.Following the Lord's point, he turned around and looked back, his gaze instantly fixed.

Rubbing his eyes, rubbing his eyes again, what did he see? !

It is fluffy, milky white, very festive... Divine beast?

"My lord, this is?"

"A reward from the Son of Heaven."

"..."

Emperor Yong Le rewarded alpacas?

Well, the American continent has been found, and one or two alpacas are not uncommon.

But he still wanted to shout, can this world be any more magical?