Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 186: False Emperor: Yu Qian, Seal of the Six Southeastern Kingdoms

Imperial College.

The autumn wind was blowing with a hint of coolness, blowing through the towering ancient trees and the vermilion walls and green tiles, gently picking up the golden fallen leaves and then quietly putting them down.

In this season of deepening autumn, students are seen moving back and forth, some holding books, some carrying bags on their shoulders, their steps are hurried but calm.

The occasional bird calls in the forest echoed with the recitations in the lecture hall, adding a bit of vitality and vigor to this cold autumn. The sun shone through the clouds and fell on the bluestone slabs. Zhu Qizhen walked in front, followed by Yang Shan, the Minister of Rites.

"Arabic numerals should be promoted vigorously." Zhu Qizhen said as he walked, "With the addition, subtraction, multiplication and division algorithms, they are more suitable for Arabic numerals."

Yang Shan nodded: "Yes, if everyone memorizes the multiplication table, at least they will be able to do the math."

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said, "When Western textbooks come over in the future, they will also use Arabic numerals."

He came to the Imperial College today to learn about the situation of other arts subjects. After taking a look, he found that although there were dozens of students in each subject, there was still a long way to go.

The textbooks are a problem, and the teachers are also a problem. However, there is no need to rush. The imperial examination has been around for more than a thousand years, so how can it be changed just by saying so?

"Next year will be the new imperial examination, right?" Zhu Qizhen said, "Is there an exam scheduled for other arts subjects this time?"

"It's all arranged." Yang Shan said, "But there may not be many people who will take the reference, almost all of them are from the Imperial College."

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand indifferently.

As long as a group of people are admitted as officials through this imperial examination, and the news spreads, there will naturally be more officials.

"Yang Shan, prepare well. You will be busy next year." Zhu Qizhen said with a smile.

"It is my duty as a subject and I should do it." Yang Shan said.

Zhu Qizhen gave some instructions and left the Imperial College. Yang Shan looked at his back and sighed, "Your Majesty, I am sorry for you."

……

After returning from the Imperial College, Zhu Qizhen was not idle for a moment. He summoned people from the Ministry of War and also summoned two Western missionaries.

The main responsibility of the Military Department's Zhifang Qinglisi was to draw maps, but their methods were rather old-fashioned, such as obtaining distance information by walking or measuring the land, and using the length and direction of the sun's shadow to determine the direction and time. During this period, there were also tools such as the armillary sphere, the inverted square, and the star-pulling board, which provided more accurate data support for map drawing.

The reason why Zhu Qizhen summoned the Military Affairs Bureau and missionaries was that he wanted them to cooperate in creating a world map, a world map with the Ming Dynasty at the center.

The two missionaries knew a lot about geography and brought Western maps with them all the way to the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, Zhu Qizhen believed that they could make the world map he needed.

"This is the world map I want." Zhu Qizhen asked after he finished speaking, "Do you all understand what I mean?"

If it is called a world map, it can only be the Asia and Europe part, because at that time, America and Oceania had not yet been discovered, let alone Antarctica.

After he finished his detailed explanation, the head of the Military Affairs Department's Office of Personnel Affairs took charge, with the two missionaries cooperating.

"Use a world map to shake up the worldview of the court officials," Zhu Qizhen said to himself, "so that they won't become frogs in a well."

He decided to give lessons to his ministers and shock these ancient people with his limited knowledge of geography.

……

On this day, the wind was calm and the sun was beautiful.

Annan, Goryeo, Champa, Dongying and other countries came to pay tribute. The Ministry of Rites requested the emperor to hold a dinner party, and the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty personally received the envoys from various countries.

The dinner was held in the Jinshen Hall, which was luxuriously decorated with exquisite murals hanging on the walls. The paintings depicted the magnificent scenery of the mountains and rivers of the Ming Dynasty, as well as the scene of people living and working in peace and contentment and a bumper harvest, all of which demonstrated the peace and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty.

The table was covered with brocade embroidered with auspicious patterns of dragons and phoenixes, which looked noble and solemn. The table was filled with all kinds of delicacies, all of which were imperial delicacies of the Daming Palace, such as auspicious dragons and phoenixes, eight-treasure gourd duck, etc., with attractive colors and fragrant aromas.

As the dinner began, the musicians played melodious music that echoed throughout the hall.

The Ming Emperor Zhu Qizhen appeared, and envoys from all countries knelt down in worship:

"May the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty be well and healthy!"

Zhu Qizhen glanced over, raised his glass, and said with great pride: "All right, all right, I am safe!"

The scene was not so solemn, the host and the guests drank together, talked and laughed, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Envoys from various countries presented precious tributes to the Ming Emperor, including dazzling gems, exotic spices, etc., each of which represented the sincerity and respect of each country.

The Japanese envoys presented their tribute first. Zhu Qizhen looked at the envoys and said, "I like General Ashikaga's tribute. Tell him to mobilize troops to suppress the Japanese pirates at sea. If he doesn't have the ability to do so, I will help him. My navy is ready."

"Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, we would like to send students to study at the Imperial Academy. Please approve it." The envoy bowed.

"Okay, I hope all countries can communicate in a friendly manner." Zhu Qizhen nodded.

He did not think highly of this envoy from Ashikaga. In today's Japan, Ashikaga could no longer control the situation. The daimyo in various places were almost independent, and the Warring States Period, which would last for a hundred years, was about to begin.

Wala also sent an envoy. Although he knelt down to pay homage to the Ming emperor, his demeanor was arrogant: "Your Majesty, the Khan wants to use the Great Wall as the boundary, and we will not invade each other and open trade."

"Non-aggression?" Zhu Qizhen sneered, "Are you kidding me, Yesen?"

"Your Majesty, you are the ruler of the world. As long as..." the envoy continued.

However, Zhu Qizhen interrupted him and said coldly: "Outside the Great Wall is also the territory of the Ming Dynasty. Wuliangha is already my people. Go back and tell Yesen to stay in Mobei and not go south at all."

He guessed in his heart that Yesen must be trying to resolve the internal conflicts in Mobei, which would take time.

"I also need time. Let's wait and have a final fight to the death." He sighed in his heart.

After the Oirat envoys, the Goryeo envoys came. At present, the Ming Dynasty and Goryeo are still close, and the new Lee Dynasty of Goryeo is inclined towards the Ming Dynasty. The Goryeo envoys said that they have been invaded by the Jianzhou Jurchens in recent years, and they hope that the Ming emperor can restrain the Jurchens.

Jianzhou Jurchen?

What's the point of restraining them? They will be dealt with sooner or later.

"Your Majesty, Goryeo also wants to send students to study at the Imperial Academy. Please allow the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty to do so." The envoy bowed.

"Okay." Zhu Qizhen nodded.

He hoped that students from all over the world would come to the Ming Dynasty to study, and that outstanding talents might stay and serve the Ming Dynasty. What he hoped most was to introduce talents from the West.

We must build the Imperial College of the Ming Dynasty into the highest institution of learning in the world.

……

dusk.

Zhu Qizhen came to Kunning Palace in a daze. The Queen Mother was supposed to attend the banquet today, but she refused, saying that she didn't like crowds. For such occasions, she had to wear her exclusive phoenix costume, which was extremely luxurious and elegant, but also very troublesome.

She has been fond of comfort and simplicity lately, just like now, she is wearing a simple white long skirt, which is long and drags on the ground. Her slender waist is bound by a cloud-like belt, which makes it look even thinner than a hand, but it outlines an exaggerated curve on her body; her hair is like a waterfall, and there is a silver hairpin in her hair, which makes her face look like a lotus.

"Shuangxi, prepare some sobering soup for His Majesty." The empress dowager saw Zhu Qizhen staggering and hurriedly gave the order.

The aftereffects of the wine took effect, and Zhu Qizhen felt a little uncomfortable, lying straight on the soft seat. The Queen Mother walked over, sat down in front of him, stretched out her hands and struggled to lift his upper body, pulling it up, so that his head rested on her legs.

"I'll give you a massage." She frowned slightly, "Why did you drink so much? You're the emperor, if you don't drink, will someone force you to drink?"

Zhu Qizhen lay comfortably, smiling slightly: "I am happy. Although not all nations have come to pay tribute, so many envoys have come to pay homage. As an emperor, I am very proud."

"He is the same as Emperor Taizong." The Queen Mother reached out and gently touched his forehead. "When Zheng He returned from his voyage to the West, he brought envoys from various countries with him. Emperor Taizong held a state banquet, which was as grand as if all nations were paying tribute to him."

Zhu Qizhen closed his eyes in enjoyment and said, "The tribute trade has always been a loss for the Ming Dynasty. It just saves face. I don't need such trade. Next year I will open the sea and conduct real trade. The Ming Dynasty will become the center of the world, and the capital will be the world's capital."

"You're just talking big." The Queen Mother patted him on the forehead.

After a while, Shuangxi came up with the hangover soup. The Queen Mother made a gesture to her to keep quiet and whispered, "Your Majesty has fallen asleep. Go get a blanket."

Shuangxi obeyed the order. Zhu Qizhen lay in the empress dowager's arms, turned sideways, and arched forward. The empress dowager spat: "You can't even sleep well, where are you going?"

……

Winter has arrived, and the sky in the capital seems to have darkened earlier than usual. The air is filled with a chilly and cold breath. The cold wind cuts through the streets like a sharp blade, occasionally rolling up a few dead leaves, and the lanterns on the street sway gently in the cold wind.

Zhu Qizhen was wearing a heavy brocade robe, walking on the imperial road. He did not choose to sit in a sedan chair. The wind penetrated through the collar and cuffs of his clothes, bringing an indescribable biting cold, which made him tighten his collar. His eyes passed through the layers of fog, looking at the blurred scenery in the distance, and an indescribable feeling of desolation surged in his heart.

He arrived at the Wenhua Hall, which was much warmer as soon as he entered. There were several charcoal fires burning in the hall. The cabinet ministers and the six ministers were all there, paying their respects.

"Everyone stand up." Zhu Qizhen raised his hand. "The day before yesterday, the Military Department sent the latest world map. They drew it together with Western missionaries. I will take a look at it with you today, and get to know this world."

The eunuch behind him carried the map and unfolded it on the wall and hung it up. When the ministers saw the slowly unfolded map, their eyes were full of surprise.

"Let me give you a general introduction first." Zhu Qizhen pointed at the map and said, "This is the world! However, it is not the whole world! The planet I am on has seven continents and four oceans..."

When he started to introduce the map with a stick, the attention of all the officials was drawn to it. After the general introduction, he pointed to the south of Ming Dynasty and said:

"This is what you call Nanyang, which includes Annan, Burma, Siam, Champa, Srivijaya, Java and many other countries..."

"Go south, far, far away, there is Oceania, and there is a vast land there."

"This is what we call the Western Regions. To the west is Europe. Here are England, France, the Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, Spain, the Italian city-states, and so on."

"To the west, there is the mysterious America, where there are huge gold and silver mines..."

After he finished his introduction, all the ministers were dumbfounded.

It turns out that the world is so vast!
……

Coming out of Wenhua Hall, Zhu Qizhen and Yu Qian walked on the Imperial Road.

"Old Yu, Su Qin during the Warring States Period wore the seals of six kingdoms. This is nothing." Zhu Qizhen said loudly, "When the Ming Dynasty becomes the overlord, you can wear the seals of the southeastern kingdoms."

Yu Qian's eyes gleamed, "Your Majesty, I am really looking forward to it! Looking forward to a Ming Dynasty with the most vast territory in history!"

Zhu Qizhen laughed and sighed: "Now you know how big the world is, right? If we, the Ming Dynasty, do not develop, those Western empires will unite and beat us up in the future."

Yu Qian almost blurted out, Your Majesty, are you really from the future?

"As long as Your Majesty exists in the Ming Dynasty, that day will never come to pass," Yu Qian said seriously.

"What can I do alone?" Zhu Qizhen also said sincerely, "I need the emperor and his subjects to be of one mind!"

Yu Qian bowed again and said: "Your Majesty is so wise and wise, which is a blessing for the ministers. Naturally, the monarch and his subjects will be of one mind, and the whole country will be of one mind."

Zhu Qizhen had a slight smile on his face.

Yu Qian, oh Yu Qian, are you playing a guessing game with me?

"The world is vast and big, men should never be complacent!" he shouted.

There was a gleam of energy in Yu Qian's eyes.

……

The night is as dark as ink, Changchun Palace.

After some tossing and turning, Concubine Xian leaned tightly against Zhu Qizhen, with a delicate forehead and beautiful eyebrows, a face like a full moon, delicate and pretty, charming and beautiful, and her two smooth legs were like white jade, resting on him.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Li hasn't found the prescription yet." Concubine Xian frowned.

Zhu Qizhen gently stroked his jade back and smiled: "Whether we will have children depends on fate. We are still young, there is no rush, we will definitely have children."

The virtuous concubine pursed her red lips and nodded: "Your Majesty, the next holy monarch, God will also let Your Majesty have children."

She sighed and sat up. Her fair skin, covered by her black hair, looked even more proud. She winked at Zhu Qizhen slyly, "But, Your Majesty, you still have to take the medicine."

"All medicines are poisonous." Zhu Qizhen rolled his eyes.

"They are all tonics. Your Majesty is tired and needs some nourishment." Concubine Xian said seriously.

Her pair of jade legs dropped from the curtain, her beautiful and petite feet stepped silently on the carpet. She tidied her messy hair, and then walked out of the house with her long, somewhat weak legs.

After a while, a bowl of soup was brought to him, and Zhu Qizhen drank it without hesitation. He reached out and pulled Concubine Xian into his arms. Concubine Xian rested her head on his shoulder, her face flushed, her eyes blurred, and she couldn't muster any strength in her body.

"Your Majesty, have you been visiting Ning Rongrong often recently?" Concubine Xian asked softly.

"Are you jealous?" Zhu Qizhen asked, hugging her waist.

Xian Fei shook her head meekly: "Why would I be jealous? She is just a girl, shouldn't she be given a status?"

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said, "No need, she will leave the capital next year."

Concubine Xian was obviously surprised: "Ah? Why?"

(End of this chapter)