Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 247 Lao Zhu’s good friend and mental illness!
Shencheng.

Since continuing to communicate and correspond with Zhu Sun, Zhu's spirit and energy have improved a lot.

The emperor was truly a loner, without even a single friend.

Sometimes, Lao Zhu would miss the time when he and his brothers fought together to build the empire.

In particular, he left Haozhou with Xu Da, Tang He and 24 other brothers and marched south to Dingyuan.

That was the beginning of a new chapter in his life.

It was with the help of those twenty-four brothers that more people were recruited, the team continued to grow, and eventually they conquered the world.

At that time, brothers and I were very close, drinking from big bowls and dividing meat with big scales.

We share happiness and adversity. We share life and death!
But later, I don’t know when, everything changed.

He couldn't tell whether he had changed or his brothers had changed.

All in all, there's no going back to the way it was before.

He became the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, but he no longer had any brothers or friends, only endless loneliness.

Only now, forgetting my identity, I talk with Zhu Sun in letters, and gradually we become close friends.

Old Zhu seemed to have returned to his youth, when he conquered the world with his brothers who were as close as life and death to him, and drank and chatted happily.

The content of the letter started with talking about economy and science, and gradually involved politics and life...

What surprised Old Zhu was that this "Zhu Sun" was truly an extraordinary person.

Not only does he understand economics, but he can also point out the pros and cons of state affairs.

Often, when Zhu Yuanzhang did not quite understand the policies promoted by his "rebellious grandson", the other party would give an in-depth analysis and interpretation, explaining the reasons why His Royal Highness the Crown Prince implemented this policy, as well as the pros and cons of the policy.

It often makes Lao Zhu feel like he has suddenly become enlightened.

When I look at it more realistically, I find that his analysis makes so much sense.

Such a genius is unprecedented in history!

Old Zhu admired him more and more.

In addition, they also talked about their insights into life.

Lao Zhu told the other party some of his pain.

As a result, Zhu Sun wrote back saying that he had a mental illness.

In psychology, it is called “severe anxiety disorder”.

Ok.

Whether it is psychology or severe anxiety disorder, this is the first time that Lao Zhu has heard of these terms.

But the other party said that the typical characteristics of this disease are intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear; being upset all day long, as if misfortune is about to befall oneself or a loved one, and being in a state of high alert, etc.

It sounds like it really is the case.

Since becoming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang has been under increasing psychological pressure.

It is this kind of pressure that prompted Lao Zhu to become a super workaholic.

However, the pressure has not disappeared, but has tended to increase.

It reached its peak after Zhu Biao's death.

His body is gradually aging and his energy is declining day by day.

He was panicking and afraid, not because of the approach of death, but because he was worried about what would happen to the future of the Ming Dynasty after his death.
Once I am gone, will the Ming Dynasty still be stable?

This worry made him sleepless every night, anxious all the time and unable to put his mind at ease for a moment.

If Zhu Yunhuan had not appeared, Zhu, who was under too much psychological pressure and anxious all day long, would have raised his butcher knife and started killing meritorious officials represented by Lan Yu.

"Mental illness, mental illness?" Lao Zhu whispered to himself, gradually gaining some belief.

Of course, it is impossible to see a doctor for treatment.

It sounds very similar to the "dirty mania" and "depression" recorded in medical books.

But according to medical books, don’t those diseases only affect women?
How could the great Emperor of the Ming Dynasty suffer from "mania" and "depression"?
This is something that is absolutely impossible to admit.

In other words, Zhu Sun and he had corresponded frequently and had become old friends, and the other party did not know that he was the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Otherwise, whoever dares to say a word about it will have his entire family killed.

But unconsciously, Old Zhu began to adjust himself according to the method Zhu Sun suggested.

Sitting in the lobby of the restaurant, Lao Zhu poured himself a glass of wine.

Shaoxing rice wine.

This is a favorite of many dock workers in Shanghai.

At the end of work every day, I would go to the tavern to have a plate of peanuts and drink a glass of rice wine. All the tiredness from a whole day's work seemed to disappear.

Old Zhu chatted with the workers all day and started drinking too.

This wine has a history of thousands of years and was brewed as early as ancient times.

By the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the brewing technique had gradually been perfected. Later, during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, it even became a tribute wine for the imperial court.

After the launch of Science journal, someone submitted an article on how to brew Shaoxing rice wine, which inspired many small wineries and led to the continuous expansion of the brewing and production of Shaoxing rice wine.

Of course, there is another reason that contributed to the growing prosperity of this wine, and that is the invention of cement.

It seems that the two things are completely unrelated.

However, things in the world are sometimes so wonderful.

The main raw material of Shaoxing rice wine is glutinous rice.

Before this, a large amount of glutinous rice was used to build the wall.

After the invention of cement, these demands disappeared and glutinous rice suddenly became in surplus.

Unfortunately, glutinous rice is extremely difficult to preserve and is prone to insect infestation.

How to do?
It just so happens that the sales of Shaoxing rice wine have increased significantly due to the increase in the number of migrant workers, so we can increase the production of wine.

As a result, the production of Shaoxing rice wine increased dramatically.

Businesses selling alcohol in Shanghai have also sprung up like mushrooms after a rain.

As the wine entered my stomach, I could feel a mellow and lingering aroma suddenly rising.

The feeling of being tipsy makes people feel like they are floating in the air and feel very comfortable.

"This wine is really good, but I didn't know it before. After returning to the palace, ask the local areas to pay tribute to us."

As soon as this thought came to my mind, I shook my head.

"Once it is listed as tribute wine, local officials will definitely mobilize a large number of people, and the winery will delay other things because of brewing tribute wine, which will increase their burden!"

"Besides, the tribute is too expensive. It costs too much money."

"If a cup of yellow wine, which costs only a few coins, becomes tribute wine, the price will probably be several taels of silver per cup."

"When prices increase a thousand-fold, it becomes an extravagance."

"The best way is to send someone to buy some secretly."

Old Zhu thought to himself and couldn't help but grin.

This is a really good idea!

You can drink wine that satisfies you without going through a lot of trouble or spending a lot of money.

"Sir, your letter has arrived."

Just as Old Zhu was thinking, Yoshigaki handed him a letter sent by Zhu's grandson.

Nowadays, writing letters every day has become Lao Zhu’s daily routine.

Similarly, Zhu Sun would also receive a reply letter every day.

Although Shencheng and Jinling are more than 600 miles apart, even if the postal carriage runs day and night, it will take several days to arrive.

Going back and forth takes more time.

However, now when two people send a letter, they don’t wait for the other party to reply before sending the second and third letters...

The letter received today must have been written by Zhu Sun a few days ago, and not a reply to his letter from yesterday.

Old Zhu didn't go back to the room to check, but opened it directly.

It's just reading the letter, as long as no one else is peeking at it.

Going back to your room to read the letter after receiving it may only arouse suspicion.

"This kid, have you finally discovered the drawbacks of large-scale conscription and corvée labor?" "It's a good idea to exempt people from corvée labor and have the food supplied by the court instead."

"But if this happens, the court's food expenses will inevitably increase dramatically. Fortunately, we have a lot of food in stock now, so we dare to use this method. Otherwise, it would be like a good cook without rice. Can't cook."

Zhu Sun wrote about many state affairs in the letter.

Old Zhu looked at the letter and a gratified smile appeared on his face.

Zhu Yuanzhang had long been aware of the drawbacks of large-scale engineering construction leading to increased corvée burdens on the people.

It was just that his grandson was in high spirits, and the projects he was building had indeed achieved remarkable results. Although there were some drawbacks, they were still tolerable, so Old Zhu did not say anything.

Now he has discovered it himself, which makes Old Zhu quite pleased.

Although this "rebellious grandson" is very annoying, his ability to govern the country is quite good.

With the Ming Dynasty in his hands, he should be able to rest assured.

Sometimes, I really don’t know what I am worrying about.

Is it really as Zhu Sunxin said, that he has a mental illness?
Thoughts flashed through Lao Zhu's mind quickly, and he continued to read.

"Reform the Ministry of Justice, establish a Ministry of Justice, strengthen vertical management, and eliminate gangs, thieves and bandits across the country?"

Old Zhu’s brows relaxed.

"Using the Huang Zicheng case to seize the power of the three judicial departments is not bad."

"But I'm afraid that group of scholars is not that easy to control."

"Use Fang Xiaoru to create division among them, let them fight among themselves, and check and balance each other...hahahaha...it turns out that I was right."

Old Zhu is very happy.

Because this matter had been mentioned in the letter Zhu Sun wrote to him before.

Lao Zhu also wrote back to discuss with him, and the two discussed it in the letter.

Now it seems that it was most likely that Zhu's grandson brought this up to Zhu Yunhuan, the rebellious grandson, when he was offering advice and suggestions.

Ni Sun accepted the suggestion.

Old Zhu stroked his beard, feeling extremely proud.

Don’t you think you are good at governing a country?

Doesn’t everyone say that he is stronger than us?
Don’t you still need grandpa’s guidance?
I have to say that Lao Zhu's mentality at this time was very contradictory.

On the one hand, he hopes his grandson can take on the main responsibility.

Govern the country well after your death.

Therefore, I hope that Sun Tzu’s ability to govern the country is strong enough.

The stronger, the better.

On the other hand, he felt dissatisfied when he heard others say that his grandson was stronger than himself.

How come we are not as good as our own grandson?
Are we really old and useless?
Now, he made a suggestion and his grandson adopted it. The country was well governed and his own role was highlighted. This of course made Zhu Yuanzhang extremely happy.

Our sword is still sharp, and our grandson is capable of governing the country.

perfect!

"It's a good idea for the Ministry of Criminal Justice and the Ministry of Justice to strengthen vertical management. I never thought of this before."

"Humph, 'Nisun' does have some skills."

"However, it would be too simplistic to think that we can wipe out all the gangs, thieves and bandits in the world just by relying on this and a newly established anti-theft department."

Old Zhu shook his head slightly.

Since ancient times, it has been difficult for government rule to reach the grassroots level.

Ordinary people form cliques and factions, talk about brotherhood, and even secretly set up "gangs"... This kind of thing has been repeatedly banned in all dynasties.

Even the remnants of the White Lotus Sect have not been completely eliminated, let alone these thieves who are scattered among the people and hidden among millions of people.

When the imperial court really investigated, they were all found to be "good citizens."

Who can be killed?

This kid is still inexperienced and thinks he can easily get things done by giving orders in the court.

It's not that easy!

Zhu Sun also joined in the fun.

The scholar is full of ambition and out of touch with reality.

It seems that although this person has extraordinary talent, he can only be a strategist.

Just as I was thinking about it, I suddenly heard a noise coming from the next table.

"Have you read the newspaper? The court reorganized the Ministry of Justice, established the Ministry of Law, and newly set up the Anti-Thieves Department. They said that they would eradicate all thieves and bandits in the world and prohibit any gangs. Do you think the court can do it?"

"What are you thinking about? Isn't this just a foolish dream?"

"That's right. How can it be so easy? Let alone the bandits in the mountains, there are probably dozens of big and small gangs in Shanghai right now. Who can the government control?"

"That can't be helped. We are working outside. If we don't have someone to protect us, we will be bullied by others!"

"That's right! I don't believe that the government can really do anything about it."

"Let's not talk about this for now, drink some wine!"

The corner of Lao Zhu's mouth twitched slightly.

It is a very common phenomenon for workers working at Shanghai's docks to form cliques.

Often, one even has to join a "gang" and be willing to pay "protection money" before one can find a job in Shanghai.

During this period, Lao Zhu had an in-depth understanding of all aspects of Shanghai society and had already known this.

But I feel this matter is extremely troublesome.

Think about it, when the Yuan Dynasty recruited migrant workers to repair the Yellow River, didn’t the migrant workers also form gangs and factions everywhere?

And then there was the subsequent rebellion against the Yuan Dynasty!
For the dynasty, it is very dangerous to its rule if the lower-class people do this.

However, when people go out, they are easily bullied.

Therefore, they will organize themselves spontaneously.

Not to mention migrant workers, even businessmen would gather seven, eight, a dozen or even more people before going out to do business together.

They would often set up "guilds" or "chambers of commerce" to help each other.

Isn't this just another form of gang organization?
After all, going to the government office to report a case and waiting for the government office to send someone to handle it is very inconvenient and unrealistic in many cases.

A man got into a conflict with someone outside and was beaten up.

He walked for two hours to the government office to report the case, and then waited for the government to send someone to handle it. Would he still be able to find the person who beat him?
It would be possible if all the people in the world were confined to their hometowns and not allowed to travel far.

Even if there is a conflict between people, it won't matter if the government handles it a few days later.

After all, the criminals can't escape.

However, once the population starts to move, things immediately become very troublesome and difficult.

If the officials of the yamen cannot respond quickly, the people will surely organize themselves spontaneously to protect themselves.

This created the fertile soil for the formation of underworld gangs.

The fundamental way to eradicate them is to restrict the people's free activities.

However, the current economy of Ming Dynasty...

After analyzing the economy of Shanghai for so long, Lao Zhu is no longer the economics idiot he used to be. He knows very well that cities like Shanghai are extremely dependent on population mobility.

If the people were still confined to their hometowns as before, the prosperous economic situation under Zhu Yunhuan's governance would immediately suffer a devastating blow.

But if we don't do this, and allow the people below to form cliques and factions, it will sooner or later lead to disaster.

What a dilemma!
It seems that the rebellious grandson has already thought of this.

But he thought too simply, believing that he could wipe out the gang by reforming the Ministry of Justice and setting up an Anti-Theft Bureau to intensify the crackdown.

These people are rooted among millions of people, so how can they be easily eradicated?

"If you ask me, if the imperial court really wants to crack down on bandits and robbers and eliminate gangs, it is not completely without solutions."

Just when Lao Zhu was frowning, the voice from the next table was heard again.

……

(End of this chapter)