Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 391 Memorial
Liu Bin stood close by, his heart pounding. As he listened to Zhang Huangyan recite the eulogy word by word, his gaze fell on the tablet in front of him, a complex mix of emotions welling up in his heart.

Those heroes, some veterans, some newly promoted generals, had fought alongside him, but no matter who they were, they had all sacrificed their lives for the future of the Ming Dynasty. And now, their names are engraved in this shrine, becoming part of Ming history.

Standing here, Liu Bin not only felt infinite admiration in his heart, but also an indescribable sense of responsibility.

The sound of Zhang Huangyan's speech still echoed in the air, a solemn and dignified atmosphere permeating the air. The barracks were completely silent, and everyone listened with a solemn expression, as if every word was imbued with endless grief and respect for the fallen soldiers.

As the last word fell, an officer suddenly stepped forward with a loud voice and a majestic sense of command. He waved his hand vigorously, and suddenly, hundreds of musketeers on one side of the queue raised their guns and pulled the trigger.

"Bang! Bang! Bang -"

A burst of intense gunfire shattered the tranquil air, resounding throughout the camp like bursts of thunder. The sound of gunfire echoed across the land, shaking the very air. The soldiers' expressions were solemn, and no one wavered.

As the last gunshot faded away, the entire camp fell silent again. The land before them seemed weighed down by a sacrificial ritual, solemn and dignified, as if even the sky had lowered a little.

Zhu Cilang stood above the crowd, his gaze fixed on the distance. He slowly raised his hand, signaling the ceremony to continue. Under his leadership, the generals and soldiers began to work together, carefully lifting the beautifully carved monument and burying it in the prepared pit.

The monument, a full ten feet tall, was made of solid stone. Carved with the names of the fallen soldiers, the characters were neatly written and vividly shaped. A dragon and phoenix pattern was carved into the monument, symbolizing the eternal continuity of the Ming dynasty's dragon veins. The inscription, simple yet powerful, spoke of their loyalty and sacrifice.

During the burial, every soldier was solemn and reverent, their movements slow and resolute. The monument was buried deep in the earth, its body erect, pointing to the sky, symbolizing that the heroic martyrs will never be forgotten and will forever stand tall on this land.

At this moment, the atmosphere on the scene became even more solemn, even the air around seemed to become a little stagnant, and everyone felt an indescribable solemnity and solemnity.

However, amidst this profound silence, a sudden burst of sobbing and choking could be heard from the soldiers in the front line. The soldiers stood straight, but tears were already slipping from their eyes. Among the fallen soldiers commemorated by the monument were many of their comrades and brothers.

Every soldier present knew that their sacrifice was not in vain; their blood and sweat had forged a solid barrier for the Ming Dynasty's territory. Once the monument was fully installed, Zhu Cilang led a group of generals to personally light incense for each of the fallen soldiers.

As an emperor, Zhu Cilang not only prayed for them, but also wanted to let these heroic souls who sacrificed their lives for the country truly rest in peace. He slowly picked up the incense and lit it reverently. The smoke rose and surrounded the monument.

Afterwards, he led the soldiers in saluting before the stele. Their demeanor was rigorous and the atmosphere was solemn. The entire scene resembled a sacred ceremony. As the first incense stick lit, Zhu Cilang sighed deeply. At this moment, his mood did not seem to calm down despite his status as emperor.

He felt the deep respect and sorrow from the soldiers' hearts. These fallen soldiers were not only heroes of the country, but also a responsibility on their shoulders. With the lighting of the incense, the ceremony came to an end.

Zhu Cilang lowered his head and announced in a calm voice:

"From this day forward, the Loyal Ministers' Shrine will become a permanent place of worship for the Ming Dynasty. Every year, I will personally offer sacrifices to honor these soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our country. Compensation for the families of the fallen soldiers will also be promptly implemented, and a system of adopted sons inheriting the incense will ensure that the families of the fallen soldiers are properly cared for. The families of the martyrs and their adopted sons will enjoy priority selection in all fields of the Ming Dynasty, including workshops, trading companies, maritime trade, and the military."

Zhu Cilang's voice was steady and powerful. These promises were not only for the families of the soldiers, but also for the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty in the future.

The Temple of Loyal Ministers is not only a place to commemorate the fallen soldiers, but also a symbol of a system. It symbolizes the Ming Dynasty's respect for heroes and praise for bravery. It also symbolizes the cornerstone of the Ming Dynasty, and shows that the spirit of loyalty to the country of all people and soldiers will be passed on forever.

Standing in front of the Temple of Loyal Ministers, Liu Bin felt an inexplicable excitement in his heart. He was once a soldier from a poor family and never thought that his sacrifice and that of his comrades would be honored with such a grand ceremony.

Once upon a time, they were just ordinary soldiers wearing worn armor and holding old iron spears, but now, their names are engraved on stone tablets, and their heroic souls are enshrined in this magnificent ancestral hall, becoming an integral part of the history of the Ming Dynasty.

Liu Bin's eyes widened as he gazed at the temple, the towering stone tablets, and the erected memorial tablets. An indescribable sense of honor and belonging surged through him. The emperor personally burning incense for them and erecting the memorial tablets—this honor and respect was something they had never imagined.

Zhu Cilang stood before the Loyal Ministers' Shrine, gazing deeply at the memorial tablets, the turmoil in his heart gradually subsided. The Loyal Ministers' Shrine, engraved with not only the names of heroes but also the loyalty and blood and sweat of the people of the Ming Dynasty, etched with the greatness and longevity of the Ming Dynasty.

But he knew better that this was just the beginning.

As the celebration of victory gradually subsided, he began to turn to a more serious task - how to establish a strong order and mechanism in this land, and how to make everyone work hard for the future of Ming Dynasty. This is not only about the victory or defeat of the war, but also about the reconstruction of the country and the hope for the future.

As the reward measures were announced, Zhu Cilang gazed at the ministers present. This was not just a simple celebration, but also an encouragement to the soldiers, giving them the motivation to continue fighting. However, behind the reward measures, there was also a punishment for deserters who fled their positions during the war.

This measure will undoubtedly be what Zhu Cilang will emphasize next.

"Those who desert during the war will be punished most severely. Neither the deserters nor their families will be able to escape the punishment they deserve." Zhu Cilang's voice was not loud, but the majesty and determination contained in it made everyone dare not underestimate it.

"These deserters' actions not only betrayed their honor as soldiers, but also betrayed their comrades and the entire country. At this moment, any tolerance is simply a contempt for loyalty. Since they have chosen to betray, they must pay the price."

He paused, then glanced around the audience, his gaze blazing. "No one can escape this." After he announced the punishment, Zhang Huangyan took over and added more details. He knew that Zhu Cilang's zero-tolerance for such betrayal reflected a strong resolve—no one could easily make a mistake on this land.

Whether they were ministers or ordinary soldiers, their loyalty had to stand the test. At this moment, Zhu Cilang suddenly changed the subject and led the officials to a special place - a courtyard dedicated to adopting war orphans.

Most of these children lost their parents in the chaos of war, or were sent here by relatives who were unable to support them. Their life stories have aroused sympathy from everyone. Most of the children in the yard have remembered the names of their biological parents and even their own surnames.

When the officials led by Zhu Cilang entered, many children stood up and saluted, their eyes sparkling with curiosity and expectation. Zhu Cilang walked up to a little girl and whispered, "What's your name?"

The little girl raised her head, her eyes clear and bright: "Your Majesty, my name is Li Ruolan."

"Okay, Li Ruolan, do you remember your parents' names?" Zhu Cilang asked gently. "I remember my father was Li Dahao and my mother was Wu."

After hearing these names, Zhu Cilang was silent for a moment. He then continued, "You will be placed in the home of foster parents. They will provide you with a new home. You will continue on your future path, just like your biological parents."

For the Ming Dynasty, adopting war orphans was not just a way to help these children, but also an investment in the future. These children would become the new blood of the country, either sacrificing their lives for the country in the army, making a name for themselves in the imperial examinations, or becoming leaders in the business world.

To better help these children adapt to their future lives, Zhu Cilang developed a detailed plan. The older children, based on their circumstances, would be assigned to descendants of martyrs who shared their parents' surnames, becoming their adopted sons and carrying on the family line. This approach preserved the children's dignity while allowing them to find comfort in the continuation of family ties.

Young children will be arranged into suitable families according to their age, and these families will raise them and ensure that they have normal living and educational conditions as they grow up.

More importantly, Zhu Cilang issued an edict to all court departments, establishing a long-term educational plan for these children. According to their age groups, they would be given opportunities ranging from literacy to schooling. All of this would serve as a stepping stone for their success.

Moreover, all these children will have the opportunity to join the army, workshops, trading companies, and even take the imperial examinations. As long as they work hard, they can realize their personal ideals and serve the country through different channels.

Zhu Cilang knew that educating these orphans was not a task that could be completed in the short term. It might take decades, or even longer. However, he had already laid the foundation for the future.

It was on this foundation that Zhu Cilang was able to cultivate a new generation of intellectuals and cadres loyal to the Ming Dynasty. They would become the pillars of the nation and the driving forces behind his political reforms. Only by cultivating a new generation truly loyal to the country and the Ming Dynasty could a solid foundation be laid for the country's long-term prosperity.

Zhu Cilang knew full well that if he failed to maintain a firm grasp on the direction and pace of reform, the fruits of his labored efforts could be undone in an instant by unforeseen events, or even completely distorted, becoming nothing more than empty talk. Precisely for this reason, he paid particular attention to every detail in the implementation of his policies. After all, any reform ultimately relies on people to implement it.

However, theories and fantasies often pale in comparison to powerful practical forces. As part of the Ming Dynasty's revitalization plan, the next generation of elites trained in the orphanage will shoulder more responsibilities and obligations, especially in the future development of the country's military, where these children play a vital role.

In order to enable these children to become pillars of society in the future, Zhu Cilang not only focuses on their knowledge and skills, but also pays more attention to their physical fitness and health.

One child in the courtyard caught Zhu Cilang's special attention. He was a thirteen-year-old boy named Cao Sheng. He was tall and somewhat thin, but the resolute gaze in his eyes conveyed an unyielding strength.

"Child, what kind of person do you plan to become in the future?" Zhu Cilang's tone was gentle but majestic.

Cao Sheng looked up at the emperor, his eyes twinkling as he said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to join the army and become a powerful soldier in the Wuwei Camp!"

Zhu Cilang nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. This answer was exactly what he had hoped for. As an emperor, he knew that the future of the Ming Dynasty depended not only on a strong economic foundation and cultural heritage, but also, most importantly, on a well-trained, loyal and fearless army. To cultivate such an army, he had to start from the grassroots, with these young people who were determined to join the military.

"Very good." Zhu Cilang's voice was low and encouraging: "It's good that you have such ambitions."

Zhu Cilang paused, then solemnly warned, "Your health is your capital. Striving is necessary, but you must also learn to properly arrange your work and rest. You must not neglect your health."

A glimmer of gratitude flashed in Cao Sheng's eyes. He remembered Zhu Cilang's teachings in his heart. At the same time, the head of the orphanage also hurried forward and replied respectfully:

"Your Majesty, the orphanage will definitely keep your teachings in mind and focus on the children's skills training while also paying attention to their physical health to ensure their all-round development. We will make the greatest contribution to the revival of the Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Cilang nodded slightly, expressing his satisfaction. These children might not have received much attention for the time being, but they carried the hope of the entire Ming Dynasty.

After the inspection, Zhu Cilang left the orphanage. However, after returning to the palace, before Zhu Cilang had time to rest, Zhou Shixian hurried in with a stack of compiled military intelligence reports in his hand. Seeing his anxious expression, Zhu Cilang immediately retracted his distracting thoughts.

"Your Majesty, Zhang Mingzhen has arrived and is waiting outside. Look..." Zhou Shixian stood in front of Zhu Cilang and asked cautiously.

Zhu Cilang glanced at the documents on the table and nodded slightly: "Let him in."

(End of this chapter)