Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 307 Zhu Ying: Luckily you recognized me early, otherwise I would have left the Ming Dynasty.

Upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words...

The officials in the hall all understood that this was Zhu's way of showing favor to these candidates.

"Thank you, eldest grandson of the emperor."

All the candidates bowed deeply to Zhu Ying.

"No need to be polite."

“This is what you deserve,” Zhu Ying said with a slight smile.

And this time.

Xia Yuanji, the top scorer among the three, suddenly stepped forward.

"This humble subject has a request for His Highness Pope Changsun."

"I wonder if Your Highness could enlighten me?" Xia Yuanji bowed respectfully and said loudly.

"I won't offer any guidance. Just ask me whatever you want," Zhu Yingyi said, raising his hand to look at Xia Yuanji.

in history.

This Xia Yuanji is something else.

Managing the Ministry of Revenue and replenishing the national treasury also provided strong support for Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) in history.

"The questions for today's palace examination were set by His Highness."

"This humble subject dares to ask Your Highness, what is a country, and what is a family?" Xia Yuanji raised his head and asked with a serious expression.

Obviously.

He was also very much looking forward to Zhu Ying's answer to the question.

The words fell.

All eyes of the examinees in the hall were focused on Zhu Ying.

They also wanted to hear Zhu Ying's (the person who set the question) insights on it.

"Today's test question."

"What is a country? What is a family?"

"The Ming Dynasty has tens of millions of citizens, each with their own unique characteristics."

"I have read your article, and it does indeed get to the heart of the matter."

"But I can offer a few words to answer this question, which are also my personal insights," Zhu Ying said slowly, scanning the candidates in the hall.

Everyone looked at Zhu Ying expectantly.

"Only with a country can there be a home."

"The nation is made up of countless families."

"Without a country, there is no home."

"The nation is the root, connecting the bloodlines of millions of Chinese families; the family is the leaf, reflecting the glory of the nation. Only when the root and the leaf are interdependent can the nation and the family thrive and continue to thrive."

Zhu Ying's words echoed throughout the Fengtian Hall, and as soon as he finished speaking...

However, this made Xia Yuanji, and all the candidates, fall into deep thought about Zhu Ying's answer.

After a while.

Xia Yuanji looked at Zhu Ying with even greater admiration, and then bowed deeply with heartfelt respect: "Student, I humbly accept your teachings."

this moment.

Xia Yuanji addressed Zhu Ying with the respect due to a student, not as the eldest grandson of the emperor.

Obviously.

This was truly a lesson learned, and came from the bottom of my heart.

"student."

"I would like to be taught."

Following Xia Yuanji, all the examinees in the main hall bowed to Zhu Yingyi.

"Dear students."

"A strong nation depends on its national strength, which in turn depends on its governance and military power."

"And all of this requires talent."

"An imperial examination is held every three years, followed by a palace examination every three years."

"I look forward to walking alongside you all on the road to the prosperity of the Ming Empire in the future."

Zhu Ying also clasped his hands in greeting and addressed all the students.

Upon hearing this...

All the students were naturally very excited and shouted in unison: "We vow to stand alongside the Ming Dynasty, to strengthen the country and secure our homes."

Under this unified voice.

The imperial examinations of the Ming Dynasty, which had lasted for three years, had come to an end.

"The Ministry of Rites should make proper arrangements for all candidates and students."

"We will instruct the Ministry of Personnel to entrust important responsibilities to all the candidates who passed the imperial examination and were ranked in the top three."

"The Ming Dynasty will not mistreat any talented person," Zhu Yuanzhang declared loudly.

"The Emperor's Holy Might."

All the candidates shouted loudly.

Under this sound.

After bowing to Zhu Yuanzhang on the high throne, all the candidates withdrew.

Followed.

Yunqi summoned his servants to carry away the tables and chairs.

"Gentlemen, you have all worked hard attending the ceremony today."

"Go back to your residence and rest," Zhu Yuanzhang said loudly, glancing at the assembled officials in the court.

"I'm waiting to retire."

The ministers bowed deeply and then withdrew.

But Zhu Ying did not leave; instead, he waited there.

After the ministers left.

"Yongying."

"Yes, you are very good."

"All the candidates in this imperial examination have been impressed by you."

“We were right. You are not only good at commanding troops, but also proficient in government affairs.”

"We are truly free from worries now," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a hearty laugh.

"What is a country? What is a family?"

"This is the first time such a question has been asked in the twenty-four years since the founding of our Great Ming Dynasty."

"Only with a country can there be a home."

"The theory of roots and leaves is indeed appropriate."

Zhu Biao also said with a look of amazement.

"You two shouldn't be so happy yet."

"This is perhaps the prevailing view of the state."

"But a country is not entirely comprised of one family or one surname."

"In China's thousands of years of history, dynasties have come and gone; there has never been an eternal dynasty."

"In history, a dynasty was a country."

"Indeed, a country is the foundation of a family, but a country must also be benevolent to all its people and loved and supported by millions of families in order to be a true country."

“But if the oppression of the country is too great, and the people are exploited, then this state will eventually cease to exist.” Zhu Ying smiled and said to the two of them.

Hear this.

If it were anyone else, Zhu Yuanzhang would naturally glare and rebuke them.

But when his own grandson spoke up, Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally not angry at all; on the contrary, he was very pleased.

“We grew up when the Yuan Dynasty ruled the country, so we know the hardships of the common people and the rampant cruelty of the court.”

"You little brat, you actually dare to lecture your grandpa?" Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled, then said with a hint of annoyance.

Zhu Biao smiled and showed no blame.

"This year's batch of students is quite good."

“Especially Xia Yuanji, who is not only young but also talented.”

"If we could produce such talents in every imperial examination, it would be a great blessing for our Ming Dynasty," Zhu Biao said with emotion.

"Yes."

"Xia Yuanji, Xie Jin, Yang Shiqi."

“All three are good.” Zhu Yuanzhang nodded repeatedly.

"Such an imperial examination system."

"Perhaps we can select some talented individuals, but that's far from enough to improve national strength," Zhu Ying said at the opportune moment.

Now that he had decided to inherit the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Ying naturally wanted to learn some reformist ideas from Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao.

"In your opinion, Xiong Ying, is there anything lacking in the imperial examination system?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile.

"nature."

Zhu Ying nodded affirmatively.

"There are only the three of us, grandfather, grandson, and daughter, today, so please feel free to speak," Zhu Biao immediately replied.

"Those selected through the imperial examinations were indeed intelligent and talented."

"But what if those who pass the imperial examinations only know how to write essays and are good at theoretical discussions?"

"I know."

"The imperial examination system selects talents, and then sends them to local areas to gain experience and improve their ability to handle government affairs. This is the core of the imperial examination system."

"But can the imperial examination system select people who can build cannons?"

"Can the imperial examination system select talents for building bridges, roads, ships, and even other aspects of people's livelihood?" "We want to make our country strong."

“Relying solely on the imperial examination system is not enough; we must emphasize industry and technology.”

"Our Chinese civilization has a history of thousands of years, with countless outstanding people, and the skills have gradually evolved over time."

Why was the Qin Dynasty able to conquer the six states and rule the world?

"It relies on skills and tools."

"Their weapons are superior to those of other nations, and stronger than those of other nations."

"Their arrows can shoot farther than those of other nations."

"Weapons are a skill."

"Then, during the Tang Dynasty, gunpowder was invented."

"The prototype of firearms was thus formed."

"but……"

"The Tang and Song dynasties did not fully develop the power of gunpowder. It was during the Yuan dynasty and the Ming dynasty that firearms truly began to flourish."

"same."

Gunpowder is both a weapon and a skill.

"To make a country strong, in addition to benefiting all people and ensuring clean governance, it is also necessary to enhance national strength."

"And there's also the improvement of skills."

"Artillery is just the beginning, and so is musket."

"These all require talent to become strong and to discover even greater strength."

"What would it be like if one day our Ming Dynasty's cannons could shoot even farther?"

"What would it be like if one day, the cannonballs of my Great Ming could explode directly?"

"What would it be like if one day our Ming Dynasty's muskets didn't need cumbersome loading and could be fired directly after being loaded?"

"Which country under heaven can stop the might of my Great Ming army?"

"Is there a limit to the expansion of our Ming Dynasty's territory?"

Zhu Ying stared intently at Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, and said with utmost seriousness.

Listen to Zhu Ying's words.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Ying initially had faint smiles on their faces, but as Zhu Ying continued to speak...

The two of them looked extremely surprised and thoughtful.

He was clearly thinking about Zhu Ying's words.

After a moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke.

"Yongying."

"So, according to you, our Great Ming Dynasty should prioritize the selection of skilled personnel in this field in the future?" Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice.

"Screening is only the first step."

"The fundamental approach is to emphasize both the benefits and the skills that follow."

"Only by having the best technology in the world can the territory of our Great Ming be boundless."

“This world is vast,” Zhu Ying said in a deep voice, with unwavering conviction.

"father."

“I think what Xiong Ying said makes sense.”

"When gunpowder first appeared, it was only used for fireworks and was never used in the military. It was only in our Ming Dynasty that gunpowder and firearms were truly put into use, leading the Yuan Dynasty and even any other era in China."

"With the advent of firearms."

"If in the future, as Xiong Ying said, cannonballs explode and muskets can be fired without the need for cumbersome reloading, then cold weapons will be completely suppressed. If every soldier of our Great Ming can fire a musket without the need for cumbersome reloading, what an invincible army that would be! Would our Great Ming have any rivals in the world?" Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, his eyes filled with longing.

As the crown prince of the empire.

Zhu Biao's vision is naturally quite broad.

If Zhu Ying's words were spoken to those with limited vision, they might have thought it was a fantasy.

but.

Zhu Yuanzhang and his son Zhu Biao had extraordinary vision.

Especially Zhu Yuanzhang.

He was well aware of the role of firearms.

Therefore, after the founding of the nation, special emphasis was placed on the research and development of firearms, and the Ministry of Works was most secretive about firearms research and development.

"Every soldier in the army carries a musket that requires no cumbersome reloading."

"The shells fired can explode."

As Zhu Yuanzhang murmured to himself, this image also appeared in his mind.

If it really is this kind of army.

Who in the world can stop that?

Yuanting?

Even at the height of the Yuan Dynasty's power, who could stop the Ming Dynasty's army, which was armed with firearms?
"Not just firearms."

"In the future, the strength of a nation can be reflected in its technology."

"Just like waterwheels for irrigating farmland, improved plows, and even horse-drawn carriages for travel, these are all manifestations of technology."

"I will name this technology."

"A technologically advanced nation."

"As long as we pay attention to it, our Great Ming Dynasty will usher in earth-shaking changes in the future."

A car that can travel a thousand miles a day?

"Technologies that can fly like birds can all be materialized," Zhu Ying said with great certainty.

As Zhu Yuanzhang and his companion listened, Zhu Ying's words became increasingly fantastical.

The expressions on their faces also revealed a strange look.

"Yongying."

"You're making this sound more and more mysterious."

"A car that can travel a thousand miles a day? That's impossible."

"And there's a skill that allows one to fly like a bird into the sky?"

"That's even more impossible, isn't it?" Zhu Yuanzhang said, somewhat speechless.

"emperor."

"As long as you focus on skills, you can wait and see."

“It can be done,” Zhu Ying replied confidently.

"Although what Xiong Ying said was very mysterious."

“But I think that the selection of talent can indeed be changed. It’s not just about using the imperial examination to select government officials; we could also add a selection process for skilled personnel,” Zhu Biao said.

He largely agrees with Zhu Ying's suggestion to increase talent screening.

After all, the power of firearms is undeniable.

The Ming Dynasty, relying on artillery, indeed made it impossible for the once invincible Yuan cavalry to confront them head-on.

"Yongying."

"Since it was you who proposed it, then you should be in charge of drafting the plan to increase the selection of skilled, no, scientific and technological talents in the future imperial examinations."

"Anyway, it's up to you."

"As long as the method is appropriate, we will grant it, and it can be added to the imperial examinations in the future," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

"it is good."

For this matter.

Zhu Ying naturally agreed without hesitation.

"It's rare that you didn't refuse or decline; it seems you really care about this technology," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a hint of teasing.

in the past.

If you were to assign Zhu Ying any tasks, he would absolutely refuse them repeatedly.

"After all, I am now the eldest grandson of the emperor, so naturally I have to do some things." Zhu Ying smiled and shrugged.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao exchanged a glance and burst into laughter in unison: "Hahaha."

They were very happy that Zhu Ying had now accepted this identity.

"Yongying."

"Nothing else."

"The entire Ming Dynasty will be yours in the future. Everything you do for the Ming Dynasty now will be yours in the future," Zhu Yuanzhang said solemnly.

“That’s right.” Zhu Biao nodded immediately.

The attitudes of the two people.

Naturally, the expression was extremely certain, without the slightest ambiguity.

"It's fortunate that you investigated early."

"Otherwise, in a few more years, I might have to leave the Ming Dynasty." Zhu Ying smiled, with a touch of emotion.

"Why did you leave the Ming Dynasty?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked, puzzled.

Even if he didn't regain his identity, Zhu Ying was still a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty. Why would he need to leave the Ming Dynasty?
"Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?" Zhu Ying smiled and asked Zhu Yuanzhang and the other man.

"You little rascal, even though you don't remember the past, you're still the same as when you were a kid, always keeping things a secret."

"Don't force me to slap you with my shoes, spit it out!" Zhu Yuanzhang laughed in exasperation.

"have to."

Zhu Ying smiled and then said, "I originally planned to accumulate strength in the Ming Dynasty and then establish a country outside of the Ming Dynasty in the future."

……

(End of this chapter)