Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 154 Skinning and Stuffing Grass
Compared to Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, as the eldest brother, was more like a father.

As the eldest brother, he was like a father to his children. In addition, the second to fifth sons basically grew up following Zhu Biao around.

Therefore, they became increasingly concerned about them.

This time, the mission that Prince Yan, Zhu Di, went to carry out was equally complex.

Although it wasn't as dangerous as when I worked for Wu Zhen before.

However, the many maritime merchants over there were also quite formidable.

If things were simple, there would be no way to prepare for a civil unrest.

Faced with such a complex situation, Zhu Biao couldn't help but worry.

She was afraid that her fourth brother would suffer a great loss in this matter.

Although he knew that, given his fourth brother's abilities, as well as the troops and power that his father, the emperor, had given him, he was well able to achieve his goals.

This is unlikely.

But as the wait continued, Zhu Biao grew increasingly anxious.

As the saying goes, concern leads to confusion, which perfectly describes Zhu Biao's current state.

"Biao'er, don't worry, everything's fine."

The fourth brother is quite capable.

This was no big deal to him.

The fourth brother will definitely do a good job.

In contrast to Zhu Biao's concerns, Zhu Yuanzhang remained confident.

He was absolutely confident in his fourth son's abilities.

After all, this was the Yongle Emperor.

The kind of people who dared to attack Beiping City with only 800 men.

We can still shoot it down.

Although the situation was complicated, he had provided the fourth prince with intelligence, instructions, authority, and a large number of troops.

It wasn't that dangerous.

It was far safer to deal with Wu Zhenshi than the last time.

Throughout history, there has never been a record of wealthy merchants successfully rebelling.

As long as the common people don't get involved, these maritime merchants are just pigs waiting to be slaughtered!

Just as this worry was brewing, someone came along the way.

A secret report from Zhu Di's side was delivered.

"Biao'er, come and take a look together."

This must be good news from your fourth brother!

Zhu Yuanzhang greeted his son, Crown Prince Zhu Biao, with a hearty laugh.

Actually, Zhu Biao had already arrived here without Zhu Yuanzhang's invitation, ready to watch with Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Biao was eager to know about his fourth brother's situation.

"Haha, how about the bid?"

Let's just say that the fourth brother is absolutely reliable in his work.

"Will nothing unexpected happen?"

Years of reviewing memorials had honed Zhu Yuanzhang's ability to read rapidly.

Zhu Biao's reading ability was also quite good.

They quickly read through the contents of the secret report.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, extremely satisfied with his fourth son's performance this time.

The fourth brother lived up to his name, he didn't disappoint, he was ruthless enough.

Zhu Biao also breathed a sigh of relief, and the tension he had been holding in was finally relieved.

"Father, isn't this killing a bit too much?"

After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and spoke.

"Biao'er, it's not even close to passing."

What use is there in keeping someone like that around?

Those who deserve to be killed should be killed severely!

These people are all despicable!
Trying to reason with him or using merciful methods is simply impossible.

It's impossible to expect them to be obedient, to do their jobs properly, or to consider the Ming Dynasty and its people.

They dare to cause trouble now. If we don't give them a good beating now, who knows what kind of trouble they'll cause later.

The only way to deal with such people is to strike hard and completely crush them.

Only death can make them realize their mistakes and our determination in this matter.

Let them know that times have changed!
Only in this way can a new order be created!

Let the rest of you follow the rules we've set.

In governing a country, one must be lenient when necessary and firm when required, without the slightest relaxation.

Even if it's tough, I have to get it done.

It's not a problem if more people die.

As long as it doesn't happen to ordinary people, it's fine.

These people, you see, they seem to be in a rather miserable situation now.

But before that, they lived a very carefree life.

And who knows how many more people have their lives and deaths controlled by them.

Upon hearing what Zhu Yuanzhang said, Zhu Biao nodded.

“Father, I understand the reasoning you are giving me.”

"It's just...it's just that sometimes, I feel a little guilty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder.

"Biao'er, we know you're a kind-hearted person."

But kindness is kindness, and discomfort is discomfort.

When it's time to do something, you can't be lenient in the slightest.

If you are lenient with them, you are actually endangering the country.

And countless people will be affected because of your leniency.

They will lose their lives in the future.

Killing these parasites at this time is to allow more people to survive.

"To avoid being harmed by them."

Zhu Biao nodded, indicating that he had made a note of it.

"Father, but... all these people have been killed."

State-owned enterprises can really get things done.

Won't this disrupt the normal lives of people in the Jiangnan region?

My own father, the emperor, is preparing to do something very big this time.

The nationalization of so many industries shattered Zhu Biao's original understanding.

People are naturally drawn to the unknown and new, especially when it involves important matters.

There are often some worries and fears.

"Don't worry, Biao'er, there won't be any problems."

Compared to Zhu Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang was very confident.

After all, he had lived in modern times and seen a lot of things.

They also know the benefits of doing so.

Each stage has its own set of tasks.

Each stage has its own tasks.

The meal must be eaten bite by bite, and the road must be walked step by step.

He felt that taking advantage of this opportunity in the present Ming Dynasty to nationalize the assets of these rebellious maritime merchants and send people to manage them uniformly would be more beneficial than harmful.

"Not only that, but in the future, we also want to take control of businesses related to the national economy and people's livelihood, such as grain and cloth."

It is run by the state.

Grain administration bureaus and grain management offices will be established in various places. In the future, people in various places will sell their grain to the grain administration bureaus.

Private grain traders should be gradually replaced.

Perhaps after the establishment of various grain management offices, it would be permissible to allow some private grain merchants to exist.

However, the scale cannot be too large, and they must not be allowed to manipulate the market.

They need to obey the government's management.

A large amount of grain should be kept in the hands of the imperial court.

At the same time, the imperial court must also hold the power to set prices for grain.

To prevent grain merchants from taking advantage of famine years to raise prices and drive them up to exorbitant levels.

Hoarding and speculating, profiting at the expense of human lives.

This also prevents grain merchants from driving down prices to buy grain during a bumper harvest.

The imperial court controlled all these basic means of production related to the national economy and people's livelihood.

This would allow for the stabilization of the court as much as possible.

As long as we can stabilize these things, the world won't fall into chaos even if it wanted to!

Hearing his father's words, Zhu Biao was once again shocked.

I originally thought that what was happening in places like Suzhou and Hangzhou was simply a matter of timing.

The maritime merchants are courting disaster.

Therefore, the emperor took the opportunity to make this decision.

It now appears that this applies not only to these places.

The Emperor wants to expand state-owned enterprises to more industries and more places.

This is especially true for food.

However, he also understood that things would really go according to his father's plan.

They really were able to get things done.

That would be the best thing ever.

It is truly beneficial to the Ming Dynasty.

Food is a major issue, affecting the stomachs of countless people.

Instead, it was what his own father, the emperor, had said: in years of famine, many grain merchants would take the opportunity to hoard grain and speculate, remaining indifferent even if people starved to death.

They used grain to squeeze the last bit of money out of many people.

The exploitation of the people, forcing them to sell their children, is also a real phenomenon.

If things really turn out as Father Emperor said, then we should get this done in the future.

This situation will be greatly alleviated in the future.

"Father, if we do this, how can we prevent the people in the grain depots across the country from tampering with all this grain?"

They won't take advantage of the situation to resell.

How can we prevent these people from buying grain from the people at prices not set by the state?

Or are they going to raise the price to sell it?

Zhu Biao's concerns were quite valid, and Zhu Yuanzhang agreed with his son's points.

These problems will certainly persist in the future.

"Those who embezzle will be skinned and stuffed with straw, just like now, if their value exceeds sixty taels."

At the same time, a clear oversight system should be established and corresponding laws and regulations should be promulgated.

People are encouraged to report on each other.

If the person in charge of grain, including those who manage all state-owned enterprises, commits a crime, once verified...

They may receive a certain reward.

The reward should be set quite generously.

However, at the same time, it is also necessary to establish corresponding laws against false accusations.

Those who make false accusations will be severely punished after investigation.

In the future, perhaps we could also increase the construction of the Censorate and establish Censorates throughout the country.

Not only should local governments establish regular departments within the Censorate, but they should also establish their own censorate offices.

They are responsible for the daily supervision of local areas and for handling officials who violate discipline.

In every state-owned enterprise, a Censorate could also be established.

An imperial censor was stationed there to identify and address problems promptly.

Ensure that oversight is implemented effectively.

Establish a corresponding reward and punishment system…

Zhu Yuanzhang shared some of his thoughts on this matter.

These measures, of course, cannot completely eliminate all corruption.

We guarantee there will be no problems.

Zhu Yuanzhang wouldn't be that naive.

In my past life, even resorting to methods like skinning and stuffing grass, I still couldn't stop corruption.

As long as there are interests involved and people involved, these kinds of things are inevitable.

It's simply impossible to completely eliminate it.

But by using this method to tie the hands and feet of many people, we can do our best to accomplish this task.

That is entirely feasible.

After listening to what his father said, Zhu Biao thought about it.

"Father, if we do that, we'll need a lot more officials."

"There are indeed too many; we need to increase the number of officials."

To select as many suitable officials as possible.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

"Then... is Father Emperor planning to reopen the imperial examinations?"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then shook his head.

Seeing Zhu Biao's somewhat puzzled expression, Zhu Yuanzhang began to explain:
"Biao'er, the imperial examinations will definitely be held."

This is an excellent path to advancement.

We've stopped the imperial examinations, but we can't say we'll never hold them again.

If we don't open up opportunities, it will be difficult to select the right people for the country.

Zhu Biao readily agreed with his father's statement.

From the recommendation system to the later Nine-Rank System, then to the coexistence of recommendation and imperial examination, and finally to the great rise of the imperial examination.

This is a significant improvement.

The imperial examination system was unparalleled in its ability to select and appoint talented individuals.

The powerful clans were thus broken.

The scholar-official class moved up to the top.

However... the scholar-official class selected through the imperial examination also had many flaws.

The emperor abolished the imperial examination system because he was so enthusiastic that he thought he could recruit a large number of talented people to serve him.

However, most of those selected turned out to be of little use.

The emperor was so angry that he stopped the imperial examinations.

The Imperial Academy was used to cultivate talent and officials.

But this is not a long-term solution.

Scientific research is the right path.

But... what does it mean that Father shook his head again?
"The imperial examination system will definitely be reinstated, as it is an important channel for many ordinary people to rise in social status."

Compared to the Imperial Academy we established, the imperial examination system was more rational in selecting talent.
The imperial examination system could be temporarily suspended, but not for an extended period.

The channels for upward mobility from the lower classes should not be completely blocked.

Once this channel is completely blocked, the Ming Dynasty can be considered finished.

If we reinstate the imperial examination system, we will make some changes to it.

It is no longer possible to select talent using the same methods as before.

Otherwise, the same kind of useless idiots will be selected as before.

Appointing these people to official positions is a pure waste of our salaries and a disservice to the country and its people.

It's a disaster for many people!
In the future, we will change the relevant rules regarding the imperial examinations.

To make the imperial examination system play its true role as much as possible.

They can truly select talent for the country.

We need to select more pillars of society for us.

We've already included arithmetic in the Imperial Academy, and soon we'll include agriculture and physics as well.

The relevant courses are offered in the schools that admit students.

That's what we're preparing for.

If the imperial examinations are held again in the future, they will not only test knowledge of classics, history, philosophy, literature, and policy essays.

At the same time, you also need to pass some other exams.

Otherwise, we'll just end up with a bunch of bookworms who are useless."

Zhu Biao was stunned when he heard what his father said.

As a student of Song Lian, he was deeply influenced by Confucianism.

Zhu Biao was all too aware of how much importance Confucianism placed on the imperial examination system.

What the Emperor said at this moment was nothing short of earth-shattering!

Once this policy is implemented, who knows what kind of storm it will cause!

It provoked a lot of opposition.

The Ming Dynasty will never be at peace.

"Biao'er, only you, me, and Lao San know about this right now. We haven't told anyone else."

Let me be frank with you first; you just need to understand this in your heart.

Think about it more when you have time.

Don't tell anyone yet.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao immediately nodded and agreed.

He knew all too well why his father had specifically given him this instruction.

The scheme that his father was plotting was indeed enormous.

If the information leaks out, it could easily cause a huge uproar.

The Ming Dynasty was in an uproar.

The Emperor is currently dealing with matters concerning the Maritime Trade Office and state-owned enterprises.

It's best not to get distracted right away.

"Biao'er, if you have any opinions on this matter, you can give them to us anytime."

This is something my son and I need to talk about properly.

We absolutely cannot let this matter affect the relationship between my son and me.

This has created some distance between us.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao and added.

He knew that his son, Biao'er, was deeply influenced by Confucianism.

I have a deep affection for this aspect of Confucianism.

In particular, Song Lian, a great Confucian scholar of our time, was his teacher.

Zhu Yuanzhang needed to say these things in advance.

Thorough communication is essential.

Only in this way can some unnecessary misunderstandings be eliminated.

Don't let small things escalate into big problems.

"Father, I know your good intentions."

Your son understands, Father. You need not worry that your son will misunderstand this matter.

I do have a certain affection for Confucianism.

But the child is the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty is not just about Confucianism and scholars.

There are also many other people.

As the crown prince, I cannot possibly consider only Confucianism.

Instead, we should act like our father, considering the overall situation and prioritizing the greater good.

"Hahaha."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang burst into laughter, patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, and appeared extremely happy.

I knew my son was exceptionally talented and would never let me down.

Now it seems that it is indeed the case.

"It's just... Father, could you please stop assigning such dangerous missions to my fourth brother in the future? Or at least assign them fewer of them?"

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said.

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Biao'er, you feel sorry for him too? It's normal to feel sorry for him."

After all, he's your own brother.

However, a real man should be tempered when necessary.

How can one become talented and shoulder great responsibilities without experience?

“Father, I understand what you are saying.”

"It's just... I always felt that what my fourth brother was doing was too dangerous."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang said, "It is certainly dangerous, but most of them are under control and there is no danger to their lives."

Born into the royal family, as the son of Zhu Yuanzhang, he should shoulder certain responsibilities.

It's not easy to live an easy life while sitting in this position.

Of course, if one were to completely let go of everything and become a prince who just lazes around and waits to die, that would be easy too.

But the fourth brother was a talented man and didn't like to just coast along.

If we don't give him these tasks, we'll give him ample opportunity to showcase his talents.

He felt uncomfortable too.

Zhu Yuanzhang was telling the truth; talented people naturally wouldn't be content with a mediocre life.

The necessary experiences, hardships, and challenges are what they crave.

Only through these means can they prove their value and talent, and gain a strong sense of accomplishment and honor.

Zhu Biao was silent for a while after hearing this: "Father, what you said is also true."

...Can the child do these things in the future?

We can't just let the fourth brother and the others go.

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback: "Biao'er, these things are dangerous."

It also requires ruthlessness; you can't bring yourself to do it.

It would be most suitable for your fourth brother to do it.
Moreover, doing this wouldn't be good for your reputation.

You are going to succeed me as emperor.

This needs to be taken into consideration.

Your younger brothers are different; they are princes, so you don't need to worry about them too much.

Zhu Biao was moved by his father's words.

After a moment, he mustered his courage.

Looking at Zhu Yuanzhang, he said, "Father, you are paving the way for your child."

But if we do that, the younger brothers will find themselves in a very difficult situation.

They will offend a lot of people, and their future will not be easy.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "You saw through me."

Don't worry, we have ways to solve these problems.

Is there a solution?
How to solve this? Zhu Biao couldn't think of a good solution...

(End of this chapter)