Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Wu Yin was riding on horseback, wearing a monk's robe underneath an official's robe.

His expression was solemn and slightly excited.

According to the time His Majesty gave them, they didn't have to leave so early.

It's not too late to set off after the fifth day of the lunar new year.

But Wu Yin wasn't going to wait any longer.

The sooner the land survey is conducted, the better.

Moreover, he couldn't wait to go and see what the situation was like in Shandong.

That's the Confucius family, with a history of a thousand years!
Previously, he had already had some conflicts with Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi.

As it turns out, the people on the Longhu Mountain side were nothing special; they weren't that tough.

Before they could even make a move, they shrank back.

As a result, he had no way to use all his strength.

This time, I hope that the Kong family, a family with a thousand-year history, which has now been elevated to the heavens, can at least have some backbone.

They should be tougher, instead of kneeling down so quickly like the Zhang family of Longhu Mountain.

It would be interesting if he could have a proper showdown with them!
He wanted to see if their heads were hard enough, what Longhu Mountain, what the thousand-year-old Kong family.

He gripped the knife at his waist, his expression turning fierce.

He wouldn't mind coming to Shandong to survey the land, kill more people, and cause rivers of blood to flow.

As for his posthumous reputation... he didn't care.

He, a monk, has already taken off his monk's robes to become an official, picked up a knife, and started handling affairs in Jiangxi.

Why care about posthumous fame?

Human life is but a fleeting moment, like the life of grass and trees in autumn.

As long as I can live peacefully during this time and get things done that I want to do, that will be enough.

As for the rest... there's no need to think about it too much.

This is the Confucius family, with a history spanning a thousand years. To be able to spar with someone like this is truly remarkable.

If it can make such a thing clean within myself, that would be a very good thing.

The Song Dynasty did not curb land annexation, and the Yuan Dynasty was far more rudimentary than the Song Dynasty.

Those barbarians from the grasslands have no idea how to govern a country.

It was done very poorly in every aspect.

First came the Song Dynasty, then the Jin Dynasty, and then the Yuan Dynasty; and the Kong family held an extraordinary position.
All these factors combined have resulted in the Kong family's wealth and land holdings becoming exceptionally impressive.

Deeply rooted, like a large tree with deep roots, it is a veritable behemoth.

But it's only interesting when these behemoths fight.

Whether it's the Kong family or any other family.

Beneath the glamorous and sacred outer robes, the interior is mostly a filthy and disgusting place.

There are countless dirty deeds among the wealthy and powerful.

That's not all. More importantly, Wu Yinke remembered what kind of things the now seemingly sacred Duke Yansheng had done back then.

When the Jurchens came, we surrendered to them; when the Mongols came, we surrendered to them.

It was exceptionally submissive, its bones were particularly soft.

It's hard to imagine people having much respect or admiration for someone who does something like this.

They were living too well.

Now it's time to give them a proper clean-up and let them experience the new look of the nation!
……

At this time, Duke Yansheng Kong Xixue was also rushing towards Shandong.

In the past, whenever Kong Xixue came to the capital to attend the New Year's Day Grand Court Assembly, he would not set off for his return until after the first month of the lunar calendar.

After all, the Kong family already held a high status, and as the Duke Yansheng, his status became even more exalted.

Countless people want to befriend him.

This is despite the fact that he has to turn down many people every year.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to leave the capital for a whole year.

But this time is different.

This time, he didn't even have time to stay in the capital for a moment longer.

I just want to get back to Qufu as soon as possible.

Let's clarify this matter again to avoid any further mistakes.

Although he felt that with his previous arrangements and plans, there would be no problems with the imperial court's land survey this time.

But he still felt uneasy about not going back to oversee such an important matter.

This matter is very important; we can't let anyone make a fool of themselves.

Although he didn't think anyone would be foolish, it's always better to be cautious.

……

Time flies, and the Lantern Festival has passed in a flash.

After the Lantern Festival, the Hongwu Dynasty officials, who had experienced an exceptionally long holiday, returned to work.

Many people's energy and spirit have changed.

Of course, many people seem somewhat distracted on their first day of work.

This is a typical case of post-holiday syndrome.

On the first day of work, there were plenty of things to do in all aspects.

Most of them are major events.

For example, transporting grain and supplies to the southwest and other places, and the land survey in Shandong and Fujian...

There were so many important things to do that the establishment of the military academy in Beiping became almost insignificant.

However, Liu Bowen noticed many differences in this matter.

On the one hand, the military academy is a fundamental matter.

It broke the previous boundary that only Confucianism could be taught in schools, and martial arts could only be passed down in families or learned by oneself.

The government established formal schools.

On the other hand, he saw some other aspects in this matter.

Many people believe that the reason why the military academy was established in Beiping was because General Xu Da was stationed in Beiping for many years.

Moreover, this year they are going to build the Great Wall in Beiping, extending the eastern section of the Great Wall directly into the sea.

Moving the military academy to Beiping would benefit General Xu Da and his associates in their teaching.

It also benefits those at the military academy, allowing them to study more effectively.

After all, there are frequent battles in the north.

However, Liu Bowen had a different opinion on this matter.

He always felt that there was a deeper purpose behind his rise to power.

It is very likely that they wanted to move the capital to Beiping.

He felt that it was very likely that his thoughts were true.

The emperor has never been too fond of the capital city of Yingtian.

I feel that the feng shui in Yingtian is not very good.

Throughout history, dynasties that established their capitals in Yingtian (Nanjing) have generally had short lifespans.

Moreover, establishing the capital in Yingtian would make it difficult to govern the vast lands to the north, potentially leading to a situation of partial peace and isolation.

Over the years, the emperor has been considering moving the capital.

For example, the investigation of Kaifeng, including the previous construction of the imperial city in Zhongdu Fengyang, are clear evidence of this.

Now that he has taken office, he wants to establish a military academy there, and while managing the Yellow River, he also asked Xue Xiang to take the opportunity to tidy up some sections of the Grand Canal.

It seems that the investigation will continue to be carried out in Beiping from now on.

Moreover, one can also travel directly to Beiping by sea.

Taking all these factors into account, he felt that it was not impossible for the emperor to move the capital there.

However, he only kept this thought to himself.

No one else said anything.

Having navigated the ups and downs of officialdom for many years, he was not the kind of person Yang Xiu was.

Many things can be seen through, but one shouldn't be too ostentatious about them...

Liu Bowen wholeheartedly supported the idea of ​​establishing the capital in Beiping (Beijing) when he ascended to the throne.

In fact, he had considered establishing the capital in Beiping long ago.

Compared to ancient capitals like Luoyang and Kaifeng in Guanzhong, I feel that...

Beiping is more suitable as a capital.

The area is spacious, with large plains behind it.

It also has the Grand Canal and sea routes, making the transportation of goods between the north and south convenient.

This alone sets it apart from places like Kaifeng and Luoyang.

But he never mentioned it.

One reason is that establishing the capital in Beiping (Beijing) is quite controversial.

Because the capital of the Yuan Dynasty was located here.

The rulers held the Yuan Dynasty in particularly high esteem.

Previously, due to various reasons, he had a deep rift with those in power.

If someone were to propose establishing a capital city based on this, who knows how many schemes the person in power might devise.

At that time, he also had his own selfish motives.

I believe that having the capital in present-day Yingtian would be very beneficial to places like Jiangnan.

So I haven't said much about it.
Who would have thought that at this point, the ruler himself would be preparing to move the capital there?

That's good, at least this matter can be accomplished.

Then the Ming Dynasty's rule will be even more secure.

He was prepared to deal with any opposition after the new leader officially announced the relocation of the capital.

He was determined to put on a show and have a proper argument and discussion with the other party.

We must make this happen.

It would indeed be better to establish the capital in Beiping than in Yingtian...

……

Time flies, the ice and snow melt, and spring returns to the earth.

Green grass sprouted from the soil.

Apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, and pear blossoms bloom in succession.

The land of Qilu is adorned with a riot of colors, making it exceptionally beautiful.

Mount Tai, which offers a panoramic view of all other mountains, was not as crowded with tourists as it was in later generations.

Since Emperor Zhao Heng performed the Fengshan ceremony, no emperor has come to visit Mount Tai, which now appears somewhat desolate.

However, the numerous farmlands in Shandong Province are bustling with activity.

Spring has returned to the earth, and many places are busy with farming.

A more important reason is that a great change has taken place in the land of Qilu.

That means the imperial court has begun to conduct a land survey here.

The land survey went quite smoothly.

The difference becomes even more apparent when compared to Jiangxi province.

Although there were some minor frictions, overall, the resistance was far less than that of conducting land surveys in Jiangxi.

This left Wu Yin and the others, who were holding back their enthusiasm, somewhat disappointed.

They felt the Confucius family was unworthy of its name, so how could they be so honest?
Why don't they cause some trouble?
He had backed down at Longhu Mountain, thinking that things might be different at the Kong family's side.

Looking back now, I realize I overestimated them.

Thinking about it, that makes sense; this kind of reaction is in line with the Confucian way.

How much backbone can you expect from people who first surrendered to the Jin dynasty and then to the Mongol Yuan dynasty?
……

Duke Yansheng, Kong Xixue, sat in the Kong Mansion, drinking tea.

My mood has improved.

Although the land surveyors came in force, the Kong family will suffer heavy losses.

However, the Kong family hasn't caused any trouble so far, which has given him a huge sigh of relief.

This proves that my previous arguments were valid.

These people also recognize the urgency of the current situation.

Knowing that the imperial court was not to be trifled with, no one would be unwise enough to do something reckless at this time.

That's fine.

In this way, this crisis can be temporarily overcome.

It was nothing more than some land, money, and some servants.

What belongs to them will remain theirs.

Many of the court's policies were just a passing fad.

Once the storm has passed, everything will be easier to handle again.

As long as you don't go against the grain, there shouldn't be any major problems.

Patience and forbearance are what the Kong family excels at.

With things now at this point, Kong Xixue's worries were completely relieved.

I can finally get a good night's sleep.

……

In Yingtian, spring plowing is also underway.

Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang personally went to the fields to fertilize and sow seeds, demonstrating his emphasis on agriculture.

His actions were not merely for show.

Because he is truly familiar with farm work and knows how to do it.

And even if it's just for show, some shows still have to be done.

As the emperor, doing this sends a clear signal.

That is, the emperor valued agriculture and sericulture.

Most importantly, the fertilizer he used this time was not ordinary fertilizer.

Instead, it was a bird droppings stone that his fourth son brought back from overseas.

This thing is a treasure.

Before chemical fertilizers were developed, applying them to the fields could have increased grain yields by an unknown amount!

In fact, some Western countries even fought over guano stones in the past.

This was the first time that bird droppings had been used in the Ming Dynasty, marking a significant milestone.

As the emperor, it was necessary for him to personally take action and set an example.

These fields are experimental fields and belong to the agricultural research institute.

You can't do agricultural research without going to the fields.

Experimental fields are also indispensable.

"Keep a good record, take good care of the fields, and see how big the yield difference is at harvest time this year."

After fertilizing, Zhu Yuanzhang addressed the researchers working on the experimental field.

"Also, you should study these bird droppings more."

Take a close look at its ingredients and study it thoroughly.

We need to find another way to extract these components from elsewhere.

Then, that would be a great achievement.

Bird droppings are a good fertilizer.

The Age of Exploration in the West has not yet begun, while our Great Ming Dynasty has firmly taken the lead.

There are also many islands outside the islands that have a large number of guano stones.

However, the number of urinary stones is ultimately too small.

It is a non-renewable resource.

Or rather, the regeneration speed is simply too slow, far from meeting the demand for it.

Therefore, it is ultimately not enough.

Furthermore, the large volume of shipments from overseas sometimes comes with costs to consider.

The real solution is to develop the appropriate fertilizer.

Only by developing and producing effective fertilizers and promoting their use can we achieve this.

That is true sustainable development.

It can lead to a rapid increase in the grain production of the Ming Dynasty!

When Zhu Yuanzhang made these arrangements in the capital...

In Qufu, Shandong, a man dressed in a long robe secretly issued an order.

His face held a hint of ruthlessness and decisiveness.

The land survey has progressed to this point, and it's time to take action.

It's time to present the imperial court and the Duke Yansheng with a big surprise! (End of Chapter)