Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Zhu Yuanzhang blinked as he looked at the message delivered to his desk.

His expression changed slightly.

This news, which he now knows, was truly unexpected.

This news came from Xu Da in the north.

It is said that they have received definite news that Nahachu has taken action.

He led his tribe and began to take action.

The operation was swift and decisive, taking away a portion of his elite troops.

Heading north.

It appears they are heading north to the frigid lands of Aberdeen to seek refuge.

However, based on Xu Da's analysis and judgment, he felt that the other party was not continuing to head north.

Heading north was just a feint, intended to mislead our judgment.

The true intention should be to head west.

Xu Da's conclusion was that Nahachu was likely planning to go west to meet the Oirat people.

Thus, they made peace with the Oirat tribe.

However, after much deliberation, Zhu Yuanzhang did not believe that this was Nahachu's true intention.

He felt that these people must have some other intentions.

Perhaps, it is very likely, that we will continue westward.

He knew Nahachu quite well.

After all, he had captured her in his previous life.

And later on, they even surrendered to their own Ming Dynasty.

This occurred before the destruction of the Northern Yuan royal court.

Moreover, during his surrender to the Ming Dynasty, Chang Mao, the son of the old Chang, did some foolish things and almost ruined the great cause.

Compared to Lao Chang, the father, Chang Mao, the son, is far inferior and is incompetent in every aspect.

It was only in the storytelling that later generations portrayed Chang Mao as incredibly powerful when discussing the Jingnan Rebellion of the Fourth Prince.

However, after thinking about what his great-nephew Li Jinglong had done, Zhu Yuanzhang felt somewhat relieved.

It seems normal for something like this to happen.

It's perfectly normal for the second generation of graduates to be inferior to the first generation.

Not everyone has a son as good as theirs.

And most of them fought their way up from the ranks of thousands of soldiers...

The second generation is completely different.

In his past life, Naha chose to surrender because he had no other choice.

If Naha can escape from there in this lifetime, then there doesn't seem to be much more to be expected here.

However, since they escaped, it's impossible that they actually went deep north or joined forces with the Oirat people.

These are not things that Naha Chuhui would do.

Even though the distance to the north is shorter, it will still be constantly threatened by its own Ming Dynasty.

Too far north, and it's too cold.

Winter is too hard to endure.

A heavy snowfall could kill or injure countless cattle, sheep, and even people.

As for joining forces with the Oirat people, even if the Northern Yuan court were still in power and could integrate all the forces of both tribes, it wouldn't be enough for the Ming Dynasty to defeat them.

Even if he were to merge with the Oirat people, it still wouldn't be very effective.

Before long, they will be threatened by their own Ming Dynasty.

Furthermore, the relationship between Nahachu and the Oirat was not entirely harmonious.

There will be some things between the two sides as well.

Going there now carries a significant risk that his territory might be annexed by the Oirat people.

Furthermore, before the migration began, the power of the Oirat people was somewhat inferior to that of Nahachu.

Under such circumstances, it was impossible for Nahachu to voluntarily give up his many possessions and go to join forces with the Oirat people.

At most, the status quo will be maintained, with the two ministries located in the east and west, supporting each other.

Therefore, the most likely scenario now is that the Oirat tribe will move further west.

Perhaps... it's Europe!

Zhu Yuanzhang's conclusion was not a wild guess.

It was Yelü Dashi who had done these things.

More recently, there was the Mongol conquest of the west.

The European side, still shaken by the defeat, was known as the Scourge of God.

Besides Temujin, his eldest son's subsequent western expedition dealt a devastating blow to the region.

These things happened only a hundred years ago.

In this situation, it's not impossible for Naha to continue westward and end up in Europe.

After sitting there pondering for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang began to reply to Xu Da.

On the one hand, Xu Da was urged to accelerate his control over the grasslands, especially after Naha left, and to bring the vast territories he left behind into the hands of the Ming Dynasty.

The land occupied by Nahachu is mostly thick black soil.

This place is extremely fertile.

He had been eyeing it for a long time, and now he had to have it.

It may not be obvious now, but it will become clear when the population of the Ming Dynasty grows and more and more large-scale machinery is developed.

Therefore, large-scale reclamation and planting there will inevitably turn the black soil of Northeast China into the granary of the Great Northern Ming Dynasty.

Historically, the stomach has always been the most fundamental issue. Only by solving the stomach problem can we make great strides forward in industrialization and other areas.

At the same time, he shared his conjecture with Xu Da.

He also instructed Xu Da to keep a close eye on Nahachu's movements.

If Nahachu continues westward, then there's no need to pay him any attention; just let him go.

Monster rooms in East Asia have always been a part of it.

He has a lot to do right now.

It requires a great deal of effort and manpower in every aspect.

Everything takes time; in a short period of time, there's simply no way to consider many other aspects.

So, if Nahachu were to head west at this point, we should simply ignore him and let him go.

Just in time to serve as the king's vanguard.

Go there and thoroughly explore the route.

The year after next, when I have some free time here, it will be relatively easier to go there.

……

"The first railway will be built from Yingtian towards Beiping."

Three days later, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the Vice Minister of Works before him and stated his request.
Upon hearing this, the Vice Minister of Works was taken aback.

Prior to this, he had always thought that construction would proceed from Yingtian to places like Suzhou.

Who would have thought that the first route would now be from Yingtian to Beiping?

That's too far.

"First, build this railway, then head south from Yingtian."

"Your Majesty, the Yangtze River has widened, making it impossible to build a bridge."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "We know that just because there's nothing we can do now doesn't mean there won't be anything we can do in the future."

They could even dig a long tunnel under the river to cross it, allowing people to walk underground.

It turned a natural barrier into a thoroughfare.

When the Vice Minister of Works heard Zhu Yuanzhang's words, he was extremely surprised, as if he were listening to a myth.

Building a bridge across the Yangtze River?
How can it be!

When Zhao Kuangyin attacked the Southern Tang Dynasty, he used boats to build a pontoon bridge, which was already quite rare.

However, pontoon bridges are only a temporary solution and do not last long.

It will still break down over time.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have remained unbuilt for so long.

Furthermore, His Majesty's intention is to allow future carriages and even railways to travel through the bridge, which would make things even more difficult.

The pontoon bridge does not meet the requirements at all.

However, building a real bridge across the Yangtze River is much more difficult.

This is not something an ordinary person can do. Or rather, it's simply impossible.

Even if the cement that was developed was very good, it was simply unimaginable to use it to build a bridge across the Yangtze River.

As for what His Majesty said about digging a large tunnel under the river and then passing through it...

This is beyond human imagination; it's simply impossible.

It would be more reliable to build a bridge over it.

Besides, how deep and how long would it take to dig to safely cross the riverbed?
If we dig such a channel under the river, wouldn't all the river water above flow down?

I'm afraid that before this passage has been dug out much, the water will come down and crush it.

The more I think about it, the more unreliable it seems.

Some of His Majesty's ideas are truly far-fetched and astounding.

Haha, let's take it one step at a time.
Just because we can't do it now doesn't mean we can't do it in the future.

Perhaps all of these things will come true in the future.

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

The Vice Minister of Works smiled obsequiously, not believing it at all.

If only things could actually come to fruition, but unfortunately... that's impossible.

"For now, we will temporarily use ferries to cross the river and transport goods to the docks on both banks."

Then loading and unloading are carried out, and the goods are transported by land.

This railway is a lifeline, it is of vital importance.

It is the new Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

However, it is even more important than the Grand Canal.

After all, the Grand Canal can only be used by water, and only in those fixed places.

But if the railway is built well, it can be laid out in all directions.

In the future, it might even be possible to connect every single state!

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke solemnly, giving instructions.

The Vice Minister of Works nodded vigorously, noted it down, and then spoke a few more words to the Emperor before preparing to leave.

Because he felt that there couldn't be anything more important.

But at that moment, the emperor's voice rang out again.

"After some time, you should also take a good look at the roads along this route and make a final determination."

At the same time, we also want to go to Beiping (Beijing) and take a good look at the capital of the Yuan Dynasty.
And make corresponding plans and do a preliminary design.

Next year or the year after, when I have more money, I'll build a palace there.

Overall, there isn't much need for change; we just need people from Yingtian.

However, some of the original buildings in the capital cities of the Yuan Dynasty needed to be renovated.

Use it if it works in general.

We can't be too wasteful...

The matter of moving the capital should also be put on the agenda.

We can't delay any longer.

The sooner we move the capital, the sooner we can achieve stability.

After the capital is moved, he needs to stay in Beiping for a longer period of time to ensure greater stability.

However, the Ming Dynasty has far too many things to do right now.

Moreover, these are all major events, requiring money and manpower everywhere.

Nowadays, even through various means such as opening up the sea and foreign trade, income can be increased.

But ultimately, money is still limited.

The main problem is that the opening of the fishing industry has not been fully implemented yet, so the profits are limited.

Under these circumstances, Zhu Yuanzhang could only act selectively and appropriately in certain matters.

In some places, it's necessary to slow down or allow things to take a break temporarily.

However, it cannot be delayed for too long.

Otherwise, various problems may arise, and the losses will outweigh the gains.

The Vice Minister of Works was stunned when he heard Zhu Yuanzhang's words.

The railway from Beiping to Yingtian was already surprising enough.

Who would have thought that there would be something even more surprising?

The new ruler actually wants to build a palace in Beiping!
There was absolutely no word about this beforehand.

What else could be done to build a palace in Beiping?
There is only one possibility: His Majesty will be residing there.

It could even be said that the capital should be moved to Beiping!

This news left him somewhat stunned.

This is a relocation of the capital!

Such a big thing, and we hadn't heard a word about it beforehand.

Who would have thought that he would suddenly hear it now?

This is truly unexpected.

It was a shock that came from the very core of my being.

Moving the capital is a major event.

As a result, before anyone else knows, His Majesty is telling himself about this matter first.

The feeling was indescribable.

"We are planning to move the capital to Beiping. After thinking it over, we feel that Beiping is more suitable as the capital."

Yingtian is a bit too small.

Prepare well.

However, there's no need to panic too much. Let's get the railway issue sorted out first.

Yingtian can remain the capital for a few more years.

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke up, giving a clear answer directly.

This was also a decision made by Zhu Yuanzhang after careful consideration.

Relocating the capital is a major event, and it can easily cause a lot of trouble.

It's also necessary to release some information beforehand so that many people know about it and let it gradually gain traction.

That way, if the capital is indeed moved in the future, it won't seem so abrupt.

"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost!"

Suppressing his inner turmoil, the Vice Minister of Works bowed solemnly to Zhu Yuanzhang and agreed to the matter.

"There's no need to be so secretive about this matter."

Just do it openly and honestly.

When someone asked, he told them.

"We're going to move the capital. Letting some people know in advance, and also allowing them to learn more about the new capital of our Great Ming Dynasty, isn't a bad thing."

Zhu Yuanzhang gave another order.

The Vice Minister of Works bowed and accepted the order, secretly relieved.

If the emperor doesn't give an explanation, he will definitely have many concerns.

It's about figuring out exactly how to do this.

He was the first to know about such a major event as the relocation of the capital.

That will definitely arouse the curiosity of some people.

However, one must not speak carelessly.

The right balance here is not easy to strike.

If not handled properly, it can bring a lot of trouble upon oneself.

Now that His Majesty has spoken, drawn the line and given instructions on this matter, things will be much easier for me.

He smiled as he watched the Vice Minister of Works leave.

His previous idea to move the capital and build Zhongdu City caused a huge uproar.

This led to a constant battle of wits between the Huaihe River people, led by Li Shanchang, and the Jiangzhe people, led by Liu Bowen and others, until they were completely exhausted.

This time, I'm preparing to move the capital again.

The news has already been released, and it's uncertain whether something like this will happen again...

……

In the evening, someone hurriedly arrived at the residence of King Lee Seon-chang of Korea… (End of Chapter)