Chongzhen's domineering

Chapter 43 Ignoring Advice and Tolerating Evil
In the capital region of the Ming Dynasty, rice and wheat turn golden.

While ordinary people and garrison soldiers were scattered across the fields harvesting grain, artisans, like rivers flowing into the sea, were rushing with their families to the west bank of the Chao River.

The current emperor has already ordered people to post notices that all craftsmen who go to the west bank of the Chao River to build cities and factories will be paid one tael of silver a month's wages, and all the old, young, women and children who help with the work will be fed!
Those corrupt officials who indulged in extravagance and greed naturally scoffed at such treatment and didn't even bother to glance at it, but the craftsmen flocked to it, fearing that if they went too late, they would be out of a job and they would miss their chance.

This is because at this time, it is difficult for artisans to even get a full meal. Being able to eat their fill is the best treatment they can receive!

Wei Zhongxian's speed in acquiring land was truly astonishing; Zhu Jue said it would take three days, and he really did only take three days.

In three days, he not only harvested all the land, but also forced the people to harvest all the grain in the fields. A huge strange circle appeared in the east of the capital, and the rice and wheat in the square frame disappeared completely, as if it were the work of a god!
Early on the fourth day, around 7 a.m., as the sun rose, the imperial city was bustling with people, warhorses neighed, and the main road next to the Wanshou Palace was almost full of carriages. Teams of Imperial Guards were constantly moving back and forth, and groups of artisans were carrying things onto the carriages.

They are preparing to move to the west bank of the Chaobai River.

Wei Zhongxian was also shouting and directing the Imperial Guards from within the ranks, seemingly very enthusiastic.

Suddenly, a young eunuch hurried over and said something to him.

He immediately shut up and scurried off to the main hall of Yuxi Palace.

This is a summons from the young emperor.

He thought it was officials from the outer court frantically submitting memorials to impeach him.

Who would have thought that the main hall of Yuxi Palace was filled with officials from the inner court, including Lu Xiang-sheng, the governor of Shuntian Prefecture, and several generals from the Beijing Garrison.

Everyone was gathered around the large desk that had been pieced together, seemingly looking at a map.

He just can't understand maps.

Why did the young emperor summon him?
Unexpectedly, Zhu Jue smiled and waved, saying, "Zhongxian, come here quickly, we've been waiting for you."

Ah!
What did the little emperor call me?
No, it's Your Majesty.

His Majesty calls me Zhongxian!

Happiness comes too suddenly.

For him, the emperor's favor was his greatest pursuit.

He paused for a moment, then quickly walked over, respectfully cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "This servant greets Your Majesty."

Yes, Not Bad.

Zhu Jue nodded approvingly and said, "You handled the land acquisition very efficiently this time, which greatly pleases me."

Oh my, oh my, His Majesty praised me in front of so many people!

Wei Zhongxian felt so happy he was almost dizzy.

The others looked on with strange expressions upon hearing this.

They knew exactly what kind of person Wei Zhongxian was: he was treacherous, ruthless, vicious, lawless, and had done countless evil deeds.

In short, this guy is no good.

His Majesty actually praised this fellow!

Seeing this, Zhu Jue smiled slightly and said, "Zhongxian did a really good job this time. Why don't you go and try? Such a large area, let alone three days, even if I give you three months, who can take it all so cleanly and efficiently?"

Everyone has their strengths. Zhongxian might not be able to compare to you in other areas, but when it comes to acquiring land, Zhongxian is definitely number one.

This is quite true.

If they were to take over the land, they would probably be overwhelmed by those officials from the outer court by now.

Wei Zhongxian, however, caused the officials in the outer court a great deal of trouble.

When it comes to acquiring land, this guy is truly formidable.

It was precisely because this guy finished harvesting the land in just three days that they were able to go and show off their skills.

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Wei Zhongxian with a hint of admiration.

Upon seeing this, Wei Zhongxian's face broke into a wide smile, almost beaming with joy.

This guy just wants to gain recognition from others, especially from the emperor.

Seeing this, Zhu Jue raised his hand and said, "Alright, let's get down to business. Zhongxian, you did a really good job this time. You not only saved me a lot of money, but also recovered a lot of embezzled funds."

Originally, I was worried that the imperial treasury wouldn't have enough money, which is why I had you acquire so little land. Now that the imperial treasury is relatively full, we can acquire more land. Go and acquire some more for me. Oh dear, another task.

Wei Zhongxian nodded hurriedly and said, "Yes, Your Majesty, just tell me which land you want, and I guarantee I will collect it for you within three days."

Yes, you're really good.

Zhu Jue nodded slightly, then pointed to the map and explained in detail: "Zhongxian, look, this is Chaoyang Gate, this is the Chaobai River, and this is Tongzhou City."

This time you've acquired all the land within a two-mile radius on the west bank of the Chaobai River. However, that's not enough. This area is close to the Tongzhou Grand Canal Wharf, making waterway transportation convenient. Our factory buildings, including the courtyards where the artisans live, will all be built in this area.

Therefore, you must go and acquire all the land within a ten-mile radius of Chaoyang Gate for me. Only then will we have enough land to barely meet our needs.”

Wow, I can actually read a map now!
For the past three days, I've been running out from Chaoyangmen; I know this area like the back of my hand.

Your Majesty enjoys looking at maps so much, I must learn to read them. It doesn't matter if I can't read the characters, I can recognize the gates, the rivers, and the city walls!

Wei Zhongxian examined the map carefully, then nodded repeatedly and said, "This servant understands. This land will be ready in three days."

If you say it's no problem, then it's absolutely no problem.

I believe in you.

Zhu Jue nodded slightly, then pointed to the map and explained in detail: "Grandfather Yuan, look, this corner is where three rivers converge, and it is closest to the Tongzhou canal wharf, making it the most convenient place to transfer coal and pig iron. Therefore, the steel plant will be built here."

The boiler plant is currently the biggest consumer of steel, so it was built to the north of the steel mill, followed by the armored vehicle plant and the machinery plant.

Our shipyard must be located near the river. Considering the possibility of the Jurchens attacking from the east, we cannot open the city wall on the east side of the Chaobai River. Therefore, we can only build the shipyard on the north bank of the Tonghui River.

Shipyards consume the most timber, so a lumber mill had to be built next to them. Also, the steam engine factory was built to the north of the shipyard, right next to the boiler factory, and a glass factory was built behind the lumber mill.

We also need to consider that the artisans need houses to live in when it gets cold. So, we'll build these eight workshops and city walls first. The remaining artisans can build their own courtyards in this area. We need to use the artisans' courtyards to separate these workshops from other people and prevent anyone from spying on what's inside the workshops.

"After finishing the factory buildings and the eastern city wall this month, the weather will start to get cold. Next, we need to quickly complete the courtyards where the artisans live. As for the other factory buildings, we'll see how things go later."

His Majesty is truly good to the artisans.

Upon hearing this, Yuan You nodded repeatedly and said, "Your Majesty, I understand."

Zhu Jue nodded slightly, then pointed to the map and explained in detail: "Father-in-law Tian, ​​I'm entrusting these two rows of city walls, north and south, to you. After the Jingying Garrison finishes harvesting rice and wheat, gather able-bodied men to build the city walls. Build the north side first, then the south side."

Remember, build as quickly as possible. Recruit as many able-bodied men from the Beijing Garrison as you can, and pay each of them one tael of silver a month's wages.

Wouldn't that attract hundreds of thousands?

The Imperial Guards and Garrison Commanders were also fortunate.

Upon hearing this, Tian Hongyu nodded repeatedly and said, "Your Majesty, I understand."

Zhu Jue looked up again and said, "Jian Dou, when the able-bodied men of the Jingying Garrison are building the city wall, you take Ying Yuan and the others to conduct a thorough inspection. Make a note of anyone with potential. When the city wall is completed, we will expand our forces. This time, we will recruit at least 50,000 men."

Now the Beijing garrison and the Liaodong army are evenly matched. After the Liaodong army transferred 10,000 elite Guan Ning cavalry, it was left with only 60,000 men.

Upon hearing this, Lu Xiang-sheng nodded repeatedly and said, "Your Majesty, I understand."

Zhu Jue thought for a moment and then instructed, "Zixian, Liangfu, and Menghou, you will all go with them today to take a look and plan the factory properly. As for the future, you can arrange your own time and go to take a look whenever you have free time."

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangqi, Wang Zheng, Bi Maokang, and others quickly nodded and said, "Your Majesty, we understand."

Zhu Jue thought about it carefully again before waving his hand and saying, "Alright, go quickly."

Everyone hurriedly bowed and took their leave.

Soon, the grand procession set off, escorted by two rows of Imperial Guards.

Zhu Jue, however, sat down, opened the memorial, and quickly began to review it.

The Donglin Party and the Qi-Chu-Zhe Party seem to be a bit angry.

Wei Zhongxian was so lawless, yet he turned a blind eye.

Many of the memorials were rather disrespectful, mentioning things like ignoring advice and condoning evil.

After reading it, Zhu Jue couldn't help but sneer repeatedly.

You say Wei Zhongxian was lawless? You are the ones who are truly lawless.

If I don't listen to your advice, you'll all call me a tyrant, right?
Try swearing at me and see what happens!
(End of this chapter)