Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 377 Zhang Yunxiu's Encyclopedia? The Hope of the Ming People!

"This is..."

Upon seeing this book, which was even thicker than the scriptures, Wang Xijue couldn't help but feel puzzled.

He had only ever seen such large books in the Hanlin Academy, where they were records similar to the emperor's daily life.

Why did Zhang Yunxiu give me this thing?
Perhaps he was afraid of being lonely on the long journey, so he compiled a collection of vernacular novels to entertain himself on the road?

Wang Xijue was lost in thought, wondering how he should react if it really was some kind of fictional novel, when he opened the cover and saw several large characters on it.

The Encyclopedia of the Ming Dynasty

Wang Xijue was stunned for a moment, then looked at the other person with a puzzled expression.

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and explained, “The imperial court has prepared all the necessary supplies and provisions for this journey, so I won’t add anything unnecessary. However, I think that it would be insufficient for you to simply teach the Four Books and Five Classics when you go to Annam. The customs and culture of our Great Ming, the development of various cultures and sciences, the various schools of thought and trends, as well as the new and interesting things are all contained in this encyclopedia. You may feel free to promote some of them as appropriate.”

Wang Xijue frowned and said, "I am not good at miscellaneous studies."

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and said, "What you teach is still the Four Books and Five Classics. In your spare time, you help spread this encyclopedia. If you can help the foreigners and vassal people understand the Ming Dynasty better, they will naturally yearn for it. Then they will come to learn from you. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Wang Xijue suddenly understood.

However, he wasn't very confident in this "encyclopedia," feeling that it would change the Annamese people's perception of the Ming Dynasty.

But he still nodded, carefully put the "encyclopedia" away, and nodded as he spoke.

"I will certainly live up to the commander's expectations."

After accepting the two gifts, Wang Xijue bid farewell to his eldest son, Wang Heng, and then rejoined the group.

I've already escorted her the whole way; continuing would only add to my troubles.

On the way back, seeing Wang Heng secretly wiping away tears, Zhang Yunxiu couldn't help but pat him on the shoulder and say something.

"If we continue to work hard, one day our Ming Dynasty navy will be able to set foot in Annam and recover our lost lands. If maritime navigation technology is further developed, even if we are separated by the north and south, it will not be difficult for us to meet."

Wang Heng asked with hope in his eyes, "Master, when will we in Xishan be able to develop that earth-shattering technology?"

"It's coming soon."

Zhang Yunxiu let out a breath. He felt that time was not passing fast enough. He felt like a player in a turn-based game, having used almost all his actions, but there was no "skip this turn" button.

Once the delegation had quietly moved away, Wang Heng gradually regained his composure and said with a puzzled expression.

"My dear teacher, is your 'encyclopedia' really useful?"

He had heard before that Zhang Yunxiu had sent people to compile similar books in Xishan, and he thought it was for the students of Xishan, but he did not expect that it was for the mission to take to various countries.

Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, "Chenyu, what do you think of the term 'cultural identity'?"

The term "cultural identity" was quite novel to the ancients. Wang Heng had never heard of its usage before, but he could understand its meaning.

After some thought, Wang Heng said, “Master Yangming often said, ‘The mind is the principle of Heaven.’ If we are talking about cultural identity, then it must be that the conscience in one’s heart and the culture of the world are in harmony.”

Culture is not merely the words in classical texts or the forms of etiquette; it is the emulation of ancient sages and wise men with a heart of empathy.
Therefore, the so-called 'cultural identity' is essentially the feeling you have when you come into contact with a culture, a feeling of connection with your own conscience and intuition, like seeing an old friend or returning to an old home. It's not a deliberate attempt to attach yourself to it, but a natural confirmation.

Zhang Yunxiu applauded Wang Heng's argument repeatedly.

"Excellent! You truly deserve to be the best of Xishan. If your father could hear your arguments, he would surely be very pleased."

Zhang Yunxiu paused and then asked.

"Since you understand this principle, do you also know why the Annamese are alienated from the Ming Dynasty? For generations, they have emulated the Central Plains dynasties, studied the poetry, books, and etiquette of the Central Plains, and even their kings and ministers take pride in speaking Chinese. Yet why are they so unruly and have rebelled repeatedly over the centuries?"

Wang Heng suddenly realized something: "Does the gentleman mean that the Annamese lack empathy for us?"

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and sighed, saying, "It's not just a lack of empathy, but also a lack of self-interest. The Annamese are far away, and the capital of our Great Ming is thousands of miles away. It's a case of being too far away to reach them."

They wanted to discipline the people but couldn't; they wanted to use the imperial examinations to get them into official positions but couldn't make the people of Annam share the benefits. The Central Plains dynasty and Annam were separated by mountains and forests, and even reading poetry and books couldn't bring them to the same mind.

While teaching the Annamese people Central Plains etiquette and familiarizing them with Central Plains cultural classics may have some effect, if they cannot be of one mind, no matter how much effort you expend, you will only be cultivating a group of enemies.

Wang Heng felt a chill run down his spine and even suspected that Wang Xijue's trip was fraught with danger. He spoke somewhat urgently.

"Do you have a solution, sir?"

Zhang Yunxiu spread his hands and said, "The solution is already in place. Isn't what you just asked about the solution?"

Seeing that the other person seemed to only half understand, he continued to explain.

"While the words in classical texts and the forms of rituals may not be able to unite people's hearts, they are not entirely useless."

By relying on classical texts and rituals, we can eventually gain some recognition from the vassal states towards our Great Ming.

But this recognition is far from enough; you must also appeal to their emotions and persuade them of the benefits. This is the significance of an 'encyclopedia'.

This book encompasses a vast range of topics, yet only scratches the surface. It describes the customs and traditions of our Great Ming Dynasty and the current prosperity of the Great Ming.

The subjects of the vassal states, upon seeing what was recorded therein, would inevitably become curious about the Ming Dynasty, and would certainly yearn for the life they witnessed there.

Combining this with Confucian teachings based on the Four Books and Five Classics, do you think the subjects of vassal states can be of the same mind and reason as us?

Wang Heng's eyes lit up instantly, and he exclaimed in admiration.

"This is a great plan!"

But I can't help feeling that something is missing.

"But it still doesn't seem to be enough."

"Of course it's not enough."

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and shook his head as he spoke.

"What kind of hero are you if you can only talk? Talk can't get you to conquer enemy camps. The prerequisite for forming alliances is that your fists must be strong enough."

This is why the Ming Dynasty now wants to develop firearms, build a navy, and promote new scientific learning.

"To forge iron, one must first be strong oneself."

Wang Heng pondered for a moment. His mentor's words were simple, yet they always contained hidden truths. He cupped his hands in greeting and said...

"Thank you for your teaching, sir."

One month later.

Surprisingly, the weather in Beijing has improved considerably, with the sun shining brightly in the sky for several days after a long absence.

The people of the capital finally had some free time and were able to go out and bask in the sun. Even if they were just eating a few frozen buns, this year was still much better than in previous years.

At least this year, the city is no longer littered with corpses as it was in previous years, and the carts used by the Five City Garrison to transport bodies are no longer as crowded as before.

Amidst the bustling streets, a festive atmosphere still lingered. Taking advantage of the improved weather, the market was packed with people, some buying food for their families, others purchasing cloth, and still others buying briquettes for heating. At one briquette stall, a young man dressed in white stood out somewhat from the crowd.

"Auntie, give me twenty catties of briquettes."

Aunt Qi looked up at the newcomer, and a smile forced onto her wrinkled face as she spoke.

"It's Young Master Yang? You've come in person to purchase briquettes?"

Yang Tiancheng said with a smile, "I'm just the manager of a small clinic, so naturally I have to do everything myself."

Aunt Qi looked around before lowering her voice and speaking.

“You child, your father, Doctor Yang, is already the chief physician of Renmin Medical Hall. Countless people are begging to be treated by him. You, on the other hand, are hiding your identity and running your own medical hall. Why don’t you find a job with your father and go to the medical hall? You’ll suffer less and have a bright future.”

In Aunt Qi's view, it's only natural for a son to benefit from his father's success. Besides, it's obvious to everyone that Renmin Medical Clinic has become the leading medical institution in the Ming Dynasty.

Many quack doctors of the past now take pride in using the name of Renmin Medical Clinic, so why does Yang Tiancheng want to set up his own clinic?

Yang Tiancheng smiled and said, "The clinic has its own rules. Logically speaking, I could have gotten into the clinic without my father's connections. However, the clinic has strict departmental divisions and various complicated regulations."

I know I lack talent and ambition, so I'd rather run a clinic in the alleyways, providing convenience for my neighbors and fellow villagers; that would be more comfortable for me.”

"What a pity~ what a pity~"

Aunt Qi sighed repeatedly as she helped Yang Tiancheng load the sorted briquettes onto the cart, one stack at a time.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Yang Tiancheng thanked him repeatedly, then smelled a fragrant aroma and looked over to find that a wonton stall had been set up next to the briquettes stall.

Aunt Qi explained with a smile from the side.

"It's nothing more than doing some small business. The family earns some money from these coal briquettes, and then sets up a stall to provide meals for passing porters."

“Not bad,” Yang Tiancheng nodded and said. “I haven’t had breakfast yet, so please give me and my two brothers a bowl.”

"It's easy to talk about."

With a smile, Aunt Qi went to call her son and daughter-in-law to prepare at the stall.

Because they were regular customers, Aunt Qi prepared extra large portions of wontons for them, with layers upon layers of wontons that almost overflowed the rim of the bowl.

Yang Tiancheng didn't stand on ceremony and invited the two clinic staff to join him in a hearty meal.

His face was flushed from eating, and he then clutched his stomach, saying contentedly to Aunt Qi.

"Speaking of which, has the old lady's life gotten much better?"

Aunt Qi had just finished her work, wiped the sweat from her brow, and said with a smile.

"Just as you said, sir, since we started this coal briquettes business, things have been getting better and better. Coal briquettes are cheaper, so we ordinary folks can have an easier time in the winter."

At the end of the year, Xishan held a promotional event, which solved our New Year's shopping problem, so we had a good New Year.

With briquettes, the cost of firewood decreased; with textile workshops, the cost of fabric also decreased significantly.

If only life could always be like this from now on.

For ordinary people, the price discounts offered by various products produced in Xishan are real and tangible.

Although they weren't exactly wealthy, at least no one would starve or freeze to death.

"There's just one thing," Aunt Qi added. "The price of grain is still a bit high, but we're already quite content with how things are."

For the people of the Ming Dynasty, being able to live a peaceful life was more important than anything else.

Yang Tiancheng paid the money and nodded.

"The problem of food shortage in our Great Ming Dynasty is indeed the crux of the matter. Don't worry, madam, there's always a way out. I think there will be a solution in Xishan."

Aunt Qi smiled and said, "I'm just an ordinary person, how could I care about so much?"

When Yang Tiancheng returned to the clinic with his assistants and couldn't find his father, Yang Ji, he couldn't help but ask him in a puzzled manner.

"Didn't Father say he was coming home for dinner today? Why is he nowhere to be seen?"

"That's what one of the clinic's employees replied."

"Just now, news came from Renmin Medical Clinic that the British minister has left the intensive care unit, so it seems the old manager has gone to visit him."

"I see."

Yang Tiancheng understood; he was already used to his father's elusive and unpredictable nature.

This is why he was unwilling to go to Renmin Medical Clinic. The clinic was always busy with important matters, and if any emergency occurred, he would have to go there regardless of the weather.

Inside the courtyard of the intensive care unit.

Zhang Rong's neck was still wrapped in gauze, but the tube had been removed. Taking advantage of the warm sunshine, he took a walk in the courtyard with the help of his youngest son, Zhang Yuanhao, and his spirits had obviously recovered considerably.

Upon seeing Yang Ji accompanying him, Zhang Rong couldn't help but feel somewhat angry again and said...

“Li Dongbi and Zhang Shiyuan slashed my neck and then disappeared without a trace. I was discharged from the hospital today, but they haven’t come to visit me.”

Zhang Yuanhao reminded him from the side, "Father, Mr. Dongbi warned you that you must not get angry after recovering from a serious illness."

Mr. Dongbi has been busy with his research on the theory of human nature lately, and my esteemed teacher has been preparing for naval affairs; they must both be quite busy.

Zhang Rong's voice was a little hoarse. He wasn't an unreasonable person, but he just felt stifled in the clinic and liked to say something. He then looked at Yang Jishi beside him and said.

"Imperial Physician Yang, when can I be discharged from the hospital? I hear it's very lively outside. I want to go out and see what the state of the Ming Dynasty is like now, and see if there are any people starving or freezing to death on the streets."

Yang Jishi bowed and replied, "Your Excellency, you still need to recuperate. His Majesty has already issued an edict instructing you to take good care of yourself. The court has already made arrangements for the Five Military Commands and the Three Great Camps."

Fearing that Zhang Rong would not listen, he even brought up the emperor.

Zhang Rong waved his hand irritably and said, "Fine, fine, then I'll stay here a few more days. Staring at this wall all day long, I feel like I'm locked up."

Being in a clinic is a completely different experience from being in your own courtyard.

Zhang Rong was feeling bored as he walked, so he stared at the tree trunks by the roadside and said something.

"This tree is quite robust. I'll cut it down later and use it as a staff so I can stretch my muscles a bit."

Zhang Yuanhao and Yang Jishi, who were standing to the side, were startled and both felt an urge to cut down the tree.

Just as the two were getting worried, a hearty laugh came from outside the door.

"Why is the Duke so upset with a small tree? It has endured so many years of spring, summer, autumn and winter, yet its life and death are in the Duke's hands."

(End of this chapter)