Zhu Youjian was a little surprised when he saw the emperor. He was not in the palace, but under the shade of a tree. He was not handling official business, but was intimate and doting with the two little princesses.
"No need to bow, please stand." The emperor looked up and said with a smile, "Please take a seat."
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great grace." Zhu Youjian performed the ceremony respectfully before sitting down respectfully on the embroidered cushion.
The emperor touched the two little girls' faces before letting the maid take his daughter away.
Although he could act casual, there were some things he couldn't say in front of his daughter.
The girls did not go far, but went to play in the nearby pond, where the emperor raised koi fish, swimming in large groups, which was a beautiful sight.
Listening to the clear and crisp laughter, the emperor's face was also peaceful, and he felt relaxed and happy. He said to Zhu Youjian: "You are very good. You have set an example for the children of the royal family. I will not treat you unfairly."
Zhu Youjian hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I do not accept your praise."
The emperor waved his hand and said, "No need to be modest. I am speaking the truth."
After a pause, the emperor said with emotion: "From Taizu to the present, the number of vassal states has reached hundreds of thousands. If they continue to eat up all the resources, the country will sooner or later be bankrupted. You know, this is not just about supporting hundreds of thousands of people who just want to have enough food and clothing, but about providing them with a comfortable life."
Zhu Youjian pursed his lips and lowered his head slightly, probably because the emperor couldn't see it. Although he was telling the truth, he was not included here.
Of course, he persuaded his father to give up the title of vassal king, which was also in line with the emperor's wishes. As for the emperor's words about not treating him unfairly, he believed it, very much believed it.
The emperor lowered his eyes, pondered for a moment, then looked up at Zhu Youjian and asked slowly, "What are your plans? Tell me first. What I want to give you may not be what you think."
Zhu Youjian certainly had his own ideas, and he had made plans before coming. When he heard the emperor's question, he hurriedly bowed and said, "I have been on patrol outside the country under the order of Your Majesty, supervising and punishing local illegal officials. I do have some experience."
The emperor nodded gently and said, "The Inspectorate is certainly an option. Well, I'll think about it and discuss it with my ministers."
Exchanging titles for official positions was also a way to discipline the vassal states. Unfortunately, there were not many vassal states willing to learn about government affairs and capable of serving the people or the country. It was not as easy as getting something for nothing.
Moreover, being an official is risky. If you make a mistake and are dismissed, you will lose even the title, salary and official position.
Of course, there are other courses for making a living in the sect, but you may become rich by working hard on your own, but wouldn’t it be better to get a salary without doing anything?
Therefore, there were also children of the royal family who came to study in the clan school, but they were basically of low rank, with large families and difficulty in supporting them.
Comfort and enjoyment are truly addictive. The emperor knows human nature better than anyone else, isn't he? Only an idiot would suffer the hardship of being a carpenter instead of an emperor.
But the emperor believed that he was a good leader and made great contributions to the revival of the Ming Empire, although many people secretly called him a "tyrant."
The emperor intended to reuse Zhu Youjian, after all, he was a rare example of a vassal. Moreover, he also admired Zhu Youjian's character.
Originally, the emperor wanted to move the princes to newly developed overseas territories, with Zhu Youjian being the first. However, after hearing Zhu Youjian's opinions and considering the progress of overseas expansion, the emperor postponed the plan.
The emperor considered both definitions of newly developed overseas territories acceptable. Although the meanings were not exactly the same, there was a possibility of transformation.
"You are of marriageable age, and the Prince of Tang is not in good health." The emperor did not immediately decide on Zhu Youjian's assignment, but instead concerned about his personal situation. "If there is a woman you think is suitable, I will make the decision for you."
The marriage of a prince, especially a wife, was not something that could be decided casually. The approval of the Ministry of Rites was a hurdle. Concubines, who had no official status, naturally had no say in the matter, but the significance of their relationship was completely different.
Zhu Youjian couldn't help but be stunned for a moment. He didn't expect the emperor to ask about this. It was really difficult to answer, so he could only smile embarrassedly and lower his head slightly.
The emperor smiled slightly and continued, "I have already relaxed many restrictions on the royal family and vassal states, and I do not want to impose any more restrictions on marriage."
The emperor's idea was certainly not just to give Zhu Youjian or the royal family more freedom. The previous system of selecting concubines was a waste of money and labor, so the emperor wanted to abolish it.
Zhu Youjian didn't know what the emperor was thinking, nor did he have the concept of free love. After thinking for a while, he bowed and replied, "I will go back and ask my father for his consent, and then report to the emperor."
The Prince of Tang, Zhu Youjian's father, was indeed in poor health. Having been imprisoned for so many years by the cruel old King of Tang, it was inevitable that he would be weak and sickly due to hunger and fullness.
Zhu Youjian felt that getting married and even having children while his father was still alive would also be a comfort to his father.
The emperor spoke to Zhu Youjian for a while and felt that the experience he had gained while on duty abroad the year before last had been of great help to him. In some respects, Zhu Youjian was even more mature than Prince Xin Zhu Youjian.
This is also caused by different life experiences. Zhu Youjian and his father spent so many years as prisoners, and their minds were obviously tempered to be very strong.
Moreover, character determines success or failure, which is also very important. The emperor also saw the difference between Zhu Youjian and Zhu Youjian.
Zhu Youjian received the emperor's consolation and encouragement. Seeing that there were no further instructions, he took his leave.
The emperor completely relaxed, stood up and walked to the rocking chair placed not far away. As he rocked leisurely, feeling the cool breeze, he heard the crisp giggles in his ears again.
"Your Majesty." Li Chengcheng sat next to him, peeling grapes and feeding them into the emperor's mouth.
The emperor savored the sweetness in his mouth, but his thoughts were still on the issues concerning the royal family and vassal states.
Not to mention those far away, there are three princes in the capital waiting to be enfeoffed. The Emperor is not going to release Prince Xin, Prince Gui, and Prince Rui.
The cost is really too high. When a major disaster is approaching, the court finances must be supported and must be frugal.
"How much is left in the treasury?" the emperor casually asked his butler, opening his mouth and eating another grape.
Li Chengcheng reported everything without hesitation.
The emperor pondered for a long time before gently shaking his head, wondering what plan he had rejected.
"Your Majesty," Wang Tigan came over cautiously and reported, "Sun Yuanhua has come to see you."
The emperor nodded, stood up and walked back to the hall. For a minister like Sun Yuanhua, he still had to be more formal, which was also a way of respecting Sun Yuanhua.
Despite preparing for the devastating impact of the Little Ice Age, the emperor continued to invest heavily in the Academy of Sciences. The Ming Empire's technological advancements were a testament to its national strength.
For example, the large-scale project of building slab tracks has already been planned and is undergoing investigation and survey, ready to be implemented.
Although the emperor felt that the development of the steam engine was slow, the increase in transportation capacity was still an effective means of dealing with major disasters.
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