The jasak system retained the feudal princely system of the original Mongolian tribes, and also retained the exploitation and oppression of the herdsmen by the Mongolian princes.
For the emperor, both the Zasak system and the Tusi system would eventually be eliminated. However, this would be a long process and would not have a significant impact on the development and rise of the Ming Empire.
Similarly, allowing the descendants of chieftains to receive education and allowing the children of Mongolian princes to see the world are all laying the foundation for the ultimate goal.
Perhaps one day, without the intervention of the imperial court, the children of the Mongol princes and nobles will spontaneously carry out reforms. Of course, such a hope may not be very great.
Moreover, the development of the wool textile industry increased the herders' income. Although they were still exploited by the princes, the intensification of the conflict seemed to be delayed.
But this is not what the emperor needs to worry about or consider now. He is focusing on the whole country and the overall situation. The Ming Dynasty is forging ahead despite the disaster. This is the overall momentum and direction.
It was not only the victory in foreign aggression and expansion, but also the improvement of various systems. The Ming Dynasty was undergoing changes from the inside out.
The celebration of the great victory in the war against Burma added a festive atmosphere to the capital before the New Year.
But not everyone was happy. The palaces of the three vassal princes, Zhu Changhao, Prince of Rui, Zhu Changrun, Prince of Hui, and Zhu Changying, Prince of Gui, were shrouded in desolation.
The emperor had issued an imperial decree that the three princes would take up their posts in the following year: two in Champa and one in Mekong. Their residences had already been built, or rather, renovated, and were either the residences of the princes of Champa or the royal family of Chenla.
Logically speaking, Mekong Province and Champa were already part of the Ming Dynasty, no different from the inland areas. However, this was only in name only. In the eyes of the three vassal kings, they were still overseas, infested with barbarians and plagued by malaria.
If it were a few years ago, this would not be a vassal state, but exile.
However, these three princes have seen through the temperament of their nephew over the years and have figured out that he is not an easy emperor to deal with.
After the imperial edict came down, more Jinyiwei were roaming around the mansion. The three princes wanted to join forces to resist, or ask the nobles to help intercede for them, but who dared to step forward?
After becoming a vassal, he had no fiefdom and was only given half of his salary. The other half was invested in the royal fund and distributed as dividends every year.
This was a vassalage policy that had been implemented long ago. Not only these three vassal kings, but all other vassal kings in the mainland received the same treatment.
The emperor was quite generous. He contributed the royal porcelain kilns, weaving workshops, glass workshops and other workshops to allow his vassal states to invest in them.
You have to know that these are all lucrative projects. Those who invest early on can earn substantial dividends, which is much better than just receiving a fixed salary.
Self-reliance was the emperor's motto, and it had been the goal of every emperor since the Jiajing Emperor. However, judging by the intensity and methods employed, the current emperor possessed the greatest resolve and will.
Don’t you know how to run a business? Just give me your salary and I will send someone to run it. If you have a little ambition and potential, I will make things easier for you and support you with policies.
However, the emperor's intentions were becoming increasingly clear. He was finding it increasingly difficult to tolerate the unearned gains of his vassal states, and increasingly disgusted with their illegal and criminal activities.
The same applies to the nobles. The emperor does not think that they are qualified to rest on the merits of their ancestors and enjoy themselves forever.
Duke Cheng of Cheng, Zhu Chunchen, was stripped of his title and exiled for his crimes; Duke Ding of Ding, Xu Yunzhen, was stripped of his title and exiled for his corrupt family traditions and his role in disturbing and harming the people; and Duke Yang of Wu, Xue Lian, was stripped of his title and exiled for his many lawless deeds.
Many of the nobles who had been suppressed by the civil service group and had no power or influence had been killed by the emperor in the past two years. They were all trembling with fear and dared not make any moves.
The Beijing Camp, the Five Cities Military Commission, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard were all firmly under the control of the emperor, and were watched closely. Even a complaint could lead to being arrested and charged.
The emperor's malicious intent had become increasingly apparent since the pacification of the Liao and the extermination of the slaves. The reason was simple: with a strong army at hand, the gun was the most powerful weapon.
"Chang Ying, what are you doing here?" Zhu Changrun's face changed when he saw his brother coming to visit.
Prince Hui Zhu Changrun and Prince Gui Zhu Changying are brothers from the same mother. In terms of closeness, the relationship between brothers is always deeper.
But if you come here at this time, aren't you afraid that the emperor will suspect you? No one can bear the charge of collusion and harboring resentment, right?
Moreover, Zhu Changrun converted to Buddhism and spent his days worshipping Buddha and meditating, not understanding the ways of the world. He had no strong objection to becoming a vassal in Mekong Province, but was rather afraid of getting into trouble.
Prince Rui Zhu Changhao was also a Buddhist who abstained from women, but he loved money and often asked the Ministry of Revenue for money to spend on his wedding. He was later reprimanded by the emperor, and finally stopped.
Prince Zhu Changying of Gui hurriedly explained, "Don't be alarmed, my brother. I came here with someone accompanying me."
There is someone accompanying him. It can’t be the Jinyiwei. Zhu Changrun looked behind Prince Gui and recognized the person. He felt relieved.
Zhu Youjian, the grandson of the King of Tang, well, having this person by his side shouldn't arouse the emperor's suspicion.
Zhu Changrun breathed a sigh of relief, hurriedly asked the guests to sit down, and ordered the servants to serve tea and water.
Among the vassal states, the emperor had a very good attitude towards Zhu Youjian and Prince Xin. Zhu Youjian also said that after inheriting the title, he would give up the salary of the vassal state and only accept the salary of the official position he held.
This was the model and example set by the emperor among the vassal states, and Zhu Changrun and the others were well aware of it. However, they knew their own limitations and did not dare to follow suit.
"These are the books bestowed by His Majesty, and all three princes have them." Zhu Youjian was obviously not just a guest of Prince Gui, but also had the emperor's order.
Zhu Changrun quickly knelt to receive the gift, as this was customary among the imperial family before enfeoffment. The emperor would usually bestow upon him books such as the Imperial Ming Ancestor's Instructions, the Ming Code, the Five Classics and the Four Books, the Twenty-one Histories, the Comprehensive Mirror for Reflection in the Past and Present, and the Classic of Loyalty and Filial Piety, as expressions of his expectations.
But after Zhu Youjian opened the box, Zhu Changrun discovered that the books he had been given were very different from what he had imagined: geography, history, science and technology, culture, and even a Buddhist scripture.
"These were selected by His Majesty for the prince," Zhu Youjian said with a smile. "His Majesty also said that the Zhu family should resolve their own affairs. In five years at most, the royal family salaries will no longer be funded by the imperial treasury."
This sounds a bit confusing and a bit scary. Five years without any pay, how are we going to live?
Zhu Changrun didn't know whether he should thank him or not, and looked at his brother in confusion and doubt.
Prince Gui gave a wry smile and said, "Your Majesty's intention is to use the fund to pay the salaries of the vassal states. Combined with the system of descending and inheriting the throne, this will effectively control the abuses of the vassal states."
The fund system has been implemented for one year, deducting half of the salary; after five years, almost three years' salary has been invested.
According to the emperor's calculations, the expanded production of the royal factories and workshops, plus the income from war bonds and other investments, was almost enough to pay the salaries of the princes.
Moreover, the system of surrender and succession has begun to be implemented. Many vassal states who have no other place to surrender will gradually become civilians and make a living on their own.
Of course, there is a buffer period and policy support. The emperor has done his utmost to be kind and righteous. If you still don't know the current situation, don't blame him for turning against you.
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