“霍尔木兹海峡，位置重要，与葡萄牙人联合收复，并占据霍尔木兹岛，于我国有利无害。”
“西夷的主要精力在非洲和美洲，大明帝国在亚洲的布局正在其时，要持之不断地进行，切不可松懈。”
"To the north lies Russia. Its expansionist ambitions must be viewed with extreme vigilance and not be underestimated. When advancing into the Western Regions and winning over the Mongolian tribes in the northern desert, we must be wary of their meddling. In the northeast, we must continue our advance northward and thwart Russia's ambitions of southward expansion."
……………….
The emperor continued to relax, but his strategic guidance and advice never ceased. A chief engineer only needed to draw the blueprint, while his subordinates would carry out the detailed work.
Moreover, it is not only a strategic direction, but also has the nature of a prophecy, which is recorded in the cabinet and the Ministry of War and can be checked.
To say that he had a leisurely life was really unfair to the emperor. He focused most of his energy on raising his children.
In particular, the emperor personally checked the homework of the eldest prince Zhu Cixuan, the second prince Zhu Cihui, the third prince Zhu Cijiong, the fourth prince Zhu Cizhong, and the fifth prince Zhu Cifeng.
Zhu Cixuan was born to Empress Zhang Yan. As the eldest son and legitimate heir to the throne, he was the most legitimate heir. However, even the empress could see from the emperor's words and actions that if she wanted to sit on the throne, she still needed to work hard.
This was not the first time he had deviated from the orthodoxy. The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children held no sway over the emperor. Furthermore, the courtiers had changed several times, all worshipping and loyal to the emperor, and pedantic figures were barred from the court.
In the newspapers, the emperor said more than once that the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people were the most important things, and he would not treat anything carelessly out of the selfishness of his family.
The emperor's ministers had advised him against appointing a crown prince, but the emperor remained unmoved, telling them that he would naturally choose a successor and would not cause chaos in the empire.
Zhang Yan also had some complaints at first, although she did not show her dissatisfaction.
But the emperor told her that not giving him the title of crown prince would be better for Zhu Cixuan in the long run. Throughout history, if a crown prince inherited the throne, it would be fine. But if he was deposed for being unworthy, his fate would most likely be death.
"If he strives for success, the throne will be his. Without the title of Crown Prince, he won't have to bear too many burdens. If he has no interest in the throne and has his own interests and hobbies, that's up to him."
"Graduating from junior high school, traveling the world, governing a region... This is a test from me, and also a training for them. If they don't want to accept it, that's up to them."
The emperor's requirements and conditions were not concealed from the empress and concubines. To put it bluntly, the position was filled by the most capable, and competition was the only way to get it.
The emperor chose the last one, and even his ministers knew his intention. To be honest, this did not conform to the tradition of feudal society, but it could ensure that the emperor would not be too incompetent.
Whether I understand or not is of no concern to the Emperor; anyone who dares to oppose it will be met with my ruthlessness. I seek innovation and change, but if I can't even make decisions about my own family affairs, then my reign is in vain.
"Long live, long live, long live!"
Above the Meridian Gate, the emperor sat on his throne, gazing down at the civil and military officials who came to pay their respects to him. Beyond the Golden Water Bridge, countless common people of the capital, regardless of status, looked up to see the scene.
"No need to be so polite, just stand up!" the emperor said in a deep voice, raising his hand.
One by one, then ten by a hundred, the great Han generals spread the emperor's voice until it was as loud as thunder.
In the 34th year of the Tianqi reign, the emperor celebrated his 50th birthday, and the Qianqiu Festival was the most grand and luxurious one.
In the 24th year of the Tianqi reign, the drought situation across the country began to improve significantly, and the ravages of the disaster finally came to an end.
Now, ten years have passed. Thanks to the large-scale infrastructure construction through work-for-relief during the disaster, the substantial increase in arable land in Northeast China, and the orderly reclamation of Mongolian land, the total agricultural production in the north has long surpassed the highest level before the disaster.
What gave the Ming Empire wings to take off were the vast expansion of land, the exponential growth of population, and the improvement of scientific and technological levels.
In the 30th year of the Tianqi reign, after nearly 20 years of research and improvement, the steam engine finally entered the practical stage. The development of industry, commerce, and transportation thus entered the stage of industrialization.
The emperor's gaze shifted away from his ministers and subjects, looking into the distance, towards the horizon.
He seemed to see a hundred thousand cavalrymen galloping across the foot of the Tianshan Mountains; he saw the resounding soldiers crossing the vast sea of forests and advancing towards the far north; he saw warships with sails like a forest, cutting through the waves...
He also saw his own people, whether in the mainland or overseas. Although busy with their lives, their faces were filled with happy and contented smiles, and they looked down upon people from other countries with confidence and pride.
This is my country, and also the country of all Chinese people. With its accumulated national strength, it far surpasses other countries and stands firmly at the top of the world.
The emperor slowly stood up and waved his powerful arms again towards the cheering crowd, revealing a majestic and gratified smile.
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