Liaodong and Nurgan are too cold and have been bitterly cold places since ancient times.
Even in this season, there is heavy snow and ice covering thousands of miles.
People can only hide in the room with kang for heating. If the snow is a little heavier, even the door will be blocked.
For example, the water tank at home, when you wake up the next day, it will be a big block of ice. Even an ax cannot break it. It is as hard as a rock.
The so-called northern scenery, with snow falling for thousands of miles, is just like this.
This is the consensus of the people, so even if the government steps in, there will be certain resistance in relocating such a large number of people.
For example, Jiangnan has experienced two large-scale migrations and is now severely damaged.
This time, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Ying set their sights on the lowest class of people who did not have their own fields or houses.
Among them, refugees and beggars are the most numerous.
The next morning, in Fengtian Hall.
"We have a message to announce, a message that will affect the future of our Ming Dynasty and our descendants for generations to come."
"According to the investigation of the Jinyiwei, there is a large amount of black soil in the Liaodong and Nurgan areas. This black soil, which is not valued, is the most fertile soil in the world today."
"The fertility of the black soil does not require any irrigation. The yield of crops planted on it will be multiplied several times, especially the sweet potatoes, potatoes, corn and other crops that have recently begun to be planted in the capital."
"The lowest yield from planting on this black soil is 1,000 kilograms per mu, or even tens of thousands of kilograms. How can we leave such fertile land uncultivated?"
"If you don't take what God gives you, you will suffer the consequences."
"Ministers, please discuss what should be done about this matter."
Zhu Yuanzhang, who was sitting on the dragon throne, did not sit down, but stood up and spoke loudly.
After the words fell, there was a wave of joy in the hall.
"It's incredible that there is such a fertile land in the world."
"The world is so vast that there are all kinds of things. For crops that can produce 1,000 kilograms per mu to appear, there must be fertile land. In my opinion, the black soil of Liaodong is prepared for the sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn of our Ming Dynasty."
"Otherwise, how could it suddenly appear when grain is plentiful? As Your Majesty said, it is truly a gift from heaven."
"But Liaodong, where Nurgan is located, is on the border of our Ming Dynasty. To the west, there are dangers from the grassland tribes. To the southeast coast, there are even more dangers from Japanese pirates. It is close to Goryeo, so there are many changes."
"How many soldiers and civilians are needed to defend and open up the land? It's so huge, maybe it will take millions of people."
After being shocked, the ministers immediately began to discuss the matter with great interest, whispering to each other.
Apart from other things, no one would suspect that there was something fishy about what Your Majesty said about the black soil.
Although the Jinyiwei were notorious, they were impeccable in doing their jobs, especially when it came to matters concerning the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.
"Your Majesty, I have a report to submit." Liu Sanwu from the Hanlin Academy stepped forward and spoke loudly.
Suddenly the noisy atmosphere began to quiet down.
"Approved." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in response.
Liu Sanwu said, "Your Majesty, such a serious matter concerns the fate of the Ming Dynasty. How can it be announced to the public in the court? If there are other villains who spread this matter, it will have a serious impact."
"There are many ethnic groups in Nurgan, Liaodong, but there are few Han people in the Ming Dynasty. It is also a cold and bitter place, and the people are extremely cruel. If someone gets the news and occupies this good black soil, it will be a huge loss for the Ming Dynasty!"
Liu Sanwu's tone was full of regret.
After hearing this, many ministers nodded in agreement.
And among the many princes and civil and military officials, Zhu Di, who had his eyes half-closed, suddenly opened them.
Liaodong is close to Peking, and he knows the situation there is best.
Zhu Di had also seen the black soil that his father mentioned, but he had never imagined that the black soil was so fertile.
For a time, Zhu Di began to lose interest in going to Japan.
"What if we can stay in Peking and guard Liaodong?"
Thinking of this, Zhu Di felt a little regretful.
In the court, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "My dear minister, you worry too much. This black soil is not just a few hundred acres or a few thousand acres. According to investigation, the black soil covers an area of more than one million miles, and it is all top-grade fertile land."
"It's so big that it would take hundreds of thousands of people. How can such a commotion be concealed from the world?"
Liu Sanwu heard this and said, "This minister is reckless and is worrying about nothing."
After saying that, he stepped back with an excited look on his face.
No matter which minister in this Fengtian Hall, he will definitely have no problem with patriotism.
Every man has his share of responsibility for the rise and fall of his country.
Who doesn't want their country to become stronger?
Even corrupt officials hope so, as it makes it easier to be corrupt.
At this time, the Minister of War Ru Huang stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Approved."
Ru Hong said loudly: "Your Majesty, now our Great Ming army has nearly 500,000 troops transferred to the southeast coast, and there are also hundreds of thousands of naval forces going there together."
"Shipyards in various places are also working hard to build seagoing ships. We are just waiting for the beginning of spring after the new year to invade Japan and suppress its rebellion."
"Now, the fertile land of Nurgan in Liaodong covers millions of miles, and the army under it is certainly not a small number. If we dispatch more troops and act bilaterally, the interior of our Ming Dynasty will be empty."
"There are also rebels in Shaanxi who have occupied an area and need a large army to suppress the rebellion."
"When there are two evils, choose the lesser one. Therefore, I think it is possible to temporarily attack Japan and first garrison Nurgan in Liaodong."
As soon as Ru Hong said this, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned.
In fact, there was nothing wrong with Ru Hong's words. From his perspective as the Minister of War, he could divide the Ming army into three routes.
Fight against the Japanese, redress the rebellion, and suppress the Liao.
Mobilize troops numbering in the millions.
If everything goes well, then there is no need to say more. A general should think about defeat before worrying about victory, so he can fight a hundred battles without danger of defeat.
Among these three parties, the focus is on attacking Japan and suppressing Liao.
The rebels in Shaanxi are still in the inland, so there is still room for improvement. But if any problem arises on either side of these two sides, it will no longer be a small problem.
Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "According to Minister Ru's opinion, what should we do?"
As Ru Hong was the first person to meet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, she naturally knew it clearly.
The expedition to Japan was for silver and money.
Guarding Liaodong is for fertile land and food.
Food can be converted into money, but silver cannot be converted into food.
"I think that we should guard Nurgan in Liaodong as the primary goal, and attack the Japanese as the secondary goal."
"Although the threat of Japanese pirates is also very important, it is slightly weaker than the millions of fertile lands."
"If we can plant most of the grain seeds on fertile soil before the beginning of spring this year, we can harvest a huge amount of grain in the summer, which can save many lives."
"Even if there is another natural disaster, there is no need to worry about insufficient food reserves. The north is barren and poor, and the people are suffering. This will surely enrich the people of the north."
Ru Huang said in a heavy tone.
At this time, the one with the brightest eyes was Zhu Di.
It's like giving me a pillow when I feel sleepy.
Just now he was thinking in his mind that it would be better if he didn't attack Japan.
Nurgan in Liaodong is a vast area with a sparse population. The people of various ethnic groups are tough and mostly engage in fishing and hunting.
Moreover, the tribes on the grassland are eyeing us covetously.
If a large army were to go, it would have to be led by a familiar general.
He was the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, whose fiefdom was in Beiping. He dealt with various ethnic groups on the grassland all year round, and was particularly familiar with Nurgan in Liaodong.
After many years of fighting, he rarely suffered defeat.
In addition, Lan Yu, the Duke of Liang, has been promoted to the Grand Commander of the Security Bureau in name only, but in reality he has been demoted. In today's court, who else is more qualified and experienced than him?
Even though it is unlikely that he will be the sole commander, as long as he can go there and take control of such a place, wouldn't it be much better than some barbaric country like Japan?
Moreover, such places are important parts of the country, and there will inevitably be wars for a long time.
This gave him the opportunity to make a contribution.
Thinking of this, a hint of excitement appeared in Zhu Di's eyes.
"Don't think too much. Do you think His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is a vegetarian and will let you, my fourth brother, go?"
"Oh, even if the Duke of Liang is transferred there, he may not let you go. Who wouldn't know what you're thinking?"
Just when Zhu Di was secretly delighted, a familiar voice came from the side in a low voice.
It turned out to be Prince of Jin Zhu Gang, who had long discovered Zhu Di's clues and was observing carefully.
The person who knows you best is your enemy.
Zhu Gang was intelligent, and he guessed Zhu Di's thoughts at once.
He took two steps forward and spoke directly into Zhu Di's ear.
After hearing this, Zhu Di looked shocked and angry, but after Zhu Gang finished speaking, he simply stepped away without giving him a chance to answer.
The veins on his forehead were throbbing, but he could do nothing about it.
This is the Fengtian Temple, we cannot argue here.
After taking two deep breaths, Zhu Di finally calmed down.
At this time, there was a lot of discussion in the court, and everyone agreed with what Ru Rong said.
But Zhu Ying frowned.
After thinking for a while, he said, "Grandpa, what Minister Ru said makes sense. The matter of conquering Japan does not only involve the Ming Dynasty."
"Now, Goryeo's new national teacher Daoyan has transferred 200,000 Goryeo troops to the coast of Busan to cooperate with our Ming Dynasty in conquering Japan in the spring. A few days ago, 80,000 vanguards went out to sea and occupied Tsushima Island."
"We will march together with the Ming Dynasty to conquer Japan in the spring of next year."
"Goryeo and Liaodong are only separated by a river. If we rashly give up the plan to attack Japan, Goryeo will be alone and deep in the enemy's territory, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to continue."
"In this way, the enmity with Goryeo is a minor matter, but the damage to the prestige of the Ming Dynasty is a major matter. Such a morally corrupt act, how can the Ming Dynasty lead the world in the future?"
If Ru Hong really does what she says, Dao Yan will be in big trouble.
Not to mention the dilemma, the reputation of this national master would definitely be ruined.
The demoralization of the army is inevitable. You have to know that the Goryeo army is now holding their breath and conquering Japan to avenge their feud.
It can be said that the arrow is on the string and has to be shot.
In this expedition against Japan, the Ming Dynasty was the main force, with Goryeo as the auxiliary, and the main battlefield was still on the Ming side.
If they give up now, the Goryeo army will definitely not be able to defeat Japan.
Even though Japan has just ended its civil strife and has some shortcomings in terms of combat power, it is still much stronger than Goryeo.
If Goryeo really had this strength, it would have attacked Japan long ago.
I wouldn’t say wait until now.
After Zhu Ying finished speaking, the first person to feel proud was naturally Prince of Jin Zhu Gang.
He looked at Zhu Di with shining eyes, as if saying: See, I knew it wouldn't be that simple.
Zhu Di gritted his teeth.
It was not because of Zhu Ying’s words, but because he was standing next to Zhu Gang at the court meeting.
Who can always withstand such teasing?
He really wanted to stay away from Zhu Gang and change his position, even if it was just standing behind the ministers.
But this position is not something he can change just because he wants to.
In this court, especially as a vassal king, no matter how great the hatred is, you must endure it in front of your father.
Brothers should be respectful and humble to each other, even if it's just for show.
There seemed to be a lot of discussion in the court, but there was always a focus on the princes, especially the imperial censors, who were always busy making trouble.
If there is any violation of etiquette, I will complain to my father.
A scolding is inevitable, but what I am most worried about is the impact on the impression it will have on my father.
Zhu Gang didn't care, but Zhu Di did.
If it affects the impression on my father, it will be difficult to handle too many things.
Thinking of this, Zhu Di closed his eyes slightly.
I will endure it, I will endure it again, I... will continue to endure it!
Zhu Gang's mouth curled up. He was very happy whenever he saw Zhu Di being humiliated.
Sitting on the dragon throne, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly.
What the eldest grandson said really touched his heart.
Zhu Yuanzhang cared a lot about face, especially the face of the Ming Dynasty. If such an incident really happened and Goryeo suffered a loss, how would the tributary states view it? Wouldn't it be a loss of the demeanor of a great power?
This was what Zhu Yuanzhang could not accept the most.
Besides, the plan to invade Japan had already been decided and prepared for several months. If the war was suddenly stopped, wouldn't it make the Japanese pirates even more arrogant and emboldened?
Zhu Yuanzhang hated Japan from the bottom of his heart.
It was too disrespectful to the Ming Dynasty. If it had surrendered honestly at the beginning, nothing would have happened.
At that time, seven Ming Dynasty envoys went to Japan to convey the emperor's will.
Five people were killed and two were detained.
Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and immediately sent another envoy to submit a letter declaring war.
The person who controlled the Southern Dynasty at that time was Prince Huailiang, who was also extremely arrogant. He wrote back to Zhu Yuanzhang:
"I have heard that the Three Sovereigns established the throne, and the Five Emperors passed on the teachings of Buddhism. Only China has a ruler, how can the barbarians be without a ruler? ...
Your Majesty is the ruler of China, a king of ten thousand chariots, with thousands of cities and a territory of a million miles, yet you still feel unsatisfied and often have the intention of exterminating the country. …
I have heard that the Celestial Empire has a plan to start a war, and my small country also has a plan to resist the enemy... We met in front of the Helan Mountains and played a little game. What fear do I have! I have specially sent an envoy to respectfully kowtow to your Majesty, and I hope that the High Kingdom will make plans!"
Prince Huailiang meant that you, Zhu Yuanzhang, are not worthy of being the ruler of China, and it even sounded like a public insult.
At the same time, if you invade my country, I will fight you to the end.
How could Zhu Yuanzhang tolerate this?
Since he proclaimed himself emperor, he has pursued the enemy and driven out the Tartars, restored China, and rebuilt the Chinese country.
The once invincible Mongolian cavalry was defeated and fled to the northern desert.
His civil and military achievements can be said to have shocked the world. Wherever his imperial letters went, all the surrounding barbarian countries bowed in submission.
This Japanese troublemaker is openly resisting like this.
But in the end, Zhu Yuanzhang swallowed his anger.
But this also made Zhu Yuanzhang extremely unhappy.
Now that the fight is about to begin, someone jumps out and says we shouldn't fight.
How can we allow this to damage the reputation of the Ming Dynasty?
"We must attack Japan, defend Liaodong, and wipe out the rebels in Shaanxi."
After a long silence, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up from the dragon throne again and spoke loudly.
"We have conquered the world before, and we are short of soldiers and generals. We have Zhang Shicheng and Chen Youliang, who have more money and more soldiers and generals than us."
"Looking at the past and present, they have turned into dust, and we have established this glorious Ming Dynasty!"
"Now the Ming Dynasty has a territory of tens of millions of miles and millions of soldiers. But you don't even dare to fight these rebels and invading Japanese pirates?"
"Liaodong and Nurgan also belong to the Ming Dynasty, and their people are also the people of the Ming Dynasty."
"What's going on? Are our soldiers too old to lift their swords anymore? Or are they too obsessed with fame and wealth to have the same lofty ambitions as they once had?!"
"Tell us, is it like this!!!"
Zhu Yuanzhang's anger towards Japan, which had been suppressed for many years, finally exploded at this point.
Facing His Majesty's roar, all the civil and military officials, as well as numerous princes, prostrated themselves on the ground and kowtowed.
In the procession of military officers, one man stepped forward, knelt on one knee, clasped his fists in the manner of a military officer and said, "Your Majesty, I, Fu Youde, am willing to fetch all the heads of those Japanese who have disobeyed me, in order to restore the dignity of the Ming Dynasty!"
Then, Duke Feng Sheng of Song also stepped out and saluted, saying, "Your servant Feng Sheng is willing to be the vanguard of the Ming Dynasty and conquer the rebellious people!"
The Duke of Song was Feng Sheng, and the Duke of Ying was Fu Youde.
This is a military leader who is even more experienced than Duke Lan Yu of Liang.
Once upon a time, Lan Yu was just a deputy general under their command.
In the 20th year of Hongwu, Feng Sheng served as the general and led Fu Youde, Lan Yu and others on an expedition to Liaodong, subdued Nahachu, eliminated the remaining forces of the Yuan Dynasty in Liaodong, and was granted the title of Duke of Song.
In the autumn of the 14th year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang appointed Fu Youde as the General of the Southern Expedition, Lan Yu and Mu Ying as deputy generals, and led 300,000 infantry and cavalry to expedition to Yunnan and Guizhou.
It took only over a hundred days to pacify Guizhou and Yunnan.
The appearance of the two big men made the Five Military Governors unable to hold back any longer. They all stood up and walked forward, saying with military courtesy:
"Your servant Cao Zhen."
"Your servant is Zhang Yi."
"Your Highness, Zhu Shou."
"Your Highness Wang Bi."
"Your Highness Ye Sheng."
"What honor does this minister have?"...
"I am willing to be the vanguard of the Ming Dynasty and conquer the rebellious people!!!"
There are many veteran generals, all of whom have made great military achievements, killed countless people, and survived through mountains of blood and corpses to reach today.
Now that Your Majesty is furious, I, as your subject, should empathize with you and should bravely step forward and fight for Your Majesty.
Loud angry voices and violent shouts echoed throughout the Fengtian Hall.
As for the civil and military officials, although there were only a dozen of them, they were as powerful as an army of thousands.
Some timid civil servants were trembling in their hearts, their livers and gallbladders were broken, and their legs were limp.
Fortunately, I was kneeling, otherwise it would be embarrassing.
The army is ready!!!
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed loudly and said, "Pass on my decree. The conquest of Japan remains unchanged. The rebellion in Shaanxi is also to be suppressed. Prepare to dispatch 300,000 troops, 200,000 civilians, and 50,000 oxen to cultivate Nurgan in Liaodong."
"Also, the vast fertile land of Nurgan in Liaodong will be announced to the world. Anyone who is willing to move there with his family will be resettled by the government, and taxes will be reduced by half for three years."
As soon as he finished speaking, all the ministers shouted "Long live the emperor!"
…
After the morning court session ended, Zhu Ying felt that the boiling blood in his body had not yet cooled down.
The majesty of Emperor Hongwu can be seen from this.
Looking back on the time when we conquered the world, it was so magnificent!
Thinking this, I walked to Kunning Palace and saw a man waiting in front.
It was Song Zhong.
"Song Zhong greets His Highness."
Zhu Ying was a little surprised, and then asked: "What's the important matter?"
Generally speaking, Song Zhong was in charge of affairs in the Jinyiwei Yamen. The fact that he was waiting after the morning court session showed that something must have happened.
Song Zhong bowed and said, "Your Highness, this matter concerns Captain Zhang. I don't know what to do, so I have to ask for your instructions."
Zhu Ying nodded slightly upon hearing this and said, "Follow me into the palace to talk."
Song Zhong quickly said, "I obey your order."
Inside the palace, Song Zhong did not say much. He just took out the files related to Zhang San from his arms and asked His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to investigate.
Zhu Ying took it and began to read it.
Soon, Zhu Ying understood the details of Zhang San's affairs.
"According to the rules of the Imperial Guard, how should Zhang San's case be handled? I don't want to hear any lies. This is how it is, it is how it is."
Zhu Ying asked with a frown on his face.
Song Zhong's heart trembled, and he said, "Reporting to Your Highness, according to the rules of the Jinyiwei, we should first detain Captain Zhang and others, and then investigate their affiliation and dismiss them from their posts."
Zhu Ying listened without comment. He tapped the table a few times with his fingertips and said, "This happened yesterday, and you only came to report it to me today. I think you have already investigated the relationship between the two."
"Tell me, what is the relationship between Zhang San and Lu Shuang? Is the Lu family involved in human trafficking?"
Song Zhong did not dare to lie and quickly replied: "Your Highness, according to my investigation, Captain Zhang and the eldest granddaughter of the Lu family, Lu Shuang, have indeed met for the first time and have not had any contact before."
"The head of the Lu family, Lu Hongzhi, has dealings with the Beggars' Sect, but he has not been involved in any activities such as mutilation or human trafficking."
After hearing this, Zhu Ying was also a little confused.
Zhang San is an honest man, and Zhu Ying knows this.
And because of some experiences in his early years, Zhang San doesn't have much desire for women.
According to common sense, this shouldn't be the case.
Not wanting to think any more, Zhu Ying said directly: "Tell Zhang San to come to the palace immediately."
Song Zhong breathed a sigh of relief, as the matter was now in the hands of His Highness.
He himself did not have the courage to deal with Zhang San on his own.
"I obey your highness's orders." Song Zhong bowed.
Seeing He and Song Zhong leave, Zhu Ying was also thinking in his heart.
This matter could be big or small, but seeing as how cautious Song Zhong was in dealing with it, it was clear that Zhang San's behavior had violated the rules of the Jinyiwei Yamen.
He definitely can't continue working as a Jinyiwei.
Although the Jinyiwei were all under Zhu Ying's control, if Zhang San was really innocent, then he was innocent.
But once this precedent is set, it will be difficult to lead the team later.
"The Lu family, if I remember correctly, is a wealthy family that the old man moved from Jiangnan."
Zhu Ying thought about it for a while and came to a rough decision.
Zhang San will definitely be punished, but let's wait and see what the situation is.
The north is short of manpower now, and Zhang San has nothing to do staying in the capital, so it would be better to send him to the north.
As for Nurgan in Liaodong, Zhu Ying naturally had to send his confidants there. He had not thought of who to send before, but unexpectedly Zhang San came to the door himself.
"Zhang San, Zhang San, if you are really interested in Lu Shuang, then I will help you and let the Lu family go with you."
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