July, the second month of pregnancy, is a season of harvest.

In the southern region, whether it is double-season rice or triple-season rice, harvesting must begin in early July.

The early rice matures in July. After harvesting, the fields must be plowed and rice seedlings must be planted immediately. The late rice seedlings must be planted around the beginning of autumn, which is commonly known as the double grab.

For the Ming Dynasty, which was based on agriculture, rice harvesting, especially during the double-harvest season, was the most important.

The whole country is busy with this matter, which is truly related to livelihood, food and clothing, and peace.

Whether it was the capital or local officials, they all had to go to the countryside at this time.

On the one hand, it is supervision, and on the other hand, it is inspection.

In the Huagai Hall of the Ming Imperial Palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang rarely reviewed memorials, but kept checking some relevant information about the harvest.

Zhu Ying was naturally there with him.

"This year's harvest is really good, especially the high-yield crops that our eldest grandson brought over earlier. We only have some news about it around the capital now."

"But as of now, the yield per mu has reached 800 kilograms."

"According to this calculation, the national treasury will definitely become more abundant this year."

"We heard from officials at the Ministry of Revenue that it is because of these high-yield crops and the cheaper options that the price of rice has been affected."

"The current rice price in the market is already the lowest in the past 20 years. The last time the rice price was so low was because of three consecutive years of bumper harvests."

"According to estimates by officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the current rice price is far from reaching its lowest point and will continue to fall."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled very happily.

Because this year's harvest for the Ming Dynasty was not a bumper year, it could only be said to be passable. Moreover, because of the expedition of 500,000 troops to Japan, the court consumed too much food and the national treasury was almost empty.

Minor famines also occurred in some areas.

However, even in this situation, when the rice was harvested, the price of rice showed a continuous downward trend.

At one time, Zhu Yuanzhang was unfamiliar with business, especially the market prices of goods.

I don’t understand the rules of business, so I don’t feel much about the rise and fall of some prices.

But now it is different, because the continuous development of the Zhuying Chamber of Commerce in the capital has made Zhu Yuanzhang pay more attention to it.

In addition to his own talent and quick learning, he also had the guidance of his eldest grandson.

This enabled Zhu Yuanzhang to have a detailed understanding of some business changes.

As for the current situation, the price of rice can still drop so drastically, which only shows that the advantages of high-yield crops are reflected at this time.

Zhu Ying thought for a moment and said, "Currently in Japan, due to the ravages of the hurricane, the most serious area is Kyushu Island where our army is currently stationed."

"The rice grown by Japan on Kyushu Island has a significant shortage, due to both natural disasters and man-made disasters."

"Fortunately, Duke Song arranged for all the fleets to return some time ago."

Upon hearing the news from Japan, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "We have already issued an edict to allow Shanghai County to be given priority in loading military rations."

"Fortunately, we have high-yield crops now, otherwise, it would be much more difficult to conquer Japan."

"Some time ago, when Da Sun was inspecting Hangzhou, we received a document from the Japanese envoy."

"These guys are really funny. They actually came to us to make peace. It's true that they don't know how to be polite until they fight."

"But it's too late to ask for peace with us now. Let's not talk about other places, at least the silver mountain that Da Sun mentioned must be occupied."

"We have enough food in the Ming Dynasty, but we are still short of silver."

Japan is also an agriculture-based country, mainly growing rice.

Japan's rice production has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is that the climate has simultaneous rain and heat, fertile soil, and numerous rivers and lakes, which are conducive to rice irrigation.

The disadvantage is that the plain area is small and the paddy fields are scattered.

And because of the environment and climate, rice in Japan can only be harvested once a year.

The people of Japan had a very difficult time being self-sufficient in terms of food, so how could Zhu Yuanzhang have the idea of ​​conquering them after learning about these things?

But now with Yinshan, it’s completely different.

War is all about interests.

Without enough benefits, there will be losses.

At present, on Kyushu Island, there are not only famous generals like Duke of Song, but also Prince of Yan Zhu Di, Prince of Jin Zhu Gang, and Prince of Qi Zhu Gui.

Among Zhu Yuanzhang's many sons, they all inherited excellent military talents.

Therefore, we only need to maintain the supply of food and wages to the Japanese expeditionary force, and then we will definitely not lose anything in the conquest of Japan.

"Grandpa is really thoughtful." Zhu Ying said with a smile.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "Okay, we still have a lot of things to deal with here. Grandson, you should go and accompany your wife first."

"In a few months, you will be a father, and it will be time for us to have great-grandchildren."

"You must take good care of our great-grandson. It would be best if he gave birth to a big fat boy."

Listening to the old man's words, Zhu Ying's face was filled with happiness.

…

After four months of pregnancy, Ye Yueqing's belly is already slightly bulging.

According to the imperial physician, it is almost certain that it is a boy.

Zhu Ying didn't care much about these things. After all, she was influenced by some things in her past life. There was no need for her to be too entangled about the boys and girls.

We just need to take good care of Ye Yueqing's health, and she will surely have more children in the future, and naturally there will be boys.

The first boy born would be the heir to the Ming Empire.

During the next few days, Zhu Ying didn't do anything else. He occasionally read memorials and then accompanied Ye Yueqing for walks and rest.

Although pregnancy lasts ten months, the actual duration is only a little over nine months.

According to the current time calculation, Ye Yueqing is due to give birth in five months, which is exactly at the end of the 26th year of Hongwu, or the beginning of the 27th year.

There is no need to worry too much about these things, as imperial doctors and midwives have already been prepared in Kunning Palace.

No matter when you are born, you can prepare in a very short time.

However, the peaceful life lasted less than seven days before it was interrupted by an urgent military report from the southwest border.

"It's simply outrageous. How dare these small countries dare to invade our border at this time? Do they really think we are too old to be bullied?"

Zhu Yuanzhang roared angrily during the morning court session.

The southwestern region is the Yunnan border previously guarded by Mu Ying.

Three neighboring countries, Ava, Luchuan and Menggen, joined forces to invade the Yunnan border of the Ming Dynasty.

At the same time, harassment of the Ming border from the grassland began to become more frequent.

The border issues between the north and the south are naturally very difficult for the current Ming Dynasty.

It may seem troublesome, but it’s actually pretty good.

For example, in the southwest, the combined forces of the three countries only have more than 100,000 soldiers.

In Yunnan alone, there are many garrisons, which together can gather almost 200,000 soldiers, without any problem.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's edict, Mu Chun, the son of Mu Ying who inherited the title last year, has already started to lead his soldiers into battle.

However, there are many mountains in Yunnan, so it would be quite troublesome to fight there.

In the court, more than ten foreign officials were tied up here.

"We have been kind to you, so why do you want to attack the Ming Dynasty at this time?" Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the foreign ministers who were being forced to come with a gloomy face.

These people were basically envoys stationed in the Ming Dynasty, representing their own countries, and they agreed to and undertook the task of paying tribute and trading.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. We don't know what happened in the country. This must be caused by some villain."

"Yes, our Ava country has always been loyal to His Majesty the Ming Dynasty and would never do such a thing."

"Your Majesty, how could our Luchuan Kingdom invade the southwest? Our king admires the Central Plains the most and would never do such a thing."

The foreign ministers kowtowed hard and begged continuously.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang, who was already furious, didn't care about these things.

"Could it be that our military reports are all fake?"

"Drag them all out and behead them. These small countries will no longer participate in tribute trade. If they send more people, they will be driven out directly."

Following the order of Lord Zhu Yuanzhang, more than a dozen envoys who were brought in from Tianjie Temple were all beheaded at the gate of Fengtian Hall after leaving behind a few screams.

The officials in the Fengtian Hall were trembling with fear because they knew that the former emperor had returned.

Once the murderous intent is aroused, it is not easy to put it back.

The officials' guesses were very accurate, a result of their years of experience in the imperial court.

In the following days, several officials in the Fengtian Hall were beheaded.

They all involved some corruption issues, and they were not dealt with so severely before, but when Zhu Yuanzhang was in a bad mood, he would naturally take out his anger on some people.

It was impossible for Zhu Ying to protect those who were corrupt and committed lawlessness.

The Yunnan area is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Military reports can be transmitted to the capital city by traveling along the river day and night for only four or five days.

The first round of military reports was not good news.

The allied forces of the Three Kingdoms broke through the city and destroyed the stronghold in a very short time and approached rapidly. However, Mu Chun was obviously not prepared and was taken advantage of.

"I report that although the current Xiping Marquis Mu Chun is the son of the King of Qianning, his ability to command troops is weak and far inferior to that of his father, which has led to the loss of many cities and the displacement of the people under his rule. Mu Chun should be held accountable."

"I second the proposal. Now that the Ming Dynasty is engaged in wars on many fronts, its military strength is a little insufficient. However, the current Xiping Marquis Mu Chun, with an army of 200,000, is still bullied by a small country. This is a serious fault."

"I have reported that the border is mountainous and the situation is complicated. The soldiers of the Three Kingdoms are mostly indigenous people and are very good at mountain warfare. Therefore, it is difficult for Xiping Hou to defend the barrier. This is a common occurrence in the military."

In the court, because of Mu Chun, there was a huge quarrel. Ministers kept coming out, either to request severe punishment or to ask the emperor to arrange soldiers for support immediately. It was a mess.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and looked at Zhu Ying beside him.

"Grandpa, I have seen Mu Chun. He has followed King Qianning since he was young. He is quite methodical when commanding troops in battle."

"This time it was a deliberate move, a temporary defeat doesn't really matter."

"Yunnan has a vast territory and many mountains and forests, so it is already a very urgent time."

"My grandson believes that it won't take too long for Mu Chun to achieve victory."

Zhu Ying said slowly.

But these words made all the ministers below shut up.

Coming from Zhu Ying, it was basically a done deal. Although some officials wanted to use this as an opportunity to suppress military officers, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince directly determined the general direction.

Naturally, there is no room for impeachment.

At this moment, Yunnan border.

As the new generation of Xiping Hou, Mu Chun personally took charge.

Facing the coalition forces of the Three Kingdoms, there was no sign of fear of fighting.

There are many mountains and dense forests in Yunnan. If the Central Plains army comes here, the combat effectiveness will drop by at least 40%. However, here, the main soldiers led by Mu Chun are not Han people.

Among the nearly 200,000 troops, 150,000 were local Yunnan natives who had lived in the lush forests for a long time.

The army may seem chaotic, but in fact each has its own methods.

"This Luchuan country is full of rebellious people. In the 21st and 22nd years of Hongwu, the King of Qianning defeated Luchuan twice and fought all the way to its lair."

"It's only been a few years, and they've rebelled again. The King of Qianning was too lenient at the beginning. In my opinion, he should have just conquered them all."

In the center of the army, a general next to Mu Chun spoke up.

This general followed Mu Ying in his battles for many years, and then he settled down in Yunnan and followed Mu Ying from then on.

I have a very good understanding of some of the things that happened before.

Mu Chun was more friendly and gentle to these generals who followed his father. He said, "Uncle Zhang, Luchuan was probably coerced this time. After being pacified several times by my father, the country has long lost its vitality."

"The main force among them is either Ava or Menggen. I think Ava is more likely."

General Zhang asked in confusion, "This country of Ava doesn't border our Ming Dynasty, and its territory is behind Luchuan and Menggen. Why are they joining in the fun? Do they really think that our Mu Palace is easy to bully?"

Mu Chun paused for a moment and said, "I read the imperial report a while ago. Our Ming Dynasty is now fighting against Japan. We have raised an army of 500,000 and have already occupied Japan's Kyushu Island."

"On the grassland, a large number of people have gathered again because of the fertile land of Liaodong."

"When these small countries see this, they want to fish in troubled waters. This is really ridiculous."

At this moment, a postman came galloping over on horseback from the army in the rear.

"Marquis Xiping, urgent news from the capital."

Mu Chun took the document, checked it, and snorted coldly, "These court officials, even at this time, still want to impeach me. They really don't know what they are talking about. They deserve death."

The generals accompanying him hurriedly asked, "My Lord, is there any change in the capital?"

Mu Chun shook his head and said, "It was just some civil servants who impeached us for abandoning the city, but His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has already rejected it."

"Don't worry about them, just march according to our designated plan."