"As long as we don't rob the silver mines, everything is negotiable," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile. "If the imperial uncles are interested, they can go there. If the imperial uncles are not willing to go, then when I have many descendants in the future, I may have to settle one or two there."
Old Zhu snorted coldly and said irritably, "Send your fourth uncle, seventh uncle, and fourteenth uncle over there. You promised that they would start construction in Kaifeng and establish a country!"
Even though his great-grandchildren couldn't see it, Zhu Yuanzhang still granted his sons certain privileges. Japan, though small, wasn't too small either. Settling his three sons there was quite a good idea; they could become kings there, true feudal lords.
Da Zhu coughed and said, "Father, the fourth and seventh princes are not bad, they both have military skills. The youngest fourteenth prince is not very old either, two years younger than Ying'er. If you ask me, let's wait a bit longer and let Yunwen go instead."
This is all about vying for better treatment for one's son. Being a vassal king within the Ming Dynasty is certainly good, but becoming a prince in a not-too-bad place would be even better.
"You're the eldest brother, so I'll give your descendants some good land in the future." Old Zhu said unreasonably, making a firm decision. "The people in Japan are quite fierce, and Yunwen doesn't know anything about military strategy. It would be better for the fourth brother and the others to go and establish a base."
The family of three simply divided the land without feeling anything was wrong, taking it all for granted. If a good spot came along, of course they'd grab it first; other things weren't really worth discussing right now.
As if remembering something, Da Zhu asked, "What about Goryeo? The land of the Three Hans was originally the homeland of the Han people. If we take this place, my brothers should also have a base of territory."
Old Zhu looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with anticipation. He had imagined vassal kings protecting the court, but that was only within their own territory. But his own descendants were truly powerful, conquering neighboring small states and establishing fiefdoms there—that was true 'feudalism,' that was true feudalism!
"Grandson is thinking of a plan to use a pretext to destroy Guo." Looking at Old Zhu, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Li Cheng Gui is quite capable. After this minor victory, grandson is forcing him to send troops to be the vanguard of our Great Ming."
Old Zhu clapped his hands excitedly and said, "This is a great move! It weakens their national strength and allows us to easily take over Japan. Once we've swallowed Japan, we can turn around and deal with those other people!"
It would be too much effort to swallow Japan and Korea in one go, but Zhu Xiong Ying thought it was possible to get Korea to help fight Japan.
In war, a strong army and sound tactics greatly increase the chances of victory. However, that's not all. Once some territory is conquered, it needs to be properly digested, which is a time-consuming and laborious process, not something easily accomplished.
In fact, whether it was the old Zhu, the eldest Zhu, or the young Zhu, they all knew this principle. Therefore, after conquering Japan, their strategy was to govern while fighting, and they did not immediately include Goryeo in their conquest plans.
Having more land is certainly a good thing, but the Ming Dynasty simply doesn't have the strength to swallow both territories in one go. So it's best to be a little more cautious and take over Japan in a relatively easier way before setting your sights on Korea.
In the midst of laughter and conversation, some things were temporarily settled. Of course, this only slightly confirmed some external matters; domestic affairs also need to be addressed now.
Zhu Xiong Ying asked, "Grandfather, were there any promising talents among the graduates of last year's imperial examination?"
Last year, Old Zhu shook his head and said, "He's too idealistic; he needs to be tempered."
Zhu Xiong Ying jokingly asked, "Was that six-time top scholar also like this?"
Last year's top scholar was Xu Guan, who ranked first in the provincial examination, prefectural examination, county examination, and also first in the provincial examination, metropolitan examination, and palace examination.
The Ming Dynasty's civil administration is currently quite good. Although Emperor Zhu has been ruthless in cracking down on corrupt officials and severely suppressing scholars in recent years, scholars still aspire to serve in the court, making the imperial examinations the most important pathway to officialdom.
Whether you want a nobleman in white robes or someone who refuses to serve, that's fine too; Old Zhu won't tolerate these kinds of people. Trying to gain fame might just cost you your life.
Think about it carefully; that's just how Zhu Yuanzhang is. The Crown Prince, too, likes to do good deeds, sending some scholars who yearn for the Mongol Yuan dynasty to the grasslands... If you're going to study, then study properly, just don't let it make you stupid!
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