Zhu Xiong Ying nodded firmly, this point was very clear, "Grandpa, I've said before that I'll go there too. Then we'll be a family. Once I ascend the throne, I'll start building the mausoleum immediately. Or maybe we shouldn't build Grandpa's mausoleum yet, it's been under construction for over twenty years. Let's build the mausoleum for me first."
Building a mausoleum is not a taboo topic, because under normal circumstances, emperors would start building their mausoleums as soon as they ascended the throne.
Old Zhu immediately smiled and said, "Our mausoleum is almost finished, but it will take a little longer these next two years. Don't build your mausoleum yet, it's bad luck. If you really want it to be near us, we'll have someone help you choose a location."
Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and immediately said, "When the time comes, the mausoleums of the Emperor Grandfather and Emperor Grandmother should be a bit higher so that they can see their grandson. But let's agree that they shouldn't be too close, because the grandson will be grown up and married by then."
Old Zhu pretended to be unhappy and said, "You didn't say that before. Before, you couldn't wait to be right next to us. Now that you have a wife, you want to stay away from us?! Fine, we'll send someone to check. As long as we can see you and Biao'er, that's enough."
This is somewhat heartbreaking. Old Zhu was a man who valued family very much. However, in his life, his two most important family members both passed away. Perhaps now, what Old Zhu worries about most is his son, Xiao Zhu, and the empire he built.
The two of them drank some wine and ate some food, chatting idly. Xu Miaoqing came over after she had coaxed Zhu Wenying to sleep. However, Xu Miaoqing dared not be careless in front of Old Zhu, this feudal and old-fashioned man.
In the palace, no one dared to set rules for Xu Miaoqing, but now, in front of Old Zhu, she consciously did her duty. For example, she personally arranged the meals. Now, she was also the one cleaning up the dishes.
"Grandfather, I plan to ban copper coins in a while," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile. "Silver is more readily available, and paper money can also be used. Copper coins are out of the question. Casting copper coins is time-consuming and laborious, and besides, the Ming Dynasty needs firearms, which require copper."
Old Zhu thought about it carefully and said, "Alright, this is a good idea. The state should issue paper money and allow it to circulate in conjunction with copper coins, which is intended to benefit the people. Issuing an imperial edict would offend people. Gold, silver, and paper money will suffice; copper coins are unnecessary."
Old Zhu continued, “It was a good thing that you planted cotton in the north a couple of years ago. We also plan to encourage people to use their spare land to plant mulberry, jujube, and kapok trees. We have enough grain, so planting some cotton will help us get through the winter and make clothes. Now that the country is at peace, we also plan to build some restaurants to welcome guests from all directions.”
These restaurants are different in nature; they obviously have some diplomatic attributes, which Zhu Xiong Ying thought was fine.
Zhu Xiong Ying continued his conversation with Old Zhu. The Ming Dynasty was currently quite powerful, with ample grain reserves. However, this didn't mean they could rest easy; some things needed to be planned for in advance.
Therefore, Zhu De and Zhu Xiong Ying quickly reached a consensus that water conservancy projects were absolutely necessary. While the weather was indeed favorable now, no one could guarantee against the possibility of natural disasters at any time. Water conservancy projects were essential; even if they didn't guarantee a guaranteed harvest regardless of drought or flood, they would at least provide the people with some resources to withstand natural disasters.
There were already some laborers available, and the convicts also needed to be put to use. Zhu Xiong Ying had always found it easy to utilize these cheap labor resources.
The country is peaceful and prosperous now, but there's nothing to be satisfied with. The Ming Dynasty is strong now, but it can be even stronger; there's still much room for improvement, and the nation can become even more powerful.
Since they had such ideals, it naturally meant that they couldn't stand still and needed to continue to progress. As the emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, and as the crown prince, Zhu Xiong Ying, they needed to set a good example and couldn't afford to be complacent and indulge in pleasure at this time.
There didn't seem to be much change. Old Zhu was still leading Young Zhu in reviewing memorials and studying state affairs. It seemed that nothing had changed.
However, as many people know, it's impossible for things to remain completely unchanged at this time; there are some undercurrents, which is perfectly normal.
Actually, all these things were due to Da Zhu's early death and Lao Zhu's need to pave the way for Xiao Zhu. Naturally, these preparatory works needed to be handled well and could not be taken lightly.
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