Zhu Yunwen genuinely wanted to escape. He felt there were certain things he shouldn't hear, things that were too sensitive for him. However, escaping wasn't easy. He could be a scoundrel, a spoiled brat, and even a bit defiant—all without consequence.
However, such incidents were rare. He dared not provoke his two elder sisters. If his elder brother spoke up, he could only obediently comply. If he were to occasionally contradict his grandfather, he would be terrified for a long time afterward.
Zhu Yunwen knew he had to listen obediently; he was well aware that he couldn't refuse certain things.
Old Zhu didn't care what Zhu Yunwen was thinking; he was only concerned with his eldest grandson's plans. He felt it was necessary for Zhu Yunwen not to participate in military service for the next few years, or rather, not to wage major wars.
War is a good thing; it can make the Ming Dynasty's military might tremble in the hearts of the surrounding vassal states, which is a good thing. However, fighting on all sides is not necessarily a good thing; the Ming Dynasty still needs time to recuperate and rebuild its strength. The people of the Ming Dynasty also need some time to boost their morale.
"I plan to take a break for the next few years, to focus on farming and reforming the system. With Grandfather still around, we can use his authority as a shield. Also, these years will allow us to make some internal adjustments," Zhu Yunying said to his father, showing his confidence. "These things will take time."
Old Zhu understood some things and said, "We don't like scholars, and we were an emperor who rose from the ashes, so scholars are somewhat disheartened."
"I never intended to be just a military emperor; I need to excel in both civil and military affairs," Zhu Yunying said proudly to his father. "Now, it's indeed a good time for us to win over the hearts of the scholars."
Zhu Yunying nodded, agreeing with the sentiment. "Yes, it's time for the scholars of our Great Ming to show off a little."
Zhu Yunying indeed looked down on some scholars. However, he also knew that both literary and military skills needed to be valued. A two-pronged approach was the right way, and this was Zhu Yunying's true belief.
Zhu Yunying didn't care about those things and said with great interest, "Grandpa, I'm going to refactor your coins from a few years ago. I've been thinking about this for a long time, and I think it's time to properly sort them out."
Hongwu Tongbao coins were copper coins minted by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. However, in recent years, the Ming Dynasty faced a copper shortage, and the silver reserves were increasing, so Hongwu Tongbao coins were no longer issued. Although there were prohibitions, not all of them were completely recalled and destroyed.
The other one is naturally the Ming Dynasty paper money, which is also extremely important.
Zhu Yunying spoke up, saying to his father, "In previous years, I forbade princes from taking up their fiefs, and in recent years, the stipends of the imperial clan have also been decreasing. Many people are complaining about us, and I know about these things. However, the Maritime Trade Office is not an option, and moreover, the Maritime Trade Office should not always be managed by the imperial clan, otherwise, it will set a bad precedent."
Old Zhu was in a dilemma; both sides were his flesh and blood. "We've thought about this over the past few years. The money and goods obtained by the Maritime Trade Office should belong to the imperial court. However, our imperial family should also get a share. This is a good thing, but it can't continue like this in the long run."
It wasn't just Old Zhu who felt there were bad signs; Zhu Yunying also sensed something amiss.
Currently, members of the imperial clan are getting involved in some matters related to the Maritime Trade Office, which allows them to make some money. However, this trend is not good. Right now, the imperial clan can get a share of the pie, but next, some bureaucrats and powerful landlords might try to take over and expand their influence.
Zhu Yunying never intended for the imperial court or the royal family to monopolize such a huge pie as the Maritime Trade Office; it was only right that a portion of the profits be shared. However, absolute control must remain with the imperial court—this was the absolute bottom line.
Zhu Yunying smiled and said to his father, "I have a big business opportunity, and the members of the imperial clan can also get a share. If it's done well, not only will our clan no longer complain, but we'll also have a solid foundation for our livelihood."
Zhu Yunying said mysteriously to his father, "Your grandson is planning to set up a bank!"
Old Zhu was taken aback, somewhat puzzled, "A silversmith's trade?"
“No, this bank is a good thing, in my grandson’s plan it will be no worse than the Ministry of Revenue. But this bank is still under the Ministry of Revenue after all.” Zhu Yunying no longer hid it and said, “Theoretically, if someone deposits money in our bank, we will pay them interest.”
Old Zhu was stunned when he heard this, and said with dissatisfaction, "Damn it, we're helping to keep it safe, he should be the one to pay us!"
It wasn't that Old Zhu was ignorant; the concept of a 'bank' already existed. It did exist during the Song Dynasty, except that in those banks, depositors paid a safekeeping fee. So, upon hearing about interest payments, Old Zhu was displeased, feeling that even his clever grandson had his moments of ignorance, and that he was still somewhat too young for his grandson's age.
Zhu Yunying was not surprised, because Zhu Yunying's knowledge was not limited. These things were indeed limited by the times, and it was normal for Zhu Yunying not to see them.
Zhu Yunying continued, "Grandfather, my bank isn't just for holding people's money. We're going to extract all the money from the wealthy, so that they don't end up digging up their money in their homes and burying it all underground. That's not a good thing!"
This is certainly not a good thing, and it's something that Joo Yoon-young desperately wants to reverse; it's something he must do well.
However, getting the money out of one's hands is not an easy task. This is a habit formed over thousands of years: it is better to keep the money in one's own hands.
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