Chapter 44 On Liaodong
Although Zhu Yuhuan had imagined that Zhu Zhanji might come, he still felt a little magical when he saw Zhu Zhanji sitting in the main hall with his own eyes.
However, this strange feeling was soon replaced by surprise. When Zhu Yuhuan saw Hu Shanxiang and Zhu Youtong were also there, he couldn't help showing his joy. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Huanhuan greets father and mother."
Zhu Zhanji naturally noticed the change in his daughter's expression and said half-jokingly, "When you saw your mother, your eyes lit up a little."
Zhu Yuhuan was not nervous at all and said with a smile, "Mom has always been the most well-behaved person. She usually only accompanies Dad when he is trying to understand the people's sentiments. But today, she is willing to come to the Princess's Mansion with Dad. Huanhuan is naturally surprised."
"Our Princess Shunde is truly eloquent."
As soon as Zhu Yuhuan arrived, the banquet that had been prepared long ago was quickly presented. There was an imperially gifted square table with carved pineapple flowers in the princess's mansion. Zhu Zhanji originally intended to leave it for Zhu Yuhuan and her future husband to use together, but because they were not in the palace and there were no complicated rules, he simply had the table brought in and the family sat together to dine.
While taking care of the two children, Zhu Youtong and Zhu Qizhen, while Zhu Yuhuan mentioned his experiences at the border to Zhu Zhanji, he took the opportunity to bring up the matter of hoarding land in Liaodong.
Hearing the father and daughter talking about government affairs, Hu Shanxiang originally wanted to take her daughter away, but Zhu Zhanji didn't care at all. He waved his hand at her and said, "Zitong, just sit down. It's just family gossip."
Hu Shanxiang then sat down again and gave Zhu Yuhuan a look, obviously reminding her to be careful with her words.
Stockpiling land was a national affair and involved military affairs. Although Zhu Zhanji called it "idle talk", it was not something that Hu Shanxiang, a female member of the harem, could listen to.
Zhu Yuhuan naturally understood and continued, "Huanhuan is inexperienced after all. He hasn't been in Liaodong for long. I'm just talking about the grain rotation in the imperial farm. I'm afraid that father will laugh at me."
Zhu Zhanji pondered for a moment and said, "While stockpiling farmland is a military matter, it's also an agricultural undertaking. If what you say is true, it's not a bad idea. However... Xihe Imperial Farm is in the capital, far away from Liaodong. The climate and products are completely different. Moreover, Liaodong is remote and sparsely populated..."
Zhu Yuhuan understood the implication of Zhu Zhanji's words and fell silent for a moment, which was unusual for him.
Today, most areas of Liaodong have become wasteland, leaving only the garrisons responsible for guarding against Tatar invasions. There are not enough people to even store farmland, let alone let these soldiers do something that may not be really effective.
After all, if this method ultimately fails, the capital will have to transport grain to Liaodong as subsidies, so Zhu Zhanji would certainly prefer to maintain the status quo.
The embarrassing thing is that Zhu Yuhuan was unable to come up with a result to convince Zhu Zhanji, and Zhu Zhanji could have used this as an excuse to not make any changes.
Zhu Youtong glanced back and forth between the father and daughter. Before she could speak, Zhu Qizhen said, "Dad, so many people have bought your book 'Agriculture Book', which shows that your ideas are very useful. In that case, why don't you do as you say? We are so capable. If we can't grow enough crops, we can use the grain in the warehouse as a subsidy."
Seeing his confident look, Zhu Zhanji suddenly felt overwhelmed. His tone became a little stiff as he said, "The soldiers in Liaodong are already suffering from the cold weather, and transporting food and fodder from the capital also risks damage. Zhen'er, you are still young and don't understand anything. Don't talk nonsense."
Zhu Qizhen was a little unconvinced and said, "My sister is not that old, but she can still help Dad with his worries. Why can't I do the same?"
Zhu Yuhuan was afraid that the child would faint from anger at Zhu Zhanji, so he quickly interrupted and said, "This is not a trivial matter. What Dad said does make some sense. Brother Zhen, don't be stubborn."
Zhu Youtong, who was standing next to him, couldn't help but gloat in her heart, but she still looked like a good girl and said, "Daddy, don't be angry. My brother is just too young and doesn't understand things. He will be fine when he grows up."
Hu Shanxiang coughed lightly, reached out and patted Zhu Youtong's arm, signaling her not to speak casually.
But Zhu Youtong's words only added fuel to the fire.
Zhu Qizhen became increasingly dissatisfied and said seriously, "Last time, that old man Yang praised me as King Wu. Mr. Wang told me that King Wu was an amazing and wise monarch. This means that I am also very smart and can give advice to my father like my sister."
Zhu Yuhuan saw the veins on Zhu Zhanji's forehead throbbing, and couldn't help coughing. He said, "This is just a small matter. The most important thing now is to promote agricultural tools and effective farming methods."
Zhu Zhanji now had a reason to soften his tone and said to Zhu Qizhen, "Listen more to your elder sister and don't be so arrogant. Go back and read a few more books, write down your thoughts, and then show them to me."
When Zhu Qizhen heard that he had to study and write some notes, he couldn't help but pout and looked at his sister for help.
At least this kid was on his side outwardly. Zhu Yuhuan said, "Dad, Zhen'er is still learning. It's not good for him to always read those big books. Besides, he has good intentions. As long as he has a famous teacher to teach him after he goes out to study, he will definitely achieve great things in the future."
Zhu Zhanji naturally understood this, so he took advantage of the situation and said, "Zhen'er, you've barely even left the palace, yet you speak so eloquently about Liaodong...Hasn't your Master Wang ever taught you the story of someone who only cares about military affairs? Since you have so many theories about Liaodong, let Yishiha explain exactly what it is, and then have your sister explain the situation there in detail. I wonder if you, the Crown Prince, will still be full of empty talk."
Zhu Qizhen was not very happy at first, but when he heard Zhu Yuhuan was there, he muttered, "Okay..."
At least my sister’s stories are more interesting, just as good as Mr. Wang’s.
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