Daming: After self-explosive time travel, Lao Zhu's mentality collapsed

"By the way, I heard that this great victory was thanks to a new weapon developed by you, called the 'tank'?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

"That's right." Chu Ze replied, "This tank is the Ming version developed by my team after months of hard work day and night, referring to the principles of Western 'tracked armored vehicles'."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang could not help but slam his head and said, "Great! You are indeed a pillar of the Ming Dynasty!"

"Your Majesty, thank you for your praise." Chu Ze said modestly, "It is only with your Majesty's trust and support that I can lead the team to overcome difficulties. Although this tank is extremely powerful, it still has many shortcomings and needs to be further improved."

"Under your rule, Fengyang is thriving, the people are rich and the army is strong. I have full confidence in your ability. The advent of this tank is icing on the cake," Zhu Yuanzhang said earnestly.

"This time when I came to Beijing to report on my work, I also brought a detailed plan for the Fengyang reform. Please take a look, Your Majesty." Chu Ze took out a thick stack of memorials from the box he carried with him.

Zhu Yuanzhang took the memorial and flipped through a few pages. He was amazed by the rich pictures and text and clear structure.

"In just a few months, you have implemented so many new policies in Fengyang. It is really not easy." Zhu Yuanzhang sighed.

"This is all thanks to your majesty's kindness." Chu Ze said, "If it weren't for your majesty's recommendation, my ideas would only be empty talk."

"My dear minister, there is no need to be modest. This time, I have the idea of ​​promoting the Fengyang experience throughout the country." Zhu Yuanzhang said seriously.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Chu Ze was overjoyed. "If the Fengyang model can blossom and bear fruit in China, it will surely enable our Ming Dynasty to rise rapidly and become one of the world's powerful countries!"

"But Fengyang is just a state after all. My dear, I'm afraid you need a bigger platform to display your talents and win the support of the people," Zhu Yuanzhang said meaningfully.

"I am willing to go through fire and water for the Ming Dynasty without hesitation." Chu Ze answered firmly.

"Okay! That's settled. From now on, I appoint you as the imperial commissioner, with full responsibility for supervising the counties throughout the country and promoting the new policy." Zhu Yuanzhang made the decision immediately.

"I will obey your command!" Chu Ze's blood immediately boiled. He knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would allow his ambitions and ideals to shine brightly in a wider world.

The next day, Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict to appoint Chu Ze as the imperial commissioner. Officials from all over the country were all shocked when they received the imperial edict.

"Who is Chu Ze? Why did His Majesty give him such an important task?"

"It is said that he is a capable official of Fengyang, and has made great achievements in the state."

"But Fengyang is not the same as the rest of the world. Your Majesty, are you planning to make some drastic changes?"

There was a lot of discussion in the capital. The officials were both curious and wary of this newly arrived imperial envoy.

At this time, Chu Ze had no time to pay attention to the outside world's reactions. He was in the court, explaining his strategy for governing the country to the ministers:
"Today, the world has a vast territory and a large population. If we want long-term peace and stability, we must develop the economy and stabilize people's livelihood. To develop the economy, we must first open up a transportation network that extends in all directions."

"Transportation? Does the Imperial Envoy mean building bridges and roads?" a minister asked.

"Not only that." Chu Ze said, "During his tenure as the prefect of Fengyang, he oversaw the construction of a new railway named 'Enterprise'. It is faster than traditional roads and has a larger cargo capacity, which has greatly promoted the prosperity of the regional economy."

"Railway? What is that?"

"It's a long story. In short, a railway is to lay two parallel rails on a flat roadbed, and then use a steam locomotive to pull the cargo carriages and run at high speed on the tracks." Chu Ze explained patiently. The ministers were confused and looked at each other.

"Isn't this just a means of transportation? What's the big deal?" a sharp-tongued official sneered.

"Everyone, do you remember that the Ming Dynasty's postal service traveled thousands of miles a day and was unrivaled in the world?" Chu Ze asked back.

"Of course. The post station system of our Ming Dynasty has always been praised by foreign countries."

"Have you ever imagined what it would be like if one day ordinary people could travel thousands of miles conveniently?" Chu Ze's eyes sparkled.

The ministers were speechless for a moment.

"Everyone, what we are discussing today is not just a means of transportation, but also the prelude to a brand new era." Chu Ze said in a sonorous tone, "An era with faster logistics, more frequent flows of people, more prosperous commerce, and more prosperous culture. Railways are the bridge to this era!"

"But building a railway requires huge amounts of money. How can we raise the money?" someone asked worriedly.

"The 'Enterprise' in Fengyang was entirely financed by local finances. Now that it is being promoted nationwide, how can the national treasury afford it?"

"For this reason, railway construction cannot rely solely on the state, but must attract private capital," Chu Ze said. "In terms of fundraising and operation, the enthusiasm of merchants and local officials must be fully mobilized. The state provides policy support, the private sector raises funds, and local officials organize and implement it. With concerted efforts, we will be able to overcome all difficulties."

His words sparked another round of discussion among the civil and military officials in the court.

"The Imperial Envoy is worthy of his background in economics. He actually came up with such a novel fundraising concept." Some people praised sincerely.

"I hope this railway will not become a cash cow for businessmen and local tyrants." Some people are still worried.

Chu Ze smiled slightly: "I understand your concerns. But I believe that as long as we establish rules and regulations, we can prevent rent-seeking and corruption. Let the railway benefit all people, not just a few people. This requires us to work together."

Just when the discussion was in full swing, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, signaling his ministers to be quiet.

"I have understood what the Imperial Envoy has proposed. I will leave the railway issue to you. I believe that under your planning, China will be well connected within three years." Zhu Yuanzhang said meaningfully.

"I will do my best and live up to your Majesty's trust." Chu Ze said confidently.

In this way, starting from the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Chu Ze began the grand blueprint of railway construction. For a time, the surveying team traveled through mountains and rivers, the workers sweated profusely, the merchants rushed at lightning speed, and the officials from all walks of life were very busy.

But as the construction progressed, resistance and friction also arose. The selection of railway sites often affected local interests, and the financing was full of bargaining. Communication between local officials and businessmen also frequently encountered setbacks.

Some people were worried that the railway would destroy fertile farmland and harm Feng Shui. Some people suspected that the railway would hinder military affairs and be detrimental to national defense. There were also some rebellious people who deliberately destroyed the tracks to show their dissatisfaction.

Chu Ze and his team resolved conflicts and overcame difficulties time and time again. They worked hard to solve technical problems. They argued for their rights when faced with conflicts of interest. They publicized rumors. Their efforts paid off. Three years later, when the new railway was opened to traffic, the whole country was moved.

Armored vehicles roared, steam billowed, and a brand new train drove out of the capital station with great momentum.

The words "Tianxing" on the body of the car sparkled brightly in the morning sun. (End of this chapter)