Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Chapter 477: The Western Han Dynasty planned to train war horses to drive out the barbarians and protect the border

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was as heavy as the gloomy sky before a storm, so depressing that it made people feel breathless.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, his brows like two tightly locked mountains.

His deep eyes were like a deep pool, filled with a thoughtful look, as if he was weighing many important matters concerning the fate of the Ming Dynasty.

The ministers stood with their hands hanging down, on both sides.

The entire Fengtian Hall was so silent that only the faint sound of people's breathing could be heard. Everyone held their breath and concentrated, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

In this silence, Zhu Gang's figure appeared as tall and straight as a pine tree.

He stood straight and his steps were steady and powerful.

Every step he took was like a heavy hammer hitting a drum, with an unhurried yet unquestionable certainty.

It seemed as if the ground of this hall was carrying a majesty unique to a vassal king because of his footsteps, just like the solid earth carrying towering mountains.

Zhu Gang was wearing a gorgeous yet dignified robe, the delicate patterns on the robe were faintly visible as he walked.

Just like the twinkling stars in the night sky, it highlights Zhu Gang's noble status.

He walked to the center of the hall, stopped and stood upright.

It is like a carefully carved stone statue, motionless, revealing an innate solemnity and calmness.

Zhu Gang then lowered his head slightly, raised his hands gracefully, and saluted respectfully towards Zhu Yuanzhang.

The movements were as natural as flowing water, yet as rigorous and meticulous as a precision tool made by a craftsman.

Every subtle gesture and every well-timed bend demonstrates the royal etiquette.

His every move was full of dignity and majesty, as if he exuded an innate nobility and bearing.

Just like a shining pearl, one can immediately tell that he is an extraordinary vassal king.

After completing the ceremony, Zhu Gang slowly stood up.

Those broad shoulders are like beams that can bear a heavy burden.

The straight back, like a flagpole piercing the sky, gives people a feeling of reliability and perseverance.

He raised his face slightly and looked around at everyone solemnly, his eyes deep and steady.

Just like the cold stars in the quiet night sky, it reveals a kind of sophistication that comes from having experienced the vicissitudes of life.

As their eyes moved, everyone could feel the weight of Zhu Gang's words.

It seemed as if whenever he opened his mouth, his words would be as powerful as the sound of a huge bell and unquestionable golden advice.

After a short pause, Zhu Gang spoke in a loud but steady voice: "Father, I think the horse policy proposed by Lord Liang does face many difficulties in its implementation.

However, horse politics is of vital importance to a country's military, so I hope that Father will consider it carefully."

As he said this, he looked at Zhu Yuanzhang intently, his eyes full of sincerity and expectation.

The eyes were clear and sincere, like a clear spring.

People can clearly feel Zhu Gang's emphasis on this matter and his concern for the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyes slightly and looked at Zhu Gang with a steady gaze.

In the end, he just raised his hand slightly, motioning his son to continue.

"Old Third, if you have anything to say, just say it.

Dad wants to discuss this matter today, so just tell me what you want to say."

After receiving Zhu Yuanzhang's signal, Zhu Gang's expression became more serious.

He cupped his hands again, this time holding his fists more tightly.

It was as if two steel pliers were tightly clamped together, gathering their strength and determination.

Zhu Gang then took a step forward, a firm and powerful step.

It seemed as if he wanted to step out his sincere heart in this hall, just like a brave warrior taking the first step to charge into battle. Then he cleared his throat, the action was solemn, and then he spoke in a loud voice: "Father, I want to talk about the Western Han Dynasty first.

At that time, the Huns frequently invaded the border.

It's just like a hungry wolf staring at a fat sheep. When it sees the right opportunity, it will come to our Central Plains to burn, kill, plunder, and commit all kinds of evil."

At this point, Zhu Gang's brows instantly furrowed.

Those two sword-like eyebrows were like two sharp swords that were instantly unsheathed, revealing an irrepressible anger, as if they wanted to cut off the evil deeds of the past invaders.

His face also turned slightly red due to his emotions, and there seemed to be a burning anger in his eyes.

The rage was like erupting volcanic magma, as if it was going to burn all the past invaders to death.

One can truly feel Zhu Gang's deep sorrow over the suffering of the people.

It seemed as if he had traveled back to the Western Han Dynasty, witnessed the tragic scene with his own eyes, and empathized with the suffering of the people living in the border areas.

"The people living in the border areas are suffering terribly. In broad daylight, every household is trembling with fear.

Even though the strong laborers were guarding the village with weapons in their hands, they were still very scared and dared not go to the fields to work.

At night, I couldn't even sleep well.

You have to keep your ears open to listen to the noise outside. If there is any disturbance, you have to take your wife and children and hide in the mountains."

As Zhu Gang spoke, he clenched his fists slightly.

The joints turned slightly white due to the force, just like dead branches covered with frost and snow in winter.

This shows how strong his inner indignation is!

At this moment, Zhu Gang wished he could be there at that time to protect those suffering people.

Li Shanchang, an old official standing by, was moved by what he said and sighed softly, "Alas, the people's lives are really hard to endure."

Zhu Gang heard the sigh and nodded slightly.

A hint of gratitude flashed in his eyes, as if he was thanking Li Shanchang for empathizing with him.

Zhu Gang then continued, "That's right, Lord Li.

The crops in that field could not be grown well, and the grain harvest was pitifully small.

The people can’t even fill their stomachs, they live in fear all day long, and their days are filled with anxiety.”

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was also slightly moved.

"Did the big man just passively take the beating at that time?"

Zhu Gang quickly replied, "Father, it was indeed like that at first.

The reason why the Han Dynasty was so passive in facing the Huns in the early stages was largely due to the shortage of war horses.

Even if the soldiers wanted to kill the enemy, without their horses, their mobility would be much lower.

Often, we could only watch the Xiongnu cavalry come and go freely, but we could do nothing about it. "

Zhu Yuanzhang looked sharp and asked, "What happened next?"

"Later, the Han people also learned from their mistakes and began to pay more attention to horse politics."

Zhu Gang paused and continued, "The court first encouraged the people to raise horses throughout the country. It was not just a casual talk. A detailed and strict reward and punishment system was formulated."

Li Huanwen, the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, asked curiously, "Your Highness, Prince Jin, what are the specific methods of reward and punishment?"

Zhu Gang glanced at Li Huanwen, his eyes calm but revealing a passion for patiently explaining.

He slightly turned to face the other party and said in an orderly manner: "The rewards and punishments are clear.

If the people were well cared for, the court would reward them with silver, grain, and tax reductions.

When the people saw that raising horses could bring so many benefits, their enthusiasm immediately increased.

(End of this chapter)