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

The candlelight flickered inside the Fengtian Hall, and the light and shadows danced eerily on the vermilion walls.

It seemed as if it was being pulled by this solemn and almost oppressive atmosphere, struggling into all kinds of strange shapes.

Zhu Yuanzhang was wearing a dragon robe and sitting on the dragon throne carved with dragons and phoenixes.

Although his posture was still upright, he showed some fatigue from the work of state affairs.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were deep and steady at this moment, but they could not hide his concern and prudence about Ma Zheng's affairs.

Like a lion guarding his territory, he examined the issues before him that concerned the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.

The officials from the six ministries below all bowed their heads and held their breath, not daring to slack off in the slightest.

The entire hall was so quiet that the only sound was the occasional "crackling" sound of burning candles.

It seemed as if every time that sound rang out, it plucked heavily on everyone's heartstrings.

Zhu Gang raised his eyes slightly, and his gaze met his father's serious face.

He was startled and bowed hastily, his gesture showing great respect.

After calming himself down, Zhu Gang first straightened his clothes.

Then he folded his hands in front of him and said respectfully and sincerely, "Your Majesty is wise, I do have some humble opinions.

I would like to ask for advice from the emperor and the ministers. I hope the emperor and the ministers will not laugh at me. "

After saying this, Zhu Gang lowered his head slightly, showing a humble attitude of listening to the teachings.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with some expectation in his eyes.

The gaze was like two searchlights, falling on Zhu Gang, as if trying to see through his thoughts.

"Oh?

Third brother, feel free to speak your mind. Today we need to pool our wisdom and have a good discussion on the issue of horse policy.

Just tell me what you want to say."

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he gently stroked his beard with his hand.

The beard glowed slightly in the candlelight.

Every stroke seems to carry the rhythm of thinking.

Zhu Gang cleared his throat when he heard this. He raised his eyes slightly, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes.

"Father, I think the key to horse policy lies in the place where horses are raised."

As he spoke, he slightly turned sideways and bowed to everyone in the hall, as if to draw everyone's attention to this point of view.

“Although the territory of our Ming Dynasty is vast, good places for raising horses are not everywhere.

The reason why the Yuan Dynasty had such powerful cavalry was because of the vast grasslands. "

At this point, Zhu Gang frowned slightly, with a hint of regret on his face, as if he was lamenting the Ming Dynasty's lack of such a natural advantage in raising horses.

“The place where we are in the Ming Dynasty now is mostly a place for farming.

Most of the land is used for growing grains, so raising horses is really limited.

I think we should go to the northwest and northeast to look for it."

As he spoke, he took two steps forward and walked to the center of the hall.

He pointed toward the northwest and northeast, his gesture showing some certainty.

"There are plenty of pastures and abundant grass and water there, so it will definitely be able to raise good horses."

At this moment, there was a gleam in Zhu Gang's eyes, as if he had already seen the herds of horses on the grassland.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly when he heard this, and the hand that was stroking his beard stopped.

He tapped the armrest with his fingers, again and again, and the rhythm seemed like the drumbeat of his thinking.

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, his voice calm but with some doubt.

"Although there are grasslands in the northwest and northeast, the situation there is not peaceful." As he spoke, his eyes became deep and serious, as if he was recalling the many hidden dangers in that land.

"The remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty are like lingering ghosts, often hanging around in the surrounding areas.

Like a hungry wolf in the dark, always watching for an opportunity to take advantage.

What would we do if the herd of horses we raised with so much effort was plundered by them?
The risk is not small!"

Having said that, Zhu Yuanzhang's brows frowned even deeper, and his eyes revealed his worry about this potential crisis.

That look swept across everyone, making the atmosphere in the hall even more solemn.

Zhu Gang quickly bowed again, then stood up and continued to explain: "Father, this is indeed a tricky matter.

I, your son, am fully aware of the pros and cons of this, and I have been thinking about it day and night, and I dare not slack off in the slightest."

He looked sincere and his eyes were full of anxiety.

It was as if he wanted to tell Zhu Yuanzhang everything he was thinking.

“But I think we can station more troops near those horse-breeding areas.

Setting up numerous checkpoints and building some guard posts is like building a solid copper wall and iron fortress for the horses. "

As Zhu Gang spoke, he gestured in the air with his hands.

He simulated the layout of checkpoints and garrisons with great seriousness.

"We take strict precautions on a daily basis, making it difficult for those people from the Northern Yuan Dynasty to make any moves.

I think we can arrange capable generals to garrison there and rotate them regularly.

Make sure the soldiers are always alert and don't let the thieves take advantage of you."

Guo Yundao, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, couldn't help but frown slightly. He looked up at Zhu Yuanzhang and then at Zhu Gang.

After hesitating for a moment, he still questioned, "Your Highness, Prince of Jin, it is not that easy to station troops and set up garrisons."

Guo Yundao took a step forward, bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang, and then turned to Zhu Gang and continued, "The money and grain consumed here is not a small amount. Although our Ming Dynasty is just beginning to be established, we still need money in all aspects.

The expenses are just like running water, and everything needs to be considered.

If a large amount of money and food is invested in the protection of Ma Zheng, other places will be stretched to the limit. I hope Your Highness will think carefully about it. "

His face was full of worry and his eyes revealed his deep concern about the financial burden.

Zhu Gang bowed to Guo Yundao, with a gentle smile on his face, and responded calmly: "Master Guo is right. The matter of money and grain is of course important. How could I not know about it!"

He shook his head slightly, as if lamenting that this was indeed a dilemma.

Zhu Gang's eyes became firm again, "But war horses are related to the stability of our Ming Dynasty, and they are of utmost importance.

Father, I think we can develop some military farming methods in those places.

Let the soldiers grow some food on weekdays, be self-sufficient, and reduce the pressure of money and food. "

As he spoke, he looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with a hint of anticipation in his eyes, as if he was waiting for his father's approval.

“On the other hand, we can also encourage local people to participate in horse breeding, and the court can give them some benefits.

For example, reducing taxes, rewarding agricultural tools, etc., so that the people can also benefit from it.

This will not only increase the number of war horses, but also help to relieve the burden on the court."

Zhu Gang spoke very logically, and his words revealed his full confidence in this plan. His expression made people think about its feasibility.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and stroked his beard.

There was a hint of approval in his eyes as he looked at Zhu Gang, and his originally serious expression softened a little.

"Well, the third brother's ideas are quite comprehensive and thoughtful.

It is not easy to consider so many aspects when planning a solution." (End of this chapter)