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

It is said that Zhu Yuanzhang was originally sitting on the dragon throne, listening to everyone reporting this and that.

But when it comes to the issue of horse breeding among the people, he unconsciously sat up straighter, and a hint of doubt instantly appeared in his eyes.

It was like a small stone was thrown into the calm lake, causing ripples.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said, "It's just that the common people raise horses, and most of them are farmers.

I rarely see horses on a daily basis, so how can I have any experience in raising horses?

If this were a horse, they would be of varying heights, weights, and quality.

Once on the battlefield, let alone charging into battle, I'm afraid it would be difficult to even run two steps carrying the soldiers!
Isn't this just like taking a pile of scrap metal to the battlefield? It's just for show and useless, and it might even affect the military and national affairs of our Ming Dynasty!"

As he spoke, he narrowed his eyes.

That look was as if he had seen a group of skinny, droopy-headed, and powerless horses being dragged to the battlefield in a daze.

That scene was simply a disaster!

At this moment, Zhu Gang hurriedly stood up and first saluted Zhu Yuanzhang respectfully.

Then he took a step forward, bringing himself closer to the throne.

At this moment, Zhu Gang's face was full of seriousness.

His expression seemed to say that he had a plan in mind for the matter.

Zhu Gang cleared his throat and said, "Father, what you are worried about is a very serious problem. I have also thought about this matter a long time ago."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he looked at Zhu Gang and said, "Oh?

Then, Third Brother, tell me, do you have any good ideas?"

Zhu Gang quickly replied: "Father, I think the court can select some officials who are familiar with horse breeding to go to various places to guide the people in horse breeding.

These officials are all experts. They know a lot about how to select good horses.

For example, you need to see whether the horse's coat is shiny and smooth, whether its hooves are solid and powerful, whether its eyes are bright, etc.

Also, how to feed and care for the horse? How many times a day should the horse be fed? What kind of food should it eat? Are there any particular requirements for the water it drinks?

All of these need to be discussed in detail with the people.

Another question is how to prevent and treat horse diseases. What medicine should be used if the horse is sick?

These must also be taught to the people.”

Zhu Gang said this while counting on his fingers.

He listed them one by one and spoke so clearly and logically, as if he were an old horse breeder.

“Father, guidance alone is not enough.

If the imperial court wants to allow the people to raise good horses, it must send people to inspect them regularly.

Those horses that are strong and look suitable for war are selected, gathered together, and then given unified training by specialized horse trainers.

Let them get familiar with the atmosphere of the battle and obey the orders of the soldiers."

As Zhu Gang spoke, he clenched his right fist and waved it in the air, as if he was standing on the training ground, commanding thousands of troops.

"In this way, we can ensure that the horses raised by the people can also be used by our Ming Dynasty."

At this time, Zhu Gang's eyes were bright and passionate, revealing his earnest hope that this plan could be implemented smoothly. He was hoping that Zhu Yuanzhang would nod in approval.

But at this moment, Zhao Jianjian, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, who had been standing by and listening silently without saying anything, spoke.

He first bowed respectfully to Zhu Yuanzhang, with his waist bent low, showing the duty of a subject.

Then Zhao Jian turned to Zhu Gang again, bowed slightly, with a cautious look on his face.

Then he slowly said: "Your Highness Prince Jin, your idea is very good.

But selecting officials, checking horses, and training horses all take up a lot of manpower and resources. How many things are involved in this process?
The post stations in various places must arrange food and lodging for the officials, right?

The travel expenses must also be paid by the court, right?
And training horses requires a place and tools, right?

This is no small amount!
In addition, local customs vary, and people in some places already live a tight life.

With so many things suddenly happening, I'm afraid I'm not willing to cooperate.

It is hard to say whether the official can successfully implement these measures after he goes down. "

As Zhao Jianjian spoke, he shook his head slightly.

His eyes revealed his concern about the many difficulties in practical operations.

There was a lot of concern in his words, and it was almost as if the words "this is difficult to handle" were written on his face.

Zhu Gang's expression straightened when he heard this, and he bowed to Zhao Jianjian and said, "Master Zhao, although what you said makes sense, how can we accomplish anything without any setbacks?

If we want to achieve long-term stability and prosperity in the Ming Dynasty, we must handle the horse policy well, as it will have a major bearing on the fate of the country.

I know it's not easy, but for the sake of our Ming Dynasty, all these efforts are worth it."

Zhu Gang's tone was firm, revealing his unquestionable determination.

It was as if he was determined to get the job done no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead.

“Moreover, regarding the deployment and management of war horses, I think we can set up a special horse administration department to manage all war horse matters across the country.

From the registration of war horses, every horse's origin, appearance and characteristics must be remembered clearly.

Then they are distributed to the troops in various places. If there is a shortage of horses in any local army, the horses will be allocated according to demand.

The Horse Administration Department is also responsible for the deployment and use of horses during war, and when and where to send horses to fight. "

As Zhu Gang spoke, he drew a circle in the air with his hand, indicating the management scope covered by the Horse Administration Department.

That gesture seemed as if all the affairs of the Ma Zhengsi had been arranged properly.

“The establishment of the Horse Administration Department is to ensure that all arrangements can be clear and orderly, so that they will not become a mess.

As for the making of horse harness, we cannot be careless about it.

We can gather skilled craftsmen from all over the country, concentrate them in several large workshops, and build them according to unified standards.

For example, the saddle must be sturdy, durable and comfortable, and the reins must be of appropriate thickness and wear-resistant.

The quality of the horse harness made in this way must be top-notch.”

As Zhu Gang spoke, an expression of pride emerged on his face at the image of the Ming cavalry being well-equipped and majestic.

It was as if he had already seen the Ming cavalry riding tall horses, wearing shiny armor, holding sharp blades, galloping across the battlefield.

That scene was so majestic!

Zhu Yuanzhang was listening on the side, frowning slightly at first, as if he was thinking about something.

But as he listened, a smile gradually appeared on his face, and in the end he burst into laughter.

The laughter was hearty and loud, echoing in the hall.

It was like a gust of spring breeze blowing by, suddenly dispersing the atmosphere that had been suppressed for a long time due to the discussion of difficult problems.

The officials from the six ministries felt inexplicably relieved when they heard the laughter.

"Third brother, your words today really make Dad very happy.

It seems that you have served as a vassal king for a good reason. You really care about the country and people of the Ming Dynasty, and you don't just care about your own little piece of land all day long."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Gang with a smile, his eyes full of love and approval, just like a parent looking at his promising child.

(End of this chapter)