My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 218: Ming Royal Bank? What is this?
It was almost noon when we arrived at the Taimiao.

A series of complicated and solemn processes then unfolded in an orderly manner.

The first thing to do is the welcoming ceremony.

In the Taimiao, smoke curls up like a graceful veil, slowly spreading throughout the entire space, shrouding the Taimiao in a mysterious and solemn atmosphere.

The sound of bells and drums rang out melodiously, the sound was powerful and deep, echoing in every corner of the Taimiao.

Led by officials from the Ministry of Rites, Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang walked slowly towards the altar with solemn expressions.

Even Zhu Cilang looked serious at this moment. After all, the ceremony of ancestor worship really cannot be sloppy at all.

This is followed by the three offerings, namely the first offering, the second offering and the final offering.

There is nothing much to say about the first and second offerings, as they are basically carried out according to convention.

But when it came to the final tribute, the picture began to change.

Because at this time, Kong Youde, Aobai and Yuetuo were escorted forward by soldiers.

There is no doubt that these three people are the sacrifices for the final ceremony!
At this moment, the three of them looked extremely miserable, with their hair disheveled and scattered on their faces, almost covering most of their faces.

The former majesty has long since disappeared, replaced by a haggard face and a listless expression.

Their eyes were empty, as if their souls had been taken away, and their despair was evident.

The soldiers practically dragged them to the altar.

Originally, Zhu Cilang planned to execute them by slow slicing in front of the Taimiao.

However, he could not make the decision on this matter alone, so he discussed it with Chongzhen and officials from the Ministry of Rites.

However, Chongzhen and officials from the Ministry of Rites firmly opposed this practice based on etiquette regulations.

Although Zhu Cilang was reluctant, he had no choice but to compromise when he saw that everyone was against it.

So, the death penalty by lingchi was changed to beheading!
At this time, as the three people were pushed onto the altar, the three executioners on the side finally took out their respective gleaming swords.

Without any unnecessary nonsense, after receiving the beheading order, three big swords were raised high and then dropped down swiftly.

Immediately afterwards, three heads rolled down, splashing blood all over the ground.

At this moment, the Taimiao fell into deathly silence.

Everyone seemed to be frozen in time, holding their breath.

Only the breeze blew gently, blowing the flags in the Taimiao, as if telling the ancestors of the Ming Dynasty about the achievements of this time.

The last part is the burning sacrifice ceremony to send off the gods.

A raging fire burned in the open space of the Taimiao, and the flames shot up into the sky, illuminating everything around it as red as blood.

The sacrificial items and the human heads brought back from Liaodong were thrown into the blazing flames.

Chongzhen stared at the blazing fire in front of him, feeling overwhelmed with emotion, and his thoughts surged into his heart like a tide.

Once upon a time, he never thought that one day he would be able to come to the Taimiao to comfort his ancestors after defeating the Jiannu.

For him, this was undoubtedly the most glorious moment in his life.

For a moment, Chongzhen's eyes were sparkling with excited tears, and his lips trembled slightly, as if he was silently confiding something to his ancestors.

Zhu Cilang stood aside, feeling a little sleepy and even a little drowsy.

Although he knew that such a ceremony must be solemn, he had to admit that it was still a bit too painful for him.

But fortunately it's about to end.

About a quarter of an hour later, the ancestral worship ceremony at the Taimiao was finally successfully concluded.

Afterwards, everyone carefully escorted Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang back to the palace.

At this moment, people on the streets of the capital spontaneously knelt down to see him off.

The entire street was silent, with only the sound of the troops' orderly marching footsteps and the rumbling of the carriage wheels intertwined and slowly echoing in the air.

In short, this grand and solemn ceremony of ancestral worship is not only a comfort to our ancestors, but also an important milestone on the road to revival of the Ming Dynasty.

After a few more days, all the supplies needed for the immigrants to guard the border had been prepared, and the victims outside the city could finally set off for Liaodong.

Although this plan was formulated more than a month ago, it is not that easy to implement in practice.

After all, it involves hundreds of thousands of people, and there are many kinds of materials to prepare and countless things to arrange.

Until today, we are finally fully prepared.

But of course, not all disaster victims have to move to Liaodong. Those who previously helped build cities, plant sweet potatoes, and mine can choose to stay in the capital.

After all, these people can be considered as technical workers and they will be needed in the future.

However, even so, the number of disaster victims who need to be relocated is still as high as more than 300,000.

Knowing the importance of this matter, Zhu Cilang brought people to the Ministry of Household's material storage area early in the morning for inspection.

Looking around, you can see mountains of supplies neatly arranged in the warehouse.

Zhu Cilang personally stepped forward and carefully inspected each item, not missing any details.

Finally, Zhu Cilang asked in detail about the accommodation and food arrangements along the way. After receiving satisfactory answers, he felt a little relieved.

According to the previously agreed plan, any disaster victim willing to go to Liaodong would receive two taels of silver.

One tael of silver will be distributed before departure, and the remaining one tael of silver will be distributed after arrival at the destination.

Although accommodation and food have been prepared along the way, each person will still be given five pounds of food and two sets of clothes when they set out.

The Ministry of Revenue knew that Chongzhen and Zhu Cilang were paying close attention to this matter, so every official from top to bottom did not dare to slack off.

All policies are also implemented meticulously, striving to make the preliminary preparations for immigration and border defense as perfect as possible.

Of course, given the current situation, they couldn't fool Zhu Cilang even if they wanted to.

Because every day, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the East Factory, and the West Factory would send a secret memorial to Zhu Cilang regarding immigration and border defense.

In this situation, who can fool him?

After the inspection, Zhu Cilang did not rush back to the East Palace, but instead took a group of people to the city wall.

At this time, hundreds of thousands of disaster victims outside the city came into view without any obstruction.

Looking at the group of disaster victims in front of him, Zhu Cilang felt a sense of bitterness in his heart for a moment.

He raised the telescope in his hand and looked carefully, only to see some disaster victims hugging each other and crying, their cloudy eyes full of helplessness and sadness.

There were also children crying nearby, their tender voices filled with fear and helplessness.

Some young people had sad faces, their eyes full of worry and confusion about the future. They wondered what would be waiting for them after arriving in Liaodong.
Zhu Cilang actually knew in his heart that forcing these disaster victims to go to Liaodong was not a good idea, but given the current situation, this was really a helpless move.

In recent years, natural disasters have wreaked havoc in Shaanxi and Henan, leaving crops barren and desolate.

Coupled with Li Zicheng's peasant uprising, the local area was in turmoil.

In other words, even if these disaster victims return home, death is what awaits them.

The imperial court was unable to support them for a long time, so moving to Liaodong became the only way out.

"Your Highness, please do not be sad. This will also give the victims a chance to survive. I'm sure they will be grateful to Your Highness!"

Fang Zhenghua, who was standing beside him, saw that Zhu Cilang looked gloomy, and he probably knew what Zhu Cilang was thinking, so he hurried to comfort him.

Hey!
Zhu Cilang sighed heavily and said slowly:
"It's human nature that people don't want to leave their homes."

"But now, in order for them to survive, we have no choice but to let them suffer."

"I don't expect them to thank me, I just hope they don't hate me!"

After saying that, Zhu Cilang turned around and left with everyone.

In the following days, the streets of the capital city were still bustling and lively.

However, the frequency of the silver and grain transported back to the capital by the tax-collecting troops gradually decreased.

Zhu Cilang knew that this was because the teams responsible for collecting taxes had already penetrated deep into the southern region.

Because the journey to the south is long, the round trip takes a long time.

However, once they returned, the amount of silver and food they brought back was extremely astonishing.

After all, the south has always been a prosperous place, and the wealth there is an important force supporting the Ming Dynasty's economy.

For the next period of time, Zhu Cilang was no longer concerned about collecting taxes.

After all, the tax collection plan has already been formulated, and as long as all parties proceed steadily according to the plan, there will be no mistakes.

So for the next period of time, he devoted all his attention to matters related to currency reform.

After much persuasion, Chongzhen finally agreed to let Zhu Cilang print his portrait on the coins.

In addition, Zhu Cilang also modified the face value of the Ming Baochao.

The denominations are set as 5 wen, 10 wen, 20 wen, 30 wen, 50 wen, 100 wen, 200 wen, 300 wen, 500 wen and 1 guan, totaling ten denominations.

The largest denomination is one guan.

This design aims to adapt to the market's trading needs and promote economic circulation and development.

In addition, after repeated experiments, Zhu Cilang finally determined the material of the paper for the new version of Ming Baochao.

And this material was actually the washed kraft paper he had thought of before.

The Ming Dynasty originally had a paper mill that was specifically used to produce special paper for the Ming Baochao. Now all it needed to do was make some minor improvements on this basis.

This innovative paper material not only ensures the quality of the banknotes, but also improves their durability and anti-counterfeiting properties.

In addition, the new version of the Ming Dynasty treasure banknote adopts a double-layer pressing process.

Baochao notes with a value of less than one hundred wen had a thin copper wire pressed in the middle.

Coins between one hundred and five hundred wen were pressed with silver thread.

For coins with a face value of one yuan, a gold wire is pressed into them.

Zhu Cilang also used his memories from his past life to replicate the color-changing ink. This resulted in Ming Dynasty Treasure Notes that were not only thick and sturdy in texture but also had an exquisite appearance and significantly improved anti-counterfeiting properties.

Its size is almost the same as the 100-yuan RMB note of later generations, making it easy to carry and use.

In short, Zhu Cilang made reforms in both materials and ink.

It is no exaggeration to say that within at least ten years, no one will be able to forge a new version of the Ming Dynasty Treasure Note!
As for ten years later
Please!

The technology of Ming Treasure Notes will continue to improve. By that time, Ming Treasure Notes will probably have gone through several versions.

In addition to the new version of the Ming Baochao, Zhu Cilang also redesigned the Ming silver coin and the Ming gold coin.

Among them, the Ming Dynasty silver coins were designed into five specifications, namely one qian of silver, two qian of silver, three qian of silver, five qian of silver and one tael of silver.

There is only one kind of Ming Dynasty gold coin, which is the 3.7-gram coin that was previously set.

Its size is roughly the same as a fifty-cent coin in later generations.

At first glance, some people would think that Zhu Cilang did not seem to care much about the Ming gold coins. There were five specifications of Ming silver coins, but there was only one specification of Ming gold coins.

But in fact, this is exactly what Zhu Cilang did on purpose!

You should know that in ancient China, gold was an extremely scarce and precious commodity, and ordinary people might never have seen it in their entire lives.

Moreover, gold is not actually a conventional currency. Even in ancient times, it could not be used directly for transactions.

When people make transactions, they need to take their gold to a money shop and exchange it for silver before they can use it.

Therefore, in Zhu Cilang's view, making small gold coins of 3.7 grams of gold is enough to meet actual needs.

Of course, the most critical purpose of doing this is to build a bridge of communication between Ming Baochao, Ming Silver Coin and Ming Gold Coin.

That is to say, a Ming treasure note with the largest denomination of one Guan can be exchanged for a Ming silver coin with the largest denomination of one or two liang, and can also be exchanged for a Ming gold coin with the same value of one qian.

Only in this way can a stable monetary system be built.

Perhaps in the eyes of others, what Zhu Cilang did was just a routine monetary reform measure.

But in fact, he has a more grand and shocking plan hidden deep in his heart!
That is to use the new version of Ming Baochao to completely replace metal currencies such as gold and silver, just like the monetary system of later generations.

But this idea was too advanced for the ancients. Once it was made public, it would definitely cause an uproar, so Zhu Cilang did not reveal this idea to anyone.

Moreover, to achieve this goal, there is another necessary condition, that is, to have absolute dominance in the entire world!
Just like the Eagle Sauce in later generations!

However, in Zhu Cilang's view, this is not a difficult task, because he is still young and has enough time to realize this lofty ambition.

A few days later, good news finally came from Wang Wei!
That means his steam engine was finally successfully transformed!

When Zhu Cilang heard the news, he was so excited that he could hardly contain himself. Then, full of joy, he personally took the mold that had been prepared long ago to the Firearms Research Institute.

Zhu Cilang is definitely the main contributor to the successful transformation of the steam engine so quickly!

Because it was he who recommended the special material rubber to Wang Wei, and he also sent someone to get some.

It is worth mentioning that the rubber was obtained by my brother-in-law Zheng Chenggong.

Zhu Cilang had mentioned rubber to Zheng Chenggong before, and hoped that he could get some if there was a chance.

Although Zheng Chenggong took what the prince wanted to heart, he sent a letter of divorce to his hometown in Fujian that day.

Then when the Zheng family fleet went out to sea, they deliberately included this matter in the plan. After some searching, they indeed found the rubber that Zhu Cilang wanted.

And it was delivered to the capital half a month ago.

Also delivered were several saplings about one meter tall, but due to weather conditions, these saplings died not long after.

Zhu Cilang was sad for a while because of this, and then he issued another decree, asking the Zheng family to bring back more rubber trees in addition to rubber next time.

However, the rubber trees do not need to be sent to Beijing, but can be sent to Yunnan and Hainan.

Because these two places are the most suitable places for rubber planting in Ming Dynasty.

The topic seems to have gone a bit off topic. Generally speaking, thanks to the special material of rubber, the steam engine was finally improved!
When Zhu Cilang stepped into the Machinery Bureau, he heard the endless roar of machines. This small palace already had the style of a later mechanical workshop.

At this moment, Wang Wei came up quickly with a smile on his face, his smile almost reaching his ears, and his eyes were shining with pride.

"Your Highness, look! This is the modified steam forging press."

"I have to say, the rubber you recommended to me is truly amazing! With it, the efficiency of the steam engine has been greatly improved!"

As Wang Wei spoke, he enthusiastically took Zhu Cilang to look at the brand new machine.

Zhu Cilang stared at the machine in front of him, feeling extremely excited.

Because this thing is indeed the steam forging machine he wanted!
As the steam engine turned, the whole machine emitted a low and powerful roar, which was like the roar of a giant, as if announcing the arrival of a new era.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang couldn't wait to have someone hand over the molds and some blanks that had been prepared long ago to Wang Wei.

"There's no point in saying more. Just demonstrate it to me!"

Zhu Cilang said impatiently.

Wang Wei was not vague and immediately instructed the craftsmen to start the preparation work.

Not long after, as the machine started working again, one Ming Dynasty silver coin after another was easily pressed out.

In less than a minute, more than thirty silver coins were squeezed out!

And its pressing speed can be flexibly adjusted according to actual production needs.

"Good! Good! Good!"

While playing with the Ming Dynasty silver coins that had just been pressed, Zhu Cilang couldn't help but cheer repeatedly.

Because no matter in weight or appearance, the pressed Ming Dynasty silver coin is exactly the same as the sample he brought!
Wang Wei was also extremely excited, with a proud smile on his face.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang allocated two million taels of silver to Wang Wei and asked him to manufacture ten such machines as quickly as possible.

To be honest, Zhu Cilang couldn't wait any longer.

In the following period of time, Zhu Cilang was busy preparing for the Ming Royal Bank while waiting for good news from Wang Wei.

After all, if we want to reform the currency, how can we do it without banks?
After several days of full dedication, Zhu Cilang finally compiled a memorial that detailed and comprehensively explained the bank's operating model.

After finishing the memorial, Zhu Cilang couldn't wait to meet Chongzhen.

After all, this is a serious matter, so we still have to report it to Chongzhen.

After meeting Chongzhen, Zhu Cilang didn't even have time to say hello, and he couldn't wait to present the newly made new version of Ming Dynasty treasure notes, Ming Dynasty gold coins and Ming Dynasty silver coins to Chongzhen.

They also thoughtfully placed old version of the banknotes next to it for comparison.

"Father, take a look at these first!"

Chongzhen was originally confused by Zhu Cilang, but then he took a look at the thing in front of him and his eyes lit up instantly.

Because the production of this new version of Ming Dynasty treasure notes is so exquisite that it is like a fine work of art.

Every detail is handled just right, the lines are smooth and natural, and the patterns are exquisite, demonstrating unparalleled craftsmanship.

In comparison, the old version of the Ming Dynasty treasure notes is simply unsightly and appears extremely rough and crude.

It's as if one is a carefully carved jade and the other is a casually polished stone. The difference is obvious at a glance.

Moreover, the Ming Dynasty silver coins and Ming Dynasty gold coins on the side are even more dazzling, emitting a charming luster, which makes it almost impossible to take your eyes off them.

"Okay! Okay!"

After coming to his senses, Chongzhen couldn't help but praise repeatedly, with a gratified smile on his face.

"This new version of the Ming Dynasty Treasure Note is really good. Compared with the old version, it is like heaven and earth."

"Especially these Ming Dynasty silver and gold coins, they are much more beautiful than the silver and gold in front of us!"

"Once these new currencies are introduced, they will surely give the Ming Dynasty's economy a new lease of life and usher in new prosperity."

For a time, Chongzhen's words were full of recognition of Zhu Cilang and expectations for the future of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Cilang smiled slightly and then said:

"Father, I want to establish the Ming Royal Bank!"

Ming Royal Bank?

After hearing this, Chongzhen looked confused. It was obvious that he didn't understand what a bank was.

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang did not explain, but handed over the memorial he had prepared long ago.

Chongzhen reached out to take it, and then read it carefully with full concentration.

After a moment, he suddenly realized what was going on and looked up at Zhu Cilang and said:

"Isn't this a bank?"

Zhu Cilang smiled and said:

"Your Majesty may think so, but there are still many differences between the Ming Royal Bank and the money houses. Your Majesty may wish to read it first!"

Chongzhen nodded slightly, then continued to read the memorial.

After a while, Chongzhen finally finished reading the memorial.

At the same time, he became completely different from before.

At this moment, his eyes were shining, as if he had discovered some rare treasure!
In fact, this is indeed the case. The memorial he is holding in his hands at this moment is nothing short of a rare treasure!
Because according to the above content, whether it is the issuance of new versions of Ming Treasure Notes or the exchange of Ming Treasure Notes, Ming Gold Coins and Ming Silver Coins, all will be the responsibility of the Ming Royal Bank.

Even Chongzhen, who was not very well versed in economics, was well aware of the huge benefits involved!

This move will greatly enhance the emperor's control over the economy and play an important role in consolidating imperial power!
As an emperor, how could Chongzhen not be moved?
After a moment, Chongzhen gently closed the memorial, then looked at Zhu Cilang and said:

"I agree with your idea very much. If it is truly implemented as described above, the imperial power will surely reach unprecedented heights!"

"But have you ever thought about one thing? The cabinet and other ministers will not agree with you doing this."

"So, how are you going to convince them?"

As he said this, Chongzhen became more and more curious!

(End of this chapter)