My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 3: No chance to smell the real thing
In the empty cell, Ma Yu gently picked up a fried soybean and put it into his mouth, chewing it slowly and savoring it.

The good days are over.

I don’t know whether it is lucky or unfortunate.

The soul traveled through time and possessed a beggar, but found out that he had traveled back to the first year of Hongwu.

As a veteran Ming-hat fan, he was speechless.

Why couldn't he travel to any other time period in the past five thousand years? Why did he have to travel to the time of Zhu the Butcher? God must be blind.

He was initially reluctant to be swept up by a group of refugees and flee to Yingtian.

As a Ming Dynasty hater, I would rather starve to death or drown in the Yangtze River than be a slave of the Ming Dynasty.

However, before he could utter the word "really fragrant", he was arrested by officials from Jiangning County and sentenced to death for murder.

He was well aware that he was being made a scapegoat.

As a refugee without even an identity, he was destined to die.

Struggling only makes you suffer more.

So he confessed everything before being tortured.

But confessing does not mean accepting one's fate. He prepared a big trick for these corrupt officials.

When the Ministry of Justice reviewed the case, he pretended to be Empress Ma's nephew.

As for why he didn't pretend to be a relative of Zhu Yuanzhang...

Bah, who wants to pretend to be a relative of Zhu the Butcher?

Everything happened as he expected, and all the officials in Jiangning Prefecture were wiped out.

To this day, whenever he thinks of the horrified and resentful eyes of those corrupt officials, he feels extremely comfortable.

As an imperial prisoner, he was also transferred to the Yingtian Prefecture Prison.

He originally thought that he would suffer a lot in prison.

But unexpectedly, I met two second-generation playboys who came to "experience" life.

With his eloquence, he successfully persuaded one of them and got them to take care of him.

The two playboys were called away today, and he guessed that they were picked up by their families.

Without their care, his days in prison would probably be difficult.

Not to mention big fish and meat, I'm afraid I won't even have the chance to eat fried soybeans.

Thinking of this, he picked up another one and threw it into his mouth. It was salty and crispy.

He never thought that simply stir-fried soybeans could be so delicious.

At this moment, a burst of footsteps came.

He turned around in confusion and saw a boy of about thirteen or fourteen walking out from the corner.

The boy has a square face and a high nose bridge as sharp as a knife. His temperament is elegant with a subtle majesty.

Ma Yu couldn't help but think in his heart, what a handsome young man.

This young man was Zhu Biao. When Ma Yu was looking at him, he was also looking at Ma Yu.

The first impression was not good.

His skin was dark, his body was thin, and his hair was shaved, leaving only blue stubble.

The loose prison uniform on his body made him look extremely shabby and funny.

It was completely different from what he had imagined, either rebellious or arrogant.

But when he thought of the other person's identity as a beggar, he felt relieved.

But... even if he was a rich kid who fell into poverty temporarily, he shouldn't have fallen to this level.

Could it be that Ma Yu is really a beggar?

With such doubts, he walked to the cell, pushed open the door and walked in.

Ma Yu raised his eyebrows and vaguely guessed the other party's intention.

But he didn't say anything, just looked at the other person quietly.

After entering, Zhu Biao bowed and said, "My name is Li Wen, nice to meet you, Brother Ma."

As the saying goes, one shouldn't hit someone who smiles at him. Seeing the other party's courtesy, Ma Yu also stood up and saluted with his hands crossed:

"I am...um, Ma Yu, nice to meet Mr. Li."

It’s not that he wanted to be different, but he knew that ancient etiquette such as bowing and clasping hands had different gestures.

If you put it wrong, you will be laughed at.

But as a time traveler, he really didn't understand the etiquette in this area.

Fortunately, in his previous life, he learned about the crossed-arm salute from a certain film or TV series, and even imitated it and learned it.

At this time, I used it subconsciously.

Although this was the etiquette of the previous dynasty, it was most likely no longer used in the Ming Dynasty.

But... in this retro era, there is nothing wrong with using ancient rituals.

However, what he didn't know was that Zhu Biao, who had been paying attention to his every move, had a misunderstanding when he saw the crossed-arm salute.

The crossed-arm salute was formed in the Wei and Jin dynasties and flourished in the Tang and Song dynasties.

When the Mongols came to power, the Mongol nobles disliked complicated etiquette, so it was gradually replaced by simpler bows and salutes.

Gradually, no one remembered it anymore.

Only some families with long-standing traditions or great scholars use it privately.

Zhu Biao understood this thanks to his teacher Song Lian.

Ma Yu actually knew how to use the cross-hand salute, which showed that he was definitely not a beggar.

Zhu Biao thought this in his heart, but his expression remained calm:

"I apologize for disturbing you with my intrusive visit."

Ma Yu asked doubtfully, "Mr. Li, what is this..."

Zhu Biao explained, "My younger brother, Li Wu, has relied heavily on Brother Ma's care. As your elder brother, I've come to express my gratitude."

The image of that handsome young man (Zhu Chong) instantly appeared in Ma Yu's mind.

You know what, these two brothers do have some similarities in their eyes and eyebrows.

As for the other strong young man (Chang Mao)...that real playboy was simply ignored.

"Mr. Li, you're joking. I'm the one being taken care of, and I'm the one who should be thanked."

The two of them exchanged pleasantries for quite a while.

Finally, Zhu Biao couldn't help but turn the topic to the main topic:
"Just now, my younger brother relayed some of Brother Ma's views on state affairs, and I was astonished."

"But I also have some doubts, and I would like to ask Brother Ma for advice. I wonder if it is possible."

Ma Yu thought to himself that it was true. Li Wen came here not only to pick up Li Wu from prison, but also to fulfill what he had said before.

As for what I just relayed, that's a lie.

When Li Wu goes to the prison to "experience" life, his family will definitely send someone to protect him.

What I said was probably heard by his parents right after.

The sudden clearing of the surrounding cells was most likely the work of his family.

What he didn't expect was that the person who showed up was not the other party's elder, but a boy of thirteen or fourteen years old.

But when I thought about Li Wen's performance, I felt relieved.

He must be the heir that the family is training with great emphasis, and he might be able to stand on his own feet early on.

Besides, I am also a teenager in this life, so it is easier to say some things if I let him come over.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but admire.

It really is a big family, they do things in a very particular way.

As for whether or not to answer the other party's question...

One should be grateful for what one has received from others. Li Wu has indeed taken good care of him, so helping him solve his doubts is a way of repaying him.

Of course, the prerequisite is that you can answer the questions he asks.

So he smiled and said, "It's just nonsense. If Mr. Li doesn't mind my humbleness, please feel free to ask questions and we can discuss it together."

Zhu Biao said politely, "In that case, I would like to thank you in advance."

Then he complimented, "Brother Ma previously speculated that Your Majesty's trip to Kaifeng was actually to move the capital, which really surprised me."

"To be honest with you, Brother Ma, my father holds some status in the court, so he heard some rumors."

"Your Majesty does intend to move the capital to the north."

"My question also stems from this. I wonder if Brother Ma thinks Your Majesty can achieve what he wants on this trip?" This turned out to be the question. Ma Yu breathed a sigh of relief and replied casually:
"Impossible, Kaifeng is no longer suitable to be the capital."

"Let alone Kaifeng, judging from the current situation, there is no place that meets the criteria for building a capital."

“But on the other hand, every place is also suitable.”

Zhu Biao was surprised and said, "Oh? I'd like to hear more about it."

Ma Yu wanted to pinch another bean, but as soon as he stretched out his hand, he realized that it was too rude, so he changed his hand to hold the water cup.

He took a sip of warm water to moisten his throat before saying:
"Let's first talk about the factors that need to be considered when building a capital."

"First of all, the terrain. It's best to have natural defenses."

"The second is grain production capacity. It would be best to have large plains that can produce grain to reduce the pressure on grain transport."

"Third, convenient transportation is essential. It's best if it's well-connected, and even better if there are large natural rivers."

"The fourth is fame. A historic city has a rich cultural atmosphere and can attract people."

"The fifth is a large population and a prosperous economy. It's best to have an existing city. This way, when building a new capital, we can use local materials to reduce costs."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly. This principle was not complicated and he naturally understood it.

Ma Yu continued, "Since the chaotic times of the late Tang Dynasty, nearly five hundred years have passed, and the population in the north has dwindled, and all industries have declined."

"Several major historical cities have been razed to the ground, with not even ruins left."

"No matter where the Ming Dynasty sets its capital, it will mean starting from scratch."

"So we don't need to consider the fifth one. We only need to consider the first four."

Zhu Biao showed a thoughtful expression and said, "Brother Ma, what you said makes sense."

"If we only consider the first four factors, Kaifeng is indeed not suitable as a capital."

"The places that best meet the requirements are none other than Chang'an and Luoyang, Brother Ma, do you agree?"

Ma Yu admired in his heart, he was indeed a child of a wealthy family, he could immediately lock on the most suitable target.

This is not bragging, these were common sense in the previous life.

But now it is the end of the Yuan Dynasty and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, information transmission is very slow, and no one has systematically organized these things.

There are very few people who can understand this knowledge.

It can even be said that even Zhu Yuanzhang only had a vague understanding of this.

Otherwise, he would not have rushed to Kaifeng, and would not have wasted so much money and food to build the Fengyang Palace.

Although Li Wen got his own hint, if he did not have a solid foundation, he would not have been able to grasp the key points so quickly.

In this era, a boy of thirteen or fourteen years old can have such knowledge.

It is no exaggeration to say that he is a child of destiny.

This piqued his interest, and he said with a smile, "Great minds think alike."

"Chang'an and Luoyang each have their own strengths. Both are ancient capitals of 13 dynasties and have a profound historical heritage."

“The only ones that really need to be compared are the first three.”

Zhu Biao continued, "Chang'an is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with dangerous passes fortifying it, and the 800-li Guanzhong area is rich in grain."

"It best meets the first factor."

Ma Yu said: "However, its terrain is closed and transportation is inconvenient, which is not conducive to controlling the entire country."

"Furthermore, after thousands of years of cultivation, the land in the Guanzhong Plain has become extremely barren, and large areas of northern Shaanxi have become desertified."

"The emperors of the Tang Dynasty often brought their ministers to Luoyang for meals."

"The situation is only getting worse now."

"If Kyoto were placed here, food would become a fatal shortcoming."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly and said, "Luoyang is well connected, with convenient water transportation along the Yiluo and Yellow Rivers. We can control the entire world without leaving home."

"Henan's vast fertile land can solve most of the food problems for the imperial court."

Ma Yu chuckled and said, "However, its terrain is small and its carrying capacity for population is limited."

"Furthermore, faced with flooding in the Yellow River, the imperial court had to invest a large amount of manpower and resources to maintain the river all year round."

"Although this place is surrounded by mountains and passes, its small area means it lacks strategic depth."

"Once the situation changes, it will be easy to be trapped and caught in a trap."

"The best example is Emperor Taizong of Tang's siege of Luoyang."

Zhu Biao sighed and said, "Brother Ma is right. It would be great if the advantages of the two places could be combined."

Ma Yu laughed out loud, "Haha...there's no such thing as perfect in the world."

"We should be thankful that there are only two places in the world that are so close to perfection."

Zhu Biao laughed dumbly and said, "I am too greedy."

Ma Yu added, "Even if there really is a perfect place, it's not necessarily a good thing."

"As the saying goes, if there is no external threat, there will be internal rot."

"Living in such a perfect place, it is easy for the ruler and his ministers to neglect their duties, which can lead to the destruction of the country."

“Flaws are like a sword hanging over one’s head, a constant reminder for rulers and their ministers to be diligent in their work and care for the people.”

"This will actually help the country prosper and the people live and work in peace and contentment."

Zhu Biao clapped his hands excitedly and exclaimed: "If there is no external threat, there will be internal corruption. Brother Ma, this is a very good point."

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that this statement had a profound meaning, and he couldn't help but praise it:
"One word from you is worth ten years of reading. To hear you say this is worth my trip."

Ma Yu felt a little embarrassed. He was just combining the two sayings "A country without external enemies will always perish" and "Be prepared for danger in times of peace".

Does it have such a deep meaning?

But I couldn't question it, so I just laughed it off and said:
"Mr. Li, your praise is too much. I just said it without thinking."

However, Zhu Biao was even more shocked when he heard this:

"How could such words come from Brother Ma?"

"Ah this..." Ma Yu didn't know how to answer for a moment.

So you thought someone else said this? If I had known, I would have said it differently.

Zhu Biao mistakenly thought that he was angry, so he stood up and bowed to apologize:
"I was wrong. I mistakenly thought that this was said by the elder Brother Ma. I beg Brother Ma to forgive me."

Ma Yu quickly stepped aside and said, "Mr. Li, it was an unintentional mistake. There's no need to be like this."

After some polite exchanges, the two sat down again.

But their impression of each other has changed greatly.

Although Zhu Biao did not develop a sense of mutual admiration, it did eliminate his preconceived negative impression.

As for the other party's belittling of his father, he also had an explanation in his mind.

Ma Yu had always lived in the north and was not a citizen of the Ming Dynasty, nor had he enjoyed any benefits from the Ming Dynasty.

As soon as he arrived in Jiangnan, he was wrongly imprisoned and sentenced to death by corrupt officials. It was normal for him to misunderstand his father and feel dissatisfied.

It's all the fault of those corrupt officials who took human lives lightly. They must not be let off easily.

Ma Yu's idea was relatively simple. Li Wen came from an extraordinary family but was not arrogant. He was knowledgeable but humble.

He is truly a refined gentleman, and it is hard not to like him.

Afterwards, the excited Zhu Biao pulled Ma Yu aside and gave an in-depth analysis of "If there is no external threat, there will be internal corruption."

He often quoted from classics and believed that this was an expansion of Mencius' idea of ​​"born in sorrow and die in peace".

Ma Yu could only play to his strengths and avoid his weaknesses, talk more about examples and applications, and believed that this principle was not only applicable to governing the country.

It can be applied to studying, farming, business, etc.

He focused on its application in the administration of officials, arguing that supervision should be strengthened and punishments intensified in order to deter corrupt officials.

In short, both sides gained something.

During this period, Zhu Biao said several times that it was a pity that they met too late.

Ma Yu was amazed. Is this the knowledge a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy should have?

He couldn't help but think of a saying that was circulated in the scientific research circle in his previous life.

An ordinary person’s two years of hard work in the laboratory is not as good as a genius’ half-day of thinking.

I have to admit that there is indeed a bottomless gap between geniuses and ordinary people.

Although they had a very pleasant chat, Zhu Biao did not forget the real purpose of coming here today.

So he found an opportunity and brought the topic back again:
"Brother Ma said that His Majesty would use the Red Book and Iron Certificate to reward his ministers... and also said that this item is a death warrant."

"Will Your Majesty really do such an unjust thing?"

(End of this chapter)