The Ming Dynasty: The opening scene features Zhu Di angrily accusing him of illegitimate succession.

Zheng He frowned slightly, and after thinking it over, he said, "Establishing academies and changing the system for craftsmen are matters of great importance to the nation and cannot be decided by one person alone. The matter of academies involves many aspects and requires Your Majesty's wise decision."

After a moment of contemplation, he solemnly cupped his hands and said, "What Censor Lin said are all good strategies for revitalizing factories and strengthening the country!"

"I, along with Censor Lin, would like to jointly submit a memorial to Your Majesty, earnestly requesting the implementation of this system."

"That is exactly what I wish for, but I dare not ask," Lin Yue readily agreed.

......

Inside the Qianqing Palace in Nanjing's Imperial City, Zhu Di, dressed in casual clothes, had a memorial to the emperor laid out in front of him.

The five characters "Memorial on the Construction of the Treasure Ship" on the yellow silk cover are neat and powerful.

He flicked his finger, unfolded the memorial, and glanced at the opening.

The memorial begins by directly addressing the long-standing problems at the shipyard, pointing out the difficulties of craftsmen's laziness, inconsistent quality, and poor transmission of skills, and then listing out reform measures one by one.

Emperor Yongle showed little reaction to the methods of inspection, the methods of perfecting the inscription of names on objects, and the governance of craftsmen.

His expression gradually became serious when he saw the talent cultivation strategy in the memorial.

"Establish a treasure ship academy to teach the basics of mathematics, geometry, and physics; set up a technical school to pass on shipbuilding skills and cultivate young craftsmen, so that skills will never be lost and knowledge will advance daily..."

"Treasure Ship Academy? Let the craftsmen read and write, this will benefit the shipyard's shipbuilding?" Zhu Di pondered, not making a hasty judgment.

One particularly good thing about the Yongle Emperor was that he was someone who listened to advice and was willing to try new things.

Throughout history, few emperors have been as persistent, broad in scope, and profound in their institutional reforms as the Yongle Emperor.

Of all the ancient Chinese dynasties, only the Yongle reign devoted most of its energy to the ocean.

Suppressing his thoughts, Zhu Di continued reading the memorials.

"Fourthly, the importance of coastal defense: Joseon's Yi Bang-won has just established his country, reorganized his military, and made connections with neighboring countries. His intentions are hard to fathom, and there are also some Southeast Asian countries that do not submit to his teachings."

The shipyard is the foundation of the Ming Dynasty's coastal defense. Strong ships mean high speed, large cargo capacity, and sturdy hulls. Voyages to the Western Ocean can enhance national prestige and deter villains. Open trade ensures a full national treasury, and peace of mind among the people promises a prosperous era.

As Zhu Di looked at the text, when the name "Li Fangyuan" appeared, he suddenly smiled with relief.

He was certain that the memorial was related to Lin Yue.

When Emperor Yongle reviewed the memorials, he indeed found the words "Zheng He and Lin Yue jointly presented a memorial" at the beginning.

Zhu Di smiled and said to Ma Yun, the eunuch standing beside him, "This Lin Yue, he really can't stop talking about court disputes. I sent him to supervise the shipyard, and he dragged the King of Korea into it too."

His tone was somewhat helpless, but without anger.

He had long expected Lin Yue to speak out, but he never expected that this memorial about shipbuilding would also contain such "personal agendas".

There was indeed a eunuch named Ma Yun during the Yongle era. He was a former servant of the Prince of Yan's mansion and was in charge of some affairs of the inner court at the beginning of the Yongle reign.

Jack Ma bowed and spoke, his voice respectful yet earnest.

"Your Majesty is wise, and Lin, the remonstrator, is loyal and upright. He never speaks of anything other than family, country, and the world."

As I observed him, I realized that he had no selfish motives whatsoever; every word he uttered was filled with concern for the affairs of the state.

Concerned about both the situation in Korea and the rise and fall of the treasure ships, such unwavering loyalty is truly rare.

Seeing that Zhu Di showed no unusual reaction, Ma Yun continued.

"As the saying goes, good medicine tastes bitter and honest advice is hard to hear. Lin, the remonstrating official, is an upright and honest minister with an eccentric temperament. He is truly a stubborn prime minister."

In the past, Emperor Taizong tolerated Wei Zheng's outspoken remonstrances. Wei Zheng's words were sharp, yet Taizong still regarded him as a mirror, which led to the enlightened reign of Zhenguan. Now, Lin, the remonstrator, possesses Wei Zheng's straightforwardness, but also far surpasses ordinary people's ingenuity. Such talent and loyalty are truly a blessing for Your Majesty and for the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Di remained expressionless, his face showing deep thought.

Eunuch Ma Yu's words were nothing more than using Lin Yue to praise the emperor; there was nothing particularly surprising about them.

Emperor Yongle gazed intently at the construction plan of the treasure ship, muttering to himself.

"At the beginning of my reign, I vigorously promoted the construction of the Treasure Shipyard, and mobilized more than 100,000 craftsmen and laborers from all over the country. I was only worried that the ponds had not been dug and the materials were not complete. I was even more worried that the craftsmen were mixed, their skills were different, and it was difficult to unite their hearts."

But I never imagined that the establishment of a factory would have such a system....

He looked up at the outside of the hall and recalled the events of the Hongwu era.

At that time, the country had just been settled, and Emperor Taizu had summoned artisans from all over the country many times to build water conservancy projects, academies, almshouses, and repair the Great Wall.

At the time, some people said that the skills of craftsmen varied from place to place, and the dimensions of mortise and tenon joints and the selection of wood were all different. Craftsmen were born into a system of occupation and there was a risk of them being passive and lazy. Old craftsmen kept their skills to themselves, and newcomers could not easily understand the way to build.

"Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—is this correct or incorrect?"

Zhu Di was moved as he read the passage in the memorial concerning the participation of artisans in important court affairs.

"This Lin Yue is truly audacious. He ranks craftsmen, sets salaries, and allows master craftsmen to participate in shipyard decisions. He even mentioned that the Eastern Wei and Northern Qi dynasties had a system of 'Master Craftsmen,' who could enter the court to discuss construction matters."

"Heh, truly ignorant and incompetent, daring to appoint a master craftsman to a third-rank official position—when will a craftsman ever hold that post?"

The position of "Master Craftsman" was actually modeled after the positions in the Han and Jin dynasties. It was responsible for civil engineering projects and the dispatch of craftsmen, with an emphasis on administrative supervision. It was similar to the work of the Minister of Works and the Vice Minister of Works.

Zhu Di looked at the memorial, pondered for a long time, and said, "Summon Yao Guangxiao to the palace immediately."

A short while later, Yao Guangxiao, dressed in a monk's robe, slowly entered and bowed, saying, "His Majesty summoned me so urgently; is there something important to discuss?"

Zhu Di didn't waste any words and handed over the memorial, pointing to the clauses on it.

"Daoyan, take a look at the memorial jointly submitted by Lin Yue and Zheng He, these shipbuilding and foreman methods, what do you think?"

Yao Guangxiao took the memorial and read it carefully, word by word. When he read the academy's policy, a glint of light flashed in his eyes.

After a long pause, he raised his eyes and said, "Your Majesty, this strategy is a strategy for governing the country!"

Lin Yue is a man of great talent.

Although his actions were unconventional, they were extremely ingenious. His four quality inspection methods directly addressed the root causes of the shipyard's long-standing problems, and his standardized traceability strategy ensured the ships' sturdiness and superior quality.

Yao Guangxiao gave high praise to the construction of the treasure ship.

Zhu Di nodded: "But this Treasure Ship Academy, which teaches mathematics, geometry, physics, and also teaches craftsmen to read, isn't that too far-fetched?"

A craftsman only needs excellent skills; what's the use of learning these empty skills?

Yao Guangxiao said calmly, "Lin Yue's actions may have a deeper meaning, which I do not know. Why not have Lin Yue explain it to me in person?"

Yao Guangxiao didn't know much about shipbuilding technology, but he was a monk, skilled in astronomy, and had some understanding of basic mathematics.

He at least knew that if you couldn't read, it was impossible for you to become a skilled craftsman.

However, since Zhu Di did not express any preference, he did not say anything about his thoughts.

Zhu Di pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on the phrase "Li Fangyuan is ambitious," before looking at Yao Guangxiao.

"Lin Yue repeatedly opposed the investiture of the King of Joseon. Although his words were biased, they did enlighten me."

Although the world is now at peace, we are surrounded by foreign powers, and coastal defense cannot be taken lightly.

If the shipyard can build ships superior to those of other nations, it will not only enhance the prestige of the Ming Dynasty during its voyages to the Western Ocean, but also deter adversaries and secure the maritime borders.

Emperor Yongle's attitude was very biased. Zhu Di, who was eager to make achievements, planned to try Lin Yue's advice.

"Your Majesty is wise," Yao Guangxiao said. "Lin Yue is a man of strong character and extraordinary talent."

The policies presented this time are beneficial to the country and the people. I believe that the policies of the craftsmen and others should be approved and implemented immediately. As for the Treasure Ship Academy, a school can be set up at the Treasure Shipyard first to observe its effects.

As for the matter of Li Fangyuan, Your Majesty may send an envoy to the court to investigate, neither indulging Lin Yue's reckless criticism of foreign vassals nor ignoring potential threats.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di smiled and said loudly.

"Alright, let's do it that way."

The imperial edict was issued to Zheng He and Lin Yue: the reform plan for the treasure shipyard is to be implemented in its entirety, except for the academy issue, which will be temporarily suspended!

"I hereby appoint Lin Yue to be fully responsible for the implementation of the reforms, with Zheng He assisting. The necessary manpower and resources shall be immediately reported to me!"

Emperor Yongle paused, then added: "Issue another decree rebuking Lin Yue for his outrageous and nonsensical remarks about the outer vassal states, and punishing him with a three-month salary deduction. However, considering his meritorious contribution in offering suggestions, he is allowed to remain in his post as supervisor of the project, to atone for his crime through meritorious service. The matter of his confinement... is hereby pardoned."

The eunuch received the decree and left. Inside the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Di gazed out the window.

Yao Guangxiao stood aside and said softly, "Lin Yue is like an eight-sided sword. If used properly, he can cut through the waves and expand the sea territory of our Great Ming. However, if we fail to control him, he may become a threat from within."

"Your Majesty today punished their crimes and utilized their abilities, blunted their sharpness and raised their blade; this is precisely the way a wise ruler governs his subjects."

The effectiveness of praising someone often depends on the identity of the person giving the praise.

When the eunuch Ma Yun praised him, Zhu Di didn't care, but when Yao Guangxiao praised him, Zhu Di couldn't help but smile.

"What I want is not a sycophantic minister, but a person with real talent and ability who can do practical things for the Ming Dynasty."

Lin Yue is highly talented and commendably loyal. His urgent vigilance against Li Fangyuan stems from his fear of a threat posed by foreign powers to the Ming Dynasty.

The two looked at each other and smiled, but it was unclear what they were laughing about.

Perhaps both of them were thinking back to the first time Zhu Di met Yao Guangxiao.

At the Longjiang Shipyard in Nanjing, the imperial edict in bright yellow had just been read aloud by the eunuch delivering the decree.

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

Having reviewed the joint proposal by Zheng He and Lin Yue for reforming the treasure shipyard, I find its methods ingenious and beneficial to the country and its people. Approval is granted for implementing four quality inspection methods, establishing a graded salary system for craftsmen, and other related matters. The Treasure Ship Academy will be temporarily designated as a pilot program. Lin Yue will be given full authority to oversee the reforms, with Zheng He assisting. He is permitted to act expediently, and any necessary personnel can be deployed at his discretion…

Lin Yue has made unwarranted comments about foreign vassal states. He is to be fined three months' salary and ordered to atone for his crime through meritorious service. It is hoped that the two of them will work together to quickly build up the shipyard and strengthen our coastal defenses. So be it!

After the reading was finished, Lin Yue received nothing else but the phrase "act expediently," which immediately piqued his interest.

Before Zheng He could put the imperial edict away, he turned around, pulled out a roll of plain silk from the table, and quickly wrote down a long list of names.

"Eunuch Zheng! Since His Majesty has granted us permission to carry out sweeping reforms, we cannot do without capable people!"

This is a list of talented individuals that I have carefully considered. I urge you, Your Excellency, to jointly submit this memorial to the throne so that these people can be transferred to the shipyard. Only then can the shipyard's reforms be achieved more effectively!

Zheng He had just received the imperial edict when he saw how eager the emperor was, and couldn't help but laugh.

"Lin, the remonstrator, is skilled in state affairs and had made preparations in advance."

He took the list and unfolded it. He saw that the plain silk was densely covered with names, categorized by type, and there were many people.

He thought there were only seven or eight people, but Lin Yue wrote down nearly fifty people.

Zheng He held the list, looked at each name, and quickly relaxed.

He was startled, thinking there were more than fifty officials, but it turned out that most of them were eunuchs, so there was nothing to worry about.

Zheng He had long had the idea of ​​asking the Yongle Emperor for some eunuchs to help him, but he hadn't decided which ones to ask for yet.

Zheng He looked up at Lin Yue and, seeing his intense gaze, nodded in agreement: "This list of names, Lin Yue, is indeed tailor-made for the shipyard."

I then submitted a memorial to Your Majesty, earnestly requesting that these men be transferred to the shipyard, given the best possible treatment, and ensured that they serve with complete peace of mind!

Lin Yue was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately picked up his brush to grind ink: "There is no time to lose. We will draft a memorial today, detailing the strengths of each person and the urgent needs of the shipyard."