The fleet passed through Incheon Port and headed for Seoul. After arriving in Seoul, the houses in North Korea were generally relatively short, and the splendid palace in the distance was obviously the royal palace of North Korea.
The royal palace of North Korea is called Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the famous Blue House is the backyard of Gyeongbokgung Palace.
When Zhu Zhanzhen's warship arrived at the ferry, the Korean King Li Di had already greeted him at the ferry with his subjects.
Li Chen is a relatively slender young man, estimated to be about 1.78 meters tall. His single eyelids make his eyes look small, but his overall face shape and facial features are pretty good. The cheekbones of Koreans are generally thinner than those of Chinese people.
In other words, it should be on the high side and on the large side, which is not considered good-looking in the Ming Dynasty's aesthetics.
Korea is a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty. Their customs and habits were all learned from the Ming Dynasty, and even the Chinese language was used for many years.
Zhu Zhanzhen hopes that this kind of relationship can continue. When a country uses other people's language and learns other people's culture, then this country fundamentally identifies with other people's culture and can never be eradicated.
The warship docked, and Li Chen and the ministers at the port watched Zhu Zhanyi step off the warship.
Zhu Zhanyi set foot on the land of North Korea, and behind him, Black Snake Girl was fully armed and followed Zhu Zhanyi, which was quite intimidating.
"King Li Bin of Joseon, I have met His Royal Highness Prince Zhujiang." Li Bin immediately saluted. As a king, he needed to salute the prince of Ming Dynasty. This actually made him uncomfortable to salute. The reason why he was praised by all dynasties of Joseon was because of him.
He is a good king with ambition and ability.
This time Zhu Zhanzhen put away his dandy and perverse temperament and played the role of a gentle and elegant prince here.
Zhu Zhanzhen stepped forward and stopped Li Chen who was about to salute.
"King of Korea, you don't have to be like this. You and I are both subjects of the Ming Dynasty. You are still ahead of me in terms of rank. Besides, third uncle, I am still your brother-in-law."
Looking at the amiable Prince of Zhujiang County in front of him, Li Chen could not for a moment connect him with the rumored man who was both a playboy and good at fighting.
Because one of Zhu Zhanzhen's concubines included Li Hyo-joo, North Korea would pay special attention to this prince. After all, both parties were related by marriage, and it can be seen from the small amount of correspondence between Li Hyo-joo and the North Korean royal family that Li Hyo-joo was very favored.
At that time, Lee Hyo Joo was sent out to get married because of the rejection of the North Korean royal family, but she did not expect that she was still the one who received the most love.
Feng shui turns in turn, thirty years to the east of the river, thirty years to the west of the river, don't deceive the poor girl, the ancients will not deceive me.
Fortunately, Li Ben himself had a pretty good relationship with Li Hyo Joo, so after he became king, there were more letters exchanged.
The young superintendent of the Pearl River County Prince always made a big splash. He was also the one who created the steam warship that they desperately wanted. According to rumors, he was a very difficult man to get along with, but when they met today, he was
Greatly improved.
Li Di and Zhu Zhanchen exchanged pleasantries, and the ministers and people watching the excitement were paying attention to the two. Li Di's reputation in North Korea was very high. In recent years, Li Di had actively responded to the Ming Dynasty's sea ban policy, which made North Korea, especially
The businesses along the coast are doing better and better, the people's livelihood is getting better and better, and the people's lives are getting better, so I will naturally praise you.
Zhu Zhanxi got on the carriage and followed Li Chen to Gyeongbokgung Palace. In the carriage, Li Chen introduced the situation in North Korea to Zhu Zhanchen in detail. He blurted out everything from the area of North Korea to the current trade situation with Ming Dynasty.
It is impossible for him to memorize this kind of information in advance. He can only know it by heart in ordinary government affairs, so he can blurt it out during conversations. And looking at his serious and enthusiastic look, he should have a heartfelt responsibility for North Korea.
.
Because he was coming to North Korea, Zhu Zhanzhen specifically asked Li Xiaozhu some information about Li Sun. Li Xiaozhu only knew what happened when she was a child. Her third brother was much more friendly than her eldest brother, and she had never seen him conquer anyone.
There were very few scoldings, and the etiquette and gestures were excellent. At the beginning, she regretfully said that Li Chen was just the third brother, and it would be great if he was the eldest brother.
And there is something mysterious about Li Chen.
The three sons born to his father, the previous King of Joseon, Lee Bang Won, and his real wife, Queen Won Kyung, Min, all died young and could not be raised.
When another son of Li Fangyuan (the eldest son), Li Bao, the former crown prince of the Joseon Dynasty, was born, the two parents were too frightened to raise Li Bao themselves, so they fostered Li Bao into the Min family.
The second son Li Bu fell ill a few days after he was born, which frightened the couple so much that they fostered their second son Li Bu to another home.
When the third son Li Chen was born, the couple refused to foster the son out after his death, so they kept the son with them.
So in theory, only Li Di was the first son raised by the King and his wife of Joseon. And strangely enough, all the other sons raised by them were either sick or died young. Only Li Di was not in good health, and his body was even worse.
Stick, horseback riding and archery are all fine.
This also made the folk physiognomists say that Li Bin was the true emperor of North Korea. The other princes could not carry the national destiny of North Korea, so they all died early. Only Li Bin could carry the national destiny. The other brothers were all paving the way for him.
.
In the end, it was indeed Li Sun who became the king of Korea, and he became the king recognized by everyone in just a few years. They called him Yaodong Yao and Shun in the country, and he was as wise as the ancient sages.
You see, this is the power of culture. When they praise people, they have to use figures from Chinese history, because culture has been deeply rooted in their minds.
Arriving at Gyeongbokgung Palace, Li Sun specially invited Li Hyo Joo's mother, Wang, who was originally a low-status North Korean concubine. Because her daughter was not favored, she was not favored either, so her life was quite ordinary.
But as Li Xiaozhu became favored in the Ming Dynasty, her status suddenly improved a lot. She must have a seat at every Joseon palace banquet. Mother is more valuable than daughter.
When Zhu Zhanyi and Wang met, Wang excitedly saluted Zhu Zhanyi. Her whole life now was because of this son-in-law whom she had never met. How could she not be grateful?
Of course, she said a lot, but Zhu Zhanzhen couldn't understand it all. After all, she spoke Korean.
Li Chen translated it, mainly words of gratitude.
Zhu Zhanzhen respected his mother-in-law very much, and even specially invited her to attend the dinner. Just doing these actions was enough for his mother-in-law to continue to enjoy her old age in North Korea.
Although Lee Hyo Joo said that her relationship with her mother was not very good before, she was her biological mother after all and had to take care of her.
In order to welcome the Prince of Zhujiang County, Li Chen held a grand dinner, and while exchanging cups with Zhu Zhanchen, Li Chen asked: "His Royal Highness is visiting Korea and Japan as envoys, but His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty has issued an edict to me.
Waiting for the subjects?”
Of course we can't talk about stationing troops in Shandong.
Zhu Zhanzhen put down his wine glass and said seriously: "Since the Ming Dynasty imposed a sea ban, the Ming Dynasty has also allowed North Korea, and students from Japan have gone to the Ming Dynasty to take exams. In recent years, many students have indeed come to the Ming Dynasty, but we think it is still not enough?
"
Li Fen was stunned. He didn't understand Zhu Zhanzhen's words. What did he mean by "still not enough"? The students from North Korea tried their best to go to the Ming Dynasty to take the imperial examination. However, due to their own problems, many of them failed to meet the standards. But Zhu Zhanzhen didn't understand.
Zhan Zhen's words were still not enough, as if he disliked them for being too little, which made Li Chen as confused as a two-foot-tall monk.
"This time I returned from the Western Expedition of the Chagatai Khanate. Our Majesty has approved the implementation of three years of compulsory education in Shuntian Prefecture and Yingtian Prefecture. In all cases, when you reach the age of ten, your wealth will be clean, and your parents will have no crimes.
All children in history can go to school to study for three years at a low price, including merchants and farmers."
As soon as Zhu Zhanzhen said this, everyone in Li Chen was dumbfounded. What is three-year compulsory education? This is simply the future of North Korean education in his dream.
"The Ming Dynasty's national power is at its peak, and His Majesty the Great Emperor really loves his people like a son." Li Chen admired him from the bottom of his heart. Such things are beyond the reach of ordinary people.
"I hope North Korea can do the same."
Zhu Zhanzhen's words ignited Li Chen's hope, but he fell into a dilemma.
"Your Highness is unaware of something. Unless I don't want to, I am really powerless. Our farmers will not let their children waste three years of learning culture and leave the fertile land uncultivated."
Zhu Zhanzhen naturally knew the existence of this situation.
"I built a Nanhai University in Guangzhou and recruited students from all over the world. My third uncle has heard of it."
"I have also heard that businessmen from North Korea who have been to Guangzhou Prefecture say when they come back that Guangzhou Prefecture is the largest city in the world, with tall buildings and jade palaces, and a golden body of a concubine that is more than 40 meters high, which is amazing." Li
Chen's words are also full of yearning for advanced big cities.
Zhu Zhanzhen struck while the iron was hot and said: "Brother Third Uncle, I have a study abroad plan. If you are willing, you can choose outstanding children in North Korea, children aged 13 or 14 who are proficient in Ming Dynasty writing and language, and send them to our Guangzhou government. I will
Let them have three years of compulsory education in today's schools just like the students of the Ming Dynasty, and those who excel in the exams can also enter Nanhai University and even take scientific examinations."
Suddenly Zhu Zhanzhen proposed such generous terms. How could Li Chen not be surprised? How could such a big pie fall from the sky?
As a wise monarch, he did not think that Zhu Zhanzhen's sudden offer of such generous conditions was free.
"Your Highness, is there anything you need us to do?"
"Brother Third Uncle, the relationship between North Korea and the Ming Dynasty is very good now, and trade is also very smooth. I hope you can allow businessmen from the Ming Dynasty to settle in North Korea. Of course, if necessary, I will go to Japan, North Korea and
Japan is very close to each other. If necessary, I believe that my third uncle will help me."
Zhu Zhanzhen understood that if he suddenly offered such a generous policy, the other party would definitely suspect that he had other agendas. This was human nature, so he might as well make some indifferent demands.
Li Chen was a smart man. When he heard Zhu Zhanxun talking about Japan and saying that he wanted to help him, he understood what he meant.
"Your Highness, it is natural that we would like businessmen from the Ming Dynasty to come and settle in North Korea. We also hope to increase trade with the Ming Dynasty. If we can help His Highness, we would also like it. Is the study abroad plan mentioned by His Highness really possible?"
"Of course it's true."
Having said this, Zhu Zhanxun stood up with a wine glass and said to the courtiers of North Korea below: "Dear ministers of North Korea and ministers of King Li Chen, please introduce yourselves. I am Zhu Zhanxang, the king of Zhujiang County.
Your Princess Lee Hyo Joo’s husband, I am still a North Korean son-in-law.”
In an instant, the distance between the two sides was shortened. All the ministers knew that Zhu Zhanyang was a powerful prince in the Ming Dynasty who was close to North Korea. Naturally, they were very happy that such a powerful figure in the suzerain country was so close to North Korea.
"The Prince of Zhujiang County has extraordinary martial arts and majestic weapons. He is truly a dragon and a phoenix among men."
The flattering words are coming right away. There are not many courtiers in North Korea who can speak such Ming Dynasty dialect in such a straight and precise manner, but how did you find out about my impressive appearance?
Zhu Zhanzhen raised his wine glass and said to everyone: "Xiaozhu often told me that there are many children in North Korea who are very smart, but they just have no chance to study or take the imperial examination. She feels extremely sad. Now our Ming Dynasty has allowed it.
For the scientific examination of North Korean students, we have also established a new learning system in Guangzhou."
"Three years of compulsory education and a university system. This time I am here to bring you news. In the future, outstanding children from North Korea can go to school in Guangzhou, go to university, and take the imperial examination. Of course, they can learn more than just
It’s old knowledge, as well as the latest knowledge, about steam engines.”
The whole audience, including Li Chen, was shocked for a moment. Zhu Zhanzhen was actually willing to let foreigners learn such an important weapon of a big country as the steam engine. He must learn it, no matter how much money he spent.
"Your Highness, how do our children go to Daming and Guangzhou?"
"How much does it cost Your Highness?"
…
A group of ministers started asking questions at once. Zhu Zhanzhen waved his hand to signal them to stop first, and looked at Li Chen instead.
"Your Majesty King Li Chen and I both intend to promote this matter. As for the cost, it is the tuition and living expenses during the period of study. Of course, I will also provide additional scholarships to outstanding students to support their studies."
"but……"
When Zhu Zhanzhen's speech came out, everyone, including Li Chen, was holding their breath and listening carefully.
"Because there is a precedent, North Korean students went to Daming and took the imperial examination. However, they could not speak Daming dialect, so communication would be very difficult. Therefore, we hope that before North Korean students go to Daming, they should first learn the writing and language of Daming.
If you learn well, you will be admitted. King Li Sun and several ministers here will speak very well about Ming Dynasty. This will allow students to communicate and learn more smoothly after arriving in Ming Dynasty."
This is Zhu Zhanzhen's purpose, so that the best students in North Korea will learn the Ming Dynasty and write the Ming Dynasty in the future. Only such students will have a future, and then all the children in their country will learn the Ming Dynasty at the same time.
It has even gradually formed a social state in which speaking Ming dialect is the only way to master people.
And what about the knowledge of steam engines? How can people get hooked without drawing a big pie?
Three years of compulsory education, four years of university education, and seven years after graduation.
Moreover, most of what is taught in the school is the principle of boiling water to form steam. If they want to catch up with the footsteps of the Ming Dynasty, there is still a long way to go. By the time they can make it, the technology of the Ming Dynasty will have long been gone.
Having reached a new level, their own national and financial resources are incomparable to those of the Ming Dynasty.
Seven years later, North Korean students returned to North Korea with basic knowledge of steam engines. Did Ming Dynasty have anything to worry about?
For these North Korean ministers, this is the opportunity they dream of. Is it still a positive idea to send their children to the Ming Dynasty?
Zhu Zhanzhen knew without even thinking that a large part of the children sent from North Korea to study in the Ming Dynasty would be children of the North Korean elite.
This also means that the property of these powerful people will flow to the Ming Dynasty, and it will be fine if they are allowed to buy houses in Guangzhou.
These North Korean students will definitely promote how good Ming Dynasty is in the future. Firstly, because Ming Dynasty is more developed than North Korea, all facilities are better. Secondly, because they constantly promote how good Ming Dynasty is, they can be superior to others.
In the future, all industries in North Korea will have the shadow of Ming Dynasty behind them, controlling North Korea's economy and culture, so that they will never be able to do without Ming Dynasty.
This is Zhu Zhanzhen's ultimate goal. Of course, there is still a long way to go to achieve this goal.
This was a conspiracy, a plan that was on the surface, and the king and ministers of North Korea could not refuse Zhu Zhanyang, because now it seemed that Zhu Zhanyang was indeed helping them.
"Your Highness, when can the plan for studying abroad begin?" Li Chen asked.
"It will be possible tomorrow. The matter is fully entrusted to the Ming Dynasty's embassy in North Korea. Children selected by North Korea can get a Ming Dynasty passport after passing the embassy's oral and written examination. With this passport, they can live in Ming Dynasty.
They are no different from the people of the Ming Dynasty."
"At the same time, every year in March and September, twice a year, I will specially arrange for Hyo-joo to come back in person to pick up our children in North Korea."
"Princess Hyojoo is here, that's great."
"Very good."
While everyone was cheering, only one of the creators of Hunminjeongum of Joseon, the number one scholar of Joseon, Zheng Linzhi, sat at the end of the banquet with an expressionless expression.
Zheng Linzhi watched a group of nobles singing and dancing around Zhu Zhanzhi, and sighed in his heart: "Everyone speaks Ming dialect, everyone writes Ming characters, and Korea will eventually become the Korea of Ming Dynasty."
It's just that the treatment given by Zhu Zhanzhen was too generous. He knew that he couldn't convince everyone to be like him, and the children in North Korea would definitely learn the Ming dialect.
The first version of the phonetic fonts that he worked so hard to compile at home will eventually be buried under the loess and no one cares about it.
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
There will be a lot of contrary things in this chapter. The author is a simple child who understands nothing and knows nothing.