Chapter 289 Three-Road Triumph (Fourteen) Western Region Development Plan (Part 1)
The emperor wanted to be pragmatic and come quickly. He was pragmatic and did not show off. He handed over his hands and said: "I believe that in order to develop the economy of the Western Regions so that they can support their own people and even benefit the Central Plains, there should be eight major aspects that require the government's administration."
Zhu Yijun was quite surprised and asked in amazement: "You mean, just in terms of economic development, there are eight aspects that need to be handled by the court?"
"Of course." Gao pragmatically said: "These eight major aspects are what I have left after removing the institutional (political), military, supervision and other matters that I just discussed."
Zhu Yijun composed himself, put away his surprised expression, and said seriously: "Then please ask Yuan Fu for advice." He changed his title, which obviously meant that the conversation had entered a formal meeting between king and minister.
Gao Pragmatic also looked solemn and talked eloquently: "These eight major aspects are infrastructure construction, agricultural development, trade promotion, cultural consolidation, military support, technology introduction, soil control and sand control, and medical and health care."
Zhu Yijun understood some of the "eight major aspects" proposed by Gao pragmatically, and some didn't, but he knew that according to Gao pragmatically's style, there should be more detailed plans, so he nodded and said: "Then,
Please Yuan Fu explain it to me one by one."
Gao Pragmatic coughed slightly and said: "Your Majesty, just like the provinces of Han Dynasty, infrastructure is also the cornerstone of the development of the Western Region. I plan to carry out three major events separately to ensure smooth transportation inside and outside the Western Region, adequate water conservancy, and strong cities."
Zhu Yijun didn't speak this time, just nodded and motioned Gao Pragmatic to continue with his eyes.
Gao pragmatically said: "First of all, regarding road construction, I recommend using slate, gravel or rammed earth to lay the main roads. These materials are durable and easy to maintain. More importantly, they are available throughout the Western Region, making it easy to use local materials and can be extremely useful.
Greatly relieve investment pressure and reduce financial burden.
I believe that the initial stage of the project can focus on the restoration and expansion of the Silk Road. This ancient trade route was once a link between the East and the West. Now that we have set foot in the Western Regions, we should revitalize it. To this end, we can inherit the old system of Taizu and carry out business along the way.
Setting up a post station not only provides food and accommodation for passing business travelers, but also facilitates the rapid transmission of military information."
Zhu Yijun nodded and said: "As you said, the road is like the blood of the country and must be smooth and unobstructed. These principles were mentioned in detail in your "Shu Yi Road Shu" back then, and I will never forget it."
Gao Pragmatic smiled slightly, and then continued: "Secondly, water conservancy facilities are crucial. Although there are many snow-capped mountains in the Western Region, there are thousands of miles of desert and Gobi under the snow-capped mountains, so water resources are extremely precious.
The minister proposed to use water sources in various ways. Large-scale projects include digging channels to divert water, digging and building reservoirs in suitable areas to adjust the water volume, using simple machines such as waterwheels to improve irrigation efficiency, and expanding the scope of karez construction based on local traditions. In short, these projects will greatly improve
Crop yields ensure that the Western Regions can become self-sufficient in food after introducing enough Han people."
Zhu Yijun asked with concern: "Water conservancy is indeed the foundation of people's livelihood, but you mentioned introducing enough Han people in the Western Regions..."
Gao pragmatic stretched out his hand to stop him and said: "I will discuss this matter with the emperor later."
"Ah, this is my fault, Yuan Fu, please continue." The minister interrupted the emperor, and the emperor even expressed his apology. The two of them did not look like they were in the Ming Dynasty.
Gao was already used to it. He just nodded slightly and continued: "Finally, city construction cannot be ignored. According to the military report submitted by Liu Wei, although there are many cities in various parts of the Western Region, their construction scale and solidity are relatively average.
At least it's not in line with our Han people's strengths. Strong cities and dangerous passes are a tradition of the Han family, which should not be ignored especially in the Western Regions.
According to your wishes, the city can be rebuilt or reinforced and expanded in key areas such as the Yili Basin and the Sibing Road Station. The layout of the city must also be focused, and clear commercial areas, residential areas and military areas must be divided. Strong buildings must also be built.
The city wall and wide moat can not only resist foreign enemies, but also provide a good environment for commercial activities. The planning of the city center must also pay attention to both beauty and practicality, so that it can become a window to display the glory of our Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Yijun was very interested when he heard this and praised: "Yuan Fu has thought carefully and this plan is really a long-term plan. Especially since the Western Regions have been separated from the king for a long time, I am afraid that we have long forgotten the prosperity of China. We need to build several big cities to eliminate them."
The smell of Mongolia brings the fragrance of China."
Seeing that Zhu Yijun was a little over the top, Gao Pragmatic coughed lightly and reminded: "What the emperor said can be a hundred-year plan, but it is best to focus on it now. For example, for this 'big city', I think it is enough to build one in Yili first, and then the rest
In the region, adequate use is the most important..."
These words are actually very straightforward: Your Majesty, your idea is very good, but if you want to build all the cities in the Western Region according to "big cities", that is impossible. We are not rich enough yet. Now, can we build it in Yili?
Building a big city in the core area of the Western Region's rule is a big deal. The rest will be discussed later when we get rich...
Zhu Yijun also came to his senses and remembered that his internal funds were mainly supplemented by the city of Yili. He nodded hurriedly and said: "Ah, yes, yes, what Yuan Fu said is absolutely true, and what Yuan Fu said is absolutely true."
Seeing that he understood, Gao Pangshi concluded: "Building roads, diverting water, and building cities are the three major tasks of infrastructure construction. The next seven items will also depend on them. I hope the emperor will be firm in this and will not be slow to do this for any reason."
The process of three major tasks.”
"How could it be?" Zhu Yijun waved his hand and said: "You have made it so clear, how can I not help you with all my strength? Don't worry." After a pause, he asked again: "What is the second aspect?
?”
"Agricultural development." Gao pragmatically said: "Your Majesty, agriculture is the foundation of the country. Although the Western Region is remote, it has a vast territory, which is as large as several provinces in Han Dynasty. Therefore, there are still many basins outside the desert, Gobi and snow-capped mountains.
,oasis.
These areas have fertile land and diverse climates, making them a treasure land for agricultural development. I would like to propose some agricultural development strategies, hoping to gain your Majesty's approval."
Zhu Yijun nodded and said: "Yuan Fu, please speak, I am all ears."
Gao pragmatically said: “First of all, for crop planting, Chen recommends adapting measures to local conditions and selecting appropriate crop types based on soil fertility and climate conditions in different regions.
For example, in river valleys, we can grow rice and use sufficient water resources to increase yields; in arid areas, we can promote drought-tolerant crops such as corn.
At the same time, we will also introduce drought-resistant technology and high-quality seeds from the mainland to improve the adaptability of various crops, and ultimately achieve the goal of increasing yields."
Zhu Yijun smiled and said: "It is indeed a wise move to adapt to local conditions. But since you mentioned corn, why not mention sweet potatoes? Didn't you say that the yield of sweet potatoes is also very large?"
"Sweet potatoes are naturally included, but compared to corn, sweet potatoes still have slightly higher requirements for the planting environment. Although they are drought tolerant, they are not as drought tolerant as corn. At the same time, they are also afraid of waterlogging, so they are still somewhat resistant to drought.
Land selection is required, so this requires us to first send people to build some test plots in various places in the Western Region, and then promote it after suitable planting is successful."
"That's it." Zhu Yijun nodded, and couldn't help but ask: "Then the corn doesn't need to be tested?"
Gao Pragmatic said confidently: "No need! Planting corn in the Western Region will definitely yield high yields."
Why is Gao pragmatism so confident? Because the corn yield in Xinjiang in later generations is very clear to pragmatism. A brief introduction: high yield!
How high is it? It is at the leading level in the country - for example, in 2020, it set a record of 3,326 kilograms per mu!
And corn is not simple. Corn beans can be eaten by people, corn cobs can be ground to feed horses, and even corn buds can be ground together to feed horses and cattle. The availability is extremely high.
Zhu Yijun’s understanding of agriculture was only average, but he trusted Gao Pragmatic enough. Since Gao Pragmatic was so confident, Zhu Yijun was not worried at all and laughed: “That’s great!”
Gao Pragmatic also laughed and continued: "The second thing is about the improvement of animal husbandry. The grasslands of the Western Regions are vast and the potential for the development of animal husbandry is huge. I propose to cultivate excellent breeding animals in the Western Regions. Needless to say about horses, I will let Jinghua Racecourse and Er'er
Demutu, Boshuketu and others cooperated and strived to breed better horse breeds.
In addition, excellent livestock such as Ningxia Tan sheep must also be vigorously introduced, and local livestock breeds should be improved through better breeding techniques. At the same time, a pasture management system should be established and grazing areas planned to prevent overgrazing leading to grassland degradation."
Zhu Yijun couldn't understand these things even more, but he could still understand the general idea, so he nodded repeatedly: "The improvement of animal husbandry can not only increase the supply of meat, but also increase the number of goods that can be traded. It can be said that it kills two birds with one stone."
Gao pragmatically said: "In addition, I also suggested promoting the crop rotation and fallow system in the Western Region, and rationally arranging crop planting and land rest periods to protect soil fertility and maintain the sustainability of agricultural production. At the same time, encourage farmers - whether local farmers or from the mainland in the future
The Han people who moved in—extensively applied human and animal manure to increase soil fertility and increase productivity."
This question was out of line, and Zhu Yijun could only nod.
Therefore, Gao Jingshi moved to the next item and said: "Your Majesty, the land of the Western Regions has been an important node of the Silk Road since ancient times. Commercial exchanges are frequent and the handicraft industry is also quite unique. I think we can develop the industry of the Western Regions on this basis.
Commerce laid the foundation for the permanent consolidation of the Western Region."
Industry and commerce are more profitable than agriculture. Zhu Yijun has known this for many years. Therefore, when Gao Pragmatic mentioned industry and commerce, he immediately asked with great interest: "What is Yuan Fu's advice?"
Gao Pragmatic smiled slightly and said: "First of all, regarding commercial development, I suggest setting up multiple large-scale bazaars in the Western Regions, such as Ili, Kashgar, Hami, Hotan and other places, to create distribution markets and attract merchants from all over.
We can carry out brand management for specialties from the Western Regions such as jade, spices, dried fruits, furs, etc. to enhance their market competitiveness. At the same time, we can simplify customs procedures, lower trade barriers, and encourage domestic and foreign businessmen to do business here."
Zhu Yijun pondered and said: "Prosperous commerce will make the country prosperous. You have been saying this for thirty years, and I naturally understand it. However, the brand management you are talking about...does it mean a gold-lettered brand like 'Jinghua'?"
You mean, you want to continue to expand the influence of the Jinghua brand in the Western Region, and strive to make more goods have that... what is that? Oh, brand premium? "
Gao pragmatic shook his head and said: "Jinghua's influence is enough. What I mean is that all specialties in the Western Regions should have new brand management, and strive to cultivate another or more Jinghua."
"Where to train them?" Zhu Yijun was a little confused: "There is only one Jinghua in Ming Dynasty."
Gao Pingshi smiled and said: "This is the issue that I just said to 'discuss later': all the noble families in the Ming Dynasty, as well as the major families in the south of the Yangtze River, must move a tribe to the border of the Western Region."
Zhu Yijun was shocked: "What?"
Gao pragmatic slowly reiterated: "Every noble family in the Ming Dynasty, as well as all the major families in the south of the Yangtze River, must move a tribe to the border of the Western Region."
Zhu Yijun took a breath and said hesitantly: "This move... is a big deal."
Gao Pingshi said calmly: "I am also a noble person today, and I will also choose a branch of my clan to migrate to the Western Regions."
"Why are you doing this?" Although Zhu Yijun also values the Western Region, in fact, in his eyes, that place is no better than a barren land. How can he be willing to be so pragmatic and "pay"? He immediately shook his head and said: "Your Excellency
It is not appropriate to move westward. This...is limited by the ancestral system. As for the big families in the south of the Yangtze River, I think it is feasible and in line with the rules of the past."
This is indeed one of the "rules of the past" for the Han people when a wealthy family has a border. Of course, it is not only a border, but sometimes a capital. There are too many examples of both types, so I won't list them here.
Gao pragmatic explained: "Your Majesty, if I don't send my people to move west, how can the Jiangnan clan be convinced? Even if the emperor makes the decree, who would think that there is no suggestion from the minister? The Jiangnan clan just dares to be angry and dare not speak out. If it is intentional because of this,
If it gets in the way, I’m afraid it won’t be beautiful.”
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! Seeing Gao's pragmatism and persistence, Zhu Yijun was filled with worries and asked worriedly: "Is there a suitable candidate among your clan?"
"My eldest brother has been guarding the ancestral temple for a long time, and this time he just sets an example."
Zhu Yijun recalled the news reported to him by Jin Yiwei, and said thoughtfully: "Your eldest brother... seems to have only one son, who is now very important in southern Xinjiang. You said you want to move a tribe to the Western Regions, is it possible that your nephew also
Want to go there?"
Gao Jingshi was not surprised that the emperor knew about his family's situation. It would be strange if he didn't know at all. However, Gao Jingshi didn't care, but smiled slightly: "The emperor doesn't know something. My eldest brother came to the world a few months ago.
Son, so there is no need for my nephew to follow me to the Western Regions."
Zhu Yijun was stunned, but since Gao Jingshi said this, he couldn't say anything else. After all, he also knew that the eldest family member of the Gao family had some disagreements with Gao Jingshi more than 20 years ago. But what he didn't know was that although Gao Wuzi was old
She came to have a son, but the youngest son was born from a concubine, so Gao Pragmatic made this decision.
There is another question, why does Gao Pragmatic insist on having each noble family "move one branch"? Because in a clan society, it seems that members of such a clan may move thousands of miles away, so those who do not need to move must try their best to make up for it.
The "costs" of a wealthy clan are no joke. They are huge sums of money. They are designed to allow this tribe to dominate one party's assets as soon as they arrive at their destination.
Through such means, firstly, a large number of Han people can be brought, and secondly, a large amount of wealth can be brought. This is the necessary foundation for stabilizing and developing the Western Regions.
When the matter reached this point, Zhu Yijun could no longer object, so Gao Pragmatic continued: "Secondly, regarding industrial development, the Western Regions are rich in mineral resources, such as iron ore, copper mines, etc. As previously discussed, I propose to establish
Government-run or private smelting workshops should introduce advanced smelting technology to improve metal output and quality. In addition, we should develop handicraft industries such as textiles and ceramics, and use the advantages of local raw materials to produce unique products to meet market demand."
Zhu Yijun nodded and said: "As you said in the past, industry is the foundation of a strong country and cannot be ignored. As for the establishment of industry, you have said it before, and I know it."
Gao Pragmatic skipped this topic and continued: "Then there is the construction of the financial system. I believe that the Ming Fed must immediately station in various parts of the Western Region to provide credit support for industry and commerce, and even large farms, to help merchants and landlords with financing. At the same time, it is necessary to
Promote the use of currency, including small-denomination banknotes from the Federal Reserve, to facilitate transaction settlement and promote the standardization of commercial activities.”
Zhu Yijun waved his hand and said: "You are an expert on this matter. If you say it, I will say it."
Gao Pragmatic did not shirk, and said: "Finally, regarding the training and introduction of talents, I suggest setting up schools and academies at all levels in the Western Regions to cultivate local commercial and industrial talents in the Western Regions. At the same time, attract outstanding craftsmen and aspiring people from the Han provinces
Merchants went to the Western Regions to take root, or to teach skills, exchange experiences, and jointly promote the prosperity and development of industry and commerce."
Zhu Yijun mused: "Your Beiyang Maritime Trade Alliance seems to be able to play an exemplary role in this matter."
Gao pragmatic smiled and said: "This is natural, I have no obligation to do so."
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PS: It’s 4600 words, and I’m too lazy to scrape together 5k. Anyway, this part takes two chapters to finish.