After reviewing the military, being knighted, receiving gifts and hearing congratulations, and meeting the envoys, Zhu Houcong had one more thing that he had planned for this year's Longevity Festival.
Before dawn the next day, many people were waiting outside the Xihua Gate of the Forbidden City.
They were all coming, some were wearing silk brocade, and some were wearing commoners.
But it can be seen that they are basically pampered and pampered on weekdays.
But at this moment, whether it is a total of thirty-six provincial-level Xiangyuan officials from two capitals and sixteen provinces, or business representatives from major business gangs and guilds across the Ming Dynasty, most of them are nervous and excited.
Today's banquet was actually arranged in Qianqing Palace. This is a glorious event that deserves to be written about after returning home.
Although it was not the business of these businessmen to enter the palace to celebrate their birthdays yesterday, most of them were invited to the military parade the day before yesterday because they had previously pledged to buy national debt.
This time I came to Beijing and gained something extraordinary.
At this moment, Zhang Fujing, Xia Yan, Yang Shen, Yan Song, Liu Long, Liu Tianhe, and Gu Dingchen were waiting outside the Meridian Gate.
Of course everyone knew what the purpose of today was, although they still didn't know exactly what the emperor planned to do.
But now, Zhang Fujing spoke to Liu Tianhe first: "Brother Songshi, your Majesty met with the wealthy businessman today and gave a banquet to the Qianqing Palace. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is probably the top priority. Although Brother Songshi was appointed Minister of Industry and Commerce mainly for Huang Huai Flood, since Tang Zonghe is in charge of that major matter, Brother Songshi still needs to worry about other things."
Liu Tianhe was promoted from the Prime Minister Hedao Yamen to the Minister of Industry and Commerce, and the scope of work he was responsible for was indeed much larger.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is an increasingly important part of this ministry reform. After the implementation of the procurement method, although most projects only require the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to formulate plans, recruit construction firms, and supervise project quality and payment, at the same time, Administrative procedures such as registration and filing of enterprises, companies, firms, and stores all over the world have also been placed under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce system, becoming an extremely important part of the new law in commercial law and tax law.
Hearing what Zhang Fujing said at this moment, Liu Tianhe bowed slightly to show respect: "Since the chief assistant said this, there must be other important matters, right?"
Zhang Fujing nodded and looked at Liu Long and Yang Shen first: "Your Majesty has worked hard in these years to save money in the palace. In addition to renovating Yangxin Palace, Qingning Palace, and Rijing Gate at the beginning of his succession, In addition, other large and small projects in the palace in recent years are all for the governmental offices of the outer dynasty. Yesterday's ceremony, the area around the outer dynasty was certainly grand, but in recent years, there has been a lot of trouble in the harem. Especially in the eighth year of Jiajing, the Seventh West Palace Fire. Ten years later, another fire destroyed Weiyang Palace."
Yang Shen didn't know why he mentioned these things at this time.
One code equals another, Zhu Houcong has been on the throne for more than ten years, and there have indeed been some fires in the palace.
The most dangerous one was indeed the tenth year of Jiajing, when the fire spread to the Weiyang Palace, which is immediately northwest of the Yangxin Palace. In this Weiyang Palace, not only the concubine Wen Suyun lived, but also the Western Zhaoyi Carolina and the third prince, who was only four years old at the time.
A repair plan had been planned, but preparations for the Northern Expedition were already underway. At the end of the next year, the Duoyan tribe was attacked, and Yu Dayou resumed the war in Tucheng. Later, troops were deployed in Yunnan, Nanyang, and Mobei last year, and the project was delayed. Until now.
"The national treasury is unified. Your Majesty is the emperor, and the amount has been set and spent on an annual basis. However, your Majesty is now powerful and virtuous all over the world. This time, foreign countries come to the DPRK and present female officials, and the ministers do not know how many. With such beauty,
Lanna, Ordos has set a precedent of peace and obedience, and naturally there will be more followers. Your Majesty is in good health and has plentiful heirs. As a minister, you should be foresighted."
Zhang Fu looked at everyone respectfully and said: "Your Majesty set up the Royal Academy in the Zhongyuan Hall as a last resort. Your Majesty has the intention to teach by words and deeds, so that the princes, the clan, and relatives will know the etiquette and justice. Nowadays, there are more people who have won awards in the first battle, and they can be honored.
I have entered the Forbidden Palace and received your Majesty’s attention and orders from many of them. They are very old. How can the Royal Academy be located in the Zhongyuan Hall? For the sake of long-term planning, the Ministry of Etiquette and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce should come up with a strategy and submit it to the Holy Inquisitor."
Zhang Fuking, who was sure to be re-elected with the emperor's approval, brought up the plan to re-plan and renovate the Forbidden City at this moment. Yan Song immediately said: "What the general assistant said is true! Although the Imperial Academy has Dean Wen, Zhang Xuezheng and other state officials serve as teachers,
But if it is located to the south of the Qingning Palace, then all the state affairs officials in the Wenhua Palace and those in the Hanlin Academy can serve as teachers!"
Yang Shen was shocked.
The prince has reached the age of ten, and it is time to consider setting up a dedicated east palace.
As for the education of princes, clans, and descendants, if civil servants do not exert influence from now on, there will be great hidden dangers.
It’s not that everyone wants to have a hand in this group that the emperor intends to directly influence, but the Ming Dynasty is now strong. If we don’t make some preparations now, when the emperor is older or even the next generation, old and new ministers will still be fighting for military glory.
The continuous expansion of power is a huge concern for the country.
Zhang Fujing wanted to help the emperor re-plan and renovate the Forbidden City, leaving a framework for the future crown prince affairs and the balance between civil and military matters.
Yan Song couldn't help but look at Zhang Fujing: He is still brave. This matter can easily make the emperor think too much and become dissatisfied.
Xia Yan was on the spot, but he nodded: "What Mao Gong said is true!"
Although he represents the interests of the military, as a civil servant serves as the military general staff, he himself must do the same thing.
But he had other opinions: "The place in Renzhi Hall is big enough."
One is the ready-made Renzhi Hall to the north of the Wuying Hall, as long as it is no longer used as the Jiyan Hall. The other is the north and south Qingning Palace, which is located to the northeast of the Wenhua Hall and there is still a lot of open space on the east side of the Forbidden City.
The Wuying Hall is closer to where the military affairs conference is, and the Wenhua Hall is closer to where the ministers of state gather.
Zhang Fujing just smiled and said: "We might as well mention it today to see what His Majesty means."
So before the emperor summoned them, the important ministers had already had a preliminary exchange of opinions on a new matter.
When representatives from the most prestigious Xiangxianyuan in each province and representatives from the most prestigious business firms in the industry met the most powerful ministers of the Ming Dynasty, they understood that today was not just a simple banquet.
Zhu Houcong was very interested.
He was purely polite to those Xiangxian who were mainly from local prominent families and had at least a Juren background. Under certain historical conditions, using the power of local clans to stabilize their rule was only a situation that was bound to happen when the Xiangxianyuan system was first established.
Zhu Houcong was naturally more interested in these wealthy businessmen of the Ming Dynasty.
In the current political and business environment, these people can stand out because they are all extremely smart and resourceful people.
Among them, there are Shanxi merchants, Hui merchants and Guangdong merchants.
In addition to the old salt, tea, rice, cloth, paper, ink, and porcelain industries, they also operate new light industries.
The most special one among them is naturally the fertilizer industry tycoon Jin Kaila.
To be honest, the production capacity of his Jinke Fertilizer Plant has never been increased, and the cost has been difficult to really reduce. Until now, only the most established grain storage accounts and other wealthy people who don't care much about costs can afford it.
Jin Kaila was very ashamed of this, because he knew that the reason why the emperor looked at him differently was because he expected his fertilizer factory to benefit ordinary people in the Ming Dynasty.
However, struvite can only be transported thousands of miles away from overseas, and once the fertilizer made from it is transported over a long distance, it will not be able to compare with the cost of farmers finding ways to make some fertilizer to be self-sufficient.
The improvement of agricultural technology in the Ming Dynasty is currently more important in agricultural tools, water conservancy and breeding at the Agricultural College of Huangming University.
After everyone had paid their respects, several important ministers sat on the two sides closest to the emperor, while others were given seats and sat in several rows in the hall opposite the emperor.
Zhu Houcong saw it interestingly and said after speaking: "If the presidents of the enterprises under the Huangming Assets Bureau also come, this can become the Ming Dynasty Economic Work Conference."
One sentence made many wealthy businessmen excited: How could businessmen like them be qualified to participate in the Ming Dynasty Economic Work Conference?
It seems that today is not just to meet them and hope that they will buy more of the rumored ten-year national bonds that will be implemented soon, but also has another highlight.
"Today I will give a lecture first and talk about your profession."
Wang Zhi's "employee" Xu Dong listened blankly to the emperor's speech.
Agriculture, industry, commerce and services, means of production and labor, consumption and markets, the environment created by the country improving transportation and providing a stable internal administrative system...
There are many concepts, some do not need explanation, and some are easy to understand once explained.
Except for Jin Kaila, many businessmen who had never met the emperor could only hide their shock: Does the emperor, who is so aloof, understand the situation of all walks of life, have such a clear view of the old business they operate?
Naturally, Zhu Houcong could not fully understand some of the little tricks and means they used in doing business, but he could only talk about the essence.
"There is no need to elaborate on the principle of paying taxes when farming and paying taxes when doing business." Zhu Houcong looked at them, "I am focusing on important matters, and all the ministers are assisting me. Of course, a lot of the grain and money collected from the entire Ming Dynasty need to be used.
In terms of salaries, wages and many other expenses, the ultimate goal is to stabilize the Ming Dynasty internally and externally, so that the people and you can also benefit."
There is so much foreshadowing, not just to explain this truth.
Zhu Houcong said again: "It's not like the ancient times anymore. If you have a stutter, you can have a place to spend the night. Just live to be twenty or thirty years old and leave heirs. If conditions permit, who wouldn't want to live a few more years to save money on food and clothing?"
Better? I am implementing a new law to make people live with a lighter burden. That is for the future. We need to give people a way to live and live better. The more people who have spare money to buy things to improve their lives, the more you will do in the future.
The bigger the business market will be!”
"For example, during this Northern Expedition, so many people surrendered to the Mongols. Logically speaking, it would be over once and for all by killing them all. However, that is not the case. As long as they do not cause trouble, there are hundreds of thousands of people. If they want to survive, their descendants will
If you want to live, you will inevitably have to buy some goods. So, why bother killing them all? Not only them, but also the Tatars who were driven away, I am not prepared to kill them all. If we are close to the Ming Dynasty, we can live a better life.
The problem is really gone. Therefore, the imperial court is preparing to expand the scale of the border market."
Having said this, these wealthy businessmen were naturally convinced and overjoyed and all called them saints.
In the past, because the restrictions were too strict, they could only sell some domestic salt, tea, rice, grain, etc. The profits of the border markets needed to be carefully managed by the civil and military classes in the border towns before they were qualified to do so.
Although the requirements for paying taxes are higher nowadays, it has to be said that if business practices are well regulated, it will be much easier for them.
In the future, the scale of the border market will be expanded and the maritime ban will be lifted. This will indeed be a good era for doing business that they have never experienced before.
"I have said so much why you have set up various enterprises to manage some key industries. You should also understand." Zhu Houcong paused, "It is not to compete with you for profits, but because of the relationship between those industries.
When it comes to the important national economy and people's livelihood, there must be no chaos. I close one door and open another for you. Behind this new door, not only will restrictions on business be relaxed, but you will no longer have to be inferior to others."
Jin Gaila couldn't help but look up at the emperor. Being more familiar with the emperor, he vaguely felt that this so-called not being inferior to others was definitely not just meeting them at this moment, but facing the entire business group.
Zhu Houcong said with a smile: "The imperial court is studying how to change the household registration system. Since ancient times, it has been said that scholars, farmers, industry and commerce, are divided into three religions and nine streams. Although some people are also common people in the Ming Dynasty, they must be divided into three, six or nine classes. Times are changing, and the situation is also changing. Very soon.
, From the perspective of laws and regulations, the Ming Dynasty will no longer distinguish clear household registrations. People in families with military registration do not have to be in the military, and families with merchant registration do not have to pretend to be commoners in order to avoid violating the prohibition. "
Sure enough, everyone in common clothes couldn't believe it, and couldn't help but glance at the faces of the important ministers: If this happens, wouldn't it mean that etiquette is gone and order is in chaos?
But Zhang Fujing and the others didn't have too many surprises.
Discussions about household registration have not been held for a year or two.
It can only be said that by this time, the emperor has gained enough prestige to promote these things, and the important ministers in the court have also seen through it: in the stage of change, those who know the direction of the general trend can always make preparations in advance and take advantage of the opportunity.
Zhu Houcong said at this time: "No matter where you come from, everyone should study and be sensible. If people are enlightened, they will find ways to live a better life. If the life is good, there will be spare money to buy goods, and all industries will prosper. All industries will prosper.
, the court's tax revenue will also be high. People are no longer divided into three, six or nine, and it is difficult to control the government and the court, but this is also my new requirement for the officials. If it is difficult to control, you can still govern the Ming Dynasty.
It is a truly heroic talent.”
"You all saw the generals being reviewed the day before yesterday. Please note that in my heart, the Ming Dynasty will need three armies, one light, two dark, and three in the future!" Zhu Houcong then got to the point, "The Ming army is the Ming army. The generals are brave and capable. The plan, the weapon is invincible, and the guarantee is foolproof. The two dark branches are one called economy and the other called culture!"
"Let the foreigners live a better life, and then earn their money back. How can they still cause chaos if they are economically dependent on the Ming Dynasty?"
"Let all foreigners have their hearts set on Ming culture, learn our Ming writings, and practice our Ming system. Life will get better and better, so why do they still want to cause chaos?"
Zhu Houcong raised his hand and pointed at them: "You are my economic army! The diplomatic envoys not only help you, but are also the vanguard generals of the cultural army. In the Ming Dynasty, everyone is well-educated and educated, and culture and education are prosperous. It is you who are invincible in the country's atmosphere. The confidence!”
Tuqiongdiao saw that the emperor summoned them, and it was already clear why.
The word "Army" has a very cold meaning, but it is for the future of the Ming Dynasty.
The atmosphere in the Qianqing Palace has changed somewhat. Most of the rural sages are just local big landowners, but the wealthy businessmen all know that since the emperor wants to encourage them to use goods to "attack cities and demolish villages" in the surrounding vassal states, there will naturally be some deployment arrangements.
So they are expecting.
"In the past, in order to protect the country, the Ming Dynasty had to send officials to manage the territory after it conquered some territories. Officials were unwilling to stay away from the Ming Dynasty. When they went to the border, they often committed evil deeds, so their successes often failed." Zhu Houcong said first, " In the future, let’s change our thinking. There are no longer three, six or nine classes in the Ming Dynasty. Han people and foreigners are actually all human beings. The Celestial Dynasty has been transformed into kings, and over the thousands of years, it is unknown how many foreigners have been naturalized.”
"When you go out to do business, you should also remember this. The economic army and the cultural army are to turn them into Han people. Support those who aspire to the Ming Dynasty, so that their lives will be better; suppress those who are selfish and have too much power, so that they can live a better life. It is difficult to move forward. One generation, two generations, three generations, and the surrounding areas of the Ming Dynasty will no longer be in trouble."
"Bring it up!"
Zhu Houcong gave an order, and a screen was carried out by the ministers and placed in front of everyone.
They looked up and saw that it was a map.
This map covers the whole world, not just the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Houcong looked around and said slowly: "Today you are called into the palace, you have the qualification to participate in a great opportunity that has never been seen in the world in a thousand years, and to build the foundation of the country that will last forever. The imperial court will implement a ten-year national bond for the construction of the prosperous Ming Dynasty. Naturally, you have heard the news. Those who subscribe to the fund will be able to subsequently invest in two new companies."
They were still staring at the screen, and saw that it looked like two armies starting from the Ming Dynasty. When each army left the border, there were several arrows.
The road to the west points directly to the west, which seems to be the ancient Silk Road in the Han and Tang Dynasties. The road to the east either turns to the northeast, east, or points directly to the surface.
"One is the Land Great Wall Company, and the other is the Sea Great Wall Company." Zhu Houcong explained, "These two companies, Huangming Assets Bureau and the Ministry of Finance and Taxation, both hold large shares, and the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Literary Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture and Education are all involved. .You participated, contributed money, people and efforts, but did nothing. Because these two companies opened the way, they had generals, cannons, and warships. After occupying the fortress, they set up the Protectorate, which served as a border. It is a commercial station and a base for diplomacy and etiquette."
"My army will lead the way, followed by your respective trading houses, opening trade routes, selling goods, purchasing raw materials, and making friends with the local people."
After a short pause, Zhu Houcong looked at them meaningfully: "If you encounter any obstacles, you can hire generals from these two companies to protect them outside the territory."
Everyone in the hall, including Zhang Fuking and others, were shocked.
Does this allow businessmen to borrow military power?
Yes, just borrowing.
After much thought, Zhu Houcong still couldn't allow these wealthy businessmen who had the courage to go abroad to arm themselves like the West. The consequences would be too great.
Xuanwei can only be done by the official power of the Ming Dynasty. Using commercial means to propagate is the main thing they are allowed to do.
But when you go out, there are always dangers. Small and sporadic incidents do not affect the overall situation.
By hiring people, we have a bumper to at least tie down the ferocious beasts that Ming Dynasty is about to unleash.
The Ming Dynasty is about to reduce its elite troops, and there are many soldiers who need to be diverted.
If they have this ambition, it is also a way out for re-employment.
On this day, the "economic meeting" in the Qianqing Palace was held for a long time.
The most outstanding wealthy businessmen of the Ming Dynasty had definitely heard from the emperor about many places and what products they had there.
For example, the New World filled with gold and silver was passed down by the Western Yi people.
For example, there is a huge and vast island to the south of Nagwa Island, with coal and iron almost spilled on the ground.
For example, in the Persian desert, there is a lot of oil that Shen Kuo mentioned in "Mengxi Bi Tan". His Majesty said that this kind of thing will be more important than coal and iron in the future. This is the conclusion that he and Tao Zhenren have studied for a long time.
There is no need to emphasize it so much. Shen Kuo himself said: This thing will become popular in the world.
By noon, before the banquet, the screen was removed.
After the banquet was set, Zhu Houcong raised his glass and said: "The Prime Minister, the Minister of State, the General Staff of the Military Affairs Conference, and several ministers are here. You must know that this is the supreme achievement of the Ming Dynasty to carry forward the past and open up the future, and to lay a foundation for China for generations! The guns of the Western barbarian warships cleared the way, The merchant ship accompanying them has arrived at the door of the Ming Dynasty. They are so arrogant that they actually want to carve up the world. Now that I am far away, what I am focusing on is the age of great strife in the world that has not changed for thousands of years!"
"Frequent conflicts are just a means! The Ming Dynasty's economic and cultural army is the invisible new Great Wall on land and sea. I have learned new knowledge, value practicality, practical benefits, study physics and human principles, and do not strive for hegemony in the world for great achievements. , just so that the descendants of the Ming Dynasty can enjoy peace and prosperity forever! Although the people of China have settled down and relocated, they are never afraid of spreading their branches!"
Zhu Houcong circled around from afar: "Drink this cup to the full! If this achievement is successful, in the future the Ming Dynasty will have a huge territory, the family and the country will be rich, and the territory will be stable. How can I be grudge to the princes and princes?"