Zhu Di was obviously very interested in things outside the territory.
He looked at Zheng He, and Zheng He bowed and said: "My slave set sail, first passed Tianzhu, and then crossed the ocean. He followed Deng Jian's original route. He first arrived at a continent, and then followed the continent along the way.
We walked along the coast, detoured for thousands of miles, all the way north, and arrived at this extremely northern place."
Zhu Di listened carefully and looked down at the sea chart.
Zheng He added: "The land here is also fertile, and most of them are white-faced and red-faced ghosts. They seem to be divided into kingdoms, but they are similar to the pre-Qin period in China."
"Pre-Qin?" Zhu Di said in surprise: "Is it the Spring and Autumn Period?"
Zheng He said: "That's probably the case. There are dozens or hundreds of large and small states here, and they have been attacking each other, or they have been fighting against each other for hundreds of years."
Zhu Di nodded: "After hundreds of years of fighting, it's a good thing they can make a fuss."
Zheng He said: "This slave thinks so too."
Zhu Di looked at Zhang Anshi teasingly and said, "Zhang Qing, aren't you also very interested in overseas affairs? What does Zhang Qing think?"
Zhang Anshi's words were unexpected. He said: "I have been fighting for hundreds of years... I feel terrible."
"Oh?" Zhu Di said: "How can you see it?"
Zhang Anshi said: "The long years of melee will definitely make soldiers, farmers, industry and merchants all serve the war. In order to prevent themselves from being defeated, they must abandon all useless red tape and invest all materials and goods into armaments.
, and they must respect force. All literati must also pursue simple and effective conspiracy and power, and will not fall into idle talk. Their unprecedented emphasis on war is bound to make their tactics constantly change."
Zhang Anshi thought for a while and planned to quote scriptures, so he said: "It's just like the Warring States Period. At first, Li Kui's reforms made the Wei State strong and prosperous, and then created the military system of Wei soldiers. As a result, the Wei State was extremely strong for a while, so all countries in order to survive,
It was inevitable that reforms would be carried out one after another. After that, King Wuling of Zhao began to dress in barbarian uniforms and ride and shoot, which brought Zhao's military to its peak. Seeing this, all countries must quickly follow up. After that, Wu Qi's reforms of Chu State were launched, and Su Qin was activated by Yan State.
Yi, Qin’s Shang Yang’s Reform.”
"In order to enhance national strength and defend against external enemies, all countries frequently changed their internal affairs and military affairs, and their craftsmanship skills also followed the war. They were constantly changed. I heard that many of the skills of forging weapons during the Warring States Period were even used decades ago.
, I, the craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty, may not be able to compete with them. Therefore, I think... it is better to be vigilant and must not tolerate it."
After Zhu Di heard this, he started to think seriously.
In fact, many things are clear to people like Zhu Di.
It can be said that the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period were not only the most turbulent period in the world at that time, but also the period when reforms, weapons, and tactics were changing the fastest.
In almost a few decades, a new reform and a new hegemon emerged. Soon, other countries followed suit and learned newer things.
So Zhu Di took it seriously and said: "What Zhang Qing said is not without careful consideration. Once the Central Plains is stabilized, there will inevitably be peace. Peace will not necessarily be a blessing if peace lasts for a long time. But now that there is peace in the world, how can we put an end to Taiping's undisciplined mind?"
Woolen cloth?"
Zhang Anshi said: "I... think that some regulations should be drawn up, but how to draw them up requires the Crown Prince to preside over them."
Zhu Di then looked at Zhu Gaochi and said, "The prince will have a good discussion with Zhang Qing, Jin Qing and others and come up with a charter."
Zhu Gaochi said yes.
Zhu Di looked at Zheng He again: "In this way, these countries, which are like red ghosts, should not be underestimated. Does Zheng Banban have anything else to say?"
Zheng He said: "Many of the goods of our Ming Dynasty are loved by them. Some people on the slave ship trade with them. Even ordinary porcelain is willing to be purchased. In addition, their country is also very good at navigation."
Among them are the French Kingdom, which is proficient in navigation, and the English Kingdom, which is also interested in navigation. The slave has also heard that they are also at war with the big cannibals in the east, but there are hundreds of countries, each other
The attack was so chaotic that even the servants could not express themselves."
After hearing this, Zhu Di couldn't help but sigh, and said with emotion: "If there is a First Emperor here, it will be even more serious."
Zheng He added: "As for this journey, the slave passed through a large continent. The last time he sailed, he actually arrived at the east coast of the continent. It was only on this voyage that he realized how huge the continent was. The skin of the people in this continent was like black charcoal and most of them were made of soil.
People make a living by gathering and hunting. Although this place is not barren, many sailors who settle down are prone to diseases once they dock. Fortunately, the medicine produced by the prince of Wuhu County is on board and can be cured. "
"Judging from the voyage of the slaves, this continent is probably no less than three times that of the Central Plains, and it cannot be underestimated. When the slaves returned, they left hundreds of people behind and ordered them to stay at various ports until they sailed to the West next year.
, and then send ships to supply supplies..."
Zhu Di nodded.
Zheng He added: "There is also the Kingdom of Tianzhu. Tianzhu is also home to hundreds of countries, and among them there are many khanates that survived the Mongolian conquests. When the slaves returned home this time, they stayed in Tianzhu for a long time.
Tianzhu is a big island. I spent a lot of money to purchase land and build a dock. I also learned about the customs and customs of Tianzhu..."
Zhu Di asked: "Could it be that this Tianzhu and the country where Fo Langji is located are also from the pre-Qin period?"
Zheng He said: "Exactly."
Zhu Di: "..."
Zhu Di actually felt very surprised!
To be honest, Zhu Di actually didn't understand it. In his deep-rooted thoughts, at least Zhu Di believed that it was normal for the world to unify.
The so-called great unification has become a deeply rooted idea as early as the Han Dynasty.
I originally thought that this must be the case in other continents in the world, but now I know that the Ming Dynasty is the anomaly.
Zhu Di frowned and said: "Many khanates..."
He clasped his hands behind his back, frowned, and paced back and forth, looking very worried.
Zhang Anshi looked at Zhu Di who was silent and suddenly understood Zhu Di's thoughts.
Speaking of trying to figure out what's best, Zhang Anshi was good at it, so he said aggressively: "Your Majesty, the tyrant Yuan has been wreaking havoc on China for hundreds of years. I never thought that there are so many remnants of the tyrant Yuan outside this territory. Although Emperor Taizu Gao said...
He was born in commoners, but he drove out the Tartars. Your Majesty is the descendant of Taizu, Emperor Gao, and he should inherit Taizu's legacy, drive out the Tao Yuan, and return to me...the land of Tianzhu people."
All of a sudden, these words were like a sudden explosion, and the officials below began to whisper.
They knew very well what kind of character Zhang Anshi was. This guy was usually quite peaceful, but now he suddenly became aggressive. In all likelihood, this guy was trying to figure out his intentions.
But if His Majesty is like this...could this mean...
After Zhu Di heard this, he smiled and said: "The cruelty of the Yuan people made our country miserable. I never thought that the people of Tianzhu would also suffer this disaster. Alas..."
Zheng He said from the side: "Your Majesty, in fact...the Mongol khanates have not yet penetrated deep into Tianzhu, and most of them are only in the Western Regions...this..."
Zhang Anshi immediately said: "This is even worse. The violent Yuan is aggressive and will inevitably go south. When the time comes..."
Zhu Di didn't wait for Zhang Anshi to finish his words, but he pressed his hands and said: "Okay, okay, the situation in Tianzhu country, let's first formulate a regulation and then make a final decision."
After a pause, he suddenly remembered something, but he looked at Zheng He and said: "As for the captured red-haired ghost, we will escort him to see you in a few days."
Zheng He said: "I obey the order."
This is the end of a court meeting.
When Zhu Gaochi left the palace, he led Zhang Anshi.
The two walked in tandem at first, and then walked side by side.
Zhu Gaochi then whispered: "What you said just now in front of the emperor is quite reasonable. But now my father wants this palace to issue a charter. In your opinion, what should it be?"
Zhang Anshi smiled and said: "Brother-in-law, there was a saying in the past that the prime minister should start from the state and county, and the fierce generals should be sent from the army. If this is the case, it may be solved."
Zhu Gaochi clasped his hands behind his back, imitating Zhu Di, striding forward, and said: "But An Shi, don't forget Hu Weiyong."
The so-called prime ministers start from the prefectures and counties, and the fierce generals start from the soldiers. This involves a serious problem, that is, the experienced officials and generals in these places will inevitably cultivate a large number of cronies as they rise step by step.
and subordinates.
For example, when a person goes through the process of being a magistrate, a magistrate, and an envoy, he will definitely cultivate a team in the process, and the people in this team will eventually enter the central government and even become the prime minister or cabinet.
If he is a great scholar, then this person not only obtains the Central Committee, but also has disciples and former officials all over the world. After his training, his disciples and former officials also hold important positions in various places.
It is precisely because of this that Hu Weiyong was defeated, or the reason why the power of the prime minister could not be lost in all dynasties.
Of course, there have been many attempts in history. In this case, the emperor simply changed the prime minister frequently, replacing him with a new one every one or two years.
However, this has led to a new problem, that is, someone else has taken his or her place before the position is fully occupied. The final result is often that the decree cannot be continued.
Therefore, the so-called cabinet system has only now been born. The bachelors of the cabinet system often come from the Imperial Academy, have almost no local experience, and may spend their entire lives as officials in the capital.
The work of Hanlin often only dealt with words, making this bachelor's degree completely reduced to a secretarial agency.
This approach did solve Hu Weiyong's problem, but the new problem is that although the power of the prime minister has been greatly weakened, and because he has never really experienced big storms and has no experience in governing a party, although his political wisdom is sufficient, he cannot
Be aware of the situation.
Zhang Anshi understood Zhu Gaochi's concerns, so he smiled again and said, "Brother-in-law, this may not be impossible."
Zhu Gaochi immediately raised his eyes to look at Zhang Anshi and said, "Oh? Let's talk about it."
Zhang Anshi said: "Even if I say it now, my brother-in-law still thinks that I am talking nonsense and only seeing is believing. As for the charter, leave it to me. I will send a large charter to Your Majesty and keep it to Your Majesty's satisfaction."
Zhu Gaochi smiled: "You guy..."
He showed a bit of helplessness, but did not continue.
He has great trust in Zhang Anshi. He has seen this guy since he was a child. He has the ability to do things, but he also has a lot of skills in getting things done.
Immediately, he said: "My father is impatient, please hurry up, otherwise I will be blamed by my father."
Zhang Anshi vowed: "Brother-in-law, just don't worry."
At this moment, Zhu Gaochi thought of something again and said, "Why are you shouting about beating and killing that day in Zhu?"
Zhang Anshi said: "It's not against the Tianzhu people, but... I heard that the Tianzhu people have been invaded a lot in history, and I really can't bear it... At the beginning, I heard that some Persians invaded India first, and then the Macedonians
, and then there were Cypriots, Parthians, Da Yueshi people, Persians, Turks, and now even the Mongols are also eyeing them. Over the past thousands of years, they have been fighting endlessly, without a day of peace, so... "
Zhu Gaochi took a breath, what a guy.
Some of the intruders Zhang Anshi mentioned were something Zhu Gaochi had never heard of, but there were also quite a few... that he had heard of.
For example, Parthian, Yuezhi, Persian, Turkic, etc.
However, the above countries, no, to be precise, they are not even countries. For Zhu Gaochi, it is more appropriate to say that they are tribes.
After all, many of these people are not even qualified to claim the title of a country. For example, the Yuezhi were defeated by the Huns. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty wanted to contact the Yuezhi people who were expelled by the Huns and launch an army together against the Huns. Unfortunately, the Yuezhi
The people were cast into the shadow by the Huns and refused to move east again. Unexpectedly... they actually went south.
As for the Turks, they can be considered acquaintances, but... they had been expelled in the Tang Dynasty, but I never expected that these Turks could resurrect outside the territory.
Zhu Gaochi looked at Zhang Anshi's slightly smiling look and couldn't help but said: "I didn't expect you to have such a kind heart."
Zhang Anshi actually sighed and said: "Brother-in-law, I just want to accumulate some virtue for longevity."
Zhu Gaochi: "..."
Well, he couldn't refute this reason!
Zhang Anshi was usually lazy, but he was an activist. When he returned to Qixia, Zhang Anshi immediately started to edit the book, and then asked someone to send the letter out.
In the Forbidden City, Zhu Di suddenly seemed to have something on his mind.
Although the news from all the countries in the world brought by Zheng He did not bring a huge shock to Zhu Di, it did bring considerable thought.
After breaking through the geographical fog, a hero like Zhu Di really saw the world with his eyes wide open. How could he not have his own thoughts?
Seeing that His Majesty was preoccupied, Yishiha looked at the sky and reminded him, "It's time for Your Majesty to have a meal."
"Yeah." Zhu Di nodded lightly.
Yi Shiha originally planned to order someone to pass on the meal, but Zhu Di suddenly said: "I will give something to Zheng Banban tomorrow. It's not easy for him to be away. He finally came back to the capital. He deserves to be blessed."
Yishuha hurriedly said: "This slave obeys the order."
Zhu Di said again: "Tell me, what Zhang Qing said makes sense..."
"Your Majesty is referring to..."
At this time, Zhu Di showed some emotion and said: "In the past dynasties, after experiencing wars, most of the civil servants and military generals were excellent, so after the founding of the country, it was inevitable that it would reach its peak. But after a few decades, the world was at peace, and the civil servants had nothing to do with it.
When the time came for them to gain experience, the generals were driven to Nanshan. Within a few decades, the world seemed to be at peace, but it was already tired. It seems that peace in the world may not be a good thing."
Yi Shi laughed and said, "Isn't there a saying? It's called: if you enter, you will be helpless, but if you go out, you will be invincible to foreign patients, and the country will perish. I think this is what the Prince of Wuhu said."
Zhu Di nodded and said: "Yes, I think it is not unreasonable. My children and grandchildren are somewhat good now, but if most of the civil servants and generals in the world are mediocre people, I am afraid they will hardly achieve anything.
"
Yi Shiha said with concern: "Your Majesty has a lot of thoughts. If this continues, I'm afraid..."
Zhu Di said: "I am the emperor, how can I not think too much? If I don't think about the things in this world, I have to let my children and grandchildren think about them. If I don't solve them at hand, I have to let my children and grandchildren solve them. Taizu Emperor Gao, at the time
I have worked hard and laid down the laws, but in the end...didn't it happen that Zhu Yunzhen was born by one mistake? I don't want to leave any regrets like Taizu Emperor Gao."
Yi Shiha thought for a while and then advised: "Why should your Majesty be worried? You might as well take a look at the regulations for the advancement of the Crown Prince and His Highness the Prince of Wuhu County."
Zhu Di nodded: "This is the only way."
Early the next morning, Zheng He came to see him and said that two red-haired ghosts had arrived.
Zhu Di immediately became energetic and full of curiosity. He immediately summoned the ministers and asked them to come and see something together.
Zhang Anshi was not in a hurry to enter the palace. As the former head of the Jinyi Guards, he still had to check the two 'red-haired ghosts' to make sure nothing went wrong.
As expected, these two people had red hair, typical European features, and unkempt beards. They murmured for a long time, gibbering.
The ministers were already waiting in the palace with Zhu Di, and Zhang Anshicai led the captain to escort the two of them into the palace.
As soon as these two people entered the palace, they immediately attracted the attention of the officials.
Everyone looked at these two people with shocked expressions.
Most of the ancients were not used to the appearance of Europeans, and thought they were extremely ugly, like evil spirits.
Now that I have seen it in person, I feel even more horrified.
The two men stood still in the hall.
As an emperor, Zhu Di was able to keep his expression very stable. At this time, he looked calm and only looked at the two of them carefully.
The two men actually knelt down and said, "I have met Your Majesty."
What he said was actually Chinese, although the Chinese... had a Fujian accent similar to that of Yang Rong.
But if you think about it carefully, this is reasonable.
The two men were captured by the fleet and spent a year on their return trip. As prisoners on this fleet, they naturally had the need to communicate. One year was enough for them to learn some simple communication with the people on the ship.
Zhu Di carefully observed these two people for a while and then said: "Do you two have names?"
The two said in unison: "It has a Chinese name."
Zhu Di said: "Report it."
One of them said: "My name is Erdan."
Another said: "Grass people donkey ball."
Zhu Di: "..."
There was an uproar in the palace.
Zheng He was anxious and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, this may be the name given to them by the sailors in the ship... playing nonsense... slaves..."