First Minister of Ming Dynasty

"Because only in this way can we accumulate more strength, gain greater support, and erupt with greater strength."

Zhang Ximeng said loudly: "Improving people's livelihood, eradicating long-standing evils, expelling barbarians, and restoring China. This is something that cannot be neglected. We must let the people see the real benefits and let the people know the reasons for following us. The people's livelihood and the people are the foundation , is our foundation!"

Having said this, Zhang Ximeng turned his attention to the black and white stele, which seemed to be immediately obvious.

"We affirm the merits of Shouyi and respect the feat of the Northern Expedition. But we still want to say that King Shouyi forgot the most fundamental people, so we chose black stone for this stele. Black and white are also our comprehensive evaluation of King Shouyi Liu Futong. "

Zhang Ximeng stopped, but there were endless discussions among the crowd.

Just now Zhang Ximeng praised Liu Futong highly and got the joy of those old ministries.

But listening to these words again, every sentence is heartbreaking, even more vicious than slandering a thief. The black and white stele, in addition to affirmation, is even more severely reprimanded.

It can even be said that as time goes by, what Zhang Ximeng said will become people's final conclusion on Liu Futong.

The dead are the greatest, isn't it unkind to say that?

The complexions of those former members of the Han and Song Dynasties are not so good-looking, just kowtowed to thank the wrong person, it is quite embarrassing!

At this moment, Liu Liu fell to his knees again and kowtowed.

"Zhang Xianggong, my brother has merits and demerits. Before he died, he killed the shameless officials and gentry who harmed the people and domineering! It is the result of his introspection... It's a pity that he understands It's too late, I've been deceived by these beasts for too long, under his rule, the people's livelihood is in decline, and it's hard to absolve myself of the blame. It's also because of this that my brother is ashamed to kill himself."

"Now that the black and white stone tablet is standing in front of my brother's tomb, his spirit in the sky will also think about it carefully...Cao Min thanks Zhang Xiang for his good intentions!"

"Thank you, Zhang Xiang, for your hard work!"

Liu Liu was already the leader of the old Han and Song Dynasties, and his statement finally attracted the support of many people.

Looking at the audience, the most embarrassing ones were those Song Zhongliang who came all the way from Shandong.

They have been preaching that Liu Futong finally went crazy, slaughtered Zhongliang, killed righteous men, and his crimes are so heinous that there are too many books to write about.Even because of this, he had to kill King Xiaoming and summon the soul of the dead.

As a result, Liu Liu's words struck their souls and tore their faces off... The culprit who caused the people's livelihood to suffer is this group of dog-like scholar-bureaucrats.

What will happen to them next, only God knows.

The others were convinced and knelt on the ground.

They were the only ones whose legs went limp from fright, and they collapsed to the ground like mud.

But at this time Zhang Ximeng didn't care about these small shrimps, because the stone monument to be erected today was not only Liu Futong's.

A carriage of the same regulation also has a stone tablet on it, and there are three words on the stone tablet: Jialu River!

The pedestal of this stele is also made of white stone, facing Liu Futong's cemetery far away.

This time it was not Zhang Ximeng who spoke, but Zhu Yuanzhang, who walked up to Jia Lu.

"The old man's achievements in water control have lasted through the ages. It is well-deserved to name this river after this!"

Although Jia Lu knew that he wanted to name the river after himself, he never expected that there would be such a big battle.Moreover, the Red Turban Uprising started because of the change of banknotes.

Now someone has finally given him a name.

"Old minister, thank God!" Jia Lu knelt heavily on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.

Chapter 488 This Daming Is Different

The controversy over Jia Lu's river management has lasted for ten years... In the Yuan Dynasty, because Jia Lu surrendered to Ming Dynasty and became a traitor, he did everything wrong. Dayuan, emptying the treasury.

Not to mention Han Song and other rebels, the root cause of the disaster of Kaihe changing banknotes has long been known to everyone.

Only in Daming, under Lao Zhu's men, from the very beginning, the river was definitely controlled.

Moreover, Zhang Ximeng has talked about this matter several times, talking about the root of the Yellow River problem, including the accumulation of sediment for thousands of years, the three return to the river in the Song Dynasty, the shame of Jingkang, and the digging of the Yellow River... After that, the Jin Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty all faced problems. Flooding.

It can be said that Zhao Song made shit, which stinks for hundreds of years.

Faced with this situation, it is impossible to cure the river.

But to completely control the Yellow River, the cost is quite astonishing.

Trembling, Jia Lu got up from the ground, bowed and said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your Majesty praises the old minister for his efforts in governing the river...but the old minister dare not covet heaven's merits for himself, not to mention that it cost a huge amount of money to control the river back then. It is invincible. Among them, 15 soldiers, 2 peasants, about 7 wooden stakes, 66 elms and willows, 6 bundles of pampas grass, and 733 bamboo poles , 5 boats of gravel, 62 ropes... 5 large ships were sunk, and countless other materials such as reed mats, bamboo slats, iron wires, iron anchors, large needles, etc. were used in total. 2 ingots."

Jia Lu recited this series of numbers in his mind for countless times, this is his merit, and it is also his helplessness.

"Your Majesty, looking at the past dynasties, it is rare to see such a large-scale flood control... The Great Yuan forced the people to conscript the people and labor the people. The old minister ruled the river in April, and the civil uprising aroused in May. This is also a well-known thing. The old minister I really feel ashamed in my heart, ashamed of those civilian husbands who died on the river, ashamed of the common people in the world. Ten years of war, the land of the Central Plains, thousands of miles of barren land, and the people's livelihood. Now this river is named after the veteran, how can the torrential river wash away the sins of the veteran ah!"

Jia Lu's words were heartfelt and heartfelt, and they were indeed helpless.

Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to persuade Jia Lu, but he didn't have any suitable words, so he could only look at Zhang Ximeng again.

"Gong Jia, Qin built the Great Wall, benevolent to future generations, Yangdi built rivers, and later generations Yangde... But all major projects and actions are often passed in the present, and the merits will last forever. This is also a common thing in the past dynasties, but I think we The Ming Dynasty has a way to break this cycle, and make the river governance benefit in the present, and the merits in the future. The family and the country benefit, the army and the people benefit, up and down, smiling all over the face."

Jia Lu raised his head abruptly, and asked in surprise, "Mr. Zhang, what's your opinion?"

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "It's not a high opinion, it boils down to one thing, whoever controls the river will benefit."

"how to say?"

Zhang Ximeng said with a smile: "From now on, the central government will allocate a special fund for food and materials to treat the river. And the people around the Yellow River, including Shandong, Huaihe River, such a huge yellow flooded area...who If the pond is leveled and turned into a fertile field, the land will belong to whoever it is. Whoever plants the trees, remediates the yellow sand, and those trees grow up will benefit from it. If some areas are suitable for fish farming, they should be encouraged People raise fish, they can graze, and they can also raise more cattle and sheep.”

"In the past dynasties, there has been a problem in river governance. The expenditure is borne by the court and the burden is borne by the people, but there is no clear plan for the benefits. It is even more straightforward to say that if the people can get benefits, they will definitely suffer first. Working hard, exhausting, delaying the farming season, leaving wives and children... It is no wonder that the world is in chaos and the people are in dire straits."

"And our Dameizhi River must be completely different from previous dynasties... This is also my recent experience in writing the new law of Juntian. Only by standing with the people, relying on the strength of the people, thinking for the people, and benefiting the people, can we truly Control the flooding of the Yellow River."

"For example, we entrust the care of the embankment to the people, and beyond the embankment are the people's fields. The court provides help to the people so that they can get more good land, and the people contribute their strength to guard the river embankment. All benefit. Besides, those sand-covered places are temporarily unable to cultivate, we can help the people, plant trees, grow pastures, restore farmland little by little, raise livestock, and the well-governed places can generate income, and we can reduce or exempt taxes The endowment can last up to 50 years! The whole yellow flood zone is so big, we can build rivers, discharge accumulated water, and re-cultivate... We can mobilize the people, take the opportunity to dig reservoirs, build ditches, and turn the flattened land into the best more water to irrigate the land and produce more food.”

"In the final analysis, we need to change our approach. We can't simply force the people, arrest them if they don't listen, torture them, and wantonly kill and injure them. We do things for the people, and we also rely on the people to do things. We are in cooperation with the people, not enemies. .Water control can enrich the country and the people, and benefit everyone.”

Zhang Ximeng was very moved and said: "Our earliest dynasty was the Xia Dynasty, and the Xia Dynasty originated from Dayu's flood control. Our ancestors knew a truth. When facing natural disasters, we can't escape, and we don't have to pray for the blessing of gods and Buddhas. Instead We must unite as one, find the right method, and persevere little by little, ten years, 20 years, three to fifty years, there will always be a day when we can succeed.”

Zhang Ximeng spoke with confidence, Jia Lu heard it, but he had a different feeling, and his heart was shocked.When he cured the water, did he not make mistakes?

Yes, it's serious!

The biggest problem is that I was too anxious. The river regulation project presided over by the old man started in April 11. The dredging project was completed in July, and the water was released into the old channel in August. mouth project.

In November, the civil engineering work was completed and all kinds of embankments were built. The whole project took 190 days, less than a year.

What's interesting is that when construction started in April and the one-eyed man was dug up in May, Liu Futong rebelled... It was different from how he imagined that after the rebellion, the world would immediately fall apart and nothing could be done.

The original Yuan Ting did not take the Red Turban Uprising seriously, and Jia Lu spent several months insisting on basically completing the project.

He was even promoted to Zhongshu Zuocheng because of this. It wasn't until the 12th year of Zhengzheng that red scarves were everywhere, and the Yuan Dynasty panicked and had to concentrate all its efforts to suppress the red scarf uprising.

Thinking about it now, if you are not so anxious, take it slowly, and change the construction period to one year, two years, three years, five years...the number of civilian workers will be less, instead of 15 people, can you use 5 people?

Maybe it will have some effect, maybe the Red Turban Uprising will be delayed for a while.

But can the uprising be stopped?

I'm afraid it won't work.

Because Jia Lu knew that the [-] soldiers given to him were to guard the people.If you dare to disobey the order, you will really be beheaded.

But what if the same thing happened in Daming?

Perhaps the [-] soldiers will rush forward and lead the people to control the river together!

Jia Lu took a deep breath, Ming Dynasty is indeed different from Yuan Dynasty.

This time the river control must be different from the previous ones, and it must be a great success!

"Zhang Xiang, what happens in three to fifty years is not foreseeable by this old man... But with the old man's body today, he can still last three to five years, ten to eight years!"

Jia Lu almost gritted his back molars, put his heart on the line, and fought hard!

"The previous river control was just dredging the river and blocking the breach... This time, the old man has been conceiving the river for ten years, and has a complete plan. It is necessary to build reservoirs and dig ditches. Usually, water is used to irrigate the farmland. When the flood comes , can discharge floods and prevent waterlogging. According to the experience gained in the management of floods in Haozhou and other places in recent years, planting trees and pastures, water retention and soil consolidation are very effective in water control. This is what Zhang Xiang just mentioned. Furthermore, it is to strengthen the Yellow River dams, Create a copper support and iron bottom, and you don't have to worry about flooding anymore!"

Jia Lu's white beard fluttered, his eyes were bright, his heart was full of energy, and he made a loud voice.

The whole person seemed to be younger.

Over 60 years old, indeed very old, but not too old... The most important thing is that the last time I controlled the river, I had mixed success and demerit. I reflected on it for ten years and thought about it for ten years.

Originally, I thought about leaving the matter to the students, so I just closed my eyes and had a clear heart.

But looking at it now, it doesn't work.

No matter how hard it is for a few years, I have to work hard on this old life, see the results, find a way, and have a reliable way, so that I can close my eyes with peace of mind, otherwise I will die in peace!

Zhang Ximeng had a smile on his face, that's what he wanted.

"Jia Gong, we must think more comprehensively about water control this time. For example, in the process of water control, who invented new equipment, who came up with new methods, and even researched new things to strengthen The embankment... all of these should be counted as meritorious service. The craftsmen should be rewarded heavily, and they should be helped to promote and given sufficient rewards. Flood control requires effort and intelligence. Because of the repair of the river in Dayuan, the sky was angry and people complained, and the country was ruined. Our Ming Dynasty is different, this time we build rivers and flood control, we will definitely be able to restore the prosperity of the Central Plains, curb the millennium floods, let the people live and work in peace and contentment, and make the Ming Dynasty rich and strong!"

Encouraging invention, sharing land equally, and harnessing the Yellow River, Zhang Ximeng skillfully combined these important tasks.

Click on the technology tree, tinker with machines, develop industries, and then make money and accumulate capital... This is also the way Zhang Ximeng once imagined.

But gradually Zhang Ximeng has a different view. Technology is not just a means of making money. Developing industry does not necessarily mean plundering all over the world, desperately squeezing labor, dumping and laundering everywhere, and even using force to open the country and commit national crimes...

Maybe it can be more gentle, such as using technical means to control the Yellow River... It's hard to imagine how much knowledge accumulation can be generated here.

At least something similar to cement is still hopeful.Then through appropriate guidance, using mature technology, establish factories and produce widely.

The impact of the breakthrough in materials is absolutely immeasurable. The city will be more majestic, the roads will be smoother, the cost of building fortresses will be lower, and the border troubles in the north will also be greatly reduced.

In addition, there are steel and gunpowder. After continuous improvement, isn't it better firecrackers and stronger force!

To make the country rich and the people rich may not necessarily lead to a new path.

After all... this Daming is different!

Chapter 489 Zhang Ximeng's way of being a minister

Is this Daming really different?

The Yuan army is still in Hebei, Guanzhong...there are also Chen Youding, Zhang Shicheng, and Ming Yuzhen Weiping in the south.

A great war, the mountains and rivers were exhausted, the financial resources of the southeast were withered, and the central plains were desolate.

There are hungry and poorly clothed people everywhere.

Internal and external troubles, a thousand things are waiting to be done... How is this different?

In the final analysis, it was nothing more than straightening out the topmost things, and the next step was to implement and implement them. Only by doing all these things, could it be said that Daming had changed.

After returning from Zhongmou, Jia Lu called Du Guang'an and other students to close the door for five days and drafted a water conservancy plan... The whole idea followed Zhang Ximeng's design.

It is to dig reservoirs and ponds and build irrigation ditches where conditions permit.

Then the land around the pond and canal was divided among the common people.

An acre of irrigated land can yield at least [-]% to [-]% more than that of unirrigated land. In areas like the Central Plains where rivers are not abundant, it can even be doubled.

Not to mention that fish can be raised in ponds, and reeds can be grown in shallow water areas, as well as water chestnuts, lotus roots, etc., plus ducks and geese can be raised...so it is very cost-effective to build large-scale reservoirs and water conservancy facilities.

But there is a prerequisite, that is, investment is required, and it is not a small amount.

Jia Lu, who was obviously much more energetic, asked Zhang Ximeng for money when he opened his mouth.

"Zhang Xiang, I've said what I said, and everyone has heard it. You can't play tricks. This time, the governance of the river can't be worse than Yuanting... You have to arrange a manpower for me, at least 20, and there is no cap. I also need to give money, and I don’t think it’s too little if I take out tens of millions of treasure notes at will.”

Zhang Ximeng just gave him a big roll of the eyes, you can really open your mouth, but fortunately Zhang Ximeng is also prepared, it's not that he can't agree.

"Mr. Jia, you want people, but here I have only captives,"

"That's even better!"

Jia Lu immediately agreed, "The captives are welcome! They are strong and strong, and they can save wages. They are of good quality and cheap, and you can take as many as you want!"

"Wait!" Zhang Ximeng stopped Jia Lu, "Well, you should calm down a little bit, and let me clarify this matter."

Zhang Ximeng coughed a little, and then told Jia Lu the details... How much did Da Ming gain after defeating an army of 10 yuan and winning the decisive battle in the Central Plains?

Not too many, there are about 20 prisoners alone.

To the south of the Yellow River, there were sixteen camps dedicated to holding captives, and to the north of the Yellow River there were as many as thirty.

In addition to captives, there are also a large number of livestock, more than 3 horses alone.

In addition, the Yuan army had several horse farms in Hebei, which were also copied by the Ming army. They obtained nearly [-] cattle, horses and livestock, and a lot of fodder.

Needless to say, other gongs and drums, tents, weapons and armor, gold and silver are fine and soft.

After all, the scale of this fiasco in Chahan was no smaller than the Tuotuo fiasco in Gaoyou. Zhang Shicheng swallowed Tuotuo's inheritance and became a big fat man in one go.

At this moment, Daming should be able to burp after swallowing this victory.

Hearing Zhang Ximeng's introduction, Jia Lu immediately cheered up, his gray beard pouted high, "Okay, take it from the people and use it for the people. The collapse of the Central Plains is all the fault of these people. Let them work. Isn't it good to serve hard labor and restore people's livelihood in the Central Plains!"

"It doesn't look that good."