When Zhu Yuanzhang saw Fang Guozhen's suggestion, he realized that he had been too busy recently and had forgotten about the two captives.
He really didn't mean it.
If divided according to the regions of later generations, Guangxi south of the Yangtze River was still fighting, the Yangtze River Delta was under the control of Zhang Shicheng, Sichuan and Shu were independent, Yunnan submitted to the Yuan Dynasty, some areas of Guizhou had not yet surrendered, and the rest had all fallen into the hands of Zhu Yuanzhang; north of the Yangtze River, Zhu Yuanzhang owned Henan and parts of Shandong.
Just considering the Central Plains, Zhu Yuanzhang had already occupied most of the country; considering the entire territory of the Yuan Dynasty, the most prosperous places, except for the Yangtze River Delta and Sichuan, were all under Zhu Yuanzhang's control.
Although the journey in Sichuan and Shu was so difficult, they were almost defeated by Chang Yuchun.
What made Ming Yuzhen, the emperor of "Daxia" who occupied Sichuan and Shu, even more angry was that Chang Yuchun beat him without Zhu Yuanzhang's order.
Zhu Yuanzhang only said, "Chang Yuchun, if you really can't hold it in any longer, just take the labor reform camp to train the soldiers and fight wherever you want. You are in charge of logistics and calculate the military expenses yourself. Don't delay my work and don't exploit the people. You can do whatever you want with other things."
After paying the taxes, Chang Yuchun took some of the military income and led his troops to the battlefield. He stopped after collecting the money and grain, and immediately divided the conquered land into farmland for military farming.
Ming Yuzhen's officials all reported that Daxia should also distribute land. If we don't distribute land, people will all run away to Chang Yuchun.
Thanks to the Dujiangyan project of the Qin Dynasty and the management during the reign of Zhuge Liang of the Han Dynasty, the Chengdu Plain was originally very rich with its fertile land.
But after years of war and chaos, the Mingxia court did not know how to govern the country and was just a group of warlords "playing house". The thousands of miles of fertile land in the Sichuan Plain were left uncultivated and the people all fled.
Since Chang Yuchun could provide them with stable land and farmland, the people fled from Sichuan and came to Chang Yuchun's place.
Although Ming Yuzhen proclaimed himself emperor, even in the small area of Sichuan, his generals acted independently and fought against each other constantly.
Originally, except for Ming Yuzhen who saw the crisis, everyone else relied on the natural barrier between Sichuan and Shu and did not take Chang Yuchun seriously. On the contrary, Chang Yuchun was attacking the area controlled by Ming Yuzhen, which had nothing to do with him.
After fighting for a while, this group of people found that they could not recruit (rob) soldiers, so they began to pay attention to Chang Yuchun's "small fights".
However, after getting anxious, this group of people only suggested that Ming Yuzhen divide the land in the territory he occupied, and not divide the land in their own territory.
After all, the Sichuan Plain stretches across thousands of miles of fertile land, and even after everyone divides it up, each person's land is not much. With so much land to satisfy their own extravagant needs and the army's farming needs, how could they afford to distribute to the common people? Ming Yuzhen is the emperor, and it is Ming Yuzhen's responsibility to manage the people's affairs.
Ming Yuzhen's health had finally improved a little, but she fell ill again due to anger.
Chang Yuchun took advantage of his illness to kill him. Since there were not enough soldiers for him to fight a tough battle, he led a small force deep into Sichuan, specifically attacking the military farms, and led a group of people who were forced to work for free in the military farms out of Sichuan to share the land.
At that time, the people of Sichuan sang a folk song, saying that Marshal Chang would descend from the sky and take them to a paradise where they could have enough food. Everyone should work hard to survive, and when Marshal Chang arrived, life would be better.
When Chang Yuchun later went deep into Sichuan, wherever the flags flew, the people would rise up and come to surrender.
As more and more people came to him, Chang Yuchun expanded his territory bit by bit, distributed land and established farms there, and steadily eroded Mingxia's territory.
Anyway, Zhu Yuanzhang did not let Chang Yuchun fight Ming Xia, so Chang Yuchun had no performance burden and fought very leisurely.
The laid-back Chang Yuchun attempted to lure Ming Xia into a military initiative. He wrote to the gravely ill Ming Yuzhen, explaining that everyone was once the Red Turban Army, driven by the Yuan Dynasty's tyranny. Now, you've carved out a small territory and proclaimed yourself emperor, but you're essentially a bandit, ruling over the people worse off than the Red Turbans. "It's a disgrace for the Red Turban Army to have a marshal like you," he said. "Don't ever say you and my lord, His Highness, Prince Ming, are both Red Turbans. You don't deserve it."
Ming Yuzhen was so angry that she vomited blood. She felt much better and as if she had a last burst of energy, she wrote a letter to Zhu Yuanzhang to scold Chang Yuchun.
Zhu Yuanzhang put the letter aside, sighed, and put the Sichuan revitalization plan on the agenda.
It seems that we will soon have a large piece of territory.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked back on the past. Two years ago, he was the smallest of the many factions vying for dominance in the Central Plains. In just two years, his power had expanded rapidly, like a snowball. Not only was he no longer worried about an attack from the Yuan Dynasty, he could even mobilize his forces for a northern expedition.
Zhu Yuanzhang's power grew so rapidly that he hadn't even established a proper official system. To solidify his position, he was too busy leading his troops into battle to spend his days toiling away on official documents, experiencing the life of an emperor in advance.
With so much going on every day, isn't it normal to forget about the two captured defeated generals?
Zhu Yuanzhang felt a little guilty, but not too guilty.
Fang Guozhen was originally planning to release him. Although Fang Guozhen was capricious, he was too timid and basically avoided fighting, so he did not have any major conflicts with Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang's generous treatment of Fang Guozhen could make warlords from other forces surrender with confidence.
As for Chen Youding, if he surrendered, Zhu Yuanzhang would still give him an official position; if he didn't, he would be killed. Zhu Yuanzhang had Fang Guozhen as his enemy (crossed out), and since Chen Youding was cursing him (crossed out), he didn't care whether Chen Youding lived or died.
Zhu Yuanzhang never expected that a "careless forgetfulness" would actually scare Fang Guozhen and his family into offering advice and becoming capable ministers of the Ming Dynasty?
He patted his head, said "Hehe", gave himself a day off, and went to play with his son with the advice of Fang Guozhen's family.
Going to sea is Biaoer's obsession, and Biaoer will definitely be interested in Fang Guozhen's suggestions.
Zhu Yuanzhang was not a devil. When he was on holiday, he also gave his subordinates a day off.
When Zhang Chang walked out of the Prince Ming's Palace, he looked up at the sky and suddenly realized that he had not seen the vast sky that was not framed by walls for a long time.
Why is being an official under the Ming King so much like being in prison?
Zhang Chang recalled his time as Minister of Revenue during the Yuan Dynasty. The Yuan emperors were incompetent and rarely attended morning court. Every day, he would sleep until he woke naturally, then rise to practice a set of health-preserving boxing, read for a while, and then saunter to his office. He would sip tea while reviewing the day's paperwork, then visit restaurants and eateries to find local delicacies. After a satisfying meal, he would return to his office to check if there were any new assignments. If not, he would go home or attend social events.
That’s the life of an official!
Zhang Chang put his hands behind his back and shook his head.
Previously, Zhu Yuanzhang had sent two experienced and prudent men, Zhu Sheng and Ji Renshou, to monitor him. Now, Zhu Yuanzhang had reassured him and sent the monitors away. But he was so exhausted that he couldn't even do what a spy was supposed to do?
What made Zhang Chang even more depressed was that he had done so much, yet saw no results. Why did Zhu Yuanzhang accept his memorial and put the matter aside as if it were already completed?
Zhang Chang decided to cheer up and take advantage of today's rare holiday to enhance friendship with his colleagues and subtly bring them to his side.
But just as he decided to cheer up, he couldn't help yawning, his head felt dizzy, and his body swayed.
Zhang Chang pressed his forehead to relax, turned around and got on the carriage, deciding to go back to sleep.
My life is gone, and all my plans are gone. I'll rest today and continue my spying career tomorrow.
When Zhang Chang was sitting in the carriage, he drooped his head and fell asleep leaning against the carriage.
Zhu Yuanzhang returned home happily with the suggestions from Fang Guozhen's family. Chen Biao was building a stove in the yard to make roast goose.
After Zhu Wenzhen returned to Yingtian, he annoyed Chen Biao's younger brothers so much that they were covered in bubbles.
In order to reduce internal heat, my younger brothers have been eating light meals recently.
At the beginning of October, Zhu Yuanzhang sent Zhu Wenzheng to Guangdong. The blisters on Chen Biao's brothers' mouths immediately disappeared.
Ma Xiuying laughed so hard that she couldn't straighten her back.
After Chen Biao's younger brothers stopped getting angry, they immediately jumped around Chen Biao and asked for a big meal.
It just so happened that Tang He knew that Chen Biao loved to eat, so he sent a few Guangdong chefs to Chen Biao as a gift.
Chen Biao asked about their specialties, discussed with them, and came up with a "Chen's secret recipe" roast goose.
It is said that roast goose originated from roast goose. When Wen Tianxiang and others went south to fight against the Yuan Dynasty, they brought roast duck chefs from the north to Fujian and Guangdong, and replaced duck with local geese, making it a local specialty.
Compared to roast duck, Chen Biao personally prefers roast goose, especially roast goose with green plum sauce, and Chen Biao can eat a whole one by himself.
The new chef first went to the Chen Family Restaurant and used the diners as guinea pigs, adjusting the recipe and cooking time. The Chen family had to eat a light meal to accommodate the crying young masters, and except for Chen Biao, it was the first time for any of the Chen family members to eat roast goose.
Chen Gou'er was jumping around in the middle of Chen Chong and Chen Chong, laughing and saying, "Eat roast goose without dad." Chen Mao'er's little hands were tugging at the corner of Ma Xiuying's clothes, and he nodded slightly from time to time.
The roast goose had been roasting in the courtyard for most of the day, emitting a rich aroma. Chen Biao instructed the men to adjust the heat while saying, "There's so much roast goose, you can't finish it all. When it's ready, I'll send one to Dad and tell him you guys sent it together."
Chen Biao's second, third, and fourth brothers all screamed at a high pitch: "No! No food for him!"
Chen Maoer agreed in a low voice.
Chen Biao turned around helplessly: "What's wrong with Dad? Why don't you give Dad food...Ah? Dad? You are here."
Zhu Yuanzhang had returned home at some point and was leaning against a big tree with his hands folded across his chest. He was looking at his unfilial sons with a harsh look on his face.
Zhu Yuanzhang sneered and said, "I want to know too."
Chen Mao'er immediately hid behind Ma Xiuying. The remaining three brothers quickly ran behind Chen Biao, as if playing eagle and catches chicken. The youngest, Chen Gou'er, grabbed the back of Chen Biao's clothes, the third, Chen Tan, grabbed Chen Gou'er, and the second, Chen Tan, consciously stayed behind.
Chen Biao looked back at his younger brothers behind him and sighed deeply.
Even if you hide behind me, I can't save you if your father wants to beat you.
Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "I'm asking you a question!"
The second oldest, Chen Chong, was the first to poke his head in: "Dad, you let our cousin come home and bully us!"
The third child, Chen Jin, complained, "Dad, you only know how to bully us when you come back."
The fourth child, Chen Gou'er, bravely said, "Dad is bad! He only knows how to yell at me!"
The fifth child, Chen Mao'er, whispered, "Yes, Dad is bad."
Ma Xiuying scolded him with a smile, "Did you hear that? You wicked father, reflect on yourself! Every time you come home, you either scold us with a stern face or treat your sons like toys. You deserve it that your sons don't welcome you home!"
Chen Biao sighed: "Dad, please change your behavior. At least don't deliberately take the dog and cat's toys and then put their toys on top of the cabinet."
Zhu Yuanzhang's face trembled violently, and he could no longer maintain a straight face: "I'm just teasing them. I'm their father!"
Chen Biao said, "A father shouldn't bully his son. Okay, do you want to change clothes first, or wait here? I think we'll have another quarter of an hour."
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "I changed my clothes when I came back. I'll wait here."
Chen Biao dug in the fire with tongs and pulled out a dark taro. "Dad, eat this first to fill your stomach. Now, stop hiding behind me. Ting'er, go get the dipping sauce. Ting'er, go find Uncle Li and ask him for some newly brewed wine. Gou'er, go back to mother and don't touch me. You might get burned."
Chen Gou'er withdrew his hand, tilted his head back, and acted coquettishly to his brother: "Brother! I want to eat taro too!"
Chen Biao patted Chen Gou'er's bulging belly, which was typical of children, and said, "You have a small appetite. If you eat taro now, you won't be able to eat roast goose later. Let me eat more taro first, and I won't snatch the roast goose from you."
Chen Gou'er's eyes widened: "Ah! Dad, hurry up and eat more taro!"
Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to kick Chen Gou'er into the furnace and turn him into roasted dog meat.
How could he have such a terrible son?
What's even worse is that he has three and a half such troublesome sons - Chen Maoer was reluctantly classified as half of the troublesome sons by Zhu Yuanzhang because he was not talkative.
Chen Biao smiled and pushed Chen Gou'er towards Ma Xiuying: "Don't be angry with Dad, or you'll get beaten. I can't save you."
Chen Gou'er rushed towards Ma Xiuying: "Mom, save me!"
Ma Xiuying smiled and caught Chen Gou'er: "Okay, Mom will save you."
Zhu Yuanzhang blew on the hot taro and complained, "Madam, don't spoil them too much. Be careful not to spoil them into dandies."
Ma Xiuying smiled and shook her head, saying, "The children are very polite to outsiders and never bully the weak. Biaoer taught them well."
Zhu Yuanzhang was filled with disbelief: "Really? They don't even respect their father!"
Chen Biao said, "They respect you very much, but they are just acting like spoiled brats with you. Here's the dipping sauce, would you like to try it?"
Chen Chong is already nine years old. Although he still likes to act like a spoiled child around Chen Biao, he has inherited Zhu Yuanzhang's tall stature and is now a strong and healthy child.
He brought the dipping saucer over, and Zhu Yuanzhang could dip the food in the sauce without having to bend down.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his neglected second son and said, "The second son has grown up."
Chen Biao laughed and said, "Yes, I always thought that Chong'er was still hugging my thigh and crying yesterday, but now he has become a very capable big boy. In the riding, archery and martial arts classes at school, Chong'er can beat teenagers. He is really amazing."
Zhu Yuanzhang dipped the taro, the skin of which had been peeled off, into the seasoning powder and took a nibble. "Delicious! Biao'er's cooking is still so good. And the second son is so amazing? He's worthy of being my son! Shouldn't he be sent to the military camp to adapt for a while?"
After hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's praise, Chen Chong's eyes lit up and a happy smile appeared on his face.
Chen Biao patted Chen Chong's shoulder. He knew that even with his care, his brothers still needed their father. Unfortunately, this father was always strict with his brothers, rarely praising them, which made them alienated from him.
"Next spring, I will select the best cadets to serve in the barracks." Chen Biao sighed, "I haven't decided yet whether they will just follow the training or fight like soldiers."
Those with excellent physical fitness might become new generals in the future. If we don't familiarize them with the battlefield now, under the safest possible conditions, they might end up misleading themselves and others when they go into battle.
But even with the most thorough protection, these students could be injured or even killed on the battlefield. Chen Biao didn't know if he could shoulder this responsibility.
Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment and said, "Train first, don't go to the battlefield. As for those who need to go to the battlefield, I will report to the lord and let the lord arrange for them to go to their respective elders' army."
Chen Biao breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Old people are always wise. Dad solved my problem in no time."
Zhu Yuanzhang was proud .
Chen Biao asked, "Then the brothers will go under father's command?"
Zhu Yuanzhang's proud expression froze: "Ah, this..."
Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's embarrassment, Chen Biao said, "Is Dad's army not suitable for my brothers? Then let Uncle Xu go? But Uncle Xu might not dare to let my brothers go to the battlefield."
Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment and said, "Let them follow Wen Zheng."
Zhu Yuanzhang knew that he was very protective of his son, and if anything happened to his son, he would vent his anger even on Xu Da.
After much deliberation, Zhu Yuanzhang decided that only his nephew, Zhu Wenzheng, could lead his sons to the battlefield. As long as Zhu Wenzheng did not rebel, Zhu Yuanzhang would not touch him.
Chen Chong's happy smile froze on his face: "I'm not going!"
Chen Biao said: "If you don't want to go, then don't go. Our children don't have to go to the battlefield."
Chen Chong lowered his head, feeling very embarrassed.
He wanted to be a general, but he hated his cousin, so he was in a dilemma.
Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly, "You still have a few months to think about it, take your time. If you don't want to be a general, then follow your brother and continue studying, and become a high-ranking official in the future."
Chen Chong's lips pursed. He didn't want to be a civil servant. He got a headache just looking at books with lots of words.
When Li Zhen and Chen Gang came over with the wine jars, Zhu Yuanzhang also told Chen Gang about this.
Chen Jin didn't hesitate: "Compared to studying, serving as a soldier for my cousin is more bearable."
Zhu Yuanzhang and his son Chen Biao exchanged a look that was difficult to describe.
Despite Chen Biao's varied teaching methods, Chen Chun and Chen Jin both achieved good academic results, but they still didn't develop a love for reading. Unless they realized this later in life, they probably wouldn't enjoy reading for the rest of their lives.
Compared to Chen Biao and Chen Jin, the twin brothers Chen Gou'er and Chen Mao'er were more fond of books. Even Chen Gou'er could listen quietly to Chen Biao reading poems to them.
Chen Biao could only pin his hopes of raising a great scholar on his two younger brothers.
Two younger brothers became generals and two younger brothers became civil officials, which was exactly half and half.
The roast goose is out of the oven and the chef uses a knife to slice it into thin slices.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the one-armed chef wielding a knife and said, "Your knife skills are quite good."
Chen Biao said, "Uncle Tang said that the people he sent here were all heroes who once fought against the Yuan Dynasty. The cook's knife skills will be useful on the battlefield, and they will be even more exquisite off the battlefield."
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the roast goose on the plate.
Did he learn how to carve roast goose meat by carving people? No wonder his knife skills are so skillful.
Chen Biao urged, "Don't focus on the knife skills, just taste it."
Zhu Yuanzhang dipped the roast goose in the green plum sauce recommended by Chen Biao and praised it highly. Then he dipped the roast goose in the barbecue powder that was used to dip the taro and ate it.
Chen Biao's face fell. Dad is so perfunctory.
He looked at his younger brothers again. Except for Chen Maoer who really liked green plum jam, the other brothers had the same taste as their father.
Luckily, Mom also likes green plum sauce. It seems that the cat and I are the only ones who resemble Mom.
Chen Biao asked, "Uncle, what kind of seasoning do you like?"
Li Zhen smiled: "I like green plum sauce too."
Chen Biao breathed a sigh of relief. It was a 3-3 tie!
But why should I be relieved about this? Chen Biao bit his chopsticks, blinked in confusion, and then continued to eat roast goose.
After eating a few taro to fill his stomach, Zhu Yuanzhang ate more.
He also packed up the roast goose bones and had someone send them to Zhou Dexing.
"He failed the monthly exam, so he can only eat goose bones." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a bad taste while picking his teeth and crossing his legs.
Chen Biao asked the person who delivered the goose bones to go to the restaurant to pick up a roast goose and deliver it together with the goose bones.
Chen Biao was really worried about satisfying his father's bad taste and not embarrassing Uncle Zhou.
The person who sent the roast goose told Zhou Dexing the truth: the goose bones were sent by "Chen Guorui" and the roast goose was sent by the eldest son.
While eating roast goose, Zhou Dexing cursed at the goose bones, pointing at the goose bones and scolding Chen Guorui.
Behind him, his wife and parents, who once doted on their son, were pointing at him and scolding him.
Failing! Shame! My son/grandson's teaching assistant is at the bottom of the class!
Zhou Ji nodded repeatedly in the back. Yes, yes, Dad is stupid and lazy, he deserves to be scolded!
Zhou Dexing was gnawing on the roast goose with tears in his eyes. He felt that only Biao'er's thoughtfulness could slightly heal his broken heart.
At the Chen family, after the family finished eating roast goose, Zhu Yuanzhang tested his sons' homework, and then under Chen Biao's stare, he reluctantly changed his criticism into words of praise.
Looking at his sons' happy faces, Zhu Yuanzhang felt extremely sad.
He likes to see his sons crying when they are hit by him. It's so funny.
Unfortunately, Biao'er was too strict, and Xiuying increasingly disagreed with his "critical education", so Zhu Yuanzhang had to give up his hobby with regret.
"Dad, you're back so early today. What's going on?" Chen Biao asked. "I don't believe that the workaholic Lord has a change of heart and is giving you a day off."
Zhu Yuanzhang: "...My Lord, you don't really like working either."
"Oh." Chen Biao stretched out his hand. "My lord, is there anything you want me to do?"
Zhu Yuanzhang: "..." Suddenly he felt the letter in his arms was a little hot.
Chen Biao urged: "Give it to me quickly, don't delay."
Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and handed the letter to Chen Biao: "Don't worry, don't worry. My lord, I'm just showing it to you. Don't you like overseas affairs?"
Chen Biao opened the letter and said, "Going overseas? Let me see... Wow, have Fang Guozhen and the others figured it out? I knew they wanted to go overseas in the first place. They must know a lot about overseas."
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "It's getting late. Let's wait until tomorrow to watch it. Be careful not to hurt your eyes."
Chen Biao said, "Then Dad, you are not allowed to stay up late to read."
The father and son faced off, and then it became a one-two-three race to see who could blink first.
Chen Biao's willpower was not as strong as Zhu Yuanzhang's. He lost the game again and was so angry that his cheeks puffed up.
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed out loud and tried to pick up his son and throw him away, but then he found that his son had grown taller. Although he could pick him up, it was difficult to throw him away.
Zhu Yuanzhang immediately became sad.
How come my son is growing up so fast? My soft and chubby son has now grown into a handsome young man.
Chen Biao was puzzled: "Dad, why did your face suddenly fall? I lost, not you."
Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head: "Nothing."
Biaoer has grown up, so I feel sad. How can I have the nerve to tell him about this?
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "I don't read, and neither can you. Let's sleep together."
Chen Biao pushed Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "I won't sleep with you. Go sleep with me. I've been waiting for you for a long time. Don't you have anything to say to me?"
After pushing Zhu Yuanzhang to his mother, Chen Biao went to Chen Chong's room.
As expected, Chen Tan stayed in Chen Tan's room. The two brothers were discussing where to join the army in the future.
"What are you talking about so happily? And me, your big brother?" Chen Biao lifted the bulging quilt and looked into the eyes of his two younger brothers.
The two younger brothers scrambled to the side, leaving a large space in the middle.
Chen Biao was lying in the middle, with a younger brother on his left and another younger brother on his right. He was a winner in life.
"Brother, you've been to the battlefield, tell us about it!"
"Hmm...where do I start?"
"Brother! Will it hurt if you get injured on the battlefield?!"
"What nonsense are you asking?"
Chen Biao and his brothers were whispering to each other until half the night.
Chen Biao did not lie to his father. He could stay up late to read letters, but he could stay up late to accompany his younger brother.
On the second day, Zhu Yuanzhang accompanied Ma Xiuying to settle accounts; after Chen Biao had Chen Chong and Chen Chong sent to school, he took Chen Gou'er and Chen Mao'er to his own house, so as not to let Chen Gou'er and Chen Mao'er disturb his parents' rare tenderness.
Chen Gou'er and Chen Mao'er listened to Chen Biao very much. They sat on the carpet and played with their toys obediently.
But once Chen Maoer's building blocks are piled higher than Chen Gouer's, Chen Gouer the dog will knock down his brother's building blocks.
Chen Maoer was very good-tempered when facing his brothers. He didn't cry or make a fuss even when his building blocks were knocked over, but continued to stack blocks obediently.
Later, Chen Gouer stopped stacking blocks and waited for his younger brother Maoer to finish stacking the blocks, and then knocked over the blocks stacked by his younger brother Maoer.
Chen Biao originally wanted to scold Chen Gou'er, but when he saw Mao'er's building blocks being knocked over with a happy smile on Mao'er's face, he sighed and let the two of them go.
One willing to fight, the other willing to be beaten, this is probably the way the brothers Xiao Si and Xiao Wu play. Since Xiao Wu is having fun, he doesn't interfere.
Chen Biao unfolded the letter and carefully read Fang Guozhen's suggestions, comparing them with the information he had collected.
Fang Guozhen's letters are very interesting. In order to fully demonstrate the abilities of his family members to Zhu Yuanzhang, he asked each family member to write a separate letter offering suggestions.
His nephews were no exception.
After reading a thick stack of letters, Chen Biao selected three people to offer suggestions.
The first person is Fang Guozhen’s youngest son Fang Xing, whose courtesy name is Mingmin.
Mingmin was originally Fang Xing's given name. He was the second son of Fang Guozhen's second brother, Fang Guozhang. After Fang Guozhang's death, Fang Guozhen adopted him as his own son because of his young age. Therefore, he is now Fang Guozhen's youngest son.
Fang Xing's handwriting in his letters is very beautiful and his language is very clear. It is obvious that he is a very learned person.
Fang Xing also had extensive overseas knowledge, evidently having read numerous foreign books. He also stated in his letter that he was fluent in several foreign languages.
The second person is Fang Mingshan, the son of Fang Guoxin, Fang Guozhen’s eldest brother.
Fang Mingshan was not only Fang Guozhen's nephew, but also his adopted son. He was the general in Fang Guozhen's group who fought the most against Zhu Yuanzhang's army.
When Fang Guozhen surrendered, he mentioned the name of his adopted son, and attributed his repeated changes of heart to Fang Mingshan's bad temper and his disobedience to Zhu Yuanzhang.
However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not kill Fang Mingshan, and Fang Mingshan was also placed under house arrest in Yingtian.
Although Fang Guozhen betrayed Fang Mingshan, this also gave Fang Mingshan the opportunity to offer advice.
Fang Mingshan's handwriting was completely different from his irritable personality; it was very moderate and peaceful. The strategy he proposed was about economic strategies to govern and keep the people safe.
Fang Mingshan believed that both Ryukyu and Qiongzhou were important gateways to the outside world and should be managed well. Drawing on his years of experience managing Wenzhou, he proposed how to leverage commerce to revitalize the local economy and win the hearts of the people.
Chen Biao heard his father mention Fang Mingshan.
Although Fang Mingshan was not very good at fighting, he was the only one under Fang Guozhen who knew how to govern the people and understand water conservancy. He was law-abiding and had good policies.
The lord is in dire need of people who know how to govern the people. Fang Mingshan sees the importance of Ryukyu and Qiongzhou, which is a good strategic vision.
Both of the above-mentioned people can become the civil officials that the lord urgently needs, so Chen Biao decided to write letters of recommendation for them.
Chen Biao liked the third person's suggestion very much, but he thought his lord might not like it.
The third person is Fang Mingqian, the son of Fang Guozhen’s younger brother Fang Guomin.
I heard that this guy is a taciturn person with a low sense of presence, a very good personality, and has never been to the battlefield.
But this person's handwriting was upright and sharp, and the suggestions he offered were even more sharp.
Fang Mingqian only said one thing in the letter, that is, "There is a small island called Wodao next door, and the Japanese pirates will definitely be a threat. We must build more fortifications along the coast to resist the Japanese pirates."
Fang Mingqian also hinted that if he was given time, he would train a navy and go to the Japanese island to wipe out the Japanese pirate base.
Chen Biao clasped his hands. I like this!
But Chen Biao also knew that the Ming Dynasty was currently unable to attack the Japanese islands.
If it is not necessary and if there are not enough benefits, the Ming Dynasty should not launch large-scale foreign wars.
When playing a strategic game, Chen Biao will squeeze the local economy as much as possible, flatten the surrounding areas in one wave, and then slowly recuperate, and the entire country will gradually get better.
But in reality, the people who died in battle are real, the people who died of starvation are real, and human lives are not just numbers, but living people, another person's father, son, and brother.
Not to mention the huge losses incurred in the war, whether these losses can be made up after the war is over, the loss of human lives alone requires the rulers to be extremely cautious.
War is always the last option.
Why were the emperors who were often praised by later generations for expanding the territory when the people at that time were so eager to eat their flesh and blood? Because the expansion of the territory was paved with the bones of these people.
Even if the economy improves in the future, what about those who died in battle or starved to death? Aren't their lives also lives?
As a ruler, one must have a scale in his heart, and knowing how to choose between achievements and the present is a compulsory course for rulers.
Chen Biao was not the ruler, but he knew Zhu Yuanzhang, the ruler, very well.
Zhu Yuanzhang now truly cared about the poor people. He launched campaigns in the north and south to consolidate the new dynasty and end the chaotic times.
However, the islands of Wo were far from the mainland, with a small area of land, making them difficult to attack and useless. Furthermore, the Industrial Revolution had not yet begun, and the navy's expenditure was much greater than the army's. Zhu Yuanzhang could not afford to fight a naval battle.
Building offensives along the coast to resist the Japanese pirates was a must, but Zhu Yuanzhang would never agree to attack the Japanese islands.
Chen Biao really wanted to flatten the Japanese island.
Most Chinese people of his time wanted to flatten the Japanese islands.
But he did the math and knew that the Ming Dynasty couldn't afford to fight. Even if it conquered, the cost of governance would far outweigh the benefits.
To deal with the Japanese islands, the only way was to use military deterrence and economic means. Chen Biao imitated his father, pinched his chin, which was already lacking in flesh, and put the man's letter into his arms.
Fang Xing and Fang Mingshan are handed over to the lord. I want this person named Fang Mingqian. I wonder if the lord is willing to give him to me.
Chen Biao pinched his chin, pinched his chin again, jumped off the chair, and ran to find his father who was being affectionate with his mother.
When you are in doubt, turn to your dad. He will definitely have a solution!
When Chen Gou'er saw his elder brother running away, he asked in confusion, "Where is he going, elder brother?"
Chen Maoer asked, "Urgent?"
Chen Gouer nodded and continued to wait with bulging eyes for Chen Maoer to build blocks.
Chen Biao ran to his parents' room and asked if there was anything inappropriate inside. After finding out that his parents were just settling scores, he pushed the door open and said, "Dad! Help me!"
Zhu Yuanzhang put down his abacus and asked, "What's the matter?"
Chen Biao said, "I want to ask the lord for someone, but I don't know how to ask the lord."
Chen Biao handed the letter to Zhu Yuanzhang: "I hate the Japanese islands, and he hates them too. Although we can't attack the Japanese islands, and there's no benefit in doing so, we can't just leave them alone. I want this person to help me. He and I will definitely get along well!"
Zhu Yuanzhang had already read the letter. He glanced at it and realized it was from a young man he didn't know. "Hate the Japanese island? Why?"
Chen Biao said, "From a rational point of view, the Japanese island is now divided into north and south. The defeated forces are organizing ships to plunder us, which is particularly annoying."
Zhu Yuanzhang was curious: "Irrational?"
Chen Biao crossed his arms, tucked his chin in, and snorted: "My hatred for the Japanese island is deep in my soul. Maybe I had a blood feud with the Japanese island in my past life!"
Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment and said, "I understand. Fang Mingqian is a defeated general. My lord does not trust him, so I'm afraid it will be difficult for him to follow you."
Regardless of the fact that he was already ten years old, Chen Biao acted like a child and said coquettishly, "Dad, I know you are the best! Any problem can be easily solved by me!"
Zhu Yuanzhang was proud.
Praise, keep praising. I love it most when Biaoer praises me!
Chen Biao's flattery words were always different, and they flattered Zhu Yuanzhang so much that every hair on his beard stood up.
Ma Xiuying twisted her arm to hold back her laughter.
To be Biao'er's subordinate, one must know Biao'er's true identity. It was obviously impossible for Fang Mingqian to follow Biao'er just based on a piece of advice.
But Biao'er had spoken, and Lao Zhu was flattered by the praise. No matter how difficult the task was, Lao Zhu had to get it done.
After flattering the emperor, Chen Biao ran away and went back to continue taking care of his younger brother.
Ma Xiuying finally laughed out loud: "Guorui, how are you going to give Fang Mingqian to Biao'er? Even if you agree, will your ministers who protect Biao'er like their own eyes agree?"
Zhu Yuanzhang fell to the ground with a "thump" from his euphoria, and was shocked to find that he had actually agreed to this.
He put his head in his hands and said, "I'm going to tell Biao'er now that the Lord doesn't agree. I can't do anything about it. Is that okay?"
Ma Xiuying smiled and said, "Okay, you can tell me. But what if Biaoer doesn't trust you and doesn't come to you for help in the future ?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said fiercely: "It's all my lord's fault! Put all the blame on my lord!"
Ma Xiuying continued to laugh until she couldn't straighten her back.
Zhu Yuanzhang continued to hold his head and be in seclusion.
Damn it, what kind of magic does this guy named Fang Mingqian have that he could actually convince someone to take him as his subordinate!