Chapter 147 Yingtian Martial Arts Performance, Shenji Camp!

"In this regard, the people I sent out made detailed assessment reports, including detailed assessments of the economic situation, price levels and living costs among the people."

"So the monthly salary of officials should be raised. After all, they have families to support, and they need to eat and get medical treatment. How can they not need money?"

"As for performance evaluation, it should be evaluated on a quarterly basis and paid out once a quarter."

"The criteria for awarding performance bonuses are firstly political achievements, mainly local public security, economic development, and people's well-being."

"Secondly, you must be honest and incorruptible. As long as you are not found to have violated any discipline or law, or engaged in corruption or abuse of power, you can be considered a qualified official."

"Third, execution ability, completing local construction, and the ability to clearly follow the imperial court's orders are also part of the performance appraisal."

"Fourth, officials are encouraged to innovate. If they propose and successfully implement new policies or improve existing policies, they can report them directly to the court. As long as they are beneficial to the country, they can not only be rewarded with performance, but also be promoted to higher positions and seek benefits for the people."

"The rest is bonuses, which are paid out once a year. At the end of the year, a summary will be made. If the work is good, the bonus will be higher. If the work is average, the bonus will be cut in half. As for those who have made no achievements, their bonus will be cancelled. This is the end of his career as an official."

"In addition to the court's investigation, the opinions of the people are also very important. Only by combining the two can we determine whether this official has made any achievements and whether he is useful to people's livelihood and development. This will also allow the court to make better judgments."

"So, the monthly salary of a first-rank minister is 250 dan, which is equivalent to 125 strings of Ming treasure notes."

"As for the highest performance point, it is two hundred shi, which is one hundred strings of treasure notes."

"There is also a bonus. The highest amount is set at 400 dan, which is 200 strings of Ming treasure notes."

"According to this calculation, the annual salary of a first-rank minister should be 3,000 dan, which is equivalent to 1,500 guan of Ming treasure notes."

"The performance bonus is paid quarterly, and there are four seasons in a year, spring, summer, autumn and winter. That is 400 strings of notes, plus the bonus of 200 strings of notes, which equals 2,100 strings of notes."

Zhu Gang thought about it, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said thoughtfully: "Then it will be reduced in this way, and at the same time, ensuring the openness and transparency of the salary can motivate officials to make progress."

"That means Hu Weiyong alone can take 4,200 shi from the imperial court every year!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang widened his eyes.

The salary increase almost quadrupled, not to mention performance and bonuses. Their annual salary alone is enough for them to have delicious meals every day, so why would they need to set up performance and bonuses?
"Yes."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly.

"That's impossible. The maximum increase is double. You're increasing it fourfold. We refuse."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head decisively and cursed in his heart, thinking that he really didn't know how expensive firewood and rice were until he was in charge of the household. That was 4,200 dan and 2,100 strings of precious metals. How could he be willing to give it up?

"Doubling the salary would at most make their lives better than before, but it would be very difficult to stop them from being greedy."

"But after a fourfold increase, the salary is enough, definitely enough to support their families. Add to that performance and bonuses, and they won't resort to corruption or abuse of power."

"Of course, at the beginning of this system, the so-called bonuses and performance were almost linked to political achievements, and the court could distinguish between those who had done something and those who had not."

"After all, political achievements are real, and when officials visit and secretly observe the people, we can also see what kind of work style the local officials have."

"So this is a business that is sure to make money, and if you believe in my son, the grain production in the Ming Dynasty will definitely increase."

"Also, if we cut our salaries, we can provide more protection for the officials. Why not do that?"

"Besides, think about it. With the salary you set for us before, compared with the official salary, the court will at most spend a little more, which is insignificant and harmless."

Zhu Gang simply shook his head and retorted.

"But we feel bad."

Zhu Yuanzhang certainly understood Zhu Gang's meaning, but he still felt very distressed.

"You are governing the country, not being a local tycoon. You can't make the country rich just by keeping these silver coins."

Zhu Gang complained somewhat helplessly.

"Old Third is right. If we want to improve the treatment of officials, we should do it in one step, so as to avoid making a big noise but doing little, which will not be worth the loss."

Zhu Biao also made a suggestion.

"Then how should the salaries of you brothers be determined?"

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded helplessly, but still asked.

After all, Zhu Yuanzhang could not prevail against his two sons. Now that the salaries of officials had been resolved, how should the salaries of the princes be paid?

"My son's intention is to no longer establish the prince's salary."

Zhu Gang said without even thinking about it.

"How can this be possible? They are all in the bitter cold frontier areas, guarding the border for our Ming Dynasty. If silver is not enough, they will also embezzle the people's blood and sweat, so we still have to give them what we deserve."

Zhu Yuanzhang simply shook his head.

"Dad, the third brother means to release them all. The future Ming Dynasty will not need a king guarding the frontier, because the future Ming Dynasty will not have a frontier."

"As for them in the capital, we can pay them from the inner treasury, that is, give them some scattered silver, one or two thousand strings of silver a year, which is enough for their expenses."

"After all, you still have to focus on studying, so that you can be released in the future and become a prince who expands the territory."

Zhu Biao certainly understood what his younger brother meant, so he was the first to explain.

"Do you really want to release all your brothers?"

In response, Zhu Yuanzhang glared at Zhu Gang again.

How come their family gave birth to such a son who is obsessed with running outside?
And this time he wants to drag his younger brothers to run out together?

It is such a sin to have such a son. I don’t know whether it is the luck or misfortune that I have been blessed with.

"You can't possibly keep them in Ming forever, right?"

"As a prince who just eats and waits for death?"

"The Northern Yuan Dynasty will be destroyed. This is a foregone conclusion. Incorporating the grassland into the territory is also something I am preparing for."

"So why should we let them take action at the border?"

"At that time, whether the Ming Dynasty still had borders was another matter, so it would be better to train them from a young age and send them out to split the land and become kings. This would be considered as making some achievements, which is better than just eating and waiting to die."

Zhu Gang still didn't think about it and retorted.

It is no longer the turn of those little bastards to make decisions in the Ming Dynasty.

The vast world outside is also an invisible journey. As long as you work hard, as long as you can lead your troops to conquer it, establish a country and ascend the throne, wouldn't it be wonderful to be the founding emperor?

So why is there any need to stay in the Ming Dynasty to fight for the throne?
Don’t you understand this point?

"Are you really sure that they can split the land and become kings?"

Zhu Yuanzhang rolled his eyes at Zhu Gang again.

Those little bastards have been teasing cats and dogs since they were young. They don't look serious at all. So if they are released, I'm afraid they will be the last ones to be killed.

"Teach them! I've told you eight hundred times. If you don't teach them, how can they become successful?"

Zhu Gang just rolled his eyes and said.

Old Zhu is always indecisive when it comes to his son.

But I can understand that I just can't bear to let them go.

But they had to do something. They couldn't rely on Zhu Yuanzhang and the Ming Dynasty in front of them all their lives.

And even if they can't learn and really can't become talented, as I said before, Zhu Gang will still keep them in the Ming Dynasty and let them enjoy a peaceful life. "Dad, the achievements of the ages are in front of us, and your sons also want to contribute to the Ming Dynasty instead of continuing to be protected by you."

"After all, the eagle will spread its wings and fly high sooner or later. You can't stop it. Besides, as long as you miss them, you can send them a message and ask them to come back."

Zhu Biao took Zhu Yuanzhang's hand and comforted him softly.

Since Zhu Biao was also a father, he could certainly understand Zhu Yuanzhang's thoughts.

But in some matters, you should make a decisive decision when necessary, otherwise you will suffer the consequences.

Rather than achieving nothing in your whole life, you might as well give it a try, and maybe you can really make a difference.

"Hey"

Faced with Zhu Biao's comfort, Zhu Yuanzhang felt much better, and then he sighed again.

"Think about it carefully, old man. Your son won't force you, otherwise it would be unfilial."

"Anyway, I will definitely leave the Ming Dynasty in the future, because what I want is to create a world of my own, rather than hiding in the Ming Dynasty forever."

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang still hadn't expressed his opinion, Zhu Gang gently waved his hand and let the matter go.

"I understand. After all, we are both made of flesh and blood. We would be reluctant to part with our flesh and blood. Let me think about it carefully."

Zhu Yuanzhang then nodded slightly.

"It's still early, and there's still a lot of time left. Don't think too much, old man. Take your time. There's no rush."

Zhu Biao still comforted him.

"Your Majesty, General Deng Zhen requests to see His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin."

At this moment, Wang Jinghong at the door hurried in again, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, bowed slightly and said.

"Deng Zhen?"

A hint of doubt flashed across Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and he turned to look at Zhu Gang.

"It may be that the Taiyuan Shenjiying has arrived in Yingtianfu."

An idea suddenly came to Zhu Gang's mind, and he looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said.

After all, more than two months have passed, so even if the Shenji Camp is slow, it will be able to reach Yingtian Prefecture.

"Hmm? Pass it in."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Wang Jinghong and waved his hand.

"According to the order."

Wang Jinghong bowed and left. Not long after, Deng Zhen also stepped into Kunning Palace and knelt down and said, "Greetings to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty. Greetings to the Queen. Long live Your Majesty."

"No need to be polite."

Before Deng Zhen finished his words of greeting, Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him with a wave of his hand and asked, "Is the Shenji Camp here?"

There was a hint of impatience in his tone.

After all, Zhu Yuanzhang also wanted to see how powerful the Taiyuan Shenjiying was.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Shenji Camp has arrived at Yingtian Prefecture and has set up camp outside the city, waiting for Your Majesty's summons."

A hint of surprise flashed across Deng Zhen's eyes, then he clasped his fists and replied.

"Why bother summoning them? Let's just go there and see if the Third Brother's Divine Machine Battalion is as powerful as he said."

Zhu Yuanzhang said to himself, "As expected," and stood up excitedly.

"Deng Zhen, have the Shenji Camp go directly to the martial arts arena and perform according to the standards of Taiyuan. Let His Majesty see the might of the Taiyuan Shenji Camp."

Facing Zhu Yuanzhang's excitement, Zhu Gang also looked at Deng Zhen and spoke.

"As ordered."

Deng Zhen clasped his fists heavily, bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang again, and then strode out of Kunning Palace.

"Girl, are you going?"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned to Queen Ma and asked.

"I won't go, you can go."

Queen Ma smiled.

"it is good."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then took his two sons' hands and walked out of Kunning Palace.

Even the oncoming cold and the heavy snow cannot stop a burning heart.

Yingtian Martial Arts Arena.

Looking around, there was no end in sight, only densely packed heads and countless black-armored soldiers.

The murderous intent that erupted seemed even more fierce than the wind and snow!

Their eyes were as cold and piercing as blades.

The momentum is like a cold sword drawn from its sheath, shocking people.

Seven thousand black-armored infantrymen, like a Great Wall made of steel, stood before the army formation, holding muskets in their hands, their eyes as sharp as torches, looking straight ahead, fearless.

At the other end, two thousand elite cavalrymen, clad in black armor, sat astride lion-like war horses, holding pistols, like lightning in the dark night, seemingly able to tear apart everything in the world with their bare hands.

Later on, one thousand artillerymen controlled five hundred Hongwu cannons. Each cannon was like a dormant volcano, containing the power to destroy everything. It would create huge waves at the command of a single order.

This is the Shenjiying from Taiyuan!

So majestic!

Unparalleled murderous intent!
It is indeed a team of kings!
Moreover, they are a battle-hardened army equipped with the most advanced firearms!
Although there are only tens of thousands of them, if used properly, they can be comparable to a hundred thousand cavalry. Their terrifying large-scale killing power can even sweep across the grassland, making them invincible.

After a long time, Zhu Yuanzhang's dragon chariot arrived at the martial arts field in Yingtian Prefecture. However, as soon as he stepped out of the chariot, he was stunned where he was.

In the wind and snow, the fluttering battle flag rustled like the roar of an ancient giant beast. It was a battle flag embroidered with the word "Jin" on it.

And the Shenji Camp, like a man-eating tiger, ignored the wind and frost of winter, standing tall in the martial arts field, their faces still stern and their eyes filled with murderous intent.

It explains what it means to be invincible and to kill anyone who stands in your way!
After taking a glance, Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly showed admiration, and he could not help but nodded and said: "What a battle-hardened army, with such a strong murderous aura, I am afraid that the iron army led by your master in the past was no better than this."

"The 200,000 elite cavalrymen of Taiyuan can all be called a battle-hardened army. They marched straight into the grasslands, fought hundreds of battles, never bowed their heads, and were not afraid of death."

"He is also my Zhu Gang's brother in life and death."

In response to this, Zhu Gang, who was standing next to Zhu Yuanzhang, curled up a smile and patted his chest heavily.

What he was talking about was not only the Shenji Camp in front of him, but also the unparalleled cavalry stationed in Taiyuan.

The Black Cavalry of King Jin were unrivaled in battle and never afraid of death.

(End of this chapter)