Chapter 196: The Prince of Jin wanted to ask for merit for Mu Ying but the fetus died in the womb. Zhu Biao's statement that he would destroy the Northern Yuan Dynasty in five years shocked Zhu Gang.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, his eyes sharp.

He looked at Xu Da and smiled to show his agreement, then asked, "Then how should we implement it in detail, my dear lord?"

Xu Da thought for a moment, then replied with a glimmer of confidence in his eyes: "Your Majesty can issue some policies that benefit the people and encourage farmers to farm.

For example, reducing taxes, distributing agricultural tools and seeds, etc.

This will encourage farmers to farm more actively and food production will increase.

In addition, water conservancy projects can be built to improve irrigation conditions and increase the fertility of farmland.”

Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied after hearing this, and his smile became even brighter. He said with a smile: "Duke Wei is right, these are all good strategies, and we will consider your suggestions.

But this is only one aspect. We also need to strengthen our military to defend the country. What do you think we should do?"

Xu Da took a deep breath and continued to answer: "Your Majesty, you can select outstanding generals and train soldiers.

Improve the combat effectiveness of the army, strengthen border defense, and prevent foreign invasion.

At the same time, we must also pay attention to domestic security and ensure the safety of the people.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his appreciation evident in his words, and said with a smile: "Duke Wei is right, I will consider your suggestion."

After saying this, he glanced at the other ministers, his eyes swept across everyone's face, and asked in a calm and firm tone: "My dear ministers, do you have anything else to say?"

The ministers looked at each other, and after a moment's silence, they all shook their heads to indicate that there was nothing else to report.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up and straightened his body.

He swept the entire court with a cold gaze and announced in a loud voice: "In that case, let's adjourn the court!
I hope that all of you will fulfill your duties and work together for the prosperity of Ming Dynasty."

As Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, a slight noise was heard in the court.

The ministers began to leave the Fengtian Hall one after another, and then left with their own thoughts.

Zhu Gang took a look at the memorial which he had not yet had time to take out.

"I had intended to take this opportunity to ask for some rewards for meritorious officials like Brother Mu Ying, but now it seems that I was just wishful thinking."

Zhu Biao came over and patted him on the shoulder, "Father sent the Royal Guards to visit us, to some extent, just to warn my third brother.

After all, if you marry the Duke of Wei, you will control the military power in the north of the Ming Dynasty.

Besides, my uncle recently offended my father because of something, so it may not be easy for him to get promoted."

Zhu Gang knew that with Lan Yu's temper, he would definitely cause trouble in the future.

Unexpectedly, before the ninth year of Hongwu was over, the future Duke of Liang could not help but start making a list.

“Since ancient times, meritorious service must be rewarded and faults must be punished.

If Brother Mu does not receive any reward for his military exploits this time, how can we expect military commanders to sacrifice their lives on the battlefield in the future?"

The main reason why ancient soldiers were willing to fight was because they could gain honor, rewards and respect on the battlefield.

First of all, morale is of vital importance in war. The charge of the vanguard soldiers can boost the morale of the entire army, which is conducive to victory in the war.

Secondly, the reward system is also an important reason why soldiers are willing to fight. In ancient times, soldiers who made military achievements were generously rewarded.

Including money, status and honor, which motivates soldiers to fight.

In addition, honor and respect were very important in ancient society, and performance in battle could win the respect and admiration of others.

Even for many soldiers, dying on the battlefield is an honor.

Of course, the concept of the country is also an important factor that drives the soldiers to fight. Since the Qin Dynasty established a unified country, the soldiers have had a stronger concept of the country. They understand the importance of defending their homes and resisting foreign enemies. This sense of responsibility and mission makes these people willing to risk their lives to fight.

Finally, the role model of famous generals cannot be ignored.

Many famous generals would choose to lead the charge, and this role model would greatly inspire the courage and fighting spirit of the soldiers.

Thinking of this, Zhu Gang frowned and said: "Since ancient times, there has been a saying that 'a soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good soldier'.

But if they lose hope, how can they risk their lives on the battlefield?"

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "What my third brother said is very reasonable, but my father has made up his mind.

How can we, as sons, disobey our fathers?"

Zhu Gang knew that Lan Yu was suspected by Zhu Yuanzhang, which was also a blow to the crown prince Zhu Biao.

In the ninth year of Hongwu, the two brothers jointly handled three major cases, and the court was filled with blood.

As the founding emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang was bloodthirsty by nature, and many people found it unbearable.

Obviously no one would hope that the next Ming emperor would still be a "tyrant" with a heart of stone.

Zhu Gang sighed upon hearing this, "It seems like it's time to formulate the first Five-Year Plan for the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao, who had not yet reacted, heard Zhu Gang change the subject so smoothly.

He could only follow the other party's words and ask: "What important contents are involved in this "Five-Year Plan" that Sanli mentioned?"

After being silent for about half an incense stick, Zhu Gang asked, "Brother, what do you want the Ming Dynasty to be like in five years?"

Although Zhu Biao had never thought about this question before, after just a moment of thought, he gave his own answer.

"Completely wipe out the border threat from the Northern Yuan Dynasty, so that the Ming Dynasty can complete its plan to move the capital."

Zhu Gang suddenly remembered an old friend named Yuan. This was the promise he had made to the emperor back then.

As mentioned earlier, the Northern Yuan Dynasty was not declared extinct until the end of the Ming Dynasty.

Wanting to completely clear it up within five years is basically a pipe dream.

"The geographical environment between the Ming Dynasty and the Northern Yuan Dynasty is very complex. After all, the Northern Yuan Dynasty is located inland, with a vast terrain and a harsh climate, which makes it difficult for the Ming Dynasty to effectively control and rule it.

At the same time, the grassland areas are nomadic and highly mobile, making stable governance difficult.

In addition, although the Ming Dynasty established the Great Wall and other defense lines on the border, due to the complexity of the geographical environment and the guerrilla tactics of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty's defense lines were always difficult to stabilize. "

As he spoke, Zhu Gang secretly sighed in his heart that the prince's mind and vision were indeed extraordinary.

He originally thought that Zhu Biao would say something conservative. After all, the ultimate goal he had proposed before was too grand and even a little unrealistic.

However, no one expected that the prince would be so courageous and turn his attention directly to the northern grasslands.

Zhu Biao said solemnly: "I also know that it is not easy to achieve this goal.

We need to develop a detailed strategy and integrate resources from all parties.

At the same time, we need to select outstanding generals and officials and go all out to succeed."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly to show his agreement.

He knew very well that what Zhu Biao said was true, and that it would indeed require tremendous effort to achieve such a grand goal.

(End of this chapter)