Chapter 293: Using the Inner Book Hall to Train Eunuchs and Supply "Zheng He-style Talents" to the Ocean-going Fleet

However, during this journey, Zheng He unfortunately died of illness in Calicut, India.

Faced with the dilemma of losing Zheng He, an important partner, Wang Jinghong resolutely assumed the leadership responsibility and led the Ming fleet back safely.

On the sixth day of July in the eighth year of Xuande, Wang Jinghong finally returned to Nanjing.

This return voyage symbolizes his loyal fulfillment of the national mission and his strong sense of responsibility.

In the ninth year of Xuande, Wang Jinghong received another imperial edict, ordering him to carry out his eighth mission to the West.

This mission is not only a recognition of Wang Jinghong's ability, but also a reward for his past efforts.

Despite his old age, Wang Jinghong accepted this arduous task without hesitation and embarked on the voyage again.

In his later years, Wang Jinghong devoted his energy to organizing navigation data.

He wrote two important works: "The Journey to the West" and "The Journey to the West".

These works record in detail Wang Jinghong's many years of sailing experience and knowledge, leaving valuable wealth for future generations.

Wang Jinghong is remembered for his outstanding navigation achievements and contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

He is regarded as one of the greatest navigators and diplomats in Chinese history, on par with Zheng He.

In order to commemorate Wang Jinghong's achievements, later generations established an island named "Jinghong Island" in NSQD.

The island bears witness to Wang Jinghong's influence in the Nanyang region and also symbolizes his status as an outstanding navigator.

Zhu Gang was well aware that a talented person like Wang Jinghong would unfortunately pass away during the Hongwu period.

Then it would be a heavy blow to the Ming Dynasty.

His death may lead to stagnation of the maritime industry.

It may even affect the Ming Dynasty's foreign exchanges and economic development.

Therefore, Zhu Gang very much hoped that Wang Jinghong could be like he was in history.

Until the Xuande period, he continued to contribute to the Ming Dynasty's maritime industry.

Of course, for Zhu Gang, who traveled through time from later generations, he was very clear that eunuchs' participation in political affairs might cause a series of problems.

However, the reason why Zhu Gang insisted on establishing the Neishutang was actually due to more far-reaching considerations.

All of this is for the purpose of preparing special talent reserves for the upcoming overseas employment program.

Zhu Gang then explained to Zhu Yuanzhang in all seriousness: "I did this because I heard that the long-term drifting at sea, the lonely working environment, the huge work pressure and other factors.

It will have a profound impact on the psychological state of the crew."

He paused briefly, then continued: "First, the long-term voyage away from home separates them from their relatives and friends, and they lack stable social support.

In addition, on the vast ocean, the crew members have limited contact with the outside world.

Because it is difficult to share joy, anger, sorrow and happiness at any time, the channels for expressing and venting emotions are relatively narrow.

This feeling of loneliness and homesickness may gradually accumulate during a long voyage.

This creates potential psychological stress for the crew members.

Secondly, the working environment at sea is harsh and full of uncertainty.

Unpredictable weather, complex sea conditions, and possible ship failures.

All these require the crew to maintain a high level of vigilance and adaptability at all times.

If people are in this state of tension for a long time, they are prone to psychological problems such as anxiety, fatigue and neurasthenia.

The most critical thing is that the crew members have irregular working hours.

The shift system of reversing day and night disrupts the normal biological clock.

Lack of sleep and irregular sleep schedules not only affect physical health, but also have negative effects on mood and cognitive function.

This makes the crew more prone to irritability, anger, and inattention. Zhu Yuanzhang asked in confusion, "Old Third, are there any necessary connections between what you said and the establishment of the inner book hall?"

Zhu Biao said according to his own understanding: "Dad, think about it.

If we allow eunuchs to receive education and learn knowledge, they will be able to better understand national affairs.

This will also make it easier for the eunuchs to better assist Your Majesty in handling government affairs and reduce the possibility of mistakes.

At the same time, through learning, they can also learn to control their emotions and avoid making mistakes due to ignorance.

In addition, setting up an inner study hall can also help eunuchs develop good living habits.

This is also very beneficial to their physical and mental health.”

Zhu Gang, who was standing aside, had a sharp look in his eyes.

He explained the most important reason in earnest words.

“In the future, if the princes of the Ming Dynasty want to go to overseas fiefdoms, they will definitely bring some female relatives with them.

However, if they were allowed to live on the same ship with ordinary crew members.

Then when those crew members face emotional fluctuations or cognitive problems, it is likely to cause unpredictable serious consequences.

Therefore, we must take this into consideration and take appropriate measures to avoid potential dangers.

In order to ensure the safety and comfort of the female relatives, eunuchs should be appointed to key positions on the ships they travel on.

Doing so will not only minimize risks, but also reduce the inner court's financial burden on the national treasury, achieving two birds with one stone.

However, if the eunuchs were illiterate, how could they perform these important duties?"

The reason why Zhu Gang made such an arrangement was actually because he was inspired by Zhu Di, the future Emperor Yongle.

After all, the fleet going to Southeast Asia in the future will be huge, and there will be more than 27000 people accompanying each trip.

In addition, there were more than 200 giant ships, as well as countless gold, silver, treasures and horses that needed to be transported.

Faced with such a huge challenge, Zhu Gang must be fully prepared to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

After all, such a large fleet would be in trouble if it were handed over to someone who is not trustworthy.

Once the rebellious intention is revealed, the Ming Dynasty will suffer huge losses.

Compared to other people, eunuchs are the ones who can be trusted.

Zhu Biao soon figured out the mystery, and he suggested, "Dad, I think what you said makes sense.

As long as we control it properly, there will be no eunuchs' monopoly of power in the Ming Dynasty for at least three generations!"

After organizing his words a little, Zhu Gang proposed a solution that he had prepared long ago.

“As long as we don’t allow the eunuchs in the Imperial Household Department, who are in charge of my father’s documents, to have contact with the officials in the outer court, we can prevent the eunuchs from getting involved in government affairs.

In addition, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was appointed to closely monitor the activities of the eunuchs.

The most important thing is to establish the idea of ​​"loyalty to the emperor and patriotism" among the eunuchs.

By worshipping Yue Fei, we can establish the image of the inner book hall, strengthen the team cohesion, and let every eunuch engrave the core concept of loyalty to the court into their bones. "

Wang Jinghong immediately expressed his opinion upon seeing this, “I will always be ready to devote myself to the court and Your Majesty.

If any monkey cub betrays his family, we will never let him off easily!"

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath and said, "Third Brother, in your opinion, which institution in the imperial court should manage the eunuchs trained by the Inner Academy?"

Zhu Gang said without hesitation: "Of course, a new department will be established and managed by my father and the future successor of the Ming Dynasty.

I suggest that this department could be called the "Western Investigation Bureau".

From now on, the Imperial Guard will be responsible for supervising the interior of the Ming Dynasty, while the Western Investigation Bureau will be responsible for supervising the exterior of the Ming Dynasty."

(End of this chapter)