Agriculture is the foundation of all industries. If agriculture increases by one point, other industries can increase by several points.
In terms of farmland attributes, whether wheat or rice is grown, irrigated land is always ranked first, followed by dry land.
Among the people, as long as they spend a lot of effort, mountains, swamps, and saline-alkali lands can be turned into fertile farmland, but it is not feasible.
So fertilizer is the best choice.
Manure is the first fertilizer recognized by humans, followed by plant ash, river mud, bone juice, soybean meal, etc.
Especially river mud. The reason why Egypt was able to develop ancient civilization was that a large amount of mud was brought from the upper reaches of Ethiopia and Sudan, creating the delta.
It is completely a geofertilizer.
Some large landowners in the south like to use pond mud to fertilize their fields, especially those accumulated in saline-alkali lands, and transform them into fertile fields.
In the Tang and Song Dynasties, intensive farming became the mainstream, and cake fertilizer was added. Cake fertilizer is the residue left after oil seeds are pressed. These residues can be directly used as fertilizer, mainly including bean cake, rapeseed cake, hemp cake, cottonseed cake, and peanut.
Cake, tung seed cake, tea cake, etc.
However, these fertilizers are always limited, cost high, and are not universal at all.
As a time traveler, Zhu Yixi didn't know much about fertilizer, but she knew that fish fertilizer, bone fertilizer, and some miscellaneous fish and small fish were naturally good fertilizers.
Of course, this is because animals are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and other organic matter, and people are no exception. The reason for choosing fish is that the cost of fish is very low and fewer people eat it.
In some coastal tidal flats and saline-alkali lands in Tianjin and Jiangsu, after the start of the great voyages, some small fish that no one eats can naturally become fertilizers and cultivate fertile fields.
Unfortunately, industry has not yet developed, so these fish can only travel freely in offshore areas, and inland river fish can only be used.
After years of searching, Violet fell into his eyes.
Milk vetch, commonly known as Cao Zi, Pheasant Chao, Qiao Yao, etc., is an organic green manure. It is an annual or perennial herb of the Leguminosae family and is rich in nitrogen.
Not only can it fertilize the fields, but it can also be used as pasture for raising pigs and sheep, thus saving feed.
One acre of land can produce two to three thousand kilograms of milkvetch, which is a high yield, even higher than high-quality pasture alfalfa.
In addition, milkvetch can bloom and bees can collect nectar, increasing agricultural and sideline products.
Kill multiple birds with one stone.
The only disadvantage is that it is toxic and cannot be eaten too much at one time. Frail horses dare not eat it at all, and only omnivores like pigs and cows can barely tolerate it.
Although milkvetch likes humidity and heat, it is possible to find such a boundary in Beijing, especially near Yuquan Mountain.
Zhu Yixi stared at the sea of flowers in front of him. Even if he saw it with his own eyes, it would be difficult to believe that it was purple milk vetch.
"Your Majesty, the seeds of milkvetch have been sold throughout the south, and anyone with a little knowledge understands its effects."
Accompanying the emperor was Yan Yingyuan, who was bowing and explaining.
"The Ministry of Internal Affairs searched and tried in every possible way, and finally identified this excellent seed."
The emperor casually picked a milkvetch and said excitedly: "As far as I know, if the milkvetch plus lime compost is sprinkled about 500 kilograms per acre, the rice can grow by 30 to 40 kilograms."
"If the common people add two bushels per acre of land, they may be able to survive the lean period and survive for the next family."
"This is the fertilizer given by God. I finally discovered it."
In the absence of chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers like vetch are really important.
Yan Yingyuan echoed, equally excited: "How dare I disbelieve the Ming Dynasty's communique? Only when a saintly king like Your Majesty comes to court, will God bestow Ziyun Ying and Ming Dynasty."
In irrigated land in the south, an acre of rice usually costs between one and a half to three stones, and two stones indicates a good harvest.
One stone weighs about one hundred and fifty kilograms, or two buckets or thirty kilograms, which is enough for a family to eat chaff and drink water for a month.
In the north, wheat production is equivalent to two kilograms, which is basically one stone, three to five buckets, or two hundred kilograms.
If there were two more buckets, I don't know how many people could be fed.
Thinking of this, Yan Yingyuan sighed.
"how?"
Zhu Yixi said in confusion.
"Your Majesty, it's a pity that this milkvetch only likes to grow in the south. If it existed in the north, why worry about famine in the world?"
"God is so unfair to the north."
Yan Yingyuan handed over his hand with helplessness on his face. He felt that God was really partial.
Compared with the south, which loves to grow mulberry and cotton, milkvetch is just the icing on the cake, but for the vast north, it is a timely help.
"Ha ha!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yixi patted him on the shoulder and praised: "The gap between the north and the south is immeasurable. There is a long way to go. It requires a lot of hard work. It all depends on people!"
"Both the north and the south of the Ming Dynasty are territories. We must treat them equally. Those who do not seek the overall situation are not enough to seek a region."
"You are from the north, but you must also pay attention to the south."
"I'm ashamed." Yan Yingyuan lowered his head and said,
There is no doubt that the township party has existed throughout Chinese history.
During the Han Dynasty, the disputes over Guanxi and Guandong, and the Qiang rebellion in the Eastern Han Dynasty, those scholar-bureaucrats could say the policy of abandoning Xiliang without batting an eye, because their families were all in Guandong.
In the Song Dynasty, there was a struggle between the north and the south. Forty years after the founding of the country, no southerner became the prime minister. Song Zhenzong wanted to appoint Wang Qinruo as the prime minister. Prime Minister Wang Dan actually publicly said: "I see that in our ancestors, there has never been a southerner in the country. Although it was called
There is no way to establish virtuous people, but it is only necessary to have virtuous men. As a prime minister, I dare not suppress others. This is also a matter of public discussion."
In the Southern Song Dynasty, people from the north were despised and called "reformers". For example, Xin Qiji was a "reformer" and would not be reused in his life.
So much so that by the Yuan Dynasty, the southern Han people and the northern Han people became two classes and almost became two ethnic groups.
At the end of the Ming Dynasty, there were numerous parties such as the Chu Party and the Qi Party, while the Donglin Party was, in a narrow sense, the Jiangnan Party and the Southern Zhili Party.
This kind of prejudice can penetrate deep into the soul and be deeply affected since childhood.
For example, in the imperial court, everyone was united and openly supported the emperor's decision to expedition north to Beihai and attack Huanglong.
But in fact, many northern officials supported the Northern Expedition to Beihai, because they were afraid of border troubles and knew the pain.
Most officials in the south vehemently opposed it on the pretext that it was a waste of money and wasted money.
"I am also looking for fertilizers in the north."
Zhu Yixi said softly, with a smile appearing on her face unconsciously: "Now, I also found a green grass, which is called wild pea, also called wild pea."
"After the summer harvest, plant it in August or September. When the flowering period comes in the next spring, you can cut the grass and make compost. When the wheat is planted, the yield will definitely increase?"
"Of course, there are not many seeds for this thing, and it has not yet become popular."
Zhu Yixi felt that wild peas and milkvetch belong to the leguminous family, and these plants have the effect of fertilizing fields. It would be a pity not to use them as fertilizers.
You can do more research in the future to find some legumes suitable for the northwest and northeast.
"Your Majesty, your Majesty." Yan Yingyuan was so happy that he didn't care about the emperor's appearance and started to jump for joy.
Zhu Yixi was also infected by it and smiled from the bottom of his heart: "Mao Zhizi and milkvetch are helpful for farming, but low grain prices hurt farmers. The cabinet must make preparations and ask all provinces to pay attention to Chang Pingcang."
"Especially in the South."
"I understand." Yan Yingyuan suppressed his smile and nodded in agreement.
It's just that he doesn't understand. Is this something he can do as a group assistant? Isn't it usually the first assistant who responds?
Zhu Yixi was in a good mood after taking the Pavilion Elder for a group stroll.
Over the years, no matter whether it was to quell wars, deal with corrupt officials, build official channels, or reduce taxes, it was not enough to make him feel excited.
However, the significant increase in grain production is a visible benefit to the people.
The Ming Dynasty Gazette explained carefully that the Ministry of Internal Affairs sold the seeds that had been cultivated for a long time nationwide, which was a move that benefited the country and the people.
"If we do this, the price of food will drop by at least a few cents, and we may be able to feed tens of millions more people!"
"Four hundred million should not be the limit."
After gathering his mood, Zhu Yixi put on a loose robe. He lay down and glanced at Yan Yingyuan, who had also calmed down.
After a long time, the emperor finally said: "I heard that the cabinet is in unrest now?"
"Your Majesty, this is a misinformation. The whole cabinet is united to fight for the summer harvest. Two days ago, we also provided disaster relief for the disaster-stricken Qingzhou Prefecture in Gansu Province."
Yan Yingyuan immediately said: "The cabinet is in good order..."
At the end of the sentence, he was speechless.
Looking at the faint smile on the emperor's lips, it suddenly dawned on him that the emperor had such a strong desire for control and was naturally aware of the movements of the cabinet. How could he be unclear about it?
Faced with Yan Yingyuan's silence, Zhu Yixi didn't take it seriously and instead spoke softly:
"It's like lice on a bald man's head, you can see them clearly."
"Zhu Mou eagerly wanted to secure his position as chief minister, but Feng Xianzong was unwilling to do so. The two parties also fought secretly. In the end, they still knew the rules and did not mess around."
Yan Yingyuan continued to remain silent.
"As for you, you were recommended by Zhu Mou to join the cabinet. I saw that you are brave enough to do things on weekdays, so I agreed. Now I heard that there is a rift between you and Zhu Mou..."
Having said this, the emperor suddenly stood up: "In this case, wouldn't the cabinet be one against three?"
"I don't dare." Yan Yingyuan hurriedly knelt down and said, "I am your Majesty's servant."
"I know." Zhu Yixi chuckled: "When you reach the position of cabinet minister, there is no distinction between superior and inferior. They are just master and subordinate."
There is no need for the elders to align themselves with each other, because they are in the same team. At most, it is just a friendly and temporary win-win. In the face of power, no one is willing to let go.
Looking at Yan Yingyuan's slightly dark face, he asked: "What do you think of Zhu Mou?"
"The chief minister is open-minded and magnanimous, and he governs well without overstepping the rules. He can be said to be a first-class good minister."
Yan Yingyuan said without hesitation.
Looking at this person, Zhu Yixi sighed in his heart.
Well, it's just that I didn't say it clearly. Zhu Mou was immodest and could only be a good minister.
Zhu Mou is not suitable for such an important position as chief assistant.
Is Zhu Mou really not suitable?
Looking at Zhu Yixi, this may not be the case.
Among the ministers, Zhu Mou has the strongest execution ability and will fulfill his orders to the letter, even if it goes against the interests of many people.
This item alone makes Zhu Yixi not want to let go.
But the position of first assistant is different.
To put it simply, Zhu Mou only had to consider the emperor's feelings. With the emperor's support, he would have no disadvantages in the officialdom.
But now that he has reached the position of chief minister, he is responsible for regulating the conflicts among officials and civil and military affairs. He has to accept the emperor's orders from above and manage the ministers from below.
That is to say, we must learn to compromise, make peace, eliminate conflicts between monarch and ministers as much as possible, and ensure the stable operation of the entire court.
Take Jiajing as an example. When the court was short of money, Yan Song not only made Jiajing have money to build palaces and hold Taoist meetings, but also provided relief to the people and appeased the ministers.
People who are soft on the outside and strong on the inside are most suitable.
It just so happens that Zhu Mou is a man of integrity both internally and externally.
A chief minister like him who lacks prestige has to come slowly to accumulate strength, but Zhu Mou cannot wait and wants to accumulate prestige in a short period of time and control the cabinet.
"That's all, go down!"
"I beg you to leave." Yan Yingyuan turned and left.
"Your Majesty is really too kind to Zhu Mou."
He naturally understood the emperor's intention and asked him to join Zhu Mou as he did at the beginning, but he was unwilling.
The two of them were already at odds with each other, so there was no need for mediation.
After serving as chief minister for more than half a year, Zhu Mou has proven that he is not suitable for the position of chief minister. Yan Yingyuan even believes that he is more suitable for the eight ministers.
"If Zhu Mou goes and Feng Xianzong comes to power, my position will also move up."
For some reason, this idea suddenly popped into his mind.
Although this is a bit strange, Yan Yingyuan is extremely hopeful that it will succeed.
…
After Yan Yingyuan left, Zhu Yixi thought deeply and felt that Zhu Mou was indeed not suitable for the position of chief assistant.
A small conflict within the cabinet can, with its amplified effect, affect dozens or millions of people.
Just like the previous incident in Kangguo, Jinyiwei was aware of it later and only revealed most of the facts after the incident.
Just by mobilizing troops, millions of people in Sichuan Province will be implicated, causing great changes in the southwest and the plateau.
But this is just for seeking power.
If things go on like this, is that okay?
If Zhu Mou cannot control the cabinet for a day? Will he continue to act?
"Call the chief assistant to come over."
Rubbing her temples, Zhu Yixi ordered.
After a while, Zhu Mou came in a hurry.
Despite this, his demeanor was still standard, his face was full of determination, and his posture was humble.
"Zhu Mou, how long have you been with me?"
Being suddenly summoned by the emperor, and following Yan Yingyuan, Zhu Mou was agitated in his heart. At this sudden question, he was a little stunned for a moment.
"Your Majesty, from the beginning of the sixteenth year of Chongzhen, four years have passed since the twentieth year."
Zhu Mou's voice was low: "I and Zhu Meng just studied for a few years, wandered in the streets and alleys all day long, and got half full. Only when your majesty did it did they have enough to eat, and they were able to do the work of following the dragon."
"You and I are both members of the clan, and we are from the lineage of King Heyang. At that time, you were as skinny as a monkey. Although Zhu Meng is big, he is just a skeleton."
Zhu Yixi said with some emotion: "At that time, there were only four people in the yard, plus a yellow dog. Now he has survived the chaos and become a master. It is really God's will."
"Your Majesty is favored by God's will and can bring peace to the troubled times. This is destined by God."
Zhu Mou said hurriedly.
Zhu Yixi smiled at this. If it was God's will, then the Manchus should be the rulers of the world.
"I heard that there is some chaos in the cabinet."