Chapter 29: Unraveling the Cocoon

  Yin Zhen knew that Kangxi was asking this to test his ability and consider how to allocate personnel, which is a crucial moment to gain impression points. He immediately spoke fluently: "When I go to Shanghai, the two main types of people I will manage are naval officers and soldiers, as well as craftsmen, supervisors, and other low-ranking officials."

  The navy needs to navigate the ocean for a long time, so obedience and discipline are put first. Obedience to orders is the duty of all officers and soldiers. Discipline is more important than life. On a warship, there are at least 500 people and up to thousands of people. If they can't be commanded like an arm, let alone fight, strong winds and waves can cause the ship to sink and people to die.

  So when selecting soldiers, as long as they are loyal, honest, strong and tenacious, those who do not listen to orders should be eliminated, those who are cunning should be eliminated, and those who are eager to fight should be eliminated. I predict that the elimination rate of the naval academy will be very high, and in order to get 2,000 qualified people, at least 3,000 people need to be recruited.

  The selection of generals is the same, obedience and discipline are put first, and then there must be knowledge and decisiveness. In terms of personnel use, one is careful, careful use, according to the person's character and expertise. Two is quantity, using talents in large quantities, both overuse and underuse are taboos. Three is to delegate power appropriately, which helps subordinates grow.

  In terms of governance, I believe that one should first set an example for himself, then treat others with sincerity, and clearly distinguish between rewards and punishments, while also showing both kindness and severity. Another point I consider important is to create opportunities for all officials and soldiers to achieve merits and establish their careers.

  As for the craftsmen and foremen, they do not have the idea of establishing achievements, so most of them are for wealth. Of course, they should be induced by benefits and fame. I plan to use the "Four Great Constants" to spread nationwide branches, posting notices to hire shipbuilding and cannon-casting craftsmen with high salaries, regardless of whether they are Chinese or Westerners.

  Divide all incoming craftsmen according to their specialties, for example, the design of warship shapes can gather people who engage in this area, put forward specific requirements for warships, specify the use of drawings and rewards, and let them compete with each other.

  There is competition, and with this comparison, talents will emerge. For talents, not only should they be heavily rewarded, but also promoted to important positions. This way, it's not only conducive for them to better display their abilities, but also stimulate others, creating a good atmosphere of competition, which can maximize the exploitation of their potential.

  Of course, apart from temptation and competition, there must also be a relatively perfect system of rewards and punishments, to make them like brave soldiers, with goals and motivation. For those who are particularly outstanding, I will also give them the opportunity to make their names known throughout the world, so that they can gain both fame and wealth."

  Kangxi was initially delighted to listen, but later became increasingly astonished. This young man's words were well-organized and his insight into human nature was truly profound. Unfortunately, he lacked a bit of practical experience, and although he had knowledge, it was unclear whether he could put it into practice.

  As for whether to assign someone to work with Yin Zhen, Kangxi was indeed entangled. At first, he was afraid that he was not capable and would mess up the task. But now it seems that this kid not only has ability but also has some self-confidence. Assigning him would be using his own money, fearing that he would develop a resistant attitude. In case they didn't get along, wasting time was not a concern, but there was still the worry that he would stir up trouble.

  It's a 30 million yuan ocean fleet, a 20,000-strong army, and it's really not reassuring to send no one. However, Kangxi was not an ordinary person after all, and soon he had an idea.

  "The way to use people is to first cultivate virtue. At your age, having such insight is indeed rare, but just having insight is not enough, you must also temper yourself through experience. This task in Shanghai is not only meticulous but also grinding. I had thought to assign an experienced and steady person as your deputy, but there are too few people who understand maritime affairs, and the experienced and steady ones are all officials who are afraid of taking responsibility, which would hinder you instead. So take this task as a tempering experience, don't have any worries, and do it with an open mind, I will support you in everything."

  "The son thanks the emperor for his great kindness, and will definitely handle the matter beautifully." Yinzhen didn't expect that Kangxi would be so open-minded.

  "Get up." Kangxi continued to instruct: "After going to Jiangnan, focus on doing a good job with the tasks at hand, and don't interfere too much with local government affairs. The court has not built large ships for many years, it's indeed difficult. I heard that there are many Western warships coming and going in Guangzhou, you can go and observe more, I'll give you an identity as a observer, this is the reason. In addition, the Ministry of Works also has many talents, you can pick some out, if they're satisfactory, take them away with you. After arriving in Shanghai, write letters frequently, if there's anything important, report to me secretly."

  After Yongzheng left the palace, Kangxi was not idle and urgently summoned several imperial clansmen to meet him. The imperial clansmen were nervous when they entered the palace but happy when they left.

  Yongshou Palace Back Garden

  In the small house of Nan Yuan, Yongzheng recounted the events of the early morning in detail and then quietly sipped his tea.

  Lao Shisan's gaze, however, kept darting back and forth on Wu Sidao's face. He had no ability to build a far-reaching ocean fleet, but going to the South China Sea to suppress pirates was something that greatly stirred his heart. Cooped up in the capital all day, he felt stifled.

  Wu Si Dao pondered for a long time, and coincidentally met Xi Xiang's gaze, couldn't help but smile: "What, Thirteen wants to go to Nanhai to suppress the bandits?"

  Xiang saw that his thoughts had been seen through, and he didn't care, nodding: "Recently I've been feeling stifled, going to the South Sea to play with pirates is also a way to pass the time."

  "It's impossible now." Wu Si said with a smile: "The emperor will absolutely not let you go at this time."

  Xiang suddenly heard the implication and asked urgently: "Are you saying that I have a chance to go to Nanhai?"

  Wu Si Dao did not respond, but his expression turned solemn and he said in a deep voice: "The Far Ocean Fleet, I have never seen or heard of it before. However, a fleet built with 300 million taels should be at least twice as large as Zheng He's fleet that sailed to the Western Oceans. It is clear that this is another one of Fourteenth Brother's plans. The question is, why did the Emperor agree?

  Another thing is that the ocean-going fleet is expected to be 30 million, and the Fourteenth Master has only 12 million in his hands. Where will the remaining 20 million come from?

  "With such a large plan and huge discrepancies, Your Majesty neither consulted with the ministers in the imperial study nor allowed debate on the court, but simply announced it. Why?"

  After feeling the scorching gaze, Wu Si suddenly spoke out in surprise, "Your Majesty is carrying out a huge plan, a plan that even he himself can't grasp, only this way can it be explained. Of course, this plan is based on not spending a single penny of the national treasury, this is also the main reason why Your Majesty dares to take great risks to implement this plan despite being uncertain."

  A 300 million yuan fleet built to fight pirates, that's just an excuse. People with discerning eyes can see through it. So the question arises, what is the real purpose of building this ocean-going fleet?

  Why doesn't the Emperor allow discussion and debate? Is it because he's not confident? He knows that bringing it up will be met with strong opposition from some people, but even so, the Emperor is still willing to invest heavily and take risks, which can only mean that this matter has an irresistible temptation for the Emperor!

  What is so tempting to the emperor that he would be willing to spend a huge sum of money to try? It can't be just about the money, what else could have an irresistible temptation for the emperor besides wealth?

  "Overseas fleet, as the name suggests, it must be able to navigate across the ocean, and its purpose is definitely overseas."

  Under Wu Si's incisive analysis, both Yongzheng and Yongxiang's eyes lit up at the same time, saying in unison: "Overseas territories, vast territories!!"

  "Now, let's talk about the second question, where did the remaining 200 million come from?" Wu Si said slowly: "Since Your Majesty has agreed, it means that he has been convinced and believes in the ability of the Fourteenth Master. Of course, there is another point we must not forget, His Majesty has a stake worth 200 million in his hands, so he's not afraid."

  However, judging from the 14th master's style of doing things, he must have a perfect plan. Whether it is building an ocean-going fleet or eradicating pirates, everything is at sea. If my inference is correct, the 14th master should think about relying on maritime trade to make up for the difference of 20 million. Maritime trade indeed has huge profits. Hehe, this time, the merchants in Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangsu provinces are likely to be unlucky.

  "Two Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, especially the wealthy merchants of Jiangsu, which family is not deeply rooted in the background? Old fourteen dare to take them out? The number of people who offend will be endless."