A resurgence of the late Ming Dynasty, starting with a trillion-dollar clone.

Chapter 45

Chapter 41

In the spring of the twentieth year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign—now called the second year of the Wenming Emperor's reign—as the willows in Wuchang City were just sprouting green buds, a long queue formed outside the Governor-General's Mansion. They weren't there to lodge complaints or petitions; they were there to take the imperial examinations.

The first "civilized imperial examination" promoted by Ma Yongsheng begins today. It doesn't test on the eight-legged essay or poetry; it tests practical knowledge: arithmetic, agricultural administration, water conservancy, law, and natural science. Those who pass aren't called Jinshi or Juren, but "civil servants," assigned to local government offices. Performance is evaluated every three years; the best are promoted, the worst are eliminated.

The examination hall was set up in the original examination hall, which could hold two thousand people. But far more than twenty thousand people came. Before dawn, the streets and alleys were already packed. There were scholars in long gowns, craftsmen in short clothes, old farmers with weathered faces, and even a few women—though few, their courage to come was admirable. The soldiers guarding the gates checked everyone one by one, searching them to prevent them from smuggling anything in, but when they found a woman, they were at a loss and turned to ask for instructions.

Ma Yongsheng was watching from the observation platform on the second floor of the examination hall. After hearing the report, he waved his hand and said, "Women taking the exam is unprecedented, but this is a new rule we've established. Let them in, set up a separate examination room, and send female soldiers to supervise the exam."

The order was passed down, and an uproar ensued. An old scholar stamped his foot on the spot, shouting, "What kind of behavior is this! What kind of behavior is this!" But no one paid him any attention. The world has changed, changed so much that it's dazzling and unsettling.

Standing beside Ma Yongsheng, Huang Zongxi looked at the crowd below and sighed with emotion: "When I took the provincial examination, it was a similar scene. But back then, the exam tested me on the classics; now it tests me on practical knowledge for governing the world. This step has not been easy."

Ma Yongsheng remained silent. What he saw was not a spectacle, but hope. Among these people would be future officials, engineers, judges, and teachers. They would be the cornerstone of the new system.

The exam lasted three days. The first day consisted of arithmetic and agricultural policy, the second day of water conservancy and law, and the third day of natural science and policy essays. The topic for the policy essay was personally chosen by Ma Yongsheng: "On the Advantages and Difficulties of Civilization."

He wanted to see how many of these future "civil servants" would understand what they were striving for.

During the exam period, Ma Yongsheng didn't rest. He went to the "Wuchang Institute of Technology" outside the city—a newly built school last year, specializing in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and mechanics. The school was small, with a few rows of brick buildings, but the things inside were extraordinary: there were globes and telescopes brought from the West by Xu Guangqi, geometry and mechanics principles brought by Johann Adam Schall von Bell, and a steam engine model improved by Song Dynasty craftsmen.

The students were in class. A young instructor was drawing strange diagrams on the blackboard, explaining the "leverage principle." About twenty students, both boys and girls, sat below, listening attentively. Ma Yongsheng stood outside the window for a while, watching, but didn't go in to disturb them.

Moving to the workshop area, the clanging of blacksmiths' hammers filled the air. Several craftsmen were busy around a steam engine, the latest improved version by Song craftsmen, which was 30% more efficient than the first generation, but smaller in size.

"Regent!" The Song craftsman saw him, wiped his sweat, and greeted him. "Look, this machine is finished! It burns less coal, has more power, and can drive machine tools!"

Ma Yongsheng glanced at the hissing, steaming iron machine and nodded: "Good. Mass-produce it as soon as possible, and use it for pumping water in the mine first. It will save a lot of manpower and animal power."

"Yes!" Craftsman Song grinned. "Also, based on the drawings you gave us, we've made a trial production of that 'spinning machine,' one of which can replace twenty female workers! It's just that... some weavers are causing trouble, saying that the machine is taking away their jobs."

Ma Yongsheng frowned. The growing pains of industrialization had arrived. Machines increased efficiency, but also caused many people to lose their jobs. This was an inevitable historical trend, but if not handled properly, it could lead to chaos.

"Tell the weavers that those who are willing to learn can come to the school to learn how to operate the machines, and once they have mastered it, their wages will be higher than those for manual labor. Those who are unwilling to learn can be arranged to switch to another profession by the government, or they can be given compensation. But we cannot hinder technological progress."

"But what if they still don't agree?"

"Then we'll act according to the law." Ma Yongsheng's voice turned cold. "We encourage innovation and protect inventions. Anyone who obstructs them is going against the people of the world."

After leaving the workshop, Ma Yongsheng went to the clinic. Granny Chen was old, her hair completely white, but she was still in good spirits, guiding her apprentices in identifying herbs. Fang Yizhi was also there, looking at something under a microscope—the latest one brought by Johann Adam Schall von Bell, which could see tiny insects inside water droplets.

"Your Majesty, look!" Fang Yizhi exclaimed excitedly, "There really are living creatures in this water! No wonder drinking raw water makes you sick!"

Ma Yongsheng leaned closer to take a look, and indeed, tiny creatures could be seen swimming in the crude lens. In this era, this was a revolutionary discovery.

"Write down this discovery and publish it in the newspaper," he said. "Tell the people to boil water before drinking. Also, encourage clinics across the country to promote smallpox vaccination."

"Cowpox?" Aunt Chen asked. "What's that?"

"A method to prevent smallpox, safer than variolation," Ma Yongsheng explained simply. He couldn't say that this was a technology that only became widespread hundreds of years later; he could only say that he had seen it in ancient books.

On his way back to the Governor's Mansion from the clinic, Ma Yongsheng saw several new shops that had opened along the street. There were shops selling books, stationery, and even a "photo studio"—although it could only draw portraits now, the sign read "Western-style paintings, lifelike." The shop was crowded with curious people.

The world is really changing.

The three-day exams ended, and grading took another ten days. Huang Zongxi and a group of examiners worked day and night to grade the papers, and finally selected five hundred people. They were divided into three classes according to their scores: the first class of one hundred people were directly assigned to various provinces as "probationary officials"; the second class of two hundred people were assigned to prefectural and county positions; and the third class of two hundred people were sent to schools for six months of further study.

On the day the results were announced, Wuchang was in an uproar once again. Those who were on the list were overjoyed, while those who failed were dejected. But strangely, no one caused trouble—because the examination process was open to the public, and representatives of the gentry were invited to supervise the grading, making it difficult to find fault.

What caused the whole city to gossip even more was that one of the girls who took the exam actually passed with a second-class ranking! She was an eighteen-year-old girl surnamed Liu. Her father was a schoolteacher who had taught her to read and write since she was a child. After the results were announced, her doorstep was practically worn out by visitors. Some came to congratulate her, some to gossip, and some matchmakers even came to propose marriage.

Miss Liu ignored them all, packed her bags, and went to the government office to report for duty. Ma Yongsheng made a special trip to see her; the girl was neither humble nor arrogant, and spoke clearly and logically.

"Why do you want to be an official?" he asked.

"To prove that women can do things too," Miss Liu answered decisively, "and also to let more women know that there are other paths besides marriage and childbirth."

Ma Yongsheng nodded: "Okay. But this path won't be easy; there will be a lot of criticism and difficulties. Can you persevere?"

"Yes." The girl's eyes sparkled. "If Your Majesty dares to allow women to participate, I dare to do it for the whole world."

Ma Yongsheng smiled. This was exactly what he hoped to see—a new generation, with new ideas and courage.

Miss Liu was assigned to Jiangxia County as a "clerk," in charge of household registration and tax filing. On her first day in office, the old clerks in the county government all looked at her askance and spoke to her in a sarcastic tone. She wasn't annoyed; she did what she was supposed to do, keeping the accounts meticulous and writing the documents neatly. After a month, even the most critical old clerk couldn't say anything against her.

The power of role models is boundless. The following year, the number of women taking the imperial examination tripled.

The second year of the Civilization Era passed in this busy period. The north continued to recover, and the south gradually prospered. Although problems continued—floods here, insect plagues there, border skirmishes, and internal corruption—the overall situation remained stable.

As the year drew to a close, Ma Yongsheng convened the cabinet and parliament to summarize the gains and losses of the year.

Huang Zongxi first reported on government affairs: "Three hundred new schools were built throughout the year, with 50,000 students; eight hundred li of roads were repaired, and fifty water conservancy projects were completed; the circuit courts handled more than two thousand cases, with a public satisfaction rate of 70%; the national treasury revenue... had a slight surplus."

Jin Shenghuan reported on military affairs: "The army has been reorganized, with a standing army of 100,000 and a militia of 300,000. More than 30 bandit gangs have been wiped out, and 12 border skirmishes have been resolved peacefully. Military expenditure has decreased by 30% compared to last year."

Xu Guangqi reported on the engineering work: "Five hundred new spinning machines and one hundred steam engines have been deployed. Ore production has doubled and iron production has tripled. However... there is a shortage of craftsmen, especially those who understand mathematics and blueprints."

Aunt Chen reported on the medical situation: "Smallpox vaccination has been promoted in the eight prefectures of Jiangnan, and smallpox cases have decreased by 90%; two hundred new clinics have been built, and one thousand doctors have been trained. However, there is a shortage of medicinal materials, especially those from the north that are needed in the south."

There are many problems, but they are all being addressed.

After listening, Ma Yongsheng mentioned several major events for next year:

First, build the Yangtze River Bridge. Connect Wuchang and Hanyang to promote cross-strait exchanges.

Second, we opened up "maritime trade." We sent fleets south to Southeast Asia, north to Korea, and east to Japan to exchange goods and services.

Third, establish a "national bank" to unify the currency, provide loans, and promote industry and commerce.

Fourth, compile a "Civilized Code." Systematize and make public the current laws and regulations.

Each of these proposals is ambitious, and each has its opponents. Especially the construction of the bridge; many veteran craftsmen said it was impossible—the Yangtze River is so wide, and the current so swift, how could it be built?

Ma Yongsheng only said one sentence: "It takes real skill to accomplish the impossible."

After the New Year, the third year of the Civilization Initiative begins, and several major events are launched simultaneously.

The Yangtze River Bridge was overseen by Xu Guangqi and the skilled craftsman Song. The design was a simplified sketch drawn by Ma Yongsheng—a suspension bridge with a main span of 300 meters, the longest in the world at the time. On the day of the groundbreaking ceremony, crowds thronged both banks of the river to witness the spectacle. At the ceremony, Ma Yongsheng personally shoveled the first spadeful of earth.

A fleet of ships engaged in maritime trade departed from Nanjing, consisting of twenty large vessels carrying silk, porcelain, tea, and modern clocks, microscopes, and steam engine models. Leading the fleet was Wang Pu, the old spy who had now become a diplomat. Before their departure, Ma Yongsheng instructed them: "Make many friends and avoid trouble. But if anyone bullies us, don't be polite."

The preparation of the national bank was the most troublesome. To unify the currency, it was necessary to recall the privately minted copper coins and silver ingots from various regions and issue new currency. The new currency came in three types: copper coins, silver coins, and gold coins. Instead of dragons, they were printed with ears of rice and gears, symbolizing workers and peasants. The exchange rates were made public, and there was no deception of the young or old.

At first, the people didn't believe it, fearing the new currency would be worthless. Ma Yongsheng ordered that the government collect taxes only in new currency and pay salaries only in new currency. At the same time, banks offered "savings" services, paying interest on deposits. Gradually, the new currency began to circulate.

The compilation of the Civilization Code was overseen by Huang Zongxi, who invited scholars, judges, and gentry from various regions to participate. Each law was subject to public discussion, and opinions were solicited through publications in newspapers. The process was slow but thorough.

Just when everything was going smoothly, trouble struck in June.

Northern China is experiencing a severe drought.

Starting in spring, Zhili, Shandong, and Henan provinces went three months without a drop of rain. Rivers dried up, wells ran dry, and fields cracked. The north, which had just begun to show signs of improvement, was plunged into despair once again.

By the time the disaster reports reached Wuchang, it was too late. News of people starving to death came one after another.

Ma Yongsheng immediately ordered: open the granaries and release grain, transfer grain from the south to the north, and use work relief to repair irrigation canals. At the same time, he decided to go to the north himself.

"You cannot act as regent!" Huang Zongxi advised. "You are in charge of the central government, overseeing the overall situation. How can you act rashly?"

"The people are starving, how can I sit idly by in Wuchang?" Ma Yongsheng said. "Moreover, I want to see if our new system works in the face of disaster."

He led five hundred guards, escorting the first batch of grain, and traveled north day and night.

The further north you go, the more shocking the scene becomes. The fields are withered and yellow, not a single green can be seen. There are corpses of the starved and refugees fleeing famine by the roadside. When they see a convoy of grain transport vehicles, the refugees gather around, their eyes filled with greed.

"Distribute rations! Distribute rations!" the guards shouted. "Line up, everyone gets some!"

Food was being distributed in Kaifeng. Ma Yongsheng personally stood in front of the soup kitchen, looking at the emaciated people. A woman took some soup but didn't eat it, instead running back with it. The guards stopped her, and she cried, "My child... my child is starving to death, I'm taking it to him..."

Ma Yongsheng felt a pang of sadness: "Let her go. Give her another bag of rice."

The woman ran away, thanking him profusely.

After spending three days in Kaifeng distributing grain, Ma Yongsheng continued north to Shangjing. Shangjing, after a year of reconstruction, had regained some vitality. But a drought struck, and it fell into desolation again.

He convened an emergency meeting in the capital with officials from the northern provinces.

"Drought is a natural disaster, but starvation is a man-made one," Ma Yongsheng said bluntly. "I ask you, how much grain is left in the granaries across the country? Why aren't they being opened sooner?"

The officials exchanged bewildered glances. One prefect, mustering his courage, said, "Regent, according to the law, opening granaries requires reporting through multiple levels of government, and we'll have to wait for the approval documents..."

"By the time the approval comes through, everyone will be dead!" Ma Yongsheng slammed his fist on the table. "From today onwards, in the northern provinces, in the event of a disaster, granaries can be opened first, and reports can be submitted later. Whoever delays and causes people to starve to death, I'll chop off their head!"

He added, "Simply distributing grain is not enough; we must provide work relief. During the off-season for farming, we should organize the people to repair irrigation canals, dig deep wells, and build reservoirs. This will not only save lives but also lay the foundation for future disaster prevention."

The order was given, and the north sprang into action. The people worked tirelessly to survive and earn a living. Irrigation canals were dug, and deep wells were drilled. Although the distant water couldn't quench the immediate thirst, at least there was hope.

Ma Yongsheng stayed in Beijing for two months. He only slept three or four hours a day, inspecting construction sites, visiting disaster victims, and resolving disputes. He lost weight, but his spirits were high.

In early August, it finally rained. Not a drizzle, but a torrential downpour that lasted for three days. The parched land drank its fill, and the rivers began to flow again.

The disaster situation has eased.

Before returning to Wuchang, Ma Yongsheng went to Xishan, where there was a newly built "Hall of Martyrs" that enshrined the memorial tablets of the soldiers who died in the Jingnan Campaign. Tiezhu's memorial tablet was at the very front.

He stood before Tie Zhu's memorial tablet, remaining silent for a long time.

"Brother Tiezhu, can you see?" he said softly, "The world is slowly getting better. Although there are still disasters and hardships, at least we are on the right path."

A breeze blows, and the eternal lamp in the ancestral hall flickers.

When they returned to Wuchang, it was already autumn. The piers of the Yangtze River Bridge had been erected, like two giants standing in the river. Good news also came from the sea: they had arrived in Southeast Asia, were welcomed, and had brought back rubber, spices, and seeds for new crops.

The National Bank issued its first "agricultural loan" with very low interest rates, specifically to help farmers purchase farm tools and seeds. The initial draft of the Civil Code has been completed and is currently open for public comment.

Everything is moving forward.

Ma Yongsheng stood on the pavilion of the Governor-General's Mansion, gazing at the setting sun over the Yangtze River. The river surface was dyed golden, and the outline of the bridge was clear in the sunset.

More than 700 years ago, Zhuge Liang said here: "I will devote myself to the cause until my dying breath."

He is too.

Countdown: 707 years, 6 months, and 8 days.

Time keeps moving forward, and the road ahead is still long.

But the bridge is under construction, the ship is sailing, the law is being established, and people are learning.

Hope, like the setting sun on the river, will rise again tomorrow.

And he will keep walking until the day he can no longer walk.

For this world, for these people, for those dreams yet to be realized.

The road to civilization has just begun.