#头条创作挑战赛#
In the midst of a magnificent history in the early years of the Ming Dynasty, there was a town that had been slightly forgotten by time, and was given a new destiny at a decisive moment. This town was once just a humble fishing village on the banks of the Haihe River, until one spring day in 1400, an ambitious king passed by and renamed it "Tianjin", heralding its future glory.
Behind the name, there is a grand plan to turn the world upside down, and it also unfolds a grand narrative of power, ambition and historical change.
Today, the former town has been transformed into a bustling cosmopolitan city, and the trajectory of its development is inextricably linked to the king's ambitions. How did you go from a quiet fishing village to the center of an international metropolis? What kind of story is hidden behind this? Everything starts with that spring, Zhu Di, the king of Yan, who walked on the ancient stone road.
1. King Yan's road to the south
On that day in 1400, Zhu Di, the king of Yan in the Ming Dynasty, stood in the center of the barracks, looking into the distance. The morning sun shone on him, and the armor reflected a silvery white light. He was surrounded by busy soldiers and generals, nervously preparing for the upcoming campaign.
The sound of clash of iron armor, the neighing of horses, and the muffled conversation of soldiers in the barracks constitute a tense scene before the war. Zhu Di's eyes scanned the camp, and his gaze stayed on a group of soldiers who were training. These soldiers were neatly waving their spears in their hands according to the general's command, their steps firm, and the tips of their spears flashing with cold light.
Zhu Di walked towards them, and when the soldiers saw King Yan, they immediately saluted and stopped training. Zhu Di nodded to them, and he approached a soldier, picked up his spear, and demonstrated a few actions in person.
He then walked to the other side of the barracks, where rows of bows and arrows and quivers were placed. A seasoned archer checks the tightness of the bowstring. Zhu Di stood beside him, personally picked up a bow, pulled the bowstring, and then put it down. He turned to the archers and said to him: "Keep these weapons in the best condition, this is the key to our victory." ”
The archer replied respectfully: "Your Highness, rest assured, everything is ready." ”
Zhu Di continued to patrol the barracks and came to the equipment reserve area. There were a lot of grain, grass and weapons piled up there. Several logistics officials are checking the list of supplies. Zhu Di walked over, picked up a list, looked at it carefully, and then said to an official: "Make sure that every item of material can be accurately distributed to every soldier." ”
"Yes, Your Highness. The officer replied respectfully. Zhu Di returned the list to the officials, then turned to leave the reserve area, his steps firm and forceful. He walked back to the center of the barracks, stood where he was, and looked into the distance again.
His gaze passed through the camp and seemed to see the battlefield of the future. There was firmness and determination in his eyes. At this moment, a general in armor walked over quickly and saluted Zhu Di and reported: "Your Highness, everything is ready." ”
Zhu Di nodded, he knew that this military camp, this army, was ready to meet the upcoming challenge.
2. The unexpected discovery of Haijin Town
When Zhu Di and his army arrived in the small town of Haijin, the sun was hanging high in the sky, reflecting this peaceful town. The townspeople were a little surprised and curious by the sudden arrival of the army, and they walked out of their homes to watch the mighty procession from afar.
Zhu Di walked slowly on the stone road, his gaze falling on the confluence of the river on the edge of the town. Here, the Hai River meets another small river, forming a natural defensive barrier. He saw the clearing next to the river, and had already conceived in his mind the prototype of a military fortress.
He turned to the general who accompanied him and said, "Look at the confluence of this river, the terrain is dangerous, and this place will be of great use in the future." The general nodded in agreement and responded, "Your Highness is wise, this place is indeed a military location. ”
Zhu Di continued to walk along the stone path, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding houses and alleys. The town's buildings are simple and ancient, with roofs covered with green tiles and walls mostly made of bluestone. When the residents of the town saw Zhu Di and his entourage, they saluted one after another, and Zhu Di bowed his head slightly in response.
They then came to the market area of the town. The market may be small, but it has a wide variety of goods, from farm tools and cloth to all kinds of food. Zhu Di noticed that the life of the townspeople did not seem to be rich, but everyone's faces were full of satisfaction and peace. He approached an old woman selling vegetables and asked, "Is there enough supplies here?"
The old woman glanced at Zhu Di and replied, "Your Highness, although our town is small, the rivers are rich in fish, the land is fertile, and we don't have to worry about food and clothing all year round. ”
Zhu Di nodded, lamenting that the natural resources here are abundant. He continued on his way to the bank of the river. The scenery here is pleasant, the river is crystal clear and the banks are lined with greenery. He stood on the bank of the river, looking at the flowing water, thinking about how to use the geographical advantages of this place to arrange military defenses.
A group of local fishermen were repairing fishing nets by the river, and when they saw Zhu Di, they stopped what they were doing and curiously observed the high Yan King. Zhu Di walked over and talked with them for a few words, learning about the hydrological situation and fishery resources here.
Subsequently, he returned to the army, gathered several high-ranking generals, and began to discuss how to set up a temporary military camp here. Around a sand table, they discussed in detail various strategic deployments and defensive measures.
Zhu Di gave a series of specific instructions, such as setting up outposts at the confluence of the river, stepping up patrols around the area, and setting up several watchtowers along the river.
3. The origin of the name Tianjin
After a short stop in the small town of Haijin, Zhu Di and his army continued south. They came to a wide river and prepared to cross it by boat. The flotilla was lined up, and the soldiers were busy preparing everything for the crossing of the river. The river is choppy, and the surface of the water is shimmering, reflecting the dazzling sunlight.
Zhu Di boarded the bow of a large ship and stood there, looking out at the river ahead. He watched the flow of the river and seemed to be thinking about something. At this moment, the river wind blew the placket of his clothes, and the flag hunted in the air. The surrounding soldiers were busy doing their work, preparing the ship to set sail.
Suddenly, Zhu Di turned to face the soldiers around him, and said in a firm tone: "Here, when I return victoriously, it will be named Tianjin." As soon as these words came out, the surrounding soldiers stopped what they were doing and showed a look of confusion. They exchanged glances with each other, not quite understanding why Zhu Di suddenly said this.
Zhu Di saw the reaction of the soldiers, smiled slightly, and then explained: "The crossing of the Son of Heaven, the capital of the world." His voice was full of confidence and determination, as if he had seen a vision of the future. The soldiers listened, their faces abrupt, and they began to discuss the meaning of the new name in a whisper.
At this time, the fleet began to set sail slowly, and the river beat against the hull of the boat, making a soft sound. Zhu Di was still standing at the bow of the boat, looking into the distance, looking at the waves on the river, as if he was talking to the turbulent river. His figure appears lonely and determined, as if he were a hero determined to change the course of history.
The ship gradually sailed away from Haijin Town, and Zhu Di turned around, his gaze sweeping over the fleet following behind him. Each ship was laden with soldiers and supplies, and their faces were written with grit and determination. Zhu Di knew that these soldiers were his strong backing for the Quartet.
During the voyage, Zhu Di stepped off the bow of the ship and began to patrol the ship. He went to the cabin and saw the soldiers checking their weapons and sorting out their equipment. Every move they make appears professional and skillful. Zhu Di walked over, picked up a long gun, checked the firmness of the body and head, and then put it back.
It was getting late, Zhu Di returned to the bow of the boat and stood quietly. The wind on the river began to increase, blowing on the hem of his clothes. His gaze was once again on the distance, the southern lands he was about to conquer.
Fourth, the unexpected opening of Nanjing City
In 1402, Zhu Di's army finally reached the outskirts of Nanjing after a long journey. The walls of Nanjing City are tall and majestic, and above the city towers, the flags flutter in the wind. Zhu Di's army lined up outside the city, and the soldiers, dressed in battle armor and armed weapons, stood in unison, waiting for the order to attack.
Just when Zhu Di was about to give the order to attack the city, the gate of Nanjing City suddenly opened slowly. A figure dressed in official robes appeared at the gate of the city, and it was Li Jinglong, the defender of Nanjing. Li Jinglong stepped out of the city gate and greeted Zhu Di, his face was calm and his demeanor was solemn. When Zhu Di saw this scene, his steps slowed down slightly, and then continued to walk forward.
He walked to the city gate, Li Jinglong saluted, and said, "His Royal Highness King Yan, Nanjing City opens the door to greet you." Zhu Di stopped and responded: "General Li is really wise. There was a hint of approval in the words. Li Jinglong replied in a low voice: "For the sake of the safety of the people, it has to be like this. ”
Zhu Di nodded, and then strode into Nanjing City. Entering the city, he saw people gathered on both sides of the city's streets, some with frightened faces and others curious. The streets of Nanjing are wide, lined with neat rows of shops and residences, and although there is a bit of chaos in the market, there is still order in general.
Zhu Di's procession marched slowly through the streets of Nanjing. Along the way, he saw some officials and soldiers maintaining order, and although the townspeople were shocked by the scene, there was no chaos. Zhu Di's gaze swept around, his face didn't have much expression, but his steps were firm.
Soon, Zhu Di came to the imperial palace in Nanjing. The gates of the palace are closed, the walls are high, and the front of the gate is heavily guarded. Zhu Di stood in front of the palace gate, staring at this building, which symbolized supreme power. His generals immediately organized soldiers to surround the palace in case anyone in the palace tried to resist.
Zhu Di ordered a close general to knock on the door of the palace. The door was slowly opened, and the palace maids and eunuchs ran around in panic, apparently overwhelmed by the sudden change. Zhu Di walked slowly into the palace, his gaze wandering among the corridors and courtyards of the palace. The interior of the palace is lavishly decorated with frescoes resplendent to show the luxury and power of the royal family.
Fifth, the opening of the prosperous era of Yongle
Zhu Di was in the imperial palace in Nanjing and officially ascended the throne as the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Inside the throne hall, the magnificent decorations and statues of the beasts reflect his majesty. Zhu Di wore a luxurious dragon robe, wore a golden crown, and sat on a high dragon chair. In the main hall, the civil and military officials lined up on both sides, solemn and solemn. In the sound of ritual music, Zhu Di took over the jade seal of the country, symbolizing the supreme imperial power.
Zhu Di looked around from the throne, his gaze sweeping over every minister and official present. He cleared his throat and then officially issued the edict of enthronement. His voice echoed in the hall: "Tianjin, from today on, is a witness to the prosperity of Yongle." This declaration not only set the historical status of the name Tianjin, but also marked the beginning of a new era.
Under Zhu Di's rule, the Ming Dynasty gradually entered a period of prosperity, which was later called the "Yongle Prosperous Age". Zhu Di implemented a series of policies, strengthened centralization, reorganized finances, advocated agricultural development, and encouraged overseas trade, which made the country's financial and social economy significantly improved.
In this context, the small town of Tianjin has also begun to grow and develop. Due to its unique geographical location, it has become an important transportation hub and commercial center in the north. Caravans and ships shuttled here, bringing with them goods and culture.
The town gradually prospered, with many new shops and workshops opening on both sides of the streets, and a variety of handicrafts and local specialties attracted merchants from far and wide. Zhu Di paid special attention to the development of Tianjin. He sent envoys to inspect many times, ordered the strengthening of Tianjin's city defenses, and set up a number of government agencies here, making Tianjin one of the important administrative centers in the north.
Soon after Zhu Di ascended the throne, he ordered a large-scale book revision project, that is, the compilation of the "Yongle Canon". This is a huge encyclopedia that contains all kinds of knowledge from ancient and modern times, both Chinese and foreign. Zhu Di hopes to promote culture and accumulate knowledge through this masterpiece.
In the process of compilation, he placed special emphasis on the inclusion of geographical, historical, and cultural materials about Tianjin and its surrounding areas, making the Yongle Dictionary not only a treasure trove of knowledge, but also an important document for recording the history of Tianjin.
At the same time, Zhu Di also vigorously promoted diplomacy and maritime exploration activities. He sent Zheng He to the West and carried out seven large-scale maritime expeditions, which not only demonstrated the national power of the Ming Dynasty, but also promoted cultural and trade exchanges with foreign countries. As one of the important ports in the north, Tianjin has naturally become an important part of these maritime activities.
Resources:
History of China's Urban Development