Zhu Yuanzhang originally thought his considerations were quite sound, but he did not expect that Zhu Yunwen would understand so quickly and even be able to apply what he learned to other situations.

After Zhu Yunwen brought it up, he was able to see a deeper problem and seemed to have a better solution.

So Zhu Yuanzhang asked:

"Oh, so you have a better way to deal with this, but I don't know how you plan to do it?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen smiled mysteriously and said to Zhu Yuanzhang:

"Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed. Grandfather will naturally find out in due time."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily and said to Zhu Yunwen:

"Alright, Your Majesty will see what you're up to. We'll see how you handle this matter."

Zhu Yunwen smiled slightly, and then said:

"When will the envoy from Gaochang arrive in the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Yuanzhang thought about it carefully:

"This news reached the Ming Dynasty a few days ago. There is still some distance between Gaochang and the Ming Dynasty, but once they enter the Ming Dynasty, the roads will be better, so their journey should be faster. I estimate it will be within the next day or two."

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly:

"Alright, then I understand. If Grandfather has nothing else to say, I will take my leave now."

Zhu Yuanzhang hummed in agreement, glanced at Zhu Yunwen, and turned to leave. Then, as if remembering something, he suddenly spoke again:

"By the way, Yunwen, the problem with Goryeo has been resolved and things are gradually getting back on track. But what about Dongdao? Should we really give them a strong crackdown? Are we really not going to incorporate them into the Ming Dynasty's territory?"

Zhu Yunwen was silent for a moment before speaking:

"First, we should strengthen our defenses against this inferior ethnic group. Although conquering them and making them citizens of the Ming Dynasty is also a viable option."

However, I have a strong aversion to this country and this race. Moreover, I am unwilling to be of the same country as them, so I am definitely unwilling to incorporate them into the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

They also refused to allow their people, that nation filled with inherent flaws, to become part of our Chinese nation; they were unworthy.

Upon hearing Zhu Yunwen's words, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, though he didn't actually know why.

But since Zhu Yunwen has said so, it seems that the Eastern Island Kingdom is indeed of very poor quality.

In this way, Zhu Yuanzhang could not say anything more.

It's just a tiny island nation, we don't need it. The Ming Dynasty doesn't lack this little bit of land or these few people.

Zhu Yunwen, however, understood that Zhu Yuanzhang still harbored great ambitions.

Although he was old, and although his ambitions had been extinguished at the moment of Crown Prince Zhu Biao's death.

However, Zhu Yunwen brought him new hope, making him realize that the Ming Dynasty would never decline. Thus, Zhu Yunwen became a source of hope and a future for Zhu Yuanzhang, and also rekindled the ambition that had been dormant in his heart.

So Zhu Yunwen then spoke to Zhu Yuanzhang again:

"If Your Majesty finds the territory of the Ming Dynasty too small and the number of people insufficient, that is fine. When the time is right, we can contend for the world. Wherever the sun and moon shine, that is the territory of the Ming Dynasty."

These last words struck a deep chord with Zhu Yuanzhang. He stared at Zhu Yunwen in a daze for a long time before speaking earnestly:

"As the saying goes, a ruler is one who expands the territory and protects the country and its people. Yunhuo, I am very pleased that you understand my thoughts. Now that I am old, I can only sit in the rear and guard the country."

However, I believe in your strength and ability. If I can truly see the Ming Dynasty's territory covered by the sun and moon in my lifetime, then what worries will my Ming Dynasty not have? I, Zhu Yuanzhang, will die without regret..."

Zhu Yunwen smiled, said nothing more, and left the imperial study.

However, he did not return directly to the Eastern Palace, but went to the Cabinet.

The three Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet managed all affairs of the central government in an orderly manner, truly deserving to be called the most powerful cabinet team in the Ming Dynasty.

The establishment of public medical clinics and public schools, which Zhu Yunwen had previously promoted, was carried out perfectly by these three outstanding Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet after his initial efforts.

Now that Zhu Yunwen has returned from his important mission, Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, and Yang Pu all stepped forward with smiles on their faces to report on their work achievements during this period.

Especially Yang Rong, who was relatively high-profile, said to Zhu Yunwen with a smug look on his face:

"As His Highness the Crown Prince previously mentioned, the matter of promoting public schools throughout the country has now been accomplished by me, and I have fortunately fulfilled my mission."

Now, in almost every one of the more than a thousand counties in the country, public schools have been established. All expenses are funded by the imperial court or the local county government.

So far, the number of students enrolled has been very large. As His Highness the Crown Prince said, this initiative is for the benefit of the country and its people, implementing a free and compulsory education system.

Under this free and compulsory education system, the lives of these people were naturally much easier. Therefore, they were all willing to send their children to school.

By the way, speaking of women, Your Highness, this time you broke with convention and allowed women to openly enter the school, which can be considered a breakthrough and reform.

Surprisingly, the people of the world did not seem to have much opposition to this matter.

Upon hearing this, Yang Shiqi stroked his not-so-sparse beard:

"I think this is thanks to His Highness the Crown Prince. The people of the world are usually quite sensitive and opposed to the issue of girls entering school. However, it was His Highness the Crown Prince who proposed this."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!