The father and son could say these things in private, and only when no one else was around. Li Shanchang, of course, knew the current emperor's personality all too well.

While Li Shanchang and his son were talking privately, the area in front of the Kaiping Prince's Mansion was bustling with activity. Although Chang Lanshi was a capable and well-mannered householder with established rules, it did not prevent some of Chang Yuchun's former students and officials, or noblewomen, from sending visiting cards.

The Crown Prince's position was too secure, and his great talent and ambition also made many people uneasy. At this time, people naturally wanted to do everything they could to squeeze into the Crown Prince's chariot, as this was definitely an excellent opportunity to make their careers go smoothly.

With her grandson's position secure and his increasingly outstanding achievements in the past two years, Chang Lan was naturally extremely proud.

If the Chang family ascends the throne smoothly, their position will undoubtedly be more secure. It's even possible they could replace the Xu family; that's not impossible. After all, Xu Yungong, the eldest son of the Xu family, can now command troops, but his future is uncertain, as interference from maternal relatives in politics is something many emperors are wary of.

This made Chang Lan Shi even more sensitive and concerned; she needed to keep a close eye on her troublesome younger brother. If that scoundrel Lan Yu dared to ruin the Crown Prince's important plans, Chang Lan Shi would truly sever all ties with him!

Zhu Xiong Ying does indeed prefer strategic planning; he likes to play the long game, even though short-term gains are important. Long-term operations are, in Zhu Xiong Ying's view, far more crucial.

Some of his actions are indeed not expected to produce immediate results. It would be good if some effects could be seen in three or five years. It's not impossible that some clues might only appear after ten years.

Zhu Xiong Ying was very patient. After all, he was the future successor of this empire, and he wanted the country and the nation to be stronger than anyone else. He wouldn't do something short-sighted like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, and he was willing to invest heavily upfront, even if many people might not approve of it now.

"Can bronze be used for cannon barrels?" Zhu Xiong Ying came to the research institute of the Ministry of Works and gave his opinions. "However, these things still need to be explored and researched by everyone. Don't be afraid of making mistakes or wasting resources. As long as it is useful and brings benefits to my Ming Dynasty, I will not hesitate to bestow official titles upon you."

Official rank or title?

The cautious craftsmen below were stunned. Did they, who were registered as artisans, really have a chance to become officials and be granted titles?!

Zhu Xiong Ying was truly willing to invest. As long as these craftsmen brought some groundbreaking research that could improve the Ming Dynasty's national strength and productivity, Zhu Xiong Ying didn't mind bestowing official titles and ranks upon them. Even if it was just a minor official post, or even if it wasn't a hereditary title, it would be enough to drive some craftsmen into a frenzy.

The question of whether or not to reveal so-called "hidden treasures" techniques, such as secret manuals passed down only to men, has caused many craftsmen who wanted to keep their skills to themselves to waver.

It is still necessary to establish one or two exemplary figures, not only to motivate some craftsmen. This is also an attempt by Zhu Xiong Ying to suppress and restrain the civil official group. He certainly will not allow Confucianism to dominate, nor will he allow civil officials to be merely so-called disciples of the emperor.

Including his previous deliberate warnings to the Duke Yansheng, Zhu Xiong Ying wasn't just trying to annoy the Duke Yansheng's faction; he also wanted to make scholars think more deeply at this time. While classical Chinese texts were important, Zhu Xiong Ying placed greater emphasis on practical matters.

In a good mood, Zhu Xiong Ying continued to stay in Beiping. He was even unable to return to Yingtian Prefecture when his younger sister Zhu Xi married Mu Chun, which made him quite regretful.

He had many things to do, such as inspecting local areas, checking on the reclamation of farmland, and observing cotton planting. Zhu Xiong Ying also needed to keep an eye on the series of looms he manufactured and the weavers he recruited.

The "highway" from Tianjin to Beiping, the training of soldiers in the Nine Garrisons, and the continuous investigation and pressure on the Tatars—all of these were things that Zhu Xiong Ying was busy with, and he felt he couldn't spare any time for them.

However, things are progressing well. Zhu Xiong Ying believes that he has handled both military and political matters quite well for the time being, and everything is under control. His plans seem to be progressing very well.