Development is not something that can be done overnight. Zhu Xiong Ying also felt that developing such places was not an easy task, nor could the results be seen immediately.

Viewing the whole country as a chessboard, without worrying about the gains or losses of a single city or place, was something Old Zhu taught Zhu Xiong Ying, and it benefited Zhu Xiong Ying immensely.

After all, he is the successor of this country. Even if there seem to be some shortcomings or reductions in certain areas, they can be made up for in other areas. In many cases, it is still necessary to have a better overall perspective; a broader vision is very important.

While Zhu Xiong Ying continued studying the map, Xu Miao Qing quietly entered the palace. "Husband, it's time for dinner."

"Qing'er, come here." Zhu Xiong Ying pointed to the map and said with a hint of pride, "Let's look at this map together, and see the vast land of my Great Ming Dynasty!"

Xu Miaoqing walked over and said with considerable pride, "Our imperial grandfather drove out the Tartars, restored China, established order and discipline, and saved the people! This is the work of a sage! My husband has expanded the territory..."

"Grandfather's achievements need no further mention, and my own meager accomplishments are even less significant," Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and said to Xu Miao Qing. "Moreover, this time, the events involving Goryeo and Japan were personally planned and commanded by Grandfather. Grandfather was merely creating momentum for me."

Remembering something, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "In half a month, you should go back to Tianfu first. It will be the dead of winter soon, so you should go back first. We haven't been back for more than half a year, and Grandfather should be urging us to go back soon."

Xu Miaoqing was naturally aware of these matters. Zhu Xiong Ying continued to oversee affairs in Beiping, and she naturally accompanied him. However, seeing that Zhu Xiong Ying was preparing to return, Xu Miaoqing, as his legal wife, also needed to go back to pay respects to their ancestors.

As for Lian Qiongqiong, who has become a concubine, it doesn't really matter whether she goes back or not; Old Zhu wouldn't care anyway.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at the rather sumptuous dinner and realized there was no need to rush for high-yield crops like potatoes and corn. The Ming Dynasty currently had enough food to feed its people.

As for talk of crossing the sea or circumnavigating the globe, Zhu Xiong Ying felt it was a bit premature, and there was no need to be overly ambitious at the moment, as the Ming Dynasty currently lacked the necessary foundation. Moreover, Zhu Xiong Ying was well aware that Magellan, Columbus, and even Zheng He's voyages were all built upon the accumulated experience of their predecessors.

The Ming Dynasty does not yet possess those strengths, nor does it need to embark on any particularly long sea voyages. For now, handling the matters at hand is more important than anything else.

This was a relatively peaceful and successful year, which Zhu Xiong Ying was quite satisfied with. He hopes to continue at this pace, consolidating the foundation, which is more important than anything else. Zhu Xiong Ying still has many lofty ambitions.

Xu Miaoqing led some female relatives back to Chengdu first, while Zhu Xiong Ying continued to be stationed in Beiping. However, just in the twelfth lunar month, Zhu Xiong Ying received a report.

Li Shanchang suffered a stroke, leaving him unable to walk or speak, which left Zhu Xiong Ying at a loss for words. Considering that Li Shanchang was now seventy-eight years old, which was considered a long life in this era, there was nothing surprising about it.

Li Shanchang was probably much better off than his historical counterpart; he wasn't nearly executed along with his entire family and can now enjoy his later years in peace, which is already quite good. Aside from losing his title as Duke, at least he's still alive, and his descendants have some opportunities to prove themselves and potentially be reinstated.

Zhu Xiong Ying was quite worried, mainly because although Li Qi was capable, he might not be able to hold down a key position in Tianjin.

When responding to Tianfu, we'll see. We'll find a capable and experienced official, frame him with some crimes, and demote him. This is standard practice; those in the imperial court are of high rank and look down on a minor local official like the Prefect of Tianjin.

Besides, if Old Zhu didn't criticize him, how could he show how kind Young Zhu had been? It's all a routine!

Xiao Zhu felt at ease doing such things, and Lao Zhu and Da Zhu were also very adept at it. They didn't care about the feelings of the officials; all they cared about was whether the civil and military officials could be put to good use!