At this moment, Liu Sanwu also stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, the Analects says, 'When substance prevails over refinement, one becomes rustic; when refinement prevails over substance, one becomes pedantic. Only when substance and refinement are in perfect balance can one be a gentleman.'"

In fact, Zhu Xiong Ying had few complaints about Liu Sanwu. This old gentleman was truly talented and capable, possessing a genuine spirit beneath his rough and bold exterior. He was probably a model of the traditional literati.

Zhu Xiong Ying simply looked down on some scholars who appeared to be intellectuals, for those people lacked genuine self-cultivation. They studied only to climb the ranks, not necessarily for the sake of the country and its people, but rather to exploit the populace or simply to maintain a clean reputation.

The court began to clamor. In fact, there was no need for Zhu Xiong Ying to actually step down and debate with the scholars. After he made his stance clear, some nobles and civil officials couldn't wait to step down as well.

Old Zhu, seated high on the dragon throne, simply listened, while Big Zhu, standing before the jade tablet, occasionally smoothed things over or took sides, and that was about it.

Now that the debate has begun, it naturally means that many things won't be resolved anytime soon. The argument will likely continue, and probably for some time to come.

Zhu Xiong Ying truly had no intention of getting involved in these matters. His main task was to ignite this fire; he only needed to ensure that everyone in the court started paying attention to these issues. The rest was up to him: he could simply withdraw unscathed, and others would naturally cause trouble.

In a good mood, Zhu Xiong Ying continued to play his dispensable role as the Crown Prince, learning more about handling state affairs from his father and son. He also remotely directed matters in Beiping; although he wasn't there, his subordinates and confidants were.

Old Zhu was in a good mood because Korea had sent a letter of recommendation. In order to fight against the Japanese pirates, Yi Seong-gye ordered the dispatch of 50,000 troops to Japan.

In return, Emperor Zhu first sent an imperial edict to the Ministry of Rites: "Since the subjects of the Three Han Kingdoms respect the Li family, the people are free from the calamities of war, and everyone is enjoying their lives. This is the Emperor's decree. However, from now on, they should carefully guard their borders and refrain from any deceitful acts, and their blessings will only increase. The Ministry of Rites is hereby conveying my intentions."

Immediately after Yi Seong-gye sent another envoy, Daeju drafted an imperial edict stating, "Among the names of the Eastern Barbarians, only Joseon is considered beautiful, and its origins are ancient; therefore, we can use its name as our ancestor."

Goryeo is no longer appropriate; it should be called Joseon. However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not include Joseon in the list of countries he would not conquer, nor did he grant Yi Seong-gye the right or title of "governing the people in accordance with Heaven's will." This was to leave room for his descendants to exert their influence.

Zhu Di was probably pleased at this moment, as was Feng Sheng. With the addition of 50,000 Korean troops, these cannon fodder could attack some places in Japan, and the Ming Dynasty would no longer be passively guarding the silver mines.

Feng Sheng was appointed Grand General, while Zhu Di led his two guards and 20,000 troops from Korea. Feng Sheng set out north from Izumo and Iwami, while Zhu Di marched south, heading towards Saikaido and Saga.

While firearms might not be in sufficient supply, muskets and similar items could be mass-produced without much problem, and in large quantities. In addition to supplying the troops attacking Japan, the soldiers in the nine border regions also needed to start replacing their muskets as soon as possible.

Moreover, the Ming Dynasty has made some small progress, having developed 'pre-loaded gunpowder'. This involves pre-packaging the gunpowder in small paper packets, pouring it into the gun barrel, compacting it, and loading the ammunition.

Even a slight increase in the rate of fire, though seemingly minor, can greatly enhance combat effectiveness.

This is naturally a good thing. Zhu Xiong Ying certainly wished he had a Gatling gun right now, but he knew that was unrealistic. He was happy to see continuous progress.

The court was in an uproar again. Previously, a craftsman had been awarded a noble title for improving a musket. Now, although the Crown Prince hadn't generously bestowed a title, he had given him a minor official post, which displeased the civil officials.

Anyone can obtain titles and official positions, which threatens the interests of civil officials. Moreover, when did those artisans become qualified to serve in the same court as them?!

The civil officials might be very unhappy, but Zhu Xiong Ying didn't care whether they were happy or not. It wasn't easy for civil officials to rise in rank, and Zhu Xiong Ying would make them suffer a severe setback sooner or later!