The fact that the retired emperor was sitting on the dragon throne did not surprise anyone. This was not a restoration of the retired emperor; it was simply that something important had happened, perhaps the retired emperor needed to step forward to oversee things, or perhaps the current emperor respected the retired emperor.

Everyone is used to it; this isn't the first time such a situation has happened, and we've long since developed enough immunity to it.

"Jiujiang, take a look at this memorial." Old Zhu was in a good mood and said to his grand-nephew Li Jinglong, "You have to keep an eye on the Wuyuan for us, so as not to tarnish your father's reputation."

Li Jinglong quickly accepted the memorial. As Li Zhen's grandson and Li Wenzhong's son, Li Jinglong had always been favored by Zhu Yuanzhang. Even Mu Chun, whom Zhu Yuanzhang recognized as a 'family member,' did not have a higher status than Li Jinglong.

Those summoned were mostly representatives of the Ming Dynasty's military elites, figures with real power within the Ming military. The matters they were discussing naturally impacted the Ming army, and could even be considered crucial to the Ming Dynasty's combat effectiveness for many years to come.

The importance of firearms was already widely recognized during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Around the time of the founding of the Ming dynasty, the performance of firearms further solidified their importance, prompting many to take them very seriously.

Especially Xu Huizu and Li Jinglong, who had been sent to fight in the northern deserts, knew the combat effectiveness of firearms.

Old Zhu and Young Zhu were very patient. These military officers, whether through family tradition or experience gained in battle, had indeed become the backbone of the Ming Dynasty's military. However, it wasn't so easy for them to immediately share their insights.

In other words, even if these people have some experience, their advice may not be the most appropriate because the information is not comprehensive or fully digested. It is better to give them some time.

Li Jinglong's eyes lit up as he looked at the intelligence report. He was indeed quite fond of firearms. Mu Chun, who hadn't yet returned to Yunnan, was also very knowledgeable about firearms, as their fathers had won some battles using them.

Mu Ying invented the three-stage firing mechanism, and Mu Chun naturally learned about it from a young age. Moreover, with the occasional rebellions by barbarians in the southwestern border regions over the years, Mu Chun had no shortage of opportunities to fight and make a name for himself on the battlefield.

As for Xu Huizu, he is now seriously studying the matter. It seems that the importance of the Shenji Battalion needs to be raised again, and it is necessary to consider firmly controlling the three battalions.

Xu Huizu was originally a key figure that Zhu Yunying was grooming. Lan Yu still looked to be in his prime, but he was actually over fifty years old. Fu Youde was even older, a true veteran.

The three major military camps were of great importance to the emperor and had to be firmly controlled. Xu Huizu, the future commander of the military, had to control these three camps, not only to show loyalty to the emperor, but also to secure the support of the crown prince's faction, since Xu Huizu was the maternal uncle of young Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Your Majesty, there is no war in the country at the moment," Xu Huizu said immediately. "The country has established regulations for military training, so there is nothing wrong with the Shenji Battalion changing its uniforms and practicing combat tactics."

Xu Huizu's words resonated with everyone. There was no large-scale war in the Ming Dynasty at present. Therefore, training troops at this time was perfectly acceptable and should be done. After all, barring unforeseen circumstances, war would inevitably break out in a few years.

People are quite familiar with Zhu Yunying, knowing that this emperor had long coveted the lands and seas surrounding the Ming Dynasty and had been thinking of incorporating them into the Ming territory.

At this moment, Li Jinglong also said, "Your Majesty, the Shenji Battalion is practicing new tactics and equipping itself with new firearms. The Martial Arts Academy can be used to train and improve soldiers. Once the Shenji Battalion has mastered its tactics, it can be taught to various garrisons."

Using the Shenji Battalion as a pilot unit seemed reasonable, given that most military garrisons across the Ming Dynasty possessed some firearms. Once the Shenji Battalion mastered its tactics and adapted to the new weapons, other garrisons could learn from and improve upon them.

Moreover, by then, students from the Martial Arts Academy could naturally take up positions in various military garrisons, gaining greater control over the armed forces. With most mid- to high-ranking officers and soldiers coming from the Martial Arts Academy, the bond between the Ming military and military merit would be even stronger!