Let alone now that it's the Ming Dynasty, even hundreds of years later, many places are still almost uncivilized.

Zhu Yunying nodded calmly and then said, "Now that Liaodong is also getting cold, let alone those savages, even ordinary citizens of the Ming Dynasty may not be able to withstand it. Let's settle those savages in Shanhaiwei."

Shanhaiwei, which will later become Shanhaiguan.

Although this place was the Yuguan Pass during the Sui Dynasty, Xu Da even stayed here during the Ming Dynasty. The Shanhaiguan Pass was moved sixty li east of the ancient Yuguan Pass and named Shanhaiguan because it is backed by the Yanshan Mountains to the north and connected to the Bohai Sea to the south.

The title "First Pass Under Heaven" doesn't actually apply now. While Shanhaiguan is indeed majestic, it's not quite as exaggerated as some claim. Most importantly, the Ming Dynasty's numerous northern expeditions had already driven the Tartars back, eliminating any significant threat from the north for the time being.

Song Zhong naturally knew what to do; he knew very well that he couldn't offer too many suggestions at this time. Even though Shanhaiwei was far enough north, it was still better than sending those savages directly to the bitterly cold land of Liaodong.

In truth, Song Zhong was also puzzled. He knew that the Ming Dynasty was a vast and diverse country with different climates in many places. However, his Imperial Guards were the ones who brought him intelligence, and Song Zhong found it difficult to understand things like tropical regions.

Ultimately, it's a limitation of our times, because information isn't explosive enough yet.

Song Zhong didn't need to know so many things; as long as he did what the emperor had instructed him to do, that was enough.

After Song Zhong left, Zhu Yunying muttered to himself, "What kind of demon did I unleash?!"

Future historical records might document this, and Zhu Yunying might become infamous for all time. But he only muttered a few words about it; once he made a decision, he wouldn't easily change it.

Even though the Ming Dynasty didn't lack land at the moment, Zhu Yunying needed to lay some foundations for future generations. He planned to develop some of the Great Northern Wilderness. This way, if future generations ran out of land, they could probably think of the valuable land of Liaodong.

Since the people of the Ming Dynasty couldn't suffer here, Zhu Yunying had no choice but to use some seemingly dishonorable methods to develop these places. Forget about any unease about his conscience; Zhu Yunying wasn't that noble, and he didn't dream of 'universal harmony'.

As long as the Ming Dynasty is prosperous and strong, and as long as China continues to be powerful, that is enough for him.

Other matters didn't require such special attention, a fact that Zhu Yunying was well aware of. He knew what to do. Besides, even if someone criticized him, Zhu Yunying wouldn't hear it anymore.

Let's continue with the work; this is more important to Zhu Yunying, and it's a quality a diligent emperor should possess.

Shuangquan appeared outside the Wuying Hall at some unknown time, and Wang Chengen naturally saw him as well. Even though Shuangquan was Zhu Yuanzhang's personal eunuch, and formerly the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, he still needed to request an audience to enter the Wuying Hall.

Upon hearing Wang Chengen's report, Zhu Yunying nodded slightly. Shuangquan's arrival at this time was naturally not without a reason. Without Zhu's decree, Shuangquan wouldn't dare to trespass into the Wuying Hall even if he had ten lives.

It seems that Old Zhu's information network is still very efficient; once Zhu Yunying learned of the news, Old Zhu also found out.

"Have Grandfather prepare dinner. Tell him we still have some memorials to review." Zhu Yunying pointed to the memorials on the desk and said to Shuangquan, "Let the Crown Prince return to the Eastern Palace today. There are some things he shouldn't hear."

Shuangquan quickly replied, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince is in the Eastern Palace today."

It seems that Old Zhu is well aware that there are some things that are not suitable for Little Zhu to be exposed to too early. Ultimately, it's because Little Zhu is too young, and some things are too dark, or even considered morally reprehensible, so it's best not to let Little Zhu be exposed to them now.

Protecting the Crown Prince is absolutely no problem. It's not just Old Zhu who cares about this; the Emperor cares about it too.

Upon returning to the Qianqing Palace, Shuangquan immediately reported the matter, while Old Zhu frowned slightly, "There are many memorials on the Emperor's desk?"

"Your Majesty, there are many memorials on His Majesty's desk," Shuangquan hurriedly said. "This servant dares not look at them indiscriminately, but in this servant's opinion, His Majesty still has dozens of memorials to read."

Old Zhu was puzzled and muttered to himself, "That's strange. How many memorials could there be at this time? And there aren't many important matters."

Although that's what he said, Old Zhu still instructed, "The emperor likes to eat crabs, so have them prepared, as well as yellow wine. Send someone to wait for him, and serve the meal as soon as he's done with his business."

The emperor's food was a bit 'strange', for example, he had a special fondness for crabs, which puzzled many people.

These days, hairy crabs aren't exactly a hot commodity. I wonder if some Mr. Zhou, who's been outspoken about everything, will admire the "first person to eat crabs." I also wonder if, in the future, when Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs fetch a high price, many people will try to connect them to Emperor Ying Shi.

After all, nowadays, hairy crabs are not even considered ordinary food, and their price is similar to that of fresh fish.

Although the emperor enjoyed eating unusual things, it wasn't really strange. After all, hairy crabs weren't a mainstream food, but they were still eaten by some. It was just that the emperor had a unique taste. As long as the emperor liked it, they could prepare more; it was crab season after all.

Zhu Yunying was still busy. One thing was certain: even though he was very diligent, he hadn't been able to finish reviewing all the memorials in one go. He estimated that he would need to continue his efforts tomorrow to wrap things up.

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