"Brother, when will the Emperor announce your identity? Now that you are the commander of the imperial guards, it should be about time."

In Kunning Palace, Zhu Mingyue was swinging on the swing under a big tree, tilting her head and looking at Zhu Ying who was reviewing memorials on the stone table and asked.

In recent days, with Zhu Ying's permission, Zhu Mingyue also started to come to Zhu Ying after finishing her homework.

"Don't worry, I'm not in a hurry, why are you in a hurry?"

Zhu Ying heard this, turned around and said with a smile.

The disclosure of his identity has absolutely no meaning nowadays. To a certain extent, he has already begun to deal with the affairs of the Ming Dynasty.

As for reviewing memorials, unless it is a very important matter, the old man basically does not even bother to read them, and Zhu Ying makes the final decision directly.

He has begun to exercise the power of the emperor, although still in the name of the old man.

If one wants to keep the power in his hands, it does not come from reviewing memorials, but from military power.

Such military power does not rely on Lan Yu's loyalty, but on the direct control of the troops in one's hands.

It's not just one Black Armor Guard, but a large number of subordinate middle-level officers.

Only with a large number of middle-level officers like Zhu Ying who are loyal to him can they directly and truly control the army.

If we only rely on Lan Yu, when he really comes to power, there may be some changes.

"I don't understand either. I just thought that once my eldest brother's identity was cleared, he might be able to live in Huichunhe Palace. Then, I could live with him."

Zhu Mingyue said, with expectation in her tone.

From childhood to now, he and Zhu Yunhuan have been dependent on each other.

The two children had a lot to do with their father since they were young. Their biological mother died of illness. If other princes and grandchildren bullied them, they did not dare to go back and tell Mrs. Lu, and could only endure it silently.

The eldest brother is like a father. Now that the eldest brother is back, the two younger ones feel that they have truly found someone to rely on.

In recent days, the mental outlook of the two children has improved a lot.

Their backs stood straighter and their voices became louder. Many eunuchs also became more respectful to the two children.

If Zhu Mingyue had any disputes with other princes and grandchildren, he would dare to argue loudly without any fear.

In fact, with Zhu Yuanzhang in charge of the palace, the status of the princes and grandchildren was such that it was impossible for there to be palace fighting like that in the Qing Dynasty in later generations, and the eunuchs dared not even look at them.

Except for the direct descendants of the crown prince, Zhu Yuanzhang was generally very fair in dealing with other princes and grandchildren of the emperor.

When conflicts arise between princes, they will make judgments based on the circumstances rather than favoring one side over the other.

Even when Ning Fei's deceased son, Prince Luhuang Zhu Tan, had a dispute with other princes, Zhu Yuanzhang did not favor him because of Ning Fei.

The lesson must be learned.

It's just that Zhu Mingyue and Zhu Yunhuan are two little kids, they have no one to rely on, and they are not strong enough. If it were any prince or grandson of the emperor, they would not be afraid at all when they are in power.

This will instead be appreciated by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang had twenty-six sons. Some of them were born to Empress Ma as legitimate children, while the others were born to illegitimate children and had little to do with him.

"I will not go to Chunhe Palace. Just like Grandpa said, I grew up here when I was a child, and Grandpa has no intention of taking a queen now. From now on, I will live in Kunning Palace."

"But even though I don't live in the East Palace, you and my younger brother can come live with me."

Zhu Ying first explained, and then said to Zhu Mingyue with a smile.

There are a lot of empty rooms in Kunning Palace, so it won’t have any impact on the two children living there.

"Brother, it's really possible. My brother and I can really move in here too."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Mingyue got off the swing directly, jumped happily to Zhu Ying's side, looked at Zhu Ying with sparkling bright eyes and asked.

"I can't lie to you. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable moving here, I won't make it difficult for you."

Zhu Ying knew what the girl was thinking, so he turned around and said the opposite.

"How could that be? How could that be? Big Brother, there are so many delicious foods here. My brother and I have always dreamed of living next to you. If you agree, my brother and I will move in tonight. Is that okay?"

Zhu Mingyue said excitedly, but immediately muttered, "If Grandpa Huang knew about this move, he would be unhappy."

Zhu Mingyue was a little worried.

The significance of Kunning Palace is completely different. If the emperor blames us, it would be fine for me and my younger brother, but if my eldest brother is implicated, that would be a crime.

"What are you thinking about?"

Zhu Ying smiled and scratched Zhu Mingyue's nose with his finger, explaining: "You and I have the same father and mother. Among all these brothers and sisters, you are the closest to me."

"Since my eldest brother can live here, of course all of you can too. Just come and live here without worry. Grandpa won't blame you."

Zhu Ying decided these things on her own, of course without any pressure.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Mingyue jumped up happily.

Living with her eldest brother in the future will not only give her plenty of delicious food, but also mean that she can ask her eldest brother for help with her marriage.

For a royal woman, marriage is the most important thing in her life.

Many times, there is no possibility of even rejection.

But she had only spent a short time with her eldest brother, and she believed that he would definitely not marry her off casually, because he was his real brother.

…

"Princess, this time our monthly output of matchlock guns has increased so much, the boss will definitely reward us."

In the Gunpowder Department, Zhao Xiangxi said to Ye Yueqing.

She is now truly focusing her attention on Ye Yueqing.

She had been trying to take advantage of her boss before, but later she found out that her boss was someone she could never get in touch with normally, so she gradually lost interest in the idea.

The main reason is that the boss doesn’t seem to be very interested in my appearance.

"Well, the last time the boss came over, he already knew about this, but it's not enough now. There are still many aspects that need to be improved, especially the ratio of gunpowder. We must try to get the best effect."

"We have only improved the musket now. We have not tried other artillery yet. We can also improve it based on the musket method."

"By then, whether it's siege or battle, we will have an overwhelming advantage."

Ye Yueqing spoke.

At this moment, she and Zhao Xiangxi were in the warehouse of the Gunpowder Department, watching many craftsmen adjusting the gunpowder. There were also officials recording the amount of gunpowder.

Hearing this, Zhao Xiangxi frowned slightly.

There seemed to be some hesitation in his heart.

After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "Princess, will you invade Goryeo in the future?"

This has always been what she was worried about, ever since she learned about the existence of the Dong family.

She discovered that the Dong family had set up a huge network in Goryeo. Many high-ranking officials and generals were obviously the Dong family's subordinates. Even a person with a status like a princess could be replaced at will.

The key is that they are all official communications. If it was an impostor, it would be fine, but Ye Yueqing even changed her name, seemingly without considering the reaction of General Lee Seong-gye in Goryeo.

Lee Seong-gye is now in Goryeo. Although he has not yet proclaimed himself king, he is actually just waiting for the right opportunity. Sending envoys here now is a gesture of goodwill to the Ming Dynasty.

As the eldest daughter of the Fengyang Zhao family, she certainly knew some of the situations in Goryeo.

That's why she was so worried.

If the Ming Dynasty really conquered Goryeo, the situation would be completely different.

On the surface, it seems that her status could be higher, after all, she is under the command of the boss.

In fact, it is not.

If Goryeo were really completely divided under the control of the Ming Dynasty, the Pungyang Zhao family would most likely cease to exist.

The concepts of tributary states and counties are completely different.

How could Zhao Xiangxi not know all this?

"Don't worry. Although the boss has made plans for Goryeo, they were just some hidden moves before. For the time being, they will not take any major actions."

"Even if Goryeo is really incorporated into the territory of Ming, the Fengyang Zhao family will still exist."

"When the boss came here some time ago, I mentioned you to him. He was very satisfied with your current situation. If you can make enough contributions, the status of the Fengrang Zhao family will naturally be improved."

"You don't need to think too much. Just do your job well at the Gunpowder Department. Naturally, your contribution will be indispensable."

"Let me put it this way. If you can achieve high enough merits and remain loyal to your boss, it is not impossible for you to return to Goryeo."

Ye Yueqing looked at Zhao Xiangxi deeply and said.

Zhao Xiangxi now doesn’t know that Yao Guangxiao has gone to Goryeo and became the imperial teacher.

Ye Yueqing naturally knew about Yao Guangxiao.

That's why she said that.

Of course, regarding the matter of returning to Goryeo, Ye Yueqing was just painting a pie in the sky for Zhao Xiangxi, saying that there was only a glimmer of hope.

But it's almost impossible.

If Zhao Xiangxi was a man, it would be fine, but she is a woman, and so beautiful.

Although she is now a Goryeo princess, Zhao Xiangxi's status in Goryeo is not low.

Otherwise, she would not be qualified to be recognized as Lee Seong-gye's goddaughter.

After hearing this, Zhao Xiangxi suddenly felt motivated and full of hope.

If he could return to Goryeo and represent his employer, it would definitely mean the rise of the Pungyang Zhao family.

The current situation of the Fengrang Zhao family has become very difficult due to the constant suppression.

Otherwise, it would not have cost such a huge price when Zhao Xiangxi, the eldest daughter, came to the Ming Dynasty alone.

There were too many exchanges of interests involved in Zhao Xiangxi's coming to the Ming Dynasty. It can be said that Zhao Xiangxi is now the greatest hope of the Fengyang Zhao family.

…

In the palace, after dinner.

After inspecting the training situation, Zhu Ying left the palace and went directly to the military camp where the Xuanjia Guards were located.

It can be judged at present that the matchlock rifles produced by the Gunpowder Bureau will be sufficient to supply a team of hundreds of people by next month.

He wants to build a new type of fire-commanding army within the Xuanjia Guard.

Moreover, this fire-commanded army will participate in the war against Japan next year.

Although it would take some time for the muskets to arrive, he had already started selecting soldiers in advance.

Inside the military camp.

Zhu Ying was quite satisfied with the training situation of the Xuanjia Guards.

Naturally, the current Xuanjia Guards do not just practice marching anymore. Zhu Ying has also started to add many physical trainings from later generations.

They were the elite troops of the Ming Dynasty, and their improvement in learning new combat methods and obeying military discipline was very obvious.

Now Zhu Ying is training him in the form of a special forces soldier and is conducting all-round training.

Ensure that every soldier has relatively high quality.

Quality is one aspect, but Zhu Ying also cares a lot about loyalty.

He often shows up in the military camp, and would put aside his status as a highness to communicate with the soldiers.

Sometimes I also participate in training in person.

Zhu Ying knew very well that only in this way could every soldier truly know himself. In ancient times, this was the best loyalty.

"The soldiers' training has been going very well recently. In about half a month, I will bring 300 of the latest fire-control muskets made by the Gunpowder Department."

"I will not say much about the situation of these matchlock guns. Someone will come to tell you when the time comes. What you need to do is to select the best 300 soldiers."

"Pass it on. Those who are selected as matchlock soldiers will be promoted and rewarded by me, no matter in terms of salary or other aspects."

"Let the brothers work hard and show their best side."

"The day after tomorrow, which is the seventh day of the seventh month, there will be a martial arts competition inside the guards. The first place winner will be promoted one level, awarded 100 taels of silver, and will also receive a matchlock rifle bestowed by me personally."

In the conference hall, Zhu Ying spoke to the five thousand households.

Upon hearing this, the thousand households became excited all of a sudden.

One of the thousand households even mentioned it.

"Your Highness, I wonder if we, the humble servants, can also participate in this martial arts competition."

The other thousand households all looked at Zhu Ying expectantly.

Being personally bestowed with a matchlock rifle is a great honor.

For military commanders, a martial arts competition like this is almost the same as the imperial examination for literati.

Once you truly catch the eye of His Highness, your status and position will be completely different.

These five captains were all commanders before. The reason they lowered their ranks and came here was for a better future.

They heard a lot of gossip from the Duke of Liang, all of whom were members of the Huaixi Military Generals Group.

"I just said that everyone can participate in this martial arts competition, and you can naturally participate as well."

"If you can take first place, I promise you that the reward will be doubled."

"Of course, I have to be clear about this. If I find out there is something fishy going on, then it won't be a question of reward or not."

"In this palace, especially in the Black Armor Guard, everything must be absolutely fair, and no one can get special treatment."

"If I find out that you are using your identities to interfere in this martial arts competition, don't blame me for being ruthless."