"Ignorance is not a crime. Get up."

Zhu Ying said.

He is not a bloody butcher and he would not sentence someone to death under such circumstances.

On the contrary, these master chefs are truly treasures in his eyes.

There are no scientific researchers in the Ming Dynasty at present, and those who are proficient in carpentry and can read and write are extremely rare.

The hundreds of master craftsmen in front of Zhu Ying can be said to represent the pinnacle level of the entire Ming Dynasty carpentry industry.

Each of these people has a carpentry heritage. At the very least, three generations of their ancestors were carpenters, and they have also worked hard enough.

Don't underestimate carpenters. No matter which dynasty they are in, a carpenter with good skills will never have to worry about having no food to eat. At least they will have enough food and clothing.

Whether it is weapons and armaments, water conservancy projects, or building bridges and cities, master carpenters are indispensable.

If compared with later generations, the hundreds of master chefs in front of him are almost equivalent to the status of academicians.

"Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for your kindness!"

Old Zhang no longer had the arrogance he had just now. He was trembling all over and knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly.

He only dared to stand up when Zhu Ying asked him to do so again.

Even when he stood up, he still hunched over and didn't dare to look up at Zhu Ying.

"You don't have to be afraid. I came here this time just to see how the matchlock gun was made. You may not know that the design of the matchlock gun was proposed by me."

"What I just said is the key to the entire matchlock gun. All future production must be done in accordance with what I said."

"You guys have a straight barrel, but you also need to fully understand the convenience of using a matchlock gun."

Zhu Ying said again.

When Old Zhang heard this, he nodded even though he didn't want to say a word of objection, to show that he had noted it down.

While Zhu Ying was speaking, the eunuch who followed him had already taken out pen and ink to write down everything that had just happened.

This is the instruction from His Royal Highness Chang Sun, which is equivalent to the rules of the entire Gunpowder Bureau.

After Zhu Ying finished speaking, he said to Zhao Xiangxi: "The masters who are currently making matchlock guns must still learn more about matchlock guns, especially the problems that may be encountered during use."

"In the future, we will take some time out every few days to let them practice the matchlock guns with their own hands. Whether it is loading bullets or firing, they must fully understand it, so that they will not just talk about it on paper."

Zhao Xiangxi quickly replied: "I obey your command. This was my negligence. In the future, I will strictly follow your instructions in this regard."

Zhu Ying nodded, and picked up an ordinary matchlock gun from another operating table.

The overall scale design of the current matchlock gun is already very close to later firearms.

There is also a three-point-in-one-line aiming method. The appearance of rifling improves accuracy, making it easy for ordinary people to aim.

"All the matchlock guns in the gunpowder treasury should be equipped with enough matchlocks and fire bombs, and then sent to the Xuanjiawei military camp. Now it's time for the matchlock guns to go to the battlefield."

After Zhu Ying finished inspecting the Gunpowder Department, he said to Ye Yueqing.

Upon hearing this, Ye Yueqing hesitated for a moment and asked, "Your Highness, Duke Liang has mentioned the matter of matchlock guns many times before. I wonder if we should arrange some things for Duke Liang this time."

Zhu Ying was silent for a moment, then said, "Just send one over. We don't have enough matchlock guns right now, so let's equip the Black Armor Guards first."

"Yes, sir."

…

Inner city of the capital, Zhan Mansion.

The whole house seemed to have been swept by a storm. Everything was in pieces, and there were intermittent wails, rising and falling.

Lan Yu just left not long ago.

Fifty-eight-year-old Zhan Hui lay in bed unable to move, feeling pain all over his body.

Of course, even though he was drunk, Lan Yu still had some reservations about attacking Zhan Hui, otherwise he would have added another piece of white cloth.

"Lan Yu! Lan Yu! I must severely report you. I will impeach you to His Majesty. You are simply lawless. How dare you openly beat an official of the imperial court in broad daylight?"

"This is the capital city, this is the emperor's feet, this is too abominable, too abominable, it makes me so angry!!!"

“Cough cough cough!!!”

Zhan Hui was in a panic, and let out a shrill roar, but as soon as he finished speaking, he started coughing violently and choked himself.

"Master, Master, you have to take good care of your injuries first. Don't get too angry and ruin your health. That would be more trouble than it's worth."

Seeing this, the butler next to him hurriedly said to comfort him.

Of course, the housekeeper’s image was not very good either. His nose and face were bruised, his speech was lisp, and his front teeth were knocked out.

Seeing the housekeeper in such a state, Zhan Hui became even more furious and cursed Lan Yu as a brat.

After a long time, he ran out of strength and turned to ask the butler: "But someone has been sent to report the situation here to His Majesty."

When the housekeeper heard this, he looked bitter and aggrieved and said:

"Master, you don't know that the Duke of Liang has already sent people to quietly surround our mansion."

"I wanted to spread the news about the situation in the mansion, but as soon as the servants left the house, they were beaten and carried back. Even the back door was guarded by countless people."

"Our news never gets out."

Hearing this, Zhan Hui almost vomited blood, his chest heaving violently, and said: "Lan Yu, you are so audacious! This is the capital, this is the capital, how dare you treat me like this!"

"Just watch. What if you block my mansion? Don't send anyone out again. Tell the servants to close the gate tightly for me and don't let anyone in."

"I just don't believe it. In this capital, Lan Yu can still cover up everything with one hand. When the emperor asks about me at the court tomorrow morning, I will see what Lan Yu will do!"

Zhan Hui was angry in his mansion.

Lan Yu and others have returned to the restaurant, but after this incident, everyone is sober.

Even Lan Yu found the situation difficult.

"General, if we do this, the truth will come out. Even if Minister Zhan cannot go out today, what should we do if His Majesty asks about it during the morning court tomorrow?"

In the largest private room of the restaurant, Lan Yu and others have realized that they have committed a horrific disaster.

Who is Zhan Hui? He is the second-rank Minister of Personnel and a big shot in front of His Majesty.

If it were any other Shangshu, he would have been beaten and at most punished.

But for Zhan Hui, the situation is a little different.

However, Lan Yu was still relatively calm at the moment. Hearing this, he said, "What? We've already fought. What else can we do?"

"If His Highness blames you, I will take the blame alone. You don't need to worry too much. If the Jinyiwei interrogate you, just say it was my idea and you were just following my instructions."

After hearing Lan Yu's words, the private room, which had been a little noisy, suddenly became quiet.

It has to be said that Lan Yu's words moved everyone present deeply.

For a warrior, the most important thing is righteousness.

But soon, someone couldn't stand it anymore.

"General, what are you talking about? How can you let the general take on this kind of thing alone? I used to be your subordinate. Even if there is something wrong, I will naturally take the responsibility first."

"Even if I am sentenced to death by His Majesty, I would like to ask the general to take good care of my wife, children and descendants."

"Besides, this matter was originally caused by me. How can I let the general and his many brothers suffer?"

The person who spoke was Xie Xiong, the initiator of this matter.

After Xie Xiong finished speaking, he stood up and said again: "General, there is no need to send people to surround Zhan Hui's mansion. I will go to the Jinyiwei Mansion to surrender myself now."

Xie Xiong walked straight towards the door, obviously having made up his mind.

Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

"Stupid! Xie Xiong, you little bastard, stop right there!"

Lan Yu scolded.

Xie Xiong stopped and turned around and said, "General, just let me go."

Lan Yu stood up, walked a few steps to Xie Xiong's door, kicked him to the ground, and cursed: "You idiot, who do you think you are? Just because you are a small thousand households, how can you compare with the Minister of Personnel?"

"You still want to take on the responsibility by yourself? I don't think you are qualified, you idiot."

"Don't you think I can let you take over this matter? Don't think about it. You are putting me in an unjust position by doing this!"

Lan Yu said cursingly.

He knew very well that this matter could not be settled by just sending a few subordinates out. The most important thing was that the old man Zhan Hui had done the fighting himself.

Besides, that old guy will definitely point the finger at himself, so he can't be unrelated.

These subordinates are just suffering in vain if they take over.

"I am more or less a royal relative, and I am somewhat related to His Royal Highness Changsun. Even if it is a punishment, His Majesty will at least give His Royal Highness Changsun some face."

"I have always been at odds with this old fellow Zhan Hui. Everyone in the court knows this."

"Besides, for now, no one knows why I suddenly brought people to beat him up. I'm sure Zhan Hui must be confused."

"So remember this, if the Royal Guards come to question you, cover your mouth tightly and say that you are following my orders and had to follow me to take action."

Lan Yu reminded again.

"General, this..."

"What's this? Just do as the general says."

Everyone looked at each other, and finally said helplessly: "Yes, sir."

Lan Yu nodded and said, "Don't relax your guard over Zhan Hui's mansion. Send people to keep an eye on it. Don't let anyone leave the mansion until tomorrow morning before the court session."

"I have to take this opportunity to vent my anger. I've already been beaten, so what else can I do?"

"Also, send someone to find out where His Royal Highness Chang Sun is now. This kind of thing cannot be kept secret, so His Royal Highness Chang Sun must know it first."

Lan Yu knew very well that if he wanted to get through it safely, he could only rely on His Royal Highness Chang Sun in the end.

…

Zhu Di stationed his troops on the southeast coast, quietly waiting to march towards Japan after the beginning of next spring.

The news that Zhu Ying was proclaimed the crown prince also reached Zhu Di.

When Zhu Yunwen was named the Crown Prince, Zhu Di was very dissatisfied and even dared to openly question him in the court.

But this time, when he received the news about Zhu Ying, he was speechless for a long time.

His mood at this moment was extremely complicated.

Zhu Ying is different from Zhu Yunwen. He is the true eldest grandson and the eldest son of his eldest brother.

Zhu Di had very deep feelings for his elder brother Zhu Biao.

Perhaps as far as the entire palace is concerned, his elder brother Zhu Biao is the only relative in his heart.

Even though he was still thinking about the throne, now that his eldest brother and eldest son had ascended to the throne, he could only accept it with his heart.

Since the day he received the news, Zhu Di seemed to have lost his energy and became extremely depressed.

Until three days ago, his general Zhang Yu persuaded:

"Your Highness is currently in charge of an army of 100,000 men, and will be the commander-in-chief in the next year's campaign against the Japanese. I have investigated these 100,000 men over the past few days, and they are all elite troops."

"If Your Highness can gain the support of a hundred thousand troops and achieve a great victory over Japan, your reputation will naturally rise to a higher level."

Zhang Yu's words sounded very simple, but in Zhu Di's ears, he heard a different voice.

"If these 100,000 troops all obey my orders..."

Thinking of this, Zhu Di's spirit became a little excited.

The current army is nominally under the control of Prince of Yan Zhu Di, but the specific deployment is the responsibility of the imperial court.

The so-called moderation means that after the imperial edict comes, Zhu Di has the power to punish generals who are disobedient.

What Zhu Di wants now is to truly control these 100,000 troops.

The navy, in particular, is crucial.

Starting three days ago, Zhu Di invited many generals to his tent every day to drink and build relationships.

For those thousand households and commanders, Zhu Di was the King of Yan after all, and they could not offend him.

Now that the Prince of Yan has shown goodwill, most people are eager to see it.

Even though he was somewhat reluctant, he did not dare to disobey Zhu Di's invitation.

In addition, Zhu Di spent a lot of time every day putting on a show in the army.

For example, eating with the soldiers, and caring about their diet, physical condition, etc.

As the King of Yan, Zhu Di naturally attracted many soldiers to swear allegiance to him until death after he humbled himself.

The effect is still very obvious.

Among the generals in charge of large armies, Zhu Di was also constantly improving his favorability.

Obviously, this process will continue until the beginning of next spring.

Now that he was on the coast, it was naturally impossible for Zhu Di to express his true thoughts to his generals. Only when he went out to sea and approached Japan, did Zhu Di begin to show his true thoughts.

At that time, some things will have to be dealt with as an emergency measure.

The Ming Imperial Palace, the East Palace, the rear hall of the Chunhe Hall, and the bedroom of the Lu family.

As the sun set and night fell, Zhu Yunwen slowly opened his eyes.

Now, there is still a feeling of confusion in his eyes.

Zhu Yunwen rubbed his eyes gently and looked around, then he realized that he was sleeping in his mother's room.

"The dream just now was so real."

Zhu Yunwen sighed. He had just fallen asleep and had a very long dream.

That was a dream without Big Brother.