"Maybe it's a good thing that Big Brother comes back."

At this moment, Zhu Yunwen's eyes were filled with mixed emotions.

There is resentment, disappointment, anger, and unwillingness.

In the dream, he eventually became emperor, but within a few years, he was forced to abdicate the throne.

"Fourth Uncle, you are so abominable. Even in my dreams, you are against me."

After a long time, Zhu Yunwen sighed, and finally felt helpless.

"This is also good. If my elder brother becomes emperor, he will definitely not be like me."

At this time, Zhu Yunwen seemed to have been reborn, and the decadence on his face disappeared.

…

As soon as Zhu Ying returned to Kunning Palace, he was called out by the old man.

"Grandson, look at this Lan Yu, he is so ignorant that he dared to openly beat the Minister of Personnel and even surrounded the Minister of Personnel's mansion, not allowing him the opportunity to submit a memorial."

“How audacious!”

Before Zhu Ying could figure out the situation, the old man spoke directly.

At Zhu Yuanzhang's signal, Jiang Li, who was standing next to him, told Zhu Ying about how Lan Yu led his men to rush into Zhan Hui's residence and forcibly beat him.

"Is Minister Zhan okay?"

When Zhu Ying heard the news, he was speechless.

This behavior can only be described as being too outrageous.

"This guy was quite serious. He held back when he attacked. Otherwise, if Minister Zhan could not withstand a few blows, I'm afraid he would have lost his life."

"This behavior simply shows that he does not take the laws of the Ming Dynasty seriously. I have reprimanded him many times before, but I didn't expect that he would not repent and still dare to do the same."

"This is the capital. Look at Lan Yu. She doesn't even take me seriously."

Zhu Yuanzhang continued.

He was indeed very angry about this matter. In the capital, the Jinyiwei were densely populated, and even the smallest official was under their surveillance.

Not to mention people like Lan Yu, who is the key target of supervision.

It can be said that Zhu Yuanzhang already knew the whole story very clearly.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ying frowned slightly and began to think about how to deal with this matter.

This matter concerns Lan Yu, so it is very troublesome to deal with.

The first thing is to maintain the dignity of the Ming Dynasty's laws. Punishment is certainly necessary, but the degree must be grasped well.

We cannot let Lan Yu and others get too sad because of this incident, and we also cannot let Zhan Hui feel disappointed.

Seeing his eldest grandson thinking, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Liu He and waved his hand.

Liu He immediately understood what was going on, and he retreated with Jiang Lin, many palace maids and officials, and closed the door.

After everyone left and only the grandfather and grandson were left in the room, Zhu Yuanzhang said:

"Grandson, I have to tell you something. When we become emperors, we must be ruthless. I also know that Lan Yu has a close relationship with you, and during this period of time, especially in the military, he has given you a lot of support."

"But you have to understand, grandson. Let's be frank. Lan Yu has never had any doubts about your grandson's identity from the beginning. You know this clearly."

Zhu Ying replied, "Grandson understands."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and continued, "Don't underestimate Lan Yu, my great grandson. We are also very cautious about him. At present, the old friends in Huaixi are very supportive of him. He has made great contributions in the past two years."

"Let's make it clear to our eldest grandson. If he doesn't come back, we have to get rid of them by early next year at the latest."

"If we hadn't seen that he was extremely loyal to your father, he wouldn't be alive today."

"Now, as for our eldest grandson, we are really at a loss as to how to handle his loyalty."

After hearing the old man's teachings, Zhu Ying hesitated for a moment and said, "Don't worry, Grandpa. I have also thought about these things. Now my idea is to transfer the nobles such as Huaixi to the Public Security Department for development."

"Go to the military academy and train new soldiers to replace these vacancies."

Zhu Ying did not hesitate to answer the old man's sincere question and spoke directly what was on his mind.

It is said that the emperor is lonely, and this is true.

For Lan Yu, more aspects are about cooperation based on interests.

Just like Lan Yu had firmly believed that Zhu Ying was Zhu Xiongying from the very beginning, because only Zhu Ying was Zhu Xiongying, this would be in the interests of Lan Yu and other Huaixi military generals group.

"So, what arrangements does your eldest grandson make for this matter?" Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied when he heard this.

Being too simple and naive is not a good material for an emperor, as she will only be manipulated by her ministers.

Zhu Ying replied: "Currently, the position of Grand Commander of the Public Security Department has always been vacant. Taking advantage of this incident, my grandson plans to transfer him to the position of Grand Commander of the Public Security Department."

"Nowadays, officials in the court all think that the Public Security Department is like the Five Cities Military Department, which is basically the work of yamen runners. They don't take it seriously, but it has some impact on the retirement of veterans."

"This transfer will also save Minister Zhan's face. As for Lan Yu, I will also comfort him. I think it won't be long before he comes to me to explain the matter."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "This is a good idea. This time we can also solve the problem in the army."

"Okay, let's settle it like this."

"How is the Gunpowder Department doing, grandson?"

When Zhu Ying heard the old man asking about the Gunpowder Department, he replied, "Grandpa, don't worry. The Gunpowder Department now has more than 3,000 matchlock rifles in stock. I have already ordered people to transfer them to the Black Armor Guard for use."

"We only need to train for a period of time, and then we can be put into actual combat. Then we can follow the army and go to Shaanxi to redress our wrongs."

Zhu Yuanzhang said excitedly: "Well, we will take a good look at how powerful this matchlock gun is. If it can show its power, our Ming Dynasty will be strong."

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "Grandpa, please take good care of it."

Zhu Ying had great confidence in the matchlock gun.

This rehabilitation can be said to be the first change in the form of warfare since ancient times. It is the prototype of later rifles.

The most obvious thing is that he greatly narrowed the gap between ordinary soldiers and elite officers.

Whether it is archers or cavalry, a lot of training and practice are required, and there are very high requirements for all aspects of physical fitness.

The matchlock gun is relatively cheaper to make and quicker to train.

The reason why Zhu Ying promoted training similar to later military training was mainly about discipline and obedience.

With the matchlock musket training, a fire-control soldier with a little basic knowledge can become a qualified fire-control soldier in less than a month.

With the current output of the Gunpowder Bureau and its ever-expanding scale, it is conceivable that in the early spring of next year, when attacking Japan, Zhu Ying will be able to obtain a fire-command corps of 10,000 people.

After chatting with the old man, Zhu Ying returned to Kunning Palace.

At this time, a young man in his early twenties had been waiting in Kunning Palace for a long time.

This person was Geng Xuan, the son of Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Changxing.

Before this, this marriage was arranged by Lu.

In fact, Zhu Mingyue and Zhu Yunhuan did not have much ill feelings towards the Lu family.

There are bound to be some estrangements between stepmothers, but overall it’s still pretty good.

Geng Xuan's reputation was not bad. Zhu Mingyue begged her elder brother just because she wanted to meet her future husband in advance to see what he was like and whether she would be satisfied with him.

Geng Xuan sat alone in the courtyard of Kunning Palace, feeling a little uneasy.

In fact, Geng Xuan was not unfamiliar with the palace.

You have to know that his father, Geng Bingwen, was a truly top noble in the Ming Dynasty.

Although Geng Bingwen was not granted the title of duke, he was only granted the title of marquis.

But this does not mean that Geng Bingwen's prestige in the military is low.

You should know that in the early years of the Ming Dynasty, when the meritorious officials were ranked in the third year of Hongwu, Geng Bingwen made great contributions in defending Changxing, and was ranked as a first-class meritorious official together with Xu Da.

When Geng Bingwen was conferred the title of Marquis of Changxing and promoted to the rank of general, Lan Yu was only a commander. The difference between him and Geng Bingwen, the first-class meritorious official, was not even a little bit.

Even now, Lan Yu has become the leader of the Huaixi military generals and nobles group, but he still respects Geng Bingwen very much.

After all, he can be compared with his brother-in-law Chang Yuchun.

Geng Xuan was not well-known, but as the eldest son of Geng Bingwen, he was definitely a first-class noble in the capital, leaving aside the royal family.

Just like her father, Geng Xuan looks a little older. This may be because of her father, whose appearance can only be considered average.

Zhu Mingyue, who was hiding behind the door and looking around, was obviously a little disappointed.

In her heart, her husband should be like an elder brother, dignified and with extraordinary temperament.

Looking at it now, I can’t say it’s bad, it’s just a little different from what I imagined.

Seeing that his sister seemed a little unhappy, Zhu Yunxun couldn't help but say: "Sister, I think she is fine, and she is a steady person."

Zhu Mingyue said helplessly: "He is steady, but maybe a little too boring. Look, he has been here for half an incense stick of time, and he hasn't even touched the teacup on the table. He is as dull as a piece of wood."

Zhu Yunxun looked at Geng Xuan, who was relatively calm, hesitantly. He didn't know what to say. He hesitated and said, "Sister, this is already very good. I heard that those who like to speak sweet words are the ones who like to deceive people the most."

"If you really marry someone like that, you won't know how miserable you will be in the future. I think this is a good person, honest and dutiful. When my sister marries him in the future, she will be the one making the decisions at home."

Zhu Mingyue listened and felt that it made some sense.

I looked at Geng Xuan carefully again and suddenly felt that she was not so annoying anymore.

Zhu Ying just came back at this time.

"Your servant Geng Xuan pays respect to His Royal Highness Changsun."

Geng Xuan hurriedly paid his respects, feeling somewhat uneasy at the same time, wondering what on earth it was that His Royal Highness Chang Sun had summoned him for.

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "Please sit down. Don't be shy."

"I obey your order."

Geng Xuan waited until His Royal Highness Changsun took his seat before he sat on the stone bench, but he only sat halfway.

Geng Xuan's current position is not high. Although his father Geng Bingwen is a general, he is currently only the right military officer under the Military Governor's Office of the Five Armies and Ten Guards.

"I summoned you here this time for no other reason than to have a chat with you."

"Do you know that someone in Shaanxi has rebelled and proclaimed himself emperor?"

Zhu Ying said casually.

Geng Xuan did not dare to neglect it and said quickly, "I know."

Zhu Ying continued, "Marquis Changxing followed the King of Zhongshan to conquer Shaanxi and defeated Li Siqi and Zhang Sidao. He then became the left prime minister of the Qin Palace and the right chancellor of Shaanxi Province, guarding Shaanxi for more than 20 years."

"A few months ago, I once again reviewed the rebellion of the demons in Huizhou, Shaanxi, and I have a particularly clear understanding of the situation in Shaanxi."

"Changxing Hou is now in Shaanxi, so I summoned you here to ask what you think about the current situation in Shaanxi."

Geng Xuan heard this and began to organize her words in her mind.

As the eldest son, he has been following his father in his military career since he was old enough to understand, and can be said to have grown up in Shaanxi.

This time he went to the capital city, it was because Crown Prince Zhu Biao passed away, and he wanted to offer condolences on behalf of his father.

Following Geng Xuan's narration, Zhu Ying had a better understanding of the current situation in Shaanxi.

First of all, Shaanxi in the Ming Dynasty today includes Gansu.

Geng Bingwen was stationed in Shaanxi, or strictly speaking, in Gansu.

Gansu has a very important geographical location. To the west are the remnants of the Chagatai Khanate, which is also inhabited by Mongols, and to the south is Tibet, although the religious leaders of Tibet have now submitted to the Ming Dynasty.

But after all, it was not an area under the direct jurisdiction of the Ming Dynasty, and some anti-Ming forces often colluded with the Mongols to invade Gansu.

Moreover, there are various cultures and ethnic groups here, and the situation of the local indigenous population is also extremely complicated.

The garrison was also a problem.

Most parts of Gansu have a temperate continental climate and plateau mountain climate, with extremely scarce precipitation, and most areas are not conducive to agricultural production.

Only the narrow Hexi Corridor, which relies on the meltwater from the glaciers of the Qilian Mountains, can be used for farming.

Therefore, the garrison could only be deployed in the Hexi Corridor in the form of a long snake.

This type of garrisoning method would be extremely easy to be cut off by the flexible Mongolian cavalry during wartime, leading to the collapse of the entire Gansu army.

Tian Jiucheng and others took advantage of Geng Bingwen's pacification of Huizhou to collude with the Mongols and took the opportunity to start a rebellion.

At this time, Gansu was being threatened by both Mongolia and Tibet.

Even though he knew about Tian Jiuchen's uprising, Geng Bingwen had no choice but to return to defend Gansu.

Zhu Ying was originally just planning to have a casual chat with Geng Xuan, but he didn't expect to learn so much useful information. This was an unexpected gain.

After all, some things are completely different when read in memorials and when heard directly from someone.

After some conversation, Zhu Ying didn't stay long and let Geng Xuan leave.

After Geng Xuan left, Zhu Ying smiled and asked Zhu Mingyue who was walking over, "You've watched and listened for so long, I wonder how Mingyue feels."

When Zhu Mingyue heard this, she blushed and lowered her head.

But he still said softly: "It's up to you, big brother."

Hearing this, Zhu Ying smiled and immediately realized that Mingyue was still satisfied with Geng Xuan.

As for the involvement of Zhu Yunhuan, he was unaware of it.

Finally, this matter can be settled.

At this moment, the eunuch Guo Zhong came to report that Duke Lan Yu of Liang came to pay a visit.