Longjiang Shipyard built a large number of ships for the Song and Yuan dynasties, and made great contributions to the Ming dynasty in protecting the capital, defending against Japanese pirates, maritime transport, river defense, and coastal defense. It also made indelible contributions to the Maritime Silk Road.
The Fujian-style ship was over 20 meters long, 5 meters wide, and had a displacement that may have exceeded 30 tons. It was as tall as a building, with a pointed base, a wide top, and a raised bow.
It is said that they have good maneuverability at sea and will not easily capsize even in large waves, making them suitable for long-distance ocean voyages. They are also very stable and safe, and have a greater chance of survival in large waves.
Sand ships weren't for carrying sand; they were flat-bottomed wooden boats used for sand control. Equipped with multiple masts and sails, they were relatively fast, had large, adjustable rudders, shallow drafts, low resistance, and excellent seaworthiness, allowing for rapid navigation at sea and a large carrying capacity. Shipyard craftsmen stated that large sand ships during the pre-Yuan period exceeded 1200 tons.
If a Guangdong-style ship with a pointed bow, long body, and wide top and narrow bottom were to collide with a Fujian-style ship at sea, the Fujian-style ship would be smashed to pieces.
The craftsmen said that although the current ships are relatively small, they are fully capable of building larger ships.
Old Zhu and Big Zhu naturally knew some of the news, that Zhu Xiong Ying had recently become very interested in ships and the sea.
Therefore, Wu Zhong, who inherited the title of Marquis of Jinghai, got the opportunity. His father was Wu Zhen, who was posthumously granted the title of Duke of Hai. In the year Zhu Xiong Ying was born, he took command of the Jiangyin Four Guards Navy and went out to sea to pursue and capture Japanese pirates. He chased them all the way to the waters near Ryukyu, captured Japanese pirate warships, and presented them as prisoners to the capital.
Zhang He, now serving as the Vice Commissioner of the Grand Military Commission, is primarily responsible for developing sea routes and overseeing maritime transport. However, he also has an important task: to answer truthfully should the Crown Prince inquire of him.
This is practically a tradition of the Zhu family. When facing the Crown Prince, the Zhu family was never stingy in delegating power, allowing the Crown Prince to be surrounded by a large group of civil and military officials. Although the Crown Prince is not currently in power, the Zhu family does not object to the Crown Prince's desire to interact with civil and military officials; in fact, the Zhu family welcomes it.
However, Duke Feng Sheng of Song submitted a memorial to apologize, and Prince Zhu Su of Zhou also quickly sent a memorial to apologize.
The father-in-law and son-in-law are now afraid. The Imperial Guards found out about their private meeting, and the Crown Prince has given them a warning. Prince Zhou, Zhu Su, also dares not be careless. It's not so much that he's afraid of the Crown Prince, but mainly he's worried that his father and brothers might overthink things.
Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yuanzhang were very satisfied with Zhu Xiong Ying's performance. The Crown Prince's performance was considered to be measured and appropriate.
Old Zhu and his family were well aware that Zhu Xiong Ying was interested in military matters. They never stopped him from seeking out military officers and even arranged for some of them to give him lectures.
However, Zhu Xiong Ying would not have much interaction with these military officers, nor would he have much contact with them.
It seems that this Crown Prince only wants to know some military affairs and has no intention of cultivating his own power base in the army at this time, nor does he intend to interfere in the Five Military Commands or local garrisons at this time.
Zhu Xiong Ying feels that his life is quite fulfilling now, and he enjoys it.
He would occasionally go horseback riding and archery, and when the mood struck him, he would spar with Fu Rang and others at the training ground. It was also true that some great scholars and members of the Hanlin Academy would give Zhu Xiong Ying lessons, or that military officers would also teach him.
Inevitably, Zhu Xiong Ying would leave the palace every few days for a stroll, rarely going to places like the Imperial Prison, but frequently visiting the shipyard.
The dashing young man reappeared on the streets of Yingtian Prefecture, accompanied by several people. Besides the burly young man, there were also fair-skinned, beardless youths, and even middle-aged men who looked quite old.
And of course, there's the silly boy and the graceful young girl.
"Lord Jinghai, it is said that a tiger father will not have a dog son," Zhu Xiong Ying, who was walking in front, suddenly spoke up, "If I were to put you in charge of suppressing the Japanese pirates, would you dare to accept the order?"
Wu Zhong immediately knelt down and said confidently, "This humble general is willing to sign a military pledge!"
Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and then said, "I've been paying attention lately. It's said that Japan has split into two, with the Northern and Southern Dynasties emerging. Those who were defeated came to plunder. Among them are lords, merchants, and ronin, who all deserve to die."
Wu Zhong continued to obey orders, while Zhu Xiong Ying spoke up, "There are quite a few rioters among them, including some of my Ming Dynasty subjects. I'm giving you an imperial decree: capture more Japanese pirates, find out the situation in Japan, and uncover the details of those pirates. You are the Marquis of Jinghai; whether you can inherit the title of Duke of Haiguo in the future depends on your abilities."
Wu Zhong looked excited and said, "This humble general obeys the order and will continue to receive the Emperor's guidance!"
Zhu Xiong Ying glanced at Feng Cheng and said, "You shouldn't go to the North. Go out with the Marquis of Jinghai. Second Uncle, you should go with him too. If Second Uncle performs meritorious service, your nephew can put in a good word for you and fight for a title for you."
Chang Sen immediately became happy. As the third maternal uncle of the Crown Prince, he was naturally not suitable to lead troops. But if he didn't lead troops, how would he have the opportunity to make meritorious contributions?
Although he was the third son of the Prince of Kaiping and had the privilege of inheriting a title, it was practically impossible for him to receive it; that title belonged to his elder brother, Changmao. For him, obtaining a title was simply too difficult.
It was another pleasant and fulfilling day. Zhu Xiong Ying spent the day out, visiting various places, seeing what she wanted to see, and gathering information she wanted to know.
His younger siblings were also very happy at this time. As long as they followed their elder brother, they had the opportunity to go out and about, unlike other princes and grandsons who were confined in the imperial city.
There are quite a few children in the palace these days. Not to mention the princes who are not yet adults, there are also quite a few grandsons of the emperor.
For example, Zhu Biao's fourth son, Zhu Yunxuan, was also born. He was Zhu Yunwen's younger brother and a true brother.
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