The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 523 A Revolutionary Machine
"This is the best way. If that doesn't work, we can only try to reduce the local population as much as possible!"

After hearing this, everyone fell silent; it was clear that this was the solution.

It is indeed the most effective method at present, but it is also the most likely to cause trouble, especially with those talkative civil officials. If they knew about these things, they would go crazy.

Moreover, this matter is indeed somewhat unethical, so they are really unwilling to do it unless absolutely necessary.

"In that case, our overall strategy remains unchanged: to recuperate and stabilize this region. However, we cannot let them have an easy time with their fortresses. We will send out an army every day to attack their fortresses!"

"On the one hand, we'll train our soldiers; on the other hand, we'll take this opportunity to teach them a lesson. We can't let them live too peacefully!"

Everyone nodded after hearing this. At this time, Li Wenzhong had brought many of his generals, such as Zhang Yu and Zhu Neng, with him.

These people have already shown their talent, so this is a good opportunity for them to train their troops. Perhaps in the future they will be able to lead troops and guard a region.

The news quickly reached Yingtian Prefecture.

Zhu Yuanzhang was somewhat surprised when he learned of this news.

"It seems that the Timurid Khanate also knows that the Delhi Sultanate is not a big deal, so it has already begun to expand its power and find other allies!"

"But isn't it a bit too late now? Even if they manage to take over the so-called River Valley, they might not be able to completely occupy that place!"

"As for comparing population and national strength, to think you can be compared with my Great Ming is simply wishful thinking!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao, who was standing to the side, also nodded.

"That's absolutely right!"

"However, this means they've essentially stopped, which is a great thing for us. We can take this opportunity to build up our strength!"

"We have been fighting all these years without stopping. If it weren't for our relatively strong foundation, we might not have been able to hold out for much longer!"

"Now that they've stopped attacking, we can take this opportunity to develop for a while and resolve all the problems we have at home!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded after hearing this. Based on the scene described by Zhu Xiong Ying, they were still far behind.

The most important factor in wars between two countries is the relative strength of their nations. If a nation is not strong enough, it is useless to fight for a long time.

"I understand what you're saying, but improving national strength is no easy task. Let's start with the number of officials!"

"Our land is very large now, so the number of officials is not particularly large. Although we have begun to recruit more officials and scholars, they are very familiar with the situation in the interior, but not very familiar with these external affairs!"

"So they're practically fighting tooth and nail for official positions within our Great Ming, but they don't seem to care about these other people at all!"

Zhu Biao nodded, indicating that there was no problem with the request.

Any normal person would make this choice.

"We can't force those people to go. There are two methods we're using now. The first is to send those officials who have committed crimes to these places."

If they perform well, they can return to Ming territory. Another way is to increase the salaries and benefits of our soldiers willing to go to this border region!

"Only when these things are improved will more people be willing to go!"

Just then, someone outside spoke.

"Your Majesty, Prince Zhu Bai of Xiang has come to report something important!"

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang and Crown Prince Zhu Biao exchanged a glance.

Prince Xiang, Zhu Bai, is arguably the only one among the dozen or so princes who has not yet taken up a fief.

Because of Zhu Xiong Ying, Prince Xiang, Zhu Bai, began to handle government affairs in the cabinet at a very early stage.

Although the cabinet officials have changed several times, Prince Xiang, Zhu Bai, has remained a constant presence among them. It is precisely for this reason that Prince Xiang, Zhu Bai, has now become the right-hand man of Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

His personal visit must be for something important.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said.

"In that case, let him in!"

After entering the Hall of Diligent Governance, Prince Zhu Bai of Xiang spoke.

"Your subject Zhu Bai greets Your Majesty!"

"Your subject greets Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was very pleased to see his capable son.

"It's Bai'er! Get up quickly!"

"You've had a tough time these past few days!"

Zhu Bai was extremely pleased to hear this, but he still spoke with great humility.

"It is an honor to be able to assist my father and my elder brother, the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction after hearing this, and then looked at him and said.

"By the way, you must have come all this way in person for something important!"

Prince Zhu Bai of Xiang nodded after hearing this.

"That's right. There are two extremely important things right now. The first is that the steam engine has now been developed and is currently being used in the areas controlled by the royal family!"

"The train experiment that U.A. mentioned was also very successful!"

"It won't be long before it's operational, but if we want to use this train, we'll have to build a lot of tracks!"

"Such a large amount of iron will inevitably affect our Great Ming Dynasty, so there is still a lot of discussion about this matter within the cabinet!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up when he heard this.

"You guys really figured out that steam engine?"

"I've heard U.A. talk about this thing before, saying how great it is, and that it could replace a lot of manpower in the future!"

"It could even bring my lord immense wealth, that's for sure!"

Zhu Bai nodded after hearing this.

"Please forgive my bluntness, but it is indeed so!"

"This steam engine is extremely valuable; it can greatly improve the efficiency of making things!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction after hearing this.

So he immediately sent people to find Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying was very surprised when he learned of this news. He had only mentioned it casually before, but he did not expect that these people would actually figure it out.

Soon, officials from the Ministry of Works brought out the completed steam engine. Looking at it, Zhu Xiong Ying was extremely satisfied. As expected of the craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty, they had actually made it.

Zhu Xiong Ying had only mentioned it briefly before, so he hadn't paid much attention to it, but he didn't expect them to remember it.

(End of this chapter)