Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 217: False Emperor: Are you pregnant? I'm going to be a father

early morning.

Zhu Qizhen announced the great achievements made by the Ming fleet at sea this time, and announced that a larger-scale second voyage would be organized.

This time, the scale of the voyage will be the same as that of Zheng He.

Because in his imagination, this voyage would require the establishment of a military base in South America, either to destroy the Inca or to control the Inca. The vast resources of the Inca Empire would continuously support the Ming Dynasty.

After the morning court, a small court meeting was held in the Qianqing Palace.

The cabinet and six ministers attended the small meeting to promote the crops brought back from South America by the fleet, such as corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc., as well as tobacco, tomatoes, sugar cane, peanuts, etc. These will greatly enrich the variety of crops in Ming Dynasty.

With the experience of his previous life, he was most familiar with where these crops were suitable to be planted and their uses. Currently, there were not many seeds brought back, so he could only test plant them on a small scale. After he made the introduction, the Ministry of Revenue would make the arrangements.

"Your Majesty, with this food, the people may not go hungry anymore." Minister of Finance Chen Xun sighed, "I finally see the value of the great voyages, not just gold and silver."

Minister of Industry Gao Gu also agreed: "Yes, these crops are more valuable!"

The ministers were also discussing the results of this great voyage and their expectations for the upcoming large-scale voyage. Zhu Qizhen glanced over and said in a deep voice:

“The Great Voyages will open up new trade routes, allowing trade between all continents. We will be the leaders, which will greatly promote the prosperity of Ming’s commerce.

Even if the Ming Dynasty does not colonize America and Africa, we can still establish military bases to obtain huge resources and then use these resources to engage in global trade, which will bring huge economic benefits.

The economic base determines the superstructure. With a strong economy, perhaps an unprecedented empire will be born, that is, the Great Empire on which the Sun Never Sets. "

After hearing this, the ministers were extremely excited.

……

After discussing the trial planting of new crops, the next topic began: the Northern Expedition.

Before the army arrives, food and fodder must go first. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War cooperate to transport food and fodder to the northern border first. After listening to their discussion, Zhu Qizhen lamented that transporting food was too damn wasteful.

The Minister of Revenue Chen Xun was also very moved. After checking historical materials, he explained to Zhu Qizhen in detail the importance of transporting grain.

“Food is the people’s heaven and the life of the soldiers”, “Food and fodder must go ahead before troops move out”, “To win a war, food comes first”.

These are famous sayings of famous generals in the past dynasties, from which we can know the importance of food and grass. The "History of Yuan Dynasty" records that "within a hundred miles, to provide food for 2 people, 3600 people are needed to transport food." If the transportation distance is only within a hundred miles, if 3600 people are to be fed, people are needed to transport food. And these people also need food, so the consumption of food during transportation will increase exponentially.

"Six hu and four dou make a zhong, and it takes a thousand miles to transport it. Twenty zhong are needed to deliver one zhong to the army. A shi is one hundred and twenty jin. The method of transportation is that twenty shi are spent to get one shi. It means the distance is long and the cost is high." This sentence means that twenty "shi" of grain are sent to the army, but in reality only one "shi" is obtained.

Zhu Qizhen was shocked. Although this happened during the Warring States Period, the transportation of food and grass has been greatly improved. The Art of War by Sun Tzu said: "When an army of 100,000 is mobilized to march a thousand miles away, the expenses of the people and the public treasury will cost a thousand pieces of gold a day. There will be 700,000 families who are idle on the roads and unable to do their work." 100,000 troops need to be supported by 700,000 families.

"A country is poorer than its army. A country that has to send troops far away has to send them far away. If the troops are sent far away, the people will be poor." Chen Xun sighed, "The way of food and money is the key to victory or defeat."

Zhu Qizhen pondered for a long time and said, "We still need to make fundamental changes, build highways, and use more advanced means of transportation."

The ministers did not quite understand what he said. He secretly decided that after this battle, he would start building roads.

A 500,000-man army marching north requires the support of the entire country, and even so, it cannot last for long. Otherwise, the food and grass supply will run out before long.

……

dusk.

As the sun set in the sky, Zhu Qizhen walked along the imperial road, admiring the spring scenery of the imperial palace. All around him, the air was filled with the breath of spring. Hundreds of flowers bloomed, swaying gently in the gentle breeze, emitting bursts of intoxicating fragrance.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the glazed tiles of the palace, shining with golden light. At this time, the palace lanterns gradually lit up, and Zhu Qizhen looked up and felt a bit of warmth and romance.

He came to Kunning Palace. The Queen and Shuangxi were looking at the two frames in front of them, their faces full of curiosity. Seeing Zhu Qizhen coming in, the Queen waved: "Is this what you want to send? The new food brought back from overseas by the fleet? How to eat it?"

The frame contained corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc. Zhu Qizhen approached and said with a smile: "Let me teach you, Shuangxi, light a charcoal fire, and we will roast them today."

Soon, Shuangxi had started a fire. The three of them sat down next to the fire, and Zhu Qizhen set up a grill and introduced it while grilling: "This is called corn. In addition to grilling it, you can also make soup. If you want to lose weight, you can eat more..."

After a while, he picked up a roasted corn and handed it to the Demon Queen. The Demon Queen took a bite. Although it was burned, her beautiful eyes widened and she said, "It's delicious. So sweet and fragrant."

Zhu Qizhen smiled slyly and handed Shuangxi a roasted sweet potato. It was the first time for them to eat it, and they ate it so deliciously.

"This thing can indeed be used as food." said the Demon Queen.

"If the army is short of rice in the future, we can use these temporarily to fill the gap," said Zhu Qizhen.

The demon queen asked as she ate, "How did you know there was...America, and that there were these things there?"

Zhu Qizhen spread his hands and said, "I have great magical powers."

The demon queen rolled her eyes and thought, could this guy really come from the future? Does he know the end of the Ming Dynasty? Is it true that the Ming Dynasty was destroyed after the Battle of Tumu Fortress as he told the Duke of England? Then didn't he save the Ming Dynasty?
"Come, Shuangxi, have another sweet potato." Zhu Qizhen handed the roasted sweet potato to Shuangxi.

Shuangxi was eating with gusto, when suddenly, she felt gas in her stomach, which she let out accidentally.

puff~
Still a loud fart.

She was stunned at the time, extremely embarrassed. Zhu Qizhen had been prepared and hid far away, with the Demon Queen in between. When the Demon Queen reacted, it was too late. She smelled the stench and quickly got up and hid away.

"Shuangxi~" She glared fiercely, "This palace..."

Phew~puff~puff~
Shuangxi couldn't control herself and farted loudly in succession. She sat there, blushing with shame and about to cry. Zhu Qizhen laughed wildly: "Ha ha ha ha ~ ha ha ha ha... I forgot to tell you, eating sweet potatoes will cause you to fart easily."

The Demon Queen slapped him with her hand and glared at him angrily: "You are so mean! You deliberately let Shuangxi eat more."

puff!
Shuangxi played a louder one, and she ran out in shame and anger. The Demon Queen couldn't help laughing when she saw her running away in embarrassment: "Haha, Shuangxi, it's okay, it's just the three of us."

Seeing Shuangxi running out of the hall, she turned around and glared at Zhu Qizhen fiercely and said, "Fortunately, you didn't give me any to eat."

"You are my goddess, look at you farting." Zhu Qizhen smiled strangely, "Then your image in my heart will be greatly reduced, and I will often think of the way you fart in the future."

The demon queen gnashed her teeth and said, "Bad guy!"

Zhu Qizhen pulled her into his arms, hugged her flexible waist, and said, "How could I ruin your image?"

At this time, the Queen's pretty face was red because of the barbecue, and she looked charming and cute. She hooked her hands around Zhu Qizhen's neck, stood on tiptoes, and took the initiative to kiss his lips.

She found herself becoming more and more addicted to the softness and dominance of the fake emperor.

……

Changchun Palace.

After finishing her meal, Concubine Xian leaned on the cushion, reading a book. She had a beautiful face and a gentle temperament, but she looked tired and seemed a little uncomfortable.

After a while, footsteps were heard, and Concubine Xian stood up immediately, she knew who was coming. Sure enough, Zhu Qizhen strode in, Concubine Xian went to greet him and bowed. "My beloved, I will accompany you tonight." Zhu Qizhen reached out and picked her up.

The virtuous concubine lowered her eyes, pursed her lips and said: "Your Majesty, I feel a little uncomfortable today, I am afraid... vomit..."

She suddenly pushed Zhu Qizhen away and ran to the side, retching continuously. Zhu Qizhen hurriedly stepped forward and gently patted her back, then turned to the palace maid and asked, "What's going on?"

The maid quickly replied, "Your Majesty has been like this for the past two days. I wanted to ask the imperial physician, but Your Majesty wouldn't let me, saying it was just a minor cold and would be better in two days."

"How can I not see the imperial physician?" Zhu Qizhen said.

The virtuous concubine stopped and smiled apologetically: "I don't like to drink medicine, and it's just... ugh..."

"Quick, call the imperial physician." Zhu Qizhen waved his hand.

He helped Concubine Xian to sit on the chair, and after a while, the imperial physician came in. Zhu Qizhen described the symptoms, and the imperial physician began to feel her pulse. The imperial physician was obviously stunned, and then he felt her pulse carefully.

"What's going on?" Zhu Qizhen asked anxiously.

The imperial physician stood up and bowed to Zhu Qizhen: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, the Concubine is pregnant!"

"Pregnant? What's the meaning?" Zhu Qizhen suddenly realized, "She's pregnant? Really?"

The imperial physician nodded with great certainty: "Yes! The virtuous concubine is indeed pregnant!"

Zhu Qizhen was overjoyed: "Hahaha, I'm going to be a father! That's great, that's great."

He pulled the imperial physician aside and excitedly asked a series of questions, such as what to pay attention to, what the virtuous concubine should eat during her pregnancy, etc. The imperial physician said he would give him a list and prescribe medicine.

"Send the imperial physician over." Zhu Qizhen said to the palace maid.

The maid sent the doctor out, and Zhu Qizhen came behind the curtain and said to Concubine Xian: "My beloved, did you hear that? You are pregnant!"

Xian Fei nodded repeatedly, tears falling from her eyes: "Your Majesty, I am finally pregnant with your child."

Zhu Qizhen walked over, held her in his arms, and said with a smile: "From now on, you are the most important person to be protected in the harem."

"Your Majesty, what if it's a princess?" Concubine Xian became worried again.

"Then I love both, male and female." Zhu Qizhen said firmly, "After the first one, there will be the second one. Let's try to have two in three years."

The virtuous concubine leaned on his shoulder and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If she could give birth to a prince, his Zhang family would be saved.

……

After coaxing Concubine Xian to sleep, Zhu Qizhen walked out of Changchun Palace. He was very excited. Concubine Xian was pregnant, which showed that the old man Hu Yi's method was effective. Then the next step was simple. With so many concubines in the harem, as long as they worked hard, wouldn't it be possible to have a prince?

So, he came to Yonghe Palace.

Concubine De was just getting ready for bed, but she didn't expect the emperor to come so late. She stepped forward and bowed, "Your Majesty, I'm not prepared."

"What else do you and I need to prepare?" Zhu Qizhen pulled her up, held her tightly in his arms, and whispered, "I have good news to tell you. Concubine Xian is pregnant."

Concubine De was stunned at first, then overjoyed: "Really?"

Zhu Qizhen nodded affirmatively: "The imperial physician has just checked and confirmed that she is pregnant. What does this mean? It means that my method is effective, my beloved concubine, let's keep trying. If Concubine Xian can get pregnant, you can definitely get pregnant too."

"Yes." Defei pulled him and walked towards the inner hall, somewhat impatiently.

Half an hour later.

De Fei collapsed on the couch, her brows furrowed from time to time because of the pain in her body. However, after resting for a while in Zhu Qizhen's arms, she sat up again, looked at Zhu Qizhen lying there, and said softly, "Your Majesty, continue!"

Zhu Qizhen: “!!!”

You don't have to work so hard, right? I'll be empty.

"Your Majesty, I cannot lose to Concubine Xian." Concubine De began to move on her own.

Zhu Qizhen put his hands on his head, ready to lie down and let you do whatever you want.

……

The next day.

Although Zhu Qizhen had some backache, he was in high spirits and in a very good mood. He was going to announce the news of Concubine Xian's pregnancy during the morning court session, but he decided to wait until things were stable.

Damn it, let’s see who dares to spread rumors that I’m impotent in the future!
The ministers also clearly felt that the emperor was in a good mood today, and the atmosphere in the court was much better. Zhu Qizhen was more motivated to work, and the day passed in a flash.

dusk.

He came to Kunning Palace humming a little tune.

"Rocking, rocking, rocking the boat to Grandma's Bridge. Grandma, good grandma, good grandma, she smiles at me..." He hummed a song and walked with a cheerful pace.

The Demon Queen looked at him as he came in and rolled her eyes: "What nonsense are you singing?"

"Children's songs." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands.

"What nursery rhyme? Why haven't I heard it before?" The Demon Queen was puzzled.

"Of course you haven't heard of it." Zhu Qizhen walked up to her, leaned in close, and whispered, "I have good news to tell you. Concubine Xian is pregnant."

The demon queen's face changed drastically when she heard this, and she stood up suddenly: "What? Are you saying that the virtuous concubine... is pregnant?"

"Yes." Zhu Qizhen pointed at himself, "I'm going to be a father."

"You're already a father." A cold light flashed in the Demon Queen's eyes as she asked, "When did it happen?"

Zhu Qizhen spread his hands and said, "Yesterday, the imperial physician went to see me. Why? Are you not happy for me?"

"Well, I'm happy." The Queen smiled, "Isn't this what you've always wanted? Is it only Concubine Xian who is pregnant?"

Zhu Qizhen said arrogantly: "If I work harder, there will definitely be more than one Xianfei. The next one will be Defei."

The Demon Queen's eyes drooped, and various thoughts flashed through her mind.

How to do?
The fake emperor must not have a queen, and the virtuous concubine must not give birth to that child. But what should I do? Kill that child? That would completely turn against the fake emperor, and besides the virtuous concubine, perhaps other concubines would soon get pregnant.

(End of this chapter)