My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 242 Honeycomb briquettes can be counterfeited? No problem, I'm not using them to make money anyway!

At this point, Zhu Cilang had asked all the questions he wanted to ask, and he then said:
"Alright, I have learned everything I wanted to know. You may leave."

"In addition, I sent a blueprint to the Ministry of Works earlier. These items are extremely important. After you return, you must immediately supervise the craftsmen to make them."

"Once it is completed, send it to me as soon as possible."

Although Zhou Shipu didn't know what it was, he answered without hesitation:

"Your subject obeys. Upon returning, I will immediately supervise the craftsmen in their work."

After a pause, he continued:

"Your Highness, I have some information about coal here, which I brought with me just now."

As he spoke, he quickly pulled out several booklets from his pocket, raised them high with both hands, and respectfully handed them to Zhu Cilang.

Zhu Cilang took the booklet, glanced through it, and a satisfied expression gradually appeared on his face as he said:
"You've shown your kindness, now you may leave."

Zhou Shipu bowed again and then hurriedly withdrew.

Although he didn't know exactly what Zhu Cilang was trying to build, judging from Zhu Cilang's attitude, it should be closely related to coal.

He dared not be negligent in this matter and had to personally supervise it to ensure that nothing went wrong.

Time flies, and after a flurry of activity, it was already noon.

With lunchtime fast approaching, Zhu Cilang had lost interest in returning to the Eastern Palace for a meal and decided to just grab a quick bite at the Imperial Palace.

Of course, he did not intend to dine alone, but instead turned and headed to Empress Zhou's residence.

When Empress Zhou saw Zhu Cilang arrive, a joyful smile immediately spread across her face, and she quickly and warmly invited him to have a meal together.

As the Empress of Chongzhen and the mother of Zhu Cilang, Empress Zhou naturally knew the reason why Chongzhen went to Baiyun Temple.

Therefore, she was not at all surprised by Zhu Cilang's current actions in the court.

Moreover, in her view, this might be the best option at the moment.

After all, the events of the past six months have fully demonstrated that Zhu Cilang is the most suitable person to govern the country and assume the heavy responsibility of being emperor.

Upon closer examination, the current changes in the court situation have not actually had a significant impact on Empress Zhou.

During the reign of Emperor Chongzhen, she was the Empress.

If Zhu Cilang ascends the throne, she will become the Empress Dowager.

In any case, her noble status is unshakeable.

However, in all fairness, Empress Zhou still felt that it would be more appropriate for Zhu Cilang to become emperor.

After all, her experiences over the past decade or so had taught her a lesson: her husband, Emperor Chongzhen, was not capable of governing the country.

If that's the case, why not let a more suitable person shoulder this important responsibility?

What's more, this person is their own son.

After having lunch and exchanging a few words with Empress Zhou, Zhu Cilang left the palace.

It was the height of summer, the sun was high in the sky, and the scorching sunlight poured down without reservation, as if everything in the world was encased in a giant steamer.

Even though he was carried around, Zhu Cilang was still sweating profusely from the heat.

So, as soon as he stepped into the Eastern Palace, Zhu Cilang went straight to Zheng Xiaomei's room.

Several ice basins were placed inside the room, the ice cubes colliding with each other, making a crisp and pleasant "ding-dong" sound, and a cool breeze spread throughout the room, instantly dispelling the heat from his body.

When Zheng Xiaomei saw him come in, she quickly greeted him with a smile.

"Your Highness, you are back!"

Zhu Cilang raised his hand to wipe the dense beads of sweat from his forehead and sighed helplessly:

"This awful weather is unbearably hot."

Zheng Xiaomei considerately handed over a silk handkerchief and said:
"Your Highness, come over here quickly and cool off by the ice basin."

The East Palace had a plentiful supply of ice. Whenever the ice in the ice basin began to melt, eunuchs and palace maids would quickly bring over a new ice basin.

Zhu Cilang leaned back on the carved canopy bed, enjoying the coolness, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

Thank goodness he didn't transmigrate into an ordinary person, otherwise he probably wouldn't have survived this summer!

It was midday, and the sunlight was increasingly intense, pouring down like a golden waterfall onto every corner of the Eastern Palace.

Even the air was filled with a burnt smell. The leaves were withered and drooped listlessly. Occasionally, a slight breeze would blow by, bringing with it a scorching heat.

About half an hour later, a member of the Imperial Guard rushed over to report:

"Your Highness, everything you instructed us to find has now been found."

Zhu Cilang rose slightly and looked out through the carved window. He saw that the stone path in the courtyard was shining with a dazzling white light under the scorching sun, and the heat waves were like surging waves, rolling and surging one after another.

Even distant scenery was distorted and deformed by the heatwave.

The heat was so intense that he didn't want to step out of his room.

So he waved his hand and gave the order:

"Go and pile all those things in the open space of the East Palace's back garden. I will check on them later."

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Guards immediately accepted the order and left.

Another hour passed, and an official from the Ministry of Works rushed over anxiously.

They brought some things with them when they came, which were none other than the things that Zhu Cilang had previously requested to be made.

It must be said that the Ministry of Works is surprisingly fast at getting things done.

However, upon further reflection, the Ministry of Works had gathered the most skilled craftsmen in the country, and moreover, he had clearly noted various points to note when he drew the plans. With the craftsmen's skills, it was indeed possible to complete the work in a short time.

If you can't even handle this simple matter, how can you be worthy of staying in the Ministry of Works?

However, because of the hot weather, Zhu Cilang had no intention of going out at all, and instead ordered the palace servants to carry these things into the house.

What immediately came into view were the three things he had been longing for.

That is, honeycomb briquette stoves, honeycomb briquette clips, and honeycomb briquette molds for making honeycomb briquettes.

These three items were almost identical to those in Zhu Cilang's memory, only their designs were more exquisite.

The craftsmen wrapped the honeycomb briquette stove with a thick layer of copper sheet, which shimmered with a luxurious luster under the sunlight, clearly indicating that it was expensive.

Even the honeycomb briquette clips are made of pure copper.

Zhu Cilang reached out and gently stroked it, his fingertips touching the cold bronze surface, and couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.

These craftsmen were quite meticulous; they even made the coal clamps from pure copper and sent three different sets.

It's obvious that the craftsmen were afraid he wouldn't be satisfied, so they prepared two extra sets for him to choose from.

However, if all buildings are constructed to this standard in the future, how can ordinary people afford it?
Zhu Cilang had already planned that when mass production began, he would replace the materials with the cheapest metals, and replace everything that could be replaced with cement or other materials.

The main selling point is high quality at a low price, so that ordinary people can use it.

Just then, Zheng Xiaomei came over with a curious look on her face, stared at the objects for a long time, and then asked curiously:

"Your Highness, what exactly are these things?"

Zhu Cilang's lips curled up, revealing a mysterious smile:
"You'll know when you get tonight!"

After saying this, Zhu Cilang seemed to remember something else, and then summoned Ma Bao and instructed him:
"Bring my brother-in-law over here."

After receiving the order, Ma Bao hurriedly ran out.

Not long after, Zheng Chenggong appeared at the door.

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang, Zheng Chenggong immediately bowed and greeted him:

"Your Highness, I pay my respects!"

Zhu Cilang stepped forward and said with a smile:

“Brother-in-law, we’re all family, why be so polite? You’re always so reserved, it makes us seem distant.”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Chenggong felt a little embarrassed.

Although Zhu Cilang said this many times, he still felt in his heart that there was a difference between the emperor and his subjects, so he dared not slack off in the slightest.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang didn't stand on ceremony and directly gave the order:
"Immediately select some clever people from among the guards of the Eastern Palace and have them gather in the back garden after sunset. I have important matters to arrange there."

Although Zheng Chenggong was puzzled and didn't know what Zhu Cilang wanted to do, he still accepted the order without hesitation:
"The minister obeys the order!"

After saying that, he turned and walked away quickly.

Then Zhu Cilang looked at Zheng Xiaomei and said softly:
"Little sister, tonight you have the servants prepare some wine and fruit, and then send them to the back garden. I'll need them then."

Zheng Xiaomei nodded slightly and replied:

"I obey my orders."

Time flies, and soon the sun began to set, and the air outside was no longer as stuffy as before.

Realizing this, Zhu Cilang left the palace and slowly walked along the winding corridor towards the back garden.

The sky was now tinged with a deep blue by twilight, and the flowers, trees, and shrubs in the garden were silhouetted against the night. A rare coolness permeated the air, along with the delicate fragrance of flowers and plants.

Upon entering the back garden, Zhu Cilang saw a group of guards standing there, whispering among themselves as if discussing something.

What lay before them were the raw materials for making honeycomb briquettes.

These guards, who usually only knew how to wield swords, were now staring at these dark, indistinct things with bewildered expressions.

They whispered amongst themselves, utterly baffled as to why these things had appeared within the Eastern Palace.

After all, this kind of coal is the cheapest kind of coal. When it is burned, it produces thick smoke and can easily cause illness. It has always been used only by poor people.

It is clearly unreasonable for such a thing to appear in the Eastern Palace.

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang arrive, the guards immediately stopped talking and bowed in unison.

"See His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Cilang casually waved his hand, signaling them to stand up, and then said loudly: "I have summoned you today because I have an important matter to instruct you on. If you can do this well, each of you will be rewarded with ten taels of silver!"

Upon hearing this, the guards' eyes lit up with delight.

Ten taels of silver was equivalent to two months' salary for them, so they were naturally overjoyed by such a good thing.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang began to instruct everyone to get to work.

He first inspected the coal fragments and found that some pieces were a bit too big, so he ordered his men to use hammers to smash all the coal into powder.

Then they were asked to mix the raw materials in the correct proportions.

However, he couldn't remember the exact proportions, so he divided the ingredients into three portions and mixed them according to the proportions he remembered.

After understanding the instructions, the guards quickly got to work.

In an instant, dust filled the back garden, and the sounds of hammering and banging filled the air, as everyone worked with great enthusiasm.

Zhu Cilang sat on a stone bench to the side, leisurely eating watermelon while watching everyone busy at work.

After all, this kind of physical labor didn't require him, the crown prince, to do it himself.

He only needs to give commands remotely.

Before long, all the materials were mixed together, turning into a sticky mess.

Zhu Cilang got up, walked forward, reached out and grabbed a handful. With a little force, he could squeeze it into a ball, but when he let go, it would slowly disperse.

He nodded with satisfaction.

Because this is the most suitable state.

Then, he instructed several guards to use honeycomb briquette molds to press honeycomb briquettes.

This task was relatively simple and not difficult at all. The guards simply filled the mold with the materials in front of them and squeezed it hard, and then the honeycomb briquettes were formed.

The honeycomb briquettes were then neatly arranged in a spacious open area to dry before proceeding with the next stage of the experiment.

At this moment, in the four corners of the back garden, dozens of huge palace lanterns, like dazzling night-shining pearls, emitted a soft yet bright light.

The candlelight inside the lamps swayed gently in the breeze, like lively sprites dancing joyfully, illuminating the entire garden as if it were daytime.

The soldiers' figures crisscrossed and moved about in the warm yellow light, their tools clattering against each other.

Summer nights are like giant steamers, with the heavy, sultry air pressing down. Even without the sun, you'll still be drenched in sweat when you're busy.

However, Zhu Cilang was naturally aware of this and had already made preparations.

So when the guards started working, nimble eunuchs and palace maids would deliver plates of fresh and tempting fruit and jars of fragrant wine to this place, as if passing on precious treasures.

When the guards got tired from their work, they could take a short rest, eat some fruits and drink some wine to cool off.

I worked until late at night, and finally it was finished.

Based on the materials prepared by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they made about seven hundred honeycomb briquettes.

These honeycomb briquettes were carefully divided into three types, each with a different proportion and each labeled clearly and conspicuously.

The purpose of doing this is to select the most suitable formula.

As for whether the ratio needs to be adjusted, we'll have to wait and see.

After the matter was settled, Zhu Cilang personally distributed the promised ten taels of silver to each of the guards.

Then he said in a gentle tone:
"Everyone has worked hard today, go and get some rest."

The guards accepted the silver with both hands, the heavy weight of it warming their hearts, their eyes sparkling with excitement and gratitude.

After taking one last look at the honeycomb briquettes, Zhu Cilang went back to rest.

The next day, since he did not need to attend court, Zhu Cilang slept in late again, only waking up leisurely at nine o'clock in the morning.

After a quick wash, without even having breakfast, he rushed to the back garden, his mind filled with concern for the honeycomb briquettes.

After all, people are counting on this thing to get through the winter this year!
In the back garden, after drying overnight, the surface of the honeycomb briquettes had hardened.

Zhu Cilang quickly walked to the honeycomb briquettes, squatted down, and gently stroked them with his hand, his fingertips caressing the texture of the briquettes, carefully feeling their gradually changing quality.

He then noticed that there was still some moisture inside the honeycomb briquettes, and they were not completely dry, so he patiently decided to wait a little longer.

After all, even in later generations, this kind of thing cannot be dried overnight.

However, considering how hot the weather is now, I estimate it should be around tonight.

By noon, the sun was high in the sky, and the scorching sunlight poured down without reservation, as if it wanted to set the whole world on fire.

The stone path in the back garden was scorching hot, as if it were about to melt, and the air was filled with a sweltering heat.

The flowers, plants, and trees were all listless from the sun, drooping their heads as if surrendering to the scorching sun.

However, since Zhu Cilang knew that honeycomb briquettes could not be exposed to high temperatures, he ordered people to move them to a shady place.

By the afternoon, the honeycomb briquettes had finally become completely dry, meaning they were finally successfully manufactured.

As night fell again, the back garden of the Eastern Palace was bustling with activity.

A unique barbecue feast officially kicked off here.

Zhu Cilang specially arranged for the use of newly made honeycomb briquettes as fuel.

Normally, charcoal is the best choice for grilling, but Zhu Cilang chose honeycomb briquettes to fully test their burning time and heat.

The imperial chefs of the Imperial Kitchen skillfully set up the grill, placed the tender mutton and fresh vegetables on it, and then kept turning them over.

Before long, the grill began to sizzle, and oil dripped onto the hot honeycomb briquettes, instantly igniting small flames that leaped up like playful children. The enticing aroma quickly filled the air, making everyone's mouths water.

Subsequently, stacks of various kinds of roasted meat were served to Zhu Cilang and the others.

As Zheng Chenggong savored the tender, juicy, and crispy-on-the-outside roasted meat, he looked thoughtfully at Zhu Cilang and said:
"Your Highness, I think I understand your intention. You are researching a new type of coal, aren't you?"

Zhu Cilang first smiled and nodded, but then corrected himself:

"You're not wrong to say that, but I've given it a name: honeycomb briquette. From now on, it will be called honeycomb briquette."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Chenggong turned his gaze to the burning coal, which was covered with countless tiny holes, resembling a honeycomb.

It must be said that the name chosen by the Crown Prince is indeed very fitting.

Immediately afterwards, he couldn't help but nod slightly, sincerely praising:

"Your Highness has indeed chosen a brilliant name; these new coal formations do indeed resemble honeycombs!"

Zhu Cilang smiled, then suddenly seemed to remember something and asked:
"Brother-in-law, what do you think would be a suitable price for these honeycomb briquettes if they were to be sold?"

Zheng Chenggong frowned slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face, but after a moment he shook his head and said:
"I cannot say, since I do not know the cost of this thing."

Zhu Cilang patiently explained:
"The main raw materials for honeycomb briquettes are supplied by the imperial court, and most of them are waste materials that would otherwise be discarded. The only things that can be considered as costs are probably clay and combustion aids."

"However, these things are not worth much. You can buy a pound for just a few cents. To be honest, the cost of these honeycomb briquettes is mainly due to labor."

Zheng Chenggong nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this.

Before he could say anything to him, Zhang Shize suddenly came over with a big smile on his face.

That's right!

Zhu Cilang also invited him tonight, and Zhang Shize naturally wouldn't refuse such an invitation.

After all, being able to get closer to the Crown Prince is a great opportunity that everyone would love.

Zhang Shize first respectfully bowed to Zhu Cilang, and then said:
"Your Highness, if I may be so bold as to ask, the main target customers for these honeycomb briquettes are not the high-ranking officials and nobles in the city, are they?"

Zhu Cilang nodded in agreement:
“You’re right. This is mainly for the common people in the capital, so that they can have enough fuel for daily cooking and heating in winter.”

"I could no longer see people starving and freezing in the cold winter, or freezing to death on the streets, so I created this thing."

Zhang Shize thought to himself, thinking to himself that it was just as he had expected.

It is well known that the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital city have always used smokeless coal and charcoal. These fuels burn without smoke and have a strong flame, which is very suitable for their status.

In comparison, honeycomb briquettes are much inferior in this respect; they not only produce smoke when burned, but also do not generate enough heat.

From this perspective, it does not meet the needs of the wealthy.

But for ordinary people, the biggest advantage is the low price, which can greatly reduce their living burden.

Just then, Zhu Cilang seemed to see through Zhang Shize's thoughts, and then asked with a smile:

"What, are you thinking of getting involved too? Your Zhang family must have some coal mines near the capital, right?"

Zhang Shize was startled, a cold sweat instantly breaking out on his back. He hurriedly replied:
"Your Highness is right. Ever since the court allowed private individuals to operate coal mines, the Zhang family has been involved in it."

"However, Your Highness, please rest assured that the Zhang family has always paid taxes in accordance with the law and has never defaulted on payments."

Seeing Zhang Shize's nervous expression, Zhu Cilang couldn't help but laugh:

"I didn't say much, why are you in such a hurry to defend yourself?"

Zhang Shize smiled awkwardly, unsure of what to say for a moment.

But he quickly thought of something and said:

“Your Highness, if the court wants to do this business, I’m afraid it will have to restrict other merchants from making and selling honeycomb briquettes.”

"Because in my opinion, the technology of these honeycomb briquettes is too low. Once they enter the hands of the people, they will be quickly imitated on a large scale."

In fact, Zhu Cilang had realized this long ago. After all, this thing really didn't require much technology; it just required mixing a few simple things together.

But for Zhu Cilang, it was not a bad thing, but a good thing!
After all, his original intention was not to make money from this, but to help people get through the winter smoothly.

In this way, widespread imitation by the public can actually accelerate the popularization of honeycomb briquettes, thus benefiting every citizen.

It should be noted that the population of Beijing is now as high as 1.2 million. Excluding high-ranking officials and nobles, there are at least one million ordinary people.

Based on the calculation that each person uses two honeycomb briquettes per day in winter, the daily consumption is at least two million briquettes.

Relying solely on the imperial court for production would likely fall far short of meeting the demand; it would be necessary to mobilize private mine owners to participate in manufacturing.

(End of this chapter)