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

Chapter 289 Oh no! Is Emperor Chongzhen coming to the Firearms Research Institute?

Then, Wang Chengen said quite frankly:

"Your Majesty, this servant believes it to be true. His Highness the Crown Prince is intelligent, wise, courageous, resourceful, and has the world at heart, showing great care for the people."

"His Highness the Crown Prince's personal command of this expedition demonstrates his ability and sense of responsibility."

"To be able to get the Yarkand Khanate, the Khoshut Khanate, and the Tumet Khanate to surrender to the Ming Dynasty without losing a single soldier is something that no ordinary person could do!"

Emperor Chongzhen was not angry upon hearing this; instead, he smiled and said:

"That's what I think too, so I want to pass the throne to the Crown Prince as soon as possible, so that I can live out my old age in peace."

"But the Crown Prince said that he is still too young to be emperor, so I will have to remain in this position for a few more days."

"But it doesn't matter, I will abdicate immediately once the Crown Prince comes of age!"

When he said this, Chongzhen no longer cared about the throne at all.

For Chongzhen, the position of emperor was no longer that important.

Upon hearing this, Wang Chengen's eyes suddenly lit up, and then he smiled and said:
"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, shouldn't we be choosing a Crown Princess for His Highness the Crown Prince?"

Crown Princess?
Emperor Chongzhen was stunned upon hearing this.

After thinking about it carefully, I suddenly realized that Wang Chengen's words made a lot of sense.

Zhu Cilang is now fourteen years old (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning), and it is indeed time for him to get married.

Moreover, it doesn't mean that the Crown Prince will get married immediately after choosing a Crown Princess. After all, the selection of a Crown Prince's consort has always been an extremely complicated matter.

Many factors need to be considered, such as the woman's family background, moral character, appearance, and talent.

Sometimes it takes a year or two to prepare, but this is something we really need to take action on.

"It seems I need to have a serious discussion with the Empress about choosing a Crown Princess for Lang'er."

Emperor Chongzhen muttered to himself.

Thus, Zhu Cilang, far away in Xuanfu, was unaware that he would soon have another wife.
Just as Chongzhen was about to step into the inner palace, he suddenly stopped, turned his head slightly, and looked at Wang Chengen beside him, asking:
"By the way, I heard the Crown Prince mention before that he established some kind of firearms research institute. Do you know exactly where this place is located?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Chengen paused slightly, a thoughtful glint in his eyes.

After a moment, he finally spoke:

"Your Majesty, this servant does indeed know this place. This Firearms Research Institute is now one of the most important government offices in the court."

"All firearms and various powerful cannons were developed by this government office."

Upon hearing this, Chongzhen's curiosity was ignited like a flame.

Then he pressed further:
"Then why have I never seen any officials from this department during previous court sessions? Don't they attend court?"

Wang Chengen shook his head.

"This servant is not sure about this either; perhaps there is some other reason behind it."

It should be noted that when Zhu Cilang began to establish the Firearms Research Institute, he set a very special rule.

That means that all officials of the Firearms Research Institute are not required to participate in court assemblies or get involved in politics.

Their sole objective was to single-mindedly produce and invent new firearms for the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Cilang made this arrangement for the benefit of these officials, allowing them to stay away from court intrigues and focus on their own areas.

Otherwise, in a few days, they would probably be forced to get involved in the various disputes of the court, and then they would probably not have the energy to develop firearms.

However, it was precisely because of this that Chongzhen developed a strong interest in this mysterious firearms research institute.

For a moment, his initial intention to enter the harem became hesitant once again.

He felt as if an invisible force was pulling him, causing him to change his mind.

Immediately, Chongzhen looked directly at Wang Chengen and said:
"I want to go to the Firearms Research Institute."

Upon hearing this, Wang Chengen was startled and quickly said:

"Your Majesty, this...this is not appropriate!"

"The Firearms Research Institute mainly researches various firearms and cannons, which is extremely dangerous. Your Majesty is of noble birth. If anything were to happen to you, I would be guilty of a thousand deaths."

Chongzhen glared and said:
"The Firearms Research Institute has been established for at least half a year now, and I haven't heard of any dangerous incidents. How come there's danger as soon as I go there?"

"Don't say anything more, lead the way."

Seeing this, Wang Chengen was at a loss for words.

He could only lower his head silently and lead the way.

However, since it was the emperor's trip, some preparations were necessary. So, while the Imperial Guards were busy preparing the carriages, Wang Chengen secretly summoned another Imperial Guard.

When the Imperial Guard saw that it was Wang Chengen who had summoned him, he quickly walked to Wang Chengen's side and bowed.

"What are your orders, Eunuch Wang?"

Wang Chengen pulled him aside and whispered a few words in his ear.

In short, the imperial guards were to quickly deliver an imperial decree to the Firearms Research Institute, instructing them to make all necessary safety preparations, properly store the dangerous firearms and various instruments, and ensure that Emperor Chongzhen was not harmed.

Upon receiving the order, the Imperial Guards immediately rushed to the Firearms Research Institute like arrows released from a bow.

Meanwhile, inside the Firearms Research Institute.

Bi Maokang was sitting in a spacious and bright room, leaning back slightly in his chair and dozing off.

On his desk were various blueprints. The weapons drawn on the blueprints looked like flintlock muskets, but upon closer inspection, they had many differences.

In fact, this was exactly what Bi Maokang was going to study next: rifled muskets.

Simply put, it's the rifle of later generations, which is also the task that Zhu Cilang specifically assigned to him for the next step.

However, this thing is really beyond the technological scope of this world.

Bi Maokang and his team studied day and night, experimenting repeatedly, but their research did not make much progress.

But Bi Maokang never gave up; he continued to work hard on his research.

He knew that if he could research this thing in his lifetime, then the Ming Dynasty would stand undefeated at the top of the world and would no longer have to fear the invasion of foreign enemies.

That being said, he is over seventy years old this year, and his health is not as good as before, so he is prone to drowsiness.

So, without realizing it, he fell asleep in the quiet room.

Seeing this, the officials nearby dared not disturb him.

After all, everyone knows that this old man is now the backbone of the Firearms Research Institute and the most valued minister of His Highness the Crown Prince.

His every move could influence the development direction of the Firearms Research Institute.

But suddenly, at that moment, a figure rushed in.

The man looked anxious, his steps were hurried, and he was shouting:
"Not good! Not good!"

The sound, like a thunderclap, shattered the silence in the room.

Bi Maokang was suddenly awakened by the sound. His body jolted, and his eyes snapped open. With a hint of confusion and doubt, he asked:

"What's going on? Why are you so panicked?"

The man went straight to Bi Maokang, not even bothering to bow, and said breathlessly:

"My lord, something terrible has happened! His Majesty is on his way!"

what?
Upon hearing this, Bi Maokang instantly sobered up, his eyes widening like saucers, and asked incredulously:
"What did you say? How could His Majesty possibly come here? How is that possible?"

The man said:

"This humble official doesn't know what's going on either. Just now, the Embroidered Uniform Guard reported that His Majesty is about to arrive at the Firearms Research Institute, and all officials at the institute are instructed to prepare to welcome His Majesty."

"At the same time, take all necessary safety precautions to avoid harming His Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Bi Maokang stood up abruptly, his body trembling slightly with excitement, and then roared:
"Go quickly! Go and gather everyone and tell them to stop what they are doing immediately! Also, check all the equipment and make sure all the gunpowder is properly stored away without any omissions."

"All firearms are sealed in the warehouse, and all machinery is shut down!"

"In short, make all necessary safety preparations and absolutely ensure that His Majesty is not harmed!"

Upon hearing this, the other officials quickly agreed and then busied themselves like ants on a hot pan.

For a time, the entire Firearms Research Institute was in complete chaos.

Some officials rushed off to notify others, while others hurried to check the equipment and gunpowder, and still others busied themselves organizing documents and materials, fearing that there might be any oversights.

There was no other way. You see, since the Firearms Research Institute was established more than half a year ago, only Zhu Cilang has come to visit occasionally, giving everyone some guidance and encouragement.

Emperor Chongzhen had never visited the place, and since the officials of the Firearms Research Institute did not have to attend court, many of them had never seen Chongzhen.

Now that Emperor Chongzhen is coming to the Firearms Research Institute in person, do you think they wouldn't be excited?

That's the current emperor, the supreme ruler of the Ming Dynasty!
Even Bi Maokang, a veteran official, was extremely excited at this moment. His hands trembled slightly, and his eyes shone with excitement and nervousness.

And so, after a flurry of activity, the entire Firearms Research Institute returned to quiet.

Even the fire in the furnace was extinguished, and a tense yet solemn atmosphere permeated the entire research institute.

After eliminating all dangers, everyone gathered at the entrance, waiting for the arrival of Emperor Chongzhen.

Before long, Emperor Chongzhen's carriage finally slowly drove up.

Because the Firearms Research Institute was located in a remote area with few local residents, it did not cause much of a disturbance to the local population along the way.

Furthermore, the roads surrounding the Firearms Research Institute were among the first to be paved with cement, making traffic even smoother. Seeing Emperor Chongzhen's carriage finally appear, Bi Maokang quickly led everyone to kneel down, shouting:

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

The voices were clear and loud, echoing through the air.

Immediately afterwards, the carriage stopped in front of them, and Chongzhen got off the carriage.

Seeing the officials kneeling on the ground, Chongzhen smiled gently, a smile that warmed everyone's hearts like a spring breeze. Then he gently raised his hand and said:
"All my dear friends, please live in peace."

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up shakily. As for Bi Maokang at the front, he was too old and his legs were weak, so he needed someone to help him stand up.

When Emperor Chongzhen saw Bi Maokang in this state, he felt a pang of pity.

Because he already knew that Bi Maokang was the one who researched flintlock muskets.

Emperor Chongzhen had previously tried using flintlock muskets and found that they were indeed much more effective than previous firearms.

The accurate shooting and powerful firepower filled him with confidence in this new type of firearm.

However, to his regret, he vaguely remembered that Bi Maokang had once presented him with a memorial that mentioned this new type of firearm and elaborated on its advantages and future prospects.

However, the imperial court was in financial straits at the time, and it could not even pay the army's food and wages in time. Where would it get extra money to research new firearms?

Whenever he thought of this, Chongzhen felt deep regret and was filled with self-reproach.

If he had let Bi Maokang research flintlock muskets earlier, perhaps the Ming Dynasty wouldn't be in its current state.

But of course, it's too late to say all this now.

Fortunately, Zhu Cilang eventually found Bi Maokang and developed the flintlock musket.

This flintlock musket has now become an important weapon for the Ming army, playing a significant role on the battlefield.

Thinking of this, Emperor Chongzhen quickly stepped forward and took Bi Maokang's hands in his.

The next second, Chongzhen said with a sigh:

“Minister Bi, it’s all my fault! If I had carefully read your memorial a few years ago and agreed to let you research flintlock muskets, the Ming Dynasty might not be in this state now.”

"Alas, I truly feel ashamed; I have failed you!"

Upon hearing this, Bi Maokang was immediately moved to tears.

He never expected that the emperor, whom he hadn't seen for several years, would say such things to him the moment they met.

For a moment, he felt as if he had returned to the time when he served the court with utmost loyalty, when he was full of passion and devoted his heart to the prosperity and strength of the Ming Dynasty.

Thinking of this, Bi Maokang couldn't help but burst into tears, and he said in a trembling voice:
"Your Majesty, please don't flatter me! Serving the Ming Dynasty is my duty. How can I bear such self-reproach from Your Majesty!"

Looking at Bi Maokang's wrinkled face, Chongzhen was filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that Bi Maokang had devoted too much effort and energy to the Ming Dynasty and to the research of this new type of firearm.

He then gently patted Bi Maokang's hand and continued:
"Minister Bi, I have seen and remembered everything you have done for the Ming Dynasty."

"I have come here today to see this firearms research institute with my own eyes, and to see you officials and craftsmen who have silently dedicated yourselves to the Ming Dynasty."

Bi Maokang quickly said:
"Your Majesty, the achievements of the Firearms Research Institute are entirely due to the wise decisions of His Highness the Crown Prince and Your Majesty's support. We have only done our part."

Emperor Chongzhen blushed slightly, because he really had nothing to do with the Firearms Research Institute; it was all handled by Zhu Cilang alone.

However, in front of so many officials, Chongzhen certainly couldn't say that, so he simply nodded and said:
"I wish to go in and take a look. Minister Bi, please lead the way."

Bi Maokang quickly bowed and accepted the order, then led the way, while the others followed cautiously behind.

After more than half a year of development, the Firearms Research Institute is now far more than just a place that studies firearms.

All sorts of firearms, cannons, machinery, steam engines, and even some chemistry-related experiments are within the scope of research.

Stepping inside is like entering a wonderful world full of whimsy and endless possibilities.

Among these many novel things, the steam engine is probably the most recently researched.

However, since Emperor Chongzhen was about to come to inspect the area, the steam engine had been stopped to ensure safety.

Even so, the water temperature inside the boiler could not be lowered immediately; it continued to emit hot steam and produce a large amount of water vapor.

The moisture swirled like a light veil, or permeated like a thin mist, adding a touch of mystery and haziness to the entire room.

Not long after, Emperor Chongzhen arrived at the steam engine.

Looking at the steam constantly billowing out from the cracks in the doors and windows, Chongzhen was filled with curiosity.

He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Bi Maokang beside him, and asked with a hint of doubt:
Why is heat constantly emanating from this room?

Upon hearing Emperor Chongzhen's question, Bi Maokang hurriedly and respectfully replied:
"Your Majesty, this place is dedicated to the research of steam engines. It is thanks to this that the court has been able to mass-produce Ming Dynasty gold and silver coins."

"The person in charge of steam engine research is Lord Wang Wei."

As Bi Maokang spoke, he stretched out his hand and pointed to Wang Wei standing to the side.

Wang Wei was standing quietly to the side when she heard Bi Maokang suddenly mention her name, and her heart was filled with excitement.

He quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying:

"Your subject, Wang Wei, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Emperor Chongzhen suddenly realized what was going on, and an approving smile appeared on his face.

He looked at Wang Wei with gentle eyes, nodded slightly, and said:

"You've done well, I'm very satisfied!"

Hearing the emperor's praise, Wang Wei felt another surge of excitement, as if a warm current was flowing through his heart.

After all, being recognized by the emperor is an immense honor!
Emperor Chongzhen was quite pleased at this time, because he had long heard that Zhu Cilang had specially ordered the Firearms Research Institute to develop a machine in order to mass-produce Ming Dynasty gold and silver coins.

He had never seen it in person before, but he never expected to see it here today.

Then, Wang Wei respectfully said:
"Your Majesty, in addition to being able to mass-produce Ming Dynasty gold and silver coins, according to His Highness the Crown Prince's guidance, our next step is to research a new steam engine."

"If nothing unexpected happens, this steam engine will allow vehicles to travel freely without horses. If the corresponding tracks are added, traveling a thousand miles a day will be no problem."

Without a doubt, what Wang Wei was referring to was the steam train.

Zhu Cilang had previously told him about the train, and Wang Wei took it to heart.

After studying it carefully, he felt the idea was more and more feasible.

Therefore, in recent times, the main development direction of steam engines has shifted to steam locomotives.

When Emperor Chongzhen heard this, he was stunned, his eyes filled with disbelief.

In his mind, cars have always needed to be pulled by people or horses. How could there be a car in the world that can run without horses?
This was truly beyond his imagination.

But in the end, Chongzhen did not say anything offensive, because he knew that these people would not say anything arrogant in front of him.

Furthermore, the involvement of Zhu Cilang further convinced Chongzhen that it was true!
For a moment, Chongzhen really wanted to see what this carriage that could run without horses would look like.
After visiting the Firearms Research Institute, Emperor Chongzhen praised all the officials and craftsmen present.

Emperor Chongzhen knew very well that if the Ming Dynasty wanted to maintain its current national strength, the upgrading and iteration of firearms was essential, and these officials and craftsmen who worked silently in the firearms research institute were all treasures of the Ming Dynasty!
So, in addition to verbal praise, Emperor Chongzhen generously allocated 100,000 taels of silver from his own private treasury to reward all the officials and craftsmen here.

The officials and artisans were thrilled when they heard the news.

For a time, the entire Firearms Research Institute was immersed in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude.

After doing all this, Chongzhen left surrounded by the crowd.

Bi Maokang and the others respectfully saw Chongzhen off, their eyes filled with gratitude and emotion for the emperor.

Although Zhu Cilang always valued the Firearms Research Institute, he provided comprehensive support and assistance for its development.

Ultimately, Zhu Cilang was still the crown prince, while Chongzhen was the emperor.

For these officials and artisans, nothing was more gratifying and a source of pride than gaining the emperor's favor.

A few days later, in Xuanfu.

Two days ago, Zhu Cilang received another reply from Zu Dabi.

The letter stated that they had swept through the entire Ottra Confederation (present-day Mongolia).

In this battle, the Ming army swept through the enemy with unstoppable momentum, killing more than 40,000 enemies, leaving the battlefield strewn with corpses.

Not only that, they also burned large areas of grassland, amounting to tens of thousands of acres.

Those once lush green grasslands were instantly turned into scorched earth, and the seized supplies were countless, including approximately 400,000 cattle and sheep, 30,000 horses, about 70,000 people, and more than 200 chests of gold and silver treasures.

Furthermore, the army is already on its way back to the capital, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, it should arrive in Xuanfu in five days.

So Zhu Cilang was in an exceptionally good mood for the next two days.

He eagerly awaited the return of Zu Dabi and his army to Xuanfu.

It must be said that this military operation went exceptionally smoothly, encountering almost no obstacles.

However, this is to be expected, since with Abunai's army included, the imperial court has mobilized as many as 70,000 cavalry this time.

The total population of the Vetra Alliance was only around 200,000, and the number of cavalry that could be mobilized was less than 30,000.

Moreover, they had never seen the Ming army's flintlock muskets before; this advanced firearm was like a mysterious monster to them.

Therefore, they were often defeated by the Ming army as soon as they met.

Especially their horses; when they heard the gunshots, the horses instantly became uneasy and could not obey the riders' commands, let alone fight.

Therefore, unsurprisingly, the Ming army ultimately won this victory.

(End of this chapter)