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

Moreover, the emperor has already spoken and his attitude is clear. If we stand up and disagree now, wouldn't we be asking for trouble?
Seeing that no one spoke, Chongzhen nodded in satisfaction, his voice suddenly rising, carrying an unquestionable determination:
"However, having witnessed the power of the divine artifacts created by my two beloved ministers today, I now know that what the Crown Prince said was true, and I also know that my previous concerns were unnecessary! Such a great achievement that benefits the country and future generations should not be left unrewarded. Wouldn't that discourage the world and deter future generations?"

His eyes shone brightly as he looked at Wang Hui and Bi Maokang, and he proclaimed in a loud voice:
"Wang Hui and Bi Maokang, heed the imperial decree!"

"Chen is here!"

The two immediately lay down on the ground again.

"You have devoted yourselves to the study of things, and your ingenuity has enabled you to manufacture rifles to strengthen the army and create advanced weapons to secure the nation. Your achievements are immeasurable! We hereby appoint Prince Hui of Jin as 'Military Minister Who Assists Heaven and Dedicates His Efforts,' granting him the title of Grand Master of the Palace, the title of 'Earl of Ning'an,' and bestow upon him a certificate of merit and incorruptibility, which shall be hereditary! We hereby appoint Bi Maokang of Jin as 'Civil Minister Who Assists Heaven and Dedicates His Efforts,' granting him the title of Grand Master of the Palace, the title of 'Marquis of Wen'an,' and bestow upon him a certificate of merit and incorruptibility, which shall be hereditary!"

The remaining meritorious personnel shall be commended and rewarded handsomely by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War in conjunction with the Academy! The decree shall be drafted immediately and promulgated throughout the land!

"Your Majesty, we... thank you for your great favor! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

Wang Hui and Bi Maokang were already sobbing uncontrollably and could only kowtow repeatedly.

The officials behind him, including Zhu Cilang, all bowed in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Earl! Marquis!
Moreover, it is a hereditary title!

In the Ming Dynasty, it was extremely difficult to be granted a noble title without military merit, being a relative of the emperor, or receiving special favor.

The fact that Wang Hui and Bi Maokang were granted titles based on their tangible, visible, and impactful "extraordinary achievements" that could influence the fate of the nation is astonishing, but in light of the overwhelming impact of these two "divine weapons" today, it seems so natural and inevitable.

No one felt it was inappropriate; there was only deep envy and感慨—times have truly changed.

Emperor Chongzhen then offered a few words of encouragement to the researchers, urging them to rest well, continue their research, and also to maintain secrecy.

Wang Hui, Bi Maokang, and others readily agreed.

Thus, this inspection of the firearms research institute, a true storm of visual and emotional impact, is finally drawing to a close.

Emperor Chongzhen, feeling triumphant and excited, was the first to step down from the viewing platform, surrounded by the crowd.

Zhu Cilang followed closely behind, watching his father's back, which was noticeably lighter. He then glanced back at the "Divine Machine Iron Fortress" lying quietly in the field like a sleeping behemoth, and at the towering workshops of the research institute in the distance. A deep smile appeared on his lips.

With rifles in mass production, the "divine machine" making its debut, high-ranking officials winning over the hearts of the people, and titles being bestowed... everything seemed to be in place.

So, what follows is the long-planned Operation Thunder, which is destined to shock the world and completely resolve the great threat in the northern frontier.

The cold wind still blew, but now, as it blew against the group of officials leaving the research institute, it seemed to have lessened in its chill and instead carried a more fervent, modern feel.

A moment later, Emperor Chongzhen's imperial carriage, surrounded by a grand procession of guards and elite troops of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Divine Martial Guard, slowly drove away from the Firearms Research Institute, which was still filled with the smell of gunpowder, coal dust, and excitement, like a majestic golden dragon.

The wheels rolled over the slightly slippery stone pavement after the snow was cleared, making a shimmering sound as they drove away and eventually disappeared around the street corner in the direction of the imperial city, leaving behind only a trail of deep and shallow ruts and hoofprints.

At the entrance of the research institute, the officials who had come to see him off straightened up, bowed to each other, and talked in hushed tones, their faces still showing the excitement and awe they had felt after the visit.

The winter sun shone on them, but it couldn't dispel the burning desire in their hearts ignited by witnessing the rifles and the "Iron Fortress."

What they see today will undoubtedly become an indelible memory for the rest of their lives, and will profoundly influence their judgments about the nation's destiny and the future.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone prepared to board their respective sedan chairs or carriages and return to their respective government offices. Today was not a day off, and a mountain of official business awaited them. Moreover, having just witnessed such a powerful national weapon, many people's thoughts had already drifted to future military plans, financial arrangements, and even changes in the political landscape.

At that moment, the newly appointed Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, Hong Chengchou, did not walk towards his sedan chair. Instead, he straightened his slightly wrinkled scarlet robe, took a deep breath, and walked with steady steps toward Crown Prince Zhu Cilang, who was about to board his inconspicuous blue-curtained carriage.

"Your humble servant Hong Chengchou greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Hong Chengchou stopped beside the carriage, bowed respectfully to Zhu Cilang who had just stepped onto the platform, and spoke in a low voice.

Upon hearing the sound, Zhu Cilang stopped what he was doing, turned around, and showed a perfectly timed look of surprise on his face, which quickly turned into a gentle smile. He waved his hand and said:

"Lord Hong, there's no need for such formalities. Is there something else you need, Lord Hong?"

He looked calmly at the former Liaodong military governor who had just been promoted to the cabinet for his military achievements and "pragmatism," and he already had some guesses in his mind.

Hong Chengchou straightened up, his gaze quickly sweeping over the officials who had not yet completely dispersed and the guards around Zhu Cilang. He took half a step forward and lowered his voice, saying:
"Your Highness is wise. Your subject... does indeed have something to report to Your Highness privately. However, there are too many people around here, and I'm afraid this is not the place to discuss this in detail."

A knowing glint flashed in Zhu Cilang's eyes. He nodded, his tone casual yet carrying an undeniable resolve:
"In that case, this is certainly not the place to talk. Come with me back to the East Palace. It just so happens that I also have some matters that I would like to ask Grand Secretary Hong for help with. Get in the carriage! We will ride together."

Upon hearing this, Hong Chengchou's heart stirred slightly, and he quickly cupped his hands in greeting again:

"Your Highness's favor is too kind, this old minister obeys. However..."

He glanced at Zhu Cilang's not-so-spacious carriage, a hint of hesitation on his face. According to custom, as a subject, how could he ride in the same carriage as the crown prince without special favor? It was against etiquette.

Zhu Cilang saw his concerns, smiled indifferently, and casually said:
"what happened?"

"Your Highness's kindness is deeply appreciated. However, propriety must be observed, and I would never dare to overstep my bounds."

Hong Chengchou firmly declined. He knew his position was sensitive and he needed to be extra careful with his every move. His close association with the Crown Prince was already likely to attract gossip, and if he were to travel in the same carriage again, it might cause unnecessary trouble.

Seeing that he was unwilling, Zhu Cilang did not force him, but simply nodded:
"Well, whatever you want."

He then instructed Ma Bao, the chief eunuch of the Eastern Palace who was standing to the side:
"Prepare a horse for Lord Hong."

"Yes, Your Highness." Ma Bao responded and immediately jogged off to make the arrangements.

Hong Chengchou was not a mere scholar; he had served in the Liaodong army for a long time and was skilled in archery and horsemanship, so his horsemanship was naturally excellent.

Soon, a magnificent imperial horse was led over.

Zhu Cilang said no more and turned to board the carriage.

The carriage curtain fell, separating the inside from the outside. With the help of his guards, Hong Chengchou awkwardly but still managed to mount his horse—after all, he hadn't ridden in a long time, and being in civil official robes, his movements were inevitably a bit rusty.

He adjusted his posture, straightened his back, and kept his horse at a respectful and appropriate distance from the side and rear of the prince's carriage.

The carriage slowly started moving, and escorted by dozens of elite plainclothes guards, it headed towards the East Palace.

The horses' hooves clattered on the swept stone pavement, making a crisp, rhythmic "clatter" sound that mingled with the creaking of the carriage wheels.

Inside the carriage, it was warm and quiet, with a small charcoal brazier in the corner radiating warmth.

Zhu Cilang leaned back in the chair covered with thick velvet cushions, closing his eyes slightly to rest, but his thoughts were racing.

Hong Chengchou deliberately stayed behind to have a private talk, and he already had a pretty good idea of ​​what it was about.

Before leaving Beijing on his southern tour, in order to assess the abilities and attitude of this newly promoted high-ranking official, and also to make advance preparations for the future great war, he secretly summoned Hong Chengchou to the study in the Eastern Palace. During that conversation, he did not conceal his grand ambitions, directly revealing his intentions to Hong Chengchou—to launch a war of annihilation the Jurchen regime the following year, the seventeenth year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign, aimed at completely destroying the regime and wiping it out!

He asked Hong Chengchou to use his profound understanding of Liaodong and the Jurchens, combined with the court's current strength, to come up with a detailed strategic plan and feasibility assessment.

When Hong Chengchou heard this proposal, his shock was evident, but he quickly composed himself and said that he would do his best to plan carefully.

Now, several months have passed, and he has returned from his southern tour to Beijing. Today, he has revealed some of his "trump cards" at the Firearms Research Institute. What else could Hong Chengchou be asking for a private meeting at this time, besides reporting his thoughts on the war of annihilation?
However, judging from Hong Chengchou's solemn and worried expression and his cautious request for "secret talks," Zhu Cilang had a vague premonition that the "answer" this old minister presented would probably not be the "positive, feasible, and quick-response" solution that he most wanted to hear.

Hong Chengchou was a seasoned veteran, mature and prudent. He had personally fought against the Jurchens for many years and knew their strengths and weaknesses and how ruthless they were. His concerns must have been reasonable.

The wheels rolled on, and before long they arrived at the East Palace.

Zhu Cilang alighted from the carriage and headed straight for his study. Hong Chengchou handed the horses to the servants of the Eastern Palace and hurriedly followed.

Ma Bao had already cleverly entered ahead of time, quickly lighting several palace lanterns to dispel the gloom of the winter afternoon. He then boiled water on a small clay stove, preparing the finest pre-Qingming Longjing tea.

"Your Highness, Lord Hong, please have some tea."

Ma Bao placed two cups of clear, bright green tea, steaming hot, on the rosewood tea tables at the head and guest seats of Zhu Cilang's desk, then bowed and quietly withdrew, gently closing the heavy, carved wooden door behind him.

"crunch-"

The sound of the door closing acted as an invisible barrier, separating the inside and outside of the study.

In an instant, only Zhu Cilang and Hong Chengchou remained in the large study, along with the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire and the fragrant aroma of tea.

Zhu Cilang sat down in the large armchair in the main seat and made a "please" gesture.

Hong Chengchou thanked him and carefully sat on one side of the guest seat, maintaining his respectful posture.

Zhu Cilang picked up the teacup, gently blew away the foam, took a sip, and the warm tea soup went down his throat, bringing a refreshing fragrance and warmth, which also invigorated his spirit, which was slightly tired from days of travel and today's inspection.

He didn't rush to speak, but simply looked at Hong Chengchou with calm eyes.

Hong Chengchou also picked up his teacup, but did not drink it immediately. It seemed that he was using this action to organize his thoughts and calm his slightly tense mood.

The study was silent for a moment, with only the soft breathing of the two people.

Finally, Hong Chengchou put down his teacup, placed his hands on his knees, raised his eyes, and looked steadily at Zhu Cilang, breaking the silence first with a tone of utmost seriousness:

"Your Highness, I have taken the liberty of seeking an audience today because there is a matter concerning the fate of the nation, a matter that I cannot but speak out. Do you recall that several months ago, on the eve of your southern tour, Your Highness summoned me to this study and mentioned... your intention to carry out a decisive and annihilating campaign against the Jurchens of Liaodong next year? And you instructed me to carefully plan and assess its feasibility?"

Zhu Cilang thought to himself, "As expected," but his expression remained unchanged. He put down his teacup, tapped his fingers lightly on the smooth rosewood armrest, nodded, and said in a calm tone:
"Of course I remember. This matter concerns the safety of the nation, how could I dare to forget it? What, Grand Secretary Hong has been racking his brains for months, surely you have a plan in mind? Today is the perfect time, please speak freely."

Upon hearing this, Hong Chengchou's face did not show any relief as if the plan had been successfully completed. Instead, his brows furrowed slightly, and a complex and unfathomable look flashed in his eyes.

He sighed softly, a sigh filled with the worries and heavy sense of responsibility of an old minister. He then straightened his already ramrod-like back, met Zhu Cilang's gaze without flinching, and spoke in a slow but firm tone:
"Since Your Highness has inquired, this old minister dares not conceal anything, nor dares to flatter you with false words. Today, this old minister will humbly speak frankly about my thoughts and concerns. If there is anything inappropriate, I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

He paused, as if gathering his courage, and then spoke clearly, word by word:
"Your Highness's ambition to destroy the Jurchens is magnificent, and this old minister sincerely admires it. I also know that this is the only way to eliminate the great threat to the northern border and lay the foundation for lasting peace. However..."

His tone suddenly shifted, becoming more serious:

"However, Your Highness intends to launch this war of annihilation next year. After much deliberation and repeated consideration, this old minister believes that... the time is not yet ripe and it is too hasty! This is not because this old minister is afraid of war, but because... for the sake of the country and the war situation, I have to pour cold water on this idea!"

Zhu Cilang listened, his face remaining largely expressionless, though his fingers, which had been tapping the armrest, paused slightly before resuming their rhythm. He had anticipated that Hong Chengchou might have differing opinions, but he hadn't expected the other to be so direct, almost to the point of "offending the emperor's dignity" in his opening remarks.

He wasn't angry; he merely raised his chin slightly, as if to indicate:
"Oh? Too hasty and rushed? What makes you say that, Grand Secretary Hong? Explain in detail, I am all ears."

Seeing that the Crown Prince was not displeased by his "unpleasant words," Hong Chengchou felt somewhat relieved, but his expression became even more solemn. He began to meticulously explain, laying out one by one, the various difficulties and risks he had repeatedly considered, deduced, and calculated over the past few months. (End of this chapter)