Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 108 focuses on saving where necessary and spending where appropriate—very Zhu Yuanzhang indeed.
"Father, this is terrible, Father! What... what should we do now, Father!"

At the naval headquarters for the defense against Japanese pirates, Wu Zhong looked flustered and paced anxiously in circles.

"Why are you panicking?!"

Wu Zhen put down the imperial edict and rebuked Wu Zhong.

Wu Zhong stopped pacing around in a hurry after being scolded by his father.

I also tried to calm myself down and not panic.

But the incident happened suddenly and was extremely serious, so he simply couldn't calm down.

Even if she tries her best, her inner panic is still obvious at a glance.

It wasn't that he lacked self-control; it was just that the situation was too frightening!
Not long ago, he learned that his father and his uncle were secretly selling large ships from the Treasure Shipyard to pirates.

This matter is still in progress; the large ship has not yet arrived at sea.

Just then, the emperor's edict arrived, summoning his father to the capital to meet the emperor.

Moreover, their words were extremely impolite.

He directly told his father to immediately go back to see the emperor.

This clearly shows that the emperor has discovered what his father and uncle have done and is furious.

That's why.

Otherwise, why would the emperor suddenly become so angry with his father for no reason?
Such rude words, not leaving your father any dignity at all?

This is unprecedented!
Wu Zhong and other members of the younger generation practically grew up listening to the legendary stories of their fathers, especially the emperors.

Especially since the beginning of this year, the series of things the emperor has done have intensified his fear of the emperor.

This is far more serious than that of Wu Zhen and others who followed Zhu Yuanzhang in conquering the country.

After scolding his son, Wu Zhen took in his son's reaction.

Remembering that her son had mostly studied at the main hall and that she had rarely let him be exposed to these things, she tried hard to suppress her emotions.

It's understandable that I would react this way now that I've only just started getting into these things and have already encountered such a situation.

"No big deal."

He softened his tone and spoke.

Wu Zhong's expression did not ease at all; on the contrary, he became even more tense.

He doesn't believe a word his own father says now.

At such a critical juncture, the emperor issued such a blunt edict; isn't this a major issue?

It's clearly self-deception that it's about one's own father!

"It's not about the ship!"

Upon seeing his son, he still seemed not to have reacted, so Wu Zhen continued to explain.

Not this matter?
What could possibly have gotten involved with his father and provoked the emperor to this extent?

"It was in Laizhou that the Japanese pirates invaded and killed civilians."

Not long ago, news came that the emperor had been furious and issued an edict to the world, telling the people to prepare their knives and kill the Japanese pirates when they came.

The superiors were already extremely angry with the Japanese pirates.

Although he no longer mentions the incident of the Japanese envoy being killed, it doesn't mean he has forgotten it.

And those in power always talk about the people.

Now, the Japanese pirates he despises have killed the people he cares about.

They robbed many people of their property.

Isn't it natural for someone in a superior position to get angry?
Your father is in charge of the naval forces to defend against Japanese pirates.

Now that such a mess has occurred, isn't it perfectly normal for my superiors to be angry with me?

"what?"

Wu Zhong was taken aback upon hearing this.

"Is there still this?"

"You do not know?"

"I truly do not know."

Wu Zhong shook his head, but his expression had visibly relaxed.

Wu Zhen's disappointment also disappeared.

It's understandable that his son, unaware of the news and only knowing that the emperor had issued an edict ordering him to return to the capital in a harsh tone, would react this way.

I knew it! How could Wu Zhen's son be so cowardly?
"But Father, even so, going to see the Emperor... I'm afraid it won't be easy to get through, will it?"

After relaxing for a while, Wu Zhong couldn't help but feel a little worried again.

"It definitely won't be easy to get through."

Wu Zhen nodded.

"However, there's no need to worry too much, and it's not that sad."

Although those in power talk about the people all the time, this incident, at most, only resulted in the deaths of six peasants.

We lost some money.

It is big if you say it is big, and it is small if you say it is small.

But even if we take it a step further, it's not that big.

It's nothing more than getting a severe scolding from your superiors and having your salary reduced.

"At worst, we can dismiss a few more officials."

Wu Zhen spoke calmly and nonchalantly, seemingly unconcerned about any of this.

Dismissal? Isn't that serious enough?
Why does my father have such a special status?
It was because he commanded the Japanese naval forces.

It's not a good thing for a military general to lose his military power!

"Don't worry, even if you are dismissed, it will only be a change in your official rank, and there will be no real change."

It's nothing more than letting me take a deputy position to command the anti-Japanese naval force.

The water here, where the Japanese naval forces were prepared, was not as shallow as one might imagine.

If I, your father, am removed, no one will be able to command the Japanese naval forces.

The Japanese naval forces here are definitely going to cause a huge mess.

If Liao Yongzhong hadn't died, he would have been qualified.

Now that Liao Yongzhong is dead, the entire Ming Dynasty only has two capable naval commanders left.

One is your uncle, and the other is your father, me.

If someone else were in charge, they wouldn't be able to control this group of arrogant and fierce soldiers.

The emperor still has to rely on your father, me, to deal with the Japanese pirates and sea pirates.

As long as the pirates and Japanese pirates continue, my position will never be shaken!

Even if he's demoted, as long as he can achieve some merit, he can quickly be reinstated.

When he said this, Marquis Jinghai, Wu Zhen, was exceptionally confident.

This is not arrogance on his part, but simply the reality.

As the emperor's confidant, the irreplaceable naval commander of the Ming Dynasty, the founding marquis, and the person for whom the emperor specially reserved a place in the Temple of Meritorious Officials on Jilong Mountain.

He has the confidence to say these things.

"Father, do you think... is it possible that... the Emperor has already discovered the sale of ships?"

However, they kept it a secret and endured it without making a scene.

They were just deliberately using the example of the Japanese pirates invading Laizhou.

Was it all a deliberate attempt to create a trap, luring Father into walking into it?

Wu Zhong didn't want to say these discouraging things, but this time the incident happened suddenly, and it just so happened to coincide with his father's business of selling large ships.

When it concerned the safety of his own father and even his entire family, Wu Zhong finally spoke out.

After saying this, he seemed somewhat uneasy as he awaited his father's reprimand.

Wu Liang's subsequent reaction did not disappoint him at all.

"Can't you think of anything positive? Are you just hoping I die so you can inherit the title?!"

Wu Zhen, clutching the iron walnut, scolded his son.

The fact that Wu Zhen could say such things to his son at this moment shows that he was not as calm as he claimed.

Wu Zhong knelt down on the ground.

"Father, that's not what I meant!"
"I'm really scared, what if things take a turn for the worse..."

Wu Zhen took a deep breath, suppressing some negative emotions in his heart: "Get up, I know you didn't mean that."

These words are already a tacit admission of guilt and wrongdoing.

Wu Zhong naturally wouldn't stand up for his father and leave him with no way to back down.

Upon hearing this, he obediently stood up.

"There is absolutely no way the emperor could find out about this."

This is the fourth time they've done this.

These people know exactly where to pay attention, where to be cautious, and what to guard against.

Moreover, from the Longjiang Shipyard all the way to the sea, the entire process was under the control of your uncle and your father.

Some people say that the land is under the emperor's control, while the water is under the control of the Wu family. I have already reprimanded them and forbade them from saying such things.

But when you really think about it, there's some truth to it.

That's not an exaggeration.

This statement also reveals some of the power and influence our family has.

There will definitely be no surprises in this matter.

The Emperor summoned me to the capital this time, certainly not for this matter.

Wu Zhen slowly recounted the events to his son, revealing some details.

He felt it was necessary to let his son understand his own strength so that he wouldn't underestimate himself.

Wu Zhong nodded, indicating his agreement with his father's words.

The iron walnut in Wu Zhen's hand began to slowly spin again, making a soft clicking sound.

After a while, just as Wu Zhong was about to leave, Wu Zhen's voice rang out again.

"Your concerns are not without merit. In military campaigns, one should worry about defeat before considering victory."

Although such a thing is highly unlikely to happen, we still have to consider the worst-case scenario.

When I enter the capital, in addition to the entourage that comes with me, I will arrange for some other people to secretly accompany me.

Once I arrive in the capital, if the emperor truly shows no mercy and decides to kill me, what will happen?

They would risk their lives to send the message back.

Then you should not hesitate for a moment and immediately lead your troops out to sea.

Do not raise the flag of rebellion. Even if you have actually rebelled, never say that you have rebelled.

This fig leaf cannot be torn off.

Otherwise, given the current emperor's temperament, he would definitely launch a fierce attack on you.

Do not believe anything or try to accept any offer of amnesty or similar terms.

The idea of ​​returning to life in the Ming Dynasty must be completely abandoned.

The emperor was a person who refused to suffer losses and held grudges.

The emperor will not forgive such a thing.

If you believe these words and return to land, you will only face death.

It's better to be carefree and at ease at sea or on an island.

They can live a peaceful life.

Don't worry about my life or death or your uncle's.

Only when you take enough people out there, stabilize the situation, and become stronger, will we be safer.

The less likely the emperor is to take action against us.

If you surrender, we're all truly doomed!

"Dad, this..."

Wu Zhongshi really didn't expect that his father would suddenly say such a thing.

This is practically like giving one's last words.

I felt both panicked and uneasy.

"No need for further words, just remember what I told you."

Your father was a soldier, he's been through countless deaths, and he's been to the gates of hell countless times.

It doesn't matter whether it's auspicious or not; it's just auspicious sayings, no need to take it too seriously.

Wu Zhen waved his hand to stop Wu Zhong from saying what he was about to say.

"Among our naval forces prepared against the Japanese, Liu Dabao, Zhao Tong, Feng Dadan, Zhou Liang, Ma Zhu, Sun Yong, and Qian Deshou are trustworthy. They are my true confidants."

These people will be key when we actually go to sea in the future.

“Luo Dapao, Wang Deyong, Feng San, Jiang Guo, Jiang Qiang, Fang Yong and others are not trustworthy and need to be guarded against. These are Fang Guozhen’s former subordinates.”

"We need to be careful at sea, or even eliminate them, lest we be sold off."

"Zhu Tong, Chen Dashan... these people are Chen Youding's former subordinates, they are equally untrustworthy..."

After explaining it to Wu Zhong, I was afraid he wouldn't remember it.

Wu Zhen thought for a moment, then picked up a pen and wrote down all the names on the paper, along with their positions.

His handwriting wasn't very good; it was crooked and messy, but it was still legible.

Not everyone from humble beginnings can put in the same amount of hard work in their studies as Zhu Yuanzhang did after achieving some success.

After letting the ink dry, he asked Wu Zhong to put the paper away. After thinking for a moment, he handed over two iron walnuts that were particularly smooth and shiny to Wu Zhong.

"Take these two little gadgets. With them around, Zhao Tong, Feng Dadan, Zhou Liang, and Ma Zhu will listen to you and act accordingly."

Wu Zhong was reluctant to accept it, but Wu Zhen simply shoved it into his hand.

"Just take it. I said before that the title would be yours sooner or later. In fact, not only the title, but all of these things are yours too."

Besides, this isn't a matter of life and death; it's just a precaution.

Realizing that his words had made the atmosphere too heavy.

Wu Zhen's tone became lighter...

Wu Zhong's eyes were a little red...

……

Half a day later, Wu Zhen, accompanied by a small number of entourage, came ashore and rode a fast horse toward the capital.

He knew that the person in charge was impatient, and since he had received such an imperial edict, the sooner he arrived in the capital, the better.

Otherwise, what might initially be minor issues can easily escalate into major problems if delayed for too long...

……

Wu Zhong clutched two iron walnuts tightly in his hand as he watched his father leave.

Only after Wu Zhen's figure had disappeared for a long time did he turn around and head towards the naval headquarters for defending against Japanese pirates.

His heart was heavy, and his steps were heavy too. He felt that the two iron walnuts in his hands were heavy, as if they weighed a thousand pounds and were about to weigh him down so that he could not straighten his back.

In the past, with his father around, he didn't feel anything was wrong.

Now that his father had left, leaving him to face the vast naval headquarters responsible for defending against Japanese pirates, and the large number of naval personnel involved, he suddenly realized how heavy this burden was.

After walking heavily for a while, he suddenly shook his head and smiled.

I've been overthinking things.

His father was only going to see the emperor; he would be dealt with briefly and return soon.

The responsibility of preparing for the Japanese navy doesn't need to be borne by us.

The thought that crossed Wu Zhong's mind actually made him feel much more at ease...

……

The flags of the Ming Dynasty, as well as the flags unique to the Chaohu Navy, fluttered in the wind on the boats.

Zhu Di stood on the deck, the wind blowing his dragon robe, making him stand out conspicuously among the fleet of ships of the Chaohu Navy that was moving along.

Even Yu Tongyuan, the Marquis of Nan'an and the current head of the Chaohu Navy, dared not look directly at him in his imperial robes.

Zhu Di lowered his head slightly, looking at his majestic dragon robe, then raised his head again to look at the vast sea.

All he had ever possessed that he could show off was this imperial robe.

Now, he also needs to work hard to do something.

We must be worthy of this imperial robe we wear!
……

Today, the Firearms Bureau seemed particularly unusual.

Of course, it wasn't because Tao Chengdao and his men were setting up firearms and accidentally caused a huge explosion.

It was because many Imperial Guards had placed the Firearms Bureau under martial law.

As the Jinyiwei were newly established, they did not yet have their iconic attire, such as the flying fish robe and the embroidered spring knife.

Of course, this was also largely due to the fact that Zhu Yuanzhang did not have much money, and the Ming Dynasty had many urgent needs for funds.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that the Jinyiwei's attire was already quite good and could be used for a few more years.

When it becomes unusable, it will be replaced, moving towards items like the flying fish robe and the embroidered spring knife.

The main idea is to save where you can and spend where you can.

It is full of Zhu Yuanzhang's style.

Everyone in the Firearms Bureau is on edge right now. Even Tao Chengdao, who is obsessed with firearms and doesn't care much about external things, is feeling very uneasy.

What do government officials fear most? It's when higher-level officials come down to inspect their work.

What are you most afraid of?
There was absolutely no prior warning; they conducted a surprise inspection.

That's exactly the situation the Firearms Bureau is facing now.

Moreover, the one who came to conduct the surprise inspection was none other than the emperor, the supreme ruler of the Ming Dynasty.

This is many times more intense and exciting than an inspection by a higher-level government!
It would be strange if Tao Chengdao and the people from the Ordnance Bureau could remain indifferent.

If the emperor discovers something during his investigation, or if there's something they haven't noticed that violates the emperor's taboos, they'll be in deep trouble.

"Tao Wanhu, take a look at this."

Zhu Yuanzhang noticed the occasional stench of urine emanating from the firearms bureau but paid it no mind.

He then took out something and handed it to Tao Chengdao.

Tao Chengdao was granted the title of Wanhu by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Later, a reform was carried out, abolishing the ten-thousand-household system inherited from the Yuan Dynasty, with the highest level only reaching one thousand households.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang specifically ordered that Tao Chengdao's title of "Ten Thousand Households" not be revoked, and that it remain as such.

None of their benefits were reduced.

The reason is simple: Tao Chengdao had been following him for a long time.

Furthermore, they were truly capable in the research and development and manufacturing of firearms.

It can be said that, thanks to him and the apprentices he led, they managed to significantly improve the level of firearms in their area.

In the Battle of Poyang Lake, if it weren't for the fact that we had moved the cannons that Tao Chengdao and his men had brought to the ships, we would have been able to win.

This battle, which is crucial to me and not easy to fight, will likely be even more perilous if I want to win.

At that time, I realized the importance of firearms.

Of course, they only grasped the surface, or perhaps they didn't even grasp the surface.

After arriving in the modern era and witnessing various modern weapons, Zhu Yuanzhang realized how superficial and laughable his understanding of firearms was.

Firearms have great potential!
Firearms are the future!

In this situation, Tao Chengdao, who had made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty and was now a recognized master in the field of firearms, was a figure of great importance.

Zhu Yuanzhang certainly wouldn't be too harsh.

Tao Chengdao took the item handed to him by Zhu Yuanzhang and examined it carefully.

It felt both familiar and strange.

The reason for this is that it is a common copper caliper that Tao Chengdao frequently uses in his daily work.

It is used to measure length, thickness, and depth.

However, this brass caliper is different from the ones we use every day.

A small ruler with markings has been added to the top; it can be moved or fixed in place.

Tao Chengdao didn't understand for a moment how this thing was used, or what purpose the small ruler could serve.

"This is a new ruler we developed, called a vernier caliper. It will make measuring things much more accurate."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't keep Tao Chengdao in suspense and explained the situation to him.

Calipers are not a rare thing; they have existed for a long time and are now standard equipment for more advanced craftsmen in the Ming Dynasty.

In modern times, Zhu Yuanzhang also saw bronze calipers unearthed from the Han Dynasty.

Some people have even specifically labeled it as Wang Mang's work, making it strong evidence that Wang Mang was a time traveler.

Zhu Yuanzhang naturally knew this was a joke.

Bronze calipers and vernier calipers share many structural similarities, but bronze calipers lack the vernier component.

In terms of accuracy, they are far inferior.

To achieve large-scale operations, the first step is to institutionalize and standardize them.

The benefits of standardizing writing, unifying cart tracks, and standardizing weights and measures have already been clearly explained to the world by the First Emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who returned from the modern era, had a deeper understanding of this.

Since he intends to push the Ming Dynasty down a completely different path, there are many things that need to be done.

Vernier calipers are just a small part of this.

"This is how you use it..."

Zhu Yuanzhang then took the vernier caliper from Tao Chengdao, beckoned Tao Chengdao and the rest of the firearms bureau to come closer, and personally demonstrated to them how to use it.

The tool was not complicated to use, and since calipers were frequently used, Tao Chengdao and the others quickly mastered it after Zhu Yuanzhang's demonstration and explanation.

Tao Chengdao marveled at it and couldn't put it down.

With just this small addition, the accuracy has improved so much.

In the future, the accuracy of guns and cannons will certainly be higher.

"We have a request for you: from now on, we need to develop the most suitable standard for all firearms, including guns and cannons."

From now on, when firearms are produced, everyone, regardless of who is in charge, must strictly adhere to this standard.

The work is inspected by specialized personnel, and any that fails to meet the standards are sent back for redo.

The goal is to ensure that, for any two firearms of the same model, their parts are interchangeable without affecting their use.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his voice and addressed the crowd.

Then his gaze fell on Tao Chengdao: "Tao Wanhu, you are the master here. You know best what kind of firearms are the best to make."

I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you with this matter.

Tao Cheng said, "Your Majesty, it is only right, it is only right."

Tao Chengdao, a master craftsman of firearms with a rather bad temper, readily agreed.

He was very easy to talk to when facing Zhu Yuanzhang.

This was certainly not because not long ago, the emperor bypassed the Secretariat, the Ministry of Works, and the Arsenal, and directly allocated 50,000 strings of cash to their firearms battalion, allowing them to study the use of firearms.

Rather, it was because he himself held the emperor in high esteem.

Putting everything else aside, just the fact that the emperor was able to lead his people, drive out the Tartars, and re-establish a Han Chinese dynasty would make Tao Chengdao always have the utmost respect for the emperor.

Not to mention, recently the emperor has also given some amazing and invaluable advice on firearms.

"However... Your Majesty, if we really do this, I'm afraid the speed of firearm production will decrease significantly in the future..."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "It's alright. Slow and steady wins the race. If we stay calm, we'll produce plenty of grain."

At first, if we strictly require everyone to follow the standards, many people will definitely find it difficult to adapt.

But after a while, it will get better.

The biggest advantage of standardized products is that once they are manufactured on a large scale, repairs become easier and less troublesome.

Many of them don't require a complete overhaul; you only need to replace a part.

So even if it's a little difficult at first, you should still do it.

On this matter, Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude was very clear and resolute.

These words were not directed at the firearms battalion; he would also be bringing in people from the Secretariat and the Ministry of Works.

Establish corresponding standards for all kinds of things and strictly enforce them.

Doing this will only bring benefits in the long run...

"Everyone, go your separate ways and do what you need to do."

After recounting these events, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the crowd and began to speak.

Since the emperor had ordered them to leave, no one present dared to disobey.

They immediately bowed and left.

For a time, only Zhu Yuanzhang, Liu Ying, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Tao Chengdao, and his two disciples remained.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not speak and walked straight ahead.

Further inside lies the heavily guarded area of ​​the firearms battalion, a place where ordinary personnel of the firearms battalion are not allowed to enter.

The emperor's visit here clearly indicates that he has something important to see and something important to say...

……

"What?! The Emperor has discovered the sale of the ships?!"

Marquis Wu Liang of Jiangyin jumped up, terrified!
(End of this chapter)