My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

Ming Dynasty

"Hehe! These things from later generations are really good; they tricked them into willingly handing over their silver!"

Old Zhu chuckled as he looked at the financial report in his hand, his smile practically overflowing.

"Biao'er, look at this! In later generations, this kind of handicraft would only cost a few hundred taels of silver, but here in our Ming Dynasty, people are willing to spend tens of thousands of taels of silver to buy it, and they're even fighting over it; you can't buy it without fighting for it!"

Old Zhu looked on with a sigh.

"That's why we say that kid is a real genius!"

Zhu Biao smiled upon hearing this and stepped forward.

"Father... While the things of later generations may be good, our Great Ming should also rely on our own production. Only what we make ourselves truly belongs to us."

Zhu Yuanzhang's smile faded slightly as he glanced at Zhu Biao.

What are your ideas?

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you establish the Great Ming Academy of Science and Technology!"

Zhu Biao's tone was firm.

"To gather skilled craftsmen from all over the world, to research the principles of science and technology, improve the devices, and pass on the techniques for our Great Ming Dynasty."

After Zhu Biao finished speaking, he looked at Old Zhu.

"Furthermore, modeled after the Imperial Academy, we will establish the Great Ming New School, with five departments: agriculture and sericulture, water conservancy, military industry, mathematics, and mechanics. We will recruit the most skilled craftsmen in the country to be our teachers, award them the title of Doctor, and admit talented young people from the common people to study their principles, not only teaching them their skills."

"Following the model of the imperial examination, a new science subject was established, running parallel to the Jinshi subject. It consisted of three tests: mathematics, physics, and practical skills. Those who passed were assigned to positions in the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Arsenal, allowing those with practical knowledge to enter the inner circle."

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

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Zhu Biao originally thought that his father would definitely agree immediately.

Even if they don't agree, they'll definitely say something.

For example, criticizing him for being too hasty and not taking big steps all at once.

Alternatively, you could first praise his idea as excellent, and then criticize and correct his shortcomings.

Just like when he was reviewing memorials and asking for his opinion.

Praise him if he's right, and correct him with a smile if he's wrong, or teach him little by little.

But never before have they been so silent, and for so long.

Zhu Biao looked at his father.

But I found that the smile that had appeared on his face because of the financial report had completely disappeared. He was neither angry nor asked any questions, and was calm like never before.

Zhu Biao's hands hung down, and a thin layer of sweat had already seeped from his back.

Zhu Biao, who was familiar with Zhu Yuanzhang, knew his father's temperament well.

The more silent one is, the deeper the suspicion in one's heart becomes; the calmer one appears, the bigger the problem lies!

"Why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, his tone unusually calm.

Zhu Biao straightened his expression and used the speech he had prepared beforehand.

"Father should also know that the difference between later generations and us lies in our skills."

"Their weapons, means of transportation, and everything else are superior to ours."

"In my Great Ming Dynasty, artisans were trapped in hereditary systems, with skills passed down from father to son and from son to grandson. They kept it hidden and didn't talk about it. If they made a mistake, they could only rely on trial and error based on experience. As a result, many good skills were lost."

"Farmers rely entirely on old methods to cultivate the land, and when drought or flood occurs, they reap no harvest at all."

"The Ordnance Bureau manufactures firearms, but because they don't understand fire control calculations, they're lucky if they can produce three out of ten!"

After speaking, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, wanting to see what his father's attitude was.

But Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent, instead picking up the jade ruyi from his desk and playing with it.

"Go on."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a while.

"During my years as regent, I have been tossing and turning at night, looking at the Ministry of Revenue's grain tax accounts, the Ordnance Bureau's scrap list, and the disaster reports from local officials."

"These things from later generations can make us money for a while, but they can't protect the Ming Dynasty's peace and stability for a lifetime."

"If we can establish science and technology institutes, open new schools, and introduce new imperial examinations, allowing craftsmen to study the principles, students to pass on their skills, and the capable to hold positions of power, within ten years, our Great Ming will be able to improve agricultural tools, refine firearms, increase grain taxes, stabilize border towns, enrich the people, and transform the entire Great Ming!"

"This is the true way to last!"

"Who told you that?"

"This is not something I heard from anyone, but rather something I felt inspired by seeing the prosperity of later generations."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly narrowed his eyes.

Those eyes, which had witnessed countless mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and had brought peace to the world, were now half-closed, yet they were more chilling than wide-open, angry eyes.

The silence in the hall suddenly froze, and even the smoke rising from the incense burner seemed to stop in mid-air.

Only the occasional gust of wind passing by the window made the silence seem even heavier, like a waterlogged lead weight pressing down on Zhu Biao's heart.

Just as Zhu Biao was filled with apprehension and almost bowed to beg for forgiveness.

Zhu Yuanzhang finally spoke, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger, calm yet seemingly joking.

"Why the sudden change of heart? In the past, you only thought about benevolent governance and the importance of history and classics for governing the world. Now you're so interested in these craftsmen's tricks. Have you been bewitched by Chen Mo?"

Zhu Biao felt a chill run down his spine and immediately bowed his head, his tone becoming increasingly earnest.

"Your Majesty, you are wise! Your son did not act on impulse. It is only after witnessing the prosperity of later generations that I deeply understand the importance of technology! The advancements of later generations are all thanks to science and technology!"

"real?"

"real!"

Zhu Biao raised his head and met Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze with an open and honest look.

"Only science and technology can bring prosperity to a nation! If our Great Ming Dynasty wants to be as prosperous as it is in later generations, technological development is essential!!!"

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at Zhu Biao, trying to read something from his face.

But Zhu Biao's face was so sincere, with no other expression, that it was impossible to see what he wanted to see.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent, tapping his fingers on the imperial desk, the tapping sound echoing in the hall.

"Biao'er..."

Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang spoke again.

He raised his head and looked at Zhu Biao, his gaze filled with an almost overflowing coldness.

"Tell me the truth..."

"Are these thoughts truly your own? Or did you hear something Chen Mo said? Heard something you shouldn't have heard? And that's why you're thinking of doing something?"