The Young Dragon of the Ming Dynasty: Bound to an Industrial Blueprint from the Start

"Master Sun," Lin Xiuniang's voice trembled slightly, but was firm, "I, I will definitely do my best."

Lin Xiuniang was dressed in clean coarse cloth clothes, her hair was neatly combed, and although her face showed the marks of life, her eyes were bright.

As she spoke, she took out a small cloth bag from her bosom, opened it, and inside were several dried osmanthus and jasmine flowers, as well as some dried flowers that Sun San didn't recognize.

"I dried this myself. When I was cleaning the equipment that day, I discovered that although the wine was light in flavor, it preserved the floral aroma very well. If I could improve it a bit more..."

A flicker of eagerness flashed in her eyes, "Perhaps we really can make something good."

Sun San looked at her, then at the documents. "Your Highness, are you trying to push all of them to the forefront and let them shine?"

"Great!" He slapped his thigh. "That's settled then! Where's Dr. Wu?"

"Here it is." Doctor Wu came in, leaning on his cane, holding a wooden box in his hand, his face full of excitement. "Master Sun, look at this!"

Inside the wooden box were several small porcelain bottles, each labeled: "Original Wound Cleansing Solution", "70% Wound Cleansing Solution", "50% Wound Cleansing Solution", and "30% Wound Cleansing Solution".

"I tried different concentrations," Dr. Wu said excitedly. "A 70% concentration works best; it cleans quickly, causes less pain, and is less likely to damage healthy tissue. A 50% concentration is milder and suitable for shallow wounds. A 30% concentration is a bit like medicinal wine and can be taken internally to dispel cold!"

He opened a porcelain bottle containing a pale yellow liquid that emitted a pungent but not overpowering smell of alcohol.

"This is a tea infusion with honeysuckle and dandelion added. I tried it, and it's even more effective for redness, swelling, heat, and pain!"

Sun San was shocked.

It's only been a few days? How could Dr. Wu have already conducted so many experiments?

"Dr. Wu, what's wrong?"

"I haven't accomplished much in my life," said Physician Wu, his eyes burning with fervor.

"But if we can figure out this 'Wound Cleansing Dew' and save hundreds or thousands of wounded soldiers, then my life will have been worthwhile!"

The cave was quiet for a moment.

The oil lamp crackled, illuminating three faces of different ages and backgrounds.

Sun San, an honest and simple craftsman leader; Wu Langzhong, a frustrated barefoot doctor; Lin Xiuniang, a widow of a soldier who died in battle on the border.

They were originally just ordinary villagers in Xishan Village, who stayed because of a meal and a place to live.

But now, the young prince has given them a chance, a chance not only to survive, but also to live a meaningful life.

"Then let's," Sun San took a deep breath, "do as the boss says! The Immortal Brewshop, the Medicinal Wine Shop, and the Fragrant Dew Shop shall be officially established from today onwards!"

He turned and ordered the peasant youths Li Wei had brought: "You, divide into three shifts and guard this place day and night. No one is allowed to approach without my and Steward Guo's orders!"

"yes!"

As night deepened, Xishan Villa gradually quieted down.

But the cave in the back mountain was brightly lit.

The people in the three workshops were all busy: Sun San was leading the old craftsmen to debug the new distillation equipment; Wu Langzhong was carefully recording experimental data under the lamp; and Lin Xiuniang was carefully processing the dried flowers, trying different soaking ratios.

They were unaware that they were participating in an "experiment" that could potentially change the fate of many people.

And all of this started with a blueprint in the mind of a four-year-old child.

At the beginning of Hai hour, at the Crown Prince's residence.

Zhu Zhanji had already lay down, but his eyes were wide open.

Chuntao tiptoed in and placed a small brocade box beside his pillow.

"Your Highness, it was sent from Mingyue Tower," Chun Tao whispered.

"Manager Qian said that the tasting event was a great success. Xu Hanlin wrote an inscription, the young master Zhu from the imperial family wanted to buy everything, and Manager Shen wanted to discuss long-term cooperation."

Zhu Zhanji sat up and opened the brocade box.

Inside are the four characters "清泉流火" (Qingquan Liuhuo) inscribed by Xu Huaiyuan, written with vigorous strokes and a fitting artistic conception.

"Clear spring and flowing fire," he murmured, a smile playing on his lips. "This old gentleman knows his wine."

He then read Qian Lai's detailed report, especially the part about Manager Shen and the two mysterious spies.

"The Shen family," Zhu Zhanji pondered for a moment, "let them wait and see, it's not the right time yet."

He put the report aside and looked at Chun Tao: "What about Xishan Manor?"

"Master Sun has already set up the three workshops as you instructed."

As Chuntao spoke, she took out two more documents. "These are Dr. Wu's experimental records, and these are Madam Lin's initial ideas."

Zhu Zhanji examined it carefully, a look of satisfaction appearing in his eyes.

Wu Langzhong's efficiency exceeded his expectations.

Different concentrations of wound cleansing lotion, and an improved version with herbal soaking.

Lin Niangzi's idea of ​​using flower dew was an unexpected delight.

Although there were "fragrant dews" and "floral waters" in this era, they were mostly extracted from natural flower liquids, had a short shelf life, and were expensive.

Using the tail liquor of distillation as a base liquor is a clever idea that preserves the floral aroma while reducing costs.

"Tell Sun San," Zhu Zhanji carefully chose his words.

"At the medical wine shop, let Dr. Wu continue the experiments. The key is to determine the optimal concentration and applicable range of 'Cleansing Wound Lotion'. We can add two more people to his team, but they must be absolutely reliable."

"At Xianglu Workshop, do your best to meet any needs Madam Lin has. Let her try boldly, and don't be afraid of failure."

"Xianniangfang, proceed steadily and surely as originally planned. After sending out the first batch of five bottles, do not send out any more in large quantities for the time being. Let the word-of-mouth spread further."

Chuntao wrote them down one by one.

After finishing their business, Zhu Zhanji suddenly asked, "Chuntao, do you think I should be honest with my father?"

Chun Tao was stunned: "Your Highness, you mean..."

"Drunken Immortal Wine, Wound Cleansing Dew, and other things that might be made later." Zhu Zhanji looked at the moonlight outside the window:

"The truth will eventually come out; Father will find out sooner or later. Rather than letting him hear it from others, it's better to..."

He didn't finish speaking.

Chuntao understood. She thought for a moment and said cautiously:

"Your Highness, I believe that His Highness truly cares for you. However, matters of the court are complex, and His Highness also has his own difficulties."

If I suddenly found out that you've done so many things in private,

"Will you be angry? Disappointed? Or... wary?" Zhu Zhanji finished speaking for her.

Chun Tao didn't dare to reply.

The study fell silent.

After a long silence, Zhu Zhanji said softly, "You're right. It's not the right time yet. We should wait until I can produce something tangible to prove that what I'm doing isn't just nonsense, but rather a way to help him."

He recalled the conversation he had overheard outside the study during the day: the border troops suffering from frostbite, losses incurred during the canal transport, and a shortage of funds.

"Chuntao, when you leave the manor tomorrow, tell Guo Sheng something." Zhu Zhanji sat up straight, his eyes sharpening.

"Have him find a way to send a batch of 'Cleansing Wound Dew' to Xuanfu Town for trial use through Zhang Wu's connections. Don't mention me; just say that a folk doctor obtained it by chance and is giving it away to the border troops for free."

"Why?" Chun Tao asked, puzzled.

Zhu Zhanji didn't explain, he just waved his hand and said, "Go, I'm tired."