The eldest grandson of Emperor Ming Dynasty!

Chapter 201 Possibility of Building a Daming Track
On the outskirts of the city, the Gunpowder Department.

Coming to the Gunpowder Department again, Zhu Ying could clearly feel a big difference, but just after entering, there was a smell of gunpowder smoke.

Obviously, in just half a month, the progress of Ye Yueqing's guidance here is quite different.

There was no news of Zhu Ying's arrival, and Ye Yueqing, who got the news, rushed over immediately. At this time, Ye Yueqing's face was dark, and it was obvious that he was still experimenting in person not long ago.

"I've met my boss." Ye Yueqing didn't realize the strangeness on his face, and became a little excited when he saw Dong's expression.

"It seems that the progress of the matchlock gun is going well." Zhu Ying walked up to Ye Yueqing, took out a handkerchief from her pocket, and handed it over.

He signaled Ye Yueqing to wipe it off.

There was a blush on the dark face, and Ye Yueqing realized the strangeness on his face.

After taking the handkerchief from the owner, she was still a little reluctant to use it, but under the gaze of the owner, she turned her head slightly and began to wipe it carefully.

After wiping, looking at the dirty handkerchief, Ye Yueqing lowered his head and said, "After cleaning the master, I will give it to the master."

Zhu Ying nodded lightly, did not continue with the handkerchief, and then asked, "What's the situation with the matchlock gun?"

Hearing the owner's question about the matchlock gun, Ye Yueqing cheered up immediately, and began to report:
"According to the orders of the boss, the subordinates began to disassemble and build the matchlock gun, especially the power-storing lathe made by the carpenters transferred from the Bingzhan Bureau, and the progress is very fast now."

Following Ye Yueqing's narration, Zhu Ying began to gradually understand the current production situation of matchlock guns, and also understood why the gunpowder department smelled so much.

Before Ye Yueqing came, Zhu Ying had taught him individually based on matchlock guns and even gunpowder.

Of course, Zhu Ying's teachings are mostly theoretical things, such as disassembling and building matchlock guns, mixing gunpowder, and purifying them.

The most important thing is about the power storage lathe.

These carpenters who came over are all at the level of master masters. The carpenters in Daming today are able to work in the military battle bureau, almost all of them have inheritance.

When Ye Yue counted out her own requirements, within two days, the carpenter jointly made a power-storage car that could polish the barrel of a gun.

Even several styles appeared directly.

Carpenters, in today's Ming Dynasty, are very similar to later generations of scientists, not to mention that the two hundred great carpenters are all at the level of master craftsmen, and they can make many things with ease.

Don't underestimate the wisdom of the ancients. Once you understand the mortise and tenon structure, you will know how superb the carpenter's skills are. Things like power lathes are really not worth mentioning.

From the perspective of carpenters, this thing is actually no different from a spinning wheel.

Aiming at matchlock guns, several power-storage lathes for fireballs appeared, and soon these lathes were produced in large quantities.

Except for the previous sample matchlock guns that were made of refined iron, the current matchlock guns are all made of copper.

After the power storage lathe was completed, the assembly line processing concept that Zhu Ying passed on was also well arranged by Ye Yueqing.

After completing the production of matchlock guns and fireballs, Ye Yueqing turned his attention to the purification and proportioning of gunpowder.

In the past six or seven days, experiments have been carried out in different stages to refine the proportion of gunpowder.

"The output of matchlock guns has initially begun to increase. After the steps are refined, many apprentices can get started very quickly, especially the rifling inside the barrel. The carpenters have also made new methods."

"At present, the minimum output of matchlock guns is more than [-] per month. When the scale is increased later, more can be produced."

Ye Yueqing said a little excitedly.From no more than a few dozen sticks per month to now five hundred sticks per month, and even thousands of sticks per month later.

It won't take long to equip the army on a large scale.

After finishing speaking, Ye Yueqing said with some annoyance: "It's just about the ratio of gunpowder. It hasn't made much progress yet. The subordinates have changed it many times, but they still don't feel any change in power. It seems that there is not much difference."

Hearing this, Zhu Ying said comfortingly, "You are already very good. To reach this situation in half a month is far beyond my imagination."

Zhu Ying was really shocked. He came here this time just to see if there was anything wrong with the power storage lathe, or to rely on the memory of his previous life to give pointers and speed up the progress.

However, he didn't expect everything to go so smoothly, and the process was faster than he had imagined.

In fact, Zhu Ying didn't know, it had a lot to do with the current situation of Daming.

First of all, Zhu Yuanzhang attached great importance to firearms and armaments, so no matter what type of work the military battle bureau is, the salary offered is relatively generous for the current Ming Dynasty.

In terms of quality, Zhu Yuanzhang's requirements are extremely strict. All the armaments produced must be engraved with the code name of the producer. Once there are defective products, they must be held accountable.

With a two-pronged approach, the Daming Military Bureau has gathered a large number of outstanding talents, and the method of accountability also forces everyone to dare not take it lightly when working.

With such a foundation, all this will go so smoothly. If it is changed to the end of the Ming Dynasty, it will be considered extremely good to achieve this result in a year or so.

"For the ratio of gunpowder, tell me about the experimental method." Zhu Ying couldn't help asking.

Ye Yueqing replied: "According to the method given by the boss, the subordinates will refine it according to the ratio of one nitrate, two sulfide and three charcoal, and reduce other impurities as much as possible, but there is no effect yet."

Zhu Ying nodded. Naturally, the best formula for gunpowder cannot be found out in a short time, but this thing has a general direction, and it shouldn't take long.

"Take your time, summarize the previous ratios, and record all the methods. Naturally, it won't take long." Zhu Ying persuaded.

Hearing this, Ye Yueqing said helplessly: "It's just the boss, the subordinates tested these formulas and found that the difference in power seems to be almost the same."

Zhu Ying frowned and asked, "How did you conduct the formula test?"

Ye Yueqing didn't think much about it, and directly said his way.

Hearing the method described by Ye Yueqing, Zhu Ying couldn't help but smile.

No wonder the gunpowder department has such a strong smell of gunpowder. It turned out that Ye Yueqing did it in order to save money, so the proportions were directly made into the fire bombs, and he tested the matchlock gun by the way.

"How can you experiment with formulas like this? You can't see the changes in power at all." Zhu Ying said.

"Then what should this subordinate do?" Ye Yueqing asked vaguely.

Zhu Ying explained: "Subtle changes can hardly be reflected in fireballs. At this time, you can increase the dose of gunpowder and use artillery to test the formula. The effect will be more obvious when the artillery blasts out."

Hearing this, Ye Yueqing suddenly realized that she had gotten into a dead end, she didn't think of such a simple truth, and felt a little ashamed.

"You have already done a good job. The research and development of firearms cannot make a huge leap overnight. I believe that under your leadership, the Gunpowder Department can achieve success soon."

Seeing Ye Yueqing's expression, Zhu Ying couldn't help smiling, and said comfortingly.

"The subordinates will definitely do their best." After being praised by his boss, Ye Yueqing felt his whole body was full of energy.

Afterwards, Zhu Ying and Ye Yueqing chatted for a few words before preparing to leave.

It is estimated that from next month, Xuanjiawei will be able to introduce firecrackers.

Seeing that Zhu Ying was about to leave, Ye Yueqing hesitated a bit and said: "Boss, regarding Princess Zhao Xiangxi of Korea, my subordinates have recently discovered that she is very active in firearms, and seems to want to find out the secrets of firearms."

"Especially the matchlock gun, and the gunpowder formula, the subordinates are worried that it will be leaked."

Speaking of this, Ye Yueqing added with some hesitation: "Zhao Xiangxi has participated in the production of matchlock guns, fireballs, and gunpowder formulas, and has put forward many useful suggestions, so I ask for instructions on how to deal with it."

Hearing this, Zhu Ying said with a smile: "If she can speed up the progress of the matchlock gun, naturally there is no need to separate it. Besides, a small Fengyang Zhao family can jump as much water as possible."

After speaking, Zhu Ying thought for a while, and continued: "Tell her, if she can follow up with matchlock guns, fireballs, and gunpowder formulas, she will have enough credit."

"The Zhao family in Fengyang, Gaoli can give some care."

Hearing this, Ye Yueqing lost her mind.

During this period of time, Zhao Xiangxi completely let go of her body and stayed with Ye Yueqing.

From a psychological point of view, as a woman, Ye Yueqing was suddenly given a heavy responsibility by her boss. For Ye Yueqing, the psychological pressure was relatively high, and she was afraid that she would not be able to do well.

Zhao Xiangxi was already good at communication. At this time, the familiar Zhao Xiangxi gradually became Ye Yueqing's friend, or best friend.

Ye Yueqing's thinking is still very upright, even though her favorability towards Zhao Xiangxi has increased recently, she has to explain to her boss when it comes to Zhao Xiangxi's identity.

Fortunately, the boss didn't have much dislike towards Zhao Xiangxi, otherwise Zhao Xiangxi who knew too many secrets, in Ye Yueqing's view, could only be ruthless.

Daming Palace, Canopy Hall.

Many princes and grandchildren's guesses about Zhu Ying's identity quickly reached Zhu Yuanzhang's ears.

"It seems that the identity of our eldest grandson will soon be spread. By the way, Quan'er and Yun Yun, Yun Xi and the others, didn't they say anything."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked Liu He, the eunuch and eunuch.

Liu Helai was responsible for collecting and conveying the news from the palace.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Seventeenth Prince and the two grandsons did not disclose the identity of His Highness the eldest grandson." Liu He replied respectfully.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "We are not surprised that Quan'er and Yunxi are like this. I didn't expect Yunwen to do the same. It seems that the meeting between Yunwen and his grandson last time had a profound impact on Yunxuan."

Zhu Yuanzhang's exclamation, Liu He would not take up the blame under normal circumstances.

Jiang Yu also remained silent.

After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, he gave Liu He the memorial he had just read, and said, "Let Da Sun take a look at this coastal information."

"I obey the order." Liu He took it with both hands and replied respectfully.

"The development of the Gunpowder Department has exceeded our expectations. The girl Yueqing is quite good. Our eldest grandson has a good vision. It is you who asked you to find a good girl for our eldest grandson. Now there is nothing left, our eldest grandson brought it himself."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a sigh.

Facing His Majesty's reprimand, Liu He was terrified.

It's not that he doesn't want to look for it, it's really hard to find it.

In fact, Liu He has more than a dozen portraits and women's identities that have been handed over, but Zhu Yuanzhang has denied all of them.

It always feels a little off.

Empress Ma was basically responsible for the marriages of the Ming royal family, and Zhu Yuanzhang never took much care of them.

Concubine Ning is also in charge of the descendants of the royal family now.

However, the eldest grandson's situation is special, and Concubine Ning didn't know about it before, so Liu He was always looking for someone.

Zhu Yuanzhang just said it casually, and he didn't really want to punish Liu He. He was more concerned about his grandson.

Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't hide Zhu Ying's going to the gunpowder department.

Moreover, Zhu Yuanzhang paid much more attention to the Gunpowder Department than Zhu Ying.

Ever since Ye Yueqing entered the Gunpowder Division to coordinate the research and development of matchlock guns, every day the situation of the Gunpowder Division would be reported to Zhu Yuanzhang in detail.

These days, Zhu Yuanzhang is also very satisfied with the development progress of the matchlock gun, which is much faster than the fire system artillery he made before.

It turned out that Zhu Yuanzhang also felt that these matchlock guns would not be initially equipped in the army until next year.

However, according to the current output, it will be able to be directly equipped and put on the battlefield by the time the Japanese army goes to war in the spring of next year.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile: "These Japanese people were really angry with us in the early years. This time our grandson made such a magical weapon, we must let these Japanese people know how powerful they are."

"Order Feng Sheng, this old boy has nothing to do recently, he will supervise the building of sea ships for us, and he must build enough sea ships to go to Japan before the spring of next year."

In the early Ming Dynasty, when the Ming Dynasty was founded, the Grand Canal opened in the Yuan Dynasty, a section of the Huitong River in Shandong, was blocked by silt due to the Yellow River bursting its embankment.

At that time, military salaries transported from Jiangnan to Beiping and Liaodong depended on sea transportation.It was Tang He who supervised the shipbuilding.

Later, Wu Zhen, Marquis of Jinghai, established the Suzhou shipyard at the Xiaobeimen of Taicang to cast large seagoing tank ships.

However, Wu Zhen died of illness in the 12th year of Hongwu. After he was granted the title of Hai Guogong, he was recognized as Hu Weiyong's party and was expelled.

After the sea ban, the casting of sea-going ships was gradually out of focus, and the focus was shifted to the production of river ships.

Today's expedition to the Wa Kingdom requires recasting, and it is definitely too late to cast all of them. It is still necessary to transform some large ships transported by water into warships and equip them with enough artillery.

When Zhu Ying returned to the palace, it was still a few hours before dinner.

Went for a walk around the guard training place, then returned to Kunning Palace.

For now, the old man didn't give him any time to rest. In the study of Kunning Palace, no matter how much Zhu Ying reviewed, Guo Zhong, the eunuch who held the pen, would help him to fill it up the next day.

So whenever he has free time, Zhu Ying will review the memorials.

Reviewing memorials may seem cumbersome, but it is also the fastest way to understand the current grassroots situation in various places in Ming Dynasty.

According to the current system, even the magistrate of the lower county has been included in the report of the memorial.

Every month, the county magistrate must report the current situation in his county and convey it directly to the emperor.

Daming has 420 seven counties.

This also means that there are at least 420 copies of normal work reports alone, and this is just the county magistrate.

Officials in charge of places that go up must report.

Moreover, if Zhu Yuanzhang felt that there was something wrong with the situation reported in these newspapers, he would arrange for Yushi to inspect it.

This is why, during the Hongwu period, Zhu Yuanzhang's power had such a profound influence, because his decree really reached the county.

The county magistrate was able to communicate directly with the emperor, so he naturally felt more awe in his heart. When he reported on the situation in the county, he did not dare to describe the situation indiscriminately. After all, everyone knew that His Majesty was born as a poor peasant.

For the affairs of the common people, he might know better than the county magistrate.

Zhu Yingcai entered the study, and Guo Zhong, the eunuch of Bingbi, handed over a piece of information.

Zhu Ying opened it and saw that it was about Zhu Di, the king of Yan, and Zhu Bian, the king of Jin.

Zhu Di, king of Yan, thought he was doing it without anyone noticing, but the killing of the common people, fortifying the walls and clearing the wilderness, was clearly written in the intelligence.

After reading it, Zhu Ying didn't feel much.

He is not surprised that Zhu Di can have such means, after all, in the later generations, this is Emperor Yongle.

I just looked at the hands, some of the military situation of King Yan and Zhu Di, as well as the army's armament, logistics, temperance and so on.

Zhu Ying suddenly frowned.

As far as the current Ming is concerned, the time to act in the war is very slow.

As far as it is concerned, everything has just begun for the coastal Japanese pirates.

According to the calculation of time, a large number of Japanese pirates should have gathered along the coast, but on the side of King Yan and King Jin, except for some troops, the surrounding troops have not yet been fully integrated.

In ancient times, marching was very slow, relying entirely on soldiers on foot.

Thinking of this, an idea suddenly flashed in Zhu Ying's mind.

Perhaps, the animal power track can be built first.

(End of this chapter)