The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 229 Lao Zhu’s way of employing people

After the small meeting, Zhu Xiongying put the thermoelectric engine away without ceremony.

Others just thought he was curious about new things and didn't think much about it.

This temperature difference engine is indeed very interesting.

After everyone dispersed, this guy ran all the way to find Xu Miaojin and said in a showy way:

"Miaojin, look, I brought you a baby."

On the other side, Zhu Yuanzhang found Niu Erhu, who was the escort commander of Zhu Xiongying during his southern tour.

"Erhu, we have been busy since you came back, and we haven't had a good talk with you."

"I have some free time today, so I'll tell you about my experiences along the way."

Niu Erhu said respectfully: "It's Your Majesty."

He told Zhu Yuanzhang everything he saw and heard along the way.

Among them, Zhu Xiongying was extremely praised: "My grandson has the style of your majesty..."

Zhu Yuanzhang was happy in his heart, but his face remained calm and he said:

"Tell me what the shortcomings are."

Niu Erhu said in embarrassment: "This... Taisun is truly a hero. I have not found any shortcomings."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him and said: "You have been with us for so many years, there is nothing you can't say."

"Speak out. It doesn't matter if you're wrong. If you're right, we can let the great grandson correct it in time."

Niu Erhu was bent at the waist: "I speak from the bottom of my heart, and I will never dare to deceive Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said: "That's all, tell us about Chen Jingke, what do you think of him?"

Niu Erhu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied: "Chen Ban has outstanding reading ability and is actually the most talented person in the world."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes widened and he said: "Don't just talk about the nice things, talk about the shortcomings."

Niu Erhu hesitated for a long time before saying: "He is a good man."

Being a good person should be an advantage, but good people cannot achieve great things.

This is a drawback for people in high positions.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows and said, "He kills people without blinking an eye. You actually say he is a good person?"

Niu Erhu explained: "He only kills those who deserve to be killed, and never kills anyone indiscriminately."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, which was in line with his understanding of Chen Jingke.

"anything else?"

Niu Erhu said: "He has a romantic temperament, frivolous and unruly behavior, and he behaves beyond the rules when facing the grandson."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "Why didn't you stop him?"

Niu Erhu did not explain, but directly admitted his mistake: "It is my fault, please punish me."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "We know you are dissatisfied. You reminded him, but your grandson stopped you."

"So you think you have fulfilled your obligations and the problem lies with your grandson."

Niu Erhu broke into a cold sweat and said quickly: "I would never dare to think like this. Please give me your Majesty's warning."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly and said, "I'll tell you where you went wrong."

"As a close minister of the king, in addition to protecting the safety of the king, you must also maintain the majesty of the king."

"Even if you risk your life, you must complete your mission."

"If your grandson stops you, just let it go. What's the use of you?"

"Besides, you have many ways to solve it. Talk to Chen Jingke privately."

"If he doesn't listen once, you go to him twice; if he doesn't listen, go to him three or five times..."

"How did you do it? Remind me once in front of my grandson, and then never mention it again after being stopped."

"This is what you have done after following me for so many years? Then how can I safely entrust you with such a heavy responsibility?"

Niu Erhu was sweating profusely when he was told, and said in shame: "I was wrong, please punish me."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with satisfaction: "You can still be saved... just follow your grandson from now on and protect him well."

"Ah?" Niu Erhu was shocked,

Follow your grandson? This is clearly reuse. Why did you do something wrong and still be entrusted with such a heavy responsibility?

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "What, you don't want to?"

Niu Erhu came back to his senses and said hurriedly: "I would like to... thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang said seriously: "Remember what I just said. If you do it again next time, don't blame me for being unkind."

Niu Erhu said solemnly: "I know this, and I will protect my grandson to the death."

Zhu Yuanzhang was relieved.

In the past, Zhu Xiongying had been living in the side hall of Qianqing Palace and had no guards of his own.

The people who usually protect him are all temporarily sent by Zhu Yuanzhang.

But now that he is older and wild-minded, it is time to assign him a bodyguard.

To put it bluntly, it’s time for the grandson to have his own small team.

The position of guard commander is very important and must be someone whom Zhu Yuanzhang trusts.

And this person can't be disliked by the great grandson.

When Zhu Xiongying went on a patrol, he asked Niu Erhu to act as the temporary guard commander, just to let the two of them get in touch.

The process was relatively smooth, Niu Erhu performed conscientiously, and Zhu Xiongying didn't dislike him.

Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang was prepared to take advantage of the situation and settle his position.

But before that, it's essential to give him a good beating to prevent him from getting too floating.

As for asking him to correct Chen Jingke's slight...

Chen Jingke violated the rules from time to time. Didn't Zhu Yuanzhang know that?

No, he knows everything.

Even this kind of transgression was caused by his own indulgence.

But he still reminded Niu Erhu to correct it.

The purpose is simple, to artificially create conflicts between the two.

One is the monarch's guard commander, and the other is the monarch's most valued minister.

If the relationship between the two is good, the consequences will be too serious.

Therefore, there must be a conflict between the two.

But this contradiction will not make them turn against each other.

Small problems with etiquette are the most appropriate.

As long as Niu Erhu doesn't reprimand him in public, Chen Jingke won't be able to come to Taiwan.

At most, the two sides are hostile to each other in their hearts and will not become mortal enemies.

As for whether Chen Jingke will listen to the advice...

Zhu Yuanzhang said that Chen Jingke's contemptuous temper could not be changed if he indulged behind his back.
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Chen Jingke didn't know it yet, but Lao Zhu had quietly plotted against him behind his back.

But it doesn’t matter even if you know.

It can be said that Zhu Yuanzhang's behavior is human nature.

If it were him, he would do the same thing.

Just imagine, if Hu Weiyong had a good relationship with Commander Su Wei, maybe the world would have changed their surnames.

Zhu Yuanzhang's move was used to guard against careerists. If he didn't have any thoughts of rebellion, it didn't matter.

As for the relationship with Niu Erhu...

He and Niu Erhu had nothing in common and had no friendship before, so that was good.

After the meeting, I returned to the dormitory and saw that Zhu Xiongying had not come back, so I guessed that this kid must have gone to Xu Miaojin to offer his treasure.

It's really a bit speechless.

But thinking about his surname Zhu, everything seemed normal again.

Then he sat down and took out the manuscript for a final check.

These are all methods for improving gunpowder, muskets and artillery that he restored based on his memory in recent months.

Gunpowder is easier to get, that is, purified and granulated gunpowder.

As for smokeless gunpowder, propellant and even explosives, he can do it.

But it's not the right time to take it out.

The food must be eaten one bite at a time, and the technology tree must be climbed step by step.

As a weapon, stability and high output are the keys.

Too high-end equipment is now available, and there is no way to mass-produce equipment. Black powder is more suitable.

Guns are more troublesome.

In his previous life, he was not even a military fan, and his understanding of this thing was really limited.

I only know that first there were muskets, then matchlock guns, and later flintlock guns, and then it seemed that we entered the era of fixed-load ammunition. We also have limited knowledge of the structure of these guns, only their general shapes and principles.

On the contrary, he knows a little more about modern guns.

For example, he knew the general structure of Mosin Nagant and AK47... but it was of no use.

As for artillery, he only knew that there were front-loading artillery first, then breech-loading artillery, and finally fixed-loading artillery.

And then... no more.

He had no choice but to draw all the shapes of the artillery he knew.

Then write down your ideas.

The specific details are perfected and left to the craftsmen of this era.

After revising some details, I finally finalized the final draft.

The next day, he took Zhu Yuanzhang's handwriting and went to the Ordnance Bureau.

Zhu Xiongying also insisted on joining in the fun and brought Xu Miaojin with him.

Chen Jingke is speechless, can you be a good guy?

But soon, Zhu Xiongying began to regret it.

Because Xu Miaojin chased Chen Jingke and asked questions all the way, his eyes were filled with admiration.

Zhu Xiongying interrupted several times, trying to attract her attention, but failed.

It made his teeth itch with anger.

Chen Jingke laughed secretly in his heart, making you squeal.

But he also knows that some things cannot be taken too far.

He began to intentionally direct the topic towards Zhu Xiongying.

The little girl didn't have so many complicated thoughts, and her attention quickly returned to Zhu Xiongying.

Then this guy immediately forgot about his unhappiness just now and started smiling happily.

Chen Jingke was speechless again.

Niu Erhu on the side was a little embarrassed. Chen Bandu seemed to have exceeded the rules again, but how to remind him of this situation now?

And my grandson seems to like Lady Xu too much.

He looks so much like His Majesty.

From now on, I must try my best to curry favor with Madam Xu, and I will have another supporter in the future.

After talking and laughing, everyone came to the Arms Bureau.

The Ordnance Bureau was established in the 13th year of Hongwu's reign to specialize in the manufacture of weapons.

Despite the loud-sounding name, his status is actually very low.

The ambassador of the Arms Bureau is the ninth grade, the real sesame official.

The people who do the specific work below are basically craftsmen... craftsmen with craftsmanship certificates.

Therefore, it goes without saying that it is superfluous.

The firearms of the Ming Dynasty have not improved for hundreds of years, and the answer is written on the question.

However, Ming Dynasty has always attached great importance to firearms.

During Zhu Yuanzhang's struggle for world hegemony, firearms were widely used.

During the Zhu Di period, the Shenji Battalion was established, which was the world's first specialized firearms army.

After that, the Ming Dynasty always maintained a considerable firearms army.

Although cold weapons are still the mainstream, firearms did begin to be used on a large scale in the Ming Dynasty.

In the early and mid-Ming Dynasty, both technology and equipment quantity far exceeded the world.

But it's a pity that because science has not formed a system, we only know what it is but don't know why.

Critical advances in technology have never been achieved.

Coupled with the dominance of the cultural management group and its disdain for the field of natural science, the imperial court was unwilling to invest too many resources in researching new weapons.

Starting from the middle and late Ming Dynasty, it was technically overtaken by the West.

This is the regret of every Chinese person.

This is also the fundamental reason why the Ming Dynasty Civil Service Group was criticized by many netizens.

It is understandable that you want to be in power and be the leader of the times.

But after taking this position, you dragged the entire Chinese ethnic group into the abyss.

You deserve to be scolded.

Chen Jingke would naturally not sit back and watch this happen again.

Support Fang Xiaoru and split Confucianism from within.

Judicial independence creates an environment for the revival of Legalist thought.

These are all attempts in the realm of thought.

But these alone are not enough. The real trump card is natural science.

Some people may find it strange that Confucianism is a subject in the field of ideology, while natural science is an applied subject.

The two are two tracks and should not form a competitive relationship.

Yes, natural science itself poses no threat to Confucianism, but don’t forget that matter determines consciousness.

The rise of natural science will inevitably force changes in the field of thought to adapt to new productivity.

If Confucianism does not make changes and take the initiative to adapt to the new era, it will be replaced by emerging schools.

Chen Jingke does not oppose Confucianism. It does not matter to him whether Legalism or Confucianism leads.

As long as their thoughts are in line with the new era and do not become a stumbling block to the new era, that is enough.

At any time, if a discipline wants to develop, it is the best solution to obtain the support of the court.

Chen Jingke naturally wants to take this path.

The temperature difference engine made Zhu Yuanzhang aware of the ability of natural science to produce food.

Now he wants to make Lao Zhu understand how science can improve military affairs by improving firearms.

Jiang Denggui, the master of the Ordnance Bureau, heard that Taisun had arrived and hurriedly came out to greet him.

After seeing the ceremony, Zhu Xiongying proposed to visit the Ordnance Bureau to see the production of various ordnance.

This was planned in advance. Instead of taking out the firearms, we would visit the specific situation of the Ordnance Bureau.

Jiang Denggui naturally did not dare to say no and led them to visit personally.

When they arrived at the work place, the craftsmen who had been notified had already knelt on the ground to greet them.

Seeing the craftsman kneeling on the ground, Zhu Xiongying frowned.

Jiang Denggui's heart skipped a beat when he saw it. Could it be something that aroused his disgust?

But we didn't do anything.

Just as he was muttering, Zhu Xiongying spoke:

"Pass my order to issue a set of cotton-padded clothes to everyone in the Ordnance Bureau."

"Ah?" Jiang Denggui was surprised. He didn't expect that his grandson would issue such an order, and he couldn't believe it for a moment.

Zhu Xiongying said displeasedly: "Why, do you have an opinion?"

Jiang Denggui said quickly: "Don't dare, I don't dare, I... I am touched by the kindness of my great grandson."

Then he turned around and shouted to the craftsmen: "My grandson has an order to give everyone a set of cotton-padded clothes. Why don't you express your gratitude?"

The craftsmen were also a little surprised. What is going on?

But they understood one thing very well, and they benefited, so they shouted loudly:

"Thank you, Taisun."

Zhu Xiongying suddenly felt that it was quite good to do good deeds.

Especially Xu Miaojin's adoring gaze gave him another level of joy.

Chen Jingke couldn't help but nodded secretly, this child did have a kind side.

These craftsmen were miserable, and their clothes were in tatters and patches.

Some of them looked like cotton-padded clothes, but it could be seen from the tatters that they were stuffed with straw.

There are also many people who don’t even have such cotton-padded clothes and just wear a single coat.

Zhu Xiongying saw this scene at the first sight and gave everyone cotton-padded clothes, which was so rare.

Jiang Denggui and other officials had the same idea, and the grandson was indeed as kind as the rumors.

After the short interlude, the group continued their visit.

The craftsmen are indeed very skilled in craftsmanship, and the tools they make are fast and of high quality.

Zhu Xiongying and others were very satisfied, and Jiang Denggui and others were even more proud.

However, Chen Jingke said: "The efficiency is too low."

(End of this chapter)