Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Chapter 123: High Requirements
Old Zhu seemed to be in a good mood. When he saw Zhu Yunxun, he said, "Yunxun, come and take a look."

Zhu Yunhuan came forward to take the memorial, took a look at it and laughed, "This is a good thing!"

"Our grandson is so lucky!" Old Zhu was so happy and proud, "You asked someone to look for coal, and he actually found it for you!"

The year before last, when Zhu Yunhuan returned to Fengyang to worship his ancestors, he sent people to look for coal mines in the Huainan area, and now some discoveries have finally been made.

It is not an ordinary small coal mine, but a large coal mine, which will of course make Lao Zhu happy.

Even though coal cannot be considered the mother of industry today, China has a very long history of using coal, and these things can bring considerable help.

"We have to put it to good use." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "It can be used to make iron and steel, and it can also be used for heating. These are all good things."

Old Zhu thought so too, and then looked at Zhu Yunhuan and asked, "Grandson, can you tell me where else you can find copper?"

Copper is definitely a scarce resource for the Ming Dynasty.

In Lao Zhu's mind, copper is even more precious than iron.

Although the iron content of some iron ores in China is not particularly high, it is sufficient for today's era. However, copper has always been insufficient and has always been scarce.

Zhu Yunhuan said, "I think we should ask my cousin to find more copper in Yunnan. The Mongols also levied copper taxes in Yunnan."

As soon as Lao Zhu heard it, he thought it made sense. "We need to look carefully. Yunnan is a copper producing province."

Historically, Yunnan was the most important copper producing area during the Ming and Qing dynasties. These are also the reasons why Zhu Yunhuan needs to pay attention to it now.

This is because the Ming Dynasty lacks copper mines, and it is basically difficult to find relatively large and easy-to-mine copper mines now.

Even if Zhu Yunhuan wanted to govern Southeast Asia, it would not be a quick thing.

Some things just can't be rushed, and Zhu Yunhuan is very clear about this. He is still preparing to train the navy.

Fortunately, the Ming Dynasty has a solid foundation and a solid historical accumulation, so there is no need to worry too much about the preparation and establishment of the navy. This is not starting from scratch, at most it is just making some strategic adjustments.

As for the accumulation of maritime knowledge, there is no need to worry too much. Even though the Ming Dynasty seems to have banned maritime trade, it is not a complete ban. There was a lot of maritime trade experience during the Song and Yuan dynasties, and some people still dare to smuggle.

Zhu Yunhuan looked at Old Zhu and said, "I plan to send people to Zhejiang and Fujian to see, one is to crack down on the people's private sea trade, the other is to see how to crack down on the Japanese pirates."

When Lao Zhu heard this, he immediately agreed and said, "This is serious business, we must do it well!"

Speaking of Japanese pirates, Zhu Yuanzhang was extremely angry. He had sent generals to build cities in coastal areas more than once before, partly for the purpose of preventing Japanese pirates.

On the other hand, Zhu Yuanzhang once sent envoys to Japan, but his envoys were beheaded, which made Zhu Yuanzhang very angry.

Zhu Yuanzhang was actually mistaken, because the Ming envoy was intercepted by Prince Huailiang of the Southern Dynasty, who occupied Kyushu in Japan. Zhu Yuanzhang thought that he was the ruler of Japan. Then, the Northern Dynasty Ashikaga clan, who paid tribute to Zhu Yuanzhang for six consecutive years, was once considered a traitor by Zhu Yuanzhang.

However, just two years ago, the Northern and Southern Dynasties of Japan reconciled, and the 58-year-long turmoil of the Northern and Southern Dynasties ended. However, in history, it seems that the legitimacy of these so-called emperors is still under debate, and even if it seems to be unified, the power is still in the hands of the shogun.

Zhu Yunhuan also said, "I have chosen a twelfth uncle and asked him to go to the coastal areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. As for Fujian and Guangdong, which one do you think is better to go?"

Old Zhu simply shook his head, looking very old and frail, "I am old, I can't remember."

Zhu Yunhuan was even more speechless, and said bluntly, "Then I will let Feng Sheng go."

Old Zhu immediately pointed at Zhu Yunxun happily, "You really are our grandson! If Feng Sheng died unclearly, he deserved it!"

Zhu Yunhuan was unwilling to accept this evaluation. "How can it be said to be unclear? If he is really gone, he was loyal to the king and died of illness while in office. This is also a good end. Anyway, he has been idle for so many years. It's time for him to do something."

Old Zhu stopped joking and said, "Don't you have any grudges in your heart?"

Zhu didn't trust Feng Sheng because Feng Sheng had made great contributions in the past and he refused to obey orders. Most importantly, Feng Sheng and Zhu Su had a close relationship.

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said indifferently, "I know what kind of personality my eldest uncle has. I dare not let my second uncle go out, and my third uncle only dares to let him take a large group of people to train. If there is a war, all three of them must stay in Beijing to avoid causing a disaster."

Old Zhu couldn't help laughing, "You have quite a good eye for people."

Zhu Yunhuan said speechlessly, "Grandfather, even a blind man can see this, how can you have such foresight! Feng Sheng is a veteran general after all, and he has the ability to lead troops before. I can't use Lan Yu and Fu Youde too much now. Xu Huizu and my cousin Jiujiang still need to gain experience, so I'll use Feng Sheng first."

Old Zhu was even happier because his grandson's methods were also very good.

Feng Sheng had not led troops for many years, but he was a highly respected and honorable official, and his ability and prestige were not a problem. As long as he was not allowed to lead troops, it would be fine. Lan Yu, Fu Youde, Xu Huizu, Li Jinglong and others could lead the troops. However, using Lan Yu and others did not mean that all matters should be left to them. They should be restricted when necessary.

It would be good to use Feng Sheng to do things. He would probably be back from Guanzhong in a few days, and then he would go to Fu Guang for a visit. Being able to do something properly, even if he couldn't lead the troops himself, was better than basking in the sun in the mansion in Fengyang all day.

What's more, if it weren't for Zhu Yunhuan's sudden rise, Feng Sheng and Fu Youde would have been executed.

So being able to have a good end was also a good thing. Even though Feng Sheng might still have some regrets in his heart, his later years were not miserable.

Old Zhu asked with some concern, "Can you control the Five Military Commanders' Office now? Can the dukes and marquises under you just listen to your orders?"

"Your Majesty, I dare not!" Zhu Yunhuan jumped up exaggeratedly, pretending to speak in a strange tone, "I dare not have any rebellious thoughts, how dare I interfere in military affairs!"

After Old Zhu glared at him, Zhu Yunxun said, "They are supposed to be obedient. My second uncle and Lan Yu basically obey my orders, and the others seem to be no worse. But I also understand that they still have to see the imperial edict or handwritten instructions, otherwise they dare not act rashly."

Old Zhu was so disappointed that he said, "It's been two years, and you haven't made any progress. Your father could have directly mobilized troops back then!"

"How can it be the same?" Zhu Yunhuan defended himself, "How many years has he been the crown prince? How many political affairs has he intervened in? Besides, before he was twenty years old, he couldn't mobilize troops!"

Old Zhu seemed to be thinking about something, and then said, "They are not wrong. They are afraid of me. When I am here, they listen to me. When I am gone, it's enough for them to listen to you."

Then Old Zhu looked at Zhu Yunhuan guiltily. This grandson couldn't stand the words "life and death".

Old Zhu himself didn't care, and Zhu Yunhuan himself didn't care either, but the grandfather and grandson just couldn't stand hearing the other mention it.

"I will arrange for the emperor's uncle to visit the second uncle and his family in a few days. The other thing is the matter of the vassalage." Zhu Yunhuan said, "And the matter of building the palace in advance also needs to be arranged."

This is a serious matter and Old Zhu doesn't want to get involved. The most important thing is to relax restrictions and allow his grandson to display his talents well.

Zhu Yunxun continued, "Tomorrow, we will ask my aunts and uncles to go to the East Palace, and my uncles to go there too, so that we can have a family dinner together."

Old Zhu looked at Zhu Yunxun and asked, "Do you want us to go?"

"That won't work, otherwise they won't be able to let go." Zhu Yunhuan said, "It's enough to have one person like me in the family who doesn't know the rules. If there are more, it will be annoying for you to see them."

Old Zhu felt a little disappointed, but he could understand. "Among all our children and grandchildren, only your father and you are not afraid of us. Even if your fifth uncle is naughty, he dare not really break the rules."

Zhu Yunhuan nodded, and then continued, "My eldest sister will be getting married next year, and my second sister should also choose a husband. I also need to arrange my affairs, and try to give you a naughty great-grandson who doesn't know the rules as soon as possible."

Old Zhu smiled brightly and said, "Not naughty, neither your father nor you are naughty! We are just close, you both follow the rules, we know that!"

"Although my Crown Prince's Consort is definitely ranked first in character, second in family background, and third in appearance, it's not good for her to be really bad-looking." Zhu Yunhuan said quickly, "Grandfather, can we discuss this matter?"

Old Zhu said immediately, "Okay, of course! You can marry the Crown Prince's Consort when you're done with mourning. I'll keep an eye on you over the next two years."

It is said that we should pay attention, but many things need to be decided one or two years in advance.

I chatted with Lao Zhu, talking about family matters, court affairs, and some gossip I heard recently.

Zhu Yunhuan was relaxed, and Old Zhu was happy to listen. With this grandson, he was not alone.

After eating and drinking, Zhu Yunhuan wiped his mouth and left.

Seeing Zhu Yunxun swinging his hands, Old Zhu shook his head and said, "This manner is still not like that of a big boss. He has been spoiled by his lack of discipline since he was a child!"

Therefore, if my grandson is capable and I am lucky enough to see a great-grandson, I will definitely take him in to raise him, lest he be taught badly by that playboy grandson, who will definitely not learn good things from him!

It is not easy to find a grandson's wife who has a good family background, good character and good looks. But Lao Zhu thinks he can definitely find one who is worthy of his grandson!

This is a really big deal, and we need to pay more attention to it!
Zhu Yunhuan returned to the East Palace and immediately shouted, "Little sister, elder sister, second sister, there will be a banquet in the East Palace tomorrow, you guys make arrangements!"

Princess Anqing walked out of her bedroom and said in a higher tone, "Didn't I tell you all this? Do you need to say it again?"

Zhu Yourong also said with some dissatisfaction, "That's right, Zhang Fusheng came to pass on the message this afternoon, and we've been busy for quite a while!"

Zhu Yunxun chuckled, swung his hands and walked towards the study.

Although Zhu Youling also complained, he still made a pot of tea. His little brother had been drinking Maojian tea the past two days, so he decided to change to Guapian tea today.

(End of this chapter)