Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

The candlelight flickered, and the dim halo danced mysteriously on the four walls of the side hall of the palace.

It was like an elf unwilling to be lonely in this silent space, adding a solemn color to this corner, as if foreshadowing a fierce battle that was about to unfold.

Zhu Biao, Zhu Gang and Zhu Chong gathered around a table, on which were scattered sketches of the steam engine's structure and detailed drawings of ironclad ships.

The papers glowed yellowishly under the candlelight.

It seems that each one carries the unknown fate of the Ming Dynasty, and is extremely heavy.

The small space was filled with a heavy, almost suffocating atmosphere.

Zhu Biao frowned, and his brows looked like two tangled dark clouds.

The hidden worry in his eyes was as deep and unfathomable as a deep pool.

He paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, his steps quick and heavy.

Every step taken seemed to step on everyone's tense heartstrings, causing a silent tremor.

It seemed as if the entire palace was trembling slightly with Zhu Biao's steps.

His voice was low, but full of suppressed anxiety.

Zhu Biao's words revealed the calmness and composure of the eldest son of the royal family, and his every word was like a heavy hammer striking the gloomy air.

"Third brother, you can't take the manufacturing of steam engines lightly!"

Zhu Gang looked confused, frowned, and asked anxiously, "Brother, why do you say that?"

Zhu Biao, who was already sitting behind the desk, frowned even more tightly.

He tapped the desk lightly, the sound seeming particularly abrupt in the silence, as if he was venting his inner worries.

"Look at the huge amount of standard parts that are needed. Given the current industrial production situation in the Ming Dynasty, achieving mass production while ensuring quality is even more difficult than climbing the Shu Road!

Our dynasty is based on agriculture, and industry and commerce are just starting out.

Those workshops are mostly small workshops.

The skills are passed down from master to apprentice, and there is no systematic regulation at all.

To make something so delicate and complex, how could it be so easy to allocate manpower and prepare materials?

If there is any mistake, a huge amount of national treasury funds will be consumed.

As a result, the people will fall into hardship, and not having enough food and warm clothes may become the norm.

As children of the royal family, we must be cautious and take things step by step. We cannot act rashly based on enthusiasm alone!

If this causes a disaster and shakes the foundation of the Ming Dynasty, how can we afford the consequences?"

As Zhu Biao spoke, he shook his head worriedly, and the solemn expression on his face became more and more serious, as if the terrible consequences had already appeared before his eyes.

Zhu Gang frowned and asked, "Brother, are there any other reasons?"

At this time, a breeze blew outside the hall, rustling the leaves.

It seemed to add a different sound to the tense atmosphere, and seemed to be secretly spying on the thoughts of everyone in the hall.

Zhu Biao stood up and walked to the palace gate with his hands behind his back.

He looked at the slightly bleak scenery outside the door in the night, sighed deeply and said: "I have experienced a lot in the court, and I have seen too many examples of people wasting money and resources and causing unrest in the country due to haste.

Although the court seems calm now, there are actually undercurrents.

The manufacture of steam engines involves the interests of all parties, and one move affects the entire body.

If we proceed rashly, various forces will surely take advantage of the opportunity, and there will inevitably be chaos in the court.

When internal and external troubles come together, the Ming Dynasty will be in danger.

Besides, the ironclad ship also has many tricky aspects, just like the reefs hidden under the sea.

If we are not careful, the coastal defense line will collapse.

Maybe there are people with bad intentions secretly making trouble behind the scenes!
This is a matter that concerns the survival of the Ming Dynasty, we must be extremely careful!"

After Zhu Biao finished speaking, he let out a long sigh, his eyes revealing deep worry, as if his gaze could penetrate the night and see the uncertain future of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Gang stood up suddenly upon hearing this, his figure standing proudly like a pine tree, tall and resolute. His face flushed red, just like the burning sunset glow in the sky.

At this moment, Zhu Gang's eyes were full of stubbornness and indomitable spirit, like a raging fire, burning fiercely.

He slammed the table, and there was a loud bang.

The drawings on the table rustled in shock, as if they were also shaking in the tense atmosphere.

Zhu Gang then spoke in a high-pitched voice, his words revealing the youthful vigor and eager desire for innovation.

His words fully reveal his courage and perseverance, as well as a sense of responsibility influenced by Confucian and Taoist culture, that "a scholar must be broad-minded and resolute."

“Brother, you have always acted prudently and thoughtfully, and I have great respect for your prudence.

But brother, things are different now!

If this steam engine can be successfully built, the benefits it will bring will be beyond imagination.

Although our Ming Dynasty has a vast territory, there are barbarians everywhere, and the sea is not peaceful either."

At this moment, a strong wind suddenly blew outside the palace gate, blowing the leaves, making a whistling sound.

It seemed as if responding to Zhu Gang's words, as if cheering for his determination.

"If the navy had warships powered by steam engines, it would surely enhance our national prestige and make other countries dare not covet us.

I know this is difficult, like walking on a thorny mountain road.

But if we retreat without the courage to try, when will the Ming Dynasty rise?

Are we going to have to watch other countries develop while our Ming Dynasty stagnates and ends up being slaughtered by others?
Brother, I haven't been lazy during this period! "

As Zhu Gang spoke, he looked at Zhu Biao firmly, his eyes full of expectation, hoping that his elder brother could understand his painstaking efforts.

Zhu Biao sat on the chair, leaning forward slightly, and asked seriously, "Third brother, what specific work did you do?"

Zhu Gang stepped forward and said anxiously, "Brother, I secretly sent a lot of capable people to search for skilled craftsmen everywhere, and it really took a lot of trouble.

In order to find people with real talent, they roamed the streets.

Go deep into each workshop and don't miss any corner that may know exquisite craftsmanship.

At the same time, I also sent people to collect books on manufacturing equipment. As long as I heard that there were rare or valuable copies, I would do everything I could to get them.

After I got it back, I studied day and night to find a way to build a steam engine.

Brother, as a vassal king of the Ming Dynasty, I should set an example and work for the benefit of the court.

I believe that as long as we brothers work together, we can open up a bright road even if the road is difficult.

The problem with this ironclad ship is either technology or conspiracy.

I swear to get to the bottom of it and prevent it from hindering coastal defense.

Besides, the southeastern coast of the Ming Dynasty is entirely protected by the navy, so how can we retreat now?"

Zhu Gang felt a surge of energy in his heart, like a volcano about to erupt.

That passion and determination seemed to break through the palace and spread to the entire Ming Dynasty.

He is well aware of the current situation, where all countries are competing secretly and striving for development.

If the Ming Dynasty misses this opportunity for change, it will inevitably fall into a passive position and be beaten in the future changes.

Therefore, even in the face of strong opposition from his elder brother, Zhu Gang would never give up easily.

When Zhu Biao heard this, he became so angry that his chest heaved violently.

It's like a small boat in the raging waves, almost unable to hold its own.

He pointed at Zhu Gang, his fingertips trembling slightly.

Then Zhu Biao's voice became a little hoarse due to anger, but it still revealed unquestionable majesty.

(End of this chapter)