My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Fortunately, everything is alright.

Under Wang Wei's guidance, Zhu Cilang carefully operated the steam car.

It moved slowly forward, its speed increasing. Zhu Cilang's face was filled with an excited and joyful smile; he felt as if he were riding a giant dragon, soaring freely between heaven and earth.

After a thorough test drive, Zhu Cilang reluctantly got out of the car.

He walked up to Wang Wei, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a smile:

"This thing is truly a marvel! We must continue to streamline and improve it. It can be used to haul goods or for riding. In short, this thing has so many advantages that we must invest heavily in its research and development."

Upon hearing this, Wang Wei quickly smiled and said:

"Your Highness, rest assured, I will obey your command. I will continue to work hard to make this thing more perfect and more practical."

Zhu Cilang nodded in satisfaction, very pleased with Wang Wei's answer.

Just then, Bi Maokang, who was standing to the side, suddenly said:
"Your Highness, there is something I wish to discuss with you."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang turned to look at Bi Maokang and said with a smile:

"What is it? Speak. I am all ears."

Bi Maokang hesitated for a moment, seemingly considering how to begin. Then he took a deep breath, smiled, and said:

"Your Highness, I am old and no longer able to serve as the director of the Firearms Research Institute. Therefore, I humbly request that you recommend Lord Wang Wei for this position."

The moment those words were spoken, the surrounding air seemed to freeze.

Even though Bi Maokang had mentioned this before, Wang Wei hadn't expected him to bring it up at this moment. He was momentarily at a loss, his face showing surprise and fear.

But Zhu Cilang did not seem surprised.

Looking at Bi Maokang's aged yet resolute face, he felt a surge of inexplicable emotion.

He knew that Bi Maokang was indeed too old; it was rare for someone to live to seventy, and he was already seventy-five, so it was about time for him to retire. He couldn't very well work himself to death at the Firearms Research Institute, could he?

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang smiled and said:

"That's good. You are indeed getting old and should be allowed to enjoy your retirement. We can't let you keep working so hard. Here's what we'll do: after you complete your final research, you can step down from your position as director of the Firearms Research Institute."

However, for the better development of the Firearms Research Institute, you should stay in the capital. If there's nothing urgent, you can come to the institute to offer guidance; or if anything comes up, we can easily reach out to you. We also hope you will train more talent for the institute.”

Upon hearing this, Bi Maokang quickly smiled and said:

"Your Highness, rest assured, this old minister understands. This old minister will do his best to contribute to the development of the Firearms Research Institute."

Zhu Cilang nodded in satisfaction, feeling very pleased with Bi Maokang's answer.

Then, Zhu Cilang looked at Wang Wei, his tone filled with encouragement and expectation:
"Lord Wang, do a good job! From now on, you will be in charge of the Firearms Research Institute. I believe you are capable of this position and will lead the Firearms Research Institute to an even brighter future."

Wang Wei was deeply moved, and he quickly cupped his hands in greeting:
"Your subject will certainly not fail in your mission! Your subject will do your utmost to make greater contributions to the Ming Dynasty and the Firearms Research Institute!"

Zhu Cilang smiled, patted Wang Wei on the shoulder, gave a few more instructions, and then turned and left the Firearms Research Institute.

His steps were firm and powerful, as if carrying boundless anticipation and expectation for the future.

He knew that the future of the Ming Dynasty would become brighter and stronger because of these new weapons and technologies.

And he will continue to lead the Ming Dynasty to an even more glorious future!

In the afternoon, Li Ruolian, Fang Zhenghua, and other trusted confidants who had been in charge of the defense of the capital and the inner court's secrets during Zhu Cilang's absence from Beijing came to report on their duties.

They gave a detailed report on the security situation in the capital, fluctuations in grain prices, and even the trivial matters in the palace over the past year and a half.

Zhu Cilang sat upright behind his desk, listening calmly.

He wasn't surprised by any of this. Although he was in Liaodong and Korea, thanks to fast horses and encrypted documents, he could get news of almost every major event that happened in the capital every day.

However, seeing how serious and meticulous Li Ruolian, Fang Zhenghua and others were, as if afraid of missing the slightest detail, he couldn't bear to interrupt and just listened patiently.

This sincerity deserves respect.

This long performance review finally came to an end as the city lights began to illuminate the night.

Zhu Cilang specially invited them to have dinner at the Eastern Palace. The atmosphere during the meal was relaxed, and they mostly chatted about everyday matters and interesting stories from Liaodong.

After the meal, everyone left satisfied and with a sense of relief.

The second day after returning to Beijing passed in such a busy and fulfilling atmosphere.

The next day.

Zhu Cilang had just finished his breakfast at the Eastern Palace. After eating a bowl of warm bird's nest porridge, a palace eunuch came to deliver a message that the Empress had summoned him.

Zhu Cilang tidied his clothes and then rode in a palanquin to Kunning Palace.

Inside Kunning Palace, incense wafted through the air, and Empress Zhou sat regally on her phoenix couch.

When Zhu Cilang's gaze fell on the Empress's side, he paused almost imperceptibly.

She was a girl of about seventeen or eighteen years old, tall and slender. Even in the Ming Dynasty, when people were generally tall, she stood out from the crowd. She was about 1.7 meters tall.

She wore a light blue palace dress, her hair was loosely tied up, her face was dignified and beautiful, and her brows revealed a rare heroic spirit and grandeur. Her posture was graceful and elegant, yet she also exuded the tranquility of a lady from a prominent family.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Zhu Cilang stepped forward and bowed to Empress Zhou according to etiquette.

Empress Zhou smiled and asked him to stand up, her loving gaze lingering on his face for a moment, as if trying to see something in his eyes.

The young woman lowered her head slightly the moment Zhu Cilang entered and bowed. After Zhu Cilang finished his greeting and stood still, she followed suit with a graceful bow, her voice clear and melodious.
"Your subject, Ning Wanyao, greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"No need for formalities, please rise."

Zhu Cilang raised his hand to support her, his gaze falling on the girl again.

With that one glance, he knew in his heart that this was Ning Wanyao, the Crown Princess whom Empress Zhou had chosen for him, and the daughter of Commander Ning Hong.

In this era, men and women tend to marry at a young age, often as young as sixteen or seventeen.

If he hadn't personally led the army, this marriage would have taken place two years ago. The girl before him looked to be about his age, yet he had deliberately delayed their marriage for two years.

Upon thinking of this, Zhu Cilang felt a strange sense of guilt.

Looking at her son's calm yet knowing expression, Empress Zhou smiled and spoke, her tone carrying a subtle hint of probing:
"I presume they already discussed the selection of the Crown Princess with you yesterday? So, I won't beat around the bush. This is the Crown Princess I've chosen for you, Ning Wanyao. What do you think...?"

This question, though seemingly casual, actually contains a hidden meaning.

If it were someone else, they might really think that the Empress's move was a bit abrupt. What if the Crown Prince expressed his dissatisfaction in public? Wouldn't that be awkward?
However, Empress Zhou's words were not unfounded. Just yesterday afternoon, she had secretly summoned Zheng Xiaomei and Qiqige, subtly inquiring about Zhu Cilang's opinion of the Ning family's daughter. When she learned that Zhu Cilang not only had no objections but was actually quite looking forward to it, Empress Zhou finally felt completely relieved.

Today's direct introduction is merely a formality, simply giving both sides a chance to meet formally.

If Zhu Cilang truly had objections, she should have replaced him yesterday.

Zhu Cilang naturally understood his mother's deeper meaning. A gentle smile appeared on his face, and his tone was sincere:
"Since it was carefully selected by the Empress Dowager for me, I am naturally satisfied, a hundred percent satisfied."

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhou's smile became much more genuine, and she repeatedly said:
"That's fine, that's fine."

She then looked at Ning Wanyao, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable determination.

"Alright, Wanyao, you and the Crown Prince have a good talk. I have some palace affairs to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

After saying this, Empress Zhou actually got up and, with a few personal maids, gracefully left.

In the blink of an eye, only Zhu Cilang and Ning Wanyao remained in the spacious inner hall of Kunning Palace.

A subtle silence fell over the room.

Zhu Cilang thought to himself that he was the Crown Prince and the future ruler, and he couldn't let a young lady speak first.

He cleared his throat, breaking the silence, and said in a gentle tone:
"This matter must have been settled before I left the capital. If it weren't for the Emperor's personal expedition, this marriage would have been arranged two years ago, which has wasted two years of your youth."

Upon hearing this, Ning Wanyao suddenly raised her head, a look of disbelief flashing in her eyes.

She clearly hadn't expected that the Crown Prince, who was so powerful and influential, would actually utter the word "delay," and even with a hint of... apology.
She quickly composed herself, lowered her eyes, and responded respectfully and politely:
"Your Highness is too kind. For the sake of the nation, Your Highness personally led the expedition, pacifying Liaodong and recovering Korea. This is a great achievement that protects Your Highness. As a mere woman, how could I dare to say that I 'delayed' Your Highness? It is my honor to be able to share Your Highness's burdens, how could I be a burden?"

Looking at her cautious yet dignified demeanor, Zhu Cilang felt a slight fading of the guilt he had felt due to historical inertia, replaced by a pragmatic consideration.

He nodded, cutting to the chase and offering reassurance directly:

"You need not worry. Since it is the Empress Dowager's decision, I will naturally agree to it and fulfill it. From this day forward, you will be the Crown Princess."

The words "Crown Princess" resounded like thunder in Ning Wanyao's ears.

She looked up abruptly, her face filled with shock and disbelief.

Everything seemed to be going too smoothly, so smoothly that she felt like she was dreaming.

Of course, she didn't know that everything went so smoothly because Zhu Cilang didn't care about the choice of the Crown Princess. The Crown Princess of the Ming Dynasty had always come from commoner or low-ranking military families to prevent the power of maternal relatives. This was an ironclad rule that he could not and had no intention of changing.

Secondly, deep down, Zhu Cilang did indeed harbor a sense of compensation for the tragic Crown Princess in history.

As for love? In this era, it's far too extravagant for a crown prince who is about to become the emperor.

As long as it doesn't affect national affairs, having a few more women makes no difference to him.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness."

Ning Wanyao's voice trembled slightly, but more than anything, it conveyed a sense of relief and gratitude that everything had finally settled.

For the rest of the time, Zhu Cilang chatted with her.

He mostly talked about the snowy landscapes of Liaodong, the folk customs and anecdotes of Korea, or strange stories from the battlefield.

Ning Wanyao listened quietly, occasionally responding with a few words, her words appropriate and her demeanor elegant.

The look in her eyes when she looked at Zhu Cilang was no longer one of fear and restraint, but rather one of admiration and worship.

There's no way around it; women are naturally drawn to strength.

Moreover, the Zhu Cilang before him was not only the crown prince, but also an unparalleled ruler who had just led a large army to sweep across Liaodong, destroy the Jurchens, and recover Korea.

A man skilled in both literature and martial arts, renowned throughout the world—what woman wouldn't be moved by such a man?

Before we knew it, it was already noon.

Empress Zhou sent someone to invite them, and the family had lunch at Kunning Palace.

The atmosphere at the banquet was harmonious, and Empress Zhou was very pleased to see the subtle understanding between her son and Ning Wanyao.

That night, in the Eastern Palace.

As dusk fell, inside the Eastern Palace, two special guests were secretly summoned—Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan and Grand Secretary Hong Chengchou.

Both men were thrilled to receive the summons, yet each had their own plans.

Although Xue Guoguan walked steadily, he was already overjoyed.

He knew all too well that His Highness the Crown Prince had summoned him because of the agreement made two years ago—that once this battle was over, he could retire gracefully and return to his hometown.

The thought of finally being able to get rid of the heavy burden of being the chief minister and return to his hometown in Henan to enjoy his grandchildren and live a peaceful old age brought an uncontrollable sense of relief to his wrinkled face.

Hong Chengchou, on the other hand, suppressed the surging emotions within him.

He keenly sensed the impending power shift in the air.

With Xue Guoguan stepping down, who else but him can take the position of Grand Secretary?

For a scholar-official, entering the cabinet, becoming the second-in-command, or even further becoming the chief minister, is a lifelong pursuit and the greatest honor in the world!

The two arrived at the study and saw Zhu Cilang already seated and waiting. They quickly bowed and greeted him.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Cilang raised his hand in a gesture of greeting, his expression calm:

"Please excuse the formalities, gentlemen. Take a seat. Serve tea."

After the two men were seated and the eunuchs served fragrant tea and withdrew, Zhu Cilang slowly spoke, his tone calm:

"My father and I personally led the expedition, which lasted for a year and a half. All matters in the capital were maintained thanks to the joint efforts of the two of you and the ministers. I am aware of and remember your hard work."

Xue Guoguan and Hong Chengchou quickly stood up and said repeatedly:
"Your Highness is too kind! This is our duty, how dare we complain of hardship? Your Highness and His Majesty's conquest of the world is the true achievement of rebuilding the nation!"

Zhu Cilang smiled but didn't reply. He simply picked up his teacup and gently skimmed off the foam.

After a moment, he suddenly changed the subject, his gaze becoming sharp and profound, and his voice lowering slightly:

"I have summoned you two here today because there is a matter of utmost importance that I need to discuss with you. This matter is far-reaching and has far-reaching implications; it is of no small matter and we need your advice."

"Something incredibly important?"

Xue Guoguan and Hong Chengchou exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of confusion in each other's eyes. (End of Chapter)