Bringing the Railway to Daming

Now, Zhu Yuanzhang is 78 years old, and according to the Ming Dynasty's age calculation method, he would be 79.

People say "seventy is a rare age," and Zhu Yuanzhang was almost eighty, so it's normal for him to look increasingly aged. After all, the Ming Dynasty didn't have as many methods of preservation and medical treatment as later generations—in later times, it would be common for business tycoons in their nineties to still be in good spirits and dominate the market.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to be in a good mood.

After Liu Kuan finished bowing and sat down, he greeted him, "Liu Kuan, come sit here with us."

Originally, Zhu Yuanzhang was seated next to Zhu Xiong Ying and Crown Prince Zhu Wen Yao. Seeing this, Liu Kuan had no choice but to sit between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Wen Yao.

Fortunately, Zhu Wenyao is only twelve years old and still a student of Dabentang. It's not a big deal for Liu Kuan to squeeze out his place because of Old Zhu's order.

It was not yet lunchtime, so the people at the table were chatting idly.

Liu Kuan thought that Zhu would call him over to discuss some important national affairs, but to his surprise, Zhu asked about his family.

"Liu Kuan, I heard that Ruoxue is going on blind dates? Has she found anyone she likes? Should we find her a few promising young men?"

Liu Kuan was afraid that Zhu would arrange a marriage for Liu Ruoxue, which would make Liu Ruoxue very upset. So he quickly said, "Your Majesty, Ruoxue has already chosen someone and they have been dating for two or three months."

"Oh, which family's young master is it?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a rather gossipy air.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said, "Grandfather, Cousin Ruoxue has taken a liking to Liang Qiushi, a Hanlin Academy scholar. He is indeed quite talented, and his family background is not bad either."

Liu Kuan was not surprised. Zhu Xiong Ying controlled most of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and other Ming Dynasty intelligence organizations, so it was not surprising that he knew some things about his family.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face, and said, "That sounds pretty good—we were worried about Ruoxue's marriage prospects when we learned about her."

Only Zhu Yuanzhang could say such a thing; even Zhu Xiong Ying wouldn't have said it, because it wouldn't sound good.

Zhu Yuanzhang then added, "Ruoxue and Ping'an are both getting married soon, but it's unclear when Chang'an and Ruoyue will find their husbands."

These words left many of the people at the table speechless.

It's quite strange that Old Zhu doesn't care about the marriages of his sons and grandsons, but instead worries about the marriages of Liu Kuan's twins. Of course, it's understandable for people like Liu Kuan and Zhu Xiong Ying—after all, Chang'an and Ruoyue spent a considerable amount of time with Old Zhu when they were young, and they have a deep bond.

Only then did Zhu Yuanzhang discuss state affairs with the others.

"Xiongying, I heard you're going to send the 20th and 21st princes to establish a domain in the British Isles?"

Zhu Xiong Ying said, "That is indeed the case, and my grandson has already reached an agreement with Uncle Twenty and Uncle Twenty-One."

"What about the third and thirteenth princes? Are they dissatisfied?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked again.

Zhu Xiong Ying said, "There are the rules set by my grandfather, and I also consulted with them before taking over the British Isles, so why would they be dissatisfied?"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, then instructed, "No matter what, you are all sons and grandsons of the Zhu family, and uncles and nephews. In general, we should try to prioritize harmony."

"My grandson understands."

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang talked with Zhu Xiong Ying, Mu Ying, Lan Yu and others about the situation in the Indochina Peninsula.

"Now that only Siam, Champa, and Lan Xang remain in the Indochina Peninsula, when does the imperial court plan to take them down?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Duke of Qian, why don't you tell us about the current situation of these three countries?" Mu Ying replied, "Your Majesty, among these three countries, Champa and Nan Xang are relatively weak. After our Great Ming conquered Annam, Central Myanmar, and Southern Myanmar, the calls for these two countries to submit to the Great Ming have become increasingly louder."

"In addition to the activities of the Bright Guard, the Champa and Nan Zhang have submitted petitions to the interior, which is estimated to be within the next year or two."

"As for Siam, it was originally one of the most powerful countries in the Indochina Peninsula, and its national power was at its peak. Although in recent years it has been very respectful as a tributary state in the presence of our Great Ming Dynasty, its rulers have no intention of submitting to us."

At this moment, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Grandfather, this is what I think: after Champa and Nan Zhang submit to the Chinese, if Siam still doesn't know what's good for them, we will have no choice but to find a pretext to send troops to attack them."

"Now all the islands in the South Seas belong to our Great Ming Dynasty, and even the Indian peninsula is a vassal state. Siam is like a country within a country to our Great Ming Dynasty. If we do not take it, it will be like a fishbone stuck in our throat."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't rush to comment, but instead looked at Liu Kuan and said, "If I remember correctly, Siam was considered a powerful country in Southeast Asia in later generations, wasn't it?"

Liu Kuan: "Your Majesty, in the eyes of the people, Siam was indeed one of the top powers in Southeast Asia in later generations, and it was quite ambitious at one time."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Since he is an ambitious person, it is best to get rid of him as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, most of the people at the table smiled—this statement showed that although Zhu Yuanzhang was growing increasingly old, his mind was not confused. It also indicated that Zhu Yuanzhang's Alzheimer's disease had at least not worsened.

"Yunwen, how are the preparations for establishing a vassal state in South America going?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked again, unexpectedly showing concern for Zhu Yunwen's plans to establish a vassal state.

Zhu Yunwen, who was sitting quite far away, stood up and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, I have prepared most of what I could. Setting sail in February or March next year will not be a problem."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "You are going to South America, which is so far away. The journey is tens of thousands of miles. You don't know how many troubles you will encounter along the way. It would be better to make more preparations and contingency plans in all aspects."

Zhu Yunwen's eyes reddened slightly as he nodded and said, "Grandson will remember Grandfather's instructions and will make thorough preparations."

Zhu Yuanzhang added, "If you encounter any difficulties, go to Xiong Ying. After all, you are his younger brother, so don't be shy about asking."

"My grandson knows."

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang showed great concern for Zhu Yunwen, everyone had different expressions.

Empress Lü, sitting at another table, also showed a happy expression—although Zhu Yuanzhang no longer managed affairs, no one would disregard what he said, not even Zhu Xiong Ying.

Afterwards, the group chatted about other matters, mainly the internal affairs of the Ming Dynasty and the wars in Central Asia and Europe. About half an hour later, at eleven o'clock, the palace servants brought up plates of delicious food, and the luncheon began.

Zhu Yuanzhang was getting old after all. Although he seemed to be in a good mood today and the delicious food was very tasty, he didn't eat much.

Fortunately, he eats slowly.

Otherwise, if Old Zhu stops eating after a few bites, it would be difficult for the others to continue eating.

Even so, the luncheon ended in less than an hour.

Empress Liu directed the palace servants to clear away the bowls, chopsticks, and plates and set up the movie-watching banquet. Because this was a well-established custom, the palace servants had even practiced it many times, so the process was very orderly, and the "home theater" was set up in no time.

This time, in addition to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Xiong Ying sitting in the first row, Zhu Wenyao, Liu Kuan, Xu Da, Mu Ying, and Lan Yu were also arranged to sit in the first row.

Of course, Mu Ying, Lan Yu, and Zhu Wenyao were all positioned on the periphery. (End of Chapter)