The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 104 Zhu Yuanzhang, who longed for his grandson

"To be honest, Uncle, since leaving the capital, I have strictly followed my grandfather's ancestral teaching of 'abstaining from extravagance and practicing frugality'—meaning that my daily meals consist of no more than four dishes and one soup!"

"Although there have been many hardships and toiles, whenever I think of my grandfather's humble beginnings in Haozhou, and of my second uncle's enfeoffment in Xi'an Prefecture, guarding the western gate of the Ming Dynasty, I dare not overstep my bounds in the slightest!"

"It is said that among all the relatives in the world, none are closer than blood relatives, uncles and nephews! My second uncle is the head of all the vassal states and the elder I respect the most. I miss him dearly."

In his speech, Zhu Xiong Ying did not forget to say some auspicious words.

He then gave a brief description of the affairs of the university, and took the opportunity to express his gratitude.

Subsequently, he sent it to his third uncle, Prince Zhu of Jin, and the content was not much different.

When it was his fourth uncle Zhu Di's turn, he talked a bit more.

For example, he consulted on preparations for the Northern Expedition, as well as various border affairs, and also on the recent situation of Zhu Gaochi, Daoming's cousin.

After writing letters to all the imperial uncles.

Even though I've only been away from home for less than a day, I can't show favoritism.

Zhu Xiong Ying then picked up his pen again and wrote a letter for his grandfather Zhu Yuanzhang, his grandmother Ma Xiuying, and his adoptive father Zhu Biao.

He recounted everything that happened today.

The details described therein are even more detailed than those monitored by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

After finishing all this, I realized it was getting late.

He handed the letters to Lai Shun, then quickly washed up and went to bed.

After all, we have to set off again early tomorrow morning!

According to the route between the capital and Fengyang, if everything goes smoothly, it should take about ten days to get back to my hometown.

Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for this trip!

The next day.

At dawn, at the call of Sanbao, he got up early.

Then they continued their journey by carriage, but unexpectedly, around noon, a light drizzle began to fall, turning the dirt road into a muddy mess and slowing the carriages and horses down considerably.

Looking at the crowds carrying loads on the road, one could see how difficult their journey was.

Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't help but think of cement.

Unfortunately, given the circumstances of the early Ming Dynasty, it was quite difficult to manufacture cement and make it widely used!

But there are other options.

For example, natural cement, which was later known as "Roman cement"!

However, it can be produced by calcining in a lime kiln and is sufficient for use on city defense roads.

Thinking of this, Zhu Xiong Ying took out her notebook and quickly wrote it down.

After returning to Beijing, I need to have a good chat with the engineering PhD from the university!

Then he thought again that by the time he returned to the capital, the new crossbow he had designed and improved should have made progress first.

If we move quickly, it might be implemented throughout the Imperial Guards this year.

As for Tao Chengdao and his son Tao Jingchu, the firearms improvement project they were in charge of involved many aspects and could not be rushed!

That night, Zhu Xiong Ying rested temporarily at Donggecheng Post Station.

Like writing a diary, he wrote back to Old Zhu, Empress Ma, and Biao'er's father, describing in detail what he had seen and heard that day!

The following day, due to the heavy rain, they had to rest on the spot.

He was originally someone who couldn't stay idle.

With no one to watch over them, they took their eldest uncle Chang Mao, Xu family third uncle Xu Zengshou, second daughter Li Jinglong, and others and wandered around the city.

Don't forget to go to the market to inquire about daily prices.

And understand the current exchange rate of the paper money —

It is clear to the naked eye that the paper money reforms implemented by my cheap father, based on the inspiration he provided, have been very effective since the beginning of the year!

This at least temporarily stabilized the value of the paper money.

In the past six months, he has also discovered that, given the current state of the Ming Dynasty, it is indeed very difficult to realize the silver standard in terms of paper money.

After a few years, we will wipe out the remnants of the Yuan dynasty.

Perhaps his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, could lead the army to conquer Japan!

After acquiring the silver mines, supervise the local Japanese to mine them and transport the silver to the Ming Dynasty for use.

There is a sufficient and stable supply.

Only by doing so can we win back Old Zhu's heart.

And gradually link the paper money with silver, thus consolidating the people's livelihood and economy of the Ming Dynasty!

Five days later, the rain had long since stopped.

Zhu Xiong Ying and his men had unknowingly entered the territory of Chuzhou.

Back in the day, when Zhu Yuanzhang was conquering the country, Chuzhou was his first real base of operations.

Historical records state: "The strongest soldiers from the Jianghuai region were gathered here to garrison and train troops."

Therefore, he stayed an extra day, mainly to visit the village, give eggs to some elderly people, and show them kindness and warmth.

Upon hearing that the descendants of Emperor Zhu Chongba had arrived...

Many of the older folks became increasingly excited and thrilled when they talked about what happened back then!

At this point, we had already traveled more than half the distance on the road to Fengyang.

After departing from Chuyang Post Station, we will first pass through Qingliu Pass, which is also the only way to Fengyang Prefecture.

On May 19th, after many stops and starts along the way, we finally arrived at our hometown of Fengyang!

The capital city.

Within the imperial city, at the Kunning Palace.

Empress Ma sat by the window in the candlelight, holding a silver needle in her hand, sewing a soft satin cloak for her eldest grandson.

They heard familiar footsteps coming from outside the hall.

She knew her husband had returned without needing a palace maid to announce it.

Empress Ma, her eyes thoughtful, looked up and said, "Is Chongba busy with state affairs today? He's almost half an hour later than usual!"

Zhu Yuanzhang sat down on a chair to the side, took the cool tea offered by a palace maid, sipped it, and said in a hoarse voice, "It's still that grain theft case. The major case was closed last year! And most people's sentences were reduced by using atonement debts!"

"But there are still some minor details that the lower-level officials haven't sorted out, and they're trying to brush them off. We had to give them a good scolding before they finally admitted it!"

"By the way, did our eldest grandson send a letter today?"

The good grandson left the capital for more than ten days.

Almost every day, letters from home arrived.

I miss it so much that if I don't see it for a day, I feel a little uneasy.

Empress Ma couldn't help but laugh at her husband's stubborn yet soft-hearted demeanor. She put down her needlework, took out a letter, and said, "Found it. This is for you!"

"The palace maids brought it in at noon. I was thinking of Chongba, so you can see it when you get back."

"Speaking of Xiong Ying, he's been gone for over ten days, and he hasn't missed a single letter, not even when it was pouring rain. He really cares about us!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, eagerly took it, opened it, and saw that it was still written in great detail.

The content described there was not the road repair matter mentioned a few days ago.

It turned out to be about the local customs and traditions of my hometown, Fengyang, as well as my observations on people's lives.

Unbeknownst to him, it stirred up many memories!

After putting the letter down, Zhu Yuanzhang tapped it and said to his wife, "When Biao'er first returned to Fengyang, he was about this age. He couldn't bear to see the people suffer, and he was incredibly curious about things in our hometown!"

"Our eldest grandson is even more meticulous than his father!"

"But on the way there, we encountered the plum rain season in Jiangnan, which caused quite a delay!"

Empress Ma gave her a reproachful look and said, "Are you missing Xiong Ying?"

"I told you, Chongba, that we should have set off from U.A. High School back in April, so that the journey would be smoother before the rainy season. Who knew you would drag it out until May—"

"But don't rush. After the sacrificial ceremony, it will probably be about half a month before we return to the capital!"