The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 127 Zhu Yuanzhang: Is what our eldest grandson said true?

Qianqing Palace.

When Zhu Biao learned that his sworn brother was about to return to the capital, his eyes were filled with longing.

Looking at his father and mother at the head of the table, he pondered for a moment, then rose and said, "My elder brother is ten years older than me. He is humble and prudent, loves reading, is strict in governing the army, and cares deeply for the people!"

"He guarded Henan for more than ten years, yet he had no surplus wealth, no beautiful maids, and no desire for pleasure. He devoted himself entirely to the people's livelihood and military affairs, and the people of the Central Plains all remembered his kindness."

"In my opinion, upon returning to the capital, I should be entrusted with important responsibilities!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply moved by his eldest son's words of seeking credit.

He stroked his beard, looked around at his children and grandchildren, and laughed, "What Biao'er said is exactly what we were thinking!"

"Let's raise a toast as the horse returns to the capital!!"

After Lao Zhu and the others had drunk their fill of wine...

Zhu Xiong Ying stood up again and continued, "Grandfather, Grandmother!"

"I am overjoyed that Uncle Xu is returning to Beijing in October. I will definitely lead my brothers to accompany Father to welcome him!"

As the eldest nephew, how could the Xu family not welcome their uncle back to Beijing?

When the time comes, we should have a good chat and get closer to each other!

Upon hearing their elder brother's words, the imperial grandsons, including Zhu Jixi, Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Gaochi, and Zhu Yuntong, all craned their necks in anticipation.

In his eyes, there was anticipation, joy, and curiosity.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang exchanged a glance with Empress Ma, then burst into laughter and nodded, saying, "What's so difficult about that? Your grandmother and I have given our consent!"

"Grandson thanks His Majesty!"

The family dinner ended, and the moon was high in the sky.

In the inner court, there was also a ceremony to worship the moon.

The ceremony concluded, and everyone returned to their respective quarters.

And inside the Kunning Palace.

After seeing her eldest grandson off, Empress Ma sat on the couch, turned to look at her husband, and, thinking of the family reunion today, sighed, "Chongba, look, the children have all grown up. They are all so sensible now. This is a blessing for the Zhu family!"

Zhu Yuanzhang wholeheartedly agreed, nodding and saying, "That's right! Now, during festivals, we can see our children and grandchildren gathered around us; our lives have been worthwhile!"

"Besides, we know you miss Ying'er too. After the war in the southwest ends and the region is at peace, in three to five years, we'll call Ying'er back for a get-together!"

"And after the northern border is at peace, it would be good for the second, third, and fourth sons to go home and visit as well."

As for his adopted son Mu Ying, and his several sons who were enfeoffed in his early years.

In the past two years, Empress Ma has often mentioned it.

Upon hearing her husband's words, she immediately responded with a smile.

More than a month later, it was September 20th.

That day, after the main hall's classes ended, as was customary, Zhu Xiong Ying tutored his younger brothers in their homework in the rear hall of Wen Hua Tang.

He then decided to return to the palace first.

Just as I turned the corner, I saw Laifu stumbling and running towards me.

Upon seeing the eldest grandson of the emperor, Laifu took out an object from his pocket and hurriedly bowed, saying, "Your Highness, an hour ago, Mr. Shan from the Imperial Academy sent someone to the palace with a message. After being relayed by the eunuch on duty in the Palace Attendants Bureau, he said that the matter concerning the academy that you entrusted to me has been settled—"

"They also sent over a small item, saying that following the method you gave them on the tenth of last month, they worked day and night to fire three kilns and finally produced qualified Yong'an lime test blocks!"

"Mr. Shan dared not delay and specially sent someone to deliver the message, requesting that Your Highness visit the university when you have time!"

Old order!

Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly realized.

It seems the natural cement project has been secured!

He reached out and took the oil paper package, opened it, and saw a fist-sized, bluish-gray hard lump with a smooth and dense surface.

After rubbing it in my hand for a moment, my eyes lit up.

Although it is not like the cement of later generations, its texture is much better than that of mortar and cement!

Right now, we should ask Old Zhu for permission to go to the university as soon as possible.

If its practicality is proven, it should be applied on a large scale in areas such as defense of the northern frontier, construction of dikes, and river management!

This can be considered a great gift for Lao Zhu before the winter solstice!

Zhu Xiong Ying carefully put the oil paper package away again, turned around and said, "Come on, follow me to the Hall of Literary Glory. We need to ask the Emperor for permission to go to the Imperial Academy tomorrow!"

"yes!"

The Hall of Literary Glory.

Zhu Yuanzhang had just finished reviewing the memorials when he rubbed his throbbing temples. He planned to summon Xu Da and others to the palace again to discuss matters concerning the southwestern border.

Before he could even speak, the good grandson came running in!

Old Zhu sat up straight, stroked his beard, and laughed, "Grandson, didn't we say we wouldn't be having dinner at Kunning Palace tonight? We'll have you keep your Empress Dowager company—"

Seeing that Old Zhu had clearly misunderstood, Zhu Xiong Ying bowed and said, "Grandson greets His Majesty!"

"Your grandson hasn't returned to Grandmother's place yet, so I've come to see you specifically to report some joyous news!"

Old Zhu's brow furrowed, and he chuckled, "What has Da Sun been doing behind our backs these past few days?"

Zhu Xiong Ying handed over the oiled paper package and said, "Grandpa, look at this. How does it compare to mortar and cement? How does it compare to rice mortar?!"

Zhu Yuanzhang took it, squeezed it in his palm, and weighed it in his hand. Suddenly, his expression froze, and he exclaimed in surprise, "What is this object? How can it be so heavy and hard? It's much stronger than rammed earth!"

Zhu Xiong Ying turned to the side and respectfully said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, regarding this item, I will name it Yong'an Ash!"

"I remember in early August, when I was seeing my uncle off to his fiefdom, I heard my father talk about the floods and the collapse of the dikes in our Jiangnan region!"

"Then I recalled several miscellaneous books I had read, and through summarizing and analyzing them, I arrived at this method for making Yong'an Ash!"

"In theory, the necessary materials, such as bluestone and clay, are readily available everywhere. No need to consume grain or employ overly complex processes; simply following the prescribed methods of firing is sufficient!"

"The cost here is only one-tenth of that of glutinous rice mortar! It hardens instantly upon contact with water and will not rot year-round!"

"When my grandson left the palace last month and went to the university, he specifically consulted Master Shan again."

"Just now, Lord Shan sent word that there had been initial successes, and I immediately informed Your Majesty!"

"I would like to request an imperial decree so that I may go to the Imperial Academy tomorrow to verify the effectiveness of Yong'an lime! If it is successful, Your Majesty may order the Ministry of Works to build Yong'an lime kilns in various parts of the country, thereby repairing dikes and border walls!"

Is what our grandson said true?

Zhu Yuanzhang suppressed his joy, but was still somewhat uneasy.

So he picked up the cement block and examined it from all angles, even standing up and stepping on it.

Finally, his eyes gleamed, and he slammed his hand on the table, saying, "Over the years, what has worried us most is flooding. The Yellow River, for example, breaches its banks every year and requires constant repairs! Not to mention the canals and waterways of Jiangnan—if this could truly be widely adopted, its importance to our Great Ming Dynasty would be self-evident!"

"This matter is of great importance, we approve! Let Mao Xiang accompany Grandson!"

"As for the subsequent needs, if the Ministry of Works is required, we will provide the personnel and funds; we don't need the university to provide them! Furthermore, we will naturally promote and reward Shan An and others!"

It is precisely because they understand the importance of Yong'an Grey.

Zhu Yuanzhang then specially dispatched the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to accompany him to ensure that the matter would go perfectly!

Zhu Xiong Ying breathed a sigh of relief and bowed, saying, "On behalf of Master Shan and the craftsmen, your grandson thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"