The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 92 Chang Sheng: My nephew is so good, he always thinks of his uncle!

Meanwhile, inside the Kunning Palace.

Empress Ma leaned against the soft couch, sewing summer clothes stitch by stitch.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood to one side, gently massaging the back of the patient, while also reporting on the events happening outside the palace.

"Grandmother, you are wise to see that today was the first day of school, and everything went very smoothly!"

"After 9 AM, I first offered sacrifices to my late teacher, and then proceeded with the ceremony! Afterwards, I spoke with all the teachers and students about the fundamental principles of establishing a school, and then toured the various lecture halls and workshops. Everything went smoothly throughout this process!"

At this point, Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly had an idea. He took out a small booklet from his sleeve and said, "Grandson almost forgot! Grandmother, take a look. This is the officially implemented detailed rule for departmental divisions after several revisions! I've been so busy these past few days that I haven't had time to explain it to you in detail!"

Seeing the expectant look on his eldest grandson's face.

Empress Ma had no choice but to hand the needle and thread to a palace maid. She took the booklet but didn't open it immediately. Instead, she looked up and said, "I remember last year, Xiong Ying, you told me that the core purpose of the university's various subjects was to enrich the nation and strengthen its people!"

"Your imperial grandfather mentioned it to me during the first month of the lunar year, and he spoke highly of it—"

But I heard that Old Zhu praised it highly.

Zhu Xiong Ying was secretly pleased, but said on the surface, "My ability to think of these things is all thanks to the good teaching of you and my imperial grandfather!"

"You little rascal, you sure know how to sweet-talk—"

After seeing Empress Ma smile, he then opened the catalog.

Rarely finding a moment of leisure, he kept talking and began to elaborate.

"Grandmother, please take a look at this engineering section first! It covers research in shipbuilding, agricultural tools, city defense, water conservancy, and archery!"

"Every measure, if put into practice, is a major event that benefits the country and its people!"

"For example, shipbuilding, besides facilitating water transport, could enable the construction of larger Fujian and Guangdong ships, equipped with firearms, to patrol the seas and suppress the Japanese pirates who raid the coast!"

"As for farm tools, they can be improved to make land reclamation faster and farming less strenuous. These are not measures to consolidate the foundation of the nation!"

Every word Zhu Xiong Ying spoke.

Empress Ma nodded repeatedly upon hearing this.

When she saw medical information and heard what her beloved grandson was saying, she was most focused.

"Grandmother, regarding medicine, I didn't explain it to you in detail last time."

"My grandson's vision is, firstly, to train more resident doctors, so that every village can have one, providing free treatment for common illnesses, and also teaching the people how to clean their houses, drink boiled water, and ward off disease!"

"Think about it, in previous years, a plague would kill an entire village or county. With doctors more widely distributed, we can nip the plague in the bud."

"Secondly, the professors trained many military doctors who were not only skilled in treating sword wounds, but also knowledgeable in military disease prevention and post-injury care."

"Grandpa Emperor told me last time that during our army's northern expeditions over the years, 30% of the wounded soldiers died from their injuries. With a large number of military doctors in all units, we can save more soldiers' lives and prevent epidemics from spreading in the army!"

"In agronomy, besides the breeding of improved varieties that I mentioned to you last time, we will also conduct more research on composting and fertilizer production! Once the technology is mature, it will be ready to be promoted to farmers all over the world!"

"As for firearms, my goal is precisely to improve firearms and cannons—"

"In addition to these, there are basic specializations, such as physics and mathematics, metallurgy and mining, cartography and surveying, and animal husbandry and veterinary medicine —"

"Today is the start of the school year. I'm thinking that once the university's teaching is fully on track, we'll incorporate all the skills and crafts into the curriculum."

"Grandmother, just think about it, by then, the number of students admitted each year will not be two hundred, but two thousand or even twenty thousand!"

""

Enrolling 20,000 students annually?

If the court officials heard this, they would be utterly astonished!

But Zhu Xiong's tone was resolute.

That's what I think, and I plan to do that in the future.

Since the Ming Dynasty wanted to become the leader of the times, it had to maintain a leading position in all aspects and continuously expand outwards!

The reason I said these things today is to convey them to Old Zhu through his grandmother so that he can understand the deeper meaning behind them.

When Guan Dasun spoke, his eyes gleamed.

Empress Ma sighed with heartache, pulled her beloved grandson to her side, patted his head, and said, "Xiong Ying is truly courageous, no less so than your imperial grandfather was in his youth!"

These words were full of praise.

After all, Empress Ma came from humble beginnings and understood the hardships and helplessness of the common people best.

Therefore, for the past ten years or so, as the mother of the world, she has been doing two things.

First, she advised her husband that "the foundation of governing the world is to not kill people," and that they should stop wars and care for the people.

Secondly, he led by example, doing everything in his power to alleviate the suffering of the people. During years of disaster, he took the lead in donating money and supplies, and even delivered them to ordinary people through pharmacies.

In addition, Empress Ma was kind, wise, fond of books and history, diligent in domestic affairs, respectful of ancient teachings, and pragmatic!

Since the birth of the eldest grandson, he has been raised by his side. The expectation is that he will have a kind heart, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to protect the country and live up to the expectations of the people!

Zhu Xiong Ying's performance over the past two years has proven all of this!

This is why Empress Ma mentioned to her husband the matter of making her eldest grandson the crown prince!

After Grandmother finished speaking.

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Xiong Ying seized the opportunity to say, "Grandmother, I have another plan that I'd like to discuss with you first, to see if it's feasible?"

Empress Ma said, "Xiong Ying, tell me!"

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes darted around, and he said, "I'm thinking that the methods I develop for firearms, shipbuilding, and metallurgy will all be vital national assets, and not a single detail can be leaked!"

"Should the workshops of the academy be separated into a separate area? And should a battalion of soldiers be stationed there to guard the surrounding area day and night, preventing unauthorized personnel from approaching?"

"As for this army, I think it would be better to let my second uncle command it. He has practiced martial arts since childhood, is extremely loyal, and understands military affairs. He will definitely be able to do this job well!"

Within the Chang family.

My maternal uncle, Chang Mao, holds the title of Duke of Zheng, and also holds the honorary titles of Grand Master of the Palace and Right Pillar of State. He usually stays by my father's side and handles matters.

On the contrary, my second maternal uncle, Chang Sheng, had neither a noble title nor a powerful official position; he merely served as a palace guard as a member of the imperial family.

Thinking of his uncles, who treated him, their nephew, very well, he had to lend a hand.

From now on, as long as my uncle is capable and obedient, he will be given even more important responsibilities.

Unexpectedly, after listening, Empress Ma's smile faded. She patted her grandson's hand and pondered, "Your Majesty understands what Xiong Ying means!"

"Your maternal uncle is a member of the Chang family, and his loyalty is beyond question. However, whether he can lead troops to guard the important military facilities is a matter that needs to be discussed with your imperial grandfather!"

"But given your grandfather's personality, he probably won't refuse."

He understood the meaning behind his grandmother's words.

Zhu Xiong Ying made up his mind and said, "I have remembered what my Grandmother said!"

A few days later.

Zhu Xiong Ying brought up the matter of having his second uncle, Chang Sheng, lead troops to guard the area.

As expected, Old Zhu did not object!

By the time the imperial decree reached the Chang family, it was already late February.