The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 93 Luo Guanzhong: In the Ming Dynasty, one's fate is not one's own!

February 28th was a day off.

Outside the imperial city, at the residence of the Duke of Zheng.

Just past noon, the steward hurried toward the east courtyard.

Upon arriving at the study, he immediately knocked on the door.

Inside the house, the Chang brothers were discussing matters concerning the household.

Since last year, the imperial court has been promoting smallpox vaccination on a large scale. As the main person in charge, Chang Mao has been extremely busy. In contrast, most matters in the Duke's mansion are handled by his younger brothers, Chang Sheng and Chang Sen.

However, some important decisions still require the elder brother Changmao to make the choice!

They were talking about the spring plowing in the fields outside the city.

Suddenly, I was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Boom boom boom!

Hearing the commotion, Chang Mao frowned slightly and looked towards the door, saying, "Come in? What happened?"

The steward hurriedly bowed and reported, "Reporting to the Duke, an imperial decree has arrived—"

Imperial edict?

Upon hearing this news, the Chang brothers exchanged a glance, both somewhat taken aback.

Chang Mao, being more mature, said in a deep voice, "Quickly open the main gate, set up the incense table, and change your clothes to receive the imperial decree!"

Fifteen minutes later, the Chang family members all bowed deeply in worship, then held their breath and concentrated.

The messenger cleared his throat and then read aloud: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Zhongshan Academy, built by the eldest grandson Xiong Ying, contains a workshop for craftsmen, which is a vital and confidential location of the state. Guan Ping's firearms and military equipment require loyal, brave, and prudent men to be stationed there to guard it."

"Chang Sheng, the second son of Chang Yuchun, the Prince of Kaiping, came from a distinguished family and had long served in the palace. He was upright in character, skilled in archery and horsemanship, and always loyal."

Now, having been recommended by the eldest grandson of the Emperor, he is hereby specially appointed to lead a contingent of men to be stationed around the workshops, in charge of all matters related to gate security and patrols in the area.

"All personnel and materials entering and leaving the workshops shall be inspected and verified by him. His daily operations shall be directly controlled by the Crown Prince and shall not need to be reported to the Ministry of War. So be it."

Upon hearing this...

Chang Mao raised his tiger-like eyes, which were filled with deep warmth.

The nephew clearly knew that his second uncle did not yet hold a formal official position, so he recommended him to the emperor, which truly shows his care and trust!

After all, the nephew has the blood of the Chang family flowing through his veins!

The younger brother is not young, and he should also find an opportunity to hone his skills so that he can serve as the Crown Prince's brother-in-law and the Emperor's eldest grandson's nephew in the future, and stand by him to protect him from the storms. Chang Sheng was shocked and looked up in disbelief.

Over the years, relying on his status as a member of the Chang family, he only obtained the title of Xunwei (a military officer), and never actually did anything, let alone led troops.

Upon suddenly hearing of this appointment, I feel excitement, bewilderment, and helplessness.

She was even more worried that she would disappoint her nephew's good intentions!

But from a personality perspective...

Compared to Chang Mao's impulsiveness, recklessness, arrogance, and domineering nature, Chang Sheng is much more sentimental, calm, and low-key in his dealings with others!

On the contrary, Chang Sen, the youngest, was full of envy!

Currently, the eldest brother is with his brother-in-law, the Crown Prince, and the second brother is with his grandson, the Emperor's nephew.

He'll be twenty soon, when will he be able to settle down and start a family?

After regaining their senses, Chang Mao and others performed another full prostration, saying, "Your subjects receive the decree, long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Once the eunuch left...

Chang Sen, with his lively personality, quickly approached and said with a smile, "Second Brother, congratulations! You've landed such an important job; our Chang family now has another pillar to carry on the family line!"

Chang Sheng was still a little dizzy and exclaimed, "To be honest, brother, I still feel like I'm dreaming!"

"Over the years, I've only been a figurehead imperial guard. In the eyes of those people in the capital, I'm just carrying my father's name, but I don't have any real position. I always feel like I can't hold my head high!"

"I never expected my nephew—"

Chang Sheng's eyes reddened as he spoke.

I can't help but think of all the things my sister entrusted to me before she passed away!

In the end, he, the uncle, couldn't help his nephew. Instead, his nephew had to find him a government position!

Seeing this, Chang Mao patted his younger brother on the shoulder and they walked together into the inner hall, saying, "Last year, I mentioned to the Emperor the establishment of a university. This February, just as the semester started, I got you a job. This is no ordinary job!"

"Second brother, you should understand what those craftsmen affiliated with the university do. I overheard my brother-in-law, the Crown Prince, talking about it the other day. They're used to research gunpowder, crossbows, and other such weapons! Just as the imperial decree stated, they are considered vital national treasures!"

"So, your nephew petitioned the imperial decree to have you, my second brother, supervise the guards, not only to secure his own future, but also to entrust his life's work to you, his second uncle?"

At this point, Chang Mao walked to a chair, slowly sat down, and said in a deep voice, "My nephew has always been close to us since he was little, never distant at all! Now that he's grown up and started to share the Emperor's burdens, he still thinks of us uncles all the time—"

"Throughout our lives, we uncles will risk our lives to protect him and keep him safe—"

I understand what my elder brother means.

Chang Sheng sat down and nodded, saying, "Brother, I know. My nephew has been sensible since he was a child. When he was young, he was raised in the palace. Whenever the Empress bestowed any good snacks or toys upon him, he would secretly slip them into his hands when he saw us enter the palace! He has grown up these past two years, but he has never forgotten us during festivals and often comes to visit! He has never forgotten the roots of the Chang family!"

"Our Chang family's current peace and stability are due to the grace of the palace and the care of the Crown Prince."

Chang Sen picked up his tea, took a sip, and then chimed in, "Big brother, second brother! That's right! Whether it's the Emperor and Empress, the Crown Prince's brother-in-law, or the eldest grandson of the Emperor, they've all shown us such care and recognition; we absolutely cannot let them down—"

Just as Chang Mao and the others were talking about their good nephew, praising him endlessly.

Inside the palace.

The course of study at Dabentang has concluded.

After checking his younger brothers' homework, Zhu Xiong Ying planned to return to Kun Ning Palace early to finish some tasks.

For example, the strategies for improving firearms, crossbows, etc., which are not yet fully written.

In a few days, someone will send it to the university!

Let's strive to achieve some results this year and show Old Zhu what we've got!

In addition, he had promised Old Zhu that he would use dramas and storytelling to promote the court's anti-corruption efforts and clean up officialdom.

He had already written several outlines for this script.

On the other hand, halfway there, they unexpectedly encountered the eunuch sent by Old Zhu.

After inquiring, he learned that his grandfather had something to ask him!

Upon entering the Huagai Hall.

Zhu Xiong Ying tiptoed to the side of the imperial desk, before he could even bow in greeting.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head, handed over the dossier presented by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and said with a smile, "I heard from my subordinates last time that Grandson is looking for a man named Luo Ben?"

"Jiang and his men are quite efficient; they've already submitted all the details they've uncovered today!"

"As for the person, I heard they've been found. We just gave the order, and they should be able to bring him to the capital in about a month!"

Luo found it so quickly?

It has to be Old Zhu!

This intervention significantly improved efficiency!

Judging from the tone of voice...

His grandfather did not harbor much ill will towards Luo Guanzhong!

After all, Zhang Shicheng, his defeated foe, has been dead for almost twenty years!

This time, even if Lao Luo didn't want to come to the capital, he had to make the trip!