Chapter 106: Do They Dare to Invade the Palace Itself?
Evening.
At the Fan family mansion.
A figure moved stealthily outside the door.
The young master of the Chang family stared silently, pausing for a moment as if savoring a cup of tea, then suddenly knelt down, choking with emotion:
“Father, with my abilities, I fear I will never be able to avenge you in this lifetime. Today, I sever ties and break kinship with you. From now on, I will walk my own bright path, and you yours across the bridge of the afterlife. Let us forget each other henceforth!”
“By the way, Chang Wei, I have changed my name. I am now called Lai Gui. Initially, I wanted to be called Chang Lai, but I didn’t want you to visit often, so I’m sorry, brother Chang. Let us part here, and do not haunt me like a restless spirit! I hope you understand what’s good for you!”
Having said this, he quickly fled the scene.
Not far away.
Several shadowy figures appeared.
One of them, dressed in a bullfighting outfit adorned with qilin motifs, led the group.
“This child, so filial to me!” Wang Cheng’en’s expression was complicated. He waved his hand and turned to leave.
“Make it quick. And remember, don’t let that Lai Fu from the Chang family escape either.”
“Yes, sir!”
Two imperial guards broke away from the group and disappeared into the streets.
From then on, the Western Depot had a cold case: a Chang family member named Lai Fu remained missing without a trace.
……
Overnight, the eight great Shanxi merchants vanished into thin air!
Their industries, once private enterprises, instantly transformed into state-owned enterprises.
The capital was stunned, and the court was shaken!
At the same time!
Two imperial edicts were issued from the palace.
The first ordered the gentry and merchants of the Jiangnan region to contribute maritime information. The Chongzhen era was set to embark once more on voyages to the Western Seas!
The second commanded Dorgon, leader of the Jianzhou Jurchen tribes, to immediately come to the capital to pay homage to the emperor. Any delay would result in a million Ming troops advancing on the capital at once!
The atmosphere in the capital suddenly grew oppressive.
“Voyages to the Western Seas” was a sensitive phrase that struck a nerve with certain people.
In the Hall of Diligent Governance,
Zhu Youjian sat smiling on the dragon throne and said, “Minister Fan, now that the steam engine has been built, don’t slack off. We don’t need it quite yet. Come, I’ll show you two treasures.”
“As you command.”
Fan Jingwen respectfully stepped forward.
He focused his gaze on the books:
“Complete Explanation of Steel Smelting Technology”
“Complete Schematics of the Steam Light Cruiser”
Zhu Youjian smiled encouragingly, “Minister Fan, you are destined for eternal glory!”
This steam engine nearly wore out my old bones.
Neither of these looks simple!
Fan Jingwen held the two thick volumes, his head buzzing, swallowing nervously, “Your Majesty…”
“You are truly my trusted minister, willing to face death without hesitation. Go now, get to work.” Zhu Youjian clapped his hands with a smile.
---
“Willing to face death without hesitation?”
So basically, death is the only option if I quit!
“As your servant obeys!”
Fan Jingwen solemnly rose, his enthusiasm suddenly ignited, and he hurried back to the Celestial Works Pavilion to immerse himself in hard labor.
Those Shanxi merchants thought they had infiltrated the Celestial Works Pavilion?
Don’t be ridiculous. The Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guards are not mere decorations.
The delay in progress was purely because old Fan couldn’t find the emperor. Zhu Youjian was hidden deep within the palace, and no one knew where he had disappeared.
When in doubt, consult the Three Yangs. These three had thoroughly studied history, especially Yang Rong, whose family had been destroyed due to his grandfather’s tyranny. Now, he was cautious and diligent.
He planned to return home and establish family rules.
Currently, they were reliable tools for the Chongzhen reign, with nothing to gain or do, so they simply resided in the Wen Yuan Pavilion to exercise their limited political influence.
Each was burdened with sorrow and hatred, enduring daily labor as if in reform camp, praying that one day the emperor would remember them and mercifully release a few.
Pray on.
Zhu Youjian never even thought of them.
He smiled cheerfully at the nervous Bi Maokang beside him and said:
“Minister Bi, I heard the village dogs have all been assigned as patrol dogs at the Seventh Gunpowder Factory?”
“Your servant faces death!” Bi Maokang panicked, banging his head on the ground, kneeling and trembling.
“Hey, what are you saying? As my trusted minister, what’s wrong with assigning a few patrol dogs?”
Zhu Youjian waved his hand, “From now on, you won’t take charge of the ten gunpowder factories or forty foundries. I have appointed a hundred officials from previous dynasties to oversee them.”
“No… no more gun manufacturing?”
Bi Maokang was dismayed; he never imagined his political career would be derailed by two dogs.
“We’re switching to cannon manufacturing.”
Zhu Youjian tossed him a thick volume:
“Twin-mounted 343mm Naval Gun”
“Hmm? Minister Bi, why aren’t you smiling? Don’t you like to smile?” Zhu Youjian asked cheerfully.
Speaking so loudly makes one prone to death, you know!
“I do, I do.”
Bi Maokang nearly wet himself, forcing an awkward smile worse than tears, feeling as if he had ascended from the underworld to heaven—truly a shock.
“Well then, I am relieved. People who love to smile rarely have bad luck.” Zhu Youjian smiled warmly.
Those with bad luck can’t smile at all.
“I will have the ten gunpowder factories and forty foundries fully support your cannon manufacturing.”
Zhu Youjian paused, “If you fail to produce the cannons after the ships are built at the Celestial Works Pavilion, it will be a capital offense!”
“But if you succeed before then, you shall be my greatest hero!”
“Yes, yes!” Bi Maokang nodded repeatedly, clutching the volume that held his life and death, unwilling to relax even a bit.
“I won’t treat you unfairly. You will also appoint all the patrol dogs from these fifty factories.” Zhu Youjian smiled.
After all, the cannons were the only weapon that could keep an eye on this emperor; a little respect was necessary.
Wow, I am truly ecstatic!
---
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Bi Maokang’s smile was strained. He decided to feast on roasted meat tonight. Don’t ask what kind of meat.
After everyone left,
Zhu Youjian lay back on the dragon throne, shifting comfortably, “Though I haven’t done much, it’s still hard work for me.”
Soon after,
Wang Cheng’en entered.
Seeing Zhu Youjian was somewhat distracted, she dared not interrupt.
“Wang Banban, does it feel a bit empty in the palace?” Zhu Youjian suddenly asked.
He now found Wang Cheng’en still elegant and charming.
“It is my negligence, Your Majesty!” Wang Cheng’en was startled, quickly bowing her head.
“Next time, be more careful.”
Zhu Youjian cleared his throat, having spoken offhandedly.
“Yes, yes!”
“Your Majesty, there is strong opposition in the capital to the voyages to the Western Seas, but no one mentions the ancestral decrees anymore. Shall I take action and make an example?” Wang Cheng’en asked cautiously.
Ancestral decrees?
If the ancestors could manifest, what use are decrees?
They’re worthless.
“Just kill the monkeys directly. Tell them that any delay of even half a day in submitting the maritime data to the palace means they no longer have to submit it at all. I will personally go to Jiangnan to collect it.”
Zhu Youjian raised his eyelids and added:
“Also, you will personally oversee this fleet’s voyage to the Western Seas. Anyone in Jiangnan who interferes will have their hands cut off.”
“Yes, Your servant understands.” Wang Cheng’en bowed respectfully and withdrew.
Soon,
Yang Rong, Yang Shiqi, Yang Pu, Xia Yuanji, Wang Jiayan, and others gathered in the great hall. Except for Minister of Works Fan Jingwen, all six ministers were present.
Prince Consort and Commander Gong Yonggu was among them.
“We pay respects to Your Majesty. May the emperor be well!”
“I am well.”
Zhu Youjian nodded.
“Your Majesty, the affair of the Western Seas voyage is of great consequence. We beg Your Majesty to reconsider!” The Three Yangs in the cabinet were deeply worried; they truly feared the emperor’s demise.
Gong Yonggu’s expression was anxious, “Your Majesty…”
“The matter of the Western Seas voyage need not be discussed further. You may withdraw.”
Zhu Youjian knew exactly what they meant, waving them off.
They were simply worried someone in Jiangnan might take matters into their own hands!
Hah!
Do they dare come to the palace to cause trouble?
……