Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

"Hmph! Easier said than done. Manufacturing firearms requires a lot of money and resources. The national treasury is not abundant at present. How can we squander it like this? If the implementation of the new law causes dissatisfaction among the powerful clans and leads to chaos in the country, who can bear that responsibility?" the opposing minister retorted.

The court was once again engulfed in a heated debate.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood to the side, their hearts filled with anxiety.

Just then, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke up: "Stop arguing!"

The court fell silent, and everyone looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

"I know that manufacturing firearms and implementing new laws are both for the good of the Ming Dynasty. But this matter certainly requires caution. Biao'er, Imperial Brother, are you confident in handling these difficulties?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han exchanged a glance, and Zhu Biao stepped forward and said, "Father, your son and Uncle will do our utmost. We have clues about the stolen materials, and we believe we can recover them soon. Uncle has personally explained the difficulties the craftsmen had with the process, and the manufacturing progress will definitely be accelerated. As for the implementation of the new law, your son and Uncle will properly handle the relationship with the powerful clans to avoid causing turmoil."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "Good! Since you are so determined, I will give you another chance. But if anything goes wrong, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han were overjoyed and quickly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Father! Your sons/sons will certainly live up to your expectations!"

After leaving the court, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han immediately threw themselves into their busy work.

“Biao’er, this person must be severely punished! Otherwise, it will be difficult to convince the public,” Zhu Han said.

Zhu Biao nodded: "What you say is absolutely right, Imperial Uncle. However, this person wields great power, and if we act rashly, it may cause turmoil in the court. We need to consider this carefully."

After some planning, the two decided to first gather evidence of the man's crimes, and then take him down when the time was right.

Meanwhile, in the Ministry of Works, firearms manufacturing progressed smoothly under Zhu Han's guidance.

The craftsmen gradually mastered the techniques in the blueprints, and the firearm components they manufactured became increasingly sophisticated.

At the same time, Zhu Biao's communication with the representatives of powerful families also achieved initial results.

Some enlightened aristocratic representatives recognized the long-term benefits of the new law to the Ming Dynasty and expressed their willingness to support its implementation, but hoped that their interests would be fully considered during the implementation process.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han assured them that the implementation of the new law would take into account the interests of all parties and would not cause any party unreasonable harm. The representatives of the powerful clans felt somewhat relieved after hearing this.

However, just when everything seemed to be going in the right direction, another unexpected event occurred.

One day, Zhu Biao was handling affairs in the Eastern Palace when he suddenly felt dizzy and then fainted.

The Eastern Palace was thrown into chaos, and the eunuchs hurriedly went to fetch the imperial physician. Upon learning the news, Zhu Han rushed to the Eastern Palace.

"How is Biao'er?" Zhu Han asked anxiously.

The imperial physician emerged from the inner chamber, his face grave: "Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince collapsed due to overwork and anxiety. He needs proper care, otherwise, he may suffer from chronic illness."

Zhu Han felt a pang of anxiety. Zhu Biao had been working day and night for the manufacture of firearms and the implementation of the new law, and now his body was finally giving out.

"You must use the best medicine to properly treat the Crown Prince. You cannot afford any mishaps!" Zhu Han said to the imperial physicians.

The imperial physician hurriedly nodded: "Your Highness, rest assured, we will do our utmost."

Zhu Han walked into the inner room and looked at Zhu Biao lying on the bed, his heart filled with heartache and worry.

He sat by the bed and said softly, "Biao'er, you must get better soon. The Ming Dynasty still needs you, and these affairs cannot be handled without you."

Zhu Biao slightly opened his eyes, saw Zhu Han, and smiled weakly: "Uncle... I'm fine... I'm just a little tired... I'll be fine after a rest..."

Zhu Han held Zhu Biao's hand: "Biao'er, don't push yourself too hard. Your royal uncle will help you with these matters. Just focus on recovering."

Zhu Biao nodded and then slowly closed his eyes.

After leaving the Eastern Palace, Zhu Han immediately summoned those around him to discuss how to maintain the progress of firearms manufacturing and the implementation of the new laws during this period.

Upon returning to his residence, Zhu Han immediately summoned his advisors, head craftsmen, and several loyal generals to his study. The atmosphere was somewhat somber as they sat together.

"Now that the Crown Prince is ill and the situation in the court is complex and volatile, the manufacture of firearms and the implementation of the new laws must not be stopped. We need to discuss how to maintain the progress of these two projects while the Crown Prince is recuperating."

Zhu Han's expression was serious as he scanned the crowd.

One of the advisors spoke first: "Your Highness, in terms of firearms manufacturing, although the craftsmen have mastered some of the techniques, there are still many problems. In particular, the key component of the firearms—the precise connection between the gunpowder filling device and the firing mechanism—has not yet achieved the desired effect. Although the implementation of the new law has reached a preliminary consensus with some powerful families, there are still many stubborn forces secretly resisting it, which may lead to unforeseen changes."

Zhu Han frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Firearms manufacturing is of paramount importance. Let's focus our efforts on solving the technological problems first. Let's go to the Ministry of Works. I'll personally take a look at the problems with the gunpowder filling device and the launching structure."

The group arrived at the Ministry of Works, where a scene of bustling activity unfolded.

Some of the craftsmen were polishing parts, while others were assembling components. Upon seeing Zhu Han arrive, they all stopped what they were doing and bowed in greeting.

Zhu Han walked straight to the workbench where the key components of the firearms were placed, and carefully examined the gunpowder filling device and the launching structure.

Both components are quite exquisitely made individually, but the joint appears somewhat stiff with gaps, which will undoubtedly affect the firing effect and safety of the firearm.

"Summon the craftsmen who made these two parts," Zhu Han said.

A moment later, the two craftsmen approached Zhu Han with trepidation, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Your Highness."

Zhu Han smiled gently and said, "Don't be nervous. Tell me honestly about the problems you encountered during the production process."

A younger craftsman mustered his courage and said, “Your Highness, the connection between the gunpowder filling device and the launching structure is truly difficult. We made it according to the blueprints, but the dimensional accuracy requirements for both are extremely high. Even a slight deviation will result in a gap at the connection. Moreover, the choice of materials for the connection is also a challenge for us. We need to ensure that it can withstand the strong pressure when the gunpowder is launched, while also ensuring a tight connection. It’s really not easy.”

After listening, Zhu Han nodded, picked up the two parts, and repeatedly compared them in his hands.

He pondered to himself that, with the current level of technology, achieving a perfect connection would indeed require some innovative methods.

"What connection methods have you tried before?" Zhu Han asked.

Another old craftsman replied, "Your Highness, we tried casting the joint with molten copper, but the copper shrank after cooling, making the gap even bigger; we also tried reinforcing it with iron sheets, but the iron sheets did not fit the parts well, which still affected the launch."

Zhu Han fell into deep thought, when suddenly an idea flashed through his mind. In modern times, there is a method called "threaded connection," which might be applicable here.

"Listen to me, there's a way that might solve this connection problem. We can create corresponding threads at the connection between the gunpowder filling device and the launching structure. Like this..."

As Zhu Han spoke, he gestured with his hands to show the shape and direction of the thread, "Tightening the two together by rotating the thread ensures a tight connection and can withstand a certain amount of pressure."

The craftsmen looked at each other, their eyes filled with both doubt and anticipation.

"Your Highness, we have never tried this threaded connection method before. We wonder if it is feasible?" the young craftsman asked.

Zhu Han smiled and said, "There's a first time for everything. How will you know it won't work if you don't try? First, make a sample of a part with threads according to my method, and we'll test the effect." The craftsmen accepted the order and immediately began to get busy.

Zhu Han was not idle either. He looked around the Ministry of Works, observing the various parts of the firearms being made by other craftsmen.

While inspecting the production of the firearm casings, Zhu Han discovered that the molds used by the craftsmen had some defects, resulting in uneven thickness of the casings.

This will not only affect the overall weight and balance of the weapon, but may also create safety hazards during launch.

“This mold needs improvement,” Zhu Han said to the craftsman in charge, pointing to the mold. “You can add some adjustment devices inside the mold to adjust the thickness of the outer shell as needed, ensuring that everything is uniform.”

The craftsmen listened carefully to Zhu Han's suggestions and began to improve the mold.

Meanwhile, the craftsmen who made threaded parts also made progress.

They successfully produced a sample of a gunpowder filling device and launching structure with threads.

Zhu Han personally stepped forward and carefully rotated and tightened the two parts.

After tightening, he carefully inspected the joint and found that the gap had almost disappeared. He gently shook it with his hand and found that the two parts were tightly connected without any looseness.

"Success!" Zhu Han said excitedly. "This threaded connection method really works. Immediately follow this method to mass-produce these two parts."

Encouraged, the craftsmen were in high spirits and threw themselves into mass production.

After solving the problem of connecting the gunpowder filling device with the launching structure, Zhu Han turned his attention to the preparation of gunpowder.

As the power source for firearms, the quality of gunpowder directly affects the power and safety of the firearms.

Zhu Han arrived at the gunpowder preparation room, where a pungent smell hit him.

Inside the room, several pharmacists were busy weighing various raw materials.

"Your Highness, what brings you here? The smell here is strong; be careful not to harm your health," a pharmacist said.

Zhu Han waved his hand and said, "It's alright. I've come to check on the gunpowder preparation. How powerful is it so far?"

The pharmacist replied, "Your Highness, according to the current formulation method, the gunpowder's power is acceptable, but it still falls short of the enormous power described in the blueprints. We are constantly trying to adjust the formula, but the results are not ideal."

Zhu Han walked to the workbench, looked at the various raw materials laid out on the table, and pondered.

"What are your current formula ratios?" Zhu Han asked.

The pharmacist replied, "Seventy percent is saltpeter, twenty percent is sulfur, and ten percent is charcoal."

After listening, Zhu Han shook his head and said, "This ratio might be able to be adjusted. Based on my experience, appropriately reducing the proportion of saltpeter and increasing the proportion of sulfur might enhance the power of the gunpowder. However, this needs to be tried cautiously, as improper adjustment of the ratio could lead to danger."

The pharmacists hesitated upon hearing this.

“Your Highness, adjusting this ratio carries significant risk. If something goes wrong… we can’t afford the consequences,” a pharmacist said.

Zhu Han understood their concerns and said, "I understand your worries. Let's conduct a small-batch test first. Prepare a small amount of gunpowder according to the new ratio, and conduct a launch test in a safe environment to see how it goes."

The western suburbs testing ground was temporarily converted into a firearms experiment site, and the area was heavily guarded. No one was allowed to approach except for craftsmen, soldiers, and their confidants.

Under the cover of night, the cold wind carried the scent of gunpowder as several craftsmen carefully checked the angles and charges of firearms.

A new musket was mounted on the test stand; it was heavy and its metal gleamed coldly in the moonlight.

Zhu Han approached, stroking the metal surface, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Pack three ounces of medicine and one iron pellet, at a distance of twenty paces," Zhu Han instructed in a low voice.

The craftsmen nodded and did as instructed. With a "sizzle," the fuse was lit, and a moment later—

"boom!"

A deafening roar tore through the night sky, flames flashed, smoke billowed, and a wave of heat swept over us.

When the smoke cleared, the iron shield at the test site had been blasted into a dent the size of a fist.

Everyone was overjoyed, their eyes shining with disbelief.

"The power has increased by nearly 30%!" a craftsman said in a trembling voice, "and there's no sign of any loosening at the joints!"

Zhu Han slowly exhaled, his expression revealing barely suppressed joy: "Very good...very good." He turned to look at everyone, his voice firm and impassioned.
"This is the power of new technology! Remember—this is not just a breakthrough in firearms, but the starting point of a great upheaval in the Ming Dynasty!"

Applause and cheers rose and fell, and many craftsmen had tears in their eyes.

Just then, a guard rushed over, knelt down and reported: "Your Highness! Urgent news from the palace—the Emperor summons you to the palace immediately!"

Zhu Han's heart sank.

"My brother summoned me? What is it?"

"The letter did not say anything, only that it was 'confidential military business, and there should be no hesitation.'"

Zhu Han took a deep breath, ordered people to guard the examination venue, and took Xu Qian and several personal guards with him to the palace that night.

The imperial study in the palace was brightly lit.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood solemnly before the map. Hearing footsteps, he turned around, a complex light flashing in his eyes.

"Brother Han, you've come at the perfect time."

Zhu Han stepped forward and bowed: "Your subject greets Your Majesty. You were summoned here urgently in the night; may I ask what brings you here?"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved for his attendants to leave, leaving only the two of them.

After the door closed, Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice, "The border troops have issued an urgent report that unrest has broken out again on the northern grasslands. The remnants of the Yuan army have colluded with the Tatars to attack our Liaodong fortresses, causing considerable losses."

Zhu Han frowned: "The Tatars are rising again?"

"Hmm." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low. "They seem to have received foreign aid, and their firearms are even stronger. The defending troops have suffered heavy losses. Now, Prince Zhu Gui of Liao has urgently sent a message requesting reinforcements."

Zhu Han's heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself, "Foreign aid... if it really is firearms, then it's most likely a Western-style gun smuggled from the Western Regions." (End of Chapter)