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

Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied after listening: "What you said is very good. We will do as you suggest. Seventh Five, do you have anything to add?"

Zhu Qiwu thought for a moment and said, "Fourth Brother, I still have some weapons and equipment from the system rewards that I can distribute to the soldiers guarding the city to improve their combat effectiveness. In addition, I can also use modern military knowledge to train the soldiers' combat skills and tactical coordination."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up: "Seventh Five, you have indeed thought things through thoroughly. Then distribute these weapons and equipment to the soldiers as soon as possible, and train them according to your method."

After discussing the matter, everyone immediately began to take action. Tang He and Zhou Dexing led their troops to transport grain and supplies; Zhu Yuanzhang personally recruited able-bodied men in the city to form a militia; and Zhu Qiwu was busy distributing weapons and equipment and training soldiers.

After several days of intensive preparations, the defenses of Yingtian Prefecture were greatly strengthened. The city walls were tall and sturdy, and the defensive equipment was complete; the soldiers were in high spirits, and their combat skills and tactical coordination had also greatly improved.

That day, a scout reported: "Your Majesty, the Yuan cavalry and mountain bandits have joined forces and are heading towards Yingtian Prefecture. They are expected to arrive tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "Excellent! Let them witness the might of Yingtian Prefecture. Issue my order: all soldiers, prepare for battle and stand ready!"

The next day, the combined forces of Yuan cavalry and bandits indeed arrived at the gates of Yingtian Prefecture. Their ranks were massive and imposing, their banners blotting out the sun, their weapons like a forest.

The Yuan general, mounted on a tall horse, shouted loudly at the city walls: "Zhu Yuanzhang, if you know what's good for you, quickly open the city gates and surrender. Otherwise, we will breach the city and slaughter you without leaving a single survivor!"

Standing atop the city wall, Zhu Yuanzhang fearlessly retorted, "You Yuan army are brutal and inhumane, oppressing the people. How could I, Zhu Yuanzhang, surrender to you! If you have the guts, come at me! I'd like to see what you can do to me!"

The Yuan general was furious and ordered his soldiers to begin the siege. The Yuan soldiers and bandits surged toward the city walls like a tidal wave, some carrying ladders and others pushing siege engines, trying to breach the city gates.

Standing on the city wall, Zhu Qiwu looked down at the surging enemy troops, his heart filled with fighting spirit. He picked up the megaphone he had been given as a system reward and shouted, "Soldiers, for our homeland, for our loved ones, charge! Kill these Yuan soldiers and bandits!"

Encouraged by Zhu Qiwu, the soldiers defending the city were greatly encouraged. They took up their weapons and began shooting arrows and throwing stones at the enemy. Arrows rained down and stones pelted the enemy, who screamed in agony and fell to the ground one after another.

The Yuan army and the bandits were unwilling to accept defeat. They continued to organize their forces and launch attacks time and time again. However, the defenses of Yingtian Prefecture were too strong, and they were unable to breach the city gates.

The battle raged all day, with both the Yuan army and the bandits suffering heavy casualties but making no progress. Seeing this, the Yuan general knew that continuing would only lead to greater losses, so he ordered a halt to the attack and a temporary withdrawal.

Watching the Yuan army and bandits retreat in disarray, the soldiers on the city wall cheered and praised Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu for their wise leadership.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Qiwu with eyes full of satisfaction and pride: "Qiwu, we owe you a lot this time. Without your modern military strategies and the weapons and equipment rewarded by the system, it would have been difficult for us to withstand the attacks of the Yuan army and the mountain bandits."

Zhu Qiwu laughed and said, "Fourth Brother, you flatter me. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. Moreover, this is just the beginning. The Yuan army and the bandits will not give up easily. We must be prepared for a long battle."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Qiwu is right, we cannot let our guard down. Next, we must continue to strengthen our defenses, train our soldiers, and wait for Xu Da and Chang Yuchun to return so that we can wipe out the Yuan army and the bandits in one fell swoop."

In the days that followed, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu led the soldiers of Yingtian Prefecture to continue strengthening defenses and training troops. At the same time, they also sent out scouts to closely monitor the movements of the Yuan army and the mountain bandits.

Upon learning of the combined attack on Yingtianfu by the Yuan army and mountain bandits, generals such as Xu Da and Chang Yuchun hastened their march day and night. They had only one thought in mind: to reach Yingtianfu as quickly as possible, to defend their homeland, and to protect Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu.

Finally, a month later, Xu Da and Chang Yuchun led their army back to Yingtian Prefecture. Their return greatly boosted the morale of the soldiers in Yingtian Prefecture and filled Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Qiwu with confidence.

Zhu Yuanzhang personally went out of the city to welcome Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, and other generals. He took Xu Da's hand and said excitedly, "Brother Xu Da, you've come back just in time! The Yuan army and the mountain bandits have joined forces to attack our Yingtian Prefecture. Now is the time for us to fight back!"

Xu Da said with great enthusiasm, "Brother, don't worry! We will definitely crush the Yuan army and the bandits, and let them know how powerful our rebel army is!"

Back in the city, the group began discussing counterattack strategies. Zhu Qiwu once again demonstrated his modern military acumen, proposing a detailed battle plan. He suggested exploiting the conflict between the Yuan army and the bandits, first dividing them, and then defeating them one by one.

Zhu Yuanzhang and his generals nodded in approval after hearing this. They then began to act according to Zhu Qiwu's plan.

First, Zhu Yuanzhang secretly sent people to contact some bandit leaders, promising them high-ranking positions and generous rewards, persuading them to surrender to the rebel army and fight against the Yuan army together. Seeing the strength of the rebel army and the generous offers, some bandit leaders began to waver.

Next, Zhu Qiwu led an elite force to infiltrate the Yuan army camp under cover of night and create chaos. They set fires and shouted battle cries throughout the camp, leading the Yuan army to believe that they were under attack by a large-scale uprising.

The Yuan army was thrown into chaos, grabbing weapons and searching for the enemy. Meanwhile, the bandits, seeing the Yuan camp in disarray, saw an opportunity and launched an attack.

The Yuan generals were furious that the bandits had launched an attack at this time. They believed the bandits had betrayed them and engaged in a fierce battle with them.

Just as the Yuan army and the mountain bandits were fighting amongst themselves, Xu Da and Chang Yuchun led their troops out from all directions. Like tigers descending the mountain, they charged into the enemy camp and engaged in a fierce battle with the enemy.

Zhu Qiwu was not idle either. Holding the submachine gun he was rewarded with by the system, he led his elite troops and charged through the enemy ranks. Wherever he went, the enemy fell to the ground.

The battle was extremely fierce, with countless Yuan soldiers and bandits suffering casualties. After a night of intense fighting, the combined forces of the Yuan army and the bandits were finally and completely defeated. The Yuan generals were captured alive, and the bandits surrendered one after another. Outside Yingtian Prefecture, jubilation erupted. Soldiers cheered and jumped for joy, celebrating this great victory. Zhu Yuanzhang stood on the city wall, watching everything unfold before him, his heart filled with countless emotions.

Zhu Qiwu stood before the makeshift tent, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains, his mind filled with countless thoughts. At that moment, Zhu Yuanzhang strode in with Xu Da, Tang He, Zhou Dexing, and other generals.

Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Qiwu on the shoulder and laughed heartily, "Qiwu, the situation is becoming increasingly complicated. Although there are many uprisings in various places, most of them are fighting independently and are unlikely to gain any real power. If we want to make a name for ourselves in this chaotic world, we need to have our own set of methods."

Zhu Qiwu nodded slightly, his gaze firm: "Fourth Brother, I've had this idea for a long time. The Yuan Dynasty is corrupt, and the people are suffering terribly. We must not only overthrow this corrupt rule, but also enable the people to live a good life. I want to propose a strategy of revitalizing the country through science and technology, encourage invention and creation, and promote technological innovation in agriculture and handicrafts."

Xu Da frowned, looking puzzled: "Science and technology revitalize the nation? What do you mean? Brother Qiwu, we fight wars now with swords, spears, and halberds. What use are these inventions and creations?"

Tang He chimed in, "Yeah, Brother Qiwu, we roughnecks are all we think about is how to defeat the enemy. This so-called technological innovation sounds like some kind of mystery."

Zhu Qiwu explained with a smile: "Brother Xu, Brother Tang, don't underestimate these inventions. Take agriculture for example. If we can improve farming tools and increase farming efficiency, grain production can be greatly increased. If the people have food to eat, our troops will not have to worry about food supplies. There's also handicrafts. If we can manufacture better weapons, we will have a greater advantage on the battlefield."

Zhou Dexing stroked his chin thoughtfully: "What Brother Qiwu said seems to make some sense, but inventions and creations can't be made overnight. We're busy fighting wars right now, where do we have the time and energy to do these things?"

Zhu Yuanzhang crossed his arms, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Qiwu's idea is novel. Although we are currently facing many wars, in the long run, revitalizing the nation through science and technology is indeed a viable path. Qiwu, tell me specifically how we should proceed?"

Zhu Qiwu was overjoyed to see Zhu Yuanzhang's support and quickly said, "Fourth Brother, I plan to first set up a research group in the army, gather some intelligent and skillful people, and be in charge of research and invention. At the same time, I will issue a reward policy, and give a generous reward to anyone who can invent something useful, and improve their status in the army."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in approval: "That's a good idea, let's do it that way. However, we must carefully select the members of this research team, we can't be careless."

At this moment, Li Shanchang, who had been standing silently to the side, stepped forward. Li Shanchang was an important strategist of Zhu Yuanzhang, known for his wisdom and resourcefulness. He cupped his hands and said, "My lord, the Seventh Prince's plan is excellent. I am willing to assist the Seventh Prince in selecting talents and forming this research group."

Zhu Qiwu looked at Li Shanchang, his eyes full of gratitude: "With Mr. Li's help, this matter will definitely go smoothly. However, we still need to find a suitable place as a research base to facilitate everyone's research and invention."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked around and pointed to a clearing not far away: "It's flat there and close to a water source, so let's choose that place. Seventh Five, just go ahead and do it, your Fourth Brother will fully support you."

Zhu Qiwu said confidently, "Fourth Brother, don't worry, I will definitely not let you down."

Soon, the recruitment notice for the research team was posted. After the news spread, many people in the army were eager to try. That day, a thin young soldier with very bright eyes came to Zhu Qiwu.

The young soldier knelt on one knee and said loudly, "Young Master Qiwu, my name is Wang Xiaoer, and I would like to join the research group. I usually like to tinker with little gadgets, and maybe I can be of help."

Zhu Qiwu looked Wang Xiaoer up and down, and asked with a smile, "Oh? What kind of little gadgets do you like to tinker with? Tell me about them."

Wang Xiaoer stood up and said excitedly, "Young master, I've been working on an improved crossbow that has a much longer range and is more powerful than ordinary crossbows. I just haven't had a chance to make it and test it yet."

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Qiwu's eyes: "Good, Wang Xiaoer, you're accepted. Let me see the effect when you finish making that improved crossbow."

Wang Xiaoer was so excited that his face turned red: "Thank you, young master. I will go back and prepare the materials as soon as possible to make the crossbow."

Then, several more people came to sign up. Among them was an old soldier named Zhao the Blacksmith, who was skilled at forging various weapons and had his own insights into iron smelting techniques. There was also a soldier named Sun the Carpenter, whose carpentry skills were superb, and he could make all kinds of exquisite woodenware.

Looking at the group of people before him, each with their own strengths, Zhu Qiwu was filled with anticipation: "From today onwards, you are members of the research team. We have only one goal: to invent and create things that will be useful to our rebel army. If you have any ideas or needs, just tell me."

The crowd responded in unison, "Yes, Young Master Qi Wu!"

Under Zhu Qiwu's arrangement, the research team began working intensively. Wang Xiaoer threw himself into the research of improving crossbows, working day and night to figure out how to increase the elasticity and range of the crossbows. Zhao the blacksmith focused on improving iron smelting technology, trying to create weapons that were harder and sharper. Sun the carpenter used his woodworking skills to make various models and tools to help the others with their research.

However, the research process was not smooth sailing. One day, Wang Xiaoer found Zhu Qiwu looking dejected.

"Young master, I've run into a problem with my improved crossbow. I've tried several methods, but none of them have increased its range; in fact, they've made the bullet even weaker," Wang Xiaoer said dejectedly.

Zhu Qiwu comforted him, "Xiao Er, don't be discouraged. Research and invention are never easy things, and it's normal to encounter difficulties. Let's think of a solution together, and maybe we can find a breakthrough."

As they spoke, Zhu Qiwu and Wang Xiaoer entered the workshop together. Zhu Qiwu carefully observed the crossbow that Wang Xiaoer was making, and suddenly his eyes lit up: "Xiaoer, look at this bowstring, could we change it to a more flexible material? And the shape of this bow arm, perhaps we can make some adjustments."

After listening to Zhu Qiwu's words, Wang Xiaoer seemed to understand something: "What you say makes sense, young master. I'll go and give it a try."

After several days and nights of hard work, Wang Xiaoer finally succeeded in improving the crossbow. When he presented the newly made crossbow to Zhu Qiwu, a proud smile spread across his face. (End of Chapter)