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

"Young master, look! This improved crossbow has almost twice the range of an ordinary crossbow, and its power is also much greater," Wang Xiaoer said excitedly.

Zhu Qiwu took the bow and crossbow, examined them carefully, and then drew the bow and shot an arrow. The arrow flew out like a meteor and hit the bullseye in the distance.

"Good! Xiao Er, you did a great job!" Zhu Qiwu patted Wang Xiao Er on the shoulder happily. "Once this improved crossbow is promoted in the army, our combat effectiveness will be greatly enhanced."

Wang Xiaoer scratched his head and said with a simple smile, "It's all thanks to your excellent guidance, young master. If you hadn't reminded me, I don't know how long I would have had to figure it out myself."

At the same time, Zhao the blacksmith also made a major breakthrough in iron smelting technology. After countless experiments, he finally found a new method of iron smelting that could forge weapons that were harder and sharper than ever before.

Zhu Qiwu held the new weapons forged by Zhao the blacksmith with great delight: "Brother Zhao, your craftsmanship is truly superb. With these new weapons, we will be invincible on the battlefield."

Zhao the blacksmith smiled and said, "Young master, you flatter me. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. During the research process, carpenter Sun made a lot of tools for me, which was a great help."

Carpenter Sun quickly waved his hand: "Brother Zhao, you're too kind. We're all members of the research team, so we should help each other out."

Looking at the united and cooperative team, Zhu Qiwu felt very gratified: "Everyone did a great job. This is how our research group should be: learning from each other, helping each other, and making progress together. Next, we must continue to work hard and research more useful things."

With the continuous efforts of the research team, various new inventions and technologies emerged one after another. In addition to improving crossbows and developing new weapons, they also developed a new type of agricultural implement—the curved-shaft plow. This curved-shaft plow was lighter and more flexible than the traditional plow, greatly improving farming efficiency.

Zhu Qiwu decided to first promote the curved plow to nearby villages so that the people could try it out. He led the members of his research team and several curved plows to a village.

The villagers, seeing these novel farming tools, gathered around, their faces full of curiosity.

Standing on high ground, Zhu Qiwu announced loudly, "Fellow villagers, this is a new type of agricultural tool we developed—the curved plow. It's much easier to use than the traditional plow, making farming easier and greatly increasing yields. You can try it for free. If you find it useful, use it more often for farming in the future."

An elderly villager stepped forward and asked skeptically, "Young master, is this curved plow really as good as you say? We've used traditional plows all our lives, and we dare not easily replace them."

Zhu Qiwu smiled and said, "Uncle, don't worry. We have professional technicians here who will teach everyone how to use it. Moreover, you can try it for a while and see how it works before making a decision."

Under the patient guidance of the research team members, the villagers began to try using the curved plow for farming. Before long, a villager exclaimed in surprise, "This curved plow is really easy to use. It's much lighter and easier than our old plows, and it's not strenuous to cultivate the land."

Hearing this, the other villagers also began using the curved plow. Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, Zhu Qiwu felt a great sense of accomplishment.

As time went on, the curved-shaft plow was widely adopted in the surrounding villages, and grain production indeed increased significantly. The people were extremely grateful to Zhu Qiwu and his research team, praising them as living bodhisattvas.

Upon learning of this, Zhu Yuanzhang praised Zhu Qiwu even more, saying, "Qiwu, you did a fantastic job this time. This strategy of revitalizing the country through science and technology will not only make our army stronger, but also allow the people to live a better life. It's truly killing two birds with one stone."

Zhu Qiwu said modestly, "Fourth Brother, this is the result of everyone's joint efforts. Moreover, this is just the beginning. Our research group will continue to research and invent, and make greater contributions to our cause."

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang's strategy of revitalizing the nation through science and technology was beginning to show results, a new challenge presented itself. The Yuan Dynasty court learned of the growth and expansion of Zhu Yuanzhang's rebel army and decided to send a large force to suppress it.

Zhu Yuanzhang summoned his generals and Zhu Qiwu to discuss countermeasures.

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a solemn expression, "The Yuan army has come with great force and numbers this time. We cannot underestimate them. What do you all think we should do?"

Xu Da stood up and said loudly, "My lord, although the Yuan army has a large number of troops, we are not afraid of them. We can take advantage of the terrain to wage guerrilla warfare against them and wear down their forces."

Tang He also chimed in, "Brother Xu is right. We can't fight them head-on. We can divide our forces into several groups and catch them off guard."

Zhou Dexing frowned and said, "However, the Yuan army is better equipped than us, and we may be at a disadvantage in terms of weaponry."

After listening to everyone's remarks, Zhu Qiwu had an idea and said, "Fourth Brother, brothers, our research group has recently developed a new type of gunpowder formula that is more powerful than before. We can use this gunpowder to make some bombs and give the Yuan army a heavy blow on the battlefield."

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes: "Seven-five, are these gunpowder bombs really that powerful?"

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Alright, let's do as Qi Wu says. Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing, each of you will lead a contingent of troops to wage guerrilla warfare against the Yuan army. Qi Wu, you will lead the research team to produce enough gunpowder and bombs as soon as possible to prepare for the battle."

Under Zhu Qiwu's leadership, the research team began working day and night to produce gunpowder bombs. They filled gunpowder into specially made ceramic jars, inserted fuses, and a simple bomb was completed.

After several days and nights of hard work, the research team finally produced a sufficient number of gunpowder bombs. Zhu Qiwu handed the bombs to Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing, and taught them in detail how to use them.

The battle began, and Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing, following their plan, led their troops in guerrilla warfare against the Yuan army. Utilizing their familiarity with the terrain, they constantly harassed the Yuan army, making it difficult for them to defend against their attacks.

When the Yuan army entered their pre-arranged ambush zone, Zhu Qiwu gave the order, and the soldiers lit the fuses, hurling gunpowder bombs at the Yuan troops. A series of deafening explosions followed as the bombs detonated among the Yuan soldiers, sending flames soaring into the sky and dust billowing. The Yuan army, terrified by this sudden attack, panicked and fled in all directions.

Xu Da, Tang He, and Zhou Dexing seized the opportunity to lead their troops in a charge, engaging the Yuan army in a fierce battle. Under the power of gunpowder bombs, the Yuan army suffered heavy casualties and was quickly defeated.

In this battle, Zhu Yuanzhang's rebel army achieved a great victory, which greatly boosted morale. The Yuan Dynasty court was shocked when it learned of this and had to re-evaluate Zhu Yuanzhang's rebel army.

After the battle, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned everyone to celebrate. He raised his wine cup and said loudly, "This victory is inseparable from everyone's heroic struggle and from Qi Wu's strategy of revitalizing the country through science and technology. Qi Wu, you have made a great contribution to us. Your fourth brother toasts you." Zhu Qi Wu quickly stood up, raised his wine cup, and said, "Fourth brother, you are too kind. This is the result of everyone's joint efforts. I only did what I should do."

Everyone raised their glasses, and laughter echoed through the tent. However, Zhu Qiwu knew in his heart that this was only a small step on their path forward, and many more challenges awaited them. But he firmly believed that as long as everyone worked together and relied on the power of technology, they would surely be able to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty and establish a prosperous new nation.

Following this battle, Zhu De's strategy of revitalizing the nation through science and technology gained wider recognition and support within the military. More and more soldiers developed an interest in invention and creation, joining research groups. These groups expanded continuously, and their research areas became increasingly broad.

That day, Zhu Qiwu was in his workshop researching a new invention when Wang Xiaoer rushed in.

"Young master, something terrible has happened! It seems our gunpowder formula has been leaked!" Wang Xiaoer said breathlessly.

Zhu Qiwu frowned and asked, "What happened? Tell me slowly."

Wang Xiaoer took a deep breath and said, "I went to the warehouse to get gunpowder raw materials just now and found a few strangers acting suspiciously near the warehouse. When I went up to ask them, they turned around and ran away. I suspect they are spies of the Yuan army who want to steal our gunpowder formula."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Qiwu said, "This matter is of utmost importance. If the gunpowder formula falls into the hands of the Yuan army, they will certainly be able to replicate gunpowder bombs, posing a threat to us. We must take measures as soon as possible to strengthen our defenses."

As he spoke, Zhu Qiwu summoned Li Shanchang to discuss countermeasures with him.

Li Shanchang frowned and said, "Seventh Prince, the most urgent task now is to find the traitor and prevent the gunpowder formula from being leaked further. At the same time, we must improve the gunpowder formula so that even if the Yuan army steals it, it will be difficult for them to imitate it."

Zhu Qiwu nodded approvingly: "Mr. Li is right. Let's split up. You will be in charge of investigating the traitor, and I will lead the research team to improve the gunpowder formula."

Li Shanchang accepted the order and left, while Zhu Qiwu immediately gathered the members of the research team to begin studying and improving the gunpowder formula.

During the research, Zhu Qiwu suddenly had an idea: "We can add a special substance to the gunpowder. This substance will not only not affect the power of the gunpowder, but it will also change the color and smell of the gunpowder. In this way, even if the Yuan army steals the gunpowder, it will be difficult to distinguish the real formula."

Everyone agreed with Zhu Qiwu's idea. So they began searching for this special substance. After a series of arduous experiments, they finally found a suitable substance—a variant of sulfur.

Zhu Qiwu and his research team added this variant of sulfur to gunpowder. After numerous experiments, they discovered that the power of the gunpowder not only did not weaken but actually increased, and its color and smell also changed significantly.

"We've succeeded!" Zhu Qiwu shouted excitedly. "With this improved gunpowder, we no longer need to worry about the Yuan army stealing the formula."

Just then, Li Shanchang hurriedly walked in.

“Seventh Prince, the traitor has been identified; it’s a minor official in the warehouse. He has confessed that the Yuan army bribed him with a large sum of money to steal the gunpowder formula,” Li Shanchang said.

A flash of anger crossed Zhu Qiwu's eyes: "This traitor almost ruined our plans. Bring him up; I want to interrogate him myself."

Before long, the minor official was brought before Zhu Qiwu. He was trembling with fear and kept kneeling down, begging for mercy: "Young master, spare my life! Young master, spare my life! I was only greedy for money and that's why I did such a foolish thing."

Zhu Qiwu looked at him coldly and said, "For money, you betrayed our rebel army and almost caused the deaths of countless brothers. Your crimes are unforgivable. Guards, drag him out and execute him."

The soldiers dragged the clerk out, and a moment later, a scream came from outside.

Zhu Qiwu turned to Li Shanchang and said, "Mr. Li, although the traitor has been eliminated, we cannot let our guard down. We must strengthen the warehouse's security, increase the number of guards, and prevent similar incidents from happening again."

Li Shanchang nodded and said, "Young master, rest assured, I have made arrangements. From today onwards, the warehouse will implement a strict entry and exit system. No one may enter without my permission."

This incident made Zhu Qiwu realize the importance of confidentiality even more deeply. He strengthened the management of his research team, established strict confidentiality regulations, and ensured that research results were not leaked.

As time went on, Zhu Qiwu's strategy of revitalizing the nation through science and technology yielded more and more results. In addition to improvements in gunpowder and agricultural tools, they also developed a new type of waterwheel that could irrigate farmland more efficiently; and invented a simple spinning machine that improved spinning efficiency.

These new inventions and technologies were not only widely used in the military, but also gradually spread among the civilian population. As people's lives improved, their support for Zhu Yuanzhang's rebel army grew stronger.

However, the Yuan Dynasty court was not willing to accept defeat. They regrouped their forces and prepared to launch a larger-scale attack on Zhu Yuanzhang's rebel army.

Zhu Yuanzhang summoned his generals and Zhu Qiwu again to discuss countermeasures.

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a solemn expression, "This time the Yuan army is coming in strong and has more troops than before. We must be fully prepared. What do you all think we should do?"

Xu Da stood up and said, "My lord, we can rely on the city walls and hold our ground. We can wait until the Yuan army is exhausted before launching a counterattack."

Tang He also said, "Brother Xu is right. We can't fight them head-on. We can use the city's advantages to wear down their troops and supplies."

Zhou Dexing frowned and said, "However, our food reserves are not very sufficient. If we hold the city for a long time, food supplies may become a major problem."

Zhu Qiwu listened to everyone's comments and pondered a strategy. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he said, "Fourth Brother, everyone, our research group has recently developed a new type of catapult. It has a longer range and greater power than previous catapults. We can use this catapult to launch long-range attacks on the Yuan army when they besiege the city. At the same time, we can also set up traps on the city walls to make it difficult for the Yuan army to get close." (End of Chapter)