Zhu Yuan brought something into the palace today, mainly an oversized globe with a diameter of two feet and a base height of one meter.

This was finally completed yesterday by Zhu Yuan with the help of a group of craftsmen and four women at home.

The body of the ball is carved from a thick piece of Paulownia wood and painted pure white. First, use a pencil to draw the outlines of the seven continents and four oceans, and then add other colors little by little according to the map drawing methods of later generations. The oceans and lakes are blue, and the land

It is green, yellow or gray depending on the situation.

Referring to some maps of this era, the locations of some important cities today were also marked. Finally, a layer of transparent varnish was applied to make it look exactly like the globe in memory.

Of course, there must be many mistakes and omissions, but it is enough for this era.

In addition to the globe, there are two maps of the world and the Ming Dynasty map given to Lao Zhu. They are very large, made of several large pieces of paper pasted together, and are more than two meters long and wide. These were drawn using the same cartographic methods of later generations in the process of making the globe.

Made. Due to the reference of current maps, the Ming Dynasty map is relatively accurate, while the world map tends to be rough.

Seeing what Zhu Yuan had sent, Lao Zhu left the East Pavilion directly and took his precious 23rd generation grandson to the main hall just outside the Zuoshun Gate behind the East Pavilion. There is also a special place for him to read on weekdays.

A study room.

He asked the attendants to frame the two maps and hang them on the wall on the spot. Lao Zhu and Zhu Yuan went to another quiet room and looked at the oversized globe that was brought in. They fiddled with it carefully while asking

Said: "You did it all yourself?"

Zhu Yuan shook his head: "My ancestors, Yuan'er's painting skills are average, and he wouldn't be able to draw so well if he did it himself. However, several maids around me can calligraphy and painting, with superb skills. I will provide ideas and guidance, and they will complete the work."

Lao Zhu did not praise, but frowned: "How can a woman know such a secret?"

Zhu Yuan smiled and said: "Relatively speaking, they are the ones I can trust the most. Yuan'er is weak and lacks energy, so they do many things for them. My ancestors should have read yesterday's "Sketch Techniques", in which drawings are all

They painted it, I don’t have that much time, and I’m not as good at it as they are.”

Lao Zhu thought for a moment and his expression softened.

That is indeed the case.

Zhu Yuan saw Lao Zhu touching the globe and looking more and more fond of it, so he had to speak first: "Ancestor, these two maps are given to you. This globe... I just brought it here for you to see. Yuan'er went to Mingzhou,

Still need to use..."

Lao Zhu looked over with a strange look on his face.

What a rare thing!

He actually gave him everything he had, and he just showed it to him, and then he even took it away?

Zhu Yuan's head was numb from being stared at by Lao Zhu, so he could only change the subject and talk about business: "My ancestors, Yuan'er came today to tell you that I want to leave for Mingzhou tomorrow."

Only then did Lao Zhu retract his gaze, fall back on the globe in front of him, and ask: "Why are you so anxious all of a sudden? You were not like this before?"

Zhu Yuan explained: "Ancestor, the relatives of the maid next to me came to Jinling from Shandong yesterday. They said that the situation in Shandong was very bad and many people starved to death. Yuan'er had some self-examination, so he wanted to go to Mingzhou as soon as possible to get good luck one day earlier.

If the grain reaches Shandong, many people may die less."

Lao Zhu finally stopped turning the globe.

I have experienced so many things in these years.

When he led his troops to rescue Anfeng and entered the city, because the city had run out of food, Lao Zhu saw with his own eyes what "human cannibalism" means. Even the corpses that had been buried underground for many days were dug out... Therefore, even if the people below Even if he didn't report it truthfully, he could imagine the situation in Shandong.

If the cold winter adds to the war and chaos, will the result still be a forest?

After sighing slightly, Lao Zhu's eyes quickly returned to determination, and he nodded: "Let's go, it just so happens that the giant boat you asked for should arrive today, and we will set off tomorrow."

Zhu Yuan just bowed his hand.

Lao Zhu quickly added: "If you are anxious, don't act in a hurry. The more I know about things at sea these days, the more I feel that there are only four words, 'the storm is dangerous', you have to be cautious."

Zhu Yuan promised: "Don't worry, ancestors, Yuan'er will not mess around."

Lao Zhu started to slowly turn the globe in front of him again, and said: "Besides the previous decision, is there anything else that I can give you instructions for after noon?"

Zhu Yuan cupped his hands and said: "Ancestor, Yuan'er wants to confess something first."

"Um?"

"Before I came here today, someone came to give Yuan'er a gift, but it was only fifty gold ingots, and I didn't accept it."

Lao Zhu narrowed his eyes slightly at first, and after hearing the last part, he smiled and said, "Is that the Fang family, who has been running around like monkeys in terror recently?"

Zhu Yuan did not confirm it, nor did he say good things for the Fang family. He just said: "Ancestor, what Yuan'er wants to say is that in my previous life, I was a pretty good businessman. Although he was far from the top, my family assets are almost as high as now." There are still one hundred thousand taels of silver. Therefore, Yuan'er has seen everything he should see, experienced everything he should experience, and will not be greedy for money. Even if he wants it, Yuan'er can get it in a hundred ways with his own ability. Dao'. Yuan'er said this to his ancestors just to show his attitude. Yuan'er won't do things that shouldn't be done, and Yuan'er doesn't want to get entangled in an inexplicable fight. Now that I'm here, I just want to do something with peace of mind. Let Ming Dynasty never make the same mistakes again."

Lao Zhu paused again and looked over. He was filled with joy and nodded: "You work seriously, and I will block the rest for you."

Zhu Yuan mentioned another thing: "Also, the maid next to Yuan'er has an older brother. He just came from Shandong yesterday. He is a very strong man. He has been under Wang Xuan's account before. This time he wants to join the army with me. Earn some fame?"

Lao Zhu waved his hand: "This is a small matter. Since I gave you the simple knife, you can kill it first and then report it. When you see someone who can be used, you can also promote it first. Well...I will have someone prepare some blanks for you later. Tomorrow The state is acting on its own convenience."

Zhu Yuan handed over again.

However, in my heart, I didn’t take Lao Zhu’s words too seriously.

You must know that one of Lan Yu's main crimes was 'promoting or demoting a general without authorization'. The key is not 'promoting or demoting a general without authorization', which is the authority of a general, but the word 'without authorization'.

Therefore, even if Zhu Yuan is considered a member of his own family, whether he is employing people or punishing people in the future, he will still inform Lao Zhu as quickly as possible.

After all, it’s not a problem when it’s good to you, but it’s a sin when it’s bad for you.

Why was Xu Da able to die a good death?

In addition to the earlier time of death, there is another reason that Xu Da was cautious enough with Lao Zhu. Therefore, even if Xu Da died, all kinds of crimes that should have happened occurred, and the sons raised by Xu Da still suffered. Lao Zhu thought highly of her, and even in the Yongle Dynasty, when there were very few other founding heroes left, the Xu family went a step further, achieving two dukes in one family and retiring with the country. This may be inseparable from the reason of Queen Xu, but it is in line with the family tradition of the Xu family. It's definitely closely related.

After continuing to talk about some trivial matters, and helping Lao Zhu explain some things about the globe, Zhu Yuan finally left.

Since we are leaving tomorrow, there are many things to prepare for.

As for the globe…

After all, he couldn't take it away. Lao Zhu said that he would have someone make a copy and return it to Zhu Yuan tomorrow.

Zhu Yuan has been working here for a long time, and Lao Zhu plans to copy it in one day... Well, that's no problem, after all, His Majesty the Emperor has far more resources at his disposal than he does.

After Zhu Yuan left, Lao Zhu sent his attendants to gather people to copy the globe, and at the same time asked Hua Gao to come into the palace. On the other hand, he called Chen Qiang, the captain of the Gongwei Division, who was the leader of the secret agents of the Gongwei Division.

Chen Xiang is about forty years old, with a medium build and ordinary appearance. He is the kind of person who is hard to notice when he wears casual clothes and joins the crowd.

When he arrived at Dabentang Lao Zhu's study, Chen Qiang noticed many details with just a quick glance.

For example, there were two color maps that had not been seen before, the contents of which shocked him, the well-informed spy leader of the Archguard Division. However, there was also an ordinary small map, which was also painted in color by Lao Zhu next to him.

A comparison of the maps of the Ming Dynasty. For some reason, someone drew a very eye-catching big red circle in the northeast direction of the map.

Obviously, the person drawing the circle cannot be anyone else.

Thinking about some recent events, Chen Zheng couldn't help but think about it. Could it be that his ancestors planned to send troops to the Northeast by sea first?

In such a cold place, the location is not important, so why attack it?

Lao Zhu was still comparing the two pictures. He stood up after Chen Qian gave the gift and did not turn his head. He just asked: "What are the recent developments surrounding Mingzhou?"

Chen Sheng gathered his thoughts and said with cupped hands: "Back to the Lord, Mingzhou Guard Commander Chang Duan has a son, Chang Duan, who only turned twenty last year. He is a successful scholar. Chang Duan gave him a gift a year ago.

I went to the Prime Minister Zuo's Mansion and wanted to find a clerical job as Zhongshu for Chang Yao. The Prime Minister Zuo had been holding off, but recently he relaxed. Chang Duan wrote back saying that his son was ill and declined, but he still offered another job to the Prime Minister.

present."

Lao Zhu smiled: "He is quite a smart man."

Chen Xian then took out another letter from his arms: "The Prime Minister Zuo wrote a letter to Tao Qian, the prefect of Mingzhou five days ago. I sent someone to intercept it and make a copy. It did not mention anything about Mingzhou, but

Some pleasantries."

Handing the letter to Lao Zhu, Chen Xian continued: "Mr. Hua Gaohua was invited to a banquet by the Zuo Prime Minister last night and got drunk after a few drinks. The Zuo Prime Minister could only send someone to send him back in advance. Furthermore, Mr. Hua

One of the retainers is a salt merchant named Fu, who helped Zhu Hanlin bring back his servants and relatives from Shandong, and set off for Mingzhou this morning."

Seeing that Lao Zhu did not respond, Chen Sheng continued: "Tang and General Tang also sent their relatives back to Jinling recently. They paid a visit to the left prime minister and gave them gifts. They wanted the left prime minister to help with the matter. General Tang did not want to be sent to Ming Dynasty by his superior.

The state transports grain.”

Upon hearing this, Lao Zhu, who had already thrown away the copy of the letter and turned to the map on the wall, finally sneered.

Another solid item.

Even if Tang He wanted this job right now, he wouldn't give it to him.

Chen Sheng reported some more things, then paused and said: "This morning, Fang Li went to Houhu to give Zhu Hanlin a gift, but he didn't send it out. When Fang Li left, his subordinates noticed that someone was still staring at him.

Fang Li, I divided my hands and went over, but I didn’t catch up, I don’t know which one it is.”

"Trash," Lao Zhu cursed, then thought about it and said: "If anyone peeks into the back lake in the future, I will do it the same way I did before, just chop it up and throw it away..." Think about it, you can't throw away your precious twenty-third generation grandson in your own lake.

, then changed his words: "Throw it into the river."

So doting.

Chen Sheng thought to himself and quickly accepted the order.

Lao Zhu thought for a while and said to Chen Sheng: "You are still short of manpower. I will give you another 500 places and select some people."

When Chen Xian was ordered to leave again, Lao Zhu looked at the map for a while and then returned to the East Pavilion to start working.

Hua Gao also arrived soon after.

Lao Zhu was reviewing a memorial. After Hua Gao saluted, he temporarily put down his work and looked at the veteran who had been following him for a long time: "Yuan'er just came here and said that he wanted to set off tomorrow. You are also ready to prepare, and we will come together tomorrow.
To be continued...