Chapter 43 The Weird Cabinet
"The martial arts examination is an examination to recruit martial artists from all over the world, just like the imperial examination."

Zheng Yi said: "Several levels of martial arts, then military formations, and then military tactics."

"Now the north is in chaos, and the border is being invaded by foreign races. Only by recruiting people with lofty ideals and warriors from all over the world can we resist the foreign races."

"As long as you can pass the military examination, you can be given the position of lieutenant general, or even commander, deputy general, etc., and command the army!"

Several people looked at each other, not knowing how to answer.

Zheng Yi added: "I have discussed this with General Xu, and he is in favor of it."

Hearing this, several people immediately said: "We obey your command!"

Ah……

Now Xu Mujun is overwhelming the court, and no one in the court opposes him.

However, Xu Mujun was loyal to the court, so he could use him with confidence.

"The second thing is the reconstruction of Jiaotai Hall."

Zheng Yi said: "I want to rename Jiaotai Palace to 'Baiyujing' to provide a place for my practice!"

The six were speechless.

Is it necessary to discuss this matter here?
As for practice?

They looked at each other. The emperor was meditating and not taking care of government affairs.

This is undoubtedly... good news for them!
Among the six people, only Zheng Zongbing expressed his clear opposition.

When the emperor is practicing, who will take care of government affairs?
Moreover, the late emperor had left behind a will that all descendants of the Zheng family were not allowed to practice Buddhism.

But his words are insignificant and have no effect at all.

"The third thing."

Zheng Yi continued, "In the peace talks with Wu State, the matters of ceding territory, property and compensation are up to you to decide."

"I only want one thing!"

"Your Majesty, please make it clear."

"The secret method of cultivation!"

Zheng Yi said: "General Xu sent back a secret report that he was assassinated by a cultivator from the Wu Kingdom and nearly died."

"Now that the Wu Kingdom has been defeated, we must offer the Wu Kingdom's secret cultivation method."

"Otherwise, this battle must continue!"

The six people looked at each other again. This... is this a national affair that should be discussed with the cabinet ministers?

It’s really... ridiculous!
A few people hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed under Zheng Yi's constant urging.

After the meeting, the news that Emperor Zhengyong was bent on finding immortals spread like wildfire and soon spread throughout the capital.

"Your Majesty is going to hold an imperial examination? That's great!"

"I was unable to take the imperial examination last time due to a serious illness. I didn't expect that Your Majesty would show mercy and hold a special examination... It's really great!"

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

"Emperor Zhengyong is obsessed with finding immortals. This is a sign of the destruction of the country!"

"To actually link national affairs with matters of cultivation is really... too absurd!"

"Stupid ruler! Stupid ruler! If this matter gets out, how will our Great Yu Dynasty face the late emperor?"

"I heard that among the three people who announced the list that day, two were charlatans, but the other one was actually rewarded with a thousand gold coins and appointed as the head of the Ministry of Works!"

"Your Majesty is indeed a man of his word when he spends a fortune on horse bones!"

"Seeking the immortals and asking for the way... Now, I wonder how many more charlatans and talented people will go to the palace..."

There was a lot of discussion in the court and among the people. Zheng Yi roughly guessed what was going on, but he ignored it.

At this moment, he was checking the palm thunder presented by Lei Shitou and Zhan Liang.

That is gunpowder.

"His Majesty."

Zhan Liang said: "Based on the method provided by Lei Shitou, we have developed this new type of explosive. Although it is powerful, it is very unstable."

"You must handle it carefully and keep it away from open flames, otherwise it will explode easily."

“Is there a solution?”

"Yes, just reduce the white phosphorus content."

“Can this be mass-produced?”

"can."

"Mr. Zhan, I have an idea. Can we put these flames into a sturdy sealed long tube, and then place iron bullets in it, ignite the gunpowder, and use the impact force generated by the explosion to shoot out the iron bullets and iron needles?"

Zheng Yi asked: "This is like a bow and a crossbow, can it be made?"

Zhan Liang widened his eyes and said hesitantly: "Like fireworks? If this thing can be used on the battlefield..."

"good."

Zheng Yi said: "I have also thought of this. If Zhan Qing can develop this kind of weapon, I will give you the credit!"

"As you command! I will go and research it right away!"

"Wait a moment."

Zheng Yi looked at Lei Shitou who was smiling beside him and said, "From today on, you will be listed in the Ministry of Industry. Follow Zhan Qing, and I will not treat you unfairly."

Lei Shitou knelt down immediately and shouted, "Long live the emperor! Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty~!"

"Also..." Zheng Yi said to Zhan Liang, "I have noticed that the gas from boiling water can make a feather rise. If there is a lot of steam, can it make something more important fly?"

"This……"

Zhan Liang asked in confusion: "I have also noticed this, but what's the use of it?"

"You can make a large balloon out of cowhide, light a fire underneath it, and make it fly."

Zhan Liang racked his brains and asked, "Your Majesty, is it a large sky lantern?"

Sky lantern?

You are talking about Kongming lanterns, right?

"good."

Zheng Yi nodded and said, "If the research and development is successful, and a large sky lantern is launched into the sky, we can place soldiers on it and attack from the sky with thunderbolt fire."

"By then, even the largest pass in the world can be conquered by the Dayu army!"

"Yes! I will develop it when I get back!"

"Go!"

The two men retreated, and Zheng Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

What he wanted Zhan Liang and Lei Shitou to develop were hot air balloons and guns.

He knew very well that with the current level of technology, there was a great chance that the hot air balloon would be successfully researched.

After all, there are no sophisticated techniques or principles.

But as for guns... with Dayu's current metal smelting technology, it would be extremely difficult.

Even the simplest flintlock rifle or bird gun was difficult to develop successfully.

But what he gave was just a research direction.

The rest depends on this group of professionals.

one more.

He also did not expect Zhan Liang and Lei Shitou to actually develop guns, but it would be good if they could research hot weapons such as the Red Cannon.

The purpose of researching artillery was ostensibly to deal with foreign races such as the Wu State.

But the real purpose is to fight against Huo Lingzi!

No one knows when he will come to take revenge, so we can only prepare in advance.

Just then, a little palace maid came running over.

"Your Majesty~ Your Majesty~"

"What's the matter?"

"Start your Majesty!"

After a few breaths, Liu Chengen hurried in.

"Your Majesty, news has come from Kunning Palace. The Queen...is about to give birth!"

"Hmm? Lin'er is about to give birth?"

Zheng Yi said that the Queen's due date is in these few days, not far from Concubine De's.

After all, she was the queen, so she immediately said, "Go to Kunning Palace!"

"promise!"

Outside Kunning Palace, there were at least a hundred eunuchs and palace maids guarding outside, and seven or eight midwives guarding inside the door, going in and out from time to time with hot water.

There were several imperial doctors kneeling at the door, all waiting for the queen to give birth.

After all, she was the queen, and the scale of her delivery was much greater than that of Concubine Shu, Concubine Bi and others.

Even the Queen Mother was waiting in the outer hall.

"Your Majesty is here!"

"This slave has met Your Majesty!"

"I have met Your Majesty."

"I'm free of charge!"

Zheng Yi bowed to the Queen Mother again and said, "Greetings, Mother."

"My dear, come here quickly. Lin'er is about to give birth. My heart is beating so fast."

Zheng Yi comforted her, "Don't worry, mother. Lin'er is a great mother to the country, nothing will happen to her."

Soon, with the joint efforts of the midwife, imperial physician and others, a loud cry finally rang out from inside the house.

"Buddha bless you, Buddha bless you, may Lin'er give birth safely."

The Queen Mother said in surprise, her expression very surprised.

"Is it the prince or the princess?"

"My dear, you must give Lin'er's child a good name later. This is your legitimate son!"

"My son, I know."

After a cup of tea, a nanny came out quickly holding a baby, knelt on the ground respectfully and said:
"Congratulations, Queen Mother, congratulations, Your Majesty, the Queen has given birth!"

The Queen Mother asked hurriedly, "Is it a prince or a princess?"

"Replying to the Queen Mother, it's a little prince..."

(End of this chapter)