Chapter 214: Dark Armor and Bright Helmet laid the foundation for the design of Bright Armor, and the essay contest held by the Wanguan Ming Baochao shocked the business world.
Shan Anren coughed twice and continued, “In addition to this, we can also learn from the gold silk soft armor technology of the Western Regions.

By cleverly combining it with the Ming armor, the defense capability can be further enhanced."

Zhu Gang's eyes lit up when he heard this, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

This idea is indeed bold and novel. If it can be successfully implemented, it will undoubtedly greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of the army.

After hearing what Shan Anren said, Gongshu Qi's eyes suddenly flashed with a strange light.

"Mr. Shan's words can be said to have awakened me from my dream and opened my eyes.

We can adopt the "dark armor and visible helmet" approach to design the visible armor, with cotton cloth and knitted shirt as the surface, to cope with the impact of guns and cannons and the severe cold in winter.

The inner lining is filled with iron armor and steel sheets, which can not only resist the attack of cold weapons, but also defend against swords, spears and arrows. "

Zhu Gang nodded and said: "While ensuring the output, we must ensure that the quality of Mingjia reaches the expected target.

The required materials can be withdrawn through the Ministry of Works. If the Ministry of Works is unable to provide them, you can report to me.

No matter what, the monthly production of Mingjia must reach at least 2000 sets."

After saying this, Zhu Gang asked Lu Feng to take the set of plate armor and return to Prince Jin's Mansion overnight.

Time flew by like flowing water, and before he knew it, it was the day for Zhu Gang to set off for Quanzhou.

Zhu Biao, wearing golden fish-scale armor, arrived at the Shenjiying camp early in the morning.

"My father gave me half a day off today and came all the way to send my third brother to Quanzhou.

Shang Hao, the doctor of the Ministry of Justice, will accompany you and obey your orders, and the Jinyiwei on Lu Feng's side will also provide protection in secret."

Zhu Gang cleared his throat and said, "It seems that the old man has finally given in. After I leave the capital, you have to be wary of the four major families, Su, Zhu, Li, and Zhao.

They have deep roots in Jiangnan and are now hiding in the dark, perhaps they have some ulterior motive.

I heard that my father is going to hold a special examination after the New Year, and will use a new selection method to assess those students. At this time, we must be on guard against anyone who may cause trouble."

In history, during the imperial examination in the 30th year of Hongwu, the sensational "North-South List Dispute" took place.

Although many aristocratic families have restrained themselves after the shock of the three major cases in the ninth year of Hongwu.

However, Zhu Xi's descendants, led by Zhu Linfeng, even dared to do the heinous act of asking the royal family to posthumously recognize Zhu Xi as their ancestor. Zhu Gang would naturally not let his guard down against them.

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Yingtian Prefecture has the 7,000 Shenji Camp left by my third brother. Even if the four major families in Jiangnan raise some assassins, it will be difficult for them to cause any trouble."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly, with a hint of trust in his eyes.

He just said softly: "I feel much more relieved with my elder brother as regent."

Zhu Biao smiled and patted Zhu Gang's shoulder gently, saying earnestly: "It's a long journey to Quanzhou, please be careful along the way.

When you get there, write home as soon as possible to let us know your situation."

Zhu Gang's face was filled with a confident smile, and he replied, "I obey your command."

As he finished speaking, he turned and got into the carriage with an elegant and calm movement.

After Zhu Gang boarded the carriage, he sat in the comfortable seat and looked into the distance with a determined look.

He knew that this business trip carried an important mission and responsibility.

Not only do you need to face possible dangers and challenges, but you must also do your best to achieve meritorious service.

The carriage started slowly, and the sound of the wheels rolling broke the silence.

Zhu Gang closed his eyes and began to think about future plans and strategies.

He knew that the road ahead was difficult, but he was full of determination and courage.

At the same time, Zhu Biao stood where he was, staring at the departing carriage.

He prayed silently in his heart, hoping that his brother would have a safe journey and everything would go well. As the carriage went farther and farther, it finally disappeared from sight.

Zhu Biao still stood there quietly, his heart full of blessings and expectations for Zhu Gang.

Then he called the prince's eunuch Li Heng and said, "Send someone to the dock immediately to organize a fleet to Quanzhou and fly the flag of 'Prince of Jin'."

Li Heng knew that Zhu Biao must have his own reasons for doing this, so he did not ask any more questions. He turned around and rushed to the dock near Yingtian Prefecture.

It is more than 2000 miles from the capital to Quanzhou. Even if you drive in later times, it will take at least 12 hours to get there.

Considering that Shang Hao is not a young man after all, if he has to sleep in the open air like those soldiers of the Shenjiying.

I'm afraid he fell ill on the road before reaching Quanzhou.

So Zhu Gang asked Lu Feng to take Shang Hao to his carriage.

"In fact, I have another very important matter to deal with when I go to Quanzhou this time. I need to entrust it to a reliable person."

Shang Hao said immediately, "Your Highness, Prince Jin, please tell me what you want to do. I will do my best."

Zhu Gang turned around and took out a copy of "Zhu Yuanzhang's Private Visits" and handed it to Shang Hao who was sitting opposite him.

"I plan to hold a 'Da Ming Bookstore Essay Competition' in Quanzhou based on the standards of this novel.

There are 12 individual awards, each of which is awarded strings of Ming Dynasty treasure notes.

There will be 4 outstanding works awards, each of which will be awarded strings of Ming Dynasty treasure notes. "

One string of Ming Baochao was equivalent to one tael of silver, one thousand copper coins, and 0.25 taels of gold.

Most importantly, the Baochao issued in March of the eighth year of Hongwu could be exchanged for one stone of rice at the Daming Money House.

In other words, ten thousand strings of Ming treasure notes were equivalent to ten thousand shi of rice.

"The monthly salary of a first-rank official in the Ming Dynasty is 87 dan, and it takes 10 years to reach dan.

Nowadays, the prize money for the winner of an essay contest is so high, it will probably cause a lot of criticism! "

Zhu Gang picked his ears and then patiently explained: "After the policy of increasing official salaries was officially introduced, officials at all levels will receive performance and bonuses.

Their salaries will be much higher than they are now, and will be paid in kind when necessary.

There will never be a situation where 87 dan of rice is in hand and only 3 feet of white silk is left. "

Shang Hao sighed, "Your Highness the Prince of Jin must know the principle of 'a pinch of rice is a favor, a pound of rice is a grudge'. Besides, we can definitely offer other resources as rewards."

The two chatted for a few more sentences before Shang Hao took over "The Secret Visits of Zhu Yuanzhang" and began to read it. The more he read, the more solemn his expression became.

Zhu Gang looked at Shang Hao's face full of disbelief and couldn't help laughing out loud.

He asked back: "Why, do you think my idea is a bit ridiculous?"

Although Shang Hao shook his head to deny, there was still a hint of doubt on his face.

"No, it's just that the content of this book is really bold. I wonder if Your Majesty has read it?"

Zhu Gang's mouth corners slightly raised, revealing a confident smile.

"Haha, I have already presented this book to my father.

I didn't expect that my father would be so pleased and even praised me for this wonderful move!"

Hearing this, Shang Hao felt a little relieved.

He bowed his hands respectfully and said, "Since Your Majesty has agreed, I am relieved.

But the prize money is really generous, so it is inevitable that some people will want to take advantage of the opportunity to curry favor with the rich and powerful and fill the number."

(End of this chapter)