The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 16: Even following the book, I couldn't figure it out; the Empty Seal Case Erupts.

The Minister of Works quickly explained, "Your Majesty, we have carefully examined the records in the book. The production of cement requires a variety of materials, including limestone, clay, and gypsum. Moreover, the proportions of each material are strictly required. If any amount is too much or too little, it will be impossible to produce qualified cement."

"More importantly, firing cement requires extremely high temperatures. Most of the kilns currently in our country can only fire bricks, tiles and porcelain, and it is difficult to reach the temperature required to fire cement. Even if it is forced to fire, only inferior cement can be obtained, which cannot be used to build roads."

"In addition, the grinding method recorded in the book is also very refined. The grinding tools currently available in our country are not enough to grind the materials to the required fineness, which greatly increases the difficulty of the research and development."

The other ministers of the Ministry of Works nodded in agreement, their tone full of difficulty: "Your Majesty, what the Minister of Works said is absolutely right. In the production of cement, the material ratio, the firing temperature, and the grinding precision are all indispensable. Our current level of technology is indeed difficult to meet the requirements in the book."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, silent, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper, his joy instantly replaced by disappointment.

He never expected that the road construction techniques he had finally acquired would be stuck at the cement hurdle, making them difficult to implement.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy, and the oppressive atmosphere around him was so low that it was hard to breathe. The ministers of the Ministry of Works were silent as cicadas in winter, and no one dared to speak again.

After a moment of silence, the Minister of Works cautiously stepped forward, bowed, and asked, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

"Speak," Zhu Yuanzhang said in a cold, emotionless voice.

"Your Majesty, since we have been able to find this complete set of books on road construction, the author must be a genius who is well-versed in this field."

The Minister of Works said respectfully, "Why not invite this gentleman to come out of retirement and assist us in developing cement and building roads? With his personal guidance, many problems will surely be solved."

Upon hearing this, the other ministers echoed their sentiments, nodding repeatedly: "Your Majesty, the Minister's words are absolutely correct. Inviting you to return to service is the best course of action!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed heavily, his tone filled with helplessness and regret: "Invite him to come out of seclusion? How could we not want to!"

"But he was stubborn and only wanted to be a leisurely merchant. He was unwilling to enter the court as an official, and no matter how I tried to persuade him, he would not agree."

"If he were willing to come out of retirement, would we need to be asking you guys here if you can develop cement?"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers looked regretful and secretly lamented that it was a great loss that such a talented person was unwilling to serve the court.

One bold minister cautiously inquired, "Your Majesty, we wonder who this extraordinary scholar is, what his name is? We wish to keep an eye on him in secret, and if the opportunity arises, we may try to persuade him."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flickered, and he secretly thought to himself that things were not going well. He had already promised Zhu Yao that he would not reveal his identity for the time being, so how could he easily tell the ministers?

He frowned slightly and said dismissively, "There's no need to ask about this. This gentleman is of a quiet and unassuming nature and doesn't like to show off. We can't reveal his information. You just need to focus on studying the records in the book and do your best to produce cement."

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang was unwilling to say more, the ministers dared not press him further and could only bow and reply, "Your subjects obey the decree."

Just then, the door to the imperial study was gently pushed open, and Erhu hurriedly walked in, bowing to Zhu Yuanzhang and speaking urgently: "Your Majesty, I have important matters to report."

"Speak." Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyes and looked at Erhu.

"Your Majesty, as you instructed, I secretly investigated the case of the blank seal. After investigation, everything Young Master Zhu said is true."

Erhu lowered his voice and said, "Many officials in charge of the Ministry of Revenue colluded with local officials to embezzle funds by using blank seals, and the corruption involved is far-reaching."

"What?!"

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his fist on the dragon throne, his anger erupting instantly. His face turned ashen. "These parasites! How dare they deceive me, embezzle and break the law! They are utterly lawless!"

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said in a cold and firm tone: "Erhu, convey my decree that the Imperial Guard Command be mobilized immediately to arrest all officials involved, regardless of rank, and bring them to justice. The matter must be thoroughly investigated, and there will be no leniency!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" Erhu bowed and replied, then turned and left quickly without daring to delay for even a moment.

As soon as the imperial decree was issued, the city of Jinling was thrown into a state of panic. The Imperial Guards were dispatched in all directions to arrest the officials involved. In an instant, the court and the public were shaken and people were filled with fear. No one dared to speak out.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside Li Shanchang's residence was also very heavy.

A trusted subordinate stood bowing below the hall and reported respectfully, "My lord, I have learned that His Majesty has returned to Jinling, but... our men stationed in Fengyang have not seen His Majesty's carriage at all. His Majesty has not gone to Fengyang for inspection."

"Furthermore, Liu Bowen did not return to the capital with His Majesty. His whereabouts are currently unknown, and it is uncertain whether he is still alive."

Li Shanchang sat in the main seat, his brows furrowed, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, a look of doubt on his face.

Hu Weiyong, standing to the side, also frowned, his tone tinged with confusion: "Strange, His Majesty clearly said he was going to inspect Fengyang during this incognito tour, so why did he suddenly turn back to Jinling and not even go to Fengyang?"

"And Liu Bowen, he always stays close to His Majesty. Why didn't he return to the capital with him this time? Could something have happened? But if something did happen, why hasn't there been any news about it?"

Li Shanchang pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "Your Majesty has always been meticulous in your actions, and this sudden change of itinerary is by no means accidental. Liu Bowen's disappearance must also be related to Your Majesty's schedule."

"Could it be that His Majesty encountered some mishap on the way? Or that Liu Bowen made some mistake and was punished by His Majesty?" Hu Weiyong speculated.

Li Shanchang shook his head slightly, his tone resolute: "Impossible."

"Although Liu Bowen has had occasional disagreements with His Majesty, His Majesty has always relied on his talent. Even if he has made a mistake, His Majesty will not deal with him privately, much less let him disappear without a trace."

"Moreover, His Majesty returned to the capital in a hurry, not as if he had encountered any misfortune, but rather as if he had some urgent business to attend to."

The two pondered for a long time but still couldn't reach a conclusion, their faces showing even greater confusion.

Just then, another subordinate rushed in, looking panicked and speaking urgently: "Sir, something terrible has happened!"

"What's the rush? Speak slowly." Li Shanchang frowned, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure.

"Upon returning to the capital, His Majesty immediately ordered the Imperial Guard to arrest the officials involved in the Ministry of Revenue case, and the Empty Seal Case broke out!"

The subordinate hurriedly replied, "Dozens of officials have already been arrested. There is widespread panic throughout the government and the public, and no one knows who else will be implicated next."

"What?! The Empty Seal Case has broken out?!" Li Shanchang and Hu Weiyong were both shocked, their faces filled with astonishment.