Chapter 40: Visiting a Brothel?

Seeing this look from Zhu Gaoxu, Yan Zhenzhi immediately put on an expression of understanding, stretched his neck to peek at the empty courtyard outside, and then leaned in close to Zhu Gaoxu, looking even more cautious than him.

Seeing Yan Zhenzhi like this, Zhu Gaoxu subconsciously scooted his backside backward.

This guy is way too into character...

Zhu Gaoxu did not know Yan Zhenzhi's inner thoughts.

Currently, the Ministry of Works was unloved and unwanted; any dirty or tiring work was dumped on them, and there were no benefits whatsoever.

Yan Zhenzhi felt like a total sucker, attending the morning court every day, while officials of the same rank all had matters to report, yet he couldn't even name a few major events in a year.

Now that Lao Zhu had finally thought of their Ministry of Works, how could Yan Zhenzhi not be nervous and excited?

Zhu Gaoxu did not know what was in Yan Zhenzhi's mind, but even if he did, he would applaud it.

Only in this way could the other party take his business to heart and make the matter twice as effective with half the effort.

Looking at the cautious-faced Yan Zhenzhi, Zhu Gaoxu said directly: "This matter is of great importance, even more so than the previous one. This Emperor... no, it's me, right, it's me..."

At this point, Zhu Gaoxu paused intentionally, and after seeing the look of understanding on Yan Zhenzhi's face, he continued: "I have a blueprint. This blueprint improves the Three-Eyed Gun; its effect, power, range, and so on exceed the original by many times. So, I need you to find experienced old craftsmen and see if this firearm can be built!"

Hearing this, Yan Zhenzhi's eyes widened.

As the Minister of Works, he understood the logic with just a hint.

As the most common firearm in the Great Ming, the Three-Eyed Gun could be said to be the officially recognized strongest at present. Now that there was a firearm several times more powerful than the Three-Eyed Gun, how could Yan Zhenzhi not understand the implications?

It was no wonder Zhu Gaoxu was so nervous; anyone playing this role would be nervous.

After all, if this method were leaked, it would truly be a capital crime.

But why didn't the Emperor come to me directly for this?

Yan Zhenzhi still thought Zhu Gaoxu was sent by Zhu Yuanzhang to pass on a message, so he couldn't quite figure it out in his heart.

However, compared to this matter, those doubts in his heart were insignificant, and he immediately indicated he would go handle it.

"Be quick! And be reliable!"

"Understood!"

Yan Zhenzhi nodded, then excused himself and walked out the door.

Watching Yan Zhenzhi leave, Zhu Gaoxu did not sit around waiting in the room.

He hadn't forgotten that Lao Zhu had also arranged for him to recruit soldiers.

Regarding this, Zhu Gaoxu had his own plan; many things had to be done personally.

He got up and walked out, and as soon as he stepped out, he saw Mao Xiang standing straight at the entrance.

"As expected of someone from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, truly dedicated and professional."

He praised him in his heart, and then Zhu Gaoxu thought of something, his eyes suddenly lighting up.

"Mao Xiang, you come from a military background; you must be no stranger to this recruitment business."

Mao Xiang nodded. He knew about Zhu Yuanzhang asking Zhu Gaoxu to recruit soldiers, and without overthinking it, he replied directly: "This is not difficult. Does Your Highness need my help?"

"I definitely need your help. Do this: first, recruit ten thousand or so men for me from the surrounding areas. It can't take too long, or it will be too late. After all, that old geezer... no, it's the Emperor, only gave me three months."

"Wha... what? Recruit ten thousand or so people?"

Mao Xiang was completely stunned after hearing this.

What do you need so many people for?

Zhu Yuanzhang told you to lead troops to suppress bandits, not to lead troops to attack Kyoto.

Furthermore, Mao Xiang knew the Imperial Edict issued by Zhu Yuanzhang, which only allowed Zhu Gaoxu to recruit one thousand elite soldiers.

Now that Zhu Gaoxu wanted ten thousand or so, he was definitely up to something. Knowing Zhu Gaoxu's personality, Mao Xiang shook his head frantically, indicating he couldn't do this.

Seeing Mao Xiang stuttering, this was the first time Zhu Gaoxu had seen Mao Xiang so composed, and it was clear he had really scared Mao Xiang this time.

"Hahaha, I thought you, this block of wood, feared nothing. Don't worry, I won't keep all of these people."

"The current court policy is to recruit Tuntian Soldiers. It's not just my one thousand men; other units need to recruit people too."

"Let's recruit the soldiers first, then take the best of them and keep only the finest. Didn't the Emperor say he wanted elite troops? We are naturally following the Imperial Edict."

Hearing this from Zhu Gaoxu, Mao Xiang breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Zhu Gaoxu didn't come up with any inappropriate ideas, that was better than anything.

"Don't worry, my General Mao. Go quickly, and take a few more brothers with you."

Zhu Gaoxu urged Mao Xiang, and after seeing him leave, he walked alone toward a certain place in Kyoto.

"Should be here, right?"

In the bustling alley, passersby looked at the four-year-old child standing motionless in front of a shop, casting strange glances.

With the smell of wine and various fragrances mixed in the air, Zhu Gaoxu looked up at the large plaque on the door—Wanhua Pavilion—and fell into deep thought.

Listening to the faint sounds of laughter coming from inside, Zhu Gaoxu turned his head to look at the few hidden figures at the entrance of the alley and sighed involuntarily.

No choice; after claiming the system reward, the new check-in location had refreshed, and it was exactly this brothel in front of him—Wanhua Pavilion!