Chapter 144: Before the Expedition

The dishes arrived, and the five brothers ate.

Zhu Shuang suddenly said, "Second Prince, recently the palace has acquired many Spinning Wheels; Mother has instructed our concubines to learn to use them, saying that if the palace weaves its own cloth later, it will save a lot of money."

Zhu Shuang also got married; his concubine is the former Lady Deng.

"Hmm, Mother is frugal," Zhu Yong said.

"Those Spinning Wheels are really handy, much faster than the old ones; the lady at home is now very skilled at weaving," Zhu Gang said.

Zhu Yong nodded.

The improved Spinning Wheel was presented by him in Hongwu Year Four, and Empress Ma personally promoted it; now it is used both inside and outside the palace.

After the meal, Zhu Yong took his four younger brothers back to the palace.

At the palace gate, they happened to meet Zhu Biao returning from outside.

"Eldest brother!" the four younger brothers shouted in unison.

Zhu Biao saw them, frowned, and asked, "Where have you been?"

"We went out for a meal," Zhu Yong said.

Zhu Biao looked at the four younger brothers, then at Zhu Yong, and sighed, "Second brother, you always indulge them."

"Just once in a while, it's fine," Zhu Yong chuckled.

Zhu Biao shook his head and told the four younger brothers, "Go back and write a travelogue; hand it to me tomorrow."

"Huh?" the four said with sour faces.

"What the—, daring to sneak out of the palace; it's already lucky I didn't punish you," Zhu Biao said.

Zhu Shuang and Zhu Gang, who could have been sent to their fiefs long ago, are still inside the imperial palace because the territories have expanded, and Zhu Yuanzhang has not yet decided where to assign his sons.

The four slumped and trudged away.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong walked side by side toward the palace.

"Eldest brother, why did you return so late today?" Zhu Yong asked.

"I went to the Ministry of Works to see the newly built ships. Second brother, those ships are huge—one can carry three hundred people," Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Those are warships; the supply ships are even larger," Zhu Yong replied.

"The sea is rough; are the ships sturdy?" Zhu Biao asked worriedly.

"Sturdy. The Ministry of Works used a new steel‑linking method to forge the keel, making it three times sturdier than previous ships," Zhu Yong said.

Zhu Biao nodded, paused, and said, "Second brother, for this campaign against Wa Country, I originally wanted you to bring more men, but Father said quality of troops matters more than quantity.

Thirty thousand men—enough?"

"Enough. Wa Country is divided; the Southern and Northern dynasties have been fighting for decades, leaving them short on troops. We have thirty thousand elite soldiers, plus muskets and cannons, which is sufficient," Zhu Yong said.

"Good then, Second brother, make sure you return safely," Zhu Biao said, patting his brother's shoulder.

"I will," Zhu Yong replied.

The two brothers part ways at the crossroads; Zhu Biao returns to the Eastern Palace, while Zhu Yong leaves the palace and returns to the residence.

Back at Wu Wang Fu, Guanyin Nu was stitching under the lamp.

"Husband, you're back," Guanyin Nu said, putting down her needlework and standing to greet him.

"Hmm, has Huan Huan slept?" Zhu Yong asked.

"She has. She got tired playing in the palace today, fell asleep as soon as she came back. Have you eaten?" Guanyin Nu said, helping him remove his outer robe.

"I have. I ate at Zui Xian Lou and even ran into Lao San and the others," Zhu Yong said.

Guanyin Nu laughed, "Third brother and the others slipped out again."

"Young and love to play," Zhu Yong said as he sat down; Guanyin Nu poured him tea.

"Husband, how are the preparations for the Wa campaign going?" Guanyin Nu asked.

"Almost ready; we set out in early spring next year," Zhu Yong said.

Guanyin Nu was silent for a moment, then softly said, "Husband, my eldest brother said that although Wa Country is divided, the Wa people are fierce and excel at close combat.

You must be careful."

"I know, that's why I brought a musket unit and won't engage them in close combat. Rest assured, I won't be in trouble," Zhu Yong replied, gripping her hand.

Guanyin Nu leaned on his shoulder and said, "I know you're capable, but… I still worry."

Zhu Yong said nothing, only gently embraced Guanyin Nu.

……

In early November, the first cold front arrived.

Yingtian Prefecture cooled overnight, and a thin sheet of ice formed on the Qinhuai River.

Zhu Yong went to the capital camp for inspection; soldiers of Shenji Camp trained in the cold wind, their breath forming a cloud of white vapor.

"Prince, muskets can still be used in cold weather, only the loading speed is a bit slower," Chang Mao reported.

"How much slower?" Zhu Yong asked.

"Normally four rounds per minute; now only three," Chang Mao said.

"That's enough; Wa Country isn't that cold."

After inspecting Shenji Camp, he went to the naval camp.

Naval Commander Liao Yongzhong was directing soldiers in drills.

"Prince!" Liao Yongzhong saw Zhu Yong and saluted.

"General Liao, are all the ships ready?" Zhu Yong asked.

"All ready: three hundred ships, including one hundred warships, one hundred fifty troop transports, and fifty supply ships. Each vessel has been inspected three times to ensure no problems," Liao Yongzhong said.

"Good, how are the soldiers' drills?" Zhu Yong asked.

"The sailors can swim and handle wind and waves; the land combat unit has also trained for amphibious assaults, no problem," Liao Yongzhong said.

Zhu Rong nodded.

Liao Yongzhong is a veteran of the navy; back then he fought the Battle of Poyang Lake alongside Zhu Yuanzhang, and has abundant experience on the water.

With him commanding the navy, Zhu Rong feels at ease.

After leaving the navy camp, Zhu Rong went to the gunpowder bureau.

The gunpowder bureau is in the mountains outside the city, with strict security.

Zhu Rong presented his token, and only then was he allowed to enter.

Inside, craftsmen are mixing gunpowder.

The new gunpowder formula is more scientific, more powerful, and includes a moisture‑resistant agent, making it less prone to dampness.

"Prince, this is the newly made gunpowder; its power is fifty percent greater than the old type," the bureau envoy introduced.

Zhu Rong looked over it; the gunpowder granules are uniform and the color pure.

"How much has been prepared?"

"One hundred thousand jin have been prepared, enough for use," the envoy said.

"Good, continue the preparation; the more, the better," Zhu Rong said.

"Understood."

After inspecting all locations, night had fallen.

Zhu Rong rode back to the city, pondering every detail of the campaign against Wa Country.

Ships, guns, cannons, gunpowder, Grain and Fodder, soldiers…

All are ready.

Just waiting for next spring.

……

In early December, Yingtian Fu received its first snowfall.

Snowflakes fluttered and swirled, turning the entire city white overnight.

Zhu Rong rose early, saw a thick layer of snow covering the courtyard; Zhu Huanhuan was wearing a little padded coat, leaving footprints in the snow, while Guanyin Nu watched nearby.

"Dad, it's snowing!" Zhu Huanhuan saw Zhu Rong and ran over.

Zhu Rong lifted his daughter with a smile and asked, "Huan Huan, are you cold?"

"Not cold; mother dressed Huan Huan in many layers!" Zhu Huanhuan replied.

Guanyin Nu came over, draped the Great Cloak over Zhu Rong and said, "Sir, do you still need to go out today?"

"I need to go to the Ministry of War, and will return in the afternoon," Zhu Rong said.

"Then come back early; we'll have hot pot tonight," Guanyin Nu said.

"Alright."

Zhu Rong left, riding toward the Ministry of War.

Snow was still falling; the streets were sparsely populated, only civilians shoveling snow and patrolling soldiers.

At the Ministry of War, Xu Da and Li Wenzhong were already waiting.

"Prince, we have been waiting for you," Li Wenzhong said.

The three entered the council hall and closed the door.

"Prince, the troop deployment for the Wa campaign has been finalized: the navy is commanded by Liao Yongzhong, a hundred Warships, thirty thousand land troops, divided into three routes.

The central route, ten thousand men, is led personally by the Prince, striking straight at the capital of Wa Country; the left route, ten thousand, is led by me, attacking Kyushu; the right route, ten thousand, is led by Wang Baobao, attacking the Four Nations."

Zhu Rong looked at the map, nodded and said, "Cousin and Elder Brother are both skilled in battle, no problem."

"Grain and Fodder will be transported by Tang He; he is steady and reliable," Li Wenzhong said.

"Good," Zhu Rong said.

The three discussed details further, not finishing until noon.

Leaving the Ministry of War, the snow stopped, the sun emerged, shining brightly on the snowfield.

Zhu Rong rode back to Wu Wang Fu, and on the way saw a few children having a snowball fight, their laughter crisp.

He suddenly recalled his childhood, when, in the mountains of Fengyang, he also played snowball fights like this.

Back then he was still called Shiniu, the son of a hunter.

Now he is Zhu Rong, the Wu King of Great Ming.

Time truly flies.

Back at Wu Wang Fu, Guanyin Nu had already prepared the hot pot.

The copper pot boiled scorching, the lamb slices as thin as paper, the vegetables fresh and crisp.

Zhu Huanhuan sat on a specially made high chair, holding small chopsticks, deftly swishing meat into the broth.

"Dad, eat again..." Zhu Huanhuan picked a piece of meat for Zhu Rong.

Zhu Rong smiled, took the meat and put it in his mouth.

"Is it good?" Zhu Huanhuan asked.

"Delicious, the meat you picked, Huan Huan, is especially fragrant," Zhu Rong said.

Zhu Huanhuan smiled happily.

Guanyin Nu looked at the father and daughter, her eyes full of tenderness.

Snow drifted again outside the window, while the hot pot inside steamed, warm as spring.

The winter of Hongwu 6th year arrived just like that.

And far beyond the East Sea, Wa Country still does not know that next spring a powerful fleet will cross the sea.