Chapter 468: The General and the Craftsman

Chapter 468: The General and the Craftsman

Chapter 468: The General and the Craftsman

The afterglow of the setting sun fills the air with heat.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao stood there in a luxurious robe, which made him look elegant and graceful.

Especially that cold and serious face, which was obviously not affected by the heat and his mind was extremely clear.

He stood at the edge of the courtyard, his hands behind his back.

As he watched his son riding his bike recklessly in the yard, his expression changed from serious to surprised, and finally to shocked.

He turned his head to look at Lu Yunyi, who was also standing beside him with a smile on his face, and asked concisely:
"This thing saves effort?"

“Your Highness, it is very labor-saving. Even a child can ride ten miles.

There are some plans in the military that can save more effort, but they lack key materials.”

"What is it?"

"Rubber, this thing should be in Annan."

Zhu Biao clenched his hands behind his back, a fierce light flashed in his eyes, but his expression became calm:
"Send the document tomorrow, and the court will issue an order for Annan to pay tribute.

Annan was involved in the Luchuan War this time, and the court has not yet settled accounts with them, and it is impossible to let it go like this."

"Yes." Lu Yunyi nodded and continued:
"Your Highness, this thing can be made bigger. Not only can it be ridden by one person, but it can also carry others."

Zhu Biao scanned the area and soon saw the small seat on the back of the bicycle. He looked at the eunuch beside him:

"Go and get Yun Wen."

"Yes" the eunuch ran away quickly.

Zhu Biao didn't know what he was thinking of, and showed a bit of worry:
"You should do two, there are two children in the family,
Even if I bring something from the palace, I must bring double the amount."

Lu Yunyi could not understand such pain and could only smile:
"I hope I can experience this feeling in the future."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked at him in surprise and said nothing.

Lu Yunyi continued to introduce:
"Your Highness, the two training wheels on the side can be removed, so the car will go faster."

Zhu Biao looked at the two small wheels next to the rear wheels.

In his opinion, it was these two small wheels that supported the entire car body and prevented it from falling over.

"Won't it be crooked after it's removed?"

"Your Highness, no, it will be faster and less labor-intensive."

Zhu Biao's eye sockets were deep, his fists were clenched until they turned white, and his breathing gradually became rapid.

The Ming Dynasty has been short of horses since its founding until now.

The Ming army had a million soldiers, but the most elite cavalry that could be used in battle in the north and south were 70,000 or 80,000.

There are only one or two cavalry troops in the whole world.

If the object before me could replace the warhorse,
Then, how powerful will the Ming Dynasty’s military be?
Lu Yunyi knew what the prince was thinking and said:
"Your Highness, this item cannot replace a warhorse in battle."

"why?"

"This thing takes effort. When a cavalryman stands on a warhorse, he can use all his strength to fight.

War horses can also run on muddy grass and even wet ground without losing speed.

If this thing enters this kind of terrain, it will instantly become twice as effective as before."

Zhu Biao's eyes fell on the two wheels rotating back and forth. When he saw a layer of dust on the wheels, he understood something.

He immediately thought of the huge wheels of the carriage, which needed to be cleaned frequently when driving in the rain.

A hint of disappointment flashed across Zhu Biao's eyes, but then he cheered up again:
"Is this thing used in the city?"

“Your Highness is wise. Although this thing cannot completely replace war horses, it can replace horses to a certain extent.

Passage within the city, correspondence between two cities, distribution of court reports, etc.
In short, it can save a lot of horses, and it is not expensive to make, so ordinary people can ride it."

A scene quickly emerged in Crown Prince Zhu Biao's mind: the streets of Yingtian City were full of bicycles, and people were rushing around at a very fast speed.

He nodded slightly:
"Whether it is used in the military or in the civilian sector, this is an excellent item. You just said that this item is not expensive?"

Lu Yunyi lowered his head slightly, hiding the gleam in his eyes, and spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, the bicycle used by the Second Prince cost only two taels."

"Two taels? It's much cheaper than a horse." Zhu Biao's frown relaxed instantly.

Lu Yunyi continued: "This is just a trial production, the cost is much higher.

If this item is specially made by a professional workshop, the cost may be as low as one or two taels, or even lower.

After all, this bicycle is now used by the Second Prince, so I will use the best materials."

At this point, Lu Yunyi's face was solemn and his voice was sonorous and powerful:

"If there is enough rubber, this thing doesn't need to be wrapped in leather, and the cost may be as low as five cents, or even lower."

"Bang bang bang bang."

Zhu Biao's chest swelled and he could feel his heart pounding, making his breathing quicken.

Although he still couldn't see the full picture of how this product promoted the Ming Dynasty,

But he knew that since the appearance of the chariot in the Shang Dynasty,
The whole world began to change rapidly, information and documents were exchanged at a rapid speed, and global trade flourished.

Both agriculture and handicrafts have undergone a qualitative change.

And now, a faster and cheaper means of travel has emerged.

There are certainly disadvantages, but the benefits are endless.

Zhu Biao remembered something and turned his head to look at Lu Yunyi:
"This thing is more shocking than that cart,

If I didn't know who you are, I would have doubted your intentions."

Hearing this, Lu Yunyi shook his head, smiled bitterly, and sighed heavily:

“Your Highness, to be honest, the appearance of this object is indeed closely related to the cart.

Ever since the last time the pushcart caused a stir in Yuezhou,
I have been thinking hard about how to make the wheelbarrow not take away the work opportunities of the laborers, but also make the wheelbarrow appear in the right place and play its role. "

"Have you figured out any solution?" The prince looked at him with interest.

Lu Yunyi let out a sigh of relief and shook his head slowly:
"Your Highness, if I were to fight in the war, I would naturally be able to find a way to defeat the enemy.
But this concerns the livelihood of the people, and I am puzzled.

The only reward was probably that I accidentally built this bicycle."

"Ah"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao sneered, looked at the bicycle that was still rolling at high speed, and nodded slightly:

“They really are somewhat similar.”

At this time, the eunuch who had just left ran back, with a somewhat uneasy look on his face, and whispered:

"My Lord, His Highness is studying for his lessons."

Zhu Biao's expression changed a little, "Is his mother here too?"

"Your Highness, the Crown Princess is here too."

"understood."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao seemed a little unhappy. He didn't speak for a long time and kept looking at Zhu Yunhuan in the courtyard.

After about a cup of tea, the prince's voice came:

"Today, the Minister of the Honglu Temple Zeng Jingyuan impeached you for ten serious crimes, including leading troops into the city, trespassing into civilian houses, and taking human lives. He also brought his son into the palace. Please let the palace make the decision for him."

"Oh."

Lu Yunyi responded disapprovingly, but soon realized what was happening and said:

"Your Highness, please forgive me. Zeng Yanfu is a vicious person with ulterior motives.
"He asked someone to spread the rumor in the city that I had no son. I didn't kill him, which was a favor to Zeng Jingyuan."

Hearing his convincing words, Crown Prince Zhu Biao waved his hand:
"Okay, it's already been done, there's no point in talking about this.

The impeachment memorial has been withheld. Both parties are at fault in this matter. Let’s not make a fuss about it any further.”

"Yes!"

When Lu Yunyi heard this, he knew that the matter was over, and he quickly straightened his back and bowed.

However, he still felt a little uneasy, so he asked in a low voice:
"Your Highness, is there any punishment? How about a salary deduction? That would also give an explanation to the court officials." Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face froze, and he slowly turned his head, looking at Lu Yunyi in disbelief.
"How come I didn't realize before that you are such a shameless person."

"Hehe." Lu Yunyi laughed twice:

"Although he was at fault first, I am also at fault. If there is some punishment, it can be considered an explanation."

The prince said impatiently: "Let's end this matter here. Don't take this opportunity to cause trouble."

Lu Yunyi secretly thought it was a pity: "Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Father.Father"

Zhu Yunhuan's riding skills became more and more agile.
He was seen rushing towards the prince and Lu Yunyi. When he got close to them, he tilted the handlebars, gripped the brakes tightly, and stopped steadily with a handsome and graceful movement.

The colorful windmill on the handlebars was whirring all the time.

Zhu Yunhuan's cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Father, this is really good."

Zhu Biao said sternly, "Why don't you thank General Lu?"

"Thank you, General Lu. Yunxun likes the gift very much!"

Zhu Yunhuan spoke crisply, his voice was childish, but his words were sonorous, powerful and full of confidence.

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded, then patted Zhu Yunxun's head:

"Second Prince, this item was made by the military craftsmen. It is their credit."

"Craftsman?" A hint of doubt flashed across Zhu Yunheng's eyes, and he let out a light exclamation.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Yes, this thing is extremely complicated. If there were no craftsmen, I would not be able to make it even if I used all my strength."

Zhu Yunhuan seemed to understand and nodded in confusion:
"General Lu, I understand. Grandfather Emperor also said that craftsmen are very powerful."

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded. Looking through the history books,
Every founding emperor attaches great importance to craftsmen, and the current emperor is no exception.

"Second Prince, His Majesty is absolutely right.
The world may not be without soldiers like me, but it cannot be without craftsmen.
Without them, it would be difficult for us to have water and food.”

"Oh..." Zhu Yunxun had a thoughtful look in his eyes. He tilted his little head and looked at his father with a questioning look on his face.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao nodded:

"That's right. The world cannot be without craftsmen, and even more so, it cannot be without farmers."

Zhu Yunhuan nodded vigorously: "Father, I remember it."

Zhu Yunhuan turned to look at Lu Yunyi and asked with interest:
"General Lu, do you prefer being a general or a craftsman?"

This question stunned Lu Yunyi. He thought about it carefully and answered:
"I am a general and a craftsman. If I really have to choose, I'd rather be a craftsman."

"Why? Being a general is very prestigious. My great uncle is a great general." Zhu Yunhuan said in a childish voice.

“Second Prince, everyone has their own aspirations.

Compared to fighting in battle and destroying the enemy, I prefer to use my hands to create new objects, new technologies, and new production methods. "

Zhu Yunhuan nodded somewhat confusedly.

The crown prince Zhu Biao, who was standing by, looked serious. He understood what Lu Yunyi meant, and turned to look at the bicycle beside him, thinking of the telescope and other objects that appeared in the Zi army.
These novel objects all prove what he said.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao squatted down and touched the smooth and cold surface of the bicycle, as if he was touching a rare treasure.

His breathing became a little faster, and his face was full of seriousness.
Zhu Yunhuan felt a little scared and asked timidly:

"Will Dad ride too?"

Zhu Biao quickly put away his expression and turned warm:
"Yunhuan, how about we go to the palace to look for Grandpa Huang? Just ride there like this and see if you can get there."

"what"

Zhu Yunhuan suddenly thought of the wobbling carriage he rode to the palace in the past.

After careful consideration, he felt that he should be able to ride it, so he nodded and said in a resounding voice:
"it is good!"

Zhu Biao also stood up suddenly, looked at Lu Yunyi with burning eyes, took a deep breath, and said in a deep voice:
"As a general, you have made great contributions. As a craftsman, you have made great contributions. Let's enter the palace together."

Lu Yunyi nodded and clasped his hands together:

"Yes!"

After that, he looked down at the two training wheels on the back of the bicycle and said:

"Your Highness, I think the training wheels should be removed. This will save more effort."

Zhu Biao showed some concerns and hesitation, and Lu Yunyi persuaded him:

"Your Highness is still young, and he is very quick to accept new things.

Just a little help and you can get started easily.

It doesn’t matter if there are bumps and bruises, as children, they have to go through this kind of experience.”

"Tear it down!" the prince said succinctly!

Next, to Zhu Yunhuan's shock, the two training wheels were removed.

The car that was originally standing upright on the ground fell down, and he had to hold it up with all his strength.
He opened his eyes and looked at General Lu and his father in a daze, not knowing what was going on.

Handing the two training wheels to the eunuch beside him, Lu Yunyi said to Zhu Yunhuan:
"Don't be afraid, Your Highness. Without two wheels, it can run faster and save more energy.
You can ride on it, and I will hold you up, so you won't fall."

"Really?" Zhu Yunxun was a little scared.

"A man should not be afraid."

Obviously, Zhu Yunhuan pouted his lips and stepped forward without saying a word. His movements were full of heroism, which made Lu Yunyi laugh.

"Okay, let's go."

Zhu Yunhuan began to exert force. At first he was a little afraid.

But soon, he was surprised to find that the car did not fall over and it was even more labor-saving.

Zhu Yunhuan pedaled hard and the car became more and more stable, which made him laugh again.

"It didn't fall, it didn't fall, hahahaha."

I don’t know when Lu Yunyi loosened his hand.

The eunuchs and maids beside were so frightened that they wanted to step forward but were stopped by the prince.
The prince looked at his son riding a bicycle in the courtyard with a burning gaze. Seeing his fearless appearance, it was obvious that he didn't know that Lu Yunyi had already let go of his hand.

But this just proves that two wheels can also run.

Zhu Yunhuan pedaled hard, and soon he was stunned, Huh?
He spotted a familiar face in the crowd and took a closer look.

General Lu!
He turned around suddenly and saw that the figure behind him had disappeared without a trace.
In an instant, Zhu Yunhuan felt his heart trembling, his body shaking, his expression becoming more and more ugly, and he was tangled.
"Second Prince, don't be afraid, he can't fall!"

"If you want to stop, just squeeze the brake with your hand, and when the car stops, just use your legs to support yourself."

Zhu Yunhuan calmed down a little.
He found that he dared not stop, for fear that if he slowed down, the car would fall over.
But when he saw so many people around him looking at him!
Zhu Yunhuan pursed his lips and secretly told himself not to be afraid.

So, under everyone's gaze, the car slowed down little by little.

Then Zhu Yunhuan left the seat and tentatively stretched out his legs, hoping to support the car.

But unfortunately, the speed of the bicycle has not slowed down.

The forward momentum made him lose his balance and he fell to the ground with a thud, and the car also fell over.

This frightened the eunuchs and maids in the courtyard, and they rushed up and surrounded him.

Zhu Biao also showed concern, but soon, a crisp voice came from the crowd:
"Get out of the way, no need to help"

Zhu Yunhuan continued to try relentlessly, sometimes even sitting there in deep thought.

In less than a cup of tea, Zhu Yunhuan fell three times, but he completed the most critical steps of getting on the car and parking the car!

The silver bell-like smile spread again, and everyone in the field smiled.

This is especially true for Crown Prince Zhu Biao!

Such convenient and easy to learn stuff, good, excellent!

"Okay, let's go into the palace. Yunxun will ride there and show your grandfather how brave our Zhu family's descendants are!"

The prince waved his sleeves and walked quickly towards the door, followed by loud laughter.

(End of this chapter)