Chapter 47: Chongzhen Is Wise! The Court Is Wise!

There were only two reasons why Johann Adam Schall von Bell agreed so readily.

First, because he was genuinely interested in artillery.

Second, as a Catholic missionary, spreading the faith was always his primary mission.

Up until now, only the ministers had converted, but he was eager to win over someone truly powerful.

And none was more powerful than His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, before him.

Everyone knew the emperor was seriously ill, and the Crown Prince was effectively ruling the empire—he might soon ascend the throne.

This was the greatest leverage in the Ming Dynasty.

How could Schall possibly let this opportunity slip?

Seeing Schall’s swift agreement, Zhu Cilang smiled faintly.

He, of course, knew exactly what Schall was thinking at that moment, but he didn’t care.

“In that case, it is settled,” he said.

“The Firearms Research Institute is still being established, but I have set aside a palace in the Eastern Palace specifically for research.”

“If you have time, Lord Schall, you may visit and observe. You will continue to hold the position at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, and consider the Firearms Institute a part-time role for now.”

“When the institute is fully established, you will take up a formal post there.”

“As long as you dedicate yourself to helping Ming develop artillery, I will ensure you are well rewarded.”

Zhu Cilang declared.

“I am grateful, Your Highness,” Schall replied quickly.

“I will not fail your trust!”

He finally understood what Bi Maokang’s earlier words meant.

After a bit more conversation and a cup of tea, Zhu Cilang took Bi Maokang and left.

On the way back to the Eastern Palace, noticing Bi Maokang seemed hesitant to speak, Zhu Cilang smiled and asked,

“Lord Bi, are you worried I might be swayed by Schall and convert to Catholicism?”

Bi Maokang hesitated before nodding.

“Yes, that is exactly my concern.”

“Anyone in the Ming Dynasty may follow other faiths, but the sovereign must not.”

“If the ruler were to adopt a religion, the consequences could be disastrous.”

“So…I am somewhat worried.”

Bi Maokang spoke frankly.

He did not discriminate against any belief, but he could never accept a future emperor embracing Catholicism.

Zhu Cilang found this amusing but reassured him,

“Rest assured! I have no interest in Catholicism, much less in conversion!”

“But you know these Western missionaries bring many technologies unfamiliar to us, and such knowledge can strengthen Ming.”

“Ming must utilize their skills!”

“So, on such matters, let’s turn a blind eye for now. When the time is right and they have grown, I will find a way to deal with them.”

Hearing this, Bi Maokang relaxed.

“Your Highness’s wisdom is truly admirable; it was I who overthought.”

Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, Bi Wenxuan had already moved all the materials to the designated palace and began experimenting with glass following Zhu Cilang’s instructions.

From afar, Bi Maokang observed curiously and asked,

“Your Highness, can this method truly create crystal?”

He remained skeptical.

After all, crystals had always been natural treasures, never something man could manufacture.

Zhu Cilang smiled, patted Bi Maokang’s shoulder, and said,

“Lord Bi, relax. We will know the results by tomorrow at the latest!”

Bi Maokang said no more.

After bidding farewell, he began preparations to study flintlock muskets.

With nothing pressing, Zhu Cilang took a nap and woke at noon.

In the afternoon, his guards reported briefly on a conversation between Empress Dowager Zhou and Zhou Kui.

Since nothing suspicious was detected, no action was taken.

Zhu Cilang nodded, unsurprised.

After all, the earlier idea to eliminate Zhou Kui had been a last resort; as long as he caused no trouble, Zhu Cilang intended to let him live out his days in peace.

All in all, nothing significant happened today.

Having slept poorly the night before, Zhu Cilang planned to turn in early.

But as soon as he lay down, Ma Bao’s voice disturbed him.

“Your Highness, Elder Xue has arrived!”

Xue Guoguan?

What could he want?

Zhu Cilang was puzzled, but the next moment it hit him.

Could the Ming Daily be ready?

Thinking this, he quickly ordered,

“Bring him to the study; I will be right there!”

Soon, Zhu Cilang met Xue Guoguan in the study.

In his hands was something resembling a newspaper, with the bold title “Ming Daily” clear as day.

“Your Highness! I have not failed your trust. I have finally produced the first issue of the Ming Daily for your review!”

Xue Guoguan said excitedly, handing over the paper.

He was genuinely thrilled.

He knew the profound impact the Ming Daily would have on the empire’s future—and he was part of that achievement.

“You have worked hard,” Zhu Cilang said casually, taking the paper.

It felt excellent to the touch, clearly made from the finest rice paper.

Zhu Cilang had insisted on this; the Ming Daily would never use inferior materials, only the best official paper.

Though costlier, it underscored the publication’s importance.

The title “Ming Daily” stood out prominently, followed by the headline:

“Ming Nobles Corrupt and Treasonous: To Prevent Such Events, the Emperor Revives the Censorate to Supervise Officials.”

The article below detailed why the nobles had been targeted and the reasons for reinstating the Censorate.

In short, Emperor Chongzhen was wise, as was the court.

Only a few parasites were eating away at the Ming Dynasty.

Chongzhen had eliminated these pests and, to prevent recurrence, decided to restore the Censorate to monitor officials and root out corruption.

Moreover, the article was written in clear vernacular, understandable to all.

Zhu Cilang was very pleased with the piece for its clarity and directness, free from the usual dense, flowery prose.

It conveyed the core message plainly to everyone.

He then flipped through other pages, all arranged as previously planned.

The back page detailed personnel changes among court officials, including Xue Guoguan’s reinstatement as Grand Secretary and Sun Chuanting’s appointment as Governor of the Three Borders.

The reverse side featured poems, stories, and essays.

Though the stories felt somewhat stiff, Zhu Cilang was generally satisfied.

After all, this was just the beginning; reaching this stage was already a considerable achievement.