Chapter 62: Two-Faced, Song Gui

“Go fetch the most skilled craftsmen from the gunpowder workshop,” Zhu Yunrong commanded without concern for what Du Ze was thinking, issuing the order after a brief moment’s thought.

Du Ze dared not delay and immediately hurried off to find them.

However, due to Tian Youde’s influence, even though Du Ze was the Minister of Works, he could not intervene directly in the gunpowder workshop. Thus, he had no choice but to inquire of the craftsmen one by one.

After nearly half an incense stick’s time, Du Ze returned, drenched in sweat, accompanied by two men.

One appeared to be around forty years old, lean but with a vigorous spirit.

The other kept his head bowed.

“We, Zhang Hai and Song Gui, pay our respects to Your Highness, Your Highness, long may you live!” the two men bowed.

Zhu Yunrong’s gaze lingered on them briefly before saying, “Song Gui! Raise your head.”

“Y-Your Highness, I... I dare not,” the bowed man trembled and refused.

Just as Jiang Duan reentered and, with a metallic “clang,” drew his embroidered spring knife, poised to execute this insolent commoner for disobeying the prince’s order,

“Wait!” Zhu Yunrong called out, waving Jiang Duan back.

Reluctantly, Jiang Duan sheathed his knife, though not fully.

“You dare not?” Zhu Yunrong ignored Jiang Duan’s slight movements and fixed an amused stare on Song Gui. “Why do you not dare?”

“I... I fear offending Your Highness,” Song Gui replied through clenched teeth, his voice growing faint, revealing deep self-consciousness.

“What, are you ugly? Or do you think I am some timid coward?” Zhu Yunrong’s lips curved into a faint smile, teasing.

“N-no! Your Highness, as the future Emperor, you should be extraordinary and brave, but... but I injured my face some time ago, and I fear I would disgrace Your Highness’s sight,” Song Gui hurriedly explained.

Zhu Yunrong finally understood, smiling gently. “No matter. Raise your head.”

“Y-Yes, Your Highness!” Song Gui slowly lifted his head.

But as he raised it halfway, both Jiang Duan and Du Ze instinctively stepped back.

Startled, Song Gui hastily lowered his head again.

Zhu Yunrong, however, clearly saw Song Gui’s face—a blackened left side, charred by gunpowder.

He recalled his childhood in a past life, when playing with homemade muskets in the countryside, some companions suffered similar injuries from misfires.

Such a disfigured face might seem frightening to others.

Yet Zhu Yunrong was utterly unconcerned. Approaching Song Gui with a smile, he gently lifted his chin himself.

After a careful inspection, he said softly, “This injury must be from gunpowder, yes? An accident during mixing?”

He glanced around but found no signs of recent accidents.

Given the current chaotic management of the gunpowder workshop, any incident should be obvious.

Song Gui immediately shook his head. “No… no! I was experimenting with new gunpowder formulas at home, and it seems an accident occurred during that... so that’s why.”

“Oh! Since you’re researching new formulas, you are a contributor to the court. There’s no need for such timidity,” Zhu Yunrong said, surprised that Song Gui had been privately experimenting.

“Enough! Both of you rise and report,” he waved his hand.

After thanking him, the two men stood.

Perhaps encouraged by Zhu Yunrong’s words, Song Gui did not fully lower his head this time.

Pleased, Zhu Yunrong said, “Song Gui, you mentioned your research on gunpowder mixtures. Have you made any discoveries?”

“Your Highness, I have produced ten different gunpowder blends. Among them, three have greater potency than the current formula,” Song Gui replied.

A deeper satisfaction gleamed in Zhu Yunrong’s eyes. “Then tell me the exact formulas of those three.”

“Certainly,” Song Gui responded promptly, reciting the three mixtures.

Zhu Yunrong nodded slightly. Although the changes were not drastic, the improvements were significant.

“Excellent! Your dedication pleases me greatly.”

“From now on, you shall be the chief craftsman of the firearms workshop. Moreover, in recognition of your service in developing new gunpowder, your entire family shall be exempt from artisan status.”

“Thank… thank Your Highness for this great favor. I vow to redouble my efforts in researching new gunpowder, even if it costs me my life,” Song Gui said, falling to his knees with a thud.

As mentioned earlier, the Ming Dynasty’s household registration system was extremely strict.

Who could do what and who could not was clearly regulated, especially under Zhu Yunrong’s tight control—no one dared to circumvent these rules.

Even Tian Youde, backed by Liu Sanwu, remained merely an artisan.

Therefore, Song Gui’s achievements were extraordinary but not surprising.

Being freed from artisan status not only meant greater choices for himself but also allowed his descendants to pursue any vocation they desired.

Beside him, Zhang Hai looked on enviously, biting his lips but lacked the courage to speak.

Zhu Yunrong turned to him with a gentle smile. “Zhang Hai, is it? You will be deputy chief craftsman of the firearms workshop. If you can assist Song Gui in developing more powerful gunpowder, I may grant you exemption from artisan status as well. Perhaps, one day, you may even serve in the court.”

With a sudden thud, Zhang Hai knelt, tears streaming as he exclaimed, “Thank you, Your Highness! I shall not disappoint your expectations. I will strive to develop an invincible gunpowder formula for the great Ming.”

“Good. Keep this spirit. I believe you will succeed one day,” Zhu Yunrong nodded approvingly.

Then his smile faded, and he said quietly, “I have a gunpowder formula for you to try. Take note and begin your experiments.”

“Please, Your Highness, grant it,” they responded eagerly.

Recalling some black powder knowledge and instructional videos from his past life, Zhu Yunrong spoke slowly: “For every hundred catties of gunpowder, use seventy-five catties of saltpeter, fifteen catties of charcoal, and ten catties of sulfur.”

“If you can read, consult the books *The Art of War Against Enemies* and *Military Preparations*. They contain other gunpowder formulas for various uses that you may research.”

“Also, after finding the most potent formula, you might try wetting the powder, drying it, and then grinding it into granules again…”

“The exact method you must discover yourselves—I only know so much.”

“However, I expect to see your new gunpowder within three months, or there will be consequences.”

…