My father, Zhu Di, was granted a second life by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Chapter 53 once advised Emperor Jianwen to abdicate in favor of a more worthy successor.

According to the regulations of the imperial court, the chief secretary's office of each princely residence shall have one left chief secretary and one right chief secretary, both of whom shall be of the fifth rank.

Guo Ming is only twenty-one years old. Perhaps the old emperor felt that he was too young and not capable enough to serve as the chief secretary. Therefore, he recommended another person to serve as the chief secretary of the Prince of Wu's mansion at the same time as Guo Ming. This person was the Jinshi Yin Changlong.

Guo Ming was the Left Chief Secretary, and Yin Changlong was the Right Chief Secretary. In the Ming Dynasty, the left was considered superior, so Guo Ming's position was above Yin Changlong's.

Previously, Yin Changlong served as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy.

This arrangement is both in accordance with regulations and provides Guo Ming with a suitable official position, without causing any problems—a win-win-win situation.

Zhu Gaoxi's gratitude was like a surging river, flowing endlessly.

Old ginger is spicier, you can't argue with that.

Zhu Gaoxi's flattery skills were unparalleled; his praise was entirely heartfelt, leaving the old emperor unable to distinguish between sincerity and deception. Yet, he was thoroughly pleased and couldn't stop smiling.

Having completely charmed the old emperor, Zhu Gaoxi found an excuse to slip out of the palace. As the boss, how could he be absent when a new employee was reporting for duty?

Zhu Gaoxi hummed a little tune as he arrived at the Wu Prince's Mansion.

He had read about Yin Changlong's life in relevant historical materials before and roughly remembered some of it.

When Emperor Jianwen (Zhu Yunwen) first ascended the throne, the time for holding court was postponed considerably.

Yin Changlong submitted a memorial advising: "Emperor Gao rose at the sound of the rooster's crow and went to court at dawn. Before sunrise, he was already discussing state affairs with his officials. He never slacked off for a moment and was always diligent and conscientious, which is why the country was at peace."

"Your Majesty has just ascended the throne and should be as diligent and conscientious as the late Emperor, but now, even though it is only a short while into the day, you have not yet held court. This is truly not a blessing for the nation."

After hearing this, Emperor Jianwen immediately praised Yin Changlong and expressed his willingness to accept advice.

However, not long after, Zhu Yunwen found an excuse to demote Yin Changlong to the position of magistrate of Funing County.

After Zhu Di launched his rebellion, Yin Changlong actually used the example of the Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng to persuade Zhu Yunwen to stop the war, allow Zhu Di to enter the capital, and even persuade Zhu Yunwen to abdicate in favor of a more worthy successor.

Zhu Gaoxi was deeply impressed by his unconventional behavior.

Yin Changlong's actions were truly commendable in their courage.

At the very least, he did not harbor any deep-seated hostility towards his adoptive father, which allowed Zhu Gaoxi to appoint him with confidence.

When Zhu Gaoxi arrived at the Prince's residence, there was still about half an hour before the agreed time, but Yin Changlong had already arrived, which greatly surprised Zhu Gaoxi.

Yin Changlong was the same age as Xie Jin, but taller and thinner. His complexion was sallow, but his bright and piercing eyes were the most striking feature.

Zhu Gaoxi judged that this person might have a bad stomach and intestines, and suggested that the imperial physicians prescribe some medicinal diet recipes to help him regulate his digestive system.

"Mr. Yin, you've arrived so early?" Zhu Gaoxi greeted him with a smile.

"Your Highness, I always like to make arrangements in advance," Yin Changlong said, bowing.

"Chief Secretary Guo is young, so Lord Yin will have to take good care of things at the Prince's residence from now on," Zhu Gaoxi said, inviting him to sit down.

"This is my duty, and I should do my best," Yin Changlong said, and then sat down properly.

Unlike other officials who sat on the edge of their chairs, Yin Changlong sat in the center.

Zhu Gaoxi smiled knowingly; he really was acting on impulse.

"Here is black tea and green tea. Lord Yin, please help yourselves. There's no need to be polite. I only drink milk and plain water."

Yin Changlong didn't say much and immediately brewed the black tea.

Being with such a straightforward person is uniquely relaxing.

"I have a new item that I would like Lord Yin to appraise," Zhu Gaoxi said, and then had Sanbao bring over the mimeograph machine.

Recently, Sanbao summoned the eunuchs from the vegetable garden and had six more mimeograph machines made, two of which were placed in the Wu Prince's residence.

Yin Changlong stood up, looked at it from all angles, and asked, "Your Highness, what is this? What is it used for?"

"This is a mimeograph machine, which can print articles and books," Zhu Gaoxi explained briefly.

"No need for woodblock printing?" Yin Changlong asked after a moment's thought.

"Use wax paper," Zhu Gaoxi instructed Sanbao to hand a piece of cut wax paper to Yin Changlong.

Yin Changlong looked at it for a long time, then sighed, "Exquisite!" He then bowed solemnly to Zhu Gaoxi, saying, "In my humble opinion, Your Highness's wisdom is unmatched."

"Lord Yin flatters me; it's just a trivial skill," Zhu Gaoxi said modestly.

"It is useful for reading and enlightening the mind, how can it be a trivial matter?" Yin Changlong pondered for a moment, then suddenly said with a serious expression, "Your Highness is a great talent, bestowed by Heaven, and should seek more benefits for the people."

"I want to use a mimeograph machine to print all kinds of books and open a bookstore. What do you think, Lord Yin?" Zhu Gaoxi laid out his plans.

Unexpectedly, Yin Changlong shook his head and said, "Isn't it a waste of talent to use just a bookstore?"

Could it be that Yin Changlong is hinting at vying for the position of crown prince?

Zhu Gaoxi was startled, guessing that Guo Ming might be arriving soon. He quickly asked Sanbao to demonstrate how to use the mimeograph machine to Yin Changlong, in case Yin Changlong said something surprising that Guo Ming might overhear and cause unnecessary trouble.

Yin Changlong's attention was quickly drawn to the mimeograph machine, and he kept pestering Sanbao with questions about various technical issues.

Sanbao patiently answered each question one by one.

Yin Changlong was most concerned about how much cheaper a book could be compared to woodblock printing. He picked up a pen and paper, estimated various costs, and finally came to a rough conclusion: it could be at least half the price, and after improving the technology, it could be even cheaper.

"This matter has great potential. Once the mimeograph machine is widely adopted, at least 30% of poor children will benefit from it, enabling them to study, participate in the imperial examinations, and become officials in the court," Yin Changlong said excitedly, his voice rising several decibels.

"What has made Lord Yin so happy?" Guo Ming asked after bowing to Zhu Gaoxi as he entered.

"The treasure invented by the Prince, the mimeograph machine," Yin Changlong enthusiastically introduced. "Lord Guo, look, this mimeograph machine uses wax paper, which saves the cost of woodblock printing. The books printed can be at least half the price. This will allow so many poor children to afford to study and go to school, benefiting all people."

"Let me see. This mimeograph machine is so amazing, how is it made?" Guo Ming was also very interested in the mimeograph machine.

Zhu Gaoxi sat to the side, listening to their praises, leisurely eating pine nuts and drinking milk.

In fact, almost all mimeograph machines that can be manufactured have the functions of the three protections; he just provided an idea.

However, if using his name would help promote the application, he wouldn't mind taking on a nominal title.

When Xie Jin went to the school, he heard from Sanbao that Xie Jin was also amazed when he first saw the mimeograph machine.

"In a little over a year, in the thirtieth year of Hongwu's reign, the imperial examination will be held. If the Four Books and Five Classics printed in mimeographed form are cheap, those poor candidates won't have to spend time copying them," Guo Ming thought more practically, opening up a new avenue for Zhu Gaoxi.

With the imperial examinations held every three years, sales of Confucian classics and various exam preparation materials surged, which would surely allow bookstores to make a small profit and open up a new source of income for the school.

Then, the bookstore can also sell some cheap snacks or fast food, and maybe make even more money.