The Yongle Equation: Launching a Tech Revolution in the Ming Dynasty

[No System] [Hardcore Technology] [Political Maneuvering] [Historical Mystery]

Zhao Yan, a mathematics PhD, transmigrates into the body of Zhu Gao Xu, Yongle Emperor’s second son. From the start, he has a forged imperial edict ordering him to fake his death, but he catches a whiff of conspiracy.

The history books say Zhu Di died of illness at Yumuchuan, yet the army’s gunpowder stores have tripled. The Yongle Emperor, supposedly “gravely ill” according to his trusted aides, has even been secretly improving the designs for firearms?

Zhao Yan sneers. “Father, you’re faking your death to lure out a fish? I’ll blow up the whole pond for you!”

He uses calculus to overhaul the Ministry of Revenue’s tax system, chemical formulas to mass-produce gunpowder, and even hand-builds a prototype steam engine using The Exploitation of the Works of Nature.

But before he can even settle onto the throne, an urgent report arrives from the north: Oirat cavalrymen are carrying flintlock rifles and jeering from the front lines. “Your Highness, Prince of Han, does this gun look familiar?”