Grounded by Old Zhu from the Start, I Strike Back and Build an Empire Where the Sun Never Sets

Transmigrating to the Ming Dynasty, he became Zhu Bai, Prince of Xiang and the twelfth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, who doted on him more than anyone. But that wasn’t a good thing. Zhu Yuanzhang loved him so much it was suffocating. “Bai’er, military power is too dangerous. Don’t touch it.” So he took away Zhu Bai’s guards. “Bai’er, forming factions is too risky. Don’t make friends.” So he executed Zhu Bai’s aides. “Bai’er, the court is too corrupt. Don’t attend court.” So he gave him ten thousand taels of gold and told him to be a carefree prince who did nothing but eat and wait to die. Zhu Bai: ...Father, is it possible that I’m a genius? Fortunately, the Great Ming Industrial System awakened! Forbidden from taking part in politics? Then he’d secretly launch an industrial revolution in his fief! Forbidden from leading troops? Then he’d set up a “security company” equipped with matchlock guns! Zhu Yuanzhang: You unfilial brat! I arranged a princely residence for you, but you refuse to live there and insist on digging for coal in the middle of nowhere? Zhu Bai: Father, that’s an industrial base. Zhu Yuanzhang: What industry? I’ve already got that arrogant general Lan Yu under control for you. Don’t be afraid! Looking at the blueprints for the steam-powered ironclad that had just rolled off the line, Zhu Bai fell into deep thought. Years later, when the Northern Yuan cavalry swept south and the entire court was at a loss, Zhu Bai sighed quietly. “Someone bring out this prince’s ‘Italian cannon.’” Zhu Yuanzhang stared in shock. “What the hell? Is this really my son who was supposed to eat and wait to die?!”