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The news that the grandson of the emperor, Zhu Yunwen, had volunteered to go to Zhongshan to observe mourning for his grandmother spread like wildfire throughout the entire city of Yingtian (Nanjing).

For a time, the young imperial grandson's benevolent and filial deeds were praised both in the imperial court and among the common people.

"At the tender age of four, to possess such filial piety is truly a blessing for the Ming Dynasty!"

"His Highness the Crown Prince is busy with state affairs, and the grandson of the Emperor is observing mourning in place of his father. This fulfills the filial duty of both father and son!"

These accolades naturally reached the Eastern Palace.

Upon hearing the palace maid's report, Lady Lü paused slightly in her teacup before regaining her composure: "Yun Tong has indeed grown up."

Inside the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang listened to the report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a meaningful look on his face: "In just a few days, his reputation has become so good? It seems that the person behind this knows how to create momentum."

"Your Majesty, according to the investigation by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, no mastermind has been found."

"Hmph! Mao Xiang, you underestimate those people too much. Since they did it, they wouldn't let you find out so easily."

"Yes, Your Majesty! The Embroidered Uniform Guard will continue to intensify its investigation."

"Remember! I have high expectations for you, the Embroidered Uniform Guard. I hope you and the Embroidered Uniform Guard will not disappoint me."

"promise."

At this moment, the protagonist, Su Ning, is making an important preparation in the Imperial Household Department.

"Our yellow dog greets the Imperial Grandson." The chief eunuch of the Imperial Household Department bowed respectfully. "May I ask what kind of eunuchs the Imperial Grandson would like to choose to accompany him?"

Su Ning's gaze swept over the young eunuchs kneeling in the courtyard. These were all children who had just been selected from various places to enter the palace, most of them between eight and nine years old.

"Those who can read, step forward." Su Ning's childish voice rang out in the courtyard.

A dozen or so eunuchs sparsely appeared.

Su Ning walked slowly past them, carefully observing the expressions on each person's face.

Suddenly, his gaze fell on one of the handsome young eunuchs: "What's your name?"

"Your Highness, my name is Ma He, and I am from Yunnan," the young eunuch replied respectfully, his speech clear and his manners impeccable.

Su Ning's heart skipped a beat.

Ma He? Isn't this the future Zheng He, the Three Treasures Eunuch?
"Can you write?" Su Ning asked deliberately.

"This servant knows a few characters," Ma He replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

"Alright, you're the one." Su Ning nodded, then selected a few other clever-looking eunuchs. "You guys, come with me to Zhongshan."

A hint of surprise flashed in Ma He's eyes, and he quickly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you for your grace, Your Highness!"

Su Ning was secretly delighted.

Being able to recruit the future Zheng He at this time is simply a godsend.

He knew perfectly well that in the original history, Ma He was selected to enter the Prince of Yan's mansion in the late Hongwu period, thus beginning his legendary life.

However, the horse is now his own, and he is destined to create a new future with it.

Three days later, the procession heading to Xiaoling Mausoleum was ready.

In accordance with the etiquette for the emperor's grandson's travels, Zhu Yuanzhang issued a special decree:
Twenty Imperial Guards were dispatched to provide close protection.
One hundred elite troops from the Beijing Garrison were dispatched to escort them along the way.
He was accompanied by ten eunuchs and six palace maids.
Two imperial chefs and one imperial physician were assigned to accompany him...

This arrangement is appropriate for the grandson of the emperor, yet not too ostentatious.

More importantly, these 120 Imperial Guards and bodyguards were all trusted confidants personally selected by Zhu Yuanzhang, ostensibly for protection, but in reality for surveillance.

On the day of departure, the gates of Nanjing, the capital of Yingtian Prefecture, were wide open, and the ceremonial guards were solemn.

Su Ning sat in a specially made carriage, looking out the window at the guards standing solemnly.

"Your Highness, everything is ready." Zhang Lai, the commander of the guards, stepped forward to report, "As per the imperial decree, we will build a hut on the east side of Xiaoling Mausoleum and have already sent people to set up the camp."

Su Ning nodded, his gaze sweeping over the sword at the waist of the guard commander: "Thank you for your help along the way, General."

"It is my duty." Commander Zhang Lai bowed respectfully, his attitude respectful yet distant.

The convoy slowly set off, heading towards Zhongshan along the official road.

People along the way made way for them, kneeling on both sides of the road and curiously observing this unusual procession.

Inside the carriage, Su Ning closed his eyes to rest, but his mind was racing with calculations.

Among these 120 guards, there must have been Zhu Yuanzhang's spies.

He had to secretly cultivate his own power under the watchful eyes of these people.

"Ma He," he called softly.

"This servant is here," came Ma He's respectful voice from outside the carriage.

"Once we arrive at Zhongshan, you will be in charge of organizing the books we brought," Su Ning instructed, "especially the elementary, mathematical, and physics books that the school will need."

"The servant understands."

Suning's lips curled up slightly.

He specially brought out a large number of books from the palace, including many classics on agriculture and industry.

These are all his treasures for future development and building his influence.

Halfway through the journey, a commotion suddenly broke out ahead.

"Report—" A member of the Imperial Guard rode up to report, "A suspicious person has been spotted ahead and has been apprehended."

Su Ning's heart skipped a beat: "Bring it over."

Soon, a bound man was brought to the carriage.

Although the man was dressed in ordinary people's clothes, the calluses on his hands and his upright posture clearly indicated that he came from a military background.

"Who are you? Why are you spying here?" Su Ning asked through the carriage curtain.

The man looked up at the carriage, a strange glint in his eyes: "I...I am a farmer from the surrounding area."

Su Ning sneered inwardly and was about to press for more information when he heard Jiang Huan from the Embroidered Uniform Guard say, "Your Highness, this person can be handed over to me for questioning. There is no need for Your Highness to trouble yourself."

"Alright," Su Ning replied casually, though she already understood.

This is likely an informant sent by certain forces to probe the situation.

His trip to Zhongshan to observe mourning has already attracted attention from all sides.

"Keep moving forward," Suning ordered.

The convoy resumed its journey, but the atmosphere became noticeably tense.

Su Ning leaned against the carriage, watching the scenery flash by outside the window, knowing that the real contest had only just begun.

……

At the southern foot of Zhongshan Mountain stands the majestic Xiaoling Mausoleum.

When Su Ning's carriage arrived, Feng Cheng, the commander of Xiaoling Guard, had already led a group of generals and officials to kneel and welcome him in front of the spirit path.

"This humble general, Feng Cheng, Commander of Xiaoling Guard, pays his respects to the Imperial Grandson!" Feng Cheng's voice boomed like a bell, and dozens of generals behind him knelt down in unison.

With Ma He's help, Su Ning stepped down from the carriage and glanced at the group of soldiers guarding the tomb.

Although they were clad in armor, they all had solemn expressions, clearly indicating that they were carefully selected loyal and brave men.

"General Feng, please rise." Su Ning's youthful voice carried a composure beyond her years. "I am here by imperial decree to observe mourning for my grandmother. I will need your help in the future."

A hint of surprise flashed in Feng Cheng's eyes when he looked up.

He had long heard that this grandson of the emperor was unruly and mischievous, but the well-behaved and articulate child before him was quite different from the rumors.

"You flatter me, Your Highness," Feng Cheng replied respectfully. "The entire Xiaoling Guard will do their utmost to protect it and will not dare to slacken in the slightest."

Led by Feng Cheng, Su Ning visited the residence prepared for him, a quiet courtyard located on the east side of Xiaoling Mausoleum.

Although it cannot compare to the extravagance of the imperial palace, it is clean and elegant, clearly having been carefully arranged.

“This place is very good.” Su Ning nodded in satisfaction. “I will build a hut here to observe mourning for three years. Everything will be kept simple.”

"Yes!"

After settling in, Su Ning immediately began his daily routine of guarding the tomb.

Every morning, he would go to the ancestral hall to worship; in the afternoon, he would read and practice calligraphy in the courtyard; and in the evening, he would take a walk and contemplate in the mausoleum area.

On this day, he was reading "Essential Techniques for the Common People" in the courtyard when Jiang Huan, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, strode over with a solemn expression.

"Your Highness, the suspect we captured that day..." Jiang Huan lowered his voice, "committed suicide by poison during transport."

Su Ning paused slightly as she turned the pages, then resumed her composure: "Have you found out her identity?"

“This man has a poison sac hidden between his teeth, so he must be a suicide soldier,” Jiang Huan reported. “He has no items on him that can prove his identity, but the calluses on his hands and feet show that he has been using weapons for many years.”

Su Ning closed the book, his gaze deep: "Commander Jiang, whose man do you think this is?"

Jiang Huan's expression hardened: "This humble general dares not make any presumptuous guesses."

"It's alright." Su Ning waved his hand. "Since the person is already dead, this matter will be left to your Embroidered Uniform Guard to continue the investigation. Remember, do it secretly, and don't alert the enemy."

"This subordinate obeys!" Jiang Huan bowed and withdrew.

After Jiang Huan left, Ma He, who had been standing by his side, asked softly, "Grandson, should this matter be reported to the Emperor?"

“No need,” Su Ning said calmly. “Since my grandfather has sent the Imperial Guards to accompany us, he will naturally receive the news.”

He walked to the window, looked at the burial mound of Xiaoling Mausoleum in the distance, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.

The appearance of this assassin confirmed his suspicions; some people were already getting restless.

"Ma He, go and organize all the books you brought. Studying alone is really too boring," Su Ning instructed.

“This servant will take care of it immediately,” Ma He replied respectfully.

In the days that followed, Suning was completely immersed in books.

He not only studied agricultural books, but also began to organize the knowledge of modern society from his memory.

Ma He became his most capable assistant, not only organizing the books meticulously but also discussing their contents with him.

On this day, Su Ning was drawing a simple waterwheel diagram when Feng Cheng came to report on the inspection of the mausoleum area.

Upon seeing the drawings on the table, the old general couldn't help but ask curiously, "What is the imperial grandson drawing?"

“This is an improved waterwheel,” Suning explained, pointing to the blueprints. “It can be used in sections of rivers with slower currents to improve irrigation efficiency.”

Feng Cheng carefully examined the blueprints, becoming increasingly astonished: "The imperial grandson is so young, yet he is so knowledgeable about farming?"

"It's just that I've read a few more books," Su Ning said modestly. "General Feng has been in Zhongshan for a long time; do you know how the farmers in this area are reaping their harvests?"

“This…” Feng Cheng hesitated for a moment, “The land around Xiaoling is barren, and the farmers live a very difficult life.”

Su Ning nodded, already having made up his mind.

He knew that his status as a grandson of the emperor was not enough to gain a foothold here.

Only by doing something concrete can we truly win people's hearts.

As night fell, Su Ning stood alone in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky.

Although the life of mourning was austere, he felt a sense of peace here, unlike the constant anxiety he experienced in the palace.

"Since I've been given this opportunity..." he murmured to himself, "then let me quietly accumulate strength here at the foot of Zhongshan Mountain."

In the distance, the torches of the Xiaoling Guards flickered in the night, like stars in the darkness, protecting this sacred mausoleum.

In this courtyard on the east side of the mausoleum area, a seed that would change the fate of the Ming Dynasty was quietly sprouting.

...On this day, Xiaolingwei reported that Chang Mao, Chang Sheng, and Chang Sen came to visit him together.

Upon hearing that his three uncles had arrived, Su Ning, unusually, showed a genuine smile and personally went to the courtyard gate to greet them.

"uncle!"

As soon as Chang Mao and his two companions dismounted, a figure rushed over and embraced them tightly.

This sudden display of intimacy stunned the three battle-hardened generals.

When had their nephew ever shown such genuine emotion?
"Yun Tong..." Chang Sheng gently patted his nephew's back, his voice choked with emotion, "Have you gotten used to your time at Xiaoling Mausoleum?"

Su Ning raised her head, her eyes shining: "With her uncles thinking of her, Yun Tong is doing well."

Chang Mao carefully examined his nephew and found that the child was thinner than when he was in the palace, but his eyes were brighter and more spirited.

With a wave of his hand, his personal guards immediately brought up more than a dozen boxes: "These are all the food and supplies prepared by your aunts, as well as your favorite candied fruit. If you need anything else, just send someone back to the manor to let us know."

"Thank you very much, uncles and aunts."

As the group entered the courtyard, Chang Sen looked around at the simple dwelling and frowned, "Grandson, this is far too shabby. Should your uncle send someone to furnish it with some more furniture?"

“Third Uncle, there’s no need for you to trouble yourself.” Su Ning invited his three uncles to sit down. “It’s quiet here, perfect for reading and observing mourning.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Su Ning dismissed his attendants and said solemnly, "The arrival of my three uncles today is quite timely, and I happen to have something to discuss with you."

Seeing his nephew's solemn expression, Chang Mao sat up straight and said, "Yun Tong, please speak freely."

“Yun Tong wants to open a trading company in Yingtian Prefecture, named ‘Ming Tong Trading Company’.” Su Ning’s gaze swept over his three uncles. “I hope you uncles can lend me a hand.”

Chang Sheng was taken aback: "A trading company? Why does Yun Tong suddenly want to go into business? If he's short of money, his uncles..."

“Second Uncle has misunderstood,” Su Ning interrupted. “Yun Tong is not short of money. It’s just that during the mourning period, he should do something practical. Besides…”

He lowered his voice, "Some things are difficult to do openly, but it's easier to do them through a trading company."

Chang Mao seemed to be deep in thought: "How do you need your uncle's help?"

"First, we need a few accountants who are good at accounting, as well as some reliable servants," Su Ning said clearly. "Most importantly, we hope that some good men can be selected from the Chang family's personal guards to serve as guards in the business."

Chang Sen couldn't help but ask, "Yun Tong, what kind of business are you planning to do? Do you need to use your personal guards?"

Su Ning smiled slightly: "Third Uncle, there's no need to ask any more questions. You'll find out in time. Just remember that these people must be absolutely reliable, and preferably not people from the Chang family on the surface."

These words left Chang Mao and the other two looking at each other in bewilderment.

They suddenly realized that their four-year-old nephew had a maturity in his speech and behavior that was completely out of character for his age.

What alarmed them even more was that Su Ning's demeanor and tone just now reminded them of the Hongwu Emperor.

Chang Mao took a deep breath and spoke first: "Since Yun Tong has this plan, I will do my best to help. Mr. Zhou, the old accountant in the manor, has been with me for more than ten years. I will have him come to see you tomorrow. There are indeed some good men in the Imperial Guard who can be put to use."

Chang Sheng nodded and said, "I also have a few clever lads in my household. They are all servants born into the family and are loyal and reliable."

"Leave the selection of guards to me," Chang Sen patted his chest. "I guarantee they're all tough guys who've seen blood on the battlefield; one of them can take on ten!"

Su Ning stood up and solemnly bowed to his three uncles: "Yun Tong thanks you all. However, there is one more thing. I hope you will keep silent about what I said and did today."

Chang Mao's expression hardened: "Yun Tong, rest assured, the Chang family will not leak a single word."

As we bid farewell to our three uncles, the setting sun had already bathed Xiaoling Mausoleum in golden light.

Chang Mao walked at the back, and couldn't help but turn back to look at his nephew standing at the gate of the courtyard.

The slender figure stretched long in the setting sun, giving him a feeling of facing a powerful ruler.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Chang Sheng noticed his brother's absent-mindedness.

Chang Mao shook his head, mounted his horse, and said, "After returning to the manor, immediately select the most reliable people."

He gazed in the direction of Xiaoling Mausoleum and murmured to himself, "Our nephew is probably going to do something big."

At this moment, Su Ning was standing in the courtyard, stroking the horse and the newly delivered site map of the merchant guild.

Mingtang Trading Company will be his first move after leaving the inner palace.

With the support of the Chang family, he finally had the initial capital to establish himself in this era.

"Ma He".

"The servant is here."

"Tomorrow you will go down the mountain yourself to check out the location of the trading company."

"promise."

As night deepened, the lights of Xiaoling Mausoleum lit up one by one.

In this courtyard on the east side of the mausoleum area, a four-year-old imperial grandson is quietly building his own power base.

……

The east side hall of Xiaoling Mausoleum has now been transformed into a unique school.

The sound of reading aloud emanated from inside the hall, where more than ten children, about the same age as Su Ning, sat upright and listened attentively to the lecture given by the great Confucian scholar on the platform.

These children were all dressed simply, yet they sat upright, their eyes revealing a determination beyond their years.

They were all descendants of veterans and wounded soldiers selected by the Chang family from the army.

"The grandson's actions are quite meaningful." On the podium, the renowned scholar Liu Sanwu stroked his beard and nodded, whispering to his teaching assistant beside him, "Although these children come from humble backgrounds, they are all polite and virtuous, which shows that their family traditions are strict."

Outside the hall, Su Ning, accompanied by Ma He, quietly observed the classroom situation.

This was a crucial part of his plan: by cultivating these military sons, he could both gain their loyalty and establish connections with the military.

"Ma He, what do you think of these children?" Su Ning asked softly.

"Your Highness, I have observed these children for several days and they are all very diligent in their studies," Ma He respectfully reported. "Especially that one named Zhao Tiezhu, although he started learning late, he grasped arithmetic very quickly."

Suning nodded in satisfaction.

He specifically added mathematics and the study of things to the curriculum in order to cultivate a group of talents who were different from traditional Confucian scholars.

Meanwhile, inside the Forbidden City in Nanjing, Zhu Yuanzhang was listening to a report from Mao Xiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Grandson has opened a school in the East Hall of Xiaoling Mausoleum and hired Liu Sanwu as his tutor." Mao Xiang presented a detailed list, "There are twelve students in total, all of whom are former members of the Chang family."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the list, his gaze sweeping over each name, finally settling on the name "Zhao Tiezhu": "Zhao Desheng's grandson?"

“That’s right.” Mao Xiang bowed and said, “After Zhao Desheng died in battle, his son Zhao Yong was also wounded and retired last year during the campaign in the northern desert. This Zhao Tiezhu is Zhao Yong’s only son.”

Zhu Biao couldn't help but speak up: "Father, isn't Yuntong's move too ostentatious? Gathering soldiers' sons and hiring renowned scholars of the time..."

"Let him go." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his eyes gleaming. "We want to see what the Chang family is really up to."

He pointed to the list and instructed Mao Xiang, "Keep a close eye on the three Chang brothers, especially which generals they associate with. As for Yun Tong..."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused for a moment, then said, "As long as he doesn't overstep his bounds, let him do as he pleases."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, I do not understand." After Mao Xiang withdrew, Zhu Biao asked in bewilderment, "Why did Your Majesty not stop the Chang family from openly associating with their old military subordinates?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered: "Biao'er, do you know what the most important thing is in fishing?"

"Appreciate further details."

“It’s about patience.” Zhu Yuanzhang slowly rose to his feet. “If we pull in the net now, we can only catch a few small fish. We can only wipe them out when they think they’ve succeeded and let their guard down.”

He walked to the window and looked in the direction of Xiaoling Mausoleum: "Yunhuo, that child... has given us a good opportunity to see the court clearly."

"..."

Inside the Xiaoling Academy, Liu Sanwu is explaining the "Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art".

This renowned scholar initially found the idea of ​​teaching mathematics quite perplexing, but after a deep conversation with Su Ning, he began to look at this young imperial grandson with new respect.

"What do you think is the purpose of mathematics, Your Highness?" Liu Sanwu couldn't help but ask after class one day.

Su Ning put down the "Yingzao Fashi" (Building Standards) in his hand and replied seriously, "Sir, do you know that besides tyranny, there was another important reason why the Yuan Dynasty lost the country?"

"Please enlighten me, Your Highness."

“They just don’t understand the importance of mathematics.” Su Ning pointed to the blueprints in the book. “Making water requires mathematics, building cities requires mathematics, and even military campaigns cannot be separated from mathematics. If there were more ministers in the court who understood mathematics, how could the Yellow River have repeatedly breached its banks despite repeated attempts to control it?”

Upon hearing this, Liu Sanwu was filled with respect: "Your Highness's insight is truly admirable."

……

The Mingtang Trading Company has now been established, and Mr. Zhou, the old accountant sent by the Chang family, is reporting the company's operations to Suning at Xiaoling.

“As instructed by the imperial grandson, we have acquired three artisan workshops that were on the verge of bankruptcy.” Mr. Zhou handed over the account books. “In particular, the Li’s workshop that specializes in making waterwheels has an extremely skilled master craftsman.”

"Very good." Su Ning nodded in satisfaction. "Tell Master Li not to be stingy with materials and to make a sample according to the drawings I gave you as soon as possible."

“I understand.” Mr. Zhou hesitated for a moment, but still couldn’t help asking, “But Grandson… can we really make money by making these waterwheels and spinning wheels?”

Su Ning smiled slightly: "Mr. Zhou, making money is not the goal. The important thing is that we master these skills."

After Mr. Zhou left, Ma He quietly reported, "Your Highness, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has recently increased its manpower near the trading company."

“As expected.” Su Ning said nonchalantly, “Let them see. We’re doing legitimate business, we’re not afraid of being investigated.”

"Yes!"

"In addition, study the soap and brewing recipes I gave you carefully. This is the main business of our company in the future."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Suning walked to the window and looked in the direction of Nanjing.

All of this was part of his plan...

On the surface, they opened businesses and established schools, but in secret, they were accumulating power.

Zhu Yuanzhang's tacit approval was exactly the protective umbrella he needed.

“Ma He, what do you think Grandfather is thinking right now?” Su Ning suddenly asked.

Ma He cautiously replied, "Your Majesty's will is unique, and this servant dares not presume to speculate."

Su Ning smiled and didn't press the matter further.

He knew perfectly well that he had to strike the right balance in this power struggle between grandfather and grandson.

They needed to demonstrate sufficient ability without arousing Zhu Yuanzhang's suspicion.

“Pass on a message to your uncle,” Su Ning turned and instructed, “have them continue searching for those destitute veterans and wounded soldiers, and then gather their children into the Xiaoling Academy. Also, select capable veterans and wounded soldiers to work at the Mingtang Trading Company.”

"Slave, let's do it now."

As night deepened, the lights of Xiaoling Mausoleum flickered in the wind.

Su Ning stood outside the school, listening to the sounds of reading coming from inside, a smile appearing on her lips.

This game has only just begun.

What he wanted was not only the loyalty of the nobles of Huaixi, but also the respect of all the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty.

Sometimes, these unassuming soldiers are the key; they are bound to unleash tremendous power one day.

The Mingtang Trading Company will gradually become a support for those veterans and wounded soldiers. When the time comes, as long as I raise my arm and call to arms, I will surely gain the loyalty and following of the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty.

Of course, although Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao saw that Su Ning was trying to win people's hearts, they did not think that these soldiers could do anything, so they ignored Su Ning's unexpected behavior.

...(End of chapter)