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At 3:45 AM, the morning bell broke the tranquility of Xiaoling Mausoleum.

Inside the academy dormitory, twelve-year-old Zhao Tiezhu sat up with a quick movement and neatly folded his military blanket.

As the grandson of the fallen general Zhao Desheng, he always kept in mind his grandfather's family motto of "rising at the crowing of the rooster."

"Tiezhu, we have a quiz on mathematics today. Have you reviewed it?" Xu Huizu, my roommate, asked, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

When this eldest son of the Duke of Wei first arrived, he still carried the arrogance of a noble son, but now the academy's strict schedule has smoothed out his rough edges.

"I studied until midnight last night." Tie Zhu arranged his toiletries neatly. "I've mastered the debit and credit balance of double-entry bookkeeping."

"Impressive! You're probably the most hardworking student in our group."

"There's no other way! I'm lucky to have gotten this rare opportunity, and I have to give Zhao Jiabo a future."

……

At the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), three thousand students stood in neat rows at the training ground.

As dawn broke, students began their morning exercises.

This was a course specially arranged by Suning, requiring students to cultivate both academic and practical skills.

"One! Two! Three! Four!" The instructor's commands resounded through the sky.

While practicing military boxing, Lan Bin from the middle school whispered to Feng Cheng beside him, "Why do you think the imperial grandson wants us to learn these things? We're all going to inherit titles in the future."

Feng Cheng, the nephew of Duke Feng Sheng of Song, calmly withdrew his fist and replied, "Wasn't it made very clear in yesterday's 'Investigation of Things' class? The power of the waterwheel lies in its pivot, and the way to govern a country lies in understanding principles. The imperial grandson wants us to understand these principles."

"Oh? Feng Cheng, how did you know that?"

“Naturally, it was taught to me by my uncle.”

"What? The Duke of Song?"

……

At Chenshi (7-9 AM), the bell rang again, and the students entered the classroom in an orderly manner.

Children in the elementary school were reciting the Three Character Classic aloud, students in the primary school were practicing abacus calculation, and a heated debate was taking place in the middle school classroom.

"The students believe that Shang Yang's reforms were too harsh, and the Qin Dynasty's demise after only two generations is clear evidence of this!" A slender student stood up to speak.

His name is Li Shouzhong, and he was a talented scholar from a poor family selected by the academy from among the common people.

"No!" Xu Huizu immediately retorted, "Without Shang Yang's reforms, how could the Qin state have become so powerful? Governing a country requires severe measures!"

Liu Sanwu, who was giving the lecture, stroked his beard and smiled, not in a hurry to make a judgment.

This is a teaching method specifically requested by Suning to encourage students to think critically.

At that moment, the back door of the classroom quietly opened, and Su Ning listened attentively, accompanied by Ma He.

The students were about to stand up and bow when he stopped them with a look.

Although Suning is only five years old now, his word is absolutely law at Xiaoling Academy.

“Continue,” he said softly, sitting down in the last row.

"promise."

……

At 3:45 AM, it is time for the "Investigation of Things" class.

Today's class was held in the experimental field behind the academy.

Mr. Chen Yu, a scholar specializing in natural sciences, pointed to the new waterwheel and explained, "This is a dragon-bone waterwheel designed by the imperial grandson, which is 30% more efficient than the old-style waterwheel. You must understand the principle behind it..."

The students gathered around the waterwheel, taking careful notes.

Wang Laoshi, a student from a farming family, mustered up his courage and asked, "Sir, can this waterwheel be used in the mountains?"

"Good question." Chen Yu nodded approvingly. "This is your lesson for today: design irrigation tools suitable for different terrains in groups."

……

The dining hall was bustling with people at lunchtime.

The academy practiced "sharing the same kitchen and eating together," with the sons of noble families and students from poor families dining at the same table.

"The braised pork smells so good today! I heard these big, fat pigs are raised on the Emperor's farm," Lan Bin said, wolfing down his food.

He used to complain about the cafeteria's poor conditions when he first enrolled, but now he loves the food there the most.

Zhao Tiezhu carefully divided the meat among his classmates, including Li Shouzhong: "Shouzhong, eat more. You have to help out at the editorial office this afternoon."

"Thank you," Li Shouzhong nodded gratefully.

Because of his family's poverty, he was originally unable to attend school, but the academy's "work-study" system allowed him to continue his studies...

They attend classes during the day and assist with manuscript editing at the editorial office at night in exchange for room and board.

In fact, there are quite a few boys like Li Shouzhong in the school; they all regard Su Ning as their master.

It is believed that many years later, as long as Suning raises its arms and calls, those who have already penetrated into all walks of life will surely pledge their loyalty.

……

At the hour of Wei (1-3 PM), the workshops began to bustle with activity.

Inside the woodworking workshop, students are making teaching aids under the guidance of craftsmen; in the brewery, the knowledge gained from the science class is being used to improve the process; and in the printing press, newly compiled textbooks are being printed in batches.

"Please take a look, Your Highness." Ma He led Su Ning to inspect the workshop. "As per your instructions, the printing workshop has switched to movable type printing, increasing efficiency tenfold."

Su Ning picked up the new edition of "Mathematics," still smelling of ink, and nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. Tell Mr. Zhou to include more illustrations in the next batch of textbooks."

"promise."

……

Shen Shi (3-5 PM) is the time students look forward to most for elective courses.

Some students chose to practice riding and archery at the training ground, some stayed in the classroom to study music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and others followed craftsmen to learn their craft.

Xu Huizu and Lan Bin both chose the military formation class.

The instructor, a veteran captain whom Chang Sen had specially invited from the military, was explaining the evolution of the Mandarin Duck Formation.

"Why does the imperial grandson want us to learn these things?" Lan Bin couldn't help but ask. "We won't actually go into battle to fight the enemy."

The old captain said meaningfully, "How can a general command the three armies if he doesn't understand military affairs? The imperial grandson wants you to understand the principle that one general's success is built on the bones of ten thousand soldiers."

……

At dusk (5-7 PM), the evening drum sounds, marking the end of the students' day's lessons.

But the lights in the academy were not extinguished.

Inside the compilation office, Li Shouzhong was assisting Chen Yu in organizing the "Agronomy" textbook; in the library, Zhao Tiezhu was consulting "Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art"; and in Su Ning's study, an important meeting had just begun.

"Franchisees in various regions have reported that soap is selling very well in the north, but toilet water is not selling well," Ma He reported on the business.

Mr. Zhou added, "My suggestion is to promote soaps in the north by incorporating local medicinal herbs."

Su Ning listened carefully to the report, then suddenly asked, "Is the academy's budget sufficient for next month?"

"Your Highness, rest assured," Ma He said with a smile. "The merchant guild's profit this month is one or two hundred thousand taels, which is enough to cover the academy's expenses."

"Excellent! It seems it's time to move on to the next step of the plan."

……

At 7:45 PM, the lights-out bell rang.

The academy gradually quieted down, with only the occasional sound of footsteps from the night patrol guards.

In his dormitory, Zhao Tiezhu wrote in his diary: "Today, the imperial grandson personally attended the class and said, 'The essence of learning lies in its practical application.' I will keep this in mind..."

Inside the Xiaoling Mausoleum's main hall, Su Ning softly reported to Empress Ma's memorial tablet: "Grandmother, today another 120 students from the academy passed the examination. I believe they will become pillars of the Ming Dynasty in the future."

This five-year-old grandson of the emperor is cultivating a new generation of talent for the Ming Dynasty in his own unique way.

Of course, the main purpose was to survive in the Ming Dynasty, after all, the saying "the victor is king, the loser is villain" is a universal truth.

……

At the beginning of the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), Nanjing City awoke in the morning light.

However, the backyard of Mingtang Trading Company's main branch was already brightly lit, with twenty carriages neatly arranged, and the shop assistants were loading goods onto the carriages and sending them to various places.

"Be careful! This cart of floral water is destined for the Shen family in Suzhou." Manager Zhou directed from the steps. "That cart of liquor is ordered from the Qin Prince's Mansion in Xi'an. Make sure it's padded with soft straw!"

Inside the accounting office, more than ten apprentices were checking the previous day's accounts.

The new double-entry bookkeeping method makes the accounts clear at a glance, but the learning process is quite difficult.

"Debits and credits must equal each other..." A young apprentice scratched his head in deep thought, "Should this freight charge be recorded as a debit or a credit?"

"Record it on the debit side." A crisp voice came from the doorway, and Ma He, who was beginning to show his authority, walked in with a smile. "Freight costs are expenses, so they are naturally recorded on the debit side. You must remember that the key to this accounting method taught by the imperial grandson is balance."

"Greetings, Steward Ma." The young apprentices hurriedly stood up and bowed.

"No need for formalities!" Ma He waved his hand and walked straight to Mr. Zhou: "Manager Zhou, are the goods to be shipped to Beiping ready today?"

"Don't worry, Manager Ma." Mr. Zhou handed over the order slip. "The three hundred jars of liquor and five hundred bars of soap ordered by the Prince of Yan's Mansion have been loaded onto the truck. In addition, the Shen family in Hangzhou just sent word that they have requested to order another thousand bottles of floral water."

Ma He carefully examined the shipment manifest, then suddenly pointed to one item and asked, "Oh? Why are these twenty boxes of glass bottles being transported by canal?"

“This was specially ordered by the imperial grandson,” Mr. Zhou said in a low voice. “He said that our goods should be displayed along the canal, like a mobile signboard.”

At 9:00 AM, the front hall of the business opened for business.

Customers who had been waiting for a long time flocked in, including many merchants from all over the country.

"Manager Zhou!" a merchant with a Shanxi accent said urgently, "We've been out of soap for half a month. You have to give me five hundred boxes this time!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Li," Mr. Zhou reassured him with a smile. "The new workshop will be in production next month, and we will give you priority in supplying goods then."

Just then, a commotion arose outside the door.

It turned out that several Persian merchants had come with a translator and were gesturing incessantly at the floral water on the shelf.

The interpreter explained, "These Persian merchants want to order three thousand bottles of floral water to be shipped to Samarkand."

Mr. Zhou was secretly alarmed, but remained outwardly calm: "The three thousand bottles will take three months to arrive, and a 30% deposit is required in advance."

After some haggling, the price was finally agreed upon at two taels of silver per bottle.

The deposit for this deal alone amounted to 1,800 taels.

At noon, Ma He arrived at the craftsmen's workshop in the backyard.

This place is separated from the business by only one wall, making it easy to improve the products at any time.

"Master Li, are the molds for the new type of soap ready?"

"Manager Ma, please take a look," the old craftsman Li Fu presented the new mold, "It is engraved with the Four Gentlemen of flowers, plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, according to the design drawn by the imperial grandson." "Very good." Ma He carefully examined the mold, "The imperial grandson said that this batch of new products should be launched before the Double Ninth Festival."

At 3:45 PM, Mr. Zhou was checking the accounts of franchisees in various regions when a clerk suddenly announced, "The Yingtian Prefecture government has come to collect taxes."

The tax collector walked in with a smile: "Manager Zhou, business is booming this month!"

"Thanks to His Majesty's blessing." Mr. Zhou handed over the account book and tax silver. "This is the tax payment for this month, totaling two thousand three hundred taels."

After counting the taxes and issuing the tax receipts, the tax collector couldn't help but exclaim, "Your Mingtang Trading Company is a model taxpayer. If other businesses paid taxes as honestly as you, our office would have a much easier time."

At Shenshi (3-5 PM), Ma He convened a meeting of officials from various regions.

Inside the large council hall hung a map of the Ming Dynasty's territory, marked with the various branches of the Mingtang Trading Company.

“The Xi’an branch made a profit of four thousand taels last month, but the freight costs are too high,” Ma He said, pointing to the accounts. “I suggest we switch to using the Grand Canal to transport goods to Luoyang, and then transfer them to land routes.”

"Soap sales at the Beiping branch are not good," the Beiping manager reported. "It's cold in the north, and people bathe less often."

“Then let’s promote soap,” Ma He decided immediately. “Focus on its facial and hand cleansing functions, and make the packaging more exquisite.”

Just then, a waiter rushed in: "Manager Ma, Xiaoling has sent over a new prescription."

Upon unfolding the document, Ma found it contained a perfume-making method handwritten by Suning himself.

He immediately ordered, "Have the craftsmen work through the night to produce the first batch of samples. I need to see them in three days."

"Yes, Steward Ma."

At 5 PM, the business officially closed for business, but the work was far from over.

In the warehouse, the workers are taking inventory; in the accounting office, the apprentices are organizing invoices; in the workshop, the trial production of new products is underway.

Mr. Zhou rubbed his aching wrists and said to Ma He with admiration, "Manager Ma, I have been in business for forty years and have never seen a business that has developed so rapidly. In just one year, more than thirty branches have been opened."

Looking out the window at the darkening sky, Ma He said meaningfully, "This is just the beginning. The imperial grandson said that Mingtang Trading Company should be the lucky charm of the Ming Dynasty."

……

At Xiaoling Mausoleum, Suning is reviewing reports sent by the merchant guild.

When he saw the news that the perfume trial had been successfully completed, a smile appeared on his lips.

“Tell Mahe,” he said to the messenger, “that the perfume should be priced ten times higher than the cologne, and be reserved exclusively for royalty and nobility. Also, have the trading companies start buying up raw silk; our next step is to get involved in the textile industry.”

"Yes," the clerk replied respectfully. "Manager Zhou asked me to inquire whether we should agree to a cooperation between us and the silk merchants in Hangzhou."

“Cooperation is possible, but we must hold a controlling stake.” Suning said without hesitation, “Mingtang Trading Company must maintain control.”

"promise."

As night deepened, the backyard of Mingtang Trading Company remained bustling with activity.

Newly arrived goods are being stored in warehouses, convoys bound for various destinations are ready to depart, and the furnaces in the artisan workshops burn all night long.

Meanwhile, in the meeting room on the second floor of the business building, Ma He and Mr. Zhou were still planning their business empire.

The map of the Ming Dynasty on the wall is gradually being filled with red dots representing semicolons.

"We plan to set up a branch in Guangzhou next year, specializing in overseas trade," Ma He said, pointing to the map. "The Emperor said that there is an even wider world beyond the sea."

Mr. Zhou stroked his beard and sighed, "Only now do I understand that what the imperial grandson wants to do is never just business."

"Of course! It is our honor to be able to follow the imperial grandson at this time."

Indeed, Mingtang Trading Company appears to be a commercial empire, but in reality, it is a grand scheme orchestrated by Suning.

Each branch is an eye and ears, each trade route is a vital artery, and the enormous profits earned are quietly changing the future of the Ming Dynasty.

……

As dusk settled over the Eastern Palace, Lady Lü sat before her dressing table, letting the palace maids comb her long hair.

The face reflected in the bronze mirror remained dignified and gentle, but a hint of gloom lurked deep in her eyes.

"Your Highness, it's time for dinner," your personal maid whispered.

Lady Lü waved her hand, her gaze still fixed on the mirror: "Is His Highness the Crown Prince reviewing memorials again today?"

"Yes, His Highness said he would dine in the study."

Lady Lü got up, changed into an elegant palace dress, and personally brought the ginseng soup to the study.

Zhu Biao was engrossed in a report and didn't even notice her coming in.

"Your Highness," Lady Lü called softly, gently placing the ginseng soup on the table, "Is there some trouble at court again?"

Zhu Biao then came to his senses and rubbed his temples: "It's that child Yun Tong... Ming Tong Trading Company paid more than two thousand taels of tax this month."

Lady Lü's hand paused almost imperceptibly, then she smiled gently: "Yunzhen's competence is a blessing for Your Highness. However..."

She hesitated.

"Just what?" Zhu Biao looked up at her.

“Your Majesty, I am worried,” Lady Lü frowned slightly, “that Yunzhen is only five years old, all alone in a place like the Xiaoling Mausoleum, without even a close confidant by his side. I’ve heard he spends his days with craftsmen and merchants; this is truly… improper.”

She observed Zhu Biao's expression and continued to gently persuade him, "So, since you have already observed a year of mourning, why not let Yunwen return to the palace? I will take good care of him and let him study and understand principles with great scholars, just like Yunwen."

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then gently shook his head: "No need."

"Your Highness!" Lady Lü couldn't help but raise her voice, "Yun Tong is your own flesh and blood! Are you just going to let him suffer outside? I heard he doesn't even have a decent winter coat..."

"Enough." Zhu Biao interrupted her, his tone still gentle but unquestionable, "Yun Tong is doing well at Xiaoling Mausoleum, this is Father Emperor's will."

Lady Lü felt a chill run down her spine, but forced a smile and said, "Since it is Father Emperor's will, then I naturally dare not say anything more. It's just that Yunwen often mentions wanting to see his elder brother, and the children should be closer to each other."

Zhu Biao returned his gaze to the report and said calmly, "Yunwen's studies are important. You may leave now!"

"promise."

After Lady Lü left, Zhu Biao let out a long sigh.

How could he not know what Lady Lü was thinking?
However, he could not expose his father's scheme.

Upon returning to her bedchamber, Lady Lü's gentle demeanor vanished instantly.

She dismissed everyone around her and sat alone in the darkness, her fingertips digging deeply into her palms.

"Your Highness," the trusted nanny whispered as she entered, "this old servant has learned that Marquis Yongchang sent another batch of military youths to Xiaoling Mausoleum today."

Lu sneered, "Lan Yu is putting all his bets on Yun Tong."

“Indeed,” the old woman whispered, “Now all the officials in the court are talking about how the imperial grandson is so talented at such a young age, he is bound to become a great man in the future. Even the Duke of Wei and the Duke of Song are vying to send their sons to Xiaoling Mausoleum…”

"Enough!" Lady Lü abruptly stood up and paced back and forth in the hall. "I originally thought he was a good-for-nothing, but I never expected..."

She recalled Su Ning's mischievous behavior in the palace, and compared it with his current actions at Xiaoling Mausoleum, and felt a chill run down her spine.

This child is far more cunning than she imagined.

"How are Yunwen's studies going lately?" she suddenly asked.

"The young prince is very diligent, and the tutors all praise his intelligence."

Lady Lü's expression softened slightly, but quickly became serious again: "That's not enough... Send a message to the Lü family, telling them to make more connections with upright officials in the court. Aren't those censors the most concerned with etiquette and law? Let them have a good discussion about whether the imperial grandson's involvement in commerce violates ancestral rules!"

"Old slave understands."

The following morning, after the court session, Zhu Biao deliberately kept Mao Xiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, behind.

"Mao Xiang, has anything unusual happened at Xiaoling Mausoleum recently?"

Mao Xiang bowed and reported, "Your Highness, the Imperial Grandson is doing well. However, several censors went to the Lü family yesterday..."

Zhu Biao's eyes narrowed: "Explain in detail."

"According to reports from informants, Lu Tai, the head of a collateral branch of the Lu family, hosted a banquet for several imperial censors yesterday, during which the topic of the third grandson of the emperor's business dealings was discussed."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time, then finally waved his hand and said, "Keep an eye on it."

"Yes! Your Highness, should we report this to the Emperor?"

"Alas! Report it now! The actions of the Lü family cannot be hidden from Father Emperor."

"promise."

……

Crown Prince Zhu Biao walked alone on the palace road, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He was torn between his second wife and his own flesh and blood, and his father's schemes only added to his predicament.

"Biao'er." Zhu Yuanzhang appeared behind him unnoticed, having indeed received news from the Lü family. "I heard that yesterday the Lü family asked you to summon Yun Tong back to the palace?"

Zhu Biao quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have already declined."

"You did the right thing." Zhu Yuanzhang gazed in the direction of Xiaoling Mausoleum. "Now that Yunhu has returned, how can those demons and monsters reveal themselves?"

"But Lady Lü..."

"Hmph! That's a woman's view!" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered. "Besides, do you really think she cares about Yunwen? She's worried that Yunwen's rising fame will threaten his position!"

Zhu Biao lowered his head and remained silent.

He was well aware of the risks and benefits involved.

only……

“Remember,” Zhu Yuanzhang said meaningfully, “those who are jumping the loudest now are often the most impatient. Let them continue their performance; I want to see how long this show can last.”

"Father, do you really have your eye on Yunwen?"

"Hmph! Biao'er, this is not a matter for me to consider. After all, you are the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and the choice of who to select as the successor is your decision."

"..."

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Lady Lü was gently instructing Zhu Yunwen in his studies.

"Wen'er, remember this: you are the eldest son of the Crown Prince and will inherit the throne in the future. You must memorize all these classics and historical texts."

The young Zhu Yunwen nodded obediently: "Your subject understands. Mother, I heard that my elder brother has set up an academy outside the palace?"

Lady Lü's smile froze for a moment, then returned to normal: "Your brother is just playing around like a child. You should concentrate on your studies and become a wise ruler in the future."

Looking at her son's innocent face, Madam Lü secretly vowed in her heart: no matter what, she would clear all obstacles for her son.

Even the suddenly enlightened Zhu Yunwen could not shake her son's position.

Deep within the palace, undercurrents surged ever more fiercely.

Meanwhile, Suning, far away at Xiaoling Mausoleum, was completely unaware of this and continued to implement its plans step by step.

...(End of chapter)