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The spring breeze of the twentieth year of Hongwu once again swept through the entire city of Nanjing. Nine-year-old Su Ning stood in front of the Xiaoling Academy, scrutinizing it.

The seed planted five years ago has now grown into a towering tree.

"Your Highness, this is last month's account." Ma He walked over, holding a thick ledger, his face beaming with undisguised joy. "Da Ming Qian Zhuang now has over two hundred branches in thirteen provinces, and its total deposits have exceeded twelve million taels. With the investment of local princes, the business is booming. Moreover, the obstacles from Ming Tong Trading Company have also disappeared."

Suning took the ledger and casually flipped through it.

"In addition, His Majesty summoned me specifically after the morning court session this day," Ma He said in a low voice. "He was very pleased with the idea of ​​the Imperial Grandson to allow the various vassal kings to invest in the bank."

Su Ning smiled slightly: "Grandfather values ​​family ties the most. He'll be happy if his uncles can all benefit from it."

At this moment, a palace attendant hurried over: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince has arrived."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhu Biao had already stepped inside.

He was wearing an apricot-yellow casual outfit today, and his complexion was much rosier than in previous years.

"Your subject Zhu Yunwen greets Your Majesty." Su Ning bowed respectfully.

Zhu Biao smiled and helped him up, his gaze falling on the account books on the table: "Yun Tong, you have made another great contribution. This morning at court, your imperial grandfather praised you in front of all the civil and military officials for knowing how to consider the overall situation and for uniting the Zhu family."

"Father, you flatter me." Su Ning bowed his head humbly. "Your subject just feels that since the Ming Dynasty Bank is owned by the Zhu family, it is only natural that the Zhu family should benefit from it."

Zhu Biao sat down at the table, gesturing for Su Ning to sit down as well: "Your idea is indeed brilliant. What your imperial grandfather is most worried about is the possibility of discord arising between you and your uncle in the future. Now that all the regional princes have a stake in the bank, their interests are intertwined, so they will naturally be more inclined to maintain this situation."

He paused, then continued, "However, I've come to see you today for another matter. The Xiaoling Academy has now been established in various prefectures and counties, and your imperial grandfather wants to know what your next steps are?"

Su Ning said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I believe that the most urgent task is to train teachers. I plan to establish a normal school in Nanjing to select outstanding students from all over the country to learn new teaching materials and methods."

“Teachers’ school?” Zhu Biao said thoughtfully. “That’s a new term.”

“Exactly.” Su Ning took out a charter. “Teachers are role models for being teachers. I believe that teaching and educating people is no small matter and requires specialized training. The course is three years long, and after graduation, students will be assigned to teach in schools in various places.”

Zhu Biao carefully reviewed the regulations, nodding occasionally: "The curriculum is quite novel. In addition to the classics of Chinese studies, there are also subjects like physics, mathematics, geography, agriculture, and engineering. But isn't this too far removed from the proper path of the imperial examinations?"

“Your Majesty is wise,” Su Ning replied respectfully. “I believe that governing a country cannot rely solely on the rigid, formulaic writing style. The Ming Dynasty is currently in dire need of development in all sectors, and what is needed are people who are knowledgeable in practical matters. It is unacceptable for officials to rely entirely on clerks for all their administrative duties, and besides…”

He paused briefly, observing Zhu Biao's expression: "The imperial examination system selects talents for governing the country; while modern schools cultivate talents for developing industries. The two can go hand in hand without contradiction, and complement each other."

Zhu Biao pondered for a long time, then suddenly laughed and said, "You child, you always come up with these ingenious ideas. But I'm afraid we'll need to explain this to your imperial grandfather."

“Your Majesty, I have made preparations.” Su Ning then took out a beautifully bound map from under the table. “This is the ‘Complete Map of the Ming Dynasty’ that I commissioned to be compiled. It marks in detail the distribution of minerals and products in each province. If this knowledge can be taught in schools, students will be able to apply what they have learned, whether they become officials or go into business.”

Zhu Biao opened the map album and exclaimed in amazement, "Such detailed maps are beyond the capabilities of even the Ministry of War's Bureau of Military Affairs! Yun Tong, where did you learn these skills?"

Su Ning was prepared and calmly replied, "Father, didn't I already confess to you and my grandfather?"

"Was everything you said back then true?"

"Of course! Otherwise, where would all these brilliant ideas of mine come from?"

Zhu Biao gazed at his son, his eyes filled with pride, but also with a hint of barely perceptible worry: "Yun Tong, are you aware that some ministers in the court have already submitted memorials accusing you of 'using strange and frivolous skills to confuse the sacred learning'?"

"Your Majesty knows," Su Ning replied calmly, "but I also know what the Ming Dynasty needs now. If we cling to the old ways, how can we be worthy of the foundation laid by our Imperial Grandfather?"

Zhu Biao sighed and gently stroked Su Ning's head: "You're right. But the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against it. You're still young, so there's no need to rush things."

"Yes, Father, I understand."

……

As the father and son were talking, they suddenly heard a commotion outside.

A guard rushed in and announced, "Your Highness, Third Prince, His Majesty has arrived!"

Zhu Yuanzhang strode in, followed by several cabinet ministers.

The emperor seemed to be in a very good mood today, and beckoned Su Ning to come closer when he saw him.

"Yunzhen, tell me, what exactly is the purpose of this teachers' college?"

Su Ning bowed calmly and repeated what he had just said to Zhu Biao in detail.

Zhu Yuanzhang listened attentively, asking questions from time to time.

"You said you'd teach the investigation of things, what exactly will you teach?"

"Your Majesty, the 'Gewu' (格物) includes practical knowledge such as astronomy, calendar system, agriculture, water conservancy, and mining."

"What about mathematics?"

"In addition to the traditional Nine Chapters, the Mathematical Treatise also includes new accounting methods and measurement methods."

Why is geography important?

"Geography can enable students to understand the situation of the world and the products of various places, so that whether they become officials or merchants in the future, they can adapt to local conditions."

After listening, Zhu Yuanzhang turned to his ministers and asked, "What do you think?"

An old minister hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that completely abandoning the books of sages and worthies is not the foundation of education..."

“Who said they’ve completely abandoned it?” Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him. “Aren’t the classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections still being taught? I think Yuntong is right. Scholars shouldn’t just know how to compose poems and couplets; they also need to be knowledgeable in practical matters. If there had been more ministers in the court who understood water conservancy back then, the Yellow River wouldn’t have flooded like this.”

Seeing this, another minister quickly chimed in: "His Highness the Imperial Grandson is a man of great foresight; this move is truly a grand plan for the Ming Dynasty for the next hundred years."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction, then said to Su Ning, "However, Yuntong, I have already said that the imperial examination system cannot be disrupted. Your new-style schools can be established, but they cannot replace the imperial examination system."

“Grandson understands,” Su Ning replied respectfully. “The talents cultivated by the modern schools can pursue careers in industry or join the army, or of course, participate in the imperial examinations. Multiple paths, multiple talents.”

"Haha..." Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily and said to Zhu Biao, "Biao'er, you have a fine son! He's much better at business than you!"

After the emperor and his ministers left, Zhu Biao looked at Su Ning and suddenly asked, "Yun Tong, tell your father the truth, what is the purpose of setting up these schools?"

Su Ning was silent for a moment, then looked up and stared directly at his father: "So that there will be no more displaced people in the Ming Dynasty, and so that the Zhu family's empire will be forever secure."

At that moment, the setting sun shone on the boy's eyes, reflecting a resolute light...

Looking at his son, Zhu Biao suddenly realized that this nine-year-old child harbored a world he could hardly imagine.

Outside the window, wisps of smoke rise from the chimneys of Nanjing.

Amidst this vibrant atmosphere, a brand new era is quietly dawning.

“Yunyi, it has been five years since you left the palace. It’s time for you to return. Your mother often thinks about you.”

“Father, I am very comfortable at Xiaoling Mausoleum and have no plans to return to the palace in the near future.”

"You don't like your mother?"

"I don't care if I like it or not! I just don't want to waste time on insincerity."

"Yunwen, your father has suddenly become interested in that other world."

……

It was an ordinary spring day in the twentieth year of the Hongwu reign, with a clear sky and light clouds.

After reviewing a stack of memorials, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly felt annoyed and said to his crown prince Zhu Biao, who was standing beside him, "Biao'er, it's quite stifling to be confined within these palace walls all day. Come with your father for a walk and see what our capital is like now."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao showed slight worry: "Father, the area outside the palace is a dangerous place, your safety..."

"Hey!" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, interrupting his son. "When we were risking our lives to conquer the world, what kind of battles hadn't we seen? Just change into the clothes of an ordinary wealthy man, take a few clever guards and follow us from a distance. We just want to see what kind of life the common people live without any ceremonial procession or imperial carriage."

"Yes, Father." Seeing that his father had made up his mind, Zhu Biao had no choice but to agree.

A moment later, a couple dressed in silk robes, who appeared to be a local gentry and his son, quietly emerged from the side gate of the imperial city with several capable guards disguised as attendants, and merged into the bustling crowds of Nanjing.

Today, Nanjing is more prosperous than it was at the beginning of the founding of the nation.

Shops lined the streets, vendors hawked their wares, and the faces of the people showed signs of abundance.

Zhu Yuanzhang saw this and felt quite gratified.

As I strolled along, I suddenly saw a bustling crowd in the direction of the City God Temple, shoulder to shoulder, much more lively than anywhere else.

"What's all this commotion over there?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked curiously, and sent a guard to inquire.

A short while later, the guard returned and reported: "Sir, we have found out. It is the 'Zhongyong Drama Troupe' under the Mingtang Trading Company that is giving a public performance here today."

"Oh?" Zhu Biao was somewhat surprised and explained to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Father, I know about this 'Loyal and Brave Drama Troupe.' It was created by that boy Yuntong. Usually, they go to various garrison camps to perform stories of loyal martyrs of the previous dynasty and the founding of this dynasty for the soldiers to boost morale. It is rare for them to perform publicly among the people."

"Oh? What show is being performed at the City God Temple today?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked, intrigued.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, today's performance is... 'Battle of Jiqing'," the guard replied respectfully.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise and interest in each other's eyes.

Jiqing was the old name of Nanjing during the Yuan Dynasty. This play depicts the crucial battle in which Zhu Yuanzhang led his army across the Yangtze River, conquered this place, and laid the foundation for his hegemony!
"Haha, good! What a coincidence!" Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands and laughed, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes. "Come on, Biao'er, let's go and see how your good son's men are acting out the battles we fought back then!"

"promise."

Unfortunately, the crowd was too dense, and they, dressed like wealthy men, couldn't force their way forward.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked around and saw a two-story restaurant opposite the City God Temple. He pointed to it and said, "Let's go to that restaurant and find a quiet seat by the window so we can have a good view."

"Alright."

The group then went up to the restaurant. The innkeeper, with his keen eye, could tell that these people had an extraordinary bearing, even though he did not recognize the emperor or the crown prince. He quickly led them to the best private room on the second floor.

With the window open, the view from above is perfect, offering a clear view of the temporary stage erected in the square in front of the City God Temple.

The stage was quite elaborately constructed. Although not luxurious, the mountains, rivers, and city wall outlines painted on the backdrop had a resemblance to the atmosphere of the area surrounding Jiqing in those days. On stage, gongs and drums resounded, banners fluttered, and dozens of actors dressed in replica old-style military uniforms performed scenes of battle and warfare from that era.

The play was reaching its climax...

In the play, "Zhu Yuanzhang" is dressed in military attire, standing at the bow of a warship, and passionately addresses his generals and soldiers: "...Jiqing City is fortified, but the Yuan government is tyrannical and has lost the hearts of the people! We are acting in accordance with Heaven and the people's will, to comfort the people and punish the guilty, and we will surely win this battle! After the city is breached, we will not commit any offenses against the people, and anyone who dares to disturb the people will be dealt with according to military law!"

The audience was completely captivated, erupting in cheers at every exciting moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the artistic, wise and powerful "himself" on the stage, his expression somewhat complicated. He took a sip of wine and said to Zhu Biao, "Biao, look, the version of me in the play is much more imposing than the real me back then. At that time, I was actually quite nervous. Jiqing was a den of dragons and tigers; if we couldn't take it, we would all be finished."

Zhu Biao laughed and said, "Father, you are too modest. Although I did not experience it firsthand, I have heard my uncles Xu Da and Chang Yuchun talk about it. Back then, Father made wise decisions and commanded with composure, which is why we were able to achieve such great things. It seems that Yun Tong's troupe has put in a lot of research."

At this moment, the play depicts the fierce siege, with soldiers falling to the ground wounded. A narrator begins, praising the soldiers for their bravery and expressing gratitude for the hard-won peace of today.

Many viewers in the audience, especially some elderly people, showed emotion on their faces, and some even secretly wiped away tears.

Zhu Yuanzhang watched this scene, remained silent for a moment, and slowly said, "This play is quite interesting. It's not just for entertainment; it also reminds people of the hardships of starting a business and the difficulty of maintaining it. Yuntong's decision to have this troupe perform more for the army shows he understands the reason. No wonder those military officers have been much more obedient in recent years. Now, performing it among the common people lets them hear how our Zhu family came to rule the country. It's a good thing."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Your subject also believes that this move is quite beneficial. It is better than letting absurd stories circulate in the marketplace."

Soon, the opera concluded with the "Ming" banner being planted atop Jiqing City, amidst the cheers of the crowd.

The applause from the audience was thunderous and lasted for a long time.

As the actors took their final bows, they shouted in unison, "Long live our Emperor! May the Ming Dynasty enjoy peace and prosperity!"

This prompted the audience to join in with shouts of "Long live!" creating a warm and sincere atmosphere.

Inside the private room of the restaurant, Zhu Yuanzhang gazed out the window at the scene of the people supporting him, listening to the heartfelt cheers, his eyes gleaming.

He put down his wine glass and said to Zhu Biao meaningfully, "Biao'er, do you see? This is the human heart."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Yun Tong runs a business, a money exchange, a school, and now this theater troupe. All these things he does seem like frivolous pursuits, but they are all practical and have won people's hearts. You should really understand this."

Zhu Biao's expression hardened, and he said solemnly, "Your subject will remember your father's teachings."

"Let's go back to the palace." Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, took one last look at the gradually dispersing but still lingering crowd, and smiled faintly. "This trip was worthwhile."

On his way back to the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang's mind was probably still echoing with the gongs and drums and cheers from the stage.

Zhu Biao, however, was repeatedly pondering the profound meaning of his father's words, "This is the human heart."

……

In autumn, Zhongshan Mountain is ablaze with color.

Zhu Yuanzhang was discussing the reform of the Grand Canal with his crown prince Zhu Biao in the imperial study when Mao Xiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, quietly entered the hall, his expression showing some hesitation.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince," Mao Xiang bowed deeply, his voice extremely low, "I have something to report."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even look up, still reviewing the memorials: "Speak."

"His Highness the Third Prince erected two statues at the southern foot of Zhongshan Mountain for... for Empress Xiaoci and Prince Yuhuai." Mao Xiang carefully chose his words, "The scale is grand and unprecedented."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused on the memorial with his vermilion brush, then suddenly looked up: "A statue? What kind of statue?"

"Your Majesty, they are two pure white stone statues, each over three zhang tall. Empress Xiaoci's benevolent countenance is serene, and Prince Yuhuai's heroic bearing is striking. They are truly..." Mao Xiang paused, "...lifelike."

Zhu Biao's teacup trembled slightly: "Why does Yun Tong want a statue erected? There has never been such a custom in our Chinese Heavenly Dynasty!"

Zhu Yuanzhang had already stood up, his bright yellow dragon robe fluttering in the autumn wind: "Prepare the carriage! To Zhongshan!"

"Father, should we proceed with the ceremonial procession first...?" Zhu Biao hurriedly followed.

"No need!" Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him, his voice a little hoarse. "Just you and me, father and son, travel light and simply."

The imperial carriage left the palace gates and headed straight towards Zhongshan.

Inside the carriage, Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent, his nervous fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist.

Zhu Biao looked at his father's tense profile, his heart also filled with turmoil.

"Biao'er," Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke after a long silence, "Do you still remember what your mother looked like at the end?"

Zhu Biao choked up: "Your subject...remembers."

“Sometimes I’m afraid…” Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at the scenery rushing past the window, “afraid that if too much time passes, I won’t even remember what your mother looks like. Xiong Ying, that child, was only eight years old when he left, and now I can hardly recall his laughter…”

Zhu Biao had never heard his father speak in such a weak tone before, and for a moment he did not know how to respond.

As the car approached the foot of Zhongshan Mountain, two striking white figures could be seen in the distance on the southern slope.

Before the carriage had come to a complete stop, Zhu Yuanzhang lifted the curtain and stepped down, quickly walking up the mountain.

The closer you get, the clearer the two statues become.

Empress Ma's statue has a kind face, with a familiar gentle smile in her eyes, and even the fine lines at the corners of her eyes are clearly visible.

She lowered her head slightly, her gaze filled with pity, as if she were watching her descendants who had come to pay their respects.

Zhu Xiong Ying's statue depicts him as a handsome young man, dressed in a prince's crown and robes, full of vigor and spirit.

That expression and posture were exactly the same as Zhu Biao's memory of his eldest son who died young.

“Sister… Xiong Ying…” Zhu Yuanzhang staggered forward, his trembling hand touching the cold base of the statue, tears streaming down his face, “It’s you…it’s all of you…”

Zhu Biao could no longer contain himself and knelt before the statues of his mother and son, sobbing uncontrollably: "Mother... Xiong Ying... Your son... Your son misses you so much..."

The accompanying guards and eunuchs knelt on the ground in the distance, none daring to look directly at this family affair of the emperor.

After a long while, Zhu Yuanzhang calmed down a bit and carefully examined the statue: "This craftsmanship... is truly ingenious. Where did Yunhu find such a craftsman? He was able to depict your mother's expression so... so vividly."

Zhu Biao wiped away his tears with his sleeve, his voice still choked with sobs: "Your subject does not know either. It's just that Yun Tong has always had deep feelings for the Empress Dowager and Xiong Ying."

"Yes..." Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, his gaze never leaving the statue of Empress Ma. "When your mother passed away, Yunwen was still very young, yet he remembers it so clearly. And when his brother Xiong Ying passed away, he was only four years old, wasn't he?"

"Yes, Father Emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked Zhu Biao, "Biao'er, do you know why Yuntong wanted to erect this statue?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment: "It must be because he misses his loved ones..."

“That’s not all.” Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze was profound. “He’s reminding us, you, and all the people of the world that he is Xiong Ying’s biological younger brother, born of the same mother. This blood ties cannot be changed by anyone.”

"..."

……

At this moment, Su Ning, who was in the Xiaoling Academy, was listening to Ma He's report.

"Your Highness, His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince have already seen the statue, and it is said... it is said they were deeply moved."

Su Ning stood by the window, gazing in the direction of Zhongshan, her gaze calm and unwavering: "Understood."

Ma He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Your Highness, I am foolish. While erecting a statue can express our grief, why make it so... conspicuous?"

Su Ning turned around, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Ma He, what do you think is the most unshakeable thing in this world?"

"Is it His Majesty's divine might?"

“No,” Su Ning shook her head gently, “it is the image in people’s hearts. The Empress Dowager’s virtue is known throughout the land. If my elder brother were alive, he would be the eldest grandson. Now, I want everyone to remember this.”

He walked to the table and spread out a blueprint: "Next, I plan to build a memorial hall next to the statue, and inscribe the life story of my grandmother in it for all people to admire."

Ma He suddenly realized: "The Imperial Grandson is very farsighted. In this way, the whole world will remember the virtues of Empress Xiaoci and Prince Yuhuai, and you, as their closest blood relative..."

Su Ning didn't reply, but simply turned her gaze back to the window.

On Zhongshan Mountain, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao still stand in front of the statue.

“Biao’er,” Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke, his tone regaining its usual majesty, “issue an edict to the Ministry of Works to designate this place as a forbidden garden, assign special personnel to guard it, and ensure that there is no damage whatsoever.”

"My son, I obey."

"Furthermore," Zhu Yuanzhang paused, "on the anniversary of Xiong Ying's death next month, let Yun Tong preside over the memorial service."

Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, then bowed and said, "Your subject understands."

This arrangement undoubtedly sends a clear signal to both the government and the public.

In the emperor's heart, Zhu Yunwen held an extraordinary position.

A spring breeze swept across Zhongshan Mountain, stirring Zhu Yuanzhang's dragon robe.

He glanced one last time at the statue of Empress Ma and whispered, "Sister, do you see? Your grandson is remarkable."

On the way down the mountain, Zhu Yuanzhang said to Zhu Biao, "Yuntong is a loyal and righteous boy, and he's also quite capable. However..."

"What is Father worried about?"

“He knows too well how to manipulate people’s hearts.” Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze was complicated. “This is the art of emperors, but he is only nine years old this year.”

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Father, everything Yun Tong has done is for the Ming Dynasty and for the Zhu family."

Zhu Yuanzhang did not answer, but turned back to look at the two statues that were gleaming in the setting sun.

At that moment, he seemed to see the future of the Ming Dynasty quietly turning in a completely new direction with the erection of this statue.

...(End of chapter)