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More than half a month after the Zhongshan statue incident, Zhu Yuanzhang sat alone in the Jinshen Hall, with a secret report about the studies and daily lives of his princes and grandsons spread out in front of him.

His gaze darted back and forth between the names "Zhu Yunwen" and "Zhu Yuntong," his brows furrowed.

"Your Majesty, it's late, you should rest." The old eunuch, Pu Bucheng, tiptoed in and carefully lit a few palace lanterns.

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed not to hear, and pointed heavily at the name "Zhu Yuntong": "This kid is so smart that it makes me uneasy."

The old eunuch, Pu Bucheng, dared not respond and simply silently organized the memorials on the emperor's desk.

“Pu Bucheng, tell me,” Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly looked up, his eyes piercing, “how could a nine-year-old child think of using this method to demonstrate his status?”

The old eunuch bowed and said, "This old servant is foolish, but I think it's because His Highness the Third Prince misses Empress Xiaoci and Prince Yu Huai so much..."

"Hmph!" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "Missing him? He lost his mother at birth, his brother and grandmother at the age of four, and now he wants to erect a statue? This is just for the living to see!"

The hall fell silent, with only the crackling of the candlelight.

After a long silence, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, his voice tinged with a rare weariness: "Go and fetch that sandalwood box from the side hall."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Park Bu-sung did as he was told and brought out a seemingly ordinary wooden box.

Zhu Yuanzhang opened the box, inside which was a neatly arranged stack of yellowed papers.

At the top is a "Record of the Investigation of Land by Nobles and Marquises", which records the amount of land that nobles and marquises in Huaixi have seized over the years; below is a "Genealogy of Relationships among Generals in the Army", which details the marriages, hometown ties, and other relationships among the generals in the army.

"Your Majesty..." Park Bu-sung couldn't help but worry upon seeing this.

Zhu Yuanzhang gently stroked the documents, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Lan Yu, Feng Sheng, Fu Youde... these old brothers, they've all become too powerful to control. Although Biao'er is kind and benevolent, he can still keep them in check. But if..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Park Bu-sung already understood the emperor's lingering concerns...

If, after the death of the second emperor Zhu Biao, Su Ning, who had close ties with the Huaixi nobility, were to succeed him as the third emperor, the consequences would be absolutely unimaginable.

Su Ning's maternal family is the Chang Yuchun clan, and the Chang family is related to Lan Yu by marriage, so they have a deep-rooted influence in the military.

Over the years, Suning has operated trading companies and money shops, maintaining close ties with nobles and dignitaries.

If he ascends the throne one day, with powerful relatives of the empress holding sway and military generals deeply entrenched in their own factions, it's hard to guarantee that a second Huo Guang won't emerge.

If it weren't for the close relationship between Su Ning and those feudal princes, Zhu Yuanzhang might have already taken action against the money shops.

“Yun Tong is just like me,” Zhu Yuanzhang murmured to himself. “He has the courage, the means, and the courage to think and act. But what the Ming Dynasty needs now is not a second Zhu Yuanzhang, but a ruler who can maintain the status quo and allow the people to recuperate.”

Then he recalled his conversation with the Crown Prince the previous day.

Although Zhu Biao praised Su Ning's talent, when it came to successors, he still preferred Yunwen, who was gentle and well-versed in classics and history.

“Father, although Yunwen is not as resourceful as Yunhuo, he is benevolent, filial, gentle, and well-versed in the ways of the sages. What the Ming Dynasty needs now is stability, and I believe…”

Zhu Yuanzhang did not express his opinion at the time, but he knew that the crown prince was right.

“Biao’er is like his mother, kind-hearted,” Zhu Yuanzhang said to the old eunuch. “He chose Yunwen because he thought the boy was kind and could treat his brothers well. But he didn’t know that sometimes being too kind can harm everyone.”

The old eunuch said softly, "Since Your Majesty knows the truth, why not..."

"Why not just establish the Crown Prince directly?" Zhu Yuanzhang smiled wryly. "Firstly, Biao'er is the future second emperor, and I cannot overstep my bounds; secondly..."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked in the direction of the East Palace: "Yun Tong is, after all, Biao'er's flesh and blood, our own grandson. Although this child is deep-thinking, everything he has done so far has benefited the country and the people. We cannot let him down."

This is the biggest inner conflict for Zhu Yuanzhang today.

As emperor, he knew perfectly well that Zhu Yunwen was the more suitable successor.

But as a grandfather, he always had an inseparable appreciation for Su Ning, his grandson who most resembled him.

"Mao Xiang," Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly called out.

"Your subject is here." The commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard entered silently, like a ghost.

"I order you to strengthen the protection of my two grandsons," Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly. "Especially Yunhuo. His businesses and banks inevitably infringe upon the interests of certain people. Anyone who dares to harm the grandsons must be killed without exception!"

"The minister obeys the order."

After Mao Xiang withdrew, Zhu Yuanzhang instructed the old eunuch: "Tomorrow, issue an edict to bestow upon the third grandson a bushel of pearls from the East Sea and two coral trees. Tell him... I am very grateful for his filial piety towards his mother and elder brother."

Park Bu-sung accepted the order, but he knew in his heart that this reward was both appeasement and a warning...

The emperor knows everything.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat back on the dragon throne, his gaze falling on the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty".

This classic text, which he personally compiled, clearly stipulated the succession system of "establishing the eldest son as heir."

"Yunwen is the second son of the legitimate wife, and Yunhu is the third son of the legitimate wife..." Zhu Yuanzhang murmured to himself, "According to ancestral rules, neither of them is as good as Xiong Ying. But now..."

He closed his eyes, and the face of Empress Ma appeared before him.

"Girl, what would you do in this situation?"

The night breeze swept through the main hall, causing the candlelight to flicker.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat there until dawn broke.

……

The following morning at court, an imperial censor petitioned to establish a crown prince as soon as possible to secure the foundation of the nation.

Zhu Yuanzhang retorted in court: "Nonsense! The Crown Prince is in his prime, and you are all so eager to establish your grandson as heir. What are your intentions?"

"Your Majesty, I deserve to die ten thousand times over."

"Hmph! If there is a next time, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty were as silent as cicadas.

After the court session, Zhu Yuanzhang left only his crown prince, Zhu Biao, behind.

"Biao'er, yesterday Yunhu sent over a memorial entitled 'Memorial on the Circulation of Money Shops Throughout the World,' suggesting that the business of the Ming Dynasty's money shops be extended to vassal states such as Korea and Annam. What do you think?"

After carefully reviewing the memorial, Zhu Biao cautiously replied, "Yun Tong's idea is very bold, but cross-border finance is a matter of great importance and requires further consideration."

"I have already given my permission," Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly. "However, I would like Yunwen to assist in handling this matter."

Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, but then he understood his father's intention...

This is to accumulate political achievements for Yunwen, while also checking the power of Su Ning.

"Yunhu won't agree, will he?"

"Alas! This is also a problem that is giving me a headache, so I need you to discuss it with Yunhu."

"Yes, Father! Your son will go to Zhongshan immediately."

"Ah."

Watching the Crown Prince's departing figure, Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his temples.

This struggle over succession has only just begun, and he must find the most secure balance between the Ming Dynasty and his family ties.

"Perhaps it's time to find some better teachers for Yunwen," Zhu Yuanzhang said thoughtfully. "Fang Xiaoru, Huang Zicheng, and Qi Tai are all great Confucian scholars of our time and could serve as imperial tutors."

Upon receiving this imperial decree, the court officials sensed something amiss.

Although the third grandson of the emperor was enjoying great favor, the emperor and the crown prince seemed to prefer the second grandson.

Meanwhile, inside the Xiaoling Academy, Su Ning listened to Ma He's report and simply smiled faintly.

"Imperial Tutor? Excellent." He spread out a map. "It seems you've chosen Zhu Yunwen after all?"

He knew better than anyone that he could not afford to fail in this competition for succession.

Soon Zhu Biao appeared before Su Ning and informed him that Zhu Yuanzhang wanted Zhu Yunwen to take charge of the Ming Dynasty's money exchange business.

However, Suning resolutely refused, giving Zhu Biao no opportunity whatsoever.

Zhu Biao was naturally furious, but the money shop had always been Suning's exclusive domain, and there was no better solution at the moment.

……

In the spring of the twentieth year of the Hongwu reign, while Nanjing was still immersed in peace and tranquility, the Jinshen Hall was already filled with a somber atmosphere.

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed an urgent military report down on the table, the sound echoing in the empty hall:
"That old scoundrel Nahachu dares to invade Liaodong again!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao took the military report and read it carefully. His brows furrowed more and more: "Father, Nahachu has 200,000 troops entrenched in Jinshan. If we do not get rid of him as soon as possible, he will become a major threat."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, walked to the huge map of the northern frontier hanging in the sky, and pointed heavily at the location of Jinshan: "This time, I will eliminate future troubles forever!"

Three days later, at the grand court assembly, Zhu Yuanzhang announced in court: "I hereby appoint Duke Feng Sheng of Song as the General Who Conquers the Barbarians, Duke Fu Youde of Ying and Marquis Lan Yu of Yongchang as his deputies, leading an army of 200,000 to launch a northern expedition immediately! Duke Chang Mao of Zheng, Marquis Wang Bi of Dingyuan, and others will accompany the army on the expedition."

After the court session, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Feng Sheng for a private audience.

"Feng Sheng, do you know why I chose you as commander-in-chief?"

Feng Sheng bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. This humble general will do his utmost to annihilate Nahachu."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were sharp: "Nahachu is a veteran general of the Northern Yuan, and we must not underestimate him. Remember, the best strategy is to subdue the enemy without actually achieving victory."

"You will finally understand."

……

Inside the Xiaoling Academy, Su Ning put down the military report in his hand, his brows furrowed.

Ma and Shili stood to one side, their expressions solemn.

"Your Highness, the Duke of Zheng is also on this northern expedition," Ma He said in a low voice. "I've heard that the one in Beiping has been in close contact with the generals in the army lately."

Su Ning stood up and walked to the huge map of northern Xinjiang hanging in the sky: "My uncle is hot-tempered and easily falls into traps. Although Feng Sheng is my father-in-law, he may sacrifice his son-in-law for his own military achievements and future."

"What does the imperial grandson mean?"

“I’m going to the Northern Frontier.” Su Ning turned around, her gaze resolute. “Go and make preparations. I need to meet with my grandfather and father.”

"promise."

Inside the Jinshen Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang was discussing military affairs with Zhu Biao.

Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly surprised to hear that Su Ning was requesting an audience.

"Yunyi, what brings you here at this hour?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

After bowing, Su Ning spoke frankly: "I have heard that the Northern Expeditionary Army has arrived in Tongzhou. I humbly request that Your Majesty allow me to go to the northern frontier to observe the battle."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was the first to object: "Nonsense! Swords and spears have no eyes on the battlefield. You are only nine years old. How can you go?"

“Father,” Su Ning said neither humbly nor arrogantly, “Yun Tong has been studying military books at Xiaoling Academy for five years, but has never seen a real military formation.”

He paused, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang: "Grandfather, I've heard that my fourth uncle, the Prince of Yan, took up his post in Beiping at the age of fourteen and led troops into battle at sixteen. I'm only nine this year; it should be fine for me to just observe the battle." Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was deep: "Yuntong, tell your Grandfather the truth, why do you insist on going to the northern frontier at this time?"

Knowing he couldn't hide it from his grandfather, Su Ning said, half-truthfully, "I heard that my uncle Chang Mao is also in the army. He has a quick temper, and I want to go and advise him to be careful with his words and actions."

He took out a set of blueprints: "In addition, my grandson has designed a new supply transport vehicle and field kitchen vehicle, and I would like to take this opportunity to test them out."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the blueprints, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes, but then he frowned: "Do you know how important this Northern Expedition is?"

“Grandson understands,” Su Ning said solemnly. “It is precisely because of this great importance that I must go. The students of Xiaoling Academy read the classics all day long, but they are unaware of the dangers of the battlefield. I want to take a few outstanding students with me so that they can see the real frontier.”

Zhu Biao wanted to say something more, but Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand to stop him: "Biao'er, let him go."

"Father..."

Zhu Yuanzhang walked up to Su Ning and carefully examined his young but extraordinary grandson: "Yun Tong, you must remember three things: First, you must not interfere in military affairs; second, you must obey General Feng Sheng's orders in everything; third, always pay attention to your safety."

"Your grandson obeys!"

After Su Ning left the Jinshen Hall, Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang in confusion and asked, "Father, why did you agree to Yun Tong's request? The battlefield is too dangerous."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a profound gaze, "Biao'er, do you know why Yuntong insists on going?"

"He said it was to see the military formation and to give Chang Mao some advice..."

“That’s not all.” Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head. “Yunzhen is worried that Changmao has fallen into someone else’s trap. This child is so meticulous that he doesn’t seem like a nine-year-old.”

"Father, are you saying that someone is plotting to frame Changmao?"

"Hmph! Although Feng Sheng and Chang Mao are father-in-law and son-in-law, Chang Mao is Chang Yuchun's son and has a high reputation in the army. If someone wants to sow discord among the generals of Huaixi..." Zhu Yuanzhang didn't finish his sentence, but Zhu Biao already understood.

"But what good would it do if Yunhu went?"

"Let him go," Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly. "It's time for some people to know that the third grandson of the Ming emperor is no ordinary man."

"..."

Three days later, a special team set off from Nanjing.

Su Ning rode in a specially made carriage, leading thirty of the most outstanding students from Xiaoling Academy, and was escorted by five hundred elite guards as they headed north.

Before leaving, Su Ning called Ma He to his side: "Ma He, after I'm gone, the trading company and the money shop are in your hands. Remember three things: First, all transactions with the Prince of Yan's Mansion in Beiping must be recorded in detail; second, if anyone inquires about my whereabouts in the Northern Frontier, do not respond; third..."

"If Grandfather and Father take action against the Ming Bank and Mingtang Merchants, remember not to resist in any way. Everything has been arranged, and no one can touch our core."

Ma He solemnly looked at Su Ning in front of him and nodded, "Yes! Your Highness, this servant understands."

……

Suning did not rest during its northward journey.

He had his students record the geography and local customs along the way every day and draw detailed maps.

At each post station, he would summon local merchants to learn about the border trade situation.

"Your Highness," a student asked curiously, "will we really see war on our journey to the northern frontier?"

Looking out at the desolate scenery, Su Ning said, "I may not see fighting, but I will definitely see war."

In early February, Feng Sheng led his army to Tongzhou.

Inside the central command tent, the generals were discussing their strategy for advancing.

Vice General Lan Yu spoke first: "General, this humble general is willing to lead the elite cavalry as the vanguard and take Qingzhou directly!"

However, Fu Youde shook his head and said, "Qingzhou is Nahachu's outpost, so it must be heavily guarded. It would be better to go out of Songting Pass first and proceed cautiously."

General Feng Sheng pondered for a moment: "General Fu's words make sense. Issue the order: After leaving Songting Pass, build four cities: Daning, Kuanhe, Huizhou, and Fuyu, as strongholds."

Just then, a guard came to report: "General, His Highness the Prince of Yan has sent a secret letter."

"Oh?"

Feng Sheng unfolded the secret letter, his expression changing slightly.

Seeing this, Chang Mao asked, "General, what did the Prince of Yan say in his letter?"

"The Prince of Yan reminded us that many of Nahachu's subordinates are wavering, and we can try to persuade them to surrender."

"What? Offer to surrender?"

That night, a heavy snowfall blanketed northern Xinjiang.

Looking at the snow falling all around, Lan Yu suddenly had an idea: "General, I am willing to lead a light cavalry force to launch a surprise attack on Qingzhou on a snowy night!"

Feng Sheng hesitated and said, "No! Marching in the snow at night is too risky."

"It's precisely because of the heavy snow that the enemy will lower their guard!" Lan Yu said confidently.

"But……"

"General, this is a golden opportunity! What we think is impossible, the enemy will certainly think the same way."

"Okay! Remember to do what you can."

"Yes! General."

As expected, Lan Yu led his elite cavalry in a surprise attack on Qingzhou amidst heavy snow. The Yuan army was caught off guard, and Pingzhang Guolai was beheaded.

When the news reached back, the morale of the Ming army was greatly boosted.

……

A month later, Su Ning's troops arrived at Daningwei, which was the Ming army's front-line command post.

Standing on the city wall, he could see the Ming army's continuous camps in the distance.

"Your Highness," a student accompanying the entourage asked curiously, "why does the General want to divide his troops to build a city?"

Su Ning explained, "This is a steady and methodical strategy. Building fortifications can solidify the rear and ensure unimpeded supply lines. Cao Cao used a similar strategy when he conquered the Wuhuan."

"I see."

"Remember! Observe more, talk less, and do less."

"promise."

When General Feng Sheng heard that the imperial grandson had arrived, he immediately led his generals out to greet him.

"This humble general, Feng Sheng, pays his respects to His Highness the Imperial Grandson!"

Su Ning quickly helped Feng Sheng up: "General, there's no need for such formalities. Yun Tong is only here to observe the battle and will follow your instructions."

That night, Feng Sheng hosted a banquet to welcome Suning.

Chang Mao was both surprised and delighted to see his nephew: "Yun Tong, what brings you here?"

"I've come to see you, Uncle." Su Ning said with a smile, "My mother missed you the most when she was alive, so naturally I, Yun Tong, want to show you more care on her behalf."

"Yun-hu, you're so thoughtful."

After several rounds of drinks, Su Ning deliberately asked in front of all the generals, "General, what is the current state of the military situation?"

Feng Sheng stroked his beard and said, "Nahachu has 200,000 troops, but his supplies are insufficient. I have already sent my men to persuade him to surrender. If we can subdue him even if we fail, that would be the best outcome."

Su Ning nodded: "The General is a man of great wisdom and foresight. However, I have heard that Naha is by nature suspicious. If we are to persuade him to surrender, we need to pay extra attention to the details to avoid any unforeseen complications."

Chang Mao, standing to the side, was somewhat dismissive: "What's the big deal about a defeated general? If he dares to try anything funny, I'll chop him down with one stroke!"

Su Ning sighed inwardly, thinking that her uncle Chang Mao was still as impulsive as ever.

After the banquet, Su Ning went to find Chang Mao.

"Uncle, you must never say those words again at the banquet."

Chang Mao said unhappily, "Yun Tong, you are young and do not understand military affairs."

“Yunzhu doesn’t understand,” Su Ning said seriously, “but Yunzhu knows that if Nahachu surrenders, he will become a subject of the Ming Dynasty. If your uncle says in front of the generals that he wants to kill him, who will dare to surrender?”

Chang Mao was taken aback, then fell silent.

“Uncle,” Su Ning lowered his voice, “you are the general’s son-in-law, and countless people in the army are watching you. You must think twice before you speak or do anything. I hope you can avoid making mistakes rather than seeking merit.”

Chang Mao nodded thoughtfully: "Uncle understands."

“Uncle, you must have noticed that neither my grandfather nor my father like me. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have used the excuse of hiding in Xiaoling Mausoleum. Therefore, the Chang family must be careful with their words and actions and avoid arrogance and impetuosity.”

"This……"

……

Just as the Ming army was closing in, Nahachu was also anxiously discussing countermeasures in the Northern Yuan's main tent at the foot of Jinshan Mountain.

"Grand Commandant, the Ming army is advancing with great force, and our army is running out of supplies. What should we do?" a subordinate general asked worriedly.

Naha frowned: "Feng Sheng is cautious in his military tactics, and Lan Yu is brave and skilled in battle; they are indeed difficult to deal with..."

At this moment, a scout reported: "Grand Commandant, the Ming army has sent an envoy to persuade us to surrender!"

Naha sneered, "Hmph! Let them in!"

"Yes, Grand Commandant."

The Ming envoy remained neither humble nor arrogant: "Grand Commandant, our Great Ming Emperor Hongwu is benevolent. If you are willing to surrender, we will certainly treat you well."

Before Nahachu could answer, a commotion suddenly arose outside the tent.

A subordinate rushed in: "Grand Commandant, something terrible has happened! Some tribal leaders have secretly contacted the Ming army!"

"What?!" Nahachu's eyes blazed with fury as he turned to the Ming envoy beside him. "You Ming people dare to play tricks?"

"Not so! Grand Commandant, a wise man knows when to yield! It seems there are still many intelligent people among the grassland tribes."

"Hmph! They're nothing but spineless cowards. Do they really think I, the Grand Commandant, am afraid?"

"Grand Commandant, you are naturally not afraid, but that doesn't mean your soldiers aren't afraid either."

"you……"

Inside the Ming army's main tent, Feng Sheng was receiving several leaders of the Northern Yuan tribes who had secretly come to surrender.

"General, Nahachu's army is in disarray; now is the perfect time to persuade them to surrender."

Feng Sheng nodded: "Thank you all for your trouble. If this matter succeeds, I will certainly report to the Emperor and request credit for you all."

"Thank you, General."

...(End of chapter)