Video Editor

At this moment, the atmosphere inside the Jinshen Hall in Nanjing was peaceful and relaxed.

Looking at the report on the achievements of the reform of the Beijing Garrison, Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard with satisfaction: "Biao'er, look, in just three months, the Beijing Garrison has undergone a complete transformation. The soldiers are praising the supervisory system, which is unprecedented."

Zhu Biao also laughed and said, "I have heard that the military supervisors are now eating and living with the soldiers and have a good relationship. Several military supervisors have even been injured during training, but they have won the respect of the soldiers."

"This is all thanks to Yunwen," Zhu Yuanzhang said, praising him rarely. "When he first proposed implementing a military supervisory system, I was worried it would cause unrest in the army. I never expected that he would not only use the sons of nobles to quell opposition, but also use banks and merchants to support the supervisors in their work. That was a brilliant move!"

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Yunzhen's thinking is indeed thorough. However, Father, I believe that the success of the Beijing Garrison's reform is largely due to its location right under the Emperor's nose. If it were extended to other garrisons, I'm afraid..."

"I understand your concerns," Zhu Yuanzhang said thoughtfully. "Therefore, the next step is to select the most influential military garrison to implement this. Where do you think would be suitable?"

At this moment, Su Ning, who was standing to the side, chimed in: "Grandfather, Father, Yun Tong believes that Beiping Guard is the most suitable."

"Oh? Tell me your reasons." Zhu Yuanzhang asked Su Ning with interest.

Su Ning calmly replied: "First, Beiping Guard is located at a strategic border point and has strong combat capabilities. If the reform can be successfully implemented, it will be the most convincing. Second, my fourth uncle, the Prince of Yan, is skilled in military administration, and Beiping Guard has strict discipline, so there will be less resistance to implementing the reform. Third..."

He paused briefly: "Uncle Yan is the most sensible and knows when to advance and retreat! Even if problems arise, he will find a way to quell them."

Zhu Biao agreed, saying, "Yun Tong's considerations are thorough. Beiping Guard is indeed the best choice."

Zhu Yuanzhang gave Su Ning a meaningful look: "Yunyi, tell your grandfather the truth, was the reason for choosing Beiping Guard really just because of these reasons?"

Su Ning was startled, knowing he couldn't hide it from his shrewd grandfather, so he said half-truthfully, "Grandson does have another consideration. Fourth Uncle has a high reputation in the army. If he can support the reform, the other princes and garrisons will naturally have nothing to say."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily: "Haha, very good! As you have suggested! Issue an edict to the Prince of Yan to implement the military supervision system in Beiping Garrison from this day forward!"

……

Winter comes earlier in Beiping than in Nanjing. The underfloor heating in the Prince of Yan's mansion was burning brightly, but it couldn't dispel the chill in Zhu Di's heart.

He repeatedly perused the "Detailed Regulations on the Military Supervision System," which had been delivered by express courier from Nanjing, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the rosewood table.

“What ruthless methods…” Zhu Di put down the document and looked at Yao Guangxiao sitting opposite him. “Daoyan, if this military supervisor system is implemented in Beiping, all the efforts I have made over the years will probably be in vain.”

Yao Guangxiao twirled his prayer beads, his brows furrowed: "Your Highness's concerns are quite valid. This system of military supervisors, seemingly intended to enforce military discipline, is in reality a way to firmly control military power in the hands of the court. The most ingenious aspect is that appointing sons of noble families as military supervisors is a move that can be described as undermining the very foundation of military power."

Zhu Di stood up and paced anxiously in the hall: "The reform of the Beijing Garrison has only been three months, and I heard it is going very smoothly. Father and elder brother are very supportive."

Yao Guangxiao pondered for a moment and said, "Your Highness, this humble monk believes that this is very likely the idea of ​​the Third Prince."

"Yun Tong?" Zhu Di turned around abruptly. "He's only ten years old!"

“That’s precisely why it’s even more terrifying.” Yao Guangxiao’s gaze was profound. “Your Highness, please consider this: the military supervisory system, the Ming Dynasty Bank, and the Xiaoling Academy—these measures are all interconnected. If you say there wasn’t a master guiding them behind the scenes, this humble monk finds it hard to believe.”

Zhu Di was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What's the situation with Lan Yu?"

“The Duke of Liang is now in dire straits himself.” Yao Guangxiao shook his head. “His methods of resistance are utterly ineffective against the Third Prince’s silver bullet offensive. I heard that the supervisors of the Beijing Garrison have actually gained a foothold in the army by relying on the special allowances from the Ming Dynasty Bank and the low-priced goods from the Mingtang Trading Company.”

"Silver...it's silver again!" Zhu Di said angrily. "How does this Yuntong have so much silver?"

“This is the most alarming thing,” Yao Guangxiao sighed. “The Ming Dynasty’s money shops now control half of the country’s silver circulation, and the Mingtang Trading Company is even more ubiquitous. I heard that even military salaries are now being distributed through these money shops. They’re trying to hold the lifeline of the Ming Dynasty in their hands!”

Just then, a guard came to report: "Your Highness, the imperial envoy from Nanjing has arrived outside the city, bringing with him the imperial edict and all the documents related to the military reorganization."

Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao exchanged a glance, both seeing the solemnity in each other's eyes.

"What was bound to happen has finally happened."

……

Inside the Prince Yan's residence in Beiping, Zhu Di knelt to receive the imperial edict, his face so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

"Your Highness, please accept the decree." The imperial envoy smiled and said, "His Majesty places high hopes on the Beiping Guard and has specially selected the most capable military supervisor to come here."

Zhu Di suppressed his anger: "Your subject obeys the decree."

After seeing off the imperial envoy, Zhu Di immediately summoned his trusted generals.

When the generals heard that the commander-in-chief sent by the imperial court was none other than Xu Huizu, the Duke of Wei, they were all in an uproar.

It's important to know that during the Northern Expedition, it was Xu Da who captured the ancient capital of Beiping. The reason Zhu Yuanzhang sent the Prince of Yan to be stationed in Beiping was to prevent Xu Da from becoming too powerful there.

Therefore, the Xu family is of extraordinary significance to Beiping, and the personal appearance of Duke Xu Huizu of Wei is definitely not a simple matter.

"Your Highness! This is pushing us to our doom!" General Zhu Neng said angrily. "The Duke of Wei has a close relationship with the Third Prince, and everyone knows that he studied at Xiaoling Academy for many years!"

“That’s not all,” Zhang Yu added from the side, “I heard that special military envoys will be appointed for every household with a capacity of one hundred or more. This is clearly to monitor our every move!”

Yao Guangxiao said, "Your Highness, things have come to this point, and resistance is not the solution. It would be better to... go with the flow."

"Daoyan, what do you mean by this?" Zhu Di asked, puzzled.

“The system of military supervisors should be implemented, but we can make some changes during its implementation.” Yao Guangxiao revealed a mysterious smile. “For example, let these military supervisors, especially the Duke of Wei, see the ‘power’ of the Beiping soldiers.”

Zhu Di immediately understood: "You mean..."

"Beiping is bitterly cold, and the border defense is a heavy responsibility. Let these pampered young masters experience it properly," Yao Guangxiao sneered. "Once they've suffered enough, they'll naturally know who to listen to."

"This……"

"Moreover, the students of Xiaoling Academy are all theoretical and theoretical, which also serves as a warning to that third grandson of the emperor."

"Okay! Let's do it."

However, both Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao underestimated Suning's preparations.

Three days later, when Xu Huizu led the supervisory team to Beiping, he brought not only an imperial edict, but also special funds from the Beiping branch of the Daming Money Shop and a large amount of supplies from the Mingtang Trading Company.

“Your Highness, Prince Yan,” Duke Xu Huizu of Wei bowed respectfully, “I am here by imperial decree to implement the military supervision system, and I hope Your Highness will give me your full support.”

Zhu Di said with a forced smile, "General Xu, you are too kind. I will certainly cooperate fully."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

But what happened next was completely unexpected by Zhu Di.

Instead of indulging in a life of luxury, Duke Xu Huizu of Wei moved into the military camp that very day and ate and lived with the soldiers.

What alarmed Zhu Di even more was that the Ming Dynasty Bank provided special low-interest loans for the soldiers of Beiping Guard, and the Mingtang Trading Company supplied winter supplies at cost price.

"Your Highness, the situation is not good!" Yao Guangxiao said worriedly. "I heard that the soldiers' attitude towards the military supervisor has begun to change."

Zhu Di stood on the high platform of the Prince's Palace, looking at the distant military camp, his face gloomy: "This Yun Tong... he is truly my nemesis!"

“The most frightening thing is,” Yao Guangxiao said in a low voice, “that once the military supervisory system takes root in Beiping, the power that the prince has cultivated over the years will probably be uprooted.”

Zhu Di remained silent for a long time, then suddenly asked, "Daoyan, what do you mean if we were to do this now..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Yao Guangxiao already understood what he meant.

"Your Highness, the time is not yet ripe." Yao Guangxiao shook his head. "To act now would be treason. We must wait..."

"What are you waiting for?"

"Let Lan Yu make the first move."

In the winter of the twenty-first year of the Hongwu reign, the reform of the military supervisory system in Beiping Guard was being carried out with difficulty amidst open and covert attacks.

Behind this reform was a profound transformation of the power structure of the Ming Dynasty.

Suning, far away in Nanjing, simply smiled faintly after receiving Xu Huizu's secret report.

"Fourth Uncle, our game will get more and more exciting. I hope you can really become stronger."

……

In the early spring of the twenty-second year of the Hongwu reign, light snow fell once again in Nanjing.

Inside the Jinshen Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao sat facing each other discussing matters, with a thick book of merits spread out on the sandalwood table in front of them.

“Biao’er, look at what Yunhu has accomplished over the years.” Zhu Yuanzhang tapped his fingers lightly on the densely filled records in the merit book. “The military supervisor system has rectified military discipline, the Ming Dynasty Bank has filled the national treasury, and the Xiaoling Academy has cultivated talents… Each and every one of these achievements is a great contribution that will benefit future generations.”

Zhu Biao carefully perused the document, his face beaming with pride: "Father is right. Although Yuntong is young, his insight is exceptional, which is truly rare."

“According to ancestral rules, a prince above the rank of a duke should be promoted to a prince of the first rank.” Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze was profound. “I intend to make an exception and promote Yunwen to a prince of the first rank. What do you think?” “What?” Zhu Biao was startled upon hearing this. “Father, Yunwen is only eleven years old this year. To confer a prince of the first rank so early is probably…”

"Hmph! Afraid of what?" Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him. "Yunzhen's achievements are worth ten princes! I heard that when he implemented the military supervisor system in the army, those veteran generals were initially unconvinced. But what happened? He used special allowances from the Ming Dynasty Bank and low-priced goods from the Mingzhen Trading Company to firmly establish the supervisors in the army. Such skill is unmatched even among the entire court!"

Zhu Biao hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, I am worried... that making such an exception might cause dissatisfaction among the other princes and grandsons?"

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly: "If they were capable, they could have accomplished the same feats as Yuntong! I have always been fair in my rewards and punishments; those who have made contributions will be rewarded, and those who have committed wrongdoings will be punished."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the falling snowflakes: "Moreover, although the Northern Yuan has been defeated, its remnants still remain; the nobles in the court are too powerful to be controlled. Yuntong's new policies are indeed a good way to govern the country. I want to use the promotion of Yuntong to a prince to tell the world: I will give my full support to any new policies that benefit the country and the people!"

Seeing that his father had made up his mind, Zhu Biao no longer objected: "Then what title does Father intend to give Yuntong?"

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes: "King Wu."

"What? The King of Wu?" Zhu Biao looked up in shock.

This title was no small matter; Zhu Yuanzhang had been granted the title of Prince of Wu by Han Lin'er, the Little Ming King, before he became emperor.

Bestowing this title upon Suning is of great significance.

"That's right, it's the Prince of Wu." Zhu Yuanzhang said firmly, "I rose from the land of Wu and built my imperial empire. Now, Yuntong's innovative reforms have much to do with the spirit I had back then. This title is rightfully his!"

"Father, are you sure you want to choose Yunwen as the Crown Prince?"

"No! This is a problem for you to consider; we won't presume to do it for you."

"That……"

"Hmph! The King of Wu is the King of Wu! The Crown Prince is the Crown Prince! In the end, it's up to you to decide who to choose."

"..."

……

Three days later, at the grand court assembly, civil and military officials gathered at the Fengtian Hall.

When Zhu Yuanzhang announced the promotion of Su Ning to the title of Prince of Wu, the court was in an uproar.

"Your Majesty! Please reconsider!" The Minister of Rites was the first to step forward and object. "According to the 'Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty, there are fixed rules for bestowing titles upon princes and grandsons. The third grandson of the emperor was only eleven years old when he was promoted to the rank of Prince, which is already an exception, let alone such an important title as Prince of Wu!"

"I second that!" a Hanlin scholar immediately added. "The title of King of Wu carries special significance, and I fear it is beyond the capacity of a subject to bear."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Lan Yu, who was standing in the ranks of military officers: "Duke of Liang, what do you think?"

Lan Yu stepped forward and glanced at Su Ning with a complicated expression.

Although he was extremely unwilling, he knew that it was pointless to object at this time, and it would only make him appear narrow-minded.

"I believe..." Lan Yu said through gritted teeth, "His Highness the Third Prince has rendered great service to the country and deserves the title of Prince of Wu."

Upon hearing this, the civil officials looked at each other in bewilderment, none daring to voice their opposition.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction: "Since all the ministers have no objections, then..."

“Grandfather,” Su Ning suddenly stepped forward, knelt down and bowed, “I am young and lack virtue, and I am afraid that I am not up to the great responsibility of the King of Wu. I beg you to withdraw your order.”

The entire court was stunned, not expecting Su Ning to decline on his own initiative.

A look of approval flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, but his tone remained stern: "Yunzhi, are you questioning my decision?"

"Your grandson wouldn't dare," Su Ning replied respectfully. "It's just that I believe the military supervisory system is still being implemented, the Ming Dynasty bank still needs improvement, and the Xiaoling Academy has just started. These are all things that require your focused attention. If I were to be promoted to a prince at this time, it might distract you."

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

“It is truly commendable that you, Yuntong, have such a heart,” said Crown Prince Zhu Biao, who then bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang again. “However, Father, I believe that merit must be rewarded and demerit must be punished in order to demonstrate the authority of the court.”

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said, "How about this? The promotion will proceed as usual, but Yuntong can continue to focus on managing his existing businesses. Once these businesses have achieved greater success, then we can proceed with the actual establishment of a princely residence and headquarters."

After the court session ended, the news quickly spread throughout Nanjing, naturally shocking everyone.

The most intense reaction came from the Crown Prince's palace.

Crown Princess Lü was restless and looked miserable in the palace, while Zhu Yunwen locked himself in his study and did not go out all day.

Inside the Duke of Liang's mansion, Lan Yu angrily smashed her beloved inkstone: "Prince Wu! The Emperor is trying to elevate Yun Tong to the heavens!"

His aides quickly tried to calm him down: "Your Highness, please calm down. The Third Prince... no, although the Prince of Wu is favored, he is still young. We still have time..."

"Time?" Lan Yu sneered. "Haven't you realized yet? The Emperor is paving the way for the future! The title of Prince of Wu is of extraordinary significance!"

Meanwhile, the Qingyan Pavilion in the Eastern Palace remained as calm as ever.

"Congratulations, Your Highness, on your promotion to Prince of Wu." Ma He and his servants knelt down to offer their congratulations.

Su Ning gestured for them to stand up: "It's just a title, there's no need for such formalities. The most important thing right now is to continue pushing forward with all the reforms."

"Your Highness," Ma He whispered, "there's talk throughout the court and the public that the Emperor intends to make you..."

"Watch your words!" Su Ning interrupted him. "You're not allowed to say things like that again."

"promise."

After everyone had left, Su Ning stood alone by the window, gazing in the direction of the palace.

"King Wu..." he murmured to himself, "Grandfather, you're putting me on the hot seat!"

……

Meanwhile, inside the Prince of Yan's residence, Zhu Di remained silent for a full hour after receiving the news.

“King of Wu…” He chewed on the title repeatedly, his face grim. “Father is going to make Yunhu the leader of the third generation!”

Yao Guangxiao twirled his prayer beads: "Your Highness, it seems we need to reassess this Prince Wu."

"Could it be that Father Emperor favors Yunhua as the Crown Prince?"

"Not necessarily! You must know that the thoughts of the Hongwu Emperor are unfathomable."

"Oh dear! What a bad year!"

"Your Highness, this humble monk believes that this is an opportunity for our Yan Kingdom."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"The tallest tree in the forest will be felled by the wind! Your Majesty's actions are putting Zhu Yunwen on the fire."

"..."

……

Three days later, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Su Ning to the Jinshen Hall for a private audience.

"Yunyi, do you know why I bestowed upon you the title of Prince of Wu?"

Su Ning respectfully replied, "Grandson understands. Your Majesty wants me to inherit your spirit of innovation and progress."

"You're half right." Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was far-reaching. "When I raised my army, the world was in chaos and the people were suffering. With my pioneering courage, I established the Ming Dynasty. Now that peace has lasted for a long time, complacency has gradually arisen in the court. I hope you can be like me back then, courageous in reform and determined to make progress."

"Grandson will certainly live up to Grandfather's high expectations."

"However," Zhu Yuanzhang changed the subject, "the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. Now that you are the Prince of Wu, you must be even more careful with your words and actions. I have heard that Lan Yu has recently been in close contact with several vassal kings..."

Su Ning's heart stirred: "Grandson understands."

As Su Ning walked out of the Jinshen Hall, snowflakes fell on her shoulder.

He looked up at the gray sky and knew that from this moment on, he had stood at the center of the power vortex of the Ming Dynasty.

“King of Wu…” he murmured, repeating the title, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Grandfather, since you’re so eager, let’s have a showdown! Let’s see if I end up being roasted and swallowed by you, or if I successfully inherit the throne.”

...(End of chapter)