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In the 25th year of the Hongwu reign, Nanjing was more prosperous than ever before.

The wide streets are lined with shops, and merchants and travelers from all over the country come and go in an endless stream.

Most notably, the city's population nearly doubled in just a few years.

Standing on the observation deck at the highest point of the newly renovated Wu Prince's Mansion, Su Ning looked down at this vibrant imperial capital.

At fourteen, he already possesses a hint of the majesty of a young king.

“Your Highness,” Ma He bowed and reported, “according to the latest statistics, the number of new immigrants to Nanjing has exceeded 200,000. Most of them moved in within the last ten years.”

Su Ning nodded slightly, his expression unchanged, his gaze still fixed on the bustling crowd on the street: "Any unusual signs among these new immigrants?"

“On the surface, everything seems normal,” Ma replied. “Most of them are engaged in handicrafts, small businesses, and other similar occupations, and they get along well with the local residents. But I’ve noticed a strange phenomenon…”

"explain."

“These new immigrants are almost all families with two parents and children, and the relationships between family members are exceptionally harmonious.” Ma lowered his voice. “What’s even stranger is that they all seem to be well-educated; even the most ordinary craftsmen can read and write.”

A faint smile appeared on Su Ning's lips: "Continue to observe, but don't alert them."

"promise."

At this time, Nanjing was indeed unusual in every way.

In a newly developed residential area in the south of the city, Zhang Daquan, a carpenter from Shandong, and his family moved to Nanjing only half a year ago.

Zhang Daquan worked as a craftsman in a furniture workshop in the west of the city, while his wife, Wang, ran a small embroidery shop at the street corner.

They had a son and a daughter; the son studied at Xiaoling School, and the daughter learned embroidery from her mother.

"Brother Zhang, you're finishing work early today!" Neighbor Old Man Li greeted him warmly.

Zhang Daquan responded with a smile: "The employer is kind. They said it was hot and told us to come back and rest early."

Such harmonious scenes can be seen everywhere in Nanjing's new immigrant areas.

These new residents are hardworking, honest, and kind, and they quickly integrated into the local life.

However, inside the Jinshen Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang was listening to Mao Xiang's secret report, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

Have the origins of these new immigrants been investigated?

Mao Xiang knelt and reported, "Your Majesty, on the surface, there seems to be no problem. They come from all over the country; some want their children to attend the Xiaoling School, while others have heard that the wages in Nanjing are high. However..."

"but what?"

"However, I have noticed that these new immigrants seem to have no desire to have conflicts with others; they are almost all particularly low-key and pragmatic."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time, then suddenly asked, "Does the Crown Prince know about this?"

"His Highness the Crown Prince seems unaware of this."

"What is the relationship between these new immigrants and the King of Wu?"

"No! These immigrants appeared gradually over the past ten years, but they have no connection with King Wu's money shops and trading companies. Although Mingtang Trading Company has developed properties in Yingtian Prefecture and Beiping, very few of these properties are affordable for these new immigrants due to their high prices."

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang was deep in thought, Crown Prince Zhu Biao strode into the hall: "Father, Yun Tong has arrived and says he has important matters to report."

"Oh?"

Su Ning entered the hall, bowed, and got straight to the point: "Grandfather, Father, your grandson is preparing to fully implement the silver note system in the thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty."

He unfolded a huge map: "Da Ming Qianzhuang now has 280 branches in thirteen provinces, and Ming Tong Trading Company's warehouses are spread all over the country. If silver notes are fully implemented, it can greatly promote the circulation of commerce."

Zhu Biao exclaimed in surprise, "Yun Tong, this is a matter of great importance that will have far-reaching consequences!"

"Father, rest assured," Su Ning said confidently. "I have made full preparations. The mathematical talents trained by Xiaoling Academy are sufficient to support the operation of this system."

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at his grandson and suddenly asked, "Yuntong, are you aware that many new immigrants have recently arrived in Nanjing?"

Su Ning remained unfazed: "I've heard a little about it. It's a symbol of the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty."

"Is that so?" Zhu Yuanzhang said meaningfully, "I have a feeling that these new immigrants have something inextricably linked to you?"

"Uh? What do you mean by that, Grandfather?"

"Hmph! I've heard that many of these new immigrants have bought properties in Mingtang Trading Company, and they're all coming for your Xiaoling Academy."

Su Ning readily admitted, "Grandpa Emperor is wise. Some of these new immigrants did indeed buy properties developed by the business, and some did come specifically for Xiaoling Academy. But isn't it only natural for Mencius' mother to move three times for her son's education? We can't refuse to sell properties just because they are new immigrants, can we?"

This honest answer actually put Zhu Yuanzhang's doubts at ease.

The main issue is that the investigation by the Embroidered Uniform Guard was flawless, and forcibly linking Suning with new immigrants is absurd.

……

After leaving the Jinshen Hall, Su Ning went directly to the headquarters of the Daming Money Shop, located on the west side of the Wu Prince's Mansion.

This place has become a huge financial institution, handling millions of dollars every day.

"Your Highness," He Yun, the head manager of the money shop, quickly bowed and greeted him.

Suning nodded: "Yes, well done! Keep up the good work."

"Yes, Your Highness, Mr. Afu is already waiting."

"Ah."

Then Su Ning entered the interior of the Daming Money Shop and went through a secret passage to a hidden place.

At this moment, the AI ​​robot Afu was already waiting there. "Afu greets its master."

"Yes, the number of new immigrants over the past ten years has been too frequent and has aroused Zhu Yuanzhang's suspicion."

"Yes, Master! We'll be even more discreet from now on."

"Two hundred thousand households can already muster an army of four hundred thousand, although many of them are female soldiers, but that should be enough to deal with any extraordinary situation."

"Master, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao both value you highly now, so you should have a good chance of becoming the Crown Prince, right?"

"Hmph! Don't place your hopes on others. Besides, history has a strong ability to correct itself."

"Is the master worried that Zhu Yuanzhang is deceiving you in the same way that Emperor Yongle deceived Zhu Gaochi?"

"This possibility cannot be ruled out! That's why we have to be prepared for the current arrangements."

Meanwhile, in an ordinary house in the eastern part of the city, a secret meeting is underway.

"The lord has ordered that you integrate into your new environment as much as possible, and do not arouse suspicion! Just lie low! Wait for the right moment to make a difference in battle," a middle-aged scholar instructed the dozen or so people present.

These people appear to be ordinary businessmen and craftsmen, but in reality, they are the core team carefully cultivated by Suning.

"Please reply to the Lord, your subordinates will certainly not fail in their mission."

……

At this moment, in the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao felt a strange palpitation.

"Imperial Physician, I have been feeling tightness in my chest and shortness of breath these past few days. What could be the reason for this?"

After carefully examining the pulse, the imperial physician said with doubt, "Your Highness's pulse is stable, there is nothing seriously wrong. Perhaps it is due to overwork recently, you just need to rest well."

Lady Lü said worriedly, "Your Highness, you have indeed been working too hard these days. Why don't you ask the Emperor to let Yunwen help you with some of the government affairs?"

Zhu Biao shook his head: "Yunwen is still young, let him focus on his studies."

He walked to the window, looked towards the direction of the Wu Prince's Mansion in the west, and sighed softly, "That child Yunhuo is becoming more and more capable lately."

In the summer of the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, Nanjing appeared peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents were stirring beneath the surface.

The continuous influx of new immigrants, the rapid expansion of the Ming Dynasty's money shops, and the emergence of outstanding talents from the Xiaoling Academy—all of these were quietly changing the landscape of the Ming Dynasty.

Suning, who was at the center of the storm, knew that his carefully laid-out grand plan had reached a critical moment.

Those seemingly ordinary new immigrants were actually important pawns he was preparing for the future.

They are scattered throughout Nanjing, and could become an important part of his defying fate at any time.

However, beneath this prosperous and glamorous facade, a tremendous upheaval is quietly approaching.

No one could have imagined that this period of prosperity in the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign would become a turning point in an era.

“Your Highness,” Ma He reminded softly, “it’s time to go to Xiaoling Academy for this year’s graduation ceremony.”

Su Ning snapped out of his thoughts and straightened his clothes.

He knew that today, another group of students who had received modern education would leave the school and enter various fields of the Ming Dynasty.

These people will be the most important force for him to change this era. As Su Ning walked out of the Wu Prince's Mansion, he looked back at the mansion that carried so much significance.

At that moment, he seemed to have a premonition of something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The rain is coming and the wind is all over the building.

……

In April of the 25th year of the Hongwu reign, Nanjing welcomed its most pleasant season.

Willows sway gently along the banks of the Qinhuai River, while a hundred flowers bloom in vibrant colors at the foot of Zijin Mountain.

However, beneath this peaceful facade, unsettling undercurrents are brewing.

At the court assembly on April 15th, Crown Prince Zhu Biao stood beside Zhu Yuanzhang as always.

Attentive officials noticed that the crown prince's face was paler than usual, and fine beads of sweat were constantly seeping from his forehead.

"Father," Su Ning approached with concern after the court session, "you don't look well. Should we call the imperial physician to take a look?"

Zhu Biao forced a smile: "It's alright, I was probably a little late reviewing memorials last night."

Zhu Yuanzhang also noticed his eldest son's unusual behavior: "Biao'er, while politics are important, you must also take care of your health."

"Your subject will remember your teachings, Father." Zhu Biao bowed, but when he straightened up, he felt dizzy and almost fell.

“Father…” Su Ning quickly helped Zhu Biao up, and felt that the other’s arm was unusually cold to the touch.

"Summon the imperial physician immediately!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted sternly.

A commotion broke out in the court. The officials looked at each other, and they all saw unease in each other's eyes.

The imperial physician rushed over and, after examining Zhu Biao's pulse, frowned deeply: "His Highness the Crown Prince's pulse is disordered, and he is deficient in both qi and blood. He needs to rest immediately."

Zhu Yuanzhang made a decisive decision: "From today onwards, the Crown Prince shall suspend all political affairs and recuperate in the Eastern Palace."

However, no one expected that this would be the last time Zhu Biao appeared in the imperial court.

Late at night on April 20th, a series of urgent knocks on the door startled Su Ning awake.

"Your Highness! Your Highness! The Crown Prince... The Crown Prince is in grave danger!" The eunuch of the Eastern Palace knelt outside the gate of the Prince of Wu's residence, sobbing uncontrollably.

Su Ning didn't have time to change her clothes and immediately rushed to the East Palace.

Throughout the journey, he was filled with a sense of foreboding.

Inside the Eastern Palace's sleeping quarters, Zhu Biao lay on the bed, his face ashen and his breathing weak.

Lady Lü and Zhu Yunwen knelt before the bed and wept bitterly, while several imperial physicians stood helplessly by.

"Father!" Su Ning rushed to the bedside and tightly grasped Zhu Biao's cold hand.

Zhu Biao barely opened his eyes, and when he saw Su Ning, a hint of relief flashed in his eyes: "Yun Tong...you're here..."

"Father, you must hold on! The imperial physicians will surely find a way!"

Zhu Biao shook his head slightly: "I know my own body best..."

He raised his hand with difficulty and pointed to the desk, "There... there is a memorial... written for you..."

Just then, Zhu Yuanzhang arrived.

When the old emperor saw his eldest son's appearance, he was so shocked that he almost lost his balance.

"Biao'er!" Zhu Yuanzhang rushed to the bedside, tears streaming down his face. "I have already ordered a nationwide search for renowned doctors. You must hold on!"

Zhu Biao gave a weak smile: "Father... Your unfilial son... must take his leave first..."

"Nonsense! You're still young, don't talk nonsense!"

However, Zhu Biao's breathing became increasingly weak.

In the final moments before dawn, he tightly grasped the hands of Su Ning and Zhu Yuanzhang, and with his last strength said, "The Ming Dynasty... is entrusted... to you..."

On the 21st day of the fourth month of the 25th year of the Hongwu reign (1398), at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), Zhu Biao, the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, passed away at the young age of 37.

The entire city of Nanjing fell into a deathly silence in an instant.

The bells tolled, officials wore mourning clothes, and the people spontaneously closed their markets to mourn the benevolent crown prince.

Zhu Yuanzhang locked himself in the Jinshen Hall and did not eat or drink for three whole days.

When the palace doors opened again, the once-powerful emperor seemed to have aged twenty years overnight.

"Yunyi," Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was terribly hoarse, "what did your father... say before he left?"

Su Ning truthfully relayed Zhu Biao's dying words and presented the memorial he had found on the desk.

Zhu Yuanzhang unfolded the memorial and saw that it bore Zhu Biao's neat handwriting:
"Your subject knows that his days are numbered, hence this memorial. Yuntong is exceptionally intelligent and insightful, and though young, he possesses great ambitions. I hope Your Majesty will nurture him well, so that one day he may assist a wise ruler and ensure the eternal stability of the Ming Dynasty..."

Upon reading this, Zhu Yuanzhang's hands began to tremble: "He...he thought of the Ming Dynasty's future until his death..."

News of the crown prince's sudden death spread rapidly throughout the country, and princes from all over the country petitioned to return to the capital for the funeral.

The most noteworthy of these was the memorial from Prince Yan, Zhu Di, in which he not only expressed his grief but also hinted that a new crown prince should be established as soon as possible.

"It seems some people can't wait any longer." Zhu Yuanzhang sneered as he tossed Zhu Di's memorial aside.

“Your Majesty,” said Ren Hengtai, Minister of Rites, at the court assembly, “the country cannot be without an heir for even a day. Now that the Crown Prince has passed away, a new successor should be established as soon as possible.”

Zhu Yuanzhang said expressionlessly, "The Crown Prince has just passed away, and you're already in a hurry to establish a new heir?"

"We are also thinking of the country and its people..."

"Enough!" Zhu Yuanzhang stood up abruptly. "I have my own plans! Court adjourned!"

After returning to the Jinshen Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Su Ning for a private audience.

"Yunyi, are you aware that the court is currently discussing the matter of establishing an heir?"

Su Ning knelt down and replied, "Your grandson only knows to observe mourning for his father; he dares not presume to discuss other matters."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply: "If your father were still alive... never mind, tell me, if we were to establish an heir, who do you think would be the most suitable?"

This is an extremely sensitive issue.

Su Ning pondered for a moment before cautiously replying, "The matter of choosing an heir is entirely up to Your Majesty. In my opinion, whether it is my second brother or any of my other uncles, they all have their own strengths."

"Well said, each has its own strengths!" Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly raised his voice. "And what about yourself? Haven't you ever thought about this position?"

Su Ning kowtowed and said, "I am still young and lack virtue and talent. I dare not have such unrealistic thoughts."

"to be honest."

"If Grandfather can really choose his grandson, that would be the best! I will definitely inherit the will of Grandfather and Father."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at his grandson for a long time before saying, "You may leave."

As Su Ning walked out of the Jinshen Hall, she encountered Zhu Yunwen, who had come to pay his respects.

The two brothers exchanged a glance, both seeing a complex expression in each other's eyes.

“Third brother,” Zhu Yunwen spoke first, “Father loved you the most when he was alive. Now that he is gone, we brothers must support each other even more.”

Su Ning bowed and said, "Second Brother is right."

However, as Su Ning turned to leave, she keenly noticed a fleeting hint of hostility in Zhu Yunwen's eyes.

The sudden death of Crown Prince Zhu Biao was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.

Various forces began to reorganize their strategies, and undercurrents were surging.

What is most worrying is the change in Zhu Yuanzhang.

This once wise and powerful emperor became increasingly suspicious and tyrannical after losing his most beloved eldest son.

Ministers in the court were frequently punished, and even the most favored senior officials were often reprimanded.

“Grandfather’s temperament has changed drastically, which is not a good sign.” Su Ning said to his confidants in the Wu Prince’s mansion. “Send out the order that the Wu Prince’s mansion and its surroundings must keep a low profile and observe the situation.”

"Yes! Your Highness."

In the spring of the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, the sudden death of Zhu Biao forever altered the course of Ming Dynasty history.

...(End of chapter)