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In April of the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, a time when willow catkins should have been flying along the Qinhuai River, Nanjing was shrouded in a blanket of white.

The sudden death of Crown Prince Zhu Biao plunged the entire empire into immense grief and unease.

The banners in front of the Fengtian Hall were lowered by half a corner, and a somber atmosphere prevailed throughout the imperial city.

The courtiers hurried along, their faces filled with apprehension.

Everyone knows that the Crown Prince's death means that the fate of the Ming Dynasty is about to change.

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites surrounded Minister Ren Hengtai, asking, "His Highness Prince Wu has personally requested permission to arrange the Crown Prince's funeral. What is His Majesty's opinion?"

"Your Majesty has approved it."

"What? Does His Majesty truly favor the Prince of Wu as the Crown Prince?"

"Be careful!"

Then, Minister of Rites Ren Hengtai walked to a room, bowed to Su Ning who was sitting in the center, and presented a neatly transcribed funeral procedure to her.

“Your Highness,” Ren Hengtai said solemnly, “according to ancestral rules, the Crown Prince’s funeral should follow the regulations for princes, but His Majesty has issued a special decree requiring it to be conducted with half the regalia of the imperial carriage. This is already exceeding the usual regulations.”

Su Ning carefully reviewed the documents in his hands.

His finger paused for a moment on the four characters “stopped court for three days”, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that this was Zhu Yuanzhang's last act of affection for Zhu Biao, and also his final compensation to the successor to whom he had devoted his life.

“Minister Ren,” Su Ning said, pointing to one of the items, “during the mourning period, may the people be allowed to hold a memorial service outside the palace? My father was very considerate of the people during his lifetime, and it must have been his wish to have the people send him off on his final journey.”

Ren Hengtai looked troubled: "Your Highness, this is against etiquette! Since ancient times, the imperial city has been a sacred place; how can commoners be allowed to gather here? What if something happens..."

“In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken.” Su Ning’s tone was firm, his young face displaying a composure beyond his years. “My father often taught me that the will of the people is the will of Heaven. If there is any criticism, I will bear it all.”

Ren Hengtai stared at the fourteen-year-old Prince of Wu and suddenly saw the shadow of the former Crown Prince in the boy's eyes.

He sighed deeply, then bowed and accepted the order: "Your subject obeys."

Just as the funeral preparations were in full swing, princes from various regions began to return to the capital one after another.

The first to arrive was King Zhu Su of Zhou.

This prince, renowned for his medical skills, traveled light and went straight to the Eastern Palace upon entering the city.

As soon as he entered the mourning hall, he collapsed before the coffin and wept bitterly.

"Brother! How could you leave like this!" Zhu Su's cries echoed in the solemn mourning hall. "I was hoping to come back next time and exchange medical knowledge with you again! I've already completed most of the commentary on the 'Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Pieces of Gold' that you mentioned in your last letter, and I'm just waiting to discuss it with you!"

Su Ning stepped forward to help Zhu Su up: "Fifth Uncle, please accept my condolences and take care of yourself! Otherwise, Grandfather really won't be able to handle it."

Zhu Su held Su Ning's hand tightly, his eyes brimming with tears: "Yun Tong, did your father pass away peacefully? Did he have any unfulfilled wishes? If there are any unresolved matters regarding medicine, your fifth uncle will do his utmost."

Seeing Zhu Su's sincere grief, Su Ning was moved: "My father passed away peacefully, but before he died, he was still talking about the revision of the 'Compendium of Materia Medica,' saying that if it could be widely distributed throughout the world, it would surely save countless lives."

“My elder brother… he never forgot the common people until his death…” Zhu Su choked up and could not speak.

Next to arrive was King Zhu Zhen of Chu.

Unlike Zhu Su's pure grief, Zhu Zhen, in addition to sorrow, also showed a degree of caution in assessing the situation.

"Yunyi," Zhu Zhen specifically sought out Su Ning's secret agent after offering his condolences, "Now that the position of Crown Prince is vacant, what are your plans?"

Su Ning remained calm and poured Zhu Zhen a cup of tea: "Sixth Uncle is joking. I only want to handle my father's funeral properly right now. I dare not think about anything else."

Zhu Zhen took the teacup and said meaningfully, "You are now the Prince of Wu, and you enjoy the Emperor's deep trust. You should be making a difference! When your father was alive, he valued you the most. But now, given the situation..."

He paused, then lowered his voice, "The King of Qin, the King of Jin, the King of Yan, and even your second brother Yunwen, are all formidable figures."

"Thank you for your advice, Sixth Uncle." Su Ning bowed slightly. "But my father has just passed away, and I really have no time to attend to anything else."

"Alright! As long as you're willing, your sixth uncle will definitely support you."

"Thank you, Uncle Liu."

The most noteworthy event was the arrival of Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan.

He not only brought a full retinue, but also ordered all his entourage to dismount and walk upon entering the city as a sign of mourning.

This action drew praise from the people along the way.

"Hmph! Fourth Brother's behavior is far too ostentatious." Qi Prince Zhu Fu, who was resting in the side hall, said in a low voice to Dai Prince Zhu Gui, "It's as if he's afraid others won't know he's here."

Zhu Di, however, was completely unaware of the danger. As soon as he entered the mourning hall, he collapsed before the coffin, crying out in tears, "Elder brother! Your fourth brother is late! Why didn't you wait for your younger brother!"

His heartbreaking grief moved even the officials present.

However, Su Ning keenly noticed that when Zhu Di was kowtowing, his gaze would occasionally sweep over the officials in the mourning hall, as if he were observing each person's reaction.

After the mourning period, Zhu Di found Su Ning, patted him on the shoulder and said, "Yun Tong, your father was the most benevolent man in his lifetime. Now that he is gone, your fourth uncle will definitely take good care of you brothers. Although Beiping is far away, if there is any need, just send a letter and your fourth uncle will rush over day and night."

"Thank you for your concern, Fourth Uncle." Su Ning bowed, but a sense of vigilance rose in his heart.

Zhu Di's hands were warm and strong, and his words were earnest, but deep within his eyes lay something unfathomable.

The most unexpected thing was the performance of King Zhu Shuang of Qin.

This usually arrogant prince remained silent before the coffin, only burning paper money in quiet contemplation.

Only after everyone had left did he say to Su Ning, "Yun Tong, your father... died from overwork."

Zhu Shuang's voice was low and hoarse, "The burden on the Ming Dynasty is too heavy... Father Emperor is also impatient, and all the important and trivial matters of the court rest on your father's shoulders alone. Over the years, he has been like a candle, burning at both ends..."

Su Ning looked at Zhu Shuang in shock, never expecting that this seemingly rough second uncle would have such a delicate side.

"Second uncle..."

Zhu Shuang waved his hand and added another stack of paper money to the brazier: "Your father was most worried about you when he was alive. Some time ago in Xi'an, he said that among all his sons, you were the one who resembled him the most... Take care of yourself."

……

After the princes arrived one after another, Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict to hold a family sacrifice in the Fengxian Hall.

This was a rare gathering of royal family members, but it was shrouded in sorrow due to the passing of the crown prince.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, looking at his sons and grandsons kneeling before him, tears streaming down his face:

"With Biao'er gone, my heart has also departed. You younger brothers must unite more closely from now on and not let down your elder brother's expectations."

The princes all knelt down to express their support, their words sincere and earnest.

Prince Yan, Zhu Di, spoke first: "Father, rest assured, your sons will certainly keep in mind our elder brother's teachings, work together, and assist you."

King Zhu Su of Zhou followed closely behind: "Although my elder brother is gone, his spirit lives on. Your son will certainly take my elder brother as a role model and do his duty to the utmost."

However, everyone had different thoughts in mind.

Su Ning watched coldly as Zhu Yunwen, at Lü Shi's prompting, deliberately knelt before Zhu Yuanzhang, weeping so hard he almost fainted, which stirred another wave of sorrow in the old emperor.

During the funeral, Suning demonstrated remarkable organizational skills.

From the arrangement of the mourning hall to the preparation of offerings, from the coordination of officials to the mourning of the people, everything was arranged in an orderly manner.

What is even more commendable is that he specially set up a memorial area for the public outside the mourning hall, allowing Nanjing citizens to come and pay their respects.

This move was initially opposed by many court officials, but it quickly proved effective.

"His Highness the Prince of Wu was benevolent and filial, a blessing to all the people." An elderly scholar who came to pay his respects said with emotion, "His Highness the Crown Prince loved the people like his own children. Now that the people can see him off on his final journey, he must be gratified in heaven."

Tens of thousands of people spontaneously came to burn incense and worship outside the palace gates, their cries shaking the heavens.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang, deep in the palace, was moved to tears upon hearing this scene, and said to those around him, "Yun Tong understands his father's heart."

……

However, beneath this sorrow, undercurrents were always surging.

After the day's vigil ended, the princes rested in a side hall.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, Prince Tan Zhu Zi quietly said to Su Ning, "Yun Tong, you must be careful. I heard that some princes have been secretly colluding these past few days. Especially Prince Yan, the fourth brother, his mansion is always full of guests every night."

Su Ning remained expressionless as he poured tea for Zhu Zi: "Thank you for the reminder, Eighth Uncle. Now that my father has just passed away, I do not wish to think about anything else."

"Just keep that in mind! Uncle Ba is in a difficult situation right now, there's not much he can do to help you."

"Uncle, as long as you and Auntie are harmonious and happy, that is the greatest honor of my life."

“Yun Tong Renyi”

But the actual situation is far more complicated than what Tan Wang Zhu Zi described.

Su Ning's spies planted in the various princely residences reported that Prince Qin, Zhu Shuang, and Prince Yan, Zhu Di, had been frequently meeting with princes with whom they had good relations recently; while Zhu Yunwen, under the arrangement of Lady Lü, was deliberately maintaining close ties with the civil official group.

What surprised Suning the most was that even the usually low-profile Prince Zhu Bai of Xiang began to become active.

"Ma He, what has Uncle Twelf been busy with lately?" Su Ning asked his personal eunuch, Ma He.

Ma He whispered, "Your Highness, Prince Xiang has recently visited many Hanlin scholars, seemingly inquiring about the rules for choosing an heir. In particular, he has repeatedly asked about the historical context of the debate between 'establishing the eldest son as heir' and 'establishing the virtuous' heir."

"Sigh! Ambition really does cause a lot of harm."

However, Zhu Yuanzhang saw all of this.

The day after the family memorial service, the old emperor suddenly issued an edict: "While the princes are in the capital, they are not allowed to have private contact with each other or associate with court officials. Those who violate this rule will be punished as treason!"

This imperial decree struck like a bolt from the blue, silencing all the restless vassal kings.

The Prince of Yan's residence saw off several military officers overnight, and the Prince of Qin and the Prince of Jin also went quiet. Even Zhu Yunwen closed his doors and refused all visits.

……

August 28th was the day of Zhu Biao's funeral.

Su Ning and Zhu Yunwen carried the coffin together, from the Eastern Palace all the way to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

People along the way knelt and wept as they saw them off, and paper money fell like snowflakes.

"May Your Highness rest in peace!"

"The Crown Prince's benevolence and virtue will be remembered for eternity!"

The cries of the common people rose and fell, even moving the accompanying princes.

Zhu Su silently shed tears, and even the usually strong Zhu Di had tears in his eyes. In front of the mausoleum, Zhu Yuanzhang personally inscribed the posthumous title for his eldest son: "Crown Prince Yiwen".

"Biao'er," Zhu Yuanzhang stroked the tombstone, tears streaming down his face, "If your spirit is watching over us from heaven, you must bless the Ming Dynasty to remain forever. Rest assured, I will take good care of your son..."

As he said this, the old emperor's gaze inadvertently swept over Su Ning, who was kneeling before the coffin, his eyes filled with a complex and unfathomable look of reluctance.

Su Ning lowered her head, feeling the gazes coming from all directions...

There was concern, probing, expectation, and also apprehension.

He knew that from this moment on, his life would change completely.

The departure of his father not only took away his closest relatives, but also unveiled a silent war concerning the future of the Ming Dynasty.

This war never stopped from beginning to end, and throughout all dynasties, it was all about "fighting to become emperor".

……

In September of the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, an unusual tension permeated the air in Nanjing.

After the funeral of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, the suppressed grief seemed to transform into something more complex: a restlessness and unease about the power vacuum.

According to the etiquette and regulations of the Ming Dynasty, the princes should have returned to their fiefdoms immediately after the funeral. However, all the princes tacitly agreed to stay behind.

The Prince of Qin's Mansion, the Prince of Yan's Mansion, the Prince of Zhou's Mansion...

In front of each prince's mansion, carriages and horses were constantly arriving, and officials came in an endless stream to visit.

Everyone knew that the moment that would truly determine the fate of the Ming Dynasty had only just begun.

Zhu Yuanzhang was conspicuously absent from the court assembly on the first day of the ninth lunar month.

The eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial read out the imperial edict in public, suspending the morning court for three days on the grounds that "the Emperor is unwell."

This news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples throughout the court and the public.

"Father is giving us time," Prince Zhu Shuang of Qin said to his younger brothers in the palace, his excitement barely concealed.

As the second son of Empress Ma, Zhu Shuang considered himself the only choice for crown prince.

As a result, his residence has been bustling with visitors for the past few days, with a constant stream of civil and military officials coming to pay their respects.

“Second Brother is right,” Prince Qi, Zhu Fu, flattered. “According to the order of seniority, Second Brother should succeed as Crown Prince. Moreover, Second Brother has guarded Xi’an for many years and has made outstanding military achievements. The position of Crown Prince is rightfully yours.”

Zhu Shuang stroked his beard smugly: "If I succeed to the throne, I will certainly not mistreat my brothers."

However, at the Prince of Yan's residence, Zhu Di had a completely different view.

"Hmph! Respect for elders?" Zhu Di sneered, slamming his teacup down. "I'm afraid Father doesn't respect respect for elders at all. Don't forget, Father has always favored the eldest brother's lineage the most."

Yao Guangxiao, twirling his prayer beads, slowly said, "Your Highness is right. However, the most troublesome one right now is not the Prince of Qin, but the Prince of Wu."

Zhu Di's expression hardened: "That child Yuntong is indeed a problem. Father and elder brother both dote on him, and they even let him move into the old Wu Prince's Mansion. The signal couldn't be clearer."

"Moreover," Yao Guangxiao added, "the money shops, trading companies, and schools that the King of Wu has built up over the years have created a huge force. What's even more troublesome is that he is said to have an intelligence agency that is no less powerful than the Embroidered Uniform Guard. If he succeeds to the throne, I'm afraid the first thing he will do is to deal with us vassal kings who hold military power."

A fierce glint flashed in Zhu Di's eyes: "Hmph! While I was risking my life on the battlefield, he was still playing in the mud! I absolutely cannot let some brat ride on my head!"

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the Eastern Palace was equally tense.

"Mother, why have officials been coming to visit us these past few days?" Zhu Yunwen asked Lady Lü, puzzled. "Father just left, and they're already doing this..."

Lady Lü stroked her son's head affectionately: "Silly child, they are trying to win you over. Your father is gone, and according to the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate heirs, you are the rightful successor."

"But my third brother..."

"Don't mention that bastard!" Lady Lü suddenly became agitated. "He relies on his cleverness to oppose us at every turn. If he becomes the crown prince, will we have any chance of survival? Have you forgotten how he humiliated you in court?"

Zhu Yunwen lowered his head, the image of Su Ning speaking eloquently in the court flashing through his mind, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

He remembered that during that lecture, Su Ning's unique insights into the Zizhi Tongjian impressed all the Hanlin scholars present, while he himself could only recite from the text.

In this fiercely contested battle for the throne, Suning has remained remarkably calm.

He continued to go to the Prince of Wu's residence every day to handle his political affairs, meet with the managers of the Ming Dynasty money shops and Mingtang trading companies in various places, and review the information of outstanding students of Xiaoling Academy, as if he really didn't care about the position of Crown Prince.

“Your Highness,” Ma He reported with concern, “three more officials have claimed illness and missed court today, and it is said that they have all gone to the Prince of Qin’s residence.”

Su Ning casually flipped through the ledgers: "Let them go. Instruct all branches to operate as usual."

“But Your Highness, if the Prince of Qin gains power, it may be detrimental to us. And as for the Prince of Yan, it's said he's been getting very close to the Duke of Liang lately…”

Su Ning put down the account book in her hand, a trace of melancholy appearing on her face: "Do you really think that Grandfather will make Second Uncle the Crown Prince? Perhaps Grandfather has already made up his mind."

……

On September 3, an unexpected message arrived: Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly summoned his ministers to the Fengxian Hall for a meeting.

When the princes and high-ranking officials arrived, they found the old emperor sitting upright on the dragon throne, his face solemn, showing no signs of illness.

"I have summoned you here today to discuss the matter of establishing an heir," Zhu Yuanzhang said bluntly, his voice booming. "A country cannot be without an heir for a single day. What are your opinions?"

The hall was silent; everyone held their breath, and no one dared to be the first to speak.

Finally, Minister of War Shen Jin stepped forward first: "Your Majesty, I believe that the eldest son of the legitimate wife should be established as the heir. His Highness Prince Qin is the son of the Empress, and is older and more prudent, capable of shouldering great responsibilities. Moreover, Prince Qin has guarded Xi'an for many years and is well-versed in military affairs, making him the best choice for both the country and the people."

"We second that!" Several officials who were on good terms with Prince Zhu Shuang of Qin echoed in unison.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained noncommittal, turning his gaze to the civil service: "And you?"

Minister of Rites Ren Hengtai stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I believe that a virtuous and capable person should be chosen. His Highness Prince Wu is exceptionally intelligent and has made outstanding political achievements. The new policies he has implemented in recent years have benefited the country and the people. He is truly the best candidate for the crown prince."

Fang Xiaoru immediately retorted: "Minister Ren is mistaken! The Crown Prince should prioritize virtue. His Highness Prince Yunwen is benevolent, filial, gentle, and well-versed in the classics and history, which is a blessing to the nation. Moreover, His Highness Yunwen is the second son of the Crown Prince, making him most suitable in terms of etiquette and law."

The three factions each held their own version of events, and the court was immediately thrown into chaos.

However, the strangest thing was the attitude of the nobles of Huaixi. The military generals, led by Liang Guogong Lan Yu, all kept silent, as if it were none of their business.

"Enough!" Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his hand on the dragon throne, silencing the entire hall. "I'm not dead yet!"

The old emperor slowly rose, his gaze sweeping over everyone present like a knife: "You all claim to be recommending talented people for the country, but to me, you are all just looking out for your own benefit!"

He walked up to Zhu Shuang and asked, "Second son, are you in such a hurry to become the crown prince?"

Zhu Shuang was so frightened that he knelt down on the ground: "Your subject dares not! Your subject only... only wanted to share the burden of the country..."

"Hmph! What a fine way to talk about sharing the burdens of the country!" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, then walked up to Zhu Yunwen. "Yunwen, do you think you can shoulder this heavy responsibility?"

Zhu Yunwen was pale, trembling all over, and unable to utter a single word.

Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang stopped in front of Su Ning and remained silent for a long time.

Those sharp eyes seemed to see right through Su Ning's heart.

Just then, an unexpected person stepped forward.

Duke Lan Yu of Liang bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I believe that the matter of establishing an heir concerns the foundation of the nation and should be carefully considered. Currently, there are many opinions in the court and no consensus can be reached. It would be better to postpone it for the time being and announce it after Your Majesty has made up your mind.”

This proposal came as a surprise to everyone.

Zhu Yuanzhang gave Lan Yu a deep look, and after a long while said, "You may all step down! I have my own plans regarding the matter of choosing an heir."

After leaving the Fengxian Hall, the princes displayed various expressions.

Zhu Shuang glared angrily at Lan Yu, then turned and left.

Supported by Lady Lü, Zhu Yunwen returned to the Eastern Palace in a daze.

Zhu Di walked up to Su Ning and said meaningfully, "Yun Tong, it seems that the position of Crown Prince is not so easy to hold."

Su Ning calmly replied, "Fourth Uncle, I never wanted to sit in that position."

"Oh?" Zhu Di raised an eyebrow. "So you want to be a wise and virtuous king?"

"Otherwise what?" Su Ning smiled slightly, bowed, and took his leave.

"..." At this moment, Zhu Di looked at Su Ning's back and felt a deep-seated fear.

That night, the old Wu Prince's Palace was brightly lit.

Several trusted confidants gathered in the study, each with a solemn expression.

"Your Highness," Duke Xu Huizu of Wei spoke first, "Lan Yu's behavior at today's court assembly was highly suspicious. He has always been at odds with the Prince of Yan, yet today..."

Su Ning nodded: "He's stalling for time. It seems someone is getting impatient. But his actions will only hasten his demise. My grandfather has always hated people who are two-faced."

"Your Highness is saying..."

"Order all branches of the Attendant's Office to be on high alert immediately. In particular, the branches in Beiping and Xi'an should pay close attention to the movements of the Prince of Yan's and Prince of Qin's residences." Su Ning's expression was solemn. "I have a feeling that this struggle for the heir apparent will not be peaceful."

"promise!"

Meanwhile, a secret meeting was also taking place inside the Prince of Yan's residence.

"Your Highness, Lan Yu's performance today shows that he has decided to stand on our side," Yao Guangxiao said.

Zhu Di sneered: "Hmph! This old fox is quite adept at changing his tune with the wind. Seeing that Zhu Yunwen's relationship with him is so bad, he actually has the audacity to try to ease the tension with me. But that's fine too. With him stirring things up, our chances of winning will be even greater."

"Then what happens next..."

“Next,” a cold glint flashed in Zhu Di’s eyes, “it’s time for our Prince Wu to suffer a bit. Who told him to be so ostentatious and presumptuous these past few years, even interfering with my Beiping Guard.”

In September of the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, Nanjing became a massive political vortex.

Every vassal king and every important minister was preparing for a possible change of power.

The Qinhuai River still flows, but whispers can still be heard in the restaurants and teahouses along its banks.

Suning, at the center of the storm, knows that the real battle has only just begun.

He stood on the upper floor of the old Wu Prince's Mansion, gazing at the lights of the distant imperial palace, and murmured to himself:

"Father, if you were here, would you support my actions?"

As the struggle over the succession intensifies, the future of the Ming Dynasty is shrouded in uncertainty.

Who will become the new crown prince and determine the future of this vast empire?
In this chaos, only one thing is certain...

In this game of power, no one has a way out.

...(End of chapter)