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In September of the 25th year of the Hongwu reign (1389), autumn was already in full swing in Nanjing.

The willows along the Qinhuai River have turned yellow and withered, and fallen leaves swirl in the autumn wind, drifting down onto the heavily guarded imperial road.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, civil and military officials stood solemnly, with princes lined up on both sides, and a suffocating tension filled the air.

Today is the grand court assembly, and everyone knows that the long-awaited edict establishing the heir apparent is about to be promulgated.

Su Ning stood at the very front of the royal family, dressed in the crown and robes of a prince, his expression calm.

Sunlight streamed through the cracks in the palace doors, casting dappled shadows on his gold-embroidered robe.

However, only he knew that his hands, hidden beneath the wide sleeves of his robe, were already clenched into fists, his nails digging deep into his palms.

The eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs unfurled the bright yellow imperial edict, their shrill voices echoing throughout the hall:
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Since the passing of Crown Prince Yiwen, the foundation of the nation has been left vacant, causing me great distress. My grandson, Yunwen, is benevolent, filial, gentle, virtuous, and talented, and is fit to be the ruler of the state. He is hereby established as the Crown Prince, to assume the position of Eastern Palace, in order to secure the foundation of the nation. This decree is hereby issued..."

At this moment, time seemed to stand still.

Su Ning suddenly felt dizzy. Although he had expected it, when the moment actually came, his heart was still in turmoil.

He forced himself to remain calm, but his pale face betrayed the shock he felt inside.

He could feel all sorts of gazes directed at him from behind...

There was sympathy, there was mockery, and there was scrutiny.

"Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations!" The officials knelt in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall.

Amidst the deafening cries of congratulations, Su Ning looked up and saw Zhu Yunwen trembling with excitement as he received the imperial edict.

The usually gentle second brother was now beaming with unbelievable joy, his eyes reddening, almost on the verge of tears.

However, what Su Ning was more concerned about was the reaction of the other vassal kings.

King Zhu Shuang of Qin had a livid face, clenched fists, and bulging veins on his neck, clearly extremely dissatisfied with the result.

Prince Zhu Gang of Jin wore a bitter smile and shook his head slightly, as if lamenting the capriciousness of fate.

King Zhu Su of Zhou had a complicated expression, seemingly happy for his nephew, yet also seemingly worried about something.

When Su Ning's gaze swept over Prince Yan, Zhu Di, he caught a fleeting glimpse of that look...

In the instant he lowered his head, a glint of triumphant cunning flashed in Zhu Di's eyes—the smugness of a hunter watching his prey fall into a trap.

"Just as I thought..." Su Ning sneered inwardly.

After the grand court assembly concluded, the princes returned to their respective residences.

Inside the Wu King's Palace, the atmosphere was so heavy it seemed like you could wring water out of it.

“Your Highness,” Ma He said worriedly, looking at Su Ning’s pale face, “you…”

"I'm fine." Su Ning waved her hand to interrupt him, her voice a little hoarse. "Pass down the order: effective immediately, all plans are suspended. We need to reorganize."

"What do you mean, Your Highness?"

"Grandfather's move was truly brilliant." Su Ning walked to the window, gazing towards the East Palace. "On the surface, he established Yunwen as the Crown Prince, but in reality..."

He turned around, his gaze sharp: "Actually, this is a three-birds-with-one-stone strategy."

Ma listened attentively, not daring to disturb him.

"First, Zhu Yunwen was made the Crown Prince, which appeased the civil official group. After all, this grandson, who was well-versed in the classics and history and had a gentle personality, was exactly the ideal monarch for the civil officials."

“Secondly, this arrangement avoids the turmoil that might result from an adult prince succeeding to the throne. If the Prince of Qin or the Prince of Jin were to be enthroned, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction among the other princes. Moreover…” Su Ning paused, “their abilities and virtues are not worthy of ascending the throne as emperor.”

“And most importantly,” Su Ning’s voice lowered, “Grandpa Emperor is clearing the way for the true heir.”

Ma He suddenly realized: "His Majesty's true purpose is to clear obstacles for...the Crown Prince?"

“That’s right.” Su Ning sneered, “But he is only the heir in name only! After all, once these obstacles are cleared, how could a weak and benevolent crown prince possibly be a match for Prince Yan, Zhu Di? Grandfather is playing a grand game.”

Just then, a guard came to report: "Your Highness, the Duke of Liang requests an audience."

Lan Yu rushed in, disregarding all etiquette, his face extremely grim: "Your Highness, what does His Majesty mean by this? Making Zhu Yunwen the Crown Prince... how am I supposed to face this?"

“Duke of Liang, be careful with your words.” Su Ning interrupted him, gesturing for Ma He to close the door. “Grandfather’s decision has its own profound meaning.”

Lan Yu said urgently, "But Your Highness, if Zhu Yunwen ascends the throne, the Lü family will surely gain power. Will there be any way for us old ministers to survive then? Your Highness should be the one..."

"Duke of Liang!" Su Ning raised her voice, looking at him meaningfully, "I advise you to keep a low profile lately. There are some things you shouldn't say; there are some things you shouldn't do. And don't think that no one knows about your affair with Uncle Yan. The Emperor's knife is already very sharp."

Lan Yu was taken aback, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He seemed to understand something, and his expression turned even more grim: "Your Highness means..."

“What I mean is,” Su Ning slowly sat down, toying with the jade pendant in her hand, “that you need to restrain yourself when necessary and cut ties when necessary. Otherwise, no one can save you.”

After seeing off the distraught Lan Yu, Su Ning pondered alone in his study.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window lattice, casting dappled light and shadow on his face.

The wheels of history are turning along their predetermined course.

Next, Zhu Yuanzhang will purge the nobles of Huaixi, and the Prince of Qin and the Prince of Jin will die mysteriously one after another.

All of this was actually paving the way for Zhu Di's rise to power.

After all, Zhu Di was only the fourth son, and the throne would never fall to him under any circumstances.

But what if all the older brothers are gone...?

"Grandpa, you've really gone to great lengths for us," Su Ning murmured to herself.

However, unlike in the past, there is now an additional variable: Suning.

……

"Your Highness," Duke Xu Huizu of Wei visited late at night, looking anxious, "Why didn't His Majesty choose you? This is truly perplexing."

“As expected.” Su Ning calmly poured him tea. “Grandfather’s thoughts have always been the most unpredictable. He has to consider both the stability of the current court situation and the long-term plans for the Ming Dynasty.”

"Then let's..."

“We’ll remain still.” A shrewd glint flashed in Su Ning’s eyes. “The more we jump around now, the faster we’ll die. What we need to do is preserve our strength and wait for the right opportunity. Remember, in this game of power, the one who survives to the end is the winner.”

Xu Huizu seemed to understand: "Your Highness means..."

“What I mean is,” Su Ning lowered his voice, “that many people will fall next. What we need to do is make sure we’re not one of them.”

……

On September 15th, Zhu Yuanzhang held a grand investiture ceremony for Zhu Yunwen.

At the ceremony, the old emperor personally crowned the crown prince and bestowed upon him a precious sword inlaid with jewels.

"Yunwen, from this day forward, you are the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice echoed in the hall, carrying an unquestionable majesty. "I hope you will be diligent in governing and love the people, and live up to my expectations."

Zhu Yunwen knelt down to receive the sword, his eyes brimming with tears of emotion: "Your grandson will do his utmost to live up to the great trust placed in him by His Majesty!"

Suning stood below the stage, watching this scene with cold eyes.

He knew that this sword was less a symbol of power and more a death warrant.

One day in the future, this sword will likely be pointed at its owner.

After the ceremony, Zhu Di deliberately walked over to Su Ning, his tone somewhat tentative: "Yunwen, it seems we'll have to address you as the Crown Prince from now on. Are you... getting used to it?"

Su Ning smiled and replied calmly, "Of course. Fourth Uncle should also be mindful of his duty as a subject. After all, the roles of ruler and subject are already established."

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a deeper meaning in each other's eyes.

Zhu Di's eyes held an ambition that was determined to succeed, while Su Ning's eyes held a clear-sighted understanding of everything.

That evening, Su Ning summoned all his trusted confidants to the Wu Prince's residence.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating solemn faces.

"From today onwards, we will change our strategy," Suning solemnly announced. "We will maintain a low profile, conceal our strength, and wait for the right opportunity."

"Your Highness, what do you want to do?" an aide couldn't help but ask.

"Survive!" Su Ning said resolutely. "Not only must we survive, but we must also make everyone think that we have given up and withdrawn from this competition. Only in this way can we protect ourselves in the storm to come."

He surveyed the crowd, his gaze sharp: "Remember, the true hunter understands the meaning of waiting."

In the autumn of the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, the Ming Dynasty welcomed a new crown prince.

On the surface, the transfer of power proceeded smoothly; but beneath the surface, undercurrents were surging.

Suning knew that his time had not yet come.

But he also knew that the course of history was not immutable. One day in the future, when the opportunity arose, he was determined to steer the world in a different direction.

All of this requires patience.

"Grandpa, you have paved the way for Fourth Uncle, but where this road will ultimately lead is still unknown." Gazing in the direction of the palace, Su Ning said softly, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.

As night deepened, Nanjing slept soundly in the autumn breeze.

But in many corners of the city, some people are still sleepless.

The game of power has only just begun, and Suning is already prepared for a long-term struggle.

……

In October of the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, the autumn wind was bleak, and the sky over Nanjing was so gloomy that it seemed to be about to crush the entire imperial city.

After establishing Zhu Yunwen as the crown prince, Zhu Yuanzhang finally turned his attention to the vast industry that Suning had been building for many years.

Early that morning, Su Ning was reviewing the plans for building schools in various places inside the Wu Prince's Mansion. Outside the window, the leaves of the plane trees fell in a rustling sound, spreading a layer of gold in the courtyard.

Suddenly, a series of neat and heavy footsteps approached from afar, breaking the tranquility of the morning.

Ma He rushed into the study, his face filled with panic:
"Your Highness! The Embroidered Uniform Guard... the Embroidered Uniform Guard has surrounded the Prince's residence!"

Su Ning paused slightly with his brush, the ink spreading across the rice paper.

He slowly put down his pen, his expression chillingly calm: "What was bound to happen has finally happened."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Jiang Huan led a squad of Imperial Guards straight into the study.

The newly appointed commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard unfolded a bright yellow imperial edict with a blank expression, his voice cold and stern:

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Wu, Yuntong, is young and intelligent, but his excessive wealth may harm the foundation of the nation. Therefore, the Daming Bank and Mingtong Trading Company are hereby confiscated and returned to the Imperial Household, with the Ministry of Revenue temporarily placed under their management. Furthermore, the Prince Wu's Attendant Office is reorganized into the Eastern Investigation Bureau, directly under the Emperor's command. This is the imperial decree..."

The imperial edict struck like a thunderbolt; Ma He collapsed to the ground on the spot, and the other attendants turned ashen-faced.

The study was so quiet that you could hear the candlelight flickering.

However, Su Ning slowly knelt down and calmly accepted the imperial edict: "Your subject Zhu Yunwen accepts the edict and expresses his gratitude."

A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Huan's eyes. He had expected fierce resistance: "Your Highness...aren't you going to ask why?"

Su Ning stood up and dusted off his robes: "Your Majesty is wise and has a profound meaning. Commander Jiang, please proceed."

At that very moment, a commotion arose outside the mansion.

Zhao Mian, the Minister of Revenue, personally led a team to begin inventorying the accounts of the money shops; while officials from the Ministry of Works began to take over the land deeds and documents of merchants in various regions.

What's even more alarming is that all three hundred core members of the original Attendant Office headquarters were taken away and reorganized into the Eastern Depot, which was directly under the emperor's command.

"Your Highness!" Ma He sobbed uncontrollably, "Our years of hard work..."

"Shut up!" Su Ning shouted sternly. "The Emperor's grace is boundless; do not speak nonsense!"

Upon seeing this, Jiang Huan bowed slightly and said, "In that case, this humble general will take his leave."

After the Imperial Guards withdrew, Su Ning stood alone by the window of his study.

As he watched the leaves fluttering in the courtyard, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

“Your Highness…” Mahe looked at him in confusion, “You…”

"Why do you think Grandfather did this?" Su Ning suddenly asked.

Ma He shook his head blankly: "This servant is dull-witted..."

“Because he’s afraid,” Su Ning said softly. “He’s afraid of the wealth I have, afraid of the talent I’ve cultivated, and even more afraid that I’ve seen through his thoughts. You think he’s weakening my power? No, on the surface he’s paving the way for Yunwen, but he’s also testing my bottom line.”

Just then, Duke Xu Huizu of Wei slipped into the study through a hidden door, his expression anxious: "Your Highness, urgent reports have come from the branches of the money shops across the country. The Ministry of Revenue is forcibly taking over. Many old employees want to resist. What do you think..."

"Let them take over," Su Ning said decisively. "Pass on my order: no one is to resist; all must fully cooperate with the imperial court in taking over."

Both Ma He and Xu Huizu were stunned.

“Ma He, Xu Huizu, remember this: only by surviving will you have a chance.” Su Ning’s gaze was deep. “To resist now is treason. What we need to do is preserve our strength and wait for the right opportunity.”

Xu Huizu suddenly realized: "Your Highness foresaw this day would come?"

“Grandpa is a perfectionist. Since he has chosen an heir, he will definitely clear all obstacles for him.” Su Ning walked to the bookshelf, took down a copy of the Tao Te Ching, and said, “Mountains crumble and rivers flow away. I have long understood this principle. These industries and these powers are all external things.”

In the days that followed, Zhu Yuanzhang swiftly and decisively consolidated power.

The Daming Money Shop was reorganized into the "Daming Royal Bank", the Mingtang Trading Company was renamed the "Daming Imperial Trading Company", and even the Xiaoling Academy was brought under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Academy.

What's even more alarming is that, after rigorous screening, all the original members of the Attendant's Office were incorporated into the newly established Eastern Depot.

This brand-new intelligence agency formed a system of checks and balances with the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

One day, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Su Ning to the Jinshen Hall.

"Yunhu, do you resent your grandfather?" The old emperor's eyes were like torches as he stared intently at Su Ning's face.

Su Ning knelt down and replied, "Grandson dares not. Everything my Imperial Grandfather has done is for the sake of the Ming Dynasty. Everything I have is a gift from my Imperial Grandfather."

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at him for a long time before saying, "You are even smarter than I imagined. But Yuntong, you must remember, excessive intelligence can lead to a short life. Seeing things too clearly is not necessarily a good thing."

"Grandson will remember the teachings of His Majesty." Su Ning kowtowed.

As Su Ning left the Jinshen Hall, he encountered Wang Jin, the newly appointed Director of the Eastern Depot and former Deputy Chief of the Imperial Guard.

This subordinate, who had once been loyal to Suning, now had shifty eyes and dared not meet his gaze.

“Admiral Wang,” Su Ning said, “congratulations on your promotion.”

Wang Jin knelt on the ground, his voice trembling, and said, "Your Highness... this humble servant... truly had no choice..."

"No need to say more." Su Ning helped him up. "Just do your job well for Grandfather. Remember your duty."

As Su Ning turned to leave, a cold glint flashed in her eyes.

He knew that this talent he had personally nurtured had now become Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes to monitor him.

You should know that Wang Jin was a junior eunuch who followed Ma He at the same time, but unexpectedly he had no loyalty to him at all.

Back at the Wu King's Palace, it was much quieter.

Most of the servants were transferred away, leaving only a handful.

“Your Highness,” Ma He asked in a low voice, “are we really not going to resist? The Emperor has used such force, are we just going to let this happen…”

"Hmph!" Su Ning sneered, "You don't really think that Grandfather Emperor will not kill his grandson, do you? In his heart, the Ming Dynasty's empire is more important than anything else. If he feels that I threaten the country, he will not hesitate to do so."

Ma He trembled and dared not speak again.

He recalled his initial ambitions upon transmigrating, his painstaking efforts over the years, and even more so, Zhu Yuanzhang's all-seeing eyes.

"Grandfather, you took everything away from me, but you can't take away my knowledge and foresight." Su Ning murmured to herself, "You paved the way for Fourth Uncle and cleared obstacles for Yunwen, but you didn't know that the real changes were just beginning."

This reorganization of power in the 25th year of the Hongwu reign seemed to have caused Suning to lose everything.

But in reality, this freed him from constraints, allowing him to truly plan according to his own wishes.

While deep in thought, Su Ning suddenly spoke up: "Ma He, I've heard that Yao Guangxiao, a disciple of my fourth uncle, has been trying to contact you?"

Ma He was so frightened that he knelt down on the ground: "Ah? Your Highness, I..."

"Don't explain!" Su Ning interrupted him. "I am now a stray dog, so it's understandable that you made the same choice as Wang Jin. People strive for higher positions, and water flows downhill; I understand that principle."

"Your Highness!" Ma He kowtowed and wept, "This servant swears that I will never betray Your Highness! Yao Guangxiao did indeed approach this servant, but this servant firmly refused!"

Su Ning stared at him for a long time before letting out a soft sigh: "Get up! Remember what you said today. I will never allow your betrayal."

"Yes! Your Highness."

As the lights of the Wu King's Palace gradually went out, a brand new era was quietly being conceived in the darkness.

Su Ning knew that from this moment on, he was no longer the Prince of Wu of the Ming Dynasty, but a true time traveler, a time traveler who would change the world with his own hands.

"Mountains may crumble, rivers may flow away, but only oneself is an eternal support." Gazing at the northern starry sky, Su Ning's eyes were filled with unwavering determination.

On this seemingly desolate night, a new Suning is quietly being reborn.

He believes that one day he will show everyone what it truly means to break down and rebuild.

...(End of chapter)