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Inside the Jinshen Hall, the crackling of charcoal fires contrasted sharply with the falling snowflakes outside the window.

Zhu Yuanzhang gently placed the memorial in his hand on the table, his gaze sweeping over the two ministers who stood with their hands at their sides.

"Zhao Mian, who came up with the idea of ​​using tax revenue to cover the deficits of money shops in various prefectures?"

Minister of Revenue Zhao Mian bowed and reported, "Your Majesty, this was a temporary measure proposed by the Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture. After discussion, we deemed it feasible, and that's why..."

"Qin Kui," Zhu Yuanzhang turned to the Minister of Works, "how does the paper of the new paper money compare to that of the old?"

Qin Kui hurriedly stepped forward: "Your Majesty, we have improved the papermaking process. The new banknotes are made of mulberry bark paper specially supplied by Huizhou, incorporating some of the advantages of checks, and special silk threads have been added, making them several times more durable than before. However..."

He paused for a moment, then said, "It will probably take some time to reach the level of craftsmanship required for the checks made by the King of Wu back then."

Zhu Yuanzhang tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound.

"I have pondered the matter of the money shops for a long time." The old emperor's voice echoed in the hall. "Checks are good, but they are too advanced. In addition, they are not under the control of the Ministry of Revenue. The current rush of merchants and common people to use them is meaningless. Forcibly abolishing them would only alienate the people."

Zhao Mian cautiously raised his head: "Your Majesty means..."

"The new banknotes will continue to be issued as usual, but there's no need to rush to invalidate the old checks. Give the people a choice and let them decide for themselves what to use." Zhu Yuanzhang looked out the window. "Governing a country is like cooking a small fish; if you rush it, it will only make things worse."

Qin Kui couldn't help but say, "But if we do this, will the court's prestige be damaged..."

"Prestige?" Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed, a laugh tinged with self-mockery. "Qin Aiqing, tell me, is the prestige of the court more important, or the livelihood of the people?"

This question surprised both ministers. It was something that Zhu Yuanzhang would never have considered before, as he would only have thought about using inferior banknotes to plunder the wealth of the Ming Dynasty.

"Yes, Your Majesty, we understand."

After the two men left, Zhu Yuanzhang stood alone in front of the huge map of the territory, tracing the location of Yingtian Prefecture with his finger.

The map shows the tax revenue of various places. Since the implementation of the "equalization of land tax and poll tax" and the "equal payment of taxes by officials and gentry", the annual revenue of the national treasury has almost doubled.

"Yunhu..." the old emperor's voice was so low it was almost inaudible, "You have given me a very difficult problem."

……

At this moment, Jiang Huan quietly entered the hall: "Your Majesty, Zhou Bin, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, is already waiting for your decree outside the hall."

"Xuan."

"Your subject Zhou Bin greets Your Majesty." Zhou Bin bowed as he entered and knelt to pay his respects.

"Minister Zhou," Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, "I want you to personally lead a team to Prince Wu's residence to examine Prince Wu's pulse again. This time, bring all the top doctors from the Imperial Medical Academy."

"Your Majesty obeys." Zhou Bin hesitated for a moment, "Your Majesty suspects..."

“I have no doubts,” Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him. “I just want a definite answer.”

"Yes! Your Majesty."

……

Three days later, Zhou Bin, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, led eleven imperial physicians to gather at the Prince of Wu's residence.

This scene drew the attention of passersby.

Inside the bedchamber, Zhao Ling'er stood beside the bed, watching the imperial physicians take turns taking her pulse.

“Academician Zhou,” an elderly physician with white hair said, his brows furrowing after taking the pulse, “His Highness Prince Wu’s pulse… is sometimes there and sometimes not, as if there is something blocking his meridians.”

Zhou Bin stepped forward personally, placed his fingers on Suning's wrist, and closed his eyes to concentrate.

After a long while, he opened his eyes and looked at Zhao Ling'er: "Your Highness, His Highness is deeply poisoned. Has he taken any antidote?"

Zhao Ling'er lowered her eyes: "The doctor in the manor prescribed several doses of detoxifying soup, but the effect was minimal. In addition, I have been taking century-old ginseng to keep myself alive."

“That’s right,” Zhou Bin nodded. “His Highness’s pulse was unusual, as if a medicine was fighting against the poison, which saved his life. However, the poison was so potent that it had already damaged his lungs and internal organs.”

Another imperial physician added, "To prolong life, we do need to use ginseng that is over a hundred years old to revive the vital energy, supplemented with gentle conditioning. However... the hope of a full recovery is slim."

Zhao Ling'er trembled slightly, forcing back her tears: "Thank you for your help, imperial physicians."

After seeing the imperial physician off, Zhao Ling'er returned to her bedchamber and gently closed the door.

Su Ning slowly sat up on the bed, her expression calm: "You acted well."

“Your Highness,” Zhao Ling’er said worriedly, “Academician Zhou’s medical skills are superb, could it be that he really can’t see the problem…”

“He saw it,” Su Ning said calmly, “but he also understands what should be said and what shouldn’t be said.”

Zhao Ling'er asked, puzzled, "But..."

“Zhou Bin has been in the Imperial Medical Academy for thirty years, weathering countless storms.” Su Ning walked to the window, watching the imperial physicians’ sedan chairs disappear into the distance. “He specifically asked about the antidote just now, just to test me. He is well aware of the abnormality in my pulse.”

"Then why..."

“Because he knows that this is the result that Grandfather wants to hear.” Su Ning turned around, her gaze deep. “A Prince of Wu who is about to die but will not die for the time being is good for everyone.”

"I still find it incredible."

"It seems that the Imperial Attendant's Office was transformed into the Eastern Depot by my grandfather, but isn't that also my plan to use someone else's resources to my advantage?"

"What? Does that mean Dean Zhou is also one of your people?"

"Of course! If everything hadn't been arranged, how could I have dared to take such a risk?"

"..."

……

That night, in the Jinshen Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Zhou Bin's report.

"Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Wu is indeed deeply poisoned, but fortunately, he has a century-old ginseng to protect his heart. If he continues to be treated with century-old ginseng, he may be able to prolong his life for several more years."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time: "Minister Zhou, in your opinion, is there something fishy about the poison that the Prince of Wu was given?"

Zhou Bin knelt on the ground: "Your subject dares not speculate. However, this poison is extremely potent, and without timely treatment, there would be no chance of survival. It is truly a miracle that the King of Wu has been able to hold on until now."

"I understand." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand. "You may leave."

The old emperor sat alone in the palace, the candlelight casting flickering shadows on his face.

"Jiang Huan".

A figure emerged from the shadows: "Your subject is here."

"Tell me, was the King of Wu truly poisoned, or...?"

Jiang Huan lowered his head: "The imperial physicians' consultation results are consistent, so it should be true. However..."

"Just what?"

“It’s just too incredible,” Jiang Huan said softly. “Given the cautious nature of the King of Wu, it’s unlikely that he would be poisoned, since even his daily meals are prepared by his trusted confidants.”

"So Lady Lü colluded with the steward of the Prince of Qin's mansion! And she poisoned him at the farewell banquet, which shows how despicable this poisonous woman is." At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a surge of resentment towards Lady Lü, who had risked her life for his.

"..."

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered: "Issue my decree: the expenses of the Prince of Wu's residence shall be doubled, and the Imperial Hospital shall be on duty every day. In any case, the Prince of Wu is the greatest contributor to the Ming Dynasty."

"Yes! Your Majesty."

After Jiang Huan withdrew, Zhu Yuanzhang gazed in the direction of the Prince of Wu's residence for a long time without moving.

As a legendary figure who rose from beggar to emperor, he understood one principle all too well: once a choice is made, there is no turning back.

"Yunyi, don't blame your grandfather for being heartless," the old emperor murmured to himself. "If you have to blame someone, blame yourself for being born into an imperial family."

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang transformed back into the decisive and ruthless Hongwu Emperor.

All his hesitation and regret were buried deep in his heart.

……

Meanwhile, inside the Wu King's mansion, Zhao Ling'er dismissed everyone and stood guard alone by Su Ning's bedside.

"Your Highness," she said softly.

Su Ning slowly opened her eyes on the bed, her gaze clear as a spring.

"Ling'er, thank you for your hard work," he said softly.

Zhao Ling'er shook her head, tears welling in her eyes: "I'm not tired. It's just... it's just that seeing how my grandfather treats the prince makes me sad."

Su Ning smiled slightly: "This is the art of imperial rule. Having chosen Zhu Yunwen, they will never allow any threat to exist." "Then why does Your Highness still…"

"Why pretend to be sick?" Su Ning continued, "Because it's the best camouflage. A dying person is the least threatening."

He gazed at the falling snow outside the window, his eyes deep: "Besides, I need time. Time will prove everything."

"Your Highness, with your strength and the support of the noble families of Huaixi, you shouldn't have to humble yourself like this, right?"

"You don't understand! If Grandfather is unwilling to give it, throwing a tantrum won't work! Didn't you see how obedient the four vassal kings, Qin, Jin, Yan, and Zhou, are? Where do I, as a grandson, get the right to be so arrogant?"

Zhao Ling'er nodded as if she understood, and gently tucked the blanket around Su Ning: "No matter what, I will stay with Your Highness."

"Then let's keep acting! Don't trust anyone."

"Yes! Your Majesty."

The turmoil of the twenty-sixth year of the Hongwu reign thus quietly subsided.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued to cultivate Zhu Yunwen, and the new version of the Ming Treasure Notes was reintroduced into circulation. Although the new version of the Ming Treasure Notes was not as good as the checks, it was no longer a worthless piece of paper like the previous Treasure Notes. In addition, with the intimidating power of Zhu Yuanzhang's bloodthirstiness in his later years, people from all walks of life in the Ming Dynasty had no choice but to accept it.

Then everything seemed to get back on track.

Only a very few discerning people can see that beneath this calm surface, undercurrents are still surging.

Meanwhile, the King of Wu, whom everyone believed was nearing his end, was secretly accumulating power, waiting for his opportune moment.

……

In the cold winter of the 28th year of the Hongwu reign, Nanjing was shrouded in a somber atmosphere.

Since the Lan Yu case in the 26th year of the Hongwu reign, Jiang Huan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, held immense power in the court, and his cavalrymen were sent out everywhere, causing all the court officials to tremble with fear.

However, no one expected that an undercurrent targeting this powerful minister was quietly brewing.

Late at night on the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, Wang Jin, the director of the Eastern Depot, walked alone on the bluestone road leading to the Jinshen Hall.

He carried a thick memorial in his arms, which contained enough evidence to put Jiang Huan to death.

Despite the biting wind, Wang Jin wore a faint smile.

"Your subject Wang Jin pays his respects to Your Majesty." Inside the Jinshen Hall, Wang Jin knelt respectfully on the ground.

Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing memorials and didn't even look up: "What urgent matter is it so late?"

"Your Majesty," Wang Jin presented the memorial with both hands, "I have recently uncovered a major case involving Jiang Huan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and I dare not fail to report it."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused slightly in his vermilion pen: "Speak."

"Jiang Huan abused his power, accepted huge bribes, and protected Lan Yu's remaining followers. Even worse..." Wang Jin paused deliberately, "I have discovered that he is secretly keeping a dragon robe in his residence. His intentions are despicable!"

With a loud bang, Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his vermilion brush heavily on the table: "Where is the evidence?"

Wang Jin calmly presented various pieces of evidence: "This is a thousand taels of gold bricks found in Jiang Huan's villa, this is a secret letter between him and Lan Yu's former subordinates, and this is... the pattern of the dragon robe."

Zhu Yuanzhang carefully examined the evidence, his expression growing increasingly grim.

In particular, the pattern on the dragon robe was exquisitely embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon, which was exactly the same as the dragon robe he used.

"That Jiang Huan!" The old emperor laughed in fury. "I have treated him well, yet he dares to harbor such disloyal thoughts!"

Taking advantage of the situation, Wang Jin advised, "Your Majesty, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has wielded too much power in recent years, causing discontent within the court and among the people. Jiang Huan, in particular, has formed cliques and engaged in corrupt practices, with many of his commanders and lieutenants being his confidants. If this continues, it may lead to disaster!"

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time, then suddenly asked, "What do you think should be done?"

"I believe," Wang Jin said cautiously, "that Jiang Huan should be arrested immediately and the Embroidered Uniform Guard should be thoroughly investigated. At the same time... the power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard should be appropriately restricted, and the Eastern Depot should be used to check and balance it."

This suggestion was exactly what Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to hear.

As the power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard grew, the old emperor had long been wary.

Now that Wang Jin has taken the initiative to restrict the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it perfectly aligns with his idea of ​​checking and balancing powerful officials.

"Issue my decree," Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly, "Arrest Jiang Huan immediately and imprison him. All officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard above the rank of commander are to be suspended from their duties pending investigation!"

"According to the order."

That night, Nanjing was thrown into turmoil once again.

The agents of the Eastern Depot came out in full force and headed straight for Jiang Huan's residence.

When Wang Jin personally led his men in, Jiang Huan was still asleep.

“Lord Jiang,” Wang Jin said with a cold smile, unfolding the imperial edict, “By order of the Emperor, you are requested to make a trip.”

Jiang Huan's face turned deathly pale: "Wang Jin! How dare you frame me!"

"Framed?" Wang Jin pointed to the dragon robe found in the secret room. "Caught red-handed, how can you say it was framed?"

The news spread the following morning, causing a stir in both the government and the public.

No one expected that Jiang Huan, who once held immense power, would fall from grace overnight.

Even more surprisingly, Zhu Yuanzhang took this opportunity to carry out a large-scale purge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Hundreds of Jinyiwei officials were dismissed and investigated, and the entire organization was almost paralyzed.

At the court assembly on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Zhu Yuanzhang issued a new edict:
"From this day forward, the Jinyiwei's arrest of court officials must be reviewed by the Dongchang; interrogations in the imperial prison must be conducted with the presence of Dongchang officials; and the Jinyiwei garrisons in various regions must be under the control of the local garrison eunuchs."

This edict completely changed the political landscape of the Hongwu reign.

The once invincible Embroidered Uniform Guard is now bound by heavy shackles.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Depot seized this opportunity to rise rapidly.

When appointing a new commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Zhu Yuanzhang unexpectedly chose Song Zhong, a relatively unknown figure.

"Minister Song," Zhu Yuanzhang summoned the newly appointed commander to the Jinshen Hall, "do you know why I chose you?"

Song Zhong knelt down and replied, "Your Majesty, I am foolish and ignorant, please enlighten me."

"Because you understand what loyalty is," Zhu Yuanzhang said meaningfully. "I hope you can remember today's lesson, be conscientious in your duties, and not follow in the footsteps of Mao Xiang and Jiang Huan."

"Your Majesty, I will certainly do my utmost to live up to your trust!"

However, it was clear to everyone in the court that Song Zhong was nothing more than a puppet.

Real power had already fallen into the hands of Wang Jin, the director of the Eastern Depot.

The aftershocks of this power shift even affected the seemingly isolated Wu King's Palace.

“Master,” Afu reported in the darkness, “Wang Jin has been frequently contacting the Crown Prince recently, seemingly intending to pledge allegiance to him.”

Su Ning smiled slightly on her sickbed: "Wang Jin is a smart man. He knows that the Emperor's death is approaching and that he must find a new patron."

"Is intervention necessary?"

“No need,” Su Ning shook his head. “Let them fight it out. The more intense the power struggle, the more advantageous it is for us.”

Just as Su Ning had predicted, after Wang Jin brought down the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he began to actively align himself with Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen also needed the power of the Eastern Depot to counterbalance his uncles, and the two sides quickly reached an agreement.

In this game of power, the only one who might be injured is Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan.

The weakening of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's power reduced his number of informants in the court.

“Your Highness,” Yao Guangxiao sighed in the Prince of Yan’s residence in Beiping, “Wang Jin’s move caught us completely off guard.”

Zhu Di sneered: "Hmph! Nothing more than a groveling dog. Wait until I..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the ambition in his eyes was already obvious.

This power shift in the 28th year of the Hongwu reign completely changed the political landscape of the Ming Dynasty.

The rise of the Eastern Depot and the decline of the Embroidered Uniform Guard foreshadowed the future.

All of this was observed by the living dead King Wu.

He knew that the opportunity he had been waiting for was about to arrive.

...(End of chapter)