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In the early summer of the first year of the Jianwen reign, Nanjing gradually recovered its former vitality after the solemn period of national mourning.

The sounds of music and singing from painted boats echoed again on the Qinhuai River, and the streets were once again crowded with bustling crowds.

However, amidst this scene of revival, the Wu King's Palace remained like an isolated island, shrouded in the gloom of a deep-seated illness.

That afternoon, Su Ning was lying on her sickbed, dozing off. The warm summer breeze blew through the half-open window, gently stirring the bed curtains.

Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside, followed by a eunuch's deliberately hushed announcement:
"The Emperor has arrived——"

Zhao Ling'er hurriedly got up and was about to tidy up Su Ning's appearance when she saw Emperor Jianwen walking in quickly.

Surprisingly, he was neither wearing a dragon robe nor accompanied by a large entourage. He was dressed in an ordinary blue robe with a plain white belt around his waist, just like a young master from an ordinary family.

"Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects." Zhao Ling'er quickly bowed.

“Sister-in-law, there’s no need for such formalities.” Emperor Jianwen waved his hand to stop him and sat down naturally on the embroidered stool next to the sickbed. “I came to see Yunwen early from court today.”

Su Ning had no choice but to continue pretending to be asleep, but her heart was full of doubts.

This is the seventh time this month. Emperor Jianwen comes to the Prince of Wu's residence almost every two days and sits for half an hour at a time.

What's most puzzling is that he neither probes nor monitors; he simply sits on the edge of the bed talking to himself.

"Yunwen, the morning court session this day was filled with endless debate about reducing the power of the princes." Emperor Jianwen's voice was tinged with undisguised weariness. "Qi Tai and the others insist on starting the process immediately, but I feel it's too hasty..."

He talked on and on about the troubles of the court, sometimes sighing, sometimes getting excited.

"My fourth uncle submitted another memorial yesterday requesting an increase in the military pay for the fiefdoms, his words filled with grievance. I know he is dissatisfied, but what can I do? If I grant it, it would be condoning the growing power of the regional military governors; if I refuse, it would make me appear harsh and ungrateful..."

At this point, he sighed deeply: "Sometimes I truly wish that all of this was just a dream. When I wake up, I will still be the grandson of the emperor studying in the Eastern Palace, and you will still be the younger brother who debated the classics with me in the Wenhua Hall..."

Suddenly, he changed the subject, his tone becoming lighter:

"Do you still remember that brat Yunxi? Yesterday he actually climbed up to the roof of Fengxian Hall, saying he wanted to see the panoramic view of Nanjing, scaring the palace maids and eunuchs half to death."

Emperor Jianwen couldn't help but laugh as he spoke: "You've been away from the palace all year, so you wouldn't know, but this kid has been mischievous since he was little. I remember when he was six, he even mixed rouge into my ink, making my homework all red-stained, and I got a good scolding from the Grand Tutor..."

Su Ning, lying on the bed, was startled.

Yoon-hee? Ink?
The name and the events were so unfamiliar to him, yet the Jianwen Emperor spoke of them with such familiarity that it was as if they had truly been inseparable.

"And then there's Yunxuan. That brat actually asked me the other day to go and take up his fiefdom." Emperor Jianwen's tone suddenly turned somber. "He said he didn't want to stay in Nanjing and get in my way... Yunxuan, do you think I've been neglecting my younger brothers and sisters too much? I'm so busy with state affairs that I don't even know when they've grown up..."

At this point, Emperor Jianwen suddenly fell silent.

After a long silence, he said softly:
"Actually... I've always envied you."

Suning, who was pretending to be asleep, almost lost control of his breathing.

Envy? An emperor envies him, a "dying man"?
“You’ve been smart since you were little. Whether it’s classics, history, philosophy, literature, or mathematics, you can learn them quickly. I remember when you were seven, you solved a mathematical problem in the Xiaoling Academy that even the Grand Tutor couldn’t solve. Your grandfather was so happy that he immediately bestowed a jade ruyi upon you.”

Emperor Jianwen's voice was filled with reminiscence: "At that time, I stood aside and watched my grandfather stroke your head, his eyes full of admiration... That kind of look, my grandfather never gave me."

Su Ning suddenly realized.

It turns out that Emperor Jianwen had always lived in the shadow of his younger brother.

"You founded the Daming Bank, promoted new learning at the Mingtang Trading Company, and proposed the 'equalization of land tax and poll tax'... Each of these was a great undertaking that benefited the country and its people." Emperor Jianwen's tone was complex. "I know that this throne... should have been yours! If it weren't for my mother taking that risk back then..."

He suddenly grasped Su Ning's hand, his voice choked with emotion: "Yun Tong, if only you could get better. I need you, the Ming Dynasty needs you. This empire is too heavy a burden, I'm so tired carrying it all by myself. The officials all have their own agendas, my uncles are eyeing me covetously, even my mother is blaming me for being indecisive... If only you could help me..."

At this moment, Emperor Jianwen's voice carried an unusual vulnerability.

This seemingly weak young emperor finally revealed his true emotions in a corner unseen by outsiders.

"Your Majesty..." Zhao Ling'er couldn't help but remind him.

Emperor Jianwen hurriedly wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes and forced a smile, saying, "Look at me, saying such useless things again. Yunwen, take good care of yourself, I will come to see you another day."

After seeing Emperor Jianwen off, Zhao Ling'er returned to her bedroom, only to find that Su Ning had already sat up with a solemn expression.

"Your Highness, what do you mean by His Majesty's actions...?"

“He is seeking recognition.” Su Ning sighed softly. “An elder brother who has been overshadowed by his younger brother’s brilliance since childhood, an emperor who was forced to take on heavy responsibilities, he is confiding to me, a ‘dying man,’ what he dares not tell anyone in his heart.”

Zhao Ling'er asked, puzzled, "But why would he tell you all this?"

“Because in his heart, I am both the person who understands him the most and the person who is least likely to reveal these secrets.” Su Ning smiled bitterly, “A ‘dying man’ is indeed the best listener.”

……

In the days that followed, Emperor Jianwen visited even more frequently.

Sometimes he would bring Suning's childhood toys...

A faded cloth tiger, a polished stone pellet; sometimes he would bring newly made pastries from the imperial kitchen, saying he remembered that they were Suning's favorite when she was a child; more often, he would simply recount his experiences.

"Yunwen, today I dismissed two officials in Beiping. My fourth uncle submitted a memorial pleading for their lives, every word of which was filled with anguish... Was I too cruel?"

"Yunwen, the Empress Dowager has refused my visit again. She spends her days in tears in the Eastern Palace, as if she is truly disappointed in me..."

"Yunwen, I dreamt of my grandfather and father. In the dream, they shook their heads at me. Are they both very disappointed in me?"

Each time he confided in someone, Su Ning gained a deeper understanding of this seemingly indecisive emperor.

He wasn't stupid, just too sentimental; he wasn't incompetent, just too kind.

On this day, Emperor Jianwen suddenly brought a scroll painting.

Upon unfolding it, one finds a scene of several siblings playing in the Imperial Garden when they were children.

The children in the painting are laughing innocently as they chase after colorful butterflies.

“Look, this is you, this is me, this is Jiangdu and Yilun…” Emperor Jianwen pointed to the figures in the painting, his eyes shining. “How wonderful those times were! There was no politics, no power struggles, only the laughter and playfulness between brothers and sisters.”

He looked at Su Ning and suddenly asked, "Yun Tong, if you were in my position, how would you treat your uncles?"

The question came too suddenly, and Suning almost revealed a weakness.

He forced himself to remain calm and continued to remain unconscious.

Emperor Jianwen, however, remained unperturbed and continued speaking: "I know that my fourth uncle will rebel. But I... I simply cannot bring myself to do it. After all, he is my own uncle. When we were children, he often carried us to play in the Imperial Garden..."

At this point, he suddenly leaned over the bedside, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Suning, who was pretending to be asleep, felt a mix of emotions.

His elder brother's sincerity and vulnerability made him waver in his plans for the first time.

However, considering the course of history and the events that followed the Jingnan Campaign, he had no choice but to harden his heart.

After Emperor Jianwen left, Su Ning said to Zhao Ling'er, "Pass down the order: the plan will proceed as scheduled."

"But Your Highness, the Emperor's attitude towards you..."

"This is the tragedy of imperial families." Su Ning looked towards the palace walls. "Some paths, once chosen, can never be turned back."

He paused, his voice low: "Besides, what we need to do is turn the tide, not rebel against the court. If one day... I will definitely protect him."

Emperor Jianwen would never know the impact those afternoons when he poured out his heart had on his younger brother, whom he both admired and relied on.

Little did Suning know that these sincere confessions would lead him to make a history-changing decision at a crucial moment in the future.

The two brothers, one openly expressing his true feelings, the other struggling with inner conflict in the shadows.

This seemingly absurd dialogue is quietly changing the trajectory of the Ming Dynasty's fate.

Outside the window, the cicadas chirped incessantly in the summer, as if playing a poignant elegy for this unknown brotherhood.

……

In July of the first year of the Jianwen reign, a bright yellow imperial edict was posted on the city gates of all prefectures and cities across the country.

The inscription, written in vigorous and powerful regular script, reads:

"King Yunwen of Wu has been poisoned for a long time and is incurable. Anyone who can cure him will be rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold and appointed as the Imperial Physician. Anyone who can provide clues about Master Zhang will be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold."

This imperial edict caused a huge stir, shaking the entire Ming Dynasty.

From Yunnan to Liaodong, from Jiangsu and Zhejiang to Shaanxi and Gansu, renowned doctors from all over packed their bags and headed to Nanjing.

Even some reclusive medical masters who lived in seclusion in the mountains were brought back into the public eye because of this notice.

A long queue quickly formed in front of the Wu King's Palace.

The Imperial Medical Academy set up a special clinic outside the mansion, where the doctors were personally selected by the academy's director, Zhou Bin.

The elderly doctor, over fifty years old, had been working tirelessly for days, and the bruises under his eyes were becoming increasingly noticeable. "Next," Zhou Bin said hoarsely, rubbing his throbbing temples.

An elderly doctor from Henan stepped forward tremblingly: "My lord, I would like to first understand the symptoms His Highness experienced when he was poisoned..."

"Ask what you should ask, and don't ask what you shouldn't ask," Zhou Bin interrupted coldly. "Then take the pulse."

However, a month passed, and although many doctors came to see him, none of them could give a clear explanation.

Some doctors can't even diagnose the pulse properly, and can only stammer out some tonifying prescriptions.

“Your Majesty,” Zhou Bin reported, kneeling in the Jinshen Hall, his voice weary, “more than three hundred physicians have come to examine His Highness Prince Wu, all saying that his pulse is unusual and not from an ordinary poison.”

Emperor Jianwen put down the memorial in his hand, his brows furrowed: "Isn't there anyone who has a solution?"

“Several renowned doctors have prescribed medicine, but…” Zhou Bin hesitated for a moment, “His Highness’s condition has worsened after taking the medicine.”

Emperor Jianwen stood up abruptly, causing the teacups on his dragon desk to wobble: "What? Take me to see this immediately!"

When Emperor Jianwen arrived at the Prince of Wu's residence, he saw Zhao Ling'er weeping by his bedside.

Su Ning lay on the bed, her face ashen, her breathing weak, looking even more haggard than before.

"What's going on?" Emperor Jianwen asked sternly.

An elderly physician from Suzhou replied tremblingly, "Your Majesty, the poison His Highness has been afflicted with is quite peculiar. I treated him using the method of 'fighting poison with poison,' but unexpectedly..."

"A quack!" Emperor Jianwen was unusually furious. "If anything happens to Prince Wu, I will not let him off lightly! Guards, take this quack to prison!"

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the Prince's Mansion.

A guard rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, a traveling physician has arrived outside the gate, claiming he can cure this poison."

Just as Emperor Jianwen was about to refuse, he heard the physician outside the door shout, "Does Your Highness cough up blood every time the moon is full? Does it always flare up at three-quarters past the hour of Yin?"

These words startled Zhao Ling'er, and she hurriedly looked at Emperor Jianwen: "Your Majesty, this gentleman is absolutely right!"

Emperor Jianwen's expression softened slightly: "Please come in quickly!"

The man who entered was an elderly man in a blue robe, with white hair and beard, yet he moved with a light step.

He had a thin face, bright and piercing eyes, and a simple medicine pouch tied around his waist.

He neither knelt nor showed any fear; he merely glanced at Emperor Jianwen indifferently before walking straight to the bedside.

"Who are you?" Emperor Jianwen asked.

The old man didn't answer, but simply reached out to take Su Ning's pulse.

His fingers lightly touched Su Ning's wrist, then his brows furrowed slightly.

"This poison is called 'Seven-Day Intestinal Severance,' and it is said that death would be certain within seven days of being poisoned. It is truly a miracle that Your Highness has survived until now." The old man withdrew his hand, his tone calm.

Emperor Jianwen hurriedly asked, "Is there any way to save us?"

The old man took out a purple pill from his medicine pouch. The pill gleamed strangely in the light: "This is the 'Purple Gold Pill,' made with century-old Ganoderma lucidum, snow mountain Poria cocos, and seven other rare herbs. Whether it will be effective depends on fate."

Zhao Ling'er took the pill and hesitated before looking at Emperor Jianwen.

"Wait!" Zhou Bin interjected, "Your Majesty, this medicine is of unknown origin and must not be used lightly! If something goes wrong..."

The old man smiled calmly: "Since you don't believe me, I'll take my leave."

"Please wait, sir!" Emperor Jianwen stopped the old man, his gaze firm. "I believe in you. If you can truly save the Prince of Wu, I will reward you handsomely."

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zhao Ling'er fed the pill into Su Ning's mouth.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Su Ning's complexion actually began to turn red, and her breathing became steady.

After a while, he slowly opened his eyes.

"Amazing! Absolutely amazing!" Zhou Bin exclaimed in disbelief, rushing forward to take Su Ning's pulse. "The pulse... the pulse has become much more stable!"

The old man then took out another prescription: "If you follow this prescription for three years, you should be cured. But remember, you need to rest and avoid overexertion for four years, otherwise the poison will relapse and even a miracle will not be able to save you."

Emperor Jianwen was overjoyed and personally stepped forward to grasp the old man's hand: "Sir, you are truly a divine physician! May I ask your esteemed name? I will certainly reward you handsomely!"

The old man smiled slightly and gently withdrew his hand: "We are just people from the mountains, and our names are not worth mentioning. If Your Majesty is truly willing, why not reduce this year's taxes by 30% to allow the people to recuperate?"

After saying this, the old man drifted away and disappeared around the street corner in the blink of an eye.

Emperor Jianwen stood there stunned for a long time before sighing, "Truly a hermit of extraordinary wisdom."

The news quickly spread throughout Nanjing.

The people praised Emperor Jianwen for his benevolence, saying that he had attracted such a divine physician.

There are even rumors that the old man was the incarnation of Zhang Sanfeng, who came specifically to help the benevolent ruler.

However, no one knew that at this moment, in the secret room of the Wu King's mansion, the "miracle doctor" was standing respectfully in front of Su Ning.

"Master, everything is proceeding according to plan."

Su Ning nodded in satisfaction. His complexion was rosy, showing no trace of his illness: "You did a good job. Has the news of Emperor Jianwen reducing taxes by 30% spread yet?"

"The news has spread throughout the country through major banks. The people all praise His Majesty's benevolence and virtue."

“Very good.” Su Ning smiled slightly. “In this way, Zhu Yunwen’s image as a ‘benevolent ruler’ will be even more deeply rooted in people’s hearts. This will be of great benefit to our future plans.”

"Now Prince Yan, Zhu Di, will have an even worse reputation."

"Of course! I'm going to make him infamous for eternity."

Zhao Ling'er asked worriedly from the side, "Your Highness, are you really going to 'recover'? Isn't it too risky at this time?"

“It’s time.” Su Ning stood up and paced around the secret room. “Emperor Jianwen needs to see his brother healed by his ‘moving the heavens,’ the people need an emperor whose ‘benevolence moved the heavens,’ and we need a reasonable reason to step back into the spotlight. This play must continue.”

Three days later, Suning was able to get out of bed and walk.

Upon hearing the news, Emperor Jianwen immediately set off for the Prince of Wu's residence.

"Yunwen! You're really better!" Emperor Jianwen excitedly grasped his younger brother's hand, tears welling in his eyes. "These past few days, I've been worried about you every single moment."

Su Ning smiled weakly, perfectly displaying the exhaustion of someone recovering from a serious illness: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. If it weren't for Your Majesty's benevolence moving Heaven and attracting a divine physician, I'm afraid..."

"This is all thanks to your good fortune and long life," Emperor Jianwen said with emotion. "The divine physician said you need to recuperate for four years. During this time, stay in Nanjing and rest well. You don't need to worry about matters of state."

"Your Majesty, I will obey your orders." Su Ning bowed respectfully, but a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes as he lowered his head.

The four-year recuperation period allowed him to legitimately stay away from court intrigues and secretly make his plans.

With the news of the King of Wu's "miraculous" recovery spreading, Emperor Jianwen's prestige reached its peak.

People from all over the country submitted memorials praising the emperor's benevolence and virtue, and some even suggested erecting a monument to commemorate him.

But amidst the praise, there were also discordant notes.

Inside the Prince Yan's residence in Beiping, Zhu Di sneered upon learning the news:
"What a 'benevolence that moves Heaven'! Yunwen's act has won over many people's hearts."

Daoyan, the monk Yao Guangxiao, held his prayer beads, his gaze profound: "Your Highness, now that the Prince of Wu has recovered, this situation has become even more complicated. In my humble opinion, this Prince of Wu is probably going to cause trouble again."

"It's alright." Zhu Di's gaze was sharp as an eagle's. "Let them be so affectionate! When I raise my army, I'll see how much this brotherhood is worth. Send down the order to intensify the training of the troops, and at the same time send more people to keep a close eye on the movements in Nanjing."

Meanwhile, in Nanjing, the recovered King Wu continued to live a secluded life.

He stayed in the Wu King's Palace to recuperate, perfectly playing the role of a patient who "needs to rest".

On this day, Duke Xu Huizu of Wei and others came to visit the Prince of Wu's residence, while Su Ning was sitting in the pavilion enjoying tea. Several court officials came forward to greet him.

"Your Highness's recovery is truly a blessing for the nation," said Qi Tai, Minister of War, respectfully.

Su Ning coughed lightly twice, sounding quite weak: "Thank you for your concern, Lord Qi. However, the imperial physician advised that I need to rest and not overexert myself."

"That's natural." Qi Tai nodded. "However, now that Your Highness is recovering, what are your thoughts on the current matter of reducing the power of the princes?"

Su Ning sneered inwardly, knowing that this was a test from the civil service group.

However, he pretended to be tired and rubbed his temples: "Lord Qi is joking. I have just recovered from a long illness and am already rusty in my understanding of court affairs. Moreover, my elder brother is a man of great talent and strategy and will make his own decisions. I dare not make any rash comments."

"King Wu is too modest! Wasn't your speech at Emperor Taizu's funeral a resounding success?"

"In a moment of excitement, it's inevitable that some reckless remarks will be made."

In the summer of the first year of the Jianwen reign, the political situation of the Ming Dynasty was further complicated by the "miraculous recovery" of the Prince of Wu.

...(End of chapter)