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In the first month of the second year of the Jianwen reign (1400), the severe cold of Beiping had not yet subsided, but the atmosphere inside the Prince of Yan's mansion was warm and lively.

The crackling of the charcoal fire in the copper basin reflected Zhu Di's solemn face.

“Your Highness,” said the monk Yao Guangxiao, pointing to the map, “Although Li Jinglong suffered a major defeat at Zhengcunba, he has regrouped in Dezhou and his forces have reached 500,000. What’s more troublesome is that Tie Xuan, the Shandong Provincial Councilor, is reinforcing the city’s defenses in Jinan. He is very popular with the people. If we cannot take Jinan quickly, our army’s southward advance will be completely blocked.”

Zhu Neng slammed his fist on the table in anger: "Tie Xuan is nothing but a scholar, yet he dares to oppose the Prince! Once this humble general leads an elite force, we will surely raze Jinan to the ground!"

"No!" Zhu Di raised his hand to stop him, his gaze deep: "I know a little about Tie Xuan. He once taught at the Imperial Academy and was an upright and honest man, quite popular with the people of Shandong. Issue the order: the main force will march south and take Jinan first. Once we take this city, the whole of Shandong will be under our control."

Meanwhile, in a secret room of the Wu Prince's Mansion in Nanjing, candlelight cast flickering shadows on a huge military map on the wall.

Afu's voice rang out in the darkness: "Master, the Yan army has begun to move towards Jinan. Although Tie Xuan is skilled at defense, his forces are insufficient, and I'm afraid he cannot hold out for long. Should we intervene?"

Su Ning stared at the location of Jinan on the map and slowly shook his head: "No need. Tie Xuan can hold out for as long as he can. Every detail of this battle must be recorded truthfully. Tell our informants in the army that we are just bystanders at this stage."

"Should we rescue Tiexuan at the crucial moment?" Afu asked in a low voice.

“Of course we must save him.” Su Ning turned around, his gaze firm. “Such a great general cannot be allowed to perish. But we must seize the opportunity, ensuring his safety without affecting the course of the battle. Remember, Tie Xuan will be of great use in stabilizing the situation in Shandong in the future.”

"Yes! Your Majesty."

In April of the second year of the Jianwen reign, the Yan army besieged Jinan.

Tie Xuan and the garrison commander Sheng Yong stood on the city wall, looking out at the endless military camps outside the city.

"General," Tie Xuan said to Sheng Yong, "I have a plan that may repel the enemy. The Prince of Yan is eager for quick success; we might as well take advantage of that..."

"Oh?"

That night, the gates of Jinan suddenly burst open, and the defending soldiers and civilians wept bitterly on the city walls, shouting, "Your Highness, Prince Yan! We are willing to surrender, we only ask that all the people of the city be spared!"

Zhu Di was overjoyed upon hearing the news and laughed to his attendants, "It seems that Tie Xuan also knows that the situation is hopeless."

He personally led his troops into the city, but just after crossing the moat, a barrage of arrows suddenly rained down from the city walls, and a heavy iron plate weighing a thousand pounds fell from the sky, nearly killing Zhu Di.

"That Tie Xuan! How dare he feign surrender!" Zhu Di retreated in disarray, furious. "Order the entire army to launch a full-scale attack on Jinan!"

For the next three months, the Yan army tried every means possible, but still could not capture Jinan.

Tie Xuan even hung a portrait of Zhu Yuanzhang on the city wall, which made the Yan army soldiers afraid to shoot arrows.

"Your Highness," Yao Guangxiao advised, "Jinan has been under siege for a long time, and the soldiers are exhausted. It would be better to retreat for the time being and seek another way out."

Zhu Di looked at the sturdy city walls and sighed helplessly, "Fine, issue the order to withdraw the troops."

When the news reached Nanjing, Emperor Jianwen was overjoyed: "Tie Xuan is truly a loyal minister! Issue an edict to promote him to Provincial Administration Commissioner of Shandong and grant him the title of Marquis of Licheng!"

However, the good times did not last long.

The Yan army then turned to attack and capture Cangzhou, Baoding and other places, gradually expanding its controlled area.

In December of the second year of the Jianwen reign, the Yan army and the government army engaged in a decisive battle in Dongchang.

In this battle, Yan general Zhang Yu was surrounded while trying to save Zhu Di.

"Protect the Prince!" Zhang Yu shouted, leading his personal guards into the enemy ranks, where he ultimately fought to the death.

Zhu Di managed to break through the encirclement, and upon hearing the news of Zhang Yu's death, he wept bitterly: "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war, but how could I lose such a good general! Zhang Yu has followed me for many years, and today he died for me. I will avenge this!"

When the news reached the Wu Prince's residence, Su Ning sighed, "Zhang Yu's death will only strengthen the Yan Prince's resolve. It seems the decisive battle is fast approaching. Afu, have our men begin collecting data on the Yangtze River's water conditions."

……

In the spring of the third year of the Jianwen reign (1401), the war entered a stalemate.

Although the Yan army achieved some victories, it was never able to break through the natural barrier of the Yangtze River.

In March of that year, a crucial battle unfolded in Jiahe.

General Ping An led his elite cavalry in a surprise attack on the Yan army camp.

"Report! Ping An is leading cavalry to attack from the flank!"

Zhu Di remained calm in the face of danger and ordered archers to ambush on both flanks.

When the Ping'an cavalry charged into the camp, ambushers sprang up and arrows rained down.

"Don't panic! Follow me and fight your way out!" Ping An brandished his spear and fought bravely.

At this critical moment, a sudden gale arose, with sand and stones flying everywhere.

The government troops were at a disadvantage, their eyes were blinded by the sandstorm, and their formation was thrown into chaos.

"Heaven is on my side!" Zhu Di seized the opportunity to lead his army in a counterattack and inflicted a great defeat on the government troops.

In May of the third year of the Jianwen reign, the Yan army and the government army clashed again in Gaocheng.

In the heat of battle, a sudden downpour rendered the government troops' firearms ineffective, resulting in another major defeat.

The series of defeats made Emperor Jianwen uneasy.

He paced back and forth in the Hall of Diligent Conduct: "Why? Why do we always fail at the last minute? Is it really fate?"

Qi Tai advised, "Your Majesty need not worry. We still control the natural barrier of the Yangtze River, and the navy is also in our hands. The Yan army is not good at naval warfare and will not be able to cross the Yangtze River."

Huang Zicheng, however, was filled with worry: "I have heard that the Prince of Yan is building a large number of warships, I'm afraid..."

Just then, a eunuch came to report: "Your Majesty, Duke Xu Huizu of Wei requests an audience."

"Xuan."

Xu Huizu entered the hall and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

"Duke of Wei, please speak quickly."

"As I observe the battle situation, although the Yan army has gained a temporary advantage, its rear is unstable. If we can send a good general to launch a surprise attack on Beiping, the Yan army will surely return to defend it. At that time, we can strike while the enemy is crossing the river and achieve a complete victory."

Emperor Jianwen's eyes lit up, but then dimmed again: "This plan is ingenious, but who in the court can shoulder this heavy responsibility?"

Fang Xiaoru stepped forward and said, "I recommend General Yang Wen."

However, Qi Tai rejected this suggestion again: "Yang Wen needs to guard the Jianghuai region and should not be moved lightly."

Xu Huizu sighed inwardly.

Emperor Jianwen's indecisiveness and the factionalism of his court officials were gradually jeopardizing the promising situation.

……

In the winter of the third year of the Jianwen reign, the war reached a stalemate.

The Yan army controlled most of Hebei and Shanxi, but was unable to advance south; the government army held the wealthy lands of Jiangnan, but was powerless to launch a northern expedition.

At this critical moment, a message began to circulate in Nanjing: a fire had broken out in the palace, and Emperor Jianwen had died.

"Hmph! This is a trick by the Prince of Yan!" Qi Tai exclaimed angrily. "He wants to demoralize the army!"

However, the rumors spread wider and wider, and even some local officials began to waver.

Inside the Wu Prince's residence, Su Ning listened to reports from all sides and said to Zhao Ling'er, "This war is about to be decided. Tell Wang Jin that we can begin preparing the next step of the plan."

"Your Highness is saying..." "It's time to choose a new future for the Ming Dynasty." Su Ning walked to the window and looked in the direction of the palace. "Emperor Jianwen is indecisive, and there is constant factional strife in the court. If this continues, the foundation of the Ming Dynasty will be shaken. We need a monarch who can stabilize the situation."

Zhao Ling'er asked softly, "Does Your Highness believe that the Prince of Yan is capable of this role?"

“He’s at least better than the current one,” Su Ning said calmly. “The Prince of Yan is a seasoned warrior who knows how to use people. More importantly, he has decisiveness. However, we must also be prepared for both possibilities.”

The winter of the third year of Jianwen's reign was exceptionally cold, but the flames of war continued to burn across the northern lands.

In the shadows of Nanjing, a much larger game is quietly unfolding.

A secret envoy from the Wu King's Palace quietly traveled north, carrying a special mission to the Yan army camp.

Everyone could sense that this three-year civil war was about to come to an end.

Meanwhile, the reclusive King of Wu in Nanjing was secretly steering the course of history.

……

In the first month of the fourth year of the Jianwen reign (1402), Nanjing was shrouded in an unprecedented cold.

Heavy snow continued for days, turning the entire capital city into a pristine white.

Inside the Jinshen Hall deep within the palace, the charcoal fire burned brightly, yet it could not dispel the chill in Emperor Jianwen's heart.

He gazed out the window at the swirling snow, clutching a newly delivered military report tightly in his hand.

"Your Majesty," Qi Tai, Minister of War, knelt on the ground, his voice trembling, "Cangzhou...Cangzhou has fallen. The Yan army has broken through the last barrier of the Yangtze River, and General Geng Zan...has died on the battlefield."

The memorial in Emperor Jianwen's hand slammed down on the imperial desk. He stared blankly out of the hall for a long time before murmuring, "You may all leave."

When he was the only one left in the hall, the young emperor finally dropped his pretense and slumped back on the dragon throne.

Over the past three years, he has witnessed firsthand how the beautiful land was shattered by war, how countless soldiers shed their blood on the battlefield, and how the hearts of the people gradually eroded during the years of fighting.

"If only... if only I had listened to Yun-hu's advice back then..." He closed his eyes in anguish.

The conversation I had with my younger brother on that night three years ago in the Wu King's mansion was vividly recalled in my mind.

Looking back now, Suning's proposal to relocate the capital seems incredibly wise.

The snow fell heavier and heavier in the dead of night. Emperor Jianwen suddenly stood up and said to the eunuch standing beside him, "Prepare the carriage. We are going to the Prince of Wu's residence."

Inside the Wu King's mansion, Su Ning was analyzing the latest battle report in a secret room.

The military maps on the wall were densely marked with the movements of various forces.

Afu's voice rang out in the darkness: "Master, Emperor Jianwen's imperial carriage is heading towards the Prince's Mansion. It seems he is traveling incognito."

Su Ning raised an eyebrow slightly: "It seems our emperor is finally facing reality. Give the order to prepare according to plan."

When Emperor Jianwen braved the heavy snow to enter the Prince of Wu's residence, Su Ning was already lying on his sickbed, feigning weakness.

Just as Zhao Ling'er was about to perform the salute, Emperor Jianwen waved his hand to stop her.

"You may all leave. I... I wish to speak with Yunhu alone."

After everyone had left, Emperor Jianwen sat down by his younger brother's bedside, gazing at the swirling snow outside the window, and suddenly said, "Yunwen, do you still remember what you said to me here three years ago?"

Su Ning coughed twice, feigning weakness: "Your Majesty, you mean..."

"The proposal to move the capital." Emperor Jianwen's voice was tinged with undisguised bitterness. "You said that moving the capital to Beiping could solve the problem of the vassal kings without bloodshed. You said that this would require ten or twenty years of gradual planning... You said that I lack the courage to overcome all opposition..."

His voice trailed off: "Back then, I thought you were being too cautious, that Qi Tai and the others were right, that we should act decisively... but now..."

Emperor Jianwen suddenly turned around, grabbed Su Ning's hand, his eyes bloodshot: "Yunwen, tell me, was I wrong from the very beginning?"

Looking at his once spirited elder brother, now so haggard, Su Ning couldn't help but sigh, "Brother, what's the point of saying all this now?"

"It's meaningful!" Emperor Jianwen said excitedly. "In these three years, I watched my fourth uncle's army march south step by step, watched soldiers die one by one on the battlefield, and watched people be displaced... Every night when I close my eyes, I can hear the cries of those fallen soldiers..."

His voice choked with emotion: "If... if I had taken your advice back then, would none of this have happened?"

Su Ning remained silent for a moment, then slowly sat up: "Brother, do you know why Emperor Taizu, during his 31-year reign, knowing the threat posed by the vassal kings, never rushed to reduce their power?"

Emperor Jianwen shook his head blankly as before.

“Because he understood that governing a country is like controlling water; it is better to dredge than to block.” Su Ning’s gaze deepened. “While the vassal kings guarding the borders may have been a hidden danger, they were also an important force protecting the imperial family. The Taizu Emperor chose checks and balances, and gradual reforms, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to weakening the vassal kings. He spent thirty years building his prestige, making all the vassal kings both respect and fear him.”

"But...but what about my grandfather's last will and testament..."

"Grandpa Emperor also ordered you to cut off the supply of century-old ginseng to me, why didn't you obey?" Su Ning suddenly asked.

"This..." Emperor Jianwen was speechless for a moment.

“Brother!” Su Ning raised his voice, “Think about it carefully. If Emperor Taizu really wanted to reduce the power of the princes, why didn’t he do it during his lifetime? Why leave this difficult problem to you?”

These words struck Emperor Jianwen like a thunderbolt, sending a shiver down his spine.

Su Ning continued, "Because he knew that weakening the power of the princes required the right timing, prestige, and preparation. What he left you was a mission that would take time to complete, not an order that had to be executed immediately. Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng were too eager for quick results, which ruined the whole thing."

Emperor Jianwen slumped down, tears finally streaming down his face: "I...I understand...but I understand too late..."

“It’s not too late,” Su Ning said softly. “It’s not too late to change our strategy now.”

"Is there enough time?" Emperor Jianwen said with a wry smile, "My fourth uncle's army is already at the city gates, how can there be enough time?"

"Negotiations," Su Ning uttered two words. "Immediately send envoys to negotiate peace with the Prince of Yan, acknowledge his vested interests, and establish a temporary ceasefire with the Yellow River as the boundary. At the same time, begin preparations for relocating the capital and gradually weaken the power of the vassal kings over ten years. By stopping the damage now, we can preserve the foundation of this rebellion—half the country."

Hope rekindled in Emperor Jianwen's eyes, but it quickly faded again: "Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng will never agree... the entire court will oppose it..."

"Then replace them!" Su Ning said decisively. "Your Majesty, you are the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty! Are you going to keep being led by the nose by your subjects? This is a matter of life and death, and we must make a decisive decision!"

Just then, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside.

Qi Tai rushed in, ignoring the guards' attempts to stop him, his face filled with panic:
"Your Majesty! Urgent military report! The Yan army... the Yan army has crossed the Yangtze River! Zhenjiang has fallen, and Nanjing is wide open!"

The teacup in Emperor Jianwen's hand fell to the ground with a "crash" and shattered into pieces.

He stared blankly at the fragments on the ground, as if he were seeing his shattered dream of ruling the country.

"It's too late...it's all too late..." he murmured to himself, then suddenly burst into laughter, a laugh filled with desolation. "Yunhu, you're right...I lacked the courage to stand up to the majority, and in the end, I was still swayed by my ministers..."

Looking at his brother, who was in despair, Su Ning felt a mix of emotions.

The wheels of history will eventually continue to turn along their predetermined course, and even if one tries one's best to change it, it is still difficult to reverse the general trend.

After Emperor Jianwen left in a daze, Zhao Ling'er came in and asked worriedly, "Your Highness, what should we do next?"

Su Ning gazed northward, his eyes deep and thoughtful: "Prepare for the arrival of a new era. Tell all the undercover agents to launch the 'New Dynasty Plan.' I have been waiting for this day for a long time."

"That Jianwen Emperor..."

“Everyone must be responsible for their own choices.” Su Ning sighed softly. “This is the cruelty of the path to becoming an emperor. What we need to do now is to ensure a smooth transition of power and to minimize the suffering of the people from war.”

On this snowy night in the fourth year of the Jianwen Emperor's reign, the fate of the Ming Dynasty was already sealed.

Meanwhile, in a secret chamber within the Wu King's palace, another grand scheme was quietly unfolding.

...(End of chapter)