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As night falls, the city of Nanjing is illuminated by its lights.

The Qinhuai River was teeming with painted boats, and the sounds of music could be faintly heard, a scene of peace and prosperity.

No one could have imagined that beneath this bustling facade, a former emperor who should have long since perished in the flames was quietly stepping into the Forbidden City in Nanjing.

Inside the Qianqing Palace, Su Ning dismissed all the servants, leaving only Ma He to stand guard outside the hall.

He stood alone in the hall, gazing at the flickering candlelight, his expression complex.

Although the Eastern Depot, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the even more secretive Western Depot, which he personally established, had long woven the Ming Dynasty into an invisible giant net, making it difficult for any disturbance to escape his notice, he still felt a slight ripple in his heart when he received the news that Zhu Yunwen had appeared in Yingtian Prefecture.

The heavy palace doors were gently pushed open, and a slender figure wearing a black cloak entered, guided by Ma He.

The cloak was lifted, revealing a pale and serene face, with traces of his former refined elegance still visible in his brows.

But those eyes now only hold a clear and serene understanding of having seen through the world's illusions.

He was dressed in a simple gray monk's robe, and the incense scar on his head from his ordination was clearly visible. He was none other than Emperor Jianwen, Zhu Yunwen, who had become a monk.

"Your Majesty." Zhu Yunwen clasped his hands together and bowed slightly, performing the Buddhist greeting.

Su Ning quickly stepped forward and reached out to help him up, saying, "Second Brother... we're brothers, no need for formalities."

There was a hint of barely perceptible emotion in his voice.

The two brothers sat facing each other, with a cup of tea between them.

After a brief silence, Zhu Yunwen spoke first, his voice as calm as a gentle stream:
"I recently heard that the imperial army has quelled the rebellion with unstoppable momentum. His Majesty's strategic planning has brought victory from afar. This humble monk... is greatly comforted."

Su Ning looked at him and said slowly, "The rebels are nothing but a rabble, easily defeated. It's just a waste of manpower and resources, and ultimately not a good thing."

Zhu Yunwen shook his head slightly, a bitter yet relieved smile on his face: "Your Majesty need not be modest. This matter has made me see many things more clearly. Looking back, if I were in your shoes and faced with such a rebellion, I ask myself, I would never have been as decisive and resourceful as Your Majesty. Perhaps... my grandfather's choice of me as his successor was a mistake."

He raised his head, looking candidly at Su Ning: "From childhood I studied Confucian classics, knowing only benevolent governance and love for the people, but I was inept at political maneuvering, unfamiliar with military affairs, and even less capable of managing officials and balancing the court. Sitting in that position was like walking on thin ice, like standing on the edge of an abyss, and in the end... I did indeed fall into the abyss. Now, having stepped out of the mortal world and looking back, I realize that the throne of an emperor cannot be held by benevolence alone. One must have ruthless methods to show a compassionate heart. Your Majesty, you have done better than I have. The Ming Dynasty is in your hands, more hopeful than in mine."

These heartfelt words touched Su Ning deeply.

He could sense the sincerity and relief in Zhu Yunwen's words.

"Second Brother," Su Ning's tone softened considerably, "the past, who was right and who was wrong, is now like fleeting clouds. It's best if you can let it go. I'm not denying benevolent governance, but the way to govern a country requires a balance of firmness and leniency. Benevolent governance is the foundation, but without strong military force and a strict system to protect it, benevolent governance is just a castle in the air."

Zhu Yunwen nodded: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Now I see Your Majesty reorganizing the military, reforming the official system, restraining the princes, and developing industry and commerce... All of these things are for the purpose of strengthening the foundation of the country. Although they are different from the classics I have studied, upon careful consideration, they are the way to long-term stability and security. In the past, I was bound by ancient laws and did not know how to adapt, which almost led to the downfall of the country and the people."

That night, the candles in the Qianqing Palace burned until dawn.

The two brothers, one a reigning emperor and the other a monk, put aside their past grievances and discussed the way to govern the country, Buddhist teachings and Zen principles, and even their vision for the future.

Zhu Yunwen no longer considered himself an emperor, but rather shared his observations and experiences from his travels, as well as the hardships of the common people, from the perspective of an observer. Su Ning also explained to him his original intentions and plans for implementing the new policies, which was a blueprint for a stronger future that was different from the traditional Confucian ideals.

During the conversation, Zhu Yunwen repeatedly stated that he had completely let go of worldly affairs and wished to spend the rest of his life in seclusion, praying for the Ming Dynasty and for Su Ning. He assured Su Ning that he would never again be involved in worldly affairs.

As dawn broke, Zhu Yunwen donned his cloak once more, preparing to depart.

“Second Brother,” Su Ning looked at him and solemnly promised, “As long as I am on the throne, I will ensure your safety and that of your children. Even though you have become a monk, you are still a descendant of the Zhu family.”

Zhu Yunwen clasped his hands in prayer again, his face utterly calm and serene: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I have left this mortal world behind. Take care, Your Majesty. May the Ming Dynasty remain in Your Majesty's hands for a thousand generations."

He turned and left, his figure disappearing into the hazy morning light as if he had never existed.

Standing alone at the palace gate, Su Ning gazed at the gradually brightening sky in the distance and let out a long sigh of relief.

Zhu Yunwen's complete relinquishment meant that the last potential threat to his throne had vanished.

Only now did he truly feel an unprecedented sense of stability and composure.

……

The Kunning Palace was even more tranquil at night than usual.

The palace lanterns emitted a soft glow, illuminating Empress Zhao Ling'er's increasingly plump figure due to her pregnancy.

She leaned against the soft couch, her belly high and round, her face showing the gentle tenderness and weariness of impending motherhood.

Su Ning gently entered the hall, waved to dismiss the palace servants' bows, and went straight to sit down next to Zhao Ling'er, naturally taking her slightly swollen hand in his.

"Ling'er, how are you feeling today? Is the little guy behaving well?" His voice was filled with obvious concern.

Zhao Ling'er smiled and guided Su Ning's hand to her abdomen: "She was kicking and thrashing about just now. She must be a lively and active person, just like His Majesty."

Feeling the pulse of life beneath her palm, Su Ning's facial features softened involuntarily.

He talked with Zhao Ling'er for a while, asked about the imperial physician's pulse diagnosis, and urged her to take good care of herself.

After the small talk, Su Ning remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, his tone tinged with complexity: "Today, I saw my second brother."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ling'er's gentle smile froze slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes before turning into a sigh.

She knew the weight this name carried in her husband's heart and understood the unusual nature of this meeting.

"Is he... alright?" she asked softly, with a hint of caution.

“He has become a monk, and his Dharma name is Yingneng.” Su Ning slowly recounted the key points of his meeting with Zhu Yunwen tonight. “He said he had let go of the past, admitted that he was not suitable to be emperor, and thought that his grandfather had made the wrong choice… He said that I did a better job than him.”

His tone was calm, but Zhao Ling'er could hear the undercurrent of emotion beneath that calm.

She took Su Ning's large hand in return, offering silent comfort.

"Speaking of which, it's all just the cruel twist of fate," Zhao Ling'er sighed softly, her gaze distant. "If it weren't for that upheaval back then, perhaps he would still be the emperor in the deep palace, while Your Majesty... might still be a regional prince guarding a territory in Beiping. The current situation, though fraught with twists and turns, is perhaps a blessing for the country and its people. It is a good thing that Prince Yunwen has been able to see things clearly, let go of his obsessions, and find solace for his soul."

She paused, looked at Su Ning, and said in an even gentler tone, "Your Majesty, the past is past. Now, under Your Majesty's rule, the Ming Dynasty is growing stronger and stronger, and Prince Yunwen has also found peace. This is perhaps the best outcome. You no longer need to worry about this matter."

Su Ning nodded. Zhao Ling'er's words were like a spring breeze, dispelling the last trace of gloom in his heart.

He gazed at his wife's profile, which appeared exceptionally beautiful under the lamplight, and at the hardships she had endured to bear their child. His heart was filled with gratitude and tenderness. "Ling'er, with you by my side, I feel at peace," he said sincerely.

Zhao Ling'er felt the deep affection and warmth in her husband's gaze, her face flushing slightly, but she gently pushed him away: "Your Majesty, I am currently unwell and unable to properly serve you. You are busy with state affairs and must not leave the harem empty because of me. My sister, Consort Xian, asked about Your Majesty the other day; she is gentle and understanding, Your Majesty might be better off..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but her meaning was already clear.

As empress, she not only had to manage the harem, but also take care of the emperor's physical and mental well-being, ensuring that his favor was distributed evenly and that the royal family flourished.

Especially when she was unable to serve the emperor herself, it was her duty and her virtue to actively advise him to go to other concubines.

Su Ning naturally understood her intentions.

He reached out and carefully tucked a stray strand of hair from Zhao Ling'er's forehead behind her ear, his movements gentle: "I know your heart. Then... I'll go see her. You rest well, I'll come see you again tomorrow."

"Mm." Zhao Ling'er nodded obediently, her face still maintaining a polite smile. "Your Majesty, please go quickly! It's late."

Su Ning gave a few more instructions to the palace maids on night watch before getting up and leaving.

Only after Su Ning's figure disappeared outside the hall did the gentle smile on Zhao Ling'er's face gradually fade, turning into a complex emotion that was difficult to detect.

She gently stroked her swollen belly and whispered, "My child, you must grow up quickly. You are the eldest son, and you are your father's expectation..."

As an empress, she had to be magnanimous, but as a woman, how could she not feel a touch of melancholy deep down?

As Su Ning left Kunning Palace, she paused briefly in the cool night breeze, glanced back at the warm palace, and felt an even greater respect for Zhao Ling'er's understanding and sacrifice.

He composed himself and instructed the attending eunuch, "Prepare the carriage for Jingyang Palace."

That was the residence of Consort Xian.

Within the imperial harem, tenderness and discipline, selfishness and duty, are forever intertwined beneath these red walls and golden tiles.

……

As night deepens, palace lanterns light up one after another, outlining the winding silhouette of the Forbidden City.

After leaving Kunning Palace, Su Ning did not hesitate for long and walked towards Jingyang Palace.

The attending eunuchs understood immediately and had already given advance notice.

At the gate of Jingyang Palace, Consort Li, the Virtuous Consort, had already led the palace servants to wait for the Emperor's arrival.

She wore a light blue palace dress, her hair was neatly styled and adorned with only a simple jade hairpin. Her makeup was light, which only accentuated her gentle and beautiful temperament.

Upon seeing the emperor's entourage, a gentle smile bloomed on her lips, and she stepped forward and gracefully bowed.
"I respectfully welcome your Majesty."

Su Ning quickly took two steps and personally helped her up: "My dear consort, there's no need for such formalities."

His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, and his tone naturally relaxed, "Have you been waiting long?"

"Your Majesty, I have only just come out as well." Consort Xian rose and naturally stepped aside to let Su Ning go first, while saying softly, "I heard that His Majesty just came from Kunning Palace and must not have eaten yet. I have asked the kitchen to prepare a few light dishes, I wonder if they will suit His Majesty's taste."

Upon entering the hall, one is immediately greeted by a mouthwatering aroma of food.

The dining table in the side hall was already set with bowls and chopsticks, and several delicate dishes were steaming hot. They were not big fish and meat dishes, but seasonal vegetables, clear soups and a plate of crispy and delicious snacks. It was clear that some thought had been put into them, taking into account that the emperor might have already eaten some elsewhere, and also considering that it was late at night and not greasy.

Upon seeing this, Su Ning couldn't help but smile genuinely.

He had visited Jingyang Palace many times, and the Consort Xian's thoughtful and meticulous preparations were a regular occurrence, making him feel comfortable and at ease every time he stepped into the palace, as if he were returning to his own courtyard.

"This place is still the most comfortable for my beloved consort," he sighed, then washed his hands with the help of the consort and sat down comfortably.

The atmosphere during the meal was warm and peaceful.

Consort Xian didn't say much, but carefully observed Su Ning's preferences and served him food and soup when appropriate.

Occasionally, they would chat about leisurely topics within the palace, such as which flowers were blooming, the recent amusing incidents involving the princes and princesses, or some poems and miscellaneous notes she was currently reading. Her tone was gentle, and the content was elegant; she would never disturb the emperor's mind with troublesome matters of state.

Su Ning was happy to enjoy this peace and quiet, casually commenting on the dishes while eating, or discussing a few lines of poetry with her.

He noticed an open book next to Consort Xian, picked it up and saw that it was a newly printed edition of "Elementary Knowledge of Things".

"My beloved concubine is also looking at this?" Su Ning was somewhat surprised.

Consort Xian nodded slightly, with a hint of shyness: "Your Majesty, I am rather dull and do not understand many parts of this book. I only thought that I would read it because I heard that Your Majesty recommends it. Perhaps... perhaps I can understand Your Majesty's thoughts and ideas a little better."

These words were spoken subtly yet sincerely, which touched Su Ning's heart.

His gaze toward Consort Xian softened, and he patiently explained a few simple concepts from the book to her.

Consort Xian listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two, which, though not in-depth, clearly showed that she had given them serious thought.

The dinner was completed in such a harmonious atmosphere.

The palace servants cleared away the leftover food and served tea.

Su Ning held a teacup, watching the Consort Xian quietly boiling water and making tea. In the candlelight, her profile was gentle and focused.

The complex emotions brought about by Kunning Palace were completely soothed by this tranquility and peace.

He knew that while the Empress's virtue and magnanimity were important in the deep palace, the Consort's delicate thoughtfulness and gentle companionship were equally indispensable comforts in his heavy imperial life.

At this moment, Consort Xian looked at Su Ning with eyes full of spring and said, "Your Majesty, let me help you change your clothes."

"it is good!"

Tonight, the lights of Jingyang Palace are destined to be warm and lasting.

...(End of chapter)