The First Prince of the Ming Dynasty

"Zhang Yong, what do you say?" Zhu Houzhao seemed to care a lot about the opinions of those around him on this matter.

Because Qian Ning and Jiang Bin disagreed, he could only consult Zhang Yong, the eunuch he usually valued most.

Zhang Yong glanced at Qian Ning, then at Jiang Bin, seemingly making a decision: "This servant also believes that Prince Ning's description of his son's talent does not necessarily mean that the son is truly capable. Moreover, this son does not conform to the proper lineage in terms of seniority, and Your Majesty should not rashly adopt him into your family."

Zhu Houzhao nodded and said, "There are so many princes and nobles, why must it be the son of the Prince of Ning? For the past two years, people have been mentioning the Prince of Ning to me. Is there anything special about him?"

As a discerning ruler, he also seemed to have doubts about Prince Ning.

Qian Ning quickly said, "Father, whether the Prince of Ning's son is capable or not is secondary. The most important thing is that Father can personally lead the army into battle, isn't it?"

"Oh, that's true." Zhu Houzhao nodded. "I'm not really going to make him the crown prince. I'm just temporarily adopting a child to shut up those ministers! What difference does it make who I adopt?"

Qian Ning laughed and said, "Yes, and Prince Ning is very eager to cooperate with His Majesty in winning the war in the Northwest. It is said that the entourage that Prince Ning sent to accompany his son to the capital this time also brought a lot of good things. It is said that there is a kind of thing that can see distant scenery from a great distance."

Jiang Ning said somewhat angrily, "Brother, are you talking nonsense? How could such a thing exist in the world?"

Qian Ning continued, "Even if we don't consider whether Prince Ning is truly helpful to Father Emperor's western expedition, we should at least consider that Tang Yin was recommended by Prince Ning, right? It just so happens that Prince Ning's son is coming to the capital. It wouldn't sound good to hold his son hostage. Wouldn't it be more logical to just say that you're adopting him as your godson? Besides..."

"How is it?" Zhu Houzhao looked over with great interest.

Qian Ning smiled and said, "To prove whether they are capable or not is actually very easy. Just send Tang Yin and the Prince of Ning's son to Xuanfu and let them support the battle at Zhangjiakou themselves. If they can return safely and even win a battle, wouldn't that prove they are not just all talk?"

The room fell silent the moment those words were spoken.

Jiang Bin was furious; he even thought Qian Ning had gone mad.

Zhu Houzhao broke the silence first, saying, "Are you saying that I won't personally lead the expedition, but instead send the Prince of Ning's son and Tang Yin? What kind of nonsense is this?"

Qian Ning said, "Don't the court officials not believe Tang Yin's prophecy? Let Tang Yin go in person. As for Prince Ning's son, let him prove his abilities in actual combat. After all, there are only half a month left until the day the prophecy foretold the Tatars to invade. Father will not have enough time to prepare after he goes there. It would be better to use this as a test for Tang Yin and Prince Ning's son."

"Commander Qian, what exactly are you trying to do?" Zhang Yong couldn't listen anymore.

Qian Ning continued, "Since His Majesty is currently unable to travel, who do you think would be most suitable to go, Eunuch Zhang?"

"This..." Zhang Yong hesitated.

Clearly, he himself did not want to go to Xuanfu to fight.

Winning doesn't necessarily help your status, but losing means falling out of favor!

Zhu Houzhao thought for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "If you put it that way, it does make some sense. But Tang Yin and the Prince of Ning's son are not officials in the court at all. Why should I let them lead troops? Even if I did give them the authority to lead troops, would the people below listen to them?"

Jiang Bin straightened up instantly and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Commander Qian's suggestion is utterly absurd."

Qian Ning stared coldly at Jiang Bin and said, "Shouldn't Father Emperor send someone he finds suitable to assist us?"

"Hey? Qian Ning, explain in detail!" Zhu Houzhao seemed to understand the key points instantly.

Qian Ning smiled and said, "Father, if you were to send one of your generals, such as your son, Jiang Bin, or Xu Tai, to Xuanfu to lead the troops, the court officials would certainly have many objections. But if you were to say that this is actually a test for Tang Yin, to see if he is truly capable, and agree that if Tang Yin's prediction is accurate this time, they will have to agree to let you lead the troops next time, wouldn't that be much more convincing?"

"Hmm." Zhu Houzhao nodded. "So, what you mean is, who should I send to assist Tang Yin?"

Qian Ning said, "Of course it's Governor Jiang! Isn't he the most capable general by your side? If he leads troops as a military commander and wins, it will bring honor to you, Father Emperor. Father Emperor might even grant him a title for this achievement! Moreover, with him around, there's no need to worry about Tang Yin and the Prince of Ning's son causing any trouble in the army."

Jiang Bin then realized that Qian Ning had been targeting him from the very beginning.

"Let Jiang Bin go... Let me think about it..." Zhu Houzhao's complexion was noticeably better than before.

He definitely can't go by himself this time, so he'll have to find someone to go in his place.

Sending Jiang Bin seems the most suitable option, with Tang Yin and Prince Ning's son Zhu Yi assisting from the sidelines. If they truly win the battle, it will not only prove that Tang Yin has the ability to predict the future, making it easier for him to personally lead the next expedition, but it will also help Jiang Bin gain merit... It could even allow Zhu Yi to be legitimately adopted as a puppet prince, which would be more conducive to him ignoring state affairs...

Get more in one fell swoop.

Zhu Houzhao asked, "Where are Tang Yin and the Prince of Ning's son now?"

Qian Ning laughed and said, "They just left in early April, so they should be able to reach their destination before the Battle of Zhangjiakou breaks out. Governor Jiang could go ahead first. Besides reorganizing the troops, wouldn't that be a good opportunity for Father Emperor to establish an outpost, win over the soldiers in the Northwest, and make it easier for Father Emperor to proceed to the next destination?"

"Excellent!" Zhu Houzhao exclaimed with delight.

Now there's an added benefit: Jiang Bin will pave the way for his personal military campaign in advance.

Jiang Bin was furious.

Qian Ning's suggestion would mean Jiang Bin would be far removed from the Emperor, and he himself would have to suffer in the Northwest? They say he'd be stationed at an outpost, but how long would that last? If the Emperor never went, would he be stuck in the Northwest forever? And eventually, would he even gain the Emperor's favor?

Qian Ning further stated, "We can also send Eunuch Zhang Yong to supervise the army, which would further solidify our victory."

Not only did they want to get rid of Jiang Bin, but they also wanted to get rid of Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong almost started cursing on the spot.

Zhu Houzhao said with great interest, "I didn't realize you, Qian Ning, were so quick-witted. Why don't we send Jiang Bin as the General of Xuanfu and Xu Tai as the Deputy General! Add Zhang Yong, and Tang Yin who can predict the future... Even if I don't go myself, I'll be very happy if you win."

Qian Ning quickly flattered, "Father is wise."

He has now become the target of public criticism.

But Qian Ning seemed completely unconcerned.

I killed three birds with one stone: I sent you all away to fight, while on the surface I was still helping you gain merit. Shouldn't you thank me?

As for your feeling that I've harmed you...

They're all petty-minded!

Such a great opportunity, I didn't even try to seize it myself!