Chapter 834: Why haven

Xiao Jieyun raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Tell me."

Xiao Ze took out a sea map from his sleeve and slowly unfurled it on the imperial desk.

On the map, the outline of Taiwan Island was clearly visible, with several sea routes marked around it.

"Father Emperor, I have recently consulted several volumes from the Ministry of War and civilian sources, and also examined the old records of the previous dynasty's Maritime Trade Office."

Xiao Ze's finger landed on the map: "The Red-haired Barbarians' homeland, Europe, lies tens of thousands of li from the Central Plains."

"They crossed the ocean to the East relying on naval warfare."

Xiao Ze's finger traced several red dots on the sea map: "Whenever they arrive somewhere, they seek a strategic island to serve as a port, building a city and fort."

"From there they spread their trade routes outward."

"The reason they occupy Taiwan is precisely because they can ship Eastern goods from here, through the Japan Sea, then via the South Sea Passage, heading west all the way to Europe."

He withdrew his hand, looking at the Emperor: "They dominate the seas with huge ships and heavy cannons."

"But precisely because of that, their sea route stretches ten thousand li, making it hard to defend both ends; the garrison at each port is actually very limited."

"According to what I know, the Red-haired Barbarians' total forces in Taiwan number less than ten thousand; of those, the true Dutch are fewer than half, the rest being local natives."

Xiao Yuanhang nodded slightly.

The three brothers exchanged a glance.

Xiao Ningxun whispered: "The Seventh Prince has indeed been working hard these days."

Xiao Ze continued: "I think there's no need to rush into military action."

"The Red-haired Barbarians occupy Taiwan for the purpose of profiting from trade."

"They take Taiwan's deerskin and gold sand, as well as porcelain and silk purchased from the Central Plains, and sell them by sea to Europe, reaping huge profits."

He pointed at the label "Dagang Port" on the map: "I propose we first go to the island as merchants to learn their procurement and shipping routes."

"Cut off their trade routes, leaving them with goods they cannot export and silver they cannot earn, making their business impossible."

"In that way, Taiwan would become like a rib of little use to them—a burdensome outpost overseas."

Xiao Ze drew a semicircle on the sea map, encircling the waters around Taiwan Island: "When the time is ripe, our navy will again use military threats to encircle the island, seal the port, and cut off their maritime supplies."

"That way we can recover our lost territory without sacrificing our soldiers."

"'Winning hearts is supreme; taking cities is secondary.' Xiao Yuanhang nodded slowly: 'The Red-haired Barbarians come a thousand miles just for wealth, not to fight to the death.'"

"The Seventh Prince's plan is feasible—first cut off their finances, then overwhelm them with troops."

"The Red-haired Barbarians will not want to die defending an isolated island; they will collapse without being attacked."

Xiao Ningxun interjected: "Cutting off the fuel beneath the pot saves more effort than a head‑on clash."

Xiao Ningchen also nodded: "To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest strategy."

Xiao Jieyun's face lit with great pleasure, he clapped his hands: "Excellent! I never wanted to add more weapons of war."

"When war breaks out, the people suffer; if we can recover our land without fighting, that would be best of all."

He looked at Xiao Ze: "Old Seven, this campaign is yours to plan fully. Ask for whatever you need."

Xiao Ze replied: "I will obey your order."

Xiao Ningxun smiled slightly: "Now Tuan Tuan will be happy—no war, she loves wandering mountains and waters."

Xiao Jieyun recalled Tuan Tuan reciting the Three Character Classic and couldn't help laughing: "Yes. But I see Lord Song's expression—he must regret taking Tuan Tuan as his student."

Everyone laughed loudly.

At the same moment, Tuan Tuan, Xiao Jin, and Xiao Lin were running around in the Imperial Garden, laughter scattering along the way.

A few eunuchs and palace maids stood far off to the side.

Tuan Tuan suddenly recalled that she had met Snow Tuan here that day.

Right, Mother said the Empress had given birth to a younger brother.

She stopped: "Let's go together to the Phoenix Ritual Palace, okay?"

"I haven't seen Snow Tuan in a long time—have you seen the Empress's newborn younger brother? I haven't gone to look yet!"

Xiao Lin shook his head: "Snow Tuan doesn't seem to come out to play much; I haven't seen her in ages, and I've never seen the thirteenth brother."

Xiao Jin nodded: "Me too."

Tuan Tuan didn't understand: "Why? Isn't he your brother?"

Xiao Lin thought: "Mother Consort said the thirteenth brother was just born not long ago, and she doesn't let me disturb him."

Xiao Jin also said: "My Mother Consort says the same—we must wait until the thirteenth brother is older before we can see him."

"You've really never seen him?" Tuan Tuan exclaimed, grabbing both of their hands: "Then it's perfect—let's go take a look together!"

The three little ones dashed out of the Imperial Garden toward the Phoenix Ritual Palace.

Before they reached the gate of the Phoenix Ritual Palace, the eunuch at the door saw them running over, hurried forward, and bowed: "Your servant greets the Princess, the Eleventh Prince, and the Twelfth Prince."

"Is the Empress in? I've come to see the younger brother and Snow Tuan!"

The eunuch hurriedly replied: "Please wait a moment while I report this."

After saying that, he waved his hand, and a little eunuch stationed at the door sprinted inside.

Not long after, he emerged: "Please follow me."

The three little ones hopped and skipped into the Phoenix Ritual Palace.

Si Yu came out from the inner hall to greet them.

She smiled sweetly as she bowed: "Your Highnesses, the Empress has just received some excellent pastries, all sent by express horse from Jiangnan, and she intended to send them to your palaces."

"How fortunate you've arrived—would you like to try them here first?"

"Attendant! Bring out the pastries and honey water!"

"Yes!"

Xiao Lin's eyes lit up: "What snack?"

"There is chestnut flour cake, honey‑marinated plums, and also crispy fried little silver fish." Si Yu smiled gently, "But they're each a unique portion in the Palace."

Xiao Lin tugged Xiao Jin's sleeve: "I want to eat."

Xiao Jin asked, "What about Tuan Tuan? Does she have any?"

"Of course there is," Si Yu replied without missing a beat, "It's just that the Princess's portion— the Empress ordered extra, so the Princess can take it back to the Prince's Mansion to taste together with the Prince and Princess Consort."

As she spoke, the snacks, tea, and honey water were laid out on a table.

Si Yu said, "Your Highnesses, please start eating; the Princess rarely enters the Palace, and I will escort her inside to pay respects to the Empress."

Xiao Jin glanced at Tuan Tuan, then at Si Yu: "Alright, Tuan Tuan, you go ahead; we'll stay here and have some snacks first."

"Mm."

Tuan Tuan took Si Yu's hand: "Where is little brother?"

Si Yu led her into the inner hall.

The hall was scented with a faint calming incense, the curtain was half drawn, and soft sunlight spilled onto the cradle.

Murong Jin was sitting at the edge of the cradle, eyes fixed on the child inside.

Hearing footsteps, she lifted her head, a gentle smile appearing on her face: "Tuan Tuan's here? Come quickly."

"Empress!" Tuan Tuan ran to the cradle's edge, her tiny hands gripping the rim, tiptoeing to look inside.

Xiao Che was lying flat inside, wearing a moon‑white nightgown, his little hands curled into tiny fists, his big eyes blinking at her.

Tuan Tuan stared with wide eyes, and after a moment exclaimed, "He's so tiny!"

She extended a finger, gently touching Xiao Che's little fist.

Xiao Che's fingers slightly opened, softly hooking her fingertip.

"He caught me!" Tuan Tuan exclaimed delightedly, looking up at Murong Jin, "Little brother is so cute!"

Murong Jin watched her careful demeanor, a warm glimmer in his eyes: "Che'er is still too young now; when he grows a bit, he'll be able to play with you."

Tuan Tuan gently touched Xiao Che's little cheek again: "Empress, he's so soft!"

"Are his little feet also this tiny?"

Murong Jin smiled, "Of course!"

After speaking, she herself lifted the brocade blanket and opened the swaddle: "Look."

Tuan Tuan looked and said, "Wow! So cute!"

Murong Jin smiled, restoring everything to its original state: "Now, Che'er is the lifeline of my Palace."

Tuan Tuan stared for a while longer, then withdrew her hand, still lingering in delight.

She looked left and right: "Huh, Eleven and Twelve? Why haven't they come in yet?"

Murong Jin's smile faltered slightly.