Chapter 61: Lv Ben

After teaching for half an hour, Zhu Yong let them rest.

The five boys were exhausted and slumped on the ground, but Zhu Di remained standing, holding his spear and continuing to train.

Zhu Biao walked over, patted Zhu Di's shoulder and said, "Fifth Prince, take a break."

"Elder Brother, I'm not tired," Zhu Di said, wiping his sweat, "Second Prince says martial training must be diligent."

Zhu Biao laughed, "Diligence also requires proper method; don't exhaust yourself and get injured."

Just then, Hu Bo reported, "Your Highness, General Chang has arrived."

As soon as the words finished, Chang Yuchun's booming voice came from outside, "Shiniu! I'm here!"

Chang Yuchun strode into the Yan Wu Chang, saw so many people, and paused, "Yo, it's so lively."

"Uncle Chang," Zhu Yong greeted him.

Chang Yuchun patted his shoulder, "I heard you're teaching the younger brothers martial arts; I'm here to take a look."

After speaking, he looked toward Zhu Shuang and the others, "How are the Princes training?"

Zhu Shuang, with a weary face, said, "General Chang, I'm exhausted..."

"Being tired is right! There's no martial training without fatigue. Back in the day when I fought alongside your father, we marched a hundred li in a day—that's true exhaustion," Chang Yuchun laughed heartily.

Zhu Biao laughed, "General Chang, why do you have time to come today?"

"I came to discuss something with Shiniu, but it's not urgent; you all train first," Chang Yuchun said, unabashedly using Zhu Yong's old name.

Zhu Biao and the others, knowing Chang Yuchun's temperament, said nothing.

Zhu Yong told the five younger brothers, "That's all for today; tomorrow at the Mao hour we continue. Anyone late will have to train an extra half hour."

"Yes!" the five replied in unison, each rubbing their arms and legs as they left.

After they left, Chang Yuchun said, "Shiniu, yesterday Tiande and I were summoned by His Majesty and saw that map… Shiniu, where did that map come from?"

The more Chang Yuchun spoke, the more excited he became.

For these military officials, the map is a divine artifact!

Zhu Yong was startled, recalling that it was the World Map and globe obtained during sign‑in on New Year's Day of Hongwu Third Year.

He hadn't used it either, so he presented it straight to Zhu Yuanzhang, who was so shocked he remained silent for a long while; later he stored the items away, saying they'd be used when the time was right, essentially just copying a few copies.

"Uncle Chang, I don't understand that map either; it just looks nicely drawn," Zhu Yong said with a simple smile.

"I may not get it, but the places marked on that map… I heard the Emperor mention there's Wa Country silver, America gold and silver, Australia ranches… Honestly, the world is vast, and Great Ming only occupies a small piece."

Zhu Biao, listening nearby, whispered, "General Chang, this matter has been arranged by the Imperial Father; we just follow."

"Yes, yes, yes, I'm just curious, Shiniu, if those places truly exist, should we go conquer them?" Chang Yuchun said, rubbing his hands.

Zhu Yong scratched his head, "Uncle Chang, war costs money, and besides, Northern Yuan hasn't been fully eradicated yet."

"That's true, but I was just thinking… Fine, never mind that, I came to you for another matter," Chang Yuchun said, nodding.

"What matter?"

Chang Yuchun frowned, "The Mongol troops under his command have clashed with ours a few times; although it never escalated, it's still a hidden risk."

Zhu Biao, hearing that, said solemnly, "General Chang, please elaborate on this matter."

Chang Yuchun replied, "After Wang Baobao surrendered, he still commands over thirty thousand men; the Emperor assigned him to garrison Da Tong. These Mongol troops are accustomed to the wild, their discipline clashes with ours. Last month, over a water source, they almost fought the Da Tong Guard."

Although Wang Baobao suppressed it, I still feel… uneasy.

Zhu Yong thought for a moment and asked, "Uncle Chang, do you think Wang Baobao will rebel?"

"Not likely; Wang Baobao is clever and knows rebellion brings no benefit, but those under his command… hard to say."

Zhu Biao pondered briefly, "I will report this to the Imperial Father, but General Chang, since Wang Baobao has surrendered, we should treat him with sincerity and not be overly suspicious."

"I know, that's why I came to Shiniu; you're close with Wang Baobao, his sister is still in the palace—maybe you can subtly inquire?"

Chang Yuchun opened his inquiry, "

Zhu Yong nodded, "Alright, I'll find a chance to ask Guanyin Nu."

"That's good," Chang Yuchun patted him, "Alright, I'm leaving, you all continue."

After seeing off Chang Yuchun, Zhu Biao said to Zhu Yong, "Second Brother, keep a close eye on Wang Baobao; he can be useful, but must be guarded against."

"I understand," Zhu Yong said.

The two brothers chatted a while longer, then Zhu Biao left with Chang Wan.

Zhu Yong returned to his room, and Xiao Zhu brought breakfast.

He ate congee, but his mind lingered on what Chang Yuchun had said.

Wang Baobao… that famed Northern Yuan general, has been compliant since surrendering, yet those under his command are indeed hard to control.

While pondering, a voice from outside, Xiao Ying, called, "Prince, Guanyin Nu has arrived."

Zhu Yong set down his bowl and said, "Please let her in."

Guanyin Nu entered, wearing a light cyan dress today, which made her complexion appear even whiter.

Seeing Zhu Yong having breakfast, she whispered, "I apologize for disturbing the Prince."

"No trouble, have you eaten?" Zhu Yong asked.

"I've already eaten. Today the Empress sent me out of the palace on business, and passing by Wu Wang Fu I thought I'd stop by," Guanyin Nu said with a smile.

Zhu Yong offered her a seat, and Xiao Zhu brought tea again.

After sipping tea twice, Zhu Yong asked, "How is your elder brother lately… all right?"

Guanyin Nu nodded, "My brother sent a letter the day before yesterday, saying all is well in Da Tong, except… some of his men are not very obedient."

Zhu Yong felt a stir and said, "In what way are they disobedient…?"

She said softly, "Some of the old troops are accustomed to the Grassland's customs, can't adapt to Great Ming's military discipline; my brother expressed great distress in his letter, saying they can't fight nor scold, fearing trouble."

Zhu Yong thought and said, "Tell him, if it truly doesn't work, request an imperial decree to trim the army, dispersing those who won't obey and keeping only those willing to follow the rules."

Guanyin Nu's eyes lit up, "That's a solution… I will write a letter to inform my brother."

The two talked for a while longer, and Guanyin Nu took her leave.

After seeing Guanyin Nu off, Zhu Yong sat in the courtyard, staring blankly.

Hu Bo walked over: "Prince, what are you thinking?"

"Prince..." Hu Bo saw him staring blankly and couldn't help calling softly again.

Zhu Yong snapped back and replied, "It's nothing, I was just daydreaming."

Zhu Yong thought of those who wanted to rebel, shook his head, because they were of the same clan; Wang Baobao could not bring himself to act against them, and if Chang Yuchun and the like were present, they would probably already be dead in large numbers.

That same evening, Lu's residence.

The study was brightly lit; Lv Ben sat at the Main Seat, with a few Jiangnan‑born civil officials seated below him.

"Lord Lu, I heard the Crown Prince is about to have his Crown Prince Marriage?" a tall, thin civil official asked.

Lv Ben nodded and said, "Word has spread from the palace: the Emperor has issued an edict that this October the Crown Prince will take Chang Wan, daughter of Chang Yuchun, as his Crown Princess."

"Chang Yuchun… a Western Huai military commander, a coarse man; how could his daughter be worthy of the Crown Prince?" another round‑faced civil official frowned.

Lv Ben glanced at him and said, "Chang Yuchun is a Founding Merit Official; the Emperor values him, and his daughter becoming Crown Princess is only natural."

"But the Crown Princess will become the Mother of the Nation; she cannot come from a military family. We Jiangnan women, educated and refined, gentle and virtuous, are the proper choice for Mother of the Nation," the tall, thin official said.

Lv Ben said nothing, lifted his tea cup, and drank slowly.

The round‑faced official lowered his voice, "Lord Lu, your daughter is fourteen this year, of perfect marrying age, both talented and beautiful; if she could enter the Crown Prince's Residence…"

Lv Ben set down his tea cup and said, "The Crown Princess is already decided; drop the matter."

"The Crown Princess is settled, but what about the Prince's Side Concubine! When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the three palaces and six courts will always need a place for a Jiangnan woman.

If Lord Lu could send his daughter into the Crown Prince's Residence, she might later bear a Prince… there's certainly a chance," the tall, thin official continued.

Lv Ben felt something stir in his heart.

He indeed had a daughter, named Lu Chan, fourteen this year, beautiful, and proficient in qin, chess, calligraphy and painting—she was his carefully nurtured child.

If she could be sent into the Crown Prince's Residence…

"But that girl Chang Wan has been childhood sweethearts with the Crown Prince; their bond is strong, and Chang Yuchun is powerful—hard to offend," Lv Ben said slowly.

"Chang Yuchun is a military commander; while the Emperor is alive it's fine, but later… Moreover, we Jiangnan gentry are kin; if Lord Lu wishes, we will naturally assist," the round‑faced official said meaningfully.

Lv Ben remained silent for a long while, then said, "This matter… must be considered carefully; the Crown Prince Marriage is imminent, we cannot act rashly."

"Yes, yes, yes, we understand," the others hurriedly replied.

After discussing some court trivialities for a while, the civil officials took their leave.

After seeing the guests off, Lv Ben sat alone in the study, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

Having his daughter enter the Crown Prince's Residence… might not be impossible.

The Crown Prince Zhu Biao is benevolent and values civil governance; if his daughter could win the Crown Prince's favor and bear a Prince…

The benevolent Crown Prince has won the people's hearts; even an old fox like Lv Ben has always thought the Crown Prince to be righteous.

When the Crown Prince eventually ascends the throne, if Chang Wan's son proves incompetent, or… meets some mishap…

A flash of cunning lit Lv Ben's eyes.

But the matter cannot be rushed; it must be plotted slowly.

He rose and walked to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the night sky.

The Jiangnan gentry have been suppressed by the Western Huai military commanders for so many years; it is time to turn the tide, and Great Ming has not been friendly to these aristocratic families, whereas Northern Yuan's policies are better for them!

And the first step of this reversal may lie within the deep palace.

Lv Ben silently sipped his wine, then his mouth curled slowly.