Chapter 1: The Crown Prince Sets Out for Battle

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“Report, Your Majesty. The Northern Di tribes have violated our border, committing arson, murder, and plunder. They have already slaughtered over twenty thousand of our border citizens. This is the critical period for spring sowing, and their actions have severely disrupted the peasants’ agricultural production. If we do not launch a northern campaign now, this year’s harvest will be less than a tenth of normal, inevitably leading to a year of great famine. Your Majesty’s health is paramount; please preside over the court. General Tong Dasheng of the Northern Ming Army is injured and recuperating. Your son wishes to lead the troops in battle. I vow not to return to court until the Northern Di are defeated. I humbly seek your approval.” The Crown Prince Jingyi spoke with sorrow and indignation, then handed over the memorial.

“I concur.”

“I concur.”

More than half the ministers in court knelt and voiced their agreement.

Emperor Hong opened the memorial and glanced over it briefly. Inside, he was deeply shocked. His own health had been frail, requiring over three months of recuperation. The Crown Prince was acting as regent, and most officials in court now looked to him for leadership. Even urgent border reports were first presented to the Crown Prince.

Unconsciously, Emperor Hong clenched his fists tightly, hiding them within his sleeves. A cold gleam flashed in his eyes as he suddenly slammed the table and rose: “The Northern Di barbarians have grown too bold, disturbing our borders every spring and autumn, stealing our grains. Crown Prince, this time, strike hard and strike to kill. Make them suffer and fear us…”

The Crown Prince received the order and led 80,000 elite Dragon Vanguard troops to march out. Half a month later, the soldiers marched with heroic resolve toward the frontier. The Crown Prince had never suffered defeat.

Within the Palace of Mental Cultivation:

“Eunuch Wang, please inform the Emperor at once. There is an urgent military matter that requires immediate audience,” the Second Prince Jingwei said anxiously.

“Your Highness, the Emperor has just recovered and has already retired. This servant dares not disturb His Majesty’s rest. Please forgive us and spare us from trouble,” Wang Dehai, the Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Palace Ceremonies, replied reluctantly.

“Eunuch Wang, it is a matter of state, extremely urgent.” Jingwei handed over a stack of silver notes.

“His Majesty, the Second Prince requests a late-night audience.” Wang said cautiously.

“Second Prince at this hour?,” Emperor Hong asked with suspicion.

“Yes,”

“Bring him to the Imperial Study; I will arrive shortly.”

“Very well.”

Emperor Hong furrowed his brows slightly as he entered the Imperial Study.

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Jingwei knelt anxiously, trembling as he called out, “Father…”

Emperor Hong raised his right hand to silence him and cast a glance at Wang Dehai, who understood and quietly withdrew. Inside the study hung several birdcages with canaries the Crown Prince Jingyi had presented during the Emperor’s convalescence.

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