Chapter Twenty-Three: Let's Proceed According to Your Instructions!

After leaving the imperial palace, Zhu Yunwen invited Fang Xiaoru to the Prince of Xian’s mansion, his heart still racing with wild delight. Although he already had a mentor in Huang Zicheng—with whom he was quite satisfied—he certainly would not object to having another. In this era, the bond between teacher and student was of paramount importance. Given Fang Xiaoru’s lofty status in the eyes of the scholarly community, securing him as a mentor would undoubtedly rally even more support from the literati. While Zhu Yuntong had gained the Emperor’s favor by presenting a rotary printing press, Zhu Yunwen felt that acquiring such a prestigious mentor was a victory in its own right.

Zhu Yunwen was beaming, treating Fang Xiaoru with exceptional reverence. Upon their arrival, Huang Zicheng, having heard the news, came out to welcome them. After an exchange of pleasantries, the three retired to the inner chamber to be seated.

Zhu Yunwen bowed and said, "In the days to come, I hope for your extensive guidance, Master."

Fang Xiaoru returned the gesture, replying, "Since His Majesty has appointed me as an Academician of the Hanlin Academy and your tutor, I shall naturally spare no effort in assisting you, Your Highness. As the eldest imperial grandson, you are destined to ascend the throne and govern the Great Ming. To assist you is to serve the future Emperor of our realm."

Zhu Yunwen found these words deeply gratifying. Elated, he added, "My third brother is currently highly favored by our Imperial Grandfather and received rewards again today. With the Emperor granting us both titles and our uncles remaining in the capital rather than returning to their fiefs, the future remains uncertain."

Fang Xiaoru shook his head. "Not so. Since His Majesty has granted titles to both you and your brother, the successor will surely be chosen from among the two of you. The Princes of Qin, Jin, and Yan may harbor their own ambitions for the throne, but as long as His Majesty lives, they cannot stir up trouble. In my view, the only one you need to concern yourself with is the Prince of Wu."

Huang Zicheng chimed in, "Master Fang’s thoughts mirror my own. I wonder, does Master have a strategy to help the Prince of Xian secure the succession and stabilize the Ming Empire?"

Fang Xiaoru stroked his beard, pondering in silence. After a long while, he asked, "I hear that the Commander of the Jinyiwei, Jiang Huan, was recently ordered by His Majesty to forfeit three months of salary. Is this true?"

Although Fang had not held office until now, his high standing among scholars allowed him a vast network of connections. Few knew of Jiang Huan’s penalty, yet such matters could not be hidden from the Ministry of Revenue, which oversaw the disbursement of salaries. As the Ministry was dominated by civil officials, word had reached Fang.

"That is correct!" Zhu Yunwen nodded. "I heard from a eunuch close to my Grandfather that Jiang Huan attempted to pledge his loyalty to my third brother and encouraged him to collude with military figures like the Duke of Liang for illicit purposes. My third brother refused and reported him, which is why the Emperor punished him."

Fang Xiaoru chuckled. "If Jiang had truly harbored such intentions, given His Majesty’s temperament, he would have been executed long ago. Why would the Emperor keep him around and impose such a trivial penalty? It seems likely that his supposed attempt to defect to your brother was merely a test ordered by the Emperor."

Zhu Yunwen and Huang Zicheng exchanged glances. "Master is truly perceptive," Zhu said. "We hold the same view. As the Commander of the Jinyiwei, Jiang is a trusted confidant of the Emperor. If he were truly disloyal, the Emperor would never tolerate him. His attempt to join my brother was likely a ruse."

Fang Xiaoru nodded slightly. "Precisely. Since the Prince of Wu publicly demanded the status of heir, how could the Emperor not be suspicious? Using Jiang to test him is only logical."

Huang Zicheng sighed, "It is a pity the Prince of Wu is so vigilant; nothing was uncovered."

"The boy acts recklessly and defies propriety," Fang observed, "yet he is sharp-minded and talented—how else could he write such poetry? However, if a person lacks integrity, talent is useless and even dangerous. Your Highness, though you share brotherhood, the state knows no private ties. You must no longer view him as a brother, but as a rival. His recommendation of me as your tutor today was merely a performance. My heart is clear; I will not let his recommendation influence my public duty, and you must discard any lingering sentimentality. He has openly challenged you for the succession; treat him as an enemy."

Zhu Yunwen stood up and bowed deeply. "Your instruction is sound, Master. I understand. Since the day he requested the succession in the great hall, our fraternal bond has been severed. I only maintain this facade of kindness because our Grandfather wishes not to see us at odds. I play the part of the respectful elder solely to please him."

Fang Xiaoru nodded, praising him, "To possess such resolve at your age is the mark of a true sovereign! The Ming Empire belongs to you." His tone shifted. "Your uncles, the Princes of Qin, Jin, and Yan, are not to be trifled with, and others may also covet the throne. As long as the succession is undecided, the court will remain unstable. I believe His Majesty will not leave this question hanging for long—perhaps one or two months, three at most. We are at a critical juncture."

Fang continued, "The Emperor’s use of Jiang to test the Prince of Wu proves his distrust. We can exploit this."

Zhu Yunwen leaned forward, asking urgently, "How should we proceed?"

"Through two channels, one overt and one covert," Fang replied. "Openly, we shall manufacture a wave of public opinion, praising the Prince of Wu as the true dragon reborn, destined for the throne. Since he has openly demanded the empire, he cannot refuse our support. The greater the noise, the better. This will force the Princes of Qin, Jin, and Yan to turn their sights upon him, making him the target of all. Privately, we shall gather evidence of his misconduct—his collusion with the Dukes of Liang and Kai—to implicate him in treason. If we cannot find real evidence, we shall forge it. Once presented to the Emperor, the matter will be settled."

Huang Zicheng clapped his hands. "I had heard of your brilliance, Master, but seeing it firsthand is even more impressive. With this two-pronged strategy, how can we fail?"

Zhu Yunwen was overjoyed, bowing once more. "Obtaining you, Master, is like Liu Bei gaining Zhuge Liang. The clouds have parted, and I can now rest easy. Let us proceed exactly as you have advised!"