Volume 1, Chapter 4: A Full-Scale Investigation

As long as Empress Ma investigated thoroughly, she would surely uncover some clues.

Just as Zhu Xiongying had suspected, no sooner had Xiao Cui stepped out the door than she was summoned by Empress Ma’s attendants.

“What did the Crown Prince’s grandson ask just now?” Empress Ma inquired gently, nodding slightly as she regarded the nervous Xiao Cui.

Upon hearing the Empress’s question, Xiao Cui hurriedly recounted everything she knew. When she learned what Zhu Xiongying had asked about, she immediately understood the suspicion the young prince harbored—namely, toward Lady Lü.

“That will do. You may leave now.” Empress Ma waved her hand dismissively. “Remember what to say and what not to say. I never summoned you here today.”

With that, she sent Xiao Cui away, her mind already formulating a plan. Since Xiongying had his doubts about Lady Lü, there must be reason behind it.

As for Lady Lü daring to plot against the imperial heir… such audacity was truly remarkable!

“Sister! I heard the Imperial Medical Bureau changed your medication?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked as soon as morning court ended, making his way straight toward Empress Ma’s Kunning Palace.

Her illness was not severe enough to mobilize the entire medical staff, and few in the palace were even aware of it. Had it not been for Zhu Xiongying possessing a special system, they wouldn’t have considered lung cancer.

When Zhu Biao and the others came to pay respects, the occasional cough was simply attributed to seasonal weakness.

Imperial physician Sun, personally appointed by Zhu Yuanzhang to oversee Empress Ma’s health, had been instructed to report any developments immediately.

From appetite and sleep to medication changes and prescriptions, nothing escaped his attention.

“It’s just a change in medication; no need to make such a fuss,” Empress Ma said lightly. “You’ve come at the right time—take a look at this new prescription.”

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang’s anxious expression, Empress Ma felt a flicker of sympathy. Then, as if recalling something, she picked up the prescription from the nearby table and handed it to him.

As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang took the paper, a frown crept across his face. He was adept at commanding armies, but reading medicinal scripts was a headache.

He was used to struggling through memorials, but this prescription…

“Sister, you know I have no medical knowledge at all,” he chuckled awkwardly.

He examined the paper several times but still couldn’t discern its meaning.

“Look more carefully.” Empress Ma snapped. “Are you really unable to recognize Xiongying’s handwriting?”

Zhu Yuanzhang froze momentarily at her words.

Before he could ask, Empress Ma recounted everything that had happened over the past few days: from Zhu Xiongying’s first visit to Kunning Palace after recovering, his self-taught medical knowledge, to his secret investigations into Lady Lü. Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression darkened with each detail.

“Lady Lü… she actually dared to make a move against my grandson!”

“Chang died early, and Biao had no intention of taking a new wife. Just a few days ago, he even came to discuss whether to elevate Lady Lü.”

“We thought her family background was clean, without the troubles of external relatives. For years, she managed the Eastern Palace properly, but secretly, she harbored such ambitions.”

At the end, Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly and slammed his hand on the table, his fury unmistakable.

The more he pondered, the more alarming it became.

When Zhu Biao ascended the throne, the crown prince would still be chosen by birthright.

If Zhu Xiongying were gone, Lady Chang could ascend from Eastern Palace consort to Empress, making her son, Zhu Yunwen, the legitimate eldest son.

How bold! What a cunning scheme!

“It must have been tough for Xiongying… he must have endured countless grievances under Lady Lü, forging such resolve.”

“I’m not one to meddle in the affairs of the women’s quarters, but Sister, you’ll have to keep a close watch.”

“If Lady Lü truly harms Xiongying, I will not let her escape punishment.”

“As for this prescription… if the Imperial Medical Bureau has checked it and found no problems, we can give it a try.”

After a long sigh, Zhu Yuanzhang subdued his anger and spoke calmly.

It seemed he could no longer afford to be a detached overseer; he must keep an eye on his grandchildren.

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiongying was unaware that Zhu Yuanzhang was already concerned about him.

In the Wenhua Hall, the Grand Tutor held a military treatise, his gaze resting on the young princes before him.

As the heir apparent, Zhu Xiongying’s lessons naturally included military strategy, with even the younger princes Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yunshuo listening attentively.

“War is the great matter of the state, a matter of life and death, the path to survival or destruction. One cannot be careless. The gravity of war affects the fate of the nation; the art of war requires caution.”

“Victory comes from the unexpected—deploy your main force to meet the enemy head-on, and use surprise troops to win. This is the essence of military strategy.”

“Your Highnesses may one day don armor and march to the battlefield; thus, understanding strategy is imperative.”

“Suppose the enemy approaches with overwhelming numbers, and our forces must defend the city, awaiting reinforcements.”

“How would you respond?”

The Grand Tutor nodded encouragingly.

Though young, these princes were of imperial blood, so such teachings were not premature.

At this, Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yunshuo flipped through their books and stumbled over their answers.

“According to the strategy, defend the city, deploy troops, concentrate strength, and await aid,” Zhu Yunwen answered softly, reading directly from the text.

“When the enemy is stronger, we seek stability first.”

Zhu Yunshuo followed quickly, his small face flushed from effort, unable to say more.

The Grand Tutor nodded in approval.

Though their understanding of strategy was still superficial, it was commendable for their age and deserved encouragement.

Just as the Grand Tutor contemplated how to guide the children further, Zhu Xiongying’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Defending the city and seeking stability are correct.”

“But if the enemy’s numbers far outnumber ours, the essence of strategy lies not only in counting troops but in understanding the enemy commander’s character.”

The tutor was momentarily stunned, then surprised by the insight.

“Who leads the enemy? What is his temperament? These are the keys to the outcome.”

“If the enemy commander is cautious, he will hesitate to attack recklessly.”

“In that case, we can feint in one direction and strike unexpectedly elsewhere, breaking his steady defense and confusing his judgment.”

“If the enemy commander is suspicious, we can employ the empty fort stratagem, making him believe we have a hidden army, causing him to falter.”