Volume One, Chapter Five: Ever-Shifting Transformations

"The art of war is ever-changing; one must ultimately judge how to proceed based on the actual circumstances."

Zhu Xiongying nodded slightly as he spoke, his eyes reflecting a sense of confidence and certainty. Though his words were delivered with an air of ease, they left everyone present looking solemn.

"A magnificent take on the art of war—it truly is ever-changing..."

"His Highness is correct. If one were truly on the battlefield, the use of troops is far more than just rigid rules; everything on the field is fluid."

"The path to victory lies in adapting to the enemy."

The Grand Tutor exhaled a long breath, his gaze fixed on Zhu Xiongying with irrepressible excitement. To possess such insight at such a young age, to look past the military manuals and strike at the core of the matter—he was a born commander!

They did not notice that it was not only the Grand Tutor; Zhu Biao, who had been listening from outside the door for some time, was also filled with astonishment. Listening to Zhu Xiongying’s methodical arguments, Zhu Biao felt his eyes grow misty. He was usually so occupied with state affairs that he rarely had time to oversee his children’s studies, and his visit to the Wenhua Hall today had been a brief respite from his duties. He had not expected that the child in his memory would already be at an age where he could discourse so eloquently on military strategy.

Thinking of this, Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment, but ultimately chose not to enter, leaving quietly so as not to disturb the lesson. Even after returning to the Eastern Palace study, his face remained lit with an irrepressible joy.

"Has Your Highness encountered some good news? You seem so happy."

Seeing Zhu Biao in such a state, Lady Lu could not help but show a hint of surprise in her eyes. If she recalled correctly, Zhu Biao had been overwhelmed by heavy state affairs recently; why had he suddenly changed today?

"I have just returned from the Wenhua Hall, having checked on the children's progress." Zhu Biao nodded slightly, clearly feeling very satisfied.

"Oh?"

"Yunwen was at the study hall today as well..."

Upon hearing this, Lady Lu’s eyes brightened. However, before she could finish her sentence, Zhu Biao interrupted her.

"Do you know, Xiongying, despite his young age, possesses unique insights into the art of war! Even the Grand Tutor praised him repeatedly, calling him a born commander!"

Zhu Biao spoke with a hearty laugh, failing to notice how Lady Lu’s expression suddenly stiffened.

"So that’s how it is..."

"I truly did not realize Xiongying had such talent. The child is quite unassuming, keeping his light hidden even from us."

Lady Lu offered a dry laugh in agreement, though the handkerchief clutched in her hand had already been twisted into a ball. While she praised Zhu Xiongying with her lips, her heart was already devising thousands of ways to be rid of him.

"Indeed, the child has grown up; we, as parents, need no longer worry. Since Xiongying is working so hard, I, as his father, must not fall behind."

Zhu Biao sat at his desk and pulled out a mountain of official documents, speaking with a touch of playfulness. At the thought of his child’s exceptional talent, he felt a surge of energy, as if he could bury himself in his work for three days and three nights. Seeing Zhu Biao’s earnest demeanor, Lady Lu took her leave, her heart filled with irritation. Although she wished for nothing more than to see Zhu Xiongying dead, her previous failed attempt made her afraid to act rashly. If a single move went wrong, she would face total ruin—not only for herself, but for Zhu Yunwen and the Lu family behind her.

What Lady Lu did not know, however, was that Empress Ma and Zhu Yuanzhang had already begun to grow suspicious of her past actions.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yuanzhang listened to the Grand Tutor’s report, his eyes filled with delight.

"Is that truly what Xiongying said?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, that is indeed what the Grand Imperial Grandson said. In this humble servant's opinion, the Grand Imperial Grandson possesses a high degree of talent and attainment in military affairs; he will surely be a famous general of his generation."

Ever since Empress Ma had suggested that Xiongying might have been harmed by Lady Lu, Zhu Yuanzhang had ordered people in the palace to keep a close watch on him and report any movement. He had not expected his dear grandson to possess such innate talent.

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang was rejoicing, Zhu Xiongying walked in.

"Your grandson pays respects to Grandfather."

After performing the salute, Zhu Xiongying bowed respectfully to the Grand Tutor: "Student pays respects to the Grand Tutor!"

Seeing Zhu Xiongying in such a state, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with great satisfaction. "The Grand Tutor said you performed well in the study hall today. Let me ask you: where did you learn those things?"

"Grandfather, those were my own thoughts. I only believe that while military manuals are good, if one merely copies them blindly, one will surely never win a battle."

"Well said!"

Both the Grand Tutor and Zhu Yuanzhang could not help but nod. At Zhu Xiongying’s age, being able to reach this level of understanding was no small feat.

"Then let me ask you: if you were to lead an army, where do you think the key to victory lies?"

Zhu Xiongying knew Zhu Yuanzhang was testing him, so he replied: "I believe that when two armies engage, while numbers, equipment, and provisions are all important, they are not the most critical factors."

"The most critical factor is the human heart!"

"Oh?" Zhu Yuanzhang’s interest was piqued.

"If one wins with superior numbers, it only proves the commander made no mistakes. Yet, throughout history, the battles that remain in the annals of time are often those won by the few against the many. Such commanders share a common trait: they are adept at controlling the human heart."

"The Hegemon of Western Chu, Xiang Yu, burned his ships to force his soldiers to fight to the death—that was using the human heart. Zhuge Kongming was able to deceive Sima Yi with the Empty Fort Strategy because he knew Sima Yi was naturally suspicious."

"Furthermore, controlling the human heart is not just about the enemy’s commanders; one must also know how to control one's own subordinates and understand how to employ people. Military campaigns are a contest between commanders; it is like a game of chess. Soldiers, provisions, and the hearts of men... these are all chess pieces. But the one who ultimately wins is the player. Therefore, the human heart is the most important element. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated!"

After Zhu Xiongying finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang was struck dumb. What Zhu Xiongying had described was exactly the hard-won wisdom he had gained from his years of fighting across the land. Whether it was his rise from being alone to gathering a vast following, or his later pacification of Chen Youliang and Zhang Shicheng, he, Zhu Chongba, never believed he was simply more formidable than them. His only path to victory was that he understood his opponents too well; he could guess their next move and deploy his forces accordingly.

While many might understand these principles, very few could truly put them into practice. Yet, at such a young age, Zhu Xiongying had laid bare their very essence. How could Zhu Yuanzhang not be astonished?