Chapter 18: Father, What Will You Use to Win?

“I know you don’t believe me, Father, so let’s work this out and see just how much chance you really have. This will also help you understand why Grandfather suppresses, fears, and distrusts Elder Brother.” Zhu Zhanhe looked at his father with a complicated expression, reluctant to speak but compelled to awaken his father’s clarity. Then he continued.

“Father, listen carefully. I’ll explain from several angles and see if what I say holds any truth.

First: The civil officials’ influence. Since the Yongle era until now, all local officials either come from Elder Brother’s household or were promoted through the imperial examinations by him. The connections are obvious. It can be said that the entire civil bureaucracy of the Ming Dynasty belongs to Elder Brother’s faction! Moreover, Grandfather has been away on campaigns for years, so all court affairs, big or small, are managed by Elder Brother. Tell me, between Grandfather and Elder Brother, whose words hold more weight right now? This is Grandfather’s concern. And you, Father, have no advantage here because you have no support from the civil officials. Can a country be governed without the civil officials? Can it be done, Father?

Second: Military power. All military command is concentrated in Grandfather’s hands. Of course, you, Father, have fought many battles and have your own troops, but don’t forget, Grandfather personally mentors Prince Zhanji, who is well known among the army. Coupled with Elder Brother’s benevolent governance, who do you think they will side with at a crucial moment? Grandfather holds absolute authority here, and between you and Elder Brother, you have only a slight advantage—but that advantage can be stripped away by Grandfather at any time! Do you understand?

Third: Grandfather’s approval. Father, forgive me for speaking bluntly, but Grandfather is a military man through and through, with a martial mindset. When it comes to governance, he applies the same principles. Elder Brother, favored since childhood by Great Grandfather and having briefly served as regent under him, represents a classical scholar-official approach to ruling—a perfect complement to Grandfather’s military style. Their cooperation is deeply harmonious. Grandfather understands this well, which is why Elder Brother has been entrusted with the regency rather than you or Third Uncle.

Furthermore, our family’s roots lie in rebellion. Even if we set aside Elder Brother’s abilities, Grandfather would still choose him for the sake of orderly succession. Not to mention that Prince Zhanji is now in the picture. You’re simply not part of the equation unless something unspeakable happens to Elder Brother. But even then, Grandfather has been grooming Prince Zhanji. You hold no advantage whatsoever.

Fourth: Court faction support. Even if you want to act, Father, you cannot ignore the court factions. You have no chance here. Since Grandmother passed, the inner palace has been managed by Elder Brother’s wife, who even holds the phoenix seal. You have only maintained your current position by constantly spreading gold beans. Tell me, Father, whose side are the eunuchs and palace guards on now or likely to be in the future? Even if you make a move, where will their loyalties lie?

Fifth: The support of the regional princes. Father, ascending to the throne requires the recognition of the regional princes. Between you and Elder Brother, who do you think they would choose? Elder Brother is benevolent and has ruled as regent for many years. Have you ever heard a single objection from any prince? You, a military man like Grandfather—decisive and ruthless—if it were you, who do you think the princes would support?

Father, when you consider the civil officials, military commanders, palace factions, regional princes, and even Grandfather himself, you only hold a slight advantage in the military, and that’s fragile—subject to being revoked at any moment by Grandfather! In all other respects, you have no advantage! Even popular rumor favors Elder Brother overwhelmingly. So where does your confidence come from? How do you expect to win?” Zhu Zhanhe’s words struck Prince Han Zhu Gao-xu like a bomb detonating within, shattering his heart completely.

After hearing his son’s clear and logical reasoning, Prince Han was utterly broken.

But Zhu Zhanhe was not finished with his piercing words; he pressed on.

“Elder Brother’s position—though not officially heir apparent—is effectively that of the senior ruler. Though called regent, he truly governs the realm.

And Father, haven’t you noticed? When Grandfather leads the charge, he truly resembles a Northern General. So tell me, Father, with what will you win?” Zhu Zhanhe’s final words, “Northern General,” were spoken with utmost seriousness. The subsequent remark that Zhu Gao-chih truly wields the throne was weighty indeed, and these final words drove Prince Han to collapse emotionally.

“Ha ha ha ha—” Prince Han laughed suddenly after a brief pause, tears streaming down his face, his voice full of sorrow. After about a cup of tea’s time, he ceased laughing, swaying unsteadily as if about to fall.

“Father—” Seeing his father falter, Zhu Zhanhe quickly stepped forward to support him and help him sit down, but Prince Han pushed him away.

“My Prince—” Lady Wei, the Princess Consort, had been stunned by her son’s shocking words, but hearing her husband’s near breakdown and laughter brought her to her senses. She hurried to soothe him by massaging his chest and helping him breathe.

“I’m fine,” Prince Han finally regained composure after a moment, expressionless but complex as he looked at his son and spoke softly.

Then Prince Han stepped forward, staring intently at his son as if seeing a stranger, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

“Zhanhe, how did you see through it?” Perhaps recovering from his grief or having come to some realization, Prince Han seemed transformed—sitting boldly in his chair, exuding the aura of a seasoned general plotting strategy. His tone was gentle but firm, leaving no room for refusal.

“Historical records,” Zhu Zhanhe answered respectfully, puzzled by his father’s sudden change. Could it be that his words truly made his father see reason? he wondered silently.

“Historical records? Ha ha ha! You actually say historical records?” Prince Han laughed heartily, a strange look on his face as he regarded his son. He knew his son loved reading history but had never realized his son’s exceptional talent.

“Zhanhe, since the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors until now, the historical texts are vast as smoke and clouds. I have read them since I was a child. Do you know what I took from them?” Prince Han gazed seriously into his son’s face.

Before Zhu Zhanhe could reply, Prince Han spoke first.

“When I was six years old, I read a truth from history. Now I tell you: strive to be emperor! From ancient times to now, the historical records teach me to fight for the throne! Son, do you understand?” Prince Han’s eyes shone with heroic passion, staring toward the imperial palace like a commanding general on the battlefield, his voice loud and proud.

“So, son, what did you learn?” After his fervor, Prince Han turned serious and questioned his son.

“Then, Father, you still haven’t given up on your ambition, have you?” Seeing his father’s expression, Zhu Zhanhe realized all his arguments were for naught. He hadn’t moved Prince Han one bit; if anything, his father’s resolve seemed even firmer. “I’ve only made things worse,” Zhu Zhanhe thought bitterly.

“Father is asking you; answer me.” Prince Han’s gaze remained fixed, clearly unwilling to relent.

“Well, Father, if you ask like that, I’ve seen a lot—an entire heap!” Seeing his father’s earnest eyes, Zhu Zhanhe knew he had dug his own hole. His outstanding display had only fueled his father’s fighting spirit. What a nightmare!

“I have plenty of time. Tell me.” Now fully engaged, Prince Han discovered his son might truly be a prodigy, no less gifted than the eldest son of the main branch, perhaps even surpassing him in many ways. He was eager now to put his son to the test.

Lady Wei was bewildered. Just moments ago, father and son had been at each other’s throats—crying and laughing wildly. Now they were so gentle and amiable. Such a rapid shift was baffling.