“Grandson thinks so too. I’m also thinking of taking action against the Mongol tribes.” Zhu Xiong Ying pointed to the map and said with a smile, “These Mongols are fighting amongst themselves. I plan to win over some, divide others, and suppress the rest.”

Old Zhu smiled and looked at Zhu Xiong Ying, urging him to continue. Old Zhu was actually quite satisfied with Zhu Xiong Ying's strategy.

Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally confident in the strength of the imperial army. However, he also knew that if wars were waged on all fronts, it might really lead to a wasteful and reckless war. Therefore, he needed to exercise restraint when necessary and win over those who needed to be won over.

A full-scale war might not be the best outcome. Weakening potential adversaries is also crucial. The ongoing embargoes of recent years have made life difficult for some Mongol tribes, which can be considered a strategy by the Ming Dynasty to weaken its rivals.

While it can't be said that Zhu has completely relinquished power, he is now mostly observing from the sidelines, essentially helping the emperor get started and giving him a boost.

Zhu Xiongying now handles and makes decisions on many matters, and for most things, he makes the decision on his own. Only for major issues, or when Old Zhu feels that Zhu Xiongying's handling of the matter is inappropriate, will he step in.

This gave Zhu Xiong Ying ample opportunities to hone his skills, allowing him to grow rapidly. Now, the political landscape of the Ming Dynasty has once again returned to its previous state, a state where "there are two suns in the sky."

Previously, many matters were entrusted to the Crown Prince for handling before being submitted to the Emperor for review. Now, however, this has changed slightly; the Crown Prince makes the initial decision, which is then finalized by His Majesty the Emperor.

The civil and military officials were all used to this routine, and none of them felt there was anything wrong with it. This had been the pattern for over a decade, so naturally they didn't find it strange; everyone was already accustomed to Emperor Zhu cultivating his descendants.

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Xiong Ying finalized the military deployment plan, an urgent report arrived. Tang He had died of illness in his hometown of Fengyang, and Zhu Yuanzhang posthumously conferred upon him the title of King of Dong'ou, with the posthumous name Xiangwu.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang had been somewhat wary of Tang He over the years, and Tang He was the first to be targeted in weakening the military power of his generals, Zhu Yuanzhang was still saddened and distressed by Tang He's passing. Tang He was another close comrade-in-arms, and now, one by one, they were all leaving him.

Birth, aging, sickness, and death are things that cannot be controlled. Tang He's death can be considered a "good thing," at least it fulfilled a beautiful story of harmonious coexistence between ruler and minister. At least Tang He died of old age, and he can be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

As for the succession of the Duke of Xin, it cannot be inherited for the time being, mainly because Tang He's son and grandson both died young, which also prevented the old Zhu and the young Zhu from doing so. They need to wait until Tang He's great-grandson is a little older before they can confer the title upon him.

Tang He did deserve credit, but some things were truly beyond his control. Of course, if Tang He's children were a little more capable, they could certainly rise through the ranks quickly. It's still necessary to acknowledge his contributions, after all, Tang He's contributions were significant. Old Zhu acknowledged these contributions, and Young Zhu should acknowledge them even more.

Several of the founding heroes have passed away one after another, and even Lan Yu can only be considered a member of the middle generation. This is probably a case of new talents emerging in every generation, and it is also because there is indeed a need to continuously cultivate a new batch of people at this stage.

The older generation has completed their historical mission and is slowly withdrawing from the historical stage.

At this point, a new generation needs to step forward, shoulder their historical mission, and complete their tasks.

Zhu Xiong Ying believed he was well-prepared and felt he could shoulder more responsibility. Of course, many others around him also felt ready, eager to showcase their talents and prove their abilities.

Perhaps these are the kinds of people who are restless and ambitious. They have their own aspirations and pursuits, and they are absolutely unwilling to be mediocre.

In a good mood, Zhu Xiong Ying began preparations. Since there was a new war and he had his own strategic intentions, he naturally needed to continuously refine his plans and ensure that everything went perfectly.

The mighty Ming Dynasty should be even stronger. Even the wise and powerful Crown Prince cannot afford any setbacks!