The thirty-first year of Hongwu, the first day of the first lunar month.

1398 in the Western calendar.

According to the historical process, the tenth day of the fifth month of this year was the day when Zhu Yuanzhang died.

Zhu Ying took a look at the old man with a ruddy complexion and full of energy, and felt that this should not be the case.

Historically, Zhu Yuanzhang had fallen into a semi-insane state in the last few years of his life. In order to suppress his pain, he handled a large amount of government affairs every day to relieve it.

He was already in his sixties, and in such an environment, he was already exhausted both mentally and physically.

This is also because Zhu Yuanzhang himself had a good foundation, although he was displaced during his youth and rarely had a full meal.

But after joining the Red Turban Army in his youth, he no longer had to worry about food and clothing.

At the beginning, he was a brave pioneer, but gradually he became a leader of a force. He seldom led the charge as a soldier himself. Even when he led the army himself, he was always the commander-in-chief.

Mu Ying's health was relatively good, but after suffering the double blow of the death of Empress Ma and Crown Prince Zhu Biao, he vomited blood and died.

Obviously, in terms of emotions, Zhu Yuanzhang loved his wife and son no less than Mu Ying did.

Although he had a serious illness, he managed to get through it thanks to his physical condition.

It's different now.

Because of Zhu Ying's appearance, Zhu Yuanzhang had a place to vent his emotions and found a place to put his feelings.

This is the eldest grandson.

He is the eldest grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang who was raised by him and his eldest sister when he was a child.

In this respect, Zhu Yunwen can never compare to him.

Even if Zhu Yunwen had already been designated as the crown prince, it had to be transferred to the crown prince.

That is to say, as a daughter-in-law, Lu had always lived in the palace and knew Zhu Yuanzhang's temper very well. She did not lose her mind because of Zhu Ying's appearance. Instead, she correctly persuaded Zhu Yunwen not to compete for the position of crown prince.

Otherwise, it’s really hard to say what the consequences will be.

In fact, there have always been doubts among the government and the public about Zhu Ying, the crown prince who came back from the dead.

After all, he has been dead for so many years, and suddenly appears. Who can believe this?

However, these voices did not spread.

Zhu Ying didn't know that when he first entered the palace and was recognized, many ministers actually made memorials to him.

However, these people were basically imprisoned and dealt with by the Jinyiwei in Tianlao under various names.

At that time, Zhu Ying was everything in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart. Even if it was not so obvious in his performance, anyone who dared to doubt Zhu Ying's identity in secret would only end up dead.

It was also when Crown Prince Zhu Biao died that all the troublesome officials in the court and the country had been dealt with.

Most of the founding heroes in the early years were also cleared out.

For example, the court faction headed by Hu Weiyong.

In this political environment, there was no longer any suppression of imperial power by the civil officials. It was Zhu Yuanzhang's dictatorship and one-man rule.

Not to mention the military generals.

Zhu Ying is Lan Yu's nephew and is in the best interest of Lan Yu.

Whether it is true or false, Lan Yu doesn't care.

Because if Zhu Ying didn't exist, Lan Yu itself would be a big problem.

Judging from the situation, there are no more obstacles on Zhu Ying's path to becoming the crown prince and inheriting the throne.

Even the blood test proposed by Concubine Guo Ning ended up in nothing.

Concubine Guo Ning knew very well that if the blood test was really carried out, no matter what the result was, it would create a huge gap between her and His Majesty.

Of course, the most important thing is that Concubine Guo Ning discovered that since Zhu Ying entered the palace, His Majesty's mood has gradually become calmer.

In the past, His Majesty was such a person that everyone was afraid of him and he would often become violent and angry.

Maybe just a small thing can cost you your life.

The dark red color on the steps of the Fengtian Hall looks like it cannot be cleaned.

All the ministers in the court, from the six ministers to the minor officials, lived in fear all day long.

There were no restrictions from Empress Ma and Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was already in his sixties, was as scary as a tyrant.

So in this situation, Zhu Ying appeared.

For the ministers in the court, this was like a savior.

Zhu Yuanzhang also became less busy because Zhu Ying decentralized power to civil servants.

I got a good rest both mentally and physically.

At the same time, Zhu Ying vigorously supported medicine.

The improvement of the status of doctors was the largest in all dynasties.

Anyone who studies medicine would like to thank the Crown Prince.

Especially the establishment of medical schools, which are no longer just for the palace. Every prefecture has opened a medical school under the instruction of Zhu Ying.

The palace’s medical school places top priority on health preservation.

At present, Zhu Yuanzhang has a complete set of arrangements for diet, rest and exercise.

Medicinal food is added to the daily diet.

Zhu Ying didn't know how long the old man could live, but with such blessings, it would not be a big problem for him to live another three to five years.

…

The Spring Festival of Central Plains culture is in full bloom in Wucheng.

Almost every household has red paper-cuts pasted on their doors.

The people in Wucheng did not understand this, it was completely a forced arrangement by the government.

Wucheng today is perhaps the most lively it has ever been since its establishment.

There are almost no people left in Champa's commercial port; all of them have fled to Wucheng.

Because His Majesty and the Crown Prince are here.

As a Han Chinese, I naturally want to spend an unforgettable Spring Festival here.

For merchants from other countries, being able to meet the Emperor and the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty in Wucheng was also a very remarkable thing.

A large number of programs and activities were held in Wucheng. Originally, Wucheng had only tens of thousands of people, but this time, nearly 200,000 people poured in.

There was no other way. In addition to the Han people and merchants from other countries, nobles from Champa also came in large numbers.

After all, King Zhan is also going to participate in the Spring Festival activities unique to the Central Plains here.

Inside the Wucheng Palace.

Ananiya told Ye Yueqing her request.

As the Crown Prince's Consort, Ye Yueqing couldn't possibly avoid the issue. If Ananiya didn't get Ye Yueqing's support, there would be no follow-up.

"This matter involves the Ming navy, so you should talk to the crown prince in person."

Ye Yueqing keenly felt that this was an exchange of interests, so she asked Ananya to find Zhu Ying.

For Ananiya, at least the Crown Princess did not refuse.

But Zhu Ying was out during the day and only came back at night.

When Zhu Ying came back, it was already late at night.

Ye Yueqing simply arranged for Ananya to sleep with him.

After making love, Ananya leaned on Zhu Ying's chest and expressed her request.

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "If the navy goes to patrol the western waters, it will be equivalent to controlling the Angkor Dynasty, the Ayutthaya Dynasty, and the waters of Malacca."

"These pirates are called pirates, but in fact they are arranged by the three countries themselves, specifically to seize wealth in order to control the sea."

"It's not a big problem to wipe them out, but we will also face resistance from the three countries."

"Has King Zhan already prepared to go to war with three countries at the same time?"

Zhu Ying had already made intelligence analysis of the situation in the South China Sea, and in this regard, he was even clearer than Zhan Wang.

"ah!!"

Ananya exclaimed, she didn't expect there were so many tricks involved.

Originally, I thought they were just ordinary pirates, but as soon as the Crown Prince explained it, I understood that King Zhan wanted to use the power of the Ming Dynasty to suppress the other three countries.

This involves a big political issue.

If things go wrong, it may even affect the war between the Three Kingdoms and the Ming Dynasty.

Only then did Ananiya realize that King Zhan must have known it a long time ago. If the Crown Prince had not pointed it out, he would have completely taken advantage of her.

"I understand. From now on, I will draw a clear line between myself and King Zhan."

Ananya's pouting lips were so adorable that Zhu Ying couldn't help but kiss her twice more.

This kiss brought about another upheaval.

Fortunately, Zhu Ying is in good health, as most people would not be able to bear it.

"It's not impossible to help, but the name should be changed a little bit."

Zhu Ying said with a smile.

This Zhan Wang is really like a pillow thrown to someone when he is sleepy.

You know, Zhu Ying was originally thinking about how to expand Nanyang.

It is not possible to declare war directly.

Such an expedition must be supported by an excuse.

Moreover, Nanyang is far away from the Ming Dynasty. If a war is forced, it will inevitably lead to low morale among the soldiers in the Ming Dynasty.

There will be greater opposition from the civil servants.

Since ancient times, the Central Plains has emphasized that one must have a legitimate reason for being a teacher.

The key is that Zhu Ying does not want to defeat these South Asian countries. This is really not a pressure for the Ming Dynasty now.

What he wanted was to conquer and educate these countries.

It is the infiltration of civilization, and it is to be truly incorporated into the system of the Ming Dynasty.

Although an invasion like Timur's was simple and brutal, the subsequent governance issues were also very troublesome.

"This will have an impact on the Ming Dynasty."

Ananiya thought that the crown prince decided to help Champa because of her.

After all, just now...

So there was some hesitation.

"What impact can it have?" Zhu Ying smiled, and then said domineeringly: "Let alone these three small countries, even if the entire Nanyang united, can they still fight against our Ming Dynasty?"

"It's just to save face. If we really want to tear each other apart, what can we do even if we conquer all three small countries?"

"You are a tiny country, a tiny place. Compared to the Ming Dynasty, you don't even have a governor. Even if all the population is added together, there are not as many soldiers as the Ming Dynasty."

"And this is just on the sea. Who in the world can stop our great Ming navy? When the monsoon rises and the treasure ships start moving, these small countries will surrender upon hearing the news."

"But it's not that simple with King Zhan. Tell me what conditions he promised you."

Zhu Ying asked directly.

He could guess with his toes that King Zhan must have promised Anania a lot of benefits, which is why Anania came to tell him about it.

Anania obviously didn't expect to be seen through like this, and she felt a little embarrassed.

"It doesn't matter. You are my woman and you are from Champa. Naturally, there will be some things. This is normal. Just tell me directly."

Zhu Ying said while touching Ananya's face.

Ananiya lowered her head slightly, her face flushed, very attractive, and then she stated the conditions promised by the King of Tea.

As it concerns Zhu Wenzhan, Ananiya is somewhat worried that it might cause dissatisfaction among the Crown Prince.

Zhu Ying didn't care about that: "This Zhan Wang is smart. He knows how to ask for help in the name of our son."

"What he said does make some sense. We should have made arrangements for our children earlier."

"It's the same with your father. When our children grow up, they will be able to get a lot of help. At least in Champa, they won't be left blank."

"However, this Prince Zhan is really fanciful. He wants the Ming navy to be dispatched with just these conditions. It's ridiculous."

In Zhu Ying's opinion, Zhan Wang's operation was mainly aimed at getting something for free.

It's completely nonsense to say that Ananya's father was given 8,000 warriors. It was merely military power. Moreover, her father would certainly have to bear the military pay for these 8,000 soldiers.

There was also a promise to help capture the city, but it was completely a blank check.

Does the great Ming Dynasty still need help from the tiny Champa Kingdom?

In Zhu Ying's opinion, there are not many people who are qualified to serve as overseas vassal kings now.

Like most of the princes nowadays, they seem very immature when they come to overseas to establish fiefdoms.

The reason why Zhu Ying established a system of overseas vassal kings was not to let these vassal kings enjoy themselves.

Otherwise, it would be better for them to become a wealthy prince in the Ming Dynasty. Anyway, according to the current business situation, if they are allowed to participate in some business, they will definitely not suffer any financial loss.

It’s just that most of the princes are still too young. Compared with the King of Qin, the King of Jin, and the King of Yan, they are just children.

For example, the current Zhu Yunwen did not even know that his military power had been controlled by the Lu family. After arriving overseas, he only cared about enjoying himself.

There was no intention of expanding Ming culture at all. In order to consolidate its rule, it colluded with local nobles and cut off the upward channels for the lower-class people.

What's the point of this?

"New Year's Day is coming in a few days. Go and inform Prince Zhan to come to the palace tomorrow. I won't talk to him anymore. Let Yun Wen talk to him."

Zhu Ying said while hugging Ananya.

In the name of Zhu Yunwen, there are obviously more operational links afterwards.

When the Ming navy's fleet entered the western waters, it is conceivable that envoys from the Ayutthaya Dynasty, the Angkor Dynasty, and Malacca would go to the Ming capital to protest.

Zhu Ying can naturally still make some moves.

As for King Zhan, Zhu Ying's main condition was the popularization of Chinese schools.

Even if Zhu Ying pays for the construction, it doesn't matter, but Chinese culture schools must be opened in all cities of Champa.

Even in some villages and towns, they have to be opened.

And it is free to learn, no fees are charged.

The Champa Kingdom must issue a law requiring all children aged seven and above to participate in compulsory education in Chinese culture schools.

Only by starting from the children can we better spread Chinese culture.

Of course, this will certainly encounter great resistance.

The resistance came from the local nobles in Champa, who naturally did not want these untouchables to open their minds and learn Chinese.

As for this aspect, it all depends on how King Zhan responds.