Kill Them All, Plunder Them All!

When Zhu Qi relayed Zhu Zhanjun's "conditions," the entire Wenhua Hall fell into a long silence.

Salt, iron, tea, maritime trade...

These five items were all lifelines of the nation and the most crucial sources of revenue for the imperial court.

With a single request, Zhu Zhanjun aimed to involve himself in all these areas. His ambition was so great that even veteran officials like the Three Yangs felt a chill.

"This... this absolutely cannot be!"

Yang Shiqi was the first to react, saying emotionally, "Salt and iron are state-run monopolies; they are the foundation of the nation!"

"If the right to operate them is granted to private individuals, even a prince, it will inevitably breed corruption, compete with the people for profit, and lead to endless troubles!"

"Lord Yang, your words are mistaken."

Zhu Qi retorted, neither humble nor overbearing, "My Prince's intention is 'cooperation,' not 'monopoly.'"

"For example, with maritime trade, the court can establish a Maritime Trade Office. My Prince's fleet will be responsible for opening trade routes, transporting goods, and bearing all risks. The profits will be split three-seven between the court and the Prince."

"The court will reap the rewards without lifting a finger. Why wouldn't it be willing?"

"As for salt and iron, the Prince has new smelting techniques and salt-making methods that can significantly increase output and lower costs."

"He can also cooperate with the court, benefiting both the nation and its people."

He paused, emphasizing his words, "Moreover, my Prince said that these are all matters for after the war."

"The most crucial thing now is to win this battle."

"If we can't even save the Emperor, and the Great Ming's empire is lost, what's the point of discussing these things?"

His words pulled everyone's thoughts back to the harsh reality.

That's right, if the people are almost gone, why worry about trivial matters?

Zhu Gaochi looked at his three confidantes, their expressions shifting. He had already made up his mind.

He now possessed an almost blind confidence in his son.

"In principle, I agree to Zhanjun's conditions."

Zhu Gaochi's decision was final. "Specific details will be discussed after he returns victorious."

"Now, what we need to do is support him at all costs!"

He looked at Zhu Qi. "Go back and tell Zhanjun to proceed without hesitation!"

"I will handle things in the capital, so he has no worries!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Zhu Qi bowed, accepted the command, and quietly withdrew.

Time, under this tense and peculiar atmosphere, passed day by day.

Military reports from the Ruin the Barbarians Vanguard Camp came back to the capital like snowflakes every day.

And the content of each report continuously challenged the perceptions of the officials in the capital.

"On the third day, the Ruin the Barbarians Vanguard Camp passed through the Great Wall passes and entered the northern grasslands, marching over a hundred li a day."

"On the fifth day, they encountered Tatar cavalry. With a single charge, all three hundred enemy riders were annihilated, with no casualties on our side! According to reports, their army possesses repeating crossbows that can pierce iron armor within a hundred paces!"

"On the seventh day, the vanguard camp's tracks disappeared into the wind and snow, seemingly advancing rapidly towards the Great Snow Mountain. Xuanfu has completely lost contact..."

The atmosphere in the capital shifted from initial shock to anticipation, and finally to deep worry.

Especially Crown Princess Zhang. Ever since Zhu Zhanjun marched out, she had been restless day and night, unable to eat properly.

Every day, she personally visited the family shrine to pray for her husband, her son, and her father-in-law, the Emperor, who was far away in the northern wilderness.

On this day, the ninth day since Zhu Zhanjun's departure.

Zhu Gaochi, after finishing his official duties, went to the inner palace to visit his wife.

He found Zhang Shi sitting under the lamp, personally sewing a thick inner armor.

The inner armor was made of the finest deerskin, filled with pure white cotton, each stitch meticulously placed.

"Why are you still not resting so late?"

Zhu Gaochi walked over and tenderly took his wife's hand.

"I can't sleep."

Zhang Shi looked up, her eyes slightly red. "Zhanjun left in such a hurry, he didn't even bring many decent winter clothes."

"It's cold in the northern wilderness; I'm afraid he'll freeze."

"I thought I'd make him an inner armor. He can wear it when he returns in the spring."

Looking at his wife's loving gaze, Zhu Gaochi felt a pang of sadness.

"Don't worry."

He comforted her, "Your son is not the same brat he used to be."

"He has divine weapons, divine steeds, and endless money."

"He won't freeze."

"That's not what I'm worried about."

Madam Zhang put down her needlework and said softly, "What I'm worried about is that when he returns this time, he won't be our son who only knew how to fight crickets anymore."

Zhu Gaochi fell silent.

He understood his wife's meaning all too well.

The strength and cunning Zhu Zhanjun had displayed this time had already far surpassed the scope of a mere "prince."

When he truly rescued Zhu Di, holding an unparalleled achievement, and controlled an invincible army and wealth that could rival a nation, would he be content to remain just Prince Zheng?

At that time, how would they, his parents, position themselves?

And how would Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji position himself?

These were the questions that worried them the most.

"When the cart reaches the mountain, there will be a road."

Zhu Gaochi sighed, "Let's wait for him to return first."

"At least, he is the hope of our Zhu family."

Just then, hurried footsteps could be heard from outside the door.

The Minister of War, Fang Bin, was ushered in by a eunuch, bursting in with a panicked expression.

"Your Highness! Your Ladyship! It's bad! Something big has happened!"

"What's all the fuss about!"

Zhu Gaochi frowned, displeased.