Since they had decided to intervene, the next question was how to intervene—or rather, which side to support?

Li Keji was the first to express his position, saying directly that he had no opinion on whether the Zhu family uncle or nephew won or lost, as long as the war ended quickly. Considering Iron Flute Qiu’s disdainful attitude toward the competition for supremacy among heroes in the past, Meng Jianqing secretly sighed—truly, master and disciple shared the same lineage.

Mingyuan then said, “If Nephew Li truly hopes for this war to end quickly, you cannot remain neutral. The current situation is clear to everyone—the Southern Army and Prince Yan’s forces each have their strengths and weaknesses, evenly matched. If either side lacks a surprise strategy for victory or unexpected reinforcements, it will inevitably become a prolonged war. So, Nephew Li, you’d better consider carefully which side to choose.”

Li Keji remained silent, clearly finding it difficult to decide.

Meng Jianqing was greatly shaken. Li Keji seemed not to have considered at all that he was still a court official, and if he had to make a choice, he should unhesitatingly stand on Emperor Jianwen’s side.

Perhaps in the minds of these people, the so-called emperor was merely a distant scene from their homeland. Even Li Keji, who had grown up in Shu, did not have the heartfelt reverence for the person on the throne that ordinary scholars possessed. In their view, there were no outsiders in this maple grove, so they had all removed their usual masks, revealing the vast and unbridled ocean in their hearts.

What they displayed before Meng Jianqing was such a peculiar world.

Contrary to Meng Jianqing’s expectations, it was Integrity Star Lord Yuheng who broke this silence.

Yuheng still spoke in his measured manner: “The state has its system. There’s no need to repeatedly weigh whether Prince Yan or the current emperor is superior or inferior. But if Prince Yan succeeds today, countless Prince Yans will appear in the future. To ruin the system because of one person, and then follow this as precedent, I fear the state will have no peaceful days.”

This was a principle that everyone in the Maple Grove understood.

Mingyuan chuckled: “The system established by the Hongwu Emperor has countless loopholes, and the feudal princes who possess heavy troops and the right to pacify rebellion are the biggest loophole. A feudal prince capable of contending for the throne cannot possibly resist the temptation of that position. Since this system is inherently flawed, why cling to its remnants?”

Yuheng said, “Isn’t what the current emperor is doing exactly trying to remedy this biggest loophole that Brother Ming mentioned?”

Mingyuan countered: “Does Brother Ning think the current emperor can remedy this loophole? If the current emperor truly could leisurely reduce the feudal princes’ power, there wouldn’t have been the Jingnan Campaign.”

So Yuheng’s surname was Ning.

Meng Jianqing had already guessed who he was. Among the three subordinates who went missing when the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War was attacked, there was an official surnamed Ning, named Heng, with the courtesy name Shoulian. Ning Heng was from Shaoxing, had been in government service for a long time, and had served in all six ministries. Although his promotion was slow and he was still only sixth rank, he was renowned for his familiarity with the laws and regulations of the six ministries. Although the ministry heads would not consider the solitary and somewhat aloof Ning Heng as a confidant, whenever there were difficult cases involving laws and precedents, they never forgot to consult Ning Heng. Thus, Ning Heng’s name was quite celebrated within the six ministries. It was precisely because of this that Meng Jianqing remembered such a person.

The great hermit hides in court. Ning Heng had truly found a good place to conceal himself.

No wonder the rogue soldiers who attacked Ning Heng’s group that day had vanished without a trace. That was simply Ning Heng’s sleight of hand—the golden cicada shedding its shell.

Ning Heng said, “That’s exactly why the current emperor needs us to lend him a helping hand.”

Before Mingyuan could refute Ning Heng’s words, Lei Gongfu was already laughing with undisguised disdain: “Needs us to lend him a helping hand! What a joke! The Hongwu Emperor already gave him the greatest power in the realm, yet he still ended up in today’s situation. Even if we lend him an invincible treasured sword, what use would it be for a yellow-haired child who doesn’t know how to use a blade?”

Lei Gongfu, having fought at sea for years, naturally looked down on Emperor Jianwen, this kind of monarch who grew up in the deep palace, while having considerable admiration for Prince Yan, who guarded the frontier and was skilled in warfare.

Mingyuan asked with interest: “So, Brother Lei is choosing Prince Yan?”

But Lei Gongfu said, “Respecting Prince Yan doesn’t mean I’m choosing him. Honestly, my subordinates would rather play cat and mouse with Jianwen, but they wouldn’t want their opponent to be Prince Yan.”

Chu Bitian laughed: “Uncle Lei, it seems your nephew’s views align with yours somewhat. I don’t like Prince Yan, but the South Seas Chinese Merchant Association’s opinion is that we need Prince Yan more than the current emperor.”

Emperor Jianwen, who was determined to cease military activities and promote civil governance, along with his scholarly ministers, would never approve of such a grand and expensive plan as building an unprecedented naval force and sailing to the South Seas and West Indies—a costly plan, with uncertain returns, and suspicious of militarism.

Ning Heng said, “What the current emperor won’t do, Prince Yan won’t necessarily do either.”

Mingyuan laughed: “Master Daoyan’s evaluation of Prince Yan is that he has many desires internally while externally adorning himself with righteousness. That bald thief Daoyan has always been accurate and harsh in judging people—this assessment is not unfounded. Think about it, everyone—would such a ruler not be tempted by a plan that could bring him both fame and profit? Moreover, Nephew Chu certainly won’t go to see Prince Yan empty-handed, will he? If the South Seas Chinese Merchant Association offers peaches today, Prince Yan will inevitably return with plums in the future, regardless.”

Even without turning his head, Meng Jianqing could imagine Yun Yanjiao’s expression and mood at this moment.

No matter how fierce the war between the Southern Army and Prince Yan’s forces in the north, Yun Yanran remained unmoved in Fujian, concentrating on training the naval force destined to sail south.

Did the Yun family also share the same thoughts as Chu Bitian, placing their hopes on the ambitious Prince Yan?

Mingyuan turned to the other two: “Brother Fan, Nephew Shi, what are your opinions?”

Fan Fu sighed deeply: “My properties are all in Jiangnan. Brother Ming, what choice do you think I have? In any case, at least in courtesy, I must still show loyalty to the one in Yingtian Prefecture.”

Fan Fu’s clear statement surprised everyone somewhat. When he spoke the latter sentence, the underlying implications became fully revealed, with much room for careful consideration and maneuvering.

Shi Ganfeng was much more straightforward by comparison: “I don’t like the one in Yingtian Prefecture. Born in the deep palace, raised by women’s hands, since ascending the throne, always surrounded by a bunch of pedantic civil officials, thinking all worldly affairs can be resolved on paper—what achievements could such a monarch have? So I’d rather choose Prince Yan. Even if one day we become opponents, having such a powerful opponent would be worth celebrating with song and drink.”

His words were sharp, directly pointing at Lei Gongfu for avoiding the strong and seeking the weak.

Lei Gongfu laughed heartily: “Nephew Shi, you’re free as a bird, going wherever you please—how could you be like me, having to make a living for tens of thousands of subordinates? Naturally, I can’t have your kind of decisive determination. Nephew Li, now your choice is crucial—have you decided?”

Ning Heng said, “Not only should Nephew Li think clearly, but I think everyone should consider carefully. In my view, although there are still many loopholes, the state system is already quite complete, with officials at all levels handling all affairs. We only need to follow established procedures—there’s no need for the ruler to have extraordinary acts driven by whim or excessive energy. Therefore, for those in high positions, following rules and regulations is most important. Between a brave and warlike ruler and a cultured and benevolent ruler, which is more suitable? I think this is self-evident.”

Mingyuan retorted sarcastically: “Following rules and regulations? For the six ministries, I’m afraid having a puppet on that throne would be your most ideal choice, wouldn’t it?”

Ning Heng replied: “Brother Ming somewhat exaggerates. Often, the six ministries still need those in high positions to arbitrate various disputes. Moreover, if the six ministries’ officials cannot respect those in high positions, how can the common people respect officials at all levels? As Confucius said, though a cap may be worn, it must be worn on the head; though shoes may be new, they must be worn on the feet—the principle lies therein.”

Mingyuan said, “Does Brother Ning think Jianwen is more suitable than Prince Yan to become such a sufficiently wise arbitrator? Jianwen may be ‘benevolent,’ but unfortunately, he indulges in womanish benevolence—he can reward but cannot punish. Are you certain you need such an arbitrator?”

Ning Heng said, “Jianwen certainly has various weaknesses, but if Prince Yan obtains the throne through rebellion, who can guarantee he will abide by the state system?”

Mingyuan said, “The Xuanwu Gate Incident didn’t prevent Emperor Taizong from becoming a wise ruler. Perhaps precisely because of his guilty conscience, Emperor Taizong was always vigilant when facing court ministers and the realm, walking on thin ice, determined to prove he was heaven’s true choice.”

Ning Heng said, “This is merely Brother Ming’s speculation. Moreover, even if Emperor Taizong thought and acted this way, it doesn’t mean Prince Yan will think and act this way in the future. I don’t think it’s necessary to take this risk.”

Mingyuan and Ning Heng argued back and forth with sharp words, unable to reach an agreement for a time.

Fan Fu quietly reminded Li Keji to make his choice quickly. If he made a choice, Mingyuan and Ning Heng would naturally have nothing left to argue about.

Li Keji remained hesitant, saying after a long while: “I cannot choose either of them.”

Fan Fu nodded in agreement: “That’s understandable. Each has strengths and weaknesses—you can’t have both fish and bear’s paw, so choosing anyone would feel regrettable.”

But Li Keji said, “I just feel, does it matter which one we choose? As the saying goes, ‘He who steals a hook is executed, he who steals a state becomes a feudal lord’—worldly affairs are nothing more than this.”

Everyone in the maple grove was startled.

Iron Flute Qiu’s deep-rooted wariness and aversion toward those in power seemed to have thoroughly permeated Li Keji’s very bones, so that despite having been in government service for so many years, he still blurted out such words.

Fan Fu smiled bitterly: “Nephew Li, regardless, even if you choose with your eyes closed, you should still choose one, shouldn’t you? We’ve finally gathered everyone—if we don’t make a decision soon, I’m afraid everything will change by the time we drag this out.”

While Li Keji hesitated, a thought suddenly occurred to him, and he said: “Since there’s no choice to be made, then I won’t choose—I’ll leave it to heaven’s will.”

Mingyuan laughed coldly: “Nephew Li isn’t planning to flip a coin to decide, is he?”

Li Keji said: “For such a major matter, doing so would be too much like child’s play. Moreover, I have no right to decide others’ fates. So I will give the right to choose to themselves.” His voice grew clear and resonant from its previous silence, as if he had suddenly clarified his confused thoughts and carried a hint of joy and relief. “Now there are six thousand dan of grain in Guangping Prefecture, while the two armies stationed nearby have both suffered severe grain shortages due to their recent mutual raids. These six thousand dan of grain in Guangping Prefecture, though not much for them, can solve this urgent need. So my choice is: whichever side moves on this grain first will be my enemy.”

His peaceful tone concealed an unquestionable determination.

Mingyuan sensed this determination and said after a moment of silence: “So Nephew Li chooses to save only the hungry civilians, not the starving soldiers?”

Li Keji answered coldly: “Those soldiers are merely unable to eat their fill, while the hungry people of Guangping Prefecture have no means of survival. Since I have this ability, I cannot watch them die.”

Fan Fu said, “For those six thousand dan of grain to safely cross the battlefield and enter Guangping Prefecture, it must be because Nephew Li warned both sides’ commanders. Given this, who would dare target this grain again? I’m afraid Nephew Li’s method won’t work.”

But Ning Heng said, “Guangping Prefecture is not currently in Prince Yan’s hands. If the Hebei Provincial Governor issues an order to requisition grain, Guangping Prefecture has no authority to refuse. With such a legitimate method to obtain grain, Governor Liao and his subordinate generals cannot resist such temptation.”

When Governor Liao issued travel permits to the grain transport teams, had he already thought of this?

In this case, Li Keji’s seemingly fair method had predetermined the loser.

In the silence, Meng Jianqing suddenly raised his voice slightly: “There’s one thing you may not know yet. Prince Yan’s army changed guard yesterday. The newly assigned Ling Feng graduated second in the first class of Jiangwu Hall. Because of his violent temperament, he’s nicknamed ‘Madman Ling.’ His deputy is his classmate Xiao Rang, who has partnered with him for seven years. When these two served under Prince Mu in Yunnan, they captured seventeen fortified villages in three months. Xiao Rang will see the possibility of these six thousand dan of grain becoming military provisions, and Ling Feng cannot sit idly by. Although he cannot violate the agreement to burn this grain, he might very well strike first—even if he cannot capture Guangping Prefecture, he’ll at least prevent the grain from falling into enemy hands.”

Among the seven, except for the elusive Mingyuan, the others had all met Meng Jianqing and had considerable dealings with him. As for Meng Jianqing, Mingyuan had long heard his name and had always thought that such a young and successful upstart who rose rapidly had the air of a nouveau riche—Yun Yanjiao getting such a son-in-law would make him lose all face. Only after Meng Jianqing spoke these words did his opinion improve slightly, thinking that someone from the Imperial Guard background was indeed capable of gathering various intelligence and analyzing it systematically. Master Daoyan had also said he could see the big picture but was blind to details—this indeed seemed true, as he had overlooked such minor issues as the change of guard in Prince Yan’s army.

But if so, wouldn’t it become a stalemate again?

Lei Gongfu and Shen Guangli had been opponents for many years, and consequently viewed Meng Jianqing with special regard. He now said, “Someone personally trained by Monk Shen naturally has excellent insight and judgment. Captain Meng, tell us—how should Nephew Li choose?”

Meng Jianqing was startled.

With his status, how could he make such suggestions?

Unexpectedly, Mingyuan was the first to agree: “Very well. We’re all inside the game—we should indeed listen to an outsider’s opinion.”

Yun Yanjiao turned her head, her eyes sparkling as she looked inquiringly at Meng Jianqing.

Meng Jianqing suddenly felt enormous pressure.

But this enormous pressure also made his spirit suddenly tense and excited, and he blurted out: “Of course, we should choose the side more likely to win.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized he had voiced that vague thought hidden deep in his heart.

It turned out that deep down, like Li Keji and these others, he didn’t think the Zhu family uncle and nephew’s life-and-death family feud had anything to do with outsiders like them. If so, what difference did it make who they chose?

That’s why he had so readily agreed to Daoyan’s conditions and Li Keji’s requests.

If anyone else had heard these words, it would certainly have caused endless trouble. But in this dreamlike maple grove, the flash of regret that crossed Meng Jianqing’s mind quickly disappeared into the thick mist. After letting out a breath, he instead felt the relief of a burden lifted.

It had been a long time since he had so frankly spoken thoughts hidden in his heart that even he was unwilling to face.

Mingyuan was slightly startled, then looked up and laughed heartily: “Good, good! Truly, the observer sees clearly!”

For Li Keji, choosing the side more likely to win and adding flowers to the brocade could end this war as quickly as possible.

Ning Heng said calmly: “The problem is, Prince Yan’s forces and the Southern Army are evenly matched—how can we determine who will win or lose? Besides, if victory could be decided quickly, why would we need to intervene?”

Mingyuan said, “Who says they’re evenly matched? The current stalemate between Prince Yan and Jianwen is only because Prince Yan has always been accustomed to fighting Mongols and is applying those same tactics against Jianwen. If we make him see the difference between these two situations, the overall trend will become crystal clear, with victory and defeat obvious!”

Without waiting for others to question him, Mingyuan continued: “When fighting Mongols, enemies are everywhere on the grasslands, so one must advance step by step, steadily and securely. Prince Yan’s current strategy is exactly this—first take Shandong and Hebei, cut off both flanks, consolidate the rear, then march south step by step. But Prince Yan raised his army under the banner of following the Hongwu Emperor’s deathbed edict to ‘eliminate the evil around the ruler.’ Even Jianwen cannot, based on his legitimate position, accuse Prince Yan of rebellion. In the Battle of Jinan, he even let the tiger return to the mountains because he didn’t dare bear the name of killing his uncle. If even Jianwen has such an attitude, then among the Southern Army facing Prince Yan, how many are truly enemies and how many are merely observers?”

Meng Jianqing was a perfect example.

Meng Jianqing, who should have been unwaveringly loyal to Emperor Jianwen, had blurted out such words.

Mingyuan continued: “As long as Prince Yan recognizes this point, his overall strategy can easily change, and victory or defeat can be easily predicted.”

He didn’t provide more detailed explanation, but everyone in the maple grove understood the general trend he spoke of.

The seemingly powerful Southern Army had fatal weaknesses.

Mingyuan immediately added another point: “Moreover, it’s easy to get a thousand soldiers but hard to find one general. During the Hongwu reign, the veteran generals in the Southern Army were almost all executed. The Jiangwu Hall officers considered the direct line too young and lacked sufficient prestige, so Jianwen could only send out Li Jinglong, such a dandy and embroidered pillow, as commander. No matter how numerous the Southern Army’s troops or abundant their supplies, what use is it?”

These words finally made Li Keji sigh softly: “In that case, I’ll choose Prince Yan.”

The overall situation was decided. The atmosphere in the maple grove seemed to become both heavier and lighter in an instant.

Fan Fu frowned: “However, all my assets are in Jiangnan—I cannot publicly support Prince Yan under any circumstances.”

Mingyuan was clearly in high spirits, and his cold, damp laughter seemed to carry more warmth: “Prince Yan naturally understands Brother Fan’s difficulties. As long as Brother Fan sincerely submits in the future, why worry about this small problem now? So what do Brother Lei and Brother Ning have to say?”

Lei Gongfu said: “Prince Yan has great talent and vision—he naturally understands that when water is too clear, there are no fish; when people are too observant, they have no followers. Even the scorching sun of June cannot illuminate every corner; though the dragon is the chief of the four spirits, it cannot control all birds and beasts; the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors also had barbarians and stubborn people they couldn’t subdue. Therefore, when Prince Yan achieves his heart’s desire in the future, he must understand that not all people and affairs will be under his control. Leaving some leeway for others is also leaving some leeway for oneself.”

Mingyuan smiled: “I somewhat understand Brother Lei’s meaning. Even the wisest ruler cannot make the realm as clear as water. In darkness, or between black and white, unspeakable things continue to happen, with countless people making their living from this. That’s the silt beneath clear water—foul but indispensable. Brother Lei hopes Prince Yan won’t easily stir up this underwater silt, lest it ruin this pool of clear water, right? But I think Brother Lei can rest assured—Prince Yan isn’t a bookworm like Jianwen and naturally knows when to be clear-headed and when to be confused.”

Lei Gongfu had commanded the East Sea for decades, and all the gangs and factions on the Yangtze River waterways had to show him respect. If such an influential waterway alliance leader was willing to submit, why would Prince Yan trouble himself to muddy the still relatively calm waters?

Ning Heng said calmly and coolly: “I still believe that overly tough and harsh rulers, unless they’re like Emperor Taizong, are generally harmful rather than beneficial to the state. I won’t obstruct everyone’s choice of Prince Yan, and if Prince Yan succeeds, I won’t be unwise to the times. However, I hope we can keep Jianwen alive to constrain Prince Yan. Only by letting Prince Yan know that Jianwen still lives will he have some fear and restraint, avoiding giving Jianwen an excuse for a comeback.”

No one objected to this. Even Mingyuan remained deeply wary of Prince Yan’s formidable nature.

Having said this, Ning Heng suddenly changed direction: “Now there’s another question. Since Captain Meng happened upon this meeting, what are his plans?”

For Prince Yan, Meng Jianqing and his Fish Intestine Army were opponents that absolutely could not be ignored.

Meng Jianqing replied: “I have a three-month agreement with Master Daoyan and Brother Li. Within three months, the Fish Intestine Army will not assassinate Prince Yan’s generals nor touch Prince Yan’s grain supplies. As for what happens after three months, once Daoist Mingyuan enters Beiping, the situation will inevitably change greatly—let’s discuss what to do after three months when the time comes.”

Yun Yanjiao added, “Bao’er is still a hostage in the palace. So the Fish Intestine Army can only go this far.”

Mingyuan said, “Nephew Yun need not beat around the bush. If we rescue your son, will Captain Meng remain neutral?”

The families of all ranks of the Fish Intestine Army were in the south, so under no circumstances could Meng Jianqing openly stand on Prince Yan’s side. Mingyuan knew that all he could ask for was neutrality from Meng Jianqing and the Fish Intestine Army.

Meng Jianqing and Yun Yanjiao exchanged glances, and Meng Jianqing said: “Naturally.”

Mingyuan laughed: “Captain Meng truly dares to act boldly—his reputation is well-deserved. Good, let’s consider it settled with these words!”