During the Imperial Grandson’s inspection of the Heavenly Strategy Guard, an accident occurred with the cannon – it exploded.

Since the exercise commander Prince Han’s heir Zhu Zhanhe was concerned that cannon fire would dirty the Imperial Grandson’s robes, he temporarily extended the cannon’s fuse length by three times.

At the moment of explosion, because everyone was relatively far from the cannon, they were only injured with no deaths.

Moreover, fully armored Zhu Zhanhe reacted swiftly, throwing his arms around the Imperial Grandson and using his body as a shield to protect his elder cousin. Thus the Imperial Grandson’s injuries were relatively light – his arm was cut by several fragments from the exploded cannon barrel, but no vital parts were harmed.

The serious injuries were actually suffered by Zhu Zhanhe, who had shielded his cousin. He was fully armored with nearly forty jin of armor. When the cannon exploded, gunpowder scattered and iron pieces and wood from the gun carriage flew everywhere. The armor protected his body, but high temperatures burned the skin on his back and buttocks. When the doctor removed his armor, his back and buttocks were unsightly. The doctor quickly ordered people to repeatedly rinse his skin surface with ice water.

Critical moments reveal true feelings. Though Prince Han always looked disgusted with his disappointing son and compared him unfavorably to others’ children like Zhu Zhanji, wishing he could shame his son into the ground, at the moment of explosion when everyone scattered to flee, Prince Han from a distance went against the flow. Despite warnings from people beside him about possible assassins, he still risked running over to check on his son first.

Zhu Zhanhe’s back was nearly like spicy crawfish, yet he endured the pain to tell his father Prince Han: “I’m fine. Go quickly to see the Imperial Grandson. If something happens to the Imperial Grandson, our Prince Han’s mansion will face catastrophic disaster.”

Prince Han suddenly snapped back to reality – right, there was still the Imperial Grandson!

He had invited the Imperial Grandson to review troops! The Imperial Grandson was heir apparent – if the heir died here, he would be guilty of regicide!

Prince Han hurried to check on the Imperial Grandson, but the guards around the Imperial Grandson drew their weapons, swiftly escorting Zhu Zhanji to safety while shouting loudly “Assassins! Protect His Highness!”

Even when Prince Han ran over wanting to check his grand-nephew’s injuries, the guards pointed swords at him with wary gazes, refusing to let him pass.

Prince Han shouted loudly: “All of you get out of my way! Open your dog eyes and see clearly who I am! I am the Great Ming’s Prince Han! How are the Imperial Grandson’s injuries?”

No one moved aside. Cold blade edges and dark gun barrels all aimed at Prince Han.

Eunuch Wang Zhen walked out from the guard formation and bowed. His face was blackened by cannon fire, his hat lost somewhere in the chaos, his clothes scorched black – disheveled like a roadside beggar.

At this moment Wang Zhen could still remain calm, saying politely: “Attendants knowledgeable in medicine have already applied medicine for the Imperial Grandson. The scene is currently chaotic and the Imperial Grandson cannot linger here. Orders have been given to return to the palace immediately.”

By this time the Imperial Grandson’s carriage had arrived at the incident site to take away the Imperial Grandson. Prince Han was anxious and blocked the carriage: “I want to inquire after the Imperial Grandson.”

Wang Zhen wouldn’t let Prince Han approach the carriage, saying: “Please Prince Han quickly leave, control the situation, and investigate the truth. If Your Highness blocks here now and delays the Imperial Grandson’s medical treatment, how will Your Highness explain to His Majesty?”

No matter what, the Imperial Grandson was injured at Prince Han’s event. If he also obstructed imperial physicians’ treatment, Prince Han wouldn’t be able to clear himself even if he jumped into the Yellow River.

Prince Han had no choice but to let them pass, ordering his confidants: “Seal off this area. Except for the Crown Prince’s carriage and accompanying personnel, don’t let even an ant escape. Also, arrest all the people from the gunpowder factory and seize their records. The new-style cannons were fine, the exercises went well – how did it explode the moment it reached the Imperial Grandson’s hands!”

Due to technical limitations, in that era when iron and gunpowder quality was questionable, cannons and firearms exploding during firing was a common phenomenon.

However, this accidental occurrence had gradually changed from common to occasional under the efforts of three generations of Great Ming emperors.

Since the Hongwu reign, Great Ming had shown foresighted awareness that cannons would eventually become battlefield masters and the cold weapon era would pass. Therefore, they consistently focused on firearms development and upgrading in military affairs. Nanjing had two gunpowder factories with massive investments of money and manpower. Externally, this state enterprise mastering high technology operated under the sign of an armor factory but never produced armor – typical sheep’s head, dog meat sales.

Even the short-lived Jianwen reign, though Emperor Jianwen botched almost everything, still emphasized new weapon research at the gunpowder factories. During his tenure, the factories developed landmines, immediately sent to the Jingnan Campaign battlefield. Emperor Yongle once nearly died by landmine, barely escaping the minefield alive.

In the Yongle era, Emperor Yongle who gained the realm through civil war was even more infatuated with firearms, establishing the Divine Engine Battalion equipped with various latest firearms. Admiral Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Seas always brought back the newest foreign weapon samples, sent to gunpowder factories for disassembly, research, copying, mass production and deployment.

These new weapons played important roles in pacifying the Jiaozhi rebellion in the south and Emperor Yongle’s personal northern campaigns. Last year when Emperor Yongle campaigned north against the Oirats, he used cannon formations to blast through Oirat cavalry formations, scattering enemy forces in one stroke and returning triumphant.

Gunpowder stability improved through repeated testing and battlefield operations. The cannons used in this Heavenly Strategy Guard siege exercise were newly developed by the gunpowder factories – cannon barrel thickness comparable to a palm, cast in one piece from molten iron, much more solid than before.

Generally, barrel explosions occurred because residual gunpowder in the barrel wasn’t cleaned out, causing cannonballs to explode inside the barrel instead of firing out.

But when the Imperial Grandson came down from the viewing stand to personally inspect the Heavenly Strategy Guard, the gunners had already cleaned the cannon barrels inside and out until even flies would slip on them – how could it possibly explode?

Someone must have tampered with it while cleaning the cannon barrel.

So Prince Han focused investigation on the gunners, digging three feet deep, arresting and interrogating relatives within five degrees of relation plus neighbors and friends.

Halfway through interrogation, an aide rushed over: “Your Majesty! Trouble! Embroidered Uniform Guard Commander Ji has surrounded Prince Han’s mansion with men! No one may enter or exit. The mansion’s officials have all been taken by Commander Ji, reportedly to the imperial prison for questioning!”

Impossible! What relationship do Old Ji and I have? Hasn’t Old Ji always stood on my side?

Prince Han had to put aside his current business to meet with Ji Gang.

Just as he walked out, he saw his wife Princess Han running over crying: “Your Majesty! The Embroidered Uniform Guards carried away He’er! He’s covered in injuries – how can he endure such torment!”

Hearing his eldest son was taken by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Prince Han flew into a rage and ran to argue with Ji Gang. Ji Gang was directing his subordinates to load Zhu Zhanhe’s stretcher onto a carriage.

Due to Zhu Zhanhe’s severe burns causing full-body trembling from pain, the doctor had given him anesthesia to reduce suffering. At this moment Zhu Zhanhe had fallen unconscious, unaware of the tense situation outside.

Prince Han called out: “What does Commander Ji intend?”

Ji Gang bowed: “Following His Majesty’s oral decree to thoroughly investigate the Heavenly Strategy Guard exercise cannon explosion case. This case is now an imperial matter, handed to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for trial. Please Prince Han hand over the Heavenly Strategy Guard gunners and their families to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for questioning – no need to trouble Prince Han.”

“Additionally, His Majesty is concerned about Prince Han’s heir’s injuries and orders this humble officer to carry the heir to the palace for consultation by the Imperial Medical Academy.”

In front of everyone, Ji Gang appeared routine and impartial. However, Ji Gang winked at Prince Han.

Prince Han understood, saying: “The imperial physicians’ medical skills are certainly superior to my mansion’s doctors. Quickly escort the heir to the palace for treatment. Commander Ji has come to the mansion – please drink some tea before leaving.”

In the reception hall with only two people, Prince Han abandoned his previous composed demeanor and grabbed Ji Gang’s hand: “What does His Majesty mean by this? Actually suspecting me? I do want the succession, but I’m not so stupid as to act on my own territory.”

Ji Gang said: “I believe Your Highness is innocent, but the Imperial Grandson’s arm wounds are deep to the bone. From excessive blood loss, his face is white as paper. The Crown Prince cried like a baby at the sickbed, refusing food and drink. When two eunuchs helped him up, he fainted. Both Crown Prince and Imperial Grandson are ill – what do you think His Majesty will think?”

The Crown Prince had Type 2 diabetes – he couldn’t eat too much or too little. With unstable blood sugar, missing one meal could easily cause hypoglycemia, dizziness, even cardiac arrest and sudden death.

Prince Han’s heart sank: “Did the Crown Prince slander me to His Majesty, saying I harmed the Imperial Grandson?”

“No.” Ji Gang shook his head. “The Crown Prince remained silent throughout, only crying, not eating or drinking, just crying until he fainted.”

With both grandson and eldest son as heirs falling ill successively, Emperor Yongle couldn’t sit idle. He ordered Ji Gang to handle the case with no one, including Prince Han, permitted to interfere with the investigation.

Even severely injured Zhu Zhanhe was carried to the rear palace under the pretext of medical treatment, preventing Prince Han and son from coordinating their testimony. This made Prince Han the prime suspect in the explosion case.

With no outsiders present, Prince Han angrily pounded the table: “The Crown Prince might as well directly say I harmed the Imperial Grandson! Throughout court and country, and formerly Emperor Gaozhu, everyone says he’s honest and loyal – they just can’t see through him! Great cleverness appears foolish, great honesty appears bent, great eloquence appears tongue-tied, great wisdom appears ignorant – the Crown Prince is the most scheming person of all!”

Ji Gang advised: “The Imperial Grandson was invited by Your Highness to review troops and was injured on Your Highness’s territory. In this suspicious situation, it would be strange if outsiders didn’t suspect. If His Majesty let Your Highness investigate, wouldn’t people accuse him of favoritism? His Majesty sending me to investigate this case also hopes to quickly find the real culprit and clear Prince Han’s name. Prince Han and the Crown Prince are blood brothers – don’t let this separate your hearts.”

We separated long ago, alright!

Prince Han was so angry he nearly exploded on the spot: “I am not, I didn’t, they’re talking nonsense! I’ve spent half my life in military campaigns – I wouldn’t use such low-level tricks, attacking under everyone’s gaze and splashing dirty water on myself! Even if successful and the Imperial Grandson died on the spot with the Crown Prince dying of grief, the succession still wouldn’t come to me. Father Emperor most hates fraternal killing – he’d certainly demote me to commoner status. Anyway, the imperial family still has Third Brother and a pile of grandsons. How could it possibly be my turn! I’d busily bear the blame only to make wedding clothes for others, letting someone else ascend. Am I that stupid?”

Ji Gang’s eyes rolled: “Prince Han means… the explosion was accidental?”

Hearing this, Prince Han grasped it like a lifeline: “Yes, it should be accidental. I just interrogated the gunners who cleaned the cannon. They claim innocence. When the gunpowder factory delivered goods, they repeatedly reminded caution – new-style cannons can’t completely avoid barrel explosions. When using them, don’t be lazy about wearing armor and protective gear, run far away, crouch on the ground with heads covered – safety first.”

Ji Gang nodded: “This humble officer will faithfully report Prince Han’s opinion to His Majesty. I’ll also focus interrogation on the gunpowder factory people. This matter is best accidental, otherwise Prince Han’s mansion will suffer.”

“However, during this period Prince Han must endure some hardship. No one in Prince Han’s mansion may go out. All vegetables will be delivered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. When the matter is clarified, the prohibition will naturally be lifted.”

This was equivalent to confining Prince Han to his mansion.

Prince Han sighed: “I understand. I’ll restrain the mansion’s people. We’ve had over ten years of friendship – I won’t make things difficult for you. I’m relieved you’re investigating rather than it falling into others’ hands.”

“Prince Han cooperating so well with the Embroidered Uniform Guard – this humble officer is extremely grateful. Since that’s the case…” Ji Gang extended his right hand. “Please Prince Han temporarily hand over the Heavenly Strategy Guard military tally.”

Prince Han was shocked: “The Heavenly Strategy Guard are my Prince Han mansion guards. This was given to me by Father Emperor.”

“Now Prince Han’s mansion is protected by our Embroidered Uniform Guard – certainly no one dares trespass. Your Highness should have confidence in our Embroidered Uniform Guard.” Ji Gang said: “Moreover, the Heavenly Strategy Guard is originally a branch of the imperial forces. Even now their military pay comes from imperial force accounts. With the Heavenly Strategy Guard exercise incident, the entire guard unit must lay down weapons and accept investigation. Your Highness holding the military tally is useless. Handing it to this humble officer can show Your Highness cooperates with the Embroidered Uniform Guard with a clear conscience, hiding nothing.”

Prince Han had no choice but to hand the military tally to Ji Gang.

Watching Ji Gang’s departing figure, Prince Han felt deep powerlessness: Before absolute imperial power, his carefully cultivated so-called influence for many years was just a paper tiger – appearing mighty but actually fragile! When His Majesty said give, it was given. When His Majesty said don’t give, he didn’t dare even fart, obediently surrendering power.

I need to secretly cultivate a team of private soldiers loyal only to me, spending my own money to support them and buy equipment. Only thus can it be lasting, otherwise everything is empty.

I must! Prince Han clenched his fists.

Imperial Grandson’s Palace.

Eunuch Wang Zhen brought a medicine cup: “Your Highness, time for medicine.”

Pale-faced Zhu Zhanji drank it all at once. The medicine was bitter but he didn’t even furrow his brow, as if drinking plain water.

Wang Zhen offered a candy box.

Zhu Zhanji waved his hand: “Just give me a cup of clear water to rinse my mouth.”

Wang Zhen served Zhu Zhanji’s mouth rinsing and was about to withdraw when called back: “Wang Zhen.”

Wang Zhen: “What orders does Your Highness have?”

Zhu Zhanji: “Come here.”

Wang Zhen approached the bed.

Zhu Zhanji: “Come closer still.”

Unable to get any closer, Wang Zhen had to crane his neck and lean his ear over.

Zhu Zhanji whispered in Wang Zhen’s ear: “You’re the Crown Prince’s man, aren’t you.”

Wang Zhen shuddered, his body stiffening, momentarily unsure how to answer.

Rear Palace.

With Crown Prince and Imperial Grandson both fallen ill, plus carrying in Zhu Zhanhe, Hu Shanwei immediately became busy, sending people to tell Mu Chun and A’Lei at the Hu residence that she would stay overnight in the palace and not return home.

By evening, Shen Qionglian from the Court Bureau of Rites said: “Palace Supervisor Hu, your sister has entered the palace looking for you.”

A’Lei entered the palace. Hu Shanwei knew whom she came for: “You’re not a doctor – it’s useless coming to see the Imperial Grandson and Prince Han’s heir.”

A’Lei was very anxious, saying: “Outside they’re saying all sorts of things, even that they’re going to die. They’re friends I grew up with. At home my heart was panicking and I couldn’t even repair clocks. Hearing is false, seeing is true – I want to see them with my own eyes. Is that possible?”

Seeing A’Lei’s pleading gaze, Hu Shanwei sighed and spoke intimately with her daughter: “Seeing is possible, but speak carefully. Especially don’t ask about the circumstances then – only show concern for their health and condition. Don’t ask anything else.”

A’Lei nodded: “Don’t worry, I know the boundaries.”

Hu Shanwei was still uneasy and asked: “What boundaries do you know?”

A’Lei said: “Sister often says not to mind those disturbances. If investigating the truth, one must figure out who benefits. I thought about it on the way – this matter can’t be deeply considered. The more I think, the more chilling it becomes. Almost everyone except Shuikeng little brother is suspicious.”