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The preparations were more thorough than they had imagined.

In the days that followed, under the strict supervision of instructors and ruthless sergeants, the exiles began a hellish "crash course" of training.

They were divided into groups and boarded different treasure ships (each ship could accommodate about four hundred of them and some of the core sailors who might accompany them in the future), starting with the most basic skills of finding directions, using a compass, and observing nautical charts (simplified versions of the Kunyu Tu, with key markings on routes, ocean currents, and trade winds).

They had to learn to maintain balance on a rocking deck, operate ropes and sails, use water pumps, identify weather changes, treat common marine injuries, and even perform basic firearms operations (a "ship's whirlwind gun" that required two people to work together and fire shot and rockets, as well as a flintlock pistol and a hand-thrown explosive called "Thunderbolt") and boarding maneuvers.

Food rations were plentiful, with daily quotas of meat and special drinks to prevent scurvy and ensure physical strength. Training was brutal, and those who were eliminated were removed and their whereabouts became unknown. However, those who performed exceptionally well, had strong learning abilities, or possessed special talents in a particular area would receive extra attention, with subtle signs that they would be given more responsibilities.

Li Shimin threw himself into the task with almost life-consuming perseverance. He forced himself to forget his past identity and, like the humblest apprentice, learned all the skills necessary for survival. His astonishing learning ability, unwavering will, and organizational skills honed from commanding large armies quickly made him stand out even among the talented exiles and strict instructors. He was allowed access to more detailed nautical charts and to learn more about the ship's secrets. These included the massive watertight compartments in the hold, how the complex sails were designed to better utilize crosswinds and even headwinds, the ship's reserves of compressed rations, preserved foods, grains, and beans sufficient to feed thousands of people for over a year, as well as large quantities of crop seeds and livestock calves for exchange with the natives or for their own cultivation.

Li Shimin also saw a portion of the five thousand prisoners of war and slaves. They were confined to a more secluded camp in the port, undergoing the same harsh labor and obedience training, their eyes filled with hatred and bewilderment. How to manage these people would be one of the most severe challenges after arriving in the New World.

Yi Huawei wasn't sending them to their deaths. On the contrary, he provided them with perhaps the finest sailing tools of the time, relatively complete logistical preparations, and the most "advanced" knowledge of survival and colonization. But all this "support," while clearing the way for them, also completely bound them to the empire's overseas expansion chariot, constantly reminding them of the insurmountable chasm between them and the empire, and the inescapable control they were under.

At night, Li Shimin often stood alone on the towering stern deck of the Zhenhai, gazing northward toward Luoyang. The shadow of that colossal tower seemed still etched in his mind. He would also look eastward toward the boundless, dark Pacific Ocean.

The departure date is getting closer and closer.

………………

In the sixth month of summer, the twenty-fourth year of the reign of Emperor Dingding.

The Imperial Palace of Luoyang, Zihuan Hall.

This place is not a replica of the Taiji Palace or Ziwei Palace of the previous dynasty, but rather the core of imperial power that Yi Huawei re-planned and built in the center of the new city of Luoyang, south of the Sacrifice Tower, after establishing his rule.

The palace complex abandons the elaborate and exaggerated eaves and brackets and bright colors of traditional palaces, with an overall style that is magnificent, simple, and austere. Constructed with huge white stone blocks, dark metal frames, and a type of highly transparent glazed glass, the lines are hard and smooth, reflecting a cool luster under the blazing summer sun.

Behind the main hall of Zihuan Hall is an open-air platform called "Chengguan Terrace". The platform is paved with a single huge piece of white marble, with only low jade railings around the edges, offering an extremely wide view.

Looking north, one sees the towering, pristine white pagoda of the Heaven-Worshiping Tower; looking south, one can take in the orderly, chessboard-like streets of Luoyang's new city, the shimmering artificial lake "Taiye Pond," and the faint outlines of everyday life in the distance. The place is high and open, often swept by strong winds that make one's clothes flutter wildly, making it difficult for ordinary servants to stand steadily; therefore, it is rarely used.

At this moment, on the Cheng Guan Platform, there was only a chessboard also carved from white jade, and two chess jars made of black jade and warm jade. Yi Huawei, dressed in plain blue clothes, without a crown, with his hair casually tied up with an ebony hairpin, was holding a black chess piece, staring at the seemingly scattered but actually mysterious chess game on the board.

A barely audible rustling of clothes filled the air as a figure, like a ghost merging with light and shadow, silently landed at the edge of the platform, three zhang away from Yi Huawei. The newcomer, composed and respectful, was none other than Lady Zhu Yuyan of the Yin Kingdom.

Instead of her usual black or dark purple dress, Zhu Yuyan wore a rather formal dark red palace gown embroidered with gold phoenixes. The dress was still form-fitting, outlining her slender and graceful figure. Her hair was piled high, adorned with several elegant hairpins inlaid with deep black pearls, which made her look both noble and mysterious.

That face resembled that of a stunningly beautiful woman in her thirties, with fair and radiant skin, exquisitely delicate features, and a captivating gaze that conveyed both the wisdom gained from worldly experience and the profound and authoritative presence of someone wielding immense shadowy power. Time seemed to have stood still for her, with only the occasional glimpse of vicissitudes and wisdom in the depths of her eyes revealing that she was truly over sixty.

Zhu Yuyan is not only Empress Shan Wanjing's maternal grandmother, but also the sharpest and most secretive knife in the shadows of the Hua Empire. She is one of the true founders and supreme controllers of the Imperial City Division, and the most trusted intelligence chief in Yi Huawei's hands.

"His Majesty."

Zhu Yuyan curtsied, her voice carrying a unique magnetism that could be clearly heard amidst the whistling wind.

"Madam is here."

Yi Huawei didn't look up, casually placing a black piece in a seemingly insignificant corner of the board: "Sit down. Let's see how this game goes."

Zhu Yuyan stepped forward as instructed, but did not actually sit down. Instead, she stood with her hands at her sides on the other side of the chessboard, her gaze sweeping across the board. Although she was not a national champion in chess, she was still quite accomplished. After a moment's thought, she realized that the seemingly casual placement of the black piece actually concealed one of the several vital points that could allow a large white group of stones to escape, with a hidden killing intent.

"His Majesty's move may seem casual, but it was actually a foreshadowing of what was to come more than ten steps ahead."

Zhu Yuyan said softly, her tone carrying just the right amount of admiration.

"The same principle applies to playing chess and governing a country."

Yi Huawei then raised his eyes and looked calmly at Zhu Yuyan: "Chang'an, Luoyang, and even this new Luoyang, the game has changed, the chessboard has grown, but some 'pieces' are hard to change their nature. Tell me, which 'pieces' have been restless lately?"

Zhu Yuyan's expression turned serious, knowing that the small talk was over and it was time to get down to business. A thin, translucent silk scroll slid from her sleeve; without unfolding it, she fluently reported from memory:
"Since the completion of the Sacrifice Tower to Heaven last year and His Majesty's establishment of the 'Expansion Order' and the system of overseas bestowals, newly appointed nobles, old meritorious officials, and even some sons of meritorious officials who followed His Majesty in the early years have become increasingly arrogant and domineering, relying on the merits of their fathers and grandfathers and the wealth of their families. In the past three months, the Imperial City Guard and the Ministry of Justice in Luoyang, Chang'an, Jinling, and Guangzhou have recorded a total of 173 cases involving the sons of officials, an increase of more than 40% compared with the same period last year. Most of these cases involve forced buying and selling, bullying and monopolizing markets, allowing slaves to commit violence, and fighting. There are also several cases involving the encroachment on farmland, interference in lawsuits, and even collusion with local officials to evade commercial taxes."

She spoke at a steady pace and with clear enunciation, briefly recounting several typical cases: the son of the Duke of Anguo trampled and injured a commoner on horseback in the West Market of Luoyang in a fight over a singing girl; the nephew of the Minister of Justice seized hundreds of acres of mulberry fields in Jiangnan, driving an old farmer to his death; the nephew of General Huwei extorted money from merchants in Guangzhou under the guise of inspecting ships, lining his own pockets... Each case was detailed, with clear information on the people, times, and places involved, clearly indicating that it had been thoroughly investigated.

"These young men often gather in groups, competing with each other and indulging in extravagance. Their families either spoil and indulge them, or are too busy with government affairs to discipline them, or believe that a little wealth can solve the problem. Even worse, some secretly spread the absurd claim that 'His Majesty's ambition lies overseas, and the fertile lands of China are easy to take.'"

Zhu Yuyan's tone remained calm, but a cold disgust flashed in her eyes. Born into a demonic sect, she was accustomed to the dark side of human nature, but she particularly hated such behavior that eroded the foundation of the empire.

Upon hearing this, Yi Huawei showed no anger on his face. Instead, a mocking smile curved his lips as he casually picked up a white piece and twirled it between his fingers.

"As expected. With prolonged peace and abundant wealth, and seeing my expansion and overseas enfeoffment, some people feel that this ironclad empire also has a place for them to inherit and act recklessly. They think my sword is only used against foreign powers, not domestic ones." Raising his eyes, his gaze swept over Zhu Yuyan: "Since they've forgotten, let's remind them. Madam Zhu, you, in coordination with the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate, arrest a few typical cases. Choose families of high social standing, with heinous acts, and solid evidence. Three to five families will suffice. The ringleaders should be publicly tried and punished according to the law; those who deserve execution should be executed. Their direct descendants for three generations should all be stripped of their titles and exiled… Hmm, the route to Nanyinzhou is already set. The newly expanded lands in Liaodong and the rainforest mines in the South Seas are in dire need of laborers. Let them go there and experience the true meaning of 'hard-won' wealth."

His tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable chilling authority. Making an example of someone, even destroying their henhouse, and deliberately choosing the most arduous frontiers and overseas locations for exile—the intention to intimidate was self-evident.

Zhu Yuyan bowed: "Your Majesty, I obey. However... the families involved are deeply entrenched, and if there is any backlash..."

"A rebound?"

Yi Huawei chuckled lightly, but there was no warmth in his voice: "I can lift them up, and I can also suppress them. Since the implementation of the new policies, we have the army at our disposal, we can employ scholars from humble backgrounds, we can share overseas interests, and the people's hearts are still stable. A few corrupt officials can't cause any major upheaval. It's good that the vacant positions and confiscated assets can be used to support more capable people. I will inform the Council of State Affairs about this matter so that they are aware of the situation. You just need to go ahead and do it, be quick, be ruthless, and make sure people see the consequences."

"Yes."

Zhu Yuyan solemnly agreed. She was well aware of the emperor's will and methods; once he made up his mind, it would be as powerful as thunder.

"besides,"

Yi Huawei slammed a white piece onto the center of the chessboard, instantly changing the atmosphere of the entire game: "Your Imperial City Guard operates in the shadows, wielding power and having the most contact with shady dealings. I don't want my eyes and ears, my sharp blade, to be corrupted by the sugar-coated words of those parasites, or... to become an uncontrollable, self-contained system. Manage your people well. Internal oversight must be stricter than external oversight. If there is collusion, leaks, or perversion of justice, you know what to do."

Zhu Yuyan's heart skipped a beat, and she lowered her head deeply: "Your Majesty, rest assured. The Yin Gui Sect... the entire Imperial City Guard, is loyal only to Your Majesty. There is already a 'Clean Clothing Room' dedicated to inspection within the organization, and I will personally supervise and show no mercy."

She understood that this was both a warning and a demonstration of trust. Yi Huawei entrusted her with such a crucial department, both utilizing the strengths of the Yin Gui School and remaining vigilant about its potential weaknesses.

"Ah."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, casually changing the subject: "How is the 'Yuying Academy' doing lately?"

The Yuying Academy is an institution jointly funded by the Imperial Court and the Imperial Treasury, with the Imperial City Guard secretly assisting and supervising its operation. This institution is spread across major prefectures and counties. While ostensibly a charitable organization, it is in reality another network laid out by His Majesty. It not only gathers orphans and refugees born out of war and famine to stabilize society, but also selects those with excellent potential and character for secret training, sending them to various fields such as the army, workshops, and even the Imperial City Guard. It is a crucial means for His Majesty to cultivate new blood who are absolutely loyal to the new dynasty and have no aristocratic background.

"Your Majesty, the 'Yuying Academy' in various regions is operating smoothly. According to statistics from this spring, the academies have taken in more than 38,700 orphans aged six to fourteen, all of whom have been registered and preliminarily screened. In accordance with the 'New Regulations for Yuying' previously promulgated by Your Majesty, the graded education has begun to be implemented."

"Ordinary children are taught literacy, arithmetic, basic law, agricultural and industrial knowledge, and basic martial arts (such as Five Animal Frolics and Long Fist). Once they reach the age of fourteen, they are either assessed and recommended to work as apprentices in government-run workshops, military settlements, or merchant caravans, or they are subsidized to return to their hometowns to buy property."

"Among them, about 6,200 are of above-average quality and have a strong will. They have entered the preparatory courses of the 'Military Academy' and 'Academy of Natural Sciences' in various states to deepen their knowledge of both literature and martial arts or to specialize in practical subjects such as craftsmanship, mathematics, and medicine."

"As for those with excellent physical attributes, pure minds, and verifiable clean backgrounds..."

Zhu Yuyan's voice was slightly lower: "This spring, a total of 107 people were selected and have been secretly gathered in three 'Prison Residences' in Luoyang, Chang'an, and Jinling. They are being taught by reliable instructors selected by the Imperial City Guard, who are teaching them superior foundation-building techniques, military strategies, intelligence, and natural philosophy. Among them, the 39 people in the Luoyang Prison Residence are of the best quality, and some of them are no less talented than the core disciples of Cihang Jingzhai in the past."

Yi Huawei listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the edge of the chessboard. Sunlight streamed through the platform, casting a deep silhouette on his profile.

"The most important aspect of education is character. The higher one's talent, the more vigilant one must be against arrogance and extremism. In addition to skills, the principles of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, the ability to distinguish right from wrong, and gratitude must be ingrained in their very bones. Especially for those who come from the 'Education Academy,' let them know who provided them with food, clothing, knowledge, and a future." He said slowly, "Furthermore, set up some reasonable competition and setbacks. You should understand how to remove impurities and retain the fine steel in the process of polishing."

"I understand. Various practical drills and mission tests have been arranged, and there are dedicated psychological instructors to observe and guide us. Rewards and punishments are clear, and kindness and severity are combined," Zhu Yuyan replied. She was very familiar with this. The Yin Gui Sect's training of disciples was originally to select the elite through a rigorous elimination process, but now the purpose and standards were different.

Yi Huawei nodded slightly.

"It takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to cultivate a person. These children are the backbone of the empire's future. The five noble families and seven powerful clans, the remnants of the previous dynasty, and even these restless sons of nobles today... are all dust of the old era. Sweep them into the dustbin of history, or... throw them into the new world and let them fend for themselves."

Zhu Yuyan remained silent. She knew that His Majesty's "exile" of the Li family and other clans, while politically motivated, was also a form of... extreme and cruel "utilization" and "pressure release." Internal instability was being transformed into vanguards (or cannon fodder) for outward expansion. The true future lay in the generation nurtured in the "Education Academy" and the "Prince's Residence" according to a completely new model.

The wind picked up, causing their robes to billow. The enormous shadow of the sacrificial tower slowly shifted as the sun began to set, eventually covering part of the palace.

"When will the fleet depart from the Li family's side?" Yi Huawei suddenly asked.

"Your Majesty, the five ships, including the Zhenhai, have completed their final sea trials, and the loading of supplies and personnel is nearing completion. According to the plan, they can set sail from Qingdao in seven days, once the trade winds stabilize."

"Hmm. Let Bai Qing'er keep an eye on the final details. Tell her to see it through to the end. After they set sail, it's up to their own fate."

"Yes."

Yi Huawei fell silent, turning his gaze back to the chessboard. Zhu Yuyan knew it was time to take her leave, so she curtsied once more and her figure vanished like a ghost, disappearing from the edge of Cheng Guan Terrace.

On the platform, only Yi Huawei remained, along with the unfinished game of chess and the vast, surging wind.

He sat alone for a moment, his fingers brushing across the chessboard, scattering all the pieces. Then, he picked up one black and one white piece and gently placed them at opposite ends of the board.

The world is like a game of chess, and all beings are like pieces. He, however, is the only player. (End of Chapter)