Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

As night fell, Yan Wang Yang Tan practiced calligraphy in his room, unaware of his grandfather, Yang Guang, watching him. Yang Guang, the emperor, had high hopes for Yang Tan, the eldest grandson, as the future Crown Prince. They discussed calligraphy styles, revealing Yang Tan's preference for stability over grace in writing. Yang Guang shared insights about court politics, emphasizing the necessity of using adaptable yet morally questionable officials like Yu Shi Ji and Yu Wen Shu to maintain control over powerful noble families. Yang Tan expressed concern over these choices, but Yang Guang explained the complexities of governance, aiming to prepare Yang Tan for future leadership. The conversation highlighted Yang Guang's desire to pass a prosperous realm to his grandson. Later, Minister Pei Ju reported on military matters, including the death of the strategic threat Shi Shu Hu Xi, which pleased Yang Guang. They discussed utilizing the Lu family for political advantage, deciding to appoint Lu Zhuo as Head of the Imperial Academy to strengthen ties without granting them real power.

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