"Zhu Di, you're as good as dead. The Hongwu Emperor will soon decree that his grandson, Zhu Yunwen, be named Crown Prince."
"Once Zhu Yunwen takes the throne, he'll surely strip the vassal princes of their fiefs and titles. You imperial clansmen who command powerful armies won't escape death!"
"The realm depends on a mature ruler. Only by entrusting the Great Ming to you can it stand proudly at the pinnacle of the world."
"Lie low and build your strength. When the Hongwu Emperor falls gravely ill, you can lead the frontier troops to Nanjing to pay your respects, and ask him to name you Crown Prince instead."
"Prince of Yan, that hat doesn't suit you. I'll give you a white one instead."
In the Jinyiwei prison, the Hongwu Emperor heard these treasonous words. Yet rather than take offense, he even turned a blind eye to Cao Shuang's presence.
"Mr. Cao is truly the Xiao He of Han and the Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui of Tang, a talent capable of governing the nation and bringing peace to the realm, with boundless skill and wisdom." The Hongwu Emperor praised Cao Shuang this way in public on more than one occasion.
With Cao Shuang's relentless brainwashing and help, Prince of Yan Zhu Di finally dealt with the remnants of the Northern Yuan who had fled beyond the frontier. He resolved to lead his troops to the capital to pay his respects, only to discover that the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, had already prepared everything in advance.
"Fourth, take a look at this dragon robe. Does it fit?"
