Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

The old man burst into tears of gratitude. With shaking hands, he pulled Zhu Han's sleeves and said with tears in his eyes: "Your Majesty is so kind and righteous. We will be grateful to the Ming Emperor for generations to come!"

Zhu Biao looked around and saw that the people were happy, but he still felt a little worried. He whispered to Zhu Han, "Uncle, if this matter is not thoroughly investigated, I'm afraid it will only be a temporary solution and not a fundamental solution."

Zhu Han patted his shoulder gently, his eyes calm and calm: "Don't worry, Biao'er, this is just the beginning. The trust of the people must be built bit by bit. We have to do much more than this."

Zhu Biao retracted his gaze and said softly, "Uncle, after checking today, I found a lot of problems. If Changping is still like this, there may be hidden concerns in other places. If we don't investigate carefully, I'm afraid it will be difficult to completely resolve the people's concerns."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with deep thought: "Biao'er, governing a country is like managing a field. If the field is not managed carefully, it will eventually become barren. This matter cannot be accomplished overnight, we need to start from the root cause."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, as if thinking about something: "Uncle Huang is right. But the root of this... is quite involved, I'm afraid it will take some effort to figure it out."

"It takes time." Zhu Han smiled slightly, his tone calm and firm, "We might as well start with the details of the land tax. Since the land measurement this time has exposed problems, we might as well follow the trend, conduct a comprehensive investigation, and formulate a more appropriate land measurement system to prevent the same mistakes from happening again in the future."

Zhu Biao looked thoughtful, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Uncle, in my opinion, we can gather a few respected gentry and landlords and ask them to provide some practical suggestions. After all, they are well versed in land management and may be able to lend a hand."

Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao deeply and said with a smile: "Biao'er, you have become more mature. To govern the world, we need to gather wisdom from all sides and accept advice from all wise men. This is feasible. We will gather people from all sides on a certain day to discuss the plan together."

As he was speaking, an attendant came quickly behind him and reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, Prince, County Magistrate Li has already held a banquet at the government office and invited you two to come and discuss the Changping issue."

Zhu Biao snorted softly, with a hint of disdain in his eyes: "Uncle, you were so panicked just now, but now you are so attentive. I'm afraid you have something to say."

Zhu Han smiled calmly, his eyes calm: "Since he has something to say, let's listen. Let's go."

Today, the topic of conversation on the streets is no longer about food, clothing, housing and transportation, but about the land measurement that took place this morning. People gather in groups of three or five in teahouses, at alley entrances, and even in front of cloth shops, talking in low voices, their expressions full of expectation and worry.

In a teahouse on the corner of the street, several old farmers in coarse cloth sat together, holding coarse porcelain tea bowls, with different expressions. An old man with a gray beard put down the tea bowl and whispered, "Fellow villagers, this time the court personally sent people to measure the land, and brought His Royal Highness the Crown Prince with them. I think this matter is going to be serious!"

A thin middle-aged man frowned upon hearing this and sighed, "Are you serious? Brother Zhang, I advise you not to hold out too much hope. We've been tormented enough by the officials who measured the land over the years, so what's the difference this time?"

A younger man nearby heard this and said unconvincedly, "What are you talking about? The ones measuring the land today are His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prince Han. Did you see the Prince measuring it himself with a ruler? It's real!"

A woman sitting nearby put down her needlework and frowned, saying, "It's hard to say! The county magistrate in the past also said that he would make decisions for the people, but in the end, he just perfunctorily dealt with it. Do you think the Crown Prince and King Han can really take care of it this time?"

The tea shop owner also interrupted at this moment, wiping the table while shaking his head and said, "You guys just don't know what's going on. This time it's different. I saw Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince go to the fields in person. Even the officials dared not lie. The people all said that this time the court really wants to redress our grievances."

After hearing this, everyone nodded, but some people still looked worried. An old farmer wearing a bamboo hat leaned against the tea table and sighed, "I hope so! These few acres of thin land are the blood and sweat land left by our ancestors. If we continue to measure it so recklessly, I'm afraid we won't even be able to make a living."

On the other side, in front of the rice shop, several farmers carrying shoulder poles gathered together and talked.

A sturdy man wiped the sweat from his forehead and gritted his teeth and said, "My land was over-taxed by three acres last year. The tax I pay every year has doubled. My children can hardly eat. If we can get justice this time, I will be willing to plant a few more acres."

The young man at the side echoed, "You are right. Today, the land measuring officials dare not act recklessly. His Highness asked detailed questions and measured carefully. It seems that he is going to be serious this time."

The rice shop owner stroked his beard and said softly, "Don't be too happy too soon. Over the years, so many grievances have been left unresolved. Have you forgotten what happened two years ago? What happened to those villagers who went to Beijing to file a complaint? It was all in vain."

"Boss, this time is different!" A strong young man clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming with hope. "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said that he would personally investigate and make decisions for the people. As long as the court really investigates thoroughly, I believe that there is still justice in this world."

An elderly man in the crowd sighed softly, "Yes, what the common people fear most is that no one listens to us. Now that we have His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, we have to see what he does."

At the alley entrance, an old man selling candied haws joined in the fun and said with a smile, "I heard from people that Prince Han came here specially to support His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. The prince is the lucky star of our Ming Dynasty. As long as he is here, nothing will go wrong."

Hearing this, everyone smiled comfortingly and nodded.

A woman in the crowd wiped the tears from her eyes and murmured, "If the court can really see our hardships this time, we will pay taxes willingly."

At this time, the sound of horse hooves came from the corner of the street. Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao riding slowly towards them.

The people immediately retreated to the sides of the road, with awe and expectation on their faces. Someone whispered, "Now that the Crown Prince has arrived, our grievances may really be redressed."

Seeing the people bowing and saluting, Zhu Biao quickly reined in his horse, smiled and said, "No need to be polite, fellow villagers. I will investigate the matter of measuring the land today and will not let any of the people suffer."

Zhu Han looked around, looking at everyone with deep eyes, and said slowly: "My fellow villagers, today's incident is just the beginning. If anyone has been wronged, please come to the county government office. The king and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will personally handle the matter for you."

Upon hearing this, the people knelt down on the ground excitedly, shouting repeatedly: "Thank you, Your Highness, thank you, Your Highness!" The sound echoed throughout the street for a long time.

When they arrived at the county government office, Magistrate Li was already standing at the door to greet them. He had a flattering smile on his face and said, "Your humble servant respectfully welcomes His Majesty the Prince and His Highness. Please come in quickly."

Zhu Han smiled faintly and did not make any comment. Zhu Biao glanced at him coldly and walked straight in. The hall had already prepared wine and food, and the aroma was overflowing. County Magistrate Li bowed and said, "Your Highness, Prince, I have failed the grace of the emperor in measuring the land today. I feel really guilty. I specially prepared a small banquet to express my apology."

Zhu Biao sat down, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said lightly: "Lord Li, there is no need to say more. We are not here for a banquet today, but let's talk about business."

Magistrate Li's face changed slightly, and he nodded hurriedly: "Yes, yes, yes, Your Highness is wise. I know that there are many problems with today's matter, and I am afraid that it will involve more people. I would like to ask Your Highness to give me a few days to allow me to investigate carefully." Zhu Han put down the teacup and said slowly: "I can give you a few days, but... Lord Li, can you tell me the truth, how much do you know about this matter of the land?"

Magistrate Li's forehead was covered with sweat. After hesitating for a moment, he whispered, "Your Highness, to be honest, the land measurement was handled by officials sent by the government. We were just following orders. The account books...the account books were also sent by them. I...I can't do anything about it."

Zhu Biao snorted coldly: "If that's the case, then I'll have to meet this official in person."

Magistrate Li nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, I will arrange it tomorrow. I only hope that Your Highness can sympathize with my difficulties."

Zhu Han gave Magistrate Li a meaningful look and smiled, "Of course I will be sympathetic, but... has Lord Li ever been sympathetic to the difficulties faced by the people of Changping?"

Upon hearing this, Magistrate Li's face froze, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He bowed his head and said hurriedly, "Your Highness has taught me this, and I will do my best."

The banquet ended in an unpleasant mood. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao left the county government office. The night was dark, a breeze was blowing, and the street lights were flickering dimly, reflecting the hurried figures of the people.

Zhu Biao let out a long sigh and looked up at the night sky: "Uncle, it seems that this matter of Zhangtian is quite involved. If the officials sent by this palace really shirk their responsibilities tomorrow, I am afraid I will have to report it to my father and investigate it thoroughly."

Zhu Han gently patted Zhu Biao's shoulder and said with a smile: "Biao'er, your performance today already shows some of the style of a crown prince. Don't be anxious, plan everything carefully before you act, and we'll act according to circumstances tomorrow."

The next morning, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao arrived at the county government office early. County Magistrate Li was already waiting at the door, his expression respectful but also a little apprehensive. In front of the government office, more people gathered than yesterday, whispering and looking expectant.

Zhu Han smiled softly and walked slowly into the hall, followed closely by Zhu Biao. As soon as he sat down, County Magistrate Li came forward with a flattering smile and whispered, "Your Highness, Prince, Lord Ding sent by the palace is waiting in the back hall. He said he came to check the land measurement matters."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, and said in a steady tone: "Please invite him into the hall. I want to see how he verifies it."

Not long after, a middle-aged man in official uniform strode in with a haughty look. He glanced at Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, raised the corner of his mouth slightly, and saluted: "I am Ding Shouren, the subordinate, under the order of the government office, and I have come to assist in the investigation of the land measurement. I greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prince Han."

Zhu Han sat upright, his eyes as calm as water, and said calmly: "Master Ding, there is no need to be so polite. Has the government reached a conclusion on the land measurement this time?"

Ding Shouren smiled slightly, with a tone of disapproval: "Your Highness, the matter of land measurement has always been complicated, and it is common for the account books to have some errors. The terrain in Changping is complicated, and it is inevitable that the land measurement officials will be negligent. What do you think?"

Zhu Biao frowned when he heard this, and said in a low voice, "Lord Ding, this 'little error' is related to the livelihood of the people. Yesterday, the palace and the prince personally measured and found that the land of the people had been increased for no reason. If we calculate it this way, wouldn't the people be miserable?"

Ding Shouren's eyes flashed with impatience, but he still smiled and said, "Your Highness, I think this matter can be discussed in the long run. If we change the land register immediately, it may cause unnecessary unrest."

Zhu Han smiled gently, looked at Ding Shouren with deep eyes, and said slowly: "Your Excellency seems to be very sure of what he said. May I ask if the method of measuring the land can't be changed according to the facts?"

Ding Shouren was stunned by the question, then smiled and said: "Your Highness, I have no such intention, but... there are so many things to do right now, I am worried that it will be difficult to appease the people if I make changes at the moment."

Zhu Biao's eyes were stern, and he said directly: "Sir Ding, I came to Changping this time to give justice to the people. The government's policy is not to make the people suspicious, but to let them farm and live in peace."

Magistrate Li quickly echoed: "Your Highness is wise! I will do my best to assist you in measuring the land."

Zhu Han's eyes remained unchanged as he slowly said, "In that case, today we will ask Lord Ding to measure with me, and then let the people bear witness and make the final decision based on the actual measured figures. How do you think?"

Ding Shouren's face changed slightly, and after a moment's hesitation, he still smiled and said, "Your Majesty, what you said makes sense. I will obey your orders."

Zhu Biao sneered: "If that's the case, then let's set off immediately."

When the group came to the fields again, the people had already gathered around the ridges, their eyes full of anticipation. Zhu Han personally picked up the measuring rope and said to Ding Shouren, "Master Ding, please."

Although Ding Shouren was unwilling, he did not dare to disobey and had to go forward. The measurement results came out, just as he had checked yesterday - the number of acres of land was consistent with what the people said, but it was far from the account book.

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said in a deep voice: "Master Ding, the error in this account book cannot be covered up by the word 'somewhat', right?"

Ding Shouren's forehead was covered with sweat, and he forced a smile and said, "Your Highness... this... may be a mistake made by the previous officials. I am willing to correct it immediately."

Zhu Han looked indifferent and said softly, "Sir Ding, it is necessary to correct the account books, but the method of measuring the land must be done once and for all. Today, the king and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are here, and no error will be allowed."

Zhu Biao looked at the people and said in a loud voice: "I swear here that from today onwards, all the land in Changping will be re-measured and taxed according to the actual situation. All the excess silver will be returned."

Upon hearing this, the people knelt down one after another and shouted excitedly: "Your Highness the Crown Prince is benevolent, and the Prince is wise!"

Zhu Han was pleased to see this, and nodded slowly. He turned to Magistrate Li and said, "Sir, the next measurement must be carried out by an honest and upright person. There must not be any more mistakes."

Magistrate Li nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will strictly enforce the law and will never slack off again."

Zhu Biao looked around and saw that the people were excited and their faces were filled with long-lost joy, so he said loudly: "My fellow villagers, this time the land measurement will be supervised by me and Prince Han. We must be fair and impartial. If there are any grievances, please speak up and I will investigate it thoroughly." (End of this chapter)