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

Zhu Han snorted coldly, "Those old officials, relying on their seniority, have put many obstacles in your way. Your Highness does not need to pay attention to them, just implement this matter with thundering means. If there are opponents, they will be punished for "obstructing government affairs." Your Highness must make them understand that in the Ming Dynasty, your Highness has the final say."

Zhu Biao's heart moved. He had never seen Uncle Wang so tough.

"Uncle Wang, I understand. I will act according to your plan." Zhu Biao said firmly.

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction: "Your Highness thinks so, I am relieved. However, Your Highness must also be mentally prepared. This matter will definitely be difficult to implement. Those who have evil intentions will not give up easily and will definitely try their best to obstruct Your Highness."

Zhu Biao clenched his fists and said, "I am not afraid. For the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the people of the world, I will move forward courageously."

Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao's determined eyes and felt a sense of relief in his heart.

A few days later, in the capital.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne in the Qianqing Palace, holding the memorial sent by Zhu Biao from Jiangnan in his hand, his brows furrowed.

In the memorial, Zhu Biao reported in detail the affairs of the Jiangnan Academy and the rectification plan proposed by Zhu Han.

"This Zhu Han is really good at giving advice." Zhu Yuanzhang whispered to himself.

At this time, Gao Lishi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, although the prince's plan is good, it may cause turmoil in the court. The officials who colluded with the academy have complicated forces behind them. If we act rashly, something unexpected may happen."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, "How could I not know? But now the matter of Jiangnan Academy has reached the point where it must be resolved. If we allow those people with ill intentions to continue to incite the people, the Ming Dynasty will sooner or later be in chaos. Zhu Han's plan is risky, but it is worth a try."

Gao Lishi said: "Your Majesty is wise. But, Your Highness the Crown Prince is still young, can he take on this important task?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes narrowed. "Although Biao'er is young, I am relieved that Zhu Han is by his side to assist him. Moreover, this is also an opportunity to train him. If he can successfully resolve this matter, I can hand over the country to him with confidence in the future."

Gao Lishi said quickly: "Your Majesty is right. Your Highness the Crown Prince is extremely intelligent, and with the help of the prince, he will definitely live up to your Majesty's expectations."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "Pass on my order, approve the prince's request, and order all academies to suspend lectures and carry out rectification. At the same time, order the Jinyiwei to secretly investigate the officials who colluded with the academies, collect evidence of their crimes, and when the time is right, punish them all."

Gao Lishi bowed and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Jiangnan, Nanjing headquarters.

After Zhu Biao received Zhu Yuanzhang's order, he immediately began to implement the rectification plan. He first summoned officials from all over Jiangnan and announced the court's order.

"My lords, His Majesty has issued an order to suspend lectures in academies across the country and carry out rectification. This matter concerns the dignity of the court and the stability of the world. I hope that you will fully cooperate." Zhu Biao's voice was loud and his aura was extraordinary.

The officials bowed and responded, "We will obey your Highness' orders."

However, Zhu Biao knew clearly that many of these officials had close ties with the academy and would not cooperate easily.

Sure enough, in the following discussion, someone raised an objection.

"Your Highness, the academy is a place for teaching and educating people. If we suspend lectures, it may affect the students' studies. I hope Your Highness will think twice."

The speaker was Chen Wenyuan, the prefect of Suzhou, who had always had close ties with the academy.

Zhu Biao's eyes turned cold, and he looked at Chen Wenyuan: "Sir Chen, although the academy is a place for teaching and educating people, it is now being used by some people with ulterior motives to spread anti-Ming remarks and incite the people's dissatisfaction with the court. If it is not rectified, this academy will become a source of disaster. Sir Chen is so protective of the academy, is he colluding with those people with ulterior motives?"

Chen Wenyuan's face changed, and he knelt down quickly: "Your Highness, I am loyal to the court and have never colluded with anyone with ill intentions. However, I am worried that suspending lectures will cause dissatisfaction among students and lead to riots."

Zhu Biao snorted coldly, "Master Chen is wrong. The suspension of lectures is only temporary. After the rectification is completed, the academy will resume lectures. Moreover, the court will select a group of truly knowledgeable and virtuous scholars to serve as teachers in the academy to spread orthodox ideas. This is also a good thing for the students. If Master Chen really cares about the students, he should support the court's rectification plan."

Chen Wenyuan was speechless after hearing what Zhu Biao said. He could only bow his head and said, "Your Highness is right. I will fully cooperate with the court's rectification plan."

Seeing that Chen Wenyuan had compromised, other officials did not dare to raise any more objections and expressed their support for the court's decision.

After the meeting, Zhu Biao returned to the study and informed Zhu Han of what had happened today.

"Uncle Wang, today's events went relatively smoothly. Although those officials were unwilling, they did not dare to openly oppose it," said Zhu Biao.

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "Your Highness has done a good job. However, this is only smooth on the surface. Those officials who are in collusion with the academy will not give up easily. They will definitely make trouble in secret. Your Highness must deal with it carefully."

Zhu Biao said, "Don't worry, Uncle Wang. I have made preparations. I have ordered people to secretly monitor the actions of those officials. If they find anything unusual, they will take immediate measures."

Zhu Han smiled with satisfaction: "Your Highness is so cautious, I am relieved. Next, Your Highness must quickly select a group of truly knowledgeable and virtuous scholars to serve as teachers in the academy. This matter is of vital importance and is related to the success or failure of the reorganization plan."

Zhu Biao said, "Uncle Wang is right. But, regarding the selection of scholars, I don't have any suitable candidates in mind. Does Uncle Wang have any recommendations?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, and then said: "I have several candidates. The first is Zhang Wenyuan, the editor of the Hanlin Academy. He is knowledgeable, upright, and loyal to the court. The second is Li Mingde, the chief priest of the Imperial Academy. He is rigorous in his studies and has a noble character. He is quite prestigious among scholars. The third is Wang Shouren, a great scholar among the people. Although he has not entered the officialdom, he has extraordinary knowledge. His mind-learning thoughts are of great help in changing the public opinion."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up: "The people recommended by Uncle Wang are all great talents of the time. I will send someone to invite them right away."

Zhu Han said, "Your Highness, wait a minute. Among these three, Zhang Wenyuan and Li Mingde are serving in the court, so it is not difficult to invite them. But Wang Shouren lives in seclusion in the mountains and forests, and does not care about worldly affairs, so it may be difficult to invite him."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly: "What should I do?"

Zhu Han raised his lips slightly, revealing a mysterious smile: "Don't worry, Your Highness, I have my own way. Although Wang Shouren lives in seclusion in the mountains, he is not completely indifferent to the world's affairs. Your Highness can write a personal letter to express the court's intention to reorganize the academy and your eagerness to recruit talents. I will visit him in person and I will definitely be able to invite him out of seclusion."

Zhu Biao was delighted: "That's great. Thank you, uncle."

A few days later, Zhu Han set out for Wang Shouren's secluded place with Zhu Biao's handwritten letter.

Wang Shouren lived in seclusion in a deep valley in the mountains. The valley was filled with clouds and mist, birds were singing and flowers were blooming, just like a fairyland on earth. Zhu Han walked along the winding path, and he couldn't help but have more respect for this folk scholar.

Finally, in front of a thatched cottage, Zhu Han saw Wang Shouren. Although he was over fifty years old, he was vigorous and had a deep gaze.

"My name is Zhu Han, nice to meet you, Mr. Wang." Zhu Han bowed and saluted.

Wang Shouren nodded slightly: "Your Highness, I am sorry for not welcoming you. I wonder what your Highness is here for?" Zhu Han took out Zhu Biao's handwritten letter from his arms and handed it to him with both hands: "Mr. Wang, this is the handwritten letter of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. His Royal Highness heard of your great name and admired you very much. He specially ordered me to come and invite you to come out of seclusion and teach at the academy to spread orthodox ideas."

Wang Shouren took the letter and read it. After a moment, he sighed softly: "Your Highness the Crown Prince has such a thought, which is a blessing for the people of the world. However, I have been living in seclusion for many years and have not been concerned with worldly affairs. I am afraid that I cannot take on this important task."

Zhu Han said quickly, "Mr. Wang, you are wrong. The current situation of Jiangnan Academy concerns the dignity of the court and the stability of the world. Mr. Wang has extraordinary knowledge and noble character. If you can come out to help, you will definitely be able to change public opinion and let the people understand the good intentions of the court. I hope you will think of the people of the world and come out to help."

Wang Shouren was silent for a moment, and then said: "How could I not know what Your Majesty said? However, I still have a concern in my heart."

Zhu Han asked, "What are your concerns, sir? Feel free to tell me."

Wang Shouren said: "I am worried that even if I come out, it will be difficult to change the minds of those who have evil intentions. They have been blinded by the thoughts of the previous dynasty and will not listen to orthodox words."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, "Don't worry, sir. His Highness has already come up with a plan. This time, the academy will not only select truly knowledgeable and virtuous scholars to serve as teachers, but also reform the teaching content of the academy, spread orthodox ideas, and promote loyalty to the emperor and patriotism. Moreover, the court will severely crack down on those who have evil intentions, so that they dare not stir up trouble again. You only need to do your best to teach the students, and His Highness will take care of the rest."

Wang Shouren was moved after hearing this. He had always cared about the world, and now that he saw that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had such determination and courage, he no longer hesitated.

"In this case, I will accept your invitation and come out to help," said Wang Shouren.

Zhu Han was delighted: "Sir, this is a noble deed. I would like to thank you on behalf of His Highness. Without further delay, we will set off for Jinling immediately."

Wang Shouren nodded, packed his bags, and set off for Nanjing with Zhu Han.

Nanjing headquarters.

Zhu Biao was overjoyed when he learned that Wang Shouren had agreed to come out of retirement to help. He personally went out of the city to welcome Wang Shouren into the camp.

"It is a great honor for me that you can come out to help me. I will definitely make use of you and live up to your hard work." Zhu Biao said.

Wang Shouren bowed and said, "Your Highness, your words are too kind. I am willing to serve Your Highness and do my part for the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao said, "Please take a seat, sir. The reorganization of the academy is urgent now. I hope you can come up with a plan as soon as possible."

Wang Shouren sat down, thought for a moment, and then said: "Your Highness, the rectification of the academy should start from three aspects. First, select truly knowledgeable and virtuous scholars to serve as teachers and spread orthodox ideas. Second, reform the teaching content of the academy, add courses on loyalty to the emperor, patriotism, ethics and morality, so that students can understand what is the right way. Third, strengthen the management of the academy, formulate strict rules and regulations, and prevent people with bad intentions from entering the academy."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly: "Sir, what you said is very true. I will follow your advice and start to rectify the academy."

"Uncle Wang, I was able to successfully resolve the issue of Jiangnan Academy thanks to the help of Uncle Wang and Mr. Wang. I will definitely remember this kindness." Zhu Biao said to Zhu Han.

Zhu Biao said, "Uncle Wang, you are too kind. I still have many shortcomings and need your guidance."

Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I will do my best to assist Your Highness. Now the matter of Jiangnan Academy has been basically resolved, but there are still some hidden dangers in the court. Your Highness should not take it lightly."

Back in the capital, Zhu Yuanzhang was very pleased to learn that the reorganization of Jiangnan Academy was progressing smoothly.

"Biao'er really didn't disappoint me. With Zhu Han assisting him, my kingdom will have a successor." Zhu Yuanzhang whispered to himself.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang knew in his heart that there were undercurrents in the court and it was far from being as calm as it seemed on the surface.

Those with evil intentions will not give up easily and will definitely look for opportunities in secret to make a comeback.

He must always remain vigilant and protect the Ming Dynasty.

"Gao Lishi." Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly called out.

"I'm here." Gao Lishi quickly bowed and responded.

"Pass on my order and order the Jinyiwei to strengthen surveillance of officials in the court, especially those who have had dealings with the Jiangnan Academy. If any abnormality is discovered, report to me immediately." Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Gao Lishi said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the imperial study, holding a memorial in his hand and frowning.

The memorial was submitted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and it recorded in detail the secret dealings between some officials in the court and the remnants of the Jiangnan Academy.

"These traitors have yet to give up." Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly and slammed the memorial heavily on the table.

Gao Lishi was serving cautiously at the side, and when he saw Zhu Yuanzhang getting angry, he dared not even breathe.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. The dragon's health is the most important." Gao Lishi advised softly.

At the same time, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao also returned to the capital.

The night was dark, and the lights were bright in the imperial city. Zhu Han, wearing a black python robe, stood under the corridor outside the imperial study, looking deeply at the palace wall in the distance.

He had just left Zhu Biao's study, and the whisper still echoed in his mind: "Uncle, you need to be careful about the East Factory."

The East Factory, a secret agency established by the emperor himself, was ostensibly intended to monitor officials, but in reality it had long since become a tool for power struggles.

"Your Highness, the East Factory Supervisor Zhao Qian requests to see you." The eunuch reported in a low voice.

Zhu Han was slightly stunned, then nodded: "Please ask him to come in."

Zhao Qian, wearing a Feiyu suit, walked in steadily with a respectful smile on his face: "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"Governor Zhao, why are you visiting me so late at night?" Zhu Han's tone was calm, but his eyes were as sharp as a knife.

Zhao Qian smiled slightly, took out a secret letter from his sleeve, and presented it with both hands: "Your Highness, this is the latest intelligence obtained by the East Factory, involving several important officials in the court." (End of this chapter)