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

Among the court officials, some secretly sighed that the crown prince was gradually winning people's hearts, while others harbored resentment and malice.

Wang Xun, a nearly fifty-year-old official in the Hanlin Academy, was well-known and secretly had a relationship with Cai Ang, the Left Censor-in-Chief. The two talked day and night, intending to restrain Zhu Biao's power.

"The Crown Prince's promotion of virtuous scholars and his lectures may seem like the right path, but in reality, it's a way to build up his own power base!"

Wang Xun coldly said, "If this continues, I'm afraid even the Emperor will find it difficult to control the situation."

Cai Ang stroked his beard and smiled, "It's alright, we have our own way."

Not long after, a memorial secretly drafted by the Censorate was quietly delivered to the palace.

Although no names were mentioned, the words subtly implied that the Crown Prince "secretly colluded with scholars and sought to seize power," a statement that was both veiled and sharp.

After reading it, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, harboring some doubts.

"Summon the Crown Prince to the palace," he ordered in a deep voice.

Zhu Biao knelt on the golden hall, his expression calm, and replied, "Your subject set up the altar of sages only to clarify principles and distinguish the truth, and had no other intentions."

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered: "Beneath the altar of sages, the court is filled with scholars. If you want to study, why don't you go to the Imperial Academy? If you want to preach, why don't you submit a memorial first?"

Zhu Biao lowered his head and remained silent, his heart sinking. Before he could speak, a loud shout came from outside the hall: "Your subject Zhu Han requests an audience!"

A palace attendant rushed into the hall to report. Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, but waved his hand and said, "Summon them."

Zhu Han, dressed in court robes, entered the hall with a solemn expression and knelt down.

"Your subject is willing to plead on behalf of the Crown Prince," Zhu Han said.

"What do you have to say?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked coldly.

"Your Highness's establishment of the Altar of Worthies is not out of personal interest, nor is it an act of disrespect. On the contrary, it is the Crown Prince's summoning of scholars to discuss matters, giving scholars from all over the land a platform to use their talents, and allowing the Crown Prince to personally receive these wise men. This is a way to show people courtesy and to win the hearts of scholars. If the Ming Dynasty is to last, it needs talented people, not just old officials who cling to their old ways!"

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent, his gaze shifting between his brothers and sons.

Zhu Han further said, "If you suspect that the Crown Prince is too powerful, why not send officials to jointly supervise the lectures? This would allow the discussions at the Hall of Worthies to be incorporated into the Imperial Academy system, wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

This move, a strategic retreat, cleverly extricated the opponent from the predicament.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression softened slightly, and he finally nodded: "Granted."

Zhu Biao looked up at Zhu Han, his heart filled with gratitude.

Upon returning to the Prince's residence that night, Zhu Han put on his robe and sat down at his desk. Han Yi presented him with a scroll of sheepskin pages, on which several lines of names were written.

"Your Highness, Wu Li, Fang Yuchuan, and that young scholar named Shen Huan have all entered the Eastern Palace to serve."

Zhu Han nodded, but then suddenly said in a deep voice, "The wind direction has shifted today, but there are many hidden forces at play. You have to issue an order to investigate Wang Xun's dealings with Cai Ang and whether there are other forces secretly supporting him."

Han Yi accepted the order and quietly withdrew.

Outside the Zhengde Hall, a light drizzle fell, and rows of palace lanterns cast their glow on the damp bluestone ground.

Zhu Han stood quietly beneath the corridor, draped in a black crane cloak, his gaze as dark as the night.

Han Yi strode over, knelt down and whispered, "Your Highness, Wang Xun and Cai Ang do indeed have frequent contact, and he also secretly exchanges letters with the son of Shi Tai, the Minister of War."

Zhu Han's eyes turned slightly cold: "This is interesting. Shi Taisu is known for his uprightness, yet he's also getting involved in this mess?"

Han Yi said, "Your Highness is wise. Shi Tai himself may not have been involved, but his son Shi Zheng seems to have been won over by Cai Ang and has been coming and going from Wang Xun's residence for quite some time."

Zhu Han slowly raised his hand, his fingertips pinching the unopened secret fold of paper. After a long while, he said, "The Ministry of War is involved in military power, so we cannot act rashly on this matter. Continue the investigation, but do not alert the enemy."

Han Yi agreed and withdrew, leaving Zhu Han standing alone in the rain.

After a long while, he looked into the depths of the palace and thought to himself, "The Crown Prince is still weak. If the power of the Ministry of War falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to a great disaster."

Meanwhile, inside the East Palace's lecture hall, Zhu Biao, dressed in a dark blue robe, stood behind the lecture platform, with students seated below him, all of whom were talented individuals summoned to the capital.

In a corner of the audience, Shen Huan was quietly taking notes of Zhu Biao's words, his eyes shining.

What Zhu Biao is talking about today is not Confucianism, but historical strategy. He uses the example of the Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng to draw out the distinction between power and ritual, kinship and minister, and ruler and assistant.

"A ruler need not necessarily be exceptionally wise, but rather capable of recognizing good advisors. The Duke of Zhou withdrew when there was suspicion, so King Cheng had no worries about being questioned. If a ruler cannot appoint capable people and is instead controlled by them, how can he be called a sovereign over the world?"

The scholars below the hall were either deep in thought or nodding frequently, but Shen Huan suddenly stood up and said, "Your Highness, if today's ruler were to encounter powerful ministers in power, and the entire court were filled with fear, and loyal officials remained silent, what would Your Highness do?"

The sudden question silenced the entire room.

Instead of being angry, Zhu Biao laughed: "Powerful ministers act because the ruler is indecisive; loyal and virtuous people remain silent for fear of being silenced. I should win people over with virtue and govern them with trust. Power cannot be relinquished, but it must remain in my hands."

Shen Huanwei cupped his hands in greeting and said no more, but deep respect had already risen in his heart.

After the lecture, Zhu Biao summoned Shen Huan to a side hall, personally served him tea, and said with a smile, "You are quite bold to dare to interrogate me in public."

Shen Huan lowered his head: "I have read Your Highness's lecture notes and know that Your Highness is not a person of empty talk, so I dare to give it a try."

Zhu Biao readily agreed: "If you dare to speak, I dare to listen. From now on, you, along with Wu Li and Fang Yuchuan, will join the ranks of my Eastern Palace strategists."

Shen Huan respectfully accepted the order and then withdrew.

The Eastern Palace gradually formed a small group of civil officials centered around Zhu Biao. Although it was called a lecture hall, it already had a subtle atmosphere of discussing politics.

Zhu Han knew this, but instead of stopping it, he secretly added people to help.

Meanwhile, Wang Xun, Cai Ang, and others were also busy.

Minister of War Shi Tai remained secluded at home all day, while his son Shi Zheng frequently visited the Imperial Horse Stables, secretly maintaining a close relationship with the eunuch Pan Zhong.

Pan Zhong was a favored eunuch of Emperor Taizu. He could enter and leave the inner palace without avoiding those around him. Although he did not hold a prominent position, he was extremely skilled at relaying messages and orders.

Upon receiving the report, Zhu Han immediately ordered his scouts to investigate Pan Zhong's movements.

Three days later, the spies reported back:
“Your Highness, Pan Zhong has recently met with Wang Xun three times in secret. One night, he went straight into the Prince’s mansion’s cellar and found many account books, the purpose of which is unknown.”

Zhu Han's expression hardened slightly, and he slowly said, "Pan Zhong has been moving around the palace for many years. If we don't find out what he's doing, the Crown Prince's palace will always have a sword hanging over it."

He turned and went into his study, picked up his pen and wrote a short letter, which he then ordered to be delivered immediately to Luo Zheng, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Luo Zheng was promoted by Zhu Han. He was strong-willed and calm. Although he was not a court official, he controlled three thousand secret agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Late the following night, on his way back to his dormitory, Pan Zhong was stopped in a dark alley by several men in black.

Before he could cry for help, he was subdued and sent to the Imperial Guard's prison overnight.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious upon hearing the news and summoned Zhu Han to the palace.

"Brother Han, Pan Zhong has served me for many years, why did he act without authorization?"

Zhu Han spoke frankly: "Your Majesty, the people I have targeted are not eunuchs, but those who collude with court officials, steal the Emperor's will, and plot treason. I would not dare to take action against those close to the Emperor unless I have irrefutable evidence."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a moment before finally asking, "What evidence do you have?" Zhu Han presented a scroll of account books and correspondence that he had seized from Pan Zhong.

Zhu Yuanzhang flipped through the document, his face gradually darkening.

Every word and phrase in it was a message from Cai Ang and Wang Xun's followers, delivered through Pan Zhong, to the court, and even a plot to mobilize the various guards of the capital.

If left unchecked, it could become an uncontrollable problem.

"Hmph!" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, slamming the scroll onto the table. "Imprison Wang Xun and Cai Ang and interrogate them severely!"

Zhu Han bowed his head and said, "Brother, you have a wise decision."

After that day, the political climate in the court changed drastically, and many who had originally sided with Cai Ang switched sides.

The Confucian Altar established by Zhu Biao also gained a more legitimate reputation because of this incident.

Scholars throughout the land say: The Crown Prince's lectures are truly those of the pure and upright; all the corrupt officials in the court have been brought to justice.

At night, the Eastern Palace was brightly lit. Zhu Biao, dressed in plain clothes, stood before Zhu Han, bowing respectfully with his hands clasped.

"Uncle, if it weren't for you, I might have no place to stand today."

Zhu Han glanced at him and suddenly laughed: "The way you talk makes you sound like someone who's about to ascend to the throne."

Zhu Biao's eyes shone brightly: "I don't care about that position. As long as I can ensure peace and tranquility for the people, I will not fail your help today."

Zhu Han remained silent for a moment, then a rare look of relief appeared in his eyes.

"With this mindset, you are the best prince."

Three distant bells tolled, the night was as dark as ink, and the palace was silent.

The early winter chill was biting in Beijing, and a sense of stillness permeated the air.

The red leaves on the street fall with the wind, as if everything is waiting for a decisive moment.

Zhu Han sat in the study of the Prince's Mansion, with a map of the Ming Dynasty's territory spread out on his desk.

His fingertips lightly traced the provinces and mansions, his gaze piercing through the dim light of the lamps, as if he were contemplating a deeper strategic plan.

Light footsteps came from outside the door, and then Han Yi reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience."

"Let him in." Zhu Han nodded slightly and put down the map in his hand.

The door opened, and Zhu Biao stepped into the room. He carried a lingering chill, and his face looked slightly tired, but his eyes held a resolute and determined look.

Upon entering the study, he gave a slight bow and said, "Uncle, this morning Father suddenly fell ill and is still recovering from his serious injuries. He has not attended court for three days. The situation in the court is complicated. If Father changes in any way, some people may secretly plot against him."

Zhu Han frowned slightly, stood up, glanced at Zhu Biao's expression, and said softly, "Be careful. Not all the people in the court are loyal ministers. Many are just waiting for their chance. And you, as the crown prince, cannot relax now more than ever."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I know. But how can I stabilize the court and control the situation at this crucial moment?"

Zhu Han walked to the window, gazing at the fading sunlight in the distance, and said softly, "To stabilize the court, we must first stabilize the hearts of the people. The Emperor's illness is a signal; any destabilizing factor will trigger even greater turmoil."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then walked to the desk and said in a low voice, "Uncle, I understand. But how can I gain the trust of these powerful ministers when Father has so many confidants around him?"

Zhu Han turned around, his gaze sharp, seemingly piercing through everything before him: "Trust begins with power. You need to demonstrate that you have the ability to rule, especially in front of those with ulterior motives."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and stood up straight: "Uncle, are you saying that I should publicly launch a purge of the court officials?"

Zhu Han nodded: "Yes, a purge is necessary. Especially those old ministers who once served Father Emperor, some of them have become corrupt."

Zhu Biao's gaze was firm, and then he slowly said, "I understand. In that case, I will now take action."

Before he could finish speaking, hurried footsteps came from outside the door again.

This time, a palace attendant strode in: "Your Highness, the Prince's spies have just sent word that Cai Ang's secret letter has been delivered to the cabinet, and many court officials are beginning to pay close attention to the position of Crown Prince."

A cold glint flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes as he clenched his fists tightly: "As expected, it was premeditated."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "No matter how they plan, they will eventually find that they have simply been drawn into the bigger picture."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and suddenly decided: "Uncle, since that's the case, I've decided to make preparations ahead of time. Tomorrow, I will personally leave the palace and summon a group of loyal ministers to demonstrate my determination before them."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his tone becoming more serious: "You need to be fully prepared. Many people will act in secret behind the scenes, so you can't be careless. Even those who once praised you may pose a threat to you at some point."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then his gaze became even more resolute: "Uncle, rest assured, I will make these powerful ministers know tomorrow that the position of Crown Prince is not something they can easily control."

Zhu Biao then turned and left, leaving Zhu Han standing in the study with a deep gaze.

The following morning, the capital was bitterly cold. Zhu Biao personally left the palace and went to the Ming Dynasty's court.

He summoned not only the veteran ministers, but also a group of newly promoted officials, many of whom were newly appointed and possessed new ambitions and loyalty.

Zhu Biao stood in the center of the court, looked around at the assembled officials, and said in a deep voice, "My father is now seriously ill, and there is no one in charge of the court for the time being. Since that is the case, I, as the crown prince, should naturally shoulder this responsibility."

Upon hearing this, the ministers' expressions changed slightly.

Some of the old ministers in the court who had originally been loyal to the emperor began to show unease when they saw the crown prince's firm resolve.

However, the aura surrounding the crown prince made it difficult for them to refute him.

“The Crown Prince is right.” At this moment, Wang Zhen from the Imperial Study spoke up. He slowly rose from the side, his voice booming.

"What the court needs most now is someone who can shoulder the responsibility of the country, and the Crown Prince is undoubtedly the best candidate."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly: "In that case, General Wang is an important supporter of my Eastern Palace. If there are any political issues in the future, General Wang will certainly share my burdens."

Wang Zhen nodded: "Yes, sir."

At this moment, another minister, Zhao Guangyi, stepped forward, his eyes filled with some hesitation: "Your Highness, the Emperor is seriously ill. Although this is a family matter, it is a matter of state that cannot be ignored. If we act rashly, it may cause some unnecessary controversy."

Zhu Biao's eyes sharpened: "Lord Zhao, since the Emperor is seriously ill, how can I, as the Crown Prince, sit idly by? In that case, I am determined to immediately clean up and eliminate those dissidents."

These words made the atmosphere even more tense.

Some ministers who had originally stood against the Crown Prince began to lose interest.

Just then, a palace attendant rushed in and whispered, "Your Highness, something has happened in the palace. The Emperor has suddenly woken up and is summoning you."

Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, inwardly realizing something was wrong, but his expression remained unchanged: "If Father has already awakened, the plans arranged in advance shall be temporarily suspended."

He arrived at his father's palace, took a deep breath, and pushed open the palace gate.

"Father, are you well?" Zhu Biao asked in a low voice, his eyes full of respect.

Zhu Yuanzhang lay half-reclined on the bed, his eyes slightly open, his gaze bright and alert: "Has the Crown Prince laid a solid foundation for the court?"

Zhu Biao lowered his head: "Everything is ready." (End of Chapter)