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

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Although you are intelligent, you still need more training. Your father is gone, and the country is entrusted to you. Remember, even your father has the right to fight against others."

Zhu Biao's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes flashed with a resolute light: "I know, Father. In the future, I will definitely protect the Ming Dynasty and will never allow any force to shake this country."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly and closed his eyes: "I believe you, Crown Prince."

Zhu Biao stood there for a moment, his gaze becoming increasingly resolute.

Beside Zhu Yuanzhang's bed, wisps of smoke rose from the incense burner, and the room was so quiet that one could almost hear the sound of snowflakes falling outside the window.

Zhu Biao stood quietly to the side, gazing at his father, whose face was slightly pale but whose expression was resolute, his heart filled with turbulent emotions.

"Where is my brother Han?" Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly asked, his voice low and hoarse, yet still exuding imperial authority.

"Your Imperial Uncle is currently handling affairs at the Prince's residence. I may go and summon him," Zhu Biao replied immediately.

"No need," Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand. "What do you think his view of the situation is?"

Zhu Biao was taken aback, then respectfully replied, "Uncle's words were unclear, but I believe that Uncle wants me to gain the upper hand through actions and movements, to both intimidate people's hearts and not shake the foundation."

A complex look flashed across Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and he said in a deep voice, "He has always seen further than you and I."

As soon as he finished speaking, the eunuch quietly added fragrant soup to Zhu Yuanzhang's bowl and then silently withdrew.

Zhu Biao stood with his head down, already having made up his mind.

That night, when Zhu Han returned to his residence, the house was brightly lit, and Zhu Biao was already waiting at the gate.

Zhu Han dismounted and saw Zhu Biao standing in the snow, his sleeves tucked in. He sighed and quickly stepped forward.

"Why are you standing here waiting for me?"

Zhu Biao looked up, his eyes filled with urgency: "Uncle, I need to borrow your 'person'."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Borrow someone? Whom does the Crown Prince wish to borrow from me?"

“The Prince’s secret guards, the inner court’s trusted confidants, and the shadows you’ve planted within the Embroidered Uniform Guard.”

Zhu Biao's voice wasn't loud, but every word he spoke was filled with certainty.

Zhu Han stared at him for a long time before slowly asking, "What do you want them to do?"

"I want to send a signal to those in the government who are watching from the sidelines."

Zhu Biao's tone was no longer hesitant, "The Crown Prince cannot simply wait for fate to decide; he should also take action to reclaim power."

Zhu Han remained silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly: "You've finally figured it out."

He patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, turned and walked towards the inner hall. "In that case, I'll give you three days to explain everything you need to do. If I agree, I'll make the arrangements for you."

Three days later, in a secret room of the Prince's mansion, a massive map showing the power structure of the capital was laid out on the table.

Zhu Biao pointed out the movements of each official, the affiliation of their respective factions, and even the activities of several senior concubines in the palace.

Zhu Han listened intently, nodding occasionally, but remained silent throughout.

It wasn't until Zhu Biao pointed to a Ministry of Revenue official named Shen Zhongwen that Zhu Han finally frowned: "You want to take action against this person too?"

“This person is outwardly gentle but inwardly firm. He has been colluding with certain people in the central government for many years. If he is not removed, he will become a problem sooner or later.” Zhu Biao said with a stern expression.

Zhu Han didn't answer, but simply raised his hand and tapped the map: "I'll handle this. Remember, act like thunder, kill without hesitation, rather incur the wrath of the world than allow trouble from both sides."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I understand, nephew."

That night, in a corner of the capital, before the thunder had even sounded, there was already an ominous sign of an approaching storm.

Zhu Han personally led his secret guards to infiltrate the Shen residence. Everything was done smoothly and efficiently. Without moving a single soldier, he had secretly detained Shen Zhongwen and brought him to the Prince's residence.

The next morning, Shen Zhongwen was suddenly dismissed from his post, causing an uproar in the capital.

Meanwhile, Zhu Biao pressed forward step by step in the court, making a series of adjustments to the government, boldly appointing young and new officials, and transferring several long-time "idle eunuchs" to the Eastern Palace as assistants. His actions were swift and decisive.

However, this move also alarmed several long-serving veteran officials in the court.

Three days later, Huo Wenji, the Minister of Rites, publicly submitted a memorial, stating that the Crown Prince was young and impetuous, which threatened the foundation of the dynasty and showed a lack of understanding of the bigger picture.

Zhu Biao did not respond, but at the morning court the next day, he issued an edict in public: "Minister of Rites Huo Wenji is old and has made no contributions. He is treacherous and does not assist in the government. He is hereby dismissed from his post and ordered to retire to old age."

An uproar erupted in the hall. Zhu Yuanzhang did not speak to stop it.

Zhu Han was also standing in the train that day, watching Zhu Biao's back, and his heart stirred slightly.

"Biao'er, you've really grown up."

In the afternoon, on his way back to his residence, just as his carriage entered the alley, a scholar dressed in a blue robe hurriedly blocked his way. It was none other than Chen Yu, an old acquaintance of the Prince's residence.

He bowed to Zhu Han as soon as he saw him.

"Your Highness, the capital is in chaos. Please be careful. Today, some unknown forces are spreading rumors in the market that the Crown Prince is seizing power and that Your Highness is secretly supporting him, which has drawn criticism."

Zhu Han narrowed his eyes: "Who's behind this?"

Chen Yu whispered, "It's suspected to be the Qian brothers."

Zhu Han sneered upon hearing this: "I see."

That night, the Prince's secret guards were dispatched.

Three days later, the Qian brothers were both demoted to Lingnan. An imperial edict was issued and stamped with the imperial seal, and the matter was thus settled.

After receiving the letter, Zhu Biao quietly entered the Prince's residence to pay his respects to Zhu Han.

"Uncle, you've calmed this storm for me."

Zhu Han remained silent, raised his cup and drank it all, then said, "Remember, a true emperor never lives by the opinions of others, but by the sharp blade he holds firmly and the hearts of the people."

Zhu Biao bowed solemnly: "I will remember."

The north wind whipped up snow, pounding against the glazed tile eaves, and the capital city remained awake all night.

Zhu Han, wearing a black fox fur cloak, stood under the eaves of the main hall of the Prince's mansion, looking up at the dawn that was gradually turning white on the horizon.

He heard the sound of boots crunching on the snow. Zhu Han turned his head and saw Wei Jin walking quickly out of the shadows, bowing respectfully.

"Your Highness, the matter at Wanshou Temple has been settled."

Zhu Han nodded: "Proceed with the original plan, and don't alert anyone else."

Wei Jin paused slightly, then said, "But Master Jingru took the initiative to meet with us and said... if Your Highness were to come in person, she would be willing to speak further."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow and turned to walk into the house: "That old woman Jingru is getting more and more sensible."

Three-quarters of an hour later, the prince's sedan chair quietly set off, heading discreetly towards the Wanshou Temple in the Western Hills.

At this moment, Zhu Biao was sitting in the study of the Eastern Palace, with scrolls of memorials laid out on his desk, but he had no intention of reviewing them.

Since the "quiet retirement" controversy, although the court has been temporarily calm, the undercurrents in the palace have not subsided. The Emperor's recurring illness is like a sheathless sword hanging over the hearts of every powerful minister.

"Why is Uncle going to see Jingru at Wanshou Temple at this time?" Zhu Biao asked murmured.

Yang Fuzhi, the Zhongyun who was standing to the side, replied: "Although Jingru's Buddhist name is not registered in the court, she was the daughter of Grand Secretary Cui in the past. Her family background is extraordinary, and she is well-versed in literature and etiquette. Several concubines in the palace privately seek her advice. Perhaps Your Highness wants to use her words to find out what is going on."

Zhu Biao's eyes changed slightly, and he immediately ordered, "Prepare the horses, I'm going too."

Meanwhile, inside Wanshou Temple, the sound of chanting filled the air, and the breeze rustled through the pine trees.

Zhu Han walked into the meditation room in the backyard with his hands behind his back. He saw Jingru wearing a gray monk's robe, sitting cross-legged on a futon, her face thin but her expression serene. "Amitabha, Your Highness has come from afar, I have failed to greet you properly."

“Miss Jingru,” Zhu Han said with a faint smile, not returning the greeting with Buddhist etiquette, “neither of us are obsessed with Buddhism, there’s no need for this.”

Jingru opened her eyes and looked at him calmly: "Since Your Highness has come, is it to ask about the Empress Dowager and Lady Han in the palace?"

Zhu Han leaned against the door frame of the meditation room: "You're quick to speak your mind."

Jingru nodded gently and said, "They are all extraordinary people. The Empress Dowager is very fond of her son and wants to make plans for the Fourth Prince, while Consort Han is resourceful and secretly contacts the old staff of the Documents Department, so there is a hidden connection between them."

Zhu Han remained expressionless, only glancing at the falling snow outside the window: "Since you knew, why didn't you say so earlier?"

Jingru calmly said, "If the Crown Prince doesn't act, I won't speak either. If he holds power without ambition, someone else will take his place; if he is willing to rise to power, I will protect him for a while."

“You old woman, you could be considered a ‘protector’.”

No sooner had Zhu Han finished speaking than a man strode in from outside the door; it was Zhu Biao himself.

"Uncle, Master Jingru." Zhu Biao stepped forward and bowed, then glanced at the teacup in the meditation room. "I'm late."

Jingru rose and bowed, her tone calm: "Your Highness has come at the perfect time. I have only one piece of advice: the country is not the private domain of one person, nor are the hearts of the people pawns in one's hands. If Your Highness can remember 'benevolence is the foundation, power is the handle,' then perhaps you can live up to the aspirations of your ancestors in the future."

Zhu Biao stood solemnly and replied in a low voice, "Thank you for your instruction, Master."

The three sat facing each other at the tea table, the fragrance of plum blossoms filling the air. After a moment, Zhu Han stood up and said, "We should go."

Before leaving, Zhu Biao suddenly asked Jingru, "Which concubine in the palace did Master have the closest personal relationship with?"

Jingru thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it is Empress Guo."

Zhu Biao looked thoughtful and nodded silently.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Biao immediately went to Shou Kang Palace.

Empress Guo had long since retired from the palace, and although she was old, she remained dignified and elegant. When Zhu Biao knelt in worship, she personally rose to help him up, her gaze gentle.

"What brings the Crown Prince here to visit this old woman today?"

Zhu Biao cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Majesty has a great sense of righteousness, and I dare not be negligent."

Empress Guo chuckled and said, "You're getting better and better at talking, child."

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhu Biao asked in a low voice, "Does Your Majesty know about the recent developments in the palace?"

Empress Guo's smile faded, and she asked, "The matter of the Han family?"

Zhu Biao nodded.

Empress Guo sighed, "She has always been clever, but too greedy. The Fourth Prince is intelligent, but unfortunately he has gone astray." She paused and looked at Zhu Biao, "You are the Crown Prince and will rule the country in the future. Some lines that should be cut must be cut as soon as possible."

Zhu Biao replied in a deep voice, "I understand."

Empress Guo raised her hand and touched the top of his head, as if he were a child, and said, "If you truly care about the world, then protect yourself and the people."

Night had fallen, and the palace lanterns swayed gently.

Zhu Biao left Shou Kang Palace and stood under the corridor. A cold wind blew, but he felt a warmth in his heart.

In the Prince's mansion, Zhu Han was sitting under the lamp, flipping through an old book, when suddenly a system notification sounded above his head:
[Sign-in successful: Received 1 registration for the complete "Spring and Autumn Annals of Clan Law".]

[System notification: Deduction successful. Reward: "Clan Balance Technique"—can analyze the internal dynamics of the clan and allocate resources to maintain balance.]

Zhu Han closed his eyes and looked inward. In an instant, images of his clan's network of connections, his fiefdom's troops, and his hidden weapons flashed through his mind.

He opened his eyes and smiled: "It seems that Biao'er needs to walk more steadily now."

He picked up his pen and wrote a secret order, then summoned Wei Jin and whispered, "Go, summon Qin Xuan and Li Xuan to the capital. Also, transfer Zhang Tingyu's descendants to the Ministry of Personnel, and I will personally select the officials."

Wei Jin clasped his hands in acceptance and immediately withdrew.

Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back by the window, his face illuminated by the cold light: "Now that the world is in turmoil, someone should first stabilize the country."

At the summit of the Forbidden City, the bell tolls nine times as the golden sun rises.

The morning light bathed every household in Beijing in golden hues, the winter snow still glistening, the ground damp and chilly.

Inside the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao rose early, without wearing court attire, and summoned Yang Fuzhi, the Junior Advisor, and three newly appointed officials of the Eastern Palace.

"What happened today shall not be reported to the emperor, nor issued in official documents, nor circulated outside." Zhu Biao's tone was calm, but every word was as firm as nails.

Yang Fuzhi bowed and said, "I will keep the Crown Prince's decree in mind."

Zhu Biao walked slowly to the secret cabinet behind the screen, took out a black scroll, and gently spread it on the table.

It was an extremely detailed map of residences in the capital, marked with dozens of symbols, mostly interspersed with red dots and black circles.

“These residences all belong to the imperial family or the families of court officials. Among them, nine residences have seen a lot of people coming and going recently, which is unusual.”

“The Crown Prince means…” one of the new subordinates hesitated.

Zhu Biao said calmly, "If there is movement in the palace, the court will surely respond. My uncle once said that to see if a court is stable, one should not look at imperial edicts or the channels of communication, but only at whether these wealthy households suddenly collect grain, send people away, hide, or sell off their goods."

Yang Fuzhi's eyes widened in surprise: "Then how should we deal with this?"

Zhu Biao said calmly, "Tonight, I want the three of you to go into the city and keep an eye on the Lu family, the Qin family, and the Wu family respectively."

The Qin family, in particular, is unusual. Their son-in-law, Qin Heng, is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He usually keeps a low profile, but recently he quietly dismissed three servants from his household and sent his nephews and nieces to the West City Academy for "study."

"Subordinates take orders."

Zhu Biao looked out the window, his tone calm: "This time, I'll remain silent and see what they play first."

At the Prince's residence, Zhu Han also received a secret letter from Wei Jin. After reading it, he frowned slightly.

"The Lu family and the Qin family... they really couldn't sit still any longer."

He got up and summoned his attendants: "Summon Xu Laosan, He Jiu'er, and Shi Anzi to discuss matters. Tell the kitchen to send a pot of warm cheese; no need for fancy dishes."

Soon after, the three entered the hall, each with their own distinct character.

Xu Laosan is a retired general from the former Beijing garrison, skilled in military law and strategy. He Jiu'er comes from a family of clerks and is well-informed. Shi Anzi is a former secret agent of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, ruthless in his methods.

Zhu Han pointed to the letter and said in a deep voice, "There are snakes emerging from their holes in the capital. Xu San, check the grain shops and salt stores' warehouses for the past five days and see if there are any unusual hoardings."

He Jiu'er, keep an eye on three types of places: wine shops, pleasure boats, and bookstores. Rumors in the capital often originate from these places. As for Shi Anzi—"

He looked at the cold-faced man and said, "You only need to do one thing: enter the Qin family and find out which guests that old lady has invited recently and what letters she has left behind."

Shi Anzi nodded, said nothing, and left.

Zhu Han turned and sat down, taking a sip of cheese, and said, "Once someone loses their composure, that will be our chance to make a move."

As night fell, the capital city appeared normal, yet undercurrents were stirring.

Right at the back gate of the Wu family residence, a seemingly drunk wanderer stumbled into the alley.

The servants outside the door were caught off guard and bumped into him, causing a commotion.

The crowd had not yet dispersed, unaware that Zhu Biao, a man lying in wait on the rooftop at the street corner, had taken in all the movements.

Upon hearing the news, Zhu Biao did not react immediately, but instead summoned the Imperial Secretary and the Three Ministers of the Eastern Palace. (End of Chapter)