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

The expressions on everyone's faces changed slightly, but no one spoke.

Zhu Biao continued, “I have also doubted myself. But I don’t want you to believe me, but to believe in yourselves, to believe that there are still ways to succeed in this world regardless of background, and that you can compete based on your own abilities.”

Below the stage, a slender young man slowly raised his hand.

His voice was slightly hoarse: "Your Highness, would you really accept us? We... have no family background, no one to recommend us, not even a single piece of paper from a humble family."

Zhu Biao stared at the man, remaining silent for a long time.

Zhu Han slowly stepped out from behind the screen, his voice calm: "What's your name?"

The man was taken aback, then cupped his hands in greeting: "My name is Liang Wen, from Changping."

Zhu Han nodded: "Then I'll remember it. Liang Wen, the first student to enter the hall."

The crowd was in an uproar.

Liang Wen knelt down, kowtowed three times, and choked out, "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Han's gaze swept over the crowd, and he continued, "This is not bestowing favors, this is justice. If any of you can surpass the gentry in the capital with your true talent and learning, then you deserve the position."

The atmosphere inside the lecture hall suddenly became incredibly heated.

After that day, the crowds in front of the old lecture hall of the Imperial Academy became even more overwhelming.

Xu Gui's storytelling had long become a new trend in the capital, and even the young men from the families of princes and nobles would secretly sneak away to listen, just for that one line:

"One should strive for self-improvement, regardless of social status. A gentle breeze can rise from a humble alley, and the bright moon can shine on a poor scholar in a remote lane."

Zhu Han did not linger.

Having achieved his goal and laid the groundwork, he quietly withdrew.

That night, in a secret room in the Prince's mansion.

Shi Anzi said softly, "Your Highness, the scions of those powerful clans in the capital are already getting restless."

"It's good that you can't sit still."

Zhu Han flipped through the second volume of the Heavenly Secrets Strategy and said softly, "The more agitated they are, the more their weakness will be revealed."

Shi Anzi paused, then suddenly asked, "But His Highness the Crown Prince... can he hold on?"

Zhu Han put down his book, his gaze sharp as a knife: "If he can't even handle this, then he doesn't deserve to be called the Crown Prince."

At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang learned of this matter, but he was not immediately furious. He simply spent the night alone in his study reviewing the case files.

The following day, he summoned Zhu Han.

Zhu Han entered the palace and bowed calmly as usual. When he looked up, he saw Zhu Yuanzhang looking at him coldly.

"You've tampered with the Imperial Academy?"

Zhu Han replied neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Your Majesty, I did not act, but I saw that the Crown Prince should take the next step, so I gave him a push."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted heavily: "What if he falls?"

"That means he is not yet capable of establishing a nation."

"You make it sound so easy."

Zhu Yuanzhang put down the jade ruyi and asked, "Aren't you afraid of criticism from the court officials?"

Zhu Han smiled calmly and said, "Your Majesty rose from humble beginnings; who dared to criticize you? I am merely imitating you."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed: "Are you trying to shut me down with your words?"

"Brother I don't dare."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him coldly: "Then you did it on purpose, using the name of the Crown Prince to carry out your schemes."

Zhu Han did not shy away from the challenge and said frankly, "Your Majesty is wise. My brother's plan was not for my own selfish reasons, but to protect the Crown Prince."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time, then suddenly asked, "The Crown Prince... can he hold on?"

Zhu Han paused for a moment, then replied firmly, "He can."

At this time, Zhu Biao also faced his real test.

On the day the results of the first round of examinations were released, prominent families from all over the capital gathered in front of the Imperial Academy.

Many of them had gloomy eyes, and some even sneered and said: "If a poor family makes the list today, it means that the Crown Prince is cheating and abusing his power for personal gain."

Zhu Biao personally stepped forward and declared loudly on the Imperial Academy platform: "If any of you have doubts, you may check the documents on the spot. The Crown Prince does not shy away from questions, but only wishes to give you all justice."

The book was opened on the spot.

The first volume, written by Liang Wen, features calligraphy that is as graceful as dragons and snakes, a steady writing style, profound arguments, and direct criticism of the drawbacks of the ritual system, yet it is not extreme but rather clear and organized, earning it a very high score.

Everyone was astonished.

"Is this person really from a poor family?" some people questioned.

"If you don't believe me, the Crown Prince can send someone to Changping to investigate."

Zhu Biao said, "If it is an imposter, Liang Wen will be dismissed, and I will punish myself by forfeiting three months' salary."

No one dared to speak again.

On this day, Chun Jiang's reputation soared, and public opinion in the capital changed dramatically.

Zhu Biao looked at the top name on the list, and a thought struck him. He turned to Lin Qi and said, "When the Imperial Academy is reorganized in the future, Liang Wen should be given a lecture position."

Lin Qi sighed deeply: "Your Highness is truly... extraordinary."

The crowds at Caishikou have been gone for several days, and a cold wind carrying frost blows through the alleyways of Beijing.

In the streets, taverns, and teahouses, people were still talking about the extraordinary stories of "Liang Wen passing the imperial examination" and "the Crown Prince giving a spring lecture."

Storytellers and ordinary people in the streets suddenly had something to talk about, and the name of the Eastern Palace no longer belonged only to the depths of the palace walls.

In the Prince's mansion, Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back under the plum grove, the branches speckled with snow, seemingly lost in thought.

“After Liang Wen,” he turned to look at Shi Anzi, “those people in the court will probably keep an even closer eye on the Crown Prince.”

Shi Anzi said in a low voice, "After the Spring Lecture, the Crown Prince gained considerable prestige. However, I have found out that the Crown Prince has recently had several new faces around him, all of whom are scions of prominent families in the capital with powerful backgrounds."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow: "Who recommended you?"

"It's Du Shiqing."

Zhu Han frowned slightly, murmured the name, tapped the stone table three times, and turned to pace back.
"The Du family... is an old clan in the capital, with students and former officials all over the government offices. This Du Shiqing studied at the Imperial Academy from a young age and was later recommended to be a companion to the Crown Prince."

Shi Anzi added in a low voice, "But this person is usually flamboyant, extremely tight-lipped, and quite shrewd."

Zhu Han's eyes grew cold: "The Crown Prince is like clay, not yet formed. If we add impurities to him now, how will he establish a foundation in the future?"

Shi Anzi lowered his head: "Then should we take action?"

"No rush." ​​Zhu Han slowly shook his head. "The Crown Prince should be able to recognize talent. I was just watching him open the window. If he can't tell the light from the daylight, then so be it."

Shi Anzi was taken aback and dared not say anything more.

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao was frowning slightly as he looked at several case files.

On the table were several lists of names recommended by officials of the Crown Prince's palace. Some of them came from humble backgrounds, while others came from aristocratic families.

The two most prominent figures are "Li Ke" and "Han Zhao"—the former being the son of Li Fang, the Vice Minister of Rites, and the latter being the nephew of Han Kuan, the Deputy Commander of the Beijing Garrison.

Both men were introduced by Du Shiqing and have been frequently visiting the Eastern Palace recently.

“Li Ke was very respectful in his words that day,” Zhu Biao said softly. “Han Zhao is also quite talented… but why do I always feel uneasy about him?”

Lin Qi, sitting opposite him, frowned: "Your Highness has already become suspicious, so you should investigate first and show no mercy."

Zhu Biao shook his head: "I don't want to be swayed by one side of the story. They haven't shown any flaws yet. If I become suspicious first, how will I convince the public in the future?"

"But Your Highness's responsibility is not something to be taken lightly," Lin Qi said bluntly.

At that moment, hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall, and a young eunuch rushed in, whispering something in his ear. Zhu Biao raised an eyebrow, then stood up: "The Imperial Uncle has arrived."

Zhu Han, dressed in a dark black round-necked robe, entered through the outer gate, showing no trace of royal majesty, but rather appearing as an ordinary elder brother visiting his nephew.

Zhu Biao greeted him at the palace gate: "Imperial Uncle, you've come in this freezing weather, is there something important?"

"It's nothing," Zhu Han said with a smile. "I just heard someone say last night that many talented young men have recently joined the Crown Prince's inner circle. I was curious, so I came to ask for a bowl of hot tea and take a look."

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment, then smiled and invited him into the main hall.

As soon as Zhu Han sat down, he poured himself a drink, glanced at the documents on the table, and casually asked, "These gentlemen... are they newly appointed to the Eastern Palace?"

Zhu Biao nodded: "They are all people who recommended talent, and they do have some ability."

Zhu Han remained calm: "Talent and insight? What is talent? What is insight?"

Zhu Biao was taken aback, then cupped his hands and said, "Talent should include literary and political thought, as well as the ability to govern a country; insight is the ability to discern situations and assess trends without losing one's true self."

Zhu Han said calmly, "Have Li Ke and Han Zhao both shown these two points?"

Zhu Biao remained silent, lost in thought.

Zhu Han put down his teacup and suddenly smiled: "If the Crown Prince is raising people, it is like cultivating a plum grove. To appreciate its flowers, one must first look at its roots. If the roots are not straight, even if it flourishes for three days when the spring breeze arrives, it will soon become withered branches and buds."

Zhu Biao's expression was solemn: "I will remember your words, Uncle."

Zhu Han stood up, patted him on the shoulder, and said in a low voice, "You have your own judgment, but don't let anyone set a trap for you. You are the Crown Prince, not the head lecturer of the academy."

After saying this, he turned and left, leaving the room in silence.

A few days later, a minor incident caused a stir in the Eastern Palace.

Fifty taels of silver suddenly disappeared from the Crown Prince's treasury. Although it was not much, it involved daily expenses.

The investigation eventually led to the involvement of Steward Han Zhao—although he did not take the silver, he had arbitrarily transferred funds from the treasury and opened the seals in an disorderly manner, which was then exposed by someone in private.

This news caused an uproar among the people in the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao summoned his subordinates and sat expressionlessly in the council hall of the Eastern Palace.

Du Shiqing hurriedly apologized: "Your Highness, Han Zhao is new to domestic affairs and is unfamiliar with the rules and regulations. It is my fault for not teaching him properly. I am willing to take responsibility."

Zhu Biao looked at him quietly for a long time, then suddenly said, "The transfer of the treasury is a confidential matter for the Crown Prince. Who ordered it to be done?"

Du Shiqing paused for a moment, then said, "This subordinate does not know."

Zhu Biao smiled faintly, but his tone turned cold: "The Eastern Palace is not a commoner's residence where anyone can freely open its chests and check its accounts? If Han Zhao were to go any further, would he be able to inspect even the imperial treasury?"

Du Shiqing lowered his head, sweat glistening on his forehead.

Zhu Biao slowly rose to his feet and announced in a loud voice: "From this day forward, Han Zhao is expelled from the Eastern Palace and barred from holding office for three years; Du Shiqing is temporarily suspended from his post for one month, pending further investigation and reconsideration."

Everyone's expression changed.

Once this decree was issued, there was not a single word of discussion in the Eastern Palace.

As night fell, the lights in the Prince's study remained on.

Zhu Han sat under the lamp, flipping through the fourth volume of the Heavenly Secrets Strategy, his gaze deep. Shi Anzi entered and announced, "His Highness has made his move."

“Good move.” Zhu Han closed his book and smiled. “If he couldn’t even handle this, then everything before was in vain.”

Shi Anzi asked, "So, will Your Highness test him further?"

Zhu Han looked out the window at the starry sky and said leisurely, "After recognizing people, the next step is to manage them."

"The Crown Prince isn't afraid of being soft-hearted, but rather afraid of misusing his emotions. If he truly wants to rule the world, he must learn whether to pluck a blade of grass or let it grow if it pricks his palm."

Shi Anzi dared not speak, and after a long while lowered his head: "Your subordinate understands."

Zhu Han sighed softly, "I hope he pulls weeds, not people."

The following morning, in the East Palace council hall.

Zhu Biao stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the first frost melting outside the window, and slowly asked, "How is the investigation into yesterday's events going?"

Lin Qi cupped his hands and reported: "There are a total of twenty-three recommended students who have recently entered the Imperial Academy. Six of them have clean backgrounds, eleven of them are involved with the sons of officials from various ministries, and the remaining six... are from the Du Shiqing lineage, all of whom are collateral branches of several old families in the capital."

Zhu Biao frowned.

“This Du Shiqing…” he said in a low voice, “still won’t give up.”

Lin Qi said, "After returning to the capital, he did not come to the Eastern Palace again. However, I found that he has been frequently visiting the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works recently, and has been secretly exchanging letters with several ministers he used to know."

Zhu Biao's gaze darkened: "He's making plans."

Lin Qi nodded: "This is a slow game, not an immediate attack, but a strategy to quietly erode the foundation of the Eastern Palace."

Zhu Biao suddenly smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

“Then I won’t let him be slow.” He said, emphasizing each word. “I want him to be fast.”

Lin Qi was taken aback, then understood Zhu Biao's intention: "Does Your Highness want him to reveal his true abilities?"

Zhu Biao nodded, turned around and sat in the main seat: "I want him to think he is clever and cunning, but he doesn't know that he is under my control at all times."

He paused, then suddenly said, "Uncle Wang once said—dragons must control water, not swim with it."

Lin Qi responded solemnly.

That afternoon, the Crown Prince suddenly issued an official document stating that the palace school would hold a "Great Talent and Discussion Competition." All those who enrolled in March could submit their essays on matters. If anyone had an outstanding plan, one person would be selected to "pay homage in the palace and personally receive instruction from the Crown Prince."

The news caused a nationwide sensation.

"Personally receiving instruction from the Crown Prince"—this was not an empty title, but a potential position as a "close advisor in the inner palace." Although no official position was formally appointed, anyone who had this opportunity could almost certainly gain the Crown Prince's attention and be listed among his close associates.

Upon hearing the news, Du Shiqing summoned the two young masters of the Han and Wang families that very night.

"This is your opportunity."

Young Master Han exclaimed in surprise, "Crown Prince...why would you suddenly set up a competition?"

Du Shiqing sneered: "He is young and arrogant, and when he is proud, he inevitably shows off. Now that he is at the height of his power, he naturally wants to promote new talents and make new contributions."

"But the more sharp and outspoken someone is, the easier they are to control."

The young master of the Wang family worriedly said, "What about Liang Wen... Xu Gui... aren't they obstacles in our way?"

Du Shiqing said calmly, "You don't need to defeat them, you only need to defeat each other. The Crown Prince will no longer allow Liang Wen to stand out alone, nor will he allow any one person to flourish alone."

In this competition, he will seek a multifaceted and balanced approach; whoever displays eloquence and agile strategy will be most to his liking.

Young Master Han asked in a deep voice, "Then... what should we do?"

Du Shiqing took out two volumes of policy documents: "This one attacks the West Market Ward System; the other discusses the heavy burden of postal services in the capital. You should each study them carefully, soften their sharpness, and make people feel that your talents are hidden and your brilliance is not overt."

His gaze was deep and unfathomable: “You only need to act like a useful person, and I will take care of the rest.”

The two men bowed and left. Du Shiqing stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the newly lit lanterns outside the window, and murmured:
“Your Highness, if you wish to appoint someone, I will provide you with someone; if you wish to establish a scheme, I will use your hand to set up my scheme.”

"Let's see when you realize I am a snake, not grass."

Zhu Han was already fully aware of all of this.

Inside the Prince's study, Shi Anzi handed over a slip of paper: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince has just discussed and decided on three topics: 'A New Proposal for the Market and Ward System,' 'A Strategy for Horse Management at the Post Stations,' and 'A Brief Discussion on the Defense of the Capital.'"

Zhu Han smiled: "The questions are well-chosen. They are all minor details, not touching on the fundamentals, yet they demonstrate talent and strategy."

He then asked, "How are those two, Du Shiqing and Du Shiqing?"

Shi Anzi replied, "The one from the Han family indeed chose the 'post station strategy.' The son from the Wang family chose the 'new proposal for the market.'"

Zhu Han's smile deepened: "What a clever way to use this as an excuse to establish himself. Du Shiqing really knows how to win people's hearts."

He casually flipped through the file, revealing a page of secret notes at the bottom.

"However, the Crown Prince is not to be trifled with either," he said calmly. (End of Chapter)