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

“But none of them retreated,” Han Siyu added. “This shows that His Highness the Crown Prince’s heart and will are what people desire.”

Zhu Biao remained silent, then suddenly asked in a low voice, "Do you know why the Embroidered Uniform Guard chose to take them away tonight?"

Han Siyu shook her head.

"Because today is the ninth day since Father Emperor fell ill and has not risen for eight days."

Zhu Biao smiled, but his eyes were as cold as water. "There are already people in the court who want to test my strength."

"How did you know?"

"Uncle Wang informed me."

Han Siyu was taken aback: "Is the Prince also involved in this situation?"

Zhu Biao smiled faintly: "He is not in the game, he is an outsider, yet he holds the chessboard."

"how about you?"

“I am a piece of chess.” Zhu Biao stood up, his clothes fluttering. “But this piece of chess also wants to forge its own path.”

He walked to the window with his hands behind his back, gazing into the depths of the palace, without uttering a word.

After a moment, he turned around and ordered, "Prepare a sedan chair. I want to personally go to the Embroidered Uniform Guard to welcome them."

Han Siyu was shocked: "Your Highness, you mustn't! If you go there in person, it will be tantamount to announcing to the world that 'this matter is no small thing'."

"But if they don't go in person, Jia Yongqing and Lin Shicheng will feel apprehensive after tonight."

Zhu Biao said slowly and deliberately, “And I will not allow them to be afraid.”

Han Siyu ultimately fell silent.

In the darkness of night, Zhu Biao rode away alone in his carriage.

Zhu Han was drinking tea and gazing at the moon when he heard the news.

Wang Yan's expression was grave: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince is putting himself in a dangerous situation."

Zhu Han was not angry, but laughed instead: "The edge? How can you test the blade if you don't enter the edge?"

Why didn't Your Highness stop it?

Zhu Han put down his teacup, a glint in his eyes: "From tonight onwards, Zhu Biao will no longer be just the Crown Prince. He is a true 'powerful man'."

"Next... is it your turn to make a move?"

Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back: "No rush, let him make the first move, then I'll make my move."

Wang Yan asked in a deep voice, "Where should the piece be placed?"

Zhu Han spoke slowly, a ruthless glint suddenly appearing in his eyes: "Military Commandery."

The palace was so quiet that there was almost no sound of people; only outside the palace walls could one faintly hear whispers and the sound of footsteps.

After that night, the Crown Prince Zhu Biao's personal welcome of Jia Yongqing and Lin Shicheng did not, as everyone had hoped, cause the Eastern Palace to avoid the limelight. Instead, it was like thunder before a sudden rainstorm, clear and deafening.

When Han Siyu retrieved the case file, she saw the last line of text and remained stunned for a long time.

"In today's matter, Your Highness protected others with your own body, and others should repay you with their lives."

It was Lin Shicheng's handwriting, which was always elegant and refined, like jade and bamboo, but now it revealed an unprecedented sharpness.

"What did you see?" Zhu Biao leaned back against the desk, his eyes still fixed on the line of text.

“Lin Shicheng has fallen in love,” Han Siyu replied.

"You know, he used to be most wary of my sharpness."

"But he respects your righteousness."

Zhu Biao smiled faintly: "Respect and obedience are two different things."

Han Siyu shook her head: "But in this world, only those who respect someone deeply will be completely convinced of their worth."

Zhu Biao's eyes flickered slightly, and he suddenly asked, "Tell me, after this matter, will Father Emperor have any second thoughts?"

Han Siyu pondered for a moment and then said, "What Your Highness wishes to ask is—whether you will let go?"

"Yes."

"I'm afraid not."

Zhu Biao paused for a moment, then said, "That's what I think too."

Han Siyu glanced at him tentatively: "So, are you still going to keep going?"

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then left with only one sentence: "If I stop, they will be doomed."

Her heart skipped a beat.

Three days later, the new headquarters of the Military Command was completed. The site, originally intended as a preparatory epidemic prevention post, was suddenly converted into the "Inner City Patrol Camp," which was actually reorganized by the Prince himself.

The announcement of the new camp list shocked everyone in the military command.

Shen Zhen, Wu Yu, Liu Zhao, Wei Shiqing and dozens of other Jinyiwei officers were transferred to this camp. Among them, five had served as military officers in the Liaodong Army and were former subordinates of Zhu Han.

Han Shiyu, the deputy commander of the military command, personally went to the Prince's residence to pay his respects, but was refused entry.

"The prince is not here?"

"not see."

"Will you give me an answer?"

The prince only said one sentence: "There are many things going on in the inner city, so it is necessary to have women guard it."

Han Shiyu knew that this "woman" was neither an official nor a servant, but a servant of the prince.

At this moment, the Military Command suddenly realized that the seemingly peaceful capital of Yingtian Prefecture was brewing an undercurrent of unrest from its deep alleys and courtyards.

The next day at dawn, Zhu Biao received a message from Wang Yan.

"His Highness has established a six-camp system and reorganized the military command."

Zhu Biao remained expressionless, only saying softly, "It was him who made the move."

"Does Your Highness wish to meet with the Prince?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "No need."

Han Siyu frowned: "If Your Highness doesn't go, the Prince might think you're hesitant."

Zhu Biao looked at her, his tone suddenly softening: "If he really cared that much, he wouldn't be a prince."

Han Siyu was stunned and speechless for a moment.

Everyone in the Eastern Palace knew that although Crown Prince Zhu Biao respected the Prince as his uncle, the trust between them was far beyond what ordinary relatives could have.

It's a tacit understanding without words: when you make a move, I'm in front; when I step back, you're in control.

Now that the prince has taken the initiative to control the troops, Zhu Biao will no longer be involved in political affairs—this is a tacit understanding and a rotation of forces.

"Then what will Your Highness do next..."

Zhu Biao stood up: "Train the troops."

Han Siyu was shocked: "Your Highness intends to personally command the Imperial Guards?"

"No, it's about training the mind."

His gaze was calm, and his voice was as cold and hard as a stone tablet: "Train the courage, heart, and will of everyone in my Eastern Palace."

Half a month later, a "Debate Camp" was set up in the lecture hall of the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao personally set up eight cases, widely recruiting famous scholars from the court, officials from the outer government, and students from the Imperial Academy to devise strategies and debate them. The winners would enter the Eastern Palace, while the losers would not be admitted.

Lin Shicheng served as the chief judge, while Jia Yongqing acted as the "defense attorney."

What should have been a rare contest of talent among the court officials turned into a power struggle within three days.

The son of a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, who boasted of his talent, disagreed with Lin Pingzhi's assessment and angrily denounced the "Crown Prince's self-establishment of the court," was expelled.

A senior official from the Imperial Academy went to the lecture hall to observe the situation, but was refused entry.

Some people even sneaked into the Eastern Palace at night seeking favors, only to be coldly driven away by Shen Zaili.

Outside the lecture hall, hundreds of people watched and listened to the debate, and for a time, the Eastern Palace almost became a small court.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew about this matter but remained silent.

Zhu Han knew about this, but remained silent.

But on the fifth day of the "Debate Camp," one person appeared, silencing the entire lecture hall.

The visitor was named Cheng Qixuan, the grandson of the former Minister of Rites. He had been exiled for three years and had suddenly returned to the capital.

He did not request an audience, but instead presented a proposal in public, saying, "Please review it personally, Your Highness."

When Zhu Biao received the report, he was setting up a chess game in the bamboo pavilion. He stopped playing and asked casually, "What did he write?"

Han Siyu read aloud:

"The Crown Prince cannot be avoided, nor should he be avoided. I am neither a power-hungry nor a political maneuverer. However, if the Crown Prince wishes to become a wise ruler, he should first know that a wise ruler does not avoid fame. I would like to offer a strategy to test the Crown Prince's will."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time, then suddenly said, "Please let him in."

On this day, the capital city of Yingtian was once again in an uproar.

Those who had been exiled for three years were brought to the Eastern Palace and personally examined by the Crown Prince.

At the same moment, deep within the imperial city.

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned weakly against the bed, and a eunuch whispered beside him: "The Crown Prince has established a system of 'appointment through strategy,' and within three days eighty people have been selected. All of them are sharp in their speech and insightful in their political thinking."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly opened his eyes: "Does Wang Han know?"

"The prince sent someone to observe his debate, but he did not appear."

"Oh." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, remaining silent for a long time.

Suddenly, he whispered, "The Eastern Palace... is finally no longer a greenhouse."

"Does Your Majesty wish to summon me?" "No need."

He gazed at the dim light outside the curtain and suddenly murmured, "He walked up here; I didn't push him."

"Since he dares to leave, let's see how far he goes."

Inside the study of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao frowned as he faced eight volumes of new policies.

Han Siyu said, "These eight people's plans are all excellent and can be included in the decision."

Zhu Biao replied, "No rush."

"Why?"

He said calmly, "I need to ask Uncle Wang first."

"Didn't you say there was no need to see him?"

That was back then.

Zhu Biao stood up, rolled up his sleeves, revealing an old wound on his wrist.

He said calmly, "Now, it's time to invite him to take a look—to see if the sword of my Eastern Palace is still dull."

As the night wind rose, he walked out of the palace alone, without wearing court robes or leading any entourage.

Outside the palace gate, Zhu Han was leaning against the carriage, seemingly having been waiting for a long time.

Zhu Biao was taken aback: "Uncle Wang..."

Zhu Han turned around and smiled: "You should be here."

Zhu Biao paused, then bowed deeply: "The Crown Prince requests your presence."

The night rain gradually subsided, and a light morning mist began to rise.

Before dawn, people and horses were already quietly moving in the capital.

Inside the Prince's mansion, Zhu Han, dressed in a dark brocade robe, stood under the eaves watching the raindrops fall along the roof.

He listened quietly as the sound of the carriage wheels passed through the gate and disappeared at the end of the alley, his brows remaining unchanged.

After Zhu Biao's visit last night, the two did not say much. They simply stood together under the lamp in the Prince's mansion, burning incense and drinking a cup of tea before returning home.

But the words "The Crown Prince requests your presence" weighed heavily on his ears.

Zhu Han knew that Zhu Biao had finally taken that step.

"Your Highness," hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. Shen Zhen strode in, his expression slightly anxious.
"Wei Shiqing reports that a fire broke out overnight in the vicinity of the old warehouse of the Court of State Ceremonial, and the source of the fire was found to be strange. Someone was searching for the list of new talents summoned by the Crown Prince in front of the fire."

"Hmm?" Zhu Han turned around, his robe sleeves fluttering slightly. "Who goes there?"

Shen Zhen said in a low voice, "Huang Yunxuan is the son of Huang Jisheng, the former Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat. He was dismissed last year and has been traveling around various lecture halls in recent months, speaking arrogantly."

Zhu Han walked slowly with his hands behind his back, his eyes deepening: "This person is here to seek a title."

"I have ordered its detention."

"No need," Zhu Han said calmly. "Let him go."

Shen Zhen was stunned: "Your Highness releases them without asking or investigating?"

“He’s just using fire to find a way out,” Zhu Han smiled slightly, “but he’s burning my path, so he’ll only dare to walk the path I’ve given him.”

Shen Zhen hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Zhu Han stopped in the courtyard: "At 9:00 AM today, I summon Cheng Qixuan."

"Summon him?"

“If he dares to use his skills to advance his career to the Crown Prince, I will ask him one question—is his courage the courage to seek official position or the courage to fight for power?”

At 9:00 AM, Zhu Han sat quietly in the flower hall.

Cheng Qixuan was led in by Shen Zhen. His clothes were still plain and old, but his voice was clear and bright.

"This humble subject, Cheng Qixuan, pays his respects to Your Highness."

Zhu Han didn't answer, but stared at him for a moment before saying, "I've seen your plan."

Cheng Qixuan cupped his hands and said, "It is my daring to do so."

"You should know that my Prince's Palace does not have a writing desk or a meeting place. Those who do not have official business are not allowed to enter this hall."

"Your subject understands."

"So, have you come today to inquire about your official position, or to question me about my crimes?"

Cheng Qixuan's gaze was calm: "I've come to seek reason."

Zhu Han suddenly stood up, staring at him and saying slowly and deliberately, "I ask you, the Crown Prince is not Zhu Yuanzhang, and the Eastern Palace is not the court. You entered the Eastern Palace through a scheme, is that taking advantage of the situation to disrupt order?"

Cheng Qixuan did not dodge or avoid the question; his voice was as firm as stone: "If the Crown Prince cannot establish a council, how will he develop courage? If the Crown Prince does not set up a strategy bureau, how will he understand the world? If he does not take advantage of the Prince's influence to establish a foundation, who will be willing to submit to him when he ascends the throne? What can he accomplish?"

Zhu Han stared at him, his gaze as cold as ice touching water, remaining silent for a long time.

After a moment, he turned around, put his hands behind his back, and said, "Do you know that if others hear your words, it would be considered treason?"

“I know. But I also know that if we do not resist today, we will not be able to comply tomorrow.”

"Do you take me, a prince, for a traitor?"

"If Your Highness were a traitor, why would you summon me today?"

A moment of silence fell over the hall.

Outside, bamboo branches sway, brushing against the eaves, like the trembling of a zither string.

Zhu Han finally smiled, his brows sharp and cold as he turned around: "What a fine tongue you've honed over these past few years in exile?"

Cheng Qixuan bowed and said, "For three years in the snowy mountains, there were no books to read and no one to talk to, only the national policy in my heart."

"Then tell me—what does the Crown Prince want?"

"Believe it."

"Whose letter do you need?"

Cheng Qixuan replied, "A letter from the Prince."

Zhu Han stared at him for a long time, then nodded slightly: "You have quite the nerve, and quite a risk."

"If Your Highness allows me to continue assisting the Crown Prince, I am willing to have no other path after my death."

"Alright." Zhu Han slammed his hand on the long table. "Since you're going to use your strategies and tactics, then go ahead and use them to deal with my people."

"Your Highness wants me to..." Cheng Qixuan looked up, then suddenly realized, "to reorganize the 'Six Camps'?"

"It's not an investigation, it's a trial."

"Trial?"

Zhu Han said coldly, "If you judge people by their writings, then use your writings to test whether the people my Prince's Mansion has sent are good-for-nothings or sharp swords."

Without hesitation, Cheng Qixuan immediately bowed and said, "Your subject obeys."

Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out the window, and said calmly, "The Crown Prince may keep you, but he may not be able to win your respect. If you are truly capable, you should win the hearts of the people in the Eastern Palace first."

"If it cannot be taken..."

"Then I'll do it for you."

Cheng Qixuan bowed deeply and said no more.

In the afternoon, a platform was set up in the lecture hall, where Cheng Qixuan personally presided over the "Three Comments on People".

Unlike the strategies proposed by the debate camp, the three channels were all set up by people employed by the "Six Camps of the Eastern Palace" to set up the questions and examine their writings, knowledge, and will.

Zhu Biao personally observed the game, while Lin Shicheng and Jia Yongqing each served as assistants on the left and right, respectively, and Han Siyu remained hidden in the back seat.

The first question concerns the system of "daytime curfew and nighttime curfew".

The second question concerns the responsibility of "secret surveillance within the inner palace."

The third question was: "If the Crown Prince holds the reins of power, and the Left Assistant falls, should he be supported? If the Right Assistant rebels, should he be executed?"

The questions were extremely venomous, almost touching the very core of the Crown Prince's life.

Zhu Biao looked at the third question and suddenly asked, "Did you come up with this third question yourself?"

Cheng Qixuan answered without hesitation: "Yes."

"Did you know that Lin Shicheng sat on the left and Jia Yongqing sat on the right?"

"Your subject understands."

"Are you picking on them?"

"No, I am choosing the Crown Prince."

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

"If you don't answer either the left or right advisors' comments, what will you do?"

Cheng Qixuan looked up and stared directly at Zhu Biao: "Then I will personally go up on the stage and answer."

Zhu Biao remained silent, as did everyone else.

Lin Shicheng's eyes darkened slightly, but he remained silent; Jia Yongqing's eyes flickered, as if he were smiling.

At that moment, Cheng Qixuan walked to the center of the podium, dressed in plain clothes, the hem of his clothes fluttering even without wind.

"Your subject, Cheng Qixuan, is willing to answer the third question on your behalf."

When he spoke, it was as powerful as a mountain range suddenly rising:
"The Crown Prince is the master of the Eastern Palace, with those on either side acting as his assistants, but they are not pillars. Pillars can be broken or replaced, but the master's heart cannot be shaken."

"If the Left Assistant falls, it will be a sign of a loss of political judgment. The Crown Prince should appoint a new pillar. Those who can be supported should be supported, and those who cannot be supported should be abandoned."

"If someone criticizes the right-wingers, it shows their rebellious heart and disloyal will, and they should be executed without pardon." (End of Chapter)