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

"He is not my future, but the future of the Crown Prince that I want the world to see."

As soon as Zhu Han finished speaking, a cold wind swept in.

The lamplight flickered, yet a strange sharpness emanated from him, suppressing Shen Zhen so he dared not speak further.

A month later, the weather was fine and sunny, and the third day of the third lunar month arrived as scheduled.

South of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, seven high altars were erected, with red curtains covering the sky and drums and horns resounding throughout the camp.

Ten thousand people gathered in front of the altar, coming from all directions, all to hear the "policy test".

No one in the court dared to say that this was absurd, because the Crown Prince tacitly approved it, Zhu Han personally took charge, and even Zhao Chengshan did not refuse, only sending three of his disciples to take the test.

The "Three Sons of the Eastern Palace" and the "Three Confucian Scholars of the People's Policy" were known as the "Six Worthies of the Policy Forum".

The first topic of the forum was: "Which is the true foundation of education: academies or the imperial court?"

Chen Xiwen was seated first.

He ascended the altar, cupped his hands but did not bow, his robes were not fastened, and his tone was not loud, yet it was like the sound of bells and stones striking the ears.

"The imperial court is for governance. Academies are for learning. If the knowledge we acquire today is not used for governance, it will ultimately be nothing but empty words."

"What we are arguing about today is nothing more than a 'textbook,' but I believe that if the people cannot read it, then no matter how many books there are, they are just paper. If the people can put it into practice, then even a single word can be a policy."

"What I desire is for people to seek knowledge in the imperial court and in academies. The teaching materials should not only include the Six Classics, but also the mundane realities of daily life and human relationships."

These words were met with thunderous applause.

The lecturers under Zhao Chengshan followed closely behind, but they did not concern themselves with personal matters. Instead, they quoted classics and cited three chapters from Mencius and two sayings from Zhuangzi, repeatedly elaborating on the "unity of the orthodox tradition."

The common people didn't understand and were getting drowsy listening to it.

The second question: "Which should come first, enriching the people or honoring the king?"

Chen Xiwen quoted Xunzi's "The king should prioritize the enrichment of the people," and used field examples to illustrate his point, saying, "If the king is respected but the people are hungry and cold, then respect is not reliable; but if the people are rich, respect will come naturally."

Some questioned his decision to belittle the king and elevate the common people, causing a stir in the room.

But then Zhu Han personally went up to the high platform and helped him up with a smile.

“Those who preach should dare to say what others dare not say. If they merely flatter the powerful and wealthy, they might as well return to the mountains and farm.”

As soon as Zhu Han finished speaking, the cheers from the audience grew even louder.

Some of Zhao Chengshan's disciples wavered, and one of them even stopped talking halfway through his speech.

Before the "strategy test" was even over, the outcome was already decided.

Chen Xiwen answered three questions correctly in a row, leading the pack in each round, and the voice of the Crown Prince was heard once again.

Meanwhile, King Qi, inside his residence, angrily threw down his teacup: "Strategic talk, strategic talk! It turns out it was all just my uncle's act! Zhao Chengshan is nothing but a paper doll!"

No one dared to respond.

Meanwhile, Zhu Han had returned to the palace and was strolling in the garden.

The person accompanying him was not Shen Zhen, but a fifteen-year-old boy.

Do you know why Chen Xiwen's strategy today was successful?

The boy was a disciple secretly trained by Zhu Han, named Du He. He was intelligent and cunning.

He pondered for a moment and replied, "Because he speaks the people's words and resonates with their hearts."

“That’s right.” Zhu Han nodded. “But that’s just the surface. You must also remember—though a speaker may speak eloquently, the one who ultimately wins the world is not the mouth, but the heart.”

"I do not understand."

Zhu Han looked towards the center of the lake, where flocks of waterbirds swam, and said softly, "If you can make people believe you are good, then you are good. If you can make people believe you are king, then you are king."

A glint suddenly appeared in Du He's eyes.

Zhu Han looked at him for a long time, then said in a low voice, "The reason I set up the policy test is not to select lecturers, but to select you."

Du He suddenly looked up.

Zhu Han smiled knowingly: "You will be my second sword. The first one has already been drawn."

In the distance, the bell tower chimed three times, signaling a message from the Eastern Palace: Crown Prince Zhu Biao summoned Zhu Han for a meeting.

Zhu Han flicked his robes and smiled at Du He: "Let's go, let's get into the game."

Before the imperial desk, Zhu Biao, wearing a crimson robe with dragon patterns, stood behind a screen, his gaze calm but his expression slightly weary.

A palace attendant announced from outside the curtain: "Prince Zhu has arrived."

"Announce." Zhu Biao said in a calm tone.

The curtain was gently rolled up, and Zhu Han stepped into the hall.

Today he was dressed in a dark blue straight-hemmed robe, without his crown or jade ornaments, only his hair was tied up with a black silk and gold rope, and he looked relaxed, as if he had come to attend a family banquet.

"Your subject, Zhu Han, pays his respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Biao turned around, walked down the steps, and personally helped him up: "Uncle, why be so polite?"

The two sat side by side, and the palace servants removed the lamps on either side, making the hall quiet and secluded.

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment before speaking: "The news about the 'policy examination' on the third day of the third month has spread throughout the capital. Zhao Chengshan has not shown up again."

Zhu Han took a sip of tea and said, "It's not that he can't accept defeat, it's that he doesn't want to look good if he loses. Look at his disciples, they've all withered like wilted eggplants overnight, they don't even dare to leave the house."

Zhu Biao chuckled softly, then quickly composed himself: "I have heard that the King of Qi has recently closed his doors to visitors."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow: "Is he preparing to make a comeback, or has he simply given up?"

"With his father still alive, he dared not go too far."

Zhu Biao said in a calm tone, "But what I am worried about is not only Zhao Chengshan and the Prince of Qi."

Zhu Han put down his teacup and looked at Zhu Biao: "Who else?"

Zhu Biao's gaze was deep: "Some people in the court have begun to spread rumors that 'the examination is not the right path,' 'the prince is disrupting the academic atmosphere and stirring up public sentiment,' and some have even implied that the examiners have spoken out of turn."

"Hmph." Zhu Han sneered.

"They would rather study books to death than listen to a single word of human language from the common people."

"Your Majesty should know that nowadays scholars mostly respect Confucianism and dislike the voices of the common people."

Zhu Biao's eyes were burning. "Although I appreciate the words of Xiwen and Duhe, if they are not restrained, they may cause trouble."

Zhu Han replied, "The Crown Prince's words are the foundation of the nation, but I have come today to give you something."

He clapped his hands, and two young men were led into the hall. They were Chen Xiwen and Du He.

Zhu Biao was slightly surprised and raised his hand to indicate, "No need for formalities."

Chen Xiwen bowed with gentle grace and politeness; Du He, on the other hand, had sharp eyes and a composure beyond his years.

Zhu Han put his hands behind his back and said, "These two will always be by your side from now on. If you want to give lectures, they can answer your questions; if you want to find solutions, they can debate them; if you want to establish your own residence or school, they can serve as your retainers."

Zhu Biao's eyes flickered slightly: "Imperial Uncle, are you willing to part with it?"

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow: "I am reluctant to part with them, but I also know that you need them."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Xiwen, do you know for whom you are advising today?"

Chen Xiwen answered without hesitation: "For the sake of the world."

Zhu Biao nodded: "What a fine 'for the world'! Would you be willing to tell me a story about the 'Way of the King'?"

Chen Xiwen's expression turned solemn: "I am willing to speak for His Highness the Crown Prince."

He proclaimed in a loud voice: "The way of the king is not the way of absolute supremacy, but the way to which all people's righteousness leads. As the crown prince, you have received the mandate of heaven, but you also need the hearts of the people. I hope that you will be trustworthy and harmonious, accept advice and remonstrate with others, so that the whole world will be united with you, and then the way of the king will be achieved."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time, his gaze seemingly piercing through the candlelight: "I have remembered what you said."

Zhu Han suddenly laughed and said, "If you really want to remember, then have him give three days of lectures at the Eastern Palace, revising them every ten days, so that you can learn the way of governing. I have other plans for Du He to stay with me."

Zhu Biao seemed surprised: "What does the Imperial Uncle want him for?"

Zhu Han said softly, "He is not suitable to stay in the court. His ability lies in 'observing the state of the world,' not in 'discerning the laws of the court.'"

Zhu Biao asked no further questions and nodded in agreement.

As the night deepened and seven palace lanterns were extinguished, Zhu Han rose to take his leave.

When he left the Qianqing Palace, Chen Xiwen accompanied him.

As they approached the palace gate, Chen Xiwen suddenly asked, "Why does Your Highness trust me?" Zhu Han stopped and glanced at him, saying, "In your first examination, you said, 'A strategy that doesn't reach the court is just empty talk.' Your words carry great weight."

"But I mean it."

Zhu Han smiled and said, "I know you are sincere, and I also know you are more than that."

"Appreciate further details."

“When you speak of your strategies, there is always a hint of indignation in your voice. That is the ambition of youth, but it is also a double-edged sword.”

Zhu Han said calmly, "What I need is not just a 'strategist,' but someone who can cut off the evils of old learning and support new voices."

Chen Xiwen bowed deeply: "Your subject thanks Your Highness for recognizing and appreciating my talents."

Zhu Han walked away with his hands behind his back, his footsteps treading on the stone steps as if stepping over an unfinished game.

Inside Xuanwu Lane, an old-tiled, old-walled school suddenly opened its doors, displaying the sign "Qingce Hall".

The speaker is Du He.

He did not speak for the imperial court, but only spoke of "policies for the people and popular learning".

The first lesson was about "the convenience of paving streets and post roads".

The second lesson discusses "the principles of goods and prices in the market".

The third lesson was about "the methods for ordinary people to seek redress".

People flocked to the scene, and even woodcutters and merchants were willing to listen.

A sign stood in front of the hall, bearing eight characters: "The lecture is not held in the imperial court, but the strategies are uttered from the common people."

At first, the court did not take it seriously, but a month later...

The sound of "Qingce Hall" gradually reached the outer court, and even many minor officials in the capital secretly went to listen in.

Shen Zhen reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, some people in the court are beginning to worry that the 'Qingce Hall' was set up by Your Highness with the intention of undermining the academic order."

Instead of getting angry, Zhu Han laughed: "Are they scared?"

"Scared."

"Then let's add fuel to the fire."

Zhu Han looked southwest and said, "Send someone to the Imperial Academy to convey a message to me."

"Which sentence?"

Zhu Han's tone was sharp: "If learning does not reach the people, there is nothing to discuss."

This sentence caused a great uproar when it reached the Imperial Academy.

Zhang Zhiyuan, the Imperial Academy Chancellor, secluded himself at home for three days and did not leave his room.

Several instructors came to question him: Does this statement represent the Crown Prince's opinion?

Chen Xiwen, however, did not shy away from the topic and publicly stated in the Eastern Palace: "This is not the Crown Prince's intention, but the words of Prince Zhu."

Someone sneered: "The prince is not a lecturer, how can he judge our academic lineage?"

Chen Xiwen said calmly, “You’re talking about books, he’s talking about people.”

These words spread throughout the Beijing Middle School.

Wanchun Street, south of Yong'anfang, is bustling with people because of the establishment of "Qingcetang".

Everyone in the streets and alleys was talking about the wonders of Du He's sermons.

Even street vendors could spout "strategic arguments," discussing "market prices," "paving roads," and "neighborhood order," as if everyone had become a Confucian scholar.

But in the inconspicuous side room behind the main hall of Qingce Hall.

Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in a plain robe, his face expressionless.

Before Du Hegong filed the case, his expression showed no sign of slackening.

"What strategy did you discuss yesterday?" Zhu Han asked calmly.

Du He cupped his hands and said, “Let me explain the ‘Neighborhood Covenant,’ which discusses the order of neighbors. Three people form a neighborhood, ten people form a group, and groups are linked together to form a community of one hundred households.”

All disputes, breaches of trust, and acts of deceiving neighbors shall be adjudicated by the head of the community.

Upon hearing this policy, the people readily agreed to its implementation.

Zhu Han stared at him, his eyes as calm as a deep pool: "Do you want to be a sage, or a schemer?"

Du He was taken aback, then said in a deep voice, "I dare not presume to claim to be wise, but I hope that the policies I propose will be understood by the people. If they are not, I will not speak of them."

"It's not difficult to explain to the people. The difficulty lies in getting them to believe you and be willing to act for you after you've explained it."

Zhu Han walked to the window, opened the wooden lattice window, and pointed to the bustling audience outside:

“Look at this group of people. Today they hear you talk about neighborhood agreements, and tomorrow if you say ‘the people can stand on their own,’ they will really think they can take charge. Do you know that the most difficult people to tame in this world are not the powerful and wealthy, but the awakened people.”

Du He bowed his head and said, "My knowledge is still limited. I would like to ask Your Highness to teach me."

Zhu Han turned around, stared into his eyes and said, "Remember, a 'strategy' isn't just about making people feel good; it's about making them willingly walk down the path you've drawn after hearing it."

If you only say what they want to hear, sooner or later they will turn around and bite you.

Du remained silent for a long time before bowing respectfully and saying, "Your subject will remember."

Zhu Han said no more, turned around and went out the door, where he met Shen Zhen.

Shen Zhen said in a low voice, "Your Highness, news has come from the Eastern Palace that His Highness is currently in poor health and is resting quietly, not attending to court affairs."

Zhu Han frowned: "What did the imperial physician say?"

"They say it's because the spring chill has suddenly turned warm, and the body is weak and its yang energy is being harmed, but I feel there's something fishy about this."

Zhu Han's eyes immediately turned cold: "Who dares to touch him?"

Shen Zhen said in a low voice, "It may not be a movement. I have checked and there has been nothing unusual about the food in the Crown Prince's palace in the past two days. The medicine he has been taking has also been prepared by the Imperial Hospital. However, there is a strange fragrance in His Highness's bedroom at midnight."

"Strange fragrance?"

"Yes. It smells like sandalwood and orchid, but its form is invisible. Even the palace maids cannot smell it, but the Crown Prince always gets headaches and becomes weak whenever he smells it."

Zhu Han's face was cold and stern: "Invite the Seven Mysteries Division to thoroughly investigate everyone who enters and leaves the Crown Prince's Palace. Also, convey my decree that Zhu Rong and Zhu Chen are not allowed to enter the Eastern Palace for the time being."

Shen Zhen bowed and agreed.

Meanwhile, inside the Chunxi Pavilion of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao leaned against a couch, his face slightly pale, and beads of sweat visible on his forehead.
The medicine cup on the table was not yet cold, and wisps of smoke rose from the incense burner.

"Your Highness." Chen Xiwen brought over a hot towel, wrung it out, and placed it on his forehead.

"The imperial physician advised Your Highness not to stay up all night discussing policies, so why did you personally read through twenty volumes of memorials last night?"

Zhu Biao smiled weakly: "How can you know the truth without reading it? Dozens of officials in the court have submitted memorials requesting the abolition of 'Qingce Hall'."

"Is it because the lectures in the hall did not follow the prescribed rules?" Chen Xiwen frowned.

“No.” Zhu Biao closed his eyes. “They are afraid that the common people will learn how to talk about strategy.”

Chen Xiwen said coldly, "What kind of crime is this?"

Zhu Biao slowly opened his eyes, his gaze deep: "This isn't a crime, this is a threat."

"threaten?"

"Imagine this—ten years from now, those young men who listened to your strategies, if they become county officials or prefectural governors, will they still be willing to follow the old laws, or will they be willing to implement the strategies you are proposing?"

Chen Xiwen was speechless for a moment.

"The stability of the world does not lie in the law, but in the fact that people's hearts are not swayed."

Zhu Biao sighed, "I know this road is rugged, but I also know that I have no choice but to take it."

Suddenly, a voice called "Hey!" came from outside the window, and a young figure jumped over the wall.

"Who?"

"Your Highness." Chen Xiwen was about to move nervously, but Zhu Biao had already sat up with a smile: "It's him."

The young man was Gu Yuan, Zhu Han's spy and envoy secretly transferred into the Eastern Palace. He was as light as a swallow and intelligent and alert.

"Gu Yuan, did you find out?"

Gu Yuan raised an eyebrow and smiled, taking out a small brocade pouch from his robes: "The spices come from a spice shop in Qinghefang, run by a man surnamed Yao. They just received a large order three days ago. The spices they make contain a rare herb called 'Silver Cheek Flower,' which can induce dizziness and disorientation." (End of Chapter)