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

Zhu Han slowly walked to the edge of the pavilion, gazing at the swaying bamboo shadows. "But do you know that power can arise from strategy, and it can also be destroyed by strategy?"

Lin Fu remained silent for a moment before replying, "Is Your Highness worried about... the people's hearts crossing the line?"

"I'm not worried." Zhu Han suddenly turned around, his eyes sharp.

“I’m here to remind you. The value of your strategy lies in the fact that it does not rely on official titles or imperial orders. But precisely because of this, it is also the most vulnerable. Once it gains momentum, it will cross the line for too many people.”

“I am not seeking power.” Lin Fu looked directly at him. “It is only because the people are suffering and no one cares, that policy has become the only thing I can give them.”

Zhu Han nodded slowly, without refuting: "I know you have no ulterior motives. But now that you have gained momentum, you cannot remain aloof from the situation."

Lin Fu bowed slightly: "What does Your Highness wish me to do?"

Zhu Han's voice was gentle, yet every word was firm: "You shall serve under the Crown Prince, devise strategies for the benefit of the people. You may continue to consult with the outer court and offer advice to resolve difficulties, but your influence must be used by the Crown Prince."

Lin Fu did not immediately agree, but asked softly, "What kind of person is the Crown Prince?"

Zhu Han stared at him quietly for a long time before speaking: "Go and see someone, and you will know."

The next morning, Lin Fu followed the servant in blue to the Dongjun post station.

The inn was heavily guarded outside and simply furnished inside. A young man sat on a couch, holding a copy of the Zuo Zhuan. Sunlight fell on his shoulders, and his demeanor was gentle and refined. Lin Fu recognized him at a glance as Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

"Lin Fu greets Your Highness."

Zhu Biao looked up, put down his book, and smiled, saying, "Mr. Lin Fu, I have long admired your name."

"Does Your Highness also consider the strategy?"

"Not only do I observe, but I also learn." Zhu Biao rose to greet him personally. "What you said, sir, 'Strategies begin in humble circumstances and end in reason,' has awakened me as if from a dream."

Lin Fu looked slightly surprised: "Does Your Highness really intend to do so?"

Zhu Biao did not shy away from the truth: "As the crown prince, I am ordained by Heaven and should be aware of the people's suffering, not sit high in the Eastern Palace and engage in empty talk. If I cannot even solve the people's urgent need for a meal, wouldn't I be failing my father and the world?"

These words were resounding and powerful. Although Lin Fu did not show his emotions, he felt a surge of emotion within him.

Although he had never trusted the powerful and wealthy, he was genuinely impressed by the crown prince before him.

Zhu Biao turned around and took out a bamboo scroll painting: "This is a plan jointly devised by me and my uncle, called 'Qingce Hall'. It gathers talented people from the common people to devise plans and suggestions, to advocate for the people, and to offer advice to the court. I would like to invite you to serve as its 'first seat'."

"Qingce Hall?" Lin Fu murmured, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Zhu Biao said, "Your policies on the platform influence the people; if you can enter the hall and use your policies to communicate with the people, then you can ensure the continuation of your rule."

Lin Fu pondered for a long time before asking, "What if one day the people's policies clash with the court's policies, Your Highness?"

Zhu Biao did not answer immediately, but walked slowly to the window and looked at the rising sun in the distance: "That is my responsibility to unite them into one."

Lin Fu suddenly smiled, suppressing his chill, and stood up, bowing deeply: "Lin Fu is willing to obey Your Highness's orders."

Three days later, the Wenwaitai in Linshui Town suddenly closed, and Lin Fu quietly left with the servant in blue.

A month later, the Eastern Palace in the capital announced the establishment of the "Qingce Hall," with Lin Fu as its head. The people all asked, "Where is Mr. Lin?" Some whispered, "He has already entered the court."

This time, however, his strategy will no longer be limited to a corner by the water, but will concern all living beings under heaven.

Behind the red wall in the palace, Zhu Han stood behind the screen wall and whispered, "This move was just right."

Zhu Biao stood beside him, his expression calm: "Uncle, when will this plan be successful?"

A sharp glint flashed in Zhu Han's eyes: "Once Lin Fu enters the game and the momentum is established, we can decide the fate of the world."

He looked up and saw the sky gradually brightening as a ray of dawn pierced through the clouds and landed on his shoulder.

It was March in the capital, and the flowers were not yet in full bloom, while the willow branches were just beginning to turn green.

The night was as dark as silk, enveloping the Imperial Garden by Taiye Pond, with lights twinkling on the eaves like fireflies.

Inside the Eastern Palace, before the first council meeting in the Qingce Hall had even begun, Crown Prince Zhu Biao sat alone in his study, with Lin Fuxin's newly written policy document spread out before him.

Incense smoke curled from the table, and precious agarwood burned in the bronze incense burner, its subtle aroma calming the mind.

"Those who govern should not only be appointed by officials, but also observe the needs of the people. If the government does not follow the people's wishes, it will eventually lose its foundation."

Zhu Biao murmured, his gaze calm and resolute, "Lin Fu is indeed extraordinary."

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure walked through the corridor outside the window, unhurried and with steady steps.

The man was not dressed in court robes, but he appeared relaxed. Before even entering the room, he entered in a loud voice: "Nephew, are you feeling sleepy while reading late into the night?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes lit up with a smile, and he rose to greet him, taking a few steps forward: "Why has the Imperial Uncle arrived at this time?"

Zhu Han entered with his hands behind his back and said with a smile, "I heard that Qingce Hall has just opened and you have been thinking about it for a long time, so I came to see for myself."

Zhu Biao's gaze fell on the scrolls on the table, and he said in a low voice, "My uncle recommended Lin Fu to the court, and I have already set him as the head of the group. His words are sharp, but he never shows any personal bias. He is exactly the kind of person I need."

Zhu Han nodded, but did not answer.

He casually picked up a few pages of bamboo slips and flipped through them, his eyes falling on the phrase "the people's desires lead to good governance." He said slowly, "Lin Fu's strategy is about the people's hearts and the art of governance. But this world cannot be governed by reason alone."

Zhu Biao was taken aback: "Uncle, you mean..."

Zhu Han put away the scroll of strategy and placed it back on the table. His tone was gentle but meaningful: "I am only reminding you that a strategy can solve a temporary problem, but power determines the situation for a hundred years. You should use the strategy as a bridge to cross people, not just the common people, but also the group of people in the court."

Zhu Biao lowered his head, lost in thought. After a while, he looked up at Zhu Han: "Uncle, if I were to use strategy to gain the upper hand, could I avoid the bloodshed of war and prevent the people of the Ming Dynasty from suffering again?"

Zhu Han looked at him, a complex expression in his eyes: "You can avoid it for a while, but you can't avoid it forever. You can use your strategies to save the world, that's your benevolence; but if you want to achieve peace, you will eventually need someone to protect you for even the smallest amount of time."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and nodded solemnly: "Then I will use strategy to guide people, uphold righteousness to support the country, and establish myself in the world with virtue."

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "That's good then."

Three days later, Qingce Hall was set up in a side courtyard of the East Palace, and the three characters "Qingce Hall" were personally written by the Crown Prince on the gate.

The hall was devoid of gold and jade decorations, and there was no string or wind music. There were only a few long tables, simple writing materials, and scrolls of current events and maps hanging on the walls.

On the day of the first audience, besides Lin Fu as the head of the audience, there were eight other people who answered the call. Among them were wandering scholars, impoverished scholars, county officials, peddlers, and doctors. None of them were former officials of the court, but each had a special skill. Lin Fu personally led the group into the hall.

"This hall is different from the court discussions; it is not bound by etiquette, but only speaks the truth, without regard to rank or status."

As soon as Lin Fu finished speaking, everyone knew that Qingce Hall was not just a name.

After a moment of silence in the hall, a thin, simply dressed young man clasped his hands and said, "I am Wang Qian, originally a medicine seller in the southern suburbs. A few days ago, I personally witnessed the epidemic in the county. Due to the lack of medical knowledge and the slow treatment, more than a hundred people have fallen ill. I am not talented, but I wish to offer some advice to find out the cause."

Lin Fuwei nodded slightly: "Explain in detail."

Wang Qian paused for a moment and said, “Firstly, the doctors in the granaries set up in the prefectures and counties are mostly selected by personnel, and are not doctors but doctors; secondly, clinics and medical halls are all located in wealthy neighborhoods in the city, and people in the suburbs have to travel dozens of miles to get treatment; thirdly, there is a shortage of medicinal materials, not because there is no money, but because there is no one to guide them.”

Everyone in the hall nodded in agreement. An elder sighed, "That's absolutely right. My hometown suffered a severe cold; people fell ill in March and were only treated in May. How could the people live in peace?" Lin Fu glanced at Zhu Biao, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Zhu Biao nodded: "Wang Qian's words can be recorded. We'll discuss it again later."

Over the next three days, the Qingce Hall held a series of discussions, all concerning minor matters rather than major policies of the court.

There were discussions on the method of collecting grain in official granaries, on the burden of redundant and excessive bureaucratic duties in government offices after the new laws were implemented, on the problems of weaving women in workshops, and on the drawbacks of the private school system.

The hall became increasingly lively, with the Crown Prince frequently entering and leaving to listen to discussions, and even occasionally taking notes and exchanging ideas with the others.

After the day's discussions concluded, Lin Fu sat alone under the eaves, gazing absently at the newly planted pine trees in the courtyard.

He heard light footsteps behind him, but he didn't turn around. He said calmly, "It's quite a rare guest that Your Highness has come here."

Zhu Han slowly stepped into the corridor and said with a smile, "Between you and me, there is no need for formalities."

Lin Fu smiled and asked, "What are your thoughts on today's meeting, Your Highness?"

Zhu Han did not answer, but instead asked, "Do you know what a 'strategy' is?"

"Appreciate further details."

Zhu Han sat on the stone bench and slowly said, "Strategy is wisdom. The wise can overcome the foolish and defeat the strong. But if you confine strategy to books and verbal arguments, it is nothing more than drawing a cake on paper."

Lin Fu's brows twitched slightly: "Does Your Highness mean that I am just talking nonsense?"

"Not so." Zhu Han sighed softly. "Your strategy has sincerity and genuine intention, but it lacks substance. You talk about the people's hardships, but you don't know that behind those hardships, what can truly move their lives are people, power, and a group of people that you have not yet come into contact with."

Lin Fu remained silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "If Your Highness has a deeper plan, you may speak frankly."

Zhu Han glanced at him, his tone suddenly turning somber: "I have been planning something for three years. Now that the Crown Prince has set up a hall, the hearts of the people are at ease. If you are willing, then play a real game of chess with me."

Lin Fu turned around, his expression unreadable: "What if this move is made incorrectly?"

"Even if I make a mistake, I have no regrets." Zhu Han smiled faintly, "Because this game of chess is not only for the Crown Prince, but also for the world."

Several days later, news spread throughout the capital that the Qingce Hall's proposal had been successful, and that the Crown Prince had personally reviewed hundreds of cases, all of which concerned the people.

There are even rumors that Qingce Hall will set up branches in various prefectures, and talents from all over the country will be recommended to enter the hall, so that the title of strategist will no longer belong only to the nobles of the imperial court.

Within the capital, whispers circulated: "That crown prince is about to really do something."

Meanwhile, at Yuelu Academy, 500 miles from Beijing, a scholar in plain clothes was reading a book late into the night when he suddenly heard the sound of wind outside the window and someone knocking on the door.

The door opened, and an invitation was handed in.

"Outer courtyard of Qingce Hall, Yanxian has summoned us for a meeting. The king's decree is here; may we proceed?"

The student looked up, his eyes resolute: "I'm willing to go."

The nights in the Eastern Palace always seemed more tranquil than in other parts of the imperial city.

It was already past midnight, but the lights inside the hall were still on.

Zhu Han stood on the high platform, looking down at the courtyard of Qingce Hall. He saw Lin Fu, Wang Qian and several others sitting around a stone table in the courtyard, still discussing in hushed tones.

A gentle night breeze stirs the pine shadows, making it seem as if only this one lamp remains lit in the world.

Zhu Biao approached slowly, his voice tinged with weariness but showing no signs of fatigue: "They have been discussing this for five nights now."

Zhu Han did not turn around, but said softly, "Do you know why they never tire?"

Zhu Biao also stood down beside him: "Because they have finally found a place where they can speak the truth."

Zhu Han then smiled, turned to look at the Crown Prince, and said, "If you can keep them telling the truth, that will be a great achievement."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I'd like to hear your thoughts, Imperial Uncle—how should we use them next?"

Zhu Han turned around and slowly said, "The Crown Prince set up the Qingce Hall to attract talents into the game, which is a strategy; he chose a location to set up an outer courtyard and spread it to various places, which is a net. But you have only just set up the net and have not yet caught any prey."

"Hunting?" Zhu Biao frowned.

“A net is useless; we need to stir up the wind.” Zhu Han’s eyes were clear and profound. “You should let the world know that the strategist’s words are not just empty talk on paper, but can truly move this land.”

Zhu Biao seemed to understand: "You mean... to make them see results with one thing?"

Zhu Han nodded: "That's right. But this matter cannot be too big, otherwise it will attract the attention of the court officials; it cannot be too small, otherwise no one will hear about it; and it certainly cannot happen in the capital, because if anything happens in the capital, everything will follow."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and then asked, "Where should we begin?"

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "In the southern part of Beizhili, there is a place called 'Weicheng'. It was originally a fiefdom in the past. In recent years, the tax revenue has been decent, but the officials have been replaced year after year, and none of them can stay in office for long. This place is not remote and the people are not poor, but the people's hearts are unsettled. It is a good place to test strategies."

Zhu Biao clapped his hands: "Good, let's test it out in Weicheng!"

Zhu Biao was present at the meeting in Qingce Hall, and everyone was solemn.

Lin Fu stepped forward first and said loudly, "His Majesty has granted permission for the Crown Prince to personally handle the affairs of Wei City. The Imperial Secretary Ce Tang has been ordered to enter the discussion and request the Crown Prince to make a decision."

Zhu Biao's gaze swept over everyone present: "The matter of Weicheng is not a matter of national policy or military intelligence, but rather a matter of the people's livelihood. If any of you have any ingenious ideas or strategies, please speak freely today."

Wang Qian stepped forward first: "This humble citizen requests that we establish 'Jiminfang' in the four corners of Weicheng, using the methods of folk doctors, and recruit fifty local veteran doctors to practice medicine in a ward system, thus avoiding the problem of long waits for official doctors."

Following closely behind, a female strategist named Su Qian stepped forward, her voice clear and melodious: "I would like to propose a system for women weaving in Weicheng. I have heard that the women there work twelve hours a day and only have two days off a month, which is not in accordance with propriety. We can establish a weaving workshop and charity society, with shift work hours, so that women can have a break instead of labor."

Everyone readily agreed, their opinions clashing. Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao slammed his hand on the table and declared, "Since the Weicheng examination is for the people, it should begin among the common folk. Lin Fu will be in charge, with Wang Qian and Su Qian as his deputies. He will lead six members of the Strategist's Hall to Weicheng first, with a one-month deadline. If the results are effective, they will be widely disseminated."

The hall was instantly filled with excitement and enthusiasm.

After everyone had left, Zhu Biao left Lin Fu at the back of the hall and whispered, "The trip to Wei City is no easy task. Do you have any concerns?"

Lin Fu bowed and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured. If Weicheng fails, I, Lin Fu, will request to be stripped of my official rank and never participate in politics again."

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, "I don't want you to be stripped of your official rank; I want you to return in triumph."

Weicheng is located in the southern part of Beizhili. In early spring, it is still cold. When they entered the city, Lin Fu and his party of six were dressed in plain clothes, carrying only the imperial seal and the seal of the Cetang.

On the first day, they did not go to the government office, but went straight to the market at the South Gate.

“Look over there.” Su Qian pointed to a high platform. “That’s the old market street of Weicheng. There used to be a platform where officials would hold political talks, but it was recently abolished and turned into a place for debt collection.”

Lin Fu frowned and led his men forward. They saw several men surrounding a thin woman, angrily berating her: "Your husband is dead, but the debt is still there. If you don't sell your house to pay off the debt, don't blame us for being ruthless!"

The woman held the baby in her arms, her body trembling.

Lin spoke again: "Insolence!"

The leading man coldly asked, "Where did you come from—" (End of Chapter)