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

Wang Hezhi placed a piece on the board and smiled calmly: "Prince Zhu, please don't flatter this old man. I am just a decrepit old man who goes to the mountains to study."

Zhu Han also laughed: "It's not unusual for an old man to read books, but a scholar who can read thousands of books and understand people's hearts is rare."

Wang Hezhi stroked his beard gently: "I've heard that the Crown Prince has been making great strides lately, which has caused quite a stir among the civil officials. I admire Your Highness's talent, but I wonder if this momentum is just a gentle breeze or a recipe for disaster?"

"The headmaster might as well visit the Crown Prince's residence in person tomorrow."

Zhu Han spoke calmly and unhurriedly, “People often say that the Crown Prince has shown his talents too early and does not know how to conceal his abilities. I think that his talent is not self-generated, but rather passively provoked. If he does not retaliate, the arrogance of the literati will become an uncontrollable problem.”

Wang Hezhi frowned: "The opinions of scholars, though biased, are still loyal words."

“Honest advice will surely reach the Crown Prince’s ears,” Zhu Han said solemnly. “But what if those ‘advice’ are merely using loyalty as a pretext to pressure the Crown Prince to abdicate?

Wang Hezhi remained silent. Zhu Han did not urge him to speak, but simply took a sip of tea and then spoke softly:
“Master Wang, after tomorrow, the Crown Prince’s reputation will change. If you still wish to remain aloof and virtuous, then continue to live in seclusion in the mountains; if you still have the country and its people in your heart, then starting tomorrow, help him to rectify the morals of the scholar class.”

On the chessboard, Wang Hezhi stopped playing, sighed deeply, and finally put down the chess piece: "Your Highness... you certainly have a good tongue."

The following day, at the Crown Prince's residence, a banquet was set up in a bamboo pavilion, where Zhu Biao personally greeted Wang Hezhi with a respectful expression.

Once seated, Wang Hezhi's first words were anything but polite: "The Crown Prince's ambition lies not in humility, but in dominating the court. I have come today not to flatter you, but to question you."

Zhu Biao bowed respectfully and said solemnly, "I should accept the responsibility of the headmaster. However, the Crown Prince's ambition lies in upholding the Emperor's mandate and supporting the nation's path, not in acting arbitrarily out of personal desire."

Wang Hezhi stared at Zhu Biao for a long time before finally saying slowly, "Then let me see how you intend to support the court."

Zhu Biao smiled: "Tomorrow, I will let those people in the academy see with their own eyes that public opinion should not be abused, the reputation of scholars should not be distorted, and loyal advice should not be false."

"how do I say this?"

"Because I want them to leave behind a true 'rebuttal memorial' in the history of the Ming Dynasty."

Wang Hezhi was stunned, then laughed out loud: "You're quite a ruthless person."

Suddenly, a student rushed in with a report: "Master, something terrible has happened—Wang Hezhi, the head of Fengqi Mountain, has entered the Crown Prince's residence today and has been talking with the Crown Prince for half a day!"

"What?!" Qian Wenda exclaimed, "Wang Hezhi is always aloof, how could he condescend to meet the Crown Prince?!"

"Moreover," the student said tremblingly, "there is a rumor that tomorrow the Crown Prince will hold a 'Crown Prince's Lecture' and invite scholars to his residence. The headmaster will lecture on the 'Public Law of the Spring and Autumn Annals,' and the first topic will be 'The Boundaries of Loyal Words from Scholars.'"

Qian Wenda's manuscript fell to the ground with a "thud," and his face turned deathly pale.

"We're doomed... He's going to use the headmaster's words to turn the tables on us..."

The following day, the "Crown Prince's Lecture" was a grand affair, with the Crown Prince himself sitting at the end of the lecture hall, Wang Hezhi as the main speaker, and three hundred scholars taking their seats, all of whom were solemn and respectful.

On the podium, Wang Hezhi spoke clearly, word by word:

"It is the duty of scholars to offer advice and remonstrance; however, loyal advice should come from the public good, not from factional strife; from justice, not from jealousy. If, in the name of 'admonition,' one forces the crown prince to lose his will and break his principles, then that is disloyal, unjust, unbenevolent, and impolite!"

The hall was filled with solemnity, and the faces of the dozens of scholars were flushed, but they dared not refute.

Zhu Biao stood up, cupped his hands in thanks, and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Headmaster. The Crown Prince has benefited greatly today."

Everyone fell silent, except for Wang Hezhi, who smiled and said, "From now on, scholars should take speaking out as their way and dare not lightly discuss politics, lest it become a corrupt practice."

That night, Qian Wenda sought refuge in a secluded courtyard, eager to burn the manuscript, but was stopped by others.

Han Chong stepped into the room and said with a smile, "Keep the manuscript. With some revisions, it might even become a 'letter of repentance.' The Prince said that the Crown Prince still cherishes old friendships. As long as you are willing to admit your mistakes, you might be able to make a comeback."

Qian Wenda felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave. After a long while, he finally collapsed to his knees.

Zhu Han observed the stars in the East Garden at night and saw the North Star hanging high in the sky. He smiled slightly and said, "The plan is complete."

He walked slowly back into the house and said softly, "System, sign in."

[Ding! Congratulations, host, for successfully checking in. You have received the reward: 'Star Gazing Technique: Mirror Platform,' which allows you to observe the trends of the times and the nation's fortunes, and to understand people's hearts.]

Zhu Han's eyes narrowed: "Interesting, just what I wanted."

Inside the Crown Prince's study, Zhu Biao stood by the window, gently stroking the patterns on the window frame, but his gaze fell on the "Crown Prince's Lecture List" from the previous day.

A lecture, seemingly calm on the surface, actually concealed murderous intent.

Among the scholars, there are those who are fearful, those who are doubtful, and those who harbor delusions.

"Your Highness, three academies have sent representatives to the residence today to pay their respects. They wish their students to obey the Crown Prince's orders."

Wei Liangcai bowed and reported, "As for Qian Wenda, he left the capital with his family the night before last, intending to go to Shandong. Most of his students have already left."

"He left quickly." Zhu Biao chuckled lightly, rolling up the roster. "If he had been three days later, he would have been scrambling out of the scholars' feet like a dog."

Wei Liangcai smiled but remained silent.

“But that’s far from enough.” Zhu Biao’s expression turned cold. “This generation of scholars must establish a path of pure discourse, not only by eliminating filthy words, but also by upholding the backbone of righteousness.”

"Your Highness means..."

"I want the court to understand that scholars are neither substitutes for loyal ministers nor wingmen and retainers, but the pillars of the nation. Anyone who dares to undermine my will will first be crushed in spirit."

In the bamboo grove of the East Garden, Zhu Han sat idly by a bamboo table, gently waving a fan in one hand and carefully turning the pages of a tattered scroll with the other. The scroll was covered with star maps and intricate patterns.

Han Zhong stood solemnly beside him, his expression revealing an undisguised excitement.

"Master, is this the 'Mirror Platform'? What did you get from yesterday's sign-in? According to the ancient texts, this technique can observe a person's fortune and soul, and predict their good and bad luck..."

Zhu Han nodded calmly: "That's right. This technique is not about divination or supernatural beings, but rather about understanding the mind and discerning subtle actions by observing the intertwining of the cosmic energy and the human heart."

He pointed his finger, and three points of starlight suddenly lit up on the star map, flickering like tiny flames.

"These three points are: Zhu Biao, Wang Hezhi, and... Shen Hao."

Han Zhong was surprised: "Shen Hao? Isn't that Zhu Biao's friend from Hongwen Academy, who is now a proofreader in the Hanlin Academy?"

Zhu Han nodded: "This person is discreet and appears calm and gentle on the surface, but he is actually very cunning. I observe that his astrological signs are currently wavering, and he is indecisive—this is the perfect time to lure and entice him."

Han Zhong immediately bowed: "Should we send someone to test the waters, or to try and win them over?"

"No rush," Zhu Han said calmly. "I want him to choose for himself. If he is loyal to the Crown Prince, he will be rewarded; if he has other intentions... I will not hesitate to use any means necessary."

After saying this, he put the star map into his sleeve and stood up: "Let's go to the Crown Prince's residence."

In the back garden of the Crown Prince's residence, Zhu Biao hosted a simple banquet to welcome Zhu Han and Wang Hezhi to chat about romance.

During the meal, Wang Hezhi suddenly asked, "Your Highness mentioned the 'Mirror Platform' yesterday. Although I don't believe in fate, I feel there's some truth to it. May I ask, how is this art of observing people applied?"

Zhu Han took a sip from his cup and smiled faintly: "It is not a technique, but the mind. A person's thought is like the first movement of a star, subtle and imperceptible, yet it leaves a trace in the atmosphere. I merely amplify these traces to clarify right and wrong." A strange light flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he said: "If you, Imperial Uncle, truly possess this technique, then please observe one person."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow: "Who?"

Zhu Biao turned his head and said softly, "Shen Hao."

Upon hearing this, Wang Hezhi remained silent, only gazing quietly at Zhu Han.

Zhu Han remained silent, took out a scroll from his sleeve, and flicked it in his palm. A pale golden starlight slowly appeared, and a wisp of energy meandered like a dragon, gradually condensing in the center of the image to form a faint blue light.

"This person is conflicted and his ambition is undecided. He seems to want to attach himself to the Crown Prince, but he is also afraid of rumors. His will is not firm and his mind is full of worries."

Zhu Biao's expression remained unchanged; he simply smiled calmly and said, "He is someone I trusted."

Zhu Han put away the star chart, his tone gentle: "But he will leave his success or failure to the judgment of the world; if he does not change his mind, he will be a useless son."

Wang Hezhi nodded: "When I was lecturing to him, I also noticed that he was intelligent but lacked courage and was easily swayed by others. Such a person will hardly achieve great things if he is not given a challenge to hone his skills."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then said, "Then let's hold a test."

A few days later, Shen Hao was summoned to the Crown Prince's residence. In the main hall, Zhu Biao greeted him with a smile and personally welcomed him to take a seat.

"Brother Shen, the Crown Prince's residence recently needs a civil official to manage documents. Headmaster Wang Hezhi has recommended you. I wonder if you would be willing to take the position?"

Shen Hao was taken aback, his expression changing: "Your Majesty, I am humbled and lack the knowledge to preside over the writing..."

Zhu Biao slowly rose, his gaze deep: "In this world, there are no people who are prepared, only those who are willing to step forward. If you truly wish to assist me, then use your pen to write a 'Crown Prince's Declaration of Aspirations,' and send it to the Hongwen, Chongwen, and Guozijian academies tonight."

Shen Hao's forehead was covered in sweat, and his knees were about to buckle.

“If I write it down, people will call me a ‘sycophant to the crown prince,’ and my former teachers and students at the academy will probably no longer believe me…”

Zhu Biao sighed and stepped aside: "Shen Hao, do you know why I didn't send anyone else?"

Shen Hao looked up, his eyes filled with confusion.

"Because in this world, only you truly understand my thoughts," Zhu Biao said slowly. "But if you cannot even write a single word for me, then from this day forward, you need not set foot in the Crown Prince's residence again."

After a long silence, Shen Hao finally agreed in a trembling voice: "Your subject... is willing to write for the Crown Prince."

Zhu Han stood in the dark corridor outside the door, his gaze piercing through the curtain, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"System, record—Shen Hao's fate path is set, loyalty has risen to 70%, do you want to add more incentives?"

[Ding! You can add a copy of the 'Scholars' Register - Public Opinion Edition'. Submitting it to Shen Hao will help him gain recognition among scholars and may increase his loyalty to over 90%. Submit?]

"Investment".

That night, the "Crown Prince's Declaration of Aspirations" spread throughout the scholarly circles. It was written with composure and was written with great literary flair. In it, the Crown Prince directly stated that his ambition was not for power, but for upholding righteousness and preserving the hearts of the people. He wished to work with scholars throughout the land to support the Way of the King and promote pure discourse.

The Shihlin community was shaken.

In the inner hall of the Crown Prince's residence, Zhu Biao held the manuscript and slowly closed his eyes: "What a fine line, 'I would rather entrust my will to the Crown Prince than to others.' He is worth another gamble."

Zhu Han took a sip of tea and smiled, "Those who are willing to gamble must be capable."

Zhu Biao sat at his desk, pen in hand, his eyes deep, as if contemplating a major decision.

The study was quiet, with only the soft scratching of the brush tip across the rice paper.

"Your Highness, Shen Hao's 'The Crown Prince's Declaration of Aspirations' has been circulated to major academies yesterday, causing quite a stir among scholars."

Wei Liangcai reported in a low voice, "Many scholars have expressed their willingness to assist the Crown Prince, especially those students who have returned from the academy, who have even called themselves 'disciples of the Crown Prince'."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flickering slightly: "Very good, the winds of the literati are finally turning in my favor. But this is just the beginning. Although Shen Hao's name has become a sensation, the real power lies in how to utilize these famous scholars."

"What are the Crown Prince's plans?" Wei Liangcai asked cautiously.

Zhu Biao raised his eyes, gazing at the swaying bamboo shadows outside the window, a faint smile appearing on his lips: "Shen Hao is an extremely talented man, yet his mind is complex. I will use him to expose the true nature of my real opponents."

Wei Liangcai was slightly startled, and inwardly admired the Crown Prince's profound foresight.

Now, every move the Crown Prince makes is no longer just a simple strategy, but rather a way of guiding the direction of the entire court and the literati.

"Pass down the order to prepare for tomorrow's 'Scholars' Council.' Since Shen Hao and the others dare to call themselves 'disciples of the Crown Prince,' let them see what they've got in the court."

Wei Liangcai immediately bowed: "Yes, Your Highness."

The next day, the entire capital was shaken.

The Crown Prince's Palace suddenly announced that a "Scholars' Council" would be held, inviting renowned scholars and civil officials from various academies to participate.

The news spread quickly throughout the academic community, and almost all the students in the academies began to eagerly prepare to go to the Crown Prince's residence.

The three talented scholars, Shen Hao, Lu Jin, and Liu Yin, had also received the Crown Prince's invitation early on, each with their own thoughts.

As one of the main writers that day, Shen Hao outwardly expressed his loyalty, but could not hide his inner wavering.

Lu Jin and Liu Yin, each harboring their own schemes, were secretly observing the Crown Prince's every move.

On that day, the civil service meeting was held as scheduled.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao, dressed in a blue dragon robe, sat upright in the main hall of the Crown Prince's residence, surrounded by three hundred scholars, with no seats available.

The scholars below the stage looked solemn, all taking pride in respecting the Crown Prince, yet their hearts were filled with their own calculations and fears.

"Distinguished gentlemen, I have summoned you to my residence today to discuss matters of state. You are all pillars of the Ming Dynasty, and you must have wise strategies in mind to serve the country and its people."

Zhu Biao spoke, his tone both calm and authoritative, "Although the position of Crown Prince was bestowed by the Emperor, without the assistance of virtuous officials, he would be unable to establish great achievements for the country."

The audience fell silent instantly, everyone listening intently. Zhu Biao's words seemed to have sounded an alarm bell in an instant.

Shen Hao paused slightly, then stood up and said, "Your Highness's words are quite right. However, nothing in this world can be accomplished by one person alone. How can we forget the assistance of our ministers?"

Zhu Biao narrowed his eyes and smiled slightly: "Brother Shen is absolutely right. The strength of the ministers is indispensable, but their loyalty must also be tested."

"Loyalty?" Shen Hao raised an eyebrow. "What is the Crown Prince implying?"

Zhu Biao immediately suppressed his smile, his gaze sharp as he swept over all the scholars below the stage: "The loyal are sincere. If they harbor ulterior motives, they will bring disaster to the country and its people."

Lu Jin and Liu Yin remained silent, each secretly observing Zhu Biao and forming their own guesses. (End of Chapter)