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

"The purpose of today's discussion is to show you what loyalty is and what the way of the nation is."

Zhu Biao's voice boomed like thunder throughout the hall, "If I go to war, who will be willing to follow me?"

"Accompanying the Crown Prince on the expedition?" Liu Yin was slightly taken aback, then sneered.

"Does Your Highness know that the situation in the court is complex? How can the outcome between civil officials and military generals be decided by a single word?"

"That is precisely why the efforts of wise men are needed."

Zhu Biao didn't take it seriously, saying, "Although the Crown Prince did not personally lead the expedition, if he can mobilize the entire court's resources, he can break the deadlock in one fell swoop."

These words caused everyone present to lower their heads in deep thought, except for Shen Hao, who looked doubtful and had a hidden glint in his eyes.

"The Crown Prince truly has lofty ambitions," he said calmly. "However, if he wants to mobilize power in the court, he may find it difficult to accomplish anything by relying solely on his own strength."

Zhu Biao's eyes suddenly lit up, his gaze sweeping over Shen Hao with the sharpness of a knife: "Brother Shen, it seems you already have a plan in mind. But, can the loyalty of the officials in the court be judged solely by their words?"

Shen Hao's heart skipped a beat. The Crown Prince was challenging his stance, but also giving him an opportunity.

"Whether someone is loyal or not is not something I can judge alone." Shen Hao lowered his head slightly, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

"Is that so?" Zhu Biao's voice grew even colder.

"So, are you willing to demonstrate your loyalty to the country through concrete actions?"

Shen Hao's hands clenched slightly. He knew that if he didn't agree, he might lose the Crown Prince's trust.

If he agrees, it means he must stand with the Crown Prince, and may even be drawn into a deeper power struggle.

Just then, Wang Hezhi stood up, his gaze solemn: "What the Crown Prince says is absolutely right. Loyal people will surely take action. If Shen Hao truly cares for the country, he should make his stance clear. How can the court allow others to stand idly by?"

Wang Hezhi's words pierced Shen Hao's heart like a sharp knife.

Shen Hao took a deep breath, finally stood up straight, and said expressionlessly, "Your subject is willing to accompany the Crown Prince to assist him in governing the country and bringing peace to the people."

"Good!" A hint of relief flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes, and he nodded slowly. "Shen Hao, you have indeed lived up to my expectations."

Then, he turned to the audience, his gaze sweeping over all the scholars like lightning: "Since that's the case, it's your choice. Today's discussion is not about the quality of your writing skills, but about your loyalty. If you are willing to serve the Ming Dynasty, then follow me and work together; if you have other intentions, then you may leave."

These words were like a thunderclap, shaking the entire hall.

The scholars' expressions became complicated. Some changed their expressions slightly and began to waver, while others remained calm, seemingly waiting for the crown prince's next move.

Just then, Wei Liangcai suddenly entered the hall and whispered to Zhu Biao, "Your Highness, we have just received a secret report that there is an envoy outside with a secret letter who urgently needs to see the Crown Prince."

"A secret letter?" Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, then turned to look at Wei Liangcai. "Who sent it?"

"It's news from the frontier."

The frontier? Zhu Biao's heart tightened, and he instantly felt an inexplicable sense of danger approaching.

He took a deep breath and said softly, "Someone, bring the messenger inside."

The atmosphere in the hall froze instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on the approaching envoy.

The doors of the main hall swung open with a roar, and a dusty messenger, escorted by two imperial guards, stepped into the main hall.

He was no more than thirty years old, his face was haggard but his expression was solemn, and he tightly held a sealed letter in his hand.

The envoy knelt and kowtowed: "This humble subject, Chen Xun, is here by imperial decree of Ma Hong, the governor of Longyou, to urgently deliver a secret letter from the border, requesting that the Crown Prince personally open it."

Zhu Biao took the secret letter. When his fingertips touched the seal, he felt a slight dampness. The wax was still warm, indicating that the letter had been delivered day and night.

Zhu Biao's expression turned serious. He flicked his finger to open the secret letter, his eyes quickly scanning its contents before his face darkened.

"Ningxia Guard fell, the Western Qiang rebels broke into the Hexi Corridor, General Yang Ji was wounded, and his deputy Zhou Zheng was ambushed and killed."

The hall fell silent as if a stone had been dropped into an abyss; the silence was so profound that one could almost hear everyone breathing.

Zhu Biao slammed the letter down, his tone carrying a chill he hadn't felt in a long time: "My esteemed sages, today we speak of loyalty, yet fate has bestowed upon us the proof of a chaotic world. The words of scholars can be transformed into national policy today—Ningxia is in dire need. Are you willing to follow me in devising a strategy to defend the border?"

Shen Hao's expression changed drastically. His wavering mind was stirred up by the turmoil at the border.

He finally raised his head and said, "Your Highness, although I am a scholar, I know that 'even in the darkest of times, the rooster crows incessantly,' and loyalty is not just empty talk. If Your Highness trusts me, I am willing to oversee the transport of grain and supplies on the frontier, and also to handle military and political affairs."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, seemingly unsurprised that he would step forward, and turned his gaze to the others: "Lu Jin, Liu Yin, would you like to come along?"

Lu Jin smiled but did not answer, gently waving his folding fan: "Your Highness's noble character is admirable, but I have been ill for a long time and I am afraid I am not able to handle military affairs. It would be better for me to stay in the capital to assist in domestic affairs, which would be more effective."

Zhu Biao's gaze turned slightly cold, but he did not press further: "Very well. Loyalty is required both inside and outside the capital. Since Brother Lu is willing to help me stabilize the situation in the capital, I have confidence in you."

Seeing that Lu Jin had not left the capital, Liu Yin also chimed in, saying, "Your Highness, I share the same ambition as Brother Lu and wish to offer a plan in the capital to bring peace to the world."

Zhu Biao nodded, but remained silent. A hint of mockery flashed in his eyes as he turned to look outside the hall, saying only, "Issue an imperial decree ordering the remaining troops of the Zhenbei Army to withdraw to Suzhou. Order Wang Liang to lead troops to Liangzhou, where we will meet at the walls of Ningxia within ten days. Shen Hao will follow my military strategy, Wang Hezhi will assist me in planning military affairs, and Wei Liangcai will be in charge of military intelligence in the capital. The rest, each to take up their respective posts."

The scholars bowed and accepted the order, then withdrew from the inner hall.

Shen Hao remained motionless, watching Zhu Biao's retreating figure from behind the curtain, his eyes flickering with uncertain light.

In the corner outside the curtain, Zhu Han stood in the shadows, his gaze slightly lowered, as if he were commenting on a chess game.

"System, Shen Hao's loyalty is currently 75%. Trigger the 'Battlefield Heart-Piercing' quest chain?"

[Ding! The quest chain can improve your character's willpower and judgment, and after trials, will generate an independent loyalty trajectory. Do you wish to participate in the Trial Dungeon: Liangzhou Spirit?]

"Investment".

[With his successful entry, Shen Hao will face a dual test of literary and martial skills in Liangzhou, pushing the limits of both his beliefs and abilities.]

Meanwhile, far away in the dense forests of Fengyang Mountain on the outskirts of Beijing, an old man in a gray robe was setting up an array on a black rock.

His fingers trembled slightly as he muttered incantations, and starlight pulsed at the center of the array.

Not far away, a young man stood nervously: "Grandmaster, is it really necessary? Zhu Han... is not an ordinary person."

The old man in the gray robe slowly opened his eyes, his gaze as deep as an ancient well: "How can mortals control the stars? This man's arrival must not be accidental. Whether his support of the crown prince and his going against the current is a blessing or a curse, will be determined by the will of Heaven."

The boy gritted his teeth: "If Heaven does not help my Highness..."

The old man raised his hand and said softly, "Shut up. The direction of Heaven is unpredictable. But since we are cultivators, we should go against the tide of the stars and, whether by helping or guiding, we can achieve our goals."

With a flick of his finger, a golden shadow appeared on the star map on the stone, which was none other than the image of Zhu Han.

“This person has already displayed the ‘Star Gazing Technique,’ which is incompatible with the Daoist lineage of our sect. If we do not break his trap, we will lose all our celestial knowledge in the future.”

"What does Grandmaster intend to do?"

"Help Shen Haocheng break the deadlock, and place Zhu Han between power and lust, loyalty and rebellion. If his heart is confused, his methods will surely fail."

"Disciple, obey."

At this moment, in the Crown Prince's residence, Zhu Biao sat alone in his study. A storm was brewing outside the window. He gently stroked the "Crown Prince's Declaration of Ambition," read it again, and then turned his gaze to the window.

"Wei Liangcai".

"Your Highness."

"Tell me, if Shen Haoruo really changes his mind, what should we do?"

Wei Liangcai paused for a moment, then finally lowered his head: "I believe that although Shen Hao is overly cautious, he is not a villain. If one day... Your Highness need not act personally, someone will remove the nail for you." Zhu Biao chuckled, remaining silent.

In the back garden, Zhu Han stood in the pavilion, gazing at the stars in the sky, which were faintly visible, his star map motionless in his hand.

He murmured to himself, "The game is set up. Before the wind blows, some people have to stand firm first."

A few days later, Zhu Biao led his troops to Liangzhou, while Shen Hao, under the guidance of Wang Hezhi, took charge of military documents and administrative affairs.

On the way, an urgent report came from Liangzhou: a mutiny had broken out in the city, and the deputy general Li Ye had colluded with the rebel army, leaving the city's defenses wide open.

Zhu Biao slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Indeed, those who cannot guard the border are not worthy of being entrusted with my life! Shen Hao, draft the edict to execute the generals."

Shen Hao was startled, and held the pen for a long time but did not write a single word.

Zhu Biao stood up and stared at him: "If you cannot write this, you are not worthy to rule the world with me."

Shen Hao gritted his teeth, picked up his pen and wrote: "By imperial decree, Li Ye's crime of colluding with the enemy is confirmed and he shall be beheaded in front of the city to uphold military discipline."

The ink dried on the paper, but he felt as if his bones had been removed, and he slumped down on the side of the couch.

Zhu Han walked into the military tent, patted him on the shoulder, and said in a light tone, "Kill one man to save ten thousand soldiers. You are now in the game, no longer just a scholar engaging in idle talk."

Shen Hao nodded slowly, a hint of determination in his eyes: "I understand."

In Liangzhou, the cold winds are still fierce in March.

The flag was cut down atop the city wall, and the blood-red setting sun illuminated the still-dry pool of blood in front of Li Ye's corpse.

The soldiers lined up and knelt before the execution platform, looking at Crown Prince Zhu Biao with solemn expressions, and no one spoke.

After that day, the morale of the Liangzhou army was greatly stabilized, and orders were restored to the central government.

Zhu Biao, clad in armor and holding a sword, stood atop the city wall, overlooking the surrounding area. The cold wind made his cloak flutter loudly.

Shen Hao stood beside him, his face pale, but his eyes calm.

"Shen Hao."

"The minister is here."

Zhu Biao's gaze was piercing: "Do you know that from today onwards, you are no longer that scholar who only knows literature and is cautious in his words and deeds?"

Shen Hao remained silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "I know. Once I take a life with my pen, there is no turning back."

Zhu Biao suddenly smiled: "But you are still you. However, from today onwards, I grant you a higher position. You will be able to advise me, pacify the world, and stabilize the court."

His words struck Shen Hao's heart with each utterance. Shen Hao looked up at him and finally nodded: "Your subject thanks the Crown Prince for not abandoning you."

Meanwhile, in the distance behind them, a group of soldiers in black were getting ready to go, to scout and reconnoiter the enemy deep into the border region of Western Qiang.

Wang Hezhi, dressed in a deerskin robe, walked slowly, holding a booklet in his hand: "Your Highness, although the major affairs at the border have been settled, the hearts of the scholars are not yet firmly established. Our task is far from over."

Zhu Biao took the book, opened it to the first page, and raised an eyebrow slightly.

Zhu Biao closed the booklet with one hand, his eyes calm and serene: "Shen Hao is already in a precarious position and can no longer retreat. Headmaster Wang, are there any hidden clues in this booklet that we can use?"

Wang Hezhi nodded and flicked his sleeve: "There are three people. The first is Zhao Ruyu from Jingnan, a descendant of the Southern Master, who values ​​etiquette and preserves his reputation; the second is Qin Bowen from Wuchang, whose family has three generations of officials in the Ministry of Rites, and who is skilled in writing judgments; the third is..."

He hesitated.

Zhu Biao raised an eyebrow: "Speak freely."

"The third is Xu Wenzhao, the former deputy headmaster of the Academy in the capital."

"Xu Wenzhao?" Shen Hao's expression changed slightly.

He was once Shen Hao's mentor and a representative figure of the public opinion movement in the capital.

However, many years ago, he was demoted to a sinecure and went into seclusion in the back mountains of the academy for speaking out against powerful figures. His disciples were spread throughout the three academies, and his influence was extremely widespread.

“If this person is allowed to come out of seclusion, public opinion can be gathered; but if he holds dissenting views, the scholarly community will be shaken.” Wang Hezhi spoke earnestly.

Zhu Biao tapped his fingers thoughtfully: "Shen Hao, you and Xu Wenzhao have been teacher and student for many years. Are you willing to make this trip?"

Shen Hao was taken aback, and after a long while, he said, "Your subject is willing to go."

Zhu Biao's gaze sharpened: "If this trip succeeds, it will be the beginning of your true entry into the game."

Shen Hao's heart trembled slightly, and he bowed his head to accept the order.

As night fell, Zhu Han stood alone atop the western city wall of Liangzhou, a star map spread out in his hand, its starlight like a tapestry, washing over the heavens like water. He watched the stars in the night sky slowly rotate, his brow furrowed in deep thought.

He closed the star chart, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips: "Everyone thinks that the Crown Prince's residence is just a gathering of scholars having idle chatter. But changes in this world often begin with a single written statement."

Seven days later, a manifesto suddenly appeared.

The text reads: "A Proclamation to the Heart," signed by Xu Wenzhao.

The proclamation made no mention of the political situation or the imperial decree, but only stated that "the hearts and minds of scholars should be concerned with the people's suffering rather than avoiding power struggles. If the Crown Prince dies, the Ming Dynasty will not prosper. I am willing to work with scholars throughout the land to safeguard the foundation of the nation."

The three academies of literature and communication were in turmoil in the capital.

Meanwhile, Zhu Biao, far away in the Northwest, breathed a long sigh of relief upon receiving the news.

He looked at Shen Hao and suddenly smiled: "In this round, you and I have won."

Shen Hao remained silent, feeling an unprecedented heaviness on his shoulders.

From the moment he stepped into the Crown Prince's residence, he had no way out.

Zhu Han stood in the shadows, muttering to himself:

"This one move will eventually lead to a great victory."

As the night breeze in Liangzhou grew warmer, the main tent of the Crown Prince's residence was brightly lit.

Zhu Biao sat on the couch, flipping through the latest reply from Shilin, a rare look of ease on his face.

"Uncle Zhu".

Zhu Han slowly entered the tent, wearing a dark blue robe, with a star map still hidden in his sleeve, his expression calm and composed.

Zhu Biao looked up and smiled, "You've heard about it too, Imperial Uncle? Xu Wenzhao's 'Inquiry into the Heart' almost changed the entire scholarly community's opinion overnight. Shen Hao... he certainly didn't disappoint."

“What a pity.” Zhu Han shook his head, and after sitting down, he said slowly, “You are still playing the game of the scholar, while I have already seen the opponent for the next game.”

Zhu Biao's expression turned serious: "What does 'Royal Uncle' mean?"

Zhu Han tapped his knees lightly with his fingers a few times and said in a low voice, "In the court, Lin Duo, the Minister of Rites, and Zhou Yuan, the Vice Minister of Revenue, have both secretly communicated with the imperial princes. During this 'Scholars' Council Meeting,' they remained silent, only sending a few of their students to listen in without uttering a word."

Zhu Biao's gaze grew cold.

"Those two men are both grandsons of former Yuan dynasty officials, known for their integrity and uprightness, yet they are cold towards me. Whom are they waiting for to step forward? Are they waiting for me to make a mistake?"

Zhu Han remained noncommittal, but simply pulled a piece of gold-edged folded paper from his sleeve and handed it to Zhu Biao. (End of Chapter)