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

"These are brief exchanges between them in the court, sent by someone arranged by Wei Liangcai and intercepted at a post station outside the capital. If you look closely, you'll find that every word is sharp."

Zhu Biao unfolded the scroll and read it carefully. He found that some of the words were particularly blunt: "The Crown Prince is known for his literary talent, but if he relies solely on scholars as his advisors, I fear he will not be able to achieve his ambitions for the country and will ultimately become a laughingstock in the world."

"The situation is not yet stable, and the power of the imperial clans and vassal states remains. If we continue forward recklessly, the boat may capsize before we know it."

Zhu Biao closed the scroll, his face ashen.

"What a fine 'overturned boat'..." he sneered. "Do you really think I'm just a theorist and can sit idly by while they secretly collude with the royal family?"

Zhu Han took a sip of tea, his tone as calm as still water: "If you want to take action against them, you must be absolutely certain, otherwise chaos will ensue; if you do not take action, they will be like a dark undercurrent, eventually bringing about a great disaster."

Zhu Biao nodded slowly, but then suddenly said, "Uncle, I have come up with a plan. We can use the power of the literati to shake their foundations first."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow: "Go on."

"With the release of the 'Proclamation of Inquiry into the Heart,' the limelight in the literary world has already fallen into my hands. If we were to hold another 'Literary Competition,' ordering the three academies to jointly select talented individuals to debate national policies with the old faction of civil officials in the court, and select virtuous people to enter the cabinet, we could break the old rules."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han's eyes lit up: "You intend to use scholars to enter the cabinet and break the literary control of the imperial clans?"

Zhu Biao stood up, stood in front of the map in front of the tent, pointed to the south of the Yangtze River, and placed the point between Huizhou and Lin'an.

"The literary tradition of the Jiangnan aristocratic families has been unbroken for generations, and many descendants of former officials are hiding here. The imperial clans and the literary factions are all hidden among these gentry families. I want to summon the talented scholars of the three academies to debate with them, starting with a change in the literary style of the court, and shaking the foundation from the bottom up."

Zhu Han smiled and nodded, his words full of approval: "Killing three birds with one stone."

"Uncle, you are wise," Zhu Biao said with a smile. "First, we will promote talented scholars to fill the gaps in our court; second, we will use literature to break the deadlock of the imperial clans; third, we will establish the momentum of our new policies so that the court and the public will know that I am not just a benevolent ruler."

“But…” Zhu Biao paused slightly, his gaze deep, “This strategy is good, but it requires one person to take charge of it, to gain the respect of scholars, and not to fear the apprehension of old officials in the court.”

Zhu Han chuckled and replied, "Who do you want to send?"

Zhu Biao turned to look at Zhu Han: "Uncle, you, or Shen Hao."

"Shen Hao?" A meaningful glint flashed in Zhu Han's eyes. "He's only just joined the organization. To entrust him with such an important task is perhaps..."

“Therefore, you should preside over the competition, with Shen Hao as your deputy, to carry out both overt and covert strategies.” Zhu Biao said firmly, “With the Imperial Uncle in charge and Shen Hao breaking through the formations, we will have a chance of winning this ‘Scholars’ Grand Competition’.”

Zhu Han stared at Zhu Biao for a long time before finally nodding slowly: "Alright. Since you've made up your mind, I'll help you out."

He paused, then said, "However, this matter needs to be tested in the literati first, and cannot be rushed. If you trust me, then listen to my three strategies."

Zhu Biao solemnly replied, "Please speak, Imperial Uncle."

"First, send people to various prefectures in Jiangnan to investigate the academic atmosphere of scholars and lay the groundwork for literary pursuits. Establish a literary competition in the three regions to attract talented people from Jiangnan to set up a 'Political Observation Forum' at the Imperial Academy, presided over by Shen Hao, with the Crown Prince occasionally attending in person, thus drawing the minds of scholars to the forefront. Third, set up 'Three Questions on New Policies' to widely solicit literary opinions. Among the proposed suggestions, select one or two to implement in the northwestern border regions, so that scholars will know that the Crown Prince is not just talking the talk."

Zhu Biao was deeply moved and repeatedly praised the strategy: "The three strategies are interconnected and have created a powerful momentum."

In the capital, at the Imperial College lecture hall.

Shen Hao, dressed in a blue robe, sat before the hall, one hand holding a scroll, the other resting on the table. Before him sat the talented scholars from various academies. The lecture was titled "Three Questions on Governance," the three questions of which were personally drafted by the Crown Prince and were divided into:

Question 1: How to govern a country through civil administration?

Second question: Can civil officials take up arms to fight?
Three questions: Should the Crown Prince's ambition be to first quell the factions in the court before discussing governing the country?

The three questions, once posed, immediately shook the scholarly community. Shen Hao, in his lecture on the first question, quoted extensively from classical texts and drew upon a wide range of sources, captivating countless scholars.

Below him, a young scholar whispered to the person next to him, "I heard that after these three questions, the Crown Prince will hold a 'Grand Scholar's Examination,' where the three academies will compete, and the winner will be able to enter the Six Ministries' headquarters."

"Could it be that the Crown Prince truly intends to use the talents of scholars to break the old nobility's net?"

"If this trend begins, the political situation in the court may change drastically."

"Change is inevitable; in the current situation, it's either change or die."

On the stage, Shen Hao's gaze was calm as he spoke: "The safety of the nation does not depend on the experienced and prudent ministers in the court, but on whether ambitious and innovative individuals can adapt to changing circumstances and strive for strength."

His words were firm and resonant, and before his voice had even faded, a disciple of the academy stood up, cupped his hands, and asked, "Lord Shen, are you aware that employing scholars in this way offends many and brings few victories? If the Crown Prince fails, where will you end up?"

The entire hall fell silent.

Shen Hao slowly stood up, his expression calm and composed.

“I once feared fame, rumors, and the infamy that would follow me after my death; but since I entered the Crown Prince’s tutelage, there has been no turning back.”

He stepped down from the podium, walked to the disciple, and spoke clearly and distinctly:
"If the Crown Prince fails, I will also fail; if the Crown Prince prospers, I will prosper with him."

"Do you dare to walk this path with me?"

There was silence among the four people, with only the sound of the wind rustling the curtains.

The night breeze is cool, and the fragrant flowers in the capital are gradually falling, marking the beginning of summer.

Inside the west pavilion of the Crown Prince's residence, the lights were still on, and the white gauze lanterns under the eaves swayed slowly, casting a slender and upright figure.

Shen Hao sat quietly at his desk, his pen moving swiftly as he added detailed annotations to the last question of today's "Three Questions on Governance".

On the desk, the lamplight cast a slanting shadow, and a small bronze seal quietly rested beside the paper—the "Seal of the Director of Literature and Art," bestowed by the Crown Prince himself, symbolizing his status among scholars.

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the bamboo grove in the courtyard outside the window, and he couldn't help but sigh softly.

"If the Crown Prince loses, I will lose too... That's an easy thing to say." He muttered to himself, raising his hand to rub his temples.

A gust of wind blew by, the bamboo shadows swayed, and suddenly there were faint footsteps outside the house.

"Come in."

The door opened slightly, and a prince's personal guard quietly entered, whispering, "Lord Shen, the prince has sent word that he invites you to the bamboo pavilion for a chat tonight."

Shen Hao stood up, straightened his clothes, and without asking why, simply said, "I understand."

In the bamboo pavilion of the West Garden, the moonlight was as clear as water, and tea had already been prepared inside.

Zhu Han, dressed in black robes, stood tall and relaxed. He leaned against the railing, holding a jade cup, gazing quietly at his reflection in the lake. Shen Hao entered and bowed respectfully.
"I've met the prince."

Zhu Han didn't turn around, his tone indifferent: "You've arrived earlier than I expected."

Shen Hao smiled and said, "Your Highness's original intention was to lure me into the scholarly circles before devising a plan, but I have become a pawn first."

"Aren't you afraid?" Zhu Han turned his head, the moonlight making his face appear as cold and stern as if carved by a knife.

"I'm afraid," Shen Hao admitted, "but now that I've taken this step, there's no use being afraid."

Zhu Han chuckled: "The Crown Prince was right to choose you."

He waved for Shen Hao to sit down, and before Shen Hao was even seated, Zhu Han spoke:
"Do you really think that my decision to have you preside over the 'Three Questions on Governance' was merely a test of your abilities?"

Shen Hao glanced at him and said, "Your Highness's plans are far-reaching, and I dare not presume to guess. But I think... Your Highness is testing the Crown Prince's 'heart' to see if it can truly bear the hopes of the people of the world."

"Not bad." Zhu Han's smile faded, and he pointed to the distant sky outside the pavilion. "The Crown Prince's decision to bring Shi Lin into the court discussion was a way to break the deadlock; placing you in the open was a test of your strength. It's a pity—"

He then changed the subject: "Although your words today were sharp, they were still too literary and lacked 'momentum'. If you want to truly stand out, you need people to be willing to follow you, not just to admire your talent."

Shen Hao pondered, "Does Your Highness mean for me to become the leader of the scholar-official class?"

“No, I’m their banner.” Zhu Han gazed at him, his eyes as steady as stars. “You need to make them believe that you represent the Crown Prince’s ambition, not yours, Shen Hao’s.” “How do I do that?”

"It's very simple," Zhu Han said, emphasizing each word, "Go and lose once."

Shen Hao was taken aback: "Defeat?"

Zhu Han put down his teacup: "Scholars will not believe in someone who has never been defeated; only someone who has fallen and risen will be followed. What you need to do next is to give up a 'lecture hall' for a while, set up a debate, let people refute you, make you retreat, and make you silent."

"What happens after that?"

"I will make the arrangements. Who will respond to you, who will support you, and who will kick you when you're down are all up to you."

Zhu Han's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable power: "This is called 'turning the tide,' transforming your individual strength into the collective power of the masses."

Shen Hao pondered for a moment, then nodded: "I understand."

Zhu Han stood up, put his hands behind his back, took a few steps slowly, and said softly:

“If the Crown Prince stands in the court without the support of the talented people of the world, he will ultimately be a lonely minister. It is our responsibility to forge those arms.”

Suddenly, a gust of night wind was heard outside the pavilion, and a guard rushed over and whispered, "Your Highness, a disciple from Zhongshan Academy broke into the Imperial Academy's Library tonight and was captured by the clerk. He said he was ordered by Lord Shen to examine old books."

Shen Hao was shocked to hear this: "I knew nothing about this."

Zhu Han didn't speak, but his eyes flashed: "Bring your men to see me."

A moment later, a boy dressed as a page was brought outside the pavilion, his face covered in blood, as if he had been tortured.

Zhu Han stepped forward and asked coldly, "Whose orders are you on?"

The boy knelt on the ground, silent, his teeth clenched tightly.

Shen Hao frowned, his eyes flashing with anger: "Are you really acting on my orders?"

The boy lowered his head and bumped his forehead on the stone slab, causing blood to gush out, but he remained silent.

Zhu Han's eyes shifted slightly, and he raised his hand: "Take the person away and investigate the person behind him."

The guards dragged the boy away. Shen Hao stared at the bloodstains on the ground and said in a deep voice, "This is not a test, but a provocation."

Zhu Han nodded: "They've made their move."

Shen Hao asked in a deep voice, "Why are you in such a hurry?"

Zhu Han's eyes were deep and unfathomable: "Because they misjudged the Crown Prince's speed. The 'Three Questions on Governance' you raised have already drawn the attention of people from all walks of life, and you are still unaware of it."

He suddenly looked at Shen Hao, his voice deep and powerful:
"Next, you must descend the mountain and avoid the limelight for three days. Go to 'Yingtian Academy' under the guise of studying abroad to temporarily escape the attention of the capital. At that time, I will have the Crown Prince send you to receive the sons of noble families from other prefectures and set up a scheme to provoke a confrontation between the sons of the imperial family and princes."

"Ostensibly for literary pursuits, but in reality for competing for power."

Shen Hao hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "I will obey."

Zhu Han nodded: "Go. If you succeed in this game, the literary style will be unified; if you fail, the court will no longer tolerate you."

Three days later, at Yingtian Academy, spring water meandered around the steps, and bamboo leaves reflected on the walls.

Shen Hao, dressed in casual clothes, stood at the south gate of the academy, surrounded by several students who led the way to greet him. Before the slowly approaching procession of carriages, a handsome young man in white drove his own carriage, his eyes filled with arrogance.

That man was none other than Zhu Qi'an, a descendant of the imperial clan and the grandson of the Prince of Zhennan.

The carriage came to a stop, and Zhu Qi'an jumped down, his gaze sweeping over Shen Hao with a smile on his lips:

"Are you Lord Shen, the speaker of the 'Three Questions' forum? I've heard so much about you."

Shen Hao cupped his hands in greeting: "I dare not. Young Master Qi'an has come from afar, and I, Shen, shall accompany you for three days."

"Accompanying someone to study?" Zhu Qi'an's lips curled slightly. "I'm not here to listen to lectures, I'm here to debate."

"Oh?"

"If you are truly brilliant in your lectures, why not come to the 'Three Tests of Scholarship' and debate with me on a topic, discuss a policy, and inquire about people's hearts?"

Shen Hao's gaze darkened slightly, then he smiled and said, "I agree."

Zhu Qi'an raised his eyebrows: "Then it's settled. Three days from now, in front of the academy's library, a hundred people will watch the debate. You and I will go up on the stage together and see whether the Crown Prince's minister Shen Hao can speak the hearts of the people, or whether my descendant of the imperial clan understands the country better."

Shen Hao gazed at him quietly, a strange fighting spirit suddenly rising within him.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and the atmosphere within Yingtian Academy was already tense and tense.

Beside the bamboo grove, newly paved stone bricks were laid in front of the library. A hundred-foot-high platform was set up above the platform, with a hundred seats in front of it. Scholars and young men gathered like clouds, all because of the war.

The “Three Examinations of the Academy” was an old system of academies, originally intended to cultivate the elegance of seeking truth and learning. However, today, a letter of challenge has stirred up the minds of all the students.

Shen Hao, standing in front of the library steps, had changed out of his usual official robes and was now wearing only a blue shirt. His temples were slightly disheveled, and he held a bamboo scroll in his hand, remaining as silent as a pine tree.

On the opposite side, Zhu Qi'an, dressed in white as snow, had already taken the stage. His gaze was sharp, his smile chilling, and he lightly flicked his folding fan, saying, "Now that Lord Shen has arrived, may I ask you a question first?"

Shen Hao said calmly, "Please."

"The hearts and minds of the people are the foundation of the nation. It is only natural for the Crown Prince to seek the support of the scholars, but—" Zhu Qi'an lightly tapped his folding fan and paused, then said:

"How can you, Shen Hao, speak on behalf of the Crown Prince and speak for the people? You are merely a scholar who has never experienced governing a prefecture or county, nor have you witnessed the suffering of the common people. What gives you the right to comment on the court and discuss the affairs of the world?"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the audience.

"Indeed, we have studied diligently for ten years, all awaiting this moment. How can we allow others to speak on our behalf!"

"Shen Hao was merely promoted by the Crown Prince, yet he thinks he can command all rivers? That's rather arrogant."

Faced with the uproar, Shen Hao remained calm, his eyes sweeping across the crowd before he slowly said, "The people's hearts do not need my voice. But if the Crown Prince does not speak, who will speak for the scholars?"

He climbed the podium step by step, his voice suddenly rising in pitch:
“I, Shen Hao, am not a spokesperson, but a voice. I speak your minds, I fight for what you dare not fight for, and I ask what you dare not ask.”

"If you refuse to submit to the powerful and wealthy, then come and debate with me today! If you only wish to live in peace in your own corner, then leave! I, Shen Hao, will not speak for those who remain silent!"

These words struck like a thunderbolt, instantly igniting the passion of countless young students in the audience.

"I come!"

"I would like to sit at the same table as Lord Shen!"

"You're right. We've been studying all these years to understand principles, not to curry favor with the powerful!"

A chorus of voices surged forth.

Zhu Qi'an's face darkened, he gripped his fan tightly, and said coldly, "Your kind of swaying arguments are the lowest of the low."

Shen Hao turned to look at him: "Then please, Young Master Qi An, offer your insightful opinion."

"Very well." Zhu Qi'an unfolded his fan, his smile widening. "You just spoke of the people's hearts, so let me ask you: If there were a case where two counties were embroiled in a dispute over the grain transport route, both with their own grievances, and the case remained unresolved for a long time, if you were a minister of the Crown Prince, how would you adjudicate it?" (End of Chapter)