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

"Learning is for the people, not for officialdom; writing is for reason, not for embellishment."

"If a scholar cannot help a place or a person, then his books are wasted."

He not only lectured, but also listened. In addition to lecturing, he set up a "public case tea room" every seven days, allowing students to choose current political controversies to debate independently, and those who listened and commented could also speak.

He also invited artisans, salt merchants, and farmers from the city to be his guests, sharing their stories and transforming the entire academy.

It was precisely this kind of atmosphere that made the senior officials in the court feel uneasy.

Minister of Revenue Zhao Tingzan entered the palace that very night to meet with Zhu Yuanzhang, speaking frankly:
"Your Majesty, Shen Hao's actions, though outwardly respecting the Crown Prince, are in reality a means to win over scholars from all over the land. If all the scholars gather here, the dynasty will crumble!"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and remained silent for a long time, but he did not get angry. He simply raised his hand and said, "I understand."

Zhao Tingzan withdrew, but Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the secret agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to come: "Investigate Shen Hao, and then investigate Zhu Han. There must be an explanation within three days."

Three days later.

Inside the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao was reviewing the new policy proposals for the academy sent by Shen Hao.

Suddenly, a palace attendant rushed in from outside the hall and reported: "Your Highness, Zhao Kan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, requests an audience with an imperial edict."

Zhu Biao stood up, his expression turning stern: "Please."

Zhao Kan entered the hall, bowed respectfully, and said in a deep voice, "By order of His Majesty, I wish to summon Shen Hao to the inner court for a face-to-face questioning."

Zhu Biao was startled: "Why the urgent summons?"

Zhao Kan only said in a low voice: "Rumors are spreading everywhere, and the Emperor must clarify them."

Zhu Biao knew something was wrong. Disregarding etiquette, he immediately ordered his men to prepare horses and personally accompanied Zhao Kan to the academy to pick up the person.

Half an hour later, Shen Hao was invited into the carriage. His expression was calm, and he only smiled at Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, do not worry. I am the best at 'talking'."

Zhu Biao replied in a deep voice, "If you perish, my position as crown prince will be vacant."

As the carriage entered the palace, Zhu Han was already waiting in front of the Wenyuan Pavilion, dressed in black robes with a face as cold as frost.

He looked up at Shen Hao and said, "From this moment on, every word you utter will no longer be just the talk of the scholars, but the life and death of the Crown Prince."

Shen Hao cupped his hands and bowed his head, then slowly said, "This student understands."

"Then let's go in." Zhu Han turned around, his robes fluttering. "You just need to tell the truth, and leave the rest to me."

The palace gates slowly opened, revealing a brightly lit palace in front of the Golden Throne Hall.

Five days after ascending Mount Dengyang, a secret edict was suddenly issued from the palace, ordering Zhu Yuanzhang to temporarily refrain from court affairs for thirty days under the pretext of "recuperation," with Crown Prince Zhu Biao temporarily acting as regent.

This decree caused a stir in the court and among the people. Officials looked at each other in bewilderment, many of them remaining outwardly calm but inwardly in shock.

This imperial edict was undoubtedly the first move Zhu Han made.

On the very night the imperial edict was issued, Liu Bingchang, the Minister of Rites, hosted a banquet at his residence, inviting renowned scholars and important officials from all walks of life to "discuss the spring and the Dao," but in reality, he was probing the political climate and the political situation.

Zhu Han did not arrive, but Shen Hao was specially invited to take a seat.

The hall was packed with people, illuminated by the lights.

Zhu Qi'an was also present, but his expression was slightly cold, no longer as spirited as before the battle at the academy. He remained silent, observing coldly from the sidelines.

Liu Bingchang raised his cup and said with a smile, "I have invited you all here today for no other reason than to ask you one question—what do you all think of the Crown Prince overseeing the country?"

After he said that, the hall fell silent.

Some people coughed softly, while others sipped their wine in silence.

Zhu Qi'an finally spoke with a cold laugh: "How can such an important matter be decided by a single secret decree? The Crown Prince is young; how can he convince the people?"

Shen Hao spoke calmly: "The Crown Prince is young, but he is calm and composed. Moreover, he has been regent for thirty years, not yet ascending the throne. Why are you all so surprised and suspicious?"

"That's true," an old minister opposite him stroked his beard and shook his head.

"The affairs of state are as vast as a river, not to be taken lightly. Since Your Majesty is temporarily abdicating from court affairs, you should have ministers to assist you. If there is no one to assist you, wouldn't it be like leaving me, a mere junior official, to handle things?"

Shen Hao smiled slightly: "With the Prince by my side and the ministers in the court, if the Crown Prince makes decisions unilaterally, how can you gentlemen not have the power to offer your advice?"

"You make it sound so easy," Zhu Qi'an suddenly slammed his hand on the table.

"You, Shen Hao, are only new to the court, yet you have advocated for the Crown Prince three times. Who knows if you are using the Crown Prince's name to carry out your own private schemes?"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed slightly.

Shen Hao's eyes were calm and composed: "If I had any ulterior motives, I shouldn't have frequented scholarly circles and been questioned by others. My actions are plain for all to see. If Young Master Qi'an has any evidence, please present it."

Zhu Qi'an was speechless for a moment, but then sneered: "What you say makes sense, but I don't believe you are innocent."

Suddenly, a man slammed his fist on the table and stood up. It was Song Yunwen, the Vice Minister of Revenue. This man was usually taciturn, but today he angrily said:

“I believe him! Although Shen Hao is young, his words and actions are based on evidence, and he is reasonable without being swayed by personal feelings. If we don’t even dare to believe what he says, how can we talk about the common governance of the world?”

The crowd was in an uproar.

Shen Hao suddenly looked out the window, his tone as calm as still water:

"Gentlemen—the wind is blowing today, but its direction is not in the hall, but in the streets and alleys, academies and military camps. If you really want to know where the wind is coming from, you should go out of this hall and listen to what the common people, scholars and soldiers have to say."

“If they believe in the Crown Prince, but you do not, it is because you have abandoned the people’s hearts, not because the Crown Prince is immoral.”

His words were spoken with conviction, and the entire room fell silent.

After a long silence, Liu Bingchang raised his glass and sighed, "I'm old, and I can't stand these passionate words anymore. But... when I hear them, I'm still moved."

He looked at Shen Hao: "If what you say is true, then we old bones are not incapable of standing up for someone again."

Meanwhile, outside Dongzhimen, Sun Zhongyan was walking through a dark alley at night.

He received the secret letter, which contained only one sentence: "The target will arrive at Xuanwu Camp in three days for a trial lecture. The timing of your attack will be determined at that time."

He remained silent, only gently crushing the note and gazing at the night sky.

His sword was still in its sheath.

In his mind, a voice kept repeating: "To strike is to slap the Crown Prince in the face."

"If you succeed, you will gain not only military power, but also a 'future'."

But another, deeper voice whispered: "If this sword pierces the hearts of the people, what will you use to take it back?"

Sun Zhongyan, who was always cold and aloof, clenched his fist and trembled slightly at this moment.

On the third day, at Xuanwu Camp.

Shen Hao, following the king's orders, went to the military camp to lecture on military strategy. This was originally a plan devised by the crown prince to win over the hearts of the soldiers and test the winds of the army.

This trip, seemingly ordinary, was actually a crucial step in the overall strategy.

As soon as he stepped onto the stage, hundreds of soldiers gathered below, their gazes varied.

Before the speech was even halfway through, a young soldier suddenly stepped forward angrily and shouted, "You're just a scholar, what do you know about military and political affairs? We're here to die on the battlefield, how can you talk about war on paper?"

The sound was thunderous and imposing.

Everyone was surprised, but Shen Hao did not move. His eyes fell on the soldier behind him—Sun Zhongyan, who slowly stepped out of the ranks, holding his sword.

A solemn silence fell over the surroundings.

The wind suddenly stopped.

Sun Zhongyan stood still, his eyes cold, and slowly drew his sword half an inch—

Just then, a clear voice came from outside the tent:
"Lord Shen certainly has no military merits, but today he is not teaching military law, but rather talking about something that is often forgotten in the army—what is the essence of military affairs?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao, dressed in simple clothes, entered the military camp.

He spoke loudly: "Weapons are instruments of violence. But only when there is righteousness within violence can a great army be formed."

"Lord Shen has come not to teach you how to kill the enemy, but to ask you: For whom are you killing? Why are you fighting?" The entire audience was shocked.

Zhu Biao's gaze fell on Sun Zhongyan, and he spoke each word clearly:
"If you disagree, you can ask me, not him."

Sun Zhongyan's eyes flickered, and he finally slowly sheathed his sword, saying in a low voice, "Your subject... has been impolite."

Shen Hao bowed deeply: "It was my words that aroused suspicion. I am willing to bear the responsibility of a sword strike."

Zhu Biao waved his hand, saying, "What you say makes perfect sense, but the wind is not yet stable, and we still need you to guide us."

The soldiers stood in awe, their gazes now different.

After Zhu Yuanzhang secluded himself to recuperate, his crown prince Zhu Biao acted as regent for ten days.

On this morning, as the palace gates opened, the court officials lined up in formation.

Minister of Revenue Xu He, Vice Minister of Justice Cao Ying, Minister of War Wu Zhaolian, Minister of Rites Liu Bingchang, and Hanlin Academician Zhang Mengjian were all present.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao slowly ascended the throne, dressed in plain court robes, his expression gentle yet exuding an unshakeable authority.

Everyone knows that he has the "genius" Shen Hao as his advisor and the "martial spirit" Sun Zhongyan silently following him. The Crown Prince's position as regent is no longer the same as it was at the beginning when no one cared about him.

For this very reason, the atmosphere in the court was heavy, and everyone held their breath.

"Does the Ministry of Revenue have any plans for distributing silver and grain?" Zhu Biao asked.

Xu He bowed and said, "I have three plans, but we need to discuss them."

"Is the Ministry of War willing to cooperate with the trial of military reform?"

Wu Zhaolian nodded: "If the arrangements are made properly, I am willing to work with the Crown Prince to plan."

Suddenly, a man from the eastern group stepped forward and announced in a loud voice:
"Your Highness, I believe that although the matter of the regent is now settled, without the joint consultation of a regent minister, there is a risk of arbitrary decision-making. I request Your Majesty to appoint a regent!"

These words caused an uproar in the court.

The speaker was none other than Yao Tingfang, the Left Censor-in-Chief, who was known as the "Iron Pen of the Pure Stream," but in reality, he had close ties with the Prince of Huainan's residence.

Zhu Biao was not angry, but smiled and said, "Minister Yao is right. However... in court, all the officials are present. Without the collective opinion, how dare I make a decision on my own?"

Yao Tingfang said, "If that's the case, please tell me, Your Highness—who is Shen Hao, that he can appear so frequently in the military camp, the literati, and the Ministry of Rites? Your Highness relies on him greatly; what else could this be but 'making decisions unilaterally'?"

These words were directed at Shen Hao, directly attacking the Crown Prince's strategy for employing people.

All eyes turned to Zhu Biao, and some even looked at him with pity.

The crown prince's decision to appoint a scholar as regent was ultimately a flaw.

But at that moment, someone from the right flank slowly stepped forward, their voice unhurried:
“Master Yao’s question is very apt. I am Shen Hao, and I would like to clarify it here.”

The courtiers were startled to see Shen Hao standing outside the palace, impeccably dressed, stepping onto the golden throne.

Yao Tingfang sneered: "Why has Lord Shen entered the imperial court? Are you a Hanlin scholar? A minister? An imperial censor? What is your position or title?"

Shen Hao laughed and said, "I do not hold any official title. But my current appearance does not represent myself."

He turned to look at the assembled officials, and spoke each word clearly:
“On behalf of the candidates recommended by the academies of the thirty-six prefectures, on behalf of the military orders written by the soldiers of the Xuanwu, Guangwu, and Zhenbei armies, and on behalf of the petitions submitted by tens of thousands of people in the capital, I urge the Crown Prince to reform and revitalize the government.”

"Are these people not qualified to enter the hall to answer questions?"

The whole place was dead silent.

A mere official title cannot compare to the hearts and minds of a thousand people.

Yao Tingfang's face turned ashen, yet she was unable to refute him.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao said loudly:

"Today's discussion is about governance, not about people. I wish Shen Hao to serve as the Regent's Advisor, to enter the palace to discuss matters, without taking up a seat or engaging in any actual governance, but solely to offer advice. Do any of the officials have any objections?"

Silence fell.

Yao Tingfang looked around at the assembled officials, but no one stepped forward to echo his sentiments. He could only step back and remain silent with a cold snort.

In the imperial court, the winds were clearly blowing in different directions.

That night, secret messages circulated beneath the imperial city.

Zhu Han stood behind the lamplight, listening quietly to the report from the guards.

"The court has split into three groups: one group is those who are attached to the Crown Prince; another group is those who are watching and waiting; and the third group, led by Zhu Qi'an and Yao Tingfang, is secretly communicating with the Prince of Huainan's residence, intending to make a difference."

Zhu Han nodded.

"Very good. After the wind blows, thunder will follow."

"Notify Zhao Shenyan that it is time to let the 'voice of the people' show its edge."

Meanwhile, at Yong'anfangkou, the "Jimin Book Club" set up a lecture hall, and Zhao Shenyan took the stage.

Holding a scroll in his hand, he loudly recited: "In the past, Emperor Taizong of Tang recruited Wei Zheng and achieved the Zhenguan era of prosperity. Now, the Crown Prince has recruited Shen Zeshi and Sun Wuren, which can be considered a strategy for reincarnation."

“We scholars should observe the winds of the times, not follow the power of the authorities, but follow the will of the people. If we abandon the orthodox and follow the old ways today, then the people of the world will abandon us Confucian scholars.”

Hundreds of people gathered around to listen, and the applause was thunderous.

An old woman clutched the paper tightly and asked in a trembling voice, "Mr. Zhao, if the Crown Prince can truly govern the country, can the people truly live in peace?"

Zhao Shenyan clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and answered solemnly:

“If he can’t, I’ll be the first to criticize him; but if he can, we should protect his success—not wait for him to fail.”

That night, Zhao Shenyan's words were heard throughout dozens of markets and neighborhoods in the capital.

Outside Yongle Palace, the long street was as dark as ink, with sparse and oblique lamplight. Zhu Han stood quietly under the eaves, his gaze fixed on the palace gate slowly closing in the distance, his expression calm and serene.

"Your Highness." From the shadows in the corner, a man knelt on one knee and reported in a low voice.
“Zhao Shenyan has already spread his words tonight to several places in Qilu and Yanzhong. The idea that ‘the people’s wishes are focused on the Crown Prince’ has already spread among the people.”

"Very good." Zhu Han nodded slightly, walking slowly along the palace wall. "What about Zhu Qi'an?"

"No action has been taken yet. They have only sent people to secretly investigate the movements of Shen Hao and Sun Zhongyan, but no trace has been found."

"He won't make a move so quickly." Zhu Han chuckled, as if he already knew the tricks of a child.

"He was too clever and too afraid of being exposed, so he only dared to hide his cunning in the shadows."

"I don't understand," the guard said, bowing his head.

"Zhu Qi'an doesn't want to fight for the position; he just wants power."

Zhu Han stopped and looked up at the night sky.

"The most desirable scenario for these people is to reap the benefits without lifting a finger—wait until the Crown Prince and another party are locked in a fierce battle, then they step in to 'mediate' or 'assist,' thus gaining the legitimacy of the throne."

"But if we do that—"

"That will be the time for me to make my move."

Zhu Han's voice was calm and unfathomable, like the night.

The following afternoon, in a corner of the Imperial Garden, sunlight streamed down under an old plum tree. Zhu Han sat there with a fan in hand, a cup of light tea in hand, looking languid.

"Uncle, you've taken a break by yourself again." Zhu Biao walked over quickly, his expression relaxing a bit. "I only heard today that you left the imperial tea party early."

"I'm getting old, and my back aches from sitting for too long," Zhu Han said lazily. "Besides, your ministers are all so energetic that I can't get a word in edgewise, so I've retreated to avoid the limelight."

Zhu Biao smiled helplessly: "I'm afraid you think they're too slow, so you might as well go faster by yourself."

Zhu Han remained silent, then gestured for him to sit down: "I heard that Shen Hao has already begun to inquire about the lectureship at the Imperial Academy?"

"Hmm." Zhu Biao sat down, a hint of worry in his eyes.
"He is quick-witted and speaks fluently and clearly, but I am somewhat worried... The court officials have already accepted his existence, and if the common people also accept him, it may provoke a backlash from the other side."

"What you're afraid of isn't a backlash." Zhu Han picked up his teacup. (End of Chapter)