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

"What you're afraid of is him getting ahead too quickly, making it seem like you're chasing him."

Zhu Biao's expression hardened, and after a moment of silence, he finally nodded slowly: "Uncle is right, I... am indeed a little uneasy."

Zhu Han's eyes revealed a hint of approval. He suddenly closed his fan and sat up straighter: "Biao'er, listen to your uncle's advice."

“You are the Crown Prince, not the Chief Clerk, not the Tutor, and certainly not the General. You are not the one who does things personally, but rather—the one who guides things to happen.”

A hint of confusion appeared in Zhu Biao's eyes, but he listened quietly.

“If Shen Hao does well, it’s your credit because you appointed him; if he does poorly, it’s his responsibility because he’s not an official. What you need to do is step in to reap the rewards after he succeeds and restore him to commoner status when he makes a mistake.”

Zhu Han's tone was extremely soft, yet it was as loud as thunder.

Zhu Biao was stunned for a long time before slowly saying, "But if I do that, wouldn't I be too cold-hearted?"

Zhu Han laughed and said, "You are an emperor, not a friend."

Zhu Biao was speechless for a moment, only the chirping of a few early orioles on the branches was particularly clear in the spring light.

At the same time, in the library of the Imperial City's North Garden, Shen Hao was reading the "Great Proclamation Record," his pen flying across the page as he compared the ancient system with the present, completely absorbed in his work.

"Mr. Shen," a student knocked and entered, reporting in a low voice.

"Mr. Zhao Shenyan sent someone with a list, saying that some scholars from academies in the capital wished to discuss scholarship and national policies with you."

Shen Hao frowned upon hearing this: "I'm not a lecturer, so how did I become the person recommended by the students?"

"Mr. Zhao said that what they need is not a teacher, but someone who can speak about the future."

Shen Hao sighed and closed the book: "Go and make the arrangements, but you are only allowed to discuss matters, not set up an altar. Otherwise, the censor will have something to say about it again."

"Yes." The man withdrew.

Shen Hao gazed out the window, a slight weariness flashing across his eyes.

He was not unaware of the outside world's opinions, and he understood that he was merely a "magician" whom Zhu Biao had helped to get on his feet, without any official position but bearing great responsibility.

But he also knew that without his connection, Zhu Biao would never have achieved his current level of influence.

He murmured softly, "Your Highness... if you no longer need me in the future, I will walk down this building on my own. But before that, I want you to stand firm."

In an elegant courtyard in Jinlou Lane, Dongcheng District, a group of teenagers are playing chess.

The leader was none other than Zhu Qi'an.

His expression was gentle, his gaze steady, and as he placed the chess piece, it carried a calmness born of deep thought.

“Shen Hao’s words are like a raging storm; they are powerful but unstable,” he said. “When the tide recedes, his true colors will be revealed.”

A servant asked, "Does Your Highness mean to let him expose himself?"

“No.” Zhu Qi’an chuckled softly, “It was someone who—deliberately pushed him even higher.”

"higher?"

"The higher it goes, the more it will appear off the ground. At that time, without me lifting a finger, officials will question how a commoner can decide the affairs of the world."

"What if he can handle it?"

Zhu Qi'an said calmly, "Then the Crown Prince will be suspicious first."

After speaking, he slowly stood up and walked away with his hands behind his back: "I will not use troops, words, or power... but I want everyone in this palace to slowly feel that Shen Hao is the Crown Prince's sharpest weapon, and also his biggest weakness."

"And at that time, all I needed to do was utter a gentle word."

As dusk settled, Zhu Han leaned against the window, gazing out, one finger unconsciously tapping the table.

Suddenly, he called out, "Go and call Sun Zhongyan here."

A moment later, the silent, fierce general stepped into the room, his expression solemn.

Zhu Han looked at him and asked calmly, "General Sun, you and Shen Hao, one a scholar and the other a warrior, are both trusted by the Crown Prince. Do you know that the two people who are most incompatible in the world are the two powerful forces under the throne?"

Sun Zhongyan bowed and said, "This humble servant understands."

Zhu Han nodded, a half-smile on his face, and asked, "So when do you plan to settle things with him?"

Sun Zhongyan remained silent for a moment, then answered, "I don't know."

"Oh?" Zhu Han raised an eyebrow.

"He is the prince's sword, and I am the prince's shield. The sword cuts down enemies, and the shield blocks arrows; we are not enemies."

Zhu Han picked up his wine glass, looked at him, and suddenly raised his glass and laughed: "You are much more sober than him."

The paper dove carrying the secret message in his hand had been gently unwrapped, the paper roll crumpled, and he casually tossed it into the incense burner under the lamp. The flame flickered and disappeared as if it had never existed.

“Lu Tong…” he chuckled softly, but there was no smile in his eyes.

Footsteps sounded outside the door, and before anyone could announce their arrival, a figure stepped into the room. It was Shen Hao, his expression slightly anxious: "Your Highness, there seems to be some unusual activity in the palace."

Zhu Han glanced sideways and said calmly, "You came quickly."

“Just now, Zhao Shenyan was stopped at the East Corner Gate. Several Imperial Guards, who were not wearing armor, questioned him for a full incense stick’s time before letting him pass. I’m worried that someone is trying to make trouble for us.”

Zhu Han smiled instead of getting angry upon hearing this, slowly walked back to the table, sat down, and poured himself a cup of tea: "You're becoming more and more like a politician."

Shen Hao's expression remained unchanged as he asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, what has happened in the palace?"

Zhu Han was not in a hurry, but asked him in return, "Do you know who Lu Tong is?"

“The Crown Prince’s personal attendants take care of his daily life and should not have the right to interfere in politics.”

"Wrong." Zhu Han shook his head.
"This person is not a former servant of the Crown Prince. He was transferred to the Inner Eastern Depot to serve the Empress when she was seriously ill the year before last. At that time, you had not yet entered the palace and did not know his background."

Shen Hao was shocked: "He wasn't chosen by the Crown Prince himself?"

"It's the knife Qi An gave to Biao'er," Zhu Han said calmly. "This knife was hidden very well, and it only revealed its edge today."

"Then we-"

"Hold your positions and do nothing," Zhu Han interrupted.
“If we overturn the table as soon as he makes a move, we will be at a disadvantage. He uses stillness to control movement, so I will respond with movement to stillness, and see who makes the first mistake.”

Shen Hao's eyes flickered slightly: "But if Lu Tong really is spying on the Crown Prince's movements, wouldn't there be no one trustworthy by the Crown Prince's side?"

Zhu Han's tone suddenly turned cold and stern: "That's precisely why you need to keep a close eye on Sun Zhongyan. He's a military general, straightforward, and if he's manipulated, he might just break the deadlock with a single sword strike."

“He won’t,” Shen Hao said firmly. “He’s the Crown Prince’s man.”

"The most unreliable thing in the world is the word 'loyalty'."

Zhu Han's gaze was sharp as a blade. "Do you think Zhu Qi'an will just sit and wait? Do you think he'll only release Lu Tong?"

Shen Hao remained silent.

Zhu Han pushed away his teacup, stood up, his sleeves billowing like clouds: "Come with me."

"Where?"

"Hidden Wind Pavilion".

Zangfeng Pavilion, located in the northwest corner of the Crown Prince's study, is a secluded and quiet place rarely visited by outsiders.

Zhu Han and Shen Hao traveled at night without lights, following the familiar path with hidden patterns to the pavilion. They pushed open the door and entered. The room was still warm and fragrant, with a burner of sandalwood incense still burning. Outside the rolled-up curtain, palace maids hurriedly retreated.

"Is this where the Crown Prince resides?" Zhu Han looked around and asked in a low voice.

Shen Hao nodded: "It's used for reviewing confidential documents, and people rarely stay overnight."

Zhu Han's gaze fell on the screen behind the desk. He reached out and pushed it open, revealing a hidden slit beneath the screen.

"What a Lu Tong." Zhu Han sneered, pulling open the hidden slit. A thin bamboo section was hidden behind the wall, with gray-black dust remaining at the end.

Shen Hao squatted down to examine it, his expression changing slightly: "It's a gray crow's breathing tube." "This crow whistle technique is an old technique from the Western Regions, rarely seen in the palace."

Zhu Han closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, a chill ran down his spine. "It wasn't something Lu Tong could get; someone else arranged it for him."

Shen Hao asked in a low voice, "Where's that pigeon? Who gave you that intelligence report?"

"I raised them myself." Zhu Han turned and left.
"But I only assigned it to keep an eye on Lu Tong, and it unexpectedly lured out an entire line of people behind him..."

"What should we do next?" Shen Hao followed up. "Take action against Lu Tong?"

"Let's leave it at that for now." Zhu Han flicked his sleeve. "Go find Zhao Shenyan and have him give a lecture on private learning at the 'Guanfeng Tower' tonight. Spread the word that the Crown Prince might come to listen in."

"Your Highness, wouldn't this be—"

"Aren't they trying to test the Crown Prince's bottom line? Then let's give them a chance."

That night, the area below Guanfeng Tower was brightly lit, and students from private schools and scholars from academies spontaneously gathered, creating a bustling scene.

Zhao Shenyan, dressed in a cloth robe, ascended the stairs, holding a lecture scroll in his hand, and began to speak in a loud voice: "The way to govern the world is not in the law, but in reason. Not in reason, but in people..."

A hush fell over the area downstairs as everyone held their breath, afraid of missing a single word.

Just then, a figure flashed behind the building, and a young man in blue robes darted into the secret room inside, carrying a black pigeon cage in his hand, looking nervous.

Shen Hao, who was waiting in the inner room, grabbed him and asked, "Did Lu Tong send you?"

The boy was pale and trembling: "No...it wasn't him...it was Commander Qian from the Eastern Depot...he said it..."

Shen Hao's gaze turned icy: "Qian Xuan?"

The boy knelt down: "He said he was going to deliver a letter to Prince Zhu'an, and Lu Tong was just helping him pass it on; he was afraid too..."

Zhu Han slowly stepped out from behind the screen, holding a long fan, and asked in a low voice, "Where should the letter be sent?"

“Outside the palace… in the woods east of Wenshan Temple, it was burned down overnight.”

"Very good." Zhu Han closed his fan. "Let him go."

Shen Hao was taken aback: "Your Highness—"

"We're laying the line, not pulling in the net."

Zhu Han left with his hands behind his back: "Tomorrow morning, the Crown Prince will personally go to Wenshan Temple to worship Buddha and pray for peace. You prepare for him."

"Qi An?"

"Yes." Zhu Han smiled, "I'm praying for a little eunuch who made a 'mistake'."

The following day, as incense smoke curled from Wenshan Temple, Crown Prince Zhu Biao arrived in plain clothes, accompanied by only a few eunuchs and Shen Hao.

Zhu Han did not follow, but stood in the distant woods of the mountain temple, gazing at the place where black smoke had just risen among the hills, and said in a low voice: "Zhao Shenyan acted well. The literati's lecture stirred up a storm, and a 'fake letter' was enough to make them misjudge."

A whisper sounded from behind: "But what if they stop openly attacking from now on?"

Zhu Han turned around, and there stood Zhu Qi'an.

"You've finally decided to show yourself." Zhu Han said with a hint of sarcasm.

Zhu Qi'an smiled: "Uncle, what a brilliant plan! A single dove breaks the deadlock. Do you know how many parties are involved behind the scenes?"

Zhu Han looked at him, his tone suddenly turning serious: "Now that you're here, listen to me."

“You have the power to target the Eastern Depot and dare to get close to the Crown Prince, but if there is a next time, regardless of whether you did it yourself, I will treat you as the mastermind.”

Zhu Qi'an's eyes narrowed slightly, and he said coldly, "Is this a threat?"

"No," Zhu Han said with a forced smile, "it's a promise."

"promise?"

"If you make another move, I will make sure you... lose even the right to compete."

Zhu Qi'an's expression changed slightly: "How dare you?"

Zhu Han stepped forward, his tone as calm as if recounting a dream from the previous night: "Because you've forgotten, I'm not a courtier. I'm a prince, protecting the crown prince and the emperor's decree. I don't follow laws or rules."

He paused, then said softly, "I only care about the price."

As the morning light shines down, the roof tiles are lightly covered with pine needles, and the palace is shrouded in mist.

Zhu Han, dressed in a plain blue robe, strolled leisurely into the palace.

The Imperial Horse Administration was already waiting at the side to lead the way, but dared not say a word.

Today, Zhu Han did not follow the usual route through the central path, but instead entered through the West Garden and went straight to the Hongwen Hall where the Crown Prince resided.

Inside the Hongwen Hall, Zhu Biao was reviewing memorials with a pen in hand. Although his expression was calm, a hint of fatigue was hidden.

He looked up and saw Zhu Hanlai, immediately put down his pen, stood up and bowed.

"Why did you arrive at the palace so early today, Imperial Uncle?" he asked with a smile, his voice carrying a hint of childlike dependence.

Zhu Han waved his hand: "Don't give me that. I had Shen Hao tell you yesterday, did you see anything during your trip to Wenshan Temple?"

Zhu Biao paused for a moment, then stopped smiling and nodded: "There is indeed something unusual. The pigeon coop was not completely burned. I had someone carefully turn over the ashes and found a layer of fine silk at the bottom. The remaining characters were faintly discernible, and they were the two characters 'Zhaoyuan'."

“Zhaoyuan?” Zhu Han frowned, turning his head to look at the eaves outside the window. “It’s not Lu Tong’s handwriting.”

“Exactly.” Zhu Biao said solemnly, “I sent my trusted confidants to check the records of the Eastern Depot and found that this person did not have the name ‘Zhaoyuan’, but he was registered in the Western Garden five years ago as ‘Inner Instructor’, and then suddenly removed from the list.”

Zhu Han stared intently for a moment, then murmured, "Zhaoyuan... five years ago."

"Does Your Majesty know this person?" Zhu Biao pressed.

"I remember it vaguely, but I once heard my elder brother say that when the late Empress was alive, there was an instructor who was extremely knowledgeable in music and swordsmanship. The palace ladies called him 'Yuanzi' because he was said to be elusive and awe-inspiring."

Zhu Han then changed the subject, "After the late empress passed away, he disappeared."

"Now he's back in the palace, and he's colluding with Lu Tong again..." Zhu Biao frowned. "What is his intention?"

Zhu Han replied, "It's not that he has reappeared; it's that he never truly left. If he was raised by the late Empress, then his allegiance wouldn't be the Crown Prince or the Emperor, but rather—"

He paused, his eyes turning cold, "A person outside the palace rules."

Zhu Biao seemed to understand something, a look of surprise flashing across his brow: "Uncle, does he mean... a hidden thread?"

“Exactly.” Zhu Han stood up and slowly walked to the table, tapping the edge of the table lightly with his fingers. “Now that this line has moved, it means that someone is no longer waiting.”

Zhu Biao asked in a low voice, "Is it Qi An?"

Zhu Han's gaze was deep and unwavering. He simply said, "Biao'er, you must understand that even if you only have one trustworthy person left, you cannot be intimidated. If someone tries to trip you up in secret, you must walk openly."

“Uncle, I understand.” Zhu Biao’s tone turned serious. “I will not back down.”

Zhu Han nodded and smiled: "Alright. Since we're not going to back down, then we'll have to move."

"Whom do you want to go?"

Zhu Han smiled but did not answer. He took out a roll of brocade from his sleeve and spread it on the table.

Zhu Biao looked at it and saw a floor plan of a small mansion. The structure was extremely ingenious, and the courtyards inside were like a maze, as if it were a secluded residence.

“This place is called ‘Qixia Garden’. It is located behind the former site of Changxin Palace and is no longer inhabited by people today.”

Zhu Han spoke lightly, yet each word was firm and resolute: "That is the real snake's lair."

Zhu Biao's heart skipped a beat: "They were hiding in the palace?"

"If we want to take action against Zhaoyuan, we must first lure him out. This man is extremely well-hidden and we cannot act rashly. There is only one way." (End of Chapter)