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

"Yes." Zhao Ji withdrew.

Zhu Han walked out of the hall and gazed into the depths of the bluestone alley, his heart calm and undisturbed.

He knew all along that the relationship between brothers was merely a formality, and that Zhu Di was not a coward, nor would he sit idly by and watch the Crown Prince secure his position.

If Zhu Biao truly wants to sit on the dragon throne, he cannot simply be good at reading and writing.

As night fell, candlelight flickered gently inside the Eastern Palace.

Gu Qingping carried the soup bowl into the inner hall and saw Zhu Biao still bent over his desk, not sleeping. She said softly, "Your Highness, you haven't rested all night. If you don't rest soon, your body won't be able to take it."

Zhu Biao rubbed his temples, took the soup bowl, and drank it all in one gulp: "I always felt that if I had been a step later, something would have suppressed my breath."

Gu Qingping sat down beside him and said softly, "Uncle, you came today. Did you say anything?"

Zhu Biao put down his cup and bowl and pondered, "He said that if I don't take the initiative, I will be held back by my fourth uncle."

Gu Qingping sighed softly: "I've also heard some rumors that Shuntian Prefecture has been frequently interacting with the Ministry of Rites lately, and there must be something going on behind the scenes."

Zhu Biao smiled wryly: "I have always avoided competing with my uncles, but it seems that this path is no longer viable."

Gu Qingping grasped his hand and whispered, "Since we're in this together, we can't back down. You're not fighting alone; you have me, and you have Imperial Uncle."

Zhu Biao's eyes widened as he looked into her eyes, feeling a warmth in his heart: "Qingping, with you here, I feel reassured."

She said softly, "From the moment you put on the crown prince's robe, there was no turning back. But if you walk the righteous path, it will be a bright and smooth road."

Zhu Biao nodded, slowly stood up, and looked out at the stars and moon: "Tomorrow, I will summon the Vice Minister of Rites."

Gu Qingping said softly, "Are you ready to make a move?"

Zhu Biao said, "I want them to know that I, Zhu Biao, am not a puppet."

The next morning, before the court had even opened, Liu Ting, the Vice Minister of Rites, was summoned by the Crown Prince.

When he entered the hall, his face was calm, but he was already somewhat uneasy.

Zhu Biao sat upright in the hall, his usual gentle demeanor replaced by a sharp and stern expression.

"Minister Liu, the Ministry of Rites and Shuntian Prefecture have been in frequent contact lately. Is there anything that requires the Crown Prince's decision?"

Liu Ting was startled and quickly bowed his head to reply, "Your Highness, the Ministry of Rites is currently processing the list of candidates for the imperial examinations and needs the Shuntian Prefecture to verify the citizens' records. I have no other intentions."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed like lightning: "Then why did the Deputy Yin secretly enter the office of the Minister of Rites? As the Vice Minister, how could you not have known about it?"

Liu Ting's forehead was already covered in cold sweat: "Your Highness, please forgive me... I... I was negligent for a moment."

Zhu Biao said coldly, "You are a person in charge of the Ministry of Rites. If no one else had allowed him to enter, how would he have dared to do so? Zhao Ji."

Zhao Ji emerged from behind the curtain, presenting a confession written by the deputy magistrate.

Liu Ting immediately knelt down: "Your Highness, please forgive me, I have been wronged—"

Zhu Biao coldly said, "Guards, demote Liu Ting to a commoner and send him to serve in the Yingtian Guard. Replace him with an upright official from the Ministry of Rites."

The eunuchs outside responded and entered, dragging Liu Ting out of the hall. Zhu Biao stood up, hands behind his back, his expression calm.

Only Gu Qingping and Zhao Ji remained in the hall. She said softly, "Now, you've finally made your move."

Zhu Biao said in a low voice, "I can't wait any longer."

Zhao Ji said, "This move will surely shake the court."

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, "I want them to know that I, Zhu Biao, can make decisions and dare to make decisions."

“Uncle.” Zhu Biao stood in front of the inner hall of the East Palace, his brows furrowed and his eyes showing signs of fatigue.

Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao and said in a calm tone, "You did very well, showing the decisiveness that a crown prince should have. But this is just the beginning. The political situation in the court is far more complicated than you have seen."

Zhu Biao smiled bitterly: "I understand, but in any case, if I don't do something, wouldn't I completely lose my stance?"

Zhu Han nodded: "You did the right thing. But what happens next is probably more complicated than you think."

Zhu Biao stood up and gently brushed aside the notes on the table: "I know, but I can't back down any longer. Imperial Uncle, you said that only by starting can things change. So now, those people in the court will definitely give me an explanation."

Zhu Han walked to his side and said in a low voice, "You need to be careful. The most dangerous people are not the enemies on the surface, but the 'friends' you see. Their attitude is the key to determining the future situation."

Zhu Biao gazed out the window, pondered for a moment, and said in a low voice, "I understand. Next, I will reorganize those neglected forces in the court. Whether they are old officials or newly promoted nobles, I must control all of them."

Zhu Han nodded: "This is the way of thinking a crown prince should have. But remember, if you want to firmly control the court, you must first get the emperor's support."

Zhu Biao's eyes sharpened: "Father's support?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Zhu Yuanzhang has always been farsighted. If you can prove that you are decisive enough, he will know it."

A few days later, the court proceeded as usual, and Zhu Biao remained in the Eastern Palace, handling state affairs.

In the past few days, he has been thinking about how to completely solidify his position.

However, despite having made up his mind, he was still unsure whether he could bear the responsibility.

That day, news suddenly came from the palace that Zhu Di, the fourth uncle, had returned from Shuntian Prefecture and the emperor had ordered him to go to the capital to meet the emperor.

Zhu Biao's heart tightened, and he quickly summoned Gu Qingping to discuss countermeasures.

"Zhu Di's return is quite significant," Zhu Biao said in a low voice. "The relationship between Father and Fourth Uncle has become increasingly delicate."

Gu Qingping sat upright to the side, her brows furrowed: "Zhu Di's return from Shuntian Prefecture is probably not solely for the sake of the court. If he is ready to exert his power, the position of Crown Prince will inevitably be in jeopardy."

Zhu Biao's face turned pale, and his heart tightened: "If Zhu Di and my father make any unusual moves, how should we respond?"

Gu Qingping pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Although Father has not revealed it, Fourth Uncle has a huge force behind him, and it will not be easy for him to control the situation. You must take the initiative and state your position as soon as possible."

Zhu Biao pursed his lips and remained silent, a complex light flickering in his eyes: "But he is my father's younger brother, and also my uncle. If I were to take the initiative to oppose him, would it be too hasty?"

Gu Qingping gently shook her head: "You don't need to worry too much, the time has come. Zhu Biao, if you really want to secure your position as crown prince, you can't back down any further."

Zhu Biao slowly stood up, his eyes blazing: "I understand. In that case, I will face the coming storm in my own way."

Four days later, Zhu Biao took the initiative to ask his father, the emperor, to allow him to confront Zhu Di in court.

Although this request surprised many in the palace, it also made those who were secretly observing the Crown Prince's actions widen their eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time before finally nodding: "Since you have made your decision, then go." Zhu Biao felt uneasy, but there was no turning back.

That day, the conversation between Zhu Biao and Zhu Di in the imperial court became the focus of everyone's attention.

Zhu Di, dressed in a black battle robe, walked steadily to the front of the palace.

His counterpart was Zhu Biao, dressed in the crown prince's robes, with sharp eyes; he was no longer the cowardly crown prince of the past.

Their eyes met, and an unspoken sense of oppression seemed to fill the air.

"Your Highness, it's been a long time." Zhu Di bowed slightly, his voice gentle, but a deep look flashed in his eyes.

Zhu Biao stared back defiantly, saying, "Fourth Uncle, everything in the palace is as usual. We must get to the bottom of what we discussed today."

Zhu Di smiled slightly and said gently, "Your Highness, there is no need to be so nervous. Your Fourth Uncle has come today to pay homage to the Emperor. How can he argue with Your Highness?"

"As you know, Father is getting old, and the situation inside and outside the court is turbulent. We need to have a clearer stance on many things."

Zhu Biao spoke, his tone no longer weak as before, but resolute.

A strange light flashed in Zhu Di's eyes, but he quickly returned to normal: "What the Crown Prince says is very true. In that case, Fourth Uncle will follow the Crown Prince's instructions."

Zhu Biao's eyes darkened, and he thought to himself, "If you don't act, I will." He suppressed his anger, took a deep breath, and continued, "Father has gradually handed over power to me, and I will handle matters of state personally. If Fourth Uncle has any opinions, please feel free to offer them."

Zhu Di smiled slightly, his eyes still filled with uncertainty: "The Crown Prince is indeed ready to succeed to the throne. Your fourth uncle admires him."

Before the words were even finished, the conversation between Zhu Biao and Zhu Di had reached a stalemate, and the atmosphere in the court became tense.

As early autumn dawned, the imperial city was just beginning to brighten, and the north wind swirled up a few fallen leaves.

The nine-tiered palace appeared exceptionally solemn in the cool morning light.

Zhu Han stepped into the palace amidst the autumn frost, his eyes no longer as indifferent as when he first arrived, but instead revealing a growing insight.

He did not accompany the Crown Prince to court today, but instead came alone to an inconspicuous side hall.

However, this is precisely the crucial point where the plan unfolds.

Several civil and military officials with different expressions have gathered here. It seems that the changes last night caught everyone off guard, and they have been summoned one after another.

Zhu Han stood under a lamp high up, his shadow stretched long by the candlelight.

He turned around, his voice not loud, but enough to make everyone in the hall stand in solemn silence.

"My brother is in power, and my son is the emperor. I have summoned you all today to make you understand that after the unification of the Ming Dynasty, it is not only about military strength, but also about the art of governance."

He looked around at the crowd, and a secretary from the Ministry of Rites bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Your Highness has spoken frankly, and I will take this as a warning."

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "In yesterday's battle at the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince was able to both consolidate power and demonstrate decisiveness. From now on, the court will act according to the rules; those with affection may be spared, but those without righteousness will not be tolerated. If you still cling to old habits and are obsessed with power, even if you hold important positions, you will only be a laughing stock."

Everyone lowered their heads and remained silent; the atmosphere was oppressive and filled with pressure.

Zhu Han continued, "Do you all know that although Zhu Di is a prince, he is very discreet? But if anyone dares to secretly communicate with the Shuntian Prefecture now, they will be dealt with immediately. Those descendants who have made outstanding contributions can be promoted; those who violate this rule will be punished according to the law, regardless of their status."

The hall fell silent instantly. Zhu Han's voice, though not loud, was like a mountain crashing down, shaking everyone's hearts.

Those who were named turned pale, knowing that if they didn't behave today, it might sow the seeds of future trouble.

He scanned the room, finally fixing his gaze on a deputy councilor who was imprisoned: "Whom did you speak with, and what instructions were given behind your actions?"

The man's eyes trembled, and his face was pale: "I have no other reason than... I was just following the orders of my cronies and never realized that I would end up like this."

"According to your cronies?" Zhu Han sneered. "When you get back, you'll know the true meaning of the words 'clique' and 'followers'."

After saying this, he turned and walked towards the door, his voice echoing in the corridor: "From today onwards, the Crown Prince will be able to govern the country, but those below him must also purify their minds and bodies. Otherwise, whether you are winter wheat or summer rice, you will be struck down by the autumn frost."

As everyone watched him leave, a tightness gripped their chests, yet they couldn't help but reflect: if the rules weren't reformed, though he might survive today, it would be difficult to guarantee his longevity.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao and Gu Qingping sat at a low table, the candlelight flickering as they recorded the changes in the court.

Zhu Biao's eyebrows were dark, and a mixture of excitement and worry flashed in his eyes.

“The Imperial Uncle has already made his move,” Zhu Biao said softly. “Although he hasn’t shown his true colors, he has already brought the Eastern and Western regions under his control. Now that the court is in turmoil, what follows will surely be even deeper waves.”

Gu Qingping placed the teacup on the table and sighed softly: "Look, many of your close friends in the palace are wavering and hesitant at this moment. If you can take advantage of this situation to raise the righteous proposal again, you will surely be able to maintain your prestige. But do not be impatient for quick success, otherwise you will only attract more undercurrents."

Zhu Biao raised his eyes, his gaze firm: "I know the rhythm. I must show them my decisiveness, and I must also show my father my resilience. Only when both aspects are just right can the ground I stand on be as solid as a rock."

Seeing his resolute expression, Gu Qingping chuckled and said, "My Crown Prince, it's true that fortunes change every thirty years."

Zhu Biao looked at her tenderly and reached out to hold her delicate hand: "Qingping, having you by my side is my greatest source of strength."

At dawn the next day, Zhu Han entered the court with a memorial in hand, as the first rays of sunlight began to appear on the horizon.

Court officials had already entered in twos and threes, their expressions ranging from calm to apprehensive.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the main hall, his majesty imposing and unassailable.

"The memorial already submitted to the court may be proclaimed today."

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke in a calm voice, scanning the assembled officials: "You are all sober. If you still have any objections, you may raise them now."

The ministers looked at each other, but none dared to voice any objection.

Zhu Han walked to the side of the palace gate and quietly gestured to Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao slowly rose and entered the main hall. He was dressed in the purple robes of a crown prince and looked radiant, which made all the court officials feel solemn.

Zhu Biao spoke softly: “Father, there are no small matters in the country. Although Zhu Di has returned to the capital, his army’s morale is not yet settled. If we continue to exercise our old power, even with the law, it will not be enough to subdue him. I request that the ten troops under the jurisdiction of Yingtian and Pingyang be transferred to the central government to maintain order and demonstrate the central government’s intentions.”

The palace was greatly shaken: the two states controlled the troops, and without sufficient reason, even if it alarmed the morale of the army, it might be too drastic.

Many ministers moved closer to the vase, their faces filled with doubt.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained motionless, his gaze shifting to Zhu Han. Zhu Han nodded slightly, indicating that it was true.

Zhu Biao continued, "I have discussed with the Imperial Uncle, Qingping, and the Ministry of Rites and other departments that if the central government takes the lead in command, the morale of the army will naturally be stable. As long as the scope of troop control is appropriate, it is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of vigilance."

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at him for a long time before finally nodding slowly: "This proposal has been carefully considered. If anyone in the court has any objections, they may submit a report later. For now, this area will be a key focus of the deployment, and will be under the jurisdiction of the Crown Prince's Office."

One sentence jolted everyone back to their senses—the Crown Prince's Court held supreme command of the military, and local control over troops was not just empty talk, but a real form of regulation. Was it to stabilize morale within the army? Or was it a covert exercise of power? (End of Chapter)