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

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, withdrew his gaze from the candlelight, raised his eyebrows slightly, but did not reveal his sharpness.

The palace maids walked quickly with their heads down, none of them daring to utter a word. Today, an imperial edict was issued from the palace, demoting two old women who had served Crown Princess Gu Qingping for many years to the Cold Palace for "rude speech and hidden disrespect."

When Zhu Biao received the news, he was copying classics in the Chongwen Hall. His pen paused, and ink dripped onto the bamboo slips, spreading out in circles of black ink.

He remained silent and turned to look at Zhu Han standing beside him.

"Uncle, is this Father's intention?" He asked calmly, but a storm was brewing in his eyes.

Zhu Han did not answer immediately. Instead, he sat down, took a sip of tea, and said calmly, "No, it is the Empress's intention."

"Empress Dowager?" Zhu Biao frowned. "Qingping has always treated her with utmost respect and has never overstepped her bounds. Why would she suddenly target those around her?"

Zhu Han nodded: "You think that only the two of us can understand this situation? You're wrong. The Empress has lived in seclusion for many years, how could she not know the general trend of the world? You have recently taken power one after another, making decisions on military and political affairs, and establishing new laws and regulations. Although your mother has no grudges, the old officials and palace eunuchs behind her may not all be truly convinced."

Zhu Biao clenched his fist and said slowly, "Did I do something wrong?"

Zhu Han chuckled: "You did the right thing, but you did it too quickly."

He put down his teacup, his tone turning serious: "The Empress's move is neither for Qingping nor for you. She is testing you."

Zhu Biao was stunned: "Testing me?"

“No.” Zhu Han shook his head. “It’s a test for Father. Your mother wants to know whether, in this wave of your rising popularity, your elder brother intends to fully support you or remain wary.”

Zhu Biao sat down, his expression complex.

"But this attempt hurt Qingping," he said slowly.

Zhu Han pondered for a moment before finally saying, "So... what you need to do is let her see that even if you gain power and rule the country, you will still not overstep the bounds of propriety or violate etiquette, and you will still respect your elders and care for your relatives. You need to take this opportunity to tell her that you are the Crown Prince, a son, and also a husband."

Zhu Biao's expression shifted, and he suddenly stood up: "I need to go to the Empress's Palace."

Zhu Han nodded: "Go. But remember, do not be angry, do not mock, and do not argue."

Inside the central palace, the light was gentle, and incense smoke billowed from the burner.

Empress Ma sat upright in the center, with Gu Qingping standing in front of her. Her posture was serene, but a hint of stubbornness was hidden in her eyes.

"Your Majesty, I am unaware of where I have acted improperly. I humbly request Your Majesty's instruction." Gu Qingping's voice was neither loud nor arrogant.

Empress Ma slowly raised her head, her gaze falling on her face. After a long while, she said calmly, "You have been taught etiquette since childhood, and you have been even more disciplined after entering the Eastern Palace. I have never blamed you."

"Then why were the nannies dismissed?" Gu Qingping lowered her head. "They have taken care of my daughter-in-law for many years with unwavering loyalty."

Empress Ma did not answer, but said calmly, "You are the Crown Princess, the wife of the Crown Prince. You will be the mother of the nation in the future. If you cannot even protect a few palace maids, how will you protect the nation in the future?"

Gu Qingping's eyes widened, and she raised her head, about to reply, when she suddenly heard the sound of the palace gates opening, and a familiar figure quickly stepped inside.

"Your Majesty, I am late."

Zhu Biao entered the hall and, without beating around the bush, stepped forward and bowed: "I heard that the Crown Princess's former servants have been demoted, and I am deeply worried. I have come to apologize."

Empress Ma showed neither anger nor joy, only saying softly, "Are you afraid?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, his voice calm and firm: "It's not fear, it's regret. I regret their loyalty over the years, and I also regret that Mother Empress set the rules for the harem. But I regret even more—that Mother Empress may have misunderstood me."

He paused, then looked at Empress Ma: "Your Majesty, I have been busy with state affairs lately and have not been able to come and pay my respects as often as I should. But I remember Your Majesty's kindness every day. If I have done anything wrong, please forgive me."

After hearing this, Empress Ma remained silent for a moment before rising and walking to Zhu Biao. She gently stroked his forehead and said, "Biao'er has grown up. His eyes have become sharp and he has a sense of responsibility. I'm not blaming you, but just reminding you that it's easy to be the Crown Prince, but it's not easy to be the husband of the Crown Princess."

She turned to look at Gu Qingping and said softly, "If you two can protect each other, it will be a blessing for the palace. Since I ordered the palace servants to leave, I can also order them to return."

Gu Qingping quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your grace, Mother."

Zhu Biao also bowed deeply: "Your subject will remember Your Majesty's teachings."

There was a moment of silence among the three of them.

The wind outside the palace subsided, and the curtains stopped fluttering, as if the subtle turmoil within the palace had temporarily ceased.

Zhu Han had already returned to his residence, and the lamp in front of his desk was still lit.

He flipped through an old history book, his fingertips tracing the faint golden "Check-in" notification. The system hadn't displayed any new rewards, but he knew in his heart that today's situation required seizing opportunities amidst challenges, and understanding the true nature of the situation.

Soon, a personal guard rushed in and whispered, "Your Highness, Young Master Zhu Di has come to visit."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow and closed the book: "This kid is quite composed."

"Invite him in."

Before long, Zhu Di entered the hall, wearing a dark blue brocade robe, with a long sword at his waist. His eyebrows were sharp, and he had the air of a young and promising ruler.

Upon seeing Zhu Han, he cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "Uncle, I'm late and have disturbed your rest."

"Between you and me, is there any need for such formalities?" Zhu Han smiled and offered him a seat, personally pouring tea.

Zhu Di did not sit down, but stood in front of the table and suddenly said, "Today the Crown Prince mobilized military power in the court, and the Empress Dowager in the palace also gave instructions. The whole court knows that Zhu Biao has already set up a trap."

Zhu Han stared at him without saying a word.

Zhu Di continued: "I am not jealous. I know the Crown Prince is benevolent and virtuous, and I also know the Emperor's heart. But I always feel that from today onwards, the Ming Dynasty will no longer be ruled by one person, but by three."

Zhu Han asked softly, "Three points?"

Zhu Di's eyes shone brightly: "Father Emperor wields authority, Crown Prince governs, and Imperial Uncle is in charge of planning."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent. Zhu Han slowly rose, walked to the window, and watched the maple leaves fluttering in the wind.

"Since you see things so clearly, how will you conduct yourself in the future?"

Zhu Di smiled and said, "I will do what I should do. If the Imperial Uncle and the Crown Prince are truly of one mind in the future, I am willing to assist them; if the situation changes again in the future, I will not fail the will of Heaven."

Zhu Han turned around and suddenly smiled: "If you really have such ambitions, the future of the Ming Dynasty will not necessarily depend solely on me and Biao'er."

He walked to Zhu Di's side and patted him on the shoulder: "You are a smart man. But remember—smart doesn't equal safe. If this chessboard moves in the future, you need to be on the board, not... on the sidelines."

Zhu Di cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his gaze steady: "Nephew understands."

A light rain fell in the capital at night, a drizzle that hadn't yet fallen in early winter.

The eaves of houses in the city hung low, people kept their doors closed, and the streets and alleys were shrouded in a dim, misty light.

The lights still shone brightly in the Forbidden City, but the peace of yesterday was gone.

Zhu Han stood on a high platform, holding an oil-paper umbrella, watching the rain lines on the horizon weave diagonally in layers with a blank expression.

Behind him, a trusted aide stood bowing and whispered:

"Your Highness, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has just sent a secret report: a group of former subordinates of the Eastern Depot have been frequently visiting several residences near Zhengyang Gate and Longshou Street recently, seemingly connected with the eunuch Zhang An."

Zhu Han turned his head, his tone calm: "Keep an eye on them, but don't alert them." "Yes."

Zhu Han withdrew his gaze and slowly stepped off the stage.

At the same time, inside the Eastern Palace, Gu Qingping and Zhu Biao were studying the household registration records together.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the slight weariness between her brows.

Zhu Biao closed the booklet, turned to look at her, and said, "If you're tired, then take a rest."

Gu Qingping shook her head, her expression calm: "I'm not tired. It's just... I always feel that the palace has been too quiet lately."

“You noticed it too.” Zhu Biao looked at her and said softly, “My father has rarely summoned me lately, my uncle has deliberately withdrawn for a few days, and the Empress has not sent a single word. This silence is more unsettling than any noise.”

Gu Qingping nodded, pondered for a moment, and suddenly said, "Do you still remember the dispute between those eunuchs in charge when the east wall of Qianqing Palace was being repaired last winter?"

Zhu Biao frowned slightly: "You mean—those people originally belonged to the Empress, but secretly had dealings with the outer court?"

Gu Qingping said, "That's right. I recently discovered by chance in the internal accounts that those eunuchs have been reinstated and are now in charge of several banquet halls. These people are either tacitly approved by the Empress or have other people in charge."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, his eyes growing cold: "I understand. The tranquility in the palace is a facade; the real scheme lies behind the curtain."

He rose, put on his outer robe, and ordered in a deep voice, "Summon Vice Minister Wang and Attendant Cao to the Eastern Palace for a meeting. Also, send someone to inform the Imperial Uncle that I would like to invite him to the Shuyu Tower for a chat tomorrow night."

Gu Qingping said softly, "If there are any rumors about this..."

"Then let them know that I have noticed."

Zhu Biao's gaze was firm. "If I don't show my strength, others will still think that the Crown Prince is still the same Zhu Biao who was respectful and courteous to scholars yesterday."

Shuyu Tower was originally an old garden in the palace, located north of Taiye Pond. It was named "Shuyu" because of its many pearl curtains and high jade railings.

Zhu Han arrived on time the following evening.

He was dressed in a dark gray casual suit, without the gold trim of a prince, and his expression was not arrogant, but rather showed composure.

Zhu Biao was already waiting in the pavilion. He dismissed all the servants, leaving only a cup of tea and a censer of incense.

"Uncle." Zhu Biao stood up and bowed, but Zhu Han waved his hand to stop him: "In this match, there is no need for such formalities between uncle and nephew."

The two sat facing each other. The rain had just stopped and the moonlight slanted through the window, casting a silvery glow on the ground.

"The people from the Eastern Depot have begun to collude with the old palace eunuchs."

Zhu Biao cut to the chase, "You and I both know that although the Eastern Depot is known as the sword of imperial power, it is actually Zhang An taking the opportunity to re-ally with the old palace forces. If the Empress Dowager is aware of this, it is considered tacit approval; if she is unaware, then it is even more terrifying."

Zhu Han listened quietly, and only after Zhu Biao finished speaking did he slowly ask, "What are you planning to do?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then uttered a startling statement: "I plan to set a trap to completely drag the Eastern Depot into the Heavenly Prison."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow: "This is not a matter to be decided in one fell swoop. If the Eastern Depot makes a move, it will inevitably affect the capital and the surrounding areas. If Father does not give his approval, no matter how legitimate your actions are, you will still be charged with 'recklessly defying Heaven's will'."

Zhu Biao said slowly, "That's why I invited my uncle. I'll set up this scheme. If it succeeds, it will cleanse the government and eliminate abuses; if it fails, I'll take full responsibility."

Zhu Han stared at him, his gaze piercing the fire in his eyes like a sword: "You've changed."

"Has it changed?" Zhu Biao chuckled. "I've just finally realized that benevolence cannot defeat wolves, and righteousness cannot bring peace to the country."

Zhu Han remained silent for a long time before suddenly chuckling, "Alright. I'll go with you on this journey."

"But remember—you are the crown prince, you cannot afford to fail."

Zhu Han paused, his expression turning serious. "You can go ahead and do it, but I will check for any mistakes you make at every step. If you move quickly, I will protect your foundation; if you make a mistake, I will turn the tide for you."

Zhu Biao stood up solemnly, cupped his hands in a bow, and said in a deep but firm voice, "I will remember your words, Uncle."

The two looked at each other. A cold wind suddenly rose outside Shuyu Tower, but it couldn't compare to the warmth and coldness of the hearts in this scheme.

Three days later, an unexpected imperial edict was issued before the emperor—

Zhang An, the chief eunuch of the Eastern Depot, was demoted to a commoner and banished from the capital for three major crimes: unauthorized transfer of palace eunuchs, private appointment of palace officials, and concealment of memorials to the emperor.

The Eastern Depot originally had 34 people under its jurisdiction, but 21 of them were dismissed and transferred to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for trial.

The imperial edict caused a stir throughout the court and the country. Everyone inside and outside the capital turned their attention to it, wondering whether it was the emperor's will or the crown prince's usurpation of power.

But what followed was an imperial edict written in his own hand:
"My son Zhu Biao has recently been keenly aware of palace affairs, making appropriate recommendations and handling matters methodically. This time, his reprimand of the eunuchs was in accordance with propriety and regulations, and all ministers should take him as a model."

The courtiers were in uproar, and despite their fear, they had no choice but to submit. Zhu Biao not only established his authority through benevolence but also solidified his position as crown prince with swift and decisive action.

Zhu Han sat by the window, neither holding a teacup nor turning the pages of a book, simply gazing at the faint moonlight outside the palace walls.

Zhu Han, however, remained behind the curtain, silently playing chess.

Light footsteps approached from afar; it was Zhu Biao arriving in person.

“Uncle,” Zhu Biao stood at the door, his voice low, “I can’t sleep tonight.”

Zhu Han didn't turn around, but only asked, "Are you scared?"

Zhu Biao shook his head slightly: "It's not that I'm afraid... it's just that I feel there's no way out in this vast world."

Zhu Han turned his head, his eyes revealing unprecedented relief and solemnity: "Only by saying 'there is no way out' can you truly be the Crown Prince."

He raised his hand and pointed to the golden palace in the distance, his voice like ripples on water:
“Biao’er, from this moment on, the path you walk leads to the top of the dragon throne—you cannot retreat, nor should you retreat. I am behind you; you must pave your own way forward.”

Zhu Biao bowed and replied in a low voice, "Your subject will remember your teachings, Your Majesty."

At this moment, the lights in Zhu Han's mansion were still on, and the study was filled with the fragrance of incense.

He was still wearing a plain robe, sitting on the couch, with the newly delivered secret report on the table in front of him. Upon closer inspection, his brows furrowed slightly.

"The Duke of Wei's mansion has been making frequent contact with former generals from Huguang lately? ...They're getting impatient." He murmured to himself.

A trusted aide said, "Your Highness, should we make arrangements in advance? If we really mobilize the old army, there is a risk that it will shake our military power."

Zhu Han closed the secret report, his expression calm, but his eyes were cold: "Let him move."

"Your Majesty?"

Zhu Han stood up, his hands behind his back: "The destruction of the Eastern Depot, though my brother didn't say anything, he actually knew all along. That imperial decree, seemingly praising the Crown Prince, was actually a warning to others. Zhu Biao winning the first round doesn't mean everything will go smoothly from here on out."

He turned his head and said slowly, "From tonight onwards, keep a close watch on every move of the Duke of Wei's mansion. If anyone secretly gathers old soldiers or mobilizes provisions and weapons, report it immediately—do not alarm the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and do not let the Crown Prince know."

"My subordinate understands!"

Zhu Han gazed out the window at the deep night, his eyes filled with a profound look.

"Zhu Biao's hands are too clean; he's not suited for this kind of thing." (End of Chapter)