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

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze sharpened, his face expressionless, and he slowly asked, "Does anyone second this proposal?"

The courtiers fell silent for a moment, but soon, Vice Minister Wang and Attendant Cao stepped forward and clasped their hands in agreement.

Immediately afterwards, the Minister of Rites and the Right Vice Minister of War also seconded the motion.

The emperor's gaze swept around, and after a moment he said softly, "Granted."

But this accuracy was like a thunderclap.

It was common knowledge throughout the court that the Crown Prince had begun to personally take charge of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, taking over the most difficult aspect of governance—the foundation of government affairs and the basis of finances.

Upon hearing the news, Luo Wenjin remained secluded at home for three days.

Some laughed at his avoidance of the limelight, others called him mature beyond his years. Only Zhu Han, listening quietly to the reports in his residence, uttered a single, understated remark:
"He's not avoiding the front line; he's thinking about his next move."

Shen Yan asked, "Then do we need—?"

"No." Zhu Han raised his hand to stop him, his tone unhurried. "Let him take a step. People always say that old foxes are good at hiding, but they forget that with the heavy snow coming, even the deepest fox will have to show its face to hunt for food."

At this time, Luo Wenjin was indeed making secret orders.

One of his subordinates, a minor official named Zhou Guan, was originally unknown but was suddenly appointed as the "Deputy Commissioner of the Lunan Granary Office." Nominally, he was assisting the Crown Prince in his special administration, but in reality, he was a protégé planted by Luo Wenjin.

Zhou Guan is skilled in literature and literature and adept at concealing traces. His mission in southern Shandong is only one: to burn all the evidence, sow discord, and lead the investigation into a quagmire.

This man was fifty years old, dressed in rough clothes with disheveled hair, but his eyes were sharp as knives. Upon seeing Zhou Guan, he smiled and said:

“Vice Envoy Zhou, the warehouse accounts have been sorted out and the evidence has been locked up. Prince Zhu has ordered that if you find out the truth within three days, he will personally write a letter of commendation; if you do not understand the matter, after four days, you will all be sent to the imperial prison to be investigated by the Ministry of Personnel.”

Zhou Guan's face was pale. Just as he was about to speak, he saw a row of cold-armored soldiers standing outside the tent behind him.

The wind blew through the warehouse doors, and rows of seals rustled in the wind, like silent accusations.

That night, Luo Wenjin received a secret report and sat there in a daze.

The night wind outside the window was like a surging tide, and he suddenly smiled.

"Zhu Han, you're pushing me too hard."

But as the laughter subsided, his expression grew cold, and a slight curve appeared at the corner of his lips, like the first glimpse of a blade.

"If I don't turn the tide, I don't deserve to have lived in this court for thirty years."

He picked up his pen and wrote a secret letter.

He sent it to Huizhou, sending another hidden weapon he had kept dormant for ten years—"It's time for you to emerge from seclusion."

The following morning, the "Law and Justice Bureau" set up its office in the west wing of the East Palace, with three officials appointed as chief administrators:
Cao Tingyu (Assistant Manager)

Zhang Yun (former Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, aged 35, known for his integrity and uprightness)

Li Zhen (a clerk in the Ministry of Justice, well-versed in law and regulations, nicknamed "Iron Pen")
For its first case, the Department of Justice chose the "Shengde Wrongful Imprisonment" from two years prior.

The case file records that a grain merchant in Chengde Prefecture was accused of hoarding military grain and bribing the guards of the granary. As a result, three families were ruined and people died. The main culprit "committed suicide." The case was closed without trial.

The documents were brief, yet riddled with doubts.

After reading it, Zhang Yun whispered to Zhu Biao, "This case was decided too hastily. The evidence was only two pages long, the confession was not verified, and it was closed with just 'suicide.' This is the Ministry of Justice trying to avoid responsibility and making a perfunctory judgment."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Investigate. You will personally escort Chengde, with Cao Tingyu as the escort, and they must return within ten days."

Zhang Yun left with the scroll, followed by Cao Tingyu. Zhu Biao stood under the eaves, his gaze distant.

Gu Qingping asked him, "Do you really want to change the rhythm?"

Zhu Biao slowly began to speak: "My imperial uncle once said: If the court is like a boat, then the laws are the water beneath it. If the water is not clear, the boat will veer off course."

“I have already intervened in political affairs, military power, and the canal system, but if I dare not break the law, I will eventually be countered by the law.”

Gu Qingping gazed at him and said softly, "You know, if you make a wrong move, it won't clear your name, but it will open the door to disaster."

“I know.” Zhu Biao looked into the distance. “Therefore, I must not back down an inch.”

Meanwhile, in another secret room, Zhu Maoyang, a former subordinate of Luo Wenjin and a senior official in the Ministry of Personnel, was having a private conversation with someone.

The man was wearing a long robe and had an ordinary face, but his eyes were cold.

Zhu Maoyang asked in a low voice, "Are you really going to touch the people from the 'Law Purification Division'?"

The man nodded: "It's better to target the assistant than the deputy. Zhang Yun may be tough, but he's an open weapon, easy to dodge. That Li Zhen, however, is incorruptible. If we let him dig up the case from three years ago, all our men will have to 'confess'."

"So... kill him."

Zhu Maoyang gasped, "Are you crazy? Killing an official from the Ministry of Justice? Everyone in the capital is watching, how can you cover this up?"

The man smiled and took out a piece of yellow paper: "This is a transfer document from the Dali Temple. Li Zhen will go to Shuntian Prefecture tomorrow afternoon to retrieve the documents. On the way, he will need to go to the South Market Treasury alone to retrieve three volumes of documents."

"...All we need to do is arrange for him to 'encounter bandits on the road'."

However, they didn't expect it.

That night, Li Zhen received a letter personally delivered by Zhu Han.

The seal contained only three words: "Beware of the fox."

Li Zhen opened it and frowned deeply.

The next day, he went into the warehouse to retrieve the scrolls as usual, but secretly changed his itinerary. He was accompanied by two imperial guards and a separate empty carriage took the original route.

As expected, the empty carriage was attacked at the southeast alley entrance at dusk. The coachman was shot with an arrow, and the files were burned—but there was no one inside the carriage.

Li Zhen has arrived safely at the residence.

When the news reached Zhu Han, he simply said, "As expected, they want to kill him."

Shen Yan asked, "What's the next step?"

Zhu Han whispered, "Let them think that killing Li Zhen will put the case on hold. Next... we need to let them know that this case isn't handled by people, but by 'paper'."

"We must let the case files speak for themselves."

Three days later, Zhang Yun returned to Beijing, bringing back new evidence in the Chengde case.

The evidence included everything from the unsealed autopsy of the main culprit, unusual ground markings, false confessions, missing witnesses, and altered accounts in the official granary.

Even more astonishing is that the main culprit "did not die."

The person who supposedly "hanged himself" was actually a vagrant in disguise. The real culprit had already been "secretly detained," with the granary officials strictly controlling his confession, all to clear his superiors' names.

The case caused an uproar in the imperial court.

Zhu Biao immediately submitted a memorial requesting an imperial decree to retry the case and to have the Censorate impeach the Ministry of Justice for its inadequate handling of the case, the Shuntian Prefecture for failing to handle the case, and the Censorate for its negligence.

All three officials were shocked.

After reading the memorial, Zhu Yuanzhang simply chuckled and said, "This kid really dares to make a move."

But he did not stop it.

Because Zhu Han had already secretly submitted a memorial containing only one sentence:

"The Crown Prince's responsibility is not to seek justice for the people, but to wield the pen of law—so that the pen of law will no longer be held hostage by people."

"Your subject guarantees that Zhu Biao is selfless."

Zhu Yuanzhang put down the memorial and looked out the window: "Then let him write it."

When Luo Wenjin received the news, he collapsed at his desk.

Zhu Maoyang asked blankly, "What should we do?"

Luo Wenjin's voice was hoarse: "I didn't expect... they had already set up a 'trap within a trap' in front of the table."

“This is no longer just investigating old cases... this is trying to skin us alive from the 'law'.”

That night, Zhu Biao stood in the courtyard of the Legal Affairs Bureau, looking at the brightly lit windows and the mountains of scrolls of paper piled up inside. He suddenly asked Gu Qingping, "Do you know how many wronged souls are hidden within these legal scrolls?"

Gu Qingping answered softly, "Countless."

"Then do you know... how many lives I'm going to take this time when I unleash this power?"

"They are countless."

Zhu Biao slowly closed his eyes, his voice low and cold as the wind: "Then let them know—the law is not a slave to power."

Zhu Han was sitting alone in the study of the Prince's Mansion. Outside the window, the shadows of locust trees swayed, and a clear moonlight fell on the lacquered wooden desk, scattering a silvery glow on the ground.

A series of light footsteps came from outside the door, unhurried yet very measured.

"Come in," Zhu Han said calmly, putting down his book.

The door opened, and stepped in Huang Qi, his most trusted confidant, dressed in a plain blue robe, his brows revealing a capable air.

"Your Highness, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent someone to invite you to the Yongxiang Palace to watch the horses."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow, a smile appearing at the corner of his eye: "He certainly has plenty of free time."

Despite saying that, he still got up to change his robes and said, "Well, I've been really bored these past few days, so it's good to take a trip."

Huang Qi said in a low voice, "The prince has recently signed in at two places, but he has not yet seen the newly planted peonies in the West Garden and the fine brocade presented as tribute by the Suzhou weaving workshop."

Zhu Han glanced at him: "Peony will always bloom, and fine brocade will never fly away. If the Crown Prince takes the initiative to invite you, it is not impolite."

Half an hour later, at Yongxiang Horse Ranch.

Sunlight fell on the vast grassland, and a row of swift warhorses galloped within the enclosure.

Zhu Biao had changed into casual clothes, and his face showed the youthful spirit unique to young people.

"Uncle!" Zhu Biao hurried over and took Zhu Han's arm. "Today we acquired a Ferghana horse from the Western Regions. It's fiery red like the sunset and has been tamed to a certain temperament, just right for someone as active as you to ride!"

Zhu Han looked at him with a half-smile: "You certainly know how to use tricks to coax me to come and ride the horses with you."

Zhu Biao chuckled and whispered in his ear, "Actually, I really have something to say."

"Oh? Tell me."

The two strolled along the edge of the enclosure, keeping a safe distance from the guards and attendants.

Zhu Biao lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before saying, "Uncle, do you still remember Zhang Yuan from Jiangnan who came to the capital? He was the craftsman who was skilled at painting figures."

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "I remember, he presented a painting called 'Emperor Taizong's Expedition' to the emperor, which was quite praised by Father."

Zhu Biao lowered his voice: "He recently painted a new work called 'Watching Shadows Under the Moon,' and the person in the painting... looks very much like the Crown Princess."

Zhu Han's expression changed slightly, and he narrowed his eyes: "How did you know?"

“Last night he was invited to a banquet by the Minister of Rites. After getting drunk, he revealed this painting. Fortunately, Liu Gong stopped him in time, otherwise…” Zhu Biao’s voice tightened.

Zhu Han stopped, his gaze turning colder: "How dare a despicable person like Zhang Yuan harbor such treacherous intentions?"

Zhu Biao gritted his teeth: "I have already had him imprisoned in the side courtyard of the east wing, and I dare not make a sound. If Father Emperor finds out... I'm afraid the Crown Princess will also be implicated."

“She was unaware of it.” Zhu Han’s tone was firm. “Qingping has always been dignified; this kind of thing has nothing to do with her.”

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han with a complicated expression: "I know that the Imperial Uncle... values ​​her in other ways."

"Nonsense." Zhu Han turned and stared at him. "She is your wife. How can I feel at ease if you don't protect her? If you have doubts, how can I entrust the Ming Dynasty to you in the future?"

Zhu Biao paused for a moment, then lowered his head and murmured, "I didn't doubt her, I was just afraid... afraid that if this continued, someone would use it as an excuse to make trouble."

“Of course, there are people waiting for you to make a mistake,” Zhu Han sneered, “but that depends on how you deal with it.”

Zhu Biao frowned, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: "Uncle, it's not that I don't understand these principles, it's just... it's just that once you enter this deep palace, there are quagmires everywhere and traps at every step. I ask myself to be cautious, but I am still uneasy."

Zhu Han patted him on the shoulder, his tone softening: "Biao'er, it's a good thing that you have a kind heart. But the position of Crown Prince cannot be secured by kindness alone. You must learn to observe people with a cold eye and make decisive judgments."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath: "Uncle, what should I do with that painting?"

"Destroyed." Zhu Han answered decisively, "Destroyed completely, leaving not a trace of ashes."

Zhu Biao nodded.

Zhu Han turned to look at the hunting grounds in the distance: "Keeping Zhang Yuan alive is of no use. Although he is highly skilled, he does not know how to behave properly. Keeping him around will only bring trouble."

"But he was recommended by the Ministry of Rites, and now even Father Emperor knows of his reputation..."

Zhu Han said calmly, "Then let him die from 'carelessness'."

Zhu Biao looked at him for a long time, a bitter look appearing in his eyes, but finally nodded: "I understand."

After a moment of silence, Zhu Biao suddenly said softly, "Uncle, if one day I really make a mistake, will you... still protect me like this?"

Zhu Han turned to look at him, his expression more solemn than ever before: "If you are wrong, I will be the first to break your legs. But if you are not wrong, whoever forces you to bow your head, I will make them kneel for a long time."

Zhu Biao was stunned, then chuckled softly after a long while.

"Uncle, the luckiest thing in my life is having you."

Zhu Han remained silent, only gazing at the dust and grime of horses' hooves flying in the distance under the blazing sun, his eyes slightly narrowed.

As night fell, the fragrance of plum blossoms wafted through the air in the backyard of the Prince's Mansion.

Gu Qingping stood alone under the corridor, draped in a plain white gauze dress, her slender figure as graceful as an orchid, her silence as beautiful as a painting.

Zhu Han walked slowly over and stopped behind her.

"Your Highness did not return to the Eastern Palace today; is he still in the Cabinet discussing matters?" Gu Qingping asked, her voice soft yet composed.

“Yes.” Zhu Han stood beside her. “He has something on his mind.”

Gu Qingping turned to look at him, her eyes clear: "Is it because of Zhang Yuan?"

Zhu Han's brow twitched: "You knew?"

Gu Qingping smiled calmly: "Although the Crown Prince did not speak, his emotions were hard to hide. Besides, the matter of Zhang Yuan painting my portrait is not a secret. I heard some rumors from the palace maids."

Zhu Han narrowed his eyes: "Aren't you angry?"

Gu Qingping said calmly, “What angers me is not that he painted me, but that he dared to pass the painting on behind my back. If he had come directly to ask for the portrait, I could have respected his skill, but now I only feel disgusted by it.”

Zhu Han looked at her for a long time before saying, "You really are... calmer than your husband."

Gu Qingping smiled slightly, but did not reply.

Zhu Han suddenly asked, "Do you hate me in your heart?"

Gu Qingping paused for a moment, then gently shook her head.

“I used to hate you,” she whispered, “I hated your words back then, ‘This woman is not fit for the harem, she is better suited to be paired with the Crown Prince.’”

"But you don't hate me anymore?" Zhu Han's voice was low.

“Yes,” she said softly, “because the Crown Prince is the one in this world who needs my company the most. And you are the loneliest guardian of the lamp in this world.”

Zhu Han was stunned.

After a moment, he smiled gently, as if he had seen it all: "In the end, you see things more clearly than I do."

Outside the Qianqing Palace, the faint sound of guards' iron boots changing shifts could be heard, but it failed to break Zhu Han's deep thoughts at his desk.

He did not return to the Prince's residence, but instead rested in the study of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao had already fallen into a deep sleep. Gu Qingping was not there, and only the lamplight kept him company through the night.

On the table lay a newly made map of the capital city—not a military map, but a map of residential areas and households, marked in great detail, even noting which household had opened a workshop or where a new teahouse had been added. (End of Chapter)