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

She took a few steps closer and lowered her voice: "Your Highness, you handled Lu Jian's case well. But he didn't stop there. Guess who in the palace was the first to submit a memorial after his downfall?"

Zhu Han's eyes flashed: "Who?"

"Wei Hong, Minister of War."

Zhu Han frowned: "Lu Jian and he have never gotten along."

Gu Qingping nodded: "But what he wrote was a request to investigate Lu Jian's cronies in order to clean up the bureaucracy. Have you ever thought about who is most afraid of Lu Jian's downfall?"

“Naturally, it refers to those who were once affiliated with him.”

"But what if these people have already switched allegiance to Wei Hong? Think about it, if all of Lu Jian's old subordinates are brought under Wei Hong's control, and the latter then uses the pretext of 'purging' to cleanse those who have not yet submitted, wouldn't that make the situation more stable?"

Zhu Han pondered: "He wants to take advantage of the situation."

"And he's using your influence to clear the way for himself."

Zhu Han nodded: "This man is quite cunning. It seems we need to find another way to break through."

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up and said, "Gu, how is the Crown Prince at the Eastern Palace? Yesterday, during Lu Jian's situation, although you managed to protect yourself, Biao'er's mind wavered, and I didn't have time to ask him in detail."

Gu Qingping said softly, "He felt ashamed and sat alone in the west study after nightfall, not allowing any palace servants to approach him."

Zhu Han frowned: "He can no longer act solely based on personal feelings."

“He will grow,” Gu Qingping said in a gentle yet firm voice, “because he knows that you are there for him.”

Zhu Han remained silent for a moment, then said, "I will go to the inner palace library tomorrow."

Gu Qingping was slightly taken aback: "Check the case files?"

“No,” a cold glint flashed in Zhu Han’s eyes, “go and see the secret records of the Ministry of War’s troop deployment.”

The next morning.

In the Dali Temple dungeon, Zhu Han, dressed in civilian clothes, stood in the shadows. A death row inmate was extremely thin, with dirt still remaining under his fingernails.

"Who is this person?" he asked.

Huang Qi replied, "One of the personal guards raised by Lu Jian's second son was originally a deserter from Jiangnan. He had an identity in the army, but his household registration was forged. He was the leader of a group of private soldiers that Lu Jian mobilized in Jinling. It was found out yesterday that he submits a memorial to Minister Wei every month, and his actions are so cautious that they are almost suspicious."

Zhu Han stared at the man for a long time before saying, "Take him with you. Tonight, seal off the Ministry of War's backyard. I want to question Wei Hong personally."

Huang Qi was shocked: "Your Highness is going to take action against the Minister of War?"

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "Not move, but draw your knife."

“Military power must be cleared to ensure the safety of the heir apparent. Lu Jian is merely a frontline soldier; Wei Hong is the true tiger in the forest.”

Huang Qi responded.

Meanwhile, in the imperial study of the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was lost in thought, gazing at the sky. Beside him stood Zhu Biao, looking weary and still showing signs of fatigue.

"Father..." Zhu Biao said softly, "I will change."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent, only saying, "When your mother gave birth to you, her life was hanging by a thread. I once asked her if she regretted it. She said she would give her life for your safety throughout your life."

"But now you don't even know whether the people around you are friends or foes. How can she rest in peace in heaven?"

Zhu Biao remained silent.

"Gu Qingping's composure and Han Di's decisiveness are both to protect you. But you can't always rely on them."

“You must learn from him—” Zhu Yuanzhang pointed out the window, “Always think three steps ahead, leave only one line when making a move, and give the enemy no room to maneuver.”

"Only then will you be the one truly fit to sit on this dragon throne."

Zhu Biao looked up, tears welling in his eyes, but they didn't fall. He knelt down with his hands clasped, saying, "Your subject... understands."

Night had fallen, but the palace remained brightly lit. Zhu Han stood in the front courtyard of the Prince's residence, gazing at the flickering palace lanterns in the distance, as if he could see the unfolding events from those myriad lights.

"Huang Qi, how is the arrangement of the Ministry of War's rear courtyard?" he asked in a low voice.

Huang Qi bowed his head: "I will do as you command, Your Highness. Although Wei Hong is on guard, most of his forces have been diverted to the Lu Jian case, so it will not be difficult to make a move tonight."

Zhu Han nodded, a sharp glint in his eyes: "He thought that Lu Jian could block my view, but little did he know that he had already set up his own trap on the chessboard."

Seeing this, Huang Qi knew that he had made up his mind, so he said no more and bowed to obey: "I will go and make the arrangements."

Inside the palace, in the Imperial Study.

Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in imperial robes, sat at his desk, head bowed, reading documents. Zhu Biao stood to the side, holding a memorial, his expression complex.

"Father, how is Wei Hong?" Zhu Biao finally couldn't help but ask.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and put down the dossier in his hand: "Wei Hong, Minister of War, wields immense power, but the foundation of his power has long been unstable. If Lu Jian fails to turn the tide this time, Wei Hong will surely consolidate his forces, which will be the opportunity I need."

“But Father…” Zhu Biao frowned, “Wei Hong is, after all, a pillar of our dynasty’s military power. If we really touch him, it may disrupt the overall situation in the court.”

"Disruption? That shows your shallow understanding," Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice. "If Wei Hong is not eliminated, how can the Eastern Palace be secure in the future? His military power can threaten your position at any time."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's expression changed, and the confusion in his eyes was gradually replaced by determination: "Your Majesty's words, I understand."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Since you understand, there's no need to say more. Tomorrow I will discuss this matter with several ministers in the court. Be prepared."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and cupped his hands in greeting: "Your subject will certainly remember this."

The night was as dark as ink. In a secret chamber of the Prince's mansion, Zhu Han and Huang Qi were discussing the details of tonight's operation.

"Your Highness, Wei Hong's confidants have already infiltrated the Ministry of War's rear courtyard with their men, and things could change at any moment." Huang Qi's expression was grave. "If we are to take action, we must do so quickly."

Zhu Han frowned slightly: "We must take action against him tonight. If Wei Hong remains firmly in power, it will probably take much more effort for us to get rid of him in the future."

Huang Qi nodded: "Yes, Your Highness. I have already laid a trap. Once Wei Hong makes a move, we will act immediately."

“Very good.” Zhu Han slowly stood up, a resolute glint in his eyes. “If Wei Hong’s strategy is not broken, the consequences will be endless. Today, he will be the first piece to be sacrificed on the chessboard.”

Outside the palace, in the backyard of the Ministry of War, late at night, the moonlight was like water, and a cold wind blew, stirring the branches of the ancient trees in the courtyard.

A member of the Imperial Guard quietly entered, his figure following closely behind, his expression solemn. He turned and gestured, and several accompanying guards quietly followed, their steps light and nimble.

"Will Lord Wei be going out tonight?" a guard asked in a low voice.

"Probably," the Imperial Guard replied softly. "He's already received several secret letters from Lu Jian's faction, and there's been even more activity tonight. If he really goes out, it must be to keep an appointment, and that will be our chance to make our move." Before he finished speaking, suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from outside the courtyard. The men quickly hid in the shadows of the trees, holding their breath.

"They're here." The Imperial Guard gripped his sword hilt tightly, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's.

Immediately, a steady voice came from afar: "Are you ready?"

“Yes, Lord Wei.” A trusted aide stepped forward and whispered, “Everything will proceed as planned tonight.”

Wei Hong walked out slowly, followed silently by several guards.

He didn't notice the changes around him until a cold wind blew by, at which point he frowned slightly.

Suddenly, several guards surrounded Wei Hong from all sides, instantly trapping him and his entourage in the middle.

“You…” A flash of anger crossed Wei Hong’s eyes, “How dare you…”

"Lord Wei, if we had been any later, it might have been more than just this place." The Imperial Guard sneered, then swung his sword and subdued one of the guards.

Wei Hong glared angrily, then suddenly said in a low voice, "No matter who you are, it's too early for you to think I, Wei Hong, am dead!"

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly turned around, drew his sword from his waist, and lunged at one of the Imperial Guards.

However, before he could fully execute his movements, a slight noise suddenly came from all around. With that sound, a thin thread suddenly flashed, instantly binding Wei Hong's hands, and the blade fell to the ground with a "clink".

"Lord Wei, you have nowhere to retreat tonight." Zhu Han's voice suddenly came from the shadows, his tone cold.

Wei Hong turned his head abruptly, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes: "You are...you are Prince Zhu!"

“Exactly.” Zhu Han walked out slowly, a cold smile on his face. “Wei Hong, you’ve been scheming for years, and today it’s finally your turn.”

Huang Qi followed closely and said coldly, "Wei Hong, you have colluded with foreign enemies and are suspected of plotting to murder the crown prince. You have also colluded with Lu Jian. Today is your last chance. If you know what's good for you, hand over everything obediently."

Wei Hong gritted his teeth and sneered, "What do you want?"

Zhu Han approached step by step, his eyes like knives: "I want the military power you hold; I also want all the collusion you've made behind the scenes."

"If you dare to touch me, you will be ruining your own future!" Wei Hong hissed.

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Touch you? You won't even have a chance to live."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Imperial Guards acted swiftly, binding Wei Hong tightly and taking him back to the secret chamber of the Prince's mansion.

The next day, the political situation in the imperial court was in turmoil, and Zhu Yuanzhang had already heard a detailed report.

“Wei Hong, Minister of War, colluded with Lu Jian to plot to tamper with the imperial court. The secret letter has been delivered. How should this matter be handled?” The ministers stepped forward one after another, all with trepidation and worry.

Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "Since this matter involves so many people, it should be dealt with decisively. Wei Hong and Lu Jian are both traitors. From today onwards, they are stripped of all their posts, exiled to the frontier, and never allowed to have any contact with the court again."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ministers: "All accomplices shall be eliminated."

The ministers all bowed their heads, their hearts filled with complex emotions, but none of them dared to raise any further objections.

Zhu Biao stood to the side, his expression serious, and said in a low voice, "Father, if this matter can be resolved, the Eastern Palace will be secure."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "This matter should have been handled by you personally. Since you have been able to do this, you should be confident."

"Father, I will never let you down," Zhu Biao said firmly.

Zhu Han stood quietly to the side, his eyes gleaming with a profound light.

The morning light in the Eastern Palace carried a chill. As the thin mist gradually dissipated and the sky began to brighten, Zhu Biao sat quietly at his desk, his eyes vacant, seemingly lost in deep thought.

Everything in the palace, which was originally as calm as still water, is now like a lake that has suddenly exploded, with waves rising and falling and difficult to calm down.

Footsteps sounded outside, softly, but they brought him back from his reverie.

He looked up and saw Gu Qingping had already pushed open the door and entered. Her figure was light and graceful, and her plain robes fluttered gently with her steps. There was a hint of fatigue in her eyes.

"Crown Princess," Zhu Biao rose slightly, his voice low, "you've come at the perfect time."

Gu Qingping quietly walked to his side, gently tidied the books on the table, and then looked up at him: "Your Highness, are you aware of the situation on my brother's side?"

Zhu Biao nodded, his tone somewhat complicated: "I've heard about it. The matter of Wei Hong and Lu Jian is of great importance, and the court is in complete chaos."

Gu Qingping smiled slightly, but her tone carried a hint of coldness: "Since things have come to this, Your Highness need not worry too much. If we do not handle things properly, the situation may become even more complicated."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed, and he sighed softly, "You're right. The situation in the court is no longer something I can control with my own efforts. Behind every decision, there are too many people pushing and pulling."

Gu Qingping looked at him and said softly, "Although the Crown Prince is meticulous, he must remember that every face in the palace is a mask. Moreover, not everyone standing beside you is a true ally."

Zhu Biao's gaze was serious. After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Do you think... Wei Hong's downfall can really bring me peace?"

Gu Qingping frowned slightly: "Wei Hong's downfall may temporarily break the current deadlock. But this is not a fundamental solution. The enemy will challenge you in a different way, and you need to be prepared to face it all."

Zhu Biao gripped the scroll tightly in his hand and bowed slightly: "I know. The Emperor has entrusted me with a heavy responsibility. But if these old officials are truly to be eliminated one by one, I fear..."

"What are you afraid of?" Gu Qingping asked softly. "Are you afraid that their power cannot be completely eradicated? Or are you afraid that Father's arrangements will cause you to lose yourself in the storm of power?"

Zhu Biao's eyes flickered, a hint of wavering in them, but he quickly regained his composure: "I cannot let these people destroy what I am trying to protect. I cannot disappoint my father, and I cannot allow the foundation of the Eastern Palace to be shaken."

"It's good that you understand." Gu Qingping smiled slightly. "Remember, the struggle for the throne is not something that can be accomplished in a day, nor can it be changed by a single plan. If you really want to stabilize the Eastern Palace, you must first win the hearts of the officials in the court."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and slowly stood up: "I will go to see my father."

As night fell, the atmosphere inside and outside the palace remained tense.

Ministers from all sides in the palace received instructions that an emergency meeting would be held tomorrow to discuss the final handling of Wei Hong and Lu Jian.

Meanwhile, Zhu Yuanzhang was in his study, having a private conversation with several important ministers. The atmosphere was heavy. Maps and documents were laid out on the table, and his trusted ministers were discussing their next strategy in hushed tones.

“Although Wei Hong has fallen, the matter of military power cannot be ignored. The position of Minister of War must be vacated quickly, otherwise the officials will inevitably have doubts.” Li Shanwen frowned, his tone filled with worry.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his voice low: "Yes, although Wei Hong has been removed, if a new official is not appointed in time, military power will inevitably become the source of turmoil."

"Your Majesty, what should be done with His Highness the Crown Prince?" another minister asked.

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "If the Crown Prince wants to truly secure his position in the Eastern Palace, besides eliminating enemies, the most important thing is to gain the support of everyone. In particular, those who hold military power should not be ignored."

"Father is absolutely right." Zhu Biao entered from outside, his face stern and his words resolute. "Your subject is ready. Tomorrow, we will take action regarding military power." (End of Chapter)