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

He smiled calmly, his gaze passing through the withered vines outside the window, as if he could see through every cold and ruthless edge hidden deep within the palace.

"Your Highness," a guard cautiously stepped forward and whispered, "the Crown Prince and the Princess have come to pay their respects."

Zhu Han turned around and said softly, "Please let them in." He then turned to straighten his clothes and sat upright like a mountain.

Footsteps sounded outside the hall, and Zhu Biao and Gu Qingping entered side by side.

Zhu Biao walked slowly, his expression solemn, yet he managed to force a reassuring smile.

Gu Qingping's clothes fluttered, but worry could not be hidden between her brows.

Zhu Han rose and bowed: "Your Highness, Your Highness, Your Highness, welcome."

Zhu Biao returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his voice trembling slightly: "Your Highness is usually very tired, and I have come today to have a chat. Your Highness's concubine and I have been discussing and would like to ask Your Highness to plan a selection of consorts for the harem in order to stabilize the hearts of the people."

"A selection of concubines for the imperial harem?" Zhu Han raised an eyebrow. "Although this matter concerns the prestige of the palace, it still needs to be decided by the Emperor."

Gu Qingping interjected, "Father has been in seclusion these days, deep in thought. Why don't you let the Prince take the lead, make some arrangements, and submit a detailed list of candidates and the procedures for the ceremony? We can begin after Father approves the proposal."

Zhu Han nodded: "As the Consort said, it will not only reassure the Crown Prince, but also show my prudence." He then gestured to his attendants: "Take the Consort back to the palace. I will draft a plan and submit it within three days."

After the two men left, Zhu Han's gaze deepened, and he sighed softly, "Undercurrents are surging, and the slightest carelessness will leave traces. Although the Crown Prince has been granted a title, he has never experienced any trials and tribulations. Today's selection of candidates is both a touchstone and bait."

The guard stepped forward again to report: "Your Highness, your fourth brother, Zhu Di, went to the North Garden at night and seems to be making strange moves."

A cold glint flashed in Zhu Han's eyes: "It's him again." He ordered in a deep voice: "Summon Huang Qi and arrange for spies to conduct a private investigation. Do not alert him."

As night deepened, Zhu Di sat by candlelight in the study of the Prince's Mansion, holding a map of the Northern Garden in his hand. His expression was forlorn yet still exuded domineering power.

He muttered to himself, "The Crown Prince and my uncle have secretly formed an alliance, and the Emperor is biased towards them. Unless there is a major upheaval, it will be difficult for them to turn the tide."

He heard light footsteps behind him and turned around to see a servant bowing: "Your Highness, there are spies spying in the shadows. We have already placed people to intercept them—both the Eastern Palace and the Prince's residence are being watched."

Zhu Di sneered, "Just what I wanted." He walked to the table, slowly put down the teacup in his hand, and said in a low voice, "Since there are spies, it means that the situation in the world has already revealed itself. If I can really take advantage of the chaos to seize power, no one in the world can stop me."

The attendant asked timidly, "What choice does Your Highness intend to make?"

Zhu Di raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning: "Bear with it for now. We need to create discord between Zhu Han and the Crown Prince, so that Father Emperor thinks there is discord in the Eastern Palace, while the Prince's Mansion appears more stable. In this way, when the time comes, it will be clear at a glance who will be favored and who will lose their position."

As soon as he finished speaking, a slight vibration came from his sleeve—the silver token icon of the system notification appeared: "Help Zhu Di reverse the situation and gain power in the Prince's Palace." But Zhu Di remained silent, a hint of hesitation rising in his eyes.

The following morning, the Forbidden City was shrouded in mist. Outside Zhu Yuanzhang's study, Li Shanwen and the Hongwu Grand Secretary were already standing solemnly in front of the hall, waiting.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood in his court robes, his expression clear and bright, yet he could not hide the turmoil in his heart.

"After the morning court session this day, I wish to hear the Crown Prince's memorial," he said slowly. "The plan for the banquet in the Northern Garden presented by the Prince earlier is quite to my liking, but the selection of concubines still requires His Highness the Crown Prince's personal planning in order to demonstrate the majesty of the imperial family."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face lit up with joy, and he bowed to accept the order: "Your subject understands, and will do his utmost to make arrangements. I respectfully request Your Majesty's approval."

Gu Qingping exchanged a glance with Zhu Han, knowing that this imperial decree was her brother's way of showing favor to the Crown Prince.

Zhu Han felt a warmth in his heart, but remained serious: "Your Highness shall obey the Emperor's decree."

After the morning court session, a lavish banquet was held in the brightly lit palace. Zhu Biao presented the list of candidates for the imperial concubine selection to Gu Qingping, who then gave her instructions in a low voice from the shadows.

Zhu Han secretly observed the list and saw that all the women on it were from prominent families and had dignified appearances. He murmured, "These are all ordinary people, but could we also include women from commoner families to show the Crown Prince's benevolence?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingping's heart stirred: "This matter should be carefully considered, and we must not rush into things and lose sight of the bigger picture."

Zhu Han focused his mind, took out a jade slip from his desk, flicked it lightly, and a silver light flowed, indicating the task: "Use the selection of concubines to strengthen the marriage alliance between the Crown Prince and prestigious families." He smiled slightly and secretly memorized it.

That night, Zhu Han and Gu Qingping strolled in the garden, bathed in the soft moonlight.

Zhu Han asked in a low voice, "What is the Consort's opinion? Has the Crown Prince's mind settled?"

Gu Qingping played the zither softly and sighed, "Although Your Highness appears resolute, you secretly fear that the power to select candidates may fall into other hands. If Your Highness only says you will assist, you may not be able to provide substantial support."

Zhu Han nodded: "This matter requires me and the Consort to conspire in secret, so as to show the Crown Prince that we have long-term support. When noble families come to the capital, we should invite the Consort and me to a banquet to show the grandeur of the Eastern Palace, which will surely stabilize people's hearts."

Gu Qingping smiled and said, "Your Highness has indeed put a lot of thought into this."

Zhu Han smiled and raised his eyebrows: "We should do our best for the Crown Prince. As indicated by the Silver Token System, in addition to assisting the two of them, we also need to guard against others coveting his position."

Meanwhile, Zhu Di was having a private meeting with guests from Qiaogu in Beiyuan. During the banquet, someone suddenly reported: "Zhu Han is secretly contacting powerful families from all directions. The power of the Crown Prince is growing stronger every day. Your Highness's actions may be detrimental to the Prince's Mansion."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di put down his wine cup, his eyes suddenly changing: "Immediately regain the initiative. Tomorrow, a grand gathering will be held in Beiyuan, inviting the noble families of the Eastern Palace and the Prince's Mansion to sit together, so that all the heroes can assess their own strength and test their abilities."

As the autumn sun gradually warms, the imperial city remains as desolate as ever.

The banquet at Beiyuan Garden had not yet begun, but the atmosphere in the court had already subtly shifted. The Censorate had been frequently visited recently, and the number of imperial guards being redeployed was unusual, indicating an undercurrent of unrest.

On the surface, both the Crown Prince's residence and the Prince's residence appeared calm and peaceful, as if everything was proceeding in an orderly manner in preparation for the grand event at Beiyuan.

Zhu Han sat in a side hall of the Prince's mansion, his gaze calm, but he slowly pushed a carved jade chess piece in his hand.

Huang Qi stood to one side and whispered, "Your Highness, the people from the Eastern Palace have been frequently going in and out of the Ministry of Rites these past few days, as if they are trying to mobilize the officials of the Ministry of Rites in order to arrange a performance by the person in charge of the Eastern Palace during the grand banquet in the Northern Garden."

"Hmm." Zhu Han tapped the chessboard lightly with his fingertip. "The Crown Prince has finally made his move."

Huang Qi asked in confusion, "Why didn't Your Highness stop it?"

Zhu Han smiled, his expression distant: "Why should we stop him? This grand event is the perfect opportunity for him to test his skills. Everyone says that the Crown Prince has benevolence but lacks the ability to handle things. If he can use this opportunity at Beiyuan to unite the aristocratic families and showcase his talents, it might not be a bad idea."

Huang Qi asked in a low voice, "If the Crown Prince truly gains power because of this, then what about the Fourth Prince Zhu Di...?"

A cold glint flashed in Zhu Han's eyes: "He won't sit idly by. Go and give the order to keep a close eye on Zhu Di's advisors, especially Han Zhao and Cheng Mo. These two are very likely to set up a trap to cause trouble at the banquet."

"My subordinate understands."

Zhu Han looked up at the sky outside the window. The sunlight fell on the maple leaves in front of the courtyard, just like the light in his heart: bright, but also full of thorns.

Meanwhile, inside the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao, dressed in a blue robe, sat upright on the couch, with Gu Qingping and Wu Qiong, a senior minister of the cabinet, standing before him. "Does Your Highness truly have no intention of interfering?" Zhu Biao asked in a low voice.

Wu Qiong replied, "From what I've observed of His Highness's actions, he has no intention of vying for power. He seems to be using this banquet to test our plans and also to see Your Highness's abilities. If Your Highness can maintain the situation in front of all the guests, His Highness will be happy to help you."

Gu Qingping nodded: "Although the prince is shrewd, he has never tried to seize the throne. If Your Highness can seize this opportunity to win over the several important ministers who were originally neutral, the prince will be easier to use for Your Highness."

Zhu Biao pondered for a long time before slowly speaking: "But my fourth brother, Zhu Di, is the most cunning. Once he sees me in charge, he will definitely take action."

Wu Qiong said in a low voice, "I suggest that we first use the literary gathering as a prelude, and then set up a 'poetry contest' during the banquet. On the surface, it is a competition of talented people, but in reality, we will arrange for several scholars who have already pledged allegiance to His Highness to secretly guide public opinion and create momentum for the Crown Prince."

Zhu Biao hesitated: "Isn't this too ostentatious?"

Gu Qingping said softly, "Being ostentatious is unacceptable, but if we don't even dare to guide public opinion, then we're just waiting to be attacked."

Zhu Biao gripped the teacup in his hand, his gaze gradually hardening: "Alright, as you say. But remember—do not tarnish the Prince's reputation, and do not pressure Zhu Di too much."

Gu Qingping smiled approvingly: "Your Highness has become increasingly composed."

Three days later, the grand gathering at Beiyuan arrived as scheduled.

Red carpets were laid out on both sides of the imperial road, the emperor hosted a banquet, and his officials gathered together.

Officials of the fifth rank and above, military officers, scions of prominent families, and family members of border generals all gathered together.

Although the Crown Prince presided over the ceremony for this grand event, it was actually Zhu Han who drew up the blueprint and allocated the personnel.

Zhu Di, dressed in a blue brocade python robe, entered the main hall. All he saw along the way were scholars engaging in lively discussions and the melodious sound of zithers. The atmosphere was completely devoid of any murderous intent.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has indeed made a grand gesture." Zhu Di's lips curled up. "This grand banquet was probably planned long ago."

Han Zhao leaned closer and said from behind, "Your Highness, I just saw the Ministry of Rites send over several jade award tokens, which seem to be for judging essays."

Zhu Di nodded: "Alright. In that case, have Cheng Mo arrange for those people from the 'Luonan School' to take the stage. If they can guide the scholars to side with the Crown Prince, we'll give them a push. If not—we'll set up a trap to embarrass them."

Han Zhao asked in a low voice, "What if this round succeeds?"

Zhu Di said coldly, "Then the Crown Prince will be thrown into disarray."

Inside the main hall, Zhu Biao led Gu Qingping in slowly, and all the civil and military officials rose to pay their respects. Zhu Biao raised his cup and said, "This year, the world is at peace, and my father is in good health, which makes it all the more fortunate that we can hold this grand banquet."

After he finished speaking, a gong sounded, and the scholars' competition began.

The previous rounds of talented scholars were all rather mediocre, but the atmosphere suddenly turned heated when representatives of the "Luonan School" took the stage. They repeatedly questioned the Crown Prince about the lack of order in his administration in recent years and mocked the laxity of the court officials. The scholars in the audience echoed their sentiments, creating an awkward atmosphere.

Gu Qingping frowned slightly: "As expected, it was Zhu Di's arrangement."

Zhu Biao remained calm and slowly rose to his feet, walking to the center of the platform.

"What you all say is not without merit." His tone was gentle yet firm. "The Crown Prince's failure should serve as a wake-up call. However, today's grand gathering is for the sake of peace, not for judging crimes. If you are all talented statesmen, why not hold a debate in court and use your knowledge to subdue him?"

The group of people were taken aback.

From the side of the platform, a young scholar stepped forward from the crowd: "Your Highness, please pose a question. If we cannot answer it, we will leave immediately."

Zhu Biao smiled calmly: "In that case—let me ask you, if there is an autumn drought in the north and the grain is insufficient for three weeks, what measures should be taken to quell it? No corvée labor should be used, no taxes should be increased, and no troops should be borrowed."

The question fell silent. The young man turned pale and took two steps back.

A staff member under the Crown Prince, who had been arranged beforehand, stepped forward from the rear and replied with a cupped hand: "We can adjust the granaries of the nine prefectures to provide mutual assistance, supplemented by market price regulation, and coordinate with the Ministry of Works to change the route of the grain transport. In areas where there is a shortage, we can exchange official grain for commercial grain. The situation can be stabilized in three weeks."

There was thunderous applause.

Zhu Biao seized the opportunity and said, "Today's gathering is not for vying for credit, but only for all of you with lofty ideals to work together to make the Ming Dynasty prosperous. If you wish to engage in verbal or written attacks, why not offer suggestions instead of questioning?"

Everyone agreed in unison.

Zhu Di's expression remained calm, but his hand holding the cup trembled slightly. He said in a low voice, "I miscalculated."

Han Zhao murmured, "The Crown Prince's reputation among scholars has already risen."

He slowly put down his wine cup: "In this game, I have lost a move."

Zhu Han sat on the side of the high platform, watching Zhu Biao's calm and composed figure. His eyes gleamed slightly as he murmured, "Indeed, some things rely on more than just strategic planning."

Zhu Han sat in his study, the candlelight on his desk casting dappled shadows on the sandalwood screen.

He clapped his hands and sighed softly, his gaze piercing through the half-open window as he looked into the depths of the courtyard.

Under that cold moon, a few osmanthus trees were releasing their delicate fragrance in the breeze, like a sliver of composure amidst the undercurrents.

The Silver Sign system on the side quietly lit up, and a prompt appeared on the desktop: "Next step: Win over the Emperor's brother's trust and secretly support the Crown Prince to stabilize the hearts of people inside and outside the palace."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, gently placed the jade token back into the brocade box, then rose, donned his blue robe, and slowly walked towards the inner palace. Tonight, he had decided to see the Crown Prince in person.

Through the partition of the side hall, the moonlight shone brightly outside the curtain. Zhu Biao sat upright on a brocade couch, dressed in a blue robe adorned with gold ornaments, a deep sorrow etched on his brow. Gu Qingping stood beside him, a scroll of imperial edict clutched in her arms, her heart still uneasy.

Zhu Han entered and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, the Prince has something to discuss with me."

Zhu Biao rose to greet him, smiling and waving his sleeve, but could not hide the weariness in his eyes: "Your Highness's arrival so late at night is not meant to disturb you, please enlighten me."

Zhu Han entered the hall with a gentle expression: "Although we have won the banquet, it is only temporary. The Eastern Palace is surrounded on all sides, especially my elder brother Zhu Di, who is the most troublesome. Although we have the upper hand tonight, we need to be more cautious in our next move."

Gu Qingping stepped forward and bowed: "Your Highness is absolutely right. Your Highness just closed the door to think deeply and also felt that the matter was of great importance."

Zhu Biao slowly walked to the table and spread out the list and drawing jointly agreed upon by Gu Qingping and Wu Qiong: "Your Highness, this is the 'Guest Chart' prepared by the Consort and the Cabinet, which is divided into three vertical and five horizontal sections."

The plan was to use the banquet's music, chess, calligraphy, and painting performances to observe the guests' preferences and to secretly probe Zhu Di, Han Zhao, Cheng Mo, and others' backgrounds. However, His Highness feared that such a display was too aggressive and might damage the harmony between the Prince's residence and the Prince.

Zhu Han's gaze was deep, yet he smiled calmly: "What is meant by 'sharp edge'? This is a strategy to save the Crown Prince. If we don't use others to dismantle the hidden thorns, they will seize the opportunity to retaliate in the future. Moreover, the Crown Prince's ability to remain composed and handle the situation among the guests demonstrates his magnanimity."

Gu Qingping felt slightly relieved, turned around and picked up a folding fan from the porcelain table, gently opening one side: "Your Highness, the Consort has just made this fan as a theme, with a poem as the prompt. She plans to invite guests to compose their own poems at the banquet to showcase their literary talents. This is also an opportunity to test the guests' literary abilities; the folding fan serves as a medium, without alarming anyone." (End of Chapter)