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

Zhu Han took the folding fan and examined the embroidered text on the fan: "'A faint fragrance drifts in the bright moonlight, who recognizes the heart of an orchid and the face of a jade?' This line is subtle and can inspire people to discuss elegant matters. It not only reveals the writer's writing style, but also his character."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Such a setup is both elegant and efficient. Very well, let's proceed as Your Highness and Consort have decided. We plan to hold a literary gathering in the East Palace Flower Hall after the morning court session tomorrow. We will begin with music on the zither, followed by poems written on folding fans, using the literary gathering to select the best talents."
Then a tea ceremony was set up, with a "Fragrance Cup" secretly placed inside, containing floating osmanthus petals. The person raising the cup was required to respectfully praise the fragrance before tasting the tea, thus testing their character. If anyone spoke rudely or mocked the prince's refined manners, their true nature would be revealed.

Zhu Han nodded in satisfaction: "This is both an offensive and a defensive strategy. The Crown Prince's talent will be fully displayed, and the guests will appreciate it, thus stabilizing their hearts; any biased remarks will also be discerned."

Gu Qingping folded the bamboo slip and gently hid it in her sleeve: "Your Highness, immediately order the palace servants to prepare the flower hall and notify the other concubines to come and help with the preparations. It must be grand and courteous."

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. We will go to the flower hall today to inspect the arrangements and seek your best advice."

The three of them left the palace together. As they walked out of the palace gate, the night wind had subsided, and a sliver of dawn was appearing on the horizon.

The palace attendants were already lined up and waiting for orders.

The following morning, Zhu Yuanzhang sat quietly in the imperial palace, and the court officials paid their respects in turn.

Zhu Han stood side by side with Zhu Biao and Gu Qingping, their gazes solemn and resolute.

After the court session, the Emperor offered tea and smiled slightly: "I heard that the Crown Prince will be holding a literary gathering in the Flower Hall today, which I find quite novel. Your Highness and the Crown Prince may accompany me to attend."

Zhu Biao was overjoyed and quickly bowed, replying, "Your Highness's will is my command, and the Crown Prince will respectfully obey."

Zhu Han bowed slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Following the emperor's personal decree, the entourage entered the flower hall. The hall featured painted beams and carved pillars, green tiles and red columns, with several osmanthus trees placed to the side, their fragrance delicate and elegant.

Red silk curtains hung down, and embroidered lanterns were suspended high. Dozens of square tables were arranged in a crescent shape, each tabletop covered with silk and set with zithers, writing brushes, and inkstones.

In the center of the flower hall, several folding fans were already laid out on a long table. The fans were not decorated with various colors, but each fan surface was embroidered with a light gray osmanthus flower, ready for guests to pick up a brush and write on.

Guests took their seats one after another, including scholars, noble families, high-ranking officials, and imperial concubines.

Zhu Di also arrived with Han Zhao and Cheng Mo as leaders. His robes were as white as snow, and his expression was calm, but he secretly whispered to the two men at the side of the table.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on a high seat, surrounded by his ministers. Crown Prince Zhu Biao, Prince Zhu Han, and Consort Gu Qingping sat side by side.

Zhu Yuanzhang slightly opened his eyes: "The Crown Prince's residence may randomly select ten people to come up on stage and compose poems, and the Prince's residence may also send ten people to respond. Today, all of you may enjoy yourselves to the fullest. I will join the Prince, the Crown Prince, and Consort Hengning in judging the poems, and let's have a lively time."

Gu Qingping nodded slightly and handed the folding fan to the first person to come on stage, a scholar in his early twenties named Liu Yue, courtesy name Zhixian, who was well-known.

"Please, Mr. Liu!" Gu Qingping nodded slightly, her voice leisurely.

Liu Yue took the fan, unfolded it, and softly recited: "A subtle fragrance drifts in the bright moonlight, the osmanthus shadow sways, reflecting its beautiful form." Each word was like a pearl, his tone rising and falling with rhythm. His brushstrokes were clean and crisp, the pale gray of the osmanthus blossoms on the fan echoing the lush greenery in the hall. A chorus of praise erupted from the audience.

Next, several people went on stage to compete with him, composing a poem of seven characters and eight lines, incorporating the fragrance of osmanthus, the moonlight, and the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom into their writing.

However, one of the Wang family members from Huaiyou made a peculiar remark, almost implying that the Crown Prince was monopolizing romance with the line, "Why should a proud man change into plain clothes? He wants to try and snatch the wine cup from a branch." Gu Qingping's gaze narrowed slightly, but she remained calm and gently closed her fan.

Zhu Biao glanced back and exchanged a look with the prince. Zhu Han said softly, "Next, please write the two characters 'plain clothes'." His voice was not loud, but it was full of authority.

The Wang family member's expression changed slightly. He took the fan and wrote: "Wear plain clothes and entrust the country to others; do not seek praise from others."

His tone carried a hint of bitterness, as if he were comparing the crown prince to the power of the empire, which drew whispers from the audience.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said loudly, "These words and phrases have a profound meaning, and I should ponder them carefully." He then smiled and said, "Please give your comments, Your Highness and the Crown Prince."

Zhu Han rose, cupped his hands, and said, “This talented scholar, though his writing is full of loyalty, has forgotten that ‘plain clothes’ originally signifies detachment. If one values ​​the country more than plain clothes, it is too heavy a burden. We can use the four characters ‘Plain clothes are unstained by dust, and the country can be entrusted to one’s heart’ to show his elegance and correctness.” After speaking, he gestured with his hand on the fan.

Zhu Biao cupped his hands and smiled, "Your Highness's assessment is apt. If Your Highness could respond with 'Wearing plain clothes, untouched by dust; with aspirations for the nation above all else,' it would further demonstrate that the Crown Prince's ambitions and original intentions are both fulfilled." Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Di sensed something was wrong, but he forced himself to remain calm, rushed onto the stage first, took a folding fan, and inscribed: "White clothes are not necessarily white; one must look at the purity of the heart."

The punctuation was clear, yet somewhat awkward; it seemed to attempt to steer the conversation back to personal feelings, but lost its literary beauty. The audience booed, but no one offered praise.

Zhu Di reluctantly closed his fan, his face slightly pale.

Cheng Mo and Han Zhao, standing nearby, tried to intervene, but Zhu Di coldly stopped them. The atmosphere of the banquet immediately shifted in favor of the Crown Prince.

Then, Gu Qingping slowly moved the tea set to the back of the hall.

Several osmanthus branches were placed beside the tea table, and osmanthus petals floated in the wine cups on the table.

Zhu Yuanzhang gestured for the sons of the two families to raise their cups and sip tea, and then tested their sincerity with his reticent words.

Zhu Biao raised his glass first, gazing at the osmanthus petals in the cup, and smiled, saying, "Though flowers fall easily, their fragrance endures; though the nation faces many hardships, its will remains steadfast." He tilted his head back and drank, the petals in the cup fluttering slightly at the corner of his lips before falling to the bottom, a gesture full of profound meaning.

Zhu Han then raised his cup: "This osmanthus tree at the ends of the earth serves the people; this fire of the court protects the country together." After he finished speaking, the petals of the fallen cup rippled gently like waves.

Zhu Di took the teacup, hesitated for a moment, took a sip, but dared not say anything more.

Seeing this, Han Zhao hurriedly said, "Your Highness, this fragrance is unique and seems to help you think." He quickly changed the subject, but his words were shallow and made him even more embarrassed.

The banquet had now concluded, and the winner had been decided. Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with deep satisfaction: "I have gained much from what I have seen today. The Crown Prince's literary talent and the Prince's abilities have both exceeded my expectations. This gathering can serve as a model for future generations. Everyone, please step down. The Crown Prince, the Prince, and Consort Hengning, please stay. I have an order to discuss this matter."

The officials withdrew, and the banquet ended. Zhu Di, looking grave, hurriedly returned to his residence. Zhu Biao, Zhu Han, and Gu Qingping were led to the imperial palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright, his gaze sharp: "At today's gathering in the flower hall, I saw that the Crown Prince possesses both magnanimity and talent, and the Prince also demonstrated his ability to assist. However, I have a feeling that the way of our imperial family is not only about literary talent, but also about having the people in mind and winning people over with virtue. Could the Crown Prince select the village heads of the three prefectures tomorrow to discuss politics with the people, so that I can observe the Crown Prince's methods of governance?"

Zhu Biao was startled, but respectfully replied, "Your subject is willing to take on the position of village head of the three prefectures, to inquire about the needs of the people, to carefully observe their conditions, and to live up to Your Majesty's expectations." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Very well, let's start from Sanlipu, the eastern suburb of Bianjing."

Zhu Han bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to accompany you and present to you the truthful accounts of what I have heard during my investigations."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "If this trip is successful, it will be the beginning of the Crown Prince gaining the support of the people, and the Prince will be able to provide assistance. Remember to be cautious."

Zhu Biao, dressed in plain blue casual clothes, stood in the front courtyard of the East Palace, his gaze fixed on the people and village officials slowly gathering in the distance. His eyes were calm as water, but his knuckles were tightly gripping his cuffs.

Gu Qingping stood to one side and gently comforted him: "Your Highness, the importance of this trip surpasses that of a hundred courts in the past. If the people of the three prefectures can be convinced, then the Emperor's test will be an affirmation, and Zhu Di will not be able to stir up any more trouble."

Zhu Biao glanced at her and smiled slightly: "If it weren't for your and my uncle's planning, I would probably still be wandering around in piles of books today, unable to even understand the common people's accents."

Before he finished speaking, Zhu Han walked slowly in through the side door, dressed in an unadorned blue robe, yet exuding an air of authority. Zhu Biao hurriedly stepped forward to greet him: "Uncle, everything is ready this morning, awaiting only your word."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, but there was a hint of mockery in his eyes: "Your words make it sound like you want me to take charge of this political consultation?"

Gu Qingping covered her mouth and chuckled: "Your Highness is mistaken. His Highness has extraordinary ambitions now. Your Highness should just act as an advisor."

Zhu Han glanced at the two men, but had other plans in mind—Sanlipu was small, but it was the place where Zhu Yuanzhang rose to power in his early years.

Sending Zhu Biao there now is a way to openly test the Crown Prince's political virtue and secretly observe his human nature.

If this place is properly pacified, it will surely win the trust of the Holy One.

“Let’s go,” he said softly. “Today we are visiting the government. No ceremonial guards are allowed, no roadside paving or flags are to be displayed. Follow me in my plain clothes.”

“But what if the people don’t know me…” Zhu Biao hesitated.

"If you only have the title but no heart, then your position as crown prince is inherently unstable." Zhu Han's voice was gentle, yet every word carried weight.

In the afternoon, the three arrived at Sanlipu.

This is a place where old houses and markets intersect. The tiled houses are low and the brick walls are mottled. Steam rises from the tofu stall on the street corner, and several children run and play, completely unaware of the arrival of the three powerful figures.

Zhu Han stopped a barefoot boy: "Young man, do you have any elders at home? We are looking for the local village head."

The child wiped his nose, opened his eyes wide, and looked at the group: "My father is the village head, what do you want with him?"

"We're here to ask some questions."

"Asking about something?" The child tilted his head and thought for a moment, then suddenly laughed. "You're here to critique the food, aren't you?"

Gu Qingping couldn't help but chuckle, and Zhu Biao couldn't help but smile too.

Zhu Han patted the child's shoulder and said, "Take us to see your father."

The child led them through the alleyways, past stalls, dilapidated houses, and piles of firewood, finally stopping in front of a small courtyard with blue bricks and gray tiles.

He called out, "Father, someone is looking for you!"

A middle-aged man emerged from the courtyard. He was dressed in plain clothes with a coarse cloth belt around his waist. His hair was half-white, but his brows exuded a righteous air.

He sized up the three men and asked in a deep voice, "May I ask who you are?"

Zhu Biao bowed and said, "I am Zhu Biao, and I have been ordered by the Emperor to inspect the people's conditions in the three prefectures. Now that I have arrived at Sanlipu, I would like to sit down and have a chat with the elders of the village."

The man was taken aback for a moment, then immediately knelt down and bowed deeply: "So it is Your Highness who has arrived. I have failed to greet you properly! I am Liang Rengong, the village head."

Zhu Han personally helped him up: "This trip is not for show, but only to inquire about the realities of governance. If you kneel like this, the people will not dare to speak the truth."

Liang Rengong looked up at the resolute-looking prince, and then at the prince's simple attire, and couldn't help but feel a deep respect: "In that case, please come inside and have a talk."

The room was simply furnished; a fire still burned in the corner, and half a bowl of cold rice and a few dried vegetables lay on the table. Zhu Biao stared at the food as soon as he entered and asked softly, "Liang, village head, is your food supply adequate?"

Liang Rengong sighed: "We barely make ends meet. Although the granary has been opened twice, the land tax is being demanded urgently. The floods two years ago caused great losses to the people, and they have not yet fully recovered."

Gu Qingping sat to one side and asked softly, "If the government reduces the corvée labor, will it bring peace to the people?"

"The corvée labor is secondary; what is most frightening is when the granaries are empty and no one cares. The people have nothing to eat and either starve to death or abandon their homes and flee."

Liang Rengong's voice was low and somber. "We are still relatively peaceful now, thanks to the mutual assistance among villagers. If another calamity were to strike, we might all fall apart."

Zhu Biao listened quietly for a long time without saying a word, then asked, "Is there a school in the village?"

“Yes,” Liang Rengong replied, “but there is only one old teacher, and there are many children who cannot afford to go to school.”

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Could Liang Lizheng summon a few township heads to discuss this matter?"

“Alright.” Liang Rengong nodded immediately and ordered the child to fetch him.

Within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, five or six village elders had gathered in the hall.

They were all simple people, illiterate but skilled in farming, weaving, and village affairs. Zhu Biao personally greeted each of them and recorded their stories on bamboo slips in his hand.

He not only inquired about civil matters, but also asked in detail about their feelings towards the Crown Prince, the Prince, and the imperial court.

“We don’t understand the people in the court,” an old villager with white hair said bluntly. “But we remember that the Crown Prince saved refugees and gave them rice in the city; we also remember that the Prince used to give rice and clothes as gifts. As for the others, we don’t know who are good officials and who are just empty talkers.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes welled up with tears. He had never heard the voice of the people so directly before; this unadorned trust was more powerful than a thousand words.

“Your Highness,” he said in a low voice, turning to Zhu Han, “if you want the people to remember the Crown Prince, the only way is to truly do good deeds.”

Zhu Han nodded: "If you can really do that, you will be able to sit firmly on the dragon throne in the future and live up to your ambitions today."

As dusk approached, Zhu Biao wanted to stay overnight at Sanlipu, but Zhu Han said, "No. If you stay here, the people will be happy, but the officials will be suspicious. They will think that you only care about superficial benevolence. You should leave a plan behind, so that the goodwill will remain in people's hearts."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and then summoned Liang Rengong: "Since I have fulfilled the wishes of the villagers during this trip, I will immediately petition His Majesty to establish a granary and a school in Sanlipu, and appoint Liang, the village head, as the 'supervisor of the people's school,' granting him the power to access the register of gentry and to discuss local civil affairs with officials."

Liang Rengong was shocked and knelt down with a thud: "Your Highness... I dare not accept this!"

“Liang, the village head.” Zhu Biao personally helped him up. “I’m not rewarding you, but entrusting you with a task. If you truly care about the people, you should take on this responsibility.”

The next morning, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han left quietly without alerting anyone.

Only in the alley of Dongtou Street, there is a wooden sign posted in front of the door that reads: "The Sanlipu granary was first established, the school was planned, and the Crown Prince made the decision."

Not long after, a secret edict from Zhu Yuanzhang arrived in the capital: "The Crown Prince's consultation on governance is in line with the people's will and is truly commendable. I hereby order the Imperial Treasury to provide 300 shi of rice to be sent to the three prefectures. I am also at ease with the Prince's merit in assisting the government."

Inside the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat up late, dressed in his robes, and said softly to Li Shanwen, "My younger brother is steady and reliable in his actions, never seeking attention or ostentation, yet he commands respect; the Crown Prince was inexperienced in his youth, but now he has gradually become more composed, all thanks to his uncle, the Imperial Uncle." (End of Chapter)