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

Li Shanwen said in a low voice, "Your Highness is the assistant to the Crown Prince, and many officials in the court praise his virtues."

On the fifth day of the first lunar month, while the capital was still immersed in the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival, the Eastern Palace had already quietly entered a new phase of intense activity.

Less than ten days after the Crown Prince's visit to the government in Sanlipu, discussions arose both inside and outside the court: the Crown Prince had done a good job in understanding the people's sentiments, and the Prince had been adept at assisting in governance.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang did not formally commend him, he nodded and smiled at Zhu Biao several times during the morning court sessions, demonstrating the emperor's favor.

That night, in the Prince's study, Zhu Han was bent over his desk reviewing the corvée documents of the three prefectures copied by the Ministry of War. Huang Qi lit a lamp to the side, but seeing the prince's solemn expression, he dared not make a sound.

"Huang Qi, have someone investigate Zhu Zhen's cousin in the Ministry of Revenue. He's been getting too close to several cloth merchants in the east of the city these past two days." Zhu Han said calmly without looking up.

"Yes." Huang Qi responded in a low voice, then hesitated for a moment, "Your Highness, there has indeed been a slight shift in the political climate in the court recently."

Zhu Han finally stopped writing, closed the book, and glanced at him indifferently: "What do you mean?"

"Several secretaries have been frequently visiting Zhu Di's residence recently, ostensibly to deliver festival gifts, but in reality, they are using the excuse of literary gatherings and banquets. This is the second time this has happened."

Zhu Han remained silent, tapping lightly on the table with his fingers in a steady rhythm, yet the tapping made Huang Qi's heart tighten.

"And..." he gritted his teeth and said, "A commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard secretly informed on me, saying that there are rumors circulating that although Your Highness does not speak of power, in fact the Ministry of War has long been under your control."

Zhu Han chuckled: "Whether they control me or not is none of my business. But if they really believe it, that's fine."

Huang Qi was taken aback.

“This gust of wind came quickly,” Zhu Han said slowly, “and it came at the right time. It shows that Zhu Di is in a hurry. He is worried that after the Battle of Sanlipu, the Crown Prince has stabilized people’s hearts and my trust has been secured. So he has to do something to make Father Emperor suspicious.”

Huang Qi frowned: "But what can they do?"

Zhu Han's gaze was calm: "If I were Zhu Di, I would not target the Crown Prince at this moment, but rather Gu Qingping."

Huang Qi's expression hardened: "Crown Princess?"

“Yes.” Zhu Han slowly stood up and walked to the window. “Zhu Di knew that the Crown Princess was the source of the Crown Prince’s ambition and the most virtuous consort in the palace. If she could be humiliated or demoted, even just by rumors, it would be enough to shake the foundation of the Eastern Palace.”

"Your Highness, should we arrange for someone to enter the palace?"

Zhu Han shook his head: "No need. If I'm not mistaken, Gu Qingping has already taken precautions."

Sure enough, early the next morning, Zhu Biao personally entered the Prince's residence, looking anxious: "Uncle, there are rumors in the palace that Qingping has been secretly corresponding with a scholar from the old Gu family, intending to use the name of marriage to reorganize the old faction."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Who said that?"

"It is said that a maid in the palace's Weaving Department privately reported it, and she was taken away by the Embroidered Uniform Guard last night."

"Is there any evidence?"

"No."

Zhu Han chuckled, "That's good." He slowly strolled into the inner hall, his expression calm. "If you were to go to Father Emperor to explain this matter, you would only make things more complicated. The only thing we can do now is to let Gu Qingping handle it herself."

Zhu Biao hesitated: "But if she faces the discussion among the officials, wouldn't that put her under pressure all by herself?"

"She is not a woman from the Eastern Palace, she is the Crown Princess, the future Empress."

Zhu Han's gaze was profound. "If she can't even prove herself against mere rumors, how can she control the harem? If you love her, you should believe that she has the ability."

Zhu Biao's throat bobbed, and his tightly clenched fist finally relaxed as he whispered, "I understand."

That afternoon, several imperial concubines and female officials from the inner court gathered in the Wende Hall. It was supposed to be a post-festival tea party, but because Gu Qingping personally hosted the event, no one dared to be negligent.

She was dressed in plain clothes, with a pale blue jade hairpin in her hair. Her eyes were like water, and her whole person was shrouded in a layer of extremely quiet light and shadow.

"I have invited all the concubines here today to tell you a story from the past."

She smiled and spoke, her voice gentle yet firm, “When I was young, I did study poetry and books with my cousin, but he died in the Battle of Yingtian, and the Gu family line ended as a result. This matter can be verified in the palace. It is truly laughable for anyone to claim that I had a private relationship with an old acquaintance.”

A noblewoman surnamed Zhang said coldly, "Why did that maid inform on us?"

Gu Qingping gently tapped the table: "Last night, the palace eunuch and I stopped that maid and personally interrogated her. We found that her original surname was Zhang. She was the daughter of Zhu Di's mother from the old palace. After marrying into the family, she was expelled due to family disputes and harbored resentment."

The single stone stirred up a thousand ripples. The expressions of the concubines changed, and some couldn't help but gasp.

Gu Qingping remained calm and composed: "I am not vying for favor, but I do not wish for the Crown Prince to be wronged, nor do I wish for the women of the harem to frame each other."

His words were tactful and measured, combining gentleness with firmness.

Upon learning of this, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Han to the palace that very night.

"You taught her well." Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard and smiled. "That Crown Princess has the same spirit as your sister-in-law back then."

Zhu Han remained silent, only lowered his head and smiled.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, "I was already aware of this matter, but I wanted to see how the Crown Prince would handle it. It's good that he didn't panic. But you—" He paused, "You probably already knew it was Zhu Di's scheme, didn't you?"

Zhu Han cupped his hands in greeting: "Your subject dares not make such a statement."

"Hmph." Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "Zhu Di is desperate, so he resorted to such a despicable method. But he forgot that the palace is ultimately the Crown Prince's territory. If he dares to cross the line, I will not tolerate him."

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, this matter should stop here. If we continue to investigate, I'm afraid it will involve even more people."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him sideways: "You always try to smooth things over for the Crown Prince."

"It's not about standing up for the Crown Prince, but about protecting the Eastern Palace," Zhu Han said calmly. "If the Eastern Palace is not stable, the foundation of the Ming Dynasty will be in turmoil. We are all working for the sake of our Emperor's country, and we cannot let momentary emotions shake the very foundation of the nation."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time.

After a long silence, he slowly nodded: "Very well. Then as you said, I will no longer investigate this matter."

“But from now on—you must help the Crown Prince even more.” His gaze was intense. “If he can truly gain seven-tenths of your support, I can rest assured.”

Zhu Han bowed his head: "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's command."

Spring was still chilly, and the weather in the capital was unpredictable. The peach and plum trees in the Imperial Garden had not yet blossomed, but the branches were already covered with tiny dewdrops, as if it were a silent hint that a silent confrontation had quietly begun.

Zhu Di stood by the window of his study, a tattered ancient painting rolled up in his hand, his gaze cold and brooding.

The incense burner in the room was filled with the smoke of sandalwood, but his voice was as cold as ice.

"The Emperor remained silent, and the Crown Princess was unharmed."

He whispered, "In this round, the Imperial Uncle is one step ahead of me again."

Han Zhao stood aside, his face gloomy: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince's every move has been dazzling in the eyes of outsiders lately, and now many young officials in the court are infatuated with the Eastern Palace."

"They're not in love with the Crown Prince, but with the prince behind him." Zhu Di's gaze was cold and sharp. "If it weren't for Zhu Han... would Zhu Biao be where he is today?"

"Then why doesn't Your Highness take direct action?" Han Zhao suddenly asked in a low voice. "Anyway, all the ministers are watching and waiting. If we can cut off Zhu Han's wings in one fell swoop, how can we not cause chaos in the Eastern Palace?"

Zhu Di sneered: "Do you think I haven't thought about it? It's a pity that Father is still alive. If I make the slightest mistake, I will surely bring trouble upon myself."

"Then let's..."

“Start with the people around him.” Zhu Di turned around, his fingertip slowly tapping a chess piece on the table. “Wu Qiong. He is the Crown Prince’s chief strategist. If we can sow discord between him and Zhu Han, and then take the opportunity to make the Crown Prince suspicious of his uncle… this game might turn around.” Han Zhao’s eyes lit up: “This man is arrogant and hates being looked down upon.”

“Not bad.” Zhu Di put away the scroll and said coldly, “Go and arrange for Wu Qiong to receive the copy that we previously placed in the Ministry of Rites. Just make him suspicious.”

"My subordinate understands."

At this time, in the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao and Wu Qiong were quietly discussing the order of the spring sacrificial rites in the inner cabinet.

Gu Qingping had already sent people to prepare for the incense ceremony, but several senior officials suggested that the Crown Prince should preside over it personally this year to demonstrate his benevolence towards the people.

"What do you think about this?" Zhu Biao asked Wu Qiong.

Wu Qiong shook his head: "Your Highness is new to government affairs. If you rashly preside over the ceremony, it may be impolite and cause criticism. I believe Your Highness should send a prince to assist you."

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment before nodding: "Recently, there have been rumors in the court that I rely on my uncle in everything. If I continue like this, I fear it will invite criticism."

Wu Qiong frowned: "Your Highness, please be careful with your words. The Prince assists the Crown Prince by imperial decree. How can others speak recklessly? Such rumors are not worth mentioning."

Zhu Biao said in a low voice, "But if everyone keeps talking about it, it's no small matter."

Wu Qiong's expression changed slightly, and he hesitated to speak. At this moment, a eunuch hurriedly entered and presented a document that resembled a memorial to the throne.

"Your Highness, the document sent by Deng Shao, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, states that it contains some supplementary records related to the old Spring Festival rituals."

Zhu Biao unfolded it and saw that it contained a record of the example of "three rites before the sacrifice and four rituals after the sacrifice", which said that "relatives should not perform the sacrifice on behalf of others, so as to prevent the rites from disrupting the court". At the end, someone had made a note in light ink: "If the prince performs the sacrifice on behalf of the crown prince, it may be suspected of overstepping the bounds of propriety".

Zhu Biao's face darkened, but he remained silent. Wu Qiong, however, caught a glimpse of the comment and his expression suddenly turned serious: "Who wrote this comment?"

"How could Deng Shaozhi's article contain a commentary?"

“This is not the work of the Ministry of Rites,” Wu Qiong said coldly. “This is a trap! Clearly, someone wants to make His Highness doubt my Prince, in order to undermine the bond between the Crown Prince and his family.”

Zhu Biao's eyes flickered, but a chill suddenly ran through his heart.

Just then, Zhu Han stepped in slowly, without formal attire, his aura natural and restrained.

He looked at Zhu Biao and Wu Qiong and asked with a smile, "You two received the news before I did today."

Wu Qiong bowed and said, "Your Highness, the Ministry of Rites just sent over a document, in which..."

"Intentionally trying to sow discord?" Zhu Han replied, his gaze calm yet unwavering. "I know."

"How did Your Highness know?" Zhu Biao asked softly.

Zhu Han walked to the desk, glanced at the annotations, and smiled faintly: "These words are Han Zhao's handwriting."

Wu Qiong's expression shifted slightly: "Han Zhao's brush? How did Your Highness recognize it?"

Zhu Han glanced at him: "He once wrote a poem on behalf of Zhu Di in Beiyuan, and the signature was hidden under the character 'wind'. I remember that."

Zhu Biao lowered his eyes and said softly, "I see."

Zhu Han turned around, put his hands behind his back, and said calmly, "They are afraid that we will join forces, so they are using Mr. Wu as a target, intending to create a rift in the Crown Prince's palace. This is not a scheme, but a gamble. They are betting that the bond between you and me is not yet strong enough."

Wu Qiong's face was now filled with shame: "Your Highness, I just..."

Zhu Han waved his hand: "Mr. Wu, there is no need to say more. If you have no intention of serving the Crown Prince, I will not tolerate you; but if you have ambitions for the Eastern Palace, then guard yourself."

Wu Qiong solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your subject will remember this."

Zhu Han turned to look at Zhu Biao, his gaze meaningful: "Your Highness, if you doubt even these minor disturbances, what will you do when the real undercurrents come?"

Zhu Biao looked up at him and said, "I understand. With my uncle by my side, I can rest assured about what will happen from now on."

Zhu Han looked at him and finally revealed a genuine smile.

Night falls at the Prince's Mansion.

Huang Qi entered the study with a secret report: "Your Highness, the Embroidered Uniform Guard reported today that Zhu Di secretly summoned the nephew of the Minister of Justice, seemingly intending to set a trap under the guise of the Ministry of Rites matter."

Zhu Han sat under the lamp and nodded slightly: "Spread the word that the Ministry of Rites has old policies in its possession, and the Prince intends to consult them. Make them anxious."

Huang Qi was taken aback: "Are you trying to provoke them into making a move prematurely?"

"Hmm," Zhu Han said softly, "We can't always be on guard; they'll always have weaknesses. But we need to make them reveal themselves first."

"And what about Wu Qiong?"

Zhu Han pondered: "If he can stand firm in the face of adversity, then he deserves to be in the Crown Prince's Palace; if he wavers, then replace him."

Huang Qi cupped his hands in greeting: "Understood."

Early that morning, Zhu Han sat alone in the back garden of the Prince's Mansion, brewing tea.

The spring sun shone brightly, and the aroma of tea wafted through the air. He was sipping his tea when Huang Qi hurriedly stepped in, his face grave.

"Your Highness, Lu Mingfeng, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, requests an audience."

Zhu Han put down his teacup without getting up, but simply turned his head slightly: "This person is not a trusted member of my sect. What brings him here so suddenly?"

Huang Qi said in a low voice, "He said he has secret evidence that 'the Crown Prince's faction forged an imperial edict in an attempt to mobilize the Imperial Guards.'"

Zhu Han's eyebrows twitched slightly, but his tone remained indifferent: "Such words sound like they're delivering a knife on behalf of Zhu Di."

"Does the prince wish to see me?"

Zhu Han slowly stood up and straightened his clothes: "What is not seen is not understood; what is seen can be broken."

A moment later, Lu Mingfeng was already waiting in the study. He was tall and thin, holding a scroll of ink in his hand. When Zhu Han entered, he immediately stood up and bowed.

"Your humble servant Lu Mingfeng greets Your Highness."

Zhu Han nodded, took a seat, and casually asked, "Lord Lu, you've come so late at night; which side do you wish to deliver a letter on behalf of?"

Lu Mingfeng's expression froze for a moment, but he forced himself to remain calm: "Your humble servant is dutiful in upholding the law and only strives for justice. What I present today is truly for the peace of the court, regardless of party affiliation."

Zhu Han gestured, "Give it to me."

Lu Mingfeng presented the scroll with both hands, and Zhu Han took it and slowly unfurled it, his gaze slightly narrowed.

The document contained detailed information, stating that the Ministry of Rites had a set of "Imperial Guard Transfer Documents" signed in the name of the Crown Prince, attempting to mobilize the Imperial Guards around Qianxi Gate to be stationed in the Eastern Palace's rear garden, under the pretext of "strengthening security for the spring sacrifices."

The document also included a forged register of seals created by two eunuchs.

After reading it, Zhu Han rolled up the scroll and gently placed it on the table, saying calmly, "Have you reported this matter to the Ministry of Justice?"

Lu Mingfeng shook his head: "I dare not act rashly. This is a matter of the palace, and as a mere official outside the palace, I dare not make any rash decisions. I have come here to report to Your Highness."

Zhu Han chuckled lightly, his voice unhurried: "You say this is a forged imperial edict from the Crown Prince, yet there's no trace of his handwriting; you say you want to protect the court's security, yet you come to the Prince's residence instead of presenting it before the Emperor. Lord Lu, who gave you the audacity to test me?" (End of Chapter)