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

"Your Highness! You have trespassed into the forbidden area!" a lieutenant shouted.

Zhu Di was greatly alarmed and hurriedly reined in his horse, but it was too late. The beast fled in panic, arrows rang out and beasts howled, and chaos ensued.

Meanwhile, Zhu Biao, from atop another hillside, shot an arrow through a gap in the forest, striking the tiger with the golden ring in the weak spot under its neck, to the cheers of the crowd.

In the span of an incense stick's time, the world had changed.

Inside the imperial tent, Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind his couch, listening to reports from those around him. He raised an eyebrow slightly: "The Crown Prince has been caught in a tiger's trap, and the Prince of Di is terrified? You're saying the Crown Prince has changed course?"

The envoy bowed his head: "Your Highness has set up a marker in front of the mountain and requests that the Crown Prince change the route at the last minute."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slowly: "Zhu Han has made his move again."

Neither of them dared to respond.

"Summon both of them to the Emperor's presence," he said in a deep voice.

A moment later, Zhu Biao and Zhu Di knelt before the tent, and the ceremony was completed.

"Zhu Biao," Zhu Yuanzhang said bluntly, "before you were selected, you made a strategic statement: if you hunt a fierce beast, you should order Zhu Di not to speak of politics. Is that right?"

Zhu Biao neither dodged nor avoided the question, but cupped his hands and said, "Yes."

"Do you really think you can secure the throne with a single arrow?"

Zhu Biao lowered his head, his tone resolute: "One arrow cannot conquer the world, but I am willing to use this arrow to first settle one's mind."

Zhu Yuanzhang fell silent for a long time. Finally, he just smiled coldly and said, "You've learned a bit of Zhu Han's eloquence."

"Zhu Di."

"My son is here."

"You've trespassed into the forbidden forest. Do you harbor any ill intentions?"

Zhu Di lowered his head and replied in a deep voice, "I was only hunting tigers and did not investigate the location. I am willing to accept punishment."

Zhu Yuanzhang did not pursue the matter further, but simply waved his sleeve and said, "Let's leave this matter here and everyone may withdraw."

After the two men got up and left, Zhu Yuanzhang leaned back slightly and said calmly to Li Shanwen, who had remained silent at the back of the hall:
"Now, the Crown Prince finally understands the meaning of 'hunting'."

The following day, as dusk fell, Zhu Han, dressed in a blue brocade robe and carrying the moon-white jade disc from the collar, slowly walked into the Imperial Garden.

He first went to Taoyuan Pavilion, where he saw Gu Qingping and Du Shiqing proofreading the poems; not far away, Wu Qiong was instructing several young scholars on composing music and appreciating lyrics.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Di stood between the painted boats. The Crown Prince looked calm, but the Prince of Yan frowned slightly, as if he had something on his mind.

Zhu Han called out, "Everyone is in position."

He then turned to examine the lantern displays more closely, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a newly recruited cavalry general whispering to Han Zhao beside Zhu Di, his expression unusual.

Zhu Han simply nodded, already having a clear understanding in his heart.

Deep within the garden, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on his dragon throne, with several important ministers standing beside him.

Accompanied by a soft sound of a flute, Crown Prince Zhu Biao and Prince Zhu Han took their seats.

Gu Qingping followed closely to the left and right, holding a lamp in her delicate hand. The light shone on the jade hairpin in her hair, making her look as soft and beautiful as water.

"I have set up this banquet today not only to appreciate your literary talent, but also to observe your conduct," Zhu Yuanzhang said in a loud voice. "All of you, remember not to speak or act impolitely because of this grand occasion."

The Crown Prince, prepared but not hasty, returned the greeting with clasped hands: "What Father Emperor said is absolutely right, we will respectfully comply."

Zhu Di's expression remained unchanged; he merely gave a slight bow, but his gaze flickered between Zhu Han and Zhu Biao.

Zhu Han coughed lightly, signaling Zhu Di to take his seat, and then whispered to Zhu Biao, "Pay attention to the people around the Prince of Yan during the banquet; he seems to have other plans today."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I will remember."

With the strains of the jade flute, dozens of talented scholars from the palace took turns reciting poems, some praising the cassia tree, others the moon.

Suddenly, a young official stepped onto the stage and recited "Drinking Alone Under the Moon." The lines "The shadows of flowers move, making one drunk; the sound of the wind enters, awakening one's dreams" were spoken with great force, and the applause from the audience was continuous.

Gu Qingping smiled and said softly to Du Shiqing, "Do you find it vivid, sir?" Du Shiqing smiled and replied, "Your Highness has a discerning eye."

After the poem was finished, Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands in delight: "Such elegance! Tonight, all of you may drink again; as for martial arts, how about the Crown Prince's residence and the Prince of Yan's residence each select one person to compete against each other?"

As soon as he finished speaking, guards in the hall presented him with a sword and a brocade banner, indicating that they wanted to compete in a martial arts tournament.

Zhu Biao said calmly, "Discussing swordsmanship barehanded is not my forte." Zhu Han immediately stood up and said, "Why not test it secretly with military tallies instead? This is the way to use both wisdom and courage."

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was secretly pleased and nodded in approval: "Good, so be it, Your Highness. Each of the two mansions shall take one talisman and hide it in the pavilion. Whoever retrieves the talisman shall use his wisdom and courage to take it back. Then Father and all the ministers will be able to see the reason."

Zhu Biao, Zhu Han, and Gu Qingping set up their forces on the eastern route, while Zhu Di, Han Zhao, and the cavalry generals waited on the western route.

"Your Highness, this road is full of traps; we must break through the maze to obtain the talisman."

Zhu Han pointed to a stone tablet deep within the pine path, on which was engraved a riddle:
"The mountains and rivers seem to block the way, but then a village appears amidst the willows and flowers; if you want to ask where to go home, you can find it under the moon and by the lamp."

Zhu Biao examined it closely and said slowly in a deep voice, "This is a reminder that I should follow the light and never walk against the flow among the pine trees and pebbles, otherwise I will surely go astray."

Zhu Han smiled: "Your Highness is indeed insightful and has already made up your mind."

At the same time, Zhu Di received a bamboo slip from Han Zhao on the western route. It was inscribed with the words "Phoenix Seeking its Mate" and contained a riddle: "Clouds rise and form beautiful branches, the wind carries fragrance; if you ask where your home is, rely on your wings to return."

Han Zhao said in a low voice, "Your Highness should be skilled in hunting; the best place to find prey is where the wind moves."

Zhu Di raised an eyebrow slightly: "Indeed, one can find a path even where the wind blows."

He then turned and shot an arrow at a red ribbon fluttering deep in the bamboo forest. The ribbon fell down, revealing a flag with a military tally locked below.

The two races began, each with its own sounds. Zhu Biao beckoned Gu Qingping and Du Shiqing to follow him. As they reached the corner of the pine path, they saw a peach-red path under the moonlight, with the four characters "Unity of Knowledge and Action" engraved on it.

Zhu Biao stared at it for a long time before finally picking up the Yuanfu. Gu Qingping raised the lamp high, and in its light, she realized that the four characters were personally inscribed by Zhu Han last night, meaning "unity of wisdom and action".

Despite the fierce competition, Zhu Di, reminded by Han Zhao, gracefully leaped over the bamboo shoot formation and seized the Western Symbol.

Seeing the red silk appear and disappear, he smiled broadly, not realizing that the hidden soldiers had fallen off along with the silk ribbon, almost causing a scare; fortunately, he was agile and managed to keep his balance.

Both talismans were obtained, and the scene fell silent for a moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at the two mansions and smiled faintly: "If we talk about obtaining the talisman, Zhu Di is slightly better; however, the path to the Crown Prince's mansion contains the principle of 'unity of knowledge and action,' which secretly aligns with my heart."

He hesitated for a moment, then finally stood up and gestured for the two to return.

In the garden pavilion, Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the center, with Zhu Di and Zhu Biao standing side by side. Gu Qingping and Han Zhao stood on either side, while Zhu Han, Wu Qiong, and Du Shiqing each stood to one side.

"Today's test is for the Emperor to see the people from the two palaces and observe their words and actions after obtaining the talisman."

Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, "Zhu Di, after you seized the imperial tally, you did not pay your respects to the Crown Prince's residence. What is the meaning of this?"

Zhu Di obediently returned the greeting: "I am unworthy and lack courtesy. I hope Father and Crown Prince will forgive me."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Very well, the formalities can be made up for. As for the Crown Prince, now that you have obtained the token for the eastern route, could you explain its meaning?"

Zhu Biao cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, I have obtained the talisman ‘unity of knowledge and action,’ which means that one’s actions must be consistent with one’s words. If one only talks but does not act, or only acts but does not conform, then one loses the truth. I will keep this in mind in my words and deeds from now on.”

Zhu Yuanzhang showed a satisfied expression: "This is a very good point, and I also agree with it."

Zhu Biao's expression brightened, and he was about to agree when Zhu Han suddenly said softly, "Father, I believe that the power of the Ministry of War should remain in the Prince's residence for the time being. ... This decree can be granted when the Crown Prince has matured further. If we do not act on it today, I fear that this good thing will turn into chaos."

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze sharpened, and he turned to Zhu Han: "Brother Han, how do you know the importance of the Ministry of War?"

Zhu Han cupped his hands and said, “Since I came to the capital, I have seen many officials in the court who have neglected their local affairs in their eagerness to train troops. Your Highness has only recently learned the principle of ‘unity of knowledge and action,’ and you are trying to emphasize both words and deeds. If you rashly take command of troops, it is easy to separate words from deeds. It will be fine to entrust the matter to Your Highness when you are truly dedicated to training troops and serving the country.”

Gu Qingping frowned slightly, but saw that Zhu Biao also remained silent, nodding slightly in agreement.

Zhu Di looked unwilling, but he restrained himself and said, "I will respectfully obey my father's wishes."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time, then suddenly let out a long sigh: "I think today's meeting is even better than the hundred days of court discussions. You two have both gained something today. The common people may not be fully aware of the private affairs of the court, but from now on, the four words 'unity of knowledge and action' can be set as the court's guiding principle. The prince's words are also reasonable. Once the crown prince can truly follow this principle, then we will grant him great power."

Having said that, he waved his sleeve and left, and the officials withdrew in turn.

In the Imperial Garden, the lanterns still shone brightly, and the moonlight grew ever brighter.

Zhu Biao stood facing Zhu Han, Gu Qingping, and Du Shiqing, all sensing the strangeness of this night.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang did not praise him, his words and actions tacitly approved the Crown Prince's future command of troops.

Zhu Han said softly to Zhu Biao, "Today's situation is clearly about winning or losing, but there are hidden arrangements. If you can truly 'balance words and deeds,' you will definitely be able to stabilize the hearts and minds of the people and the army."

Zhu Biao gave him a deep look: "Thank you for your teachings, Imperial Uncle. From now on, the Crown Prince must study diligently and act cautiously so as not to fail your high expectations."

Gu Qingping chuckled: "If Your Highness can truly remember these four words, the path to the Eastern Palace will become even smoother."

Du Shiqing cupped his hands and said, "Since there is such instruction, I, Du, will guide the students to discuss it, so as to make it a prevailing trend."

Wu Qiong also smiled and said, "We should all strive together to fulfill our duties as assistants to the Crown Prince."

On this day, Zhu Han was sitting quietly in the study of the Prince's Mansion, holding several volumes of military books in his hands, but he couldn't concentrate on reading them.

Since the spring hunt, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's composure and ambition have put pressure on him.

At this moment, however, his mind was not on matters concerning the Crown Prince's Palace, but rather on the changing political landscape of the court.

"Huang Qi, any news today?"

Huang Qi respectfully replied, "Your Highness, there has been some activity in the palace today. Although it was not explicitly stated, the eunuchs reported that it seems the Emperor intends to tighten his control over the Ministry of War and is currently assessing the loyalty of several ministers."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow slightly: "Are they testing the loyalty of these ministers? Who are they targeting?"

"Mainly Wei Zhong and Li Jing. The two have recently gained the Emperor's favor, but they have always been indifferent and rarely take the initiative to contact the Crown Prince's residence."

Zhu Han remained noncommittal, then sighed softly: "If Wei Zhong and Li Jing are indeed secretly in contact with Zhu Di, then they are a potential threat. If the news spreads too quickly, it might alert them."

Huang Qi nodded: "Your Highness is absolutely right, and these ministers seem to be considering how to advance further in the court."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment: "Keep a close eye on it, but don't rush into action."

Meanwhile, the situation in the Eastern Palace was also far from easy. Zhu Biao stood by the study window, his eyes unfocused, seemingly pondering some important matter.

He had gradually come to feel his father’s expectations of him, especially the various signs after the spring hunt, which profoundly reminded him that he should not only sit in the position of crown prince, but also shoulder real responsibilities.

Gu Qingping gently pushed open the window and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, after the spring hunt, Father's expectations for you are probably even heavier."

Zhu Biao turned around and looked at her, a bitter look flashing in his eyes: "Yes, Father no longer sees me simply, but has entrusted the future of the entire Ming Dynasty to me. The Eastern Palace will bear not only the throne, but also the future of the court. And I am uneasy about whether I can bear all of this."

Gu Qingping walked to his side and gently patted his back: "Your Highness need not worry too much. You are now making steady progress, and the hearts of the people in the court are gradually leaning towards the Crown Prince. As long as you continue to be steady and act cautiously, you will surely win the Emperor's approval."

Zhu Biao shook his head: "I know, but I always feel that something is stirring up trouble in the shadows, as if a bigger storm is about to break."

Gu Qingping looked at him, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "Your Highness, are you worrying too much? Now that the Eastern Palace is stable, and Father's trust in you is growing deeper, the power struggle in the court may have been suppressed."

Zhu Biao frowned: "I hope so, but I have a feeling of unease."

Zhu Yuanzhang was always a wise emperor, and he could easily detect every movement in the palace.

On this day, he sat quietly in the imperial study, with memorials submitted by court officials in front of him, and everything seemed to be under his control.

However, his gaze kept drifting towards the distant window, a vague unease lingering in his heart.

“Your Majesty, you seem to be quite restless lately,” Li Shanwen asked in a low voice.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed slightly: "I am somewhat puzzled, Minister Li. I have always been good at managing state affairs, but now I always feel that something is not right."

Li Shanwen nodded: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The situation between Zhu Biao and Zhu Han seems stable recently, but the undercurrents are somewhat unpredictable."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a low voice, "Yes, especially Zhu Han. This seemingly calm prince has always been hiding some kind of unfathomable power. I feel more and more that he is not as simple as he appears on the surface."

"Your Majesty means..." Li Shanwen asked tentatively.

"He is deeply loved by the ministers in the court, especially those old ministers who are dissatisfied with my direct interference in politics. He is not only supporting the crown prince, but also paving the way for himself in a subtle way."

A sharp glint flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes. "If Zhu Biao truly wants to secure the Eastern Palace, he must always be wary of his imperial uncle."

Li Shanwen lowered his head and remained silent, but a faint unease rose in his heart: "Your Majesty, if Zhu Han is as you predict, I'm afraid the situation in the Eastern Palace will become even more complicated."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "That's right, the situation that follows will determine the future of the entire Ming Dynasty."

Just then, news suddenly came from the palace that Wei Zhong and Li Jing were becoming increasingly close to Zhu Di, and were beginning to pose a threat to the Eastern Palace.

When the news reached Zhu Han, he was listening to Huang Qi's report in the inner hall of the Prince's Mansion. He frowned slightly and said, "These people are indeed unwilling to accept this."

"Your Highness, if Wei Zhong and Li Jing are indeed connected with Zhu Di, I'm afraid the power struggle in the Eastern Palace will become even more intense."

Huang Qi asked in a low voice, "Should we take action immediately?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then calmly said, "Let's observe the situation first. If they are truly committed to forming an alliance, they will definitely take more action; we can't rush it." (End of Chapter)