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

Huang Qi nodded: "Understood."

Moonlight streamed into the palace through the windows, and Zhu Biao remained seated at his desk, clutching the new secret report about Wei Zhong and Li Jing in his hand.

Gu Qingping watched him from the side, her eyes filled with deep worry: "Your Highness, what are you thinking?"

Zhu Biao raised his head and looked at her: "Qingping, the situation in the court has reached a critical moment, and I must act with caution. If Wei Zhong and Li Jingruo truly submit to Zhu Di, it will be an unprecedented challenge for me."

“But you can’t fight them alone; you must rely on Zhu Han,” Gu Qingping reminded her.

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then his gaze hardened: "I know. I have decided that I will cooperate fully with my uncle to stabilize the Eastern Palace."

Gu Qingping sighed softly, "Your Highness, you are always so worried, I'm afraid..."

"Are you afraid I'll make the wrong decision?" Zhu Biao smiled and gently held her hand. "Qingping, I will."

On a midsummer night, the moonlight was as clear as water. Deep within the imperial city, all was silent, except for the bright light in the imperial study, which cast a dim, yellowish silhouette against the palace walls, like a giant beast lying dormant.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind his dragon desk, silent for a long time, with an unfinished memorial lying beside his elbow.

His gaze fell on a folding fan not far away. It was a "Unity of Knowledge and Action" fan presented by Zhu Hanchun after the hunt. The plain white fan surface was stained with some dust, but the signature "Han" was still as sharp as a knife.

“Li Shanwen.” He suddenly spoke, his tone cold and unyielding.

"The minister is here."

"By imperial decree, a private banquet will be held tomorrow. No civil or military officials will be invited, and no one from the outer court will be invited. Only the Crown Prince's Palace and the Prince's residence will be allowed to attend."

He paused, his gaze sharp as a sword, and said, “Send another secret order to the Inner Palace Administration to thoroughly investigate the movements of Wei Zhong and Li Jing over the past month, with a close watch on all those entering and leaving the Prince of Yan’s residence. Any private visits must be strictly recorded.”

Li Shanwen's heart tightened, and he whispered the order: "I will obey Your Majesty's decree."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up with his hands behind his back, stood by the window, looked at the waning moon above the palace wall, and murmured: "Han, Biao... I have already pushed you into this game. Now it is time to see your true strength."

The next morning, at the Prince's Mansion.

When Zhu Han received the secret edict, he was practicing in the back garden in the morning, dressed in a plain long robe, his palm techniques combining both strength and gentleness.

He took the yellow paper seal from Huang Qi, tore it open, and a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.

"Tomorrow's banquet, will you only invite me and the Crown Prince?" He put the paper away and smiled calmly, "Your Majesty, this is truly a 'strategy within a strategy'."

Huang Qi cupped his hands in greeting: "Does Your Highness mean that this banquet is not for bestowing rewards?"

"It is a test."

Zhu Han looked at the bluestone corridor bathed in the morning light, his expression calm: "Father has noticed the abnormality of Wei Zhong and Li Jing, but he will not take direct action. He wants to see how we deal with it and whether we can join forces to remove this thorn in our side."

"What if the Crown Prince doesn't dare to make a move?" Huang Qi asked.

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "Then I'll have to do it."

After reading the secret order, Zhu Biao could not hide his nervousness: "Qingping, Father Emperor's sudden private banquet... this matter is definitely not ordinary."

Gu Qingping said softly, "The prince must have already received the order. If it is as you guessed, this banquet may be the last open test that Father Emperor will give you."

Zhu Biao sat back down at his desk, tapping his fingertips lightly on the paper: "Wei Zhong, Li Jing... they have been frequently in contact with Zhu Di's men recently, which shows their unease. If I remain inactive now, I fear I will lose Father's trust."

What does Your Highness wish to do?

Zhu Biao looked up at her and said, "I would like to ask my uncle to join me in this effort."

Gu Qingping remained silent for a long while, then nodded slightly: "If he takes action, it will not only be a matter between you and me in the Eastern Palace. It will be a matter of sorting out the entire imperial order."

“I know,” Zhu Biao said calmly. “I also know that my uncle has never wanted to show off his power. But if he doesn’t, my brother will never be at ease.”

She said gently, "Can you really convince him?"

"Yes." Zhu Biao looked out the window at the rising sun, his eyes filled with an unprecedented determination. "Because this time, I will not back down."

Unlike the usual palace banquets, there were only four people at the table tonight: Zhu Yuanzhang in the center, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao on his left and right, respectively, and Gu Qingping sitting on a side seat, serving wine and tea.

There was no music or dance in the hall; only the candlelight illuminated the solemn expressions on their faces.

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up his wine cup and gently swirled it: "Tonight I will not discuss state affairs or ask about government matters, but will only ask you one thing."

He looked around and suddenly asked, "If Wei Zhong and Li Jing's rebellious intentions have been revealed, what will you do with them?"

Zhu Biao was startled, his brow twitching slightly. He then cupped his hands and replied, "A subject with ulterior motives should not be tolerated. If the evidence is conclusive, I request to impeach myself and investigate."

Zhu Han remained unmoved, holding his cup without uttering a word.

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes: "Brother Han, you are quite composed."

Zhu Han chuckled: "Your Majesty, I have not acted because I have not yet seen enough evidence. If Wei and Li are indeed colluding with the Prince of Yan, I am willing to eliminate this threat for Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him for a moment, then suddenly smiled, raised his hand and drank the wine in his cup: "Good! Biao'er spoke sternly, and Han'er spoke profoundly. It is clear that you two are truly shrewd and calculating."

Zhu Han sighed softly, his gaze slowly falling on Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, since my elder brother has made it clear, there is no need to worry about me anymore. If you want to take action, the Prince's Mansion will fully cooperate."

Zhu Biao's eyes widened as he looked at Zhu Han. After a long while, he finally spoke: "Imperial Uncle, your nephew... dares not forget what you said today."

Gu Qingping raised her wine cup to Zhu Han's table and said in a low voice, "Since Your Highness has given your consent, the Crown Prince will not fail you."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, his expression unusually relieved: "I have set up this banquet today to remove the last barrier between you. From now on, with the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace and the Prince assisting in the government, you will have no more concerns about each other and can share the responsibility of the country together."

Zhu Biao slowly rose and bowed solemnly: "Your subject will remember this in his heart."

Zhu Han also cupped his hands in response: "Your subject will respectfully obey Your Majesty's will."

The back garden of the Prince's Mansion.

Zhu Han leaned against the railing, listening to the wind. Huang Qi beside him whispered, "Your Highness, Wei and Li set off this morning without offering any resistance, as if they already knew the outcome."

"Knowing this but not fleeing shows a dead heart." Zhu Han said calmly, "They bet we wouldn't dare to move, but unexpectedly, Zhu Biao finally learned to strike first."

"Does Your Highness now fully trust the Crown Prince?"

Zhu Han gazed at the distant horizon: "It's not about trust, it's about support. I want him to reach the top, not to see if he has any edge, but to see when he dares to use it."

A system notification suddenly sounded in my mind:
[Main Story Update: The Crown Prince's First Battle to Seize Power Ends in Success]

[Rewards: Crown Prince's military influence +5, Zhu Biao's trust +10, Gu Qingping's trust +6]

Early that morning, in the inner hall of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao laid out a memorial on his desk. Inside were secret messages, and the signature was that of one of his most trusted people—Du Shiqing.

He frowned and pondered for a moment, then murmured, "Recently, Liu Zhongzhi, the Minister of Revenue, has been frequently interacting with several salt merchants in Southern Zhili. Although they haven't been involved in silver or grain transactions, their interactions seem far too close."

Gu Qingping stepped out from behind the curtain and asked softly, "Is Your Highness uneasy?"

“I am not afraid of his pursuit of profit,” Zhu Biao said slowly. “I am afraid of him setting up his own faction.”

Gu Qingping approached, picked up the secret report, and read it carefully. Then she whispered, "Although Liu Zhongzhi is not arrogant, he has always considered himself to be a man of integrity. If he makes too many comments on the actions of the Crown Prince, he will be a real threat."

"What did the Imperial Uncle say?" Zhu Biao asked.

"The prince replied last night with only four words—'Stay put, or you'll be safe.'"

Zhu Biao sighed softly: "The Imperial Uncle is still unwilling to act rashly."

“It’s not that I’m unwilling,” Gu Qingping shook her head, “it’s that I’m afraid you’ll make a move too early and lose your foundation.”

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then looked up and asked, "Then tell me, what should I do?" Gu Qingping stared at him and said, "Take it back for now, don't do anything. Although Liu Zhongzhi holds a high position, he has long been a member of the Qingliu faction and may not be useless. As long as he is willing to be used by the Crown Prince, he can be turned from an enemy into a friend."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I understand."

He rose, his gaze steady as a mountain: "Tomorrow, I will hold a night lecture at the Eastern Palace, summoning Du Shiqing, Wu Qiong, Gu Zhong, Wei Lin, and others to discuss the strategy of 'cultivating both military and political affairs.' I want the court to understand that the Eastern Palace can not only abide by the rules, but also establish systems."

Gu Qingping responded softly, "Your Majesty, I will give the order to make arrangements immediately."

Inside the Prince's residence, Zhu Han was sitting opposite Huang Qi, with an unfinished chess game on the table.

"The Crown Prince has arranged a night lecture to discuss military and political affairs," Huang Qi said in a low voice, "and we will not inform the Prince's residence yet."

Zhu Han didn't move a piece, only smiled faintly: "He finally wants to try to break free from me."

"Your Highness is not angry?"

"Why are you angry?" Zhu Han's eyes were deep. "If he doesn't dare to leave me, he will never be able to stand firm."

Huang Qi lowered his head: "I have observed that the Crown Prince seems to be recruiting new members. Several newly promoted officials from the Secretariat have all been transferred to the Eastern Palace."

"Good for you to return." Zhu Han placed a piece on the board. "As for the Ministry of War, Du Shiqing has already submitted a document requesting the establishment of a thousand guards for the Eastern Palace, to be stationed at the Crown Prince's temporary palace, the lecture hall, and the southeastern outpost. What do you think of this proposal?"

“It is imperative,” Huang Qi replied. “Since Wei Zhong and Li Jing were eliminated, although the generals of the Ministry of War have not made it clear, most of them have already seen the direction. If the Crown Prince has no troops to protect him at this time, he will appear weak.”

Zhu Han nodded slowly: "Have someone contact the Ministry of War's Imperial Guards and secretly select candidates. List thirty generals, and I will choose them. What I want are not bodyguards around the Crown Prince, but people who can withstand the storms for him."

"My subordinate understands."

Zhu Han rose and paced back and forth in the courtyard. Gazing at the sunrise on the horizon, he suddenly said, "Huang Qi, if one day I am not in court, would you be willing to guard the Crown Prince in my place?"

Huang Qi was startled and immediately knelt down: "Your Highness, I swear to serve you to the death, and I have no other intentions!"

Zhu Han waved his hand: "I'm not asking you to pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince. I'm saying that if that day ever comes, just remember one thing—protect his 'Eastern Palace,' and you'll be protecting the Ming Dynasty."

Huang Qi lowered his head and remained silent, but secretly clenched his fists.

"Gentlemen," he slowly rose, his tone calm, "the Crown Prince not only receives the Emperor's mandate, but should also know the future of the world. I have invited you all here today to discuss only one matter."

He picked up a scroll from the table, unfolded it, and found it to be a map of the defense of the eastern city.

"This is a map showing the area between the Eastern Palace and the Imperial City, which is three miles and ten offices. The guard system has been following the old system since the beginning of the year, and it has problems such as empty positions, lack of soldiers, and redundant personnel. Now we want to set up three guards, two offices, and one battalion in the Eastern Palace, and incorporate them into the military register. The Ministry of War will be in charge of their names and the Eastern Palace will be responsible for their deployment."

As soon as the words were spoken, some people in the hall whispered, while others looked solemn.

Wu Qiong spoke up: "Your Highness's move will lead to a change in the military system, and it requires His Majesty's personal approval."

Zhu Biao nodded: "This matter has been approved by the Prince, and it is planned that the Prince will personally present it to the Emperor in three days."

Du Shiqing then said, "The officers of the Three Guards will be personally selected by the Crown Prince, with military achievements and loyalty as the most important criteria. Civil officials are not allowed to interfere in politics, nor are they allowed to privately request recommendations."

Someone stepped forward to question: "Was this the prince's idea, or the crown prince's decision?"

Zhu Biao glanced at the man and said in a deep voice, "This is what I have decided."

After saying that, he took out a list of soldiers: "Thirty officers have been selected for the first time. Seven of them are former subordinates of the Prince's Palace, eleven are recommended by the Ministry of War, and the rest are all people who have been trained at the Crown Prince's training ground. This list is signed by me and no one can change it."

The hall fell silent instantly.

Gu Qingping quietly walked to Zhu Biao's side and handed the list to Du Shiqing: "From now on, the title of the Crown Prince's guards does not belong to the Prince, nor to the Ministry of War, but only to the Crown Prince."

Du Shiqing nodded: "With the Crown Prince's determination, great things are on the horizon."

Three days later, at the Prince's residence.

Zhu Han put on his robe, boarded the carriage, and went to the palace to present his memorial.

Accompanying Huang Qi was a taciturn official in a blue robe, Wei Lin, a seventh-rank official in the Records Department of the Ministry of War, who was personally recommended by the Crown Prince.

Zhu Han looked at him and suddenly asked with a smile, "Why are you willing to risk your life for the Crown Prince?"

Wei Lin answered decisively: "Because the Crown Prince trusts me."

"What will you do if the Crown Prince loses power in the future?"

Wei Lin was silent for a moment, then replied, "If he does not betray me, I will not betray him."

In front of the emperor.

Zhu Han presented the roster of soldiers and the draft of the Crown Prince's Palace organization together.

After reading it, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly put it down: "Aren't you afraid he'll use military force to seize power?"

Zhu Han said, "If he does not become emperor in the future, giving him the army will be useless; if he can truly secure the throne, there will be no peace even if the army is not in his hands."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a while, then suddenly asked, "Did he sign it personally?"

"Yes."

"Isn't he afraid of your objections?"

"He said this is his Eastern Palace," Zhu Han said with a faint smile. "He doesn't want to rely on his uncle for the rest of his life."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed suddenly and slammed his hand on the table: "This is the crown prince I want!"

He turned and looked up at the sky beyond the palace walls, and said slowly, "Granted. Order the establishment of a guard at the Eastern Palace, appoint Zhu Han as the supervisor, and the Crown Prince as the commander-in-chief, to assist the troops for three years."

Training every three days, with a grand performance at the end of each month, in late summer and early autumn, a somber atmosphere seemed to be brewing throughout the capital region.

Three miles southeast of the imperial city, the Imperial Training Ground, which had been abandoned for many years, was reopened under the orders of the Ministry of War and the Crown Prince.

Three barracks rose from the ground, newly built with blue bricks and clearly marked with flags, with each of the three guards dividing up their own territory for camping.

The first directly subordinate army personally established by the Crown Prince's Palace finally took shape here.

Inside the Prince's residence, Zhu Han sat quietly at his desk, his fingertips gently tapping a camp map.

He was dressed in a plain robe, his gaze piercing through the ink on the paper, as if he had already stepped into the training ground.

"Huang Qi, are the commanders of the Three Guards all in position?"

Huang Qi cupped his hands and said, “Your Highness, all are in place. Seventeen of the thirty generals are from Your Highness’s old troops, and the rest were personally recommended by the Crown Prince. Currently, the East Camp is under the command of Du Shiqing, the Central Camp is under the command of Wei Lin, and the West Camp is under the personal command of the Crown Prince.”

"Zhu Biao is going to take the stage himself?"

"Yes, the Crown Prince said: 'Without armor, there is no need for soldiers. This is the foundation of morale in the army.'"

Zhu Han smiled with relief: "He finally understands."

"Would Your Highness like to join the battle and observe?"

"Of course." Zhu Han stood up, his sleeve brushing against the diagram on the table. "If I don't look at it, the world will just think this is a child's play."

On the drill ground, the first drumbeats sounded, the morning sun shone on three red flags, the banners fluttered in the wind, and three hundred soldiers stood solemnly beneath their golden armor and silver helmets.

Zhu Biao was clad in iron armor and wore a gilded winged helmet. He stood tall and straight, with piercing eyes, like a sword yet to be drawn.

Gu Qingping stood on the observation platform, her gaze following him, her lips slightly pursed, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and respect. (End of Chapter)