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

Zhu Biao nodded slightly: "Teaching should be based on practical experience. If the education system is just empty talk and not implemented, it may become a joke. I hope that you will actually go to the training ground and observe the daily routine of the Ice Camp. If there is no problem, you can enroll."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked down at the emperor for a long time before slowly saying, "I am very pleased with this move. The teachings of the Ice Camp are not only about stopping the soldiers, but also about educating the people. In the midst of the winter cold, I hope that all of you will experience the cold first and then the warmth, a unique experience."

The ministers bowed again, saying, "We are willing to receive instruction from Bingying."

As night deepened, Zhu Han stood in the long corridor behind the palace, watching the Crown Prince and Gu Qingping laugh side by side. The moonlight was bright, but it could not hide the chill of early winter.

He looked up at the lights of the Eastern Palace and sighed softly: "This teaching of ice and fire is perfectly suited to the Ming Dynasty's grand scheme. In the midst of wind and snow, only the iron can temper the soul; in the hearts of men, only the traveler can establish his destiny."

Huang Qi stood to the side: "Your Highness, another game has begun, and I shall follow Your Highness's lead."

Zhu Han gently flicked his long robe, his gaze both gentle and cold: "Accompany him on his journey, Huang Qi; not for me, but for the Ming Dynasty. The path of the Crown Prince is now our shared responsibility."

He turned around, his silhouette silhouetted against the snow. He reached out and touched the cup of warm wine, murmuring to himself, "The cold dew is approaching, the wind is rising at the ends of the earth, and at the end of the world, snow will weigh down on my neck; when I look up, the morning dew will still be wet."

The next morning, before the drums were sounded in the palace, the East Palace was already brightly lit.

Gu Qingping personally oversaw the handling of official documents within the palace, with eunuchs, clerks, and maids coming and going in a constant stream, making it even busier than usual court assemblies.

Zhu Biao, draped in a silver-white fox fur coat, stood on the stone steps of the library.

He gazed at the faint dawn light on the horizon, unable to express his joy or anger, and only asked Wu Qiong behind him one question:
"Is things stable outside?"

Wu Qiong nodded: "Last night, regarding the Ice Camp discussion, all the ministries sent memorials, and the Six Ministries, the Three Temples, and the Two Directorates all expressed their support; the Ministry of Revenue even said it was willing to allocate 40,000 strings of silver to help establish the 'Ice Camp Academy'. Minister of War Zhang Jun personally conveyed the message: 'Setting up battle formations and training troops in the Eastern Palace is better than discussing military strategy on paper.'"

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, "As expected of a scheme orchestrated by the Imperial Uncle."

He paused, then his tone suddenly changed, "But I don't want to just be a good piece on the chessboard left by my uncle; I want to set up the board myself."

“Your Highness means…” Wu Qiong looked up.

"Next, it's my turn to make a move."

Zhu Biao gazed into the distance. "Now that the Ice Camp has been established and the court and the people are responding, I will take advantage of this momentum to set up the 'Strategist Platform'."

Wu Qiong's expression shifted slightly: "The Strategist's Platform? Your Highness intends to establish a council office for the Crown Prince's staff?"

“Exactly.” Zhu Biao said slowly, “My uncle has Huang Qi and Du Shiqing, and I also need a group of people who can truly help the Crown Prince. They are not ready-made officials of the court, not the Emperor’s spies, not the imperial clan’s followers, but people I personally select, train and hone.”

Wu Qiong pondered for a moment: "This step might draw criticism, and even the Emperor might not be so sure..."

“But this is the path I must take.” Zhu Biao’s gaze was firm. “As the crown prince, I cannot forever live under someone else’s roof.”

On the same day, in the study of the Prince's residence.

Zhu Han, draped in a sheepskin cloak, stood by the window. Outside, the snow had not yet melted, while inside, the stove burned brightly. Huang Qi brewed tea while listening to Du Shiqing whisper:

"Your Highness, I have learned that the Crown Prince does intend to establish a strategist platform to select virtuous and capable individuals and to personally formulate methods for teaching and promotion."

Zhu Han remained silent, only his gaze darkened slightly.

Du Shiqing continued, "The Crown Prince's intention is not hard to guess—he wants to establish his own staff and build his own foundation for the Eastern Palace, no longer relying on the existing system in the court."

Huang Qi frowned: "This will probably cause unease among some of the veteran officials."

Zhu Han gently raised his hand to stop their discussion and said slowly, "This is something he will have to do sooner or later. It is also something I hope he can do."

Du Shiqing was taken aback.

"Those who assist cannot ultimately replace him."

Zhu Han's tone was low and slow, yet clear as a knife: "Today, he dares to establish a platform, dares to attract talent, and dares to select people. That is when he truly embarks on the path to the throne."

Huang Qi said, "Your Highness means..."

“We’ll stay put.” Zhu Han turned around with a faint smile on his face. “We’ll just observe and see how many truly talented people he can attract, and how he establishes rules, sets thresholds, and builds his reputation.”

He paused, then turned his gaze to the cluster of plum blossoms outside the window, where the first snow had fallen.

"If the Strategist Platform is established, the name of the Crown Prince will no longer be that of the heir apparent, but rather that of a ruler who governs the world."

Three days later, the Crown Prince officially announced the results:

"Anyone with literary talent, a clear understanding of laws and regulations, and knowledge of military strategy may submit their essays to the Crown Prince's 'Essay Advisor Platform' for a period of one month, during which time the talented will be selected and employed. There will be three essay questions to test one's mind."

The capital was shaken.

In no time, scholars spread the news, and Hanlin scholars also privately sent their disciples to the scene.

Even some former officials who had resigned from their posts and lived in their hometowns secretly went to the capital to see the reality of this policy.

At the same time, the princes in the court also took action.

Upon hearing the news, Prince Yan, Zhu Di, sneered in his Northern Garrison residence:
"He really dares to open his doors to recruit people. If this strategist platform is established, it will be the beginning of civil officials' hearts turning to the Crown Prince."

However, his advisor Song Li said slowly, "Your Highness, why don't you observe further? Although this plan is ingenious, without truly talented people and without results, it is nothing but empty talk. Moreover, such a grand display will inevitably give others something to talk about."

Zhu Di's gaze was deep as he slowly closed the bamboo slip in his hand: "If the Crown Prince is careless in selecting talents, it will be a disgrace to the Crown Prince himself; if he selects outstanding individuals, then I should really be careful."

The Eastern Palace Advisory Pavilion.

Zhu Biao held the policy proposals in his hands, working day and night without rest, while Gu Qingping also read them beside him.

The two sometimes looked at each other, and sometimes exchanged wry smiles.

“These policy proposals contain talented individuals,” Gu Qingping said, “but there are also many who try to cover up their mistakes, talking empty words about life and death, and are out of touch with reality.”

Zhu Biao nodded: "So this time I will not only look at the articles, but also conduct interviews to see the person's speech, integrity, and vision."

"Your Highness wishes to test it personally?" Wu Qiong was surprised.

Zhu Biao laughed and said, "I want the world to know that this is not a power struggle, but a promotion. I want to recognize the virtuous, not to curry favor with them."

Half a month later, the three rounds of strategist trials at the "Strategist Platform" were completed, and sixteen people were finally selected. All of them were outstanding talents under the age of twenty-five. Among them, seven were excellent in literary strategy, four were proficient in military strategy, and five were decisive in their speech.

When the officials of the Eastern Palace saw the list, they were all amazed.

"It turns out that Han Qisheng, the son of Han Linzhi from back then, is here?"

"Zhou Qian's disciple was also selected? This man has always been outspoken, how dare the Crown Prince employ him?"

Some even speculated: "I heard that Yao Chengyuan was originally from a military family, and his ability to be selected for the civil service exam is probably a deliberate attempt by the Crown Prince to maintain balance?"

Upon receiving the report, Zhu Biao smiled slightly: "In my Eastern Palace, we do not ask about one's background, but only whether one is capable of undertaking great responsibilities."

In the Prince's mansion library, Zhu Han flipped through the list of selected scholars, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes.

“Not bad,” he said softly. “If these people can be trained for three years, they will be no less capable than any official in the Secretariat.”

The winter solstice has passed, the snow is not deep, but the chill is even stronger. Outside the imperial city, the wind is like a knife, while inside the palace walls, incense burns and schemes are in full swing.

Since its establishment over a month ago, the Strategist's Platform has been under the personal supervision of Zhu Biao, who spends his days and nights reviewing the documents, discussing policies, asking questions, and coordinating affairs, barely having a moment's rest. All of this is quietly reshaping the political climate in the court.

At the hour of 1-3 PM that day, before the Crown Prince's East Pavilion meeting had concluded, a young eunuch hurried into the hall, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, Minister of War Zhang Jun requests an audience."

Zhu Biao raised an eyebrow and put down the bamboo slip in his hand: "Send it."

A moment later, Zhang Jun entered the hall, his robes streaked with snow, his expression solemn. Zhu Biao personally rose to greet him: "Lord Zhang, you would not visit the Eastern Palace without a reason. What brings you here?"

Zhang Jun cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, while reviewing military reports from various regions last night, I noticed something unusual." Zhu Biao's expression tightened: "Where?"

“Not a border region.” Zhang Jun paused. “It’s a garrison stationed in the capital region.”

Zhu Biao frowned slightly: "Explain in detail."

Zhang Jun presented a folded scroll and whispered, "The Southwest Martial Arts Training Ground was reorganized. Last night, the school flags were secretly changed without any explicit orders or command to enter the camp. Furthermore, thirty riders went out at dawn—flying the flag of the Eastern Palace."

Zhu Biao suddenly focused his attention, took the scroll and flipped through it. Sure enough, he found that the records inside were clear and detailed, and that the changes in camps and flags, as well as the secret cavalry leaving the camp, were all unusual.

"Has the Ministry of War investigated this matter?" he asked.

"The camp gates have been sealed off, and men have been sent to question the commander. However, the thirty riders returned this morning at dawn, saying that they were acting on orders from the Strategist's Office and that the military tally was issued by the Crown Prince's deputy seal."

Zhang Jun looked up at him and said, "Your Highness, the Ministry of War has not received any transfer order, and the Strategist's Office should not have the authority to appoint military officers."

He pondered for a moment, then stood up: "Come with me to the Strategist's Platform."

Inside the strategist's platform, sixteen people were taking turns reviewing the local records of public sentiment submitted by the local authorities.

Yao Cheng was pointing out the terrain of a certain hill when he suddenly heard a palace attendant outside shout, "His Highness has arrived!"

Everyone rose and bowed. Zhu Biao walked straight in, his expression stern: "Yao Cheng, Zhou Qian, Han Qisheng, step forward."

The three men stepped forward, their hearts filled with unease.

Zhu Biao raised the Ministry of War's official document, his voice chilling: "Last night, thirty riders secretly performed at the martial arts arena, mobilizing flags and issuing orders under the name of my Strategist's Office. Who was in charge of this matter?"

Everyone was stunned. Yao Cheng's face turned pale: "Your Highness, I have not heard of such an order."

Han Qisheng said in a deep voice: "None of the proposals discussed by the Strategist's Office involve military mobilization, and we subordinates have no authority to issue military decrees."

Zhu Biao's gaze swept over everyone, and he said in a deep voice, "If this was not done by any of you, then someone else has taken advantage of the name of the Strategist's Platform to act, and their intention is not to conduct military exercises, but to undermine the foundation of the Crown Prince!"

The hall was silent, except for the crackling sound of pine resin burning in the stove.

A moment later, Zhu Biao turned his head and said: "Yao Cheng, immediately check the seals of the Crown Prince and see if any forged seals have been circulated; Zhou Qian, send someone to the Ministry of War camp to question the thirty riders from last night; Han Qisheng, from today onwards, suspend official duties for three days and proofread documents in Taichung, and do not leave the camp."

The three men bowed and accepted the order, their expressions solemn.

Night falls at the palace gates, and the snow begins to fall again.

Zhu Biao stood under the corridor, gazing at the night sky, his mind unsettled.

Gu Qingping, wearing a fox fur coat, came over and poured him tea: "If Your Highness does not find out the truth about this matter, the reputation of the Strategist's Platform may be ruined in an instant."

"That's why I have to break the deadlock myself."

Zhu Biao finished his cup. "If outsiders cause trouble, I will expose them; if insiders act recklessly, I will let the world know that I, Zhu Biao, may employ people regardless of their background, but I am equally strict with myself and others."

"Could it be... that someone wants to pin this on the Prince?" Gu Qingping whispered.

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, and after a moment slowly shook his head: "If the Imperial Uncle were to make a move, he would not need to hide anything. If he were setting a trap, he would have questioned him in court long ago, rather than resorting to such sneaky tactics."

He gazed at the deep night sky and suddenly said, "Qingping, prepare my horse."

Gu Qingping was taken aback: "Your Highness is leaving the palace?"

"I must go to the Prince's residence in person," Zhu Biao said. "I cannot be pregnant with his child, but I should not avoid him either."

In the study of the Prince's residence, Zhu Han, draped in black brocade, was talking with Huang Qi when a servant outside the door urgently announced, "His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

Zhu Han was slightly taken aback, then stood up to greet him personally.

The two met in the hall, gazed at each other for a moment, and Zhu Biao spoke first:
"Uncle, I apologize for disturbing you so late at night. Please forgive me for entering uninvited."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "I am happy that you are willing to come."

The two entered the room and sat down. Zhu Biao took out the Ministry of War's fold scroll and the camp gate record and presented them frankly: "Uncle, although the matter of the thirty riders from the Eastern Palace has not been investigated, some people have secretly mentioned the Prince's Mansion. I don't believe it, but I have no choice but to come."

Zhu Han flipped through the scroll, remaining silent for a long time.

He put down the bamboo slips and said softly, "This matter was not set up by me. But since you have come here to ask me, I can vouch for you."

"Does the Imperial Uncle trust me?"

"I believe in you, and I believe in myself." Zhu Han said, each word distinct. "If you doubt me, I'll only ask you one question—are you afraid of me?"

Zhu Biao remained silent.

After a long silence, he replied, "I have been afraid, and I have doubted, but from today onwards, I will no longer doubt."

Zhu Han looked at him and suddenly smiled: "That's good. I'll also send Huang Qi to investigate this matter secretly. He'll definitely find out the truth within three days."

Zhu Biao stood up and bowed respectfully: "Uncle, thank you for your trouble."

The Ministry of War and the Strategist's Office simultaneously released the results of their investigation: the military tally carried by the thirty cavalrymen was a counterfeit, their departure from the camp was due to a "false assignment of missions," and the signature was a forged copy of an old document from the Eastern Palace, with a format inconsistent with the Eastern Palace's regulations.

The mastermind behind it all was Cao Yan, the son of a former official in the Ministry of Revenue and a candidate who failed the imperial examination. Dissatisfied with the result, he secretly colluded with a former subordinate in the Beijing Garrison and attempted to cause trouble in the name of the Crown Prince, with the intention of ruining the reputation of the Imperial Advisory Committee.

On the night of the incident, Cao Yan was arrested in a tavern in the West Market. He was found carrying counterfeit seals, artifacts, and privately drafted documents.

After listening to the report, Zhu Biao remained calm but did not speak.

Gu Qingping said in a low voice, "Although this case has been solved, the prestige of the Crown Prince has been seriously damaged."

Zhu Biao slowly got up, walked to the window, and looked at the snow in front of the courtyard, which was made clear and bright like jade by the morning light.

"Therefore, I must personally ascend the imperial court and make a final decision."

Morning next day.

Zhu Biao, dressed in a bright blue court robe, personally led six members of the Advisory Committee into the Golden Hall for the first time, standing before the assembled officials. His face expressionless, he bowed deeply.
"Your subject is guilty."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked indifferently, "What crime have I committed?"

"The Strategist's Office was originally established to select virtuous and capable individuals to govern together. However, due to oversight, a forged seal was leaked and the military camp was disturbed. Your son failed to strictly abide by the rules and is willing to accept punishment."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice, "Although the crime does not lie with the Crown Prince, the person was introduced by the Eastern Palace, and the name was established by the censorate. Do you—do you realize the damage you will suffer today?"

Zhu Biao replied: "One loss leads to caution, two losses lead to chaos. Your subject requests the decree today: all matters discussed by the Strategists' Council must be reported to the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel before they can be implemented; all troop transfers outside the capital must not exceed the seal of the Ministry of War; the Crown Prince's self-discipline begins with this system."

The Golden Hall fell silent. Zhang Jun stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Your subject agrees with the Crown Prince's proposal and is willing to assist him in establishing a system."

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was deep, and after a long silence, he said softly:
"good."

After the court session ended, Zhu Han remained silent, standing beneath the imperial throne, gazing at the young figure behind the strategist's platform. His steps were steady, and his robes stood upright even without wind.

He whispered, "This time, he walked more steadily than I did."

A system notification appears:

[Event Assessment: The Crown Prince's Arbitrary Decisiveness: Establishing Reputation Amidst Crisis, Seeking Momentum While Maintaining Stability]

[Eastern Palace Stability +20, Crown Prince Reputation +25] (End of Chapter)