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

“The Crown Prince is no longer the child he once was. On New Year’s Eve, he should be spending the night with his family.”

Huang Qigong responded respectfully, but then suddenly added in a low voice, "But... is Your Highness really going to gradually retire?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "With the spring sacrifice completed and the national policy set, it will be a game of chess between him and the court from now on. If I stand in front of him again, it will not be to support him, but to suppress him."

“Although I, Zhu Han, have no intention of becoming emperor, I should not become a ‘burden’ because of my loyalty.”

Huang Qi bowed and said in a deep voice, "Your subordinate understands."

On New Year's Eve, the Forbidden City was brightly lit, with lanterns and decorations adorning every palace and pavilion. Palace staff were busy at work, and the palace lanterns glowed red like fire.

Inside the main hall of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao sat wearing a brocade robe, with his relatives on either side taking their seats in order. Zhu Di was also among them, his expression calm and unreadable.

"Tonight is a festive occasion." Zhu Biao raised his cup and looked at the relatives gathered in the room. "All of you are of the blood of the Zhu family. Regardless of age, we are brothers, uncles and nephews, all one family."

Everyone rose to drink together, and for a moment, glasses clinked and cups were exchanged, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Zhu Di raised his cup to Zhu Biao, then suddenly asked, "Does Your Highness still remember when we climbed the mountain together in Fengyang to watch the snow when we were young?"

Zhu Biao nodded with a smile: "I remember, you were very naughty back then, and you pushed me down the snow slope three times."

Zhu Di laughed loudly: "That was because I was young and ignorant, and I have long since realized my mistake."

Everyone laughed along, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

At the "Quiet Night Banquet" in Jingfuxuan, Gu Qingping sat elegantly in simple clothes, while Zhu Biao warmed wine for her with a teapot.

Outside, thousands of lights shone brightly, but inside, only two people faced each other.

"For so many years, I have been entertaining guests at palace banquets every New Year's Eve."

Zhu Biao chuckled softly, "Tonight I can finally have a moment of peace and quiet."

Gu Qingping smiled without saying a word, simply watching him quietly.

"What are you looking at?" Zhu Biao asked.

"Look at you, when did you become so composed?"

Gu Qingping said softly, "When you first entered the Ministry of War, you were so green and inexperienced. Now, you truly have the air of a monarch."

Zhu Biao gently took her hand and whispered, "This past year has been largely thanks to my uncle, and also to you. Without your help in reviewing military affairs and discussing politics, how could I have single-handedly overseen the grand ceremony?"

Gu Qingping's eyes flickered slightly, and she replied softly, "Your Highness is now independent. I do not seek fame, but only wish to accompany you until the day you ascend the throne."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then softly replied, "If one day I rule the world, the first cup of wine I drink will be with you."

As night deepens, the palace remains brightly lit, and the bells and drums resound.

On the morning of the first day of the lunar new year, the cold wind had subsided and the snow had melted like frost. Zhu Han, dressed in a blue robe, arrived at the East Palace.

Zhu Biao was already waiting outside the palace gate, with officials lined up on both sides behind him.

"I am greatly relieved that my uncle has come." Zhu Biao bowed respectfully.

Zhu Han smiled and nodded: "Now that you are the Crown Prince, if I didn't come, wouldn't it make your royal uncle seem guilty?"

The two looked at each other and smiled, then entered the main hall of the East Palace.

Upon entering, Zhu Biao personally led Zhu Han to the left of the main seat and ordered wine and a banquet to be prepared. After three cups, all the officials left their seats, leaving only the uncle and nephew in the hall.

“Uncle,” Zhu Biao said solemnly, “the spring sacrifice has passed and the New Year is approaching. I would like to ask you to devise another plan for me.”

Zhu Han's eyes flickered slightly: "Do you still have unresolved issues?"

Zhu Biao nodded: "Although the court has submitted, the sons of the outer princes and the generals of the royal palaces mostly rely on the emperor's authority. If they are not loyal to me when Father Emperor abdicates, I fear it will cause trouble."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then slowly asked, "Whom do you want to use as a pretext?"

Zhu Biao's gaze was firm: "Zhu Di."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow slightly: "Him?"

A cold glint flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes: "If he is truly loyal, then let him call on the princes and vassals to celebrate together; if he is not loyal, then we will use this opportunity to test him."

“Uncle,” he said softly, “I cannot keep the position of Crown Prince in a greenhouse; it must eventually be tempered in the fire.”

Zhu Han put down his wine cup and said slowly, "Since you have this intention, I will add a stroke for you."

On the third day of the first lunar month, before dawn, while the palace was still shrouded in morning mist, armored soldiers were already standing in front of the Taihe Gate.

Today, the Crown Prince will preside over a "Grand Martial Arts Show" in his name, with the three battalions of the Fenwu Army practicing formations and engaging in martial arts competitions while inviting princes and nobles to attend. This is ostensibly a "festival celebration," but in reality, it is Zhu Biao's way of "showing off his power."

Zhu Han, dressed in a black robe, stood on the steps of the west wing, his face calm, watching Zhu Biao put on his armor and walk steadily without the slightest hesitation.

The child who once bowed his head in submission before him is now the crown prince of a nation, his eyes now sharp and piercing, yet also displaying the forbearance of a ruler who maintains the status quo.

Huang Qili stood aside and whispered, "Your Highness, among the princes, Prince Jin, Zhu Gang, has not yet arrived, and Prince Yan, Zhu Di, has sent someone to say that he is ill and will not come."

Zhu Han said calmly, "Not coming is the real way to show you're here."

Huang Qi was taken aback: "Your Highness's intention?"

“They’re not coming because they’re observing,” Zhu Han said, his voice as soft as snowflakes covering a tile. “They’re watching to see if Zhu Biao can truly command the three armies and suppress the princes with his own power.”

Huang Qi lowered his head and remained silent.

At this moment, Zhu Biao had already stepped into the center of the field. He was wearing a bright silver breastplate and a turban. His clothes and armor were plain and without any extravagance. Only the "Imperial Consort's Sword" at his waist showed its sharpness.

"All soldiers, today is a day of New Year's celebration, and also a time for inspection," Zhu Biao declared loudly. "If my orders are not obeyed and the flags are not raised, then you shall retreat!"

Upon hearing this, the three battalions shouted in unison, flags fluttered like a forest, and spears and halberds rose and fell in perfect unison.

Immediately, Zhu Biao gave the order, and the battle drill began. The three battalions lined up in formation, like the ebb and flow of tides, their armor clashing, and the drums beating like thunder.

On the stands, many princes and their brothers, though not present in person, had sent their trusted confidants to observe secretly.

When they saw Zhu Biao's troops standing firm like a mountain and his troop movements flowing like water, the news spread quickly, reaching Zhu Yuanzhang's ears in front of the Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang was enjoying a drink in his bedchamber when he heard the report. He put down his cup, a look of undisguised satisfaction in his eyes. He didn't speak, but simply pointed south to the window.

He finally stopped.

Li Shanwen, who was beside him, whispered, "Your Majesty, during today's battle drill, all the soldiers and officers bowed their heads in submission. The captains of the three schools of the capital garrison even requested to stay at the Eastern Palace for a month of training, saying that the Crown Prince's command was effective and that everyone was convinced of his abilities."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slowly: "In another year, I will be able to retire completely."

After the battle demonstration, Zhu Biao did not rush to express his gratitude. Instead, he ascended the Taihe Hall to personally inspect the three armies, reviewed the demonstrations of each unit, and even personally checked the archery and pointed out the mistakes of the lieutenants.

Someone sighed in a low voice, "His Highness the Crown Prince truly possesses the talent of a general and a minister."

Wu Qiong stood behind the crowd, his eyes smiling: "That's because you only met him today. When I was in the Ministry of War, a single transfer order from him could make five hundred captains set off overnight; a single command could make two thousand cavalrymen travel a hundred miles at night."

Everyone was silent.

After the battle drills came to an end, Zhu Biao did not leave. Instead, he ordered the drums to be played three times and then resumed the "examination of literary strategies."

The officials were in an uproar. Observing military exercises on holidays was a common practice, but for the Crown Prince to use the holiday to offer advice and discuss politics was unprecedented.

Zhu Biao stood on the high platform, his voice clear and resonant: "Today's battle formation is a testament to military might. But the governance of the realm depends on more than just military might. All ministers may present their strategies below the main steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and I will listen!"

Du Shiqing immediately stepped forward: "I have a plan regarding the deployment of weapons for the three battalions..."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Please speak."

As a result, a steady stream of people came to the stage to discuss the matter, offering their opinions one after another. For a full four hours, Zhu Biao stood on the high place, tirelessly and without anger, recording, answering, and debating each of their suggestions.

He was startled and raised his hand, saying loudly, "Today's political and military affairs are all thanks to the contributions of you gentlemen. They are not solely due to the Crown Prince's abilities, but are truly the result of the collective will of the people. This is the foundation of the nation, the basis of the people, and a warning to the ruler."

The officials in front of the palace shouted in unison, "Your Highness is wise!"

As night fell and the palace lanterns gradually lit up, Zhu Han slowly walked out of the Taihe Gate.

Huang Qi followed closely behind, whispering, "Your Highness, all the princes have responded today." "Zhu Gang sent his son to the capital, expressing his willingness to serve the Crown Prince as ruler; Zhu Su and Zhu Zhen sent messages to various departments, stating their willingness to establish academies and model their military studies after the Crown Prince; as for the Prince of Yan..."

"And him?" Zhu Han asked casually.

Huang Qi's expression darkened slightly: "The Prince of Yan has not replied, only sent a messenger to inquire after his health, but refused to enter the capital."

Zhu Han paused for a moment, then said softly, "He won't come."

"Why?"

"Because he knows that after today, there will be no one to compare with him." Zhu Han's voice was slow. "If he enters the capital, it will be a surrender."

"But if he doesn't come, it will be seen as resistance."

Huang Qi asked in a deep voice, "Then how should we deal with this?"

Zhu Han stopped, gazing calmly at the Taihe Hall's radiance that had faded into the night.

"We will not respond."

"Let Zhu Biao come."

As the twelfth lunar month drew to a close, the snow still lingered over the palace, and the lamps along the long streets were dimly lit.

As the year draws to a close, the capital city is filled with a peaceful and joyous atmosphere. Officials return to their hometowns and commoners celebrate the New Year. Only the Prince's Palace and the Eastern Palace are under tighter security.

Zhu Han stood in the back hall of the Prince's Mansion, still wearing his crane cloak, carefully flipping through a list of names handed over by the Office of Transmission.

"Check it again," he said in a low voice.

Huang Qi respectfully replied, "Your Highness, I have compared the three channels of recruitment by the Ministry of War, review by the Ministry of Rites, and registration by the Imperial Guard. Indeed, there are several newly promoted officials whose resumes have many duplicates and whose backgrounds are unclear."

"Who recommended you?"

“A staff member named Zhou Heng under the patronage of the Marquis of Dongping.”

Zhu Han's gaze suddenly turned cold: "Zhou Heng... was originally a clerk in the Prince of Yan's military headquarters. He entered the capital three years ago, first attaching himself to Gao Xu, and then transferred to the Ministry of Rites."

Huang Qi said softly, "He has close ties with Zhu Di's old associates and has been frequently traveling between the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Academy in recent years. He appears to be honest and upright, but in reality, he has secretly made connections with several minor officials."

Zhu Han opened the register and said in a deep voice, "They have already openly taken the civil service route."

"Who?"

"The lineage of the Prince of Yan."

He turned and walked to the window. The north wind swept across the eaves, making the glass rattle slightly.

He stood by the window with his hands behind his back, his tone frosty: "First in the army, then in the common schools, and now in the Ministry of Rites... If this continues, they will be able to influence the court next spring."

Huang Qi's expression shifted slightly: "Should we impeach Zhou Heng first?"

“No.” Zhu Han turned around, his eyes calm. “We’re just stirring up trouble. He’s not the mastermind, he’s the bait.”

"So, how does Your Highness plan to make your move?"

Zhu Han said calmly, "Start with the Imperial Academy."

"The Imperial Academy?" Huang Qi was taken aback.

"The King of Yan wanted to use the scholars to establish his influence, so he let them reveal their true colors in the lecture hall."

He picked up the vermilion pen on the table and circled the last line of the case file: "Summon the Crown Prince's Imperial Household Department and transfer two deputy directors to the Imperial Academy as lecturers."

"and then?"

"Then let them 'misinterpret' the laws and regulations of the Taizu Emperor, talk about 'the imperial clan discussing politics,' and say that 'if the crown prince is not virtuous, a supervisor should be appointed by the imperial clan'—"

Huang Qi suddenly looked up: "Is Your Highness setting up a trap?"

Zhu Han nodded: "Use words to entice, and use those words to commit crimes."

Huang Qi gasped: "If it weren't for the Prince, who would dare to devise such a scheme?"

Zhu Han's expression remained calm: "It wasn't set up for me, but to clear a path for the Crown Prince."

"His Majesty is getting older. If the imperial relatives are allowed to stir up trouble in the court under the guise of 'discussing etiquette,' the position of Crown Prince will be shaken."

“In that case, I will cut off these vines that are trying to entwine him first.”

The following day, a secret decree was delivered to the Imperial Academy's Chancellor's Hall. The Ministry of Rites, under the pretext of "welcoming spring lectures," established a lecture series on the "New Chapters of the Taizu Code," and two deputy officials from the Crown Prince's Palace were selected from the Imperial Gazetteer's Office to be included in the lectures.

The news caused a stir among scholars. The laws and regulations of the Taizu Emperor were the foremost framework of the dynasty's governance, and could not be discussed without the approval of an official envoy. Moreover, the proposed "new regulations" had not been officially promulgated, making this unprecedented.

Three days later, the lecture hall opened for the first time, and scholars gathered in droves.

One of the lecturers was named Du Bi, a former subordinate of Zhu Han. He was skilled in the Spring and Autumn Annals and was full of witty remarks.

As soon as he stepped onto the stage, he said, "When I talk about the laws and regulations of Emperor Taizu, I will not talk about 'cause,' but only about 'change.'"

He immediately posed a question: "When gentlemen discuss politics, if the crown prince is without virtue, can the imperial clan petition for the establishment of a regent?"

Immediately, the audience erupted in uproar.

Several scholars in the audience who were advisors to Zhu Di immediately seconded the motion, saying, "It is not that the imperial family is unlucky to assist in the government; real power can be inherited, and it is reasonable to extend the lineage."

The lecturer suddenly asked, "Since you are talking about assisting in governance, from which law does this method of assisting in governance originate?"

Someone replied, "It originated from the Tang Dynasty system, where members of the imperial family were allowed to oversee the state."

The lecturer smiled and countered, "According to the Tang system, all three sons of Emperor Xuanzong were alive, as was Crown Prince Li Heng. Why was it that after the An Lushan Rebellion, none of the imperial clan members were able to be established as heirs?"

The other party was speechless for a moment.

The lecturer then said coldly, "The so-called 'imperial relatives overseeing the country' is nothing but a pretext for plotting. The Ming Dynasty was founded with the support of the founding emperor, who unified the country. The father is the ruler, and the son is the heir. If 'deposing and establishing' can be discussed in this lecture hall today, 'disruptive governance' can be carried out in the court tomorrow."

Silence fell over the audience.

Immediately after this lecture, the Ministry of Rites submitted a secret report, pointing out that several students from the Imperial Academy had gathered a crowd behind the lecture hall to spread the words that "the Crown Prince is of poor character and should assist the imperial relatives," which constituted an act of usurpation.

After receiving the report, Zhu Han remained calm and composed, simply saying, "Receive this to His Majesty."

The following month, Zhu Di set up a private altar in Beiping to commemorate the anniversary of his mother, Empress Ma's death.

Originally, it was within the bounds of etiquette, but later a hall was set up to discuss etiquette, and several advisors were invited to talk about the chapter in the Gongyang Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals that said "the throne is not established and the people of the state discuss it themselves".

The secret report flew back to the capital, and Zhu Yuanzhang did not sleep all night.

The following morning, Zhu Yuanzhang broke with precedent and summoned the Prince's Palace and the Eastern Palace to the palace.

The hall was silent, and the officials retreated, leaving only Zhu Han and Zhu Biao kneeling before the emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes still gleamed with cold light: "Zhu Di said, 'The one who establishes the throne should be able to defend the country.' Does that mean the crown prince is incapable of doing so?"

Zhu Biao lowered his head and remained silent, his face ashen.

Zhu Han, however, remained neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Majesty, although these words were not explicitly stated, their meaning is clear. I believe we should not indulge you any further."

Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, "I personally helped him to be granted the title of king, yet he dares to set up a hall and speak of his plans?"

Zhu Han kowtowed: "If Your Majesty were to be lenient with him once more, the world would know that the position of Crown Prince could be abolished."

Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes for a long time before suddenly speaking: "Issue my decree—abolish the Beiping Military Office and reclaim the authority of the academy and lecture hall in Zhu Di's residence."

“Send his son to the capital to study under the Crown Prince, and he shall not refuse.”

"Those who disobey will be stripped of their princely rank by one level."

Zhu Biao looked up in shock: "Father—"

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him indifferently: "This was won for you by your imperial uncle, aren't you going to thank him?" (End of Chapter)