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

His gaze slowly swept over the dozen or so newly recommended students present. Two of them suddenly changed their expressions and lowered their heads to avoid his gaze.

Behind the podium, Gu Qingping stood behind the curtain and whispered to Wu Qiong, "Has Your Highness already discovered Han Yun's actions?"

Wu Qiong nodded: "Last night I sent people to investigate, and sure enough, three of them came from the old Han family and were trying to use the lecture hall as a platform to advance their careers."

Gu Qingping said softly, "His words today are meant to make an example of someone."

After finishing his speech, he immediately ordered the three men to leave the hall, revoked their student status, and submitted a report to the Ministry of Personnel stating that they would "no longer be eligible for the imperial examinations."

This decree caused an uproar among scholars.

But as a result, Jiande Hall's prestige grew even greater, and Zhu Biao's methods began to show their prowess among the scholars.

That night, Zhu Biao sat alone in the palace, the moon shining brightly outside the window.

Gu Qingping walked over lightly and placed a book on the table: "This is a new list of scholars of Jiande Hall, personally reviewed by Du Shiqing, and revised by Wu Qiong."

Zhu Biao took it, but did not immediately read it. Instead, he looked at the candlelight on the table and said in a low voice, "Uncle did not give any warning today."

“That’s because he trusts you,” Gu Qingping replied softly. “His willingness to let go is the deepest form of trust.”

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then said softly, "The more you trust him, the less you can afford to disappoint him."

"Today's rebuke of the three Hans is certainly a demonstration of power; but more importantly, it is to prevent the Emperor from suspecting that I have been misled by scholars."

“Jiande Hall talks about ‘the Way’, not ‘power’.”

Scholars can gather, but they cannot form a cohesive group.

Looking at the composure in his eyes, Gu Qingping felt a slight stirring in her heart: "Your Highness's pace is quite different from before."

Zhu Biao put away the book and chuckled softly: "Although I am still a descendant of the Imperial Uncle, I have also embarked on my own path."

In the study of the Prince's Mansion, the night was slightly cool, but Zhu Han was still not asleep.

Huang Qi asked softly, "Your Highness, are the events at the Eastern Palace today... just what you wanted?"

Zhu Han tucked the secret report into his sleeve, his expression calm: "What I think is not important."

"He did the right thing, and he deserves it."

"Although the current political situation is stable, it may not be peaceful forever."

"You think Han Yun is the first? There will be Zheng He, Ma Sheng, Cao Wei, and so on..."

“If the Crown Prince cannot employ, discern, and manage people, the Eastern Palace will be nothing but an empty shell.”

Huang Qi asked, "What are your plans, Your Highness?"

Zhu Han's gaze was deep: "I won't shield him."

“I want him to know that this world wasn’t built by me, but by him step by step.”

Three days later, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Biao and Zhu Han to the Wenhua Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind the couch, looking at Zhu Biao: "I heard that you dismissed three scholars from Jiande Hall?"

Zhu Biao cupped his hands in greeting: "Exactly."

"Do you know that they were originally disciples of Han Yun?"

"Know."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes: "Aren't you afraid of incurring the displeasure of the literati with such a decisive decision?"

Zhu Biao replied calmly: "If scholars are dissatisfied because of the 'Dao' (the Way), I will reflect on myself; if they are dissatisfied because of 'selfishness', I will not be afraid."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him, a hint of unfathomable emotion flashing in his eyes, and after a moment turned to Zhu Han: "What do you think?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "He is now talking about 'law' and adhering to 'reason'."

“Since his lectures on politics, philosophy, and law all revolve around the fundamental principles of the nation, let him finish his lecture himself.”

"I'll just sit in on the conversation."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, raising his eyebrows slightly: "Very good."

The following day, a secret agent from the Embroidered Uniform Guard reported that Zhang Huan had visited the Prince of Ji's residence late at night, stayed for a quarter of an hour, and then quietly left.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han smiled calmly and said, "It's time to establish the Crown Prince's authority."

He secretly summoned his old friend Wei Qing, a veteran who had secretly served in the Embroidered Uniform Guard after Hu Jintao and Lan Xichen were imprisoned.

The two held a private discussion in the pavilion in the afternoon.

"What does Your Highness Prince Zhu intend to do?" Wei Qing asked, bowing his head.

"At the willow-shooting banquet three days later," Zhu Han said calmly, "we'll set a trap to imprison Zhang Huan."

"Zhang Huan is as cautious as a fox. Without someone to restrain him, it would be difficult to lure him."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then suddenly turned and asked, "Has the Gu family recently presented any new stationery?"

“The Crown Princess’s father, Gu Yuantang, recently presented a ‘Policy for Pacifying the People,’ which was highly praised by the Emperor.”

Zhu Han nodded: "Rumor has it that Zhang Huan has a past with the Gu family? If Zhang Huan thinks that Gu Yuantang wants to use this as a pretext to curry favor with the Crown Prince, he will naturally be uneasy."

Three days later, Zhu Yuanzhang hosted a banquet in the Imperial Garden to appreciate archery.

Zhang Huan, dressed solemnly, attended to the emperor, occasionally whispering with several civil officials beside him.

After several rounds of drinks, the willow-shooting game officially began.

Zhu Han strolled to the sidelines, holding a longbow, and shot an arrow through a willow branch, drawing applause from the crowd.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "My brother's martial arts are still better than before, which is rare."

Zhu Han bowed: "I dare not, I was just itching to do it."

Zhang Huan approached and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness Prince Zhu's archery skills are superb, truly admirable."

Zhu Han smiled calmly but did not return the greeting: "Lord Zhang has been busy with household registration lately, so I suppose he hasn't been practicing martial arts much. Why don't you give it a try?"

Zhang Huan was taken aback. Everyone around him laughed and said that the prince was in a good mood. He had no choice but to take the bow and arrow.

Just as he raised his arrow, a cry of alarm came from outside the shooting range: "Someone has broken into the shooting range!"

Everyone turned their heads and saw a man fall into the willow grove. He was escorted out by the guards, and a secret letter was found on his body. It read: "If the Gu family makes any further moves, impeach the Crown Prince in secret. If the matter is accomplished, you will be rewarded with the position of Minister of Revenue."

The letter was signed Zhang Huan at the end.

The assembled officials were immediately in an uproar. Zhu Han stood before Zhang Huan, his tone cold: "Lord Zhang, how do you explain this?"

Zhang Huan was horrified: "This...this letter must be a trap!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was ashen: "Guards, take him to the imperial prison and investigate this matter thoroughly."

Zhu Han bowed: "Your Majesty, such a villain actually dares to use his power as a civil official to shake the Crown Prince. If he is not severely punished, wouldn't that chill the hearts of loyal and virtuous people?"

Zhu Biao stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I beg you to consider this carefully: the position of Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation. How can we allow treacherous officials to covet it!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao, nodded, but said nothing, only waving his hand: "Dismiss the banquet."

The crowd dispersed, and Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked side by side.

"Uncle, was this really a setup by you?"

"It wasn't me who set it up; Zhang Huan was just feeling guilty. I was merely the one who started it."

Zhu Biao's eyes gleamed, and he said in a low voice, "Uncle, if Father finds out about this, I'm afraid..."

Zhu Han patted him on the shoulder: "Your Highness, if you are unwilling to take action, someone will have to hold an umbrella for you. In the future, the storms will be even greater."

As night fell, the palace lights were still on, and the willow shadows in the Imperial Garden were still swaying gently, but the wind was already carrying a chill.

At this moment, inside the Prince's mansion, Zhu Han was sitting alone in his study, the dim light illuminating the jade chessboard in his hand.

His gaze was deep and focused as he gently placed a black piece in the corner of the board.

Huang Qi entered and whispered, "Your Highness, Zhu Di set off this morning for a hunting trip to the Western Hills."

“West Mountain?” Zhu Han’s eyes narrowed. “This is not the usual practice. He once said that he did not like to travel to the mountains and fields.”

"Yes," Huang Qi replied. "According to the scouts, Hu Qi, Ren Zhong, and He Da are among the three accompanying him. They are all sons of former subordinates and once led the personal guards of the Prince of Yan." Zhu Han gently stroked the chessboard: "This is not a hunt for him; he is going to reunite with old friends."

Huang Qi nodded: "That's what I think too."

Zhu Han tapped his fingers lightly on the chessboard: "Go and tell Wei Qing to keep a close eye on him and not let him make this move."

"Yes."

Just as Huang Qi was about to leave, a voice announced from outside the door: "Gu Yuantang requests an audience."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow slightly: "He does know how to be pragmatic."

A moment later, Gu Yuantang entered the hall. He was dressed in a scholar's robe, his back straight, his expression calm, and he bowed with his hands clasped, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Zhu."

"Lord Gu," Zhu Han smiled, gesturing for him to sit down, "we haven't met often, but I've heard of your name frequently."

Gu Yuantang sat down and spoke frankly: "Your Highness, I have come here today not for the sake of being a son-in-law, nor for the reputation of the Gu family, but only for a word of advice."

"Oh?" Zhu Han raised an eyebrow.

"The Eastern Palace is in turmoil, with the rebellion of Zhang Huan in the past and the convergence of various ministers in the future. Your Highness is the pillar of the Crown Prince, but also the pivot of all the feudal lords."

He paused, his eyes sharp, and said, “I, Gu, would like to offer my humble advice: the current political situation requires calm and should not be stirred up again.”

Zhu Han picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly, "Are you afraid I'll set up another scheme?"

Gu Yuantang cupped his hands in greeting: "It is not that I fear Your Highness's plans, but rather that I wish Your Highness to remain steadfast and unmoved, so that the world may know that the royal family is wise and just, and that the court will be at peace."

Zhu Han laughed: "Lord Gu certainly knows how to persuade people."

"The rise of the Crown Prince has its own path. The righteousness of the Crown Prince is as clear as the sun. If the ministers disturb him, it will only harm his power."

Gu Yuantang looked directly at Zhu Han and said, "Your Highness's reputation is already established, but true power lies not in action, but in the power that comes from stillness."

Zhu Han remained silent for a long time, then suddenly stood up, put his hands behind his back, and stood by the window. The moonlight outside the window shone down, reflecting on his deep profile.

“You’re right,” Zhu Han said softly. “If I make any further moves, it will only make people suspect that I’m plotting to seize the position of Crown Prince.”

He turned to face Gu Yuantang: "For the next few months, the Prince's residence remained untouched."

Gu Yuantang bowed slightly: "Thank you for your wise decision, Your Highness."

A moment later, Gu Yuantang took his leave.

Zhu Han sat back down, staring at the chessboard, and said softly, "It's a pity... things are unpredictable. Even if I don't move, there will always be someone who can't help but make a move."

Meanwhile, in the East Palace Library, Zhu Biao and Gu Qingping were reviewing the lecture notes from that day.

“This person’s words are upright and his writing is sharp,” Zhu Biao said, pointing to a piece of writing.

Gu Qingping frowned slightly: "His surname is Cao, and he was once a disciple of Han Yun."

"Oh?" Zhu Biao's tone remained unchanged, but he stopped turning the page. "Then remove him from the list."

Gu Qingping hesitated and said, "But... this person's talent is indeed outstanding."

Zhu Biao's gaze was firm: "What Jiande Hall wants is the tradition, not talent."

“If a person is outstanding but lacks ambition, he will become a tool for others to use.”

"I cannot stay."

Gu Qingping responded softly, but then asked gently, "If the Imperial Uncle makes any further moves..."

"No need to worry," Zhu Biao smiled. "The Imperial Uncle has already let go."

"Then... you'll have no one to rely on." She looked at him, a hint of worry in her eyes.

“If I have to rely on someone to hold up my umbrella, then I am not worthy to be the Crown Prince.” Zhu Biao’s tone was gentle, but it contained a sharp edge.

"From this day forward, the people of Jiande Hall will be judged solely on their character, regardless of their social status."

"If he utters a single wrong word, he will be expelled."

Gu Qingping nodded gently, looking at him: "This road will be very lonely."

"But if you are by my side, I have no fear."

Zhu Biao gently held her hand, his gaze revealing an unprecedented serenity.

A few days later, a small incident caused a stir.

Among the newly submitted list of recommended candidates by the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was a man named He Yi, who was Zhang Huan's nephew.

He Yi had recently been attending lectures at Jiande Hall, and one of his lectures was included in the top list of recommendations by the Ministry of Personnel for its "outstanding literary talent".

When the news reached Zhu Yuanzhang's ears, he sneered, "Zhang Huan's remaining followers dare to attach themselves to the Crown Prince?"

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han were summoned for an audience immediately.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang's brows were sharp as knives, and his eyes were piercing: "Has the Jiande Hall become a place where foreign officials vie for supremacy?"

Zhu Biao bowed and replied, "Your subject has ordered Du Shiqing to examine the lecturers' records, and all those related to the old cases have been removed."

Zhu Han also said, "Your Majesty, although the Crown Prince's use of personnel is not yet perfect, he has already become aware of the situation."

"After this incident, we will be more cautious."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "The Crown Prince is just beginning to learn about governance. He must understand the big picture and be cautious about the details."

"If there is any further bias, I will not forgive it lightly."

"Remember, the lecture hall is not a place of power, and lecturers are not private factions."

"The value of learning lies in understanding principles, not in pursuing profit."

The two men bowed in agreement and withdrew from the hall.

Moonlight streamed down outside the palace. Zhu Biao walked up the palace steps and suddenly turned to bow to Zhu Han, saying, "I will never forget your kindness in protecting me today, my Imperial Uncle."

Zhu Han was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "If the Crown Prince knows how to be grateful, then he understands human nature."

"But remember, what I protect is your 'path', not your 'person'."

If you show favoritism, I will be the first to strike you down.

The next day, the palace was bathed in sunshine and gentle breeze, yet it seemed as if a storm was brewing. Although the court appeared stable, undercurrents were brewing.

Zhu Han returned from the back garden of the Prince's mansion, his robe sleeves slightly rolled up, holding a plum-leaf cane. As he entered the study, Huang Qi hurriedly came to greet him and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, yesterday at the Imperial Academy lecture hall, one person's words were quite unusual, which aroused private discussions among the students in attendance."

Zhu Han did not move, but asked, "Who is it?"

Huang Qi bowed and replied, "He is Shen Jun, the nephew of Shen Mao, a newly transferred censor from the Censorate. He was invited to audit lectures at Jiande Hall recently. Yesterday, during a discussion on the chapter on sincerity in the Great Learning, Shen Jun stated that 'the doctrine of a righteous heart should not be bound by the established principles, but should also adapt to the changing times.' This statement drew several people to agree, and the discussion became quite lively."

Zhu Han frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "The Imperial Academy is not a place for discussing politics, and we should be especially careful in Jiande Hall. Is this person intentionally testing us, or deliberately stirring up trouble?"

“I have investigated,” Huang Qi replied. “Shen Jun’s father was a former Hanlin scholar who was dismissed from his post early in his career. The Shen family has a close relationship with Liu Guang of the Ministry of Rites. His intentions for entering the Imperial Academy this time are unclear.”

Zhu Han walked with his hands behind his back to the window and said softly, "Liu Guang... that old fox, he finally couldn't hold back anymore."

"They thought that after Zhang Huan's incident, the Crown Prince would be afraid and would restrict his speech in the lecture hall. But they did not understand that what Zhu Biao talked about was the principles of discipline and righteousness, not empty words about self-cultivation."

"I will convey my meaning. There is no need to keep it a secret. But in the next lecture, Du Shiqing will personally lead the discussion on the 'Great Learning' chapter of the Book of Rites, to clarify its origins."

"Then Wu Qiong was ordered to select ten people from the lecturers to participate in a debate in the hall, asking them questions about their words and reasoning."

“If we are going to talk about ‘changing times,’ then let’s see who can change the etiquette of the Ming Dynasty.”

Huang Qi bowed his head: "Yes."

A moment later, the study was as still as water. Zhu Han picked up a white chess piece from the table and gently placed it in a corner of the chessboard, muttering to himself, "The lecture hall has been established, and the test will be endless, but Zhu Biao, if he can't even keep up with the wind, how can he talk about establishing his rule?"

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao sat upright in the study, with the lecture summary personally transcribed by Du Shiqing the previous night in front of him.

He carefully flipped through the pages, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Shen Jun..." he murmured the name. (End of Chapter)