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

Zhu Biao shook his head: "I don't just want you to stay."

Han Qingfeng frowned slightly: "What does Your Highness intend to do?"

"I want you to serve as my advisor in the council, not just as a consultant," Zhu Biao said firmly. "I know your ambitions extend beyond simply offering advice."

"If you are willing to stay here, I will give you a stage; if you are not content with politics, then leave as soon as possible to avoid harming yourself and others."

Han Qingfeng remained silent for a long time before finally saying in a low voice, "If you can teach, reform, and establish policies in Jiande Hall, I am willing to serve you."

Zhu Biao stood up and handed him a scroll: "This is the 'Records of Official Admonitions,' which was originally copied by my imperial uncle. Now I entrust it to you."

Han Qingfeng solemnly accepted it, then looked up at him and asked, "Is the Crown Prince about to rise?"

Zhu Biao smiled: "The Crown Prince has been established for a long time, but it has not yet been revealed."

"I don't rely on powerful families or old friends; I rely on people who can speak well and people who can act."

"If you are willing, then from this day forward, your strategies will not be based on empty rhetoric, and your words will not shy away from the truth."

Han Qingfeng bowed solemnly, cupping his hands in greeting: "I humbly accept Your Highness's will."

Upon receiving the news, Zhu Han stood silently in front of the small pavilion in the Prince's mansion, gazing at the evening clouds in the south.

Huang Qi said from behind, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince indeed values ​​Han Qingfeng highly."

Zhu Han withdrew his gaze: "Yes, he gambled."

Do you think he can stop himself from doing this?

Huang Qi said in a low voice, "If Han Qingfeng is truly as he says, a person who is 'practical and trustworthy,' then he can establish a new style of conduct."

"If it's false loyalty..."

Zhu Han said calmly, "Then it's my turn to make a move."

He turned and went back into the room, saying, "Starting tomorrow, conduct a secret investigation into Han Qingfeng's old acquaintances, especially those from the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Academy. Investigate his past and leave nothing unsaid."

"I need to know who he is preaching for."

Huang Qi responded and left.

As dawn broke, the city of Jinling was still not fully awake. Outside the high walls of the palace, morning mist lingered, and purple clouds swirled.

No lectures were held at Jiande Hall today, but Zhu Biao got up early and strolled quietly in the back garden of the East Palace.

Spring flowers were just beginning to bloom in the garden, peaches and plums were in full bloom, but he had no heart to appreciate the scenery, and a rare look of melancholy appeared between his brows.

Gu Qingping came from the flower path, holding a small bowl of soup in her hands, and softly called out, "Your Highness has not rested all night, you must have something to eat first."

Zhu Biao turned around, looked at the tenderness in her eyes, and finally smiled. He took the soup bowl, took a sip, and asked, "How did you know I hadn't fallen asleep?"

"If I don't know, no one else would dare to say," Gu Qingping said softly. "Did Han Qingfeng's words yesterday arouse your suspicion?"

Zhu Biao nodded, but said nothing more.

Yesterday, Han Qingfeng's words in the hall, "Politics originates from people, not from rigid rules," captivated the attention of many lecturers.

Although his words were sharp, they did not overstep the bounds of propriety, yet they subtly criticized the imperial system.

Among the lecturers, some slammed their fists on the table in praise, while others secretly spread rumors that "the Crown Prince spoke recklessly," and this single remark caused quite a stir.

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, "I established Jiande Hall to preach the Way and govern the country, not to allow anyone to use it to seize power."

Gu Qingping asked softly, "How do you intend to deal with Han Qingfeng?"

"Deal with him?" Zhu Biao shook his head. "If I hastily order his dismissal, it would seem like I'm guilty and afraid; if I let him go without any agreement, it would be tacitly condoning his incitement."

He sighed softly, "This man is no ordinary person. Although his words did not cross the line, they were sharp and incisive. I need to know where his heart lies."

Gu Qingping pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "We can borrow his momentum, but not his sharp edge."

Zhu Biao turned his gaze: "You have a way?"

"Han Qingfeng is eloquent and can find the truth in his refutations. If we could have him sit at the side of the lecture hall and set up a 'Hall of Discussions' where the lecturers could debate the topic, and those whose arguments were reasonable could be listed as cases for the hall to consider."

"In this way, we can both express their talents and prevent them from wielding the power of the main hall, thus preventing them from becoming too powerful and also diminishing their ability to speak for themselves."

Zhu Biao pondered for a long time, then finally tapped the table lightly: "This method suits my needs perfectly."

To the west of Jiande Hall, there is an empty room formerly known as "Yanli Zhai", which used to be a place for storing books, but it is rarely used due to years of disrepair.

Zhu Biao personally arrived and ordered the lecture hall to be renovated and re-established, and summoned Han Qingfeng to see him.

Han Qingfeng entered the hall without any surprise on his face. He cupped his hands in a salute and said, "Your Highness has summoned me. I am humbled."

Zhu Biao stood with his hands behind his back and said bluntly, "Your recent remarks have been too sharp."

Han Qingfeng remained calm and said, "I know my words are somewhat harsh, but they are all true."

“I do not deny the facts of what you said.” Zhu Biao’s tone was not heavy, but it had its own authority. “But I cannot allow Jiande Hall to become a ‘place for verbal attacks’.”

Han Qingfeng bowed and said, "If Your Highness considers my words to be disorderly, I am willing to leave the table."

“No need,” Zhu Biao said in a slightly gentler tone. “I will set up a separate lecture hall called ‘Research on Principles,’ which you will preside over. There will be a discussion room for dissenting voices, where anyone who has doubts, debates, or insights about the political system may enter and participate.”

"I can use your talent; I can also restrain your sharpness."

Han Qingfeng's expression changed slightly, and Zhu Biao caught the fleeting look in his eyes.

He hesitated for a moment, then finally whispered, "Your Highness's kindness will be remembered by Han Qingfeng."

Zhu Biao nodded, his expression unchanged: "Whether you remember or forget, it doesn't matter."

"Just remember one thing."

“You are reasoning under the Crown Prince’s throne, not discussing politics in the imperial court.”

When this news spread, scholars in the court discussed it extensively. Some said, "The Crown Prince is skilled in managing talent," while others said, "The Crown Prince has already shown his ability to control people from the very beginning of his appointments."

Inside the Prince's residence, Zhu Han held a report in his hand. After listening to Huang Qi's account, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes.

"His move was not bad."

Huang Qi asked in a low voice, "Did Your Highness know that he would set up a side lecture?"

“I know he can’t bear to abandon Han Qingfeng, but he also can’t let him run rampant.”

Zhu Han slowly put down his teacup: "The true way to manage people is not to draw your sword and kill your horse, but to rein them in."

"Han Qingfeng is not suitable for high office, but he can be used as an arrow."

"But an arrow must have a target; if it has no target, it will backfire and cause injury."

Huang Qi asked, "Does Your Highness intend to set up a target?"

"No." Zhu Han shook his head. "The target already has a persona."

"who is it?"

Zhu Han stood up, put his hands behind his back, and looked out the window: "It's Chen Jing, an old friend of Shen Jun from the Censorate."

"He has been frequently visiting the Imperial Academy recently, secretly socializing with the students."

"I will not move; I will only watch whether Han Qingfeng makes a move."

Huang Qi suddenly realized and whispered, "Your Highness is using stillness to control movement."

“I’m not moving, not because I’m incapable,” Zhu Han said, his eyes calm. “It’s because I need Zhu Biaozhi. He doesn’t want calm winds, he wants wind control.”

"I'll just see if he can tame this raging storm."

Three days later, the lecture was held at Yanlizhai. Zhu Biao did not appear, and Han Qingfeng presided over the lecture.

The people outside the hall were no longer the scholars who used to lecture at court; instead, there were many former members of the Imperial Academy and the National University.

The title of the first lecture is "Does power originate from the system, or does power shift with the people?"

As soon as the question was raised, the scholars rose up to debate. Chen Jing indeed appeared and spoke vehemently, causing a great disturbance in the hall.

Behind the curtains in the hall, Zhu Biao remained silent, listening quietly for a long time.

Gu Qingping whispered, "Your Highness, he has already made a move."

Zhu Biao's expression remained unchanged: "It's time to test whether he can accept it."

After finishing his speech that day, Zhu Biao ordered his men to put away Chen Jingyi's draft and sent Wu Qiong to investigate Chen's background in private.

The following morning, Chen Jing excused himself from attending the lecture due to illness.

Han Qingfeng remained silent and continued his speech as usual, without resorting to provocative language.

Zhu Biao said softly, "He understands."

Gu Qingping breathed a sigh of relief and said in a low voice, "He's managed to rein in his temper."

"Not necessarily." Zhu Biao gazed at the distant morning light. "He just knows he can't be sharp anymore." "He is a man who can be tamed, but not someone to be close to."

She chuckled softly: "Your Highness has finally understood the importance of 'keeping distant objects close to people'."

Zhu Biao nodded, then turned to look at the tall locust tree in front of the courtyard: "My uncle once said, 'The storms ahead will be even greater.'"

"Now I understand that it is not the wind that is difficult to control, but the wind that makes it difficult to see the rain."

Inside the Prince's study, Zhu Han listened to Huang Qi's report and casually turned the pages of a book.

A moment later, a soft laugh broke out.

“This time, he didn’t disappoint me.” He slowly closed the book.

"Next, I should pave the way for him."

The sky above Jinling City was clear and bright, and the glow of the sunset could be faintly seen reflected above the palace.

Zhu Han stood in the study of the Prince's Mansion, gazing at an old record on the desk, his eyes slightly somber.

“King Zhu Fu of Qi…” he said softly.

Huang Qi stood behind him and whispered, "Your Highness, Prince Qi has been sending secret envoys to and from the Prince of Ji's residence in recent months. In addition to visiting the Prince of Ji's residence, he has also secretly visited three other academies."

"There is another person named Lu Yanxing, who was originally a casual student at the Imperial Academy, but recently he has been frequently visiting the Prince of Qi's villa, and the documents he carries are not for reading."

Zhu Han sneered: "Zhu Fu is not fierce in nature, but he is the most cunning. Compared to Zhu Di, he has less of a sharp edge and more of a vicious heart."

"He doesn't openly compete with others, but he always makes a move when others are unaware."

Huang Qi asked, "Does Your Highness wish to report this to the emperor?"

"No rush." ​​Zhu Han slowly sat down, gently picking up his teacup. "Reporting is 'movement,' I will not move now."

"I want him to know, and I want him to know."

"Then, see if he hides or retreats."

Huang Qi paused, then said in a low voice, "What if he doesn't hide or retreat?"

“That means your delusions have already taken root.” Zhu Han’s gaze was deep. “At that time, there will be a way.”

He gently tapped the teacup: "Go and summon Wei Qing, and have him send two more spies to infiltrate the area around the Prince Qi's residence."

"Investigate again—Lu Yanxing."

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao was reviewing documents in the study.

Gu Qingping slowly entered from outside the door, holding the official roster that had just been sent by the Ministry of Rites.

"These are the newly appointed scholars of the Imperial College this month."

She placed the book on the table and said softly, "Two of them had visited bookstores with 'Lu Yanxing'."

Zhu Biao's gaze sharpened slightly as he picked up the roster and examined it closely, his fingertip pausing on one of the columns: "This person, Lin Xiu?"

“That’s right,” Gu Qingping said. “He and Lu Yanxing are very close. Three days ago, they went in and out of the former residence of the Prince of Qi together.”

Zhu Biao picked up the book and said in a deep voice, "Lu Yanxing, what is his background?"

"It is said that he came from a poor family, but he was fond of ancient strategies and unusual learning. His words and actions were sharp, and those with ambition flocked to him."

"Unfortunately, such talent is not guided by the Way, but by selfishness."

Gu Qingping hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Your Highness, you should explain this matter to your Imperial Uncle."

Zhu Biao shook his head: "He already knew."

Gu Qingping was taken aback: "You mean... Zhu Wang has already planted spies?"

“If I obtain it, he will surely already know it.” Zhu Biao put down the scroll. “But the fact that he doesn’t move means he’s waiting for me to make a move.”

Gu Qingping asked, puzzled, "Waiting for you?"

"When I realized it, it wasn't something I should have protected as my uncle; it was something I chose to kill myself."

"If I cannot cleanse the Eastern Palace today, who will believe I can rule the world tomorrow?"

She gazed at him, a subtle emotion flickering in her eyes.

Zhu Biao stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the distant sunset: "Although the King of Qi's move has not yet come to fruition, it is already a sign."

"I have to go first."

Three days later, the Crown Prince summoned Zhu Biao to give a lecture, and all the scholars gathered at the lecture hall.

The topic of the lecture that day was neither classics nor policy, but a remarkable article, which Zhu Biao personally wrote down and titled "The Degree of Decentralization".

The opening statement reads: "Under the great rule, power is divided and united. When united, there is one mind; when divided, there are a hundred intentions. If the hundred intentions converge on one mind, the world is at peace; if the one mind is divided by the hundred intentions, the world is in danger."

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent.

Han Qingfeng was also present, his expression complex.

Zhu Biao continued, “In ancient times, the division of power between rulers and ministers was governed by proper principles; the ruler did not favor those of lower status, and the ministers did not usurp authority.”

“But if, in a single day, a minister does not know his place, a prince does not uphold his integrity, and a scholar does not observe propriety, then there will be no balance between power and spirit.”

"Power is not to be feared, but only for justice."

"I speak of this today not to contend, nor to punish, but only to demonstrate."

“If any member of Jiande Hall considers himself talented but forgets his duty to the Crown Prince, his talent is worthless; if he uses his intelligence to make private connections but abandons the public good, his intelligence is worth rejecting.”

"What people say should not deviate from its essence; what their hearts desire should not go against its principles."

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Zhu Biao's eyes were sharp as he scanned the crowd: "Anyone found outside the lecture hall who brings in secret plans, contacts the Prince's residence, or submits rare books will, from this day forward, be removed from the register, from any official position, and from attending lectures."

"And the signboard was placed at the entrance of the hall."

Below the hall, some bowed their heads, some changed color, and some remained calm.

Han Qingfeng stood up and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness's words are correct."

"Though Qingfeng's words may be sharp, he dares not deviate from the proper order. From this day forward, I am willing to personally oversee his words and deeds, place him in the register of scholars, and review him three times."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly: "That's very good."

After he finished speaking, everyone in the hall seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

That evening, in a private room of the Prince's mansion, Zhu Han sat quietly before the bed, listening to Huang Qi's report with a calm expression.

"Now that the Crown Prince has made his move, the King of Qi will naturally know that it will be difficult."

"But... if he insists on moving again, it will no longer be something that the 'police' can stop him from doing."

Huang Qi asked, "What strategy does Your Highness intend to employ?"

Zhu Han gazed at the deepening sunset outside the window and slowly said, "In the Qi Prince's mansion, there is a man named Wei Jun who once served me."

“If I can bring him back, I can cut off half of the King of Qi’s arm.”

"Issue my decree to summon Wei Jun to the Prince's Palace."

“Zhu Fu…it’s time to let him know that he is not that ‘stone,’ but dust stirred up by the wind.”

Meanwhile, outside the palace, Lu Yanxing sat quietly in the Qi King's villa, with an unopened memorial before him.

Zhu Fu stood with his hands behind his back, looking at him: "The Crown Prince has made his move?"

Lu Yanxing nodded: "Today's lecture has sealed my reputation three times. To keep me here any longer would be to ruin my reputation."

Zhu Fu sneered: "Zhu Biao... has finally revealed his potential as the crown prince."

Lu Yanxing said in a low voice, "But he did not kill my name, did not search for my traces, and did not send anyone to find out my background."

This means—he still doesn't dare.

"He also has to consider the prince's wishes."

Zhu Fu remained silent, only slowly brushing his sleeve, a sudden chill flashing in his eyes.

"Then let's continue."

Zhu Han was not wearing his usual robes, but rather a moon-white dress. He stood in the east corridor of the Prince's mansion, lightly twirling a jade thumb ring between his fingers, his brows slightly furrowed.

Huang Qi arrived hurriedly, his face solemn, and reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, Wei Jun entered the manor at midnight last night and is waiting in the back hall at this moment."

"Is he still stable?" Zhu Han asked calmly. (End of Chapter)