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

Huang Qi lowered his head: "I secretly tested him a few times, but I didn't see anything unusual. This person is still experienced and hasn't made a mistake."

Zhu Han nodded: "Summon him to come in."

In an instant, Wei Jun entered the hall, dressed in a coarse blue robe, showing no sign of sharpness, only his eyes were calm as a deep pool. After walking a few steps away, he cupped his hands and said solemnly, "This humble servant Wei Jun pays his respects to Your Highness."

Zhu Hanwei raised a finger, indicating that he should dispense with formalities: "How have you been?"

"Thanks to Your Highness," Wei Jun replied in a low voice.

Zhu Han did not speak immediately. He got up and walked to the window, gazing at the setting sun filtering through the bamboo shadows in the courtyard. His voice was soft but weighty: "It has been seven years since you left me."

"Seven years ago, you left me to go to the Prince of Qi's mansion, and I let you go; seven years later, I called you back, but you came back on your own."

"If you still recognize me today, then tell me—Zhu Fu, what did you do?"

Wei Jun remained silent for a moment before whispering, "Your Highness, Prince Qi has not explicitly stated his intentions, but he has recently been frequently summoning scholars and officials, and has sent people to Huguang and Henan to recruit scholars and set up schools."

"This matter, ostensibly to recruit talent, is in reality a strategic maneuver. There's another matter—"

Zhu Han turned around, his gaze turning slightly cold: "Speak."

Wei Jun bowed: "The Qi Prince's mansion has privately established a 'Hall of Debate,' and the person in charge of deliberations is Lu Yanxing. The discussions in the hall are no longer limited to policy discussions, but rather involve setting up positions and offices, and simulating institutional arrangements."

Zhu Han's eyes suddenly darkened: "Simulated 'establishment'?"

“Yes.” Wei Jun lowered his voice. “The hall has set up three officials and six departments, calling itself a ‘bureau that combines education and administration.’ Its system imitates the old Crown Prince’s lectures on politics, and those who make these pronouncements are mostly people who have previously been registered in the Jiande Hall.”

Upon hearing this, Huang Qi's expression changed drastically, and he said in a low voice, "This is no longer a discussion, but rather—a draft."

Zhu Han slowly walked back to the desk and gently placed the jade thumb ring on the mahogany table: "He really dares to do that."

"This is not about vying for fame, but about using lectures as a banner and the hall as a platform to seek influence."

Wei Jun knelt down and kowtowed: "Your subordinate is willing to return to the Qi Prince's mansion, pretending to return to his former master, and secretly investigate his plot."

Zhu Han shook his head: "You don't need to go."

"Now that he has made his intentions clear, I will no longer hide them."

He slowly sat down, his gaze as steady as a mountain: "Go do something else—"

"Convey my message: Enter the secret chamber of the Imperial Academy and summon Shen Shou and Han Cheng."

"Summon Han Qingfeng to the Prince's residence again, not as a lecturer, but because of our old acquaintance."

“I want him to understand that from this day forward, the lecture hall is not his refuge, but the thread that binds his life.”

Huang Qi was taken aback: "Your Highness intends to drag Han Qingfeng out of Jiande Hall?"

“If I don’t move, he won’t know the consequences; if the Crown Prince doesn’t abandon him, he won’t know the fear.” Zhu Han said calmly, “I must kill him, as long as he knows that he can only follow me on this path, and cannot walk it on his own.”

"As for Zhu Fu—I won't touch him."

"I want him to expose himself in front of the court."

"In this game, I will not set up any moves; I will only collect pieces."

At noon that day, Han Qingfeng was summoned to the Prince's Palace.

The east hall of the Prince's Mansion did not serve food or drink; instead, incense was burned and tea was brewed. On the table was a painting of the Nine Virtues, depicting the emperor's conduct in the world: being kind and generous, having clear vision and judgment, listening to honest advice, being respectful in appearance, asking questions carefully, acting decisively, controlling anger, not being licentious in joy, and being polite in fear.

Han Qingfeng recognized it at a glance, stood in front of the picture, and said solemnly: "These are the Nine Virtues described in the Book of Rites. Your Highness, do you mean to ask me about my character or my heart?"

Zhu Han gently raised his teacup and said calmly, "I ask you, is entering the Eastern Palace lecture hall for the sake of the Way or for the sake of oneself?"

Han Qingfeng paused for a moment: "First comes the Way, then comes the merit."

"Is it a desire for merit, not a desire for power?" Zhu Han's tone was not heavy, but his words were calm and composed.

Han Qingfeng pursed his lips, and finally cupped his hands: "Qingfeng dares not conceal his true feelings. Since Your Highness has not abandoned me and granted me the lecture seat, I have known that my life cannot end in mediocrity."

"But if one speaks but no one listens, and one's teachings are ineffective, how can they be called 'the Way'?"

“I need people to listen to me, people to convey my ideas, and people to do things according to my thoughts—only then can I establish a government.”

Zhu Han sneered: "So you went to Lu Yanxing's invitation to enter the 'Hall of Debate' in the Qi Prince's mansion?"

Han Qingfeng's body trembled.

"You think the Crown Prince doesn't know? I don't know?" Zhu Han's tone suddenly turned cold. "You take one step, and I know two steps ahead."

"You want to use the power of the King of Qi to establish your own regime; do you think that as long as you don't say anything that supports the rebellion, you can still be considered loyal?"

Han Qingfeng said in a trembling voice, "I have never spoken of rebellion, nor have I plotted chaos! I have always rejected Lu Yanxing's proposals—"

"Refuse it?" Zhu Han interrupted him. "Then why don't you leave? Why don't you explain yourself?"

Han Qingfeng gritted his teeth and knelt down: "Because I don't know where the road is."

"The Crown Prince is kind and compassionate, and cannot bear to expel me; the Prince is wise and discerning, and does not show it. I am filled with anxiety, knowing only that if I do not seek favor and leverage his power, I will eventually be forgotten."

Zhu Han stood up and leaned down to look at him: "I'm telling you today—if you continue to act against both sides, I won't even wait for the Crown Prince to make a move; I'll be the first to depose you."

“Your talent is sufficient to establish yourself, and your teachings are sufficient to be expounded, but if people’s hearts are in turmoil, you are not a preacher, but a source of chaos.”

Han Qingfeng bowed to the ground, his back soaked with sweat, and replied in a hoarse voice, "Qingfeng...will remember the king's command."

Zhu Han turned and left, leaving only one sentence echoing in the hall: "Go back and from now on focus solely on teaching, and do not concern yourself with anything outside the manor."

"If you speak well, I'll make you famous in history; if you make one wrong move, I'll kill you in the lecture hall."

At the same time, inside the Eastern Palace Library, Zhu Biao held the Prince's Palace Records and slowly closed them.

Gu Qingping asked softly from the side, "Did the Imperial Uncle make a move?"

Zhu Biao nodded: "It moved."

"But with excessive force?"

“No.” Zhu Biao stared out the window. “He didn’t kill Han Qingfeng, nor did he harm the Prince of Qi.”

“He was showing me that I should not get angry until the situation becomes dire, and I should not draw my knife until the person is ready to betray me.”

"But he was also showing me that if I cannot focus my mind on the Way, it will ultimately bring disaster."

Gu Qingping looked at him, her eyes gleaming slightly: "Your Highness, do you now know the true art of controlling the situation?"

Zhu Biao nodded and murmured, "It's not about capturing people, but about 'controlling them with tolerance'."

She chuckled softly: "You've already embarked on his path."

Zhu Biao said in a low voice, "But I don't want to just walk on his path."

"I want to break out of my own path."

Inside Jiande Hall, Zhu Biao, dressed in plain clothes, sat down to read through three volumes of policy drafts on his desk.

Gu Qingping sat behind the curtain, gently pouring him a cup of tea and waiting for his words.

Zhu Biao closed one of the volumes and said slowly, "Li Jingxiu's writing is becoming more and more sophisticated, and he is now able to develop his own strategies without relying on his predecessors."

Gu Qingping smiled: "This person is determined. If we observe him for another two years, he should be able to assist Your Highness in managing documents."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I built this hall not to gather people, but to observe them."

"Many have come in for my name, but those who remain are for the sake of the Word."

He stood up, hands behind his back: "Along this journey, I have learned from my uncle, and now I must begin to learn one of his skills—I will choose my own path instead of having others set up my schemes."

Gu Qingping asked softly, "You mean—the Prince of Qi?"

A glint flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes: "The fact that the Imperial Uncle hasn't made a move is giving me space; but if Prince Qi doesn't stop, I'll have to strike first."

“He used the lecture hall as a platform for discussion, and although he did not show his strength, he already had influence. People like Lu Yanxing, if they do not stop at discussing books and policies, they are just swaggering around in the city.”

Gu Qingping frowned: "But as long as he hasn't revealed his plans, he's still within the bounds of the law. If you make the first move, it might cause controversy."

Zhu Biao remained silent, gazing at the new greenery of early summer outside the hall. After a moment, he suddenly said, "Qingping, do you know what the most difficult part of 'breaking the deadlock' is?"

She shook her head slightly. Zhu Biao said in a low voice, "It's not about understanding the situation, but about abandoning it."

"If we take King Qi as our enemy today, we will have to remove people from the hall—but most of them are talented scholars. If we discard them, we will hurt them; if we don't, we will hurt our hearts."

Gu Qingping looked at him and suddenly said, "Then let's start a new game."

“Avoid the scheme devised by the King of Qi, and set up a new case, making it your own framework. Let those people know that their talents are not only for those who cling to power; their ambitions can also be directed towards the right path.”

Zhu Biao slowly turned his head to look at her: "You're right."

“Since Lu Yanxing wants to establish his school based on ‘rules’, I will establish my doctrine based on ‘learning’.”

"Below Jiande Hall, another courtyard was set up, named 'Wen Dao Hall'."

“Five scholars selected from the Crown Prince’s Palace will be given three sessions each day to discuss matters of principle without being bound by any topic, to discuss scholarship without being bound by any school of thought, and to discuss family traditions without being bound by any background.”

"It can be used to discuss the Spring and Autumn Annals, legal cases, historical strategies, and the hearts of the people."

"If one's words are sincere and one's heart is upright, then one can stand firm in learning."

Gu Qingping smiled gently: "Then those who harbor other ambitions will find it difficult to keep their mouths shut. As long as they dare to come and speak, they will be exposed."

Zhu Biao's eyes were clear: "I do not drive people outward, but let them reveal themselves."

"The Crown Prince's palace cannot be without learning, but it also cannot provide protection for others."

"I will be the Crown Prince, not a protector of the ruler."

Two days later, the Crown Prince posted a notice announcing the establishment of the "Inquiry Hall" to all directions.

Scholars from the Imperial Academy and the National University flocked to see it. Some were amazed by the breadth of the topics discussed, while others doubted the depth of the intentions behind them.

Inside the Qi Prince's residence, Lu Yanxing held a proclamation in his hand, his brows furrowed slightly: "He actually set up a side courtyard... This step is not to guard against me, but to drain me dry."

Zhu Fu said coldly, "If he wants to make a name for himself, then I'll make sure he loses his name."

Lu Yanxing shook his head: "No, Zhu Biao's move is extremely dangerous."

“He did not directly punish those who spoke to me, but instead opened the door to teach and invited my people to come to his door.”

“If I do not go, outsiders will doubt the knowledge I have gained; if I do go, I will return to the Crown Prince's palace and will no longer be able to discuss other matters.”

Zhu Fu frowned deeply: "This boy... is becoming more and more like Zhu Han."

Lu Yanxing said in a deep voice: "Then we need to send someone into their 'Academy of Inquiry,' not to talk about the lectures, but to discuss court affairs and politics, so that they will be stunned and unable to respond."

“As long as the Crown Prince agrees, the argument of ‘doubtful governance’ can be brought up.”

If he does not respond, it will show that he "does not speak about politics".

A cold glint flashed in Zhu Fu's eyes: "Where is this person?"

Lu Yanxing said in a low voice, "Qiu Shen."

Qiu Shen, aged thirty-three, once served as a student of the Prefectural School Chancellor of Luzhou. He was known for his critical essays and was particularly skilled in debate. People in the court called him "a man whose words could cut three feet deep."

Three days later, Qiu Shen was listed as the first person to give a lecture at the "Wen Dao Guan" (a place for seeking knowledge).

Zhu Biao did not attend in person that day, but only sent Wu Qiong to listen in.

Qiu Shenzhi's essay is titled: "Should the position of Crown Prince be one of blame or reward?"

These words caused an uproar among the scholars.

Some people frowned, some whispered.

Wu Qiong also looked grave and sent a message to the East Palace: "Your Highness, Qiu Shen's words seem to be a ploy to attack the Crown Prince."

Zhu Biao, however, remained unmoved. He put down the scroll in his hand and said softly, "I cannot help it."

"If he dares to speak, I dare to listen."

“And set up three people to ask questions, on the three topics of ‘reward, responsibility, and succession,’ and answer them directly.”

That night, Qiu Shen gave another lecture at the "Wen Dao Guan" (a lecture hall for scholars seeking advice). Under the questioning of three scholars, he spoke sharply, saying: "If the Crown Prince merely assumes power without participating in politics, he is favored but not responsible; if he participates in politics but is not held accountable, his position will not be questioned, and he will lose the way of the world."

The people below the hall were momentarily at a loss for words.

The next morning, a letter written by the Crown Prince was posted in front of the "Wen Dao Hall" and was titled: "As the Crown Prince, he bears heavy responsibilities to all officials."

The article lists three items:
The first statement is: "The Crown Prince's Palace is not a government of power and does not hold real political power, but it is subject to the rule of law and must abide by the established order."

Secondly, it is said that "the Crown Prince is not dismissed from his post, nor does he avoid criticism, but he respects the law and is wise to accept advice."

Thirdly, “When discussing politics, focus on the mind, not the position; when speaking about the ruler, respect his will, not his words.”

Once the document was published, the scholars in the hall circulated it among themselves, and the prestige of the Crown Prince was once again aroused.

After listening to Huang Qi's report in the Prince's mansion, Zhu Han closed his eyes for a long time before suddenly chuckling.

"This kid... finally dared to come back."

Huang Qi also smiled: "The Crown Prince's actions—neither angered, nor punished, nor avoided, nor flattered—are exactly in line with the Prince's teachings."

Zhu Han slowly opened his eyes, but his tone was indifferent: "I didn't teach him this part."

"This part was something he figured out on his own."

In the afternoon, deep within the palace, the air was scorching hot, and the blazing sun slanted across the palace walls, casting a crimson glow.

Several palace maids hurried past the Taihe Gate, their footsteps silent, as if carried by a gust of wind.

Meanwhile, in the East Pavilion of the Prince's Mansion, Zhu Han leaned against a bamboo couch, showing no signs of weariness. Only the bamboo slip in his hand slowly turned over, as if waiting for news.

A moment later, Huang Qi strolled in and bowed softly, saying, "Your Highness, the scout has returned."

"Speak," Zhu Han said without looking up.

“Last night, Qiu Shen left the Jingdong Gate and did not return to his private residence, but went directly to the Prince of Qi’s villa.”

Zhu Han finally put down the scroll in his hand, looked up at Huang Qi, his eyes calm: "He still showed his true colors."

Huang Qi said, "King Qi indeed used the 'Inquiry Hall' to test the waters."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "The test went well."

"He just misjudged Zhu Biao."

"He thought Zhu Biao wouldn't dare to face the enemy head-on, but little did he know... this Crown Prince was no longer the child who avoided the fray."

Huang Qi asked, "How does Your Highness intend to deal with this?"

Zhu Han closed the bamboo slip, his tone calm and composed: "No."

Huang Qi was slightly taken aback: "No?"

"Although Qiu Shen's words were harsh, the Crown Prince's reply was measured and did not exceed the law; although the Prince of Qi's private invitation was secretive, it did not involve powerful officials and was not included in court discussions."

Zhu Han slowly said, "Zhu Biao has already established his cause and returned, and many people have responded without causing chaos; if I were to make trouble now, I would only be suspected of being an 'Imperial Uncle who doubts the heir apparent'."

"It would be better to let him take another step."

Huang Qi suddenly realized: "Luring the snake out of its hole."

Zhu Han stood up, walked to the window, and lightly tapped the window frame with his fingertips: "If the snake doesn't come out, it's just hiding in the grass. I want to make him—when he thought he could swallow the dragon, he was trapped in a well."

"This well is the mouthpiece of the court."

"If he dares to take that step, I'll make sure he never gets a chance to rise in the world."

"As for Zhu Biao..." Zhu Han smiled slightly, "If he can hold his ground this time, it will not only be to answer the 'question,' but also to safeguard the 'succession of the throne.'"

Meanwhile, inside the Jiande Hall of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao, dressed in a plain blue robe, stood on the stone steps below the hall, gazing at the lush greenery filling the courtyard.

Gu Qingping came from the corridor and, seeing that he seemed lost in thought, asked softly, "Is Your Highness thinking about Qiu Shen?"

Zhu Biao nodded, but his expression remained calm: "He's just a mouthpiece." (End of Chapter)