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

"Tomorrow we will discuss the 'father-son relationship,' and I will personally listen to the lecture."

Gu Qingping was taken aback: "Does Your Highness intend to use him as a pretext to discuss the Emperor and the Crown Prince?"

"Everyone in the world knows that I am the Crown Prince," Zhu Biao replied calmly, "but few know that I am a son."

“If my royal uncle can protect me in the court, then I should protect myself at home even more.”

"Although His Majesty has granted me the power to listen to government affairs, one cannot fully fathom the heart of a father. If I cannot openly express my gratitude and proclaim righteousness without revealing my flattery, then I will ultimately remain 'favored'."

Gu Qingping gazed at him quietly, a subtle sense of relief appearing in her eyes: "You're finally going to take that step yourself."

Zhu Biao turned around and walked towards the afternoon light: "Since the Imperial Uncle is no longer bothering me, I cannot let him feel that the Crown Prince will fall apart once he lets go."

The lecture hall was held as scheduled the following day.

Wei Zhifang gave the lecture in the center, while Zhu Biao sat at the end, not behaving like a prince but rather as if he were listening to the lecture.

The topic of discussion in the hall was the "Opening Chapter of the Classic of Filial Piety," whose main point is that "filial piety is the root of virtue and the source of all teachings."

Wei Zhifang spoke eloquently, and when he reached a crucial point, he suddenly said: "There are three levels of filial piety: not disobeying one's father's orders is the beginning of filial piety; following one's father's way is the middle of filial piety; establishing one's father's virtue in the world is the ultimate of filial piety."

“If a father is unreasonable, the son should uphold propriety and not violate the Way; if a father is a ruler who holds power but does not exercise it, the son should demonstrate virtue to guide him back to the right path.”

"The filial piety of the crown prince does not lie in kneeling and bowing to receive favor, but in establishing the order on behalf of the emperor."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Zhu Biao paused slightly with his pen, remained silent for a long time, and finally responded loudly:
“The words of Professor Wei are in line with the meaning of the Book of Rites.”

“In ancient times, there were princes who assisted in governing but dared not abuse their power because they were mindful of the bond between father and son; there were also princes who fought for the throne and disrupted the established order of rites and traditions, thus forgetting their ancestral roots.”

"I am sitting here today not for the sake of the respected person, but to rectify names."

"I am willing to uphold the foundation of the nation with a single-minded sincerity."

The crowd below rose and bowed.

Gu Qingping stood behind the curtain, her eyes flickering slightly. Suddenly, she whispered to Wu Qiong with a smile, "From now on, no one will dare to say that he is 'only liked by the Emperor'."

Wu Qiong nodded: "He took the position of crown prince on his own."

When the news reached the Prince's residence, Huang Qi presented a copy of it. Zhu Han read it, put it down quietly, and remained silent for a long time.

"Your Highness?" Huang Qi asked in a low voice.

Zhu Han slowly raised his head, gazing at the blooming crape myrtle flowers outside the courtyard, and whispered, "This child..."

"He has finally begun writing his own chapter."

"The paper wasn't given by me, nor was the ink from my brother's shop."

"It was he who wrote the first word himself."

Huang Qi lowered his head: "Does Your Highness regret letting go so soon?"

Zhu Han shook his head: "If he can't even 'let go', how can he shoulder the responsibility of governing the world?"

He got up and walked into the courtyard.

A petal of crape myrtle fell with the wind. Zhu Han raised his hand to catch a petal, gazed at it for a moment, and said with a faint smile, "It's time to enter the summer record."

Huang Qi was taken aback: "Xia Lu?"

Zhu Han said softly, “I have three records: Spring is for ‘observing the situation’, summer is for ‘calming the mind’, and autumn is for ‘making a decision’.”

In the east pavilion of the Prince's Mansion, outside the window, the wisteria vines dripped with emerald green. Zhu Han, dressed in casual clothes, leaned against a bamboo couch, carefully turning the pages of a secret record in his hand. His expression remained unchanged, but the rhythm of his fingers tapping the corner of the table seemed slightly heavy.

Huang Qi stood beside the table and lowered his voice, saying, "Your Highness, now that the 'Summer Record' has been secured, shall we begin the 'Autumn Game'?"

Zhu Han closed the book and said calmly, "The scheme has already been set up. It's just missing a knife to cut through this paper of peace."

Huang Qi hesitated for a moment, then said, "I received a secret report today—the Vice Minister of Rites, Cai Chong, has been secretly in frequent contact with the Minister of Personnel, Zheng Shi, and both of them have students who have entered the Imperial Academy and Jiande Hall."

"Although three of them held no official positions, they secretly commissioned others to write political essays and submitted them to bookstores in Taipei, where they were published in series under the names of scholars."

"His words did not refer to the Crown Prince, but he often quoted phrases such as 'the discussion on the succession should not be decided too early' and 'using learning to govern is not the system of the court.'"

Zhu Han sneered: "These old foxes... they really couldn't hold back anymore."

"Ever since His Majesty appointed the Crown Prince to rule, there has been a faction in the court that has remained silent, claiming to respect the Emperor's orders, but in reality, they are observing the winds of change."

“They dared not openly oppose the Crown Prince, so they used the name of ‘scholarly discussions’ to incite people with words.”

Huang Qi asked, "Should we investigate the bookstore?"

“No.” Zhu Han stood up, his sleeve brushing against the bamboo table. “They want to use ‘discussion’ as an excuse, so I will respond with ‘question’.”

“If the world is to be defined by the ‘scholar’ class, then I will use ‘learning’ to lead the charge.”

"Issue my decree—open another session."

"It was called the 'Bureau of Political Inquiry'. It did not have an Eastern Palace or include princes' residences. It was presided over by the Imperial Academy and assisted by the Hanlin Academy."

“Three questions are posed: First, ‘Can the Crown Prince rule the country without inheriting the throne?’ Second, ‘Can lecturing cultivate the mind rather than being a mere figurehead?’ Third, ‘How can the transmission of the way of the ruler be continued?’”

Huang Qi immediately understood: "Is Your Highness doing this to use the 'game' to refute the rumors?"

“Let us examine their words and test their hearts,” Zhu Han said coldly. “Anyone who dares to speak may come; anyone who dares to debate may stand.”

"If Shihlin uses anonymous writings to secretly stir up trouble after these three questions are raised, it will be exposing its own shortcomings."

"And the Crown Prince—will also stand at the center of this debate."

Huang Qi responded and retreated, quickening his pace.

Zhu Han did not immediately return to the house, but instead slowly walked into the courtyard, letting the light rain dampen the hem of his robe.

He looked up at the churning gray clouds and said in a low, somber tone, "Zhu Biao, the storm is coming."

"I need you to be able to stand firm even in the face of adversity."

After listening to Wu Qiong's report, Zhu Biao pondered for a long time before slowly putting down the policy document in his hand: "The 'Inquiry and Lecture Bureau' should be hosted by the Imperial Academy?"

“Yes.” Wu Qiong said in a low voice, “We will not return to the Eastern Palace or visit the Prince’s residence, but the topic is closely related to Your Highness. If Your Highness does not speak up, I fear that someone else will seize the initiative.”

Gu Qingping also said, "This is not a lecture, this is an interrogation by the court."

"If you do not respond, it means you agree that what you are saying is wrong."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then a clear light appeared in his eyes: "Uncle Wang set up this trap not only to clear the way for me, but also to place me at the heart of the scheme."

"He didn't shield me; instead, he made me go forward alone."

He looked at Gu Qingping and said softly, "If I avoid it, not only will the rumors intensify, but His Majesty will also see that I cannot protect myself."

"How do you think I should respond?"

Without hesitation, Gu Qingping said, "I will personally take the podium."

"As the Crown Prince, he did not distinguish between personal matters but spoke of righteousness."

"If you can just hold onto these three questions, then the hearts of scholars across the land will naturally turn to you."

Zhu Biao nodded, picked up a pen, wrote a reply, and handed it to Wu Qiong: "Tomorrow, send it to the Imperial Academy. The Crown Prince wishes to personally attend the lecture hall to answer the three questions, with the courtesy due to a student lecturer."

Wu Qiong accepted the order and left.

Zhu Biao sat before the couch, his expression no longer gentle, his eyes now sharp.

"This isn't about arguing for anything."

"Instead, I will personally have the words 'Crown Prince' engraved in this court."

Three days later, the Political Consultation Bureau was launched.

The hall is located in the west corridor of the Confucian Temple. It is neither the former site of the Eastern Palace nor the territory of the Prince's Mansion.

The plaque was personally inscribed by Zhu Yuanzhang, with gold ink and red lacquer, and the six characters are prominently displayed: "Inquiry Bureau - Opening Three Questions".

Scholars from the court, prefectural governors from the capital region, and all those who recognized his name flocked to see him.

Zhu Biao, without wearing red embroidery, but only a blue patterned robe, and with his simple entourage, entered the center of the lecture hall.

The first question raised was: "Can the Crown Prince rule without having inherited the throne?"

He stepped onto the high seat, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, and said in a loud voice: "Your Highness, you are the heir to the throne; and the stability of the throne lies not in titles, but in responsibilities." "If Your Majesty commands me to govern, then governance must be based on facts; if I sit in the Eastern Palace, then responsibilities should be presented to Your Majesty."

"He does not consider himself to be in a high position, but adheres to the principles of governance."

The hall fell silent as everyone focused their attention.

The second question: "Can lecturing truly educate the government, rather than just being a figurehead?"

Zhu Biao replied: "Scholars are not those who write on paper, but those who establish the fundamental principles of social order. Lecturers are not those who engage in empty talk, but those who are the root of political affairs."

“I established the capital academy not to gather talents, but to guide governance; I appointed lecturers not for decoration, but to inquire about governance.”

“The Crown Prince’s lectures are both for self-correction and for public understanding.”

The third question: "How will the tradition of rulership be continued?"

Zhu Biao's gaze remained unwavering, his expression as steadfast as a pine tree: "The way of the ruler is not passed down by bloodline, but by virtue and righteousness; not by favor, but by responsibility."

"I, Zhu Biao, dare not presume to claim the throne."

"I hope that people will ask me whether I can accept advice, uphold the law, make judgments, and establish my principles."

"If I can, I will continue; if I cannot, I am willing to let all the wise and just people in the world use their swords and rulers to execute me without complaint."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent, and not a single word could be uttered in response.

Only one student from the Imperial Academy in the back hall stood up and suddenly bowed deeply to the ground: "Your Highness Zhu's words have won my heart."

As soon as this person made a move, the scholars at the table all stood up and bowed to him.

Zhu Biao did not bow, but gave a slow bow: "Gentlemen—you are the future scholars."

"I'm not afraid of being asked."

At this moment, in the rear pavilion of Jiande Hall.

Zhu Biao leaned against the couch, with no books laid out in front of him, only an unfinished chess game.

He stared silently at a white piece, remaining motionless for a long time.

Gu Qingping quietly approached, placed a cup of mint tea on the table, and said softly, "You haven't made a move for half an hour."

Zhu Biao snapped out of his reverie, glanced at her, and chuckled softly, "Look at this game of chess, the white pieces are attacking too fast, aren't they?"

Gu Qingping looked in that direction, paused for a moment, and said, "It's not fast, but it seems lonely."

“Yes,” Zhu Biao said softly, “Now, although I can answer questions, give lectures, and win the hearts of scholars, I always feel that the ground beneath my feet doesn’t feel like the earth.”

"It's like a bridge suspended in mid-air."

Gu Qingping sat beside him, her voice gentle yet firm: "This is not a pontoon bridge, but a newly erected bridge pier."

"You no longer need to rely on your uncle's hand, nor on His Majesty's heart."

"But for the bridge to be completed, it depends on whether you can walk steadily."

Zhu Biao paused slightly, then said softly, "Uncle, you've been unusually quiet lately."

Gu Qingping smiled and looked down: "That's because he really let go."

“You have already established the path, posed questions, accepted scholars, and responded to discussions. His decision not to intervene is also a form of fulfillment.”

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then finally picked up the white piece and slowly placed it on the right corner of the chessboard, neither vying for the center nor avoiding the edges.

"I understand."

"Now it's time to move on to the next step."

Gu Qingping looked up: "Next step?"

“The crown prince cannot linger in the lecture hall,” Zhu Biao said softly. “I should enter politics.”

“Speech can gather people together, and learning can rectify one’s mind, but ultimately one must take charge of the affairs of the court in order to truly stand above the ‘ruling of the Crown Prince’.”

"His Majesty still oversees both internal and external affairs, but he no longer deals with trivial matters. If I were to remain hidden in Jiande Hall, it would be out of fear, not out of obedience."

Gu Qingping's eyes flickered slightly: "How does Your Highness plan to depart?"

Zhu Biao looked at the chessboard on the table, his voice calm and steady: "Enter politics through the system of rites."

“In the early years of Emperor Taizu’s reign, the system of rites was not yet complete, and the civil rites in the court mostly followed the old system. To this day, ‘sacrificial rites are not distinguished, and court rites are unclear.’ The various educational offices belong to different ministries, making it difficult to unify them.”

“I request that the ‘Rites and Etiquette Records Office’ be established, under the jurisdiction of the Crown Prince. It is called ‘Records’ but in reality, it is the beginning of governance.”

"I will select people to discuss matters, draft documents, and revise policies—opening the path to government affairs under the guise of lecturing."

Gu Qingping was startled: "Although this move does not involve real power, it does involve power over matters."

"Your Highness, are you about to begin truly ruling?"

Zhu Biao nodded: "To secure his position as Crown Prince, he cannot simply be a lecturer."

“My royal uncle stopped the fighting with words back then, and now I will settle things with actions.”

Two days later, Zhu Biao entered the Wenyuan Pavilion to request an audience with the emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on a high couch, looking slightly tired as he hadn't finished reading the military reports on his desk. But when he saw Zhu Biao enter, his eyes lit up, and he waved for him to sit down.

"You come here too often."

"Your subject dares not slacken his efforts."

Zhu Biao bowed respectfully, sitting without arrogance.

Zhu Yuanzhang scrutinized him for a long time, then suddenly asked, "Those three questions from the other day, did you formulate them yourself?"

"Yes."

"Aren't you afraid of saying the wrong thing?"

Zhu Biao replied softly, "People are afraid when their words are untrue; if what you say is in accordance with your heart and propriety, you have nothing to fear from others' opinions."

Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled and put down the documents on his desk: "You're even more outspoken than your uncle was back then."

Zhu Biao bowed his head: "Your Imperial Uncle is upright because he has the world in his eyes; I am upright because I have the law in my heart."

"Very good." Zhu Yuanzhang's brows relaxed. "Did you come today with another memorial?"

“This is not a formal memorial.” Zhu Biao stood up, took out a thin sheet of paper from his bosom, and presented it with both hands. “It is a proposal to establish a ‘Council.’”

Zhu Yuanzhang took it, read it quickly, and pondered for a moment: "'Recorder' is a clever name. It sets up an office but not a department to avoid disputes; it manages documents but does not get involved in politics to avoid taking a position."

"Who taught you to do this?"

Zhu Biao replied, "No one has taught me. If I do not begin to learn politics, even if I inherit the throne in the future, it will be nothing but an empty shell."

"Your subject dares not usurp power, but wishes to govern with learning and select people based on reason."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him, his gaze slightly darkening, and then suddenly smiled: "Your words today remind me of the day your uncle first entered the court; he spoke in the same tone."

"But back then, he fought his way out."

"But you, you speak it out."

He gently placed the document on the table, pressed it with his palm, and said, "I approve."

“If you can truly use this place to gather people, hearts, and affairs, then this Eastern Palace will not have been a waste of time.”

Zhu Biao bowed deeply: "Thank you, Father Emperor."

Outside the Imperial Study, before the morning drum had ceased, the eunuch Cheng Shouyi was summoned by imperial decree to the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace for a meeting.

Zhu Biao entered the hall with his clothes neatly arranged, followed only by Wu Qiong. He was unassuming and unpretentious, but his plain silk court robes and seated him at the table exuded an air of solemnity that could not be ignored.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on a high couch, not wearing court robes, but only a casual robe. Although he looked tired, his eyes were clear.

He looked at Zhu Biao, lightly flipping through a thin book in his hand, and suddenly asked, "How many people has your Rites Council already taken in?"

Zhu Biao cupped his hands and replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Imperial Academy of Rites has been established for ten days and has admitted nineteen students, including seven civil servants, ten academicians, and two clerks from the outer government offices. All of them were admitted after being examined and approved by the Jiande Hall."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "I heard that you ordered that they should not be bound by rank or seniority when discussing matters?"

"Yes," Zhu Biao replied. "In my opinion, when selecting officials, seniority should not be a factor; if seniority is considered, the old ways will be stale; if talent is considered, new vitality will emerge." (End of Chapter)