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

"I won't allow you to recommend again, but I'm willing to listen again."

"Listen to their remorse and observe their true intentions."

"If this person is truly capable of reforming, I will not refuse his reappointment."

A hint of surprise appeared in Gu Qingping's eyes: "This... not only does it not damage the dignity of the Crown Prince, but it also shows his virtue of tolerance."

Zhu Biao nodded: "The Crown Prince is not a judge, but a ruler."

"I can refuse you, but I cannot destroy your heart."

Night falls on the palace, the palace bells have not yet rung, and the snow in the Eastern Palace's rear garden shines like a mirror.

Zhu Biao stood atop the artificial hill, his attendants long gone, leaving only Gu Qingping standing not far away.

"Look at this chessboard." Zhu Biao smoothed his sleeve with one hand and placed a black piece on the board with the other. "It's a 'corner'."

Gu Qingping smiled: "The southeast is a corner, a place of life, a place of defense, and also a place of confinement. Does Your Highness intend to trap the enemy?"

Zhu Biao did not answer immediately, but asked in return: "If the enemy does not enter the game, but I trap myself first, how should I break it?"

Gu Qingping stared at the chessboard for a moment: "If you trap yourself, you can lure the enemy into breaking your formation. Trapping can then be turned into a strategic advantage."

Zhu Biao smiled and gently pushed the white piece into the center: "I set up three tables to sway people's hearts, and I set up a second table to win people's support. Now that the Crown Prince has been established, he is also in the game of chess because of this."

“I know they are watching, trying, and pushing.”

“But I know even more that I can no longer just be the ‘crown prince’.”

"I want to become that irreplaceable person in their hearts."

His words were soft and gentle, yet each one struck like a thunderbolt. Gu Qingping stared at his retreating figure, a subtle change in her expression.

She said softly, "Your Highness has arrived here. What is the next step?"

Zhu Biao looked westward and said, word by word, "I wish to establish the 'Hall of Inquiry'."

Gu Qingping's expression hardened: "Is this going to be incorporated into practical politics outside of weaponry, etiquette, and laws?"

“It’s not politics, it’s about things.” Zhu Biao’s tone remained calm. “I set up lecture halls, opened lectures, established three cases, and reviewed and approved lectures, all for the sake of people’s hearts.”

"But the world has more than just people; it also has tools."

"The system of ritual implements, etiquette and laws, weapons and provisions, and documents and laws all need to be coordinated in one place. Today it is established as the Crown Prince's residence; tomorrow it will be moved to become the backbone of the central government."

Gu Qingping remained silent for a moment: "Your Highness, are you trying to turn 'consultation on politics' into a 'political instrument'?"

Zhu Biao said, "The mind is the source, and the vessel is the form. Without the vessel to support the mind, it is all empty talk."

When the news reached the Prince's residence, Huang Qi entered almost in a state of panic: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince intends to establish a 'Hall of Inquiry into Instruments' to oversee all instruments of state affairs—"

"If this move succeeds, the Crown Prince will inevitably shift from 'questioning' to 'governing'!"

Zhu Han sat down on the couch, his eyes slightly lowered: "He's finally going to start taking action."

"It happened a year earlier than I expected."

Huang Qi gritted his teeth: "Your Highness, should we stop it? If this hall is set up, it will surely provoke criticism from the old officials in the court. How can the various ministries and departments allow the Crown Prince to interfere in matters of state and affairs?"

Zhu Han slowly shook his head: "I won't move."

“If Zhu Biao is not tested, who will know his true potential? If I pave the way for him today, he will forever remain my nephew, not the true ‘crown prince’ of this court.”

"Go and investigate the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of War to see if anyone is secretly in contact with Han Ji. Also, investigate Han Ji's travels over the past ten days."

Huang Qi obeyed the order and left.

Zhu Han got up alone, strolled to the plum blossoms in the courtyard, and looked up at the starry sky.

“If he wants to set up a court, I will guard it for him.”

“Watch how he uses ‘tools’ as oars to navigate the turbulent waters of the imperial court.”

Wenqi Hall was located in the east wing of Jiande Hall. It had no plaque or name. Zhu Biao personally selected the site and signed the initial plan. He appointed Gu Qingping as the first "Hall Recorder".

There were no regular meetings or scholars invited to the hall; the only framework was "matters of business." Questions could be raised on any aspect of government affairs involving systems, equipment, or regulations.

The first question is—

"Why is it that the cost of tribute items for the palace doubles every year, yet the number of items remains the same and no new ones are produced?"

Upon hearing this question, all three departments in the palace were on high alert.

The Ministry of Works, the Imperial Household Department, and the Ministry of Rites submitted memorials to each other, all stating that "the system is well-established and there are no omissions or deficiencies throughout the year."

Zhu Biao gave only one order: "Summon the heads of the three departments to the Eastern Palace and question them one by one about each item."

Three low tables were set up in the inner hall of the Eastern Palace. Zhu Biao did not wear the imperial robes, but only a blue robe to ask questions.

The Minister of Works, the Director of the Imperial Household Department, and the Director of Ceremonies of the Ministry of Rites were seated in order, standing opposite each other at the table.

Zhu Biao picked up a scroll of tribute items and asked softly, "Last year's official tribute included twelve bronze censers, thirty-six gold hairpins, and twenty-two jade boxes. Is that correct?"

The Minister of Works nodded: "Yes."

Zhu Biao slowly asked again, "Is the silver loss equivalent to 1,340 taels?"

"Yes."

Zhu Biao suddenly looked up: "The three tribute items displayed in this hall are the surplus items from the annual tribute of your three ministries, are they correct?"

All three agreed.

Zhu Biao stood up, walked to the front of the hall, and pointed to the bronze censer: "The bottom of this censer was cast in the form of an 'official mold,' so why is it made of clay mixed with copper? Why were the cracks in the censer patched with paint instead of being recast?"

He also pointed to the jade box: "The lid of the box was loose, so it was patched up with cloth. This is a ritual object; how can it be treated so casually?"

Silence fell over the hall.

Zhu Biao sneered: "Above the Three Departments, tribute vessels are a ritual. This ritual is the face of the nation."

"I ask this question not to find errors, nor to blame anyone."

"But please tell me, the three of you—if this vessel is presented as tribute again, how can we avoid defiling the system of our dynasty?"

The Minister of Works looked alarmed: "Your Highness, please forgive me, these old artifacts were originally intended as prototypes..."

Zhu Biao waved his hand to interrupt: "I don't punish people."

"I only ask: How should this system be changed?"

The three men looked at each other for a moment, and finally the Minister of the Imperial Household bowed and stepped forward: "Your Highness, please forgive my bluntness."

"The problem with tribute vessels lies not in their production, but in the fact that the person who commissioned their production was not the person who would use them."

“According to our dynasty’s system, the list of tribute items is selected annually by the Imperial Household Department, then forwarded to the Ministry of Works for mold making, and finally approved by the Ministry of Rites. However, the items actually used for sacrifices, rewards, and bestowals are never considered.”

“The utensils are not the same, and people have different standards, so the tribute utensils are consumed every year, but they are not suitable for the needs.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes flickered slightly. He slowly sat back down as the chairman, patted the table, and said, "This makes sense."

"The user should make the request, the manufacturer should assist, and the reviewer should make the final decision."

“Starting tomorrow, a ‘List of Utensils’ will be established. Each year, those who use utensils, such as those in the palace, the rites department, and the military department, will first list their needs; then the Ministry of Works will draw up the plans, and the Utensils Department will determine the materials; finally, the Ministry of Rites will revise the ceremonies, and the Crown Prince will approve the final decision.”

"The responsibility of the Crown Prince is not to manufacture utensils."

"Instead, it's about assessing needs."

"If needs are not carefully considered, tools will be as fleeting as clouds."

Everyone was solemn.

As she returned home that night, Gu Qingping held the newly transcribed regulations in her hand and said softly, "Your Highness's words today have already prompted three private letters from the court to be sent to Jiande Hall."

Those who praised him said that the Crown Prince's inquiry into talent demonstrated his discernment; those who criticized him said, "Your Highness's hasty entry into affairs may harm the court."

Zhu Biao said calmly, "Then let them mock us."

“From the day I set up the three cases, I knew that everything I did was against the current.”

"But if I cannot do it, who will build this bridge to the central government for me?"

Gu Qingping looked at him and suddenly smiled: "I only know that Your Highness did not ask about the people involved, but only about the tools."

"The purpose of a tool is its use." "You have already begun to use your own tool."

Zhu Biao remained expressionless, only looking up at the bright moon outside the window.

He whispered, "My royal uncle has sheltered me from the wind for many years."

"Now, I also want to become someone who can shelter the world from the wind."

Inside the Prince's residence, Huang Qi served tea to the hall and whispered, "Your Highness, if you don't say something to persuade him, someone in the Eastern Palace might not be able to handle it."

Zhu Han did not speak immediately, but slowly flipped through an old case from the Ministry of Revenue regarding the transfer of instruments.

After a long pause, he said calmly, "If he can really be crushed by a few days of hard work, then what is the point of talking about becoming the Crown Prince?"

Huang Qi hesitated: "But the Crown Prince is still over forty years old. Shouldn't there be someone to share the burden?"

Zhu Han slowly closed the book: "No, he cannot 'share' the burden."

"What he needs to learn is not how to rely on others, but how to make others—voluntarily rely on him."

Huang Qi was taken aback: "Rely on him?"

Zhu Han's gaze darkened slightly: "Do you know that the most chaotic thing in the court today is not politics, not technology, but people?"

"Among the five ministries in the court, the old officials are still there, but each has their own thoughts. Some rely on their old masters, while others form factions. Their hearts are scattered and they cannot unite, precisely because they do not know who to rely on."

"Now, Zhu Biao has set up three cases to examine the scholars and inquired about the regulations for making utensils. This is to tell them that 'relying on the Eastern Palace will get you things done; being close to the Crown Prince will get you things done.'"

"This is the stance."

Huang Qi suddenly realized, then whispered again, "Then... what if someone really comes to us on their own initiative?"

Zhu Han glanced at him and smiled faintly: "That was the very first move in this game of chess."

Three days later, a document entitled "On the Application of Tools and Personnel" presented by Xie Jingshu, a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy, was sent to the Eastern Palace.

Xie Jingshu was not a former official of the Crown Prince and usually did not speak of matters of power, but now he suddenly submitted a memorial, speaking frankly:

"Tools are used by people, and laws are enforced by people. If the tools of the Crown Prince are not assigned to specific positions and responsibilities are not clearly defined, it will ultimately become a situation of nominal authority."

"I propose to establish a trial official system, in which the Crown Prince selects talented individuals to serve in the position, and they will be tested for three months in the Wenqi Hall, with their responsibilities determined by their abilities and duties."

These words caused another shock in the court.

Many court officials immediately submitted memorials stating: "This move may disrupt the order of the Six Ministries" and "The Crown Prince has not yet reached a high position in the court, so it is inappropriate for him to be appointed to an official post."

However, Zhu Biao wrote a letter that very evening and sent it to the Wenhua Hall.

His words consisted of only twelve characters—

“A tool is useless if it is not useful, and a person cannot accomplish anything if he is not responsible. I want to test it.”

After reading it, Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a moment, then summoned Cheng Shouyi: "Draft an edict to allow the establishment of 'three probationary positions.' However, the term shall end in three months, after which the cabinet shall evaluate them again."

Cheng Shouyi asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, what if the ministers are still not convinced after three months?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered: "So what if you're not convinced? The one who can establish a regime and not be overthrown will be the master of the Eastern Palace."

In the main hall of Jiande Hall, the meeting to discuss the trial signing was held by the chairman.

Zhu Biao personally outlined three matters for the Hall of Weapons: the standardization of weaponry, the regulation of etiquette and equipment, and the measurement of internal affairs; and appointed three examiners to serve for three months.

Within three months, the three individuals may decide on the designation of the instruments and regulations they have proposed, but they must submit two proposals and one discussion to the Crown Prince every ten days.

The three were recommended by the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Rites, and the Imperial Household Department respectively, but Zhu Biao only selected one of them.

What's striking is the person he chose—

Zhao Wenkuan is the subordinate of the Director of the Internal Affairs Bureau.

A mid-level official who had only been in the sixth rank for five years was a connoisseur of artifacts and had a precise understanding of their dimensions.

Gu Qingping privately asked Zhu Biao, "Why did you choose him? Aren't you afraid of causing controversy?"

Zhu Biao replied only, "I'm not choosing fame."

"I want to choose someone who can truly write the rules on a ruler."

Ten days into the trial period, Zhao Wenkuan's "Probationary Appraisal of Character and Demeanor" case attracted the attention of various ministries.

The instruments he repaired were accurate. He did not seek to make new ones, but instead listed the materials, silver, and labor costs of old instruments within the last ten years, down to the inch, silver, and time, and compiled them into "Thirty Chapters of Records" which he presented to the Instrument Hall.

After reviewing the case, Zhu Biao did not utter a word. Instead, he summoned ten people who had worked on the three cases to the Eastern Palace day and night to set up a competition.

All who read this record exclaimed, "Although this record does not explicitly state the Dharma, the Dharma is present in every part of it."

"Unfortunately, he was appointed from a minor official position and was not included in the regular staff."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao laughed and said, "If the current government still relies on laws compiled from official documents, then there is no need to establish an Eastern Palace for me."

The following day, Zhu Biao wrote a note: "Zhao Wenkuan's probationary record is the standard for the Qitang position."

"If there are any objections, they may be discussed in court at the end of March."

After these words were spoken, the court fell silent.

Within three days, no one submitted a memorial expressing their dissent.

Gu Qingping did not sleep all night. The next morning, she said to Zhu Biao, "Today, you, a mere clerk, have shattered the reputation of the court."

"Although this move is subtle, it is in fact a way to 'break the altar'."

“You have taken power away from official prestige and put it into practice.”

Zhu Biao said in a very light tone: "Since people's hearts have been scattered, I will use this tool as thread to sew it back together, one thread at a time."

"Today I sew a single thread, and in three months I sew three feet. One day, I will make this entire court no longer rely on reputation, bloodline, or favor as its standard, but on a single standard and a set of rules."

Zhu Biao stood in the inner courtyard of Jiande Hall, his expression as usual, holding a roll of silk in his hand, and slowly walked into the main hall.

Today, instead of wearing a blue robe, he wore a simple black silk straight-cut robe, without any gold ornaments or jade pendants, which made him appear solemn.

"The Crown Prince is to be appointed to three positions, and today marks the end of the thirty-day period."

The hall was filled with more than ten people, all of whom were senior officials, ministers, and scholars of the Hanlin Academy selected by the Grand Secretariat and the Six Ministries.

Gu Qingping and Wu Qiong stood behind the curtain, listening silently.

Zhu Biao raised his hand, spread Zhao Wenkuan's "Thirty Chapters on Character and Demeanor" on the table, and said loudly:
“Zhao Wenkuan, a mere middle-ranking official, for thirty years, did not concern himself with human relationships or understand external affairs, but only used measurement as his standard and equipment as his foundation.”

"Of the thirty articles listed, seven were old cases that were revised, and nine were new cases that filled gaps. This saved thirty-seven days of work, two hundred and seventy taels of silver, and reduced the waste of utensils by 15%."

"Today I have only one question: Gentlemen, would it be acceptable for this person to serve another three months?"

Silence reigned inside the hall.

Someone seemed about to speak, but remained silent. Finally, Minister of Rites Nian Xin slowly rose and bowed deeply to the ground:

"Your subject, Nian, requests to speak on behalf of the court."

"This person is capable of fulfilling the duties of an official and implementing the laws of a department, and he is free from personal feelings and tainted by others' reputation."

"If this person is unfit for the post, how many people in our Six Ministries are capable of doing so?"

A murmur of discussion arose in the hall.

Zhu Biao looked at him and said softly, "Lord Nian, you are of advanced age and great prestige, yet you are willing to speak on behalf of a mere commoner first. This shows that this is precisely the meaning of 'the means are the foundation of governance'."

"Some people shouldn't just stay on the corner of the history museum. If they can hold a ruler and draw rules, they should stand in the hall."

At noon that day, Zhu Biao personally wrote the "Records of the Examination of Qitang", listing Zhao Wenkuan as the first, with the other two listed alongside him, and signed them as "Three Clerks of the Eastern Office".

This book was then presented to the Emperor.

Inside the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang finished reviewing the memorials, his brow furrowed for a long while, before suddenly asking:
"Cheng Shouyi, have you ever heard of this man, Zhao Wenkuan?"

Cheng Shouyi respectfully replied, "I am a junior official in the Imperial Household Department. I was seconded to the Ministry of Works for a year, but I was not promoted because of my frankness."

Zhu Yuanzhang scoffed lightly: "It's my crown prince who has good eyesight."

He pondered for a moment and said, "Draft an imperial edict—Zhao Wenkuan will be promoted to Principal of the Ministry of Revenue and concurrently serve as Acting Director of the Department of Weights and Measures. The edict will be reviewed again in thirty days."

Cheng Shouyi bowed his head: "Yes, sir." (End of this chapter)