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

Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time, then suddenly asked, "Where is Jiang Xiyuan now?"

"The case is still being processed at the registration office," Gu Qingping replied.

Zhu Biao nodded: "Summon him to discuss this."

Before a quarter of an hour had passed, Jiang Xiyuan entered the hall.

He was simply dressed, but his eyes were clear and bright. He bowed deeply and said, "The Crown Prince summoned me. I am here."

Zhu Biao handed him the list of recommended candidates: "What do you think of the Ministry of Personnel's recommendations?"

Jiang Xiyuan flipped through the documents for a moment, then said coldly, "The people recommended in the previous rounds all followed the superior's wishes; those who are being evaluated again all avoided the old cases. They appear upright, but their true nature is distorted."

Gu Qingping was slightly surprised: "You mean...distortion?"

Jiang Xiyuan nodded: "Among the thirty-odd people, not one dared to write down their opinions on politics and law. If the Crown Prince really uses this list to select people, the court will appear peaceful on the surface, but it will lack any real substance."

Zhu Biao slowly said, "Then what do you think is the best way to break this deadlock?"

Jiang Xiyuan raised his head: "Set up a 'Civilian Evaluation and Debate Test'."

"It is clearly stated that the trial recommendation is only a preliminary decision, and it must be reviewed by the Crown Prince, and the recommender must personally defend the person, his administration, and his faults."

"If the recommender cannot defend his or her recommendation, the Crown Prince may decide not to admit her."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Okay."

“I will set up a Bureau for Official Evaluation so that I can personally inquire about the thoughts of those who made the recommendations.”

A few days later, the Jiande Hall set up a "Hall of Official Evaluation," which did not have any court officials present, but only invited the recommenders to sit and debate.

The first person to enter the hall was Li Chong, the Minister of Personnel.

The hall was quiet. Zhu Biao did not set up a seat in front of the table, but sat opposite Li Chong on either side of a table, with only a pot of tea and a scroll of bamboo slips.

Zhu Biao's first words went straight to the point: "The Qin Hui recommended by Lord Li was hesitant in the grain transport case. Although he has no real fault, there is precedent for him. Why do you still recommend him?"

Li Chong cupped his hands and said in a calm tone, "I recommend Qin Hui not because of his faults, but because I hope he can correct them later."

"He was diligent and conscientious for ten years after the case was filed, and there was not a single flaw in his work. Moreover, he was well-versed in the laws and regulations and knowledgeable in civil affairs."

“If a talent is ruined because of a single case, the Crown Prince’s advocacy of ‘allowing opinions on governance’ will become empty words.”

Zhu Biao's eyes shone brightly: "But if ten years of diligence can erase past mistakes, then wouldn't everyone be able to start over when applying for official positions?"

Li Chong was taken aback, but said, "Your Highness's words are exactly what we should do."

"Your subject wishes to propose a suggestion: all those who register in the Eastern Palace shall be subject to the Three Laws and One Line."

"The first is the law before taking office, which stipulates that if a candidate has performed more than three times in the past, he must be re-evaluated; the second is the law for recommenders, which stipulates that if a candidate makes a recommendation that fails, he may be punished with a three-year penalty for the power of recommendation; the third is the law for review, which stipulates that the Crown Prince will personally decide whether or not the candidate should remain in office."

"This is the 'Three Regulations for Evaluating Officials'."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then suddenly nodded: "Lord Li, I have remembered your argument today."

"I approve your recommendation of Qin Hui, but there is one condition: if there are any flaws within three years, the recommender will be held equally responsible."

Within a few days, a total of 73 people were questioned and recommended, with 36 of them being "inquired about".

Five of them resigned directly, four resigned voluntarily, and one, having no other recourse, resigned from his post.

Inside the outer hall, a chorus of voices arose.

Some say that "the Crown Prince's questioning of politics is too strict and undermines the system of recommendation"; others praise that "the Crown Prince has finally developed an eye for talent and dares to challenge the best candidates."

In the Wenyuan Pavilion, after reading the official evaluation records, Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time and then said indifferently, "Zhu Biao now does not ask 'whether or not' but 'why'."

"He wasn't asking questions; he was breaking people's hearts."

Inside the Prince's residence, Huang Qi presented a copy of the "Three Laws on Official Evaluation" from the Crown Prince's Palace that day.

After reading it, Zhu Han slowly said, "He finally understands—setting rules is the true way to govern."

"A clean reputation alone cannot stir up the political situation."

"But from this day forward, he will no longer face public opinion, but rather..."

"The fear of the old guard."

Huang Qi asked, puzzled, "What does Your Highness mean?"

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "The more clearly the Crown Prince establishes the rules, the more the old officials fear the change of leadership."

"The next storm will not start from the Eastern Palace, but will secretly arise from the old ministers around Emperor Taizu."

He paused, then said, "Issue my order to investigate those whose names have not been recorded in the 'Xihua Old Case'. The Crown Prince needs to make new contributions, so I will give him an old case—let him choose his own path."

"Whether to retreat, to break off, or to establish... is all up to him to decide."

That evening, the lights in Jiande Hall remained on.

Zhu Biao stood in front of the hall, gazing silently at the "Official Evaluation Record Stele" in the corridor behind the hall.

Gu Qingping walked over and whispered, "Is it too soon to discuss the 'legal trial' again tomorrow?"

Zhu Biao shook his head: "Not secret."

"The more chaotic the situation, the more we need to use the law to calm our minds."

At 11:45 AM, outside the Weiyang Gate in the capital, in a quiet alleyway to the north, the lights flickered.

Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in a blue cloth robe, his hair tied up but without a crown, yet his brows exuded an air of composure.

Beside him, Zhu Biao had also changed into a white short robe, his face covered with a light veil, his expression solemn.

"Uncle," he said softly, "if Father knew that I had come out incognito like this—"

Zhu Han interrupted him: "If you're scared, go back."

Zhu Biao paused, then smiled and said, "If I were really afraid, I wouldn't have changed into these old clothes with you."

Zhu Han smiled and said, "Let's go, Your Highness."

The two entered the city through the North Alley, avoiding the eyes of the Imperial Guards, and passed through Caojie Street and Wenchangfang before finally entering the old city of western Beijing. This place was known as "Banbian Alley," a place where migrants used to live together. The walls of the alley were dilapidated and the houses were leaning.

Zhu Biao looked around and saw children chasing each other barefoot in the street, old people weaving mats in front of their houses, and women carrying babies on their backs chatting and laughing, yet none of them felt inferior despite their tattered clothes.

Zhu Biao asked softly, "Is this... the poorest place in the city?"

Zhu Han replied calmly, "No, it's the most vibrant place."

They did not enter teahouses or schools, but simply walked along the street, listening, observing, and taking notes.

Zhu Han would occasionally stop, tilting his ear slightly, as if he were discussing something.

In front of an oil shop on the street, an elderly man of about sixty was quietly settling accounts with the shop assistant, frequently mentioning "grain transport," "entry into government coffers," and "accounts not yet settled." Zhu Biao moved closer and listened quietly.

"Old Hu, if you really delay payment for this batch of oil until the end of the month, we can't hold on any longer," the shop assistant said in a low voice.

“There’s nothing we can do about it,” the old man shook his head. “This year, two new items have been added to the grain tax collection: one is ‘self-reporting by the people’ and the other is ‘adjustment of corvée labor.’ They say it’s to account for the number of people, but actually… Hmph, it’s hard for us commoners to tell the truth from the rules set by the Crown Prince.”

Zhu Biao was taken aback and said softly, "This is... the public opinion after the reduction of the tribute registration system?"

Zhu Han looked at him and asked, "Can you hear this without leaving the palace?"

Zhu Biao remained silent for a moment, then strode forward. Suddenly, he saw a group of people sitting around in a teahouse ahead, discussing politics. They didn't seem like commoners, but rather like clerks and officials.

One of them said loudly, "The Crown Prince set up the Hall of External Examinations, which I originally thought was to promote talented people. How could I have imagined that someone who failed three times in a row could be allowed to stand in the hall? What is the reason for this?"

Another person sneered: "You failed three times, no wonder the Crown Prince is in charge; the Crown Prince sets up a hall, not asking about official rank, but only asking whether it is a person or a strategy, not a name."

Another person clapped his hands: "Well said. If the Crown Prince is truly willing to listen to advice, why not establish a 'Record of Speech and Discussion' to record everyone's words in the annals of history, so that future generations can comment on them?"

The discussion grew louder, with some nodding and others shaking their heads.

Zhu Biao stood outside the hall for a moment, about to step inside, but was stopped by Zhu Han.

"The situation was shocking once you went in."

Zhu Biao frowned: "I'm not afraid of being recognized."

“But they’re afraid,” Zhu Han said calmly. “If you go in, they won’t dare to say anything.”

“If you really want to know what they have to say, listen to what they said when they didn’t know you were there.” Zhu Biao lowered his eyes: “I remember Gu Qingping said that to know people’s hearts, don’t reveal your identity first.”

"Then do you know—" Zhu Han suddenly asked, "what is the most unpleasant thing about people's hearts?"

Zhu Biao shook his head.

Zhu Han said, "It's precisely what you don't want to hear that's most truthful."

The two did not enter the teahouse, but listened quietly for a while before leaving.

Night had fallen, and occasionally a drunkard leaned against the wall and sang loudly on a street corner. The aroma of food, sweat, and tea mingled with the smells of the street and wafted through the air.

Zhu Biao said softly, "I used to think that politics was in the halls of power and reason was in the court. But tonight it seems that the clearest reason is hidden in the alleyway."

Zhu Han: "You've been the Crown Prince for so many years, and you only understand this tonight?"

Zhu Biao paused, then suddenly chuckled softly: "It's better to understand late than not to understand at all."

The two continued forward and entered a dimly lit alley. Suddenly, they heard hurried footsteps and heard someone stumble and run out.

A boy collapsed at Zhu Han's feet with a thud, his shoulder stained with blood and his lips turning blue.

"No...don't send me to guard the gate...I didn't steal..."

Zhu Biao asked in surprise, "Who injured this person?"

Zhu Han's gaze sharpened as he bent down to examine the wound, and said coldly, "It's the aftereffects of the beating; it's probably from when you were detained earlier..."

There was a commotion in the distance, and someone shouted, "That little thief went west!"

Zhu Han looked up and said, "Don't make a sound."

A moment later, a group of constables entered, carrying swords, and bowed, asking, "And who are you two?"

Zhu Han did not answer, but took a step forward and said in a low voice, "We are just ordinary tourists in the city. We saw someone fall to the ground as soon as we entered the alley."

The constable examined the boy and frowned: "This man is the thief who broke into the shop the day before yesterday. He was given three strokes of the cane and released, but he has committed the crime again today."

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, "He said he didn't steal it."

The head constable sneered, "What thief would confess?"

Zhu Han suddenly asked, "Do you have any case files? And who is the person involved?"

The constable was taken aback: "You...who are you?"

Zhu Han took out a wooden seal, neither official nor private, with the character "Han" engraved on it. Upon seeing it, the constable immediately knelt down: "Your Highness, please forgive me!"

Zhu Biao slowly lifted his veil, startling everyone who immediately kowtowed, saying, "Your Highness!"

Zhu Han waved his hand: "Send him to the medical clinic, and do not beat him again without orders."

"This matter will be submitted to Jiande Hall tomorrow for investigation by the Donggong San'an Hall."

The head constable's face turned ashen: "Your Highness, please forgive me. It was my fault for failing to properly investigate the people's petitions—"

Zhu Biao looked at the boy on the ground and sighed softly: "You're not afraid he'll steal it, you're afraid he'll say you caught the wrong person."

The constable bowed his head repeatedly, as if pounding garlic.

It was past midnight when the two returned to the Prince's mansion.

Zhu Han sat down on the couch, poured a cup of wine, and slowly said, "What you saw tonight, is it worthy of being incorporated into politics?"

Zhu Biao nodded: "You're in."

"Can it be judged?"

"It cannot be judged."

Zhu Han smiled: "Why?"

Zhu Biao replied, "Politics is based on reason, while matters are based on emotion. I have only just witnessed human emotions tonight, yet I cannot yet sever them."

“If I judge matters based on political principles, I will appoint the wrong person and ruin a case.”

"I need more time and to travel more."

Zhu Han stared at him for a long time, then suddenly laughed loudly: "Biao'er, you should go among the people, not hide behind the policy document."

"If you truly wish to establish laws for the world, you must first understand that the world is not what is written in the law book."

Zhu Biao stood up: "Then I will ask my royal uncle to take me one more time."

Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window at the beginning of dawn: "I don't need to bring it."

"You may go tomorrow."

“But remember this: today you are traveling incognito, but tomorrow when you go again, you will no longer be ‘Zhu Biao,’ but ‘Crown Prince.’”

“Every word you say, every step you take, every glance you make will become the standard for the world.”

Zhu Biao solemnly cupped his hands in greeting: "Biao'er, I've remembered it."

Zhu Biao reined in his horse and stopped beside a withered willow. Gazing at the undulating hills ahead and the distant wisps of smoke rising from chimneys, he asked, "Uncle, is this the 'Sanshe Village' you mentioned?"

Zhu Han replied casually, "It's not that I said it, but Jiang Xiyuan mentioned it in the marginal notes of the monthly document. After the examination of the tribute students, the household registration system changed drastically, and the Third Household was one of the pilot areas."

“However—” he paused slightly, “if you want to hear praise today, you should go back.”

Zhu Biao withdrew his gaze, spurred his horse and rode slowly inside, laughing, "I came here precisely because I wanted to hear some insults."

Sanshe Village is small, with potholed dirt roads, dilapidated houses, children in tattered clothes, and elderly people walking with faltering steps.

Zhu Biao felt a slight tightness in his heart as soon as he entered. He had been educated and learned etiquette since childhood, and although he was not unaware of the people's conditions, this kind of close-up suffering was something he had never experienced before.

Walking through the alley, I came to an old well and saw several women arguing over water.

"You just filled your tank yesterday, and now you're trying to steal the first water again? Are you trying to kill us?"

"I was washing my mother's wound, and you're being unreasonable!"

Zhu Biao frowned: "Even water has to be fought for to this extent?"

Zhu Han did not answer, but led him further inside. Ahead was a dilapidated ancestral hall with a crooked door, but there were twenty or thirty people gathered in the courtyard, with a man in the middle speaking sternly.

"Don't you understand? The 'Eastern Palace Surrender' law changes the numbers, but it doesn't change fate! My family has three members registered under the unified system, but our taxes haven't been reduced by a single coin, while our corvée labor has been increased by more than half! Originally, one person had to bear the corvée labor, but now all three are on the register!"

"It's said to be the Crown Prince's wise rule, but in reality it's just another piece of paper with a few decrees, yet no one is truly relieved of their worries!"

“I ask you—are we taxpayers for the imperial court, or living documents for the emperor’s pen and ink games?”

The voices were loud and the crowd was in an uproar.

Zhu Biao stood outside the door, his expression changing upon hearing this. He tried to enter, but Zhu Han pressed down on his shoulder.

"What are you going in there for?" Zhu Han asked in a very indifferent tone.

“They’ve misunderstood!” Zhu Biao said in a low voice. “The purpose of the reform is to balance the burden on the people, not to put more pressure on them.”

Zhu Han stared at him quietly for a moment: "If you go in, you'll become one of the 'formulators' of that system, and they won't tell you the truth."

"If you really want to clear up this misunderstanding, don't rush to speak, but instead—listen."

So the two changed their identities, claiming to be temporary officials from the Southern Supervisory Commission, and entered the village to investigate the effectiveness of the system.

After the meeting at the ancestral hall had ended, Zhu Biao wandered alone through the village, visiting farmers, listening to children recite texts, and watching old women weave cloth.

As we approached the end of the village, an old man sat alone under a tree, head down, mending a broken basket.

Seeing that he was sharp-eyed and steady-handed, Zhu Biao leaned closer and asked, "Old man, may I ask if your family has been disturbed by the new regime?"

The old man didn't look up, but simply replied, "We've had our share of troubles and hardships. But now, although many of our three sons have changed their registers, the corvée labor is no longer concentrated. You ask me if this is good?"

He looked up and glanced at Zhu Biao: "It's hard to say whether it's good or bad, it's just—a different way of putting it."

"As long as it's not harder than before, then we can endure it."

Zhu Biao was stunned, and after a moment asked, "What if someone doesn't stay up?"

The old man suddenly sneered: "You mean the third son of the Wang family? Ha, he didn't succumb to the chaos—he took advantage of the turmoil to sell his ancestral lands and gamble away the money. Now you're saying the court ruined him?" (End of Chapter)