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

Zhu Han turned to look at the girl and gently patted her shoulder: "Miss, please go back to your residence and rest. We will find out the truth tomorrow. Your Highness, please return to the palace immediately and assemble the elite troops."

Zhu Biao cupped his hands in greeting: "Yes, sir."

At dawn the following day, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the palace walls, Zhu Han had already ordered the guards in his residence to wait outside Yong'an Gate. Zhu Biao returned to the palace and went directly to see the Minister of the Palace Attendants, presenting a confession of the person in the straw hat and a letter from home. He then ordered a search and arrest of the Gu Shenyuan residence overnight.

Zhu Han immediately signed the document—receiving "divine strategy" points—and summoned dozens of silver-armored soldiers to surround the Gu residence from Yong'an Gate beneath the palace walls. He then urgently issued the Crown Prince's token, leaving Gu Shenyuan with no way to retaliate.

Before the sun was high in the sky, the court and the public were shaken: Gu Shenyuan had been taken to the Ministry of Justice to await trial for illegally setting up secret passages, hiring thugs to rob, and plotting to frame the Crown Prince.

Xue Zhao was about to intervene, but Zhu Biao ordered: "You shall appear before the Emperor during the day and shall not interfere without authorization."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, and upon hearing of Gu Shenyuan's conspiracy, he asked Zhu Biao in a deep voice: "I heard that the Crown Prince rescued someone late at night and also personally investigated Gu Shenyuan's framing. How did this happen?"

Zhu Biao knelt on one knee on the stone steps and reported: "Your Majesty, last night, your humble servant and the Prince, disguised as strangers, heard of a kidnapping and took righteous action. We discovered the secret order of the Ancient Garden and obtained the Southern Village Yin Account and the witness with the ring, which are sufficient to prove their crimes. If we do not exonerate them today, I fear we will lose the hearts of the people."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then turned to Zhu Han: "Your Majesty, I have repeatedly served your loyalty in the past, but I never considered the treacherous schemes within the palace. Now, I am pleased with your actions and those of Biao'er. I will severely punish Gu Shenyuan's treacherous plot; how can I allow a powerful minister to aid and abet it?"

Zhu Han bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I have no other wish than for a peaceful and prosperous court and a safe and secure populace."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, signaling the ministers in charge of law enforcement to enter the hall: "Bring Gu Shenyuan here! Prepare to be executed before the Five Horses Hall!"

Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict, and the decision to execute Gu Shenyuan in front of the Five Horses Hall has been finalized.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Minister of the Palace presented their confessions, and the staff of the Gu family confessed and revealed that the repairs were carried out by someone else, but the one who later gained real power was someone with many mysterious connections in the palace.

The court erupted in cheers, with officials offering congratulations or expressing shock, but the figures of Zhu Biao and Zhu Han attracted the most attention.

As night fell, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood side by side on the stone steps outside the palace.

Zhu Biao stared at the palace gate and said in a deep voice, "Although this matter has been resolved, we have not yet seen the full picture of the mastermind behind it, and it seems that there are still lingering effects."

Zhu Biao frowned: "But I'm worried that if we hastily urge an investigation now, we might offend several high-ranking eunuchs. They might take this opportunity to create obstacles."

Zhu Han smiled and said, "Your Highness's concerns are certainly well-founded. However, His Majesty has just finished his banquet tonight, and there are few lights in the palace. Moreover, there are several capable junior officials who performed well during this arrest. Tomorrow, we can send them to investigate secretly. I have already signed for thirty 'spy' points, which is enough to cover their needs for the night's operation."

Zhu Biao was overjoyed: "What a brilliant plan! When will the Imperial Uncle obtain the 'spy'? And how can we exchange him for it?"

Zhu Han explained in a deep voice: "The system's daily sign-in rewards not only with 'strategy' but also with the chance to randomly obtain 'secret orders' or 'divine power.' The 'divine power' I obtained tonight can be used to grant a secret order to an ancient spy in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, allowing them to mobilize two people to infiltrate the hidden well inside the inner gate of the Inner Court. I will give you the secret order tomorrow to explain the specific operation."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up: "Uncle is wise! Could the spies gather at the manor first? I also wish to go with a few of my personal guards."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "As Your Highness says, that will suffice. The Imperial Guards in the mansion have spies to cover for us, so there is no need to worry about our actions being leaked. We must quickly gather intelligence for the court to prevent any further schemes."

The following day at dawn, a grand court ceremony was held in the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, surrounded by his ministers. Civil and military officials lined up in front of the hall, their clamor mingled with whispers.

Zhu Biao, dressed in a deep red court robe, entered the hall, bowed, and returned to his seat. His eyes were as bright as stars. Zhu Han stood to the side, his expression serene and aloof, like a distant mountain.

After the ceremony, the Minister in charge of the eunuchs reported: "Your Majesty, the case of Gu Shenyuan has been thoroughly investigated. It is now appropriate to announce the public verdict to serve as a warning against future troubles."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Approved." The eunuch withdrew, and all the officials breathed a sigh of relief, the atmosphere in the court suddenly becoming more relaxed.

Zhu Biao nodded secretly to Zhu Han, who smiled slightly, trying to gauge the atmosphere in the court.

After the court session, Zhu Yuanzhang distributed the rewards, and Zhu Biao and Zhu Han were both commended.

The courtiers all praised the two men for their loyalty and diligence, and paid their respects to them, while secretly observing them.

After the ceremony concluded, Zhu Yuanzhang rose to host a banquet in the Xuanzheng Hall.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han were left by his side. While serving wine, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly asked, "You two accompanied me on my outing last night, why are you nowhere to be seen? Did you have any extraordinary encounters?"

Zhu Biao remained calm: "Father is concerned, but Your Highness and I went out incognito to investigate the kidnapping and murder case. We obtained evidence of Gu Shenyuan's crimes, so we did not enter the palace."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "How can I be at ease knowing that he has acted alone to this extent?"

Zhu Han bowed and replied, "Your Majesty knows that I am cautious, so I acted secretly and made preparations. I only dared to report after obtaining solid evidence. This is a matter of national importance, and I beg Your Majesty to investigate it carefully."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly and said, "I have confidence in you all."

During the banquet, countless golden goblets were raised to Zhu Yuanzhang, but his mind was on the court, and he would glance around from time to time.

Beneath the curtain, several high-ranking officials and eunuchs remained, some waiting for an opportunity to act.

Beside Zhu Yu, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices whispered, "Your Highness and the Prince's secret orders from last night have entered the Inner Court. We can listen to the details at midnight."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "Thank you for informing me. We will contact you at that time."

After the banquet, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up and gestured for everyone to leave.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han followed them into the inner hall. The hall doors were tightly closed, and the surroundings were silent. Zhu Biao bowed: "Uncle, shall we proceed according to plan tonight?"

Zhu Han replied, "Let's return to our residence for a short rest, and then gather our secret agents late at night to head straight for the Inner Court's secret well. The moon is dim tonight, which will provide some cover."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I have ordered thirty elite imperial guards in the mansion to stand by, and they will enter together with the secret agents. I wish you all the best, Your Highness."

Zhu Han looked at the moonlight outside the palace and said calmly, "The moon has its phases, and people have their fortunes. Today's execution of Gu Shenyuan is only the first step; if we want the palace to return to order, we still need to peel back the layers. Thank you for your assistance, Your Highness. We will need to collect more 'secret agents' and 'divine strategies' points before we can balance the power among ourselves."

Returning to his residence late at night, Zhu Han held the jade pendant up to the lamplight, where it flickered slightly. A sign-in interface appeared on it, prompting, "You can consume 20 strategy points to obtain 'Exploration'."

He called out softly twice, and two personal guards brought silk and sealed several gold seals—the "pathfinding" credentials bestowed by the system.

Zhu Han took one out, gently stroked it in his palm, and whispered, "Sign-in - Pathfinding." Instantly, the system notification sounded, and a pale gray light suddenly appeared on the ground in the backyard of the Han Mansion. Our secret agent flashed past in the light, seemingly marked a passage.

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "The advantage lies here." He beckoned three guards: "Follow me."

The group lifted the paving stones in the backyard, revealing a narrow, damp, yet well-ventilated passage. Zhu Han stroked his beard and said, "This passage leads directly to the side hall of the Inner Palace. The location is secluded, and few people usually use it, which is perfect for our needs."

He ordered his guards to return to the mansion and gather thirty elite men, while Zhu Biao waited in the shadows.

The moonlight was as clear as water, and a few barks of dogs came from afar. The entrance to the secret passage was gently moved aside, and a group of people sneaked in in an orderly manner.

Zhu Han led the way, his jade pendant glowing faintly in his sleeve, reflecting the mottled moss on the roadside wall.

Upon reaching the depths of the dark well, a small hall came into view, where several palace guards were on night duty. One of them looked up and asked, "Who has entered the palace in the dead of night?" Zhu Han bowed and replied, "This is the imperial seal of my palace. By order of His Majesty, I have come to inquire about yesterday's events. Please allow me to pass immediately."

Upon seeing the extraordinary quality of the jade seal and token, the palace official immediately knelt down solemnly: "Your Highness's token." He ordered the officers on his left and right to step back and silently closed the hall door tightly.

Zhu Han said calmly, "First, bring us the book on the past, and we will take a closer look."

The captain cautiously took out several files, all of which were secret reports about the Gu Shenyuan case, with hidden correspondence between other ministers behind them.

Zhu Han read aloud softly, "This letter mentions 'revision of the talisman,' 'silver medal squad,'...or...is there something else?"

He stopped thinking, took a step back, and gestured to the guards behind him to put it away. Zhu Biao waited patiently to the side.

Zhu Han lowered his eyes and stared at the dossier, a sense of something in his heart: "Here I see secret letters between Xue Zhao and a certain minister, the contents of which seem to be connected to the dark network in the case."

He put away the file and turned to say, “Your Highness, I will present this information upon returning to the palace. If His Majesty can review this exchange again, it will surely reveal deeper undercurrents within the palace.”

Zhu Biao clenched his fist: "Good! Imperial Uncle has lived up to expectations."

The two left the dark well, and the entrance to the secret passage returned to calm, as if no one had ever entered or exited.

The moonlight outside was bright and clear, and a gentle night breeze caressed the area.

Zhu Han put away the jade pendant and gestured to the guards: "Return to the manor and await the court meeting tomorrow."

The next day at Shenshi (3-5 PM), three bells and drums sounded outside the Qianqing Palace, and the palace servants hurriedly walked with their heads down.

Zhu Biao had just left the court and entered the side hall of the East Palace. Before he could even sit down, a palace attendant rushed in to report: "Your Highness, the Prince's secret envoy has sent urgent intelligence. Please read it immediately."

Zhu Biao took the brocade pouch, unfolded the secret letter, and read the handwriting as swift as a dragon and a snake:
"We have uncovered a batch of secret files from the General Affairs Bureau, which implicate several cabinet clerks. There is a high possibility that they contain hidden clues to lure out the remnants of the old party. Tonight at midnight, I will set up a trap in the west corridor of the Wenyuan Pavilion to lure them out. I hope Your Highness will cooperate and send someone to lie in ambush in the southeast corner. If things change, we can control the situation."

Zhu Biao's expression hardened, and he put the letter back into his sleeve.

He gazed out the window at the sparse shadows cast by the setting sun and murmured, "Since the Imperial Uncle has mentioned setting up a scheme, there must be a deeper meaning to it. Since they are 'remnants of the old party,' this scheme cannot be broken simply by using the Crown Prince's name. Only by borrowing the Emperor's authority can we deter them."

He immediately summoned Li Fengxing, a trusted confidant of the government, and instructed him: "Before midnight tonight, lead fifty attendants to hide secretly on both sides of the southeast side of Wenyuan Pavilion. All of you must change into night clothes and do not alert the enemy." Li Fengxing obeyed and left.

At this moment, Zhu Han stood quietly by the window in the study of the Prince's Mansion, holding a secret report.

A gentle breeze rustled the osmanthus trees outside the window, casting dappled shadows on their leaves. His gaze was deep and unfathomable, the jade pendant slowly spinning in his palm as he softly called out, "Sign in."

The system responded:

[Successfully checked in today, received 'Mechanical Diagram' x1, 'Strategy Points' +8]

[Bonus Hint: The diagram can be used to set up simple traps to disrupt enemy movements]

Zhu Han sneered: "The mechanism... is quite timely."

He summoned several attendants and handed over the diagrams of the mechanisms to the craftsmen to make them. He ordered that three traps be set up in the west corridor of the Wenyuan Pavilion: a leg-blocking rope, a falling stone slab, and a ringing bell with projectiles, all of which would not harm anyone but would disrupt his movements.

As the sun set, the lights in Wenyuan Pavilion gradually went out, and the students and scribes of the outer academy dispersed one after another.

Only a single lamp burned in the pavilion. Zhu Han sat alone at his desk, pretending to peruse old books, waiting for someone to come and leave.

As night deepened, at the third quarter of midnight, a dark figure silently slid into the west corridor along the palace wall, moving swiftly and without a sound.

The shadowy figure stepped into the corridor, about to move forward, when suddenly the chain under its foot snapped, and with a "clang," the iron chain snapped, and a rock crashed down, smashing the right corner platform. The shadowy figure dodged quickly, but stepped on a mechanism, and a bell rang loudly.

Zhu Han jumped up from behind the desk and shouted, "Guards!" Two guards who were already lying in ambush immediately moved out and pounced on Zhu Han together.

The dark figure darted away in an attempt to escape, but ran into a group of Eastern Palace attendants led by Zhu Biao, who had already surrounded the southeast corner.

Seeing that things were not going well, the man drew his sword and slashed, but Zhu Biao blocked it with his backhand. With a clang, sparks flew everywhere.

Zhu Han lightly pressed the mechanism, and the wooden pillars locked in response, sealing off the west corridor passage.

The shadowy figure was attacked from both sides and was soon subdued and pinned to the ground.

Under the light, Zhu Han removed the mask from the shadowy figure, revealing Du Qian, a former official of the General Administration of State Affairs. He had been an inspector but was demoted three years ago for "misinterpreting official documents."

His face was ashen, but he remained silent. Zhu Biao frowned: "You intend to sneak into the pavilion, perhaps to destroy the documents and eliminate evidence?"

Du Qian's lips twitched, and he said in a low voice, "You don't understand... those documents shouldn't exist. They are the last evidence of the old guard. If they fall into His Majesty's hands, not only will I perish, but many innocent former subordinates will also have no place in the court."

Zhu Han's eyes were cold: "It is precisely because of your words that the files need to be thoroughly examined. Your attempt to deceive the court is nothing but wishful thinking."

He waved his hand: "Take the man back to the Prince's Palace, interrogate him first, and then present the case."

Zhu Biao suddenly asked, "Who are you referring to as the 'old friend' you speak of?"

Du Qian gritted his teeth and finally said, "...Central Commissioner Ma Yongnian."

Upon hearing this name, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao both changed color.

Ma Yongnian was a former Central Commissioner of State Affairs who assisted the Emperor's elder brother. He retired due to old age, but had a good reputation and was deeply respected by Emperor Taizu.

If he is also involved, it will not be a simple partisan struggle, but may involve the overall resurgence of the former ruling forces.

Zhu Han whispered, "This matter must not be publicized. Your Highness, return to the palace immediately to see His Majesty. Do not delay." Zhu Biao nodded solemnly and then rushed into the palace with two attendants.

At the beginning of the hour of Wei (1-3 PM), Zhu Biao bowed before the emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang originally intended to rest, but upon hearing that Zhu Yuanzhang requested an audience, he put on his clothes and got up.

Zhu Biao described the details of his investigation to the case file, and at the end, he respectfully presented a list of dozens of people from the General Affairs Bureau who had been Ma Yongnian's former subordinates. Next to the list was a list of current officials in the court.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained expressionless, saying each word clearly: "Du Qian... Ma Yongnian... Ha, I have been on the throne for ten years, and there are still such hidden figures of the past?!"

Having said that, he slammed his hand on the table: "Order Liu Tong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to enter the palace immediately! I want to thoroughly investigate this case! — Summon my younger brother to the palace immediately!"

Not long after Zhu Biao received the order and withdrew, Zhu Han arrived from the West Garden and knelt on one knee, saying, "Your subject is here." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said, "Rise. Imperial brother, this time you and Biao'er joined forces to save the Crown Prince's reputation and uncover hidden dangers. This is truly a remarkable achievement."

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, if this case is not thoroughly solved, there is no guarantee that someone will reignite the flames in the future. I urge Your Majesty to quickly review the old archives of the Central Secretariat and investigate according to the regulations of the court." (End of this chapter)