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

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached softly; it was Zhu Biao.

He pushed open the door and entered, his expression still heavy: "Uncle, after the court session this morning, all the officials outwardly agreed, but I could see that many of them were still wavering."

Zhu Han raised his eyes, his voice steady: "This is only natural. Shen Yichuan has accumulated power for decades, like a mountain pressing down on us. Although the mountain has collapsed, its lingering power has not dissipated. If we want to completely stabilize people's hearts, we need to add another blow."

Zhu Biao asked in confusion, "Another hammer blow?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "That's right. People are most afraid of uncertainty. Only when we let them see with their own eyes that the 'once unshakable mountain' has crumbled into dust will they believe that a new force has been formed."

Zhu Biao seemed thoughtful, but still looked worried: "Although Father was furious, he did not sentence Grand Tutor Shen to death, but only ordered a thorough investigation. Doesn't this give him a chance to survive?"

Zhu Han waved his hand and slowly stood up: "Your Majesty's concerns are understandable. Shen Yichuan is not only a person respected by the court officials, but also an academic official whom Father Emperor once relied on. If he is rashly executed, it will surely provoke a backlash from the literati. At this time, there is no need to rush into an attack. We just need to set up a trap and let him walk into a dead end on his own."

Zhu Biao gazed at Zhu Han, his eyes filled with admiration: "Uncle, you have a grand vision; your nephew is willing to follow your arrangements."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "You only need to remember that the sharpest knife in the world is not a weapon, but the human heart."

The next morning, the Imperial Street was bustling with people.

Suddenly, a troop of imperial guards emerged from the palace gates, escorting several serious criminals along the street to the execution ground.

In the crowd, someone whispered, "Look, it's Duan Ling, the steward of the Zhao family!" Another exclaimed, "Aren't the others all trusted confidants of the Qian family?"

The crowd erupted in uproar. The news spread like wildfire in an instant.

Just then, a large notice was suddenly hung above the palace gate, with several lines of bold characters proclaiming the charges: "The Zhao and Qian families colluded with powerful clans, intending to undermine the Crown Prince; their crimes are unforgivable!"

The people were in uproar, and the rumor spread like wildfire, becoming known throughout the capital.

Zhu Han stood in the shadows, quietly watching this scene.

A close attendant whispered, "Your Highness, isn't this too ostentatious?"

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "Shen Yichuan has always relied on his reputation, and what he cares about most is his good name. Today, everyone in the capital knows that powerful families are colluding. If he still wants to protect them, it would be tantamount to destroying his own foundation."

The attendant suddenly realized what was happening and couldn't help but secretly admire the prince's methods.

Afternoon, Imperial Study in the Imperial Palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang, draped in a python robe and holding a memorial in his hand, still harbored a murderous intent between his brows.

He said coldly, "Han-di, Biao-er, look at these memorials. Someone actually dares to defend Shen Yi-chuan!"

Zhu Biao took the letter and saw that several censors and lecturers had submitted memorials requesting His Majesty to pardon Grand Tutor Shen, saying that he was "upright and honest throughout his life and must have been framed by wicked people".

Zhu Biao retorted angrily: "These people are blindly loyal! Don't they know the evidence is irrefutable?"

Zhu Han remained unmoved: "Your Majesty, please do not be angry. Someone has pleaded for Shen Yichuan, which is exactly what we need."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes: "What do you mean?"

Zhu Han said calmly, "If no one defends him, everything will seem too smooth. Today someone pleads for him, tomorrow I will let them see with their own eyes how Shen Yichuan tarnishes his reputation. At that time, those who pleaded for him will only be ashamed and dare not say another word."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's brows slowly relaxed, and he said in a deep voice, "Alright! As you say."

The court assembly proceeded as scheduled, and Zhu Biao stood solemnly before the hall.

Suddenly, the Imperial Guards escorted Shen Yichuan slowly into the hall. Upon seeing this, the assembled officials were shocked and paled.

Despite wearing prison clothes, Shen Yichuan still held his head high and his expression was cold and stern.

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Shen Yichuan, as Grand Tutor, how dare you secretly collude with powerful families and plot against my crown prince! Do you know your crime?!"

The hall was completely silent; everyone held their breath in anticipation.

Shen Yichuan cupped his hands, his voice hoarse but firm: "Your subject knows no guilt! Your subject has lived a pure life, and all your actions have been for the sake of the nation! If any treacherous person tries to use your name to do things that harm the country, your subject will be willing to die ten thousand times over, but you have absolutely no ulterior motives!"

Someone in the hall immediately echoed in a low voice: "The Grand Tutor has always been loyal and upright, how could he have such thoughts..."

Zhu Biao's face turned cold, and he questioned sharply, "Since you claim to be innocent, can you swear in public that if you have even the slightest association with aristocratic families, you will be punished for deceiving the emperor?"

Shen Yichuan's expression hardened, and his eyes flickered slightly. That brief moment of hesitation, however, struck the assembled officials like a thunderbolt.

Zhu Han stepped forward slowly, his tone indifferent: "Grand Tutor, if you have nothing to be ashamed of, why hesitate? Or is it that you dare not?"

The expressions of the officials in the hall changed drastically, and they began to whisper among themselves.

Shen Yichuan's forehead was covered in cold sweat, but he said firmly, "Your subject... Your subject dares to swear an oath! If I have colluded with any aristocratic family, may I be punished by Heaven!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Han sneered and waved his hand. The Imperial Guards immediately presented a wooden box, inside which was the private seal of a powerful family head.

Zhu Han said calmly, "This item was found last night in the Qian family's old residence. It was left by Grand Tutor Shen himself when he borrowed the seal. Do you still dare to say you have nothing to hide?"

Shen Yichuan's pupils contracted sharply, and his face turned deathly pale. The assembled officials in the hall were all shocked.

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his fist on the table in fury: "Shen Yichuan! What else do you have to say!"

Shen Yichuan's lips trembled, but he was powerless to refute.

The last glimmer of hope in the hearts of the courtiers in the palace collapsed completely at this moment.

Zhu Han's gaze was cold and sharp as he slowly uttered a sentence: "The once upright officials are now corrupt. As you gentlemen have witnessed, is such a hypocrite still worthy of your support?"

The hall fell silent, then erupted in a chorus of angry rebukes. The officials knelt down one after another, pleading guilty and saying that they had been "misled by treacherous officials."

Zhu Biao's eyes gleamed, and he secretly understood: the hammer had finally fallen.

As night fell, the candlelight inside the palace shone softly.

Zhu Biao toasted, his eyes brimming with undisguised excitement: "Uncle, today's events in court were truly gratifying. With Shen Yichuan down, the officials have no more doubts!"

Zhu Han shook his head, his expression calm: "We must not be careless. Although people's hearts are settled, we still need to stabilize them. You must remember that the ministers' support for you today is not necessarily out of loyalty, but because they are forced by circumstances. If the situation reverses one day, they will also turn against you."

Zhu Biao's expression was solemn: "Nephew will remember this."

Zhu Han picked up his wine cup and smiled slightly: "It is the greatest comfort that you can keep this in mind. The position of Crown Prince is not secured by a single victory, but by your careful planning and execution in the future."

Zhu Biao rose solemnly and bowed deeply, saying, "I will forever remember your kindness, my imperial uncle."

Zhu Han raised his hand to help him up, his gaze deep: "No need for thanks. You and I, uncle and nephew, have only planned and acted for the stability of this country and the peace of the people."

Under the candlelight, the two looked at each other, each harboring their own ambitions.

Night fell again, but the wind in the capital was not cold.

The shadows of the palaces seemed to be stained with ink, and the beast-shaped ornaments under the eaves were silent in the dim light.

Zhu Han, dressed in night clothes, stood behind the stone lion at the east corner of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, his fingertips lightly touching the slightly concave stone marks worn by time.

Footsteps approached from afar, and Ah Huai, a close attendant hidden in the shadows, whispered, "Your Highness, the group that went along the Inner East Market just turned into the alley of the Liu family's old residence. They didn't bring any torches."

"How many people?" Zhu Han asked.

“Seven people.” Ah Huai thought for a moment, then added, “It seems that two of them came out from the carriage’s attendants.”

Zhu Han pondered, "We'll advance side by side, changing form every three steps. We've been trained." He glanced eastward, "It's about time, let's go."

The training ground was dimly lit. Zhu Biao had changed into light clothes, still bearing the sweat from his archery practice during the day.

Upon seeing Zhu Han, he greeted him: "Uncle, aren't you sleeping again?" "I can't sleep soundly." Zhu Han smiled faintly, casually handing the black cloak draped over his arm to his attendant. "You are supposed to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to worship tomorrow. I have already looked at the route. There is a street corner with a narrow road and a high wall, which is perfect for hiding."

Zhu Biao immediately tensed up: "You suspect someone is planning to attack us on the way?"

“It’s not a doubt,” Zhu Han said, looking into his nephew’s eyes. “It’s that someone definitely wants to try.”

"Who is it?" Zhu Biao asked in a low voice.

"With Shen Yichuan down, the strongest gust of wind has dissipated."

Zhu Han slowly said, "But after the wind stops, there will be dust on the ground. Some people don't want the dust to settle, so they will lift the curtain. Remember two names: Han Shuo and Liu Huai."

“I’ve heard of Han Shuo, he works in the Ministry of Rites.” Zhu Biao frowned. “Liu Huai…the second young master of the Liu family?”

"Hmm." Zhu Han nodded. "Han Shuo was Shen Yichuan's student in his youth. He has a very high opinion of himself and likes to discuss the past and present with scholars in the neighborhood. Liu Huai relies on his family's status and considers himself refined. He has many clients in theaters and teahouses in the capital. The two are close, but they don't let others see it too much."

"What do they want to do?" Zhu Biao asked.

“Do two things.” Zhu Han held up two fingers. “First, use the marching procession to sneak up on me and try to disrupt my rhythm; second, use the pretext of lecturing at the Imperial Academy to find fault with your language.”

"I'm not afraid." Zhu Biao clenched his fist, then relaxed it. "But... Uncle, how do you want me to deal with this?"

"You will leave the palace tomorrow as usual."

Zhu Han said calmly, "I will scatter people along the rooftops and side gates. You just need to remember three sentences to say to them calmly and deliberately when you encounter provocation."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Which three sentences?"

"The first saying is: 'Propriety is not in words, but in deeds.' The second saying is: 'The people are not bargaining chips for who wins and who loses.' The third saying is—"

Zhu Han paused for a moment, then said, "'I don't ask you to be convinced, but I ask you to see it with your own eyes.'"

Zhu Biao silently recited it to himself, then raised his head, his eyes bright: "I've got it."

"And another thing," Zhu Han glanced at the training ground, "your people?"

“They’re all here,” Zhu Biao replied, “but I don’t want people to think we’re being too vigilant.”

"Very good." Zhu Han smiled. "Being overly cautious shows cowardice, while being cautious shows confidence."

After saying that, he straightened his clothes, turned around and left.

Zhu Biao watched him leave under the lamplight, then suddenly said, "Royal Uncle."

Zhu Han turned around: "Hmm?"

“You go ahead, and I’ll be right behind you,” Zhu Biao said earnestly. “Don’t worry.”

A hint of warmth flashed in Zhu Han's eyes: "I was already at ease."

As night deepened, in the alley at the end of the East Market.

The wind carried the scent of aged wood, damp, fishy, ​​and warm.

A corner of the wall of the Liu family's old house had collapsed, and the inside was dark and gloomy, like a deep well.

"He's not coming," someone said softly.

“He will come,” the other person said calmly. “He can’t afford to mess up.”

The speaker was Han Shuo. He had thin lips and sat behind the broken window, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.

There was no candlelight at night, only the faint stars outside the window reflected in his eyes.

Liu Huai leaned against the pillar and smiled: "You believe him?"

“I don’t believe him,” Han Shuo said. “I believe he wouldn’t dare not come.”

A moment later, a soft sound came from outside the door, and a thin figure flashed in, bowing and saying, "Gentlemen."

Liu Huai chuckled: "Too late."

The man dared not argue, and simply bowed his head to present a belt.

The exterior is ordinary, but the lining is sewn with a fine, dark pattern, with seven hooks resembling seven small boats.

Han Shuo reached out and touched it, then nodded: "Tomorrow, we'll take the winding path from the Inner Academy to the side gate of the Imperial Ancestral Temple. We can hide someone in the wall at the corner of the procession."

He looked up. "Did your men remember the time to make their move?"

“I’ve got it,” the man said. “The procession will change steps on the third gong strike; that’s when it’s most chaotic.”

"The target isn't inside the sedan chair," Han Shuo said softly. "It's the seventh rider after the Golden Guard."

The visitor was startled: "That is..."

"Just remember that." Han Shuo interrupted him, looking at Liu Huai. "As for the other side, how was the theater you arranged today?"

"It'll be lively." Liu Huai laughed nonchalantly. "During the day, I had someone recite a newly composed excerpt, which was met with enthusiastic applause. Tomorrow morning, who wants to stay home? Everyone will want to go see the excitement. The more people, the better."

Han Shuo didn't laugh; he simply held the ribbon in his palm, as if caressing jade. After a long while, he spoke: "Do you know why I made my move?"

Liu Huai yawned: "You like to make trouble yourself."

"I'm not reconciled." Han Shuo's eyes grew cold. "Everyone I see is bowing their heads and looking down at one person's back. I'm not reconciled."

Liu Huai clicked his tongue: "You're just too stubborn."

He straightened up. "Alright, enough of that. I'll go check if there are any spies at the door. Tomorrow I can have someone follow your method."

Han Shuo watched his figure disappear into the night and whispered, "Take a trip."

As dawn broke through the fog, the palace gates opened, and the sounds of horses' hooves, wheels, and footsteps rose in layers.

Zhu Biao had changed into plain clothes, his face calm. He stepped forward to Zhu Yuanzhang, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a clear voice.

Zhu Yuanzhang stared intently at his son for a long time before slowly nodding: "Go."

Zhu Han stood to the side and behind, silent, only turning his body slightly to make way for a wider path.

His entourage had already dispersed according to the arrangement made the night before, on rooftops, under eaves, in alleyways, and in teahouses. Every place seemed random, but in reality, they were all eyes and ears.

They marched out of the palace, through the corridors, and into the inner eastern market.

The city's residents lined both sides of the street early in the morning, children rode on their fathers' shoulders to watch the excitement, and vendors selling candy weaved along the street, their shouts never ceasing.

The third gong strike echoed in the air like a pebble falling into still water.

The procession naturally shifted at the corner, and the seventh horse behind the Golden Guard suddenly raised its head and neighed.

At that moment, two dark figures flew out of the wall, like two arrows released from a bow.

The first man lunged at the seventh rider, while the second man took a shortcut and charged straight at the follower beside the silver saddle. With a flick of his wrist, a flash of light appeared.

"put!"

A low shout echoed from the rooftop. A short arrow pierced the air silently, and the first person's shoulder jolted as he was pinned to a wooden beam in the wall. (End of Chapter)