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

Zhu Biao gave a wry smile: "I understand. But for the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the people, I can only try my best."

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

Immediately afterward, the steward rushed into the study, looking flustered, and said, "Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, an urgent report has come from the palace. His Majesty is unwell and has summoned Your Highness to the palace immediately."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han exchanged a glance, their hearts tightening.

Zhu Biao hurriedly stood up: "Uncle, your nephew will go to the palace now."

Zhu Han also stood up and instructed, "Biao'er, don't panic. When you get to the palace, first check on your father's condition, and then find an opportunity to discuss the matter of 'heart rhythm' with him."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly: "I've remembered. Uncle, please don't worry too much."

After saying this, Zhu Biao hurriedly left with the steward.

Zhu Han stood at the door of the study, watching Zhu Biao's departing figure, a strange unease welling up in his heart.

Zhu Biao rushed to Zhu Yuanzhang's bedroom, where he found the candlelight flickering and a strong smell of medicine permeating the room.

Zhu Yuanzhang lay on his imperial bed, his face pale and his breathing weak. Several imperial physicians surrounded him, their expressions grave.

"Father!" Zhu Biao quickly walked to the bedside and knelt down.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly opened his eyes, saw Zhu Biao, and a hint of relief flashed in his eyes: "Biao'er...you've come..."

Zhu Biao grasped Zhu Yuanzhang's hand, his voice slightly choked with emotion: "Father, how are you feeling?"

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head slightly: "I...I'm afraid my body won't last much longer..."

Zhu Biao hurriedly said, "Father, please don't say such discouraging things. You have fought all your life and made unparalleled contributions to the Ming Dynasty. You will surely live to be a hundred years old."

Zhu Yuanzhang gave a bitter smile: "Living to a hundred years old... I wish I could. But my body is ultimately no longer up to par..."

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang coughed, his face growing even paler.

Zhu Biao quickly and gently patted his back to help him catch his breath.

After Zhu Yuanzhang's cough subsided, Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, "Father, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao, seemingly guessing what he was going to say, and frowned slightly: "Is it about the 'heart rhythm'?"

Zhu Biao nodded: "Father, since the implementation of the 'Heart Rhythm', all the officials in the court are in a state of panic, and the people are also talking about it. I am worried that if this continues, something bad might happen. I hope that Father can rescind the order and restore peace to the world."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face gradually darkened: "Biao'er, do you know why I want to promote this 'heart rhythm'?"

Zhu Biao said, "Father is afraid that people's hearts will not be united and that the world will fall into chaos again. But Father, although this 'heart rhythm' can bind people's hearts, it can also make people lose their vitality. If everyone is afraid to speak or act, how can the world prosper?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Biao'er, you only know one side of the story. The chaos among officials in this world has a long history. They deceive their superiors and subordinates, outwardly comply but inwardly defy, and hide daggers behind smiles. I can control their bodies with a knife, but I cannot control their hearts. If we do not use the heart as the standard, how can we win the hearts of the people?"

Zhu Biao said, “Father, submission is fear, and when everyone fears, chaos ensues. Laws are external, while the mind is internal. External laws can prohibit, and internal laws can warn, but if they are mixed together, no one in the world will dare to think, speak, or act. At that time, the Great Ming will not be a country, but a prison.”

Zhu Yuanzhang's face grew increasingly grim. He coughed violently and said in a hoarse voice, "Biao'er, you...you dare to defy me like this..."

Zhu Biao hurriedly knelt down and begged for forgiveness: "Father, please calm your anger. I was only speaking the truth. I hope you will reconsider."

Zhu Yuanzhang took a moment to catch his breath and slowly said, "Biao'er, do you know why I still want to do it?"

Zhu Biao shook his head: "I don't know."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was very low: "Because I am afraid. I am afraid that people's hearts will not be united, I am afraid that the world will fall into chaos again, I am afraid that one day, this country will be engulfed in flames again. I am old and do not want the world to be broken again after my death. If I were to bind the hearts of the people with a single rule, I would be unbenevolent but I would have no regrets."

Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Father, you govern the world with your heart, but if the world has no heart, how can there be enlightenment?"

Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes, his voice weary: "I do not seek that the world be enlightened, but only that the world not be in chaos."

Zhu Biao raised his head and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with a firm gaze: "Father, if one loses one's sight because of fear of chaos, it will be more terrifying than chaos itself."

Zhu Yuanzhang slightly opened his eyes, looked at Zhu Biao, and a complex expression flashed in his eyes.

He paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Biao'er, you've grown up... and you've developed your own opinions..."

Zhu Biao said, "Father, as the Crown Prince, I should take the world as my responsibility. Although this 'heart rhythm' was promoted by Father, if its disadvantages outweigh its advantages, I cannot sit idly by."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, "So be it...so be it...I know that this 'heart rhythm' has many drawbacks. But it has already been implemented. If we rashly withdraw it, I fear there will be unforeseen circumstances."

Zhu Biao said, "Father, this matter can be dealt with gradually. First, announce in court that the implementation of 'heart rhythm' is suspended, and then make a decision after a proper solution is found."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Very well... Biao'er, I'll leave this matter to you."

Zhu Biao was overjoyed and quickly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Father! Rest assured, Father, I will certainly handle this matter well."

Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes slightly and said, "Biao'er, you may leave. I am tired..."

Zhu Biao stood up and kowtowed again, saying, "Your subject takes his leave. Father, please take care of your health."

Upon returning to the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao immediately summoned several of his trusted advisors.

Inside the study, the candlelight flickered, illuminating the solemn faces of everyone present.

Zhu Biao explained the results of his discussion with Zhu Yuanzhang to everyone in detail, and the study was immediately filled with discussion.

“Your Highness, this is a wise move. Suspending the ‘heart rhythm’ will first appease the officials and the common people.”

An elderly strategist with white hair stroked his beard and said.

"However, the subsequent measures need to be carefully considered. If handled improperly, they may trigger another period of unrest."

Another young strategist frowned and said.

Zhu Biao nodded slightly: "What you all say is very true. The most urgent task now is to come up with a way that can both remedy the drawbacks of 'heart rhythm' and maintain the stability of the world. I wonder if any of you have any good ideas?"

Everyone fell into deep thought. After a moment, the old strategist slowly spoke: "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, we can restore part of the imperial examination system to select virtuous and capable people to serve as officials. At the same time, we should strengthen the supervision and assessment of officials and reward or punish them based on their actual performance. In this way, we may be able to improve the atmosphere in officialdom."

The young strategist's eyes lit up: "This plan is excellent. The imperial examination system can attract a wide range of talents, allowing those with real skills to realize their ambitions. Meanwhile, strict supervision and assessment can restrain the behavior of officials and prevent them from acting recklessly."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao pondered to himself. This system of imperial examinations and oversight could indeed solve problems in officialdom to some extent, but how to implement it in practice still needed careful consideration.

"This method is feasible, but the implementation details still need to be improved. For example, the subject settings for the imperial examination, the institutions and division of powers for supervision, etc., all need to be carefully planned," Zhu Biao said.

Everyone nodded in agreement and began discussing these details again.

The atmosphere in the study was lively, with various ideas and suggestions emerging one after another.

Meanwhile, in the Prince's residence, Zhu Han breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Zhu Biao had successfully persuaded Zhu Yuanzhang to suspend the "heart rhythm" procedure.

"System, sign in," Zhu Han silently told himself.

"Ding! Sign-in successful, you have obtained a 'firearm manufacturing blueprint'." The system's voice rang in Zhu Han's mind.

Zhu Han was overjoyed, as firearms were an important military equipment in the Ming Dynasty.

"These firearm manufacturing blueprints have arrived just in time."

Zhu Han muttered to himself. He decided to hand the blueprints over to Zhu Biao, so that he could propose a plan to manufacture advanced firearms in court. This would both divert the court's excessive attention from "heart rhythm" and provide the Ming Dynasty with additional protection.

The following day, Zhu Biao issued an edict in court to suspend the "heart rhythm" procedure, which immediately brought joy to everyone in the court. Many ministers stepped forward to praise the Crown Prince's wisdom.

However, some ministers were worried. A censor known for his strictness stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, while suspending the implementation of 'heart rhythm' may appease people, without new laws to restrain it, I fear that chaos in the officialdom will re-emerge."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly and said, "What the Censor says is quite right. I have discussed with my advisors the possibility of restoring part of the imperial examination system to select virtuous and capable officials for the court. At the same time, we will strengthen the supervision and assessment of officials and reward or punish them based on their actual performance. What do you all think?"

The court immediately erupted in discussion again.

Supporters believe the method is feasible and can improve the atmosphere in officialdom; opponents, on the other hand, worry that the imperial examination system will lead to the rise of powerful clans and that supervision and assessment will be difficult to achieve absolute fairness.

Just as everyone was arguing, Zhu Han suddenly stepped forward.

After bowing to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, he said, "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have something I wish to report here."

Zhu Yuanzhang slightly opened his eyes and looked at Zhu Han: "What is it, my brother? Please speak freely."

Zhu Han took out firearms manufacturing blueprints from his robes and said, "Your Majesty, I recently obtained a set of firearms manufacturing blueprints. The firearms depicted in them are extremely powerful, far exceeding the weapons currently in use. If they can be manufactured, the military strength of our Great Ming Dynasty will be greatly enhanced, which will be of great benefit to maintaining stability throughout the land."

Everyone in the court showed surprise.

A hint of excitement flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes: "Oh? Such amazing firearm blueprints? Imperial brother, quickly bring them to me so I can take a look."

Zhu Han handed the blueprints to the eunuch, who then carefully presented them to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang carefully examined the blueprints, growing more and more excited as he looked: "Excellent! If this firearm can be manufactured, what will our Great Ming have to fear from foreign enemies!"

Zhu Biao also stepped forward to watch, and his admiration for Zhu Han grew even stronger.

He said, “Father, my uncle’s plan has come at just the right time. Now that the ‘heart rhythm’ has been suspended, the court needs new matters to unite the people. Manufacturing advanced firearms can not only strengthen the country, but also allow the officials to devote their energy to such important matters. It can be said to kill two birds with one stone.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement: "Biao'er is absolutely right. This matter will be entrusted to you and your brother, and you must make sure to manufacture this firearm as soon as possible."

After Zhu Biao and Zhu Han received their orders, the debate in the court temporarily subsided.

People began to look forward to the manufacture of these advanced firearms, as well as the implementation of the new imperial examination and supervisory laws.

One day, Zhu Biao was discussing the specifics of firearms manufacturing with Zhu Han in the Eastern Palace when suddenly a eunuch rushed over.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, something terrible has happened! News has come from the Ministry of Works that there is a shortage of materials for manufacturing firearms, and the craftsmen have doubts about some of the techniques in the blueprints, which has seriously hampered the manufacturing progress," the eunuch said breathlessly.

Zhu Biao frowned: "Materials shortage? Wasn't everything already allocated? How could there suddenly be a shortage?"

Zhu Han secretly pondered that someone was probably behind this.

He said, "Biao'er, this matter is strange. We might as well go to the Ministry of Works to see what is causing the material shortage and the difficulties in the process."

The two arrived at the Ministry of Works, where the Minister of Works greeted them with a worried expression.

"Your Highness, Your Highness, I am truly sorry. For some reason, some of the materials that were originally prepared were stolen during transportation. And the craftsmen are indeed having difficulty grasping some of the intricate techniques in the blueprints. We don't know what to do," said the Minister of Works.

Zhu Biao's face darkened: "Robbed? Who is so bold as to steal government supplies! Send men to investigate immediately!"

Zhu Han then walked among the craftsmen and carefully examined the blueprints and the firearm components they were trying to manufacture.

He found that artisans had difficulty understanding some modern craft concepts, which was indeed a problem.

“Fellow craftsmen, the techniques depicted in these blueprints, though somewhat complex, are not impossible to achieve. Let me explain them to you in detail,” Zhu Han said.

The craftsmen gathered around, and Zhu Han patiently explained each step of the process, using simple metaphors and examples to help them understand.

After hearing this, the craftsmen gradually showed expressions of sudden understanding.

"I see. Your Highness's explanation makes sense now," said an old craftsman.

Zhu Han smiled and nodded: "Good. With everyone working together, we will definitely be able to manufacture this advanced firearm."

Regarding the theft of the investigation materials, the guards sent by Zhu Biao quickly obtained clues.

It turned out to be the work of a group of bandits, but it seemed that someone was directing them from behind the scenes.

"Biao'er, this matter is probably related to those forces in the court who oppose us. They don't want to see the firearms successfully manufactured, nor do they want the new laws to be implemented smoothly," Zhu Han said.

Zhu Biao clenched his fist: "How dare these people be so audacious! They must be found and severely punished!"

Just as Zhu Biao and Zhu Han were doing their best to investigate who was behind the theft of the materials, another upheaval occurred in the imperial court.

Some ministers impeached Zhu Biao and Zhu Han in court, saying that their manufacture of firearms was a waste of resources and manpower, and that the implementation of the new law would cause turmoil among powerful clans and undermine the stability of the court.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

He looked at the ministers arguing endlessly below and felt somewhat irritated.

"Your Majesty," a minister supporting Zhu Biao and Zhu Han said, "His Highness the Crown Prince and the Prince's actions are truly for the long-term benefit of the Ming Dynasty. Manufacturing advanced firearms will strengthen the nation; implementing new laws will improve the atmosphere of officialdom. Those accusations of impeachment are utterly baseless." (End of Chapter)