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

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Han, since you insist, I will grant your request. However, you must continue to control the Tianji Battalion. This is the key to the military reform of our Great Ming Dynasty and cannot be lost."

Zhu Han nodded and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

One day, Zhu Han came to Zhu Biao's palace as usual.

Zhu Biao was leaning against the headboard, holding a book in his hand. When he saw Zhu Han enter, he smiled and said, "Uncle, you've arrived."

Zhu Han quickly walked to the bedside and asked with concern, "Biao'er, how are you feeling today? Is there anything wrong?"

Zhu Biao gently shook his head: "Uncle, don't worry, I feel much better today than yesterday, but I'm still a little tired."

Zhu Han sat by the bed and patted Zhu Biao's hand: "Take your time to recover, don't rush it. The most important thing for you now is to get better. Your uncle and your father will take care of everything else."

Zhu Biao nodded, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes: "Your subject knows, but the current situation in the court is complicated. As the Crown Prince, I am unable to share the burden for Father Emperor, and I feel truly guilty."

Zhu Han comforted him, saying, "Biao'er, you are still not fully recovered. Getting well is the greatest contribution you can make to the court. Once you are fully recovered, you can govern this great Ming Dynasty together with your father and me."

As they were talking, Zhu Yuanzhang entered the palace. Seeing Zhu Han and Zhu Biao chatting happily, he smiled with satisfaction: "Biao'er, Han-di, what are you talking about?"

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han quickly stood up and bowed. Zhu Biao said, "Father, I was just having a casual chat with my uncle."

Zhu Yuanzhang walked to the bedside, sat down next to Zhu Biao, and asked with concern, "Biao'er, how are you feeling today?"

Zhu Biao replied again, "Father, I feel much better today."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and turned to Zhu Han, saying, "Brother Han, Biao'er's health is gradually improving, but we cannot neglect matters of the court. Although you have relinquished some power, you still need to put in a lot of effort with the Tianji Camp."

Zhu Han cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my utmost. However, some ministers in the court still harbor suspicions about me, and I am worried that this may affect the stability of the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, a flash of anger in his eyes: "These officials are really just bored and have nothing better to do. Brother Han, don't pay them any attention, I trust you. If anyone dares to speak nonsense in court again, I will not let them off lightly!"

Zhu Han felt a warmth in his heart and said, "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. However, I think it might be helpful to find some opportunities to let those ministers see my loyalty in order to dispel their doubts."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Han is right. Biao'er is still not fully recovered and it is not appropriate for him to handle important matters. Once Biao'er recovers, I plan to hold a grand celebration, firstly to celebrate his recovery, and secondly to take this opportunity to demonstrate the power of our Great Ming Dynasty and let the ministers see what pillars of society my brothers and sons are."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han both showed a hint of excitement in their eyes. Zhu Biao said, "Father, this plan is excellent. Your son also hopes to recover soon, share your burdens, and participate in the preparations for this celebration."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and patted Zhu Biao's head: "Biao'er, you just need to focus on recovering. Your uncle and I will take care of everything else."

However, just as everyone was preparing for the celebration, an unexpected event occurred in the palace.

That day, Zhu Han was inspecting the progress of the manufacture of military equipment in the Tianji Camp when suddenly a guard rushed over, looking flustered, and said, "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! News has come from the palace that His Highness the Crown Prince has suddenly fallen ill and is in critical condition!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han was startled. Without thinking twice, he immediately mounted his horse and galloped towards the palace.

Throughout the journey, Zhu Han was filled with worry and anxiety, constantly praying that Zhu Biao would be safe and sound.

When Zhu Han arrived at Zhu Biao's palace, he saw Zhu Yuanzhang pacing anxiously outside the hall, with several imperial physicians kneeling on the ground, trembling.

Zhu Han hurriedly dismounted and ran to Zhu Yuanzhang's side, asking, "Brother, how is Biao?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened as he said, "Brother Han, Biao'er's condition has suddenly worsened, and the imperial physicians are at a loss. What should we do?"

Zhu Han's heart sank. He turned to look at the imperial physicians and roared, "You quacks! You draw salaries every day, but you're utterly useless in this critical moment! If you can't cure the Crown Prince, I will have you all buried alive with him!"

The imperial physicians were so frightened that they immediately kowtowed and begged for mercy: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, we have done everything in our power, we really don't know why His Highness the Crown Prince's condition suddenly worsened..."

Zhu Han frowned, deep in thought.

Suddenly, he remembered the old man who had treated Zhu Biao before; perhaps he could help.

Zhu Han hurriedly said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Your Majesty, the old man who treated Biao'er before might have a solution. I will go and invite him here right away."

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes: "Alright, Brother Han, go and return quickly!"

Zhu Han dared not delay and immediately mounted his horse and galloped toward the old man's residence.

When Zhu Han found the old man, the old man was grinding herbs in the house.

Zhu Han rushed forward and said, "Old man, something terrible has happened! His Highness the Crown Prince has suddenly fallen ill and is in critical condition. Please come with me to the palace immediately to treat him!"

Upon hearing this, the old man's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

He put down the pestle in his hand and said, "Your Highness, please don't be impatient. This old man will go to the palace with you now."

Zhu Han and the old man hurriedly arrived at the palace and went to Zhu Biao's bedroom.

At this moment, Zhu Biao's face had turned very pale, and his breathing was very weak.

When Zhu Yuanzhang saw the old man arrive, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Old man, you must save Biao'er!"

The old man nodded slightly, walked to Zhu Biao's bedside, and carefully took Zhu Biao's pulse.

After a while, the old man frowned and said, "Your Highness, Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's condition has worsened this time not because of a relapse of his old illness, but because he has been poisoned."

"Poisoned?" Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han were both shocked upon hearing this. Zhu Yuanzhang roared, "Who is so audacious as to poison the Crown Prince in the palace? I will have him torn to pieces!"

Zhu Han's eyes widened in anger as he asked, "Old man, do you know what this poison is? Is there any antidote?"

The old man pondered for a moment and said, "This poison is called 'Heartbreak Powder,' and it is extremely potent. If it is not detoxified in time, His Highness the Crown Prince may be in mortal danger. However, I happen to know a way to detoxify it, but it requires some special herbs."

Zhu Han hurriedly asked, "Old man, what herbs do you need? Just tell me, and I will send people to find them right away!"

The old man said, "These herbs are called 'Thousand-Year Lingzhi' and 'Snow Lotus,' both rare treasures that are hard to find in ordinary places. However, I have heard that these two herbs may be found in the imperial palace's treasury." Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said, "Men, quickly go to the treasury and search for 'Thousand-Year Lingzhi' and 'Snow Lotus'!"

The guard obeyed and left. A short while later, the guard hurried back, carrying two exquisite boxes, and said, "Your Majesty, the treasury indeed contains 'thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum' and 'snow lotus'."

The old man took the box, opened it, and nodded, saying, "These are indeed the two items. Your Highness, Your Majesty, please prepare a quiet room for me, as I need to prepare an antidote for His Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han nodded quickly and led the old man to a quiet room.

The old man got busy, mixing the "thousand-year-old Ganoderma lucidum" and "snow lotus" with other herbs, grinding them into powder, and then adding some special liquid to prepare an antidote.

After a lot of work, the antidote was finally prepared.

The old man carefully carried the antidote to Zhu Biao's bedside and said, "Your Highness, Your Majesty, this antidote needs to be given to His Highness the Crown Prince in three doses, one dose every hour."

Zhu Han and Zhu Yuanzhang nodded quickly. Zhu Han personally took the antidote and carefully fed it to Zhu Biao.

After taking the antidote for the first time, Zhu Biao's complexion seemed to improve, and his breathing became slightly more stable.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this.

An hour later, Zhu Han gave Zhu Biao the antidote a second time.

At this point, Zhu Biao's complexion had improved significantly, and his breathing had basically returned to normal.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han were overjoyed and deeply grateful to the old man.

Another hour passed, and Zhu Han fed Zhu Biao the antidote for the third time.

A moment later, Zhu Biao slowly opened his eyes and saw Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han guarding his bedside. A weak but relieved light flashed in his eyes: "Father, Uncle..."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Han quickly grasped Zhu Biao's hands and said excitedly, "Biao'er, you're finally awake! How are you feeling?"

Zhu Biao nodded slightly: "Father, Imperial Uncle, I feel much better."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned to the old man and said, "Old man, you are truly the savior of my Great Ming Dynasty! I will reward you handsomely!"

The old man immediately knelt down and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have only done what I could. There is no need for rewards. I only hope that His Highness the Crown Prince can recover soon."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and helped the old man up, saying, "Old man, you are too modest. You must accept this reward, otherwise I will feel bad."

The old man hesitated for a moment, then said, "Since Your Majesty insists, then I shall dare to make a request to Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Please speak freely, old man."

The old man said, "I have been obsessed with medicine all my life. Now that His Highness the Crown Prince is out of danger, I wish to leave the palace and travel around to find more herbs and medical manuals to improve my medical skills."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a pang of reluctance, but he still nodded and said, "Old man, I admire your ambition. Since you wish to travel, I will not stop you. However, if you ever need anything in the future, please come back to me, and I will do my best to help you."

The old man said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Majesty! I shall take my leave."

After saying this, the old man turned and left the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang watched the old man's retreating figure and said with emotion, "Brother Han, we owe a great debt to this old man; otherwise, Biao'er might have..."

Zhu Han nodded and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. However, the Crown Prince's poisoning this time is no accident; there must be someone behind it. How does Your Majesty intend to handle this matter?"

A flash of anger crossed Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes as he said, "This matter must be thoroughly investigated! I want to see who is so audacious as to poison the Crown Prince in the palace!"

Zhu Han said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to assist you in thoroughly investigating this matter and we must find the mastermind behind it!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Good, Brother Han, I'll leave this matter to you. You must get to the bottom of this and give me a satisfactory answer!"

Zhu Han first summoned several of his most trusted confidants in the Tianji Camp, all of whom were meticulous and highly skilled in martial arts.

The group sat around a secluded room, the flickering candlelight illuminating their solemn faces.

"The Crown Prince's poisoning was sudden and suspicious. We must start with his daily diet, living arrangements, and the people he comes into contact with, leaving no detail overlooked," Zhu Han said solemnly.

A trusted aide named Zhao Wu bowed and said, "Your Highness, I believe that the Crown Prince's diet is of utmost importance. The imperial chefs and servants in charge of the Crown Prince's meals may be the ones who poisoned him, or they may be being manipulated."

Zhu Han nodded: "Zhao Wu is absolutely right. You should immediately lead a team to secretly investigate the background of the imperial chefs and servants, find out their recent whereabouts and who they have been in close contact with."

Zhao Wu accepted the order and left. Another trusted aide, Li Wen, continued, "Your Highness, besides food, the Crown Prince's living conditions are also not to be overlooked. Could someone have tampered with his palace?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment: "Li Wen, take men and search the Crown Prince's palace carefully to see if there are any suspicious items or traces. At the same time, keep an eye on the palace maids and eunuchs who are responsible for cleaning and arranging the palace."

Li Wen responded and left. Zhu Han then arranged for other trusted confidants to investigate the palace's recent procurement records, especially those related to herbs and ingredients, as well as the records of visitors to the palace before and after the Crown Prince's poisoning.

A few days later, everyone returned to report. Zhao Wu was the first to report: "Your Highness, after investigation, most of the imperial chefs and servants have clean backgrounds and have not had any unusual behavior recently. However, there is a servant named Xiao Shunzi who had contact with a mysterious person a few days before the Crown Prince was poisoned."

Zhu Han's eyes lit up: "Who is this mysterious person? Have you found out?"

Zhao Wu looked troubled: "I am incompetent. At that time, Xiao Shunzi met the mysterious man in a secluded corner of the palace, and there were no other witnesses around. By the time I arrived, the mysterious man had already left. I only learned from Xiao Shunzi that the man gave him some money and asked him to 'add something' to the Crown Prince's food, but Xiao Shunzi claimed that he did not do so."

Zhu Han frowned: "Where is Xiao Shunzi now?"

Zhao Wu replied, "I have taken him into custody and placed him in a safe location."

Zhu Han nodded: "Don't alarm him yet. Continue to observe secretly and see if anyone contacts him."

Then, Li Wen stepped forward and reported: "Your Highness, I did not find any obviously suspicious items in the Crown Prince's palace. However, in a corner of the palace, I found some strange powder. Preliminary testing shows that its ingredients are somewhat similar to 'Heartbreak Powder,' but we cannot be certain yet." (End of Chapter)