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

The imperial guards took the travel permit, examined it carefully, and found nothing wrong. Just as they were about to let them pass, a commander of the imperial guards suddenly approached.

“Wait! You look unfamiliar; you don’t seem like merchants who frequent Jinling City,” said the Imperial Guard general.

Zhu Han's heart tightened, but he remained calm: "Sir, we are indeed small business owners and rarely come to Jinling City. This time, we made this trip to get some rare goods."

The Imperial Guard general sneered, "Is that so? Then let me ask you a few more questions. What kind of goods did you buy? Where did you get them from? Do you have any connections in Yingtian Prefecture?"

Zhu Han answered each question without revealing the slightest flaw. The Imperial Guard general pondered for a moment, still somewhat uneasy, and was about to question him further when suddenly, a commotion arose in the distance.

"Catch the assassin! Catch the assassin!"

The Imperial Guards and their officers were immediately drawn to the noise and rushed towards it. Zhu Han and his men seized the opportunity to quickly pass through the city gates and leave Jinling City.

After walking a distance and confirming that it was safe, they stopped and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your Highness, that was close. If it weren't for that commotion, we probably wouldn't have been able to escape," Lu Qian said.

Zhu Han smiled and said, "This is heaven's help. It seems our luck isn't too bad after all."

Zhu Biao asked, "Uncle, shall we proceed to Yingtian Prefecture next?"

Zhu Han nodded and said, "That's right. We'll head to Yingtian Prefecture immediately to try and get more support there, and continue our efforts to uphold the imperial edict."

Zhu Han and his entourage rode non-stop towards Yingtian Prefecture.

Along the way, they dared not slacken their efforts in the slightest, for fear of being overtaken by the pursuers sent by Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Uncle Wang, will Yingtian Prefecture truly receive the support we desire?"

Zhu Biao, mounted on his horse, frowned slightly, still feeling somewhat worried.

Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said with a firm gaze, "Biao'er, Yingtian Prefecture is the old capital of the Ming Dynasty. The late emperor laid the foundation here, and many old officials and people are loyal to him. As long as we explain things clearly, we will surely be able to resonate with them and help us uphold the imperial edict."

Lu Qian chimed in, "Your Highness, rest assured, the Prince's plan will surely succeed. Those old ministers have deep feelings for the late Emperor and will never sit idly by while the late Emperor's edict is altered."

As the group chatted along the way, before they knew it, the city gates of Yingtian Prefecture were faintly visible in front of them.

"We've finally arrived." Zhu Han breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the city gate of Yingtian Prefecture as if he saw a glimmer of hope.

They entered the city and found that although Yingtian Prefecture was not as prosperous and bustling as Jinling City, it was still full of antiquity and solemnity.

On the street, pedestrians come and go, and the cries of vendors fill the air.

"Let's find a place to stay first, and then make further plans," Zhu Han said.

So they found a seemingly ordinary inn to stay in. After settling in, Zhu Han gathered everyone to discuss their next plan.

"Now that we've arrived in Yingtian Prefecture, what's the next step?" Lu Qian asked.

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "Let's split up and find out which loyal ministers of the late emperor are in Yingtian Prefecture, and what the people think of the late emperor's edict. Knowing ourselves and our enemy is the key to victory in every battle."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and then went out to inquire about the news.

Zhu Han walked alone on the streets of Yingtian Prefecture, pondering how to find those like-minded old ministers.

Suddenly, he heard a commotion ahead. When he went closer, he saw that a group of people were watching a storyteller perform.

The storyteller stood on a small platform, holding a folding fan, and vividly recounted: "Back then, the late Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang rose up in Yingtian Prefecture, leading many heroes and warriors in countless battles, overcoming numerous hardships and dangers, to finally establish the Ming Dynasty. His edict was the cornerstone of the Ming Dynasty, embodying his boundless hopes for its future..."

Zhu Han's heart skipped a beat; the storyteller's tale was directly related to their scheme.

He squeezed into the crowd and listened carefully.

The storyteller continued, "But now, there are rumors that someone is trying to tamper with the late emperor's edict. Wouldn't this destroy the very foundation of our Great Ming? If that's true, our Great Ming will surely be plunged into utter ruin!"

The crowd below the stage began to discuss it.

"This edict from the late emperor cannot be changed; it represents the late emperor's hard work."

"That's right, anyone who dares to change it is a sinner against the Ming Dynasty."

Seeing that the time was ripe, Zhu Han said loudly, "Fellow villagers, to tell you the truth, I am Zhu Han, the younger brother of Zhu Yuanzhang, and this is Crown Prince Zhu Biao. We have come to Yingtian Prefecture to stop anyone from tampering with the late emperor's edict and to protect the foundation of the Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked and turned their gazes toward Zhu Han and Zhu Biao.

"Are you really the Prince and the Crown Prince?" an old man asked tremblingly.

Zhu Han nodded and said, "That's right. We fled all the way here to let the world know that the late emperor's edict cannot be disobeyed."

At this moment, a middle-aged man stepped out from the crowd, cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I am Chen Wanfu, a merchant from Yingtian Prefecture. I have often heard of the late Emperor's deeds and have always been loyal to him. If you two need my help, please feel free to ask."

Zhu Han was overjoyed and said, "Boss Chen's generosity is truly a blessing for our Great Ming. We need people like you to help spread the news and let more people know the importance of the late emperor's edict."

Chen Wanfu nodded and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, although I, Chen Wanfu, am just a businessman, I also understand the meaning of loyalty and righteousness. I will go and contact some of my peers to ask them to help spread the word."

Zhu Han said gratefully, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Mr. Chen."

At the same time, Lu Qian also learned some information.

He returned to the inn and said to Zhu Han, "Your Highness, I have learned that there are several retired officials in Yingtian Prefecture who are loyal to the late emperor and may be able to help us."

Zhu Han's eyes lit up, and he said, "Tell me quickly, which senior officials are they?"

Lu Qian said, “One is Liu Wenyuan, the former Minister of Revenue. During his tenure, he managed the finances of the court effectively and was highly regarded by the late emperor. The other is Zhao Desheng, the former Vice Minister of War. He was well-versed in military strategy and accompanied the late emperor on many expeditions.”

Zhu Han nodded and said, "These two are both very talented. Let's go and visit them right away."

So, Zhu Han, along with Zhu Biao and Lu Qian, first went to Liu Wenyuan's residence.

Liu Wenyuan's residence was not luxurious, but it exuded a simple and elegant atmosphere.

Zhu Han and his group arrived at the door and explained their purpose to the doorman.

After the doorman went in to announce their arrival, he came out shortly afterward to welcome them inside.

In the living room, Zhu Han and the others met Liu Wenyuan. Although Liu Wenyuan was old, he was still vigorous, and his eyes revealed wisdom and authority. "I did not know that Your Highness and His Highness the Crown Prince would be here. I am sorry for not welcoming you properly," Liu Wenyuan said, bowing.

Zhu Han quickly returned the greeting, saying, "Lord Liu, you are too kind. We have come here today to discuss important matters."

Liu Wenyuan asked everyone to sit down, and then asked, "May I ask what brings Your Highness here?"

Zhu Han then told Liu Wenyuan in detail about the attempt by someone to tamper with the late emperor's edict.

Upon hearing this, Liu Wenyuan's expression changed drastically. He stood up abruptly and said, "Is this really true? The late emperor's edict is the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. How can it be altered by others! Your Highness and His Highness the Crown Prince, rest assured, although I, Liu Wenyuan, have retired, I will not sit idly by."

Zhu Han was overjoyed and said, "With Lord Liu's help, this matter will surely succeed. We hope that Lord Liu can use your influence in Yingtian Prefecture to unite some like-minded veteran officials and speak out for the matter of upholding the imperial edict."

Liu Wenyuan nodded and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will go and contact the other senior officials. However, the situation in the court is complicated right now, so we must proceed with caution."

Zhu Han said, "Lord Liu is absolutely right. We will proceed with caution."

After leaving Liu Wenyuan's residence, Zhu Han and the others went straight to Zhao Desheng's residence.

When Zhao Desheng learned that Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were coming, he personally went out to greet them.

He welcomed everyone into the living room and then asked, "What brings Your Highness and His Highness the Crown Prince here?"

Zhu Han recounted the events to Zhao Desheng.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Desheng's eyes widened in anger, and he said, "What an audacious scoundrel! How dare you tamper with the late emperor's edict! Your Highness and the Crown Prince, rest assured, although I, Zhao Desheng, am no longer in the court, I am willing to go through fire and water to protect the late emperor's edict."

Zhu Han said gratefully, "With Lord Zhao's words, we are relieved. We hope that Lord Zhao can use your military experience to advise us and prevent any unforeseen circumstances."

Zhao Desheng nodded and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my best. However, we currently have limited troops. If we really want to fight against the person who altered the late emperor's edict, we need to plan carefully."

Zhu Han said, "Lord Zhao is right. Let's first unite with other veteran officials to gain more support before making any further plans."

Thanks to the efforts of Liu Wenyuan and Zhao Desheng, many loyal old ministers in Yingtian Prefecture responded and expressed their willingness to contribute to upholding the imperial edict.

At the same time, Chen Wanfu also contacted some merchants to widely spread the importance of the late emperor's edict in Yingtian Prefecture, which aroused strong resonance among the people.

However, their actions soon attracted the attention of some people.

Among these people were spies sent by Zhu Yuanzhang, who reported the situation in Yingtian Prefecture to him.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious again when he learned that someone in Yingtian Prefecture was secretly contacting veteran officials in an attempt to speak out on the matter of upholding the imperial edict.

"That Zhu Han! He actually went to Yingtian Prefecture to stir up trouble! I must not let him succeed!" Zhu Yuanzhang roared.

He immediately ordered the dispatch of an elite imperial guard to Yingtian Prefecture to capture Zhu Han and his accomplices.

At the same time, he also flew into a rage in the court, accusing the old ministers who responded to Zhu Han of being "traitors and rebels" and demanding that they be severely punished.

At this time, inside Yingtian Prefecture, Zhu Han and others also learned that Zhu Yuanzhang had sent troops to arrive.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has sent troops here. What should we do?" Lu Qian asked anxiously.

Zhu Han frowned, pondered for a moment, and said, "We cannot sit idly by and wait for our demise. There are already quite a few people in Yingtian Prefecture who support us. We can organize ourselves and fight against the Emperor's army."

Zhao Desheng shook his head and said, "Your Highness, we have limited troops. If we directly confront His Majesty's army, we may not be able to win. We need to find another way."

Zhu Han asked, "What good plan does Lord Zhao have?"

Zhao Desheng said, "We can use the terrain of Yingtian Prefecture to set up an ambush and catch His Majesty's army off guard. At the same time, we can also mobilize the people and let them create chaos in the city to distract His Majesty's army."

Zhu Han nodded and said, "Lord Zhao's plan is excellent. Let's do as you say."

A few days later, the imperial guards sent by Zhu Yuanzhang arrived in Yingtian Prefecture. General Wang Hu led his troops into the city with an air of nonchalance.

He thought Zhu Han and his group were nothing but a rabble and didn't take them seriously at all.

"Search! Find Zhu Han and his gang!" Wang Hu shouted.

The Imperial Guards began searching the city.

However, as soon as they entered a narrow street, a sudden volley of arrows rained down from the rooftops on both sides. The Imperial Guards were thrown into chaos, scrambling for cover.

"There's an ambush! Everyone be careful!" Wang Hu shouted.

Just then, many armed civilians poured out from both sides of the street and engaged in fierce fighting with the Imperial Guards.

Although the Imperial Guards were well-trained, they gradually became overwhelmed by the large number of civilians.

At the same time, shouts of battle also rang out in other parts of the city.

It turned out that Zhu Han and his men had set up ambushes in many places in the city according to their plan, and mobilized the people to resist.

Seeing the situation was dire, Wang Hu inwardly groaned. He hadn't expected Zhu Han and his group to be so difficult to deal with.

"Retreat! Retreat now!" Wang Hu shouted the order.

The Imperial Guards retreated like a receding tide. Seeing the Imperial Guards withdraw, Zhu Han and his men did not pursue them, but instead began clearing the battlefield and comforting the people.

"Your Highness, we have won a great victory this time, but His Majesty will certainly not let this go. What should we do next?" Lu Qian asked.

Zhu Han said, "Although we won a small victory this time, my brother's strength is far superior to ours. We cannot be complacent. We must continue to mobilize the people and expand our power. At the same time, we must also contact our supporters in other places to form a greater force."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Uncle Wang is absolutely right. We must let everyone in the world know that the late emperor's edict cannot be disobeyed, and that it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to protect the Ming Dynasty."

"My esteemed ministers, Zhu Han is causing trouble in Yingtian Prefecture, and the army I sent was defeated by him. What do you suggest we do?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked, his eyes wide with anger.

A minister stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, Zhu Han and his ilk are nothing but clowns and will never amount to anything. Your Majesty could send an even stronger army to Yingtian Prefecture to wipe them out in one fell swoop.”

Another minister said, "Your Majesty, the people in Yingtian Prefecture are now responding to Zhu Han. If we forcibly suppress them, it may cause a popular uprising. It would be better to send someone to pacify them first. If Zhu Han and his men are willing to submit, we can avoid a war."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then said, "Appeasement? That Zhu Han is ambitious; how could he easily submit? However, to minimize casualties, I can send someone to probe first." (End of Chapter)