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

Zhu Han's gaze turned cold: "He shouldn't be here."

The two sneaked into the building and went up the stairs. Laughter and chatter could be heard coming from upstairs.

"Brothers, the envoy from the north has returned with an imperial edict that new grain will be dispatched tomorrow. Let's endure one more night."

"I heard that His Majesty has already given his permission?"

"Granted? Haha—as long as the imperial edict has the character 'North' on it, who would dare to refuse?"

Zhu Han heard it clearly and suddenly pushed the door open and entered.

Who is carrying out the imperial edict from the Northern envoy?

A flash of light startled several armored soldiers. The leader, seeing his mask, roared, "Who dares trespass on the military headquarters?"

Zhu Han did not answer, but instead struck down with his palm, snatching the letter from his hand.

The envelope was unsealed, and the writing was still damp:
"The Northern Envoy orders: Three thousand dan of grain must be transferred to Yan Town immediately."

The inscription reads: Imperial Seal.

Zhu Han's face was ashen: "Just as I thought."

As the man tried to seize it, Hao drew his shadow blade, a flash of cold light, and forced him back.

"Your Highness, what should we do?"

"Burn the letter, exchange the order."

He pulled out a tinderbox, and the flame engulfed the pages.

Zhu Han took out another prepared memorial from his sleeve and rewrote the text—

"The grain requisition from Beizhen is temporarily suspended, pending a new decree from the Fengtian Palace."

He stamped the seal of Zhennan and put it back in its original place.

Hao Duiying frowned: "If Your Highness's actions are investigated—"

"If this is not changed, once this grain is released, chaos will break out in the northern town. Then it will become a rebellion."

He turned and went downstairs, the night wind whipping his clothes.

"Let's go to the Censorate."

The former Censorate building now serves as a document storage area. During curfew, the heavy doors are tightly shut.

Zhu Han entered with the command token to search for the secret files.

There were hundreds of files, which he read through one by one.

Suddenly, a copy of "Secret Edicts and Correspondence" appeared, with a red annotation on the cover: "For the Northern Envoy's Reading Only".

Hao lit a fire to provide light. The record shows the date the secret edict circulated:
"In the twenty-fifth year of Emperor Taizu's reign, the Northern Envoy was established; the Crown Prince was in charge of supervising it."

In the third year of Yongchang, the Northern Envoy was renamed the 'Central Office' and placed directly under the cabinet.

In the first year of the Hongning era, the northern envoy returned, but the person in charge was unknown.

Zhu Han murmured, "The Crown Prince's Supervisor... that must be Zhu Biao?"

Hao said to Ying, "The Crown Prince died young, and this 'unclear supervisor'—could it be that there is another successor?"

Zhu Han turned to the last page, and his pupils immediately contracted.

A line of small characters reads: "In the tenth year of Hongning, the Northern Envoy recorded his name as: Han."

The candlelight flickered, and the writing on the paper appeared as blood.

Hao Duiying was shocked and paled: "Your Highness...this—"

Zhu Han's voice was low and cold: "Someone forged it."

"But the seal, the handwriting, the brushstrokes... all look like the prince's own handwriting."

Zhu Han clenched his fist, his knuckles turning white.

"What is the purpose of creating my name?"

"To implicate the prince in a power struggle."

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "If this matter is not stopped, there will be more bloodshed."

He closed the book, and the candlelight suddenly dimmed.

Footsteps could be heard outside.

"Come on."

The two leaped out of the window, and as soon as they landed, arrows whistled through the wind.

Hao deflected several shots and hissed, "It's the Inner Guard!"

Zhu Han said coldly, "Go to the back alley."

The back alley was narrow, so they climbed over the wall. The firelight chased after them, and shouts grew louder.

They walked to the abandoned neighborhood in the west of the city and hid under a tiled roof.

Hao Duiying gasped, "Your Highness, where is that book now?"

"I am not safe in your presence, nor will I die if I remain in the Censorate. — Burn."

"burn?!"

“If this name is not burned, I will be a traitor for every day it remains on the register.”

The fire reignited, and the ashes of the paper scattered.

Zhu Han's gaze dimmed: "This city can no longer be truly real."

The following day, in the palace.

When Zhu Yuanzhang took the throne, the crown prince was ill and had not yet come out, leaving the court without a leader.

The eunuch reported: "The Prince of Zhennan left his residence without permission three days ago and went out of the south gate at night."

Zhu Yuanzhang's brow furrowed: "Unauthorized action again?"

After Lu Qing's death, the cabinet was left empty. His Majesty was overwhelmed with affairs of state, his mind and energy were exhausted, and his demeanor gradually became erratic.

"Summon the Prince of Zhennan to the palace."

Half a day later, Zhu Han arrived at the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly, "I ordered you to rest for three months, yet you went out through the nine gates at night. What is the meaning of this?"

"Your subject has investigated the last edict of the Northern envoy."

"Regarding the matter of the Northern envoy, I have ordered it to be kept silent!"

"I believe that this matter is not yet over."

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his fist on the dragon throne in anger: "You still dare to defy me?"

Zhu Han cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I do not disobey you, but I disobey the false edict."

The hall was so quiet that the crackling of the candle flames could be heard.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was sharp as a blade: "Explain yourself clearly."

Zhu Han took out the blackened copper piece from his sleeve and placed it on the table.

“This item comes from the old Eastern Depot and is the badge of the Northern Envoy. Last night, there was an imperial edict at the North Gate, ordering the mobilization of 3,000 troops under the name of the ‘Northern Envoy.’ If I had not changed the order, the Northern Garrison would be in chaos today.”

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and picked up the copper piece.

"This emblem was destroyed ten years ago. How could it still be here?"

"Therefore, I say that this office has not been abolished."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time, then asked, "What else did you see in this matter?"

“The envoy from the north shall record his name and sign his courtesy name.”

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback.

Who forged your name?

"I do not know. But that volume is an old file of the Censorate, and it cannot be accessed without the help of a high-ranking official."

Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes and slowly exhaled.

"The Censorate... is under the jurisdiction of the Crown Prince."

A deathly silence fell over the hall.

Zhu Han looked up and saw Zhu Yuanzhang's fingers trembling slightly.

"If Your Majesty doubts the Crown Prince, then another rebellion will break out."

"If I have no doubts, then I am blind."

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I am willing to investigate this matter on your behalf."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly opened his eyes, his gaze complex.

"Very well. Go and investigate. But you only have three days. If there is no result within three days—I will not protect you."

"I accept the decree."

Zhu Han returned to his residence and ordered Hao Duiying to tidy up.

"Take ten men and split them up to investigate three places: the Crown Prince's residence, the Censorate, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

"Your Highness, if we truly bring the Crown Prince into our fold, we will become the heir apparent."

"If it's really him, then we have to take action."

Hao Duiying responded in a deep voice.

The rain started again.

At midnight, Hao Duiying sneaked into the side courtyard of the East Palace. The moonlight was dim, and the curtains fluttered in the shadows.

The eunuch whispered, "Your Highness, the Prince of Zhennan has been ordered to conduct a reinvestigation; there may be some unforeseen changes."

The crown prince's voice was calm: "Change? I hope he investigates."

"What do you mean, Your Highness?"

"The more he investigates, the closer he gets. The closer he gets, the closer he is to death."

Hao Duiying, standing outside the window, heard this clearly, and her fingertips tightened.

He quietly took two steps back, and suddenly the wooden planks under his feet made a slight creaking sound.

A person inside the curtain suddenly jumped up: "Who!"

Hao Duiying leaped over the wall, but was grazed by a crossbow bolt, his blood staining the night.

He fell under the eaves, barely managing to stay awake, and pulled out a letter tube, sealed the secret report, and put it into the pigeon tube.

The sound of wings whistling through the night sky drifted by.

The next morning.

In the back garden of Zhennan Prefecture, Zhu Han received a message carried by pigeon.

The bloodstains on the letter were still wet, and the handwriting was crooked:

“The Crown Prince knew of the King’s investigation. He said, ‘If you get too close, you will die.’”

The letter in Zhu Han's hand was soaked by the rain and turned into ash.

He looked up and saw the morning mist enveloping the palace.

The wind comes from the north, stirring up the golden bells at the corners of the palace.

He said slowly, "The Northern Envoy... was originally with the Crown Prince."

Hao asked in a deep voice, "Your Highness, what should we do?"

Zhu Han's gaze turned cold and sharp: "Attend court."

He donned a black robe, fastened his sword belt, and stepped into the wind and rain.

The drums thundered in front of the Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on a high seat, with the crown prince standing beside him.

"Brother Han, how's the investigation going?"

Zhu Han cupped his hands and said, "Your subject has investigated and confirmed that the seal of the Northern Envoy is currently held by the Crown Prince."

The crown prince looked up and sneered, "Evidence?"

Zhu Han took out the copper piece that had been smeared by fire from his pocket.

"This emblem comes from the Eastern Palace Treasury and is engraved with a crane pattern—it was exclusively made by the Crown Prince's Seal Office." Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed drastically.

The Crown Prince declared loudly, "This item comes from the old collection. Does the Prince intend to use it to frame the Crown Prince?"

Zhu Han said coldly, "If the heir apparent is truly innocent, what is there to fear from a single question?"

The crown prince's eyes turned cold, and he raised his hand, shouting, "Guards—"

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming like thunder: "Stop!"

The hall was dead silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was icy as he swept over the two men.

"The position of Northern Envoy has been solely under my command since I established my dynasty."

"Anyone who dares to issue an edict in my name shall be executed."

He said in a deep voice, "Tomorrow, issue an edict to the Crown Prince and inspect the accounts of the Imperial Seal Office. The Prince of Zhennan will accompany you. If there is any deception—both father and son will be executed."

The crown prince's expression stiffened, and he slowly bowed.

"My son, I obey."

Zhu Han also bowed his head: "Your subject obeys the decree."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, his back view gaunt and rugged.

"The investigation has been completed. What I want is not advice, but the truth."

Thunder rumbled outside the hall, and dark clouds pressed down overhead.

A gust of wind rose in the palace, and the nine gates were closed again.

Before dawn, the palace bell tolled three times. Thick fog shrouded the Forbidden City, and the bronze bells under the eaves remained silent.

Before the palace gates, the Imperial Guards stood in formation like mountains, their halberds gleaming neatly in the morning light.

Zhu Han, dressed in black, stood below the steps of the Fengtian Hall.

The rain had just stopped and the air was chilly. Blood seeped from his wound under his sleeve, but he didn't even flinch.

"Your Highness, the Eastern Palace has been sealed off," Hao Duiying reported in a low voice. "The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Rites have both ceased operations, and His Majesty has ordered the Censorate to open the case files for investigation."

Zhu Han nodded: "Record every imperial edict and every person who escorted it. If the handwriting is even slightly different, report it to me immediately."

"Yes."

As dawn broke, Zhu Yuanzhang stepped out of the palace.

He was dressed in bright yellow casual clothes, his face solemn. Crown Prince Zhu Biao attended him, his expression serene, his robes without wrinkles.

"Open the door."

The Qianqing Gate reopened, and all was silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was sharp as he slowly swept over the assembled officials in the hall.

"Today we will examine the imperial edict and seal of the Crown Prince. Anyone who dares to speak falsely, evade the truth, or distort the truth will be executed immediately."

The ministers responded in unison, their voices resounding through the golden bricks.

The Crown Prince stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your subject requests permission to open the seal."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

"allow."

The East Palace Seal Room was sealed with five locks.

The keys were kept in three places: the Crown Prince's Palace, the Imperial Household Department, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The three locks opened, and the bronze door creaked open. A cold wind swept out, and dust filled the air.

Inside were three cabinets. The first cabinet contained imperial edicts, the second cabinet contained the fire seal, and the third cabinet contained the jade seal.

Zhu Han and the censor jointly examined the documents and removed the seals one by one.

“One Imperial Seal, two Eastern Palace Seals, three Northern Envoy Seals…”

Zhu Han looked up.

The seal of the Northern Envoy was prominently displayed.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained calm and asked in a low voice, "Where did this seal come from?"

The Crown Prince bowed and said, "This seal is an old artifact. It has been kept in the palace since the twenty-fifth year of Emperor Taizu's reign. After the Northern Envoy was deposed, it was kept as a backup seal."

Zhu Han said coldly, "Prepare the imperial seal? Why was an edict still issued last night?"

The Crown Prince remained calm: "If my uncle can identify who took this seal, I will gladly accept the punishment."

Zhu Han turned to the censor: "Check the records."

The censor flipped through the account books and said in a low voice, "In the seventh month of the second year of Hongning, this seal was lent out for one day, and the approval document was signed by... Wei Huai, Vice Minister of the Imperial Household Department."

"Wei Huai?" Zhu Yuanzhang frowned.

Where is this person now?

"He died of illness this spring."

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly turned as cold and hard as iron.

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "Dead people are the best to use."

The Crown Prince smiled and said, "Uncle, is it not a coincidence that is my fault?"

Zhu Han looked him straight in the eye: "If you are truly innocent, do you dare to swear an oath in blood to verify the seal?"

The Crown Prince's expression changed slightly, then he smiled and said, "Uncle, you seem to be in an interest."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice, "Examine."

The eunuch brought over a brazier and washed the seal with deer blood. Blood dripped onto the seal, and a wisp of black smoke immediately seeped out.

The courtiers gasped in surprise.

Zhu Han's eyes were sharp as blades: "Poisonous ink. This seal was only recently altered; it is definitely not an old one."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression suddenly turned cold.

Who mixed the ink?

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Study received ink in three batches, all of which were approved and received by the Crown Prince."

The Crown Prince's smile remained, and his voice was calm: "Your Majesty, if there is a forged seal, I too will be deceived."

Zhu Han stepped forward: "Your Highness, why do you need to make excuses? The letter of order for grain supplies from the Northern Garrison last night was stamped with this seal!"

He threw out the burnt fragments of the document.

Although the imprint is blurry, half of the character "北" (North) and traces of gold and red ink are still visible.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes blazed: "Summon the envoy from the Northern Garrison to the palace!"

Before long, an elderly military officer knelt down in the hall.

"I received an imperial edict three days ago and went to the northern garrison with a letter of envoy to collect grain. The letter was personally delivered by the deputy envoy of the Eastern Palace."

"Who is the deputy envoy?"

"Ye Zhong".

Zhu Han sneered: "Ye Zhong is the chief of the Eastern Palace Ceremonial Office."

The Crown Prince remained composed and calmly kowtowed: "Father, you are wise. I was unaware of Ye Zhong's actions."

Zhu Han roared, "You didn't know? You printed the imperial edict, and Ye Zhong carried it out to order the military supplies to be transferred north, and you didn't know?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked in a deep voice, "Crown Prince, who shall hold the imperial seal?"

"Your subject."

When should the ink be added to the seal?

"Half a month ago."

Who is worthy of ink?

"Ye Zhong".

Zhu Yuanzhang's fingers trembled, his voice like iron striking stone: "Where is Ye Zhong?"

An echo came from outside the hall: "Ye Zhong hanged himself in the well in the East Palace three days ago."

There was dead silence in the hall.

Zhu Han whispered, "The person is dead to silence them, and the evidence is complete."

The Crown Prince raised his head, a sharp glint in his eyes: "Uncle's testimony is complete, but there is one thing missing—the imperial edict."

Zhu Yuanzhang's brow twitched.

"If it weren't for the imperial edict, who would dare to use the Northern Envoy's order?" The Crown Prince's voice was calm, but every word was like a knife. "My uncle thinks this order can throw the world into chaos, but may I ask: where was Father Emperor's imperial seal before this morning?"

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly stood up: "You doubt me?"

The Crown Prince bowed his head: "Your subject dares not. However, the duty of the Northern Envoy is solely the responsibility of Your Majesty. Without Your Majesty's will, how could anyone else carry out the imperial edict?"

Zhu Han frowned deeply.

The crown prince's tone was calm and even, yet every word he uttered pressed down on the very core of imperial power.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him, his gaze as cold and deep as a well.

"Do you think I wouldn't dare?"

The crown prince lowered his head and did not answer.

Zhu Han stepped forward: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is using someone else's name to issue an edict, and the evidence against him is irrefutable."

Zhu Yuanzhang coldly said, "Step back."

"His Majesty--"

"Get out!"

Zhu Han gritted his teeth, bowed, and withdrew.

The palace doors were closed, and all the palace servants retreated.

Hao Duiying stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, what does His Majesty intend to do?"

Zhu Han's gaze was deep: "If the Crown Prince doesn't die, the court will be in turmoil. But if the Crown Prince dies, the Emperor will surely suspect me."

"Then let's—"

Zhu Han looked up at the thick palace walls.

"There is no way out from within the palace walls."

The candlelight flickered in the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat alone at his desk, his face ashen.

The palace doors suddenly opened slightly, and a palace attendant entered, whispering, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince requests an audience."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice, "Summon them."

Zhu Biao entered, dressed in plain clothes. He knelt and kowtowed.

"Your subject begs for forgiveness."

Zhu Yuanzhang coldly asked, "What other crimes do you have to admit?"

"The matter of the Northern envoy was indeed approved by your son. But it was not a plot of rebellion."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained expressionless.

What is non-reversal?

"Your Majesty has long suspected that court officials are embezzling, so I sent an envoy from the north to conduct a secret investigation. Unexpectedly, someone with ulterior motives took the opportunity to disrupt the situation."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly stood up, walked to him, and stared into his eyes.

"Someone with ulterior motives? Who is it?"

"The Prince of Zhennan".

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed slightly.

How so?

"The grain requisition case in Beizhen would never have been exposed if Uncle Wang hadn't secretly altered the documents. If he truly cared about national security, why would he secretly change the imperial edict?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed like lightning, and he remained silent for a long while. (End of Chapter)