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

Chapter 866: Rumors are like tigers! Urgent news from Hengzhou!

Zhu Biao felt warm in his heart and said with a smile: "Uncle, don't worry, I know what to do. But you have been working hard these days, so you need to take care of yourself."

Zhu Han smiled slightly when he heard this. Although he felt warm in his heart, he also knew that he had a heavy responsibility. He said no more, turned around and hurriedly left the East Palace and went straight to the Ministry of Revenue. In the Ministry of Revenue, the officials had already received the news and were anxiously waiting for Zhu Han's arrival.

"Lord Han, you are finally here!" The Minister of Revenue came forward as soon as he saw Zhu Han. "The list of materials needed for foundation reinforcement has been prepared, but the inventory is tight and I am afraid it will be difficult to meet all the needs."

Zhu Han took the list and quickly glanced through it, frowning. "Immediately allocate supplies from all over the country. At the same time, notify the wealthy merchants that those who are willing to donate materials will be rewarded handsomely by the court in the future." His tone was firm and unquestionable.

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Revenue felt enormous pressure, but he also understood that this was an unusual situation, so he quickly agreed and quickly arranged for someone to handle it.

At the same time, Zhu Han ordered his men to rush to the Jinyiwei and asked them to strengthen patrols around Xindu, ensure the safety of material transportation, and be ready to respond to emergencies at any time.

On the other hand, under the leadership of Minister Li, the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works worked day and night to reinforce the foundation. Although the rain continued, the enthusiasm and determination of the craftsmen did not diminish at all.

A few days later, after everyone's joint efforts, the foundation of the northern city wall of Xindu was finally effectively reinforced. When Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood on the city wall again and looked at the foundation that was as solid as before, they both showed relieved smiles on their faces.

"Uncle, thanks to your careful arrangements and everyone's joint efforts, Xindu was able to escape danger." Zhu Biao said with emotion.

Zhu Han shook his head. "Your Highness, you are overpraising me. This is all thanks to everyone. However, we still need to remain vigilant to ensure the smooth progress of the capital relocation project."

While the two were talking, an attendant came running to report: "Your Highness, Lord Han, His Majesty has sent an order, summoning you two to the palace immediately for an audience."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han looked at each other. Although they were confused, they also understood that this was a critical moment regarding the relocation of the capital. They did not dare to delay and immediately dressed and followed the attendants into the palace to meet the emperor.

In the imperial study, His Majesty sat on the dragon chair, looking solemnly at Zhu Biao and Zhu Han. "I have heard about the matter of the foundation of the new capital. I am very pleased that you two handled it properly."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han quickly knelt down to express their gratitude.

His Majesty continued, "The relocation of the capital is related to the prosperity and decline of the country, and there can be no slackness. I order you two to continue to go all out to ensure the smooth completion of the relocation project. At the same time, I will definitely reward the officials who have made contributions in this event."

After receiving the order and expressing their gratitude, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood up in the imperial study. Their expressions showed both relief after completing the task and determination for future challenges.

His Majesty's eyes were deep as he spoke slowly, "Although the reinforcement of the new capital's foundation has been completed, the relocation of the capital is far from over. Biao'er, Han'er, you two need to work more closely together to ensure that every step is foolproof."

Zhu Biao bowed and said firmly: "I will obey your order and do my best to live up to your high expectations."

Zhu Han also bowed and responded calmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best to assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and ensure the smooth completion of the relocation of the capital."

His Majesty nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Okay, I know that both of you are pillars of the country. But when it comes to moving the capital, we must pay attention to the will of the people and not rush for quick success and ignore the suffering of the people."

Zhu Biao was moved when he heard this, and then he said, "Father's teachings are very true. I am planning to visit the people in person recently to understand their true views and needs on the relocation of the capital, and to ensure that the interests of the people are properly settled during the relocation process."

Zhu Han added: "Your Highness is right. I also suggest setting up a special agency to receive and handle people's feedback and complaints about the relocation of the capital, to ensure that public opinion reaches the emperor."

After hearing this, His Majesty smiled with satisfaction: "This is very good. The people's will is the foundation of the country, and it is important to pay attention to it. I am very pleased that you two can be so considerate of the people's feelings."

Then, His Majesty changed the subject and mentioned the situation in the court: "In addition, when moving the capital, the court also needs to be stable. Di'er has been making frequent moves recently, so you two need to pay more attention and don't let the power struggle affect the plan of moving the capital."

Zhu Han's eyes narrowed slightly, and he said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I have strengthened the monitoring of the Fourth Prince and tried to weaken his influence in the court to ensure that the relocation of the capital will not be disturbed."

Zhu Biao also agreed: "I will also pay close attention to the developments in the court and work hand in hand with the emperor's uncle to jointly maintain the stability of the court."

His Majesty nodded, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "I am very relieved that you two can work together like this. Remember, moving the capital is not only a civil engineering project, but also the key to the rise and fall of a country. You two must put the overall situation first and not sacrifice the public interest for personal gain."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han bowed again and responded in unison: "Your Majesty, your sons and ministers will follow your father's (Your Majesty's) instructions."

After leaving the imperial study, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han walked side by side on the way back to the Eastern Palace. The atmosphere was both serious and full of tacit understanding.

Zhu Biao sighed softly: "Uncle, although the road to moving the capital is difficult, I feel confident with your assistance."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes gentle but firm: "Your Highness, you are too kind. As a subject, I will do my best to assist Your Highness in achieving great things."

The issue of moving the capital came to a temporary end, but the undercurrent in the court never really subsided.

"Han Feng." Zhu Di called softly. Although his voice was low, it revealed unquestionable majesty.

Han Feng quickly walked into the study and bowed: "What do you want, Your Highness?"

Zhu Di turned around and looked at Han Feng sharply: "Although the capital relocation project seems to be going smoothly, I know that the Crown Prince and Zhu Han will never let down their guard easily. We need to understand their movements more deeply, especially the Crown Prince's increasing reputation among the people, which is extremely disadvantageous to us." Han Feng nodded, indicating that he understood: "Your Highness, don't worry, I have sent more people to continue to monitor the Crown Prince and Zhu Han's every move, and at the same time spread some unfavorable remarks about the Crown Prince among the people, trying to weaken his reputation."

Zhu Di nodded slightly, but there was still a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes: "These are not enough, we need more direct and effective means. The prince personally visited the people, which is his cleverness, but it is also our opportunity."

Han Feng heard this, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "What does your highness mean?"

Zhu Di sneered and said slowly: "The prince is sympathetic to the people. This is his advantage, but also his weakness. We can use this to create some 'public opinion' and put the prince in a dilemma."

Han Feng immediately understood Zhu Di's intention, and a fierce look flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness is wise, I will arrange it immediately."

A few days later, some "public opinions" about moving the capital began to spread inside and outside the capital. Some rumors said that the planning of the new capital was unreasonable and the lives of the people would be seriously affected; others said that the project of moving the capital would be a waste of money and labor, and that the prince only cared about his own achievements and did not care about the lives of the people. These opinions quickly spread among the people and caused an uproar.

When Crown Prince Zhu Biao learned about this, he was shocked and immediately summoned Zhu Han and several trusted advisers to discuss countermeasures.

"Uncle, these rumors were obviously spread deliberately by someone with the purpose of disrupting the plan of moving the capital and weakening my reputation." Zhu Biao clenched his fists, his eyes full of anger and unwillingness.

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and calmly analyzed: "Your Highness, don't worry. Although these rumors are as fierce as a tiger, as long as we act openly and honestly, we will naturally win the hearts of the people. I suggest that Your Highness increase the intensity of visiting the people, personally solve the people's practical problems, and respond to these rumors with practical actions."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Huang is right. I will immediately arrange a trip to Xindu and surrounding areas to understand the real needs of the people."

At the same time, when Zhu Di learned of the prince's reaction in his mansion, a sneer appeared on his lips.

"Han Feng, keep increasing your efforts. I want to make the prince so busy that he has no time to take care of other things." Zhu Di's voice was low and powerful, revealing his unquestionable determination.

All of a sudden, rumors against the crown prince spread like wildfire throughout the city, and people were talking about him in the streets, alleys, teahouses and taverns. These rumors were carefully woven, and each one pointed directly at the crown prince Zhu Biao's weakness, trying to build an insurmountable gap between him and the people.

"Have you heard? In order to move the capital, the prince disregarded the lives of the people and forcibly conscripted them for labor, making life miserable for the people!" An old man in simple clothes shook his head and sighed in the corner of the teahouse. Although his voice was light, it was enough to attract the attention of people around him.

"That's right. I heard that the planning of the new capital is a mess. How are we going to live in the future?" A woman next to her took over the conversation, her eyes full of worry about the future.

These rumors quickly spread among the people, causing a great deal of panic and dissatisfaction. Under the impact of these rumors, the image of Crown Prince Zhu Biao as a close-knit person seemed to have become blurred.

The rumors intensified, sweeping across the capital like a storm, causing an unprecedented impact on the reputation of Crown Prince Zhu Biao. On the streets, people were talking about it, accusing and questioning the crown prince one after another.

"How can Your Highness be so indifferent to the lives of the people? The capital relocation project is extremely expensive, but our taxes are getting heavier!" A ragged old man was waving his cane angrily in a corner of the market, his voice filled with endless indignation.

"Yes, I heard that the planning of the new capital is a mess. When we move there, I'm afraid we'll be displaced." A young woman next to her echoed, her eyes full of anxiety and fear about the future.

These rumors not only spread among the people, but also infiltrated the court. Some officials who were originally neutral about the prince also began to question his decision, and the atmosphere in the court became delicate and tense.

Facing this series of blows, Zhu Biao felt heavy-hearted. There must be someone behind these rumors, but what was more important at the moment was how to calm the public anger and restore public confidence.

"Uncle, what should we do?" Zhu Biao paced anxiously in the study, seeking solutions from Zhu Han.

Zhu Han frowned, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke: "Your Highness, rumors stop with the wise, and even more so with the truth. We must take the initiative and use practical actions to prove the necessity and rationality of moving the capital."

"What should we do specifically?" Zhu Biao asked anxiously.

Just when Zhu Biao was extremely anxious, a servant hurried into the study room with a somewhat happy look on his face, and reported loudly: "Your Highness, there is good news! The people you personally rescued before, after learning that Your Highness was trapped by rumors, have spontaneously organized themselves to clear Your Highness's name!"

When Zhu Biao heard this, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes, and he quickly asked: "Tell me quickly, what exactly happened?"

The servant reported in detail: "The people said that Your Highness had visited them incognito many times and personally solved their problems, from reducing taxes to solving the spring ploughing problem. They remembered every detail. They are grateful for Your Highness's kindness and do not want to see Your Highness being accused without reason. Now, they have gathered together and are ready to clarify the facts for Your Highness in public places such as the market and teahouses and expose the hypocrisy of those rumors."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao felt a warm current in his heart, and his frown relaxed a little. He turned to look at Zhu Han, his eyes full of gratitude and determination: "Uncle, it seems that the people's hearts are not really far away from me. With the support of these people, I am more confident to overcome this difficulty."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes full of praise: "Your Highness is kind and virtuous, and can naturally inspire the hearts of the people. The actions of these people are the best proof that Your Highness cares about the people and works hard to love the people. Next, we can use this opportunity to further guide public opinion and let the truth come to light."

A white-haired old man, leaning on a cane, tremblingly walked up to Zhu Biao, his voice trembling but firm: "Your Highness, I still remember the famine that spring. It was you who personally brought food and seeds to our village and saved the lives of our family. How dare we forget such a kindness? If someone dares to slander you now, I will be the first to disagree!"

A middle-aged woman next to him took over the conversation, her eyes slightly red. "Yes, Your Highness, the few acres of thin land in my family are plagued by pests and diseases every year, and almost no crops are harvested. It was you who sent people to deliver new medicines and agricultural technicians, and taught us how to prevent and control them, which gave us a way out. How could such a good prince not care about the lives of the people?"

There was a chorus of agreement from the crowd. Some people recalled the prince's good deeds of reducing taxes, while others were grateful for the new home he planned for them during the relocation of the capital. A young man who looked like a scholar, holding a folding fan, stood up in a gentle and elegant manner: "Your Highness, although we scholars do not engage in farming, we also know that Your Highness cares about the people and everything he does is for the sake of the country. Rumors stop at the wise. We are willing to use our pens as swords to clear Your Highness's name and let the world know Your Highness's benevolence."

Zhu Biao's eyes moistened as he listened to these sincere words. He bowed deeply to the people, his voice choked with sobs: "My fellow villagers, your support and trust are my greatest motivation. I, Zhu Biao, swear here that no matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will not forget my original intention, continue to work for the welfare of the people, and bring eternal peace to the Ming Dynasty!"