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

Just when everyone was feeling a little relieved by the gathering of public opinion, hurried footsteps were suddenly heard outside the study, followed by a servant rushing in with a panicked look, interrupting the warm atmosphere in the room.

"Your Highness, it's bad! Urgent news has come from Hengzhou. The heavy rains over the past few days have caused mountain torrents. Many places have been severely affected and the people have suffered heavy losses of life and property!" There was a tremor in the attendant's voice, and he was obviously shocked by the sudden news.

Zhu Biao's face suddenly changed when he heard this, and the joy in his heart was instantly replaced by worry. He stood up suddenly, clenched his hands into fists, and his eyes flashed with anxiety and determination: "Quick, present the detailed disaster situation!"

Upon hearing the order, the servant hurriedly handed over the urgent report in his hand.

Zhu Biao took it and quickly read through it, his brows furrowed wider and wider.

Zhu Han, who was standing by, also looked solemn when he saw this.

"Uncle, we must take action immediately. Disaster relief is like putting out a fire. We can't delay for a moment." Zhu Biao put down the urgent report, turned to look at Zhu Han, his eyes full of determination.

Zhu Han nodded and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness is right. But the disaster in Hengzhou and the project of relocating the capital are happening at the same time. The court has limited resources, so how to allocate them requires careful planning."

At this time, an official from the Ministry of Revenue came in a hurry, apparently having learned of the disaster in Hengzhou, and came to report. "Your Highness, Lord Han, the disaster in Hengzhou is serious, and we need to immediately allocate food, medicine and relief supplies, and send officials to appease the people and organize rescue."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and decisively ordered: "Immediately allocate the necessary materials from the Ministry of Revenue, and make sure they are delivered to the disaster area as soon as possible. At the same time, send experienced officials to Hengzhou to coordinate disaster relief matters and ensure the safety of the people's lives."

The official from the Ministry of Revenue took the order and left, and fell into deep thought again in the study. Zhu Han knew that this disaster relief not only tested the emergency response capabilities of the court, but also concerned the people's support. He looked at Zhu Biao and suggested: "Your Highness, in addition to disaster relief, we also need to strengthen publicity to let the people know about the court's disaster relief measures, so as to avoid rumors and people's unrest."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. "What the emperor's uncle said is absolutely right. Immediately pass down the order and have local governments post notices to inform the government of the disaster in Hengzhou and the relief measures taken by the court. At the same time, encourage civilian forces to participate in the rescue and create a good atmosphere in which officials and civilians are united in overcoming the difficulties together."

While the two were discussing, another attendant hurried in with an urgent secret letter in his hand. "Your Highness, this is a secret letter just sent from the Hengzhou front line, with urgent information."

Zhu Biao took the secret letter, opened it and looked even more solemn. The letter mentioned that some areas of Hengzhou were blocked by mountain torrents, making it difficult to deliver relief supplies, and there were signs of an epidemic among the victims, and the situation was critical.

"The situation is far more complicated than we imagined." Zhu Biao handed the secret letter to Zhu Han and said in a deep voice, "We must formulate a more thorough rescue plan to ensure that every piece of supplies can be delivered to the place where it is most needed."

Zhu Han took the secret letter, read it carefully, pondered for a moment, and proposed: "Your Highness, I suggest setting up a special disaster relief command center, led by experienced officials, to coordinate resources in a unified manner to ensure that the rescue work is carried out efficiently and orderly."

Zhu Biao nodded, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "Uncle, your idea is brilliant. We will start preparations immediately. At the same time, we will strengthen communication with local officials in Hengzhou to ensure that information flows smoothly."

In the study, the atmosphere became more solemn due to the urgent report of the disaster in Hengzhou. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han looked at each other, and without saying anything, they could both feel the heavy responsibility on their shoulders.

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, gently placed the secret letter on the table, and said in a deep voice: "The disaster in Hengzhou is much more serious than we expected. Mountain torrents are raging, supplies are difficult to deliver, and the epidemic is spreading... We must act quickly."

Zhu Han nodded, frowning, "Your Highness is right. Disaster relief cannot be delayed. I propose that a disaster relief headquarters be established immediately, with the Minister of Revenue in charge of allocating supplies, and the Ministry of Works responsible for building temporary shelters and bridges to ensure that the rescue route is unobstructed."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's follow the uncle's plan. At the same time, send capable officials to Hengzhou, not only to coordinate disaster relief work, but also to appease the people and prevent rumors from spreading and causing panic."

At this time, the Minister of Revenue hurried into the study, looking anxious: "Your Highness, Lord Han, the disaster in Hengzhou is urgent. Our Ministry of Revenue has begun to allocate supplies, but the inventory is limited and I am afraid it will be difficult to meet all the needs."

Zhu Biao heard this with a firm look in his eyes: "No matter what, we must give priority to ensuring the basic living needs of the victims. Immediately launch a nationwide fundraising campaign to encourage wealthy businessmen and gentry to donate generously and jointly support Hengzhou."

The Minister of Revenue took the order and left. The study room fell into a brief silence again. Zhu Han pondered for a moment and suggested, "Your Highness, we can also use the power of the Jinyiwei to strengthen the security maintenance around the disaster area to prevent looting."

Zhu Biao nodded, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes: "Leave this matter to Han Feng. Tell him to ensure order and stability in the disaster area, and never tolerate any behavior that disrupts disaster relief!"

Just as the two were discussing, an attendant hurried in with a new urgent report in his hand: "Your Highness, Lord Han, this is the latest news from Hengzhou. There are new changes in the disaster situation."

Zhu Biao took the urgent report, quickly glanced through it, and his face became more serious: "A dam in the south of Hengzhou City has burst, and the flood is rapidly spreading to the surrounding villages. The situation is critical!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han immediately stood up and said, "Your Highness, we must take action immediately. I propose that we mobilize nearby garrisons to assist local officials in repairing the dams and organize the evacuation of disaster victims to safe areas."

Zhu Biao nodded and gave a decisive order: "Send the order immediately to mobilize the garrison troops to repair the dam with all their strength. At the same time, order the Ministry of Works to immediately design and prepare an emergency plan in case of an emergency."

In the study, everyone was busy, and orders were quickly passed on. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood side by side in front of the window, staring into the distance, silently praying for the people of Hengzhou.

At this time, an attendant hurriedly came to report: "Your Highness, the local official of Hengzhou, Lord Li, wants to see you and has an urgent matter to report."

Zhu Biao turned around, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes: "Please invite Lord Li in." Soon, a dusty official was led into the study. He was disheveled and looked exhausted, but his eyes were shining with determination. As soon as he entered the door, he knelt on one knee and reported anxiously: "Your Highness, Lord Han, the dam in the south of Hengzhou City has burst, and the flood is raging like a beast. The disaster is extremely serious. The local garrison has devoted all its efforts to repair it, but the manpower and material resources are limited. I beg the court to send reinforcements and supplies as soon as possible!"

Zhu Biao stepped forward quickly, helped Lord Li up, and said firmly: "Lord Li, please stand up. The court has been informed of your request. Reinforcements and supplies are being urgently allocated and will arrive soon. Please be sure to hold on and tide over the difficulties with the victims."

Lord Li was filled with gratitude and kowtowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Your Highness, and thank you, Lord Han. I will do my best to protect the people of Hengzhou!"

After seeing off Lord Li, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han once again devoted themselves to the intense disaster relief preparations. Every minute and every second was crucial, and any negligence could cause irreparable losses.

As urgent reports of the disaster in Hengzhou continued to arrive, the entire court was shrouded in tension and worry. Zhu Di, as a potential competitor for the throne, faced this sudden disaster with some calculations in mind, but he also knew that this was the time to demonstrate his ability and benevolence.

Zhu Di quickly summoned his trusted advisers, frowned, and asked in a deep voice: "The disaster in Hengzhou is so serious, how can we just sit back and watch? What good plans do you have?"

A shrewd strategist stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, this is a great opportunity for you to show your benevolence and win the hearts of the people. I suggest that Your Highness take the initiative to volunteer to go to Hengzhou in person to command the disaster relief, and at the same time mobilize your resources to fully support the disaster area."

Zhu Di heard this, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, but then he pondered and said, "Going to Hengzhou in person can certainly show my determination, but the affairs of the court also need someone to take care of them. Moreover, how can I ensure that my actions will not conflict with the Crown Prince and Lord Zhu Han?"

Another young and astute counselor said, "Your Highness can write to His Majesty and request to cooperate with His Highness the Crown Prince in disaster relief. This will avoid conflict and also demonstrate your overall perspective. At the same time, Your Highness can secretly send your confidants to Hengzhou to prepare for disaster relief and ensure that everything is in order."

Zhu Di nodded slightly after hearing this, thinking that this proposal was quite thoughtful. He immediately picked up his pen and wrote a sincere memorial, requesting to go to Hengzhou with Crown Prince Zhu Biao to help with the disaster relief, and promised to go all out to ensure that the people in the disaster area received timely and effective assistance.

Soon after the memorial was submitted, it was approved by His Majesty. After receiving the order, Zhu Di immediately began to make intensive preparations. He secretly mobilized his own private army and supplies, and at the same time sent Han Feng and other confidants to Hengzhou to start the rescue work first.

At the same time, Zhu Di also visited Zhu Han and expressed his willingness to cooperate in disaster relief. Zhu Han looked at Zhu Di with a complex emotion in his eyes, but finally nodded, expressing his willingness to work with him to deal with the disaster together.

Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "It is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty that the Fourth Prince has such a kind heart. But disaster relief is a serious matter and requires careful planning without any negligence. You and I need to communicate closely to ensure the smooth progress of disaster relief work."

Zhu Di smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said: "Lord Han is right. I will do my best to overcome the difficulties together with you and the Crown Prince."

Soon after, Zhu Biao, Zhu Han and Zhu Di set out on the road to Hengzhou together. Along the way, they discussed disaster relief strategies from time to time, although there was subtle competition and vigilance between them.

As Zhu Biao, Zhu Han and Zhu Di arrived in Hengzhou, the entire disaster area seemed to be injected with new vitality. Faced with the devastated scene and the people in urgent need of help, the three of them quickly divided the work, each doing their own job, and jointly devoted themselves to the intense disaster relief work.

"Fellow villagers, I am the crown prince Zhu Biao, and I am here to visit you on behalf of my father." Zhu Biao stood in front of the makeshift disaster relief tent, his voice firm and warm, "Please rest assured, the court has mobilized enough supplies and manpower, and will definitely help you through this difficult time."

"Minister Li, this batch of supplies must be delivered to the disaster area before tonight. There can be no delay." Zhu Han issued a death order to the Minister of Revenue. "Also, the location of the shelter must take safety factors into consideration and must avoid possible secondary disaster areas."

Zhu Han's rigor and efficiency made the disaster relief work proceed in an orderly manner, and his calmness and decisiveness won the respect of everyone.

Zhu Di, on the other hand, chose a more secretive and flexible way to participate in disaster relief. He secretly sent his confidants to various disaster areas to collect disaster information and coordinate local officials and civilian forces to fight the disaster together. At the same time, he also used his influence in the army to mobilize nearby garrisons to help repair dams and evacuate disaster victims.

"Han Feng, you must immediately go to the disaster area in the south of the city. The dam there has burst and the situation is extremely critical." Zhu Di issued an urgent order to his confidant Han Feng, "Be sure to work closely with the local garrison to ensure that the dam is repaired as soon as possible to prevent the flood from spreading further."

Han Feng took the order and quickly started the intense repair work. Under his coordination, the garrison troops and local people worked together and after a night of hard work, they finally successfully blocked the breach and avoided a greater disaster.

Zhu Di stood in the temporary command center, his eyes looking through the dense rain, staring at the dam in front of him whose breach had been initially controlled. Although his face was full of fatigue, his eyes revealed an unyielding determination.

"Your Highness, the supply of food and medicine in the disaster area has basically stabilized. However, due to road interruptions, supplies are still difficult to deliver to some remote villages." A confidant hurried into the command center and reported to Zhu Di.

Zhu Di frowned, pondered for a moment, and decisively ordered: "Immediately organize a commando team, carry the necessary supplies, walk through the mountains and forests, and make sure to deliver these supplies to those remote villages in the shortest possible time. At the same time, contact local guides who are familiar with the terrain to ensure their safety."

The confidant took the order and left. Zhu Di turned to look at another official who was compiling a disaster report: "How are the victims being resettled? Are there any signs of the epidemic spreading?"

The official quickly replied: "Don't worry, Your Highness. We have set up several temporary medical centers and isolated suspected cases for observation. The epidemic is still under control, but we still need to strengthen monitoring and prevention."

Zhu Di nodded, expressing his satisfaction, but he still did not dare to relax. "We must not be careless about the epidemic. You must immediately arrange for personnel to conduct a comprehensive disinfection of the disaster area and strengthen health publicity to prevent the further spread of the epidemic."

At this time, Han Feng walked into the command center covered in mud, his face showing a bit of fatigue but full of determination. "Your Highness, the dam has been successfully repaired and the flood has been effectively controlled. However, there is still water in some areas downstream, which needs to be drained as soon as possible."

Zhu Di heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes. "Well done, Han Feng. You must immediately organize manpower and mobilize all available pumping equipment to drain the accumulated water in the shortest possible time to prevent the occurrence of secondary disasters." (End of this chapter)