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

"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!" As the guards announced loudly, the villagers gathered around, some were curious, while others were a little wary.

Zhu Biao walked to the front of the crowd and said gently but firmly: "Fellow villagers, I am the crown prince Zhu Biao, and I am here to visit you on behalf of my father. I know that the environment here is far inferior to your homeland, but please believe that the court is making every effort to create better conditions for you."

A middle-aged woman stood up with tears in her eyes: "Your Highness, we know that the court is not easy, but the elderly and children at home can't stand the days of eating and sleeping in the open air. It's too cold to sleep at night."

Zhu Biao felt nervous when he heard this, and he quickly comforted her, "Sister-in-law, I understand your difficulties. Don't worry, I have arranged for the Ministry of Industry to urgently dispatch more warming supplies, including blankets, charcoal, etc., so that everyone can spend the winter warmly. At the same time, we will also speed up the construction of permanent housing so that everyone can return home as soon as possible."

At this time, an old man came over tremblingly, his voice hoarse: "Your Highness, we appreciate your kindness. But, can we old bones wait until that day?"

Zhu Biao squatted down, held the old man's hand, his eyes full of sincerity: "Old man, please believe in the court and believe in yourself. As long as we work together, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome. I, Zhu Biao, swear here that I will do my best to help everyone rebuild their homes as soon as possible and live a stable life."

The old man looked at Zhu Biao's sincere eyes, and the doubts in his heart gradually dissipated. He nodded: "Your Highness, we are relieved with your words."

Afterwards, Zhu Biao personally inspected each tent, asked about the villagers' specific needs, and promised to solve them as soon as possible. He also encouraged the villagers to help each other and overcome the difficulties together.

At the same time, Zhu Di was also busy in another disaster area in Hengzhou. Although he did not have the status of a crown prince like Zhu Biao, as a prince, he also knew that he had a heavy responsibility. He personally directed the distribution and transportation of relief supplies to ensure that every piece of supplies could be delivered to where they were needed in a timely manner.

During one of his inspections, Zhu Di encountered a group of disaster victims who were building temporary shelters. They were pale and thin, but their eyes were full of unyielding spirit. Zhu Di approached them and started a conversation with them.

"Thank you for your hard work. The court will fully support you in rebuilding your homes." Zhu Di's voice was low and powerful.

A young man wiped the sweat from his forehead and said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness the Fourth Prince. We know that the court is not easy, but we will do our part."

Zhu Di patted him on the shoulder and encouraged him: "Well done! Only if we work together can we overcome this disaster. If you need any help, please let me know. The court will do its best to meet your needs."

As Zhu Di and Crown Prince Zhu Biao continued their work in the disaster-stricken area of ​​Hengzhou, their figures gradually established a lofty image in the hearts of the people. With the support of the people, their reputations grew day by day.

One day, Zhu Di was personally supervising the distribution of a batch of relief supplies. He stood in front of a makeshift distribution point, his eyes were sharp, ensuring that every piece of supplies could be delivered to the victims accurately. At this time, a middle-aged woman led her child, walked up to Zhu Di with gratitude, knelt on her knees, and burst into tears.

“Your Highness the Fourth Prince, you are truly the reincarnation of a living Bodhisattva! My husband disappeared in the flood, leaving us an orphan and a widow without anyone to rely on. It was you and the court who gave us food and clothing, and helped us build a temporary shelter, giving us hope of survival.” The woman said while wiping away her tears.

Zhu Di hurriedly stepped forward to help her up, his voice gentle but firm: "Sister-in-law, please stand up quickly. The court will not abandon any of the people affected by the disaster. We are a family and should support each other. If you have any difficulties, just tell me and I will do my best to help you."

The woman nodded gratefully, and the surrounding disaster victims also looked at her with admiration. Zhu Di took the opportunity to encourage everyone: "As long as we work together, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome. Everyone should believe in the court and believe in themselves. In the future, we will rebuild our homeland together and make this place full of vitality again."

This scene happened to be seen by the passing Crown Prince Zhu Biao. He walked towards Zhu Di with a smile and patted him on the shoulder: "Fourth brother, you have done a great job. I am deeply gratified to see the people's gratitude to you. If we work together, we will surely win more people's hearts."

Zhu Di turned around and looked at Zhu Biao, his eyes flashing with determination and gratitude: "Thank you for your praise, my brother. I know that I have a heavy responsibility and dare not slack off. As long as I can do something practical for the people, I, Zhu Di, will do it."

The two stood side by side in front of the distribution point, continuing to supervise the distribution of supplies. At this time, a young man who looked like a scholar came over and bowed deeply to the two: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Fourth Prince, on behalf of the people of the whole village, I thank you for saving our lives. We will always remember your benevolent deeds. I am willing to use my pen as a sword to spread your good deeds and let more people know the kindness of the court."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao showed a gentle smile on his face.

He gently patted the scholar's shoulder and said earnestly: "We appreciate your kindness. It is our responsibility as members of the royal family to seek the welfare of the people. But remember, although words are powerful, they must be used with caution. Don't let rumors hurt people's hearts."

Zhu Di listened from the side, with a barely perceptible smile on his lips. He thought to himself that although the words of Crown Prince Zhu Biao were kind, they also revealed his deep understanding of the people's hearts and his cautious attitude towards public opinion. He stepped forward and took over the conversation: "What the scholar said is very true. Everything the court does is for the people to live and work in peace and contentment. But as my brother said, we need to guide positive public opinion, let the people see hope, and rebuild our homeland together."

When the scholar heard this, a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes. He bowed again and said, "Your Highnesses are far-sighted and I have learned a lot from you. I will definitely put this feeling into writing to restore the reputation of the court and Your Highnesses."

Zhu Di nodded slightly, looking into the distance with deep eyes, but in his heart he was thinking about how to use this disaster relief operation to further consolidate his reputation among the people. He turned to Zhu Biao, with a hint of subtle temptation in his tone: "Brother, for this disaster relief operation, we need to work more closely together to ensure that every piece of supplies can be delivered to the victims accurately. At the same time, we also need to strengthen publicity to let the people know about our efforts and contributions."

Zhu Biao was on guard when he heard this, but he still kept a gentle smile on his face: "Fourth brother, you are right. We should work together to overcome the difficulties. After the disaster relief work is over, I will personally visit the people to understand their real needs and ensure that our policies can truly benefit their livelihood."

Behind the seemingly harmonious conversation between the two, they actually had their own plans. Zhu Di knew that the popularity of Crown Prince Zhu Biao among the people was rising day by day. If he wanted to gain an advantage in the future competition for the throne, he had to show enough strength and kindness in this disaster relief.

The disaster relief work finally came to an end. With the joint efforts of Zhu Biao, Zhu Han and Zhu Di, the victims of Hengzhou gradually regained their former peace and order. The floods receded, the villages were rebuilt, and the farmlands were full of vitality again. The three princes left an indelible impression on the people of Hengzhou, and their benevolence and wisdom won widespread praise and respect.

As the last batch of disaster victims were properly resettled, Zhu Biao, Zhu Han and Zhu Di decided to return to the capital to report. Before leaving, they once again inspected the disaster area to ensure that everything was properly arranged before reluctantly bidding farewell to this land and its people.

After returning to the capital, the three of them headed straight to the palace to report to His Majesty. In the imperial study, His Majesty had been waiting for a long time, and when he saw the three of them return safely, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes.

"Biao'er, Han'er, Di'er, you have worked hard." His Majesty's voice was gentle yet powerful, full of care and expectations for his sons.

Zhu Biao took the lead and bowed, saying, "Father, I have fulfilled my mission and the disaster relief work in Hengzhou has been successfully completed. The victims have been properly resettled and reconstruction work has been fully launched." Zhu Han followed closely and added, "During this disaster relief process, we encountered many difficulties and challenges, but under the wise leadership of your majesty, we worked together and finally overcame all difficulties."

Zhu Di also stepped forward to salute, and said firmly: "Father, I have deeply realized during the disaster relief process that only by caring about the people can we win their hearts. I will learn from this and continue to work hard to contribute my own strength to the Ming Dynasty."

His Majesty nodded with satisfaction upon hearing this: "You three have performed excellently this time, and I am very pleased."

"Biao'er, you personally visit the people, sympathize with their feelings, and are deeply loved by the people. This kind of benevolence is exactly what a crown prince should have." His Majesty said to Zhu Biao earnestly.

Zhu Biao lowered his head modestly and said, "I am not worthy of this responsibility. I have only fulfilled my duty."

His Majesty looked at Zhu Di and said, "Di'er, you personally took part in the disaster relief work and shared the joys and sorrows with the people. Your courage and responsibility are admirable. You must continue to maintain your original intention and enthusiasm and contribute your own strength to the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Di bowed and said: "I will follow your father's teachings and work hard."

After the disaster relief in Hengzhou, the court was in turmoil, and the positions of the ministers were quietly divided, forming two distinct camps: one faction firmly stood behind the crown prince Zhu Biao, and the other faction supported the fourth prince Zhu Di. The two forces competed secretly, and the atmosphere in the court became more subtle and tense.

The ministers who supported the prince, led by the Minister of Revenue Li, gathered around the East Palace and discussed the matter.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince has personally taken part in the disaster relief this time, going deep into the disaster area and sharing the joys and sorrows with the people. Such a benevolent act is truly a model for a crown prince!" Lord Li said passionately, his eyes flashing with admiration for the crown prince.

The Minister of Industry at the side also echoed: "Yes, the prince not only cares about the people, but also shows extraordinary decisiveness and leadership in the disaster relief process. It is really a blessing for our Ming Dynasty!"

The words of these ministers were full of praise for the prince. They believed that under the prince's leadership, the Ming Dynasty would usher in a more prosperous and stable future.

On the other hand, the ministers who supported Zhu Di were not willing to be outdone. With Mr. Zhang, the Minister of War, as the core, they gathered in the Fourth Prince's mansion to discuss countermeasures.

"The Fourth Prince was brave and courageous in this disaster relief effort. Not only did he personally take to the battlefield to command, but he also turned the tide at the critical moment. His courage and determination make him a perfect candidate for a crown prince!" Lord Zhang spoke in a loud voice, his words revealing his firm support for Zhu Di.

Another minister also nodded in agreement: "The Fourth Prince not only cares about the people, but also has won a very high reputation among the people. If he can ascend the throne as emperor in the future, he will surely lead our Ming Dynasty to new glory!"

These ministers had high hopes for Zhu Di. They believed that Zhu Di's decisiveness and wisdom would be an indispensable leadership force for the Ming Dynasty.

In the court, the confrontation between the two factions became increasingly fierce. During a morning court session, Lord Li and Lord Zhang had a heated debate over disaster relief measures.

"When it comes to disaster relief, benevolence and virtue should be the basis. Your Highness the Crown Prince should go deep into the disaster area and soothe the people. This is the fundamental strategy!" Lord Li argued with reason, his voice revealing an unquestionable firmness.

Lord Zhang was not to be outdone and retorted: "Benevolence is important, but without decisive decision-making and action, how can we turn the tide in times of crisis? The bravery of the Fourth Prince is a blessing to our Ming Dynasty!"

The argument between the two ministers quickly caused an uproar in the court. Other ministers also took sides, either supporting the prince or supporting Zhu Di. The atmosphere in the court was tense.

One evening, Zhu Han was sitting alone in his study, playing with an exquisite jade pendant in his hand, his eyes deep and complicated. At this time, there were light footsteps outside the door, and then, the crown prince Zhu Biao pushed the door open and walked in.

"Uncle, what are you thinking about?" Zhu Biao asked softly, with some concern in his tone.

Zhu Han looked up, smiled slightly, put the jade pendant in his arms, and stood up to greet Zhu Biao. "Biao'er, I'm thinking about how to consolidate the results of this disaster relief and how to deal with the increasingly tense situation in the court."

Zhu Biao frowned when he heard this and walked to the table and sat down. "Uncle, you are right. Although the disaster relief has won the hearts of the people, the struggle in the court has become more intense. Fourth brother's supporters seem to be ready to make a move, and we have to be on guard."

Zhu Han nodded, walked to Zhu Biao, and said earnestly: "Biao'er, as the crown prince, you are the future heir to the throne. You need to be cautious in every step you take. But at the same time, you also need to show due dignity and decisiveness, so that the court officials can see your determination and ability."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "I will keep in mind what my uncle taught me. But how can I find a balance between benevolence and majesty?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Biao'er, benevolence is your nature, and this is the key to your winning the hearts of the people. But majesty is not cold and ruthless, but to have a clear position and principles, and never tolerate wrong behavior. You must let the court officials see your loyalty and responsibility to the country and the people."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with enlightenment when he heard this. "Uncle, I understand. I will try my best to find the balance between benevolence and dignity, and live up to the expectations of my father and uncle."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction and continued, "In addition, we must strengthen our intelligence work and be fully aware of the actions of the Fourth Prince and his followers. Only by knowing ourselves and the enemy can we win every battle."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. "That's true. I will strengthen the intelligence network of the Eastern Palace to ensure that we can grasp any disturbances in the court in a timely manner." (End of this chapter)