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

Chapter 873 Zhu Di's trap, border war
While the two were discussing, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the door. A servant hurried in and reported nervously, "My lord, it's bad! There's news from the court that the Fourth Prince is conspiring with several important officials to attack His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at the upcoming court meeting."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao exchanged a look, and a trace of solemnity flashed in their eyes. Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Biao'er, it seems that we have to make arrangements in advance. You go back to the East Palace to prepare immediately, and I will go to the residences of several key ministers to win their support."

Zhu Biao nodded and quickly stood up to leave. "Take care, uncle. Be careful."

Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, his eyes full of determination and trust. "Don't worry, I will take care of everything. You should also be prepared to meet the upcoming challenges."

It was late at night, and Zhu Han came to the residence of an old official and knocked gently on the door. Soon, the door slowly opened, and an old housekeeper appeared at the door. Seeing that it was Zhu Han, he bowed and saluted. "It turned out to be Prince Han, please come in."

Zhu Han walked into the mansion and met with the old minister in the study. After some pleasantries, he got straight to the point. "Old sir, I came to visit you late at night because I really have something important to discuss. The fourth prince has been making frequent moves in the court recently, intending to harm the crown prince. I know that you have always been loyal to the country, I wonder what you think about this?"

Upon hearing this, the old minister frowned, and after a moment of silence, he said, "What Prince Han said is true, and this old minister has also heard it. However, the situation in the court is complex and changeable, and this old minister is unable to make a decision at the moment."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and said sincerely, "Don't worry, old man. I have no intention of forcing you. I just hope that you can stay sober at the critical moment, support His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and jointly maintain the stability and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty."

The old minister nodded, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry, Prince Han. Although I am old and frail, I am still loyal. As long as it is for the Ming Dynasty, I will do my best."

In the court, the power of the fourth prince Zhu Di is growing day by day, posing a serious threat to the position of the crown prince Zhu Biao. Zhu Han knows that virtue and prestige alone are not enough to consolidate the position of the crown prince, and he needs wisdom and strategy to deal with the upcoming challenges.

The next morning, the court meeting was held as scheduled. Inside the hall, the atmosphere was solemn and tense, with ministers standing or sitting, each with their own hidden agenda and complicated expressions in their eyes.

Zhu Biao walked into the hall, dressed in the clothes of a crown prince, majestic yet gentle. He slowly walked to the dragon throne, saluted his father, and stood quietly to one side, looking at the ministers, secretly thinking about how to deal with the coming storm.

Zhu Di followed closely behind him and entered the hall. He was dressed in gorgeous royal attire, smiling, but his eyes revealed a sharp edge that could not be ignored. He deliberately slowed down his pace, and when he passed by Zhu Biao, he whispered, "Brother, today's court meeting will be exciting."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly and responded, "Fourth brother is right. I hope we can all share our father's worries and do our part for the Ming Dynasty."

The court meeting officially began. His Majesty sat on the dragon throne, looked at the ministers with dignity, and slowly said, "My dear ministers, what important matters do you have to report today?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a minister who supported Zhu Di stood up and said loudly: "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to make. In recent years, the border has been in turmoil and foreign enemies have invaded from time to time. I think we should send a brave and skilled prince to lead the troops to demonstrate the prestige of our Ming Dynasty and deter the villains."

As soon as these words came out, the hall was immediately filled with discussions. Zhu Han was shocked, knowing that this was a trap set by Zhu Di, intended to weaken the prince's influence in the court and take the opportunity to show off his military talent.

Zhu Han remained calm and looked at Zhu Biao, only to see that the prince looked calm and didn't seem to be moved by his words. He secretly praised the prince's determination and quickly thought of a response strategy.

A minister stood up. This person was Zhu Han's confidant. He said loudly: "Your Majesty, I think the border issues cannot be resolved overnight. At present, we should focus on domestic affairs, strengthen border defense construction, and improve the combat effectiveness of the army to prepare for emergencies. As for leading troops to the expedition, we need to take a long-term view and not act rashly."

As soon as this statement came out, it was immediately supported by some ministers, and the atmosphere in the hall eased slightly. Zhu Han nodded secretly, and was quite satisfied with the performance of this trusted minister.

Seeing this, Zhu Di sneered. He slowly stood up, looked directly at His Majesty, and said loudly: "Father, I am willing to lead the troops to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty and enhance our national prestige."

As soon as these words came out, there was another uproar in the hall. Zhu Han's heart tightened, knowing that Zhu Di was going to make a desperate bet. He quickly glanced around, looking for support for the prince.

At this time, an old minister stood up. His hair and beard were all white, but his voice was very firm. "Your Majesty, I think that although the Fourth Prince has great ambitions, the current political situation is unstable, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has the heavy responsibility of supervising the country. It is not appropriate for him to leave the capital easily. Border affairs should be considered in the long run, and we must not let our momentary courage ruin state affairs."

As soon as this statement came out, it was immediately echoed by many ministers. Zhu Han felt relieved, and he looked at Zhu Biao calmly, only to see a trace of gratitude flashing in the prince's eyes.

His Majesty pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "What you said makes sense. The border affairs do need to be considered in the long run. Although Di'er has great ambitions, the current priority should be to stabilize the court. This matter will be discussed later."

Zhu Di heard this, although he was unwilling, but he could only bow and obey the order. He secretly hated it in his heart, knowing that today's discussion did not weaken the prince's position as he wished, but instead put himself in a passive position.

After the court meeting, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked out of the hall side by side. Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han gratefully and said, "Uncle, today it is thanks to you, otherwise the situation would be out of control."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and said earnestly: "Biao'er, the court is full of unpredictable situations. You must always stay sober and calm, and win with wisdom. Fourth brother is ambitious, so you must be on guard."

The atmosphere of the court meeting became more tense because of Zhu Di's request for war. The hall was so quiet that only the rapid breathing of the crowd could be heard. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han exchanged glances, and each read the determination and vigilance in the other's eyes.

At this time, a general who was on good terms with Zhu Di stood up and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I think that the Fourth Prince is brave and good at fighting. It is time for him to lead the troops to fight and enhance our country's prestige. The border is in turmoil, and we need heroes like your Highness to pacify the four directions!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers who supported Zhu Di echoed them one after another. There was a lot of discussion in the hall and the atmosphere became even more heated.

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes were calm, and he spoke slowly: "You are wrong. Leading troops to war is no child's play, and it requires careful consideration. Although the Fourth Prince is brave, there are many affairs in the court. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has the heavy responsibility of supervising the country. How can he leave the capital easily? Regarding border affairs, we should focus on stability and take things slowly."

His words were gentle but powerful, expressing his recognition of Zhu Di's courage and emphasizing the importance of the crown prince's regent status, which eased the atmosphere in the hall. However, Zhu Di did not give up. He stepped forward, bowed, and said firmly: "Father, I have made up my mind. I am willing to lead the troops to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty to prove my ambition. I will live up to your high expectations and return victorious!"

His Majesty pondered for a moment, his eyes wandering between Zhu Biao and Zhu Di, as if he was weighing the pros and cons. Finally, he slowly spoke: "Di'er is very brave and brave, which comforts me. But the matter of the border is no small matter, and it requires long-term consideration. I suggest that we send envoys to the border first to find out the truth before making a decision."

As soon as these words came out, the hall suddenly fell silent. Although Zhu Di was unwilling, he could only bow and accept the order, with a trace of unwillingness and anger flashing in his eyes.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao stepped forward at the right time and said in a gentle voice: "Your Majesty is wise. We must be cautious about matters at the border. I am willing to personally select envoys to go to the border to investigate the situation and relieve your worries."

His Majesty nodded in approval: "I am very pleased that Biao'er has such a thought. This matter will be handed over to you with full responsibility. You must find out the truth about the border and contribute to the peace of the border of our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao bowed and accepted the order, secretly relieved. Although he did not directly participate in this round of confrontation, Zhu Han's clever response and his timely replacement successfully resolved Zhu Di's offensive.

After the court meeting ended, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han walked out of the hall side by side. Both of them knew in their hearts that today's court meeting was just the beginning and the future struggle would be more intense.

"Uncle, today is all thanks to you." Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han gratefully, "Your wisdom and steadiness make me deeply admire you."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Biao'er, you and I are a family, so we should work together. The Fourth Prince is ambitious, so we must always be on guard and not take it lightly."

The two walked and talked, and unknowingly arrived at the gate of the East Palace. Zhu Biao stopped and turned to look at Zhu Han: "Uncle, although the border issues have been temporarily settled, the situation in the court is still complicated. I need to personally select envoys to go to the border to find out the situation. What suggestions do you have?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Biao'er, you need to be cautious when selecting envoys. You need to choose those who are loyal, reliable, smart and courageous. At the same time, you need to be fully prepared to ensure that the envoys can arrive at the border safely and complete their mission successfully."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle, you are right. I will personally select the right person and make full preparations. However, there is still one thing I don't understand. Why is Fourth Brother so eager to lead the troops to the battle?"

Zhu Han looked deep in his eyes and said slowly, "Biao'er, the Fourth Prince's move may seem to be for the country, but in fact it is for his own selfish motives. He wants to use this opportunity to improve his reputation and pave the way for the future battle for the crown prince position. You must always be vigilant and don't let him succeed."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao nodded solemnly.

"Uncle Royal is absolutely right. Every step my fourth brother takes reveals his desire for the position of crown prince. I need to be more cautious and not leave him any opportunity to take advantage of." Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, with determination flashing in his eyes.

Zhu Han felt a little relieved when he saw this. He patted Zhu Biao's shoulder and said earnestly: "Biao'er, the burden on your shoulders is as heavy as a mountain, but remember, you are not alone. I am here, and I will do my best to assist you and overcome the difficulties together."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han gratefully, with a hint of warmth in his eyes: "Uncle, with you by my side, my confidence has doubled. Next, I will focus more on border affairs and ensure the peace of the Ming border."

After that, the two entered the East Palace and began to discuss the specific matters of selecting envoys. Zhu Han put forward a series of suggestions, including the selection criteria, training programs, and security measures for envoys, each of which was extremely well considered.

Zhu Biao listened carefully and nodded in agreement from time to time. With the help of Zhu Han, he quickly developed a detailed plan for selecting and training envoys and began to implement it.

At the same time, Zhu Di's face was gloomy when he learned the result of the court meeting. He didn't expect that his request for war would be rejected by his father, and he didn't expect Zhu Biao to take the initiative to select envoys to go to the border. This made him realize that his position in the court was not stable and he had to speed up his actions.

"Han Feng!" Zhu Di called out in a deep voice, his eyes flashing with 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 I was unable to go there in person, I must not let Zhu Biao take all the credit. You must immediately arrange for someone to secretly monitor the envoys selected by Zhu Biao and ensure that their actions are under control."

Han Feng's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard this, but he immediately regained his composure and bowed in response: "As you command, Your Highness. I will act carefully and ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Zhu Di nodded, a fierce look flashed in his eyes: "Also, you need to try to create some 'accidents' so that Zhu Biao's envoys cannot complete their mission smoothly. Remember, do it cleanly and without leaving any traces."

Han Feng was hesitant when he heard this, but he finally bowed and took the order and left.

Zhu Di's order made Han Feng feel mixed emotions. However, as Zhu Di's confidant, he had no choice but to accept and execute it silently.

Late at night, Han Feng sat alone in his study, the flickering candlelight illuminating his furrowed brows. He picked up a pen and began to carefully plan every move, making sure every detail was foolproof.

At the same time, in the East Palace, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han were also busy preparing for the selection of envoys. With his rich political experience, Zhu Han carefully selected a group of loyal, reliable, witty and courageous talents for Zhu Biao.

Among them are both experienced generals and knowledgeable scholars. Each of them has his or her own strengths, enough to cope with the complex and changing situation on the border.

"Uncle, this group of candidates is really outstanding." Zhu Biao reviewed the list, his eyes flashing with satisfaction, "With them, we will be able to find out the truth about the border and contribute to the peace of the border of our Ming Dynasty." Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing his trust and expectations for Zhu Biao. "Your Highness has a keen eye for talent, these talents are indeed rare. However, we cannot take it lightly. The border is extremely dangerous, and we must provide them with sufficient support and protection."