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

Zhu Di smiled slightly, his eyes full of praise: "Lord Zhao is right. People's hearts are hard to predict. Only sincerity and wisdom can win their hearts. Just go ahead and do it. If you encounter any problems, feel free to come to me for consultation."

Lord Zhao bowed again and said, "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. I will take my leave." After saying this, he turned around and was about to leave.

Zhu Di stopped him, took out an exquisite jade pendant from his sleeve, and handed it to Lord Zhao: "This jade pendant was given by the late emperor and is of great significance. I know that Lord Zhao is loyal, so I give it to you. I hope it can protect you and it also represents my trust and expectations for you."

Lord Zhao took the jade pendant with both hands, his eyes flashed with excitement and emotion, and his voice trembled slightly: "Your Highness is so kind, I am grateful for your kindness. I will repay you with my death and live up to your trust!" After saying that, he bowed deeply, turned and left.

One day, Lord Zhao visited Lord Zhang, the Minister of War. Lord Zhang was known for his integrity, but he often felt powerless in the court and could not realize his ambitions. As soon as Lord Zhao entered the room, he shook Lord Zhang's hand warmly and said with a smile: "Lord Zhang, long time no see! I came to visit you today because I have something important to discuss with you."

Upon seeing this, Lord Zhang immediately invited Lord Zhao to take a seat and served him tea. After a few pleasantries, Lord Zhao got down to business: "Lord Zhang, His Highness has always admired your talent and integrity. This time, he specially ordered me to come here because he actually wants you to join us and work together for the future of the Ming Dynasty."

Lord Zhang was moved when he heard this, but he remained calm on the surface: "Lord Zhao, you are too kind. I am not talented enough to take on such a heavy responsibility."

Lord Zhao shook his head and said sincerely, "Lord Zhang is too modest. Your Highness knows that you have been in the Ministry of War for many years and are familiar with military affairs. You are exactly the talent we need. Moreover, Your Highness is also very concerned about the condition of your mother at home. He has secretly sent people to find a famous doctor, and there will be news soon."

Hearing this, Lord Zhang was deeply moved, his eyes slightly reddened, "Your Highness, I am grateful for your kindness. However, the situation in the court is complicated, and I am afraid that I will cause trouble for Your Highness."

Lord Zhao patted Lord Zhang on the shoulder and said firmly: "Lord Zhang, rest assured. Your Highness is both wise and brave, and you have loyal ministers like us to assist you. Why should you be afraid of the treacherous officials in the court? If you join us, you will surely be able to help Your Highness and create a prosperous Ming Dynasty together."

After a heart-to-heart talk, Lord Zhang was finally moved by Lord Zhao's sincerity and Zhu Di's foresight, and nodded in agreement: "Lord Zhao is right, I am willing to serve your Highness at my utmost."

With the addition of Mr. Zhang, Zhu Di's power network in the court became larger and more stable. Mr. Zhao knew that in order to further consolidate Zhu Di's position, he needed to continue to recruit more knowledgeable people. So he kept shuttling between the residences of important officials, lobbying and winning over them in the name of Zhu Di, either openly or secretly.

One day, Lord Zhao came to the residence of Lord Qian, the Minister of Rites. Lord Qian was known for his brilliant writing and profound knowledge, and he was gentle and not good at political schemes. He had a good reputation in the court. Lord Zhao thought to himself that if he could get help from Lord Qian, it would undoubtedly be a positive force that Zhu Di could not ignore.

"Lord Qian, how are you?" Lord Zhao stepped into the Qian Mansion, bowed and said with a sincere smile on his face.

Lord Qian came out upon hearing the voice, and seeing that it was Lord Zhao, he quickly returned the greeting and said, "Ah, Lord Zhao, it is a great honor for me to have you visit my humble abode. Please come in and take a seat."

The two sat down as host and guest, and after three rounds of tea, Lord Zhao slowly got to the point: "Lord Qian, you are a pillar of the court, your literary talent is soaring, and you are admired. However, the situation in the court has changed a lot recently. I wonder what Lord Qian thinks?"

Lord Qian sighed and said, "Lord Zhao is overpraising me. The affairs of the court are complicated and cannot be controlled by one person. I am just a scholar. I just hope to do my duty and not get involved in party disputes. I will be satisfied."

Lord Zhao smiled and said, "Lord Qian is a man of high moral character and integrity, and is truly a role model for our generation. However, the government is now in decline, and treacherous officials are in power. If we all protect ourselves, who will think about the Ming Dynasty? Your Highness Zhu Di has the world in his heart and is determined to stabilize the country. He needs the assistance of a man of both virtue and talent like Lord Qian."

Upon hearing this, Lord Qian frowned slightly and remained silent. Lord Zhao continued, "Your Highness has long heard of Lord Qian's talent and has praised your knowledge and character in private many times. If you can get Lord Qian's help, you will be able to cleanse the turbid air in the court and restore the Ming Dynasty to a clear and bright future."

Lord Qian shook his head slightly and said, "I am grateful for what Lord Zhao said. However, I have lived in Wenyuan Pavilion for a long time and am not familiar with worldly affairs. I am afraid that I cannot take on this important task."

Lord Zhao knew Lord Qian's concerns, so he took out a secret letter from his sleeve, gently pushed it in front of Lord Qian, and said, "Lord Qian, this is written by His Highness himself. The letter details his views on the current situation in the court and his plans for the future. You may wish to take a look and make a decision."

After a moment's hesitation, Qian finally picked up the letter and read it carefully. In the letter, Zhu Di expressed his high appreciation for Qian's knowledge and character with sincere words, and elaborated on his determination and plan to reform the government and revitalize the Ming Dynasty. After reading it, Qian's eyes flashed with emotion.

"Lord Zhao, I am deeply impressed by your kindness. But this matter is of great importance, so please allow me to think it over again and again." Lord Qian slowly put down the letter, his tone becoming more relaxed.

Lord Zhao saw this and knew that Lord Qian had wavered, so he struck while the iron was hot and said more sincerely, "Lord Qian, Your Highness is well aware of the complexity of the situation in the court and understands your concerns. But please believe that with the help of a minister as virtuous and talented as you, Your Highness's road to reform will surely be smoother. The Ming Dynasty needs people like you to lead the way."

Lord Qian pondered for a moment, and finally nodded slowly: "Lord Zhao's words make sense. Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my part for the Ming Dynasty. However, I have been in the court for many years and I know the interests involved. I hope Your Highness can sympathize with the people and work together for national affairs."

Lord Zhao was overjoyed when he heard this, and he immediately stood up and bowed, "Lord Qian is very righteous, and it is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. If Your Highness knew about this, he would be very grateful. Please rest assured, Lord Qian, Your Highness has his own ideas and will not let the loyal and honest people down."

Afterwards, Lord Zhao discussed with Lord Qian in detail how to gradually advance the reform and how to gain more support in the court. The two had a great conversation and did not leave until late at night.

The next day, Lord Zhao reported to Zhu Di the news that Lord Qian agreed to join. After hearing this, Zhu Di smiled with satisfaction and praised Lord Zhao's ability to do things.

"Lord Zhao, you did not disappoint me. With the joining of Lord Qian, our strength has been further enhanced." Zhu Di said, his eyes flashing with expectations for the future.

Lord Zhao bowed and humbly replied, "Your Highness, you are too kind. This is all due to your wise leadership. I am just trying my best to help you."

Zhu Di smiled slightly and changed the subject: "However, we still have a long way to go. Those diehards in the court will not compromise easily. We must proceed step by step and steadily. Next, I plan to further promote the new policy in the court. How do you think we should start?" Lord Zhao pondered for a moment and replied: "Your Highness, I think that the implementation of the new policy should be gradual and not hasty. First, we can start with rectifying the administration of officials, eliminating corruption in the court, and establishing your image of integrity. Secondly, we should strengthen people's livelihood construction and improve people's living standards to win the hearts of the people. Finally, we should gradually promote military reforms, enhance the military strength of the Ming Dynasty, and ensure peace on the border."

Zhu Di nodded in agreement: "Lord Zhao is right, and I agree with him. Rectifying the administration of officials is the most urgent task, and I will leave this matter to you. You must be fair and strict, and not show favoritism."

At the same time, the battle on the border was still stalemated. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao commanded the border with confidence and gradually stabilized the situation. However, the real test was yet to come. The enemy forces were huge and reinforcements were constantly coming. The Ming army had to remain vigilant at all times and could not relax at all.

One day, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were discussing war in their tent when they suddenly received an urgent report from a spy saying that the enemy was gathering a large army and intended to launch a full-scale attack. Upon hearing this, Zhu Han frowned and quickly called together his generals to discuss countermeasures.

"The enemy is coming with great force this time, so we must be fully prepared." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Pass the order down, the entire army will enter a state of combat readiness, and strengthen patrols and vigilance. At the same time, send an elite team to sneak behind enemy lines to find out the enemy's movements and provide intelligence support for our army to formulate combat plans."

The generals responded quickly to Zhu Han's orders, and the camp became busy, a tense and orderly scene. Zhu Han stood in front of the map, frowning, his eyes moving around the map, as if looking for a strategy to defeat the enemy.

"Deputy General Wang," Zhu Han suddenly said in a firm and powerful voice, "You must lead an elite team immediately and sneak into the enemy camp tonight to investigate the enemy's troop deployment and combat plan. Remember, safety comes first, and you must act carefully."

Deputy General Wang took the order, with a gleam of determination in his eyes: "I will obey your order! I will live up to your trust!" After that, he turned and hurried away, and began to gather people to prepare for this dangerous and important task.

Zhu Han looked at General Li again and said in a deep voice: "General Li, you are responsible for strengthening the camp's defenses to ensure that the enemy cannot easily break through. At the same time, you must pay close attention to the enemy's movements and report to me immediately if you find any abnormalities."

General Li bowed and said in a loud voice: "I understand. I will defend the camp to the death!"

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes swept across the generals, and finally landed on Lieutenant General Zhang: "Lieutenant General Zhang, you lead some soldiers to strengthen patrols, especially night patrols, and you must not slack off in the slightest. At the same time, pay attention to protecting the safety of the people, they are our solid backing."

Deputy General Zhang bowed and promised: "I will obey your orders and do my best to protect the safety of the people."

After arranging everything, Zhu Han took a deep breath and turned to look at Zhu Biao. Zhu Biao had been standing quietly by the side, with a look of worry and determination. Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Biao'er, the next battle will be more difficult, but you must believe that we will be able to overcome all difficulties. You are the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, and your determination and courage will inspire every soldier."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, with a determined light in his eyes: "Don't worry, uncle, I know that I have a heavy responsibility. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will stick to it to the end. For the sake of Ming Dynasty and the people, I swear to drive out the foreign enemies!"

As night fell, the elite team led by Vice General Wang quietly sneaked into the enemy camp. They used the cover of night and terrain to cleverly avoid the enemy's patrols and approached the enemy's command center step by step.

In a tent deep in the enemy camp, enemy generals were sitting around a large table, discussing the upcoming full-scale offensive plan. They were completely unaware that a crisis was quietly approaching.

Suddenly, the curtain of the tent was flung open, and Vice General Wang and several elite soldiers rushed in. They moved quickly and in unison, instantly subduing the enemy generals and guards in the tent.

"Who are you?!" an enemy general shouted in horror.

Deputy General Wang smiled coldly, took out a token from his bosom, and waved it in front of the enemy general: "Ming Dynasty Jinyiwei! If you know what's good for you, tell the truth. Otherwise, don't blame us for being rude!"

The enemy general turned pale when he saw this, knowing that he had fallen into the hands of the Ming army. With a trembling voice, he began to explain the enemy's troop deployment and battle plan.

Deputy General Wang held the token in his hand, staring at the enemy general with a sharp gaze, and spoke with unquestionable majesty: "Tell me! How are your troops deployed? What is the specific plan for a full-scale attack?"

Under the gaze of Vice General Wang, the enemy general turned pale, with beads of sweat oozing from his forehead. He swallowed and replied in a trembling voice: "I...we plan to launch a full-scale attack in the middle of the night three days later. The main force will attack from the east and south at the same time, trying to break through your defense line. The northern line will be responsible for containment to prevent your reinforcements."

At this moment, a scout hurried into the tent, knelt on one knee, and reported breathlessly: "Sir, Deputy General Wang has returned safely and brought back important intelligence!"

When Zhu Han heard this, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he quickly ordered: "Let him in!"

Soon, Vice General Wang strode into the tent with a secret letter in his hand. He walked straight to Zhu Han and respectfully presented the secret letter: "Sir, this is the intelligence I got from the enemy camp, please take a look."

Zhu Han took the secret letter and quickly read it through, with a hint of determination in his eyes. He looked up at the generals and said in a deep voice: "The enemy plans to launch a full-scale attack in the middle of the night three days later, with the main force breaking through from the east and south. We must immediately adjust our deployment and strengthen the defense on both sides."

Upon hearing this, General Li immediately stepped forward, bowed and asked, "Sir, do we need to send more troops to the east and south?"

Zhu Han shook his head, his eyes deep: "No, sending more troops may expose our intentions. We should take advantage of the terrain and set up ambushes and traps to lure the enemy into a trap when we attack. At the same time, we must strengthen patrols on the northern line to ensure that the enemy cannot break through there."

Zhu Biao added: "We can also use the cover of night to harass and raid the enemy, disrupting their deployment and morale." (End of this chapter)