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

Chapter 882: Undercurrent of Confrontation

As soon as these words came out, the court was in uproar again. Zhu Biao also stood up and said with a firm look: "Father, I am willing to take on this important task and contribute my humble efforts to the peace of the Ming border."

As soon as Zhu Han made the proposal, the court fell into a brief silence, followed by a burst of whispers and whispers. Zhu Di's supporters were obviously not satisfied with this arrangement, and they began to look for opportunities to refute it.

A minister who usually depended on Zhu Di stood up. He looked worried, bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Your Majesty, I dare to make a suggestion. As the crown prince, you have a heavy responsibility. The government affairs in the court are already quite heavy. If you also serve as the border defense envoy, I am afraid you will be unable to take care of both. Border defense is related to the safety of the country and cannot be lost. I think that an experienced and prestigious minister should be selected to be responsible for this matter."

Zhu Han heard this, his eyes swept over the minister calmly, and slowly said: "Your Excellency, the Minister is wrong. As the crown prince and the future heir to the country, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince should have experienced the ups and downs of life before he can take on the great responsibility. Although the border defense is heavy, it is also a great opportunity to exercise his ability to govern the country. Moreover, with my assistance, I will be able to ensure the peace of the border."

At this time, another minister close to Zhu Di also stood up, with a bit of provocation in his tone: "Prince Han's words make sense, but the responsibility of the frontier defense commander is heavy, and it requires overall planning, which requires thunderous means. Your Highness the Crown Prince is young and energetic, and has little experience. If he makes a mistake, the consequences will be disastrous. I think it would be safer to select a mature and prudent minister."

Facing the provocation of Zhu Di's trusted minister, Zhu Han's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, but he still maintained a calm expression on the surface. He slightly turned sideways, looked at the minister with deep eyes, and said in a calm tone with unquestionable power: "This is wrong. Although His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is young, his wisdom and courage have been demonstrated many times in our Ming army. Border affairs cannot be solved by simple force, but also require wisdom and determination. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is both kind-hearted and far-sighted, and is indeed the best choice for the border defense envoy."

Zhu Biao also stood up. His voice was firm and powerful, and he looked directly at the minister. "As the crown prince, I should take the safety of the country as my own responsibility. I have no choice but to take responsibility for the affairs of the border. Although I am young, I am willing to learn and take responsibility. Please believe me, I will live up to the expectations of my father and uncle, and the people of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao's firm response instantly made the atmosphere in the court tense. The ministers looked at each other, not daring to express their opinions easily. Zhu Di sat aside, with a barely perceptible smile on his lips, but his eyes flashed with a deep light, as if he was measuring the changes in the situation.

"Although Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince have made convincing arguments, the responsibility of border defense is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly." At this time, an old minister who was on good terms with Zhu Di stood up. His voice was not loud, but it revealed unquestionable majesty. "Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince is young and promising, and has a promising future, but border defense is a national affair and requires people with rich experience to be competent. I think that we should still select suitable candidates from the court to ensure the stability of the border."

Zhu Han frowned slightly when he heard this. Although the old minister's words were unpleasant to hear, they were not without reason. But he knew better that he could not retreat at this moment. He looked around and his eyes finally fell on Zhu Di, as if they were engaged in a silent contest.

"What I have said is absolutely right. Border defense does require experienced people." Zhu Han spoke slowly, his tone revealing an unquestionable firmness. "But I think that experience can be accumulated, but wisdom and courage cannot be achieved overnight. Although His Royal Highness is young, he has already demonstrated extraordinary leadership and decision-making ability. More importantly, as the crown prince, he will surely shoulder the responsibility of governing the country in the future. Border defense is a great opportunity for him to hone his will and grow his talents."

Zhu Biao also stood up, his voice was even louder, and he looked at everyone with a firm gaze: "I appreciate your concern and reminder, but I have made up my mind. I have no choice but to take responsibility for border affairs. I am willing to take the safety of the country as my own responsibility. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will move forward bravely and never retreat!"

The court fell into silence for a moment. The ministers looked at each other, obviously shocked by Zhu Biao's determination. Seeing this, Zhu Di coughed lightly to break the silence.

"Your Majesty, what the Prince of Han said is very reasonable, but the border defense is related to the foundation of the country, and we must consider it carefully." Zhu Di's voice was gentle and powerful. He slowly stood up and glanced at everyone. "In my opinion, it is better to put the appointment of the border defense envoy on hold for the time being and make a decision when the time is right. In the meantime, Your Majesty, the Prince of Han and His Majesty, the Prince, can jointly discuss the border defense strategy to ensure peace on the border."

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the court suddenly eased a lot. The ministers nodded in agreement. After all, Zhu Di's proposal gave face to Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, and did not directly deny their ideas.

"What the Fourth Prince said is absolutely right. We must be cautious when it comes to border defense." A neutral minister stood up and echoed, "I think that Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can jointly take charge of border defense, and make long-term plans when the time is right."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, looking deeply at the dispute below. He had his own thoughts in mind, and he naturally had his own considerations for the appointment of the frontier defense envoy. But at this time, he was not in a hurry to express his opinion, but quietly observed the changes in the situation in the court.

In the end, at Zhu Di's suggestion, the appointment to the post of Frontier Defense Envoy was temporarily shelved.

"Everyone, although the border war did not go as I wished, it was not completely fruitless." In the mansion, Zhu Di looked around at everyone and spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful, "Zhu Han and Zhu Biao must have a high opinion of themselves after returning this time, and they think that no one in the court can match them. However, we can use this time to gradually weaken their support."

A counselor stepped forward, bowed and said, "Your Highness is right. I think we can start with those neutral or wavering ministers in the court, and gradually make them turn to our side by promising them huge benefits or threatening them."

Zhu Di nodded slightly, indicating his agreement: "This plan is feasible, but we must act carefully and not leave any handle. At the same time, we also need to strengthen intelligence gathering to ensure that we know everything about Zhu Han and Zhu Biao."

Another counselor added: "Your Highness, we can also use the handles of some corrupt officials in the court to force them to work for us. Although these people are not loyal, they can play an unexpected role at a critical moment."

Zhu Di heard this, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes: "Okay, I'll follow your plan. But remember, we must not only weaken their power, but also create conflicts and cause cracks within them."

With Zhu Di's careful planning, two opposing forces gradually formed in the court. On the one hand, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao relied on their military exploits on the frontier and the prestige of the royal family to consolidate their positions; on the other hand, Zhu Di used a series of means to secretly weaken their support and create various contradictions and disputes.

One day, Zhu Han summoned several of his trusted advisers to discuss how to deal with Zhu Di's layout in the court. In the study, the flickering candlelight reflected on their solemn faces.

"Everyone, although we have made great achievements in the battle after returning from the frontier, the situation in the court has become more complicated." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, his eyes were sharp, "Zhu Di has been operating in the court for many years and has many followers. We must find a way to cut off their wings one by one to ensure that Biao'er can succeed to the throne smoothly."

An aide stepped forward and said, "Prince Han is right. Zhu Di has great influence in the court. If we confront him head-on, it may be difficult to win quickly. I think we can start with those ministers who are not firm in their positions, and gradually disintegrate their power through a combination of kindness and force."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and praised: "This is a great plan. But we must be careful not to alert the enemy. In addition, we need to strengthen intelligence gathering and know Zhu Di's every move." Another staff member added: "Prince Han, we can also use the upright people in the court. Although they do not hold real power, they have a high prestige among the people. If we can get their support, it will definitely add a lot of momentum to our side."

Zhu Han smiled when he heard this: "That makes sense. Although the Qingliu people have no power or influence, their influence cannot be underestimated. We can interact with them more often, discuss national affairs together, and set things straight."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, agreeing with the advice of several staff members. Every step in the court must be taken with caution. If you are not careful, you may lose everything. "You are right. We must not only disintegrate Zhu Di's power, but also consolidate Biao'er's position so that he can inherit the throne legitimately."

He stood up, walked to the study window, looked at the deep night outside the window, and after thinking for a moment, he continued: "Next, we have to start from two aspects. One is to strengthen the intelligence network to ensure that we know Zhu Di's movements; the other is to actively win the support of the upright people in the court, and at the same time divide and disintegrate Zhu Di's followers."

A trusted aide stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Prince Han, I am willing to personally be responsible for the expansion and integration of the intelligence network to ensure that every piece of information can be accurately conveyed to Your Majesty."

Zhu Han nodded in approval: "Okay, I'll leave this matter to you. Remember, intelligence work must be kept secret and no news can be leaked."

Another staff member also volunteered: "Prince Han, I am willing to be responsible for contacting the upright people and win their support. At the same time, we can also take this opportunity to expose some of Zhu Di's illegal behaviors and let the court officials see his true face."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This is a great plan. Although the upright people have no real power in the court, their words and attitudes can influence the direction of the court and the public. You need to act carefully and make sure that every step is steady and solid."

After the discussion, Zhu Han began to implement the plan. He secretly sent his trusted aides to various places to strengthen the establishment of intelligence networks. At the same time, he personally visited several influential people in the court to discuss state affairs, and gradually won their trust and support.

At the same time, Zhu Di was not idle. After he noticed Zhu Han's actions in the court, he immediately strengthened the control over his followers and secretly sent his confidants to collect intelligence about Zhu Han and try to find his weaknesses.

One day, Zhu Han received a secret report in his mansion that Zhu Di was secretly contacting several important officials in the court to plot something bad. Zhu Han frowned and quickly summoned his trusted staff to discuss countermeasures.

"Zhu Di's move is obviously to launch an offensive while we are still unstable." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "We must take the initiative to expose his conspiracy and let the court officials see his true colors."

An aide stepped forward and said, "Prince Han, I have a plan. We can secretly collect evidence of Zhu Di's collusion with court officials and his evil intentions, and then expose him publicly in the court. This way, we can not only undermine his power, but also win the support of court officials."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This is a very good plan. But we must be careful that the evidence must be irrefutable and no handles can be left. At the same time, we must also be prepared to deal with Zhu Di's counterattack."

However, because many officials in the court had been bribed by Zhu Di, the plan was leaked.

Zhu Han frowned and said in a deep voice: "It seems that Zhu Di's power in the court is more deeply rooted than we expected. If the plan is leaked, I am afraid we will be in a passive position."

A trusted aide stepped forward, his expression solemn: "Prince Han, I think we must now act more cautiously, re-evaluate our intelligence sources, and ensure that every clue is strictly screened to prevent it from being leaked again."

Another aide added: "At the same time, we should also speed up our actions and not give Zhu Di a chance to breathe. Perhaps we can seek help from the clear-minded people we have already won over, and they may be able to provide some clues that we have not noticed."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Yes, we must do it in two ways. On the one hand, we must strengthen the self-censorship of the intelligence network and eliminate all possible leaks; on the other hand, we must use the influence of the clean stream to surround Zhu Di from the side."

He turned to the staff member in charge of contacting the clean-minded people and said, "You will leave immediately and have in-depth exchanges with those clean-minded people to see if you can get new clues about Zhu Di's conspiracy from them. At the same time, remind them to pay attention to their own safety. Zhu Di will not let go of anyone who may threaten him."

The aide bowed and accepted the order: "I obey your order and will go there immediately."

After the staff left, Zhu Han turned to another staff member in charge of the intelligence network: "You also need to speed up your pace. Not only must you expand your intelligence sources, but you must also ensure the accuracy of the intelligence. Any unverified news should not be easily believed."

The aide nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will do my best to ensure the stability and security of the intelligence network."

Just as Zhu Han and his staff were busy making arrangements, an attendant hurried into the study and reported nervously, "Prince Han, it's bad! Zhu Di seems to have noticed something and has started to purge our people. Several spies lurking around him have lost contact."

Zhu Han's face darkened when he heard this: "It seems that Zhu Di has already started to act. We must be more careful and not let him disrupt our deployment."

He pondered for a moment, then instructed his attendant, "Immediately notify all spies on missions outside to be alert and reduce unnecessary contacts to avoid exposing their identities. At the same time, strengthen the guards in the mansion to ensure our safety."

The servant took the order and left, and the study fell into heavy silence again.