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

In the banquet hall, as Zhu Han finished his words, the atmosphere became subtle and solemn. The ministers were either in deep thought or whispering to each other. Obviously, the topic of reform touched the sensitive nerves in everyone's heart.

At this time, an old minister who was known for his outspokenness and courage to remonstrate stood up slowly. His hair and beard were all white, and his eyes revealed the wisdom of having experienced many vicissitudes of life. "Your Highness, Prince Han, I have something to say. Reform is certainly the way to strengthen the country and enrich the people, but its implementation requires extreme caution. Your Highness's proposal to rectify the administration of officials and severely punish corruption is indeed an urgent task, but how to define corruption and how to ensure fairness are not easy."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes full of respect. "Your Excellency is right. Defining corruption and ensuring fairness are the key to reform. I think we can establish detailed laws to clearly define the crime of corruption, and at the same time strengthen supervision, so that the people and officials can supervise together, and form an anti-corruption system that is united from top to bottom and combines internal and external forces."

A young official's eyes sparkled when he heard this. He stood up and said excitedly, "Your Highness, your idea is great! I think we can also set up anonymous reporting boxes to encourage officials and the people to bravely expose corruption, while protecting the safety of the reporters to prevent future troubles."

Zhu Han nodded in approval: "This plan is very good. It can protect the whistleblower and effectively combat corruption. This king will seriously consider it."

At this time, Crown Prince Zhu Biao also joined the discussion. He said firmly: "My Lords, the reform is related to the future of Ming Dynasty. I think we should work together to overcome the difficulties. Since Uncle Han has such determination and wisdom, I am willing to fully support him and jointly promote the reform."

A middle-aged court official, who was usually known for his steadiness, also stood up at this time. His tone was calm but revealed an unquestionable strength: "Your Highness and Prince Han's words are all for the benefit of the Ming Dynasty. However, the road to reform is long and difficult, and we need to proceed step by step and not rush. I suggest that we first implement it in one or two pilot areas, and then promote it after seeing the results."

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of approval flashed in his eyes: "Your Excellency's words are deeply in my heart. Pilot implementation is indeed a safe strategy. I will seriously consider it, choose a suitable place, and carry out the reform first to see the effect."

At this moment, a young official in gorgeous court robes suddenly stood up. His face was solemn, and he was obviously worried. "Your Highness, although reform is good, the forces in the court are complicated and one move can affect the whole body. I am afraid that the reform will touch certain forces and cause unnecessary disputes."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes were like torches: "How could I not know what you are worried about? However, for the future of Ming Dynasty and the welfare of the people, I am willing to take on the responsibility. As long as you have the people in your heart and act justly, why fear the obstacles?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao also stood up and said in a firm tone: "Uncle Han is right. I am willing to fight alongside Uncle Han. If anyone in the court dares to obstruct the reform, I will not let him off easily!"

At this time, an old minister who usually behaved in a low-key but thoughtful manner slowly stood up. His eyes were deep, as if he could see into people's hearts. "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, I think that reforms should not only focus on the system, but also on people's hearts. The officials in the court all have their own positions. If you can't win their hearts, even if you have a good plan, it will be difficult to implement it."

Zhu Han nodded slightly when he heard this, expressing his agreement: "What the old man said is very true. The support of the people is the key to the success or failure of the reform. I think we should open up channels for people to express their opinions and encourage officials to offer suggestions. At the same time, we should strengthen education and improve the quality of officials so that they can distinguish right from wrong and work together for national affairs."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao took over the conversation, saying sincerely, "Uncle Han is right. I also think that we should set up schools to open up avenues for talent, so that people with lofty ideals can display their talents and contribute to the future of Ming Dynasty."

A young official's eyes sparkled when he heard this. He stood up and said with some excitement in his voice: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, I think the key to reform lies in innovation. The Ming Dynasty has been established for a long time, and many old systems are no longer suitable for the times. I suggest that a special agency should be established to study the current situation and propose new policies to cope with the changes of the times."

Zhu Han heard this, and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes: "This is a very good proposal. Innovation is the foundation of national progress. I will seriously consider it and set up corresponding institutions to encourage innovative thinking and promote the continuous progress of the Ming Dynasty."

At this moment, a middle-aged minister in court robes suddenly stood up. He looked solemn and was obviously worried. "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, I think that although reform is imperative, we must also consider the stability of the court. In recent years, there have been constant wars on the borders and people's lives have been difficult. If the reform is too hasty, it may cause civil unrest."

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this, and after a moment's silence, he said, "I have taken into account your concerns. Reforms should be carried out step by step to ensure that people's livelihood is not affected. At the same time, we should strengthen border defense and ensure national peace in order to create favorable conditions for reform."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao also nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. I also think that we should do both, one is reform and the other is stability. We should ensure that the Ming Dynasty moves forward steadily in the reform."

In the banquet hall, all the ministers nodded in agreement with Zhu Han and the Crown Prince's opinions. At this time, a young scholar who was known for his wit stood up. He held a folding fan in his hand, shook it a few times, and said with a smile: "Your Highness, Your Highness, I have a plan that may help the reform go smoothly."

Hearing this, everyone cast curious glances. The young scholar smiled and continued, "I suggest that we first publicize the benefits of reform among the people, so that the people know that reform is for their well-being. At the same time, select a few places as pilot areas for reform, so that the people can witness the benefits of reform with their own eyes. In this way, people will naturally support reform."

Zhu Han's eyes flashed with joy when he heard this. He clapped his hands and praised, "This is a great plan! Putting the people first and making the people the witnesses and beneficiaries of the reform will naturally win the hearts of the people. This king will seriously consider this plan and start to implement it."

After the banquet, Zhu Han and Crown Prince Zhu Biao walked out of the banquet hall side by side. The moonlight sprinkled on them like water, adding a bit of solemnity and mystery to this quiet night. The two talked while walking, and jointly planned the blueprint for the future reform of the Ming Dynasty.

"Uncle Prince Han," Crown Prince Zhu Biao said softly, "Today's banquet has given me hope for reform. I know very well that the road to reform is not easy, but with Uncle Prince Han by my side, I feel at ease."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his tone full of sincerity: "Your Highness, you are too kind. Prince Han is just doing his best to share your worries. Your Highness still needs to personally check the reform to ensure that there are no mistakes."

Under the moonlight, the figures of Zhu Han and Crown Prince Zhu Biao were stretched out, and their conversation was particularly clear in the quiet night.

"Uncle Han, Zhu Di's party has been making frequent moves recently. They seem to have complaints about the new policy and are even secretly obstructing its implementation." Crown Prince Zhu Biao's tone was a little worried, and his eyes were fixed on Zhu Han, as if seeking an answer.

Zhu Han frowned slightly upon hearing this, but then relaxed his brows. This road to reform is destined to be bumpy. "Your Highness is right. Zhu Di and others hold great power and will not easily give up their vested interests. But they underestimated the desire of the people of the Ming Dynasty for change, and also underestimated your Majesty's determination."

"What countermeasures does Uncle Han have?" the prince asked anxiously, his eyes flashing with trust and expectation for Zhu Han.

At this time, an attendant hurried over, knelt on one knee and reported: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, the Minister of Revenue Zhao wants to see you, and there is an urgent matter to discuss."

Zhu Han and the prince looked at each other, both sensing the urgency of the situation, and hurriedly said, "Please invite Lord Zhao in."

Soon, the Minister of Revenue, Lord Zhao, walked into the courtyard with a solemn look on his face. After paying his respects, he spoke bluntly: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, Zhu Di and his party used their power to secretly manipulate the local finances, resulting in the delay in the funds needed for the new policy, which seriously affected the progress of the reform." Upon hearing this, the prince was furious: "How dare they be so bold!"

Zhu Han calmly analyzed: "Lord Zhao, this matter is of great importance. We must produce solid evidence and report everything to His Majesty. At the same time, we must start looking for alternative sources of funds to ensure that the new policy is not affected."

Lord Zhao nodded, a trace of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Your Highness Prince Han has a far-sighted vision, and I admire you. I have secretly investigated and collected some key evidence. When the time is right, I will report to Your Majesty."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, expressing his approval of Lord Zhao's ability to handle affairs: "Lord Zhao, you have worked hard. This matter concerns the future of Ming Dynasty, so you must act with caution. In addition, strengthen communication with other departments to ensure that the materials needed for the new policy are in place in a timely manner."

Lord Zhao took the order and left. Only Zhu Han and the prince were left in the courtyard again. The prince sighed and said worriedly: "Uncle Han, Zhu Di's party is very powerful. Are we too optimistic?"

While the two were talking, another attendant hurried over and reported in a panic: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, it's bad! Zhu Di and his party are spreading rumors in the court, slandering the new policy, and inciting court officials to oppose reform."

Zhu Han's eyes instantly became sharp when he heard this. He turned to look at Crown Prince Zhu Biao, and both of them revealed an unquestionable firmness in their eyes. "Your Highness, rumors stop at the wise, but we must crush these nonsense with action."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao clenched his fists and said in a deep and powerful voice: "Uncle Han is right. We cannot sit idly by. We must produce actual results and let the government and the public see the benefits of the new policy. Only then can we completely shut up those opponents."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "First, we must increase the publicity of the new policy so that the people can truly understand the benefits of the new policy. At the same time, we should organize some demonstration projects so that the results of the new policy can be seen and touched."

At this time, an aide hurried into the courtyard and reported nervously: "Your Highness Prince Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Zhu Di's party not only spread rumors in the court, but also secretly instigated local officials to resist the implementation of the new policy. The implementation of the new policy has been hindered in many places."

Upon hearing this, the prince frowned and said, "How dare they be so arrogant!"

Zhu Han calmly analyzed: "We must take a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we must strengthen the central government's control over local governments to ensure that the new policies are implemented smoothly; on the other hand, we must severely punish those officials who openly resist the new policies to serve as a warning to others."

The prince nodded in agreement. "Uncle Han is right. This matter needs to be dealt with immediately. I will report the situation to my father and ask for his support in our thorough investigation."

Zhu Han added: "In addition, we also need to strengthen our ties with the beneficiaries of the new policy, so that they can become firm supporters of the new policy and form positive public opinion at the local level."

The conversation between Zhu Han and Crown Prince Zhu Biao was interrupted by a burst of hurried footsteps. An attendant hurried in and reported nervously: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, there is urgent intelligence. Zhu Di used the Jinyiwei to move around in the court and put pressure on the ministers in an attempt to obstruct the implementation of the new policy."

Upon hearing this, the prince's face darkened: "Zhu Di is so blatant!"

Zhu Han's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness, and then he said to his attendant: "Quickly call a few important officials who are affected, we need to discuss countermeasures together."

Soon, several important officials were urgently summoned to the meeting room of Zhu Han and the Crown Prince. Everyone looked solemn, and it was obvious that they had heard about what Zhu Di and his Jinyiwei had done.

An old official with white hair and beard spoke first, his voice filled with helplessness and anger: "Zhu Di's actions are truly unfortunate for the Ming Dynasty. He used the Jinyiwei to spread rumors everywhere, threatened and bribed people, and the people in the court were in a panic."

Another middle-aged minister took over the conversation, frowning: "What's worse, some local officials have been bewitched and have begun to openly resist the new policies. The situation is becoming increasingly serious."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao said in a deep voice: "We must take action and not let Zhu Di's conspiracy succeed. Do you have any good ideas?"

At this time, a minister who was known for his uprightness stood up and said in a firm voice: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, I think that we should first clarify the rumors and make the truth public so that everyone in the court and the public can understand Zhu Di's true face."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "That's true, but it's hard for us to resist the dense spies of the Jinyiwei with just a few of us. We need to unite more loyal people and speak out together."

A young minister suggested: "We can use the opportunity of the court meeting to question Zhu Di and his followers in public, expose their conspiracy, and let the world see it together."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao added: "At the same time, we must also strengthen our surveillance of the Jinyiwei and collect evidence of their illegal activities. Once the time is right, we will report it to the emperor and let him make the final decision."

At this time, a minister who had served in the local government for a long time and knew something about the Jinyiwei said: "The Jinyiwei acted secretly, and it is not easy to collect evidence against them. But I am willing to take the risk and sneak into the Jinyiwei to find out the truth."

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Your loyalty and bravery are commendable, but this matter is extremely dangerous, you must be extremely careful. I will send elite secret guards to assist you and ensure your safety."

Everyone had made their decision and were about to disperse to go their separate ways when a servant hurried in with a secret letter in his hand: "Your Highness Prince Han, an urgent secret letter has been delivered."

Zhu Han took the secret letter and quickly read it through. His expression became more serious: "Zhu Di has secretly dispatched Jinyiwei experts to harm several important officials. We must immediately strengthen our vigilance to ensure the safety of all the adults." (End of this chapter)