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

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, and both saw a bit of foreboding in each other's eyes. Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, I will go ahead. You wait here for news. Remember, no matter what happens, you must stay calm and do not act rashly."

Zhu Biao clenched his fists and nodded: "Take care, Uncle Han, Biao'er will be waiting for your return."

Zhu Han turned and left, his steps firm and powerful.

Inside the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression. Zhu Han walked into the hall, bowed, and waited for Zhu Yuanzhang to speak.

"Brother Han, do you know why I summoned you into the palace urgently?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Zhu Han knelt on the ground, his voice was low but very clear: "I am stupid and dare not speculate on the emperor's intention. But I guess that your majesty must be worried about Zhu Di's matter."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes sharp: "Brother Han is indeed sharp-minded. Yes, Zhu Di's matter makes me feel very embarrassed. Although he has done something wrong, he is my biological son after all..."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice echoed in the empty hall, with a hint of imperceptible fatigue: "Brother Han, you know that I have fought on the battlefield all my life and conquered the Ming Dynasty so that my descendants can have a stable country. Zhu Di, although he acts recklessly, he has the courage of my youth in his bones, which is one of the reasons why I have never been cruel to him."

Zhu Han frowned slightly when he heard this, but his tone was still respectful: "Your Majesty's benevolence is something that we all understand. However, a country has its own laws, and a family has its own rules. What Zhu Di did was not a small offense. If he is not severely punished, I am afraid that the government will be weakened and the people will be unstable."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, his eyes deep: "Brother Han, you have a point. But have you ever thought about how those who support Zhu Di will react if I punish him severely? The Ming Dynasty has just been established, and I don't want to cause any more trouble."

Zhu Han raised his head, looked directly at Zhu Yuanzhang, and said firmly, "Your Majesty, it is precisely because the Ming Dynasty has just been established that we need to rule the country with an iron fist to serve as a warning to others. If the matter of Zhu Di is not handled properly, it may become a source of chaos in the future. If Your Majesty considers the relationship between father and son, you can banish Zhu Di to a distant place as a punishment, while at the same time preserving the royal family's reputation."

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He praised Zhu Han for his foresight, but also felt that he could not give up his family affection. "Brother Han, your idea is good, but it is not easy to implement. The situation in the court is complicated, and every step needs to be cautious."

Zhu Han knelt again and said earnestly: "Your Majesty, I know this matter is difficult, but for the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the well-being of the people, I implore Your Majesty to put the overall situation first and not let personal feelings influence national policy."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a long time. The hall was so quiet that only the breathing of the two people could be heard. Finally, he slowly spoke: "Brother Han, I already know your loyalty. I will think about this matter again. Please step back and let me think about it carefully."

Although Zhu Han was unwilling, he knew that it was not appropriate to force it at this moment, so he bowed and slowly left the hall. The moment he walked out of the palace, he looked up into the distance and thought to himself: "How can the Ming Dynasty be shaken by one's own personal feelings? I, Zhu Han, must do my best to protect the peace of this land."

At the same time, in the East Palace, Zhu Biao was anxiously waiting for news from Zhu Han. When he saw Zhu Han returning, he hurried forward and said, "Uncle Han, what did the emperor say?"

Zhu Han shook his head lightly, his face solemn: "Your Majesty is still hesitating. But rest assured, Your Highness, no matter what the result is, I will fight side by side with Your Highness to protect the Ming Dynasty together."

Zhu Biao held Zhu Han's hand tightly, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han, I feel at ease with you around. We will definitely be able to get through this difficult time."

The conversation between Zhu Han and Zhu Biao in the East Palace did not end with Zhu Han's return, but became more serious because of the sudden news. Zhu Biao's frown finally relaxed a little, but the worry in his eyes did not completely dissipate.

"Uncle Prince Han, is my father... planning to let Zhu Di go?" There was a hint of uncertainty in Zhu Biao's voice, as if he still found it difficult to accept this fact.

Zhu Han shook his head slightly, his eyes deep: "Your Majesty has not made a clear statement, but his hesitation may be the turning point for us. Your Majesty must have seen Zhu Di's recent arrogance. This summons may be to warn Zhu Di and make him restrain himself."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up when he heard this: "So, father is not completely biased towards Zhu Di? Then should we do something to help father?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly and looked at Zhu Biao approvingly: "Your Highness is right. Although we cannot interfere with the emperor's will directly, we can make arrangements in secret to make Zhu Di's behavior more exposed. At the same time, we can strengthen the unity of the upright people in the court and jointly maintain the government order."

At this time, an attendant hurried in, his expression nervous but with a hint of joy: "Your Highness Prince Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, there is news from the palace that Zhu Di has indeed restrained his behavior since yesterday and is no longer as flamboyant as before."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao finally showed a long-lost smile on his face: "It seems that my father's decision has worked. Uncle Han, what should we do next?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, a glimmer of wisdom flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness, we need to strike while the iron is hot. On the one hand, we need to continue to collect evidence of Zhu Di's crimes in case of emergency; on the other hand, we need to strengthen our ties with the loyal officials in the court to ensure their support at the critical moment."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao will fully cooperate and will never let Zhu Di take advantage of the opportunity."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, and then changed the subject: "However, Your Highness should not take it lightly. Zhu Di is a cunning and changeable person. His restraint this time may only be a temporary measure. We need to stay vigilant at all times to prevent him from suddenly attacking."

Zhu Biao's expression became more serious when he heard this: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will keep it in mind."

As Zhu Di's behavior became more restrained, the atmosphere in the East Palace seemed to ease temporarily, but Zhu Han and Zhu Biao knew that this was just the calm before the storm. The two continued to plot, trying to gain the upper hand in this power game.

Zhu Han took a sip of tea, his eyes revealing deep thought: "Your Highness, Zhu Di's restraint seems to be a response to your majesty's warning, but in fact he may be secretly planning and preparing a more cunning counterattack. We can't take it lightly."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, frowning, "Uncle Han is right. So how should we deal with it? We can't just sit there and wait for death."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "Of course we can't just sit there and wait for death. We can start from two aspects. First, continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, not only to collect evidence of Zhu Di's illegal activities, but also to closely monitor his every move to prevent him from suddenly attacking." Zhu Biao heard this, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "But we have limited manpower, how can we achieve such thorough surveillance?"

Zhu Han smiled mysteriously and took out a secret letter from his sleeve: "Don't worry, Your Highness. I have secretly contacted several friends in the martial arts world. They are good at tracking and investigating, and they will definitely be able to lend us a hand."

Zhu Biao took the secret letter and read it carefully, with a hint of surprise in his eyes: "Uncle Han is really far-sighted. I admire him."

Zhu Han then changed the subject and his expression became serious: "Secondly, we need to further consolidate the alliance of the clean officials in the court. Although His Majesty has not made a clear statement, his hesitation is an opportunity for us to strengthen our internal unity."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han is right, we must let those forces that support Zhu Di see that they are not alone, but surrounded by enemies."

At this moment, an attendant hurried in, looking nervous but unable to hide his joy: "Your Highness Prince Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, there is the latest news from the palace. His Majesty publicly praised several honest and upright ministers in the court today, and hinted that he would rectify the unhealthy trends in the court."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao smiled at each other, and the heavy stone in their hearts finally fell to the ground. Zhu Han stood up and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Your Highness, it seems that our efforts have not been in vain. Your Majesty's move is undoubtedly a heavy blow to Zhu Di and his followers."

Zhu Biao also stood up, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Uncle Han, should we strike while the iron is hot and promote further reforms in the court?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, nodded and said, "Your Highness is right. But reforms must be carried out step by step, and not too hastily. We can start with rectifying the administration of officials, gradually eliminating corruption in the court, and laying the foundation for greater reforms in the future."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. Then let's split up. I will contact the upright people in the court to discuss the reform plan; Uncle Han will continue to be responsible for intelligence gathering and monitoring Zhu Di."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Don't worry, Your Highness. Prince Han will do his best to help Your Highness achieve great things."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were discussing enthusiastically in the East Palace. Suddenly, Zhu Biao seemed to have thought of something. A gleam of inspiration flashed in his eyes. He said to Zhu Han, "Uncle Han, although we have been working hard to collect evidence and strengthen internal unity, the emperor is in the deep palace after all, and it is difficult for him to personally experience the suffering of the people. If the emperor can see the real living conditions of the people with his own eyes, perhaps it will strengthen his determination to rectify the government."

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this. After thinking for a moment, a hint of agreement flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness is right. If Your Majesty could see the suffering of the people with your own eyes, you would have a deeper understanding of what Zhu Di and others did. But how to get Your Majesty to agree to our private visit is a difficult problem."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, and seemed confident: "Uncle Han, this matter may be handled by our mother. Our mother has always been sympathetic to the people. If she proposes this to our father, it will surely be twice as effective with half the effort."

Zhu Han's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands in praise, "Great idea! Your Highness is really thoughtful, and Prince Han is ashamed of himself. Without further ado, we will go to Kunning Palace immediately and report this matter to the Queen."

So the two hurried to Kunning Palace. When Empress Ma heard the purpose of their visit, she showed approval and said, "It is rare that you two can come up with such a plan. I will go and make a suggestion to His Majesty and see what he thinks."

Soon, Empress Ma returned with good news: "His Majesty listened to my proposal. Although he did not agree immediately, his expression was moved. He promised to consider the matter and asked me to tell you that the situation in the court is complicated, and the matter of a secret visit needs to be considered carefully."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao felt relieved after hearing this. Zhu Han bowed and said, "Thank you very much, Queen, for your help. If this is accomplished, it will definitely help my brother understand the suffering of the people more clearly and will be of great benefit to the governance of the court."

Zhu Biao also quickly agreed: "Yes, mother, your suggestion is really timely, Biaoer is very grateful."

Empress Ma smiled slightly, her eyes full of love: "You are all good children, and you have worked so hard for the Ming Dynasty. Although I am not involved in political affairs, I am willing to do my part for you."

As soon as Empress Ma finished speaking, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao showed their delight, their eyes flashing with excitement and anticipation. Zhu Han spoke first, his voice full of excitement: "Has the emperor really agreed to let us go on a secret visit?"

Empress Ma smiled and nodded, her eyes full of kindness and encouragement: "Yes, Prince Han, Crown Prince, although Your Majesty has not directly agreed, your words have revealed your attention and consideration for this matter."

Zhu Biao excitedly took a step forward and bowed deeply: "Thank you, mother, for your mediation. This time, we will not disappoint the expectations of father and mother and report the real situation of the people truthfully."

Empress Ma patted Zhu Biao's hand gently and said earnestly, "Biao'er, this trip carries a heavy responsibility. You should not only see the hardships of the people, but also think about how to solve these problems. Remember, you are the representatives of the royal family, and every move you make is related to the image of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han also solemnly stated: "Don't worry, mother. Prince Han will do his best to ensure the safety and success of this trip, and report to Your Majesty what he sees and hears truthfully, and contribute to the rectification of the court order."

Queen Ma nodded with satisfaction, then changed the subject and asked with concern: "This journey is long, do you need anything to prepare? Whether it is the deployment of troops or the preparation of supplies, just tell me, I will do my best to assist."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and replied, "Mother, we plan to travel light this time to reduce the impact on the local area. But we do need some clothes and daily necessities that can help us hide our identities. In addition, to ensure safety, we also want to bring a few reliable guards with us."

Zhu Han added: "We also need to prepare some silver and documents in case of emergency. At the same time, in order to ensure the secrecy of the journey, we will choose a more remote road to travel."

After hearing this, Queen Ma nodded approvingly and said, "You have thought it through very carefully. I will immediately arrange for people to prepare these things, and make sure that everything is ready before you set off. In addition, it is best for you to have another detailed talk with His Majesty before you set off and listen to his specific instructions and expectations."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han looked at each other, with determination in their eyes: "Don't worry, mother, we will report our plan in detail to father before we set off and listen to his valuable advice." (End of this chapter)