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

Then, Zhu Han changed the subject and mentioned a detail: "Regarding our identity, we plan to disguise our whereabouts as businessmen. This will not only reduce unnecessary trouble, but also allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the private economy."

Upon hearing this, Empress Ma's eyes flashed with approval: "This is a good idea. Being a merchant will indeed make it easier for you to hide your whereabouts and gain a deeper understanding of the people's sentiments. I will have someone prepare some relevant merchant documents and a list of goods for you to take with you."

Zhu Biao said gratefully: "Thank you, mother, for your thoughtful consideration. With these preparations, we believe that this trip will be able to complete the mission smoothly."

Queen Ma smiled and nodded, her eyes full of hope and encouragement for the two: "Go, you will definitely live up to everyone's expectations."

Under the arrangement of Empress Ma, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han made intensive preparations for the incognito tour. When they returned to the East Palace, Zhu Biao immediately summoned his trusted attendant Li Zhong and began to assign tasks.

"Li Zhong, go prepare two sets of ordinary merchant clothes. They must be plain in texture and without any royal symbols." Zhu Biao ordered, his eyes revealing unquestionable determination.

Li Zhong took the order and left. After a while, he returned with several sets of clothes and showed them to Zhu Biao and Zhu Han one by one. Zhu Han carefully checked each piece of clothing to make sure there were no omissions before nodding his head to show satisfaction.

"Your Highness, Uncle Prince Han, the clothes are ready. Next we need to prepare some silver and daily necessities." Li Zhong continued, appearing quite capable.

Zhu Han thought for a moment and added, "In addition to silver, you also need to prepare some dry food and water in case of inconvenience on the road. Also, prepare a few fake merchant documents and cargo lists in case of emergency."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then turned to another attendant, Zhang Quan: "Zhang Quan, go and pick a few reliable guards. Make sure to pick those who are agile and tight-lipped. You need to keep a low profile on this trip and don't advertise it."

Zhang Quan took the order and left. After a while, he returned with several strong guards and saluted Zhu Biao and Zhu Han one by one. Zhu Han carefully looked at the guards and nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, they are all good. You must protect your highness' safety during this trip and don't be careless."

The guards responded in unison, appearing to be well-trained. Zhu Han felt relieved when he saw this.

Then, Zhu Han turned to Zhu Biao and said solemnly: "Your Highness, we still need to make a detailed itinerary plan for this trip. Considering your majesty's expectations and our goals, we need to choose places where people's livelihood issues are most prominent for inspection."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. I have ordered people to collect information about the livelihood of people in various places. We will study it together later and work out a practical itinerary plan."

The two men immediately buried themselves in the maps and intelligence on their desks and studied them carefully. Zhu Han offered his own opinions and suggestions from time to time, while Zhu Biao listened carefully and took notes. The cooperation between the two men seemed to be in perfect harmony, as if they had been comrades-in-arms for many years.

After some discussion and revision, they finally worked out a detailed itinerary plan. Zhu Han looked at the plan with satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with anticipation: "Your Highness, with this plan, we will definitely gain a lot from this trip."

Zhu Biao also seemed full of confidence: "Uncle Han is right. With sufficient preparation and clear goals, we will be able to report the true situation of the people to our father."

As the itinerary was finalized, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han became more excited, but also more cautious. Zhu Biao turned to Li Zhong and said, "Li Zhong, go inform our mother and tell her that everything is ready and we are about to set off. At the same time, ask her to keep it a secret and not to publicize it."

Li Zhong withdrew in response, and before leaving, he did not forget to remind: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, please be careful on this trip. I will wait for good news in the palace."

After Li Zhong left, Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao, his eyes filled with both encouragement and admonition: "Your Highness, going on an incognito tour is different from palace life. You need to do everything yourself and experience the sufferings of the people. Only then can you deeply understand the real situation of the people. I hope Your Highness can cast aside the constraints of your identity and integrate into it wholeheartedly."

Zhu Biao's expression became more determined when he heard this: "Don't worry, Uncle Han, I will keep it in mind. This trip is not only for my father's expectations, but also for the future of the Ming Dynasty. I am willing to work with my uncle to understand the people's sentiments and seek the welfare of the people."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Your Highness is determined to do this, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. However, we still need to check the luggage again to ensure that there is no problem."

As they spoke, the two carefully checked the clothes, silver, dry food, and the forged merchant documents and cargo lists. Zhu Han especially reminded: "These documents and lists must be made realistic to avoid arousing suspicion."

Zhu Biao nodded, picked up a document and examined it carefully, and exclaimed: "Li Zhong is really careful in his work. This document is almost authentic."

Everything was ready. Zhu Han looked out the window at the sky and estimated the time to set off: "Your Highness, it's getting late. We should set off. We still need to hurry up on the road so as not to miss the best time for investigation."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood in front of the East Palace, looking at the journey they were about to embark on, both of them looked particularly solemn and determined. Zhu Han checked the luggage again, and then said to Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, although this trip is disguised as a businessman, remember to be careful in your words and actions, so as not to reveal your true identity."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flickering with determination: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao will be careful in what he says and does, and will live up to his mission. However, leaving the palace will inevitably make me feel a little uneasy."

Zhu Han smiled and said comfortingly, "Your Highness, don't worry. We are here to protect you. Besides, this trip is for the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the well-being of the people. Your Highness should focus on the overall situation and not worry too much about trivial matters in the palace."

Zhu Biao's worries were slightly relieved after hearing this. He looked at Zhu Han with gratitude and said, "Uncle Han is right. I have learned a lot from your teaching. I will do my best on this trip and live up to the trust of my father and mother."

At this time, the guards led by Zhang Quan were ready to go. They were all in high spirits, with determination and loyalty in their eyes. Zhang Quan stepped forward and bowed to report: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, everything is ready, please give your instructions."

Zhu Han nodded and said to Zhang Quan and the guards: "This mission is arduous and the responsibility is heavy. I hope you will be careful and protect His Highness' safety, and also pay attention to your own safety. We are a team, and the safety of any one of us is of vital importance."

The guards responded in unison, their voices loud and powerful, showing their firm determination and confidence. Zhu Biao looked at these loyal guards, and a warm current surged in his heart. He turned to Zhu Han and said, "Uncle Han, with them here, Biao'er feels more at ease. Let's go!"

Zhu Han nodded, and walked out of the East Palace with Zhu Biao, embarking on a journey of incognito tour. Along the way, the two exchanged their understanding and expectations of the areas to be inspected, and their mutual understanding and trust became deeper and deeper.

When they reached the outskirts of the city, a vast field came into view. The busy figures of farmers in the distance aroused Zhu Biao's infinite reverie about folk life. He turned to Zhu Han and said, "Uncle Han, look at the people working in the fields. They work from sunrise to sunset. Although their lives are hard, they are full of hope and tenacity. We must bring them real help on this trip."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, looked at the vibrant fields with a gentle gaze, and responded softly: "Your Highness is right. Although these people live a simple life, they cultivate this land with their hardworking hands and nurture countless lives. As members of the royal family, we should care about the people and sympathize with their sufferings."

Zhu Biao's expression became more resolute after hearing this. He took a deep breath, as if he wanted to absorb the tenacity and hope of this field into his chest: "Uncle Han Wang, Biaoer is willing to take this opportunity to deeply understand the suffering of the people, share the worries of the emperor, and seek benefits for the people."

The two continued walking and soon came to a small village. At the entrance of the village, several elderly people were sitting under an old locust tree, leisurely basking in the sun and chatting about family matters. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao smiled at each other and decided to approach them to talk.

Zhu Han stepped forward first, bowed and said, "Old man, we are businessmen passing through your place and would like to ask for a bowl of water. Could you please give us a favor?"

A white-haired old man looked up and saw that the two men were of extraordinary bearing, yet also humble and polite, so he greeted them with a smile: "You two gentlemen have come from afar, so you are honored guests. I will go get you some water right away."

Zhu Biao followed closely behind Zhu Han and bowed to the old men to express his gratitude. When the old man brought some water, the two took it and took a sip, feeling the sweetness and thirst quenching, and their hearts were even warmer.

Zhu Han put down the water bowl and started chatting with the old people: "Old man, the people here are simple and honest, and the people live and work in peace and contentment. It is really a paradise. I wonder if there have been any changes in recent years?"

The old man's expression changed slightly when he heard this, and he sighed and said, "My lord, you don't know that in previous years this place was indeed well-fed and well-clothed, but in recent years, taxes have become heavier, coupled with successive years of drought and poor harvests, and the people's lives have become increasingly difficult."

Zhu Biao frowned upon hearing this and asked with concern, "Is this true? Didn't the court do anything about it?"

Another old man shook his head, his eyes full of helplessness: "Although the court has taken measures to provide disaster relief, the silver and grain are limited, and the amount distributed to each household is already a drop in the bucket. What's more, some officials have enriched themselves, so how much can the people get?"

Zhu Han's heart sank when he heard this. He said softly, "What you said, old man, we will remember in our hearts. This trip is to understand the people's sentiments and report the true situation to the emperor. Don't worry, the Ming Dynasty will not sit idly by and watch the people suffer."

After hearing this, the old man's eyes flashed with a glimmer of hope. He stood up tremblingly and bowed deeply to Zhu Han and Zhu Biao: "If you two can say a few fair words for us poor people, you will be our great benefactors!"

Zhu Biao hurriedly stepped forward to help the old man up and said sincerely: "Father, you are too kind. As members of the royal family, it is our duty to seek the welfare of the people. Please rest assured that we will report the situation here to the emperor and seek a solution."

At this time, a middle-aged woman at the side couldn't help but interrupt, with tears in her eyes: "My two gentlemen, because of the years of famine, many children here don't have enough food to eat, and they are so thin that their bones are just skin and bones. Look at these children, they should be lively and energetic at this age, but now they can't even run..."

Zhu Han felt even more sad when he heard this. He looked around and saw several skinny children looking at the water bowls in their hands with eager eyes. He quickly handed the water bowl to the nearest child and said gently, "Child, drink it. This water is very sweet."

The child took the bowl of water, drank it carefully, and a long-lost smile appeared on his face, as if it was the most delicious nectar he had ever drunk. Seeing this, other children also gathered around, with the same desire in their eyes.

Seeing this, Zhu Han said to Zhu Biao, "Your Highness, we must report the situation here to our father as soon as possible, and at the same time find a way to provide these children with some help within our capacity."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Uncle Han is right, we can't let these innocent children continue to suffer. When I return, I will immediately draft a memorial to report the situation here in detail to my father, and ask him to allocate relief grain funds."

Zhu Han added: "In addition, we can also mobilize some wealthy businessmen and gentry to donate money and materials to help these people overcome difficulties. People are kind-hearted. As long as we sincerely care about the people, there will always be people willing to lend a hand."

The old man was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes when he heard this: "You two young masters are really kind-hearted! The people here will definitely remember your kindness!"

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao quickly humbly said they were not worthy of the title and continued to talk with the villagers to gain a deeper understanding of their specific difficulties and needs. They asked in detail about the planting conditions of crops, the harvest, whether the tax burden was too heavy, etc., and recorded them one by one.

As time went by and the sun gradually set, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao realized that it was getting late and they had to return to their homes to rest. They said goodbye to the villagers and promised to do their best to help them solve their problems. The villagers reluctantly saw them off, their eyes full of gratitude and hope.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao set out on their way home, but they were still concerned about the villagers. As they walked, they talked about how to more effectively help the villagers in trouble.

Zhu Biao frowned and said worriedly, "Uncle Han, the frail figures of those children are really heartbreaking. We must take action as soon as possible to get more assistance for them."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "Your Highness is absolutely right. We must not only report the truth to our father, but also mobilize more forces to participate in this disaster relief operation."

As they were talking, they passed a dilapidated field and saw several ragged farmers working with their heads down, their faces full of fatigue and helplessness. Zhu Han stopped and walked over to chat with an old farmer.

"Father, why is this field so barren?" Zhu Han asked with concern. (End of this chapter)