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

Zhu Biao said softly to Zhu Han: "Uncle Han, this water conservancy project is about to be completed, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty and the people. Biaoer feels that he still has a lot to learn, and hopes that Uncle Han will give him more guidance in the future."

With the successful completion of the water conservancy project, the warm spring sun gently shines on the earth, and everything revives and is full of vitality. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood beside the newly built irrigation channel, looking at the gurgling clear water moistening the thirsty land, their hearts full of satisfaction and expectation.

"Uncle Prince Han, this project not only solves the irrigation problem for the people, but also lays a solid foundation for the agricultural production of our Ming Dynasty." Zhu Biao looked into the distance, his eyes flickering with longing for the future, "Next, should we start preparing for the Spring Examination?"

Zhu Han nodded, his tone revealing a hint of calmness and determination: "Your Highness is right. The Spring Examination is a major event for the country to select talents, and it is related to the future prosperity and decline of our Ming Dynasty. We must go all out to ensure that this examination is fair and just, and select true pillars for the country."

"Uncle Han, how do you think we should prepare for this spring examination to avoid some of the drawbacks in previous imperial examinations?" Zhu Biao turned to Zhu Han for advice, his eyes full of respect and trust for this uncle.

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness, the drawbacks of the imperial examinations are mostly due to favoritism, fraud and rampant connections. To eradicate these drawbacks, we must first start with the selection and supervision of examiners. We should select those with high moral character and profound knowledge to serve as chief examiners, and at the same time establish a strict supervision mechanism to ensure that the entire examination process is fair and transparent."

After careful consideration, Zhu Han decided to meet the emperor and personally recommend Crown Prince Zhu Biao to preside over the Spring Examination.

The next morning, Zhu Han, dressed in court robes and holding a memorial, walked into the magnificent palace. After paying his respects to Zhu Yuanzhang, he slowly began the conversation: "Your Majesty, I have a matter to ask for your holy judgment."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked gentle and motioned Zhu Han to continue: "Brother Han, if you have anything to say, just say it."

Zhu Han bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Spring Examination is approaching, and this is a grand event for the country to select talents. I think that your Highness the Crown Prince has the world in mind, is both talented and virtuous, and is becoming more and more familiar with the affairs of the court. If he can preside over this Spring Examination, it will surely demonstrate your Majesty's wisdom and also help hone your Highness the Crown Prince's abilities."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly when he heard this, as if he had some concerns: "Brother Han, what you said makes sense, but the matter of the Spring Examination concerns the future of the country and the responsibility is heavy. Although Biaoer has grown up, I am afraid that he is still inexperienced and cannot handle it alone."

Zhu Han was well prepared and answered calmly, "Your Majesty is right. The Spring Examination is indeed a serious matter. However, I think that Your Highness can co-host it with the assistance of this old minister. I am willing to personally assist the Crown Prince to ensure that the Spring Examination is fair and impartial and to select people of real talent and learning."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Brother Han, I have thought deeply about your proposal. Although Biaoer is very talented, the matter of the Spring Examination is of great importance. It not only concerns the selection of future pillars of the country, but also involves the fairness and integrity of the government and the people. I am afraid that Biaoer is young and energetic and it is difficult for him to handle such an important task. If he is biased, it may damage the prestige of the court."

Zhu Han was not discouraged upon hearing this, but said more firmly: "Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. But the Crown Prince has shown extraordinary talent and decisiveness in recent years. And this time, I am willing to assist in the Spring Examination to ensure fairness and selflessness in every step. This move will not only demonstrate your Majesty's trust and cultivation of the Crown Prince, but also motivate the Crown Prince to work harder and share the worries of the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a certain unquestionable majesty: "Brother Han, I appreciate your loyalty. But I have made up my mind that the Spring Examination should be presided over by an experienced old minister. Biao'er can observe and learn from the sidelines, accumulate experience, and when the time is right, it will not be too late to entrust him with important tasks."

Seeing that His Majesty had made up his mind, Zhu Han had no choice but to bow and accept the order: "Your Majesty is wise and wise, and I will obey your order. However, I would like to ask, does Your Majesty have a suitable candidate in mind to preside over this spring examination?"

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, his eyes slowly swept across the court, and finally stopped at Yan Wang Zhu Di. Zhu Di, a prince known for his bravery and fighting skills, has not only made great achievements on the frontier in recent years, but also demonstrated extraordinary political wisdom and decisiveness in the court, which won Zhu Yuanzhang's appreciation.

"Brother Han, I have made up my mind. Let Di'er preside over this spring examination." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was steady and powerful, revealing his unquestionable majesty.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di hurriedly stepped out of the ranks, knelt down and saluted, with a loud and firm voice: "I, your son, will obey your order and live up to your father's high expectations. I will do my best to ensure that the Spring Examination is fair and selfless and select true pillars of the country."

Zhu Han was slightly surprised when he saw this, but he quickly adjusted his mind and cast a look of approval at Zhu Di. Then he bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Your Majesty is wise and His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan is wise and brave. He will definitely be able to take on this important task. I am willing to assist His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan with all my strength to ensure that the Spring Examination goes smoothly."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing trust and expectation for Zhu Di: "Di'er, Handi is experienced, you should ask him for advice. This spring exam is not only a chance to select talents, but also a time for you to gain experience and grow. Remember, only by being fair and selfless can you convince the public."

Zhu Di saluted again, his tone more respectful: "I, your son, will follow your father's teachings and work hand in hand with Uncle Prince Han to ensure the fairness and transparency of the Spring Examination."

With Zhu Yuanzhang's order, the court suddenly became quiet, and all eyes were focused on Zhu Di and Zhu Han. Zhu Di, as one of Zhu Yuanzhang's most valued sons, was famous for his courage and wisdom; while Zhu Han, as Zhu Yuanzhang's younger brother, was even more famous for his steadiness and strategy. The cooperation of the two royal ministers undoubtedly added some anticipation to the upcoming Spring Examination.

Zhu Di stood up, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang firmly, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Don't worry, father. I will live up to your trust and preside over this spring examination with fairness and rigor. At the same time, I also know that Uncle Han is experienced. With Uncle Han's assistance, I am more confident that I can complete this matter successfully."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han smiled slightly and cast an approving look at Zhu Di. Then he turned around and saluted Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I will do my best to assist His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan and ensure that the Spring Examination selects true talents and lives up to Your Majesty's high expectations."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, his eyes full of trust and expectation: "Well, I am very pleased to have you two join forces. Brother Han, you are experienced and Di'er is brave and courageous. You should learn from each other, draw on each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses, and jointly select pillars for the Ming Dynasty."

After the court was dismissed, Zhu Han and Zhu Di walked out of the court side by side. They talked as they walked, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Zhu Han said softly to Zhu Di: "Your Highness, this Spring Examination carries a heavy responsibility. Selecting talents is related to the future of the country. We must act with caution and not be careless in the slightest."

Zhu Di nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. I will keep it in mind. However, I still have many questions about the imperial examination system. I need your guidance."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and said in a gentle tone: "Your Highness is too modest. Although the imperial examination system has its drawbacks, it is still an important way to select talents. We can start from the selection of examiners, the formulation of test questions, the supervision of the examination room and other aspects, and strive to be fair and transparent."

Zhu Di listened carefully and nodded from time to time: "Uncle Han, what you said makes sense. I have learned a lot. I wonder what your opinion is on the selection of examiners?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "In selecting examiners, morality and knowledge are the most important. We must select those who are highly respected and knowledgeable as chief examiners, and at the same time establish a supervision mechanism to ensure that the examiners are not interfered with by outsiders during the selection process and remain fair."

Zhu Di heard this, a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han has considered it carefully, and I will act accordingly. In addition, I would like to ask Uncle Han, what good ideas do you have to prevent favoritism and fraud?" Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes deep: "The key to preventing favoritism and fraud lies in the strictness of the system and strict implementation. We can set up an anonymous reporting mechanism to encourage candidates and all walks of life to report cheating, and set up a special supervisory agency to verify the reported clues. At the same time, any verified cheating must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others."

Zhu Di nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Uncle Han is right, I will strictly follow the instructions. This time in the imperial examination, I will live up to the expectations of my father and uncle Han."

As Zhu Han and Zhu Di had in-depth discussions on the preparations for the Spring Examination, Zhu Han was secretly planning a more far-reaching plan in his mind.

One day, Zhu Han invited Zhu Di to a hunting ground in the suburbs to discuss the details of the Spring Examination. In spring, the hunting ground was full of grass and birds. The two walked side by side on the path, seemingly chatting, but Zhu Han had already made up his mind.

"Your Highness, the Spring Examination is of great importance. I have been thinking about it recently and always feel that the responsibility is not trivial." Zhu Han said with pretended worry.

Zhu Di frowned slightly when he heard this, and said seriously: "Uncle Han is right. I will definitely go all out and live up to my father's high expectations."

Zhu Han smiled lightly and changed the subject: "Your Highness is extremely brave and I have heard that Your Highness is an excellent rider and archer. I wonder if I can have the honor to see you today?"

Zhu Di smiled heartily and said, "Uncle Han, you are too kind. Since Uncle Han is so interested, I will accompany you."

So, the two came to the center of the hunting ground. Zhu Di personally selected a horse, pulled the bowstring, and prepared to show his riding and archery skills. Zhu Han watched from the side, with a barely perceptible cunning flash in his eyes.

Following an order, Zhu Di galloped out, shooting arrows like rain, hitting the target every time, drawing rounds of cheers. However, just as Zhu Di was chasing a cunning fox, an accident happened.

It turned out that Zhu Han had secretly arranged for a confidant to set up an almost invisible thin line at the edge of the hunting ground, with several dead birds hanging on the line as camouflage. Zhu Di was so focused on chasing the fox that he did not notice the thin line. When the horse galloped past, the thin line happened to entangle the horse's legs, causing the horse to be frightened and lose control.

"Your Highness, be careful!" Zhu Han exclaimed, and reacted quickly, riding his horse to chase Zhu Di. But it was too late, Zhu Di had been thrown off his horse and fell heavily to the ground, and the bow in his hand flew out.

"Your Highness!" Zhu Han quickly dismounted and rushed to Zhu Di. He saw that Zhu Di's face was pale, his left hand tightly covering his right arm, and blood was oozing from between his fingers.

"Uncle Han, I... I'm fine." Zhu Di endured the pain and his voice was weak.

Zhu Han immediately ordered people to carry Zhu Di back to the palace and urgently summoned the imperial physician to treat him. The imperial physician diagnosed that Zhu Di had a fractured right arm and needed to rest for several months, so he could no longer preside over the Spring Examination.

The news soon reached the palace, and Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and ordered a thorough investigation. However, Zhu Han had already arranged everything, and all clues pointed to an accident, and no one could find out that he was the one who secretly arranged it.

The news of Zhu Di's injury spread quickly in the palace. Zhu Yuanzhang urgently summoned Zhu Han into the palace with a gloomy face, obviously extremely dissatisfied with the matter.

"Brother Han, come and see me as soon as possible. I have something to ask you." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice came from the hall, with unquestionable majesty.

Zhu Han walked into the hall and bowed: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May your Majesty be in good health."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Han with a sharp gaze and said, "Brother Han, have you heard about Di'er getting injured while hunting?"

Zhu Han pretended to be in deep thought, then shook his head and sighed, "Your Majesty, I really don't know. On that day, I went hunting with Your Highness separately, and I never expected such a change to happen. However, I think the most urgent thing is to take good care of Your Highness and let him recover as soon as possible to comfort Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression eased slightly when he heard this, but his tone was still solemn: "Brother Han, what you said makes sense. Di'er is injured, what should we do about the Spring Examination?"

Zhu Han had a plan in mind, but he looked embarrassed: "Your Majesty, this matter is indeed difficult. However, I think that the Spring Examination is a national event and cannot be delayed because of one person. I am willing to temporarily take over the Spring Examination for Your Highness and hand it over after Your Highness recovers. What do you think?"

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, his eyes lingered on Zhu Han for a long time, and finally nodded slowly: "Brother Han is responsible, and I am very pleased. In this case, you will be in charge of the Spring Examination for the time being. You must ensure fairness and select people with real talents and knowledge."

Zhu Han was delighted and immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "I will do my best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."

After leaving the hall, Zhu Han smiled secretly in his heart, the first step of the plan had been successful.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han immediately called together his staff to discuss matters concerning the Spring Examination. Everyone sat together in a tense and heated atmosphere.

"Everyone, the Spring Examination concerns the future of the country. We must do our best." Zhu Han went straight to the point with a firm tone.

An aide stood up and reported: "Your Highness, the preliminary selection of examiners has been completed, and they are all people of excellent character and knowledge. However, how to ensure that they are not interfered with by the outside world and judge impartially still requires careful planning."

After Zhu Han returned to the palace, he immediately summoned all his staff. The atmosphere in the meeting room was solemn and tense. Everyone knew that the upcoming Spring Examination would be a heavy responsibility. (End of this chapter)