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

The next morning, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were busy. Zhu Han continued to go deep into the Ministry of Revenue to check the accounts and track down corrupt officials; Zhu Biao began to prepare a series of livelihood reform measures and strengthen the assessment and selection of officials.

As Zhu Han's work in the Ministry of Revenue deepened, he discovered that the root causes of corruption were far more complex and deep-rooted than he had imagined.

One day, he was buried in a pile of account books when a young doctor from the Ministry of Revenue hurried in and reported nervously, "Your Highness, we found several accounts that seem to be related to several important officials in the court. Not only are the amounts in these accounts huge, but the flow of funds is also very secretive."

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this. He put down the pen in his hand, looked up at the doctor, and asked in a deep voice, "Do you have any solid evidence?"

The doctor took out a stack of secret letters and account books from his bosom and presented them with both hands: "Your Highness, these are the evidence we collected secretly. They not only contain detailed account records, but also handwritten letters from several important officials. The letters clearly mention the flow and use of these funds."

Zhu Han took the evidence and read through it carefully, his face becoming more and more serious. The letter mentioned not only money transactions, but also power exchanges and collusion in the officialdom. He closed the account book and said to the doctor, "This matter is of great importance. You must keep it a secret and not disclose it to anyone. I will report it to His Majesty in person, so you just wait patiently."

The doctor bowed and left. Zhu Han knew that once this evidence was made public, it would cause a stir in the government and the public, so he had to handle it with caution.

At the same time, Zhu Biao also made a breakthrough in his work in the Ministry of Personnel. Through a series of open and secret investigations, he not only exposed a group of officials who were promoted through improper means, but also accidentally discovered a force that tried to secretly manipulate the selection of officials.

One day, Zhu Biao was discussing countermeasures with several of his trusted aides in a secret room. He said solemnly, "We must act quickly to catch these bad apples. But this matter involves a lot of people, so we must act carefully to avoid alerting the enemy."

An aide nodded and said, "Your Highness is right. We can first secretly investigate the core figures of this force, collect solid evidence, and then take them down in one fell swoop."

Another aide added: "At the same time, we can strengthen the supervision within the Ministry of Personnel to prevent them from continuing to manipulate the selection of officials. In addition, the selection process can be made public to increase transparency and allow more people to participate in supervision."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement.

The next day, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao reported their respective investigation results to Zhu Yuanzhang in the imperial study. Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned pale after hearing this. He slammed the dragon table angrily and said, "I never thought that there would be so many parasites in my court! Brother Han, Biao, you have done a good job, but this matter must be thoroughly investigated and no leniency will be shown!"

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao bowed and responded in unison: "Your subjects obey your command."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and continued, "Han brother, you are responsible for continuing to investigate the corruption cases in the Ministry of Revenue and bringing those important officials to justice. Biaoer, you are responsible for rectifying the Ministry of Personnel, removing those officials who were promoted through improper means, and increasing the transparency of official selection."

The two men took the order and left.

Zhu Han confronted an official who was suspended for investigation in the Ministry of Revenue. The official looked ashen, but still tried to argue: "Your Highness, I was confused for a moment, but please spare my life for the sake of my many years of service to the court!"

Zhu Han looked at him coldly and said firmly: "As an official appointed by the court, you should be honest and serve the people. But you took bribes and perverted the law, enriched yourself, and betrayed the trust of the court and the people. If you can take the initiative to confess your crimes today, you can still seek leniency; otherwise, you will be severely punished by law!"

After hearing this, the official finally lowered his head and stopped quibbling.

At the same time, Zhu Biao also faced tremendous pressure and challenges in the Ministry of Personnel. He not only had to deal with those corrupt officials who were exposed, but also had to deal with all kinds of criticism and accusations from the court.

One day, he argued with an official who tried to obstruct his rectification of the administration in the court: "Your Majesty ordered me to rectify the administration and eliminate corrupt officials for the sake of the long-term stability of the court and the welfare of the people. As an important official in the court, you should support my work. Why do you obstruct me in every possible way?"

The official was speechless and could only leave in anger. Zhu Biao looked at his back, feeling helpless and indignant.

As Zhu Han and Zhu Biao conducted in-depth investigations in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel, the tip of the iceberg of corruption in the court was gradually revealed, and their work became increasingly heavy and arduous.

After Zhu Han finished processing the pile of official documents at the Ministry of Revenue, he sat alone at his desk in deep thought. At this time, Li Jin, a doctor in the Ministry of Revenue, hurried in and reported nervously: "Your Highness, we recently discovered that some local officials have committed serious violations in collecting taxes. Not only have they over-collected taxes, but they have also embezzled money, causing great suffering to the people."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han frowned and asked in a deep voice, "Is there any solid evidence?"

Li Jin took out a stack of account books and letters of denunciation from his sleeve and presented them with both hands: "These are the account books of local officials and the joint letters of denunciation from the people. The evidence is irrefutable and cannot be denied."

Zhu Han took the account book and read it carefully, his face becoming more and more serious. He put the account book down and said to Li Jin, "This matter is of great importance. We must report it to His Majesty immediately and investigate it at the same time. We must give the people an explanation."

Li Jin bowed and left. Zhu Han stood up and prepared to go to the imperial study to meet Zhu Yuanzhang. Before leaving, he specifically called his trusted aide Zhang Yuan and instructed him: "Zhang Yuan, you must make preparations immediately and organize people to conduct an in-depth investigation of these officials who violated the rules. Remember, you must keep it confidential and act quickly to avoid alerting the enemy."

Zhang Yuan bowed and agreed, then turned and left. Zhu Han walked quickly towards the imperial study, his heart filled with worry about the suffering of the people and indignation at the corrupt officials.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing memorials. Seeing Zhu Han coming in a hurry, he couldn't help but ask, "Brother Han, why are you in such a hurry?"

After paying his respects, Zhu Han reported in detail the illegal taxation and embezzlement by local officials. Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned pale and he angrily slammed the dragon table and said, "How dare these parasites be so bold and reckless, putting the people in dire straits! Brother Han, you must immediately investigate this matter and punish them severely!"

Zhu Han took the order and left, secretly making up his mind to catch all these bad apples in one fell swoop and give justice to the people.

At the same time, Zhu Biao also encountered considerable challenges in the Ministry of Personnel. One day, when he was reviewing the appointment and dismissal files of officials, he found that the background of a new prefect was quite suspicious. His promotion was unusually smooth, and there seemed to be a powerful force secretly supporting him.

Zhu Biao was suspicious and immediately summoned Zhao Ming, a doctor in the Ministry of Personnel, and asked, "Zhao Ming, do you know the background of this new prefect? ​​Why was he promoted so quickly?" Zhao Ming looked embarrassed and said after hesitating for a moment, "Your Highness, this person does have a complicated network of relationships behind him. It is said that he has a close relationship with several important officials in the court. I am afraid that his promotion is..."

Zhu Biao understood most of what happened when he heard this. He said in a deep voice, "How can the court tolerate such a mess? You should immediately investigate this person's background and promotion process, and make sure you find solid evidence."

Zhao Ming bowed and agreed, then turned and left. Zhu Biao continued to review the files, secretly thinking about how to catch these corrupt elements hiding in the dark one by one.

A few days later, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao met again in the imperial study, and each reported the progress of the investigation. Zhu Han reported to Zhu Yuanzhang in detail the illegal taxation by local officials and proposed a series of rectification measures. Zhu Biao reported the complex network of relationships behind the new prefect and some problems within the Ministry of Personnel.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang looked solemn and said to the two men, "Han Di, Biao Er, you two have done a great job. But this matter is of great importance and we must act with caution. I order you two to continue to investigate in depth and make sure to catch all these corrupt elements in one fell swoop and restore a clean and honest administration to our Ming Dynasty!"

After receiving the order, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao felt more solemn and determined.

Zhu Han returned to the palace and immediately summoned his trusted staff to discuss countermeasures. The flickering candlelight in the study illuminated his resolute face. "This time, the corruption of local officials must be dealt with quickly to prevent the situation from escalating and the people's hearts from being shaken." He said in a deep voice, his eyes like torches, scanning everyone present.

An experienced staff member stood up and said, "Your Highness is right, but the local officials are intertwined and have complicated relationships. If we investigate directly, it may cause a backlash. It is better to investigate secretly first, collect evidence, and then catch them all in one fell swoop."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, indicating his agreement: "This is a very good plan, but the investigation process must be extremely cautious and no news should be leaked. Zhang Yuan, this matter will be handed over to you with full responsibility. Be sure to select loyal and reliable people and carry out the work in secret."

Zhang Yuan bowed and accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Your Highness, rest assured, Zhang Yuan will live up to your trust and bring those corrupt officials to justice."

After the discussion, Zhu Han turned to thinking about how to strengthen the management and supervision of the Ministry of Households.

The next morning, Zhu Han arrived at the Ministry of Revenue early, ready to start the reform. In the lobby of the Ministry of Revenue, officials were standing or sitting, with different expressions, obviously worried about the upcoming changes. Zhu Han walked into the lobby, looked around, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, our Ming Dynasty is based on the people, and the Ministry of Revenue is the foundation of the national finance. There is no room for slackness or corruption. From today on, the Ministry of Revenue will implement a more stringent assessment and supervision system. Anyone who engages in corruption will be severely punished once it is verified!"

As soon as these words came out, the hall fell silent. The officials looked at each other, with fear and expectation in their hearts. Seeing this, Zhu Han softened his tone and said, "But I also know that there are many honest and upright people in the court. For those officials who are diligent, responsible, and honest, the court will give them due rewards and promotions."

After these words, the atmosphere in the hall was lifted. Officials expressed their willingness to perform their duties conscientiously and in an honest and upright manner, so as to live up to the trust of the court.

At the same time, Zhu Biao also launched intensive reforms in the Ministry of Personnel.

One afternoon, Zhu Biao and the Minister of Personnel were having a secret conversation in the study. The sun was shining outside the window, and the aroma of tea was wafting in the air. Zhu Biao took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Mr. Minister, the Ministry of Personnel is the foundation of officials. If the Ministry of Personnel is not clean, all officials will be corrupt. I want to make drastic reforms to the Ministry of Personnel. What do you think, Mr. Minister?"

The Minister of Personnel was embarrassed when he heard this: "Your Highness is right, but the Ministry of Personnel has been plagued by problems for a long time, and reform cannot be achieved overnight. Moreover, the relationship between the court and the government is complicated, and the road to reform may be full of thorns."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes revealing an unquestionable firmness: "Your Excellency Shangshu is wrong. It is precisely because the problems have been accumulated for a long time that reform is needed. I will work hand in hand with Uncle Han to overcome the difficulties. Your Excellency Shangshu only needs to assist me with all his heart and strength."

The Minister of Personnel saw Zhu Biao's firm attitude. Although he still had some concerns, he also knew that this matter was inevitable. He bowed and said, "Since Your Highness has made such a determination, I, an old minister, will fully support you. However, we must proceed with caution in reforms to avoid unnecessary unrest."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency Shangshu is right. The road to reform must be taken step by step. I will plan carefully to ensure that every step is safe and correct."

The two discussed for a long time, covering everything from the official selection mechanism to the assessment standards and the establishment of the supervision system.

As night fell, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, who had been busy all day, finally had a moment to rest. The two met in the back garden of the palace. The moonlight sprinkled the path like water. The two walked side by side and talked in low voices.

"Uncle Han, how is the progress of the Ministry of Revenue reform today?" Zhu Biao asked with concern.

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "It's OK. Although there are some obstacles, it's generally going smoothly. I have ordered Zhang Yuan to secretly investigate those corrupt officials. I believe there will be results soon."

Zhu Biao nodded in approval: "Uncle Han is decisive, and I admire him. The Ministry of Personnel has also made some progress and is working on establishing a more stringent assessment and supervision mechanism."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, and said earnestly: "Biao'er, the road to reform is long and difficult, but you and I, uncle and nephew, will be able to overcome all difficulties together. Although there has been progress in the Ministry of Revenue today, the root of corruption has not been completely eradicated, and we still need to continue our efforts."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes firm: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will definitely do his best to live up to the expectations of father and uncle Han. However, there is still one thing in Biao'er's mind that he is not clear about. I hope uncle Han can give me some advice."

Zhu Han motioned Zhu Biao to continue. Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "During the reform of the Ministry of Personnel, I found that many officials, although of mediocre ability, were able to sit firmly in high positions because of the support of powerful forces behind them. How should we deal with these officials?"

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Biao'er, this matter is indeed difficult. But remember, reform cannot be achieved overnight, and we need to proceed step by step. For these officials, we can keep silent and secretly collect evidence of their illegal activities. At the same time, we should strengthen the selection and training of new officials and gradually replace those incompetent ones."

Zhu Biao nodded, a trace of admiration flashing in his eyes: "Uncle Han is a man of foresight, and I am grateful for your advice. However, I am worried that if these officials knew our intentions, they might become desperate and do something that is not conducive to reform."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing determination and confidence: "Don't worry, Biao'er, I have already made preparations for this. I have secretly arranged people to monitor the actions of these officials. At the same time, I will strengthen communication with the Censorate, the Dali Temple and other departments to ensure that if something happens, we can respond quickly." (End of this chapter)