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

Zhang Yuan bowed and responded, "As you command, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Zhu Han turned to another staff member and said, "Mr. Li, you are responsible for thoroughly investigating the movements of officials in the court, especially those who have close ties with the Ministry of War or have behaved abnormally recently. If you find anything suspicious, report it immediately."

Mr. Li bowed and said, "As you command, Your Highness. I will investigate carefully and will not miss any clues."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Very good, everyone must perform their duties and work together. Remember, our goal is not only to find the spies, but also to take this opportunity to rectify the government and lay the foundation for the long-term stability of our Ming Dynasty."

Everyone agreed, and the atmosphere in the study room suddenly became more solemn and tense. Zhu Han knew that the next few days would be full of challenges and uncertainties, but he also knew that only by moving forward courageously could he live up to the trust placed in him.

At the same time, Zhu Biao was also making intensive preparations in the palace.

In the imperial study, Zhu Biao was discussing countermeasures with several loyal ministers. He looked solemn and said firmly: "My Lords, this incident concerns the safety of our Ming Dynasty. We must work together to overcome the difficulties."

An old minister stood up and said, "Your Highness is right, but the situation in the court is complicated and people's hearts are hard to predict. We must act carefully to avoid falling into the trap of the treacherous."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency is right. We must proceed step by step and act with caution. At the same time, we must also strengthen supervision in the court to ensure that every official can perform his duties conscientiously and live up to the emperor's grace."

Another minister added: "Your Highness, I think that in addition to strengthening supervision, we also need to open up a wide range of talents and not stick to one type. We should select those who have real talents and good moral character to serve as officials in the court to enrich the talent pool of our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency is right. Selecting talents is the foundation of the country. We must ensure that every official who enters the court can do his best for the court and the people."

After the discussion was finalized, Zhu Biao looked around at the important officials present, his eyes revealing an unquestionable firmness: "My Lords, this incident concerns the safety of the Ming Dynasty. We must act quickly and not slack off in the slightest. Uncle Prince Han will investigate outside, and I will stabilize the situation in the court to ensure that everything goes smoothly."

A middle-aged minister stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is right. We, the humble ministers, will do our utmost to deal with the affairs of the court. However, the spies are lurking deep inside, so we need to be more vigilant to avoid alerting them."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "Your Excellency's words make sense. We must not only strengthen daily monitoring, but also set up a special action team to collect intelligence and track down suspicious persons. This matter will be handed over to Lord Li. You need to select smart and capable people to ensure that the intelligence is accurate."

Lord Li bowed and accepted the order: "I will obey your order and do my best to live up to your highness's expectations."

At this time, another young minister hesitated for a moment and asked, "Your Highness, I have a doubt. If there are really spies lurking in the court, I am afraid they are deeply rooted. How can we completely eliminate them?"

Zhu Biao looked deep in his eyes and said slowly, "It will take time to completely eliminate spies. We need to start with the system, strengthen the assessment and selection of officials, and ensure that every official who enters the court is a person of both moral integrity and ability. At the same time, we need to establish a more stringent supervision mechanism to put every official under the sun and make sure that no one can hide."

Upon hearing this, the young minister's eyes flashed with admiration: "Your Highness has a far-sighted vision. I am grateful for your advice."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, then changed the subject: "However, although the system is good, execution is more important. We need every official to perform their duties conscientiously and jointly maintain the clarity and stability of the Ming Dynasty. Lord Li, you need to maintain close contact with Uncle Han to ensure the sharing of intelligence between the court and the Ministry of War to form a joint force."

Lord Li bowed again and responded, "I understand. I will work closely with His Royal Highness Prince Han to ensure that intelligence flows smoothly."

Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction and turned his gaze to the other ministers present: "My Lords, as important ministers of the Ming Dynasty, we shoulder the rise and fall of the country. This incident is not only a test for us, but also an opportunity for us to show our loyalty and wisdom. I hope that you can work together to overcome the difficulties."

All the ministers stood up and responded in unison: "We will do our best to live up to your highness's expectations."

After the discussion, Zhu Biao stayed alone in the imperial study, secretly thinking about the next plan.

Just as he was lost in thought, a servant hurried into the imperial study and bowed to report: "Your Highness, there is an urgent letter from His Royal Highness Prince Han."

Zhu Biao was shocked when he heard this, and he quickly took the letter and opened it to read. In the letter, Zhu Han briefly reported the latest progress of the military investigation, mentioned some key clues, and asked Zhu Biao to strengthen the monitoring of relevant personnel in the court.

After reading the letter, Zhu Biao frowned and after a moment's silence, he ordered his attendant: "Go and tell Lord Li to come see me."

Soon, Lord Li hurried over. Seeing Zhu Biao's serious expression, he asked hurriedly, "Your Highness, is there any new progress from His Royal Highness Prince Han?"

Zhu Biao nodded and handed the letter to Lord Li: "Uncle Han wrote to say that the Ministry of War has found some suspicious clues and we need to strengthen monitoring in the court. You should make arrangements immediately and make sure not to miss any clues."

Lord Li took the letter, glanced through it quickly, and said, "I understand. I will do it immediately."

After Lord Li left, Zhu Biao stood alone in front of the window, looking at the deep night outside, his heart full of worry and determination.

At the same time, in the study of the palace, Zhu Han was discussing the progress of the military department's investigation with several of his trusted staff. Under the flickering candlelight, their faces looked particularly solemn.

"Your Highness, according to the latest intelligence, the spy suspected of selling military intelligence is very likely lurking inside the Ministry of War." An aide whispered.

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes sharp: "This person must be found as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous. Mr. Zhang, do you have any new discoveries?"

Mr. Zhang bowed and reported: "Your Highness, I have strengthened the surveillance of the Ministry of War and found that several officials have behaved abnormally recently. They often go out late at night and have contact with some unidentified people."

Zhu Han heard this, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes: "Very good, continue to monitor closely, and strengthen communication with other departments to ensure that the intelligence is correct. In addition, notify the Jinyiwei and ask them to join the investigation. We must form a joint force."

Mr. Zhang took the order and left. The study fell into a moment of silence again. Zhu Han tapped the table lightly with his fingers, as if he was thinking about a more far-reaching plan.

At this time, another staff member, Mr. Lin, stepped forward, with a bit of worry in his tone: "Your Highness, the matter of the Ministry of War is urgent, but we must also be vigilant about the movements of other forces in the court. If this investigation touches the interests of certain people, there may be changes." Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes revealing unquestionable firmness: "Mr. Lin is right. We must proceed step by step, to quickly advance the investigation and ensure the stability of the court. Pass the order down, let the Jinyiwei increase the surveillance of important officials in the court, especially those who have close contacts with the Ministry of War."

Mr. Lin bowed and was about to leave when Zhu Han added, "Also, strengthen intelligence gathering and don't miss any disturbances. I want to know who is watching from behind and who is ready to make a move."

Mr. Lin took the order and left. Zhu Han was left alone in the study again. He closed his eyes and thought about how to stay ahead in this complicated power game. Soon, a burst of hurried footsteps broke the silence of the study. A guard hurried in and knelt on one knee to report: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince urgently summons you. Please enter the palace immediately."

Zhu Han frowned slightly when he heard this. Although he was confused, he quickly stood up, straightened his clothes, and hurried to the palace with the guards.

Zhu Biao had been waiting for a long time in the imperial study. When he saw him coming, he hurried forward and said, "Uncle Han, is there any new progress in the Ministry of War?"

Zhu Han shook his head, his expression solemn: "There is no conclusive evidence yet, but there are many suspicious points. I have sent more people to monitor the Ministry of War, and notified the Jinyiwei to assist in the investigation."

Zhu Biao nodded, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han, the affairs of the Ministry of War are indeed urgent, but the situation in the court cannot be ignored. Father has tested me a lot recently, and it seems to have a deep meaning."

Zhu Han was moved when he heard this, and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, Your Highness. No matter what His Majesty plans, we just need to do our best and do our part well, and we will naturally win His Majesty's heart."

Zhu Biao sighed, his tone revealing a bit of helplessness: "Uncle Han is right, but the situation in the court is very turbulent. If we make a mistake, we will be doomed forever."

Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Your Highness, you must remember that as a crown prince, you must not only have the talent to govern the country, but also the perseverance. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you must remain calm and firm."

Zhu Biao nodded, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han taught me, Biaoer will definitely remember it in his heart."

As they were talking, an eunuch hurried into the imperial study and bowed to report: "Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness Prince Han, His Majesty has ordered that you two go to the Wenhua Palace to discuss matters immediately."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, both of them were shocked. Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Let's go, it seems that His Majesty has made a decision."

The two followed the eunuch to the Wenhua Hall, where they saw Zhu Yuanzhang sitting on the dragon throne with a dignified look. Seeing the two coming, he raised his hand slightly and motioned for them to come forward.

"Han brother, Biaoer, have you two made any progress on the affairs of the Ministry of War?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and powerful.

Zhu Han bowed and replied in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, we have sent additional personnel to monitor the Ministry of War and notified the Royal Guards to assist in the investigation. We have not yet found any conclusive evidence, but there are many suspicious points."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and turned his gaze to Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, what do you think about this matter?"

Zhu Biao stepped forward, bowed and replied, "Father, I think this matter is of great importance and we must quickly find out the truth to prevent future troubles. I have ordered Lord Li to strengthen surveillance in the court to ensure smooth flow of intelligence."

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this and a trace of praise flashed in his eyes: "You two acted prudently, which comforted me. However, this matter is of great importance, and you need to be more cautious. Brother Han, you are experienced and need more guidance."

Zhu Han bowed and responded: "I will obey your order and do my best to assist His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, then changed the subject: "There is another matter that I want to discuss with you. The corruption among officials in the court is getting worse and worse. I intend to rectify the government and revive the administration. Do you two have any good ideas?"

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, knowing that this matter was of great importance. Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I think that the first step to rectifying the government is assessment and supervision. A more stringent assessment mechanism should be established to severely punish those who neglect their duties. At the same time, supervision should be strengthened to ensure that officials are honest."

Zhu Biao added: "Father, I think we need to open up more paths for talent and not stick to one path. When selecting officials, we should base them on both ability and moral integrity, and break the prejudice of family background. At the same time, we should strengthen the education and training of officials to improve their administrative ability and moral level."

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "What you two said hits the nail on the head. This matter will be handed over to you two to jointly take charge of. You must do your best and not make any mistakes."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao agreed in unison, both knowing in their hearts that this battle to reorganize the court would be more difficult than the affairs of the Ministry of War.

After exiting the Wenhua Hall, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked side by side on the corridor. It was late at night and the palace lanterns were swaying, adding a bit of mystery and solemnity to the quiet night.

"Uncle Prince Han, Biaoer still has many doubts in his mind regarding the matter of reorganizing the court." Zhu Biao said softly, with a hint of uneasiness in his tone.

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Don't worry, Your Highness. Although this matter is difficult, as long as we work together, we will succeed. Tell me your doubts."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "Uncle Han, the situation in the court is complicated and people's hearts are hard to predict. How can we ensure that the reform proceeds smoothly without being obstructed by those vested interests?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness is right. The road to reform is bound to be full of obstacles. We need to proceed step by step, starting with the easy and then the difficult, and gradually advance. At the same time, we should unite with the honest and upright people in the court to speak out together and create a momentum for reform."

Zhu Biao nodded, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han is right, Biao will definitely keep it in mind. But how do we select people with real talent and virtue to serve as officials in the court?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes deep: "Your Highness, the first thing to do when selecting talents is to be fair and selfless. We should break the prejudice of family background and be unconventional. At the same time, we should strengthen assessment and training to ensure that every official who enters the court is competent for his position."

Zhu Biao heard this and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han, your opinion is great. I am grateful for your advice."

The two walked and talked. As the night deepened, the moonlight sprinkled on the path of the Imperial Garden, adding a bit of softness to the quiet night. Zhu Han's voice was low and firm: "Biao'er, reform is not a one-day job. It requires perseverance. But as long as we have the people in our hearts and policies in our hands, we will not be afraid of any challenge."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will definitely put the people first and govern the country diligently, and live up to the expectations of my father and uncle Han. However, during the reform, how can we ensure that the laws are implemented and not just formalities?" (End of this chapter)