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

The two continued to stroll in the imperial garden. Zhu Han suddenly changed the subject and said in a deep voice: "Biao'er, the affairs of the court are complicated. In addition to corruption, there are many other problems that need to be solved. As the crown prince, you need to pay more attention to the movements of various factions in the court to ensure the stability of the overall situation."

Zhu Biao's expression became serious when he heard this. He nodded and said, "Uncle Han is right. I have been paying close attention to the developments in the court recently and found that several important officials have been communicating closely in private and seem to be plotting something."

Zhu Han stopped and looked at Zhu Biao sharply: "Oh? Do you have any solid evidence?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, frowning, "There is no solid evidence yet, but they interacted too frequently and often made suggestions to our father, trying to influence government decisions."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "This matter cannot be taken lightly. You need to secretly send someone to monitor it, and at the same time strengthen the connection with other loyal ministers to ensure that you can respond quickly if something happens."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then asked: "Uncle Han, there are many talented people in the court, but not many can really help the country. I want to open up a wide range of talents, but I don't know where to start."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Your Highness is right. The first thing to do when selecting talents is to be fair and impartial. In addition to the imperial examination, you can set up a system for recommending special talents to encourage local officials to recommend talented people to serve as officials. At the same time, officials in office should also be regularly evaluated to ensure that only the fittest survive and all the people in the court are capable."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han, this is a great plan! I will start preparing immediately and strive to select more talents for the Ming Dynasty."

The two walked and talked, and unknowingly reached the end of the Imperial Garden. Zhu Han stopped, turned to look at Zhu Biao, and said earnestly: "Biao'er, you have a heavy burden on your shoulders, but remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must remain calm and firm. As long as you have the people in your heart and a strategy in your hands, there will be no challenge that you cannot overcome."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly, his eyes gleaming with determination and confidence: "Uncle Han's teachings will be remembered in my heart. I will definitely live up to your trust and devote myself to the Ming Dynasty."

The two smiled at each other, and their trust and support for each other reached an unprecedented height at this moment. Then, Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said, "It's getting late, you should go back and rest. You need to get up early tomorrow to deal with state affairs."

Zhu Biao bowed and said, "My nephew will take his leave. Uncle Han, please also rest early."

After watching Zhu Biao leave, Zhu Han stood alone in the imperial garden, looking at the starry sky, wondering what he was thinking.

The next morning, Zhu Han got up early and prepared to go to the Ministry of Revenue to continue to promote the reform. However, as soon as he stepped into the palace gate, he saw a servant running in and reported nervously: "Your Highness, it's bad! The Minister of Revenue, Lord Li, suddenly fell ill this morning and is unable to handle official business!"

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this, and a bad feeling welled up in his heart. "Go and ask the imperial physician to come and treat him!" Zhu Han ordered in a deep voice. At the same time, he had already begun to think about how to deal with this sudden change.

Soon, the imperial physician hurried over, and after diagnosing the Minister of Revenue, he reported solemnly: "Your Highness, Lord Li is ill from overwork and needs to rest well. It may be difficult for him to handle official duties in the short term."

Zhu Han became even more anxious after hearing this, but he could not lose his composure at this moment. He immediately summoned his trusted staff to discuss countermeasures.

"Lord Li is ill, and the Ministry of Revenue cannot be left without a leader for a day." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "We must quickly find a suitable candidate to act as the Minister of Revenue to ensure the smooth progress of the reform."

An aide suggested: "Your Highness, why not let Mr. Zhang take over the position of Minister of Revenue temporarily? Mr. Zhang has been in charge of the Ministry of Revenue for many years and knows the situation of the Ministry of Revenue very well. He is also fair and selfless, and he will definitely be qualified for this position."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, thinking that this suggestion was quite feasible. He immediately decided to have Mr. Zhang temporarily take over the post of Minister of Revenue, and personally went to the Ministry of Revenue to announce this decision.

In the lobby of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhu Han looked around and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, Lord Li's illness is a great misfortune for our Ministry of Revenue. But the reform cannot be stopped. I have decided to temporarily let Mr. Zhang act as the Minister of Revenue to continue to promote the reform."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Zhang hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, expressing that he would do his best to live up to His Highness's expectations.

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes swept over the officials, and he said in a deep voice: "The Ministry of Revenue is the foundation of the national finances and is related to the national economy and people's livelihood. I hope that you can work together to support Mr. Zhang's work and ensure the smooth progress of the reform."

All the officials expressed their willingness to fully cooperate with Mr. Zhang and contribute to the reform. Zhu Han felt relieved when he saw this.

Afterwards, Zhu Han went to the palace in person to report to Zhu Yuanzhang that the Minister of Revenue had fallen ill and that Mr. Zhang was acting as the acting minister. Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, but finally nodded and agreed to Zhu Han's decision.

"Brother Han, you have always been steady and reliable. This matter will be left to you. You must ensure that the affairs of the Ministry of Revenue are not affected and that the reform proceeds smoothly." Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice.

Zhu Han bowed and said, "I will obey your order. I will do my best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."

After leaving the Imperial Study, Zhu Han became more determined to reform.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han did not rush to rest, but immediately summoned Mr. Zhang and several trusted staff members to further discuss the next work arrangements of the Ministry of Revenue. In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the serious and focused faces of everyone.

"Mr. Zhang, you are temporarily taking over the position of Minister of Revenue. You have a heavy responsibility." Zhu Han's voice was steady and powerful. "We must ensure that the reform measures are not only not interrupted, but also accelerated."

Mr. Zhang bowed and saluted, his eyes firm: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my best to live up to your highness and your majesty's high expectations."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and glanced at everyone: "The Ministry of Revenue has complicated affairs. We must clearly divide the work and perform our duties. Mr. Li, you will be responsible for continuing to check the accounts and make sure that every expenditure is clearly traceable; Mr. Wang, you will be responsible for the refinement and implementation of the new financial management system to ensure that the system can effectively curb corruption."

Everyone followed the order, and the atmosphere in the study room became more tense and orderly. Seeing this, Zhu Han felt relieved, knowing that with these capable assistants, the work of the Ministry of Revenue would be able to proceed smoothly.

At the same time, in the East Palace, Zhu Biao was discussing the situation and reforms in the court with several loyal ministers. In the imperial study, the soft candlelight illuminated Zhu Biao's solemn and resolute face.

"My Lords, Uncle Prince Han is facing considerable challenges in the Ministry of Revenue. We must give him our utmost support in the court." Zhu Biao's voice was firm and powerful. "Reform is urgent. We must work together to overcome the difficulties." An old minister stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is right. Although I am old, I am still willing to serve you and Your Highness Prince Han. However, the situation in the court is complicated. We must proceed step by step and act with caution."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency's words make sense. We must strengthen supervision in the court to ensure that every reform measure can be effectively implemented. At the same time, we must also listen extensively to the opinions of court officials and the people to ensure that the reform measures are in line with public opinion."

Another young minister added: "Your Highness, I think we can also set up a special agency to collect and process feedback from court officials and the people so that we can adjust the reform strategy in a timely manner."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This is a great idea! We can set up a 'Public Opinion Supervision Department' to be responsible for this matter. What do you think, gentlemen?"

Everyone expressed their agreement, and the atmosphere suddenly became warm and positive.

A few days later, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao met again in the imperial study to report to Zhu Yuanzhang on the latest progress of the reform. Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne with a deep and majestic look.

"Handi, Biaoer, how is the reform going?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and powerful.

After Zhu Han and Zhu Biao bowed, Zhu Han reported first: "Your Majesty, after Lord Li fell ill, Mr. Zhang temporarily took over the position of Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and the reform measures have been able to continue to advance. The account review work is nearing completion, and the new financial management system is also being gradually implemented."

Zhu Biao then added: "Father, the supervision of the court has been strengthened, and a 'Public Opinion Supervision Department' has been established to collect and process feedback from court officials and the people. At present, it seems that the reform measures have received widespread support and recognition."

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this and a trace of praise flashed in his eyes: "You two acted boldly and carefully, which comforted me. Although the road to reform is long and difficult, as long as we have the people in our hearts and have policies in our hands, we will not be afraid of any challenge."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao responded in unison: "We, your servants, will do our best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."

The emperor and his ministers discussed the affairs of the court for a long time, and did not leave until night fell. After leaving the imperial study, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked side by side in the corridor.

"Uncle Han, this reform can be carried out smoothly thanks to your and everyone's strong support." Zhu Biao said gratefully.

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Your Highness, you are too kind. This is our responsibility. As long as Your Highness is determined to reform, we will do our best to assist you."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked out of the imperial study side by side. It was already late at night, and the dim light of the palace lanterns cast a little warmth on the two of them, adding a bit of warmth to the quiet night. Zhu Han stopped and turned to look at Zhu Biao, his eyes full of concern and expectation.

"Biao'er, although the road to reform has achieved initial results, the real test is still to come." Zhu Han said earnestly, "The forces in the court are complicated. We must not only deal with the obstacles in the open, but also beware of the calculations in the dark."

Zhu Biao nodded, his expression firm: "Don't worry, Uncle Han, I understand. I will always be vigilant and will never let any treacherous people take advantage of me."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, and continued: "I am very pleased that you have this determination. Next, we must further consolidate the results of the reform and address other urgent issues at the same time."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, as if he was thinking about something. After a moment, he asked, "Uncle Han, besides corruption, what other problems in the court need our attention?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Talent selection and appointment is the foundation of the country. We must ensure that every official who enters the court is a person of both moral integrity and ability. Therefore, the imperial examination system needs to be further improved. At the same time, we should also open up a wide range of talents and not stick to one pattern."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han is right. I also have the same idea. The imperial examination is good, but it is too rigid and difficult to comprehensively evaluate talents. We may add a practical assessment to allow those who are truly capable to stand out."

Zhu Han nodded approvingly: "This is a great idea. Practical assessment can not only evaluate talents more comprehensively, but also encourage scholars to focus on the cultivation of practical abilities. In addition, we should also strengthen the daily assessment of officials to ensure that they are always diligent and responsible."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement and continued, "Uncle Prince Han, there is one more thing that worries me. There are many factions in the court, and each of them is ruling independently. If this continues, there may be civil unrest."

Zhu Han looked solemn and said in a deep voice: "This matter really needs to be taken seriously. Biao'er, you can try to promote some cross-departmental cooperation projects, so that officials from different factions can enhance their understanding and cooperation in the process of completing tasks together, and gradually eliminate the barriers."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up and he nodded, saying, "Uncle Han, that's a good idea! I'll start making arrangements right away, hoping to take this opportunity to promote unity and harmony in the court."

The two walked and talked, and unknowingly arrived at the gate of the palace. Zhu Han stopped, looked at Zhu Biao, and said earnestly: "Biao'er, you have a heavy burden on your shoulders, but remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must remain calm and tenacious. The future of the Ming Dynasty depends on you."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly, his eyes gleaming with determination and faith: "Uncle Han's teachings will be remembered in my heart. I will definitely live up to your trust and devote myself to the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Go, and have some rest early. There are still many things waiting for you to deal with tomorrow."

Zhu Biao bowed and turned to leave. Looking at Zhu Biao's receding back, Zhu Han felt both relieved and worried.

After returning to the study room in the palace, Zhu Han did not rest immediately, but summoned several trusted staff members to continue discussing the next reform plan. The candlelight in the study room flickered, reflecting the serious and focused faces of everyone.

"Everyone, after a long talk with Biao'er today, I deeply feel that the affairs of the court still require our joint efforts." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Next, we must further promote the reform of the imperial examination system and cross-departmental cooperation projects on the basis of consolidating the existing reform achievements."

An aide bowed and asked, "Your Highness, how should the reform of the imperial examination system be implemented?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "We can add a practical assessment link to allow scholars to demonstrate their abilities in solving practical problems. At the same time, we can also consider introducing an external review mechanism to ensure the fairness and transparency of the assessment." (End of this chapter)