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

Zhu Han's eyes looked particularly profound under the candlelight. He continued to say to his staff, "The imperial examination system is the foundation of the country's selection of talents. We must ensure that it is fair and impartial. In addition to adding practical assessments, we also need to improve the invigilation and marking mechanisms to prevent cheating."

An elderly staff member nodded in agreement. "Your Highness is right. The trend of cheating in the imperial examinations has been repeatedly banned and is indeed a major problem in the court. I suggest that an independent inspector system be established. Officials of high moral character, impartiality and selflessness will serve as inspectors, responsible for supervising each examination and ensuring the fairness of the examination process."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This is a great plan. The system of inspectors can not only effectively prevent cheating, but also enhance the credibility of the imperial examination. In addition, we should also strengthen the training and supervision of examiners to ensure that they strictly follow the examination rules and are impartial."

Another staff member added: "Your Highness, in addition to supervising the examination process, we should also pay attention to the post-examination review. A special review team can be set up to conduct a detailed review of questionable examination papers to ensure that every accepted examination paper can stand the test."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "The review team is indeed indispensable. Its members must be composed of experienced and knowledgeable examiners to ensure the professionalism and authority of the review work. At the same time, the review process should be recorded in full for future verification."

As the discussion deepened, the atmosphere in the study became more solemn and heated. Zhu Han knew that the reform of the imperial examination system was not only related to the country's future talent selection, but also an important baptism for the entire court's ethos.

"In addition," Zhu Han pondered for a moment and continued, "We should also increase our support for candidates in remote areas to ensure that they have the opportunity to participate in the imperial examinations and not bury talents due to geographical restrictions."

An aide raised a question: "Your Highness, candidates from remote areas are often unable to go to Beijing to take the exam due to long distances and financial difficulties. How should this problem be solved?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "We can set up a special subsidy fund to provide travel subsidies and accommodation arrangements for outstanding candidates in remote areas to reduce their financial burden. At the same time, we can set up pre-examinations in various places to select outstanding candidates and send them directly to the capital to participate in the imperial examinations."

Upon hearing this, all the staff nodded in agreement. Zhu Han felt a little relieved.

"Okay," Zhu Han stood up and glanced at everyone. "The reform of the imperial examination system is of great importance. We need to work together and plan carefully. After you go back, please each draw up a detailed plan based on what we discussed today. We will discuss it again tomorrow."

All the staff bowed and left the study. Zhu Han stood alone in front of the window, looking at the palace in the night, his heart full of expectations and determination for the future.

The next morning, Zhu Han summoned his staff to discuss the details of the reform of the imperial examination system. After intense discussions and revisions, a relatively complete reform plan for the imperial examination system was finally produced. Zhu Han decided that when the time was right, he would submit it to Zhu Yuanzhang and strive to obtain approval and implementation.

Zhu Han was in his study, staring at the imperial examination reform plan spread out on the table, feeling both a sense of accomplishment and a hint of worry.

Although this plan was detailed, it would take some time to get Zhu Yuanzhang's approval and put it into practice. Just as he was thinking, an attendant hurried in and reported: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince wants to see you."

Zhu Han's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he immediately said, "Please invite His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in."

After a while, Zhu Biao walked into the study, with a somewhat anxious look on his face: "Uncle Han, Biao has something urgent to discuss with you."

Zhu Han stood up and walked forward: "Biao'er, why are you in such a hurry?"

Zhu Biao walked to the table, his eyes fell on the imperial examination reform plan, and he sighed and said, "Uncle Han, I have carefully read this imperial examination reform plan several times, and it is indeed ingenious. However, there are many obstacles in the court, and I am worried..."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and interrupted Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, the road to reform is never smooth, you and I both know that. But it is precisely because of this that its significance is more evident. Tell me, what are your specific concerns?"

Zhu Biao frowned and said slowly: "There are many vested interests in the court. They are worried that the reform will affect their own interests and will definitely obstruct it in every possible way. In addition, although the emperor supports the reform, there will inevitably be different opinions during the specific implementation process. How should we deal with it?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, a firm look flashed in his eyes: "Biao'er, this matter needs to be addressed from two aspects. First, we must strengthen publicity, so that both the court officials and the people understand the urgency and necessity of reform, and win wider support; second, we must use thundering measures against those who stubbornly obstruct, and never tolerate them."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han, although the thundering method can shock people for a while, I am afraid it will also provoke a greater backlash."

Zhu Han shook his head and said earnestly: "Biao'er, you need to understand that reform is like sailing against the current. If you don't move forward, you will fall behind. We must not be soft-hearted towards those who truly hinder reform and those who are corrupt and pervert the law. But at the same time, we must also show tolerance and wisdom to divide and disintegrate those opponents who are only motivated by self-interest."

Zhu Biao nodded thoughtfully: "Uncle Han, what you said is very true. Biaoer has learned from your teachings. However, I would like to ask Uncle Han for guidance on how to implement it."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, walked to the window, looked at the palace garden outside the window, and said slowly: "Biao'er, you can first communicate privately with those important officials who hold a neutral attitude, understand their concerns, answer them one by one, and win their support. For those who firmly oppose, we can first collect evidence of their illegal activities, and when the critical moment comes, expose them in one fell swoop, leaving them no way to quibble."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with admiration: "Uncle Han is very far-sighted. I admire him. But, we need to be careful when collecting evidence so as not to alert the enemy."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Indeed. This matter can be handed over to the Jinyiwei to carry out secretly. They act in secret and are loyal to Your Majesty. They will definitely live up to your trust."

Zhu Biao's worries were slightly alleviated when he heard this: "Uncle Han has considered everything. Biao'er will arrange it right away."

While the two were discussing, an attendant hurried in and reported: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, the Minister of Personnel wants to see you and says he has something important to discuss."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, both feeling the urgency of the situation. Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Please ask him to come in."

After a while, the Minister of Personnel walked into the study, bowed solemnly and said, "Your Highness Prince Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have an urgent matter to report."

Zhu Han motioned him to stand up and speak: "Sir Shangshu, what is so urgent?"

The Minister of Personnel bowed and said, "Your Highness, when I was sorting out the official files recently, I found that there were doubts in the resumes of several officials. It is suspected that they falsely reported their achievements and took credit for their contributions. If this matter is not investigated strictly, it may damage the prestige of the court."

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this: "This matter is of great importance. Do you have any solid evidence?" The Minister of Personnel nodded: "We still need to collect more evidence, but there are already clues pointing to several key figures. I am willing to take charge of this matter and investigate it thoroughly."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Since the Minister has made such a decision, I will naturally fully support you. But this matter must be carried out in secret and no news can be leaked. You must start preparing immediately, and if there is any progress, you must report it to me and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince as soon as possible."

The Minister of Personnel bowed and withdrew. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other and both felt that the road to reform was difficult but full of opportunities.

Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Biao'er, you see, the road to reform is full of thorns, but as long as we work together, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome. The move by the Minister of Personnel is a positive signal on the road to reform."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will go all out and fight alongside Uncle Han to overcome the difficulties together."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, their eyes flashing with determination and tacit understanding. Zhu Han spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Biao'er, the move by the Minister of Personnel is an important step on our road to reform. Next, we need to strike while the iron is hot and continue this anti-corruption momentum."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, his brows revealing a resoluteness: "Uncle Han is right. I think we can use the suspicious points found by the Minister of Personnel to further expand the scope of the investigation and dig deep into the root causes of corruption in the court."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes deep: "Yes, but we must act cautiously and step by step. The web of corruption is intricate and complicated, and the slightest mistake may alert the enemy."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and suggested, "Uncle Han, we may set up a special investigation team composed of loyal and reliable people to investigate these suspicious points in depth, while keeping it isolated from the outside world to prevent information leakage."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This is a great plan. The special investigation team must report directly to the two of us to ensure that the action is swift and secretive. You must start preparations immediately and select the right people."

Zhu Biao bowed and responded, then changed the subject: "Uncle Han, in addition to the corruption in the court, I am also worried about the local governance issues. Many local officials are enriching themselves and oppressing the people. If this continues, it will definitely shake the foundation of the country."

Zhu Han looked solemn and said in a deep voice: "Biao'er is right. Local governance is the foundation of the country. If it cannot be effectively governed, there will be endless troubles. We can send imperial envoys to various places to conduct open and secret investigations and severely punish them."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "My nephew will immediately draw up a list and select suitable candidates to serve as imperial envoys. At the same time, strengthen communication with local officials to ensure that they understand the determination and significance of this action."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Biao'er, you are growing rapidly, and His Majesty will be very pleased. You are fully responsible for this operation, and I will provide you with full support in the court."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han gratefully and said firmly: "Thank you for your trust, Uncle Han. I will live up to your trust and handle this matter properly."

While the two were discussing, an attendant hurried in and reported: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, there is an urgent document sent from Jiangnan, and you two need to open it in person."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, and both felt that something was unusual. Zhu Han waved his hand to signal the attendant to present the document, and he took it and read it carefully. After a moment, he frowned and handed the document to Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, there is a severe drought in Jiangnan, the people are seriously affected, the grain harvest is poor, and the people are living in misery."

Zhu Biao took the document, glanced through it quickly, and said solemnly: "Uncle Han, this matter is of great importance. We must take immediate action to provide relief to the victims and stabilize the people's hearts."

Zhu Han nodded and said thoughtfully, "Biao'er is right. We can first allocate grain and silver from the national treasury and urgently transport them to the disaster area. At the same time, we can order local officials to organize disaster relief and ensure that food is distributed to every victim."

Zhu Biao took over the conversation, his eyes revealing firmness and determination: "Uncle Han is right, but we must ensure that the relief supplies can be distributed to the victims quickly and fairly. I propose that a special disaster relief supervision agency be established, with loyal and reliable officials in charge, to supervise the disaster relief work throughout the process to prevent anyone from embezzling money."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "Biao'er, this is a brilliant plan. The establishment of a supervision mechanism is crucial to ensure the transparency and efficiency of disaster relief work. You should start preparations immediately and select the right person to be responsible for this matter."

Zhu Biao nodded in response, and then added: "In addition, we should also encourage private forces to participate in disaster relief, such as donations from wealthy businessmen and self-help organizations by local gentry, to create an atmosphere of disaster relief with the participation of the whole society."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Biao'er has considered everything. This move will not only reduce the burden on the court, but also enhance the cohesion and self-help ability of the people. You should immediately draft a proposal to call on all sectors of society to actively participate in disaster relief."

Zhu Biao bowed and accepted the order. Just as he was about to leave, he seemed to remember something and hesitated for a moment before asking, "Uncle Han, this disaster relief will cost a lot of money and supplies. Can the national treasury afford it?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, his face solemn: "Although the national treasury is not well-off, people's livelihood is the most important thing. We must overcome difficulties and ensure the smooth progress of disaster relief work. I will report the situation to Your Majesty and request additional silver and materials. At the same time, we can also consider mobilizing officials to donate their salaries to solve the urgent problem."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with admiration: "Uncle Han has a far-sighted vision, and I am ashamed of myself. I will immediately draft a memorial to the emperor and start preparing for the officials to donate their salaries."

After the two men had discussed and agreed, Zhu Biao left in a hurry to prepare for disaster relief. Zhu Han stayed in the study, continuing to review other official documents, but his heart was unsettled.

A few days later, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao met with Zhu Yuanzhang and reported in detail the severe drought in Jiangnan and the disaster relief plan. Zhu Yuanzhang was solemn, but there was a glimmer of praise in his eyes: "Brother Han, Biao, I am very pleased that you two care about the people. Disaster relief is related to the people's livelihood, and we must go all out."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao bowed and responded in unison: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to live up to your high expectations."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, and immediately ordered the allocation of additional silver and supplies to support the disaster relief work.

Disaster relief work was quickly carried out, and Zhu Biao personally took charge of the disaster area to direct the relief work. He set up a supervisory agency to ensure that relief supplies were distributed fairly.

Zhu Han continued to promote reforms in the court, strengthen supervision, and severely punish corrupt officials. Only by eliminating corruption can we ensure that disaster relief funds and materials are truly used for people's livelihood. (End of this chapter)