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

At this time, a middle-aged staff member, Lord Zhao, interrupted and said, "Your Highness, I think we can also use the merchant network in the capital. Merchants have frequent exchanges, are well-informed, and are not easy to attract attention. We can cooperate with them secretly and obtain more gossip in the market."

Zhu Biao heard this and frowned slightly. "Lord Zhao is right. The most real sentiments and trends of the people are often hidden in the market. I will leave this matter to you to arrange. Please be careful."

Lord Zhao bowed and accepted the order: "I will obey your order and will not let you down."

The discussion continued, and the atmosphere became more heated. At this time, Li Mo spoke again, with a bit of excitement in his voice: "Your Highness, in addition to intelligence gathering, we can also create some positive public opinion in the court to enhance the image of the prince in the hearts of the court officials."

Zhu Biao asked with great interest: "Oh? What do you think, Li Mo?"

Li Mo smiled slightly and explained, "Your Highness can use this mission to the Xiongnu to publicize the achievements of peaceful diplomacy and let the court officials see the prince's foresight and diplomatic skills. At the same time, you can also promote some benevolent policies in the court, such as reducing taxes, building water conservancy projects, etc., so that the people can benefit, and naturally you will win the support of the court officials."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes sparkled with praise: "This is a very good plan. It can not only show the achievements of the prince, but also benefit the people. It kills two birds with one stone. Li Mo, you will be fully responsible for this matter. Make sure that everyone in the court and the country can feel the prince's benevolence and wisdom."

Li Mo bowed and responded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I will do my best to live up to your highness's expectations."

As the discussion deepened, various countermeasures gradually took shape. Zhu Biao looked at the staff in front of him, his heart filled with gratitude and confidence.

Just as everyone was about to leave, Zhu Biao suddenly remembered something and turned to Mr. Chen and said, "Mr. Chen, should we also be on guard against those court officials who have evil intentions?"

Mr. Chen pondered for a moment and replied, "Your Highness is right. We need to secretly monitor those court officials who are plotting ill, and take action immediately if we find any unusual behavior from them. At the same time, we can also use the clean forces in the court to contain and check them."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, his eyes showing a hint of sternness: "Mr. Chen is right. We must not only protect ourselves, but also take the initiative to attack and make sure those who have evil intentions have nowhere to hide."

At this time, a young and astute staff member, Lord Qian, stood up. He was usually known for his wisdom. At this moment, he said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, I have a plan. Perhaps we can catch those treacherous villains one by one without making a fuss."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of interest flashed in his eyes: "Master Qian, what brilliant plan do you have? Tell us quickly."

Lord Qian bowed slightly and said slowly: "Your Highness, we can use the document delivery system in the court to deliberately put some secret marks or code words in some seemingly insignificant documents. Only a few people we have agreed in advance know the meaning of these marks. Once these documents are circulated in the hands of certain people, we can secretly observe their reactions to see if there are any abnormal behaviors."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with approval: "This plan is very good. It will not arouse their vigilance, but can effectively monitor their movements. Sir Qian, this matter will be handed over to you with full responsibility. You must act cautiously and not leak any news."

Lord Qian bowed and accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I will definitely live up to your trust, Your Highness, and will do this matter flawlessly."

The discussion continued, and the atmosphere became more heated. At this time, Sun Shangshu, who was in charge of finance, raised another concern: "Your Highness, the situation in the court is turbulent. What if those treacherous officials take the opportunity to embezzle the national treasury?"

Zhu Biao frowned, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Minister Sun is right. The national treasury is the foundation of the Ming Dynasty, and we must not allow it to be lost. We need to strengthen the management of the national treasury, and at the same time send trustworthy people to strictly supervise the tax collection in various places to ensure that every income can be accurately deposited into the treasury."

Minister Sun nodded in agreement: "Your Highness is wise. I will immediately make arrangements to strengthen the supervision of the national treasury."

Then, a Zhou Yushi in charge of judicial affairs stood up and said sternly, "Your Highness, we must not tolerate those treacherous officials who have been found guilty. We must punish them severely according to the law to serve as a warning to others."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes stern, "What Censor Zhou said is absolutely right. Everyone is equal before the law. No matter who it is, as long as they break the law, they will be punished accordingly. This matter is also handed over to you for full responsibility. You must be fair and strict, and neither wrong nor lenient."

Censor Zhou bowed and accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with justice: "I will enforce the law impartially and will never let your highness down."

As the night deepened, the discussion in the study gradually came to an end. Zhu Biao looked at the staff in front of him, his heart filled with gratitude and confidence.

"My Lords, today's discussion concerns the safety of the Ming Dynasty. I hope you will work together to overcome the difficulties." Zhu Biao's voice was steady and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty. "Once this matter is settled, I will definitely reward them according to their merits, and will never treat any meritorious official unfairly."

It was late at night, and the candlelight in the East Palace study flickered, illuminating Zhu Han's deep face. He sat at his desk, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, as if thinking about some important decision. There were light footsteps outside the door, and a trusted guard hurried in, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Li wants to see you."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and signaled the guard to let Lord Li in. A moment later, a middle-aged scholar walked into the study. It was Minister Li. His face looked a little tired, but his eyes revealed determination and loyalty.

"Prince Han, I am sorry to bother you so late at night." As soon as Minister Li entered the study, he said straight to the point, "The situation in the court is becoming increasingly complicated. I am afraid that something unexpected will happen, so I came to ask Your Majesty for advice on countermeasures."

Zhu Han stood up, walked to Minister Li, patted him on the shoulder, and said in a deep voice: "Master Li, you don't have to be polite. The court is in turmoil now, and we should work together to overcome the difficulties."

The two sat down at the table. Zhu Han pondered for a moment and asked, "Lord Li, in your opinion, what is the situation in the court?"

Minister Li sighed and said slowly, "The various factions in the court are ready to make a move, especially those who are eyeing the position of the crown prince. They are secretly colluding with evil intentions. I am worried that if we don't deal with it in time, there may be chaos."

Zhu Han nodded, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes: "Yes, the position of the crown prince is related to the stability of the Ming Dynasty, and it must not be lost. We need to proceed step by step, both to consolidate the position of the crown prince and to guard against those who have evil intentions."

Minister Li nodded in agreement, and then asked, "Does Your Majesty have any good ideas?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "First, we need to strengthen intelligence gathering and be fully aware of the movements of various factions in the DPRK. Only by knowing ourselves and the enemy can we win every battle."

Upon hearing this, Minister Li's eyes flashed with admiration: "Your Majesty is right. I will immediately make arrangements to strengthen the construction of the intelligence network."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and continued, "Secondly, we need to create positive public opinion in the court to enhance the prestige of the prince. We can use the success of this mission to the Xiongnu to publicize the prince's benevolence and wisdom, and let the court officials see the prince's ability to govern the country." Minister Li nodded in agreement, but asked with some concern, "However, those in the court who are dissatisfied with the prince will probably not let go of this opportunity easily."

Zhu Han sneered, his tone carrying unquestionable majesty: "If they dare to act rashly, I have my own way to deal with it. However, before that, we must first consolidate the foundation of the prince and make his position in the court unshakable."

After hearing this, Li Shilang felt relieved and asked, "Your Majesty, what should we do next?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Next, we have to proceed in two steps. The first step is to strengthen the connection between the prince and the Qingliu faction in the court and win their support. At the same time, secretly support some knowledgeable people to form a force to support the prince."

Minister Li nodded to show that he understood, and then asked, "What about the second step?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom: "The second step is to take the initiative to expose the conspiracy of those evil-minded people and make them nowhere to hide. At the same time, use the clean forces in the court to contain and check them."

Upon hearing this, Minister Li's eyes flashed with admiration: "Your Majesty, this is a brilliant plan. I will start arranging it immediately."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, and then warned: "Lord Li, this matter is of great importance, so you must act with caution. Remember, don't alert the enemy, and don't let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince get involved."

Minister Li bowed and accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I understand, and I will definitely live up to your trust."

After saying this, Li Shilang turned around and was about to leave, but was stopped by Zhu Han: "Sir Li, there is one more thing you need to pay attention to. Among those in the court who are eyeing the position of the crown prince, the most difficult one is Prince of Yan Zhu Di. This man is both civil and military, and has a high prestige in the army. He should not be underestimated."

Minister Li's face changed slightly when he heard this, and he nodded, "I understand. However, Zhu Di is a cautious person who keeps his secrets. It may not be easy to uncover his conspiracy."

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Zhu Han sneered, his eyes flashing with a cold light: "It's not easy, but we have to do it. We must not only expose his conspiracy, but also make him understand that the position of crown prince is not something he can covet. You can secretly investigate his movements, and at the same time strengthen your contact with other court officials to win more support."

Minister Li bowed and turned to leave. Zhu Han looked at his back, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes, but then he became firm again.

The next morning, sunlight shone through the window lattice onto Zhu Han's desk. He got up early and began to deal with court affairs. Soon, a guard hurried into the study and bowed to report: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince wants to see you."

Zhu Han heard this, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and he quickly said, "Please invite His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in."

After a while, Zhu Biao walked into the study, his face solemn, obviously he had something important to discuss. He bowed to Zhu Han and went straight to the point: "Uncle Han, the situation in the court is getting increasingly tense. I am afraid something unexpected will happen, so I came to ask you for advice on countermeasures."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, motioned Zhu Biao to sit down, and then slowly said: "Don't worry, Biao'er, I have discussed countermeasures with Minister Li and others. We have decided to proceed in two steps. The first is to strengthen intelligence gathering and consolidate the foundation of the prince; the second is to take the initiative to expose the conspiracy of those who have evil intentions."

Zhu Biao heard this and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Wang, this plan is very good, but Zhu Di is a cautious person who hides his true abilities. I am afraid he will be difficult to deal with."

Zhu Han sneered, his eyes flashing with a cold light: "Although Zhu Di is cunning, he is not invulnerable. We just need to secretly investigate his movements, strengthen our ties with other court officials, and win more support, and he will be able to escape."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then asked, "How can we win the support of the Qingliu faction in the court?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "Biao'er can personally visit those Qingliu court officials, show your benevolence and wisdom, and let them see your ability to govern the country. At the same time, you can also use some public occasions, such as poetry gatherings and banquets, to exchange ideas with them and enhance understanding."

Zhu Biao heard this, a trace of gratitude flashed in his eyes: "Thank you Uncle Wang for your guidance, Biao will definitely remember it in my heart."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked side by side on the stone road leading to the palace. Their steps were steady and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty. The golden sunlight shone on them in the early morning, adding a sense of sacredness to this solemn pilgrimage.

Zhu Han turned to look at Zhu Biao beside him, his eyes full of love and expectation: "Biao'er, you need to stay calm and show your talent and determination when you meet the emperor today. Although father is old, his vision is still sharp and will not tolerate any slackness."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, his expression solemn and determined: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao'er will go all out and live up to the high expectations of my father and uncle."

The two entered the palace, passed through the palace gates, and finally arrived in front of the imperial study. When the guards saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, they bowed and made way for them.

Zhu Han knocked lightly on the door of the imperial study and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I, Zhu Han, and Crown Prince Zhu Biao, wish to see you."

Zhu Yuanzhang's steady voice came from inside the door: "Come in."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao pushed the door open and walked in, only to see Zhu Yuanzhang sitting on the dragon throne, his face majestic but kind. His eyes swept over the two of them, and finally stopped at Zhu Biao, with a hint of complex emotions flashing in his eyes.

"Your son pays homage to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor." Zhu Biao knelt down and saluted, his voice loud and clear.

"Brother Han, please don't be polite." Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand to signal Zhu Han to stand up, and then turned his gaze back to Zhu Biao, "Biao'er, what do you want to say?"

Zhu Biao stood up and clasped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, I am here this time to report to you on the recent handling of court affairs and to discuss with you how to further consolidate the position of the crown prince and ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing some approval: "Biao'er, I am very pleased that you have such determination. The situation in the court is complicated and changeable. You must always be vigilant and not be careless."

Zhu Han added: "Your Majesty is right. I think that to consolidate the position of the crown prince, we need to work on many aspects. On the one hand, we need to strengthen the crown prince's knowledge and cultivation and show his ability to govern the country; on the other hand, we also need to make friends in the court and win the support of more court officials." (End of this chapter)