Ming Dynasty: Zhu Biao's younger brother, the most rebellious son in history

"What are you two discussing here? You two are acting so secretive with each other, as if you are hiding something from me."

"Father, if you say so, we are really wronged. Is it not okay for us to have a good relationship as brothers? This is our little secret and tacit understanding. Do we have to tell Father too?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was left speechless by Zhu Kai.

"I have never read a book before, but now that I have time, I have started to read some history books.

The above records the affairs between Emperor Taizong of Tang and his brothers, and the events of the Xuanwu Gate Incident were all terrifying.

How could such a conflict occur between brothers? Fortunately, we can learn from history. Didn’t Emperor Taizong of Tang say that using a bronze mirror can correct one’s clothes?

We just need to learn from history and avoid these terrible things from happening again.”

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang was not completely biased towards his son, Crown Prince Zhu Biao. What was more important was that he did not want any conflicts between the brothers like those in the Tang Dynasty.

Zhu Kai was very clear in his mind. He was not very interested in the position of emperor. He just wanted to make money. The more money he made, the more he could realize his dream.

Zhu Kai felt that after traveling to the Ming Dynasty, he should realize his own value and significance and do more useful things.

He hoped that the common people of the Ming Dynasty could live a good life. The reason why he wanted to go to Qi and Lu was to deal with these hateful Japanese pirates.

Of course, the sooner we fight against the Japanese pirates, the better.

Just when Zhu Kai was thinking about this, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince suddenly said something.

"Father, I have done something wrong."

"Just now you were saying that you did something wrong. What did you do wrong? You were not like this before. Ever since Zhu Kai came back, you often say that you did something wrong, which makes people tremble with fear."

"I took the initiative in dealing with Liao Yongzhong. He said that his old leg injury recurred.

The doctor also told him to rest at home, so I took the initiative to let him rest at home. If there is nothing wrong, he should not come out. "

"Prince, do you mean to say that you let him rest at home?"

"Also, inform Liao Yongzhong that he can rest at home in peace for the time being and does not need to come to court."

"what?"

Zhu Yuanzhang deliberately frowned and pretended to be angry. Hearing this, he turned and looked at Zhu Kai.

"Father, please don't look at me like that. It makes me feel a little flustered."

"That's not because of any other reason. It's mainly because you feel guilty and have something on your mind, so you feel uneasy."

"Ouch..."

Zhu Kai understood in his heart that this little matter could not possibly stump Zhu Yuanzhang. To be able to become emperor, he must have his own strengths and his mind must be very smart and clear.

"Second brother, what if the prince takes the blame for you again?"

"Father, what are you talking about?"

"Let Liao Yongzhong have a good rest at home, and don't come here again if there is nothing else.

Isn't this idea yours? The prince is a thoughtful person, he won't do anything so impulsive. Do you really think your father is a fool?"

After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking these things, Zhu Kai was completely confused.

Of course, he was confused because Zhu Kai was pretending to be like this on purpose. He knew that Zhu Yuanzhang would observe his expression carefully.

If he showed a feeling that his conspiracy had succeeded, it would only make the other party more suspicious of him.

"Father, okay, I have to admit that I did cause this, and I just blurted it out. Let him have a good rest at home."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a cold face and seriousness.

"Second brother, you have always been such an unruly person since you were a child. I thought you could change a little, but I didn't expect you to still be like this?"

"Father, isn't there a saying that goes 'It's easy to change a country but hard to change one's nature'? Even if I want to make some changes, my nature cannot change.

Besides, I am not simply impulsive. I have my own plan for blurting out these words, because I know what is bothering my father, and I know how to cure him."

Zhu Yuanzhang just wanted to force Zhu Kai to say this, and this was entirely a game between the two of them.

“Brother, you don’t have to bear this responsibility for me anymore, because I have already thought about it. Only when he is at home can he relax a little.

If he came to the court every day and saw his father's face, he would have been afraid in his heart and would naturally become more restrained. Even if he wanted to find his faults, he would not be able to find them. "

"Oh? Zhu Kai, do you have any other plans?"

"I dare not say what it is. I have other plans. The main reason is that I want to solve this problem on behalf of my father. The commander-in-chief of the Jinyiwei has already visited his home, but he did not dare to report the truth to my father."

"When Mao Xiang met you on the road, you must have let him know some inside information."

"Father, please don't blame him for this. He didn't dare to say anything, and he didn't say that it was all my own speculation. I know that father specifically asked him to investigate Liao Yongzhong."

"You're such a smart brat, sometimes that's not always a good thing."

Zhu Kai smiled and said to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Father, it is a good thing to use a smart mind in a smart place. If a smart mind is used in the wrong place, it will bring disaster upon oneself.

I know this very well, and I will never say anything in front of my father. I am willing to be a vassal king. I have spent very little time in the capital.

After this matter is over, I will leave after the New Year.

I am not afraid of offending the people in the court, but if my father or my eldest brother does this personally, the people in the court will panic. "

Zhu Yuanzhang heard what Zhu Kai said and nodded silently.

"Zhu Kai, do you really think this way? Don't say one thing and do another."

"Father, my eldest brother is now the crown prince, and his status and position are very stable. If he is easily involved in this matter, it will be very detrimental to the stability of his position."

"Well, it seems that you have grown up and now think about your elder brother."

"That's because big brother endured too much for me when I was little, and it's my turn to do things for him."

After Zhu Kai made some preparations in his mansion, he quietly left the capital and headed south. He did not bring too many followers, only Gu Wenzheng and a few trusted guards, as well as some necessary luggage. They followed the official road, passed through the prosperous towns, crossed the continuous hills, and finally arrived in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas.

The Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions have been rich places since ancient times, with developed commerce and rich cultural heritage. However, when Zhu Kai and his party stepped into this land, they found that the atmosphere here was very different from the past. The vendors in the market were whispering to each other, discussing the unusual things in recent days; the people in the streets and alleys were worried and whispering.

Zhu Kai and his party stayed in an inconspicuous inn. He changed into ordinary merchant clothes and strolled around the market with Gu Wenzhen, trying to catch some clues from the conversations of the people.

"Your Highness, look over there." Gu Wenzheng pointed to a teahouse in front and whispered, "There are many scholars gathered there. Maybe we can get some information from them."

Zhu Kai nodded, and the two slowly walked into the teahouse. Inside the teahouse, a group of scholars were sitting around a table, talking and discussing the current situation.

"Have you heard? Recently, a few people who claim to be the old people of the previous dynasty have been gathering troops in the mountains and forests outside the city, saying that they want to restore the old system and overthrow the Ming Dynasty." A scholar said in a low voice.

Another scholar shook his head and sighed, "The world is getting more and more chaotic. First there was the Ning Wang rebellion, and now someone wants to restore the old dynasty. When will the world be peaceful?"

Zhu Kai and Gu Wenzheng looked at each other, secretly alert. They did not interrupt, but just listened quietly.

"I think these people are just a bunch of rabble, they won't amount to anything." A young scholar said disapprovingly, "Although the Ming Dynasty has many faults, it is still much better than the corruption and incompetence of the previous dynasty."

Zhu Kai nodded slightly. The young man's words were pertinent. He was about to get up and leave when he heard another scholar say, "Don't underestimate these people. I heard that they have experts behind them, and they are financially strong. They have secretly won over many local officials."

Zhu Kai frowned slightly. This was exactly what he was worried about. If this force really colluded with local officials, then the problem would be even more complicated.

"Your Highness, we must act quickly." Gu Wenzheng whispered, "If there are really local officials who have been bribed, we must first find these people and cut off their connections."

Zhu Kai nodded, and then left the teahouse with Gu Wenzheng. They returned to the inn, immediately summoned the spies who were accompanying them, and began to deploy the operation.

"You guys, split up and act immediately, secretly investigate the local officials in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, especially those who have close contacts with merchants." Zhu Kai ordered in a deep voice, "At the same time, you must also pay attention to those who claim to be the old people of the previous dynasty. They may be the masterminds behind this unrest."

The spies took the order and left, while Zhu Kaize and Gu Wenzhen continued to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Highness, do we need to ask the court for reinforcements?" Gu Wen Zheng asked.

Zhu Kai shook his head: "No, it's not the right time yet. The first thing we need to do is to collect evidence and find out the true purpose of this force and the supporters behind it. Only after we have solid evidence can we take action."

Gu Wenzheng nodded to show his understanding: "I understand. So what should we do next?"

Zhu Kai thought for a moment and said slowly: "We should start with those officials who have close contacts with merchants. They may be the key to this unrest. At the same time, we should also pay close attention to those who claim to be the old people of the previous dynasty. Their actions may reveal more clues."

As night fell, in a remote mountain forest in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, a group of people in black were moving through the dense forest. Their movements were swift and cautious, and it was obvious that they were carrying out some secret activities.

In a secluded valley, a simple camp was quietly established. In the center of the camp, a large tent was brightly lit, and inside sat several men in brocade clothes, with solemn expressions, discussing something.

"Everyone, our plan has entered a critical moment. Now is the time for us to show our strength." A middle-aged man said in a deep voice, his eyes flashing with ambition.

Another man nodded in agreement: "Yes, we have successfully won over several local officials. As long as they can support us at the critical moment, our plan can be implemented smoothly."

At this time, an old man in a green shirt slowly spoke: "Everyone, although our plan is progressing smoothly, we cannot be careless. Although the Ming Dynasty court is corrupt, their power cannot be underestimated. We must always be vigilant and not let them discover our actions."

The middle-aged man sneered: "The old man is right, but we are not without preparation. We have already planted spies in the capital. Once the court takes any action, we will be the first to get the news."

The old man in green nodded slightly, with a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes: "Very good, as long as we can grasp the court's movements, we can prepare in advance. However, we still need more funds to support our actions."

At this time, a burly man stood up and said in a rough voice: "Don't worry about the money. My brothers are already raising funds everywhere and will soon raise enough silver."

The middle-aged man nodded, and then said to everyone: "In this case, we will act according to the original plan. When you go back, you must speed up preparations to ensure that every step goes smoothly."

Everyone nodded, then dispersed and disappeared into the night.

At the same time, on the other side of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Zhu Kaizheng and Gu Wenzheng were discussing countermeasures in a secret room.

"Your Highness, we have found some clues." Gu Wenzheng said in a low voice, "According to our spies, there is indeed a force operating in secret in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas recently, and they seem to be planning something."

Zhu Kai frowned and asked in a deep voice, "Have you found out their identities and purpose?"

Gu Wenzheng shook his head: "It's not clear yet, but their actions are very secretive, and it seems that local officials are in collusion with them."

A cold light flashed in Zhu Kai's eyes: "If local officials are really involved, it means that the background of this force is not simple. We must find out their true identity and purpose as soon as possible."

Gu Wenzheng nodded in agreement: "I have sent people to continue the investigation, and I believe there will be results soon."

Zhu Kai stood up, walked to the window, looked at the night outside, and thought to himself. He knew that this struggle was far more complicated than he had imagined, and he had to be more cautious to ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty.

"Your Highness, what do you think this is?" Gu Wen Zheng suddenly took out a secret letter from his arms and handed it to Zhu Kai. (End of this chapter)