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

Zhu Kai turned around slowly, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes: "No, we can't act rashly. This news is too important. Once leaked, it may cause a bigger disturbance."

He walked to the desk, picked up a pen, and began to write something on the paper. His handwriting was neat and powerful, and every stroke revealed determination and wisdom.

"What we need to do is to use this information as a bargaining chip, secretly contact other factions within the 'Shadow Alliance', and make them work for us." Zhu Kai's voice was calm and firm.

As the night deepened, Zhu Kai's plan was quietly unfolding. Through a series of secret channels, he contacted some factions within the Shadow Alliance. Some of them were dissatisfied with Li Yan's ambitions and the intervention of the West Factory, and were willing to cooperate with Zhu Kai.

In a hidden teahouse, Zhu Kai sat opposite a middle-aged man who claimed to be a member of the Elders Council of the Shadow Alliance. The lights in the teahouse were dim, and the conversation between the two was so low that it was almost inaudible.

"Your Highness, although we are both members of the Shadow Alliance, we do not agree with what Li Yan did." The middle-aged man's voice was hoarse, and there was a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes. "His collusion with the West Factory has caused our organization to deviate from its original intention."

Zhu Kai nodded, his voice low and powerful: "I understand your concerns. But you should also understand what it means to cooperate with the court."

The middle-aged man was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "We understand, but for the future of Shadow Alliance, we are willing to take the risk."

Zhu Kai's eyes flashed with satisfaction. He knew that he had found a powerful ally. He stood up and stretched out his hand: "Then, we are allies."

The middle-aged man also stood up and shook hands with Zhu Kai: "I hope our cooperation will be successful."

As Zhu Kai's secret meeting with the members of the Elders' Council of the Shadow Alliance ended, Zhu Kai knew that he had taken a crucial step. He walked out of the teahouse. The night was as dark as ink, and there were few pedestrians on the street. Occasionally, the knocking sound of the night watchman in the distance was heard, indicating that the night was deep.

Zhu Kai turned to Gu Wen Zheng and said, "Gu Wen Zheng, tonight's meeting is crucial. The rift within the Shadow Alliance is the best opportunity we can take advantage of."

Gu Wenzheng followed closely and nodded in response: "Your Highness is wise. With the support of this elder, we can sow the seeds of division within the Shadow Alliance."

Zhu Kai stopped and looked up at the dark night sky. He said firmly, "It's time to take action. Pass the order and have all the trusted guards get ready. We must completely eliminate the threat of the Shadow Alliance before the sacrifice in the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

"Yes, Your Highness." Gu Wenzheng replied, and then ordered the guards around him: "Pass the order down, and proceed according to the plan."

The next morning, Zhu Kai arrived at a secret mansion early. This was one of Zhu Kai's secret bases in the capital, usually used to handle some matters that should not be made public. At this time, the mansion was already heavily guarded inside and outside, and Zhu Kai's confidants were busy preparing for the upcoming action.

"Your Highness," an aide stepped forward and saluted respectfully, "According to the news we received last night, Li Yan seems to have noticed something, and he has added a lot of guards to his mansion."

Zhu Kai frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "In this case, we must be more careful. Notify all those involved in the operation to ensure that no one is alerted."

The staff took the order and left, while Zhu Kai continued to discuss the plan with Gu Wenzheng in the study. "Gu Wenzheng, do you think we have enough evidence to deal with Li Yan?"

Gu Wenzheng said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, according to the information revealed by the elder last night, we have obtained some evidence that Li Yan colluded with the Western Factory. But this is not enough. We need more solid evidence to convince Zhu Yuanzhang of Li Yan's treasonous behavior."

Zhu Kai nodded in agreement: "You are right. We cannot just rely on the elder's one-sided statement. Continue to send people to monitor Li Yan's residence. Once you find any clues about his contact with the Western Factory, report immediately."

"Yes, Your Highness." Gu Wen Zheng replied, then turned and left to arrange the next course of action.

At the same time, in Li Yan's mansion, the atmosphere was equally tense. Li Yan sat in the study, looking solemn, as if thinking about something. There were slight footsteps outside the door, and Li Yan looked up, only to see a confidant hurriedly walking in.

"Sir," the confidant whispered, "There seems to be some movement in the palace. Our people reported that they are mobilizing manpower."

Li Yan frowned, thinking to himself, "Could it be that they have noticed something? In any case, we must speed up our actions and not let the prince's people find the evidence first."

"Notify all your men immediately to strengthen the defense of the mansion. At the same time, let the people from the Western Factory be prepared and take immediate action if there is any change." Li Yan ordered in a deep voice.

The confidant withdrew as ordered, while Li Yan stayed alone in the study with a gloomy look. He knew that once the matter was exposed, the consequences would be disastrous. Therefore, he decided to take more radical measures to ensure his own safety.

Night fell again, and an unusual atmosphere filled the capital. Zhu Kai and Gu Wenzheng led an elite force and quietly approached Li Yan's mansion. The mansion was brightly lit and heavily guarded, as if it was ready to deal with any emergency.

"Your Highness," Gu Wenzheng said softly, "It seems that Li Yan is already on guard. Do we need to reconsider our plan?"

Zhu Kai's eyes were firm and his tone was resolute: "Now that things have come to this, we can no longer hesitate. Pass the order down and act according to the original plan."

Following Zhu Kai's order, the guards quickly dispersed and quietly approached the various entrances of the mansion. Zhu Kai and Gu Wenzheng led a small team and headed straight for Li Yan's study.

"Who is it?" A guard suddenly appeared in front of them and asked loudly.

Zhu Kai did not answer. He flashed like a black lightning and passed by the guard in an instant. A line of blood appeared on the guard's throat. His eyes were wide open, but he could no longer make any sound.

"Hurry, we don't have much time." Zhu Kai whispered, and they immediately quickened their pace and rushed to the study.

The door of the study was closed. Zhu Kai gently pushed it open and his eyes immediately locked on Li Yan who was sitting behind the desk.

"Li Yan," Zhu Kai asked coldly, "What exactly is your connection with the Western Factory?"

Li Yan raised his head, a trace of fear on his face: "How...how did you know?"

Zhu Kai sneered and pressed on: "Do you think you can hide your actions from everyone? Now, explain everything clearly."

Li Yan's eyes flashed with a trace of struggle. Finally, under Zhu Kai's pressure, he finally said: "I admit that I have a deal with the West Factory. But they promised to help me ascend to a high position, so that I can get more power."

Zhu Kai's eyes became sharper: "Power? Is this the reason why you betrayed the court?" Li Yan lowered his head and stopped talking. Zhu Kai knew that he could not get more useful information from him, so he had to take more direct measures.

"Search this place and find all their plans and evidence." Zhu Kai ordered.

The guards immediately took action. They searched the study carefully and finally found a box containing documents and letters in a hidden corner.

"Your Highness, please look at these." Gu Wen Zheng handed the documents to Zhu Kai.

Zhu Kai took the document and quickly glanced through it. His face became extremely solemn. These documents and letters revealed the deal between the Shadow Alliance and the Western Factory. They were not only creating unrest, but also intended to subvert the Ming regime.

"It seems that our action has just begun." Zhu Kai said in a deep voice, with a hint of determination in his eyes.

Zhu Kai quickly returned to the palace with the captives and evidence. He immediately summoned Zhu Yuanzhang and reported all the clues he had found. After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy and his eyes were flashing with anger.

"This Li Yan actually dared to collude with the Western Factory and plot evil!" Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily, "Immediately order the arrest of Li Yan and his followers."

Zhu Kai said respectfully: "Father, I have sent people to closely monitor Li Yan's residence and can take action at any time."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and turned his gaze to Gu Wenzheng: "Gu Wenzheng, you immediately lead the Jinyiwei to surround Li Yan's mansion. No one is allowed to enter or leave."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Gu Wen Zheng took the order and quickly arranged the action.

As Zhu Yuanzhang's order was issued, a large-scale manhunt was launched in the capital. Li Yan and his followers were quickly arrested, and the power of the entire "Shadow Alliance" suffered a heavy blow. Zhu Kai stood on the high wall of the palace, looking at the besieged mansion in the distance, feeling both relieved and vigilant.

He knew that this was just the beginning, and there would be more challenges waiting for him in the future. But no matter what, he would go on unswervingly. For the sake of the Ming Dynasty and his father's trust, he must become the guardian.

Zhu Kai's eyes swept over the documents in his hand, and his brows knitted. The information revealed in these documents was much more complicated than he expected. It involved not only the unrest in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, but also an undercurrent surging in the heart of the Ming Dynasty.

"Your Highness, these documents mention an organization called 'Shadow Alliance', and they seem to be controlling all of this in secret." Gu Wen Zheng's voice was low and solemn.

Zhu Kai nodded, a cold light flashed in his eyes: "'Shadow Alliance'? I have never heard of this name, but their methods are so cruel, we must be careful to deal with them."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood aside, his eyes deep. He patted Zhu Kai on the shoulder and said, "Zhu Kai, you did a great job. The Ming Dynasty needs such warriors to protect it. But now is not the time to relax. We must completely eradicate the Shadow Alliance."

Zhu Kai said firmly: "Father, I will do my best and will never let anyone endanger the safety of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, turned around and said to the officials around him: "My dear ministers, from today on, we must strengthen the security of the capital, and any suspicious person will be strictly investigated."

All the officials responded in unison: "Your Majesty is wise."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wenzheng looked at each other, their hearts full of determination. They knew that the road ahead was full of unknowns, but they were confident that as long as they worked together, there would be no difficulties that could not be overcome.

As the night deepened, the lights in the capital gradually went out, but Zhu Kai's heart was burning with fighting spirit. 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.

"Gu Wenzheng," Zhu Kai whispered, "Starting tomorrow, we must step up our investigation into the Shadow Alliance and find out the mastermind behind them."

Gu Wenzheng nodded and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I have arranged the personnel and are ready to act at any time."

Zhu Kai smiled with satisfaction. He knew that with an assistant like Gu Wenzheng, nothing was impossible. He turned and walked towards the study, where there was still a lot of work waiting for him to complete.

The next morning, the sun shone through the mist onto the streets of the capital, adding a bit of vitality to the ancient capital. Zhu Kai came to the study early and began to deal with the piles of government affairs. Just as he was reviewing a memorial, Gu Wenzheng's voice came from outside the door.

"Your Highness," Gu Wenzheng walked into the study, holding a sealed letter in his hand, "This is an urgent secret report I just received. Please take a look."

Zhu Kai put down the brush in his hand, took the letter and opened it, his expression became serious. The letter reported some new developments of the Shadow Alliance and the intricate network of relations between it and the West Factory.

"Gu Wenzheng," Zhu Kai said, "Immediately send someone to investigate the background of the people mentioned in this letter. Also, notify the spies in the city to closely monitor the movements of the Shadow Alliance."

"Yes, Your Highness." Gu Wen Zheng took the order and soon disappeared outside the door.

Zhu Kai continued to review the memorials, but his heart was not at peace. The power of the Shadow Alliance seemed to be even greater than he had imagined, and Li Yan was just a pawn. The real mastermind behind the scenes was hidden deeper.

Not long after, Gu Wenzheng and several guards hurried back to the study. "Your Majesty, our people have found the secret room where Li Yan hid, which contains a lot of important information about the Shadow Alliance."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Kai immediately stood up and said, "Take me to see it."

The group walked through the courtyard of the palace and came to a hidden room. When they opened the door of the secret room, they found rows of wooden boxes filled with documents. Zhu Kai picked up a stack of documents, which recorded the transaction records between the Shadow Alliance and local gentry.

"These are all evidences," Zhu Kai said, "With these, we can further expose the true face of the 'Shadow Alliance'."

"Your Highness," a guard stepped forward to report, "We found some strange objects in a corner of the secret room."

Zhu Kai followed the guard's gesture and saw several dusty boxes piled up in the corner. He walked over and carefully opened one of them. The box was filled with various spells and instruments, as well as some materials that looked like they were used in witchcraft rituals. (End of this chapter)