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

Zhu Kai nodded in agreement: "Brother is right, but the princess is in a precarious situation right now. We must act quickly, otherwise once the other party notices, the consequences will be disastrous."

The prince stopped and turned around, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Second brother, please stay put for now, I will try to find out the truth. Make sure the princess is safe, this is the top priority."

Zhu Kai nodded and immediately made a suggestion: "Brother, can you send a few trusted people to secretly protect the princess and closely monitor the movements of Concubine Liu and Lord Wang?"

The prince pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Well, let me take care of this matter. In addition, you continue to collect evidence and make sure it is watertight so that you can strike a fatal blow at the critical moment."

After the two brothers finished their discussion, the prince immediately began to arrange for the protection of the princess. At the same time, Zhu Kai was not idle either. He knew that it was difficult to shake the foundation of the entire court with the power of a few people alone, so he decided to seek support from more allies. He thought of several fair and selfless ministers in the court, such as the Minister of Personnel, Mr. Zhang, and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Mr. Chen, who were all trustworthy.

The next day, Zhu Kai secretly visited Lord Zhang. In the study, Zhu Kai told Lord Zhang the whole story. Lord Zhang nodded solemnly, "Second Prince, this matter is indeed serious and concerns the reputation of the royal family and the stability of the court. Although I am just a civil servant, it would be an honor to share your concerns."

Zhu Kai said gratefully: "Mr. Zhang is a man of high moral character, and I admire him. But this matter needs to be kept secret to avoid alerting the enemy."

Lord Zhang nodded and agreed: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will act carefully." Then he added: "However, Your Highness still needs to be careful, after all, there are many people in the court who covet the throne."

Zhu Kai nodded to show his understanding, and then asked Lord Zhang about some of the situations of Concubine Liu and Lord Wang. Lord Zhang told him that although Lord Wang was favored by Zhu Yuanzhang recently, he was a very sinister person, and his relationship with Concubine Liu was also unusual. This information gave Zhu Kai a clearer understanding of the whole incident.

In the next few days, Zhu Kai frequently contacted the Crown Prince, Lord Zhang, Lord Chen and others, constantly exchanging information and formulating response strategies. At the same time, the guards sent by the Crown Prince had quietly arrived in place to protect the princess's safety at all times.

One day, Zhu Kai was handling official business in his study when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Then, the door was pushed open and the prince walked in with a serious look on his face.

"Second brother, the situation has changed!" The prince said straight to the point, "I just received news that Concubine Liu and Lord Wang seem to have noticed something. They are speeding up and preparing to take action."

Zhu Kai's heart tightened when he heard this: "Brother, how should we deal with it now?"

The prince said in a deep voice: "I have already strengthened the protection of the princess. At the same time, I also plan to personally meet the emperor and report this matter to the emperor. Only by letting the emperor know the truth can the problem be fundamentally solved."

Zhu Kai nodded in approval: "Brother, this is a brilliant plan. Father is wise and powerful, and he will surely be able to see through everything."

The prince added: "But before that, we must ensure that all the evidence is irrefutable, so that we can be invincible in the court."

When Crown Prince Zhu Biao learned that the princess intended to inherit the throne, he felt mixed emotions. Although he had always regarded the princess as a sibling, in this era of male superiority and female inferiority, it was almost impossible for a woman to ascend the throne. Moreover, the princess's move might cause turmoil in the court and even affect the crown prince's own position. The crown prince knew that he had to inform his father, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, so that he could make a decision as soon as possible.

The prince came to the imperial study and saw Zhu Yuanzhang sitting on the dragon throne, playing with a jade seal in his hand, his eyes revealing deep thought. Zhu Biao coughed lightly, breaking the silence in the study: "Father, I have something important to report."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head, his eyes sharp as a torch: "Biao'er, why are you in such a hurry?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao took two steps forward, bowed respectfully and said, "Father, I recently learned that Her Royal Highness intends to inherit the throne, so I came to report this to you."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang paused for a moment, then put the jade seal back heavily on the table, with a complicated look on his face: "Princess...she actually has such an idea?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao nodded and continued, "That's right. I'm worried that this move will cause dissatisfaction in the court and may even affect the stability of the royal family."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, his eyes lingering on the prince for a long time, as if he was weighing something. Finally, he slowly said, "Biao'er, how do you think we should deal with him?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao had a plan in mind, but he still answered cautiously: "I think that although the princess is talented, it is not appropriate for a woman to interfere in politics, let alone inherit the throne. Perhaps we can find a suitable reason to persuade the princess to give up this idea."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head gently and said, "Biao'er, you and I both know that the princess has been smart and talented since she was young. If she had not been born a girl, she would indeed be a suitable candidate. But what you said also makes sense. It is against etiquette for a woman to rule the country."

When Crown Prince Zhu Biao saw that his father agreed with his point of view, he felt relieved and continued, "Father, your Majesty is wise. I think we can take this opportunity to strengthen the protection of the princess to prevent anyone from taking advantage of this incident to cause trouble."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "Well, I'll leave this matter to you. In addition, you also need to pay more attention to the movements in the court to prevent someone from taking advantage of this opportunity to stir up trouble."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao accepted the order respectfully: "I will definitely live up to your trust."

After the prince left, Zhu Yuanzhang sat alone on the dragon throne, lost in deep thought. He thought of the princess's intelligence and courage since childhood, and felt a little sorry. However, as an emperor, he knew that he could not be emotional in state affairs, so he had to reluctantly give up.

A few days later, the princess was summoned to the palace. She walked into the imperial study with doubts, only to see Zhu Yuanzhang sitting on the dragon throne with a calm face. The princess suddenly felt uneasy, but she still bowed respectfully: "Your son pays respect to your father."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, motioned for the princess to sit down, and then slowly said, "I heard that you intend to inherit the throne. Is this true?"

The princess was startled when she heard this, but she did not panic. Instead, she answered calmly, "I do have this thought. I have admired my father's wisdom and bravery since I was young, and I hope to contribute to the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "Princess, although you have this intention, as a woman, it is not convenient for you to ascend the throne. Father hopes that you can give up this idea and be a virtuous princess."

After hearing this, the princess was unwilling to accept it, but she knew that her father's decision could not be changed. She lowered her head and said in a choked voice: "Your son obeys your command."

Zhu Yuanzhang felt sorry for her, but for the sake of the overall situation, he could only harden his heart. He stood up, walked to the princess, and gently patted her shoulder: "Princess, I know you are unwilling, but this is for your own good. From now on, you just need to do your duty, and I will not treat you unfairly."

The princess nodded with tears in her eyes, but her heart was filled with helplessness and disappointment. She knew that from now on, she could only bury this dream in her heart and quietly do her part for the Ming Dynasty. The princess's thoughts soon spread to the court.

Some people were shocked by this kind of thing.

Some people also smiled knowingly.

Only they themselves know what they are thinking.

The originally quiet atmosphere in the court became noisy due to the heated debate among the ministers. One side was mainly civil officials, who believed that it was against etiquette for a woman to rule the country; the other side was represented by military generals and some more radical civil officials, who believed that the princess was talented and should be given important positions. The latter even cited the example of Wu Zetian in the Tang Dynasty to try to convince the opponents.

An experienced and prudent minister named Zhang Xuecheng was the first to stand up. His words were as cold and firm as ice: "My fellow officials, when the Ming Dynasty was first established, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang had already set down family rules and national laws. Women were not allowed to interfere in politics, let alone ascend the throne. Although Wu Zetian was capable, her act of usurping the throne was ultimately unhealthy. How could the Ming Dynasty follow suit?"

However, his speech was immediately refuted. A young and energetic general, Zhao Yunlong, stepped forward and his voice was as loud as a war drum: "Master Zhang, what you said is wrong! Although Wu Zetian was a woman, she was able to govern the Tang Dynasty in an orderly manner and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. Your Highness the Princess is also as capable as a man, so why can't you follow the example of the predecessors?"

Zhang Xuecheng's eyes widened with anger, and he pointed a trembling finger at Zhao Yunlong: "General Zhao, are you going to disregard our ancestral family rules?"

Zhao Yunlong did not back down and responded with his head held high: "Master Zhang, it is not that Yunlong is disrespectful to his ancestors, but the world has changed. If the princess can really take on this important task, why should we be bound by old-fashioned views?"

The two sides argued against each other. During the debate, Crown Prince Zhu Biao remained silent, his brows furrowed, as if he was thinking about something. It was not until the debate reached its climax that he slowly stood up. Although his voice was not loud, it was as clear as a spring, making the whole room quiet.

"My Lords," the prince said in a calm but powerful voice, "Today's matter is no small matter. Our Ming Dynasty was founded not long ago, and its foundation is still shallow. Any move that may shake the foundation of the country must be cautious. I am aware of the princess's talent, but the affairs of the country are no joke. The will of our emperor is our will, and we must not disobey."

Zhu Biao stood by the window, looking at the East Palace in the night, feeling heavy-hearted. Zhu Kai's words echoed in his ears, making him realize that the turmoil in the court was not simply a difference in political stance, but a more complicated power struggle hidden behind it. Most of the ministers who supported the princess to inherit the throne were actually those who had once opposed his succession, which made him feel an inexplicable chill.

"Brother Biao, what's wrong with you?" the princess asked with concern. She noticed the gloom on the prince's face.

Zhu Biao turned around, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes: "Princess, today's matter does not seem to be simple. Most of those who support you have been dissatisfied with me."

The princess frowned slightly, obviously surprised by the news: "Are you saying that they support me just to oppose you?"

Zhu Biao nodded: "Yes, that's right. They are using you as a pawn to weaken my power."

The princess bit her lip, a complicated look flashed in her eyes: "So, how should we deal with it?"

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and said firmly, "I will go to my father and explain this matter clearly. We cannot let them continue to do this."

The princess was silent for a moment, and finally nodded gently: "Brother Biao, you have to be careful. You know my father's temper. He never likes others to hide things from him."

Zhu Biao patted the princess on the shoulder and comforted her, "Don't worry, I will take care of it."

The next morning, Zhu Biao came to the imperial study and asked for an audience with Zhu Yuanzhang. In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting on the dragon chair, reading the memorials. When he saw the prince coming, he raised his eyes and asked, "Biao'er, why are you in such a hurry?"

After Zhu Biao saluted, he said bluntly: "Father, there is one thing I don't understand. I beg you to explain it to me."

Zhu Yuanzhang put down the pen in his hand and looked at his son gently: "Oh? What makes you so anxious?"

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and mustered up his courage to say, "Father, yesterday in the court, regarding the princess' succession to the throne, I discovered that most of the ministers who supported the princess were the ones who had opposed my succession. I am worried that this move is not truly for the country and the people, but has ulterior motives."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face changed slightly when he heard this, and he immediately fell into deep thought. After a long while, he slowly spoke: "Biao'er, I am not completely unaware of what you are talking about. Factional disputes in the court have existed since ancient times. However, the princess's affairs must be handled with caution."

Zhu Biao felt relieved and continued, "Father is wise. I am just worried that if we allow these ministers to sow discord, it may be detrimental to the government."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, his eyes revealing some worry: "Biao'er, I understand your thoughts. However, as a prince, you need to be tolerant of everything. For those who oppose, you might as well convince them with virtue."

Zhu Biao replied respectfully: "I will remember your father's teachings, but..."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and interrupted him: "Just what?"

"But I'm worried that the princess will be implicated." Zhu Biao expressed his concerns sincerely.

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then slowly stood up, walked to the window, looked at a corner of the palace in the distance, and said earnestly: "Biao'er, the princess is your sister, and I understand her thoughts. She is an ambitious child, but it is unreasonable for a woman to rule. As the crown prince, you should help her find a more suitable position."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He understood his father's painstaking efforts. "Father, I understand. I will handle this matter properly and will not let the princess get hurt."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around with a relieved smile on his face: "Very good, Biao'er, you have grown up, I believe you can handle all this."

Zhu Biao bowed deeply and said, "Thank you, Father." (End of this chapter)