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

The princess picked up the teacup, blew away the hot steam gently, and looked at Zhu Biao with gentle eyes: "It is a blessing for the country that the crown prince has such awareness. However, sometimes people are inevitably negligent. As long as we correct it in time, it is not too late."

Zhu Biao nodded and continued, "Yes, but as a future monarch, I must learn how to do my best in every detail. Princess, I am very touched by your actions today. Not only did you not blame me, but you also interceded for me in front of my father. I will remember this friendship in my heart."

The princess smiled slightly, her eyes revealing understanding and tolerance: "Brother Crown Prince, you are too modest. In fact, I have always admired you. Your decisiveness in the court and your good reputation among the people are beyond my reach. I just did what I thought was right."

Zhu Biao smiled, seeming a little embarrassed: "Princess, you are too kind. Actually, I also have a lot to learn. For example, how to communicate better with people, how to pay more attention to everyone's feelings..."

The princess interrupted him softly, "Brother Crown Prince, these are not achieved overnight. You have done well in many aspects, and I believe that you will become even better as time goes by."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, as if gathering up his courage: "Princess, there is one thing I have always wanted to ask you. Why are you always able to maintain this mentality and deal with difficulties and challenges calmly?"

The princess put down her teacup and looked at the scenery outside the window. Her thoughts seemed to drift far away. "I think it's probably because I always believe that no matter what difficulties we encounter, as long as we have good intentions and work hard to solve the problems, there will always be a way. Moreover, I have many people who care about me and they have given me great support."

Hearing this, Zhu Biao's expression softened: "I see. The princess's wisdom and kindness are really admirable. I think if I can be like the princess, then I will be able to govern the country more smoothly in the future."

The princess laughed, and her laughter was as sweet as a spring: "Brother Crown Prince, you are already very close. As long as you keep this mentality, I believe you will become an excellent monarch."

In the days that followed, Zhu Biao decided to put the princess's advice into practice. He began to listen more to the opinions of the court officials and tried to understand the living conditions of people from different classes. One day, Zhu Biao invited several young and knowledgeable ministers to the imperial study to discuss issues related to improving people's livelihood.

In the imperial study, Zhu Biao was sitting at the desk, which was piled with thick memorials. He looked at the ministers who came in, smiled and nodded, signaling them to sit down. "My dear ministers, I have called you here today to hear your views on some recent policies. In particular, do you have any good suggestions on agricultural tax burden and water conservancy construction?"

A minister named Wang Cheng spoke first: "Your Highness, I think that due to the recent drought, many places have suffered from poor harvests. If agricultural taxes are increased at this time, the people's lives will become even more difficult. I suggest that taxes can be appropriately reduced and officials can be sent to various places to provide guidance on irrigation technology to help farmers overcome difficulties."

Zhu Biao nodded and turned his gaze to another minister, Zhao Ming: "Lord Zhao, what do you think?"

Zhao Ming replied respectfully: "Your Highness, the king's opinion is very pertinent. In addition, I also suggest strengthening the construction of water conservancy facilities, such as building dams and dredging rivers, to reduce the impact of floods on agricultural production."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "You two are right. Mr. Wang mentioned reducing taxes and Mr. Zhao mentioned water conservancy construction, which are both urgent matters. But these require a lot of financial support, and the national treasury is not well-off at the moment. What good ideas do you have for this?"

At this time, a young female official stood up. She was Li Xiuying, who was in charge of financial affairs. "Your Highness, I think we can adjust the court's expenditures, cut unnecessary expenditures, and use the saved funds for disaster relief and water conservancy construction."

Zhu Biao looked at Li Xiuying with appreciation: "Lord Li, this is a very good point. However, we also need to consider the welfare of officials and not let them suffer because of official duties. This issue needs to be discussed further."

After the meeting, Zhu Biao returned to his own palace. The princess was waiting for him there. Seeing her brother coming back, she went to greet him. "Brother, I heard that you held a meeting today to discuss people's livelihood issues?"

Zhu Biao nodded, with a trace of fatigue on his face: "Yes, we have discussed a lot of ways to help farmers survive the drought. However, there are many difficulties in implementation."

The princess asked with concern, "For example?"

Zhu Biao sat down and took a sip of tea. "First, there is the issue of funds. The treasury is not well-funded. Secondly, there is the allocation of manpower. We need to coordinate the cooperation of various departments. Finally, there is the specific implementation plan. How can we ensure that every penny is spent wisely?"

The princess thought for a moment and offered her opinion: "Brother, perhaps we can start by simplifying the procedures, reducing unnecessary links, and implementing the policy faster and more effectively. In addition, we can mobilize the power of the people and encourage wealthy businessmen to donate money and materials to tide over the difficulties together."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up: "Princess, what you said reminded me. Indeed, if we can get the support of the people, it will greatly relieve our pressure. I will consider this suggestion and incorporate it into the plan as soon as possible."

The princess nodded with satisfaction: "I believe that my brother will be able to lead the country out of its predicament and let the people live and work in peace and contentment."

Zhu Biao held the princess's hand gratefully: "All this is inseparable from your support and advice, princess. You always give me guidance at critical moments."

As a series of reforms and innovations were implemented, Zhu Biao found that the implementation process was not smooth. Many old nobles and conservative ministers were reserved about his policies and even secretly obstructed them. One day, at a routine morning court session, an old minister, Li Yuanzhang, stood up and questioned: "Your Highness, although your policy has good intentions, is it too hasty to make such a large-scale reform? After all, many places are still suffering from the impact of natural disasters. If a new policy is implemented at this time, it will make the situation even more chaotic."

Faced with the doubt, Zhu Biao did not refute immediately, but patiently asked: "Lord Li, how do you think we should steadily promote reforms and innovations?"

Li Yuanzhang stroked his beard and said slowly: "In my opinion, it is better to start with a small-scale pilot project and then promote it comprehensively after the effect is obvious."

Zhu Biao nodded and turned to look at Zhao Ming who had remained silent: "Lord Zhao, what do you think?"

Zhao Ming stood up and answered respectfully, "Your Highness, Lord Li's suggestion makes sense, but I think that although pilot projects are important, they will not produce immediate results if they are just small-scale. I suggest that we select several places that have been hit hardest as pilot areas and focus on solving the most pressing problems there."

Zhu Biao listened carefully to their opinions and made a plan in his mind: "Both of you have a point. Lord Li suggested that it is important to act cautiously, while Lord Zhao's suggestion emphasizes efficiency. I think we can combine the two and select several typical areas as pilot areas for reform and innovation. At the same time, we must also be fully prepared just in case."

After careful consideration, Zhu Biao decided to personally lead a team to inspect the pilot areas. The team came to a small town in the south, which had not had a good harvest for three years due to continuous drought. Zhu Biao changed into casual clothes and only brought a few trusted people with him to better understand the people's sentiments.

As soon as he entered the town, he met several worried old farmers. Zhu Biao approached and asked, "Old man, what's wrong with you?"

One of the old farmers sighed, "Alas, this year is another drought year. The wheat seedlings in the fields are almost dead. What can we do?" Zhu Biao comforted them, "Don't worry, fellow villagers. The court has noticed your difficulties. I came here specifically to solve the problem."

When the old farmers heard this, a glimmer of hope flashed in their eyes: "Really? That's great!"

Zhu Biao went on to say: "We plan to launch a series of measures here, such as building reservoirs, introducing advanced irrigation technology, and reducing some taxes. I hope these can help everyone tide over the difficulties."

Upon hearing the good news, the villagers came up to express their gratitude. Zhu Biao also took the opportunity to learn about their specific situation in detail and promised to implement various assistance policies as soon as possible.

After returning to the capital, Zhu Biao immediately summoned Liu Jingyun, the minister in charge of water conservancy projects: "Lord Liu, I have seen with my own eyes the suffering that drought has brought to the people. We must take action as soon as possible. Do you have any specific plans?"

Liu Jingyun bowed and replied, "Your Highness, I have already drawn up a detailed plan, including the construction of water storage facilities and the transformation of irrigation systems. But it requires a lot of manpower and material support."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Don't worry about that. I will fully support you. Time is running out and we can't delay any longer."

Zhu Kai was reading a memorial in his study when a guard came to report, "Second Prince, there is a scholar outside who claims to be from Suzhou Prefecture in Nanzhili and wants to see you. He says he wants to talk about water conservancy improvement."

Zhu Kai put down the memorial in his hand, looked up and asked, "What is the name of this scholar?"

"Your Highness, his name is Zhang Wenzhao," the guard replied.

Zhu Kai thought for a moment, then ordered: "Please ask him to come in."

A moment later, Zhang Wenzhao was ushered into the study. He looked young and full of energy, and bowed deeply to Zhu Kai: "I, Zhang Wenzhao, pay my respects to the Second Prince."

Zhu Kai smiled and motioned him to stand up: "Mr. Zhang, there is no need to be polite. Please take a seat. I heard that you want to discuss water conservancy improvement with me?"

After Zhang Wenzhao sat down, he couldn't wait to speak out his thoughts: "That's right. Your Highness, I have investigated the Jiangnan area for many years and found that the local river was silted up, and it flooded every rainy season, causing serious damage to farmland. If the river can be dredged, it can not only reduce the occurrence of disasters, but also increase the area of ​​fertile farmland."

Zhu Kai listened attentively and nodded frequently: "Mr. Zhang's words make sense. This is a move that benefits the country and the people. However, this matter is very serious and involves many stakeholders. How can we implement it in a fair and reasonable way?"

Zhang Wenzhao answered confidently: "Your Highness is wise. I have drawn up a detailed plan for this matter and am willing to donate the drawings and methods free of charge. I only hope that Your Highness can give me support."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai was quite impressed, but considering the difficulty of implementation, he asked cautiously: "Mr. Zhang, have you considered the resistance you might encounter?"

"Your Highness, I understand the difficulties. But for the welfare of the people, I am willing to take all responsibilities," Zhang Wenzhao said firmly.

Zhu Kai looked at the young man in front of him and secretly admired his courage and determination. So he decided to personally accompany Zhang Wenzhao to Suzhou Prefecture for a field investigation to verify the feasibility of his plan.

A few days later, Zhu Kai and several of his followers set off for Suzhou with Zhang Wenzhao. They first visited local officials and listened to reports on the river conditions, then went deep into the countryside to talk with farmers and understand their real needs.

At the edge of a rice field, Zhu Kai asked an old farmer: "Old man, what do you think will be the benefits of dredging the river for us?"

The old farmer stopped what he was doing, looked up, his face full of wrinkles: "Second Prince, if the river is unblocked, we won't have to worry about floods when we farm. And we can have more good land to grow rice."

Zhu Kai nodded with satisfaction: "It seems that Mr. Zhang's proposal is indeed feasible. However, the project is huge and requires a lot of funds and manpower. How can we raise them?"

At this time, Zhang Wenzhao interrupted and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I have discussed with the local wealthy businessmen and they are willing to donate money to support the construction as long as Your Highness is willing to take charge of the overall situation."

Zhu Kai was moved when he heard this, and he also realized that this was not only a favor to the people, but also an opportunity to show his ability. So, he made a prompt decision: "Okay, I have decided to support this project. Mr. Zhang, you go back and prepare immediately, and we will officially start construction in a month."

The rice was golden, the mulberry trees were green, and the people were all smiling and praising the Second Prince for his wise decision. However, Zhu Kai's actions also attracted more attention in the court, especially from the Prince's faction, who began to worry that Zhu Kai's rising reputation would pose a threat to the Prince's position.

One day, Zhu Kai was handling government affairs when he suddenly received a secret letter. The letter read: "Second Prince, there have been rumors in the palace recently, all saying that you want to take the position of the crown prince. I hope Your Highness will be extremely cautious and do not act rashly."

After reading the letter, Zhu Kai frowned and crumpled the letter into a ball: "I have no intention of competing with my brother for power, why would someone be so suspicious?"

"Your Highness," the chief guard Liu Quan said in a low voice, "I'm afraid this was done by the prince's followers, trying to sow discord."

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment, then said firmly: "No matter how they provoke me, I will not do anything that goes against benevolence and righteousness. Liu Quan, go and investigate where these rumors come from, but be sure to keep a low profile and not disturb my father."

Liu Quan took the order and left, leaving Zhu Kai alone in the study to think about countermeasures. (End of this chapter)