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

Zhao Cheng and Liu Jin looked at each other and were both convinced. Zhao Cheng clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise. This two-pronged approach will surely make our Ming Dynasty more stable."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and nodded: "Okay, let's do it this way. What my Ming Dynasty wants is not only prosperity, but also the peace of mind of the people. Only when the officials are honest can the people be at peace."

After that, Zhu Yuanzhang left the Censorate accompanied by everyone, leaving behind a group of officials, their hearts full of longing and expectation for the future.

Zhu Kai knows that the living standards of the people are directly related to the foundation of the country. In order to reduce the soil for corruption, he decided to start from the grassroots level and let the wind of integrity prevail in the world. This is not just a slogan, but an action to go deep into the people, understand the people's sentiments, and solve practical problems.

One day, Zhu Kai and several of his confidants went on a private visit to a village outside the capital. The land here was fertile, but due to the disrepair of water conservancy, it was difficult to irrigate the farmland, and the grain harvest was affected. When the villagers saw the visiting official, they did not know his true identity and thought he was a nobleman from the city who came to play, so they came forward to complain.

"Sir, you see, this river embankment has not been repaired for many years. It floods every rainy season and all the fields are destroyed." An old farmer said with a sad face, leaning on a crutch.

"Yes, if it weren't for this, my family wouldn't have poor harvests every year, and our children would have almost no food to eat." Another middle-aged woman also echoed.

After hearing these words, Zhu Kai secretly made up his mind to solve this problem. He gently said to the villagers: "My fellow villagers, I see your sufferings and feel pain in my heart. I came here today to listen to your voices and see if there is any way to improve the current situation."

"It is such a great blessing that you can come here!" The villagers knelt down to express their gratitude.

"Please stand up quickly," Zhu Kai hurriedly helped everyone up, "Governing the country is the duty of officials, you don't need to be so polite."

Zhu Kai then discussed solutions with the local officials who accompanied him. After some discussion, they decided to immediately repair the river bank and introduce new irrigation technology to ensure that there would be no more floods in the future. In addition, they also formulated policies to reduce taxes and encourage farming, aiming to help farmers resume production as soon as possible.

"Dear villagers, we plan to complete the river bank repair work within the next month. During this period, all labor will be paid by the government. Please actively participate." Zhu Kai announced the good news to the villagers.

"Your Excellency is wise!" the villagers shouted in unison, with long-lost smiles on their faces.

While Zhu Kai was committed to solving people's livelihood problems, the situation in the court was not as smooth as his governance of the local areas. Some officials, because of their own interests, began to be dissatisfied with Zhu Kai's reform measures, and even colluded privately to try to obstruct his implementation of the new policy. Zhu Kai realized that if he could not establish his prestige in the court, all his efforts would be in vain.

Gu Wen has extensive influence in the court, and his support undoubtedly adds important weight to Zhu Kai.

"Sir, everything you do is for the benefit of the people, but in the court, kindness alone is not enough." Gu Wen said earnestly.

Zhu Kai nodded and said, "Master Gu is right. I am new here and am not familiar with some of the rules of the court. I am worried about what to do."

"This requires strategy," Gu Wen stroked his beard, "There are many factions in the court now, and each has its own agenda. If we want to gain a firm foothold, we must find common interests and unite the majority of officials."

"But how should we do it?" Zhu Kai asked.

"First, we need to find those who truly care about the people's livelihood, and then unite them to form a force that cannot be ignored," Gu Wen suggested.

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Master Gu's words make sense, but will this cause resentment from other factions?"

"Of course, but we can't give up on change and innovation because of this. As long as we have enough evidence to prove that our practices are beneficial to the country, we are not afraid of any criticism." Gu Wen said firmly.

So, with the help of Gu Wen, Zhu Kai started a secret plan. He sent people to collect successful cases of water conservancy construction from various places, and invited several prestigious local officials to Beijing to exchange experiences with them. In this way, Zhu Kai not only demonstrated his concern for national affairs, but also won more support from his colleagues.

One day, Zhu Kai met with several officials who came to report on their work in the imperial study. One of the officials from Jiangnan brought a report on the local successful experience of river management, which excited everyone present.

"Everyone," Zhu Kai took the report and said loudly, "The case described by Mr. Wu is exactly what we need to learn. I believe that as long as we work together, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome."

"Your Excellency is right," Lord Wu replied respectfully, "In fact, many places have similar successful experiences. As long as we can learn from each other, I believe that Daming's water conservancy industry will be able to reach a higher level."

At this time, the Minister of Personnel, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up: "But all of this requires a lot of financial support. Now the treasury is empty. How can we raise this money?"

This question obviously touched the core, and everyone fell silent. Zhu Kai smiled slightly and turned his gaze to Gu Wen: "I think Lord Gu should consider this issue."

Gu Wen stood up and said calmly: "In fact, we already have a preliminary plan on this. By rationally adjusting the tax structure, reducing unnecessary expenses, and introducing private capital, I believe we can solve the funding problem."

Hearing this, the officials present all showed surprised expressions. Obviously, such a proposal exceeded their expectations, but it also gave them hope.

"Great," Zhu Kai clapped his hands and praised, "With the support of Lord Gu, I believe we will be able to overcome all difficulties and build a better Ming Dynasty."

"Sir Gu, what should we do next?" Zhu Kai asked.

"Sir, the most important thing now is to stabilize the morale of the army and let more officials see our determination." Gu Wen replied, "In addition, we need to pay close attention to the movements of the opposition forces to prevent them from making trouble at the critical moment."

"Well, I will arrange people to monitor closely and never let those people take advantage of the opportunity." Zhu Kai nodded in agreement.

As Zhu Kai and Gu Wen's cooperation deepened, their reforms and innovations gradually aroused widespread discussion in the court. However, just as they were preparing to further promote the new policy, a sudden change broke the originally peaceful situation.

One day, Zhu Kai was reviewing official documents in his mansion when suddenly a guard ran in hurriedly and reported: "Sir, there is urgent news from the palace!"

Zhu Kai put down the pen in his hand, looked up and asked, "What happened?"

"Your Excellency, news has come from the palace that someone has secretly reported that you have formed a clique and are planning a rebellion!" the guard said nervously.

Zhu Kai's face changed slightly after hearing this, but he quickly regained his composure: "I understand. I will immediately ask Lord Gu to come over to discuss countermeasures."

Not long after, Gu Wen hurried over with a serious face: "Master Zhu, I heard that there was a change in the palace?" Zhu Kai briefly told Gu Wen what happened. Gu Wen frowned after hearing this, and after thinking for a moment, he said: "This matter is very serious. If it is not handled properly, it may implicate many people. We must find out the truth as soon as possible and clear up the misunderstanding."

"Lord Gu is absolutely right, but we have no hard evidence at the moment. How can we explain it to Zhu Yuanzhang?" Zhu Kai asked worriedly.

"Don't worry, sir. Although this matter is tricky, it is not unsolvable. First of all, we must stabilize the morale of the troops and not let rumors spread. Secondly, we must collect evidence as soon as possible to prove our innocence." Gu Wen proposed a countermeasure.

So the two of them discussed and decided that Gu Wen would be responsible for appeasing the allies in the court to prevent the situation from escalating; while Zhu Kai would personally investigate the mastermind behind the scenes and look for clues that could prove his innocence.

A few days later, Zhu Kai discovered some clues during the investigation. It turned out that all this was planned by an official named Li Rui. Li Rui was dissatisfied with Zhu Kai's new policy, which damaged his interests, so he secretly colluded with others to frame Zhu Kai.

Upon learning this, Zhu Kai immediately summoned Gu Wen and said, "Master Gu, I have already found out that all this was done by Li Rui."

"Oh? What evidence?" Gu Wen asked with concern.

"This is a letter I found in his home. It clearly records how he planned this frame-up." Zhu Kai handed the letter to Gu Wen.

Gu Wen took the letter, read it carefully, and a relieved smile appeared on his face: "This letter is enough to prove your innocence, but we need to act more cautiously to avoid alerting the enemy."

"Lord Gu is right. What should we do now?" Zhu Kai asked.

"First, we need to find a suitable time to present this letter to Zhu Yuanzhang. Secondly, we have to let Li Rui admit his mistake himself so that the impact can be completely eliminated." Gu Wen pondered.

"Then when is the best time?" Zhu Kai asked.

"Tomorrow is the morning court session. We can take this opportunity to expose Li Rui's conspiracy in public." Gu Wen suggested.

The next morning, just after dawn, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen arrived at the palace. In the court, all officials stood in awe, waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang's arrival. Soon, Zhu Yuanzhang arrived, and the court meeting officially began.

Zhu Kai followed the plan he had discussed with Gu Wen in advance, stepped forward, and said loudly: "Your Majesty, there is one thing I don't understand, please understand."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly when he heard this: "Lord Zhu, if you have anything to say, please feel free to speak up."

Zhu Kai then took out the letter from his sleeve and presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your Majesty, this is a letter that I accidentally found while investigating a case. Please take a look at it."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the letter, unfolded it and read it carefully, his face gradually becoming gloomy. After reading it, he handed the letter to the minister beside him to circulate, and then turned his eyes to Li Rui: "Lord Li, what is your explanation for this?"

Li Rui panicked when he saw this, but he still defended himself: "Your Majesty, this letter must have been forged by someone in an attempt to frame me."

"Oh? Then can you explain why what is described in the letter is so consistent with what you have done recently?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Facing Zhu Yuanzhang's questioning, Li Rui could no longer conceal his inner panic. He finally knelt on the ground and confessed his crime: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I was confused for a moment and did such a stupid thing."

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious after hearing this: "What a bold villain! How dare you play tricks in front of me! Come, take Li Rui to the prison and wait for his punishment!"

As Li Rui was taken away, the court fell silent. Zhu Kai and Gu Wen looked at each other and both breathed a sigh of relief. After this incident, Zhu Kai's position in the court became more stable, and his reform measures also gained more support.

Afterwards, Zhu Kai specially held a banquet to thank Gu Wen: "Master Gu, this time it was all thanks to your brilliant plan, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous."

Gu Wen smiled and raised his glass: "Master Zhu is too modest. These are the results you deserve. As long as we work together, there is nothing we can't solve."

One day, Zhu Kai was discussing the implementation of the new policy with Gu Wen in the study room, when suddenly there was a sound of hurried footsteps outside the door. Then, a servant hurried in and reported nervously, "Master, there is a new decree from the palace, which requires you to go to the imperial study room to see the emperor immediately!"

Zhu Kai's heart tightened when he heard this, and he asked hurriedly: "But what happened?"

"I don't know, but someone from the palace said the matter is urgent, so please go quickly, sir." The servant replied respectfully.

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen looked at each other, and both saw some worry in each other's eyes. Gu Wen patted Zhu Kai's arm and comforted him, "Don't worry, brother Zhu. No matter what happens, we can always deal with it."

Zhu Kai nodded, straightened his clothes, and went to the palace with the servants.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting on the dragon throne with a serious face. Zhu Kai entered, bowed, and waited for the emperor's order. Zhu Yuanzhang said, "My dear Zhu, I summoned you here today because I received a secret report that you have an affair with a local gentry in the south and want to unite with his forces to fight against the court. Is this true?"

Zhu Kai was horrified when he heard this, and he immediately knelt down to explain: "Your Majesty, please be clear, I never meant that, this is slander, please investigate it carefully!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Kai kneeling on the ground, and said in a slightly slower tone: "My dear, I believe in your character, but words alone are not enough. Do you have any evidence to prove your innocence?"

"Your Majesty..." Zhu Kai was speechless for a moment, feeling extremely anxious. He looked at several ministers standing nearby, hoping to get some help.

At this moment, Gu Wen's voice came from outside the palace: "Your Majesty, I have come here upon hearing the news and am willing to testify for Master Zhu!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "Approved."

Gu Wen walked into the imperial study, bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang, and then stood beside Zhu Kai, saying earnestly, "Your Majesty, Lord Zhu has been diligent and dedicated since he took office, and has never had any selfish motives. This incident must have been deliberately framed by someone, please understand your majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and asked, "Then according to your opinion, how should this matter be handled?" (End of this chapter)