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

"I believe that the most urgent task is to thoroughly investigate this matter and find out the real culprit behind the scenes. At the same time, in order to prove Lord Zhu's innocence, I am willing to accompany Lord Zhu to the south to find out the truth." Gu Wen said firmly.

Zhu Kai looked at Gu Wen with gratitude, and a warm current surged in his heart. He knew that this trip was full of risks, but with Gu Wen by his side, he had more confidence.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement and said, "In that case, the two of you should go to the south together and find out the truth as soon as possible."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen followed the order and returned to the mansion to prepare for the trip south. Gu Wen suggested, "Brother Zhu, we will encounter many difficulties on this trip. We must not only bring enough dry food and silver, but also select a few loyal and reliable followers."

Zhu Kai nodded in agreement: "Brother Gu, what you said makes sense. I will arrange it right away."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen returned to the mansion and immediately summoned several servants, asking them to prepare the necessary items for the trip. In the study, the two discussed the specific details of the trip again.

"Brother Gu, who do you think is behind this?" Zhu Kai sat in front of the desk with a frown on his face.

Gu Wen looked around and lowered his voice, "In my opinion, this matter is most likely related to Hu Weiyong. This man has always been ruthless and has many complaints about your new policies. This time I'm afraid he is taking the opportunity to make trouble."

Zhu Kai nodded, his eyes firm: "No matter what, we must get to the bottom of this matter and not let the villain succeed."

Gu Wen continued, "Brother Zhu, in addition to dry food and silver, we also need to select a few loyal and reliable followers. I recommend Liao Yongzhong's nephew Liao Cheng, who is highly skilled in martial arts and loyal and reliable."

Zhu Kai thought about it and nodded, "Okay, let's do as you say. In addition, we need to bring a few doctors with excellent medical skills, just in case."

"Brother Zhu has thought of everything." Gu Wen nodded approvingly. "In addition, we also need to prepare a few letters so that we can send news to the capital in time if we encounter any emergencies on the road."

Zhu Kai nodded in agreement, and then ordered his servants to prepare letter paper and writing materials. A moment later, the necessary items were ready in the study. Zhu Kai picked up his pen and wrote letters to several confidants, informing them of the purpose of this trip to the south and the situations they might encounter.

"Brother Gu, do you think this is appropriate?" Zhu Kai handed the written letter to Gu Wen for review.

Gu Wen took the letter, read it carefully, and said with a satisfied smile: "Brother Zhu is thoughtful. These letters are enough to deal with various emergencies."

Zhu Kai felt relieved and asked again: "Brother Gu, when do you think it would be best for us to set off?"

Gu Wen thought for a moment and replied, "How about early tomorrow morning? That way we can buy more time."

Zhu Kai nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's do as you say."

At this time, the servants had prepared all the necessary items and came to report. Zhu Kai ordered them to move the items to the carriage and personally checked them. After everything was ready, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen returned to the study to continue discussing the specific plan for the southward journey.

As night fell, Zhu Kai's mansion was brightly lit. Zhu Kai and Wang walked in the courtyard, feeling heavy-hearted. Wang asked with concern, "Husband, are you sure you can return safely tomorrow when you go south?"

Zhu Kai held her hand tightly and said softly, "Madam, don't worry. With Gu Wen accompanying you, this journey is dangerous, but there is a chance of success. You should take care of yourself at home and don't worry."

Wang nodded gently, her eyes full of reluctance: "Husband, be careful on your journey, I will take care of everything at home."

Zhu Kai smiled slightly and consoled her: "Don't worry, Madam. I will be back soon after my absence in just a few days."

The next morning, just after dawn, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen left the mansion with several followers. Before leaving, Zhu Kai once again told the servants to take good care of Wang and left some silver for daily expenses.

The group rode out of the city and headed south along the official road. The scenery along the way was picturesque, but Zhu Kai had no time to appreciate it. Gu Wen comforted him, "Brother Zhu, don't worry too much. We will definitely find out the truth and clear your name on this trip."

Zhu Kai looked at him gratefully and nodded, "Brother Gu is right, but I'm worried that something unexpected will happen on this trip."

Gu Wen smiled and encouraged: "Brother Zhu, you have always been calm and decisive. You will be able to overcome the dangers on this trip south."

Zhu Kai nodded, feeling a little more relaxed. The group continued on their way, passing through several post stations, and finally arrived at a place in the south that was rumored.

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen first visited the local gentry to learn about the situation. A gentry named Li received them and warmly said, "Master Zhu and Master Gu, you have come from afar and have worked hard. I wonder what you two gentlemen are here for?"

Zhu Kai said straight to the point: "Mr. Li, we are here because of an unjust case. I heard that you are quite prestigious in the local area. I wonder if you can help investigate this matter?"

Mr. Li's face changed, but he immediately regained his composure and replied respectfully, "Master Zhu, you may not know that there are indeed some rumors circulating recently, but I am not clear about the specifics. However, if Master Zhu needs me, I will definitely cooperate with you to the fullest."

Zhu Kai nodded and continued to ask: "Mr. Li, do you know which gentry have had conflicts with the court recently?"

Mr. Li pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Recently, some gentry are indeed dissatisfied with the taxation policy of the court, but I am not in a position to reveal who they are."

Gu Wen interrupted, “Mr. Li, this matter concerns Mr. Zhu’s innocence, so please tell me the truth.”

Li Shishen hesitated for a moment, and finally said: "In fact, there is indeed a nobleman named Liu Guang who has some conflicts with the court recently. Maybe this matter is related."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen looked at each other and knew what was going on. Zhu Kai continued to ask, "Mr. Li, can you take us to see this Liu Guang?"

Mr. Li nodded and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Zhu. I will send someone to inform Liu Guang right away."

Soon, Liu Guang was brought to Zhu Kai. Liu Guang was a burly man with an arrogant look on his face. When he saw Zhu Kai and Gu Wen, he sneered and said, "You two have come from afar. I wonder what you are doing here?"

Zhu Kai remained calm and asked directly, "Liu Guang, I have received a secret report that you are colluding with the court and want to unite against the court. Is this true?"

Liu Guang's face changed, and then he laughed: "Master Zhu is really a joker. How dare Liu go against the court?"

Gu Wen took over the conversation and said firmly: "Liu Guang, you'd better tell the truth, otherwise you will bear the consequences."

Liu Guang's face changed slightly, but he still said stubbornly: "Master Zhu, I am indeed somewhat dissatisfied with the court, but I have no intention of rebelling. This matter must have been deliberately framed by someone, please investigate."

Zhu Kai looked at Liu Guang, and he had something in mind. He turned to Gu Wen and said, "Brother Gu, it seems that this matter needs further investigation."

Gu Wen nodded in agreement: "Brother Zhu is right. We still need to find out the real culprit behind this." Zhu Kai turned to Liu Guang and said, "Liu Guang, if you have no intention of rebelling, why don't you dare to accept the investigation?"

Liu Guang was silent for a moment, and finally said: "Master Zhu, Liu is willing to accept the investigation to prove his innocence."

Zhu Kai nodded with satisfaction, and then ordered his followers to investigate. After several days of hard work, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen finally found out the truth. It turned out that all this was secretly planned by Hu Weiyong, who tried to frame Zhu Kai in order to weaken the power of the crown prince Zhu Biao.

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen returned to the capital and reported the results of their investigation to Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and immediately ordered a thorough investigation of Hu Weiyong and his followers. Zhu Kai and Gu Wen also gained Zhu Yuanzhang's trust and praise. Everyone in the capital knew that they were loyal and deeply favored by the emperor.

When Zhu Kai returned to the mansion, Wang came out to greet him and asked with concern, "Husband, was your trip smooth?"

Zhu Kai smiled slightly and said softly: "Madam, don't worry, everything has been investigated and the truth is out."

Wang heaved a sigh of relief and smiled with satisfaction: "My husband, you have worked hard. Come into the house and have a rest."

Zhu Kai nodded and followed Wang into the hall. In the hall, candlelight flickered, and the table was already filled with delicacies. Wang personally poured wine for Zhu Kai and said softly, "My husband has been tired all the way, drink a cup of hot wine to warm yourself up."

Zhu Kai raised his cup and sipped it, his heart warmed. He thought of all the difficulties and obstacles on the journey south, and couldn't help but feel a lot of emotion. Seeing this, Wang asked with concern: "Husband, did you encounter any trouble on the journey south?"

Zhu Kai put down his wine glass and said slowly: "Madam, this trip is indeed full of dangers. Fortunately, with Gu Wen's help, we were able to find out the truth."

Wang nodded and said, "Master Gu is a good man. It is rare that your husband and he are as close as brothers."

Zhu Kai nodded in agreement: "Gu Wen is not only intelligent and brave, but also upright. He is truly a pillar of the country."

Wang sighed softly, "It's a pity that now the court is dominated by treacherous people, and it is difficult for virtuous people to realize their ambitions."

Zhu Kai was silent for a moment, and suddenly said: "Madam, I want to work with Gu Wen to do our best to eliminate evil and revitalize the country."

Wang nodded and said, "Since my husband has such aspirations, I will support him. But my husband must take care of his health and not overwork himself."

Zhu Kai nodded with emotion, and then had dinner with Wang, enjoying the rare quiet time.

In the process of rectifying the administration of officials, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen gradually discovered the undercurrents within the palace. Zhu Kai knew that if the truth was not found out in time, the consequences would be disastrous. So he decided to investigate the matter in depth.

One day, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen were discussing a case in the study room when they suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Zhu Kai looked up and saw a guard hurriedly walk into the study room and said in a panic, "Sir, something bad has happened in the palace!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen hurriedly asked, "What happened? Tell me quickly!"

The guard panted and stammered, "Sir, someone in the palace is plotting a rebellion, and many officials have been implicated."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen's faces changed drastically, and they quickly asked, "Who is plotting a rebellion? How many people are involved?"

The guard shook his head: "Sir, the details are still unclear. However, there is news in the palace that someone is plotting a rebellion and intends to overthrow Zhu Yuanzhang."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen were horrified when they heard this, and hurriedly said, "Guard, take me to the palace to check the situation immediately."

The guard immediately agreed and took Zhu Kai and Gu Wen to the palace. Along the way, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen kept asking the guard about the situation, hoping to find clues. The guard also answered one by one and told Zhu Kai and Gu Wen everything he knew.

Arriving at the palace, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen immediately started an investigation. They first found several confidants in the palace and asked about the situation. The confidants said that there was indeed someone in the palace plotting a rebellion, but it was not clear who it was.

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen were extremely anxious when they heard this, and they hurriedly said, "Confidants, you must help us find the mastermind behind this, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous."

The confidants nodded one after another, saying that they would do their best to assist Zhu Kai and Gu Wen. Zhu Kai and Gu Wen immediately began an in-depth investigation, hoping to find out the truth as soon as possible.

After some efforts, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen finally found some clues. They found that many people in the palace were involved in the conspiracy, including some children of powerful families. Zhu Kai and Gu Wen were horrified and quickly informed Zhu Yuanzhang of the matter.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face changed drastically, and he quickly asked: "Zhu Kai, Gu Wen, are you sure this is true?"

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen nodded quickly: "Zhu Yuanzhang, we have found some clues. Someone is indeed plotting a rebellion."

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious when he heard this, and hurriedly said, "Zhu Kai, Gu Wen, you must investigate this matter thoroughly and never let these traitors succeed."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen immediately agreed and began to investigate. They first found several officials who were involved in the conspiracy and asked about the situation. The officials refused to confess at first, but under the coercion and inducement of Zhu Kai and Gu Wen, they finally told the truth.

After Zhu Kai and Gu Wen learned the truth, they were furious and said quickly: "You traitors, you actually dared to plot a rebellion, your crime is unforgivable!"

Upon hearing this, the officials were so frightened that their faces turned pale. They immediately knelt on the ground and begged for mercy. Zhu Kai and Gu Wen snorted coldly and then ordered the guards to escort all the officials to prison.

Afterwards, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen informed Zhu Yuanzhang of the incident. Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned pale and he quickly said, "Zhu Kai, Gu Wen, you did a great job. These people dared to plot a rebellion and must be severely punished."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen quickly agreed and ordered the guards to take all the officials to prison. At the same time, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen also began to strengthen the defense of the palace to prevent these officials from plotting rebellion again.

A few days later, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen came to Zhu Yuanzhang again to report the situation. Zhu Kai said respectfully: "Zhu Yuanzhang, we have arrested all the officials involved in the conspiracy to revolt, and the defense of the palace has been strengthened. Such things will not happen again."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang showed a gratified smile on his face, and then said: "Zhu Kai, Gu Wen, you did a great job. If it weren't for you, the consequences of this incident would be disastrous."

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen quickly said modestly: "Zhu Yuanzhang, you are too kind. This is our responsibility."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly, and then said: "Zhu Kai, Gu Wen, you have made great contributions this time. I have decided to confer you the title of Duke to commend your achievements."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen were overjoyed and immediately knelt on the ground, saying with tears of gratitude: "Thank you, Zhu Yuanzhang, for your grace." (End of this chapter)