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

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. At the same time, I also hope that you can continue to serve the court and the country and the people."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao stood on the city wall, looking at the enemy camp approaching from a distance, his heart filled with worry. The second prince Zhu Kai stood beside him, silently observing the changes in the crown prince's expression.

"Brother," Zhu Kai said softly, "you don't have to worry too much. We have prepared a plan to deal with it."

Zhu Biao retracted his gaze from afar and turned to Zhu Kai. "Second brother, I know you are always smart and resourceful, but this matter is extraordinary. The enemy's intentions are not simple. If we don't handle it properly, it may bring disaster to the entire country."

Zhu Kai nodded, showing his understanding. "I have discussed this with the military advisors, and we have decided to adopt the strategy of 'encircling Wei to save Zhao'. We can first send a part of the army to feint an attack on the enemy's flank to attract their attention, thus buying us more time."

"Good plan," Zhu Biao praised, "However, we also need to consider the safety of the people. What will they do if a battle breaks out?"

"I have thought of this as well," Zhu Kai replied, "I have ordered the people in the city to temporarily move to a safe place, and have arranged sufficient supplies to ensure their lives during the period of refuge."

After hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao smiled with satisfaction. "It seems that you have indeed grown a lot during this period of time. However, I still want to go to the front line to see it myself. Only when I confirm it with my own eyes can I feel at ease."

"Brother, this is too dangerous," Zhu Kai hastily advised, "The situation on the front line is complicated. If there is any accident..."

"It is precisely because of the danger that I need to go." Zhu Biao interrupted him, "As the crown prince, I have to be responsible for my people. If I don't come in person, how can I calm the people's hearts?"

Seeing that the prince had made up his mind, Zhu Kai said no more. He knew that at this moment, any persuasion might seem pale and powerless. So, he said, "In this case, I will personally accompany you there."

That evening, Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai quietly approached the frontline. Under the cover of night, the two brothers stood side by side, observing the enemy's every move. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, bringing the breath of the battlefield in the distance, which made people feel awe.

"It seems that the enemy has no intention of attacking immediately," Zhu Kai analyzed, "Perhaps they are also waiting for the opportunity."

"Yes," Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, "This is our chance to buy time. Second brother, it's up to you from now on."

Zhu Kai smiled slightly, turned back to the camp, and began to command and deploy. He quickly called a meeting of the generals and arranged a series of action plans. At the same time, Zhu Biao stayed at the front line to calm the soldiers' emotions and boost morale.

Late at night, when the last ray of moonlight disappeared on the horizon, Zhu Kai's plan finally began to be implemented. An elite squad quietly sneaked into the vicinity of the enemy's camp and launched an attack according to the predetermined plan. Suddenly, the battlefield was full of flames and shouts of killing shook the sky.

While the enemy was distracted, another large army led by Zhu Biao quickly attacked and successfully cut off the enemy's supply line. This move greatly weakened the enemy's strength and eased the originally tense situation.

When the sun rose again, Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao stood on the city wall, watching the enemy troops gradually dispersing in the distance, their hearts filled with emotion.

"I was able to pass this time thanks to my second brother's brilliant plan." Zhu Biao was filled with emotion.

Zhu Kai smiled and shook his head. "No, brother, this is the result of everyone's joint efforts. Each of us is fighting to protect this land."

In the early morning after the battle, the sun penetrated the clouds and sprinkled on the battlefield. Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai walked side by side on the battlefield, inspecting the results of the battle and comforting the wounded. The air was filled with the smell of gunpowder, but at this moment, it seemed to carry a hint of the sweetness of victory.

"Second brother," Zhu Biao stopped and stared into the distance, "your strategy really worked. If you hadn't proposed the strategy of besieging Wei to save Zhao in time, I'm afraid our losses would have been even more severe."

Zhu Kai smiled and responded, "Big brother, you are overpraising me. I am just doing my duty as a subject."

"No," Zhu Biao said firmly, "Your contribution goes far beyond this. The wisdom and courage you have demonstrated are enough to become a model for the younger generation of our dynasty."

Hearing this, Zhu Kai's smile faded a little. He looked at Zhu Biao seriously, with a hint of sincerity in his tone: "Brother, you are a role model for all of us. Not only do you have extraordinary leadership, but you also always care about the people. This is the true way of a monarch."

The conversation between the two attracted the attention of the surrounding soldiers, who all cast admiring glances at them. In this battle, the heroic performance of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince undoubtedly won them more respect and love.

"Second brother," Zhu Biao suddenly asked, "what are your plans for the future?"

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and replied, "I hope to continue to serve the country under the leadership of my elder brother. I also hope to participate more in national governance and learn how to better serve the people."

Zhu Biao nodded, as if he was satisfied with Zhu Kai's answer. "Very good, that's exactly what I meant. In the future, I hope you can participate in more government affairs and jointly promote the development of the country."

Hearing this, Zhu Kai was delighted, but he did not show it immediately. Instead, he said respectfully, "Everything is up to you, big brother."

One day, Zhu Kai was reviewing official documents in his study when he heard the eunuch's voice outside the door: "Second Prince, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asks you to go to the meeting room immediately."

Putting down the brush in his hand, Zhu Kai stood up and walked towards the meeting room. There, he saw several important ministers and the crown prince Zhu Biao. Obviously, the topic to be discussed today was a major one.

"Second brother," Zhu Biao smiled as he saw Zhu Kai coming in, "Today we are discussing the relief work for the floods in the south. What do you think about this?"

Zhu Kai thought for a moment and said, "Floods frequently occur in the south, and people are living in hardship. I think we should first send someone to the disaster area to understand the actual situation; secondly, allocate food to ensure that the victims have enough food and clothing; finally, we need to consider long-term measures, such as building dams, to prevent disasters from happening again."

Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction. "My second brother is absolutely right. My lords, what do you think?"

All the ministers agreed, believing that the plan proposed by Zhu Kai was feasible. After the meeting, Zhu Biao kept Zhu Kai and said to him: "Second brother, you performed very well today. It can be seen that you have the ability to take charge of things on your own. I plan to send you to the south to personally supervise the disaster relief work." Zhu Kai's heart tightened, but he did not show any hesitation and answered firmly: "Yes, sir!"

A few days later, Zhu Kai set out on his journey to the south. What he saw along the way made him feel more deeply the severity of the disaster. Villages were flooded, fields were barren, and many people were displaced. Facing all this, Zhu Kai was filled with a sense of responsibility. He was determined to use his own strength to help the people affected by the disaster overcome the difficulties.

After arriving at the disaster area, Zhu Kai immediately set about organizing rescue work. He personally visited the worst-hit areas, comforted the victims, and urged local officials to distribute relief supplies as soon as possible. Thanks to his efforts, the disaster was gradually brought under control, and people's lives began to slowly recover.

However, just as Zhu Kai was busy with disaster relief, an urgent letter was delivered to him. The letter mentioned that there were rumors about the prince's succession rights in the capital recently, and the situation was very serious. Zhu Kai had mixed feelings after reading it. He knew that at this moment, the stability of the capital was of vital importance. So he immediately reported the situation to the prince and asked to return to the capital as soon as possible.

After receiving Zhu Kai's request, Zhu Biao replied: "Second brother, there is no need to worry too much about the affairs in the capital. You just need to concentrate on the work at hand and return to the capital after the disaster situation stabilizes."

Zhu Kai understood the prince's good intentions, but he still had some concerns. "Brother, the matter in the capital is of great importance. I am worried..."

"That's fine," Zhu Biao interrupted him, "I believe you can handle the affairs in the south properly. As for the capital, I have my own way to deal with it."

Although the situation in the capital has stabilized, Zhu Kai still feels a little uneasy. After all, he has been away from the capital for several months, and the contact between him and the prince is limited to correspondence. Therefore, when the disaster relief work in the south is coming to an end, Zhu Kai decides to return to the capital in advance so that he can more directly assist the prince in handling government affairs.

On the way back, Zhu Kai had mixed feelings. On the one hand, he was deeply concerned about the situation of the disaster victims in the south and hoped that all the problems could be solved as soon as possible; on the other hand, he was worried whether the situation in the capital was really as stable as the prince said. In this conflicting mood, Zhu Kai finally returned to the capital.

As soon as he entered the city, Zhu Kai felt a strange atmosphere. People on the street were hurrying and seemed to be talking about something. Zhu Kai was startled and immediately sent someone to inquire about the news. Not long after, he learned that there was a rumor in the capital that the prince was in poor health, which made many people suspicious.

After returning to the mansion, Zhu Kai did not have time to rest and went straight to the prince's mansion. When the guard saw him, he hurriedly reported. After a while, Zhu Biao came out, looking a little haggard, but in good spirits.

"Second brother, you're back." Zhu Biao's voice sounded a little tired, but there was relief in his tone.

Zhu Kai asked with concern: "Brother, I heard that you have been feeling unwell recently?"

Zhu Biao waved his hand and said with a smile: "It's nothing, just a cold. You don't have to worry too much."

"But..." Zhu Kai wanted to say something but was interrupted by Zhu Biao.

"The most important thing now is that we must resolve the rumors in the capital as soon as possible and stabilize the people's hearts." Zhu Biao's expression became serious. "I have arranged for people to investigate this matter. I believe there will be results soon."

Zhu Kai nodded, and then asked: "Brother, can I participate in the investigation?"

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, "Of course. In fact, I was just thinking of putting you in charge of this matter. You're back just in time."

After getting the prince's consent, Zhu Kai took action immediately. He first summoned several trusted ministers to discuss countermeasures. After some discussion, they decided to start from the source and find out who was spreading these rumors.

Zhu Kai ran around the government offices almost day and night to collect clues. At the same time, he kept communicating with the prince and reporting on the progress. Although it was hard work, Zhu Kai never complained. In his opinion, being able to share the prince's worries was the greatest honor.

Finally, with Zhu Kai's efforts, the truth gradually surfaced. It turned out that these rumors were spread by some people who were dissatisfied with the prince's policies. They took advantage of the people's concern for the prince's health and tried to shake the prince's position. Upon learning of this, Zhu Kai immediately informed the prince of the situation and suggested taking action.

"Brother, we should expose these people's conspiracy immediately and let them receive the punishment they deserve." Zhu Kai said in a firm tone.

Zhu Biao nodded, but added: "However, before that, we need to calm the people and avoid causing greater panic."

So, Zhu Kai followed the instructions of the prince and started a series of measures to appease the people. He personally visited the people to explain the truth of the matter to them and assured them that the prince was in good health. At the same time, he also strengthened the monitoring of rumors to ensure that no one continued to spread false information.

The atmosphere in the capital gradually returned to normal. The people began to trust the prince again and appreciated Zhu Kai's efforts. The prince's health condition also improved, which made everyone feel relieved.

One night, Zhu Biao summoned Zhu Kai, and the two talked in the study.

"Second brother, thanks to your efforts, the situation has been brought under control this time." Zhu Biao said gratefully.

Zhu Kai answered modestly: "It's all the result of my elder brother's wise leadership. I just did what I should do."

Zhu Biao smiled and shook his head. "No, you did a great job. Not only did you resolve the crisis in the capital, you also won the hearts of the people. This is something that even I find difficult to do."

Zhu Kai was moved when he heard this. He knew that the prince's recognition of him meant that his position in the court would be more stable. But this was not his goal. What Zhu Kai really hoped for was to make more contributions to the country and the people.

"Brother, I will continue to work hard and live up to your expectations." Zhu Kai solemnly promised.

Zhu Biao nodded, a pleased smile on his face. "I believe you can do it. We two brothers will definitely work together to create a prosperous world."

The situation in the capital has completely returned to normal. The cooperation between the brothers Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao has become more and more tacit. Whenever they encounter difficult problems, they can always support each other and find solutions to the problems together. However, as Zhu Kai's influence in the court grows, some ministers begin to be wary of him. They are worried that the young prince will threaten their position and may even replace the prince.

That day, Zhu Kai was sorting government documents in his study when he suddenly heard footsteps outside the door. He looked up and saw that it was the Crown Prince Zhu Biao and his guards walking in. (End of this chapter)