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

Zhu Kai smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I will return safely."

Zhu Kai led his army to the southwestern border and found that the situation was more serious than he had imagined. The local chieftains united to rebel against the court, causing the originally peaceful border to fall into chaos.

Zhu Kai called a meeting of generals to discuss countermeasures.

Zhu Kai: "Everyone, what do you think of the current situation?"

General: "Your Highness, the enemy's strength should not be underestimated. We should act with caution."

General: "I think we should first divide and disintegrate the enemy alliance, and then defeat them one by one."

Zhu Kai nodded: "Yes, this plan is feasible. Who will implement it?"

General C volunteered: "I am willing to take on this task."

Zhu Kai nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, you will be in charge."

When Zhu Di learned that Zhu Kai was heading to the southwest border, he was secretly delighted and immediately summoned his confidants to discuss countermeasures.

Zhu Di: "Zhu Kai is not in the capital, this is the best time for us to seize power."

Advisor: "Your Majesty, do we need to act in advance?"

Zhu Di pondered for a moment and said, "No hurry, let's see what happens first."

Advisor: "Your Majesty, if Zhu Kai cannot resolve the rebellion in a short period of time, it will be in our favor."

Zhu Di nodded: "That's right, then wait until the time is right."

Zhu Kai led his army to fight the rebels for several days. Although he had won some victories, the progress was slow. That night, Zhu Kai sat alone in his tent, his heart full of worries.

Zhu Kai said to himself: "If the rebellion cannot be resolved quickly, I'm afraid it will cause more trouble."

Suddenly, there was a noise outside the tent. After a while, a soldier hurried into the tent.

Soldier: "Your Highness, something bad has happened. Urgent news has come from the capital!"

Zhu Kai hurriedly took the letter, quickly glanced through the contents, and his expression became extremely solemn.

Zhu Kai: "Zhu Di is ready to make a move in the capital. We must end the battle as soon as possible."

General C: "Your Highness, do you need to send someone back to Beijing for support?"

Zhu Kai shook his head: "No need, just focus on the battle. I will handle this matter personally."

When Zhu Di learned that Zhu Kai was about to return to Beijing, he became more and more anxious. He hurriedly summoned his confidants to discuss countermeasures.

Zhu Di: "Zhu Kai is about to return to Beijing, we must speed up."

Zhu Kai nodded: "Yes, you are responsible for strengthening the defense, I will go to talk to my father."

Zhu Kai came to the imperial study and met Zhu Yuanzhang. When Zhu Yuanzhang saw Zhu Kai, a gratified smile appeared on his face.

Zhu Yuanzhang: "Kai'er, you're back."

Zhu Kai: "Father, the rebellion in the southwest has been quelled."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Very good, you did a good job."

Zhu Kai: "Father, Zhu Di has been active in the capital recently. Does he need to be restrained?"

Zhu Kai: "But..."

Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him: "Okay, I'll take care of this matter, you go back and rest first."

Zhu Kai sighed helplessly and had to leave the imperial study.

When Zhu Di learned that Zhu Kai had met Zhu Yuanzhang for the third time, he became increasingly anxious and hurriedly summoned his confidants to discuss countermeasures.

Zhu Di: "Zhu Kai has met with the emperor three times. We must speed up."

Advisor: "Your Majesty, do we need to launch a coup in advance?"

Zhu Di thought for a moment and then said, "No, the time is not right now."

Advisor: "Your Majesty, if Zhu Kai strengthens his defense, the situation will become even more unfavorable."

Zhu Di nodded: "I know, we must find the secret decree as soon as possible."

In the 15th year of Hongwu, the capital was full of spring and everything was reviving. Deep in the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was discussing state affairs with the crown prince Zhu Biao. Meanwhile, the second prince Zhu Kai was strolling in a secluded garden in the palace with his aide Gu Wen.

"Your Highness, although Hu Weiyong's rebellion has been quelled, his followers are still spread throughout the court and the country." Gu Wen said softly. He was a resourceful scholar with a keen insight into current affairs.

"Sir, what you said makes sense," Zhu Kai nodded, "Father is wise and powerful, but there are still many treacherous people secretly causing trouble in the court."

"Your Highness, in my opinion, the most urgent task is to consolidate our own power and win the support of more ministers," Gu Wen suggested.

Zhu Kai was silent for a moment: "Sir, I am not a person who covets power, but I don't want to see the Ming Dynasty fall into the hands of villains."

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation. A eunuch came hurriedly and said, "Second Prince, Zhu Yuanzhang summons you to the Imperial Study immediately."

Zhu Kai felt nervous when he heard this, wondering why his father had summoned him at this time. So he hurried to the imperial study.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright, with the crown prince Zhu Biao beside him. When Zhu Kai came in, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly to signal him to sit down.

"Zhu Kai, are you aware of the discussions in the court these days?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked sternly.

Zhu Kai was nervous, but remained calm: "I am a stupid person, please enlighten me, father."

"Humph!" Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, "Someone has impeached you for forming a clique for personal gain and plotting rebellion!"

As soon as these words came out, Zhu Kai's face turned pale and he knelt down hurriedly: "Father, please understand, I have no such intention, someone must have framed me!"

Seeing this, Zhu Biao stepped forward to persuade him: "Father, please calm down. My second brother has always been loyal to me. This matter must be a misunderstanding."

Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated for a moment and then slowly said, "Since you have behaved well, I will put this matter aside for now. However, if there are any similar rumors again, I will not let you off easily!"

Zhu Kai felt relieved after hearing this, and quickly thanked him and left. On the way back to the palace, he frowned, full of doubts. Gu Wen came towards him and asked the reason when he saw him.

"Sir, someone has falsely accused me of plotting a rebellion. Although my father has not investigated it further, this matter may be of great significance." Zhu Kai said worriedly.

Gu Wen heard this, his eyes flashed: "Don't worry, Your Highness, there must be something strange about this matter, let me investigate it secretly."

A few days later, Gu Wen hurriedly reported: "Your Highness, the truth has been found out. It was Prince Yan Zhu Di who secretly instigated this and wanted to use this to weaken your power."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai was furious: "Zhu Di is so ambitious, how dare he act like this!"

Gu Wen calmly analyzed: "The power of the King of Yan is huge, we can't confront him head-on, we have to take a long-term view."

"Sir, what you said makes sense." Zhu Kai nodded, "This matter still needs to be considered in the long run."

At this time, Wang came to visit and saw that her husband was worried and asked about it. Zhu Kai told her the whole story.

"Don't worry, my husband. I believe you can overcome the danger." Wang comforted softly.

Zhu Kai felt warmed at the words and expressed his gratitude: "Madam, don't worry, I will handle it properly." Soon after, news came from the capital that the remnants of Hu Weiyong had caused trouble again. Zhu Yuanzhang ordered a thorough investigation and put Zhu Kai in charge of the case. Zhu Kai knew that this was an opportunity to show his loyalty, so he took action immediately.

After many twists and turns, Zhu Kai finally found out the truth and presented the evidence to Zhu Yuanzhang, who was overjoyed and praised Zhu Kai highly.

"Zhu Kai, I am very pleased that you have made great contributions this time." Zhu Yuanzhang said with satisfaction.

Zhu Kai replied modestly: "I dare not take credit for it. It was only because of your father's wise leadership that we were able to solve the case successfully."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, and then gave a serious reminder: "The situation in the court is complicated. You must learn to protect yourself and don't trust others easily."

Zhu Kai knew the deep meaning of this and solemnly promised: "I will not let you down."

As autumn deepens in the capital, the imperial palace is bustling with activity. Zhu Yuanzhang is busy handling government affairs, while Zhu Kai is also planning the upcoming autumn hunting activities in his palace.

"Your Highness, everything has been prepared for the autumn hunt. We are ready to set off as soon as you give our orders." Aide Gu Wen came to report.

Zhu Kai nodded slightly: "Autumn hunting is a royal tradition and a symbol of the military might of our Ming Dynasty. We must make careful preparations."

"That's right," Gu Wen agreed, "Many court officials and royal family members will participate in this autumn hunt. It is indeed a great opportunity to make friends."

"Sir, you are right," Zhu Kai nodded in agreement, "I will need your help then."

"Your Highness, please give your orders." Gu Wen replied respectfully.

At this time, a palace maid came hurriedly to report: "Your Highness, Madam Wang wants you to come over."

Zhu Kai was puzzled when he heard this, so he went to the backyard. He saw Wang sitting in the pavilion in the garden, looking worried.

"Madam, what are you worried about?" Zhu Kai asked with concern.

Wang sighed softly, "I heard today that His Majesty intends to let the Crown Prince govern the country. I wonder if this is true?"

Zhu Kai's heart trembled, and then he comforted him: "Father is old, and this is normal. Madam, don't worry too much."

"But if the crown prince becomes regent, Your Highness' situation will become even more difficult." Wang was worried.

Zhu Kai frowned when he heard this, and then said firmly: "No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will definitely protect our family."

Wang Shi felt relieved when she heard this and nodded gently: "I believe that Your Highness will be able to turn the danger into safety."

A few days later, the autumn hunting was held as scheduled. Zhu Yuanzhang led the people to the suburbs, and the princes and court officials followed him. In the autumn hunting field, everyone showed their magical powers, and for a while, arrows flew and horses hooves clattered.

Zhu Kai spurred his horse and shot an arrow at the beast in front of him, which attracted constant praise from all around. Zhu Yuanzhang was also very pleased to see this.

"Zhu Kai, your martial arts are improving day by day, which is very much to my liking." Zhu Yuanzhang praised.

Zhu Kai clasped his fists and replied, "I dare not take credit for it, it's all because of your father's good teaching."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly, then changed the subject: "You and Zhu Di both performed well in this autumn hunt, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Kai was secretly alert when he heard this. He knew that Zhu Di had always been ambitious, and a battle between the two would happen sooner or later.

After the autumn hunt, Zhu Yuanzhang announced that Crown Prince Zhu Biao would be the regent, which caused a stir in the court and the country. Although Zhu Kai was unwilling in his heart, he still congratulated the crown prince on the surface.

"Congratulations, brother. You deserve the position of regent." Zhu Kai complimented.

Zhu Biao smiled slightly: "Second brother, you are too kind. You are also a person that the emperor values."

Zhu Kai sneered in his heart, but remained calm on the surface: "Big brother, you are too kind. I will definitely assist you with all my strength."

Zhu Di watched silently from the side, with a hint of gloom in his eyes. He knew that with Zhu Biao as regent, the conflict between him and Zhu Kai would intensify.

"Zhu Kai, you and I both know that this change is not good for the two of us." Zhu Di said coldly.

Zhu Kai's heart trembled, but he still pretended to be calm: "Prince Yan, you are too serious. We are all citizens of the Ming Dynasty. We should put the overall situation first."

Zhu Di sneered: "The overall situation? I'm afraid you and I have our own plans in mind."

Zhu Kai was secretly angry, but he did not vent his anger. He just said calmly: "King Yan has a point. Zhu Kai will leave."

After returning to the mansion, Zhu Kai told Gu Wen about this. Upon hearing this, Gu Wen frowned.

"Your Highness, Zhu Di's ambition is obvious, and we must be on guard against this matter." Gu Wen reminded.

Zhu Kai nodded: "Sir, you are right. I have made some plans."

"Oh? Your Highness, please tell me clearly." Gu Wen asked curiously.

Zhu Kai said slowly: "I want to take this opportunity to recruit talents and enhance my own strength."

"Your Highness has a brilliant idea!" Gu Wen praised. "Recruiting talented people can not only consolidate your own power, but also show your broad mind."

Zhu Kai smiled slightly: "Sir, you are right. I will leave this matter to you."

"Yes, sir!" Gu Wen replied respectfully.

A few days later, Zhu Kai's residence was filled with guests, and many wise men from the court came to visit. Zhu Kai personally received them and talked about political affairs with them, winning praise.

"Your Highness is truly a virtuous ruler. We are willing to serve you at your will." A court official said respectfully.

Zhu Kai smiled slightly: "You are all too flattering. Zhu Kai is willing to work with you to create a prosperous Ming Dynasty."

Seeing this, Gu Wen secretly admired in his heart. He knew that Zhu Kai's move not only strengthened his own strength, but also established a good image in the court.

However, while Zhu Kai's residence was crowded with guests, Zhu Di's residence was a completely different scene. Zhu Di's face was gloomy and his heart was full of resentment.

"How dare Zhu Kai steal my limelight!" Zhu Di said angrily.

Seeing this, the staff on the side hurriedly tried to comfort him: "Your Majesty, calm down. Zhu Kai's move is just bluffing."

Zhu Di raised his eyebrows when he heard this: "Bluffing? Humph, I have my own way to deal with him!"

Seeing this, the staff member was secretly worried. He knew that Zhu Di had always been ruthless and once he took action, it would definitely cause an uproar.

Sure enough, a few days later, news came from the court that Zhu Kai's mansion had a large amount of contraband hidden in it, and was suspected of treason. When Zhu Yuanzhang learned of this, he was furious and immediately ordered a thorough investigation.

Upon hearing the news, Zhu Kai was shocked and hurried to the imperial study to meet Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Your Majesty, please be wise. I have absolutely no intention of rebelling. Someone must have framed me!" Zhu Kai said anxiously.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned pale and he shouted sternly: "Zhu Kai, do you know the consequences of this?"

Although Zhu Kai was afraid, he remained calm. "I know the seriousness of this matter, but I have no intention of rebelling. Please understand, Father."

Zhu Yuanzhang felt relieved after hearing this, but he still said in a deep voice: "Zhu Kai, this matter is of great importance, you must cooperate with the investigation."

Zhu Kai felt relieved when he heard this and quickly thanked him. "I will fully cooperate with you."

Finally, under Zhu Kai's strong defense, Zhu Yuanzhang decided to put the matter aside for the time being. However, Zhu Kai knew in his heart that the matter was far from over and the road ahead would be even more difficult.

As time went by, Zhu Kai gradually grew into a mature and steady prince, winning the support of more court officials, while Zhu Di's reputation gradually declined due to his repeated failures.

One day, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Kai and asked him about his views on the current political situation. (End of this chapter)