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

"Zhu Kai, what do you think of the current political situation?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Father, you are wise. Although the current political situation is stable, there are still hidden dangers. I believe that only by strengthening internal unity can the political situation be stabilized."

Zhu Yuanzhang felt relieved after hearing this. "Zhu Kai is right. What do you suggest?"

Zhu Kai smiled. "I think we can take this opportunity to hold a grand banquet and invite the court officials to the banquet to enhance the relationship between us."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement. "This is a great plan. You can start preparing."

Zhu Kai felt relieved when he heard this and thanked him immediately. "I will do my best to prepare."

After hearing this, Zhu Di sneered, "Blubbing? Humph, I have my own way to deal with him!" Zhu Di knew very well that Zhu Kai's reputation was getting higher and higher. If he did not take action, he would have difficulty gaining a foothold in the future.

Therefore, Zhu Di decided to personally take action to give Zhu Kai a warning. He summoned a group of his confidants to plot a countermeasure.

"Your Highness, what are you going to do?" asked a confidant.

Zhu Di's eyes were stern, and he spoke word by word: "We will start with public opinion to damage Zhu Kai's reputation. Then we will find an opportunity to expose his true colors."

"But..." The confidant hesitated to speak.

"What's wrong?" Zhu Di asked.

"Your Majesty, Zhu Kai is a very cunning person. If we act rashly, it may backfire."

Zhu Di was silent for a moment, then said: "Then we should attack from the side and let Zhu Kai reveal his flaws."

Zhu Di decided to start with public opinion to damage Zhu Kai's reputation. So he sent people to spread rumors inside and outside the capital, saying that Zhu Kai was corrupt and colluded with foreign enemies.

Soon, these rumors reached Zhu Kai's ears. After Zhu Kai learned about it, he was very angry, but he did not fight back immediately. Instead, he chose to calm down and think about countermeasures.

"Your Highness, what should we do?" asked Zhu Kai's staff.

Zhu Kai was silent for a moment, then said: "We can't be led by these rumors. We must take the initiative to clarify the facts."

So Zhu Kai decided to hold a public meeting and invited all the court officials to attend. At the meeting, Zhu Kai clarified all the rumors in public and showed the results of his work over the years.

"My lords, I, Zhu Kai, have a clear conscience and have never done anything to let down the country and the people. If you have any questions, you can ask me in person," Zhu Kai said passionately.

After hearing this, the courtiers expressed their support. One of them said, "Your Highness, you are our role model. We are all willing to serve you."

Zhu Kai smiled and nodded, feeling a little relieved. But Zhu Di did not give up, he decided to make another effort and give Zhu Kai a fatal blow.

"Your Highness, what are you going to do?" asked Zhu Di's confidant.

Zhu Di sneered, "Since Zhu Kai likes to play tricks, then we will play along with him to the end."

Zhu Di sent people to secretly collect evidence to try to prove that Zhu Kai was indeed colluding with foreign enemies. However, after some investigation, they did not find conclusive evidence. Zhu Di was unwilling to accept this, and he decided to take this opportunity to teach Zhu Kai a lesson.

One night, Zhu Di led a group of people and sneaked into Zhu Kai's mansion. They searched the entire mansion but found no evidence to prove that Zhu Kai was colluding with foreign enemies. Zhu Di was unwilling to accept this and decided to use this opportunity to teach Zhu Kai a lesson.

"Your Highness, we didn't find any evidence." A subordinate reported.

Zhu Di sneered, "It doesn't matter, we can create some evidence."

So Zhu Di sent people to forge some documents to try to prove that Zhu Kai was colluding with foreign enemies. However, these forged documents were soon discovered. When Zhu Kai learned about it, he immediately reported it to the court and requested a thorough investigation of the matter.

When Zhu Di learned about this, he was very panicked. He knew that he had caused a big disaster this time, and if the matter was exposed, he would be implicated. So he decided to take the initiative and report Zhu Kai to the court.

"Father, Zhu Kai is an ambitious man. He even forged evidence and tried to frame me." Zhu Di complained to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened when he heard this. "Zhu Di, do you have any evidence?"

Zhu Di quickly took out the forged document and said, "Father, this is the evidence."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the documents, examined them carefully, and said, "These documents are obviously forged, Zhu Di, do you have any misunderstandings?"

Zhu Di was shocked when he heard this, and he quickly explained: "Father, I heard about this and came to report it."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened. "Zhu Di, as a prince, you should understand your responsibilities. If you have any misunderstandings, you should clarify them in time instead of making rumors and causing trouble here."

Zhu Di was shocked when he heard this, and he immediately knelt down to apologize, "Father, I know I was wrong."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Zhu Di, please stand up. I will investigate this matter thoroughly. If anyone dares to spread rumors or cause trouble, they will be severely punished."

Zhu Kai's position in the court became more stable. But at the same time, he also realized that if he wanted to remain invincible in the complex court struggle, it was far from enough to rely solely on the support of the court. So he decided to use the power of the harem to win more support for himself.

One day, Zhu Kai received a special guest at home, Wang. Wang was one of Zhu Yuanzhang's favorite concubines, and she had a great influence in the harem. Zhu Kai knew that if he could get her support, his position in the court would be more stable.

"Madam Wang, I wonder what brings you here today?" Zhu Kai asked respectfully.

Wang smiled slightly and said, "Master Zhu, I came here to discuss an important matter with you."

"Oh? Madam, please tell me clearly." Zhu Kai asked curiously.

"I heard that Lord Zhu has made great achievements in the court and is highly valued by Zhu Yuanzhang. I wonder if you would think that I could provide some assistance to you in the harem?" Wang said straight to the point.

After hearing this, Zhu Kai was secretly delighted, but on the surface he remained calm: "Madam, I appreciate your kindness. However, the affairs of the court are complicated, and the harem is not a pure land. Isn't your move a bit risky?"

Wang shook her head gently: "Master Zhu, you are worrying too much. The reason why I am willing to help you is because I know that what you do is for the country and the people of Ming Dynasty. Although I am in the harem, I also have a patriotic heart."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai was moved and nodded in agreement: "Madam is a righteous person and I admire you. I wonder what your specific plans are?" "I plan to establish an alliance in the harem and unite some knowledgeable people to support Lord Zhu." Wang said earnestly.

"This..." Zhu Kai hesitated a little, "I am not in a position to interfere too much in the affairs of the harem, for fear of causing controversy."

"Don't worry, sir. I know what to do with this matter. As long as you can achieve something in the court, I will help you with all my strength." Wang said firmly.

Zhu Kai was touched by Wang's sincerity and nodded in agreement: "Since Madam is so righteous, I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Therefore, Zhu Kai and Wang reached an agreement that the latter would win more support for the former in the harem, and in the court, Zhu Kai would more actively implement the new policy and repay Wang's trust with practical actions.

A few days later, Zhu Kai proposed a new policy to improve people's livelihood at the court meeting, which was supported by most officials. However, some conservatives opposed it, believing that the reform was too radical and might cause unnecessary unrest.

As the two sides were arguing, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke up: "My dear ministers, I have listened to the opinions of all parties on the plan proposed by Mr. Zhu. But I believe that reform is the general trend. As long as the measures are appropriate, it will benefit the people. Therefore, I have decided to support Mr. Zhu's reform plan."

Hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's statement, Zhu Kai felt relieved, knowing that his efforts were recognized. At this time, in the harem, Wang was also busy trying to gain more support for Zhu Kai.

"Yuer, go tell the Imperial Concubine that the strategy proposed by Lord Zhu is beneficial to the country and she hopes she can support it." Wang ordered.

"Yes, your majesty." Yu'er took the order and left.

Soon after, the Imperial Concubine sent someone to deliver a message, expressing her willingness to support Zhu Kai's reform plan. Wang was secretly delighted when she saw this, knowing that her efforts were not in vain.

However, just as Zhu Kai's reform plan was about to be implemented, news suddenly came from the court that someone was plotting a rebellion and intended to overthrow the government. Zhu Kai was horrified after hearing this and quickly discussed countermeasures with Gu Wen.

"Brother Gu, this matter is of no trivial importance. If it is not stopped in time, it may lead to a disaster." Zhu Kai said worriedly.

"Don't worry, Brother Zhu. Although this matter is tricky, it is not unsolvable. We just need to find out the truth as soon as possible and clear up the misunderstanding." Gu Wen analyzed calmly.

Therefore, the two divided the work, Zhu Kai was responsible for stabilizing the situation in the court, while Gu Wen secretly investigated the truth behind the incident. After some efforts, they finally found out that it was all done by an official named Zhang Ming. Zhang Ming was dissatisfied with the new policy implemented by Zhu Kai, so he secretly planned the rebellion.

After learning the truth, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen immediately reported it to Zhu Yuanzhang and requested a thorough investigation. Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and immediately ordered the arrest of Zhang Ming and his accomplices.

"My dear Zhu and my dear Gu, you have made an invaluable contribution by exposing Zhang Ming's conspiracy in a timely manner. I have decided to appoint my dear Zhu as the Minister of Revenue to commend your contribution." Zhu Yuanzhang said approvingly.

After hearing this, Zhu Kai was delighted, but he still said modestly: "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. This is my duty."

"Sir Zhu, this is well-deserved. You deserve it." Gu Wen echoed from the side.

Zhu Kai and Gu Wen smiled at each other, feeling a sense of accomplishment. They knew that although the road ahead was still full of challenges, as long as they relied on each other, there would be no difficulties that could not be overcome.

At this time, in the harem, Wang was busy celebrating for Zhu Kai. She knew very well that Zhu Kai's success was not only related to his personal future, but also to the future of the country.

"Yu'er, go tell Lord Zhu that I'm here to celebrate for him." Wang ordered.

"Yes, your majesty." Yu'er took the order and left.

When Zhu Kai learned about this, he was also moved, knowing that behind all this, there was Wang's silent support.

One day, Zhu Kai was reviewing documents in his study when he suddenly heard a noise outside the door. He put down his brush, stood up and walked to the door, only to see a guard rushing in.

"Sir, there is an order from the palace, asking you to go to the imperial study immediately." The guard bowed and saluted.

Zhu Kai was slightly stunned, then nodded: "Got it, I'll be there right away."

When they arrived at the imperial study, they saw Zhu Yuanzhang sitting on the dragon throne with a serious expression. Zhu Kai bowed and waited quietly for Zhu Yuanzhang to speak.

"My dear Lord Zhu," Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, "Recently, I have received many memorials mentioning that the education level in the country is uneven and the teaching staff in various schools is weak. What do you think about this?"

Zhu Kai was moved after hearing this. This was exactly the issue he had been concerned about. He replied respectfully: "Your Majesty is right. I believe that to improve the overall cultural level of the country, we must first start with education. Only by allowing more people to receive a good education can we cultivate more talented people."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "Then what specific suggestions do you have?"

Zhu Kai thought for a moment and said, "I suggest that we set up more government-run academies across the country, select excellent teachers, and develop a complete education system to ensure that every child can receive a basic education."

"Okay," Zhu Yuanzhang praised, "Lord Zhu, I'll leave this matter to you. You must come up with a specific implementation plan as soon as possible."

"I obey your order." Zhu Kai took the order and left.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Kai immediately summoned several confidants to discuss the specific implementation plan. One of the officials, Li Wen, said, "Sir, this is a good idea, but the funds required are huge. How can we raise them?"

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "We can start by reducing unnecessary expenses, and we can also seek funding from the private sector. I believe that as long as we make the plan good enough, there will naturally be people of insight willing to provide financial support."

Li Wen nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency is right. When do we start the action?"

"I will visit some knowledgeable people early tomorrow morning and win their support," Zhu Kai decided.

The next day, Zhu Kai, Li Wen and others visited several famous people in the capital. Among them was an old scholar named Mr. Chen, who always cared about the people's livelihood.

"Mr. Chen," Zhu Kai said respectfully, "We are here to ask for your support for our agricultural reform and innovation plan."

After hearing this, Mr. Chen smiled and said, "Master Zhu, I have always been concerned about people's livelihood, but I wonder what your specific plans are?"

After hearing this, Zhu Kai was delighted: "Thank you, Mr. Chen. With your support, we are more confident."

A month later, Zhu Kai reported the preparations to Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied and said, "Lord Zhu, you are very efficient. I am very satisfied. I hope you can complete these water conservancy projects as soon as possible so that more people can benefit from them."

"I will definitely live up to your Majesty's expectations." Zhu Kai promised solemnly.

With the completion of the water conservancy project, the drought in the northern region was alleviated and the living conditions of farmers were improved. Zhu Kai often visited various places in person to ensure the quality of the project. (End of this chapter)