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

After sitting down, Zhang the blacksmith said, "Thank you, sir. Recently, we craftsmen are facing a big problem. Due to the restrictions on population mobility in various places, we can't find enough workers to complete the orders. I hope you can help us improve this situation."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai was moved: "Master Zhang, what you said is indeed an important issue. I am willing to help you, but how to implement it specifically requires further discussion."

"Thank you, sir," said Zhang the blacksmith gratefully. "If you are willing, I can take you to our workshop for a field trip so that you can better understand the local conditions."

The next day, Zhu Kai took several of his confidants and went to the largest blacksmith shop in the capital with Zhang the Blacksmith. Along the way, Zhang the Blacksmith gave a detailed account of the various difficulties faced by the craftsmen. Zhu Kai listened carefully and had some ideas in mind.

In the blacksmith shop, Zhu Kai witnessed the situation that the craftsmen had to work overtime due to lack of manpower. He secretly made up his mind to help them solve this problem.

One day, Zhu Kai and Zhang the Blacksmith stopped at a busy workshop and met a young craftsman who was working hard. Zhu Kai approached and asked him about it. He learned that his family could not come to help due to household registration restrictions, which caused him to bear more workload alone.

"Sir," the young craftsman said anxiously, "please help us."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai felt nervous: "Brother craftsman, don't worry, I will do my best to help you."

After returning to the palace, Zhu Kai immediately summoned officials from relevant departments to learn about the incident in detail. After some investigation, he found that it was indeed due to lack of support, so he decided to take action.

"My Lords," Zhu Kai said at the meeting, "There are obvious unreasonable aspects in this case. I think it is necessary to increase support for the construction of water conservancy facilities."

A few days later, Zhu Kai personally supervised the support measures for the construction of water conservancy facilities to ensure that the workers' legitimate rights and interests were protected.

Zhu Kai stood in front of the window, looking at the sky outside the palace wall, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

"Your Highness, don't worry too much." Aide Gu Wen said softly.

Zhu Kai turned his head and looked at Gu Wen, frowning slightly: "How can I not be worried? My elder brother Zhu Biao is deeply trusted by my father, and Zhu Di is also eyeing him covetously. What are my chances of winning this battle for the throne?"

Gu Wen bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please do not underestimate yourself. You are as good as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in both civil and military skills. As long as we plan properly, we may have a chance."

At this time, Madam Wang came in and said, "My Lord, please don't worry too much about this matter. It is important to take care of your health."

Zhu Kai sighed and held Wang's hand, "Madam, you don't understand the danger of this."

One day, in the court, Zhu Yuanzhang had a gloomy face.

"Hu Weiyong, do you admit your crime?" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted angrily.

Hu Weiyong knelt down immediately and said, "Your Majesty, I am innocent!"

Zhu Kai watched coldly from the side, but he was thinking in his heart how to profit from this turmoil.

Back at the palace, Zhu Kai discussed with Gu Wen.

"Gu Wen, if Hu Weiyong's party falls, will it be good or bad for me?"

Gu Wen pondered for a moment, "Your Majesty, this may be an opportunity for us."

Soon, Hu Weiyong was executed and the situation in the court became turbulent.

Zhu Biao found Zhu Kai and said, "Second brother, the situation is complicated now. You must be careful with your words and actions."

Zhu Kai smiled wryly, "Don't worry, big brother. I know what to do."

Privately, Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "Brother is warning me."

At this time, Liao Yongzhong was also secretly observing the movements of the princes, trying to find his own foothold in this vortex of power.

One day, an urgent report came from the border that the enemy was invading.

Zhu Yuanzhang asked in the court: "My dear ministers, who can lead the troops to the battle?"

Zhu Kai stepped forward and said, "Father, I am willing to go!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Kai, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes, "Okay, I will allow you to go to the battle."

Zhu Kai knew that this was a great opportunity to prove himself. Before leaving for the battle, Wang saw him off.

"Your Highness, you must return safely from this trip." Wang had tears in her eyes.

Zhu Kai said firmly: "Madam, rest assured, I will not fail in my mission."

On the battlefield, Zhu Kai fought bravely and demonstrated extraordinary military talent.

Zhu Kai returned triumphantly, and the people of the capital lined the streets to cheer.

Back in the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was delighted and said, "Kai'er, you have made great contributions this time. What reward do you want?"

Zhu Kai knelt down and saluted, "Father, I have done everything for the sake of the Ming Dynasty. I dare not ask for a reward."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "My son is modest, I shall certainly reward him."

Zhu Biao also said: "My second brother's great military achievements this time are a blessing for our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Kai smiled and responded: "Thank you for the compliment, big brother."

After the court session, Zhu Kai returned to the palace. Gu Wen had been waiting for him for a long time.

"Your Highness, your triumphant return this time has greatly increased your prestige in the court." Gu Wen said excitedly.

Zhu Kai sat on the chair and frowned slightly, "But this is far from enough. Big brother has a deep foundation in the court. We still need to make long-term plans."

At this time, Wang came in and said, "Your Majesty, I heard that many ministers in the court admired your military exploits."

Zhu Kai looked at Wang, "Madam, this is just the beginning."

A few days later, a banquet was held in the palace.

Zhu Di raised his glass and walked towards Zhu Kai, "Second brother, your military exploits this time are outstanding. I admire you."

Zhu Kai raised his glass in response, "Thank you for the compliment, Fourth Brother. You are also well-known in Peking."

Zhu Di smiled and said, "Second brother, you and I brothers must work together to serve the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Kai sneered in his heart, but his expression remained calm, "Of course."

After the banquet, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen had a secret conversation in the study.

"Your Highness, how credible do you think what Zhu Di said at the banquet today is?" Gu Wen asked.

Zhu Kai snorted coldly, "Zhu Di is ambitious, how could he really cooperate with me? He is just pretending to be nice to me."

Gu Wen nodded and said, "Your Majesty, you are wise. The situation in the court is unpredictable now, and we need to be careful in dealing with it."

After some time, Zhu Yuanzhang fell ill and most of the state affairs were handed over to Zhu Biao.

Zhu Kai was anxious and went to Gu Wen to discuss the matter.

"Gu Wen, our father is in poor health and our eldest brother is in power, which is extremely disadvantageous to us."

Gu Wen pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, why don't we create some public opinion among the people and publicize your achievements."

Zhu Kai hesitated and asked, "Is this too risky?"

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, if you don't act now, when will you act?"

As a result, stories about Zhu Kai's bravery in battle and his concern for the people began to spread among the people.

When Zhu Biao learned about this, he called Zhu Kai.

"Second brother, were these rumors among the people spread by you?" Zhu Biao asked.

Zhu Kai quickly denied, "Brother, this was definitely not my fault. Someone must have deliberately framed me."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Kai and said, "Second brother, I will trust you for now because of our brotherhood, but you should take care of yourself."

Zhu Kai secretly hated it. After returning to the palace, he said to Gu Wen: "Brother has become suspicious of me. We have to speed up our pace."

Not long after, Zhu Yuanzhang's condition became more serious, and people in the court were in panic.

Zhu Kai paced back and forth in the palace, extremely anxious. Wang Shi comforted him, "Your Majesty, don't be too anxious. It's important to take care of yourself."

Zhu Kai stopped and looked at Wang, saying, "Madam, the situation is critical now. If something happens to our father, the fight for the throne will become even more intense." As he was speaking, Gu Wen hurried over. "Your Highness, I just got the news that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is secretly summoning some ministers to discuss important matters."

Zhu Kai frowned and asked, "Do you know what we are discussing?"

Gu Wen shook his head: "I haven't found out the specific content yet, but it must be related to the inheritance of the throne."

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "Gu Wen, send someone to find out as soon as possible."

A few days later, Gu Wen brought news.

"Your Highness, according to the spy's report, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince intends to quickly stabilize the court and suppress the power of other princes after His Majesty's death."

Zhu Kai snorted coldly: "Brother is indeed very thoughtful and wants to exclude us early."

Gu Wenxian said, "Your Majesty, we can't just sit there and wait for death. We should take the initiative and win over some important officials in the court."

Zhu Kai hesitated and said, "We need to be careful in this matter. If Big Brother finds out, there will be disaster."

Gu Wen said: "Your Highness, wealth and honor are achieved through risk. Now is the critical moment, we cannot afford to retreat."

Zhu Kai gritted his teeth and said, "Well, I'll follow your plan."

So, Zhu Kai began to contact some ministers secretly.

During a private meeting, a minister said, "Your Highness, this matter is extremely risky. If it is discovered, my life and property will be in danger."

Zhu Kai patted his shoulder and said, "As long as the matter is accomplished, I will not treat you unfairly."

However, their actions still aroused Zhu Biao's vigilance.

Zhu Biao sent someone to tell Zhu Kai: "Second brother, your behavior has gone too far recently. Don't forget the love between brothers, and don't forget the country of Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Kai replied: "Brother, I am only thinking about the Ming Dynasty, I have no other intentions."

Privately, Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "Big Brother has already set his sights on us, so we need to be more careful in the future."

Gu Wen nodded and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will make proper arrangements."

At this time, news came from the palace that Zhu Yuanzhang's condition suddenly worsened and he fell into a coma.

When Zhu Kai learned about this, he was extremely anxious: "What should I do?"

Wang said, "My Lord, this is a critical moment, you must remain calm."

Zhu Kai took a deep breath and said, "Madam is right. I cannot lose my composure."

The news that Zhu Yuanzhang was in a coma spread throughout the palace, and the court was in chaos.

Zhu Kai urgently discussed countermeasures with Gu Wen in the palace.

"Gu Wen, our father is now in a coma and the situation is extremely unfavorable to us. What should we do?" Zhu Kai asked anxiously.

Gu Wen pondered for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, we need to be more cautious at this moment and must not act rashly, lest we be caught by the Crown Prince."

Zhu Kai frowned and said worriedly, "But if we keep waiting, we might miss the opportunity."

At this time, there was a noise outside the door. It turned out that Zhu Di came to visit.

As soon as Zhu Di entered the room, he said straight to the point: "Second brother, in this situation, you and I should work together to deal with it, only then can we have a chance of survival."

Zhu Kai thought about it secretly in his heart, but said: "Fourth brother, this matter needs to be considered carefully."

Zhu Di said anxiously: "Second brother, don't hesitate any longer. If the prince ascends the throne, neither you nor I will have a good ending."

Zhu Kai was silent for a moment, then said, "Fourth brother, even if we join forces, what are our chances of success?"

Zhu Di's eyes were firm: "As long as we plan properly, we may succeed."

Zhu Kai hesitated again and again, and said, "Let me think about it again."

After Zhu Di left, Wang came in.

"Your Highness, I think this matter is too risky." Wang said worriedly.

Zhu Kai sighed and said, "Madam, I know this too, but now I have been forced to this point."

After a few days, Zhu Biao summoned all the princes in the palace.

Zhu Biao sat at the top and said solemnly: "My brothers, now that our father is seriously ill, we should work together to overcome the difficulties."

Zhu Kai responded, "Brother, you are absolutely right."

Zhu Biao continued, "But during this period, if anyone attempts to disrupt the government, don't blame me for disregarding our brotherhood."

Zhu Kai's heart tightened, but he replied calmly: "Don't worry, big brother, I would never dare to have any improper thoughts."

Back at the palace, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen conspired again.

"Your Highness, the prince's words are clearly a warning to us," said Gu Wen.

Zhu Kai snorted coldly: "He is afraid that we will threaten his position."

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, we can't just sit there and wait for death. We have to find a way to break this situation."

Zhu Kai asked, "What good plan do you have?"

Gu Wen leaned close to Zhu Kai's ear and whispered, "We can..."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai's expression changed slightly: "Is this plan feasible?"

Gu Wen said affirmatively: "Your Majesty, now that things have come to this, we can only give it a try."

Zhu Kai hesitated for a long time, but finally decided to follow Gu Wen's plan.

They began to secretly contact some officials in the court who were dissatisfied with Zhu Biao, trying to accumulate power in secret.

One night, Zhu Kai was having a secret conversation with a minister in his study.

The minister lowered his voice and said, "Your Majesty, if this is accomplished, you will be the best choice for the new emperor."

Zhu Kai responded cautiously: "This matter must not be leaked, otherwise you and I will both be doomed."

However, their actions have aroused suspicion in some people.

Zhu Biao learned some of the news and called Zhu Kai to the palace again.

Zhu Biao was furious: "Second brother, I thought you would behave yourself after I warned you last time, but I didn't expect you to be so stubborn."

Zhu Kai quickly knelt down to explain: "Brother, this must be a false accusation. I have no such intention."

Zhu Biao snorted coldly: "The evidence is irrefutable, and you still dare to quibble."

Zhu Kai was panicking, but still pretended to be calm: "Brother, there must be a misunderstanding."

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly woke up and heard about this.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and summoned all the princes to his bedside.

Zhu Yuanzhang said weakly: "As princes, you don't want to serve the country, but fight to the death for the throne. How shameless!"

Zhu Kai and others all knelt on the ground and dared not say a word.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "I haven't even passed away yet, but you are so impatient. How can I feel at ease?"

Zhu Kai hurriedly said, "Father, please calm down. I know I was wrong."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at them and sighed: "I hope you brothers can live in harmony and jointly protect the Ming Dynasty." (End of this chapter)