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

After this incident, Zhu Kai temporarily restrained his thoughts and dared not act rashly again. However, his desire for the throne did not extinguish.

Wang comforted him, "Your Majesty, although you have suffered some setbacks this time, as long as you have the green mountains, you will not be afraid of running out of firewood."

Zhu Kai had a gloomy face and said, "I am unwilling to accept this. We are only one step away."

Gu Wen also said, "Your Majesty, you must endure the humiliation and wait for the right time."

At the same time, Zhu Biao became more cautious against Zhu Kai because of this incident and often sent people to secretly monitor Zhu Kai's every move.

One day, Zhu Kai was walking in the garden and whispered to Gu Wen, "If this continues, I will never be able to make a breakthrough."

Gu Wen frowned, thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, why don't we pretend to give up the fight for power and paralyze the prince."

Zhu Kai nodded slightly and said, "That's the only way."

In the following days, Zhu Kai became obsessed with poetry, calligraphy and painting, and ignored political affairs.

When Zhu Biao heard this, although he still had doubts in his heart, he slightly relaxed his vigilance against Zhu Kai.

But Zhu Kai still secretly planned with Gu Wen.

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, now that the crown prince has relaxed his surveillance of you, we can re-plan."

Zhu Kai said: "But we have to do it perfectly and not let the prince find out."

Just as they were preparing to take action, war broke out again on the border.

In the court, the ministers were arguing endlessly, not knowing who to send to the war.

Zhu Kai stepped forward and said, "Father, I am willing to fight for the Ming Dynasty again."

Zhu Biao said, "My second brother has just experienced a storm. I'm afraid it's not appropriate to go to war at this time."

Zhu Kai said passionately: "I am devoted to the country, and I hope your majesty will support me."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a while and said, "Okay, Kai'er, don't let me down."

Zhu Kai accepted the order to go to the battle. He knew very well that this was another opportunity to change the situation.

Zhu Kai led the army to the border. Along the way, he shared the joys and sorrows with the soldiers and greatly boosted their morale.

In the tent, the generals sat together to discuss strategy.

A general said: "Your Majesty, the enemy is coming with great force this time, and we should not underestimate them."

Zhu Kai's eyes were firm: "Since I have led the army here, I must repel the enemy and protect the territory of the Ming Dynasty."

When the news reached the capital, Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed, but Zhu Biao felt mixed emotions.

Zhu Biao said to his confidants in the palace: "I didn't expect my second brother to have such talent in military affairs."

The confidant responded: "Your Highness, please be careful that the Second Prince will use this military achievement to gain the emperor's favor again."

Zhu Kai pursued the victory on the front line and finally won a great victory.

On the way back to the capital, Gu Wen said to Zhu Kai: "Your Majesty, this military achievement is enough to elevate your status in the court to a higher level."

Zhu Kai nodded slightly: "But don't take it lightly, I don't know what the situation will be like after returning to Beijing."

After returning to the capital, Zhu Kai went to the palace to meet the emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang praised: "Kai'er, you have made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty this time. I am very pleased."

Zhu Kai knelt down to express his gratitude: "I am fortunate to have fulfilled your mission, all thanks to your majesty's great blessing."

Zhu Biao also came to congratulate: "Second brother, your military exploits are outstanding this time. I admire you."

Zhu Kai said politely: "Big brother, you are too kind. I am just doing my duty as a subject."

However, in private, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen began to plan their next move.

Zhu Kai said: "Although I have made great achievements in the war, I still need more support to seize the throne."

Gu Wen suggested: "Your Majesty, why not win over some meritorious families."

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment: "We need to be careful in this matter, don't let the prince find out."

They began to secretly contact some aristocratic families, and Zhu Biao's spies also noticed Zhu Kai's unusual movements.

When Zhu Biao learned about this, he was furious: "My second brother still refuses to give up."

In a quiet palace, Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai sat opposite each other.

Zhu Biao spoke first: "Second brother, you and I are brothers, why are you so stubborn and insist on fighting for the throne?"

Zhu Kai's eyes were firm: "Brother, the throne belongs to the capable, and I think I am no worse than you."

Zhu Biao sighed and said, "I have devoted my whole heart to the Ming Dynasty and never thought of killing my brothers."

Zhu Kai sneered: "Brother, you sound nice, but you are always on guard against me, how can we talk about brotherhood?"

The two parted unhappily.

At the same time, Wang was worried in the palace.

She said to Zhu Kai, "Your Majesty, if this continues, I'm afraid it will end badly."

Zhu Kai said, "Don't be afraid, Madam. I know what to do."

On the other hand, Zhu Biao decided to report Zhu Kai's actions to Zhu Yuanzhang.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened: "How could these two brothers have gotten to this point?"

Soon, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned all the princes and ministers.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "I don't want to see you killing each other for the throne. If this happens again, I will never forgive you."

Zhu Kai secretly hated Zhu Biao for complaining, but on the surface he still said respectfully: "Your son will follow your father's teachings."

But in private, he discussed countermeasures with Gu Wen.

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, the situation is becoming increasingly serious. We need to speed up our pace."

Zhu Kai gritted his teeth and said, "Then give it a try."

They began to spread some remarks unfavorable to Zhu Biao in the court, trying to influence Zhu Yuanzhang's opinion.

After Zhu Biao noticed this, he also began to fight back.

For a time, the court was in chaos and everyone was in danger.

In this chaotic situation, Zhu Di also began to make moves.

Zhu Di found Zhu Kai and said, "Second brother, now that my elder brother and you are fighting fiercely, this is a good opportunity for me."

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Di warily: "Fourth brother, what do you mean by this?"

Zhu Di smiled and said, "Second brother, why don't we join forces to overthrow the eldest brother first, and then we can fight for the throne based on our own abilities."

Zhu Kai hesitated for a moment and said, "This matter still needs to be considered carefully."

Seeing this, Zhu Di said, "Second brother, think about it carefully. If my eldest brother ascends the throne, neither you nor I will have a good life."

After returning to the palace, Zhu Kai talked about this matter with Gu Wen.

Gu Wen analyzed: "Your Highness, Zhu Di is an ambitious man. Joining forces with him is like seeking the skin of a tiger. But given the current situation, perhaps we can use him to contain the crown prince temporarily."

Zhu Kai nodded: "As you say."

So, Zhu Kai secretly reached some cooperation agreements with Zhu Di.

However, their actions did not escape Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Kai to the palace again and said sternly: "Kai'er, I thought you could change, but I didn't expect you to get deeper and deeper into trouble."

Zhu Kai quickly knelt down and admitted his mistake: "Father, I know I was wrong."

Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily: "I will give you one last chance. If you still don't repent, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Zhu Kai retreated from the palace trembling with fear and unwillingness in his heart.

Back at the palace, Wang cried and said, "Prince, please stop. I just want our family to be safe and sound."

Zhu Kai yelled, "Women's opinions! How can I give up?"

At this time, Zhu Biao was also stepping up to consolidate his power and prepare to completely eliminate the threat of Zhu Kai. In this tense situation, the ministers in the court also chose their camps, some supported Zhu Biao, some secretly leaned towards Zhu Kai, and others remained neutral and waited and watched the situation.

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

Zhu Kai said: "Now that my father is already dissatisfied with me and my elder brother is pressing me, what should I do?"

Gu Wen pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, why don't we start with those neutral ministers, promise them huge benefits, and win their support."

Zhu Kai frowned: "Will this work? They are all old foxes, they may not be easily won over."

Gu Wen continued, "Now that things have come to this, we can only give it a try."

So Zhu Kai began to secretly contact those neutral ministers.

In a private meeting, a minister said hesitantly: "Second Prince, this matter is too risky. I am afraid..."

Zhu Kai said hurriedly: "As long as you are willing to help, I will not treat you unfairly in the future."

Zhu Biao was also not idle. He noticed Zhu Kai's actions and decided to take the initiative.

Zhu Biao said to Zhu Yuanzhang in the court: "Father, my second brother has been behaving more and more erratically recently, which may be detrimental to the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy and he did not respond immediately.

Zhu Kai was furious when he learned about Zhu Biao's remarks in the court.

He said to Gu Wen: "Brother, you are trying to kill me!"

Gu Wen advised: "Your Majesty, don't be impulsive at this time."

Just then, Zhu Di came to find Zhu Kai again.

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, now is a good time for us to take action."

Zhu Kai was conflicted, not knowing whether he should believe Zhu Di.

Just when Zhu Kai was hesitating, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly fell seriously ill, and the court fell into greater chaos.

When the news of Zhu Yuanzhang's serious illness spread, people inside and outside the palace were in panic.

Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao both temporarily stopped fighting and waited by Zhu Yuanzhang's bedside.

Zhu Biao looked worried and said to Zhu Kai, "Second brother, we should focus on our father's condition at this moment and not cause any more trouble."

Zhu Kai snorted coldly: "Brother, it sounds nice, but who knows what you are thinking."

Wang advised from the side: "Your Majesty, it is better not to argue with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at this time."

At the same time, Zhu Di was also closely following the developments in the palace in his own residence.

Zhu Di said to his men: "This is a great opportunity, we must be prepared."

The imperial doctors in the palace were busy and overwhelmed, but they were helpless against Zhu Yuanzhang's illness.

Zhu Kai met the ministers who came to visit him in the corridor. One of the ministers whispered, "Second Prince, the situation is becoming increasingly unclear. You must make plans early."

Zhu Kai was annoyed and said, "I know my limits."

Zhu Biao was busy summoning his trusted ministers to discuss countermeasures.

Zhu Biao said: "Father is seriously ill, we must stabilize the government and not let those with ulterior motives take advantage of the situation."

The ministers nodded in agreement.

At this tense moment, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly woke up. He looked at his two sons who were guarding the bed and said weakly, "You two brothers... don't let me down..."

After saying that, he fainted again.

Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao looked at each other, each with complicated thoughts in their minds.

After Zhu Yuanzhang fell into a coma again, the atmosphere in the palace became increasingly tense.

When Zhu Kai returned to his residence, Gu Wen immediately came to greet him.

Gu Wen asked anxiously, "Your Majesty, how is His Majesty doing?"

Zhu Kai looked gloomy and said, "He is still unconscious. The situation is not good."

Gu Wen lowered his voice and said, "Your Majesty, this is a critical moment. We cannot just sit there and wait for death."

Zhu Kai frowned, thought for a moment and said, "But if we act rashly at this moment and get caught by my elder brother, the consequences will be disastrous."

Just then, a servant came to report that Zhu Di wanted to see him.

Zhu Kai was confused, but still invited him in.

As soon as Zhu Di came in, he said straight to the point: "Second brother, if we don't take action now, when will we take action?"

Zhu Kai looked at him warily and said, "Fourth brother, don't be anxious. This matter still needs to be considered carefully."

Zhu Di snorted coldly: "Second brother, are you afraid?"

Zhu Kai said angrily: "Nonsense! I just don't want to act rashly."

Zhu Di said: "I am ready. As long as you nod, we will act immediately."

Zhu Kai hesitated for a long time, but still said: "No, now is not the time."

Zhu Di angrily threw his sleeves and left.

On the other side, Zhu Biao was also discussing with his staff.

The staff said: "Your Highness, the Second Prince and the Prince of Yan seem to be plotting something, we must be on guard."

Zhu Biao looked solemn and said, "Strengthen our defenses and closely monitor their every move."

As the days passed, Zhu Yuanzhang's condition did not improve.

One night, Zhu Kai was pacing in the study room with a worried look on his face when Wang walked in.

Wang said softly, "Your Majesty, I have been feeling uneasy these past few days, worried that something bad might happen."

Zhu Kai sighed: "Madam, in this situation, I am also walking on thin ice."

At this time, Gu Wen came hurriedly: "My Lord, it's not good, the prince seems to have made new moves."

Gu Wen said: "According to the spies' report, the prince is secretly mobilizing some troops. I don't know what he wants to do."

Zhu Kai frowned: "Brother, are you going to strike first?"

The next day in the court, the ministers were also in a panic and whispered to each other.

Zhu Biao stood up and said, "My dear ministers, now that your majesty is seriously ill, we should work together to maintain the stability of the court."

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Biao coldly, thinking to himself, "That sounds very high-sounding."

After the court session, Zhu Kai returned to the palace. Just as he was thinking of a strategy, Zhu Di came uninvited again.

Zhu Di said anxiously: "Second brother, we can't wait any longer. If we wait any longer, we will have no chance."

Zhu Kai hesitated and said, "Fourth brother, we need to be cautious about this matter."

Zhu Di said angrily: "Second brother, how can you accomplish anything if you are so indecisive?"

Just as they were arguing, news came from the palace that Zhu Yuanzhang's condition had worsened rapidly.

Zhu Kai and Zhu Di were both stunned and at a loss for a moment.

The news that Zhu Kai decided to join forces with Zhu Di to rebel spread like wildfire. Zhu Di no longer concealed his ambition and directly challenged Zhu Kai.

In Zhu Kai's palace, he and his aide Gu Wen were nervously discussing countermeasures.

Zhu Kai said solemnly: "Gu Wen, Zhu Di's move came suddenly, how should we respond?"

Gu Wen frowned and replied, "Your Highness, Zhu Di's move is obviously to force us to act as soon as possible. We need to hold our ground and not panic."

Zhu Kai clenched his fists and said, "But he is so aggressive, how can I back down?"

Gu Wen advised: "Your Highness, being impulsive will only put us in a more disadvantageous situation. We must first find out Zhu Di's background before making any plans."

On the other hand, Zhu Di was also plotting with his confidants in his own tent. (End of this chapter)