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

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious: "How dare you, a powerful person, be so bold and presumptuous."

The noble collapsed to the ground and begged for mercy: "Your Majesty, please spare my life, Your Majesty, please spare my life!"

Zhu Yuanzhang ordered severe punishment for the powerful and wealthy, and Zhu Kai was finally cleared of his grievances.

But after this incident, Zhu Kai realized the cruelty of court struggles.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "After this incident, we must be more cautious and must not take it lightly."

Gu Wenying said: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, we will be more careful."

However, there has been a wave of unrest.

Urgent news came from the border that the enemy had invaded again and was even more ferocious.

Zhu Yuanzhang summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures.

The minister said: "We should send a large number of troops to resist."

The minister said: "But now the treasury is empty, how can we support this war?"

Zhu Kai stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to the border in person to fight against the enemy."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Second Prince, this journey is dangerous, you must think carefully."

Zhu Kai said firmly: "For the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the peace of the people, I will not hesitate to die."

So Zhu Kai reorganized his troops and prepared to go to the border.

After experiencing a series of disturbances, Zhu Kai realized that his own strength alone would not be enough in future power struggles, so he began to actively look for new allies.

One day, Zhu Kai hosted a banquet in a restaurant in the capital. During the banquet, a young official named Lin Yue caught his attention. Lin Yue was talented, upright, and had unique insights into the situation in the court.

Zhu Kai raised his glass and said to Lin Yue: "Master Lin, I have heard of your great name for a long time. Seeing you today, I find that you are indeed extraordinary."

Lin Yue humbly replied: "Your Highness, I am flattered. I am just doing my duty."

Zhu Kai smiled and said, "The situation in the court is complicated now. Does Lord Lin have any ideas?"

Lin Yue frowned slightly and said, "Second Prince, now that treacherous people are in power, it is really difficult for us loyal ministers to make any achievements."

Zhu Kai nodded and said, "Lord Lin is right. I am also worried about this matter. I wonder if Lord Lin is willing to work with me for the integrity of the court?"

Lin Yue said with a firm look: "If I can be appreciated by the Second Prince, I will be willing to serve you at your service."

Since then, Zhu Kai and Lin Yue have been in close contact and often discuss countermeasures together.

The two met again in Zhu Kai's study.

Zhu Kai said: "Lord Lin, although we now have a common goal, we still need more strength to gain a foothold in this vortex of power."

Lin Yue said: "Second Prince, I do know a few like-minded officials, and perhaps I can win them over."

Zhu Kai's eyes lit up: "Oh? Then tell me about it."

Lin Yue went on to say: "There is an imperial censor named Zhang Qian, who is upright and hates the corruption in the court; there is also a general named Wang Hong, who holds military power and is loyal."

Zhu Kai thought for a moment and said, "Lord Lin, please arrange for me to meet them as soon as possible."

Soon, Lin Yue arranged a meeting between Zhu Kai, Zhang Qian and Wang Hong.

In a quiet courtyard, Zhu Kai met Zhang Qian and Wang Hong.

Zhu Kai bowed and said, "My two lords, it is my great honor to meet you today."

Zhang Qian said, "Your Highness is too polite. I heard that you intend to rectify the government, and we are willing to lend a helping hand."

Wang Hong also said: "I am willing to obey the Second Prince's orders."

Zhu Kai said gratefully: "With your help, there is no need to worry about the court being corrupt."

As time went on, Zhu Kai had more and more allies.

However, their actions also attracted the attention of other forces.

One day, Zhu Kai received an anonymous letter warning him to be careful or he would bear the consequences.

Zhu Kai held the letter and said to Lin Yue: "It seems that we have touched the interests of some people."

Lin Yue said: "Second Prince, don't worry, as long as we unite as one, we will be able to cope with it."

Zhu Kai nodded and said, "Yes, we need to speed up our pace."

So, Zhu Kai and his allies began to secretly plan a series of actions.

At a secret meeting, Zhu Kai said: "We must collect evidence of the crimes of those treacherous officials and expose them at the right time."

Zhang Qian said: "Don't worry, Second Prince. I have already got some important clues."

Wang Hong also said: "I will also be prepared to deal with possible changes at any time."

Just as they were making intensive preparations, another major event occurred in the court.

When an important minister is suddenly framed and imprisoned, Zhu Kai and his allies decide to take action.

Zhu Kai said: "This is our chance. We must rescue this minister and expose the mastermind behind this."

Lin Yue said: "Second Prince, this matter needs to be considered carefully and not be reckless."

After some planning, they finally succeeded in rescuing the minister and exposing the treacherous officials who framed him.

This incident caused a great uproar in the court, and the reputation of Zhu Kai and his allies increased greatly.

However, their enemies will not give up easily.

One night, Zhu Kai's mansion was suddenly surrounded by a group of men in black.

Zhu Kai shouted loudly: "Who are you? How dare you trespass into my palace!"

The leading black-clad man sneered and said, "Second Prince, today is the day you die."

At this critical moment, Lin Yue, Zhang Qian and Wang Hong led the soldiers to arrive in time.

Lin Yue shouted: "Protect the Second Prince!"

A fierce battle ensued, and eventually the men in black were repelled.

Zhu Kai looked at the bloodstains on the ground and said, "It seems that the power struggle has reached a white-hot stage."

Wang Hong said: "Second Prince, we cannot retreat, we must move forward bravely."

Zhu Kai said firmly: "Yes, we must fight to the end for justice and for the future of Ming Dynasty!"

After experiencing that thrilling night attack, Zhu Kai and his allies became more vigilant.

One day, Zhu Kai and Lin Yue were having a secret conversation in the study.

Zhu Kai said solemnly: "Lin Yue, the enemy dared to act so blatantly this time, which shows that they are desperate."

Lin Yue nodded and said, "Second Prince, we must speed up and make full preparations before they strike again."

Zhu Kai frowned and thought: "Although we have a certain amount of power now, we don't have enough spies in the palace, so the news is inevitably blocked."

Lin Yue said, "Second Prince, I do have a plan. The eunuch chief in the palace, Eunuch Li, seems to have his way with everyone, but he actually has his own plans. If we can win him over, it will be of great benefit to us."

Zhu Kai asked in confusion, "Eunuch Li is a very smooth person, how can we get him to help us sincerely?"

Lin Yue smiled slightly: "I heard that Eunuch Li loves his nephew very much. His nephew was imprisoned recently because of a dispute with someone. If we can rescue him, Eunuch Li will definitely be grateful."

Zhu Kai thought for a moment and said, "This plan is feasible. Go and do it quickly."

Lin Yue followed the order and soon rescued Eunuch Li's nephew. When Eunuch Li learned about it, he came to thank him in person.

Eunuch Li said respectfully in front of Zhu Kai: "Second Prince, I will never forget your kindness."

Zhu Kai said: "You are too kind, eunuch. I hope you can help me more in the palace in the future."

Eunuch Li understood: "Don't worry, Second Prince. I understand."

With the secret help of Eunuch Li, Zhu Kai and others knew everything that was going on in the palace.

However, their enemies also noticed the relationship between Zhu Kai and Eunuch Li and decided to attack again. On this day, Zhu Kai was discussing military deployment with Wang Hong in the mansion.

Wang Hong said: "Second Prince, our army's training has been going well recently, but the food and grass problem needs to be solved as soon as possible."

Zhu Kai replied: "I have asked Lin Yue to handle this matter, and there should be results soon."

As he was speaking, a guard came hurriedly to report: "Second Prince, it's bad. Lord Lin encountered robbers while transporting grain and grass, and most of the grain and grass was stolen."

Zhu Kai slammed the table and stood up: "How could this happen! Someone must have done it on purpose."

Wang Hong said angrily: "Second Prince, I am willing to lead people to track down the case."

Zhu Kai said, "Wait a minute, this matter needs to be considered carefully."

At the same time, Zhang Qian also encountered trouble in the court.

Zhang Qian said to Zhu Kai, "Second Prince, those treacherous officials have been making things difficult for me in the court, trying to weaken my power."

Zhu Kai comforted him, "Don't worry, Master Zhang. We need to respond calmly and find their flaws."

After some investigation, they discovered that a powerful prince was behind this series of events.

Zhu Kai said: "It turns out that he was the one behind the scenes. He is very ambitious and has always coveted the throne."

Lin Yue said: "Second Prince, we can't just sit there and wait for death, we must take the initiative to attack."

Zhu Kai nodded and said, "Yes, we need to formulate a careful plan to bring him down in one fell swoop."

So, Zhu Kai and others began to plan carefully.

One night, Zhu Kai gathered everyone together.

Zhu Kai said: "Tomorrow is the time for action, everyone must be careful."

Everyone responded in unison: "We are willing to serve the Second Prince!"

The next day, the situation in the court suddenly changed.

In front of Zhu Yuanzhang and all the ministers, Zhu Kai exposed the prince's crimes and presented conclusive evidence.

Zhu Kai said righteously: "Your Majesty, if these traitors are not punished, it will be unforgivable!"

The prince panicked and tried to make excuses.

But in the face of the hard evidence, Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and ordered him to be severely punished.

Zhu Kai and his allies finally won again.

However, they know that the road ahead is still long and the struggle for power will never end...

Zhu Kai discovered the legacy left by Hu Weiyong, which was a huge opportunity for him.

Zhu Kai was discussing this amazing discovery with his confidant Gu Wen in his study.

Zhu Kai said solemnly: "Gu Wen, do you know what Hu Weiyong's legacy means?"

Gu Wen thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, this may help us to make further progress in the court."

Zhu Kai nodded slightly: "Yes, but this matter must not be leaked, otherwise it will surely cause countless troubles."

Gu Wenying said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will keep my mouth shut. But how much of this inheritance is and how to use it still needs to be considered in the long run."

Zhu Kai stood up, paced and said, "I have sent people to investigate secretly. It is said that this inheritance includes a large amount of gold and silver treasures, as well as some precious documents and keepsakes."

Gu Wen was surprised and said, "It's so generous, so we have to plan carefully."

At this moment, there was a rapid knock on the door.

"Your Highness, something bad has happened!" A guard ran in in panic.

Zhu Kai frowned and asked, "Why are you so panicked?"

The guard panted and said, "Your Highness, we have discovered that several unknown forces are also inquiring about Hu Weiyong's inheritance."

Zhu Kai's face darkened: "It seems that someone has also set their sights on this piece of fat meat. Gu Wen, go and investigate the origins of these forces immediately."

Gu Wen took the order and left.

A few days later, Gu Wen returned to the palace.

Gu Wen said, "Your Highness, we have already found out that one of the forces is Hu Weiyong's former subordinates, and they are trying to take back the inheritance and revive their power; the other is the subordinates of a certain powerful official in the court, and they must be trying to use this to suppress us."

Zhu Kai snorted coldly: "They wishful thinking, now that the inheritance is in my hands, don't even think about taking it away."

Gu Wen asked: "Your Majesty, what should we do next?"

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "First, secretly transfer the inheritance to a safe place, and then find a way to defeat these forces one by one."

So Zhu Kai and Gu Wen began to make arrangements in full swing.

One night, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen discussed again in the secret room.

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, the inheritance has been properly transferred, but our actions still aroused some people's suspicion."

Zhu Kai said: "Don't worry, as long as we do it secretly, they won't be able to find evidence."

However, things were not as simple as they imagined.

One day, Zhu Kai was impeached by a minister in the court.

The minister said: "The Second Prince secretly hid Hu Weiyong's inheritance. His heart is damnable!"

Zhu Kai angrily said: "Don't slander me without any evidence!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Shut up! I will investigate this matter myself."

After retiring from court, Zhu Kai was very angry.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "This must be a conspiracy of those people. We must find a way to deal with it as soon as possible."

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, why don't we take the initiative to explain the situation to Zhu Yuanzhang, maybe we can seize the initiative."

Zhu Kai shook his head and said, "No, if we act rashly at this time, it will make Zhu Yuanzhang suspicious."

Just when they were in a state of panic, Zhu Kai received a mysterious letter.

The letter read: "If you want to get out of this predicament, let's meet at Shili Pavilion outside the city at noon tomorrow."

Zhu Kai held the letter and fell into deep thought.

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, could this be a trap?"

Zhu Kai said: "Anyway, just go and take a look and you will know."

The next day, Zhu Kai arrived at Shili Pavilion on time.

I saw a masked man waiting there.

The masked man said, "Second Prince, I hope you are well."

Zhu Kai asked cautiously: "Who are you?"

The masked man smiled and said, "It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that I can help you solve the trouble at hand."

Zhu Kai said: "What are your conditions?"

The masked man said: "I only want a portion of Hu Weiyong's inheritance."

Zhu Kai snorted coldly: "Don't even think about it!"

The masked man said, "Second Prince, don't refuse so quickly, or you will be doomed."

Zhu Kai said: "This king will not be threatened by you."

After saying that, Zhu Kai turned and left.

Back at the palace, Zhu Kai and Gu Wen discuss countermeasures. (End of this chapter)