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

Zhu Kai said: "It seems that we have to speed up our actions and not let them lead us by the nose."

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, I have a plan..."

After Zhu Kai rejected the masked man's unreasonable demand, the strategy he discussed with Gu Wen was to secretly investigate the masked man's true identity and try to find out the power behind him.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "Gu Wen, you must be cautious in this matter and must not alert the enemy."

Gu Wen nodded and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I have arranged for someone to investigate and I believe there will be results soon."

A few days later, Gu Wenxing rushed to report to Zhu Kai.

Gu Wen said, "Your Highness, we have found out! The masked man is a retainer of a powerful nobleman in the court, and this nobleman has always been against us."

Zhu Kai snorted coldly: "It turned out to be him. It seems that he can't wait to kill me."

Gu Wen continued, "Your Majesty, how should we respond?"

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "Since we know the mastermind behind this, let's use their own tactics against him."

So, Zhu Kai deliberately spread the rumor that there was an important list in Hu Weiyong's legacy, which recorded the names of officials who had colluded with Hu Weiyong.

After the news came out, there was a lot of discussion in the court.

The powerful man could no longer sit still, so he sent his men to test Zhu Kai.

The subordinate said, "Second Prince, my master heard about the list, I wonder if it is true?"

Zhu Kai smiled slightly: "It is true, but the list is in my hands now. If anyone wants it, they have to pay a price."

After his subordinates went back to report, the powerful became even more anxious.

On Zhu Kai's side, he continued to make plans secretly.

He said to Gu Wen, "Gu Wen, I expect that the powerful man will take some action. We should be prepared to face his moves."

As expected, the powerful and wealthy could not hold back and tried to send people to sneak into Zhu Kai's house to steal the list.

However, Zhu Kai had already set an ambush.

When the intruder was caught, Zhu Kai interrogated him personally.

Zhu Kai said sternly: "Tell me, who sent you?"

The intruder trembled with fear: "Yes...it's the noble lord."

Zhu Kai said: "Okay, take him away. This is the evidence of the crime of that powerful man."

Afterwards, Zhu Kai took the evidence to the palace to meet the emperor.

Zhu Kai knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I discovered that someone was trying to steal the important list from Hu Weiyong's inheritance, and the person has been arrested."

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious: "How could such a thing happen? Who is so bold?"

Zhu Kai presented the evidence: "Your Majesty, it is this powerful person."

Zhu Yuanzhang ordered severe punishment for the powerful.

After solving this problem, Zhu Kai could finally think about how to use Hu Weiyong's legacy.

One day, Zhu Kai discussed with several trusted ministers in his study.

Zhu Kai said: "Part of the gold and silver treasures in this inheritance will be used to appease the people, and part will be used to strengthen the military."

The minister said: "Second Prince is wise. If you do this, the people will be grateful to you and the army will become stronger."

The minister continued, "What do you think the Second Prince will do with the documents and keepsakes in the estate?"

Zhu Kai said: "These documents and tokens may reveal some secrets in the court. We must handle them with caution."

At this moment, a guard came to report: "Second Prince, something bad has happened. Part of the inheritance has disappeared."

Zhu Kai was shocked: "What? Check it out quickly!"

After some investigation, it was discovered that it was done by Hu Weiyong's former subordinates.

Zhu Kai said angrily: "This group of evildoers are really haunting us."

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, we can't let them succeed. We must recover the inheritance."

Zhu Kai said: "Send out people to hunt him down with all their strength."

During the pursuit, Zhu Kai and others encountered many difficulties.

Hu Weiyong's former subordinates were very cunning and kept changing their hiding places.

Zhu Kai said: "No matter what, we can't let them escape with the inheritance."

Finally, in a remote mountain village, Zhu Kai and his team found traces of Hu Weiyong's former subordinates.

A fierce battle broke out.

Zhu Kai shouted: "Those who surrender will not be killed!"

After a fierce battle, Zhu Kai successfully recovered the inheritance.

However, this turmoil also made Zhu Kai realize that although the legacy left by Hu Weiyong was an opportunity, it also brought endless troubles.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "We need to be more cautious in our future actions."

Gu Wenying said: "Your Majesty is absolutely right."

But what they don't know is that a bigger crisis is waiting for them...

Zhu Kai had just dealt with the affairs of Hu Weiyong's former subordinates and had no time to catch his breath when rumors unfavorable to him spread in the court.

Someone spread the news in the market that Zhu Kai embezzled Hu Weiyong's inheritance and intended to gather troops and seize the throne. This rumor spread very quickly, and the whole capital was talking about it.

When Zhu Kai heard the news in the mansion, he was so angry that his face turned blue.

He said to Gu Wen: "This is obviously someone deliberately framed me and wanted me to fall into an irretrievable situation!"

Gu Wen was also very angry: "Your Majesty, this must be the work of those who are jealous of you. We must find a way to clear it up."

Zhu Kai frowned: "But this rumor spread so quickly, it's not easy to clarify it."

At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang also heard these rumors and began to have some doubts about Zhu Kai.

In the court, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Kai with scrutiny in his eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Zhu Kai, do you have anything to say about those rumors?"

Zhu Kai knelt down hurriedly: "Your Majesty, this is pure slander. I am loyal to Your Majesty and would never have such intention."

Some ministers took the opportunity to add insult to injury.

The minister said, "Your Majesty, there is no smoke without fire. This matter must be investigated."

The minister also echoed: "Yes, Your Majesty, Zhu Kai should be severely punished to set things right."

Zhu Kai glared at the ministers: "What is your intention in slandering me?"

Just when the situation was at a stalemate, urgent news came from the border that the enemy was invading on a large scale and the border was in danger.

Zhu Yuanzhang was worried: "The situation is critical now, what good ideas do you have?"

At this time, someone suggested that Zhu Kai lead the army to fight to prove his loyalty.

Zhu Kai knew that this was a difficult task, but in order to prove his innocence, he resolutely accepted the order.

After returning to the mansion, Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "I am not sure whether I will live or die in this expedition, but I have no choice."

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will take care of things for you in the capital."

Zhu Kai nodded and began to prepare for the expedition.

However, on the eve of the army's departure, Zhu Kai discovered that the army's food and armaments had been tampered with and were seriously insufficient in quantity.

Zhu Kai said angrily: "Someone is trying to kill us on purpose!"

Faced with such a dilemma, Zhu Kai fell into deep thought.

He said to his generals: "Everyone, the situation is critical now, but we cannot retreat." The generals expressed their willingness to follow Zhu Kai and fight to the death.

Zhu Kai said: "Okay, then we will fight to the death, for the Ming Dynasty, for our honor!"

Just as Zhu Kai was about to lead the army to war, another unexpected situation occurred.

Suddenly, many soldiers fell ill in the army, and people in the barracks were in panic for a while.

Zhu Kai was extremely anxious and asked a military doctor about the situation.

The military doctor said solemnly: "Your Majesty, these soldiers seem to have been infected with a rare disease that spreads very quickly."

Zhu Kai frowned: "How could this happen? Is there any way to deal with it?"

The military doctor shook his head: "There is no specific medicine at present, we can only try our best to control it."

At this time, a general said: "Your Majesty, how can we fight this war? Should we postpone the expedition?"

Zhu Kai said firmly: "No, the border is in danger and there is no time to lose. We can't back down because of these difficulties."

Just when Zhu Kai was getting overwhelmed, news came from the court that Zhu Yuanzhang was dissatisfied with his delay in sending troops, and some ministers had proposed sending another general.

Zhu Kai said angrily: "These people are really taking advantage of my misfortune. They are just hoping that I will make a mistake."

Gu Wen hurried over and said, "Your Majesty, this is not good. We must find a way to solve these problems as soon as possible."

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "First seal off the military camp to prevent the spread of the disease. Then send people to look for herbs nearby to see if the disease can be controlled."

However, things did not go so smoothly.

The people who were sent out to look for herbs came back and reported that all the herbs nearby had been looted in advance.

Zhu Kai gritted his teeth and said, "It's obvious that someone did this on purpose, trying to completely cut off our chance of survival."

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, could it be that our enemies are colluding with those in the court who framed you?"

Zhu Kai snorted coldly: "It is very likely. But the more so, the more we cannot let them succeed."

Just when everyone was feeling desperate, a mysterious old man came to the military camp.

The old man said to Zhu Kai: "Your Majesty, I know a secret recipe that may be able to cure this disease."

Zhu Kai grabbed a life-saving straw as if he had found it: "Old man, if you can help me, I will be very grateful."

The old man said: "Your Majesty, for the sake of the country and the people, I am willing to do my best."

With the help of the old man, the epidemic was finally brought under control.

Zhu Kai led the army on the journey to war.

But soon after the march, they encountered bad weather, heavy rain, muddy roads, and the marching speed was extremely slow.

Zhu Kai looked up at the sky and prayed silently in his heart: "God bless me, please let me get to the border in time and repel the enemy."

At this time, spies from the front reported that the enemy had learned of their situation and was preparing to take the opportunity to launch an attack.

Zhu Kai said: "Pass my order, speed up the march and prepare for battle!"

Faced with Zhu Di's betrayal, Zhu Kai's relationship with Zhu Di completely broke down.

Zhu Kai never imagined that Zhu Di, who had once fought alongside him and was as close to him as a brother, would betray him at this critical moment.

In a dark palace, Zhu Kai angrily questioned Zhu Di: "Fourth brother, why did you do this? We have been through life and death together. Have you forgotten all that friendship?"

Zhu Di's face was gloomy, and he replied coldly: "Second brother, people will change. In this world, the capable ones will rule."

Zhu Kai was heartbroken: "You actually disregarded the brotherhood for the sake of power?"

Zhu Di snorted: "Second brother, don't you understand the temptation of power?"

Zhu Kai was furious: "I have always treated you as my brother and never thought of competing with you for anything, but you are so cruel!"

Zhu Di turned his head away: "There is no point in talking any more. From today on, we are no longer brothers."

Zhu Kai gritted his teeth and said, "Zhu Di, you will pay the price for your betrayal!"

From then on, the two went their separate ways, and a bloody storm broke out in the court.

Zhu Kai's confidants all felt sorry for him.

The confidant said, "Your Majesty, the King of Yan is so heartless, we can't just sit there and wait for death."

Zhu Kai sighed helplessly: "But he is my brother after all, I really can't bear it..."

The confidant said anxiously: "Your Majesty, you have a kind heart, but the King of Yan will not remember the old friendship."

Zhu Di was also actively planning his next move.

Zhu Di said to his men: "Zhu Kai is thinking of our old friendship. This is our chance. We must seize this opportunity and defeat him completely."

The men responded in unison: "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Soon, Zhu Di began to target Zhu Kai in the court and falsely accused him of various crimes.

Zhu Kai argued in the court: "Zhu Di, you are slandering me! I, Zhu Kai, am upright and honest, and I am not afraid of your slander."

Zhu Di sneered and said, "Second brother, the evidence is irrefutable, do you still want to quibble?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was upset by their quarrel: "Shut up! I will investigate this matter thoroughly."

After adjourning the court, Zhu Kai returned home with a heavy heart.

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, this is not a solution. We have to find a way to fight back."

Zhu Kai said tiredly: "I really don't want to go this far with him."

Gu Wen advised: "Your Majesty, now is not the time to be soft-hearted."

At the same time, Zhu Di was also working hard to win over ministers in the court and expand his own power.

Zhu Di said to a minister: "As long as you support me, you will be rewarded handsomely in the future."

The minister hesitated for a moment, but finally chose to stand on Zhu Di's side.

Zhu Kai knew that he could not sit idly by and wait for death, so he began to secretly collect evidence of Zhu Di's crimes.

One day, Zhu Kai finally found the key evidence.

Zhu Kai said: "This time, Zhu Di must be left speechless."

When he presented the evidence in the court, Zhu Di was shocked.

Zhu Di shouted: "This is a forgery!"

Zhu Kai said: "Zhu Di, you have done many evil things. Now the evidence is here, let's see how you can deny it."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the evidence and was furious: "Zhu Di, you have disappointed me so much!"

Zhu Di knelt down hurriedly and begged for mercy: "Father, I know I was wrong. I was blinded by greed."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "In consideration of your past merits, I will spare your life for now, but you will be stripped of your throne and you will reflect on your mistakes from now on."

The fight between the brothers finally came to an end, but Zhu Kai's heart was filled with pain and loss.

He wandered alone in the garden, muttering to himself: "Is power really so terrible? It turns brothers against each other and their friendship is gone..."

After Zhu Di was deprived of the throne and reflected on his mistakes in seclusion, Zhu Kai thought he could live a peaceful life. However, new troubles ensued.

One day, Zhu Kai discussed state affairs with Gu Wen in the study.

Gu Wen said worriedly, "Your Highness, although Zhu Di has calmed down for the time being, the situation in the court is still unstable. Now the border war has started again, and there is a shortage of food and grass, which needs to be solved urgently."

Zhu Kai frowned: "What should we do? We must find a way to raise food and grass as soon as possible."

Just then, a minister came to ask for a meeting.

The minister said, "Second Prince, some people are proposing to increase taxes to raise food and fodder. What do you think?"

Zhu Kai decisively refused: "No, the people's lives are already difficult, and increasing taxes will only make their lives even more miserable." (End of this chapter)