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

The minister asked again: "Then how should we solve the problem of food and grass?"

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "First, allocate a portion from the government warehouse, then call on wealthy businessmen to donate, and at the same time streamline military spending."

The minister took the order and left.

But not long after, news came that the allocated grain from the government warehouse was robbed on the way.

Zhu Kai slammed the table angrily: "Who is so bold?"

Gu Wen analyzed: "Your Majesty, this matter may not be simple. Perhaps someone is behind this."

Zhu Kai's eyes were sharp: "Investigate it for me, and find out who is behind this."

After some investigation, the clues actually pointed to a powerful official in the court.

Zhu Kai personally came to ask, "Sir, was this done by you?"

The noble sneered, "Second Prince, there is no evidence, please don't spit bloody words at me."

Zhu Kai said: "Don't think you can hide it from the world. Sooner or later, I will expose your true colors."

The noble snorted, "Second Prince, you should pay more attention to yourself."

When Zhu Kai returned home, he was extremely angry.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "This man is extremely arrogant, he must be punished."

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, we need to take a long-term view and not act impulsively."

At the same time, there was some unrest among the people due to food and fodder issues.

The people said, "It's unbearable to live like this. We can't even get enough to eat."

The people echoed, “I heard that the court couldn’t solve it either.”

When Zhu Kai heard the news, he became even more anxious.

Zhu Kai summoned his men: "No matter what, we must first stabilize the people's hearts."

The men all obeyed the order.

At this critical moment, Zhu Di's old subordinates also began to move.

The old subordinate said: "We can't let the Second Prince have an easy life. We must avenge King Yan."

The old subordinate said: "Yes, find an opportunity to cause trouble for him."

One day, Zhu Kai was attacked by an assassin while he was out on an inspection.

Zhu Kai drew his sword and responded: "Who are you? How dare you assassinate me!"

The assassins said nothing and just attacked desperately.

Fortunately, the guards arrived in time and repelled the assassin.

Zhu Kai realized that the conspiracy behind this was becoming more and more complicated.

Zhu Kai said to his men: "Strengthen our defenses and never let this happen again."

However, the trouble does not end there.

Someone in the court impeached Zhu Kai for his poor performance, which made the situation even more chaotic.

Zhu Kai argued in the court: "I have devoted my whole heart to the court and the people, and I have a clear conscience."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Zhu Kai, I will give you time to solve these problems. If you fail to do so, I will not be able to protect you."

Zhu Kai knelt down and said, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Faced with so many difficulties, can Zhu Kai turn the tide and resolve the crisis?
Under tremendous pressure, Zhu Kai became more determined to resolve the current predicament.

One day, he discussed countermeasures with several advisers in his mansion.

Zhu Kai said solemnly: "Everyone, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult now, we must come up with a foolproof plan."

The counselor bowed and said, "Your Highness, in my opinion, our top priority is to find out the person behind the robbery of the grain and grass. Only in this way can we solve the fundamental problem."

Zhu Kai nodded slightly: "I have the same idea, but this person is very hidden, and it is difficult to investigate."

The counselor continued, "Your Highness, why not start with the people around that powerful person? Perhaps we can find some clues."

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "This plan is feasible. I'll do as you say."

Therefore, Zhu Kai sent people to secretly monitor the confidants of the powerful.

After several days of exploration, a discovery was finally made.

The spy came back and reported: "Your Majesty, we found that one of the powerful noble's henchmen had contacts with a mysterious organization in the martial arts world."

Zhu Kai's eyes lit up: "Keep investigating, we must find out the relationship between them."

At the same time, Zhu Di's former subordinates were secretly plotting a bigger conspiracy.

The old subordinate said: "We can't let Zhu Kai get through this so easily. We have to give him a fatal blow."

The old subordinate asked: "Then what should we do?"

The old subordinate smiled sinisterly and said, "Spread rumors that Zhu Kai was secretly communicating with foreign enemies and was planning a rebellion."

The rumor quickly spread in the capital, causing an uproar.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was furious and summoned Zhu Kai into the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang shouted angrily: "Zhu Kai, what's the matter with this rumor?"

Zhu Kai knelt down hurriedly to defend himself: "Your Majesty, this is pure slander. I am loyal to Your Majesty and have no intention of rebellion."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly: "Without any evidence, how can I trust you?"

Zhu Kai said: "Your Majesty, please give me some time, I will find out the truth."

Coming out of the palace, Zhu Kai was fully aware of the seriousness of the matter.

He said to Gu Wen: "It must be Zhu Di's old subordinates behind this. We must find evidence as soon as possible to clear the injustice."

Gu Wenying said, "Your Majesty, I have sent someone to investigate."

At this time, news came that the war on the border was tense and the enemy's attack was fierce.

The general sent someone to deliver an urgent report: "Your Majesty, the enemy has broken through several lines of defense. If no reinforcements are sent, the consequences will be disastrous."

Zhu Kai was extremely anxious: "Immediately mobilize the troops and prepare for reinforcements."

However, just as the army was about to set out, a shortage of food and fodder arose in the army.

Zhu Kai said angrily: "Hasn't the food already been collected? Why is there still a shortage?"

The subordinate replied: "Your Majesty, someone is secretly withholding food and fodder, resulting in insufficient quantities."

Zhu Kai gritted his teeth and said, "Investigate for me, and make sure to find this person."

After some investigation, it was discovered that it was done by the subordinates of that powerful person.

Zhu Kai brought the evidence and went to the palace to meet the emperor again.

Zhu Kai said: "Your Majesty, I have found out the truth. All of this is a conspiracy by that powerful person."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the evidence and his expression eased a little: "Zhu Kai, you have made a contribution this time, but the rumor still needs to be thoroughly investigated."

Zhu Kai said: "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Just as Zhu Kai was trying his best to deal with these crises, his body collapsed from days of hard work.

Gu Wen said anxiously: "Your Majesty, your health is more important, let us handle these matters."

Zhu Kai said with all his strength: "No, this is the critical moment, how can I fall down."

In this difficult time, can Zhu Kai overcome his physical discomfort and resolve this crisis?
Zhu Kai's condition continued to worsen because of his persistent hard work.

Gu Wen said anxiously, "Your Majesty, you can't go on like this. You need to rest and recuperate."

Zhu Kai replied weakly: "The situation is so tense right now, how can I rest and recuperate in peace?"

The doctor also advised: "Your Majesty, if you don't take good care of your illness, it will only get worse."

Zhu Kai shook his head and said, "If I fall, those conspirators will become even more rampant."

However, Zhu Kai's physical condition continued to deteriorate, and he even fell into a coma at times.

The news reached some ministers, and they began to discuss it in the court.

The minister said, "The second prince is seriously ill now. What should we do with the government?" The minister replied, "Yes, if those with ill intentions take advantage of the opportunity to gain power, the consequences will be disastrous."

Zhu Di's former subordinates were secretly happy when they learned that Zhu Kai was seriously ill.

The old subordinate said: "This is our good opportunity, we must take this opportunity to bring him down."

The old subordinate said: "But Zhu Yuanzhang's side."

The old subordinate snorted, "Zhu Yuanzhang is now suspicious of Zhu Kai, we just need to add fuel to the fire."

So they slandered Zhu Yuanzhang again.

The old subordinate knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, Zhu Kai is seriously ill, but he still clung to power. I'm afraid he has evil intentions."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "Is this true?"

The old subordinate hurriedly said: "It is absolutely true, Your Majesty should make plans early."

Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought, and his doubts about Zhu Kai increased a little.

In Zhu Kai's mansion, Zhu Kai woke up from his coma.

He looked at Gu Wen beside the bed and said with difficulty: "Gu Wen, what's the situation?"

Gu Wen said with tears in his eyes: "Prince, don't worry about these things for now, just take good care of yourself."

Zhu Kai sighed, "I'm afraid I can't hold on for much longer. You must help me hold on to the situation."

Gu Wen said firmly: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Just then, the envoy sent by Zhu Yuanzhang arrived.

The messenger said, "Second Prince, His Majesty asked me to come and see your condition."

Zhu Kai said with all his strength: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am fine."

After the messenger returned, he reported Zhu Kai's situation to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt mixed emotions and didn't know what to do.

Zhu Kai's condition continued to worsen, and the entire palace was filled with an atmosphere of tension and anxiety.

Gu Wen paced anxiously in the mansion and said to his confidants, "Quick, invite a few more famous doctors. We must find a way to cure the prince's illness."

The confidant left in a hurry, but Gu Wen knew in his heart that Zhu Kai's condition had become extremely serious, and whether he could get better depended on fate.

On the sickbed, Zhu Kai was sometimes conscious and sometimes unconscious. When he was conscious, he was still concerned about the situation in the court.

Zhu Kai held Gu Wen's hand and said weakly, "Gu Wen, those treacherous people's conspiracy cannot succeed. Even if I'm gone, you have to continue..."

Gu Wen said with tears in his eyes, "Your Majesty, you will get better. You must not give up."

At the same time, the court became more turbulent because of Zhu Kai's serious illness.

The ministers were divided into several factions. Some advocated taking the opportunity to suppress Zhu Kai's power, while others believed that they should wait until Zhu Kai recovered before making a conclusion.

A minister who supported Zhu Kai said: "The Second Prince has worked hard for the court. Now that he is seriously ill, how can we add insult to injury?"

The opposition retorted: "There is no friendship in the face of power. If we don't take this opportunity to consolidate our position, there may be changes in the future."

Zhu Di's former subordinates took the opportunity to operate in secret and win over various forces.

The old subordinate said to a nobleman: "Now that Zhu Kai is seriously ill, it is a good time for us to rise. As long as you support us, there will be a big reward in the future."

The powerful hesitated again and again, but were finally tempted by the benefits and chose to stand with them.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also very worried about this matter in the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang said to the eunuchs around him: "I don't want to see Zhu Kai like this, but the stability of the court is of vital importance."

The eunuch said cautiously: "Your Majesty, why not send someone to observe the situation secretly before making a decision."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, but his heart was full of contradictions.

In the palace, the famous doctors were helpless against Zhu Kai's condition.

The famous doctor shook his head and sighed, "The prince's illness is already incurable. There is really nothing we can do."

Gu Wen said angrily: "You are a bunch of quacks. If you can't cure the prince, you will all forget about living!"

At this time, Zhu Kai woke up again, his eyes were already very dim.

Zhu Kai said, "Gu Wen, don't make things difficult for them. This is my fate."

Gu Wen cried and said, "Your Majesty, you can't leave like this. The court still needs you."

Zhu Kai smiled slightly: "I believe that justice will eventually triumph over evil."

Soon, the news of Zhu Kai's critical illness spread throughout the capital.

People prayed for him, hoping that he could get through this difficult time.

The people said: "The Second Prince is a good man, God must bless him."

The people said: "If anything happens to the Second Prince, I wonder what will become of the court."

However, Zhu Di's old subordinates were celebrating in secret.

The old subordinates said: "We have finally waited for this day. From now on, this court will be ours."

Just when everyone thought that Zhu Kai's life was in danger, a quack doctor came to the palace.

The quack doctor said, "I have a way to cure the prince's illness."

Gu Wen said half-doubtfully: "If you can cure the prince, you will be rewarded handsomely. If you can't, I will not let you off easily."

The quack doctor began to treat Zhu Kai, using some strange methods and herbs.

A miracle happened. Zhu Kai's condition gradually stabilized.

Zhu Kai slowly regained consciousness, and everyone was overjoyed.

Gu Wen said excitedly: "Your Majesty, you are finally getting better."

Zhu Kai said weakly: "Maybe it's God's blessing."

However, Zhu Kai's body is still very weak and requires long-term recuperation.

While he was recuperating, the situation in the court became more complicated.

Seeing that Zhu Kai's condition had improved, Zhu Di's former subordinates began to plot a new conspiracy.

The old subordinate said: "We can't let Zhu Kai have a chance to breathe, we have to continue to make trouble for him."

They spread rumors among the people, saying that Zhu Kai's illness was fake, in order to confuse everyone and then secretly seize power.

The rumor caused panic and suspicion among the people.

Some people who did not know the truth began to doubt Zhu Kai.

Citizen C said, "Is this true? Has the Second Prince been deceiving us?"

Commoner Ding said: "Don't believe it so easily, maybe someone deliberately framed it."

Zhu Kai was very angry when he learned about these rumors.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "These people are so shameless, I must make them pay the price."

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, you are not fully recovered yet, so you should not get angry."

Zhu Kai said: "How can I tolerate their slander like this?"

Despite his frail health, Zhu Kai decided to personally come forward to clarify the rumors.

He gathered the people at the gate of the palace.

Zhu Kai said: "Fellow villagers, I, Zhu Kai, swear to heaven that I have never had the intention to seize power. My illness is also real. Thank you for your concern."

After hearing this, the people expressed their belief in him.

The people said, "Second Prince has always been thinking about us, and we trust you."

The people said, "Those rumors are nonsense."

With the support of the people, Zhu Kai gradually restored his reputation.

But he knew that the real struggle was not over yet.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "We must speed up our pace and completely eradicate those who are plotting." (End of this chapter)