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

Minister Ding echoed, "Yes, Your Majesty, we should weaken his power in the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang was hesitant. On the one hand, he trusted Zhu Kai's loyalty, but on the other hand, he was worried that what the ministers said was true.

Zhu Kai decided to start from the grassroots. He began to devote himself to some public welfare undertakings, helping people solve practical problems and thus winning the hearts of the people.

During an inspection of the disaster area, Zhu Kai personally distributed relief supplies and communicated with the people.

The people said gratefully: "The Second Prince is really our savior."

Zhu Kai said: "This is what I should do. As long as the people can live a good life, no matter how much I pay, it is worth it."

Zhu Kai's good deeds gradually spread among the people, and the people's support for him became louder and louder.

Zhu Yuanzhang also heard about what Zhu Kai did among the people, and his doubts gradually eased.

However, the ministers did not give up and they came up with a new conspiracy.

They deliberately disagreed with Zhu Kai on some matters and exaggerated in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, trying to provoke Zhu Yuanzhang's dissatisfaction with Zhu Kai again.

Zhu Kai argued in the court: "Your Majesty, what I said was all for the sake of the court and the people, and I have no selfish motives."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "I will make the judgment myself, so stop arguing."

Zhu Kai understood that this was not a solution and he had to find something to hold against these ministers in order to completely solve the problem.

He ordered Gu Wen to secretly investigate the illegal activities of these ministers.

After some effort, Gu Wen finally collected some key evidence.

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

Zhu Kai said, "Your Majesty, these are evidence of certain ministers' corruption, bribery, and clique-building. Please review them."

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious after seeing this: "How dare you be so bold!"

Faced with conclusive evidence, the ministers who framed Zhu Kai finally received the punishment they deserved.

Zhu Yuanzhang said to Zhu Kai: "Kai'er, I have wronged you. I will no longer doubt your loyalty to the court."

Zhu Kai knelt down to thank him: "Your Majesty is wise and wise. I will redouble my efforts to help you and serve the Ming Dynasty."

After Zhu Kai experienced this storm, his life was finally peaceful for a while. However, under the calm surface, a new crisis was quietly brewing.

One day, Zhu Kai discussed the recent business development in the capital with Gu Wen in his mansion.

Zhu Kai said: "Gu Wen, although the business in the capital seems to be prosperous now, there are actually many problems, such as unfair taxation and merchant monopoly, which need to be rectified."

Gu Wen nodded and said, "Your Majesty, this matter involves a lot of people. If we want to rectify it, I'm afraid it will affect the interests of many powerful people."

Zhu Kai said firmly: "But for the long-term stability of the capital, even if it is difficult, we must do it."

So, Zhu Kai began to investigate the inside story of Beijing's business.

He met a senior businessman in a restaurant.

Zhu Kai asked straight to the point: "Sir, you must be well aware of the chaos in the capital's business. Could you tell me the ins and outs of it?"

The merchant hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Highness, this is too complicated. I'm afraid that if I tell you, I'll get into trouble."

Zhu Kai comforted him, "Just tell me what you want, I will protect you."

The merchant then said, "Your Highness, some powerful people secretly colluded with the merchants to manipulate prices and monopolize the market. Ordinary merchants dare not speak out."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai's face darkened: "How dare they do this? They are so bold!"

The news reached the ears of the powerful.

The powerful said to the powerful: "This Zhu Kai is meddling in our affairs again. We can't let him ruin our good deeds."

The noble said, "Then we have to find a way to stop him."

They decided to give Zhu Kai a warning first and sent people to cause trouble outside Zhu Kai's house.

Zhu Kai went out to check, and the troublemaker shouted, "Second Prince, please don't destroy our chance of survival!"

Zhu Kai said sternly: "Don't talk nonsense. I am here to rectify the unhealthy practices and provide everyone with a fair business environment."

After the troublemakers were dispersed, Zhu Kai knew that this was just the beginning.

Back at the mansion, Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "These people are starting to get desperate. We can't back down."

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid there will be more drastic measures against us next time."

As expected, some people in the court began to impeach Zhu Kai, saying that he disrupted the business order and caused market turmoil.

Zhu Kai defended himself in the court: "Your Majesty, everything I did was for the healthy development of the capital's business, not to disrupt order."

The opposition minister said: "The prince's move is too radical and has caused many adverse effects."

Zhu Kai retorted: "You are blinded by the powerful and cannot see the truth."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Stop arguing, I will send someone to investigate this matter thoroughly."

During the investigation, Zhu Kai was under tremendous pressure.

Zhu Kai said to his confidant: "No matter what, we must persevere and believe that the truth will eventually come out."

The confidant said, "Your Majesty, we support you."

In the end, the results of the investigation came out, proving Zhu Kai's innocence, and the conspiracy of those powerful people was exposed.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious: "How dare these people deceive me? They must be severely punished!"

Zhu Kai's prestige increased again, but he also understood that he was making more and more enemies.

One day, Zhu Kai was walking in the garden when Gu Wen came hurriedly.

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, this is bad. There is news that some of the dignitaries you have offended have united and are preparing to harm you."

Zhu Kai said: "Humph, these are the only methods they have."

Gu Wen asked: "Then how should we deal with it?"

Zhu Kai pondered for a moment and said, "We should remain unchanged in the face of ever-changing situations. We should strengthen the defense of the mansion and keep an eye on their movements."

Just then, Zhu Kai received a mysterious letter.

The letter read: "Second Prince, be careful of the people around you."

Zhu Kai held the mysterious letter, his heart full of doubts.

He said to Gu Wen, "This letter seems strange. Who wrote it? And why did he remind me to be careful of the people around me?"

Gu Wen also looked confused: "Your Majesty, this is indeed strange. Is there really a traitor among us?"

Zhu Kai frowned and said, "Don't make it public yet. Observe in secret and see if you can find any clues."

In the following days, Zhu Kai appeared to be acting as usual, but in private he paid special attention to the actions of those around him.

At the same time, the powerful people who united together were also planning their conspiracy in full swing.

In a dark secret room, the noble said: "This time, Zhu Kai will never be able to turn things around."

The nobleman echoed, "That's right, we have already arranged the personnel, and we will take action when the time comes."

As for Zhu Kai, he never noticed anything unusual around him.

One day, Zhu Kai discussed countermeasures with a counselor in his study.

The counselor said: "Your Majesty, the situation is not favorable to you now. Should we take some proactive measures first?"

Zhu Kai shook his head: "Wait a little longer and see what their conspiracy is."

At this moment, Zhu Kai suddenly noticed a black shadow flash outside the study.

Zhu Kai shouted vigilantly, "Who's outside?" However, no one answered.

He and his advisers chased after him, but found nothing.

Zhu Kai's doubts grew even stronger: "Could this be the abnormality of the people around him mentioned in the letter?"

Gu Wen came after receiving the news: "Your Majesty, there is still no clue."

Zhu Kai said: "Keep paying attention, I always feel that they are about to take action."

Not long after, rumors suddenly spread in the capital that Zhu Kai was colluding with foreign enemies.

When Zhu Kai heard the news, he was furious: "This is simply fabricated and malicious slander!"

Gu Wen said, "Your Majesty, this is obviously their conspiracy. They want to use this to completely overthrow you."

Zhu Kai calmed down: "The more they resort to such unscrupulous means, the more it shows that they are guilty."

In the court, ministers were discussing this matter.

Minister C said: "The Second Prince actually did such a treasonous act, he should be severely punished."

Zhu Kai argued: "This is purely a false accusation. Someone is deliberately trying to frame me."

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "This matter must be thoroughly investigated. If there is any injustice, you will not be wronged, Zhu Kai."

Zhu Kai thanked him and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I believe the truth will be revealed to the world."

After returning to the mansion, Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen: "The mastermind behind this must be found out."

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, I have some clues. It seems to be related to those dignitaries before."

Zhu Kai's eyes flashed with determination: "Then follow this clue and investigate further. We must not let them go."

After some investigation, they finally found some evidence that proved Zhu Kai's innocence and also exposed the ugly faces of those powerful people.

Zhu Kai said: "Your Majesty, this is the evidence they used to frame me. Please examine it carefully."

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious after seeing this: "How dare these daring fellows frame up loyal officials like this? I will never let them off easily!"

Zhu Kai successfully thwarted the conspiracy of the powerful and the capital temporarily returned to peace. However, one wave of troubles arose.

On this day, Zhu Kai was discussing with Gu Wen in his mansion how to further improve the public security in the capital when a eunuch hurried in to convey his imperial decree.

The eunuch said in a shrill voice: "Second Prince, His Majesty has ordered you to enter the palace immediately."

Zhu Kai's heart trembled, not knowing why he had to enter the palace. After looking at Gu Wen, he followed the eunuch into the palace to meet the emperor.

When he saw Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Kai knelt down and saluted.

Zhu Yuanzhang said solemnly: "Zhu Kai, there are floods in the south and the people are displaced. I want to send you to provide disaster relief. What do you think?"

Zhu Kai replied without hesitation: "Your Majesty, this is my duty, and I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "Okay, I will allocate the necessary materials and manpower to you, and make sure to solve the plight of the victims as soon as possible."

After Zhu Kai received the imperial edict and left the palace, he immediately began to prepare for disaster relief.

Gu Wen said, "Your Highness, this trip south to provide disaster relief is long and the situation is complicated. I'm afraid it won't be easy."

Zhu Kai said firmly: "We have to go no matter how difficult it is. We can't just sit back and watch the people suffer."

Before leaving, Zhu Kai summoned the officials in charge of disaster relief.

Zhu Kai said solemnly: "Everyone, this disaster relief is related to the lives of countless people. Anyone who dares to embezzle will be severely punished!"

The officials nodded in agreement.

After several days of travel, Zhu Kai and his team finally arrived at the disaster area.

The scene before him made Zhu Kai heartbroken. Houses collapsed, farmlands were flooded, and the victims were left without clothes to wear and food to eat.

Zhu Kai said to his followers: "Set up a porridge shed immediately and distribute food."

During the food distribution process, a disaster victim grabbed Zhu Kai and cried, "Sir, we haven't eaten for many days. How can we live like this?"

Zhu Kai comforted him, "Don't worry, the court will not ignore you."

However, the disaster relief work did not go smoothly.

The official in charge of food distribution came to report: "Your Majesty, there is a food shortage. I am afraid it will not last long."

Zhu Kai shouted angrily: "How could this happen? Didn't we bring enough food?"

The official hemmed and hawed, “We encountered heavy rain on the way and lost some of the goods, and some were stolen by local bullies.”

Zhu Kai said: "Send people to recover the stolen food immediately. If something like this happens again, we will not let them off lightly!"

At this time, a counselor suggested: "Your Majesty, the food we brought is far from enough. We need to find a way to transport it from other places."

Zhu Kai nodded and said, "You are right. I will contact the nearby counties right away."

Zhu Kai personally went to nearby states and counties to seek support.

The county officials said, "Second Prince, we are also in trouble. We really can't provide much food."

Zhu Kai said: "The people are suffering, can you bear to watch and do nothing?"

After some effort, we finally raised some food.

Just when Zhu Kai thought the situation would gradually improve, news of an epidemic outbreak came again.

Zhu Kai was extremely anxious: "Quick, call the doctors to develop a prescription to control the spread of the disease."

In the process of fighting the epidemic, Zhu Kai worked day and night, and his body gradually could not bear it.

Gu Wen said worriedly: "Prince, you should also take care of your health."

Zhu Kai said: "We can't care about so many things at this moment. Saving the people is the most important thing."

After hard work, the disaster was finally brought under control and the lives of the victims gradually returned to normal.

Zhu Kai prepared to return to Beijing to report.

Before leaving, people came to see him off.

The people said: "The Second Prince is our savior."

Zhu Kai said: "This is what I should do. I just hope you can live a peaceful life in the future."

Zhu Kai returned to the capital with a tired body.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Zhu Kai, you have made great contributions to disaster relief this time. I will reward you handsomely."

Zhu Kai knelt down to thank him: "Your Majesty, it is my honor to do something for the people. I dare not ask for a reward."

However, what Zhu Kai didn't know was that a bigger conspiracy was waiting for him in the capital...

Keep writing about the new conspiracy in the capital and don't repeat what you wrote before.

The following is about 2000 words of content generated for you:

Before Zhu Kai had time to rest properly, he was drawn into a new conspiracy in the capital.

One day, Zhu Kai received an anonymous letter in his mansion, which hinted that the court was about to launch a huge conspiracy against him and involved the sensitive issue of succession to the throne.

Zhu Kai frowned and discussed with Gu Wen, "This letter is strange. I don't know who sent it and whether it is true or false."

Gu Wen thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, this matter must be prevented. The situation in the court is complicated now, and we need to deal with it carefully."

At the same time, the palace was not peaceful either. In order to fight for the throne, several princes secretly won over ministers and formed their own forces.

One of the princes sent someone to find Zhu Kai and said, "Second brother, you are aware of the current situation. Why don't you join forces with me and work together for a great cause?" (End of this chapter)