Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This method is great! It is simple and practical. However, considering the weight of the clock, the selection and placement of the rollers must be very careful. Any mistake may result in all the efforts being wasted."

Old Li nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will personally supervise and ensure that each roller is solid and durable, and that it is laid tightly together without any gaps."

Zhu Biao added: "In addition, a lot of manpower is needed during the transportation process to ensure the stability and safety of the clock during the movement."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Biao'er is right. To move such a huge bell, mechanical power alone is far from enough. It also requires the concerted efforts of many craftsmen to succeed."

After the discussion, the feat of moving the "Da Ming Hongfu Bell" officially began. In the workshop, the craftsmen were busy and orderly, and Lao Li's voice penetrated the noise and seemed particularly powerful.

"Brothers, we can't be careless in this work! Every roller must be made of carefully selected hardwood and polished to a mirror-like finish. Don't let our big clock suffer any harm." As Lao Li spoke, he demonstrated personally, rubbing the sandpaper in his hand on the round log carefully, and every stroke seemed so serious.

Craftsman A wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile: "Master Li, don't worry, we have been in this business for many years, and we know the priorities."

On the day of transportation, at dawn, the golden sunlight penetrated the mist and sprinkled on the huge bell, as if it was covered with a layer of sacred light. The craftsmen were dressed in uniform blue work clothes and lined up in an orderly manner, with everyone's eyes flashing with both nervousness and excitement.

Zhu Han stood in front of the team, his eyes firm and his voice loud: "Today, we are not only carrying a bell, but also the glory and hope of the Ming Dynasty. Everyone must be careful and work together!"

Zhu Biao nodded and agreed: "Uncle Huang is right, every detail cannot be ignored. Old Li, you are experienced, I will leave everything to you."

Old Li bowed his hands and saluted, his expression solemn: "Please rest assured, Your Highness, I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Zhu Han gave the order: "Start moving!" The craftsmen quickly took action, and the rollers were accurately laid under the clock one by one. Every time a roller was put down, Lao Li confirmed: "Okay, the angle is right, stable!"

During the process of moving, challenges came one after another. Suddenly, a roller seemed to be stuck on the ground, and the movement of the clock stopped instantly. Craftsman B hurried forward to check, frowning: "There is a hard rock on the ground, and the roller can't pass through."

Lao Li came over quickly, squatted down and checked carefully, then decisively ordered: "Come two people, move this stone away, and adjust the position of the rolling bar at the same time, and pay attention to maintaining balance."

The craftsmen responded quickly, and several people worked together to move the stone, while carefully adjusting the rollers to ensure that the bell would not shake during the move.

"Slow down, slower, keep steady!" Zhu Han watched nervously and reminded from time to time.

As time went by, the bell finally slowly approached its destination. Under the sunlight, it looked even more majestic and brilliant. Zhu Biao looked at this scene and couldn't help but sigh: "It's incredible that such a huge object can be moved slowly with the efforts of everyone."

As the "Da Ming Hongfu Bell" slowly approached the Han Jing Factory next to the Forbidden City, the entire moving team was immersed in an indescribable tension and anticipation.

"Uncle, seeing that this huge bell is about to be properly placed, my heart is filled with mixed emotions." Zhu Biao said softly, his eyes flashing with anticipation for the upcoming glorious moment.

At this moment, Lao Li came hurriedly, with beads of sweat on his face, but his eyes were full of determination: "Your Highness, Your Highness, the rollers have been laid, and the big bell will soon enter the Hanjing Factory. Please step back a few steps to avoid accidents."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao quickly retreated to a safe distance, their eyes still following the slowly moving bell. With the meticulous work of the craftsmen, the bell finally stopped steadily at the designated position in the Hanjing Factory.

"It's done!" Lao Li announced excitedly, and the craftsmen put down their tools and burst into thunderous cheers. They hugged each other to celebrate the arrival of this historic moment.

Zhu Han walked forward and gently stroked the cold metal surface of the bell, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction and pride: "This 'Da Ming Hongfu Bell' will always be the pride of our Daming. Lao Li, you have worked hard."

Old Li quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is what I and my brothers should do. It is a great honor to be able to participate in such a great project."

Zhu Biao also stepped forward and looked around at the craftsmen celebrating, his heart full of emotion: "Today's achievement is not the work of one person. It is the joint efforts of everyone that have created this immortal monument."

As the "Da Ming Hongfu Bell" was firmly placed in the Hanjing Factory, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao felt much more relaxed. They walked side by side on the way back to the palace, with the sun shining through the clouds on them, adding a bit of warmth to this moment of victory.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han went straight to the imperial study without delay to report the good news to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Come in." Zhu Yuanzhang's steady voice came from inside the door, with a bit of majesty.

Zhu Han pushed open the door and walked into the imperial study, only to see Zhu Yuanzhang sitting on the dragon chair, flipping through the memorials in his hands, his brows revealing a bit of fatigue but still majestic. When he saw Zhu Han coming in, he put down the memorials and looked at his brother gently.

"Handi, you're back. How are things going?" There was some concern in Zhu Yuanzhang's voice.

Zhu Han bowed, his face filled with unconcealed joy: "Brother, I have fulfilled my mission. The 'Great Ming Hongfu Bell' has been successfully cast and placed in the Hanjing Factory."

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, and a trace of praise flashed in his eyes: "Good! Brother Han, you really did not disappoint me."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and continued, "Brother, we encountered many difficulties during the casting process, but thanks to the joint efforts of the officials and craftsmen of the Ministry of Industry, we finally overcame them one by one. Especially Lao Li and other craftsmen, their superb skills and selfless dedication are really a blessing for our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement: "The hard work of the craftsmen is indeed worthy of praise. Brother Han, please draft a commendation order to give generous rewards to the craftsmen who participated in the casting as an encouragement."

"I obey your command." Zhu Han responded, secretly feeling happy for the craftsmen who worked silently.

Deep inside the palace, on the magnificent dragon throne, he slowly stood up and whispered to the eunuch standing beside him: "Eunuch Li, pass on my order to immediately start the unveiling ceremony of the 'Great Ming Hongfu Bell'. I want to personally unveil the mystery of this national treasure."

Upon hearing this, Eunuch Li's shrill voice immediately pierced through the hall and spread outside the hall: "Yes, Your Majesty! The unveiling ceremony will start immediately!" With this announcement, the capital city seemed to be awakened by an invisible force, with drums thundering, rituals and music interweaving, and people pouring in from all directions, with excitement and curiosity in their footsteps, heading straight for the Hanjing Factory, just to catch a glimpse of the legendary "Da Ming Hongfu Bell",

Inside the Hanjing Factory, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood side by side. Both of them were wearing exquisite and gorgeous suits, like noble gentlemen walking out of a painting.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang, surrounded by his guards, walked into the Hanjing Factory, showing the majesty of an emperor. He looked around, feeling the people's fiery gazes, and slowly walked towards the towering bell.

"Today, I unveil the mysterious veil of the 'Great Ming Hongfu Bell' with my own hands. I hope that its melodious sound will resound through the sky and bring happiness and peace to the people of the Great Ming."

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly pulled the red silk, and it slipped off like flowing water, revealing the glittering golden appearance of the "Da Ming Hongfu Bell". In the sunlight, the scriptures on the bell seemed to come alive, shining with the light of wisdom, attracting everyone's admiration.

At that moment, a deep and profound bell sounded, filling the entire Hanjing Factory in an instant, and then spread throughout the streets and alleys of the capital. The bell sound seemed to have magic power, making everyone present feel unprecedented shock and tranquility.

Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes and listened, his face filled with satisfaction and pride: "What a great 'Da Ming Hongfu Bell'! Its sound is like the sound of nature and its melody is long-lasting. It will surely bless our Ming Dynasty for eternity and consolidate our country forever."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, and then instructed the eunuch beside him: "Pass the order down, all the craftsmen who participated in the casting of the Hongfu Bell today will be given 100 acres of good farmland and a certain amount of gold and silver to show my gratitude and reward."

The eunuch took the order and left. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao smiled at each other, both moved by the benevolence and generosity of the Ming Emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, and then said to Zhu Han: "Brother Han, you have made an invaluable contribution in the casting of the Hongfu Bell. I have decided to confer you the title of Prince of the Protectorate and grant you the right of inheritance to recognize your outstanding contribution."

Zhu Han was excited when he heard this, but he remained humble on the surface: "Your Majesty is so gracious."

With the successful conclusion of the unveiling ceremony of the "Da Ming Hongfu Bell", the whole capital was immersed in jubilation.

A few months later, the Ming Palace was filled with spring and the fragrance of flowers. Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the imperial study, reviewing a mountain of memorials.

Suddenly, a eunuch hurried in, holding a secret letter, and reported solemnly: "Your Majesty, the spies reported that the princes are ready to make a move and seem to have rebellious intentions.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face became even more solemn when he heard this. He turned around and walked back to the dragon case. After a moment's silence, he told the eunuch, "Quickly summon Handi and Biaoer to the palace. I have something important to discuss with you."

Soon, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao hurried to the imperial study. As soon as Zhu Han entered the room, he noticed the unusual atmosphere. He looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and asked in a deep voice, "Brother, what happened?"

Zhu Yuanzhang did not answer directly, but handed the secret letter to Zhu Han. Zhu Han took the secret letter, quickly read it, and frowned. Seeing this, Zhu Biao also came forward to read the contents of the secret letter together.

"Brother Han, Biao'er, I have decided to reduce the power of the princes." Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly.

"Han brother, Biao'er, what do you two think about this matter of the vassal kings?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was steady and powerful, revealing unquestionable majesty.

Zhu Han hesitated for a moment and replied, "Brother, the power of the princes is growing day by day, and it has indeed posed a threat to the central power. It is imperative to reduce the power of the princes. But this matter must be done with caution to avoid causing unnecessary unrest."

Zhu Biao also took over the conversation, his tone full of worry: "Father is right, but the road to reducing the power of the princes will be full of thorns. I am worried that if it is not handled properly, it may cause a backlash from the princes and even lead to civil unrest."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes deep: "I have thought it over carefully. The matter of reducing the power of the princes must be done step by step, and not too hastily. The first step is to directly deprive the princes of their military power and weaken their military strength."

He paused and continued, "I will issue an order to limit the number of guards of each prince, especially the princes in important border towns, such as Prince of Yan Zhu Di, whose military forces need to be greatly reduced. Brother Han, this matter will be handed over to you. Make sure that the order is implemented smoothly."

Zhu Han heard this, although he had a lot of thoughts in his mind, he still nodded firmly: "I will obey your orders and do my best to ensure that the reduction of military power goes smoothly."

Upon seeing this, Zhu Biao also quickly expressed his position: "I am willing to lend a helping hand to the emperor's uncle to ensure the stability of the court and prevent the princes from making any unusual moves."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, then took a long-prepared imperial edict from the table and handed it to Zhu Han: "This is an edict to reduce military power. You must immediately go to the Ministry of War, mobilize troops, and send them to various places to supervise the execution. Remember, you must be fair and strict, and do not allow any favoritism or fraud."

Zhu Han took the imperial edict with both hands, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I will live up to your trust and handle this matter properly."

After receiving the order, Zhu Han went to the Ministry of War without delay. Along the way, he was thinking about how to carry out this difficult task safely.

After arriving at the Ministry of War, Zhu Han immediately summoned all the generals and explained the matter of reducing the power of the feudal lords one by one.

The next morning, Zhu Han, wearing armor and holding the imperial edict, strode into the Prince of Yan's mansion. Upon hearing the news, Prince of Yan Zhu Di had already been waiting in the mansion. His face was solemn, and his eyes were shining with complex light.

"Uncle, you have come from afar. I wonder what important matter you have?" Zhu Di's voice was low and powerful, revealing an aura that should not be underestimated.

Zhu Han nodded slightly, then unfolded the imperial edict and read it aloud: "In compliance with the will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Recently, the power of the princes has grown day by day, which is against the ancestral system. I am very worried. In order to consolidate the central power and maintain national stability, I hereby decree to reduce the number of guards of the princes, especially the princes in important border towns, and you must execute it immediately. I decree this!"

After reading it, Zhu Han handed the imperial edict to Zhu Di, staring at him with a sharp gaze: "Prince of Yan, you are an important official of the Ming Dynasty, and you should know the intention of His Majesty. The matter of military power cannot be delayed, and I hope you will execute it quickly."

Zhu Di took the imperial edict, his eyes moved back and forth between the imperial edict and Zhu Han, and finally said in a deep voice: "Uncle Huang is right, I will obey the imperial edict and execute it immediately."

After that, Zhu Di turned around and ordered the generals around him: "Pass the order down, immediately reduce the number of guards according to the imperial edict. Be sure to be fair and selfless, and do not make any mistakes." (End of this chapter)