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

One day, Zhu Han was reviewing the progress report on the reduction of military power in his mansion. A guard hurried in with an urgent letter in his hand. He said nervously: "Your Highness, this is an urgent letter from the capital. Please take a look."

Zhu Han took the letter and quickly read it, frowning. The letter mentioned that some people in the court were dissatisfied with the action of reducing the power of the vassal states, and some even colluded secretly to obstruct the process of reducing the power of the vassal states.

"These scoundrels are so audacious!" Zhu Han shouted angrily, and then ordered the guards, "Hurry up and prepare the horses. I will return to the capital immediately to meet with my brother and discuss countermeasures."

After returning to the capital, Zhu Han went straight to the imperial study and reported the unstable factors in the court to Zhu Yuanzhang in detail. Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened after hearing this. After a moment of silence, he said in a deep voice: "Brother Han, this matter is of great importance. The road to reducing the power of the vassal states is already difficult. If there is another internal strife, the consequences will be disastrous."

"Don't worry, my royal brother. I will do my best to calm the disturbances in the court and ensure that the cause of reducing the power of the princes goes on smoothly." Zhu Han's words revealed his unquestionable determination.

"Okay, brother Han, I know you are loyal, so I will leave this matter to you. At the same time, I will increase my vigilance to prevent any accidents." Zhu Yuanzhang's words were filled with trust and expectation.

After Zhu Han received the order, he knew that the matter of reducing the power of the feudal lords was of great importance and he had to act with caution. He returned to his palace and immediately summoned his trusted staff and generals to discuss countermeasures.

In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the solemn faces of everyone. Zhu Han stood in the middle, his eyes like torches, scanning everyone, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, the matter of reducing the vassal states is related to the stability of our Ming Dynasty. We must go all out and cannot afford to make any mistakes."

An elderly staff member stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, the road to reducing the power of the vassal states is bound to be full of thorns. We must proceed step by step and not act too hastily. In my opinion, we can use courtesy first and then force. We can first use the imperial edict as a basis to explain the pros and cons to the vassal kings and persuade them to reduce their military power on their own."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, expressing his agreement: "Sir, what you said is very true. We can first send envoys to various places to convey the imperial edict to the princes and explain the pros and cons. I hope they can understand the general situation and take the overall situation into consideration."

However, a young general frowned and said worriedly: "Your Majesty, the princes have a large number of troops. If they are unwilling to cooperate, how should we deal with it?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with determination: "If the princes are stubborn, then we will have to take tough measures. Send the order to mobilize troops immediately and be prepared to deal with emergencies. At the same time, strengthen the defense of the capital to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

"My dear ministers, the issue of reducing the power of the feudal lords is related to the stability of our Ming Dynasty. Simply reducing military power is not enough to eradicate the hidden dangers. We must fundamentally adjust the administrative divisions and reduce the direct interference of the feudal lords in local government affairs."

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhao, the Minister of Finance, bowed and said, "Your Highness is right. The power of the vassal kings is intertwined and intertwined. If we can restrict them administratively, we will be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort. However, this matter involves a wide range of issues and requires careful planning to avoid causing local unrest."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and turned his gaze to the Minister of Rites, Lord Li: "Lord Li, what do you think about this? How can we reasonably adjust the administrative divisions without causing resentment in the local areas?"

Lord Li stroked his beard, pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, I think we can learn from the experience of the previous dynasty and divide the fiefs of some vassal kings, establish new prefectures and counties, and have officials sent directly by the court to manage them. This will not only weaken the power of the vassal kings, but also ensure the smooth progress of local government affairs."

Zhu Han's eyes flashed with approval: "Master Li's plan is very good, but there are two points to pay attention to when implementing it:

First, we must ensure that the newly established prefectures and counties have sufficient population and economic foundation to be self-sufficient; second, we must properly resettle the people affected by the administrative division adjustment to avoid social unrest. "

At this time, the Minister of War, Lord Wang, interrupted and said, "Your Majesty, I think that while adjusting the administrative divisions, we should also strengthen the training and management of local garrisons to ensure that they can maintain local stability at critical moments and prevent the princes from taking advantage of the opportunity to cause chaos."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Lord Wang is right. Before the troops move, the food and fodder must go first. While adjusting the administrative divisions, we must ensure that the local garrisons are strong enough to deal with any emergencies."

As the discussion deepened, the ministers expressed their opinions and proposed various possible implementation plans and potential problems. Zhu Han listened carefully, nodding or making additional comments from time to time, and the whole study was filled with a strong atmosphere of discussion.

After Zhu Han finished discussing with his ministers in his study, he had a clearer idea in his mind about reducing the power of the princes.

The next morning, Zhu Han, dressed in court robes, stepped steadily into the imperial study. After paying his respects to Zhu Yuanzhang, he said in a deep voice, "Brother Emperor, I thought deeply last night and believe that although the reduction of the feudal system requires both military and administrative measures, the construction of the legal system cannot be ignored."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes narrowed slightly and he motioned for Zhu Han to continue.

"The root cause of the rebellion of the princes is the lack of checks and balances in power and an imperfect legal system. I suggest that we immediately start to formulate a strict legal system to clarify the rights and obligations of the princes and regulate their behavior." Zhu Han explained his ideas clearly, "Any prince who violates the legal system, no matter how high his status, should be severely punished by law to serve as a warning to others."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, obviously quite interested in Zhu Han's proposal: "Brother Han, what you said makes sense. The legal system is the foundation of the country and cannot be ignored. But how should it be implemented specifically? Do you have a detailed plan?"

Zhu Han was well prepared. He took out a carefully prepared memorial from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "I have drafted a 'Draft of the Code of Conduct for Princes', which lists in detail the rights, obligations and penalties for illegal acts of princes. Please review it, my brother."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the memorial, read it carefully, and nodded from time to time to express his approval: "Brother Han, your intention is good. If this method can be implemented, it will greatly weaken the power of the princes and consolidate the central power."

After reading the memorial, Zhu Yuanzhang looked up at Zhu Han, his eyes gleaming with determination: "This is a very good bill. I will immediately issue an order to the Ministry of Justice, the Dali Temple and the Metropolitan Procuratorate to jointly review this draft and ensure that the provisions are thorough and impeccable."

A few days later, in the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, frowning, playing with a jade seal in his hand, his eyes deep. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood on both sides, the atmosphere was solemn.

"Brother Han, Biao'er, although the plan to reduce the power of the princes has been launched, I have received secret reports recently that some princes are secretly colluding and intend to join forces to fight against the court." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and powerful, revealing a majesty that should not be underestimated.

Zhu Han's eyes shone when he heard this: "Brother, this matter is of great importance. I think we must find out the truth as soon as possible and strengthen intelligence gathering to ensure that we have a complete understanding of the movements of the vassal kings."

Zhu Biao added: "Father, I suggest that you send reliable people to secretly go to each vassal state to investigate their true intentions and act accordingly." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement: "Biao'er is right. Brother Han, this matter will be handed over to you. You need to select capable people and be careful not to alert the enemy."

Late one night, Zhu Han was in his study, reviewing the secret letter sent back by the spies, with a frown on his face. The letter not only revealed the conspiracy of the princes, but also mentioned a key figure, Ning Wang Zhu Quan, who seemed to play the role of coordinator among the princes.

"Prince Ning, you are indeed not simple." Zhu Han whispered, and then summoned his trusted aides to discuss countermeasures.

"Your Highness, since Prince Ning has become the leader of all the vassal states, his power must not be underestimated." An aide said solemnly, "We need to formulate a careful plan to expose his conspiracy while avoiding triggering a large-scale conflict."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Pass the order down, immediately strengthen the surveillance of Prince Ning's Mansion, and prepare a detailed report to submit to my brother. We must make the true face of Prince Ning known to the world."

After Zhu Han discussed countermeasures with his trusted aides in the study, it was already late at night, but the lights in the study were still on and the atmosphere was tense and serious.

"Mr. Li, you must immediately select a few smart and loyal spies. Make sure they keep their mouths shut and are absolutely loyal to the court." Zhu Han instructed Mr. Li, his aide beside him.

Mr. Li accepted the order with a firm look in his eyes: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will carefully select and ensure that there is no mistake."

Zhu Han nodded and turned his gaze to another staff member, Lord Zhang: "Lord Zhang, you are responsible for preparing a detailed investigation plan, including how to sneak into the prince's mansion, how to collect evidence, and the retreat route in case of danger."

Lord Zhang pondered for a moment, then unfolded a map and carefully marked possible investigation routes and key locations: "Your Highness, I have preliminarily planned several infiltration routes, but the specifics need to be flexibly adjusted according to the actual situation. At the same time, we will set up secret sentries at each key location to ensure the timely transmission of intelligence."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, although it is inconvenient for you to directly participate in the investigation, you need to stabilize the situation in the court and ensure that your father is not interfered with by the outside world. At the same time, you need to closely monitor the developments in the court to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the opportunity to cause chaos."

Zhu Biao looked solemn, with a firm look in his eyes: "Don't worry, uncle. I will do my best to ensure peace in the court. But uncle, please be careful on this trip. I will wait for good news in the court."

"Master Zhang," Zhu Han turned to look at Master Zhang, his eyes gleaming with determination, "Our first task is to sneak into Prince Ning's mansion and look for letters, secret orders or other key evidence that can prove that Prince Ning is colluding with other princes. The infiltration route you plan must be detailed and safe, and you must ensure that our spies can escape unscathed."

Lord Zhang bowed slightly, a trace of solemnity flashed in his eyes: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I have carefully planned several possible infiltration routes, including through the back garden of the palace, secret tunnels, and disguised as a caravan to enter the palace market. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and we will flexibly choose according to the situation on the scene."

"Very good," Zhu Han nodded, "but we must remember that Prince Ning's Mansion is heavily guarded and has many guards. Our spies must receive strict training to deal with various emergencies. Mr. Li, the task of selecting spies is left to you."

Mr. Li bowed and responded, "Your Majesty, I will select the most capable and skilled spies from the Jinyiwei and give them special infiltration and escape training to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Zhu Biao listened from the side, his eyes flashing with worry: "Uncle, this trip is extremely dangerous, you must be careful. I will also pay close attention to the movements of Prince Ning in the court. If there is any disturbance, I will inform you immediately."

Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, his tone full of trust and encouragement: "Biao'er, the affairs of the court are now in your hands. Remember, stabilizing the court and ensuring the safety of your father are the most important."

A few days later, after careful preparation and training, a secret team composed of elite Jinyiwei was ready to go.

On the eve of the departure, Zhu Han summoned the team leader Zhao Rui in the study room: "Captain Zhao, this mission is arduous. You must always stay alert and be flexible. Remember, safety first, evidence second. If you encounter irresistible resistance, you must retreat immediately and do not fight to the end."

Zhao Rui knelt on one knee, his eyes flashing with determination: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, we will do our best to live up to your trust. Once we find evidence, we will return immediately to report."

On a dark and windy night, Zhao Rui led the team to quietly approach the Ning Palace. They followed the pre-planned route and split up, some sneaking in through the secret passage in the back garden, and some disguised as a caravan to sneak into the palace market.

Zhao Rui and his group chose the secret passage in the back garden. Under the cover of night, they easily climbed over the wall and landed in the back garden of the palace. The garden was silent, with only the occasional chirping of insects breaking the tranquility of the night.

"Everyone be careful, follow me closely." Zhao Rui whispered, and then led the team forward along the secret passage. The secret passage was narrow and tortuous, and every step had to be taken carefully to avoid triggering the trap.

After a lot of hard searching, they finally reached the end of the secret passage. In front of them was a heavy stone door with complicated patterns carved on it, which obviously concealed a mechanism.

"Let me try." A spy who was good at mechanical devices stepped forward, carefully observed the pattern on the stone door, and gently pressed his fingers on several specific positions. With a slight mechanical sound, the stone door slowly opened, revealing a passage leading deep into the palace.

As the stone door of the secret passage slowly opened, Zhu Han's carefully selected team of spies quietly stepped into the depths of Prince Ning's Mansion.

The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight was thin. They could only rely on the weak lamp in their hands to illuminate the road ahead. As the captain, Zhao Rui took every step with extreme caution. His eyes were sharp, and he was always alert to the dangers that might lurk around him.

"Everyone stay alert. The Ning Palace is heavily guarded. We must not take it lightly." Zhao Rui lowered his voice and instructed the team members behind him.

The spies quickly dispersed and followed the pre-planned routes to the study, secret room and storeroom where key evidence might be hidden. Zhao Rui personally led a team to the core area where King Ning handled government affairs - the meeting hall. (End of this chapter)