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

Zhu Biao proposed a solution: "Perhaps we can set up a reception desk here and set up several information collection points in busy areas. Citizens can register their information at these points first, and then be transferred here by a dedicated person for processing."

After repeated comparisons and discussions, they finally chose a quiet courtyard in the south of the city as the office location of the "Public Opinion Bureau". At the same time, they decided to set up an information collection point in each of the four directions of the capital to facilitate the people to report the situation.

As the site selection was finalized, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao immediately began the specific construction and preparation of the "Civil Affairs Department".

In the early morning, the sun shines through the window lattice and shines into the office courtyard of the "Civil Affairs Department" which is about to be put into use. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stand side by side in the middle of the courtyard, looking around, their hearts full of anticipation.

"Biao'er, look at this courtyard. Although it is not as magnificent as the imperial palace, it has a fresh and refined atmosphere." Zhu Han said softly, his tone full of emotion.

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Huang is right. Although this place is simple, it is closer to the people's hearts and allows the people to feel the sincerity and determination of the court."

"Next, we will start the construction work." Zhu Han turned around and instructed his followers, "You must do your best to ensure that all the facilities of the 'Civil Affairs Department' can meet office needs, while also considering the convenience of the people's visits."

The attendants all agreed and got busy, some directing the craftsmen to decorate the courtyard, while others were responsible for purchasing office supplies. The whole courtyard was bustling with activity.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked into the temporary meeting room and continued to discuss the specific operation plan of the "Civil Affairs Department".

"Uncle, I have some preliminary ideas about the personnel allocation for the Civil Affairs Department." Zhu Biao took out a document from his arms and handed it to Zhu Han. "This is the personnel list and responsibility allocation plan I drafted. Please review it, uncle."

Zhu Han took the document and reviewed it carefully. After a moment, he nodded with satisfaction: "Biao'er, your plan is very comprehensive. It has experienced old officials in charge and young and promising newcomers joining. It can not only ensure the continuity of work, but also stimulate new vitality."

"Uncle, you are too kind." Zhu Biao smiled modestly, "In fact, all this is due to your guidance and father's support. I am just doing my best."

"However," Zhu Han changed the subject and his tone became serious, "in terms of personnel allocation, we still need to pay special attention to one point. That is, we must ensure that every official can truly sympathize with the people and serve the people sincerely. We must resolutely eliminate those officials who only know how to please their superiors and do not care about the lives of the people."

Zhu Biao heard this and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Uncle, what you said is absolutely right. I will strictly control it and ensure that every official of the 'Civil Affairs Department' can become a close friend of the people."

As the construction of the "Civil Affairs Department" progressed, various facilities and personnel were gradually improved. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao personally supervised every link to ensure that everything went smoothly according to the established plan.

In the afternoon, the sun was shining brightly. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood in front of the gate of the "Civil Affairs Bureau". Looking at the three big characters "Civil Affairs Bureau" engraved on the brand new plaque, their hearts filled with pride and satisfaction.

"Biao'er, look at this 'Civil Affairs Department'. It is not only the fruit of our hard work, but also an important bridge between the Ming Dynasty and the people." Zhu Han said with emotion, "From now on, this will become an important window for us to understand the people's sentiments and listen to their opinions."

At this moment, an attendant came running over with an excited look on his face: "Reporting to Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the first visiting citizen from the 'Civil Affairs Department' is already waiting at the reception desk."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao smiled at each other and walked quickly to the reception desk. There, an old man in ragged clothes was waiting anxiously. When he saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, he knelt down quickly, with hope in his eyes.

"Old man, please stand up quickly." Zhu Han hurriedly stepped forward to help the old man up, "What do you want to report to us?"

The old man stood up tremblingly, his voice choked with sobs: "I am just a farmer. Due to years of drought, my crops have failed and my family has no surplus food. I beg the prince and the crown prince to have mercy and save us!"

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this. He turned to look at Zhu Biao, his eyes full of determination: "Biao'er, this matter cannot be delayed. We must take immediate measures to help these disaster-stricken people get through this difficult time."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Don't worry, uncle. I will immediately order the Ministry of Revenue to allocate food and relief funds, and make sure they are delivered to the disaster area in the shortest possible time."

The old man was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes when he heard this: "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Highness! You are truly the saviors of our people!"

With the official operation of the "Civil Affairs Department", the connection between the Ming Dynasty and the people became increasingly close. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao would personally go to the "Civil Affairs Department" every day to listen to the people's demands and solve their problems.

The sunlight shone through the mist onto the quaint eaves of the "Civil Affairs Bureau". Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked into the courtyard side by side, ready to start a new day's work.

"Biao'er, do you have any special plans today?" Zhu Han asked as he walked, looking at Zhu Biao with gentle eyes.

Zhu Biao smiled and shook his head: "No special arrangements for now, uncle. However, I heard that several people came from remote mountain villages yesterday. Their demands seemed quite urgent. I plan to listen to their voices first."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Very good. The people's affairs are no small matter, we must always keep them in mind."

The two walked into the lobby of the "Civil Affairs Department" and saw several haggard-looking people waiting anxiously. When they saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, they all stood up and saluted, with hope in their eyes.

"No need to be so polite, fellow villagers." Zhu Han gently raised his hand and motioned everyone to sit down. "You have come from afar, so you must have something urgent to ask for. Please rest assured that we will do our best to help you solve your problems today."

An elderly villager stood up tremblingly, his voice choking with sobs: "Your Highness, Crown Prince, we are villagers from the Hidden Cloud Village. In recent years, the rivers in the village have dried up, the crops have failed year after year, and the people are living in misery. We beg the court to lend a hand and help us rebuild our homes."

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this. He turned to look at Zhu Biao, his eyes full of worry: "Biao'er, this matter is of great importance. We must take action immediately and cannot let the people continue to suffer."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then instructed the attendant beside him: "Go and tell the Ministry of Revenue to allocate grain and seeds, and send water conservancy experts to Yunyin Village to investigate the cause of the river drying up and develop a solution." The attendant took the order and left. Upon hearing this, the villagers knelt on the ground, crying with gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Highness! You are really the reincarnation of a living Bodhisattva, saving us from the dire straits!"

Zhu Han quickly stepped forward to help everyone up: "Fellow villagers, please stand up quickly. This is our responsibility as members of the royal family. Don't worry, we will do our best to help you rebuild your homes."

With the quick action of the attendants, food and seeds were quickly delivered to the Hidden Cloud Village. At the same time, water conservancy experts also arrived at the scene, conducted a detailed investigation of the cause of the river drying up, and developed a set of practical solutions.

The problems of Yunyin Village were gradually resolved, and Zhu Han and Zhu Biao's reputation in the "Civil Affairs Bureau" was also rising.

The people spread the word and called them "the two saints of the people's hearts." On this day, the two men came to the "Civil Affairs Department" early as usual, ready to deal with the affairs of the new day.

As soon as I stepped into the lobby, I saw a middle-aged man in official uniform hurriedly walking in with a solemn look. This man was Li Jing, the Minister of Revenue, who was in charge of the country's finances and material allocation.

"Your Majesty Prince Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have something important to report." After Li Jing paid his respects, he went straight to the point.

"Minister Li, what's so urgent?" Zhu Han asked with concern.

Li Jing looked solemn as he presented a document with both hands: "Your Highness, Your Highness, the northern border of our country has recently experienced a once-in-a-century heavy snowfall, which has caused many houses to collapse, livestock to freeze to death, and the people to live in extreme hardship. This is an urgent report from the border, please review it, Your Highnesses."

Zhu Han took the document and read it carefully with Zhu Biao, frowning more and more. After reading, Zhu Han looked up at Li Jing and said, "Minister Li, the people in the border areas have suffered such a great disaster. The court must act immediately. Can you estimate how much supplies are needed to alleviate the current predicament?"

Li Jing was well prepared and answered quickly: "According to the urgent report, at least 500,000 dan of grain, 100,000 cotton clothes, and wood, stone and other materials needed to rebuild homes are needed. In addition, doctors with superb medical skills need to be sent to prevent the outbreak of the epidemic."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment after hearing this and asked, "Can the Ministry of Revenue afford this expense at present? Does it need to raise funds from other channels?"

Li Jing shook his head, looking embarrassed. "Your Highness, although the Ministry of Revenue has some reserves, natural disasters have occurred frequently in recent years, and the warehouses have been opened many times to release grain. The current inventory is tight. If we want to undertake this rescue again, I am afraid we need to allocate from the national treasury or raise funds from wealthy merchants."

After hearing this, Zhu Han's eyes were firm: "Allocation from the national treasury is certain, but we cannot rely entirely on the national treasury.

Minister Li, you should immediately draft a fundraising notice and send it to the wealthy merchants across the country, explaining the plight of the people in the border areas and encouraging them to donate money and materials. "

Li Jing accepted the order and was about to leave when Zhu Biao added, "Minister Li, the fundraising needs to be done as soon as possible, but the process must be fair and transparent, and the people must not have doubts about the court. You need to supervise it personally to ensure that every donation is put to good use."

Li Jing nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, Your Highness, I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Zhu Han continued, "In addition, Minister Li, you also need to coordinate with the Ministry of War to dispatch some soldiers to the border to assist local officials in maintaining order, distributing relief supplies, and ensuring the smooth progress of the rescue work."

Li Jing recorded Zhu Han's instructions and said solemnly, "Your Majesty is right. I will contact the Ministry of War immediately to dispatch troops."

After Li Jing left, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stayed in the "Minsheng Division" to discuss how to more effectively prepare for fundraising from wealthy merchants. At this time, a businessman dressed in gorgeous clothes and with a shrewd face was led in by his attendants. He was Zhao Yuanbao, a famous silk merchant in the capital.

"Boss Zhao, welcome to the 'Public Affairs Department'." Zhu Han stood up and greeted him with a smile and a friendly attitude.

Zhao Yuanbao quickly bowed and said respectfully, "Your Highness Prince Han, Your Highness the Crown Prince, it is an honor for me to be summoned by the two Your Highnesses. I wonder what instructions the two Your Highnesses have?"

Zhu Biao coughed lightly and said seriously, "Boss Zhao, recently our northern border has experienced a once-in-a-century heavy snowfall, and the people are living in extreme hardship. The court has decided to allocate supplies for relief, but the inventory is tight, so we have issued a fundraising initiative to wealthy businessmen across the country. You are a leader in the business community, and we hope that you can take the lead in donating money to help the people in the border areas."

Zhao Yuanbao looked embarrassed when he heard this, but then he changed into a look of deep understanding and sighed, "Your Highnesses, it's not that Yuanbao is unwilling to share the country's worries, but the business road is difficult. In recent years, the Silk Road has been blocked, business is not as good as before, and capital turnover is also stretched. However, since the people in the border areas have suffered such a disaster, Yuanbao will do his best, but..."

Seeing that Zhao Yuanbao was hesitant, Zhu Han gently said, "Boss Zhao, if you have any difficulties, please feel free to tell us. The court also knows that it is not easy for merchants, and will definitely consider it as appropriate."

Zhao Yuanbao heard this and continued, "Your Majesty, I am grateful for your consideration. In fact, what Yuanbao meant was that if the court could organize a fundraising conference and invite all the major merchants in the capital and even the whole country to discuss the fundraising matters together, it would be able to inspire the patriotic feelings of the merchants and perhaps have a better effect."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao felt that Zhao Yuanbao's proposal was quite innovative, so he nodded and said, "Boss Zhao is right. Organizing a fundraising conference can indeed gather more strength. However, how should this conference be prepared and what procedures are required? Do you have any specific ideas?"

Zhao Yuanbao was delighted to see Zhu Biao showing interest in his proposal, and he quickly said, "Your Highness, Yuanbao is willing to share the worries of the court and be responsible for the specific preparations for the fundraising conference. Yuanbao thinks that we need to first determine the time and place of the conference, then send invitations to major merchants across the country, and at the same time announce the goals and uses of the fundraising."

After hearing this, Zhu Han's eyes flashed with approval. He looked at Zhu Biao and asked for his opinion: "Biao'er, what do you think of Boss Zhao's proposal? Is it feasible?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and nodded: "Uncle, I think Boss Zhao's proposal is worth a try. The fundraising conference can not only raise more supplies, but also let the people of the country see our determination to work together with merchants for the people of the border areas."

Zhu Han smiled and looked at Zhao Yuanbao. "Boss Zhao, since you are willing to help the court, the preparations for the fundraising conference will be handed over to you. However, you must remember that this conference must be fair and transparent, and every donation must be clearly recorded.

Zhao Yuanbao quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, Prince, rest assured. Yuanbao will do his best to live up to your trust." (End of this chapter)