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

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao smiled at each other and watched Zhao Yuanbao leave. Zhu Han walked slowly, looking out the window with deep eyes. After thinking for a moment, he said slowly: "Biao'er, if the fundraising conference can be successfully held, it will not only solve the current difficulties, but also unite people's hearts and show the court's sympathy for the people."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with thought: "Uncle Huang is right. Merchants are the source of the country's wealth. If they can be guided properly, they can not only help the country's governance, but also stabilize the livelihood of the people. I will go all out for this fundraising conference."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and said solemnly: "We need to be extremely cautious in this matter. Merchants value profit, and if there is no proper guidance, I am afraid that some people who pretend to obey but actually disobey will sneak in and use the name of the court to seek personal gain. We must not only appeal to their emotions, but also explain the reason to ensure that the fundraising is in accordance with the rules."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, and suddenly said: "Uncle, why don't we visit a few respected business elders before the fundraising meeting, explain to them in detail the difficulties of the people in the border areas, and ask them to take the lead in expressing their opinions. If they take the lead, I believe other merchants will respond in unison."

Zhu Han nodded with approval, saying, "Good idea. After we have visited some of them, we will decide on the details of the conference." He then looked outside the door and told his followers to prepare the horses, "It is better to do it today than to wait for a day. Let's go to the residences of several business giants in Beijing today."

Soon, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao changed into casual clothes, took a few confidants, and went to several major businesses in Beijing in a low-key manner. The first stop was the largest rice merchant in Beijing, the Li Family Business. This business is known as the "Grain King of Beijing", and the head of the Li Family, Li Dequan, is famous for his loyalty, kindness and righteousness.

As soon as Zhu Han and Zhu Biao arrived at the gate, the housekeeper came out to greet them. Seeing that they were royal nobles, he quickly and respectfully led them into the hall. After a while, Li Dequan walked over steadily with a warm smile on his face: "Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince have come to visit us, which really brings honor to my humble abode."

Zhu Han bowed and said, "Mr. Li, there is no need to be so polite. I am visiting you today because I have something important to discuss with you." Then, he briefly explained the original intention of the fundraising conference and the urgency of the disaster on the border.

After hearing this, Li Dequan's face became solemn. After thinking for a moment, he stood up and said firmly, "Your Highness, my family has been engaged in business for generations. Although we cannot say that we are as rich as a country, we also know that the rich should take it as their responsibility to help the poor. If Your Highness is willing to trust my family, I am willing to take the lead in donating 500,000 shi of grain and another 5,000 taels of silver to do my best."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao was delighted and quickly bowed and said, "Mr. Li is so kind. I would like to thank you on behalf of the people of this border area!" Zhu Han also nodded slightly with a look of approval on his face.

Li Dequan stroked his beard and smiled: "Don't worry, Your Highness, although the Li family started out as merchants, our family motto says that the family wealth is taken from the people and should also be used for the people. For this fundraising conference, our Li family is willing to be the forerunner and issue a call to all merchants in the capital."

Zhu Han looked deep and nodded slightly: "If all the business people in Beijing were like Mr. Li, the Ming Dynasty would be prosperous." After bidding farewell to Li Dequan, the two men went straight to another giant in Beijing's silk industry - Cheng's Company.

Cheng Wanli, the head of the Cheng family, was always shrewd. He had been waiting in the mansion when he heard that the emperor's uncle and the prince had come. He asked tentatively, "Why did the prince and the prince come here today?"

Zhu Han looked calm and explained the fundraising with a smile. Cheng Wanli frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Your Highness, although merchants have an obligation to share the country's worries, the current situation is complicated and business is not easy. If the fundraising is not handled properly, it may damage the confidence of the business community."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly and said slowly: "Boss Cheng is right. That is why we hope that all the business leaders can work together, set an example, and show the world the righteousness of merchants." Zhu Han added: "Boss Cheng, this is not only a support for the court, but also a reflection of the morality of merchants. If the business can benefit the people, it can last long."

Cheng Wanli pondered for a moment, then nodded slowly: "Since the two princes trust you so much, how can I sit idly by? For this fundraising meeting, I am willing to donate 100,000 silver coins and call on my colleagues to join in the event."

The next morning, the morning light of the capital city shone through the clouds onto the bustling streets. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao had set out again, heading for the Xu Family Company, the largest medicinal materials merchant in the capital.

This place has always been famous in the capital for its benevolence and charity. The head of the Xu family, Xu Hongru, is not only a skilled doctor, but also a kind-hearted person who is enthusiastic about public welfare.

The two arrived in a low-key manner. Xu Hongru had already been waiting at the door to greet them. Seeing them in casual clothes, he quickly bowed and saluted: "Your Majesty Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are here. It is really an honor for our humble home. Please come in."

After entering the hall, Xu Hongru personally served tea, with a look of awe and curiosity in his eyes: "I wonder why the two princes are here today?"

Zhu Han smiled and said bluntly, "Mr. Xu, I came to you today to ask for a favor. The court is planning to hold a fundraising conference to gather the power of the world to help the people in urgent need. We hope that you can join us and contribute to the people."

Xu Hongru frowned slightly when he heard this. After thinking for a moment, he sighed, "Your Highness, you don't know that the market for medicinal materials has been volatile in recent years. Although the Xu family can still maintain it, if we want to donate a large sum of money, I'm afraid..."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly and said slowly: "Mr. Xu, the matter of medicinal materials is related to the national economy and people's livelihood. The Xu family is kind and benevolent, and the court has heard of it. This fundraising is by no means robbery, but I hope that people with benevolence and medical skills can lend a hand and save the suffering." He paused, his eyes sparkling, "Sir, if the people of the Ming Dynasty are healthy, won't the Xu family's medicine business be passed down through the ages?"

Xu Hongru pondered for a moment, stroked his beard and smiled: "Your Highness, what you said makes sense. Since Your Highness trusts me so much, I will not refuse. The Xu family is willing to donate 50,000 kilograms of medicinal materials, set up dozens of free clinics, and provide free medicine to the people."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction when he heard this: "Mr. Xu's kindness and medical skills are a blessing to the people. If you are in charge of this fundraising meeting, it will surely boost the morale of the people."

After several discussions, the two said goodbye and left, continuing to run around among the major merchants in the capital.

A few days later, in the most prosperous "Yunlai Building" in the East Market of the capital, all the wise men gathered and the fundraising meeting officially kicked off. At the meeting, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood side by side. Facing the merchants gathered together, Zhu Biao slowly stood up and said loudly:
"My fellow businessmen, today's fundraising event is actually for the relief of the people of the world. As citizens of the Ming Dynasty, we should shoulder the heavy responsibility of the country and help the people in distress. I hope you can donate generously and join us in this great cause!"

As soon as the voice fell, Li Dequan, the head of the Li family, stood up first, clasped his hands and said loudly: "The Li family is willing to donate 500,000 dan of grain and 5,000 taels of silver to solve the urgent problem." Cheng Wanli followed closely and said loudly: "The Cheng family is willing to donate 100,000 silvers and 200,000 pieces of cloth." Then, Xu Hongru also stood up: "The Xu family is willing to donate 50,000 kilograms of medicinal materials and provide free clinics in ten places."

Following the lead of several big businesses, merchants below the stage responded one after another. Soon, the donations reached a huge amount of one million. Zhu Han looked around with deep eyes and said slowly: "You are all the backbone of our Ming Dynasty. The emperor will definitely reward you and the people will definitely be grateful. This good deed will go down in history!"

The fundraising conference ended successfully. On that day, Zhu Biao personally ordered people to register all donations, and convened the Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Works and relevant officials to start the rational distribution of donated materials to ensure that they were delivered to the people in various places in a timely manner.

As night fell, in the imperial study in the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was reading the memorials of Zhu Han and Zhu Biao. Seeing the results of the fundraising conference, he nodded with satisfaction and said loudly: "Brother Han and brother Biao, you two really lived up to my expectations!" The next day, Zhu Yuanzhang bestowed special commendations and ordered the Ministry of Works to speed up the construction of a branch of the "Civil Affairs Department" in the capital to better deal with people's livelihood issues. He also specially ordered Zhu Han and Zhu Biao to supervise together to ensure the smooth implementation of government orders.

Zhu Han stood in front of the "Civil Affairs Department", stroking the newly hung plaque, feeling a lot of emotion in his heart. Zhu Biao walked to his side and whispered: "Uncle, the 'Civil Affairs Department' is already in operation. In the future, how can we make further progress?"

Zhu Han took a deep breath, his eyes showing determination: "Biao'er, the people's sentiments are complicated, and they cannot be fully resolved overnight. We need to establish more inspection systems and regularly send people to various places for on-site visits, so that we can truly solve the people's problems."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao nodded solemnly and said, "Uncle, you are absolutely right. I will arrange personnel and select loyal and reliable people to patrol everywhere." His eyes were firm and he had a clear direction in his mind.

"Biao'er, remember, understanding the people's sentiments is a long-term task. Only by improving yourself every day can you win the hearts of the people." Zhu Han said earnestly.

Zhu Biao looked determined, took a deep breath, and smiled slightly: "Uncle, what you said is absolutely right. Since the 'Civil Affairs Department' has taken shape, it should be implemented throughout the country, and local branches should be gradually established to ensure that the people's opinions can be communicated to the upper and lower levels, and truly achieve the unity of the emperor and the people."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes filled with relief: "That's exactly what I mean. The sentiments of the people in the capital are easy to detect, but the local people are far away from the court, so we need such an institution to listen to the people's voices and ensure that the government affairs implemented by Your Majesty are in line with the people's will."

As the two were talking, a guard came in quickly and reported, "Your Highness, Crown Prince, Minister of Works Li Shangshu wants to see you."

Zhu Biao looked stern and nodded to Zhu Han: "Li Shangshu is a pragmatic minister. He must have come for the expansion of the 'Civil Affairs Department'." After that, he ordered: "Please come in quickly!"

Soon, Minister Li walked into the hall, bowed, and said bluntly: "Your Highness, I have been ordered to preside over the expansion of the 'Civil Affairs Department'. After many days of discussion, I plan to set up branches in Jiangnan, Shandong, and Huguang, and send capable officials to garrison there and report on the people's sentiments regularly."

Zhu Han's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and said, "This is the best strategy. Jiangnan is rich, Shandong has strong people, and Huguang is vast and rich in resources. They are all important places in the country. If we can take the lead in implementing it, it will lay the foundation for promoting it throughout the country in the future."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and asked, "Minister Li, are there any rules for selecting officials? This is related to the welfare of the people and cannot be neglected."

Minister Li said respectfully, "Your Highness is right. I have drawn up a rule that all officials must be selected by the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of Personnel to select people with good conduct and familiarity with the people. I also propose that 'People's Voice Pavilions' be set up in local branches so that the people can go there to file complaints at any time to ensure that the news is not blocked."

Zhu Han heard this and laughed out loud, "Minister Li is indeed thoughtful. If there is such a 'People's Voice Pavilion', the people will surely dare to speak out and the court will be able to make appropriate decisions."

Zhu Biao also nodded with satisfaction: "Let's follow Minister Li's plan and prepare for implementation as soon as possible. If there are any difficulties, please report to me at any time."

Minister Li accepted the order with a bow, then left with a confident look on his face.

That night, Zhu Han stood in the study, looking at the stars outside the window, thinking about the future. After a while, there were soft footsteps outside the door, and Zhu Biao walked in slowly, holding a letter, looking a little excited.

"Uncle, this is an urgent report from Jiangnan officials. People in Suzhou have heard about the establishment of the 'Civil Affairs Department' and have gathered in droves, hoping that it can be opened as soon as possible to solve the local flood problem." Zhu Biao said slowly, his eyes sparkling, "It can be seen that this move has won the hearts of the people."

Zhu Han raised his lips slightly when he heard this, and sighed softly, "The people's will is the government's will. The sooner this happens, the better. Biao'er, you personally draft a memorial to ask His Majesty to speed up the process, and at the same time send a specialist to the south to investigate the situation first."

Zhu Biao gladly accepted the order and wrote the memorial quickly that night. Early the next morning, he sent someone to deliver the memorial to the palace.

A few days later, in the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang carefully read the memorial, his face serious and focused. He put down the memorial, pondered for a moment, and said to Liu Bowen beside him: "I thought the 'Civil Affairs Department' was just a small thing, but I never thought it would be so effective so quickly. It seems that Brother Han and Biaoer are really dedicated."

Liu Bowen smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince are broad-minded and truly care about the suffering of the people. They are indeed the pillars of the country. I think that if the 'Civil Affairs Department' can be promoted throughout the country, it will surely lay a foundation for the people's hearts and stabilize the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then said with a firm look, "Approved! Tell Prince Han and the Crown Prince to immediately set up branch offices in Jiangnan, Shandong, and Huguang, and instruct the six ministries to fully cooperate. There must be no mistakes in this matter!"

After the order was issued, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao took quick action, dispatching elite troops to escort officials south and setting up a supervisory team to ensure the smooth implementation of the "Civil Affairs Department".

One afternoon, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao gathered again in the lobby of the "Civil Affairs Bureau" and listened to the report from the officials who came from the south.

"Your Highness, Suzhou has initially established a branch office, and people have been coming to appeal. The most pressing issue is flooding. Although local officials have tried to address it, the results have been minimal." An elderly official in official uniform reported respectfully.

Zhu Han nodded slightly and asked, "What is the attitude of the local officials? Are they shirking their responsibilities?"

The official shook his head quickly: "Reporting to the prince, the local officials are very cooperative and actively raising manpower and materials. I only hope that the 'Civil Affairs Department' can help promote this matter."

Zhu Biao felt relieved when he heard this, and said slowly: "Since the local officials are willing to cooperate, then we can achieve twice the result with half the effort. Immediately dispatch water conservancy experts to Suzhou to help investigate the source of the flood and formulate a treatment plan." (End of this chapter)