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

Zhu Han nodded slightly, and looked around calmly. Seeing that everyone looked solemn, he slowly said, "Biao'er, Suzhou is an important place in the south of the Yangtze River. If the flood is not resolved for a long time, it will inevitably affect the livelihood of the local people. This time we must not only solve the current difficulties, but also formulate long-term strategies to prevent future troubles."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then turned to the accompanying water conservancy officials and said sternly, "Master Zhang, when you go to Suzhou this time, you must personally inspect the coast to see if the embankments are stable. If there are any damages, they must be repaired immediately. At the same time, recruit folk craftsmen to discuss good strategies together, so as not to waste money without any results."

The water conservancy official called Mr. Zhang cupped his hands and replied, "Your Highness, rest assured. I will live up to your trust and do my best to ensure that Suzhou's water conservancy is smooth and the people can live and work in peace and contentment."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, then turned around and ordered: "Order the Ministry of Works to allocate silver and give priority to repairing the Suzhou embankment. Biao'er, this matter still requires close cooperation between the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works to ensure that the required materials are not delayed."

Zhu Biao looked determined, and said with a folded hand: "Don't worry, uncle, I will personally supervise and make sure there are no mistakes."

While everyone was discussing, a Jinyiwei suddenly walked in quickly, knelt on one knee, and reported with his hands clasped: "Your Highness, Prince, some people along the Jiangnan Canal heard that the court had sent people to control the flood, and they wrote to us one after another, hoping to build a small canal near their villages to divert water for irrigation."

Zhu Biao was slightly startled, and looked at Zhu Han: "Uncle, although this matter was spontaneously requested by the people, if we can follow the trend, it may alleviate the predicament of uneven drought and flood in the local area."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and nodded slowly. "The government responds to the needs of the people. This is exactly the original intention of the establishment of the 'Civil Affairs Department'. Pass the order down and ask the water conservancy officials to pay attention to the topography of the countryside when they are inspecting. If conditions permit, they should do their best to build. If it is really difficult to implement, they should explain it clearly to the people to avoid complaints."

Jinyiwei took the order and left. Seeing this, Zhu Biao was very pleased and sighed, "Uncle, the 'Civil Affairs Department' has just been established, and it has been able to respond quickly to the needs of the people. This shows that this policy has great potential. If it can continue to be implemented, I am afraid that the people will praise it in the future."

Zhu Han smiled and said, "Biao'er, the most difficult thing in governing the country is to make sure that 'everything is in line with the will of the people'. The imperial court's policies are often based on the macro level, while the needs of the people are mostly in the details. Although the 'Civil Affairs Department' has achieved initial results, it still needs time to settle before it can truly be invincible."

The two smiled at each other and were about to continue discussing the details when suddenly a eunuch hurried over and bowed to report: "Prince Han, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty summoned the two of you to the palace to discuss matters."

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "It seems that my brother has made up his mind. Biao'er, follow me into the palace."

The two then changed into court robes and slowly drove into the palace in a carriage. In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, flipping through the memorials in his hands. When he saw the two come in, he put down the memorials and his eyes were full of approval.

"Brother Han, Biao'er, I have read your reports. The 'Civil Affairs Department' is indeed a good idea. In a short period of time, it has shown initial results." Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, his voice low and majestic, "But I heard that many officials have doubts about this matter and believe that this move will weaken the authority of local officials. I want to hear your opinions."

Zhu Biao stepped forward and said, "Father, if local officials take the safety of the people to heart, the 'Civil Affairs Department' will not only not weaken their authority, but will become a powerful assistant in their administration. If any official has doubts about this, I'm afraid they are more worried about their own performance."

Zhu Han also stepped forward and said respectfully, "Brother, the establishment of the 'Civil Affairs Department' is intended to help the court understand public opinion and assist local governance, rather than usurp local power. I think we can regularly consult local officials and let them participate in the operation of the 'Civil Affairs Department' to form a joint force."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, his eyes sharp: "If that's the case, it is indeed feasible. I was originally worried that local officials would put up a lot of resistance, but since you already have a solution, just go for it. But..." He paused and continued: "You must not relax your supervision of officials, especially those who are usually high and mighty. I hate those who deceive their superiors and hide the truth from their subordinates the most."

Zhu Biao bowed solemnly: "Don't worry, father, I will strictly supervise it and will not let the "Civil Affairs Department" become a mere decoration."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, and suddenly his tone softened a little: "Brother Han, Biao'er, I have heard that the people in the streets and alleys call you 'the two wise men of the people' these days. You are doing things, and even I have to be more assured."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao smiled at each other and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. Your Highness and I are only doing our best to serve the people."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his tone a little softer: "Go ahead and continue planning. I want to see what this 'Civil Affairs Department' can accomplish."

After Zhu Han and Zhu Biao left the imperial study, they walked on the corridor in the palace. The breeze blew past them. Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "Uncle, my father attaches great importance to the 'Civil Affairs Department'. Although it has taken shape now, the situations in different places are different. If we want to truly make it effective, I am afraid we need to refine the operation methods."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes steady: "You are right, Biaoer. Different regions have different customs. If we generalize, it will inevitably become a formality. In my opinion, the Civil Affairs Department should be tailored to local conditions and establish different functions according to the specific conditions of each region."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, "Uncle Huang is right. For example, the Jiangnan region is rich, and most people make a living as merchants. We may set up a 'Department of Commerce' to listen to the demands of merchants and solve the difficulties in trading. As for the north, people make a living by farming and raising livestock, so we should focus on agricultural affairs."

Zhu Han's eyes lit up when he heard this. He patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Okay, Biao'er, you have learned to start from the people's livelihood and understand the needs of the people. In this case, why don't we further refine a few functions, such as the 'Agriculture Department', the 'Crafts Department', the 'Litigation Department', etc., to ensure that the Civil Affairs Department can truly solve the problems of the people."

Zhu Biao agreed with this and said thoughtfully, "Since we need to adapt to local conditions, we need to carefully select the people in charge of these functional departments. They should not only be familiar with local affairs, but also be honest and upright, and truly work for the benefit of the people."

Zhu Han smiled and said, "This is not difficult. I will suggest to my brother the emperor that we select a group of experienced and well-reputed people from the six ministries and local officials, and entrust them with important tasks after assessment. At the same time, in order to prevent people from doing things perfunctorily, we need to establish an assessment system. If the people are satisfied, they can stay in office. If they are slack, they will be replaced immediately."

Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Uncle, if this can be implemented, the people of Ming Dynasty will have more trust in the court, and father can rest assured."

As they were talking, a Jinyiwei came quickly and said, "Your Highness, Prince, Lord Wei from the Censorate wants to see you."

Zhu Han thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Lord Wei has always been known for his outspokenness and courage to make suggestions. I believe you have heard about the affairs of the 'Civil Affairs Department' and have come to offer your advice."

Soon, Wei Yushi stepped into the hall, bowed solemnly and said, "Your Highness, I have always admired your dedication to the country and the people, and I am here to offer you a plan."

Zhu Biao said gently: "Master Wei, please speak."

Wei Yushi bowed and said, "I think that although the 'Civil Affairs Department' has a very good idea, it will inevitably become a paper talk without actual investigation. I suggest that Your Highness personally visit various places and listen to the people's voices. Only in this way can we truly understand the people's sufferings." Zhu Han heard this and nodded slightly, his eyes deep, "What Lord Wei said makes sense. The people may be afraid of officials, but if the prince personally visits, it will surely narrow the distance between the court and the people." He looked at Zhu Biao, "Biao'er, what do you think about this?"

Zhu Biao said solemnly: "Uncle, I am willing to personally inspect various places and listen to the people's thoughts, wishes and hopes, so that the 'Civil Affairs Department' can become the people's reliance."

Upon seeing this, Wei Yushi bowed and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince has such a kind heart, which is a blessing for the people."

Zhu Han immediately made the decision: "This matter should not be delayed. Biao'er, we will first draw up an inspection route, starting from the periphery of the capital, gradually going deeper, and finally expanding to Jiangnan, Huguang and other places."

Three days later, at dawn, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, dressed in casual clothes and riding on horses, were slowly moving on the official road leading to Changping.

The early morning air was filled with the fragrance of earth and rice. Smoke rose from the villages along the way. In the fields in the distance, farmers were bending over to work, either wielding hoes to turn the soil or bending over to plant rice. It was a peaceful and harmonious scene.

Zhu Biao reined in his horse, looked around, and said softly: "Uncle, this Changping area is indeed rich in products and the people are hardworking. If it weren't for the heavy taxes, their lives should be even more prosperous."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and looked across the fields. In the distance, he saw several peasant women carefully carrying bamboo baskets and picking fresh vegetables, while several children were chasing and playing on the ridges of the fields. Although they had smiles on their faces, they looked a bit thin and tired.

"Biao'er, look at the crops in the fields. Although they are growing well, the farmers' faces are less smiling." Zhu Han said slowly, with a thoughtful look in his eyes. "If it was just the increase in taxes, it wouldn't be so depressing. I'm afraid there are other hidden reasons."

Zhu Biao nodded, signaling his followers to rest for a while, then dismounted and walked to an old farmer who was carrying water. He smiled gently and said, "Uncle, we are merchants from the capital. We passed by your place and saw that the farmland here is vast and the crops are growing well. I wonder if the harvest is going well?"

The old farmer was stunned to see Zhu Biao dressed simply but with an extraordinary demeanor. He then wiped the sweat from his forehead and said with a smile, "Sir, you are joking. The crops this year are indeed good. God has blessed us with good crops. Unfortunately... Alas!"

Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows and asked, "Why do you say that, uncle? Isn't it a good thing that the crops are good?"

The old farmer sighed and said with a wry smile, "We have grown crops, but now the government has sent people to re-measure the land. They said we concealed our land, so we not only have to pay the tax but also have to pay another sum according to the new regulations. I'm afraid it will be hard for me and my family to survive this year!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han stepped forward and asked softly, "Uncle, has anyone investigated the re-measurement of the land? The court must have issued a decree, so why is the tax becoming even heavier?"

When the old farmer heard this, he waved his hands with a bitter face and said, "Why would the officials care about us farmers? They say we are occupying more land, but it is clearly land passed down from our ancestors. We have two more acres for no reason. Who dares to argue? Besides, if I file a complaint, I'm afraid I will be sued..."

When Zhu Biao heard this, his face darkened and his eyes were cold: "Uncle, it seems that there is indeed injustice here. If it is not thoroughly investigated, I am afraid that the people will suffer even more."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and sighed, "Since we are here, let's investigate thoroughly." He looked at the old farmer and said in a gentle but firm voice, "Don't worry, uncle. We are here to investigate the land tax. Can you tell me if the situation in the nearby villages is similar?"

The old farmer's eyes lit up, as if he felt a little hope, and nodded repeatedly: "It is very similar. If you don't believe it, you can go to the village and take a look. The villagers will definitely have a lot to say when they see it."

Zhu Biao turned around and told his followers, "Go to the village and find the village chief. We need to inquire carefully."

The group entered the village. In the streets and alleys, women were washing clothes and starching cloth, and children were chattering around a few vendors selling candied haws.

A village chief in his sixties had been waiting at the entrance of the village. When he saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, he immediately bowed and said in a panic, "You two have come from afar. What instructions do you have?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly and said in a gentle tone: "You are welcome, village chief. We are sent by the imperial court to understand the people's sentiments. We heard that taxes have increased recently, so we came to understand the truth."

Upon hearing this, the village chief showed a hint of surprise on his face and a hint of hesitation in his eyes, but then he lowered his voice and said, "If the two adults are truly willing to make decisions for the people, then I will dare to speak frankly."

He called a few villagers over and said with a heavy face, "Over the years, taxes have been increasing. Although our Changping has fertile land and abundant water, the annual harvest is not as fast as the increase in taxes. The officials sent by the government to measure the land always say that we occupy too much land every time, and even force us to hand over more land deeds. If we don't hand it over, they say we are resisting taxes. This is really too much."

Zhu Biao frowned and asked sternly, "Has anyone complained?"

The village chief smiled bitterly and said, "Sir, how dare I? If I file a complaint once, my family will be ruined. Besides, the local officials are in collusion with each other, so even if the people file a complaint, it will fall on deaf ears."

Zhu Han looked calm and asked slowly, "Has anyone dared to come forward to testify?"

Several villagers standing nearby looked at each other. Finally, a hunchbacked middle-aged man stepped forward and said through gritted teeth, "Sir, I am willing to testify! Two acres of land from my family were confiscated for no reason. The original land deeds are still there, but the officials insisted that they were fake and locked me up in the county government's dungeon for three whole days. If my family hadn't spent all their wealth to redeem me, I would have been dead long ago!"

When Zhu Han heard this, a hint of coldness flashed across his eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "How can we tolerate such abuse of power! Biao'er, tomorrow we will go to the county government office in person to see how these greedy people treat the people."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly, his eyes sharp: "Uncle, this matter cannot be delayed, we must let them know that the court is not a place where people can bully them!" (End of this chapter)