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

Yang Qingyuan spoke first. He looked calm and spoke in a loud voice: "Your Highness, I think that the so-called 'benevolence' means to understand the sufferings of the people and to care for their difficulties. To govern the world with benevolence, we should first ensure the safety of the people and then promote education. The way to govern a country is to put the people first. If the people live and work in peace and contentment, the world will be at peace for a long time."

The scholars in the audience nodded one after another, obviously agreeing with Yang Qingyuan's point of view.

But then, another scholar stood up to refute: "Brother Yang's words are true, but I think that simply keeping the people safe may not necessarily ensure long-term peace. 'Benevolence' should be more about rectifying their morality, establishing laws, educating the people, making them understand reason and abide by the rules, so as to truly achieve the way to rule the world."

"A benevolent person loves others. Isn't education also for the benefit of the people?"

"But if the teaching is too harsh, will it lead to resentment?"

The debate gradually became more intense as the scholars exchanged views. The audience held their breath, fearing that they would miss a single brilliant word.

Zhu Biao stood on the high platform, his brows showing satisfaction. He tilted his head slightly and whispered to Zhu Han standing beside him: "Uncle, these scholars are indeed extraordinary in their talent and learning. Today is an eye-opener."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with a bit of comfort in his tone: "Biao'er, this is the future of Ming Dynasty. You must remember that the true way to govern a country lies not only in the court, but also among these young people. Their wisdom is your strength."

As the debate was about to end, there was a sudden commotion from the audience. It turned out that a middle-aged man who called himself a "countryman" had barged into the square. He was in tattered clothes and had a dusty face. He shouted loudly: "Your Highness, I don't understand poetry, but I want to ask you, with all the knowledge you have, have you ever really thought about the people?"

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the audience, and the scholars whispered to each other, not knowing how to respond. Zhu Biao frowned and asked in a deep voice: "My fellow countryman, if you have anything to say, just say it. Today's meeting is to listen to the voices of the people."

The man bowed and said excitedly, "Your Highness, my hometown has suffered from floods, and many of my neighbors are homeless. However, the officials sent by the court are only concerned with reading and writing poetry, and have never cared about our suffering! I dare to ask, can these scholars really benefit the people?"

The scene became quiet for a moment, and everyone's eyes were focused on Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, walked to the front of the stage, looked directly at the man, and said in a steady tone: "My fellow countryman, I understand your feelings, and I admit that there are indeed people in the court who are not fulfilling their responsibilities. But you must know that the scholars here today are all people with great ambitions. They may not have had the opportunity to realize their ambitions yet, but their original intention is to relieve the worries of the people."

The man lowered his head, seeming somewhat moved, but still unwilling to give up: "Your Highness, it sounds good, but who can guarantee that they can really do it?"

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice: "I can guarantee it. Today, I promise that all those who are selected will be strictly tested. If one day they go against their original intentions, I will never tolerate it!"

The audience was in awe, and the scholars stood up and said in unison: "We will not let your highness down, and we swear to work for the benefit of the people!"

The man's eyes were slightly red, and he slowly knelt down: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your insight! If this is true, the people will be grateful."

Zhu Biao stepped down from the stage and personally helped the man up. His tone was gentle but powerful: "The people of the world are the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. I swear here today that I will bring peace to the people!"

As soon as these words came out, thunderous applause broke out from the audience, and the scholars knelt down and saluted: "Your Highness is kind and benevolent, and we are willing to follow you!"

As the sun sets, the Scholars Recommendation Conference comes to a successful conclusion. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stand side by side on the high platform, looking at the crowd that is gradually dispersing.

"Uncle," Zhu Biao said in a low voice, "Today I have seen the talents of the world and felt the expectations of the people. I know that the responsibility of the crown prince is much heavier than I imagined."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes far-reaching: "Biao'er, although the responsibility is heavy, it is a blessing for the world that you have this awareness. Remember, the way to govern a country does not lie in power and schemes, but in the hearts of the people."

The night was dark, the moonlight was obscured by thick dark clouds, and the streets were silent, with only the occasional barking of dogs echoing in the distance. Zhu Di, dressed in black, sat on the main seat in the main hall of the mansion with a gloomy face. The candlelight swayed in the wind, casting his shadow on the wall, making him look particularly hideous.

In the hall, several young men from aristocratic families and trusted aides gathered together, all holding their breath, fearing that a single mistake would cause the King of Yan to become furious.

"You all saw today's scholar recommendation meeting, right?" Zhu Di's voice was low and his eyes were like knives, sweeping over everyone one by one.

A young man from an aristocratic family who was closest to Zhu Di spoke first, and said cautiously: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince's move this time is indeed significant. Many famous families have sent people to watch the ceremony, and some scholars have directly expressed their willingness to follow the Crown Prince. In this way, I am afraid that he will concentrate more resources in his own hands."

Zhu Di sneered upon hearing this, his tone full of disdain: "Concentrate resources? Humph, Zhu Biao thinks he can win people's hearts with a few high-sounding words, which is really wishful thinking. He has high hopes for these scholars, but he has never thought about whether these people can support his ambitions."

A young man dressed in gorgeous clothes couldn't help but ask: "Your Highness, do you mean that these scholars are just empty talk?"

Zhu Di shook his head, his eyes more calculating: "No, there are indeed some talented people among them, but the more talented they are, the harder it is for Zhu Biao to use them. These scholars are arrogant and self-righteous. If he cannot completely convince them, they will become a burden to him."

As soon as these words came out, everyone nodded and echoed: "Your Highness, that's a good idea!"

An elder among the staff frowned and asked in a low voice: "Your Highness, what should we do next? Do we need to suppress these new scholars immediately?"

Zhu Di raised his hand to stop him from speaking, then slowly stood up, put his hands behind his back, and looked out the window with deep eyes: "Don't be impatient, impatience is the most foolish method. Zhu Biao's biggest weakness is his eagerness for quick success. Think about it, he hurriedly recommended scholars to the position, can he really ensure that everyone is qualified for the position?"

A young man from an aristocratic family suddenly realized what was going on and asked tentatively, "Your Highness means that when these scholars first take office, we should seize their omissions and put pressure on them at the right time?"

Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction: "That's right. Most of the newly-minted scholars are immersed in their self-righteous book knowledge. When they really come into contact with practical affairs, they will inevitably make mistakes. And these mistakes are our chance to turn the tables."

Everyone's eyes lit up and they all praised Zhu Di's strategy.

The older staff member stepped forward and asked cautiously, "Your Highness, how should we specifically push these scholars to make mistakes? Do we need to send people in to guide them to make mistakes?"

Zhu Di sneered and shook his head: "Don't use too many resources. Their mistakes often come from their own lack of ability and experience. What you need to do is to stabilize the various families and let them observe in secret. As for promotion, it's just a little guidance." He paused and continued: "For example, if someone fails to govern the local area, you can spread the problem to the people and exaggerate it; if someone is partial to corruption, submit the evidence to the court. I want Zhu Biao to understand that selecting talents is not a matter of one day or one night. He wants to use these scholars to consolidate his position, so I will make these scholars his biggest trouble."

Another young man from an aristocratic family clasped his fists and said, "Your Highness is wise! Although the Crown Prince has gained some prestige among the scholars, many aristocratic families have not completely submitted. If we put pressure on them, he will definitely lose sight of the big picture."

Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes: "You must remember that the winner never relies on a momentary limelight, but on a steady and solid layout. Zhu Biao's every step is impatient, and what I want to do is to make his every step fall into the quagmire."

The staff members all expressed their agreement, and one of them whispered, "Your Highness, if the Crown Prince discovers our tactics, will he fight back?"

Zhu Di laughed loudly, his eyes full of confidence: "He will fight back, but his counterattack will only make more people see his weakness. Remember, we are planning in secret, and he is acting in the light. Every shadow under the light will be infinitely magnified."

After the meeting, Zhu Di sat alone in the main seat, his eyes as calm as water. The moonlight outside the window shone on his face, reflecting a somewhat cold outline.

"Zhu Biao, Zhu Biao, you thought you were taking each step steadily, but you didn't know that each step was paving the way for me." He whispered to himself, with a sneer on his face, "By the time you realize it, it will be too late."

Zhu Han stood alone in front of the window of his study, looking at the brightly lit palace in the distance, holding a scroll of memorials that had just been delivered. The flickering candlelight reflected his slightly furrowed brows.

He slowly unfolded the scroll and skimmed through the contents skillfully, frowning even more tightly: "Zhu Di, this kid, is really pressing forward step by step."

The attendant at the side stepped forward and asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, do you need me to pay more attention to the movements of these children of noble families?"

Zhu Han waved his hand, put down the memorial, turned around and sat down at the desk: "No need. This information is enough. I want to see what new tricks Zhu Di can come up with."

The attendant hesitated for a moment, then added in a low voice: "However, your highness's performance at the recent scholar recommendation conference has indeed won the support of many scholars. But because of this, many noble families seem to be secretly contacting the King of Yan."

Zhu Han heard this, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes, and he raised his hand to signal the attendants to leave. He slowly closed his eyes and began to calculate the situation in his mind.

The next morning, in the Prince's Mansion, Zhu Biao had gathered a group of staff to discuss the recent situation. He stood in front of the map, tapping a few key locations with his fingers, and his voice was a little tired: "In recent days, the arrangements of the scholars have gradually been on track, but the actions of the fourth brother have become more frequent. Yesterday, there was news that several children of aristocratic families were meeting with him secretly, and it seemed that they wanted to win him over."

A young staff member cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, don't worry. The noble families are good at playing both sides. Since they choose to contact the King of Yan, they may not really betray Your Highness."

Zhu Biao shook his head and said solemnly, "No, this is not a simple act of currying favor with others. Fourth brother's intention is obvious. He wants to use the noble family to contain us. If we don't deal with it, he will only become more unscrupulous next time."

At this time, Zhu Han walked out from behind the screen slowly, with a faint smile on his face: "Biao'er, your worries are not unreasonable, but you don't have to be too anxious."

Zhu Biao quickly stood up and saluted: "Uncle, why are you here?"

Zhu Han waved his hand and sat aside, his tone slightly relaxed: "Do you think I'm just here to watch the fun? No, I'm here to give you some advice."

Zhu Biao showed a look of expectation: "Uncle, please give me some advice."

Zhu Han coughed lightly, looked around, and then asked, "Biao'er, after the Scholar Recommendation Conference these days, have you had more contact with those new scholars?"

Zhu Biao was slightly stunned, then nodded and said, "Yes, I arranged a lot of things for them to participate in, but considering that they are new to the official career, I didn't bother them too much."

Zhu Han shook his head and his tone became serious: "This is your first oversight. Although these people are talented, they have just entered the court and are inevitably impatient. If you don't stabilize them in time, they may become pawns in the hands of others."

Zhu Biao was shocked and said quickly, "Uncle Huang is right. So what do you think we should do?"

Zhu Han's eyes darkened slightly, and he said slowly: "It's very simple. Gather them together, not for a meeting, but to find an opportunity to have a face-to-face talk with them. You need to let them understand that you, Zhu Biao, are not only the crown prince, but also a fellow warrior who is willing to fight alongside them."

The red lanterns hung high, reflecting the golden splendor in the courtyard. Several lotus lanterns were dotted among the gurgling water, faintly emitting a quiet halo.

The scholars, dressed in neat robes, strolled in the courtyard in groups of three or five, talking in low voices and sharing their knowledge and experiences with each other.

A young scholar stood beside the rockery, looking at the surrounding scenery, and said with emotion: "Your Highness is so thoughtful that he arranged such an elegant banquet in this mansion. It can be seen how much he values ​​us."

An elderly scholar beside him nodded slightly, stroked his beard and smiled, "Not only that, I heard there will be poetry and calligraphy competitions tonight. Your Highness values ​​talent so much, it is really a blessing for us."

At this time, the attendant announced loudly: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

All the scholars turned their heads and saw Zhu Biao, wearing a wide robe with big sleeves, walking slowly into the courtyard. He had a gentle smile on his face, and his eyes swept over everyone. His tone was friendly but not without dignity: "Fellow scholars, it is my honor to be able to gather with all of you talented people today. You are all talented people in the world, and you have injected infinite hope into the future of the Ming Dynasty. Tonight, we will not talk about fame and fortune, but only about learning and talent. You can speak freely."

The scholars hurriedly saluted and shouted: "Your Highness is kind and gracious, we are grateful for it!"

Zhu Biao smiled and raised his hand: "No need to be polite today, just be casual. I just want to share knowledge and fun with you."

The banquet officially began, and the long table was already filled with delicious food and fine wine. Zhu Biao raised his glass and said loudly: "My fellow talents, since today's focus is on talent and learning, why don't we have a poetry contest to express our feelings first?"

There was a chorus of responses from the audience. A young scholar stood up first, cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, I am willing to lead the way and present a poem." (End of this chapter)