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

Zhu Biao smiled slightly and raised his hand to signal: "Please."

The scholar thought for a moment, then raised his head and chanted:
"The wind has swept away all the rain in the nine provinces, and the vast land has seen a new clear sky. I wish I could borrow your three-foot pen to write about the prosperity of the world and pass on my name forever."

As soon as this poem came out, there was a burst of praise in the courtyard. Another older scholar clapped his hands and laughed, "Good! This poem is magnificent and has a broad mind. It is indeed extraordinary."

Zhu Biao nodded and praised: "What a great poem, 'Books will make the name of the prosperous times last forever', it is really a great talent. This poem is in line with my mood today."

Then, another scholar stood up and chanted aloud:

"The bright moon in the sky reflects my sincere heart, and the mountains and rivers in my writing will last forever. I wish to exchange my white hair for history, and the gentle breeze and drizzle moisturize the world."

As soon as the poem was finished, the whole audience fell silent, and then burst into warm applause. Zhu Biao could not help but stand up and nodded repeatedly: "What a good poem! This line 'I would like to exchange my gray hair for history' is really moving."

At that time, scholars participated enthusiastically and showed their strengths. Zhu Biao was focused throughout the whole process, carefully commenting on each poem, praising it generously and occasionally suggesting improvements. His words were full of humility and wisdom, which made people feel like spring breeze.

After the poetry contest came to an end, Zhu Biao said with a smile: "You all are not only quick-witted, but I think you are also good at calligraphy and painting. Why don't we have another impromptu painting today?"

The rice paper and brushes and ink that had been prepared long ago were brought to the table, and several scholars picked up their brushes and splashed ink. A young scholar was concentrating on sketching a "Spring Mountain Picture". With just a few strokes, overlapping mountains and lush pines and cypresses appeared on the paper.

Zhu Biao stood behind him, his eyes full of praise: "It is indeed a master's style. This painting has a profound artistic conception and vigorous brushwork. Little brother, I wonder who your teacher is?"

The scholar quickly put down his brush, bowed respectfully and said, "Your Highness, I have been learning painting from my father since I was young. I have achieved some success, but I am ashamed to call myself a master."

Zhu Biao smiled and nodded: "You are too modest. This painting is enough to show your skill."

On the other side, a scholar was concentrating on calligraphy. He wrote four powerful characters in one go: "Governing the country and ensuring the people's well-being". Zhu Biao looked at them carefully and asked, "Why did you choose these four characters?"

The scholar bowed his head and replied, "Your Highness, these four words are the great principles of the world. To govern a country, we need a wise ruler, and to keep the people safe, we rely on capable ministers. As scholars, we should take this as our responsibility."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes became more serious. He nodded and said, "Well said. I am very pleased to see you all so talented today. You are not only talented, but also righteous. You will definitely contribute to the Ming Dynasty in the future."

A young scholar came to Zhu Biao with a wine glass in his hand, and said respectfully, "Your Highness, I dare to come and offer you a glass of wine. It is a great honor for you to be favored by your Highness today."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, picked up the wine glass, and said gently: "I am very lucky to have you here today. Come, drink this cup with me."

The two drank it all in one gulp, and the scholar's eyes flashed with excitement: "If Your Highness has any orders, I am willing to die for you, and I dare not neglect you in the slightest."

Zhu Biao patted his shoulder and said with a smile: "Don't be so serious. You have demonstrated your talents today, which is enough to prove yourself. Just remember one sentence: taking the world as your own responsibility is the true duty of a scholar."

The scholar nodded solemnly: "I will remember your highness's teachings."

Not far away, several scholars were playing chess fiercely around a chessboard. One of them placed a piece, his face full of pride: "This move has determined the victory, do you want to admit defeat?"

The opponent smiled slightly, without answering, but lightly picked up a chess piece with his fingertips and dropped it with a "snap". The originally advantageous chess situation was instantly reversed. The onlookers exclaimed: "Wonderful! Wonderful! This move turned danger into safety, it's really brilliant!"

Zhu Biao saw it from afar and was attracted. He walked over slowly and asked with a smile, "Has the winner been decided?"

One of the players in the chess game quickly stood up and saluted: "Your Highness, I almost lost just now, but thanks to my sudden inspiration, I was able to save the situation."

Zhu Biao looked at the chessboard with interest: "Your game is quite meaningful. The way to govern a country is just like this chess game. The situation is ever-changing. If you are not careful, you may lose everything."

Another scholar said respectfully: "Your Highness is right. Although I dare not talk about governing a country, this chess game has made me deeply realize that strategy and layout are the key to success."

Zhu Biao nodded: "That's right. This is true for playing chess, and even more so for governing. Today I've seen that you are very good at chess and have very careful thoughts, which is enough to show that your knowledge is not just talk."

During the banquet, a servant suddenly came forward and reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, an unexpected guest wants to see you. He claims to be a country student and has come to present a painting."

Zhu Biao was slightly surprised, then he said gently: "Today is a gathering for scholars. Since he is a student, please invite him in."

Soon, a thin young man walked into the courtyard with his head lowered. His clothes were not luxurious, but they were neat and clean. He held a scroll in both hands, and his expression was a little embarrassed: "I am Wang Zi'an, a humble man who lives in the countryside. I heard that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is inviting scholars, so I came here to show my ugliness."

Zhu Biao looked at him and said softly, "Since you are here, you are a guest. Zi'an, don't be restrained. Can I take a look at the calligraphy and painting in your hand?"

Wang Zian hurried forward and presented the scroll: "Please correct me, Your Highness."

Zhu Biao took the scroll and slowly unfolded it. He saw a painting of "Night Mooring on the Autumn River" jumping out of the paper. The river was calm, fishing boats were lying across, the moonlight was like water, and the twinkling lights set off a profound artistic conception.

Zhu Biao looked at it for a while and couldn't help but praise it: "What a good painting! Although it is only a few strokes, it fully shows the meaning of mountains and rivers, and its charm is long-lasting and makes people linger. Zi'an, your talent is indeed extraordinary."

Wang Zian knelt down and kowtowed excitedly: "Your Highness, thank you for your praise. I am just a country bumpkin, how dare I claim to be extraordinary."

Zhu Biao personally helped him up and said in a gentle tone: "Zi'an, you don't have to belittle yourself. Talent is not determined by background. As long as you are willing, I will pave the way for you."

Wang Zian's eyes were slightly red, and he bowed repeatedly: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. Zian will definitely live up to your trust!"

When the banquet reached its climax, the attendants presented a guqin and a jade flute. Zhu Biao smiled and said, "You all showed your talents just now. Today, why don't I also offer a piece of music as an inspiration?"

The scholars quickly stood up and saluted: "Your Highness is so elegant, it is our honor to see you!"

Zhu Biao gently stroked the strings of the zither, adjusted the tone, and then slowly played. The song "High Mountains and Flowing Water" echoed in the courtyard, and the sound of the zither was melodious and graceful, as if bringing people into a quiet mountain forest. Just as everyone was intoxicated, they suddenly heard a flute sound, interweaving with the sound of the zither, like a sound of nature. Everyone looked back and saw Zhu Han holding a jade flute, standing in a corner of the courtyard, smiling slightly: "Biao'er, although your zither sound is good, it lacks some charm, so I will come to join in the fun."

The sound of the zither and flute went straight into the hearts of the people, and all the scholars were impressed. They all sighed: "Your Highness and the Prince are indeed both civil and military, which is admirable."

As the banquet drew to a close, Zhu Biao personally saw off the scholars. He stood at the gate of the courtyard, watching batch after batch of talented people leave, his heart full of hope.

"Your Highness, today's meeting will surely become a legend." A servant said in a low voice.

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes firm: "I hope so. These people are the future of the Ming Dynasty, and they are also what I rely on. If their talents can be used by the world, they will surely create a prosperous era."

Zhu Han came from behind, his eyes deep: "Biao'er, your performance today is indeed remarkable. But you must remember that although these scholars are talented, not all of them are loyal. They are your helpers, but also your touchstones."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Uncle, rest assured, I understand. A true talent must not only have talent, but also virtue."

The night was as dark as ink. Zhu Di sat alone in his study, holding in his hand a secret letter that had just been delivered. Under the candlelight, his expression was deep.

"The prince entertained the scholars with the music of zither and flute, it was really elegant." Zhu Di sneered, put the secret letter on the table, a gloomy look in his eyes.

The staff beside him whispered, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince's move is just to win over people's hearts, and it won't last long. However, if these scholars really turn their hearts to the Crown Prince, it will be even more difficult to turn the situation around in the future."

Zhu Di looked cold and said in a low voice: "These people are just scholars who are still wet behind the ears. Do they really think they can change the world? What I want to do is to let them see the true face of the prince."

The aide hesitated for a moment and asked softly, "What is your highness going to do?"

Zhu Di stood up, walked to the window, and looked deeply at the night sky: "The prince is anxious to win the hearts of the people, but he has overlooked a key issue. Most of these scholars come from humble backgrounds and have just entered the officialdom. What are they most afraid of?"

The staff was startled, then suddenly realized: "It means missing out on a career!"

Zhu Di nodded, his tone calm but cold: "I will make them understand that following the prince may not be the best choice."

In the Prince's Mansion, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han sat opposite each other, with the table full of the list of scholars sorted out after the banquet. Zhu Biao looked through each page, frowning slightly.

"Uncle, after the banquet, many scholars took the initiative to submit petitions, expressing their willingness to serve the court. But I always feel that some of them may not be sincere." Zhu Biao said with a hint of worry in his tone.

Zhu Han put down his teacup, his eyes calm, "Biao'er, you have to remember that the talent of scholars is important, but their loyalty is more important. The banquet is just the first step. Next, you have to screen the real talents through practical actions."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Uncle Huang means to let them go for the trial?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "That's right. The affairs of the court are complicated. You can select some local affairs and let these scholars handle them. Through the results, we can see their ability and attitude."

Zhu Biao was thoughtful: "Uncle, that's a good idea. Let's select a few scholars and let them handle a few key matters to see if they can take on the important task."

Zhu Han nodded, with a hint of warning in his tone: "But, Biao'er, you have to be careful too. The bigger your actions, the less likely Fourth Brother will sit idly by. He will definitely interfere."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly: "Uncle, do you mean that my fourth brother will interfere in these matters?"

Zhu Han sneered, "He may not intervene, but he will secretly set up obstacles to make your people look bad. What you need to do is not only to see clearly the ability of the scholar, but also to be on guard against the conspiracy of the fourth brother at all times."

Inside the post station, in an inconspicuous little room, several figures gathered. Zhu Di sat in the main seat, with no expression on his face, and his fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a low sound.

Standing in front of him were Li Ying and several trusted aides, all holding their breath, waiting for Zhu Di to speak.

"The prince sent people to Tongzhou, Shuntian and Nanjiao?" Zhu Di was the first to break the silence. Although his tone was light, it carried a pressure that could not be ignored.

Li Ying bowed and replied, "That's right. Your Highness, the Crown Prince is very quick in his actions. It seems that he wants to establish his prestige through this local affair. I have already sent people to investigate. Most of the people they sent are poor scholars who have just participated in the Scholar Recommendation Conference."

Zhu Di raised the corner of his mouth slightly, but with a bit of sneer: "A scholar from a poor family? The prince is kind-hearted, and is willing to trust such a young man. Does he really think that everything in this world can be sorted out by reading a few books?"

Li Ying echoed, "Your Highness is right. These scholars are inexperienced and local affairs are complicated. I'm afraid they will be confused before they even get started."

Zhu Di narrowed his eyes and said slowly: "This is exactly the effect I want. After they go down, it will not be smooth sailing. The local gentry and country gentlemen all know my prestige. You should understand what they will do even if I don't say it."

Li Ying's eyes flashed with excitement, and he asked tentatively: "Your Highness means to use these gentry to exert resistance?"

Zhu Di nodded slightly, with a hint of coldness in his tone: "The resistance doesn't have to be too obvious, but just a little trouble will be enough to give the Crown Prince a headache. Let these scholars run into more obstacles and make more fools of themselves, so that the people in the capital know that the people he, Zhu Biao, chose are just so-so."

"Your Highness is wise!" Li Ying bowed respectfully and asked, "Do I need someone to guide you secretly?"

Zhu Di waved his hand and said, "No need. We don't need to intervene in this matter. The local gentry and country gentlemen have long been dissatisfied with the measures implemented by the prince. They will naturally know what to do. We just need to observe the changes and wait for the results."

As soon as he finished speaking, an aide next to him couldn't help but speak up: "Your Highness, I think the Crown Prince's intention this time is probably not just to test the scholars. He wants to win over the local people through these people. If we sit back and do nothing, will it make his power more stable?"

Zhu Di slowly turned his head and cast a sharp gaze on the man: "Do you think I am just sitting there and doing nothing?"

The aide was startled and quickly bowed to apologize: "I dare not, I am stupid, please guide me, Your Highness."

Zhu Di sneered: "People's hearts? The prince wants the people's hearts, but he is too impatient, which makes it easy for him to leave loopholes. I will create some minor troubles in the local area to make him understand that the affairs of the world are far from as simple as he imagined. Every step he takes will become a stumbling block for him." (End of this chapter)