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

Zhu Han stepped out and said calmly, "Your Majesty, I and the Crown Prince have already found out everything. The transaction records in these account books can be traced back to Xu Chengde's subordinates. If he really feels wronged, he can let the relevant people confront him one by one."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, his eyes sharp: "Very good. In this case, I will personally interrogate you and see how long you can keep your mouth shut."

There was a solemn silence in the court. Xu Chengde's sophistry was completely defeated, his followers were exposed one after another, and the entire conspiracy network was finally destroyed.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao, his tone revealing satisfaction: "Biao'er, you have made great contributions this time, and I am very satisfied. But you must remember that the challenges you will face in the future will be more difficult, and you must never take it lightly."

Zhu Biao leaned forward and said, "I will remember your father's teachings and will not slack off."

Early in the morning, in the Prince's Mansion, Zhu Biao, dressed in plain clothes, stood in the middle of the courtyard. He stared at the old locust tree in the garden in silence, as if thinking.

Zhu Han walked over slowly, holding a pot of freshly brewed tea in his hand, and said with a smile: "Biao'er, although you solved the Xu Chengde case this time, you seem to be a little worried. Tell me, what are you worried about?"

Zhu Biao turned around and sighed, "Uncle, I am indeed uneasy. Although my father handled this matter very decisively, I always feel that there are hidden dangers behind it that have not yet surfaced."

Zhu Han placed the teapot on the stone table, poured two cups at random, and handed one to Zhu Biao: "You are right. People like Xu Chengde are just chess pieces on the surface. The one who really controls the chessboard is the opponent we have to deal with. However, what you need most right now is not to dwell on the past, but to think about how to consolidate your foundation in the next step."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, took a sip of the teacup, and his eyes gradually became firm: "Uncle Huang is right. Next, I need more capable people. Only in this way can I cope with unknown challenges."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, and his tone was full of deep meaning: "Biao'er, don't forget that the most extensive resources of the Ming Dynasty are not in the court, but in the people. Those talented people hidden in the market may be the help you should strive for the most."

Zhu Biao's heart moved, he raised his head and asked, "Does the emperor's uncle have any candidates to recommend?"

Zhu Han shook his head slightly: "Talent is important, but they never wait for you to discover them. If you want to truly recruit them, you need to go out and see the outside world yourself."

Zhu Biao heard this and looked expectant: "Uncle Emperor, do you want me to go on a private visit in disguise?"

Zhu Han pursed his lips and smiled: "Smart. The Ming Dynasty is so big that it is impossible to solve all problems in the court. And if you want to control this land in the future, you must see it with your own eyes and hear it with your own ears."

A few days later, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han changed into ordinary merchants' clothes, rode two fast horses, left the capital, and headed for Bei'an Town, a small town with prosperous commerce.

Bei'an Town is located at the intersection of the north-south trade route. The streets are bustling with people and the sounds of hawking are heard one after another. Zhu Biao could not hide his excitement. He looked at the dazzling array of stalls along the way and couldn't help but sigh: "This prosperous scene is even more lively than some streets in the capital!"

Zhu Han smiled faintly and nodded: "The prosperity of Bei'an Town is inseparable from the efforts of these merchants and people. But this superficial peace may not be as simple as you see."

As they were talking, they saw a group of people gathered not far away, seemingly watching something. Zhu Biao frowned and said, "Let's go and take a look."

The two squeezed into the crowd and found several sturdy men surrounding an old man who was setting up a stall and yelling at him. One of them kicked over the stall and shouted angrily: "Old man, how dare you fool us brothers with inferior products? Pay me!"

The old man was panicked and waved his hands repeatedly: "Gentlemen, this is a misunderstanding! These herbs were picked by me personally, there is absolutely no problem!"

"Stop talking nonsense!" The leading man grabbed the old man by the collar and said viciously, "Pay fifty taels of silver, and this matter will be over today. Otherwise--"

Zhu Biao frowned and whispered to Zhu Han: "Uncle, this is clearly blackmail!"

Zhu Han did not act immediately, but looked at Zhu Biao meaningfully: "Don't worry, wait and see."

At this moment, a young man walked out of the crowd. He was dressed simply but calmly, holding a thin booklet in his hand. He walked straight up to the man and said in a deep voice, "Liu Dachui, are you here to bully people again? Aren't you afraid that the people from the garrison will arrest you?"

When the man saw him, his expression suddenly changed, but he still said firmly: "Humph, Mr. Wang, you have nothing to do here! Don't think you can scare me just because you have some knowledge!"

The young man sneered: "Whether I am trying to scare you or not, you know it in your heart. I have seen this medicinal material, it is of good quality, how can it be a defective product? Either you compensate the old man for his loss, or we go to the garrison to confront him face to face!"

The man's expression froze, and then he showed a trace of unwillingness: "You are so cruel! I will let him go today!" He let go of the old man, flicked his sleeves and left.

The onlookers applauded and said, "Scholar Wang has a solution!"

Zhu Biao seemed to be thinking about something. He took a step forward, bowed to the young man and said, "This brother is very courageous. Your behavior just now is admirable."

The young man turned his head and looked at Zhu Biao, who was dressed like an ordinary vendor, and smiled slightly: "They are just some low-class hooligans, not worth mentioning."

Zhu Han looked at him from the side and suddenly asked, "You mentioned the Garrison Office just now. It seems that you are very familiar with the rules of the government. May I ask your name?"

The young man replied modestly: "My name is Wang Wen Ce, a poor scholar from Bei'an Town. Although I have studied for a few years, I failed to pass the imperial examination."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao was quite moved: "It is really a pity that a talent like you is buried just because you failed to pass the imperial examination."

Wang Wen Ce's expression changed. He stared at Zhu Biao and asked tentatively, "This brother speaks like this. It seems that he is not an ordinary merchant. May I know your name?"

Zhu Biao was about to answer, but Zhu Han spoke first: "We are just traveling merchants who happened to pass by here. We were deeply impressed by your righteous act. May I ask for your advice?"

Wang Wen Ce did not ask any more questions, but smiled slightly: "If you two don't mind, how about coming back to my humble abode with me for a cup of tea?"

Wang Wen Ce's home is located in the East Street of Bei'an Town. It is an old house. Although the family is poor, the house is spotlessly clean, which shows the meticulousness and diligence of the owner.

The three of them sat in the hall. As soon as the tea was brewed, Wang Wen Ce said straight to the point: "Although the two of you are reluctant to reveal your identities, from my observation of your demeanor, I believe that you are definitely not ordinary merchants. Especially this brother, your words and deeds are quite majestic. If I guessed wrong, I hope you will forgive me."

Zhu Biao was slightly startled when he heard this, but then he chuckled: "Sir, you really have a keen eye. Yes, I am indeed not a merchant, but it is not convenient to reveal my identity now." Wang Wen Ce nodded: "No problem. I am just curious, why would people like you come to this small town of Bei'an?"

Zhu Han gently put down the teacup, his expression calm: "Sir, although Beian Town is small, it is the key point of the north-south trade route. Many Jianghu figures and hermits gather here. We came here just to find some people with aspirations to discuss the future together."

Wang Wen Ce's eyes flickered, and after a moment of silence, he said, "If you two are really interested, I have a few friends who can introduce you to a few. However, it's not peaceful here, so you should be prepared."

Zhu Biao was puzzled: "Not peaceful? What do you mean?"

Wang Wen Ce sighed softly: "Beian Town is prosperous on the surface, but undercurrents are surging. Although the court has set up a garrison, it is difficult to control the overall situation due to limited power. There are several forces in the town, and they often fight endlessly, and the people suffer greatly from it."

Zhu Han thought thoughtfully: "In that case, this is a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers are hidden."

Wang Wen Ce smiled bitterly: "Unfortunately, although there are many dragons, the tigers are more ruthless. If you two really want to do something, remember to be careful."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I will remember your advice, sir. However, I will not return empty-handed from this trip to Bei'an."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han temporarily settled in Wang Wen Ce's house. The three of them sat around a dim oil lamp and discussed in low voices.

Zhu Biao tapped the tabletop with his fingers and said thoughtfully, "Mr. Wen Ce, you mentioned that there are several forces in Bei'an Town that are restraining each other. Who are the specific people who lead these forces?"

Wang Wen Ce raised his head, his eyes filled with caution: "Your Highness, the most powerful forces in this town are the Lu family and the Qingshan Gang."

"The Lu family?" Zhu Biao frowned slightly. "Is it a merchant family?"

Wang Wen Ce nodded and said in a low voice: "The Lu family has been running the salt and tea business in Bei'an Town for many years and has accumulated considerable wealth. However, the Lu family is not just a businessman. They secretly recruited a group of private soldiers and are said to have contacts with wealthy families from other places. As for the Qingshan Gang, it is an out-and-out underworld gang. The gang leader Huo Qingshan is a vicious and cruel person. Not only does he control the town's docks, but even some small vendors are forced to obey his orders for their daily livelihoods."

Zhu Han leaned back in his chair, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes: "So, these two forces are fighting openly and secretly, and the Guarding Department can only sit back and watch?"

Wang Wen Ce smiled bitterly, "Yes. The garrison has a limited number of people, and due to the complicated relationships behind the Lu family, it is difficult to intervene directly. The Qingshan Gang is accustomed to using violence to intimidate, and even if they want to punish them, they lack evidence."

Zhu Biao nodded and suddenly said, "In this case, let's find a breakthrough from these two forces."

Wang Wen Ce was stunned and said hesitantly: "Your Highness means..."

Zhu Biao's eyes were firm and his tone was low: "As the emperor's uncle said, since I came here incognito, I don't want to be just a spectator. Since these two forces have affected the lives of the people, I will make them restrain themselves. But before taking action, we must find out their details."

Zhu Han picked up the teacup, took a sip, and said slowly: "Biao'er is right. However, this step requires caution and cleverness, and we cannot act rashly. Mr. Wen Ce, can you help us arrange an opportunity to contact the Lu family or the Qingshan Gang?"

Wang Wen Ce thought for a moment, nodded and replied, "Although the Qingshan Gang is powerful, they don't easily come into contact with outsiders; the Lu family, on the other hand, holds a business meeting at their own restaurant on the 15th of every month. If you two are willing to take the risk, you can pretend to be salt merchants from the south and attend their gatherings, and perhaps you can get some information out of them."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and said, "Okay, let's start with the Lu family. However, words alone may not be enough to convince them. We need something to prove our identity."

Wang Wen Ce pulled out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Zhu Biao: "This is a business letter from an old friend of mine. It mentions the affairs of the Southern Salt Company. If Your Highness does not mind, you can use this as an excuse to pretend to be someone else."

Zhu Biao took the letter and said solemnly: "Mr. Wen Ce trusts us so much, I will remember this favor."

On the morning of the second day, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han changed into businessmen's clothes as planned and went to the Lu family's "Liuyunlou" tavern. This is the fixed place of the Lu family's Chamber of Commerce, with carved beams and painted rafters, which is quite impressive.

As soon as I reached the door, two strong men guarding the door blocked my way and asked coldly, "Who are you?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, bowed and said: "My two brave men, I am a salt merchant from the south, and I am interested in discussing cooperation with the Lu family. This is our letter of recommendation." As he said that, he handed over the letter.

The strong man took the letter, looked at it carefully, and nodded: "Please wait, I will report it."

Soon, a middle-aged man who looked like a butler came out. He looked Zhu Biao and Zhu Han up and down, and said with a smile: "So you are the distinguished guests from the south. Please follow me in. The owner of the family is waiting."

The three of them entered the tavern and saw that the hall was already full of various businessmen. Most of them were dressed in luxurious clothes and had a strong business atmosphere in their conversation. In the middle of the hall, a man in his fifties was sitting there. He was wearing a brocade robe, had a shrewd face, and a sharp look in his eyes.

The housekeeper stepped forward and reported: "Master, these two are salt merchants from the south, and they have come to visit you specially."

Hearing this, the man raised his head and smiled slightly, his tone was kind but not without dignity: "So you are friends who have come from afar, please take a seat. I am Lu Anren, what are your names?"

Zhu Han calmly clasped his fists and replied, "Master Lu, my name is Xu Wen, and next to me is my companion Zhao Qing. We traveled all the way north to find high-quality business cooperation. I heard that the Lu family is the leader in the salt and tea business, so I came to visit you."

Lu Anren nodded slightly: "You two are too kind, but the matter of salt and tea has always been complicated. Since you two are new here, what specific cooperation do you intend to have?"

Zhu Biao's eyes were calm, but his tone was somewhat tentative: "Master Lu, we do have the intention to cooperate, but before we talk, we would like to understand the customs and practices of your town. I wonder if the Lu family has any connections with other forces here?"

Lu Anren's eyes flickered slightly, and then he smiled and said, "You two have come from afar, so you must not be familiar with the situation in Bei'an Town. Although this place is small, it is indeed full of hidden talents. However, the Lu family is honest in doing business and never associates with those who are not up to standard."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao secretly paid attention, but pretended to be surprised: "I see. It seems that your town is indeed not simple inside and outside, which makes us even more curious."

As the few people were chatting, there was a sudden noise outside the tavern. Zhu Biao's eyes fixed, and he looked out the window, only to see a group of men in green clothes rushing into the tavern, looking aggressive. (End of this chapter)