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

At the same time, in the darkness of the streets, several figures emerged. The leader was a middle-aged man with a sinister face and a long knife in his hand. He whispered to his men, "The crown prince Zhu Biao is here, the information is correct. But this guy is cunning, don't let him get away."

"Boss, do you want to just rush in?" asked one of his men.

The middle-aged man waved his hand, his eyes cold: "No hurry. They have been surrounded by us, and the prisoners inside are their last bargaining chip. Pass the order down, feint attack from the front, split into two teams and sneak in from the side door, and try to capture Zhu Biao alive."

"Yes!" The subordinate took the order and left.

The middle-aged man looked up at the stronghold, with a sneer on his face: "Zhu Biao, tonight is the end of you."

Time passed by little by little, and the air was filled with a heavy sense of oppression. Everyone in the stronghold was waiting nervously, except Zhu Biao, who looked calm. He stood in the middle of the courtyard, with his hands behind his back, and looked around calmly.

Lin Chuan walked out of the secret room and whispered, "Your Highness, the prisoners have been properly placed. Although they are numerous, I noticed that there are many scattered people in the enemy's ranks. They should be stragglers who were temporarily summoned. The real elite troops are only about ten people."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Very good. Their division of forces is a big flaw. We should take this opportunity to concentrate our forces to annihilate their elite troops. Lin Chuan, you lead a team to ambush on both sides of the main gate. Once the enemy rushes in, immediately close the gate and set fire."

A sharp look flashed across Lin Chuan's eyes: "I understand!"

Zhu Biao then looked at Huang Ming and said, "Take the remaining men to guard the backyard. If the enemy attempts to attack from the back door, block all attacks."

Huang Ming clasped his fists and said, "Please rest assured, Your Highness!"

After making all the arrangements, Zhu Biao drew out the long sword from his waist. The cold light reflected on his face made people feel awed. He slowly said, "Tonight is our chance to strike back. Remember, anyone who dares to raise a knife to the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty will be killed without mercy!"

Everyone responded in unison, the sound was deafening and reached the night sky.

Soon after, the enemy's attack arrived as expected. Outside the main gate, accompanied by a deafening crash, the gate finally collapsed, and dozens of men in black swarmed in. However, before they could gain a firm foothold, they heard a sharp whistle.

"Set fire!" Lin Chuan's voice suddenly rang out.

The next moment, the kerosene on both sides ignited at the same time, and the raging flames spread rapidly in the night wind, trapping the black-clad men who rushed in in the sea of ​​fire. Screams rang out one after another, and the enemy was instantly in chaos.

"Kill!" Lin Chuan led the ambushed bodyguards out from the darkness. They engaged in close combat with swords and sabers, and the enemy suffered heavy casualties.

At the same time, the sound of fierce fighting came from the side door of the backyard. Huang Ming was fighting with another group of enemies. He held a spear in his hand, and his body was flexible. The shadow of the spear was like a dragon, and every move was accurate to pierce the enemy's flaws.

Zhu Biao stood in the middle of the courtyard, watching the battle with cold eyes, holding the long sword tightly in his hand, ready to meet the enemy's final blow at any time.

At this moment, a figure quietly appeared in the direction of the secret room. The man was short and agile, and was the most cunning assassin among the enemies. He held a sharp dagger in his hand and stared at the door of the secret room.

"Want to launch a sneak attack?" Zhu Biao snorted coldly, and his body moved as fast as lightning, blocking the man in an instant.

The assassin was horrified and rushed to attack with his sword, but was repelled by Zhu Biao's sword. He staggered a few steps, his face fierce, and rushed forward again.

Zhu Biao's eyes were sharp, and he turned his sword to dodge the opponent's attack. Then he stabbed the opponent in the heart with his backhand. Before the assassin could react, he was stabbed in the throat and fell to the ground.

The battle lasted for half an hour, and finally, the enemy was completely defeated. In the courtyard, the fire gradually died out, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder and blood.

Huang Ming dragged his tired body forward, clasped his fists and said, "Your Highness, the enemies have been completely annihilated. Only a few have escaped. Should we pursue them?"

Zhu Biao shook his head: "No need. They are already seriously injured, and running back will only cause them to lose their composure."

He glanced at the battlefield, his expression grim: "Pass the order down, clear the battlefield, take the prisoners back, and interrogate them tomorrow."

Huang Ming took the order and left, but Zhu Biao did not move. He stood there, his sword hanging down, staring at the dark night sky with a deep gaze.

"Uncle...is this just the beginning?" His voice was so low that it was almost inaudible.

Zhu Biao stood in the center of the courtyard. In the bloody night wind, the tip of his sword was hanging down to the ground, and the enemy's blood was slowly dripping from the blade. He slowly closed his eyes, as if he was regulating his breathing, but he could feel the chaotic noise around him gradually subsiding.

After Huang Ming finished counting the battlefield, he returned to Zhu Biao and said, "Your Highness, the prisoners have been cleared. In addition to the enemies who were killed, there are three people who were captured alive and are being held in the back hall. Do you think we should interrogate them now?"

Zhu Biao slowly opened his eyes, his stern expression as clear as a sculpture: "No hurry. Imprison them more tightly, search them thoroughly, and don't leave any hidden dangers." He paused, and added, "In addition, although the victory tonight belongs to us, the forces behind the enemy are unknown. Immediately send a messenger to pass the news to the emperor's uncle and ask for his instructions."

Huang Ming nodded and said, "Understood. I will send the most reliable person."

Zhu Biao turned and walked towards the secret room, his steps steady and powerful. Lin Chuan was waiting at the door, and when he saw him approaching, he whispered, "Your Highness, the captive in the secret room has not yet let go, but from his expression, he is obviously afraid of you."

Zhu Biao smiled faintly, his eyes cold: "Everyone has weaknesses. However, his weaknesses may be deeper than we think."

After saying that, he pushed open the door of the secret room.

The lights in the secret room were dim, and the air was filled with oppression. The prisoner was tied to a chair, with a cloth stuffed in his mouth. His face was pale, cold sweat oozed from his forehead, and his eyes were filled with anxiety.

Zhu Biao stepped in, casually swung the sword in his hand, cut off a corner of the cloth tied to the prisoner, then pulled out a chair and sat down, saying in a cold tone: "Do you know why I came to see you in person?"

The prisoner swallowed and made no reply, though he was evidently trying to suppress his fear.

Zhu Biao placed the sword on the table and tapped the hilt gently. His voice was crisp and cold: "Because I want to give you a chance, a chance to survive. You are facing the prince now. If you are willing to cooperate, maybe I can still save your life."

The prisoner spoke with difficulty, his voice hoarse: "Your Highness... If you are really kind, don't waste your time. I am just a pawn, and what I know will not satisfy you at all."

"Oh?" Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows, his eyes scrutinizing, "You underestimate yourself too much. As the only leader captured alive tonight, your words are enough to determine the truth behind this conspiracy. Let me ask you, who is behind all the people who appeared here tonight?"

The prisoner pursed his lips tightly and his face turned even paler. Zhu Biao smiled coldly, slowly stood up, and walked to the prisoner: "Do you think I can't do anything to you if you don't speak? You are wrong. I will not let you die today. I will even make your life more painful than death."

His words were like ice blades piercing the prisoner's heart, causing him to tremble all over. The prisoner finally couldn't hold on any longer and said in a trembling voice: "I... I only know a little bit. This batch of goods... is sent to the mountain stronghold of Qinglong Mountain... The purpose is to recruit more people in the mountain stronghold to work for the people above!"

"The person above?" Zhu Biao narrowed his eyes. "Who exactly is it? Do you dare to tell me clearly?"

The prisoner shuddered and gritted his teeth: "I... I really don't know the name! I just heard... one of the leaders of the Jiangnan righteous men has close contacts with the officials in the court, secretly planning and waiting for the opportunity to stir up chaos!"

Zhu Biao's eyes darkened when he heard this. He stared coldly into the captive's eyes and said in a low voice: "Since you don't know their name, you should at least know their next plan, right?"

The prisoner shook his head with difficulty: "Your Highness, I am only responsible for the escort... These are all true..."

Zhu Biao did not ask any more questions. He gently patted the prisoner's shoulder and said coldly: "You'd better pray that you are not lying, otherwise your end will be worse than those who died tonight."

He turned and walked towards the door of the secret room, and whispered to Lin Chuan: "Lock him up and continue the interrogation tomorrow."

After leaving the secret room, Zhu Biao walked into the courtyard. It was already dark, but his expression was still tense. He slowly raised his head and looked at the sky covered by dark clouds, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

At this moment, footsteps were heard and Huang Ming came hurriedly: "Your Highness, the spies just reported that the bandits in Qinglong Mountain seem to be making unusual movements. They have been mobilizing troops frequently recently, and they are probably preparing for a new operation."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Notify everyone to closely monitor the movements of the mountain stronghold, and at the same time send secret guards to continue tracking down the 'official master' behind this. If necessary, contact the emperor's uncle directly."

Huang Ming clasped his fists and said, "I understand. I'll do it right away!"

Zhu Biao nodded and watched Huang Ming leave. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly and swore in his heart: "No matter what, I will completely crush this conspiracy!"

A few days later, Zhu Han received a letter from Zhu Biao, detailing the battle situation at the stronghold and the confessions of the prisoners. He sat at his desk, his eyes fell on the letter, and his brows knitted slightly.

"A righteous man from Jiangnan? A senior official from the court?" Zhu Han sneered, put the letter down, stood up and paced around the room with his hands behind his back.

"It seems that the enemy can no longer hold back." He murmured, with a cold light flashing in his eyes, "Biao'er, this game has already begun, are you ready to face bigger storms?"

Zhu Han stopped and whispered to the guard beside him: "Prepare the carriage, I want to go to the palace."

The guard was startled and asked in a low voice: "My Lord, do you need to bring guards with you on this trip?"

Zhu Han waved his hand, his tone calm but firm: "No need. This chess game is complicated enough. I don't need any extra moves when I go to see His Majesty."

Zhu Han sat quietly in the carriage, his hands folded, his eyes as calm as a deep pool. He took out Zhu Biao's letter from his sleeve, and scanned the words again, with a plan in mind.

"The righteous men of Jiangnan, the nobles of the imperial court, Qinglong Mountain..." He muttered to himself, tapping his knees lightly with his fingers, "It seems that the forces behind the enemy are deeper than we imagined. Biao'er, you made a good start this time, but you need to be more cautious in the next game."

The carriage slowly stopped at the Suzaku Gate in front of the palace. Zhu Han straightened his robes and stepped out of the carriage. His eyes were calm and his steps were steady. When the guards and palace servants saw him, they all bowed their heads respectfully.

"Your Highness Prince Jing is well!"

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his voice gentle but majestic: "Where is your majesty now?"

"Your Majesty, His Majesty is reviewing memorials in the imperial study." A palace servant replied in a low voice.

"Okay, I'll go see him now."

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing memorials at his desk. The candlelight reflected on his weather-beaten face, adding a sense of majesty and contemplation. He suddenly heard footsteps outside the door and raised his eyebrows: "Is it Brother Han?"

"That's right." Zhu Han pushed the door open and bowed slightly. "My royal brother is still reviewing state affairs late at night. Are you taking care of yourself?"

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head and saw Zhu Han's familiar face. A rare smile appeared on his face. "Brother Han is here. Come and sit down. I heard that you have been busy in Jiangnan recently. It's rare for you to come back to Beijing. What's the important matter?"

Zhu Han sat down, his eyes slightly focused: "Brother, Jiangnan has been in turmoil recently. Biaoer has found some clues, which involve Jiangnan bandits and so-called "righteous men". There is also news that someone in the court may be colluding with them."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened instantly, and he gently put down the brush in his hand. His eyes were burning with anger, and he said in a low voice: "Righteous men? I hate these people who use the pretext of public justice to hide evil intentions the most. The court has spent countless efforts to pacify the world, how can we allow them to stir up trouble?"

Zhu Han nodded and continued, "Biao'er's actions in Jiangnan have achieved initial success, but the enemy is by no means an ordinary bandit. If we go deeper, we will probably encounter greater resistance. I came here this time in the hope that the emperor can send more reliable forces to support Biao'er."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, his eyes becoming more profound: "Biao'er is the crown prince, this kind of experience is very important for him. Brother Han, what do you think should be done to ensure that nothing goes wrong?"

Zhu Han's eyes sternly said slowly: "Brother, I think that there is no need to make a big show of force in the open, but we can transfer some elite troops to provide secret support. At the same time, if necessary, I will personally go to Jiangnan and fight the enemy together with Biao'er."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up at Zhu Han after hearing this, and suddenly chuckled: "Brother Han, you have put in a lot of effort to deal with Biao'er. Okay, I agree with your arrangement. As for the secret support, you can dispatch them."

Zhu Han stood up and bowed: "Thank you for your trust, my brother."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his tone more relaxed: "Brother Han, I am relieved to leave the affairs of Jiangnan to you and Biao'er. But remember, safety comes first. I don't want to see any mishaps happen to my family again."

Zhu Han's heart was slightly moved, and he nodded and said, "I will remember this."

Zhu Han personally arrived in Jiangnan with a team of elite cavalry. His arrival greatly excited Zhu Biao. The two met in a secret room in the stronghold, and the atmosphere was somewhat solemn.

"Uncle, you came here in person?" Zhu Biao was slightly surprised, but soon understood the deep meaning, "It seems that the emperor also attaches great importance to this matter."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes sharp: "Biao'er, this time the enemy is not simple. I received news that the leader of the Qinglong Mountain stronghold seems to have a close relationship with certain forces in the court. Their target may not only be Jiangnan, but a larger situation." (End of this chapter)