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

"There's an ambush!" The leader reacted quickly and shouted, "Retreat!"

Before he finished speaking, the surrounding torches lit up instantly, and countless light and dark crossbows were aimed at them. Lin Chuan slowly walked out of the shadows and said with a sneer, "Want to leave? You don't have a chance anymore."

The men in black gritted their teeth and wielded their swords to fight, but the elite troops led by Zhu Biao quickly surrounded them and captured them all in just a few dozen moves.

Zhu Biao came from behind, his eyes coldly swept over the black-clothed man kneeling on the ground, and said in a low voice: "Who sent you here?"

The leading man in black gritted his teeth and kept silent.

Zhu Biao sneered: "You want to be tough? Very good, I want to see how long you can be tough."

He turned to Lin Chuan and said, "Take him away and interrogate him thoroughly. If he refuses to speak, let them all have a taste of the East Palace's methods."

Lin Chuan bowed and accepted the order: "Yes!"

Chuan returned to the East Palace study with a solemn look on his face. He whispered, "Your Highness, I have interrogated them clearly. These people were indeed sent by Liu Tang, but their target of action was ostensibly the fake secret letter, but in fact it was to divert our attention."

Zhu Biao's eyes were slightly stern: "Divert attention? What is their real goal?"

Lin Chuan said in a deep voice: "According to the confession, Liu Tang sent another team of people to secretly transport a batch of important documents and materials out of the capital. The destination is likely to be the residence of the Prince of Yan."

Zhu Biao sneered: "It is indeed Zhu Di. He is so anxious to respond, which means that this batch of documents must be the key evidence."

He stood up, his eyes sharp, "Send a message to the emperor's uncle immediately and ask him to arrange for people to intercept. At the same time, I will personally lead people to chase after them."

Lin Chuan looked worried: "Your Highness, if Liu Tang's men find out you're chasing them, they'll probably do something desperate."

Zhu Biao's eyes were firm: "That's why I have to act personally. This time, I will not only intercept the documents, but also make sure Liu Tang has no way out."

Lin Chuan hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded: "I will accompany Your Highness."

Zhu Biao led a team of elite cavalrymen and galloped along the deserted road. With a hint of coldness in his eyes, he held the reins and said in a deep voice, "Lin Chuan, can your people find out their whereabouts?"

Lin Chuan followed closely on horseback and whispered, "Your Highness, Liu Tang's convoy has indeed left the capital. They chose this remote and desolate road. According to the intelligence of the spies, the documents they are escorting are in that carriage with green curtains."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes sweeping across the surrounding mountains and forests. He whispered, "Send out the outposts to investigate whether there are any ambushes ahead. We must be quick, accurate and ruthless when intercepting them, and not give them any chance to counterattack."

"Yes, Your Highness!" Lin Chuan bowed and accepted the order, then urged his horse to leave.

Zhu Biao stopped his horse and looked up at the night sky. With deep thought in his eyes, he muttered to himself: "Liu Tang dared to act so boldly, and there must be Zhu Di's instructions behind it. This time, we must not let him succeed so easily."

At this moment, a guard came hurriedly and reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, the scouts ahead found that the convoy was entering the valley. There were not many people, but there seemed to be an ambush around."

Zhu Biao sneered upon hearing this, "It seems they are well prepared. Pass the order down, split the troops into two groups, one group will feint from the front to attract their attention, and the other group will follow me to the rear and directly intercept the carriage."

Liu Tang's convoy was driving in the valley, surrounded by guards on high alert. The man in charge, who looked like a manager, asked in a low voice, "Are you sure this road is safe? I heard that people from the East Palace are tracking down your movements recently."

The driver nodded and replied, "Don't worry, this road is remote and sparsely populated. The prince's men will not be able to find this place."

The steward breathed a sigh of relief, but still waved his hand and said, "Everyone, be alert. Get through this valley quickly. The sooner you leave, the better."

However, just as he finished speaking, an arrow shot out from the darkness and instantly pierced the chest of the nearest guard. The guard screamed and fell to the ground, and chaos broke out all around.

"There is an ambush! Protect the carriage!" the steward shouted and drew the sword at his waist.

Zhu Biao's cavalry rushed down the hillside, their blades shining coldly in the cold moonlight, and rushed straight towards the convoy. The elite troops led by Lin Chuan surrounded the convoy from the other side.

The steward swung his sword to block, but facing the well-trained cavalry, his resistance seemed pale and powerless. A moment later, he was forced back by Lin Chuan's sword and fell to the ground.

Zhu Biao rode forward, looked coldly at the steward on the ground, and said in a tone as sharp as a knife: "What did Liu Tang send you to escort? If you don't want to die, confess now!"

The steward looked ashen, but he gritted his teeth and said nothing. He glanced at the carriage, seeming to be hesitant.

Zhu Biao saw through it at a glance, and pointed his sword at the carriage: "Open it!"

Several guards moved quickly and opened the carriage of the green curtain carriage. It was filled with sealed wooden boxes, which obviously contained important items.

Zhu Biao sneered: "It seems that this is what Liu Tang painstakingly wanted to give away."

He waved his hand to signal the guards to open the wooden box, and inside were rolls of bamboo slips and paper with detailed lists and transaction records. At the bottom, there was a piece of silk cloth with a detailed map of the northern garrison deployment.

Lin Chuan looked at the map, his expression suddenly changed, and he whispered: "Your Highness, this is the deployment map of the northern garrison! If these things fall into the hands of King Yan, the consequences will be disastrous!"

Zhu Biao's eyes suddenly turned cold. He picked up the silk cloth and examined it carefully. He said in a deep voice, "Zhu Di actually dared to covet the military power of the court. We must not leave him any chance!"

He turned to look at Lin Chuan, and said sternly: "Take these evidences and return to the capital overnight. I will go to the emperor's uncle and ask him to arrange the next move immediately."

At the same time, in a mansion in the north, Zhu Di was standing in the hall, holding a scroll of letters in his hand. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle, and his tone was full of disdain: "Liu Tang is really useless, and he revealed his flaws so quickly."

His confidant Xu Yi said cautiously: "Your Highness, the people in the East Palace are making frequent moves, and their goal is very clear."

Zhu Di sneered and threw the letter on the table: "Zhu Biao is indeed capable, but he is too eager. He wants to cut off my retreat in one go, but he doesn't know that he has already stepped into my trap."

Xu Yi asked doubtfully: "What does Your Majesty mean..."

Zhu Di put his hands behind his back and said slowly: "What he got was just a part of what I deliberately let him see. He hasn't noticed the real killer move yet."

Xu Yi nodded: "I understand. Then, should we speed up our actions?"

Zhu Di nodded, his eyes becoming even colder: "Go and make arrangements, tell those who should take action, it's time to let them know that the crown prince may not be the only choice."

That night, Zhu Han took the northern defense map from Lin Chuan and frowned. He said coldly: "Zhu Di's chess game is more complicated than imagined. This defense map is fake, but it is somewhat confusing. He is testing the court's reaction." Lin Chuan asked in a low voice: "Your Highness, how should we deal with it next?"

Zhu Han slowly put down the map in his hand and said in a deep voice: "Since Zhu Di dared to test us, we will give him a response. Send down the order to mobilize manpower and set up defense lines at several key locations in the north. At the same time, have people keep a close eye on the actions of the Prince of Yan."

He paused and looked out the window coldly: "Tell Biaoer that the situation is more complicated than we thought, and he must be more cautious. From now on, every step must be taken more steadily and accurately."

Lin Chuan bowed and accepted the order: "I understand."

Zhu Han's eyes were deep, and his tone carried a hint of unquestionable majesty: "I will not lose this round, and neither will Biao'er."

Lin Chuan quickly handed a secret report to Zhu Han. The light of the candle reflected on Zhu Han's cold face, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Your Highness," Lin Chuan said in a low voice, "According to the news sent back by the spies, the King of Yan secretly mobilized some of the forces stationed there, and the purpose is unknown."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han put down the defense map in his hand, his eyes deep: "Zhu Di finally took action. He mobilized troops to cooperate with Liu Tang's actions, but now that we have intercepted the evidence, he should know that he can no longer use this to hide his ambitions."

Lin Chuan cupped his hands and said, "I think the King of Yan may have other intentions in doing this. His probing may just be a trick, and his real goal has not yet been revealed."

Zhu Han slowly stood up, walked to the window, and cast his eyes into the dark night in the distance: "Zhu Di's chess game is indeed ingenious, but his impatience also exposed his flaws. Pass on my order to completely block the northern roads. All people coming and going must have their identities verified."

Lin Chuan replied in a low voice: "I understand."

Zhu Han paused for a moment, then turned to look at Lin Chuan: "Also, let Biaoer get ready. He must deal with the next game himself. This is not only a counterattack against Zhu Di, but also a test for him."

Zhu Biao looked through the newly delivered secret report, frowning slightly. His eyes fell on the defense map on the table, and his fingertips passed over several marked key points, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

"Your Highness," Lin Chuan stood aside respectfully, "Prince Jing sent a message that the main roads in the north have been blocked. But the intentions of Prince Yan are still unclear. Do you need further deployment?"

Zhu Biao closed the secret report, stood up, and said in a cold tone: "Zhu Di has always acted in secret. This time he mobilized troops, it is not just a bluff. He must have a clear goal."

He turned to look at Lin Chuan, his eyes showing a hint of determination: "Have someone keep a close eye on all clues related to the King of Yan in the capital, especially whether the remaining members of Liu Tang have any follow-up actions."

Lin Chuan bowed and said, "I have already arranged some personnel to report any disturbance immediately."

Zhu Biao nodded, his tone more resolute: "Also, the arrangements in the palace cannot be relaxed. If the Prince of Yan wants to use this turmoil to further pressure my father, he will definitely try to stir up trouble in the court. We must ensure that no tricks can be carried out."

Lin Chuan took the order and left.

Zhu Biao stood with his hands behind his back, muttering in a low voice: "Zhu Di, do you think these means can disrupt the situation? I want to see how many cards you still have."

After the main roads in the north were blocked, Zhu Di's chess pieces did not stop moving. At a secret post station outside Beijing, a team of cavalry was secretly gathering. They were disguised as ordinary caravans, but in fact they were secretly escorting an important person out of Beijing.

This person was Liu Tang. He was in casual clothes, looked anxious, and cold sweat oozed from his forehead.

"My lord, we have arranged a substitute according to your instructions. The attention of the capital has been diverted temporarily." A confidant whispered, "Next, we just need to pass through the main road smoothly and we can go directly to the residence of the King of Yan."

Liu Tang nodded, but the anxiety in his eyes did not ease: "The capital is in a state of panic now. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han have already set their sights on me. Their actions are unexpectedly fast. If I don't get away, I'm afraid even the King of Yan won't be able to protect me."

The confidant said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, my lord. This operation is very careful and thorough. There is no way they can find us."

However, at this moment, there was a burst of hurried horse hoof sounds in the distance. Liu Tang stood up suddenly and looked outside the post station: "What's that sound?"

One of his men ran in in a panic, "My lord, this is bad! Cavalry are approaching us!"

"What?" Liu Tang's face changed drastically, and he ordered in a cold voice, "Everyone prepare to meet the enemy, and don't let them rush in!"

As soon as he finished speaking, an angry shout came from the entrance of the post station: "Liu Tang, surrender! Don't resist any more!"

It was Zhu Biao. He was leading the way, long sword in hand, eyes as cold as frost.

Liu Tang looked at Zhu Biao, his eyes filled with astonishment and anger: "Prince! You actually chased me here!"

Zhu Biao sneered: "Liu Tang, your ambition has been exposed, where do you want to escape to now?"

Liu Tang gritted his teeth, and his confidants drew their weapons and engaged Zhu Biao's cavalry in close combat. However, in just a moment, they were completely suppressed by Zhu Biao's elite troops.

Zhu Biao used his sword to push away the enemy in front of him, approached Liu Tang, and said in a cold voice: "Tell me, what benefits did Zhu Di give you to make you willing to work for him?"

Liu Tang smiled coldly: "Your Highness, do you think you have won? Zhu Di will never let you succeed so easily!"

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, and said sternly: "So, do you choose to die here, or do you want me to send you back to the capital to face the emperor in person?"

Liu Tang turned pale, and after a moment of silence, he collapsed to the ground: "Forget it, I'll tell you... I'll tell you everything..."

That night, Zhu Biao escorted Liu Tang back to the capital, and wrote down the secrets he learned from him in a secret report and sent it to Prince Jing's Mansion.

After reading the secret report, Zhu Han raised his lips slightly and sneered: "Zhu Di, your chess piece was exposed too quickly."

He put down the secret report, and said with a hint of certainty in his tone: "Tell Biaoer that the next step is the most crucial one. We must let Zhu Di know that his ambition can only become a joke."

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang stood with his hands behind his back, his cold eyes swept across the secret reports on the floor, his brows slightly furrowed. He had already realized that the calm inside and outside the palace was just an appearance, and there was murderous intent behind it.

"Brother Han, what do you think?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and majestic.

Zhu Han stood aside, looking calm, holding a roll of evidence that had just been presented: "Brother, Liu Tang's confession has been very clear. He not only participated in the private casting of weapons, but also secretly contacted the forces in the north to provide convenience for the King of Yan."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly and raised his hand to hold a letter tightly: "Zhu Di... He is always so restless. I gave him fiefdom and military power, but he wanted to interfere in the court. Could it be that he thinks that I am old and can no longer control him?"

Zhu Han bowed slightly and said in a steady tone: "Brother, this is his biggest mistake. He underestimated you and Biao'er." (End of this chapter)