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

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "Brother Han, there is no need to be modest. I have seen all the contributions you have made to the Ming Dynasty. After discussing with the Crown Prince, I will definitely reward you handsomely."

After that, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Biao and told him the result of the peace talks.

"Uncle, you have done a great job." Zhu Biao said with a cupped hand, "The success of this peace talk is entirely due to your wisdom and hard work. I, your son, would like to thank you on behalf of my father."

Zhu Han quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, you are too kind. I am just doing my duty. Moreover, this matter cannot be accomplished without the support of Your Majesty and Your Highness."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Brother Han, Biao'er, both of you are pillars of our Ming Dynasty. I hope you can continue to work together and contribute your strength to the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao hurriedly bowed and said, "Your subjects obey your orders."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, his eyes full of satisfaction and expectation. He said slowly: "Brother Han, Biao, you two are the pillars of our Ming Dynasty, and I have high hopes for you. Although the Ming Dynasty is now peaceful and prosperous, I know that the people still have many sufferings. I want to send you two to go on a tour incognito to understand the people's sentiments and seek the welfare of the people of our Ming Dynasty. Are you willing to go?"

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were both stunned when they heard this, then smiled at each other, with a determined light in their eyes. Zhu Han bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go. Although I am not talented, I am willing to share your worries and seek benefits for the people."

Zhu Biao also bowed and said, "Father, I am willing to go as well. As the crown prince, I should understand the people's feelings and sufferings and help you solve your problems."

Zhu Yuanzhang was delighted when he heard this and laughed, "Great! Great! I feel relieved to have you two on this tour. You two must carefully observe the people's sentiments and bring back the most authentic voices from the people for me."

After that, Zhu Yuanzhang ordered his men to prepare everything he needed for his secret tour. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao changed into casual clothes, took only a few followers, and quietly left Jinling City.

Along the way, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao went deep into the people, walked through the streets and alleys, and had cordial conversations with the people. They saw the simplicity and kindness of the people of the Ming Dynasty, as well as the various sufferings that existed among the people.

One day, the two came to a remote village where the houses were dilapidated and the people were ragged, pale and thin.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao felt a surge of sadness in their hearts. They walked into a farmer's house and started talking to the owner.

The owner of the farm was an elderly man. When he saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but then he warmly invited them to sit down.

After Zhu Han and Zhu Biao sat down, the old man began to talk about the suffering of the village.

"My two lords, you don't know. This village is already poor, and has suffered from disasters for years, and the crops have failed. Although the government has distributed some relief grain, it is not enough for people like us. We, the old, the weak, the sick and the disabled, can only survive on wild vegetables and tree roots." The old man said while wiping away tears.

Zhu Han was furious when he heard this. There were still such poor villages in the Ming Dynasty, and the people couldn't even afford food and clothing.

He asked in a deep voice: "Old man, has the government sent anyone to check the disaster?"

The old man shook his head and sighed, "The government doesn't care about the lives of ordinary people like us. They only know how to collect taxes and taxes, not our lives."

"Father, don't worry. We will report this matter to His Majesty and let His Majesty make the decision for you." Zhu Han said in a deep voice.

When the old man heard this, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes. He immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you, sirs. Thank you, sirs."

Zhu Han quickly helped the old man up and said gently, "Don't do this, old man. This is what we should do. Just stay at home and wait for news. We will report this matter as soon as possible."

The old man thanked them profusely, stood up tremblingly, and watched Zhu Han and Zhu Biao leave.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked out of the farmer's house with mixed feelings.

"Uncle, it seems we have to speed up and report the sufferings of the people to father as soon as possible." Zhu Biao frowned, his tone sounding a little anxious.

Zhu Han nodded and said in a deep voice: "Your Highness is right. However, we cannot draw a conclusion based on one side alone. We need to visit more places and learn more about the situation."

Zhu Han thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to the nearby county town and see if we can find more clues."

So Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, with their entourage, headed towards the county town.

Along the way, they saw many ragged people working hard in the fields but still struggling to fill their stomachs.

Arriving at the county town, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao changed into common people's clothes and blended into the crowd. They saw that although the county town's market was bustling, the faces of the common people were full of fatigue and sorrow.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked into a teahouse, found a corner and sat down, ready to listen to the people's discussions.

"Have you heard? The government has increased taxes recently, and our lives are becoming more and more difficult." A middle-aged man whispered to his tablemate.

"That's right. Once the tax is increased, how can our small business survive? I think the Ming Dynasty is about to be finished." Another man sighed, his face full of worry.

Zhu Han frowned and whispered to Zhu Biao, "Your Highness, it seems we have to look into this tax issue."

Zhu Biao nodded and said in a deep voice: "Uncle Huang is right. Taxation is a major issue for the country. If there is anything wrong, the people will be angry."

After discussing it, the two decided to go to the county magistrate to inquire about the situation. They walked out of the teahouse and came to the county government office. After explaining their purpose to the guard, they were taken into the lobby.

The county magistrate was a middle-aged man in his forties. When he saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, he immediately stood up and saluted: "I didn't know you two gentlemen were coming. I hope you will forgive me for not welcoming you from afar."

Zhu Han waved his hand and said, "Your Excellency the County Magistrate, there is no need to be so polite. We are here this time to ask you something."

The county magistrate said quickly, "Please tell me, sir. I will tell you everything I know."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and said, "I heard that the government has recently increased taxes, and the people are burdened with heavy burdens. I wonder if this is true?"

Upon hearing this, the county magistrate's face changed and he stammered, "This... this... I am also following orders. I dare not disobey the orders from above."

Zhu Han frowned and said in a deep voice: "Mr. County Magistrate, taxation is a major issue for the country and is related to the livelihood of the people. If there is anything wrong, the people will be angry. As a county magistrate, how can you be so perfunctory?"

The county magistrate was so frightened when he heard this that he immediately knelt down on the ground and said, "Sir, please calm down. I know I was wrong. I will carefully check the taxation issue to ensure that it does not increase the burden on the people."

Seeing the county magistrate's words, Zhu Han felt relieved and said, "It's good that the county magistrate thinks so. However, you still need to report this matter to your superiors so that they can also know the suffering of the people."

The county magistrate nodded and said, "I will obey your order and report to my superiors as soon as possible." After leaving the county government, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao continued to visit the county. They saw that many people had to sell their property because of excessive taxes and their lives were in trouble.

As night fell, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao found an inn to stay in. They sat in the room of the inn and discussed the next plan.

"Uncle, it seems we must report these situations to our father as soon as possible." Zhu Biao said in a deep voice.

Zhu Han nodded and said, "Your Highness is right. However, we cannot draw conclusions based on this alone. We need to continue to visit other places to learn more."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement and said, "Uncle Huang is right. Where should we go next?"

Zhu Han thought for a moment and said, "Let's go to the nearby city. It's a bigger city and maybe we can find more clues there."

Therefore, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao decided to go to the city early the next morning. They stayed up all night thinking about how to better solve the suffering of the people.

On the morning of the second day, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, along with their followers, headed towards the city. Along the way, they saw many displaced people, which made them feel even more depressed.

When they arrived at the provincial capital, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao continued to go deep into the people's lives, walking through the streets and having cordial conversations with the common people.

They found that the people in the capital city did not live a rich life, and problems such as heavy taxation and rampant corrupt officials still existed.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were filled with anger, and they decided to go to the prefectural governor to inquire about the situation. They arrived at the governor's office, explained their purpose to the guards, and were taken into the lobby.

The prefect was an old man in his fifties. When he saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, he immediately stood up and saluted: "I didn't know you two gentlemen were coming. I hope you will forgive me for not welcoming you from afar."

Zhu Han waved his hand and said, "Your Excellency the Prefect, there is no need to be so polite. We are here this time to ask you something."

The prefect said quickly, "Please tell me, sir. I will tell you everything I know."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and said, "We have heard that the city's taxes are too heavy, corrupt officials are rampant, and the people are living in poverty. I wonder if this is true?"

Upon hearing this, the prefect's face changed and he stammered, "This... this... I have just taken office and I don't know much about the situation in the prefecture. However, I will investigate this matter as soon as possible to ensure that the people will not suffer again."

Zhu Han frowned and said in a deep voice, "Sir, taxation is a national priority and is related to the livelihood of the people. As a prefect, how can you be so perfunctory? Moreover, you have just taken office, so you should have a deeper understanding of the people's sentiments and seek benefits for the people."

The prefect was so frightened when he heard this that he immediately knelt down on the ground and said, "Sir, please calm down. I know I was wrong. I will carefully check the tax collection and severely punish corrupt officials to ensure that the people can live and work in peace."

Seeing the prefect like this, Zhu Han felt relieved and said, "It's good that the prefect thinks so. However, you still need to report this to your superiors so that they can also know the suffering of the people."

The prefect nodded quickly and said, "I obey your command and will report it to my superiors as soon as possible."

"Uncle, this government office in the prefecture is probably rotten to the core." Zhu Biao looked at the prefect's back as he retreated in a fawning manner, his brows twisted into a "川" shape. "When the lawyer handed over the tea just now, the sound of gold and silver colliding in his sleeves was clearly audible."

Zhu Han stroked the edge of the teacup, his fingertips stained with a thin layer of dust: "The copper patina on the threshold of the government office has been polished to a shine, which shows that there are endless people kneeling and worshipping. Your Highness, did you notice the plaque "A Bright Mirror Hanging High" hanging in the back hall?"

Zhu Biao thought for a moment: "The gold-threaded nanmu frame is brand new, but the word 'mirror' is missing half of the gold paint."

"It's newly painted with gold, but the plaque is an old item from the previous dynasty." Zhu Han tapped the table with his fingertips. "This prefect has only been in office for three months, and he's already in a hurry to decorate the facade with relics from the previous dynasty. It's obvious that the treasury is so empty that it can't even afford a new plaque."

Suddenly, a woman's wailing could be heard outside the window, mixed with the sound of the yamen runners whipping them. The two looked at each other, stood up and walked out of the yamen quickly.

A peasant woman in a thorny hairpin and a cloth skirt was kneeling on the bluestone slab, and a young man with a purple face was lying beside her. "Sir, spare my life!" The woman protected the young man tightly, "I stole that half bun because I was so hungry..."

The guard raised his whip with a fierce smile: "Hungry? I'm still hungry! If you keep howling, I'll send you to jail!"

"Stop!" Zhu Biao shouted, the jade pendant on his waist jingling. The yamen runner was stunned, seeing that the two men were dressed simply but had extraordinary demeanor, and he did not dare to act rashly.

Zhu Han half-knelt down and opened the boy's eyelids with two fingers: "The pupils are dilated and the lips are cyanotic. This is a sign of poisoning." He turned to the woman and asked: "Has the child eaten anything?"

"I only had a bowl of porridge this morning..." The woman suddenly remembered something, "I added wild mushrooms to the porridge! The neighbors said that the red mushrooms growing in the back mountain can fill my stomach..."

Zhu Biao's face suddenly changed: "Hurry up and call a doctor! That's a poisonous mushroom!" He took off his outer robe and spread it on the ground, "Lay the child flat, uncle, please hold his hands and feet."

Zhu Han held down the twitching boy, while Zhu Biao poured the water bag he carried into his mouth, and then broke up the dry food into crumbs and put them under the boy's tongue. Half an incense stick later, the doctor came panting with a medicine box on his back.

"Fortunately, the rescue was timely." The old doctor wiped his sweat, "This red parasol mushroom is very poisonous. If it was half an hour later, it would have invaded the heart."

The woman knelt on the ground and kowtowed: "You two gentlemen are the reincarnation of living Bodhisattvas!" She suddenly ripped open her clothes, revealing a large purple bruise on her chest, "Please Bodhisattva, save our village! The head of the village forced us to sign the lease. If we don't sign, he will arrest us to repair the canal..."

Zhu Han's pupils shrank slightly: "Repairing the canal is a government project, why are they forcibly conscripting civilians?"

"It was said to be voluntary, but the village head brought people to knock on doors from house to house." The woman wiped her tears, "All the young and strong people in the village were arrested, leaving only the old, weak, women and children..."

Zhu Biao stood up suddenly: "Uncle, let's go to the canal construction site!"

On the turbulent riverbank, hundreds of laborers were working under the sound of whips. One of the laborers carrying a stone suddenly stumbled, and the supervisor whipped him: "Pretending to be dead? Give him twenty whips and throw him into the river to wake him up!"

"Stop!" Zhu Biao came flying over, and the scabbard of his sword knocked the supervisor's steel whip away. Zhu Han had already supported the staggering civilian, who was disheveled and had a bloody back.

"Who is it..." The supervisor was about to scold, but when he saw the pattern of the jade pendant on Zhu Han's waist, he suddenly became half a head shorter, "Are you sent by the Ministry of Revenue to check the accounts?"

Zhu Han sneered: "Check the accounts? What I want to check is your conscience!" He grabbed a reed stalk on the ground and said, "The mud on the riverbank is soft and needs to be reinforced with wooden stakes. Why let the people fill the river with stones?"

The supervisor hesitated: "This is... This is designed by the Ministry of Industry..."

"The Ministry of Works designed the stones, and you just followed them?" Zhu Han inserted a reed into the mud, and it was submerged half a foot in an instant. "Such a soft foundation will collapse once the water rushes in! We will have to recruit more laborers for the reconstruction. What a way to make money!"

Zhu Biao has already flipped through the account book and pointed to a mark of ink: "Why was only ten taels of the three thousand taels of silver allocated three months ago spent on wooden stakes?" (End of this chapter)