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

She took two steps closer and whispered, "What plans does Your Highness have for the future? Although the situation is temporarily stable, many people are still waiting for an opportunity to act."

Zhu Biao nodded, a cold light flashed in his eyes: "I have been prepared. But if we want to completely eliminate the internal troubles, power alone is not enough."

Just then, an urgent report came rushing in.

The eunuch hurried in and knelt down to report: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, the cabinet minister Shen Yun suddenly made a public statement in the court, implying that the Crown Prince was too hasty in using troops and acting radically, which made him unstable as the crown prince."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, and his eyes darkened for a moment. He was silent for a moment, then turned to Gu Qingping and said, "Shen Yun...finally made a move."

Gu Qingping said coldly: "He is the most hidden person in the prince's faction. If he jumps out, it means that the others have already planned it out."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Don't worry, it's a good thing. Since they dare to show up, I can defeat them one by one."

That night, Zhu Han returned to the palace, and the sign-in system's notification sounded in his mind:

[Congratulations to the host, you have signed in successfully today and received a reward: fifty shadow guards, loyal and good at stealth attacks to break through the situation.]

Zhu Han's heart moved slightly, and he said to himself: "It happens to be what Zhu Biao needs most at the moment."

He waved his hand and called over his confidant Xiao Jinghong, saying, "From today on, these fifty shadow guards will be secretly transferred to the Crown Prince's Mansion and incorporated into Zhu Biao's personal guards, and will be led by Gu Qingping himself."

Xiao Jinghong took the order and left.

Zhu Han looked out the window at the sky and murmured in a deep voice, "I have seen through three-quarters of my brother's chessboard. Now, I will let you see my determination to support the crown prince."

On the second day, Zhu Biao personally went to the court. When he stepped into the Golden Palace, all the civil and military officials were already in their seats.

Shen Yun stood at the head of the class, his face calm but with a fierce look in his eyes.

"Your Highness, I have something to say." He stepped forward and bowed.

"speak."

Shen Yun stood with his head held high, speaking in a clear and steady voice: "Although the Crown Prince is the heir to the throne, he has been too hasty in using troops recently to purge the court, which may cause panic. I am worried that such actions will frighten all officials and cause unrest in the court."

As soon as the words were spoken, whispers arose in the hall.

Zhu Biao remained calm and just looked at him: "The prince understands what Elder Shen said. Elder Shen is concerned about the safety of the country, and the prince should thank him."

Shen Yun's expression relaxed, and just as he was about to speak again, Zhu Biao suppressed his words with a palm: "But the Crown Prince also has something to ask the elder."

"Please speak clearly, Your Majesty."

Zhu Biao walked down the steps slowly, his voice becoming more steady with each step he took: "If there are ministers who know that civil strife is about to break out, but sit back and do nothing because they are concerned about 'stability', may I ask, Lord, is such a crown prince worthy of being the future emperor?"

Shen Yun's face changed slightly, and before he could reply, Zhu Biao continued, "The elder has repeatedly advised the prince to be 'stable', but he has never pointed out the path after being 'stable'. What the prince wants to ask is, if someone forms a clique for personal gain and covets power, how should I deal with it?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Han slowly stepped forward from the end of the court, clasped his hands, and looked at him with a sharp gaze:

"Your Highness, what you said hits the nail on the head. If anyone in the court pretends to be loyal but actually hinders others, they should be executed."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Thank you for your advice, uncle."

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly became cold as ice.

Shen Yun's eyes were gloomy, but he dared not say anything. Zhu Biao calmly returned to his seat, his long sleeves fluttering, as if he was just discussing a storm.

After the court was dismissed, Zhu Biao remained silent in the Prince's residence.

Gu Qingping poured a cup of tea and asked softly, "Is it too early for Your Highness to start a fight today?"

Zhu Biao took the tea and took a sip: "It's not early. If we don't start a rebellion today, tomorrow will be the day they start a rebellion."

"But behind Shen Yun are three censors from the Censorate and the Left Censor-in-Chief."

"They will show up soon." Zhu Biao said without any emotion.

Gu Qingping looked at his slightly frowned brows, hesitant to speak, and after a moment, she said softly: "Your Highness, you... are no longer the gentle and cautious prince you used to be."

Zhu Biao looked at her quietly and said, "It's not that I have changed, but that they never believed in me. If I hadn't changed, I would have died in the court long ago."

After these words came out, Gu Qingping said nothing more. She just took a step forward, gently placed her hand on the back of his hand, and whispered, "I've been here."

As the night deepened, Zhu Han sat in the study of the palace, and the system prompt sounded again in his mind:

[Congratulations to the host, you have completed the stage mission "Suppress the initial movement of the opposition" and received the reward: a set of Molin armor, which can defend against hundreds of blades and is invulnerable to swords and guns. ]

His eyes lit up and he murmured, "This armor can protect Zhu Biao. It will be delivered to the Crown Prince's Mansion tomorrow."

At this moment, the situation in the court was even more urgent.

Liu Siyuan, the Chief Censor, secretly summoned several court officials at night to discuss the matter in his private residence. He said in a grim tone, "Zhu Biao's power is too strong. We must find a way to weaken his power. If we allow him to continue to develop, there will be no place for others in the court."

Suddenly a cold snort came from outside the door.

A black shadow flashed, and a figure broke through the door, holding a long sword with cold light shining everywhere.

"According to the order of the Crown Prince, any gathering of rebels shall be killed without mercy."

The sudden appearance of blood is more powerful than words.

Zhu Han sat in the palace, looking at the rising sun in the distant sky, and whispered: "The chess pieces have been set, it's time to collect them."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao put on the Mo Lin armor in the morning light and stood in front of the Golden Palace.

He looked back at Gu Qingping who was following closely behind him and smiled slightly.

Zhu Biao stood on the steps of the Golden Palace. The light of morning light shone through the high windows of the palace, outlining his slightly tired face.

Gu Qingping stood aside, watching him silently, with deep respect and worry in her eyes. Zhu Biao gently stroked the Molin armor in his hand, silent.

The silence was broken by the footsteps of palace guards.

Eunuch Ah Xiang hurried in and bowed respectfully, "Your Highness, there is news from the palace that officials from all over the country are coming to the capital one after another. A ceremony will be held in the near future to congratulate the emperor. His Majesty will definitely have something to say at that time. It concerns the position of the crown prince."

Zhu Biao raised his eyes, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes: "Has the emperor decided?"

Ah Xiang paused and whispered, "Not yet, but he has made arrangements in his words, as if he doesn't like the prince to show his edge."

Gu Qingping frowned slightly: "How can we make hasty arrangements when our father has not yet made his intention clear? Isn't he afraid that the situation will get out of control again?" Zhu Biao smiled slightly and looked at Gu Qingping deeply: "Qingping, our father has made plans in his mind, but what he does may not be what he wants."

He paused, his voice deep and powerful, "My father must have wanted to test me, and personally gave me an order to make me retreat. If I don't fall, it will be proof of my unyielding spirit."

Gu Qingping's eyes flashed with worry, and she sighed softly: "Prince... do you feel that your father has no real trust in his heart?"

Zhu Biao did not answer directly, but just clenched the armor in his hand, his eyes as deep as the sea.

"Trust? Trust must stand the test of time. All I have done over the years is to let Father see clearly whether I am strong enough."

He turned around and looked at the palace wall outside the hall, his tone gradually sinking, "Father may not think highly of me, but he dare not ignore me."

Gu Qingping understood the deep meaning of his words and nodded: "If you can take this opportunity to weaken those who are hindering you in the court, perhaps you can make father more convinced."

"Weaken?" Zhu Biao raised a sneer at the corner of his mouth. "Weaken the power. Who can succeed in the end depends on who holds the real power."

Just as he finished speaking, the eunuch Ah Xiang came in again, his face tense, "Your Highness, the Eastern Depot has a letter, the Emperor has issued an order, summoning the Crown Prince to the palace, you must go to see him."

Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows slightly and stood up: "I am here." He turned to look at Gu Qingping, "After meeting you today, perhaps I can see the true heart of my father."

Gu Qingping nodded, didn't say much, and just followed him quietly.

In the Ming Imperial Palace, inside the Forbidden City, the atmosphere in the Golden Hall was depressing. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, his eyes as sharp as a knife, surveying the people in the hall.

The important officials of the court stood on both sides, and the atmosphere was so quiet that it was almost suffocating.

When Zhu Biao was summoned into the palace, he stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "I wish you the best of health, father. I am here to see you."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded calmly and motioned him to stand up. "I have something to ask you. How about the prince entering the palace today?"

Zhu Biao stood up and replied respectfully: "My father, the prince is in good health and everything is going well."

"Smoothly?" Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then raised his eyes and stared at Zhu Biao, "Recently there are rumors that you are too popular in the court, and even the emperor's uncle has some complaints about you."

Zhu Biao smiled lightly, but in his heart he had already understood the true intention of his father's words.

He whispered, "Father, you are too kind. I am only loyal to the Ming Dynasty and try my best to serve the country. Everything I do is for the long-term benefit of the country."

"Serve the country?" Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with a cold light. "How can the long-term development of a country depend on the current situation? Is the prince too eager for quick success?"

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and said in a concentrated voice: "Father, the Crown Prince has a heavy responsibility. If he does not move forward with unyielding determination, how can he defend the Ming Dynasty? The stability of the country and the longevity of the country are the responsibilities that every descendant should bear."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, and then turned his gaze to the other ministers in the hall again: "I heard that the prince's mansion has been secretly planning and cultivating confidants. What does the prince want to do?"

Zhu Biao smiled slightly: "I am just trying to deal with the many forces in the court and gather my confidants just in case."

"Just in case?" Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes suddenly became stern. "It seems that you have made much more preparations than I expected."

Zhu Biao looked calm: "Father, your Majesty is wise. How can we allow others to take advantage of the opportunity to stir up trouble for the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered: "Your Highness, do you think I don't know what you are up to?"

He suddenly slapped the dragon throne, and his voice suddenly became heavier, "My kingdom cannot be easily taken over by a prince."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and responded calmly: "Father, I have never thought of taking it easy." He lowered his head slightly and added, "But, no matter what, I will protect this country with all my heart and not let any harmful forces succeed."

After these words were spoken, the whole hall fell silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked deep in his eyes. After a moment, he finally spoke: "It's good that you have this in mind. If the prince can really protect this national destiny, I will naturally not give up your position lightly."

Zhu Biao's heart moved, and he thought to himself: What my father said is actually a disguised acknowledgement.

"However," Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "remember, the Ming Dynasty was not easy to obtain, and it is even harder to maintain. Even if the prince is in power, he must take a long-term view and not rush for quick success."

Zhu Biao lowered his head and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, what you said is absolutely right. Your Highness will keep it in mind."

When Zhu Biao returned to the Prince's Mansion, Gu Qingping was already waiting outside the door.

Seeing that he looked unhappy, she couldn't help but feel nervous: "Your Highness, has the emperor given any order?"

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and said slowly: "Father has spoken, but he is still testing my determination. He does not trust me, but he has to admit that I have stood at the forefront of this power."

Gu Qingping listened to his voice and was moved. She approached him and whispered, "Your Highness, are you ready to fight against all the forces in the court?"

Zhu Biao turned to look at her, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "From now on, anyone who dares to look down on me in the court will dig his own grave. Father has already shown his temptation, and I will meet the challenge head on."

Gu Qingping looked at him with some complicated emotions in her eyes: "If Your Highness really does this, I'm afraid there will be no turning back from now on."

Zhu Biao smiled calmly: "There is no turning back, I only look forward."

Zhu Biao stood in the courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, his brows furrowed, his eyes staring at the green mountains in the distance.

"Prince, what are you thinking about?" Gu Qingping asked softly, interrupting his thoughts.

Zhu Biao came back to his senses, a trace of fatigue flashed in his eyes, and a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Nothing, I was just thinking, if I don't go all out, how can I keep all this?"

Gu Qingping frowned slightly, walked forward, and gently grasped his hand: "Prince, you have done a good job. Although the emperor does not completely trust you, he has never deprived you of your power. At least in this position, you can still control the situation."

"Control the situation?" Zhu Biao smiled bitterly. "Although I was appointed as the crown prince, all power, all real power, is in the hands of others. Although my father did not deprive me of anything, he never really gave me anything."

Gu Qingping looked at him with pity, wanting to say something, but in the end, she said nothing.

"Father is ultimately worried that if I have too much power, it will threaten his position."

Zhu Biao muttered to himself, his eyes gradually becoming stern, "And I do need more power to truly make a difference for this country."

He suddenly turned around and looked at a guard behind him: "Pass the order and prepare a secret training immediately. Today, the guards of the Crown Prince's Mansion must undergo a new tempering."

The guard left in response. Zhu Biao looked at the figure walking away, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.

At the same time, in the Ming Imperial Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was discussing state affairs with several of his trusted ministers.

The atmosphere was tense and solemn. Everything in the palace was under his strong control, and his attitude towards Zhu Biao was also quietly changing.

"Royal brother, you seem to be less and less trusting of the prince." Zhu Han spoke softly, with a hint of joking in his tone, but deep concern in his eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up at him with a deep look in his eyes: "You know what I am most worried about." After he finished speaking, he picked up the teacup on the table. (End of this chapter)