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

"Prince, the emperor's uncle is here." The butler stood respectfully outside the door, bowing his head slightly.

Zhu Biao looked away from the memorial, a look of fatigue on his face: "Please ask him to come in."

Zhu Biao stood up and looked at the emperor's uncle who walked into the study room. He said in a low voice: "Uncle, what's the matter?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, walked to the desk, and glanced at the piled memorials: "Biao'er, the court has been getting more and more chaotic recently. Zhu Di's actions are already very obvious. Although His Majesty has not made it completely public, you can easily feel his worries."

Zhu Biao sighed softly, frowned unconsciously, walked to the window, and whispered: "I know that my father does not completely trust me, and many people in the court are also wary of me. Even those who were willing to support me have gradually wavered with the rise of Zhu Di."

Zhu Han's eyes flashed with sharpness: "Biao'er, I understand your worries. You may feel that you are at the center of the storm, but I advise you not to escape anymore."

Zhu Biao turned around and was stunned for a moment: "Escape? Uncle, can I just sit there and watch my kingdom fall?"

Zhu Han looked at him calmly and shook his head gently: "Prince is not running away, but should deal with it more intelligently. Although Zhu Di is plotting, he is not invincible. If you want to keep your position as the crown prince, the most important thing is to know yourself and the enemy, and finally win real support through your own strength."

"I understand, uncle." Zhu Biao took a deep breath, his eyes gradually firmed up, "I shouldn't just stare at the haze in front of me, but should focus on how to break through it. I can't always rely on my father's judgment. If I can't prepare myself, how can I take on the responsibility of this country?"

Zhu Han nodded and looked at him with satisfaction: "This is what I want to see. Biao'er, you must start to take responsibility, not only as the successor to power, but also as the helmsman of the future country. If you want to ascend to the throne, you must first break the shackles in your heart and master enough power to finally defeat Zhu Di and consolidate your position as the crown prince."

Zhu Biao's eyes sparkled. He took a deep breath and spoke slowly: "I know what to do, uncle. Thank you for your reminder."

"Biao'er, if you have this determination, you have taken the first step towards victory."

Zhu Han said in a low but powerful voice, "Next, you have to show your leadership. You must not only fight Zhu Di externally, but also consolidate your own foundation internally. I will be behind you and provide you with all the support you need."

"I understand, uncle." Zhu Biao's eyes became more determined, "I will not let you down."

One day, Zhu Biao and Gu Qingping were discussing a new policy in the study of the Prince's Mansion.

Gu Qingping carefully flipped through the documents in her hands, occasionally looking up and looking at Zhu Biao sitting at the table with gentle eyes.

"Prince, how do you plan to deal with the opposing voices in the court? Over the years, as Zhu Di's supporters have increased, it seems that the emperor's attitude has also changed."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said softly, "I already know my father's attitude. Zhu Di does have many capable people and has great support in the court. However, I will not give up because of these difficulties. I will just take advantage of every opportunity to gradually let my father understand that I am not without ability. I will try my best to win over those officials in the court who support me and make them my helpers."

Gu Qingping nodded and gently held Zhu Biao's hand: "Prince, your calmness and rationality are what I admire most. No matter what, you must believe in yourself and always remain firm in your beliefs."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, with a hint of warmth in his eyes: "Qingping, you always make me more determined."

At this time, Xiao Jinghong's voice came from outside the door: "Prince, the prince wants to see you."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, and a trace of doubt arose in his heart: "Why did the emperor's uncle suddenly summon me?"

"You should go and meet the emperor's uncle. There may be something important." Gu Qingping said softly.

Zhu Biao nodded, stood up and walked out of the study, walked through the corridor, and came to the room where Zhu Han was.

As soon as he entered the room, Zhu Han looked at him with a serious expression: "Biao'er, the situation has become more tense. Zhu Di is ready to submit a new memorial to the emperor, requesting an adjustment to the scope of the prince's power, and is ready to fight for the position of the prince with all his strength."

Zhu Biao frowned tightly: "He is getting closer and closer..."

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "But this is not a bad thing. The more anxious Zhu Di is, the more it will make Father see how terrible he is. The reason why he proposed this plan now is because he saw that the influence of the prince was quietly growing and began to feel threatened."

"Uncle, what you mean is..." A gleam of light flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes.

Zhu Han looked at him deeply. "I said, your critical moment has come. Your Majesty may waver in his heart, but at this moment, you must make a choice. Not only must you stabilize the supporters in the court, but you must also let your father see that you have enough strength to cope with any challenge."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, and the flame of fighting ignited in his eyes: "I understand, uncle. From today on, I will go all out."

"Okay." Zhu Han nodded gently, "You did a great job, Prince. The next few months will be the time for you to show your true strength. I will always be behind you and support you."

Zhu Biao nodded firmly: "Uncle, thank you for your help and trust. I will never let you down."

Zhu Biao stood in the courtyard of the Prince's Mansion, looking at the palace wall in the distance, his mood was extremely complicated.

"Prince, your father has summoned you to the palace today." The butler walked into the courtyard respectfully, breaking Zhu Biao's thoughts.

Zhu Biao raised his head slightly, a faint smile on his lips: "I understand, I will go to see my father." After he finished speaking, he walked towards the carriage outside the palace with firm steps.

The Prince's Mansion was serene, with only the gentle breeze blowing the willow branches, swaying them gently.

Zhu Biao entered the palace with steady and calm steps. When he entered the palace hall, his father, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, was already sitting on the dragon throne, looking at the ministers in the court with eyes as sharp as a hawk.

"The prince is here." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and a little intimidating.

Zhu Biao bowed respectfully and said, "I, your son, pay my respects to your father. I wish your father good health."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, motioning him to stand up: "Get up. Have you been doing well recently?"

Zhu Biao knew the test in his father's words. He took a deep breath and replied in a low voice: "Father, I am fine and busy with the great cause of the country."

"Busy?" Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flickered slightly, "You know what? There has been some unrest in the court recently, especially Zhu Di. He seems to be planning something. If we are not careful, there may be a lot of turmoil."

Zhu Biao's heart tightened, but his face remained calm and respectful: "Father, although Zhu Di has made some moves recently, I believe that the ministers in the court will distinguish right from wrong and will not let him succeed easily."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly and looked deeply at Zhu Biao: "You sound quite confident when you say that. But do you think that you can secure the position of the crown prince by relying on these ministers alone? Some things are time to face them personally." "Father, I will not let you down."

Zhu Biao spoke again, with a hint of firmness in his tone, "Even if the situation is complicated, I will not back down."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, seeming satisfied with Zhu Biao's answer, but the hidden indifference in his eyes did not disappear.

"I hope so." He whispered, then waved his hand and all the ministers in the palace left the hall, leaving only Zhu Biao and his father.

"Prince, since you said you would not back down, I want to see if you are really capable of facing Zhu Di's challenge."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice became low, "However, you must be prepared tonight. I will personally announce something in the court tomorrow."

Zhu Biao could not help but feel a chill in his heart. He was stunned for a moment, then he responded respectfully: "I will obey your command."

That night, the lights in the Prince's Mansion were still on. Zhu Biao stood in front of the window, looking at the night sky in the distance, his heart was in turmoil.

"Uncle." Zhu Biao called softly, with a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Soon, Zhu Han walked into the study from outside. He still had that steady temperament, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle, as if he could see through everything.

Seeing Zhu Biao's slightly heavy expression, Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Biao'er, what's wrong? You look solemn, as if something is difficult to accept."

Zhu Biao sighed softly: "Uncle, my father's words tonight make me feel uneasy. He seems to have begun to waver, perhaps he does not fully trust me."

Zhu Han walked up to him and patted his shoulder gently: "Prince, father's test is to make you stronger."

Zhu Biao frowned, "I understand, uncle. This is not only a response to Zhu Di, but also a response to my father's determination, and even a decision for the future of the entire country."

Zhu Han looked at him deeply, with a gleam in his eyes: "That's right. In the court tomorrow, you need to have enough decisiveness and not let anyone look down on you, especially Zhu Di. Although he is now accumulating power in secret, if you can show your strength, it may not be impossible to shake his position."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, his eyes becoming more determined: "Uncle, I understand. Since my father is testing me in this way, I must let him see my determination."

"Very good." Zhu Han smiled. "Starting from tonight, you must prepare your words and strategies. In the court tomorrow, you must outwit the other heroes and show your courage."

Zhu Biao looked at his uncle, his eyes full of gratitude: "Thank you for your help, uncle."

The next day, the court was in turmoil. Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne as usual, his eyes were deep and his expression was unchanged, as if he was quietly observing everyone's actions.

Ministers followed the custom and reported their opinions one after another. However, the atmosphere today was different from the past. Everyone knew that today would be an extraordinary day.

"Prince, please step forward today." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice sounded slowly, with a majesty that could not be ignored.

Zhu Biao slowly stood up, walked forward calmly, and knelt on one knee: "Father, your son pays homage."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked through him, as if he was carefully studying him: "Prince, do you know why the court was summoned today?"

Zhu Biao bowed his head and replied, "I dare not know, I hope your Majesty will explain it clearly."

"Very good." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes still deep, "Today, I will announce an important decision. From today on, all power departments in the court will be officially presided over by the prince himself. If the situation can be stabilized, he can officially take over the government."

Zhu Biao was shocked, but he remained calm: "Father's intention is..."

"Prince, you must remember that since you are personally in charge, it means you have real power. This responsibility will be completely handed over to you. If you can stabilize the country, you will have laid the foundation for the future of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, and every word revealed a heavy pressure.

Zhu Biao's heart tightened, but he immediately replied calmly: "I will not disappoint you, father, and I will do my best."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly, his eyes deep: "Very good, I hope you can do as you said."

"Uncle." A gentle voice came from behind, interrupting Zhu Han's thoughts. He turned around and saw Gu Qingping, Zhu Biao's wife, with a hint of worry and concern in her eyes.

"Qingping." Zhu Han nodded slightly and smiled a little tiredly, "Why did you come to see me?"

Gu Qingping stood still and whispered, "The prince seems to be restless recently, often wandering around the study, and there are many things in his mind that he can't let go. As the emperor's uncle, can you talk to the prince and help him sort out his thoughts?"

"I will find a chance to talk to the prince." Zhu Han responded softly, turning to look at the palace wall in the distance, "However, Qingping, the prince's predicament is not as simple as just being restless."

Gu Qingping was slightly stunned: "You mean..."

Zhu Han turned around, his eyes flashing with determination: "His biggest problem now is not the superficial loyalty of the powerful officials, but the fact that his confidence and ability have been shaken. Although Zhu Biao has become the crown prince, he does not have much power to use. His father's cold eyes have prevented him from breaking through that shackle."

Gu Qingping nodded silently, her expression becoming even more serious: "Yes, the prince sometimes shows unbearable fatigue and confusion. After all, he not only has to face external pressure, but also the test of his father."

Zhu Han immediately took a few steps closer, his eyes firm, "This is exactly what I am worried about. Although your majesty's attitude is unclear, Zhu Biao's growth cannot wait. If the prince keeps delaying and cannot even form his own influence in the court, it will probably be more difficult to deal with Zhu Di in the end."

A trace of worry flashed across Gu Qingping's eyes: "So, how does the emperor's uncle plan to help the prince?"

Zhu Han took a deep breath and looked towards the magnificent study in the Crown Prince's Mansion. "Only if he can step out of His Majesty's shadow as soon as possible and truly take control of the government independently, can he show true decisiveness when facing challenges."

He paused, and said in a low voice: "I intend to give him a chance and let him face the decisive battle in person. It is not only a power struggle with Zhu Di, but also a fight against the inner demons of my father." (End of this chapter)