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

Chapter 879 Zhu Di’s little trick to win over important officials!
"Commander Li," Zhu Di said solemnly to Li Fang, the commander of the Jinyiwei, who came to report in his study, "The situation in the court is delicate recently. You need to be more careful and make sure to find evidence against those who are against us."

Li Fang bowed, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my best to live up to your high expectations."

Afterwards, Li Fang summoned several capable officers from the Jinyiwei and deployed a detailed action plan to collect evidence. This was a sensitive and dangerous task, and the slightest mistake could lead to disaster.

"Captain Zhang, you are responsible for keeping a close eye on the Minister of Revenue. He is in charge of the financial power, and he must have a lot of money." Li Fang said to a captain with a stern face.

Captain Zhang nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, Commander, I will definitely find his flaws."

"Captain Wang, go monitor the Minister of Works. He is in charge of border fortifications and has a close relationship with Crown Prince Zhu Biao. You must be careful in your actions." Li Fang then instructed another captain.

A trace of determination flashed in Captain Wang's eyes: "Commander, I understand and will complete the mission."

Afterwards, Li Fang made detailed division of labor for several other members of the Jinyiwei to ensure that every key position in the court was under their surveillance.

At the same time, in the residence of the Minister of Revenue, Captain Zhang was quietly hiding in the dark, observing the Minister's every move. He noticed that the Minister would go into the study alone every night and turn off the lights until late at night to rest. Captain Zhang had an idea and decided to sneak into the study at night to find out what was going on.

In the dead of night, Captain Zhang used his superb skills to easily avoid the guards of the Shangshu Mansion and sneaked into the study. He quickly searched the study and finally found a stack of account books in a hidden drawer. When he opened it, he found that it recorded in detail the improper transactions between the Shangshu and some merchants.

"Haha, there is indeed a harvest!" Captain Zhang was overjoyed. He quickly put away the account book carefully and quietly left the Shangshu Mansion.

Meanwhile, Captain Wang also made a breakthrough in the Shangshu Mansion. By bribing a trusted servant in the Shangshu Mansion, he learned that the Shangshu had a secret relationship with a frontier general. After a thorough investigation, Captain Wang finally intercepted a secret letter between them, which involved kickbacks and profit transfers for frontier projects.

"Now, let's see how he can argue!" Captain Wang sneered and kept the secret letter safely.

As the Jinyiwei conducted an in-depth investigation, the evidence of the ministers in the court was exposed one by one. Zhu Di sat in the study, reading the intelligence summary presented by Li Fang, with a satisfied smile on his face.

"Good! Commander Li, you did a great job." Zhu Di gently put down the intelligence and praised Li Fang, "With these handles, those restless people in the court will never dare to easily become my enemy again."

Li Fang bowed and saluted: "Your Highness is wise, and I am only doing my duty to help you."

However, Zhu Di was not satisfied with this.

"Commander Li, next, you need to verify these evidences one by one to ensure that they are correct. At the same time, you must continue to monitor the developments in the court. If you discover anyone with ill intentions, report to me immediately." Zhu Di ordered in a deep voice.

After receiving the order, Li Fang knew that the task was arduous, but he was also full of fighting spirit. He summoned the elites of the Jinyiwei and once again emphasized the confidentiality and importance of the mission.

"Everyone, the intelligence in our hands is directly related to the safety of His Highness and the stability of the court. Every step we take must be cautious, and there must not be the slightest mistake." Li Fang's voice was low and powerful, and his eyes revealed unquestionable majesty.

"Captain Zhang, you are very experienced, so this time I'll leave the Minister of Revenue to you. Remember, you must not only find evidence against him, but also ensure that our actions are foolproof." Li Fang gave special instructions.

Captain Zhang bowed and said firmly, "Don't worry, Commander. I will live up to your trust and get all the evidence against the Minister of Revenue."

"Captain Wang, the situation with the Minister of Works is complicated, so you need to be more careful. Not only should you collect information on his secret dealings with frontier generals, but you should also pay attention to his interactions with other ministers, perhaps you can find more clues." Li Fang turned to Captain Wang, his tone more serious.

Captain Wang nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Commander, I understand. I will do everything I can to ensure the success of the mission."

As night fell, Captain Zhang quietly sneaked into the residence of the Minister of Revenue. Using the cover of night, he easily avoided the guards and came to the study of the Minister. The study was brightly lit, and the Minister was busy processing official documents, not realizing that danger was approaching quietly.

Captain Zhang held his breath, quietly approached the study window, and peeked in through the gap. He noticed that the Shangshu was flipping through some seemingly ordinary account books from time to time, but there was a subtle worry between his eyebrows. Captain Zhang had an idea and decided to sneak into the study when the Shangshu left.

Soon, the Shangshu got up and left the study to walk in the backyard. Captain Zhang took the opportunity to quickly enter the study and began to search carefully. He opened the seemingly ordinary account books one by one, and finally found a clue in an inconspicuous account book - it recorded in detail a large number of illegal transactions between the Shangshu and merchants.

"Haha, I finally found it!" Captain Zhang was secretly delighted. He quickly hid the account book in his arms, then quietly left the study and disappeared into the night.

At the same time, Captain Wang also launched an operation in the mansion of the Minister of Works. He used the servants he bribed as his insider to easily obtain the secret letters between the Minister and the frontier generals. However, he was not satisfied with this and decided to dig deeper for more clues.

Wang Baihu disguised himself as a servant of the Shangshu Mansion and sneaked into the hall where the Shangshu met guests on a daily basis. He hid in the dark and carefully observed the conversations between the Shangshu and each visitor. After some observation, he found that there seemed to be an unusual tacit understanding and communication between the Shangshu and several important officials in the court.

"It seems that there is some kind of interest chain among these ministers." Captain Wang thought to himself and decided to continue tracking these important ministers in the hope of finding more evidence.

"Commander Li, you did a great job," Zhu Di praised. "With this information, my position in the court will be more secure. But remember, we must use these handles to consolidate our power, not abuse them to attack innocent people."

Li Fang bowed and saluted: "Your Highness is wise, I will follow your instructions."

Zhu Di sat in the study, playing with an exquisite jade pendant in his hand, his eyes deep and complex. Although he had collected evidence of the ministers in the court through the Jinyiwei, it was not enough to win the hearts of the people, and he had to use more sophisticated political skills.

At this time, a servant knocked on the door gently. After getting permission, the servant respectfully reported: "Your Highness, the Minister of Revenue Li wants to see you." Zhu Di smiled slightly, and had already made up his mind. "Please let him in."

After a while, the Minister of Revenue, Lord Li, walked into the study and bowed, saying, "Greetings to His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince."

Zhu Di stood up and personally went forward to help Lord Li up, saying in a friendly and sincere tone: "Lord Li, there is no need to be polite. Please take a seat. What is the important matter that brought you here today?"

Lord Li hesitated a little, but finally mustered up the courage to say, "Your Highness, I have heard some rumors in the court recently, which are quite unfavorable to Your Highness. Although I am not talented, I hope to help Your Highness solve the problem."

Zhu Di's expression remained unchanged when he heard this, but he was thinking secretly in his heart. Lord Li must have come here to ask for something, or he felt the pressure and wanted to seek protection. So he pretended to be surprised and asked: "Oh? Is this true? Lord Li, have you heard the rumor?"

Lord Li hesitated for a moment, and finally said: "I heard that someone secretly spread rumors that Your Highness is ambitious and has bad intentions. I know that Your Highness is loyal to the emperor and patriotic, and these rumors are pure nonsense, but people's words are scary, and I am afraid that they will be detrimental to Your Highness."

Zhu Di sighed softly, looking quite helpless: "Yes, people's words are scary. Lord Li spoke up for me, and I am grateful to him. But, I am afraid there are people with ulterior motives behind these rumors."

Lord Li quickly expressed his position: "Your Highness, rest assured. I will do my best to clear up the misunderstanding for Your Highness and maintain Your Highness's reputation."

Zhu Di smiled slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Lord Li is loyal, how could I not know that? However, the situation in the court is complicated, and I am afraid that I can't turn the tide with my own strength. I need a loyal person like Lord Li to work with me on great things."

Upon hearing this, Lord Li was delighted and immediately knelt down to express his loyalty: "I am willing to sacrifice my life for Your Highness, and I will do anything for you!"

Zhu Di personally helped Lord Li up, and said in a more cordial tone: "Lord Li, you are too kind. I just hope that we can work together and do our part for the Ming Dynasty."

Afterwards, Zhu Di had an in-depth conversation with Lord Li, discussing everything from the changes in the government to the sufferings of the people. He skillfully used his political wisdom to show his trust and respect for Lord Li, while quietly hinting at his plans and prospects for the future.

After seeing off Lord Li, Zhu Di returned to his study with a satisfied smile on his face. Next, he would continue to use the same method to gather those ministers in the court who were useful to him one by one.

Not long after, Zhu Di's study welcomed another important visitor - the Minister of Works, Mr. Zhao. Unlike Mr. Li's cautiousness, Mr. Zhao seemed more straightforward and bold.

"Your Highness the Fourth Prince, I heard that you have been very active in the court recently. I wonder if you have any plans to conspire with me, an old minister, to do something big?" Lord Zhao asked directly as he entered the room.

Zhu Di smiled and stepped forward. "Lord Zhao is a man of quick words. I admire you. To be honest, I do have great ambitions to expand the territory of Ming and enhance our country's prestige. However, the situation in the court is complicated and changeable, and it is difficult to accomplish it alone. That's why I came to ask Lord Zhao to discuss the big plan with me."

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhao's eyes flashed with excitement: "Your Highness, what you said is exactly what I want! Although I am old and frail, I am still loyal. As long as Your Highness can use me, please give me your orders!"

Zhu Di held Lord Zhao's hand and said sincerely, "Lord Zhao is wrong. You are experienced and a pillar of the court. With your help, I will be even more powerful. However, I have a favor to ask of you."

Lord Zhao asked quickly, "Your Highness, please feel free to speak."

Zhu Di pondered for a moment and said slowly: "My Highness hopes that Lord Zhao can publicize my Highness's achievements and ambitions in the court. At the same time, please pay attention to the developments in the court. If there are any remarks or actions that are not conducive to my Highness, please inform me in time."

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhao patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness! I will take care of this matter!"

Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction, his eyes flashing with trust and expectation for Lord Zhao.

"Lord Zhao, I have always admired your loyalty and bravery. What you said today is exactly what I want."

Zhu Di gently patted Lord Zhao on the shoulder, his eyes revealing some deep meaning, and slowly said: "Lord Zhao, you know that true wisdom lies not only in far-reaching planning, but also in the insight and grasp of people's hearts. Those diehards may be stubborn, but they often have their own interests behind them. What we need to do is to find the lever that can pry open their defenses."

Lord Zhao nodded thoughtfully, and after a moment's silence, he replied, "Your Highness is right. I am too stupid to say this. But I wonder what your Highness thinks?"

Zhu Di smiled slightly, turned and walked to the window, looking at the prosperous capital outside the window, and slowly said: "I can't say that my opinion is brilliant, but I do have some ideas. For example, Minister Zhang, who has always regarded himself as honest, is actually seriously ill at home and needs a lot of money for medical treatment. If we can help him secretly, he may be able to help us one day."

When Lord Zhao heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he was filled with admiration: "Your Highness is really thoughtful and considerate. I admire you!"

Zhu Di turned around, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Lord Zhao, you and I both care about the Ming Dynasty, but in different ways. I think the establishment of this think tank is not only to gather wisdom, but also to unite all forces that can be united to jointly cope with the future storms."

As he spoke, Zhu Di picked up a list from the desk and handed it to Lord Zhao: "These are the candidates I have initially selected. They are either outstanding in talent or highly respected. They are all indispensable talents in the court. What do you think, Lord Zhao?"

Lord Zhao took the list and reviewed it carefully, his eyes sparkling with approval: "Your Highness has a unique vision. These people are all rare talents. I am willing to personally visit them one by one and persuade them."

Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction: "Thank you, Lord Zhao. Remember, when persuading them, we must not only show our sincerity and determination, but also let them see the broad prospects after joining us. The people's support is our most solid backing."

Lord Zhao carefully put away the list, his eyes gleaming with determination, and he bowed to Zhu Di and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my best to live up to your trust. However, these adults have different temperaments, and I still need to carefully study them before I can prescribe the right medicine."