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

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Mr. Li is absolutely right. We must let everyone know that this corruption investigation is no joke, nor is it a personal grudge. It is for the future of Ming Dynasty."

At this time, an aide in charge of intelligence hurried into the study, looking nervous: "Your Highness, there is an emergency! Some rumors unfavorable to you have begun to spread in the court, saying that your investigation into corruption is actually to eliminate dissidents and consolidate your position."

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this, but then relaxed his brows and sneered, "Humph, I have already expected these methods. Pass the order on to all personnel involved in the investigation to keep a low profile and not disclose any details of the operation. At the same time, strengthen the intelligence network in the capital and make sure to find out the source of these rumors."

General Zhao took the order and left, and fell into deep thought again in the study. Zhu Han knew that this was a battle of psychology and wisdom, and if he was not careful, he might lose everything.

At the same time, in Zhu Di's mansion, he was sipping tea proudly and listening to the report from his trusted advisers.

"Your Highness, everything is just as you expected. Rumors unfavorable to King Han have begun to spread in the court." The young strategist said excitedly.

Zhu Di smiled slightly, with a hint of pride in his eyes: "Okay, this is just the first step. Next, we need to let those court officials who are dissatisfied with Zhu Han stand up and publicly question his motives."

The old counselor frowned slightly and reminded: "Your Highness, this move may temporarily disrupt King Han's sight, but if it continues for a long time, it may cause dissatisfaction to His Majesty."

Zhu Di shook his head slightly, his tone full of unquestionable confidence: "The old counselor is worrying too much. Although your majesty is wise, there are many affairs in the court, and he can't know everything. We just need to grasp the right measure and let the King of Han take care of himself."

The young counselor agreed, "Your Highness is right. Moreover, we can use those court officials who are dissatisfied with King Han to create more chaos in the court and make King Han exhausted."

Zhu Di nodded, with a cunning light in his eyes: "Very good, let's act according to this plan. However, remember to be careful and don't leave any handles."

In the court, a debate about Zhu Han's motives for investigating corruption quietly unfolded. Under Zhu Di's secret encouragement, some court officials who were originally dissatisfied with Zhu Han stood up and questioned Zhu Han's motives.

"Does His Royal Highness Prince Han have any ulterior motives in this corruption crackdown? I and other officials have doubts." A court official stood up and spoke sharply.

Zhu Han remained calm and responded calmly: "This time, I am investigating corruption for the sake of the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty, for the trust of Your Majesty, and for the well-being of the people. If anyone has doubts about me, please provide evidence and I will answer them one by one."

Upon seeing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao also stood up and said in a firm voice: "I believe in Uncle Han's character and his determination to investigate corruption this time. If you have any doubts, please base your arguments on facts and evidence."

The atmosphere in the court was tense for a moment. The eyes of the ministers shifted back and forth between Zhu Han and the ministers who questioned him, as if they were all waiting for a more intense confrontation to follow.

Among the courtiers who questioned Zhu Han, one who disagreed with Zhu Han on a daily basis stood up and said provocatively, "Your Highness Prince Han's words are true, but people's hearts are different. Who can guarantee that what Your Highness thinks in his heart is as pure as Your Highness says?"

Zhu Han's expression did not change when he heard this, but his eyes became more determined: "This king has always acted in an upright manner. If anyone doubts that my motives are impure, they can present evidence and let Your Majesty make a clear judgment. Instead of making unfounded speculations here."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao stood straighter at this time, his voice full of trust in Zhu Han: "I can testify that Uncle Han is dedicated to the public. This investigation into corruption is for the stability of our Ming Dynasty and the well-being of the people. My fellow nobles, please do not let personal grudges blind your eyes."

At this time, an upright official, a censor known for his integrity and outspokenness, stood up. Holding a tablet in his hand, he spoke in a loud voice: "I believe that clearing up corruption is beneficial to the country and the people. Your Highness Prince Han is brave enough to take on the responsibility, which is a blessing for our Ming Dynasty. I beg Your Majesty to grant Your Highness Prince Han full power so that the corrupt officials in the court can be cleared out as soon as possible."

As soon as these words were spoken, the court officials who supported the reform echoed them one after another, and the atmosphere temporarily tilted towards Zhu Han's side.

However, Zhu Di did not give up. He raised a sneer at the corner of his mouth, slowly stood up, and said in a low and powerful voice: "Your Majesty, I think that while it is important to investigate corruption, the methods and means must also be considered. Your Highness Prince Han's actions this time are too radical, which may cause unrest in the court and the country, which is not a blessing for our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han looked at Zhu Di with a sharp gaze, "Prince Yan, what you said is wrong. The harm of corruption is like a woodworm eating away at wood. If it is not eliminated in time, how can our Ming Dynasty be stable? This action of yours is to prevent it from happening."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was not to be outdone, "Fourth brother, what you said is wrong. Uncle Han's move is to consolidate the foundation of our Ming Dynasty and ensure that my father's country can be passed on. I think that fourth brother should fully support Uncle Han's move instead of questioning him without reason."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, his eyes deep, as if he was examining the performance of each of his ministers. After a long while, he slowly spoke, his voice majestic and steady: "I already know what you said. Brother Han is investigating corruption for the long-term benefit of our Ming Dynasty, and I am very pleased. However, what Zhu Di said is not completely unreasonable. We must be cautious in investigating corruption and not act too hastily."

He paused and turned his gaze to Zhu Han: "Brother Han, I have ordered you to preside over the investigation of corruption. I hope you can be fair and make careful plans to eradicate corruption and ensure stability in the government and the country."

Zhu Han bowed and said firmly, "I will obey your orders and live up to your high expectations."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, and then looked at Zhu Di: "Di'er, you also need to fully assist my brother Han and work together to maintain a clean government. If you have any more doubts, you should base them on facts and not make any unwarranted speculations."

Although Zhu Di was unwilling, he had to bow and accept the order: "Your son obeys your order."

At this time, an old minister who was on good terms with Zhu Han stood up and said in a gentle but firm voice: "Your Majesty, I think that the corruption investigation by Prince Han is a relief after a long drought in the court. However, the roots of corruption have been deep-rooted for a long time and cannot be eradicated in one day. I beg Your Majesty to allow Prince Han to take full charge of this matter and provide necessary support and assistance."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing approval: "My dear minister, what you said is very true. Brother Han, I will give you full authority to investigate corruption in the court. You must act carefully and ensure that you are fair and strict and do not make any mistakes."

Zhu Han bowed and said in a firm voice: "I accept your order and will do my best to live up to your majesty's expectations." In the court, all the ministers cast complicated glances at Zhu Han, some with admiration and some with fear.

After the court session ended, Zhu Han did not leave immediately, but called out to Crown Prince Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, I have something to discuss with you."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao hurriedly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Uncle Han, if you have any instructions, please feel free to tell me."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and said calmly: "Your Highness, the investigation of corruption is a very serious matter. I need your support in the court so that it can be carried out smoothly."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly: "Uncle Han, rest assured, I will give my full support. I will argue in court and clear the obstacles for reform."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, and then looked at the upright people beside him: "My Lords, the investigation of corruption still depends on your influence among the people. I hope you can spread the word, let the people know the importance of this matter, and form strong public opinion support."

After the court session, Zhu Di returned to his residence and immediately summoned his trusted advisers to discuss countermeasures. He sat in his study, his face gloomy and his eyes sharp: "Everyone, today in the court, Prince Han is in the limelight. We must find his weakness and deal him a heavy blow."

A young strategist stepped forward, his voice filled with urgency: "Your Highness, I think we can find a breakthrough from King Han's confidants. They may know some unknown secrets that are enough to put King Han in trouble."

Zhu Di nodded slightly, but a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "Although this plan is brilliant, King Han is cautious, and his trusted people must be very tight-lipped. We need to find a foolproof plan to ensure that we will succeed."

The old strategist hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Highness, I think we can start with King Han's family. They may become our weak spot."

Zhu Di heard this, and a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes: "Family... Humph, good idea. Pass the order down and have people closely monitor every move of Prince Han's Mansion, especially his family. Once you find an opportunity, take action immediately."

Zhu Di stood up, walked to the window, stared at the night outside, and said in a low and powerful voice: "King Han is a man of both wisdom and courage, and he acts openly and honestly. If we confront him head-on, we may not be able to win easily. However, on the battlefield, victory or defeat often depends on details and strategies. We must use all available resources, including... emotions."

He turned around, his eyes as sharp as a hawk, scanning every counselor present: "Remember, our goal is not only to defeat King Han, but also to consolidate my position in the court and pave the way for the future. Any means, as long as they can serve this overall situation, are legitimate."

The young strategist seemed to understand something and raised his head and said, "Your Highness is far-sighted and I admire you. However, the Prince Han's mansion is heavily guarded, and it may not be easy to get close to his family."

The old counselor smiled slightly, with a cunning light flashing in his eyes: "This is not difficult. Your Highness can secretly contact those officials who are dissatisfied with King Han, especially those whose interests have been damaged by the reform. Some of them may be willing to help us and disintegrate King Han's defenses from within."

Zhu Di nodded approvingly upon hearing this: "This is a great plan. However, we must be careful and not let the news leak out. What we need to do is to make King Han walk into our trap without knowing it."

At this time, a servant hurried into the study and bowed to report: "Your Highness, there is urgent news. There seems to be unusual movement on the border. The enemy seems to be gathering troops. The intention is unclear."

Zhu Di frowned and quickly weighed the pros and cons. The war on the border and the power struggle in the court were intertwined, forcing him to be more cautious in his layout.

"Inform the border generals to step up their vigilance and ensure peace in the border. At the same time, continue to monitor the movements of Prince Han's Mansion and report any disturbance immediately." Zhu Di ordered in a deep voice.

At the same time, in Prince Han's mansion, Zhu Han was having dinner with his family. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious, in stark contrast to the tense situation in the court.

Zhu Han's wife gently picked up some food for him, her eyes full of care: "My dear, no matter how turbulent the outside world is, this place will always be your safe haven."

Zhu Han felt a warm current in his heart when he heard this. He smiled and held his wife's hand, and gently responded: "With you here, I am naturally fearless. However, the affairs of the court are linked to each other. As a member of the royal family, I need to be vigilant at all times and not slack off in the slightest."

At this time, Zhu Han's eldest son, a boy of about ten years old, looked up with curiosity and admiration in his eyes and asked, "Father, can the reforms you proposed in the court today really make the Ming Dynasty better?"

Zhu Han looked at his son's young but determined face, his heart filled with relief and responsibility. He squatted down, looked his son straight in the eye, and said seriously: "Although the road to reform is long and difficult, as long as we uphold justice and care about the people, the Ming Dynasty will surely usher in a more prosperous era. As my son, you will also have to shoulder this responsibility in the future, understand?"

The young man nodded vigorously, his eyes sparkling with longing for the future: "I understand, father. I will study hard and contribute to the Ming Dynasty like you in the future."

Zhu Han patted his son's shoulder gently, stood up, and glanced at every family member present. His tone was firm and warm: "With your support behind me, I am more convinced that we will succeed. Reform is not only for the court, but also for our family, so that our children and grandchildren can live in a more fair and just world."

After dinner, Zhu Han went to the study alone to continue planning the reform. The candlelight in the study flickered, illuminating his focused and serious face. At this time, a trusted aide hurried in, looking a little anxious: "Your Highness, there is urgent news. Those officials in the court who are dissatisfied with the reform seem to be secretly colluding to obstruct our plan."

Zhu Han frowned slightly, but soon regained his composure. He said in a deep voice, "They can't hold back after all. Pass the order to strengthen intelligence gathering and make sure to grasp their movements. At the same time, strengthen the connection with the upright people in the court to ensure that our reform ideas can be widely spread and win more people's hearts."

In Zhu Di's mansion, a conspiracy was going on. Zhu Di sat in the main seat, his face gloomy and his eyes cold.
The counselors sat around and discussed in low voices how to deal with Zhu Han.

"Your Highness, we have followed your instructions and started to closely monitor the movements of Prince Han's Mansion." A young strategist reported in a low voice. (End of this chapter)