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

Zhu Di nodded slightly, with a fierce look in his eyes: "Very good, continue to strengthen surveillance, especially the family of King Han. I want to find the weakness that can hit with one strike."

The old counselor pondered for a moment and suggested, "Your Highness, perhaps we can start with King Han's political enemies in the court, sow discord among them, let them kill each other, and thus weaken King Han's power."

Zhu Di heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This is a great plan. Pass the order down and secretly contact those officials who are dissatisfied with King Han, and provide them with enough benefits to tempt them so that they can become our pawns."

The counselors followed their orders, and the study once again fell into a tense and orderly busyness. Zhu Di stood in front of the window, gazing at the capital in the night, secretly thinking about his next move.

"Your Highness, do we need to make some other preparations in case King Han notices something?" a middle-aged strategist asked cautiously.

Zhu Di turned around, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes: "Of course. Prince Han is a man of both wisdom and courage. We should not underestimate him. In addition to disintegrating his power from within, we also need to create more chaos from the outside to make it difficult for him to take care of everything."

"What do you think, Your Highness?" another adviser asked anxiously.

Zhu Di smiled slightly, with a cunning light in his eyes: "We can make use of the upright people in the court. Although they are famous, they are often too idealistic and ignorant of worldly affairs. We can secretly instigate them to have conflicts with King Han, thus forming an opposing situation in the court."

"Great plan!" The middle-aged counselor clapped his hands in praise. "In this way, King Han not only has to deal with our offensive, but also has to distract himself to calm the anger of the Qingliu people. It can be said that he is attacked from both sides."

"But how to sow discord between them?" A young strategist seemed a little confused. He had just entered the officialdom and was not very familiar with these political tactics.

The old counselor smiled slightly, with wisdom flashing in his eyes: "This is not difficult. We can spread some false news, such as that King Han intends to suppress the upright people and intends to monopolize power. At the same time, let some upright people who are dissatisfied with King Han publicly accuse him in the court. This way, it will naturally arouse the anger of the upright people."

Zhu Di nodded in approval: "This is a very good plan. However, we must make sure it is done perfectly and not let King Han realize that we are behind it. Once he becomes alert, our plan will be ruined."

The counselors nodded one after another, indicating that they understood. Zhu Di looked around and saw that everyone looked resolute, which made him feel a little relieved.

"In addition," Zhu Di pondered for a moment and continued, "We must also strengthen our intelligence work to ensure that we are fully aware of King Han's every move. Only in this way can we respond in advance before his attack arrives."

"Don't worry, Your Highness," a counselor in charge of intelligence stepped forward and bowed, "We have increased our surveillance of Prince Han's Palace and sent more spies to infiltrate various forces in the court to ensure that we can obtain the latest intelligence in a timely manner."

Zhu Di nodded slightly, showing his satisfaction. He stood up, walked to the center of the study, and said with a sharp gaze: "Okay! Then we will act according to the plan. 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 it can serve this overall situation, is legitimate!"

The counselors bowed and saluted, and responded in unison: "As you command, Your Highness!"

At the same time, in the study of Prince Han's mansion, Zhu Han was also discussing countermeasures with his trusted staff. Under the flickering candlelight, his face looked particularly solemn.

"Your Majesty, those officials in the court who are dissatisfied with the reform have begun to collude secretly, intending to obstruct our plan." Zhao Canjun reported worriedly, "We must prepare in advance to prevent any unexpected events."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "Since they can't hold back, let's have some fun with them. Pass the order down, strengthen intelligence gathering, and make sure to grasp their movements. At the same time, strengthen the connection with the upright people, and ensure that they can speak for us in the court."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Officer Zhao took the order and left. The study room fell into silence again, with only the sound of the candlelight flickering in the air.

Zhu Han stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the capital city in the night.

"Your Highness," Mr. Li stepped forward and said softly, "We also need to pay attention to Zhu Di's movements. He is a cunning man and must be guarded against."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with determination: "Don't worry, I know what to do. Although Zhu Di is cunning, as long as we proceed step by step and be careful, he will not be able to take advantage of us."

After saying this, he turned around and glanced at his staff: "Everyone, this reform not only concerns the future of the court, but also the rise and fall of our Ming Dynasty. We must work together to overcome the difficulties!"

The staff members bowed and saluted, and responded in unison: "We are willing to serve the prince at our whim!"

In the study, the candlelight was still swaying, reflecting Zhu Han's resolute face. He pondered for a moment and said to his staff: "Everyone, Zhu Di is cunning and changeable. We must not take it lightly. Next, we must start from many aspects to ensure the smooth progress of the reform."

Military Officer Zhao stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is right. I think we need to strengthen intelligence gathering. We should not only monitor those officials in the court who are dissatisfied with the reform, but also keep an eye on Zhu Di's movements to prevent him from doing bad things secretly."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "General Zhao is right. This matter will be handed over to you. Make sure the intelligence network is tight and efficient."

At this time, the staff member who was responsible for contacting the clean and honest people spoke up: "Your Highness, the clean and honest people are very enthusiastic about the reform. They are widely spreading the benefits of the reform among the people, and are also actively supporting Your Highness in the court. But I am worried that Zhu Di may use their reputation to create trouble."

Zhu Han frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "This matter does require careful handling. You should immediately go to the clean people and remind them to be more vigilant. At the same time, continue to strengthen our propaganda work among the people so that more people can understand the truth and support reform."

Mr. Li also stepped forward and added: "Your Highness, in addition to intelligence and public opinion, we also need to strengthen the construction of the legal system, clarify the crime of corruption, and let all officials have laws to follow. I have begun to revise the draft law and intend to increase the punishment for corrupt officials."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "Mr. Li's move is very good. Revising the law is the fundamental strategy. We must ensure fairness and strictness so that all officials will be exposed."

Just as everyone was discussing, hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the door. A servant hurried into the study and reported nervously: "Your Highness, urgent news from the border! The enemy army seems to have made some unusual movements and is gathering its forces. Their intentions are unclear!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han's face darkened. He quickly stood up and ordered his attendant, "Hurry up and present the urgent report!" The attendant quickly handed over the urgent report. Zhu Han took it and glanced through it. Then he said to his staff, "The situation on the border is turbulent again. We must remain vigilant. General Zhang, you must go to the border immediately to assist in the defense and ensure peace on the border."

General Zhang received the order and was about to leave when Zhu Han added, "At the same time, strengthen communication with the border commanders to ensure smooth flow of intelligence. Report any disturbance immediately."

General Zhang bowed and hurried away. The atmosphere in the study became solemn again. Zhu Han looked around at his staff and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, the road to reform is full of twists and turns, but we cannot retreat. We must meet every challenge together with firm belief and unremitting efforts."

"Your Highness, King Han has strengthened border defenses and sent General Zhang to assist. Do we need to adjust our strategy?" a young strategist stepped forward and asked.

Zhu Di smiled slightly, with a sly look in his eyes: "Adjust strategy? No, we just need to wait for the right opportunity. The more nervous Prince Han is, the easier it will be for him to reveal his flaws."

He turned to the counselor in charge of intelligence and said, "You must immediately intensify intelligence gathering and make sure you find out every move of King Han in the border areas. At the same time, continue to spread rumors that are unfavorable to King Han, so that he will be isolated and helpless in the court."

The intelligence counselor took the order and left. Zhu Di turned his attention to another counselor: "You are responsible for contacting those court officials who are dissatisfied with King Han, providing them with more support, and letting them attack King Han more actively in the court."

The counselor took the order and left, and Zhu Di was left alone in the study again. He sat alone at the desk, staring at the candlelight, secretly thinking about his next move.

On the battlefield at the border, the shouts of killing shook the earth, and the two armies clashed fiercely. Zhu Han stood on a high platform, holding a spear, and personally supervised the battle. His eyes were as sharp as torches, closely watching every movement on the battlefield.

"Your Highness, the enemy's attack is fierce and our army has suffered heavy casualties!" A messenger hurried over and reported anxiously.

Zhu Han gritted his teeth, his eyes more determined: "Pass the order down, the entire army must hold their positions and not retreat! At the same time, order the scouts to continue to explore the enemy's movements and look for opportunities to counterattack!"

The messenger took the order and left, while Zhu Han continued to stand on the platform and work with the soldiers to resist the enemy's attack.

In the capital, Crown Prince Zhu Biao was also closely following the war situation on the border and the progress of reforms in the court.

"Is there any new news from the upright people?" Zhu Biao asked anxiously in the study.

A trusted aide quickly stepped forward to report: "Your Highness, the upright people are actively spreading the benefits of reform and actively supporting Your Highness Prince Han in the court. But Zhu Di is also secretly working to create trouble."

Zhu Biao frowned and said in a deep voice: "We must strengthen our ties with them to ensure that the voice of reform is not covered by Zhu Di's conspiracy. At the same time, we must also remind them to act carefully to avoid falling into Zhu Di's trap."

The trusted staff bowed and accepted the order. Just as they were about to leave, Zhu Biao added, "Also, strengthen the contact with Uncle Han Wang to ensure that he can be informed of the situation in the capital in a timely manner so that he can respond. At the same time, we should also start preparing for a court meeting and invite all the court officials who support the reform to discuss countermeasures together to create a greater momentum."

The trusted staff nodded and quickly left to carry out the order. The study room was quiet again, but Zhu Biao's heart was difficult to calm down.

At the same time, in Zhu Han's study, Zhu Han was urgently discussing the border war and the situation in the court with several of his trusted aides. Zhao Canjun hurried in and reported nervously: "Your Highness, there is an urgent report from the capital. Zhu Di is active in the court and seems to be targeting us."

Zhu Han frowned and said in a deep voice, "As expected, Zhu Di will not sit idly by and watch us smoothly carry out the reform. Mr. Li, you should immediately write a letter to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, reporting the situation on the border and the court in detail, and ask him to strengthen precautions."

Mr. Li accepted the order and was about to leave when Zhu Han added, "At the same time, strengthen the intelligence network in the capital to ensure that we can grasp Zhu Di's every move in a timely manner. General Zhao, you will be responsible for this matter personally and there must not be any omissions."

General Zhao bowed and turned to leave. Zhu Han looked at his back and prayed in his heart that everything would be settled as soon as possible.

In Zhu Di's mansion, Zhu Di was conspiring with several of his trusted advisers. A young adviser stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, according to the spies, the influence of the clean officials among the people is growing day by day, which is extremely unfavorable to us."

Zhu Di sneered, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes. "Hmph, those scholars who can only talk nonsense are not to be feared. Send down the order and have people spread rumors that the upright people are colluding with the King of Han and intend to overthrow the government, causing panic among the people."

Upon hearing this, the old counselor frowned slightly and reminded: "Your Highness, although this move can temporarily confuse the public, it may arouse public anger and be detrimental to your reputation."

Zhu Di waved his hand and said, "Reputation? As long as we can achieve our goal, what does reputation mean? Pass the order down and execute it immediately. At the same time, contact those officials in the court who are dissatisfied with Prince Han and ask them to jointly submit a memorial to impeach Prince Han."

At the gathering place of the clean-minded people, several clean-minded people were gathering together to discuss countermeasures. An older clean-minded person said in a deep voice: "In recent days, Zhu Di has been active in the court, intending to obstruct our reform cause. We must be vigilant and strengthen self-protection."

Another upright person said indignantly: "Zhu Di, for his own selfish interests, is willing to damage the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. We must not let him succeed!"

At this time, a young man of integrity suggested: "We can unite the people of the capital and launch a massive demonstration to show His Majesty our determination and strength."

The older and more upright people nodded in agreement: "This is a great plan. At the same time, we must also strengthen public opinion propaganda to expose Zhu Di's conspiracy and let more people know the truth."

On the battlefield at the border, shouts of killing were heard one after another, and the two armies were fighting fiercely. Zhu Han stood on a high platform, holding a spear and looking at the enemy with a sharp gaze. He had to hold his ground and wait for reinforcements to arrive.

"Your Majesty, the enemy's attack is fierce and our army has suffered heavy casualties!" A messenger came running over and reported anxiously. (End of this chapter)