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

Zhu Biao's worries were slightly relieved after hearing this, but he immediately thought of another thing: "Uncle Han, in addition to the reforms of the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, I also want to do something about people's livelihood. However, I have just taken power and am not familiar with many matters. I wonder if Uncle Han has any good ideas?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "People's livelihood is the foundation of a country and cannot be ignored. Biaoer can start by reducing the burden on the people, such as reducing some taxes, encouraging farming, and building water conservancy projects. At the same time, you can also set up relief homes to help those helpless elderly people and children."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han is right. I will start preparing for these matters immediately. However, I still have one concern. The reform requires a large amount of silver to support it, and the national treasury may not be able to support it."

Zhu Han smiled and said, "Don't worry, Biao'er. I have also considered this matter. We can mobilize wealthy businessmen to donate, and at the same time strengthen foreign trade to increase treasury revenue. In addition, all proceeds from corruption must be recovered to fill the treasury."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, but then looked embarrassed: "Uncle Han, although reform is a good thing, there will definitely be resistance in the court. Those with vested interests may join forces to obstruct it."

Zhu Han's eyes were deep and his tone was firm: "Biao'er is right, but reform is imperative. We need to unite all the forces that can be united to fight against resistance. At the same time, we must not be lenient towards those stubborn people."

Zhu Biao heard this and felt a surge of pride in his heart: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will fight side by side with Uncle Han to overcome the difficulties together."

The conversation between Zhu Han and Zhu Biao continued in the back garden of the palace. The night breeze was blowing gently and the moonlight was like water, adding a bit of tranquility and depth to this quiet night.

Zhu Han sighed softly, his eyes far-reaching: "Biao'er, the resistance in the court you mentioned is indeed a reality we have to face. But because of this, we need to be more cautious and win with wisdom."

Zhu Biao nodded, his brows revealing a bit of determination: "Uncle Han is right. I think we can start with public opinion, let everyone in the government and the public know the necessity of reform, and win more people's hearts."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and praised: "This is a great plan. The support of the people often determines success or failure. You can unite the upright people in the court and speak out together to explain the benefits of reform and let the world understand the interests involved."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with excitement: "Uncle Han, rest assured, I will do my best. However, I still have one concern. Many old officials in the court have doubts about the reform. How can we convince them?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Old ministers have experienced a lot of things in the world and have broad knowledge. Their doubts are justified. We need to listen patiently and convince them with reason. At the same time, we can invite them to participate in some reform affairs so that they can witness the results of the reform with their own eyes."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Uncle Han Wang's words make sense, nephew understands. Nephew will do his best to win the support of the old ministers."

The two chatted for a while, and the topic turned to the upcoming imperial examination. Zhu Han frowned slightly, looking a little worried: "The imperial examination is the foundation of the country's selection of talents. We must ensure that it is fair and impartial. However, in recent years, the trend of cheating in the imperial examination has been increasing, which is a shame for the court."

Zhu Biao's face was also solemn when he heard this: "Uncle Han is right. I think we can start from the invigilation, marking and other links, strengthen supervision and severely punish cheating."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement, and then added: "In addition, we can also set up an anonymous reporting mechanism to encourage scholars and all walks of life to report cheating in the imperial examinations. At the same time, those who report true information will be rewarded generously to show the court's determination to combat cheating."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with admiration: "Uncle Han is thoughtful, and I am grateful for your advice. I will fully cooperate with Uncle Han to ensure that this imperial examination is fair and impartial."

The two were talking happily when an attendant came hurriedly and bowed to report: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, the Minister of Revenue has an urgent matter to ask for your attention."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, and both were shocked. Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Please ask him to wait in the study, we will come right away."

The two walked quickly to the study, secretly speculating on the reason why the Minister of Revenue wanted to see him so late at night. Inside the study, the Minister of Revenue had been waiting for a long time, and when he saw the two of them coming, he quickly stood up and saluted.

The Minister of Revenue looked solemn and said, "Your Highness Prince Han and Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have something important to report. Recently, I have discovered many anomalies in the accounts of the Ministry of Revenue. It seems that some officials have privately used public funds. The amount is huge and the impact is extremely bad."

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this: "This matter is very serious. Do you have any solid evidence?"

The Minister of Revenue took out a stack of account books and a secret letter from his sleeve and presented them with both hands: "This is the evidence that I have secretly collected. Your Highnesses, please take a look."

Zhu Han took the account book and the secret letter, and read through them carefully, his face becoming increasingly gloomy. Zhu Biao's face was also livid, and his fists were clenched. After a moment, Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "This matter must be thoroughly investigated, and there will be no leniency!"

The Minister of Revenue bowed and agreed. Just as he was about to leave, Zhu Han suddenly stopped him and said, "Wait a minute. Gather all the officials of the Ministry of Revenue immediately. Tomorrow morning, I will personally interrogate them."

The Minister of Revenue took the order and left, and the study fell into silence again. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, with a determined light flashing in their eyes.

The next morning, the atmosphere in the Ministry of Revenue was solemn. Zhu Han sat on the main seat, his eyes piercing as he scanned the officials standing below. Zhu Biao stood to the side, his expression grim.

Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Everyone, I have received a secret report yesterday that there are serious problems in the accounts of the Ministry of Revenue. Today, I will personally interrogate you. I hope you can answer truthfully and don't make mistakes."

The officials of the Ministry of Revenue looked at each other, some looked nervous, while others pretended to be calm. Zhu Han looked at them one by one with a lightning-like gaze, and then asked, "Is there anyone among you who is willing to confess voluntarily to avoid physical pain?"

After a moment of silence, an official finally couldn't help himself, knelt on the ground, and said in a trembling voice: "Your Highness, please spare my life. I was bewitched for a moment and used public funds privately..."

With the first official's confession, the atmosphere in the Ministry of Revenue became more oppressive. Other officials either bowed their heads in silence or exchanged uneasy glances, obviously weighing their own situations.

Zhu Han's eyes were like torches, and his voice was steady and powerful: "Since someone has taken the lead, others don't have to take chances. I will give you one more chance. If you take the initiative to confess, you may be given a lighter sentence. If you wait for me to verify everything, I will punish you severely!"

These words were like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart. Soon, another official trembled and knelt on the ground, crying: "Your Highness, I am also guilty... I embezzled some of the silver..."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, signaling the guards to record the confessions of these officials. His eyes swept over the officials who had not yet confessed, and his tone revealed a barely perceptible majesty: "Very good, I admire your courage. But remember, escaping is not the solution. Only by facing and correcting can you seek forgiveness."

As officials confessed one after another, the atmosphere in the Ministry of Revenue gradually eased, but everyone was deeply scarred. After the interrogation, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao returned to the study to continue discussing the next countermeasures. Zhu Han looked solemn and said to Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, today's incident shows how deep the corruption in the Ministry of Revenue is. We must take this opportunity to thoroughly investigate and restore the integrity of the court."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Uncle Han is absolutely right. I think we should not only severely punish the corrupt officials who have been found guilty, but also take this opportunity to improve the system to prevent similar problems from happening again."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Biao'er is right. I intend to suggest to Your Majesty that you strengthen the internal supervision of the Ministry of Revenue, set up an independent auditing agency, and regularly check the accounts to ensure that every expenditure is clear and traceable."

Zhu added: "In addition, we can also implement a property declaration system for officials, requiring all officials to regularly disclose their personal assets and accept public supervision, so that corruption will have nowhere to hide."

Zhu Han nodded approvingly: "This is a great plan. However, these reform measures need to be carefully planned and implemented gradually to avoid causing unnecessary unrest."

While the two were discussing, an attendant hurried in to report: "Your Highness, Your Highness Prince Han, the Ministry of Personnel has an urgent document to deliver."

Zhu Han took the document, quickly glanced through it, and frowned: "The Ministry of Personnel has also found similar problems. Some officials have engaged in favoritism and fraud during the selection process."

Zhu Biao's face became more solemn when he heard this: "It seems that this anti-corruption struggle is more complicated than we thought. Uncle Han, we need to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two departments and deal with it together."

Zhu Han nodded, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "That's right. I will go to the Ministry of Personnel immediately to discuss countermeasures with the Minister. Biao'er, you stay in the Ministry of Revenue and continue to organize the records of today's interrogation and prepare to report to His Majesty."

Zhu Biao bowed and responded: "I obey your order."

Zhu Han immediately stood up, strode out of the study, and headed for the Ministry of Personnel. In the lobby of the Ministry of Personnel, the Minister of Personnel had been waiting for a long time, and when he saw Zhu Han coming, he quickly stood up and saluted.

Zhu Han got straight to the point: "Sir, I'm sure you've heard about the Ministry of Revenue. How's the Ministry of Personnel doing?"

The Minister of Personnel looked heavy-hearted and sighed, "Your Highness Prince Han, the situation in the Ministry of Personnel is not optimistic. Some officials took advantage of their positions to accept bribes and commit corruption during the selection process, which seriously affected the fairness and integrity of the court."

Zhu Han heard this, and a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes: "This matter must be thoroughly investigated! Lord Shangshu, you and I must start immediately and conduct a comprehensive investigation of the officials suspected of violating the rules. No leniency!"

The Minister of Personnel nodded, his eyes flickering with determination: "Your Highness Prince Han, rest assured that I will fully cooperate with you and work together to eliminate the malpractices in the Ministry of Personnel."

Zhu Han and the Minister of Personnel exchanged a glance, and both of them had a firm determination that would not tolerate compromise. Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Mr. Minister, this matter concerns the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. We must use drastic measures to deter the villains. From now on, you and I must race against time and eradicate this trend of corruption."

The Minister of Personnel bowed and said firmly, "Your Highness Prince Han is absolutely right. I am willing to fight these parasites to the end. However, this matter involves a lot of people, so I am afraid that we need the cooperation of many parties to ensure that there will be no mistakes."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, thought for a moment and said, "Your Excellency Shangshu's words make sense. I will immediately report to His Majesty and request that you send more capable personnel to assist you and me in thoroughly investigating this matter. At the same time, strengthen communication and coordination with other departments to ensure that information flows smoothly."

The Minister of Personnel nodded and agreed: "I will start preparing immediately, and when your majesty's order comes, I will fully cooperate with your highness in the action."

After the two men had discussed and decided, Zhu Han hurried away and headed straight to the palace to report the matter to Zhu Yuanzhang. Along the way, he felt mixed emotions, including anger at corruption and deep worry about the future of the Ming Dynasty.

When Zhu Yuanzhang entered the imperial study, he was looking down at the memorials. Seeing Zhu Han's hurried look, he put down his pen and asked, "Brother Han, what's the urgent matter?"

Zhu Han bowed and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I have something important to report. The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel have both discovered serious corruption problems. After discussing with the Minister of Personnel, I believe that this matter cannot be delayed and must be thoroughly investigated immediately to rectify the government."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened, and a stern look flashed in his eyes: "Is this true? Tell me the details quickly."

Zhu Han reported the problems found by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel one by one, and finally said: "Your Majesty, corruption is the enemy of the country. If it is not severely punished, it will cause endless harm. I beg Your Majesty to grant you permission to send more people to investigate this matter thoroughly."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Brother Han, you are right. If we don't deal with this matter strictly, how can we convince the people? I will immediately issue an order to send more Jinyiwei to assist you two in thoroughly investigating this matter. We must ensure that the evidence is as solid as a mountain and no one is left out."

Zhu Han was overjoyed when he heard this, and immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "On behalf of the Ming Dynasty, I thank Your Majesty for your grace! I will do my best to live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."

After leaving the imperial study, Zhu Han felt relieved. Returning to the palace, he immediately summoned his trusted staff to convey the emperor's will and made detailed plans for the next action.

At the same time, Zhu Biao was also very busy in the Ministry of Revenue. While sorting out the interrogation records, he was thinking about how to further improve the system to prevent corruption from recurring. As night fell, Zhu Biao finally finished his work and was about to rest when he heard a gentle knock on the door.

"Who?" Zhu Biao asked.

The servant's voice came from outside the door: "Your Highness, His Highness King Han asks you to go to the study immediately. There is something important to discuss."

Zhu Biao's heart trembled, and he quickly put on his coat and hurried to the study. In the study, Zhu Han was standing in front of the window, staring at the night outside the window, his brows furrowed. Seeing Zhu Biao coming in, he turned around and said, "Biao'er, you're just in time. I have a few things to discuss with you."

Zhu Biao stepped forward and bowed, "What do you want, Uncle Han?"

Zhu Han sighed and said, "Today, His Majesty has granted permission to send more Jinyiwei to assist us in investigating corruption. This is a good thing, but I am also worried that it will alert the enemy. You and I need to be more cautious."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. So how should we respond?" (End of this chapter)