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

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "I think we can split our forces into two groups. One group will be an open investigation, led by the Royal Guards, who will search for evidence in a high-profile manner; the other group will be a covert investigation, led by you and me personally and our trusted aides, to secretly investigate those corrupt elements who are more deeply hidden."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up: "This is a great plan! This way, we can deter those who dare to be corrupt, and ensure that no one slips through the net."

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "That's exactly what I mean. In addition, we need to strengthen communication with other departments to ensure that intelligence flows smoothly. At the same time, we must also pay close attention to the developments in the DPRK to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the opportunity to cause chaos."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao'er will do his best to cooperate with your actions."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, a hint of approval in his eyes: "It is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty that Biaoer has such determination. Next, we need to plan each step of the action in detail to ensure that there are no mistakes."

Zhu Han turned around and walked to the desk, spread out a map, and motioned Zhu Biao to come forward. "Biao'er, take a look. This is the layout of the capital. We must not only check the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel, but also pay attention to other key departments, especially those related to finance and personnel. Corruption often breeds from these places."

Zhu Biao looked closely at the map, his brows furrowed, and he was obviously thinking seriously. "Uncle Han, in your opinion, what should we do next?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "First, we need to strengthen the Jinyiwei's investigative capabilities and have them secretly collect evidence of corruption in various government offices. At the same time, you and I need to personally visit some key positions and conduct investigations in the name of inspection."

"In addition," Zhu Han continued, "we can set up a secret reporting box to encourage officials and citizens to report corruption anonymously. This will not only broaden the source of clues, but also protect the safety of reporters."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up and he clapped his hands in praise: "Uncle Han, this is a brilliant plan! In this way, corrupt officials will have nowhere to hide."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and changed the subject: "However, we cannot ignore the power of public opinion in the court. We need to unite those honest and upright ministers, speak out together, form a clean stream against corruption, and let the corrupt feel the pressure from all sides."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. I will immediately contact the loyal officials in the court to discuss countermeasures together."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction, his eyes deep: "Very good, Biaoer. Remember, the road to anti-corruption is long and difficult, but as long as we work together, there is no difficulty that cannot be overcome."

The two discussed some specific details until late at night when they went their separate ways to rest.

The next morning, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao went their separate ways. Zhu Han went to the Ministry of War, under the pretext of inspecting the military equipment, but in fact he was secretly investigating whether there was corruption in the department and embezzlement of military pay. Zhu Biao stayed in the palace and had secret talks with several loyal ministers, discussing how to unite the court officials to speak out together and create a strong momentum for anti-corruption.

In the lobby of the Ministry of War, Zhu Han sat in the main seat, with several officials standing in front of him. With a stern face and sharp eyes, he asked about the procurement, distribution and use of military equipment one by one. Facing Zhu Han's stern questioning, the officials all looked nervous and answered the questions carefully.

"I have heard that there has been a shortage of military supplies recently. Have you noticed this?" Zhu Han's voice was low and powerful.

A military assistant wiped the sweat off his forehead and answered carefully, "Your Highness, it is true. But we have tried our best to raise funds to ensure that the soldiers on the front line are not affected."

Zhu Han snorted coldly: "'Try your best to raise funds'? That means the problem has not been solved yet? As important officials of the Ministry of War, how can you use the word 'try your best' to fool me? What I want is a real solution!"

The military officials looked at each other in bewilderment, and no one dared to speak. Seeing this, Zhu Han knew that there must be something fishy going on, so he ordered his men to seal up all the relevant accounts and wait for the Royal Guards to come and investigate in detail.

At the same time, Zhu Biao discussed countermeasures with several ministers in the palace. They sat in the imperial study, and the atmosphere was solemn and warm. Zhu Biao elaborated on Zhu Han's anti-corruption plan in detail, and the ministers expressed their support after listening.

"Your Highness is absolutely right. The corruption in the court is getting worse day by day. It has reached the point where it must be rectified." An old minister said with great sorrow.

"We are willing to stand together with Your Highness and vow to eliminate the corrupt officials in the court!" another minister made an impassioned speech.

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with gratitude and determination when he heard this. He stood up and bowed deeply to the ministers present: "I will always remember your support and trust. This anti-corruption campaign is not only related to the integrity of the government, but also to the stability of the Ming Dynasty and the well-being of the people. I promise here that I will do my best to live up to your high expectations."

Several ministers also stood up to return the greeting, and the atmosphere suddenly became more solemn and united.

"Your Highness is absolutely right. Anti-corruption is everyone's responsibility. We are willing to follow Your Highness's lead and face this difficult time together." An old minister with white hair and beard said in a firm tone, his eyes revealing unquestionable determination.

Another middle-aged minister added: "Your Highness, I think that in addition to strengthening internal supervision and severely punishing corruption, we also need to start from the system to prevent corruption from recurring. I suggest that a more stringent financial audit system be established to ensure that every expenditure is transparent and traceable."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency is right. Institutional building is the foundation of anti-corruption. Biao will definitely take this into consideration and discuss it with Uncle Han Wang, striving to develop the most complete and feasible plan."

The discussion continued, with everyone expressing their opinions, from official selection and assessment to daily supervision, not missing any details. Zhu Biao listened carefully, nodded and took notes from time to time, secretly thinking about how to incorporate these suggestions into the anti-corruption plan to be implemented.

At this time, Zhu Han had also made considerable progress in the Ministry of War. He questioned the officials of the Ministry of War severely, and each question hit the nail on the head, making it difficult for the officials to evade. After a tense interrogation, Zhu Han had grasped some key clues and was ready to conduct further in-depth investigations.

Just as Zhu Han was about to leave the Ministry of War, a young lieutenant general hurried over and reported nervously, "Your Highness, I have an urgent military situation to report to you."

Zhu Han frowned slightly and motioned for the lieutenant general to come forward and speak. The lieutenant general took a few steps closer and said in a low voice: "Your Highness, I have recently discovered that someone has secretly colluded with foreign enemies and attempted to sell our military's confidential information. This matter is of great importance. I dare not act on my own, so I came to ask for your instructions."

Zhu Han's face darkened when he heard this. This matter was of great importance. If it was true, it would pose a huge threat to the Ming Dynasty. He immediately ordered: "You should immediately compile a written report of the details you know and submit it to me. At the same time, strengthen the security of the military camp and closely monitor suspicious persons. I will personally report this matter to my father and make sure to get to the bottom of it."

The lieutenant general took the order and left, but Zhu Han was still uneasy. He realized that this anti-corruption campaign was far more complicated than he had imagined, and there might be a deeper conspiracy behind it. He had to act more cautiously to ensure that every step was foolproof.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han immediately summoned his trusted staff, informed them of the military affairs in detail, and deployed the next investigation plan. At the same time, he also sent someone to urgently deliver the report of the lieutenant general to the palace, preparing to meet Zhu Yuanzhang.

As night fell, Zhu Han changed into court clothes and hurried to the palace. In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was busy reviewing memorials. Seeing Zhu Han coming in a hurry, he couldn't help but ask, "Brother Han, you came to visit me so late at night. Is there something urgent?"

Zhu Han bowed and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I do have something important to report. The military commander discovered that someone was secretly colluding with foreign enemies and trying to sell our military's confidential information. This matter is of great importance. I dare not slack off in the slightest. I have come to ask Your Majesty for a decision." Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly changed. He stood up suddenly and stared at Zhu Han with a sharp gaze, "Are you serious?"

Zhu Han nodded: "I have ordered people to investigate this matter in detail. Although there is no solid evidence, the words of the lieutenant general are definitely not groundless. I think this matter needs to be investigated immediately, just in case."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, nodded and said, "Brother Han, what you said makes sense. If this is true, it must be a serious problem. I will immediately issue an order to order the Jinyiwei to investigate this matter with all their strength. At the same time, brother Han, you must also personally inquire about it, make sure to find out the truth, and severely punish the culprit."

Zhu Han accepted the order: "I obey your order. I will do my best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."

After leaving the imperial study, Zhu Han felt even heavier in his heart.

Zhu Han received the order and left the imperial study, secretly thinking about the next plan in his mind.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han immediately summoned his trusted aides, and everyone sat together in a solemn and tense atmosphere.

"Everyone, what happened tonight is of great importance." Zhu Han's voice was deep and powerful. "What the military commander reported is related to the safety of our Ming Dynasty. We must act quickly and find out the truth."

An elderly staff member stood up and said, "Your Highness is right. If there really is a spy involved, the consequences will be disastrous. But I need your instructions on how to proceed with the investigation."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, glanced at everyone, and slowly said: "First, I will go to the Ministry of War in person to have a detailed discussion with the lieutenant general to verify the information. At the same time, order the Jinyiwei to conduct a secret investigation and collect more evidence. Remember, this matter must be kept confidential and not a single word can be leaked."

Everyone nodded, indicating that they had received the order. Zhu Han turned to the staff in charge of intelligence and said, "Mr. Zhang, you must prepare immediately and select capable personnel to conduct all-round surveillance inside and outside the Ministry of War. No suspicious person should be spared."

Mr. Zhang bowed and responded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Your Highness, rest assured, Zhang Yuan will live up to your trust and will definitely find the spy."

After making all the arrangements, Zhu Han took a short rest, changed into casual clothes, and quietly went to the Ministry of War with only a few trusted aides.

In the military barracks, the lieutenant general had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Zhu Han coming, he hurriedly stepped forward and saluted, saying, "This humble general greets His Majesty Prince Han."

Zhu Han waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be polite, and asked directly: "Do you have more details about the information you mentioned?"

The lieutenant general quickly took out a secret letter from his bosom and presented it with both hands: "This is a secret letter that I accidentally intercepted. The letter mentioned the sale of military intelligence. Although I dare not open it without permission, the wax seal and handwriting on the letter are not owned by anyone in my department."

Zhu Han took the secret letter and studied it carefully for a moment. He had something in mind. He said in a deep voice, "This matter is of great importance. You must continue to monitor it closely and not slack off. In addition, you must pay extra attention to the personnel in the department, especially those who have behaved abnormally recently."

The lieutenant general nodded in response, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Zhu Han gave a few more instructions and returned to the palace with the secret letter. A secret letter alone was not enough to convict him, and more evidence must be found to form a complete chain of evidence.

The next morning, Zhu Han once again called his staff together to discuss countermeasures. He unfolded the map and tapped several key locations: "These places are all possible intelligence exchange points. We must set up a dragnet in these places to make sure that the spy has nowhere to hide."

Everyone followed the order and went their separate ways. Zhu Han went to the Censorate in person and had a secret talk with the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.

"Sir Liu, I'm here to discuss an important matter with you." Zhu Han said straight to the point.

The Left Imperial Censor-in-Chief quickly stood up to greet him, and said with a bow, "Your Highness Prince Han, if you have any instructions, please feel free to tell me."

Zhu Han briefly explained the matter of the Ministry of War, and then said in a deep voice: "This matter concerns the safety of our Ming Dynasty. I hope that the Censorate can fully cooperate and jointly investigate this case."

Upon hearing this, the Left Censor-in-Chief looked solemn and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. The Censorate will do its best in this matter. But the spy is extremely cunning and may not be easy to deal with."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "That is why we need to be more cautious. Lord Liu can select capable personnel to work with my trusted staff to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

The Left Censor-in-Chief nodded in agreement, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Don't worry, Your Highness Prince Han, the Censorate will fully cooperate and swear to bring this spy to justice."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his tone revealing an unquestionable firmness: "Okay, Lord Liu, you and I will act separately, and we must ensure that every step is watertight. In addition, I need you to be personally responsible for monitoring those officials in the court who may be related to this matter. If you find any abnormality, report it immediately."

The Left Censor-in-Chief bowed and said, "As you command, Your Highness Prince Han. The Censorate will go all out and live up to the mission."

After the discussion was over, Zhu Han left the Censorate, secretly thinking about the next plan in his mind.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han immediately summoned his trusted staff to reconfirm the allocation and progress of various tasks. In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting his resolute face.

"Everyone, this incident is of no small importance. It concerns the country and people of our Ming Dynasty. We must not only investigate the case of the spy in the Ministry of War, but also take this opportunity to eliminate potential threats in the court." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, his eyes sweeping over everyone present.

An aide stood up and said, "Your Highness is right, but the situation in the court is complicated. We need to proceed step by step to avoid alerting the enemy."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Indeed, we must proceed with caution. Zhang Yuan, you will be responsible for continuing to monitor the Ministry of War and maintaining close contact with the Censorate to ensure smooth flow of intelligence." (End of this chapter)