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

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "The key to the law of execution is to distinguish between rewards and punishments. Those officials who are honest and have outstanding achievements should be rewarded heavily to encourage them; while those who are corrupt and neglect their duties must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others. At the same time, we must strengthen supervision to ensure that every government order can be implemented."

Zhu Biao heard this and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han is far-sighted, and I have learned a lot. However, the relationship between the court and the central government is complicated. How can we ensure that during the reform process, we can eliminate corruption without shaking the foundation of the country?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes deep: "Your Highness is right. Reforms need to be done cautiously and step by step. We can start from small things and gradually expand the scope of reform. At the same time, we should strengthen our contacts with honest and upright people in the court, win their support, and jointly fight against corruption. In addition, we need to listen to public opinion widely to ensure that the reform measures are in line with the interests of the people, so as to win the hearts of the people."

Zhu Biao nodded, and suddenly he understood: "Uncle Han is right. I will keep it in mind. However, the reform still needs the approval of the emperor. I wonder if Uncle Han has a good plan to convince the emperor?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a gleam of wisdom: "The key to convincing His Majesty is to demonstrate the determination and effectiveness of the reform. Your Highness can first formulate a detailed reform plan and select some areas for pilot projects. After achieving significant results, report to your father. At the same time, strengthen communication with important officials in the court, win their support, and jointly make suggestions to His Majesty."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han's plan is very good. Biao will start preparing immediately. However, in the process of reform, it is inevitable to encounter various obstacles and difficulties. Does Uncle Han have any countermeasures?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "The key to dealing with resistance and difficulties is unity and facing them together. Your Highness can form an alliance with the honest and upright people in the court to fight against the corrupt forces. At the same time, strengthen intelligence collection and analysis, keep abreast of the dynamics of the court, and predict and prevent possible crises. In addition, you must remain calm and firm, and not waver in your determination to reform because of a temporary setback."

Zhu Biao nodded, his heart full of admiration and gratitude for Zhu Han: "Uncle Han taught me, Biao will definitely remember it in my heart. With Uncle Han's assistance, Biao'er's confidence has doubled."

The two continued to walk side by side, the night wind blowing on their faces, bringing a hint of coolness. Zhu Han looked into the distance, his heart full of longing and expectation for the future: "Biao'er, the road to reform is long and difficult, but as long as we work together, we will surely usher in a new chapter for the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao clenched his fists, his eyes firm, "Uncle Han, rest assured, I will live up to your trust and work hard for the Ming Dynasty until my death."

After returning to their respective residences, the two immediately plunged into the intensive preparations for the reform. Zhu Han summoned his trusted staff in the palace to discuss the reform plan and pilot plan in detail; while Zhu Biao frequently communicated with important officials in the palace to win their support and help.

Zhu Han was in the study room of the palace, the candlelight flickering, reflecting his focused face. He carefully reviewed the detailed plan for the reform pilot in his hand, and made marks on the paper from time to time. At this time, a servant hurried in and whispered: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince wants to see you."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han put down the pen in his hand, with a hint of joy in his eyes: "Please invite His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in."

Soon, Zhu Biao walked into the study with a worried look on his face. When he saw Zhu Han, he hurriedly bowed and said, "Uncle Han, Biao has something urgent to discuss with you."

Zhu Han quickly stood up to greet him, helped Zhu Biao up and said, "Your Highness, there is no need to be so polite. If you have any urgent matters, just tell me."

Zhu Biao sat down at the table and said in a deep voice, "Uncle Han, I have recently discussed the reform with several important officials in the court. Although they agree, they have many concerns. They are worried that the reform will affect too many vested interests and cause unrest."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Your Highness is right. The road to reform is full of thorns. But precisely because of this, we need to be more cautious and take every step carefully."

Zhu Biao nodded, a trace of determination between his brows: "Uncle Han is right, and I also know that reform is imperative. But how can we promote reform while ensuring the stability of the government?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness, we can start with those departments where corruption is the most serious and the people are angry, as pilot reforms. By severely punishing corruption, we can establish the determination to reform, and at the same time show the effectiveness of the reforms, so as to win the support of the people and the court officials."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up when he heard this: "Uncle Han, your opinion is great. I appreciate your advice. But where should I start?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, took out a map from the table, spread it out on the table, and tapped it with his finger: "Your Highness, please look, this is the Ministry of Revenue, the foundation of the country's finances, and also a corruption-stricken area. We might as well use this as a breakthrough point to thoroughly check the accounts, severely punish corrupt officials, and at the same time implement a new financial management system to ensure that every expenditure is transparent and traceable."

Zhu Biao studied the map carefully and nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han's plan is very good. The Ministry of Revenue is the key to reform. However, this matter needs the approval of my father before it can be implemented."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with confidence: "Don't worry, Your Highness, I have already made some plans for this matter. Tomorrow morning, I will report to His Majesty on the reform pilot and elaborate on its necessity and feasibility. Your Highness can assist me and work together to convince His Majesty."

Zhu Biao felt relieved after hearing this: "Uncle Han has considered everything. Biao will definitely cooperate with us."

The next morning, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao went to the morning court together. In the court, all officials stood in awe, and Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, majestic and solemn.

Zhu Han stepped forward steadily, performed the etiquette between the monarch and his subjects, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I have something important to report."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand slightly, motioning Zhu Han to continue.

Zhu Han bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have recently discussed with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and believe that corruption in the court is rampant and has seriously damaged the foundation of the country. We must immediately start reforms. I suggest that we use the Ministry of Revenue as a pilot to implement a series of reform measures to severely punish corruption and establish a clean and honest style."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang looked deeply at Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Brother Han, Biao, this matter is of great importance. Do you two have a detailed plan?"

Zhu Han quickly took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it with both hands: "Your Majesty, this is the reform pilot plan jointly drafted by me and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Please read it carefully." Zhu Yuanzhang took the memorial, slowly unfolded it, and read it carefully. The atmosphere in the court was solemn and tense, and all officials held their breath.

After a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang put down the memorial, with a glimmer of approval in his eyes: "Brother Han, Biao'er, this plan is very much to my liking. I have decided to immediately approve the reform pilot plan, starting with the Ministry of Revenue, to comprehensively rectify the government and revive the administration of officials."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were overjoyed when they heard this, and they immediately knelt down to express their gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise and wise. I will do my best to live up to your high expectations."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing determination and expectation: "You two must cooperate sincerely to ensure the smooth progress of the reform. At the same time, we must strengthen supervision to ensure that every reform measure can be implemented."

After Zhu Han and Zhu Biao received the order and expressed their gratitude, they were filled with excitement and determination. After leaving the court, the two walked out of the hall side by side, their steps firm and powerful.

"Uncle Han, this reform pilot project was able to successfully gain the approval of the emperor, all thanks to your careful planning and firm determination." Zhu Biao said sincerely, with admiration and gratitude in his eyes.

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Your Highness, you are too kind. This is the joint achievement of you and me, uncle and nephew. Next, we need to go all out to ensure that the reform pilot goes smoothly and live up to your majesty's high expectations."

The two walked and talked, passing through the palace corridor and returning to Zhu Han's palace. Inside the palace, the staff had been waiting for a long time, and when they saw the two return, they all stepped forward to salute. Zhu Han waved his hand to signal everyone to excuse themselves, and then summoned his trusted staff to the study to discuss the specific matters of the reform pilot.

In the study, the candlelight flickered, illuminating the serious and focused faces. Zhu Han stood in front of the desk, holding the newly approved reform pilot plan tightly in his hand, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, His Majesty has approved our reform pilot plan, starting with the Ministry of Revenue, to comprehensively rectify the government. This reform concerns the country and society of the Ming Dynasty, and no mistakes can be made."

An elderly staff member stood up and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. We will do our best to assist Your Highness in completing this important reform task."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes swept over everyone, his tone firm and powerful: "Okay, next, I will assign specific tasks. Mr. Zhang, you are responsible for supervising the inventory of the Ministry of Revenue. Make sure that every expenditure is clear and traceable, and no corruption will escape your eyes."

Mr. Zhang bowed and responded, "As you command, Your Highness. I will do my best to fulfill your mission."

Zhu Han turned to another staff member and said, "Mr. Li, you will be responsible for the formulation and promotion of the new financial management system, ensuring that the new system can effectively curb corruption and promote the smooth progress of the Ministry of Revenue's work."

Mr. Li also bowed and accepted the order: "I will do my best to live up to your trust."

After assigning the tasks, Zhu Han looked around at everyone and said earnestly: "In this reform, we must not only severely punish corruption, but also establish a long-term mechanism to ensure the eternal stability of the Ming Dynasty. I hope you will work together to overcome the difficulties."

Everyone agreed in unison, and the atmosphere in the study room suddenly became more solemn and united. Seeing this, Zhu Han felt relieved, knowing that with the help of these loyal and capable staff, the reform pilot would surely proceed smoothly.

At the same time, Zhu Biao was also busy preparing in the palace. As the crown prince, he not only had to assist Zhu Han in promoting reforms, but also had to stabilize the court and ensure that there would be no major turmoil during the reform process. Therefore, he personally summoned several important officials in the court to discuss how to support the reform pilot and win the understanding and support of more officials.

In the imperial study, Zhu Biao sat behind his desk, his face solemn and determined. Several important officials came forward one by one to express their views and concerns about the reform pilot. Zhu Biao listened patiently, nodding from time to time. After everyone finished speaking, he slowly spoke:
"You are right, my Lords. The road to reform is indeed full of thorns and challenges. But precisely because of this, we need to work together to seek the well-being of the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor has graciously approved the Ministry of Revenue to be a pilot for reform. This is not only an opportunity for us, but also our responsibility."

An old official stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is right, but reform is bound to affect the vested interests and may cause unrest in the court. Does Your Highness have a good plan to deal with it?"

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Don't worry, old man. I have a plan. First, we will intensify publicity to make the officials and the people understand the necessity and urgency of reform. Second, I will personally supervise the implementation of the reform pilot to ensure that every measure is implemented. Finally, I will severely punish those who hinder the reform and those who are corrupt and abuse the law. I will never tolerate it!"

Several important officials nodded in agreement upon hearing this. As the news of the reform gradually spread in the court, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao's actions became more coordinated and efficient.

One morning, Zhu Han gathered his core staff in the study room of the palace to further refine the reform plan. In the study room, the atmosphere was solemn and focused, and everyone knew that they were about to embark on a road full of unknowns and challenges.

"Everyone, in this reform pilot, we must not only investigate corruption, but also establish a mechanism to prevent corruption from growing in the future." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, his eyes sweeping over everyone present, his tone revealing an unquestionable firmness, "Our goal is to make the Ministry of Revenue a clean stream in the Ming officialdom and a model for other government offices to follow."

An aide stood up and said, "Your Highness is right, but how to ensure the effective implementation of the new system and prevent officials from pretending to obey is a problem we must face."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, a trace of deep thought flashed in his eyes: "Indeed. I think that when the new system is first implemented, someone should be responsible for supervision to ensure that every regulation can be implemented. At the same time, a reporting mechanism should be established to encourage officials and citizens to report corruption. Once verified, they will be severely punished."

Another staff member added: "Your Highness, we can also learn from the experience of the previous dynasty and set up an independent auditing agency to regularly check the accounts of the Ministry of Revenue to ensure that the accounts are clear and transparent."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "This is a great idea. An independent auditing agency can not only effectively prevent internal corruption, but also improve the efficiency of the Ministry of Accounts. Mr. Li will be fully responsible for this matter. Be sure to select loyal and reliable people to ensure the fairness and independence of the audit work."

Mr. Li bowed and accepted the order, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I will live up to your trust and establish an efficient and fair audit system." The discussion continued, and everyone expressed their opinions, from system design to personnel selection, not missing any details. (End of this chapter)