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

Zhu Han listened patiently, nodded from time to time, occasionally put forward his own views, and guided the discussion in a more in-depth direction.

At the same time, in the palace, Zhu Biao was also making intensive preparations.

As the crown prince, he not only had to support Zhu Han's reforms, but also had to stabilize the court and ensure the smooth progress of the reforms. Therefore, he personally summoned several important officials in the court to discuss how to provide necessary support and guarantees for the reform pilot.

The atmosphere in the imperial study was also solemn and warm. Zhu Biao sat behind his desk, his face serious and focused. Several important officials came forward one by one to express their views and suggestions on the reform pilot.

"Your Highness, although reform is good, it is inevitable that it will affect the vested interests and may lead to unexpected changes." An old minister said worriedly.

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Your words are very true, but that is why we need to be more resolute and forge ahead. I have ordered people to strengthen the palace guards to ensure safety and stability during the reform. At the same time, I will personally supervise the implementation of the reform pilot to ensure that every measure can be effectively implemented."

Another minister added: "Your Highness, I think we should also strengthen public opinion propaganda to make the court officials and the people understand the necessity and urgency of reform. Only by winning the hearts of the people can the reform proceed smoothly."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. I have ordered people to draft a reform declaration to make the purpose, significance and specific measures of the reform public. At the same time, we will strengthen communication with local officials to ensure that they understand and support the reform."

The discussion was heated in the Imperial Study. Each minister actively expressed his or her views, while Zhu Biao listened patiently and nodded in agreement from time to time. His eyes revealed his firm belief in reform and his expectations for the future.

A middle-aged minister stood up and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Your Highness, I think that reform not only requires the support of the court, but also the active cooperation of local officials. If local officials pretend to obey but secretly disobey, the reform measures may be difficult to implement. Therefore, the assessment and supervision of local officials must be strengthened."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he nodded, "Your Excellency is right. The local areas are the foundation of the country. If the local areas are unstable, the reforms in the court will be castles in the air. I have ordered people to formulate new assessment standards for local officials, and to add inspectors to regularly inspect various places to ensure that the reform measures are implemented."

Another young minister continued, "Your Highness is wise, but I think that reforms must also focus on improving people's livelihood and allow the people to truly feel the benefits of reform. Only in this way can we win the hearts of the people and consolidate the results of reform."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with approval: "Your Excellency is right. The basis of reform is to benefit the people. I have ordered the Ministry of Revenue to formulate a tax reduction policy and increase investment in farmland and water conservancy, in order to improve people's lives and strengthen the foundation of the country."

The discussion lasted for more than an hour. Finally, Zhu Biao stood up, glanced at the ministers, and said firmly and forcefully: "My Lords, today's discussion has benefited me a lot. Although the road to reform is long and difficult, with your full support, my confidence has doubled. I hope you can continue to give me advice and work together for the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty."

All the ministers stood up, bowed, and responded in unison: "We will do our best to assist Your Highness and achieve great things together."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, then waved his hand to signal everyone to leave. After the ministers left one after another, he stood alone in the imperial study, looking at the deep night sky outside the window, his heart full of longing and determination for the future.

At the same time, in the study of the palace, Zhu Han was also discussing the specific details of the reform with several trusted aides. Under the flickering candlelight, their faces were full of concentration and seriousness.

"Your Highness, regarding the formulation of the new financial management system, I believe it is necessary to clarify the financial authority and responsibilities of officials at all levels to ensure that every expenditure is traceable." An aide bowed and said, his tone revealing his careful consideration of the system.

Zhu Han nodded slightly and praised: "Sir, you are right. The new system not only needs to clarify authority and responsibility, but also needs to establish a strict approval process and supervision mechanism to prevent officials from abusing their power."

Another aide continued, "Your Highness, I think that while implementing the new system, we also need to strengthen the financial knowledge training of officials and improve their financial management capabilities to ensure the smooth implementation of the new system."

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of deep thought flashed in his eyes: "Training is indeed the key. I will order the Ministry of Revenue to set up a financial school to provide regular training for officials to improve their professional quality."

As the discussion deepened, various reform measures were gradually refined. Zhu Han knew that although the road to reform was full of challenges, success would be achieved as long as we took every step carefully and planned carefully.

A few days later, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao met again in the imperial study and reported the latest progress of the reform to Zhu Yuanzhang in detail. After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang looked solemn but could not hide his approval.

"Brother Han, Biao'er, you two have acted boldly and carefully, which comforts me greatly." Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, his eyes revealing his trust and expectations for his two nephews. "Reforms concern the country and society of the Ming Dynasty. I hope you two can continue to work hard and live up to my high expectations."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao bowed and said in unison: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, then changed the subject: "However, the road to reform will inevitably be full of twists and turns. You two must always remain vigilant, guarding against both internal and external troubles. I have ordered the Jinyiwei to strengthen supervision to ensure stability during the reform period."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were both shocked when they heard this. They knew that although the road to reform had begun, the real test was still to come. Zhu Han bowed slightly and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty is right. We must follow your will and remain vigilant at all times to ensure the smooth progress of the reform."

Zhu Biao also bowed and said firmly: "Don't worry, father. I will work hand in hand with Uncle Prince Han to overcome the difficulties and ensure peace in the government and the country during the reform period."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing his trust and expectations for his two nephews. He pondered for a moment and continued, "Brother Han, Biao'er, I know that both of you are loyal and talented. However, the situation in the court is complex and changeable, and the road to reform is not an easy one. I hope that the two of you can support each other, work together, and contribute to the stability of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao responded in unison: "Your Majesty, I will obey your order and will not let you down."

Zhu Yuanzhang then changed the subject and mentioned another important matter in the court: "Recently, I heard that the northern border has been unstable from time to time. Although there are border generals guarding it, I am still worried. Brother Han, you have been in the army for many years and have a lot of insights into military affairs. How do you think we should deal with this matter?"

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this, and after thinking for a moment, he replied, "Your Majesty, the instability of the northern border is actually caused by the combination of internal and external troubles. I think we should take a two-pronged approach. First, strengthen border defense, improve armaments, and ensure peace on the border; second, appease the people and reduce the burden on border residents to stabilize the foundation. In addition, we should strengthen communication with surrounding tribes, maintain peace, and avoid unnecessary conflicts."

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this and a trace of approval flashed in his eyes: "Brother Han, what you said is very much in my heart. Biao'er, as the crown prince, you also need to understand military affairs, so that you can command the army and stabilize the four directions in the future."

Zhu Biao bowed and replied: "I will follow your father's teachings and learn with an open mind, and live up to your father's expectations." The three of them discussed the affairs of the court for a long time, and did not leave until night fell. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked out of the imperial study side by side, both with a heavy sense of responsibility in their hearts.

Walking in the corridor, Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Biao'er, you must keep in mind what His Majesty mentioned today. Military affairs are the foundation of the country and must be carefully considered."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Uncle Han, rest assured. I will study hard and live up to the expectations of my father and uncle."

As the two were talking, an attendant hurried over and bowed to report: "Your Highness, there is an urgent military report from the Ministry of War. Your Highnesses, please go to the Ministry of War to discuss it as soon as possible."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, and both saw solemnity and determination in each other's eyes. Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Go to the Ministry of War immediately."

The hall of the Ministry of War was brightly lit, and several generals were anxiously waiting. Seeing Zhu Han and Zhu Biao coming, they hurried forward to salute. Zhu Han waved his hand to indicate that he didn't need to salute, and asked directly: "What does the urgent military report say?"

A general quickly presented a military report with a stern look on his face: "Your Highness, there have been unusual movements by tribes on the northern border recently, and they seem to be planning to invade the border. Our army has stepped up its vigilance, but the troops are scattered, and it may be difficult to deal with a large-scale invasion."

Zhu Han took the military report and quickly read it through, frowning. He pondered for a moment, then turned to Zhu Biao and said, "Biao'er, this matter concerns the safety of the Ming Dynasty. You and I need to discuss countermeasures immediately."

Zhu Biao nodded, his expression firm: "Uncle Han is right. I am willing to discuss the plan with Uncle Han."

The two then sat together with the military officers and had an in-depth discussion on the border situation, troop deployment, logistics support, etc. Zhu Han, with his rich military experience, put forward a number of practical suggestions; Zhu Biao, showing his keen political insight, conducted an in-depth analysis of the situation.

The discussion lasted until late at night, and finally a detailed response plan was formulated. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao smiled at each other, and saw confidence and determination in each other's eyes. Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Early tomorrow morning, you and I will report the plan to His Majesty, and we must ensure peace on the border."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Uncle Han, rest assured, I will do my best."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked out of the lobby of the Ministry of War side by side. It was already late at night, but their hearts were full of urgency and determination. After returning to the palace, Zhu Han did not rest directly, but summoned several trusted staff members to carefully consider the plan to deal with the situation on the northern border again.

In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting Zhu Han's solemn face. He slowly unfolded the map, slid his finger across the northern border, and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, the unrest among the northern tribes is no small matter. We need to formulate a foolproof plan to ensure peace on the border and avoid unnecessary wars."

An elderly staff member leaned closer to the map, frowning, "Your Highness is right. But the border is vast and the troops are scattered. If we concentrate them in one place, there may be omissions in other places."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes deep: "Indeed. I suggest that we first send elite scouts to go deep behind the enemy lines to find out their true strength and intentions. At the same time, we should strengthen the defenses of the border fortresses to ensure that we can respond quickly once a war breaks out."

Another staff member added: "Your Highness, we also need to consider logistical support. Food and weapons must be prepared in advance to ensure that there is no worry on the front line."

Zhu Han nodded and looked at the staff in charge of logistics: "This matter will be handed over to you for full responsibility. Make sure that there are sufficient supplies and that transportation is unimpeded."

The discussion gradually deepened, and the details were finalized one by one. Zhu Han knew that every decision could affect the life and death of countless soldiers and the safety of the country, so he did not dare to slack off.

The next morning, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao entered the palace early and reported the plan they had discussed last night to Zhu Yuanzhang in detail. Zhu Yuanzhang was solemn, but a hint of praise flashed in his eyes: "Brother Han, Biao, you two are very careful and thoughtful, and I am very pleased. This plan is feasible, and the order should be passed down immediately to start preparations."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao received the order, their hearts full of excitement and responsibility. After leaving the court, Zhu Han hurried to the Ministry of War to personally supervise the preparations. Zhu Biao returned to the East Palace and began to coordinate the forces of all parties in the court to ensure that both reform and border defense were not hindered.

A few days later, the situation on the northern border gradually became clear. The scouts sent by Zhu Han sent back a secret report, confirming that the tribal movement was due to years of drought and food shortages, and was not intended to provoke the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang felt relieved after hearing the news, but still ordered Zhu Han to continue to pay close attention to prevent any accidents.

On this day, Zhu Han was about to return to the palace after finishing his official duties at the Ministry of War, but he ran into Crown Prince Zhu Biao outside the palace gate. The two smiled at each other and walked into the Imperial Garden side by side with tacit understanding.

"Uncle Prince Han, has there been any new progress in border defense recently?" Zhu Biao asked softly, with a hint of concern in his tone.

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his expression slightly relaxed: "Thanks to the help of our scouts, we have found out the reason for the unusual movements of the northern tribes. At present, it seems that there is no worry of large-scale war. But we must not relax our border defense, and we still need to strengthen our vigilance."

Zhu Biao heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this: "That's good. Uncle Han has been working hard these days, so he should also take care of his rest."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Your Highness is the same. You and I both have a heavy burden on our shoulders, but as long as we work together, we will be able to overcome the difficulties together."

The two walked and talked, and before they knew it, they had reached the depths of the Imperial Garden. Zhu Han stopped and looked at the spring scenery in the garden, but he was still thinking about the affairs of the court: "Biao'er, although the border defense issue has come to an end for the time being, the reform of the court still needs to be accelerated. How is the progress on your side?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and replied, "Uncle Han, rest assured that the reform is proceeding in an orderly manner. The pilot project of the Ministry of Revenue has achieved initial results, and the corruption in the court seems to have been curbed. However, there is also a lot of resistance, and many vested interests are secretly obstructing it."

Zhu Han frowned when he heard this: "I have expected this. The road to reform is full of thorns, but as long as you have the people in your heart and have a plan in your hand, you will not be afraid of any challenge. Your Highness must be firm in your determination and do not give up halfway."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will do his best to live up to the trust of father and uncle Han." (End of this chapter)