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

The two discussed for a while, and Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said, "Biao'er, it's getting late, you should go back and rest early. There are still many things to deal with tomorrow."

Zhu Biao bowed and said, "My nephew will take his leave. Uncle Han, please take care of yourself."

After watching Zhu Biao leave, Zhu Han sat alone in the study, looking at the darkening sky outside the window, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

The next morning, Zhu Han got up early and walked into the study, preparing to continue reviewing documents related to the reform of the imperial examination system and the fight against corruption. Zhu Biao was also busy in the East Palace, arranging an in-depth investigation into the case of the unknown whereabouts of the treasury silver.

Zhu Han sat in his study, the morning light shining through the window lattice onto his focused face. He flipped through the piles of official documents, each of which was related to the stability and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty. At this time, a servant hurried in and bowed to report: "Your Highness, the Minister of Personnel, Lord Li, wants to see you. He has something urgent to discuss."

Zhu Han put down the pen in his hand, his eyes fixed slightly, and then said: "Please ask him to come in."

After a while, Li, the Minister of Personnel, walked into the study in a hurry. After bowing, he said directly: "Your Highness Prince Han, when I was sorting out the official assessment records recently, I found that many local officials had serious dereliction of duty, and some were even involved in corruption and abuse of power. If this matter is not handled in time, it may endanger local security and people's livelihood."

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this and said in a deep voice, "Lord Li is absolutely right. Local officials are the foundation of the country. If they do something wrong, it will definitely shake the foundation of the country. Do you have any solid evidence?"

Lord Li took out a thick stack of files from his sleeve and presented them with both hands: "Your Highness, this is the evidence I have collected, including letters of complaint, account records, and correspondence between some officials, which is enough to prove their illegal behavior."

Zhu Han took the file and read it carefully. The more he read, the angrier he became. He closed the file and looked at Lord Li with a sharp gaze: "Lord Li, you have done a good job. This matter must be thoroughly investigated and no leniency will be shown. You must present the evidence to the emperor immediately and prepare a detailed report to explain the situation."

Lord Li bowed and was about to leave when Zhu Han added, "In addition, you need to go to these places in person and investigate secretly to see if there are more clues. At the same time, strengthen coordination with other departments to ensure the smooth progress of the investigation."

Lord Li took the order and left. The study returned to peace. Zhu Han pondered for a moment and decided to go to the East Palace in person to discuss the matter with Zhu Biao. He stood up and told the attendant, "Prepare the horses. I am going to the East Palace."

Soon, Zhu Han arrived at the East Palace. Zhu Biao was reviewing memorials in his study. When he saw Zhu Han coming, he quickly stood up to greet him: "Uncle Han, why are you here? Is there something important to discuss?"

Zhu Han nodded, and solemnly told Zhu Biao in detail what Li, the Minister of Personnel, had reported. Zhu Biao was also furious after hearing this: "How dare these parasites be so bold! Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao will fully support your investigation and punish them severely!"

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his tone revealing some worry: "Biao'er, this matter is very serious and must be handled with caution. We must not only find out the facts, but also take this opportunity to rectify the local administration and prevent similar incidents from happening again."

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice: "Uncle Han is right. Biaoer thinks that we can set up a special investigation team composed of loyal and reliable people to be responsible for this matter. At the same time, we should strengthen the assessment and supervision of local officials to ensure that they are honest and dedicated to their work."

Zhu Han nodded approvingly: "This is a great plan. However, the selection of the investigation team must be carefully considered. We must ensure that they are impartial and selfless and are not subject to any interference."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and suggested: "Uncle Han, we can select elites from the Censorate and the Dali Temple. They are experienced and hate corruption in the court. They will definitely be able to take on this task."

Zhu Han heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "Good idea, you should make arrangements immediately and make sure the investigation team is quickly established and put into work."

Zhu Biao bowed and responded, then asked, "Uncle Han, how is the progress of the imperial examination reform?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation: "The reform of the imperial examination is progressing steadily. The practical inspection plan proposed by Li Mubai has been widely recognized, and the implementation details are currently being refined. At the same time, we have also strengthened the fairness of invigilation and marking, and strive to make the imperial examination system more perfect."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a trace of relief flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han and his staff have made great contributions. The imperial examination is the foundation of the country and is related to the future of Ming Dynasty. We must go all out."

While the two were talking, an attendant hurried in and reported: "Your Highness, there is an urgent document from the northern border. Please read it quickly."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, both sensing the urgency of the situation. Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Show it up."

The attendant handed over the official document, and Zhu Han and Zhu Biao quickly read it. The document reported that the northern border had been frequently invaded by foreign tribes in recent days, and the pressure on border defense had increased sharply, and requested reinforcements from the court.

Zhu Han frowned and looked at Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, this matter concerns the safety of Ming Dynasty. We must discuss countermeasures immediately."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han is right. We need to dispatch reinforcements immediately to strengthen border defenses, and at the same time send envoys to negotiate with foreign tribes to seek a peaceful solution."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "You go to the Ministry of War immediately and discuss reinforcements with the Minister of War. I will go to the Imperial Study to report this to your father and request the allocation of supplies and troops."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao immediately stood up, saluted Zhu Han solemnly, and then hurriedly left the study and went straight to the Ministry of War. Zhu Han, after a while of tidying up, also set off for the imperial study, his heart full of worries about the border situation and trust in the prince.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was looking down at the pile of memorials. Seeing Zhu Han rushing in, he couldn't help but raise his head slightly and asked, "Brother Han, why are you in such a hurry?"

Zhu Han stepped forward, bowed, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the northern border has been frequently invaded by foreign tribes in recent days. The pressure on border defense is huge. The Ministry of War has requested reinforcements from the court. This matter concerns the safety of the Ming Dynasty. I have come to report this and ask Your Majesty to make a decision."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned upon hearing this, put down his pen, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "The peace of the northern border is the foundation of our Ming Dynasty. Brother Han, you should immediately send a message to the Ministry of War to mobilize elite troops and generals to ensure that the border is safe. At the same time, order the Ministry of Rites to select eloquent people to go to foreign countries to seek a peaceful solution."

Zhu Han accepted the order, but he still had a trace of worry in his heart: "Your Majesty, I am worried that it may be difficult to maintain peace for a long time by force alone. Do we need to strengthen border defense construction and improve the combat effectiveness of the army to prevent unexpected events?"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement: "Brother Han, what you said is very true. You can discuss with the Ministry of War to formulate a detailed border defense construction plan, including strengthening city defenses, adding outposts, training soldiers, etc., to ensure that the border of the Ming Dynasty is as solid as a rock." Zhu Han bowed and was about to leave, but Zhu Yuanzhang added: "Brother Han, this matter concerns the country of the Ming Dynasty. You need to supervise it personally to ensure that every measure can be implemented. At the same time, strengthen communication with local officials to ensure that they fully cooperate with border defense work."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han became more determined: "I will do my best to live up to your majesty's expectations." After saying this, he bowed and took his leave, quickly leaving the imperial study, with a preliminary border defense construction plan in mind.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han immediately summoned his trusted staff and informed them of the border situation and Zhu Yuanzhang's intentions in detail. After hearing this, everyone expressed their willingness to go all out and support the border construction plan. Zhu Han personally drafted a detailed border construction plan and prepared to submit it to the Ministry of War the next day.

Zhu Han was carefully reviewing the border defense construction plan in his study. Every stroke and every line reflected his deep thoughts and expectations for the future of Ming Dynasty. As the night deepened, only the flickering candlelight in the study illuminated his resolute face. At this time, a servant knocked on the door gently, interrupting his thoughts.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince requests an audience." The servant's voice sounded outside the door.

Zhu Han raised his head, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he said, "Please invite His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in."

After a while, Zhu Biao walked into the study, looking worried, obviously he had something important to discuss. After bowing, he said directly: "Uncle Han, I'm sorry to bother you so late at night, but I really have something urgent to discuss with you."

Zhu Han put down the pen in his hand, motioned Zhu Biao to sit down, and asked gently: "Biao'er, what makes you so anxious?"

Zhu Biao sighed and said in a deep voice: "Uncle Prince Han, there has been another disturbance in the court recently. Several important officials are dissatisfied with the reform of the imperial examination system and have secretly colluded to obstruct the reform process."

Zhu Han frowned slightly when he heard this, but his tone remained calm: "I had expected this. The road to reform is full of thorns. It would be abnormal if there were no obstacles. Do they have any specific actions?"

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "They are lobbying everywhere, trying to unite more court officials to oppose the reform. Some have even begun to spread rumors to discredit the reform."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, a glimmer of wisdom flashed in his eyes: "Rumors stop at the wise. We need to speak with facts to let the court officials see the necessity and urgency of reform. You can order people to collect and organize the results of the reform, publicize them publicly, and respond to those rumors with facts."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han is right. Biao will make arrangements immediately. But how do we deal with those important officials who are secretly obstructing us?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his tone revealing an unquestionable firmness: "For those stubborn people, we need to take a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we need to strengthen intelligence gathering to grasp their movements and evidence; on the other hand, we can disclose some evidence at the right time to warn them and let them know the court's determination."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, but then looked embarrassed: "Uncle Han, this may not be a complete solution to the problem. There may be deeper forces behind them supporting them."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Biao'er, the situation in the court is complicated. We need to proceed step by step and not act hastily. You can try to communicate with them privately to understand their real demands and see if there is room for easing the situation."

Zhu Biao heard this, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han Wang, are we going to compromise with them?"

Zhu Han shook his head and said earnestly: "It's not a compromise, but a strategy. Sometimes, understanding the opponent's thinking can help us formulate better countermeasures. At the same time, we must strengthen our ties with other loyal ministers to form a more stable reform alliance."

Zhu Biao nodded, as if he understood Zhu Han's intention: "I understand what Uncle Han taught me. However, the reform of the imperial examination will take some time. How can we ensure that the situation in the court will not get out of control during this period of time?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes deep: "Biao'er, although the reform of the imperial examination is a major event, the stability of the court is equally important. You can order people to strengthen supervision to ensure that all government orders are carried out smoothly. At the same time, those who take advantage of the opportunity to cause chaos will not be tolerated and will be severely punished."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao will do his best to maintain stability in the court and ensure the smooth progress of the reform."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Biao'er, you are growing rapidly, and His Majesty will be very pleased. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must remain calm and tenacious. The future of the Ming Dynasty depends on you."

Zhu Biao bowed, his eyes gleaming with determination and faith: "Uncle Han's teachings will always be remembered by Biaoer. Biaoer will live up to your trust and devote himself to the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han looked at Zhu Biao with his eyes full of satisfaction and expectation. This young crown prince is gradually growing into a leader who can stand on his own. He patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Biao, although the reform has achieved some results recently, there is still a long way to go and we must not relax. Next, we must work more closely together to ensure that every step is taken steadily."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes firm: "Uncle Han, don't worry, Biaoer understands. However, the situation in the court is complicated and changeable, and I sometimes feel overwhelmed. I wonder if Uncle Han has more teachings?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a gleam of wisdom: "Biao'er, governing a country is not a one-day job. It requires both patience and wisdom. In the face of complex situations, you must first remain calm and not be swayed by emotions. Secondly, you must be good at listening to opinions from all sides, but you must also have your own judgment and not follow the crowd."

Zhu Biao listened carefully, his eyes sparkling with admiration: "Uncle Han is right, I will definitely keep it in mind. But there are always some ministers in the court who hold different political views. How should I deal with them?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "For different political opinions, we must treat them according to the situation. If they are beneficial to the country, we can take their essence and discard their dross; if they insist on their own way and hinder reform, we need to convince them with reason, and at the same time, we can also use tough measures. But remember, everything is the most important for the overall interests of the country."

Zhu Biao nodded, as if he had understood something. "I understand what Uncle Han taught me. However, although the imperial examination reform has achieved initial results, how can we ensure that it will continue to be implemented without interruption?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes deep: "The reform of the imperial examination system is a national event, and we need to work together to promote it. You can order people to strengthen publicity so that more people can understand the significance and benefits of the reform. At the same time, those who are active in the reform should be commended and rewarded to encourage them."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with excitement: "Uncle Han, what you said makes sense. Biao will start to arrange it immediately. However, there are so many talented people in the court. How can we ensure that every official can do his best to serve the country?" (End of this chapter)