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

When he arrived at the East Palace, Zhu Biao was discussing state affairs with several important ministers in the imperial study, looking solemn. Seeing Zhu Han coming, he quickly stood up to greet him: "Uncle Han, why are you here? Is there something important to discuss?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, signaling Zhu Biao to continue the discussion while he listened quietly. After several important officials left, Zhu Han spoke up: "Biao'er, I came here to discuss the next reform strategy with you. The tax reduction policy has begun to show results, but the situation in the court is still complicated and changeable, and we need to proceed step by step."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. There are indeed many people in the court who are on the sidelines or even opposed to the reform. We need to strengthen publicity so that more people can see the effectiveness and necessity of the reform."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Propaganda is important, but the more important thing is to win the trust and support of the court officials. Biao'er, you can order people to collect and organize the achievements since the reform, especially those that are beneficial to the people, and make them public. At the same time, strengthen communication with the court officials, understand their concerns and demands, answer them one by one, and eliminate misunderstandings."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up: "Uncle Han, this is a brilliant plan! In this way, the court officials will be able to see the results of the reform more directly, and will be able to better understand and support our decision."

Zhu Han nodded and smiled. "That's right. In addition, we need to strengthen the assessment and supervision of local officials to ensure that they truly implement the reform measures. Those who pretend to obey but actually disobey and do things perfunctorily must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others."

Zhu Biao's expression froze when he heard this: "Don't worry, Uncle Han, I will definitely strengthen the assessment and supervision to ensure that every reform measure can achieve practical results."

Zhu Han was very pleased to see Zhu Biao's resolute expression, and continued: "Biao'er, although the road to reform is full of thorns, as long as you have the people in your heart and have a policy in your hand, you will not be afraid of any challenge. You must always keep a clear head and have a deep insight into the situation in the court."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han, rest assured, my nephew will remember your teachings, always stay vigilant, and not be fooled by any appearances."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and changed the subject: "Biao'er, in addition to the reform of the court, local governance cannot be ignored. The local areas are the foundation of the country. If the local areas are not stable, no matter how hard the court tries, it will be in vain."

Zhu Biao heard this and looked solemn: "Uncle Han is right. I am planning to strengthen local inspections to ensure that all policies are truly implemented. However, there are so many local officials. How can we ensure that they can do their best and not act insincerely?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Biao'er, you can set up a more stringent official assessment mechanism, not only to assess political performance, but also to assess the public's heart. At the same time, send special envoys to conduct secret inspections and severely punish those who find problems, to serve as a warning to others."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up, and he cupped his hands and said, "Uncle Han, this is a brilliant plan! I will start preparing immediately to ensure that the local governance is impeccable."

During the discussion, an attendant hurried in and bowed to report: "Your Highness, the Dali Temple Minister wants to see you. There is an urgent official matter that needs your judgment."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and said to Zhu Biao, "Biao'er, you rest here for a while, I'll be back soon." After that, he left with his attendants.

Soon, Zhu Han returned, looking a little serious. Seeing this, Zhu Biao hurriedly asked, "Uncle Han, is there anything difficult?"

Zhu Han sighed and said slowly: "Biao'er, the Dali Temple has just taken over a major case involving corruption by important officials in the court. This case involves a wide range of people. If it is not handled properly, there may be unexpected changes."

Zhu Biao frowned upon hearing this: "Uncle Han, we must be extremely careful in this matter. We must find out the truth and severely punish corruption, while ensuring the stability of the court and preventing the situation from becoming unstable."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes deep: "Biao'er is right. I have ordered the Dali Temple to conduct a secret investigation and collect solid evidence. At the same time, strengthen the guards in the palace to prevent anyone from taking desperate measures."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "Uncle Prince Han has thought it through. I will go and strengthen the guards in the palace to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Just as Zhu Biao was about to get up and leave, another attendant hurried in, holding a secret letter, with a nervous look on his face: "Your Highness, this is a secret letter that the Jinyiwei just intercepted. It seems to be related to the situation in the court."

Zhu Han took the secret letter and quickly read it through, his face becoming more solemn. He handed the secret letter to Zhu Biao and said in a deep voice: "Biao'er, take a look at this letter."

Zhu Biao took the secret letter and read it carefully. His face changed drastically: "This... This letter mentioned that someone in the court colluded with foreign enemies with evil intentions!"

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes burning with anger: "This matter is of great importance and must be investigated immediately. You must immediately order the Jinyiwei to track down the person mentioned in the letter, and at the same time strengthen the guard of the imperial city to prevent any accidents."

Zhu Biao left as ordered, while Zhu Han stayed alone in the study, with a lot of thoughts in his mind.

As night fell, Zhu Han was still busy in his study, dealing with a mountain of official documents. At this time, a trusted staff member hurried in, looking nervous: "Your Highness, there is urgent news. A war broke out suddenly on the northern border, and the enemy invaded in large numbers!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han stood up abruptly, with a stern look in his eyes: "Quickly send a message to the Ministry of War to immediately dispatch troops and make sure to defend the border! At the same time, order the Ministry of Rites to urgently prepare envoys to go to the enemy country to negotiate and seek a peaceful solution."

Zhu Han's order was quickly conveyed to the Ministry of War, and the atmosphere in the entire palace suddenly became tense. He stood in the study, his eyes determined, thinking about every next step in his mind. At this time, a servant hurriedly walked in, holding an urgent letter in his hand, looking anxious.

"Your Highness, this is urgent military intelligence that just came from the Ministry of War." The attendant said as he handed over the urgent document.

Zhu Han took the urgent letter and quickly read it through, frowning. "The enemy's attack is fierce. It seems that this war is of great importance." He pondered for a moment and instructed his attendant, "Quickly send a message to the Jinyiwei to strengthen patrols inside and outside the capital to ensure the safety of the imperial city. At the same time, order people to rush to various places in the south and north of the Yangtze River to notify local officials to strengthen vigilance to prevent the enemy from taking the opportunity to cause chaos."

The attendant took the order and left, and the study returned to peace. Zhu Han knew that once a war broke out, the government and the country would be in turmoil, so reforms needed to be carried out with caution to avoid being disturbed by the war.

Just as he was thinking about countermeasures, he heard the hurried footsteps of Zhu Biao outside the door. Zhu Biao pushed the door open and walked in, looking anxious: "Uncle Han, I just received news that the enemy army is approaching the outskirts of the capital, and the situation is critical!"

Zhu Han raised his head, his eyes were like torches: "Don't worry, Biao'er, we need to respond calmly. Go to the palace immediately, report the military situation to your father, and request the dispatch of the imperial guards for reinforcement. At the same time, contact the Five Cities Military Department and ask them to strengthen the city defenses to ensure the safety of the capital."

Zhu Biao's expression became more solemn when he heard this. He nodded, turned around and left in a hurry, heading straight for the palace. Along the way, he silently thought about the urgent military situation he was about to face, but his steps were extremely firm.

Entering the imperial study, Zhu Biao knelt and saluted, his voice a little hurried: "Father, I have urgent military information to report." Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, put down the memorial in his hand, and said in a deep voice: "Biao'er, why are you so panicked?"

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and reported the news he had just received in detail: "Father, the enemy has approached the outskirts of the capital, and the situation is critical. I beg you to quickly dispatch the imperial army to reinforce and strengthen the city defense."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned stern, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes: "How dare the enemy be so rampant! Biao'er, you immediately go to the Ministry of War and discuss countermeasures with Brother Han and Brother Di to ensure that the capital is safe."

Zhu Biao received the order and was about to leave the imperial study when Zhu Yuanzhang stopped him again: "Biao'er, this crisis is of great importance. You must work closely with your brothers Han and Di and make no mistakes. Remember, the country of the Ming Dynasty depends on your shoulders."

Zhu Biao bowed and said in a firm voice: "I will obey your order and live up to your expectations." After that, he quickly left the imperial study and went straight to the Ministry of War.

Zhu Biao rushed all the way to the Ministry of War, his heart full of worries about the impending crisis, but more of a firm belief in fighting side by side with brothers. When he stepped into the lobby of the Ministry of War, he saw Zhu Han and Zhu Di waiting for a long time, both of them looked solemn, and it was obvious that they had learned of the urgent military situation.

"Brother Biao, you're here." Zhu Han came forward, his tone a little anxious but calm.

Zhu Biao nodded and got straight to the point: "The Emperor has issued an order, ordering the three of us to discuss countermeasures together to ensure the safety of the capital."

Zhu Di took over the conversation, his voice deep and powerful: "The enemy is approaching, the safety of the capital depends on it, we must formulate a response plan immediately."

The three of them sat around a table in the center of the lobby of the Ministry of War. Zhu Han spread out the defense map of the capital and tapped it with his finger. "The enemy is coming with great force. A head-on confrontation may not be enough to stop them. In my opinion, we should take a defensive stance and use the strong defenses of the capital to wear down the enemy."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement and added: "At the same time, we can send elite teams out of the city to harass the enemy, making them restless and distracting their attention."

Zhu Di pondered for a moment, a sharp look flashed in his eyes: "Although this plan is good, we need to ensure that all team members are elite, and the action must be extremely covert to avoid falling into the enemy's trap."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and looked at Zhu Di: "Fourth brother, what you said is absolutely right. This matter will be handed over to you to be responsible for selecting and training the team members. Make sure they can cause the greatest chaos behind enemy lines."

Zhu Di stood up and bowed his hands to receive the order: "As you command, Third Brother. I will live up to your trust and select the most elite soldiers to carry out this mission."

Zhu Biao turned to Zhu Han and continued the discussion: "Uncle Han, the city defense needs to be strengthened, especially the guards of the city gates and walls. We must ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes deep: "I have ordered people to strengthen the guard of the city gates, and add arrow towers and watchtowers to detect the enemy in time. In addition, we need to mobilize the people in the city to participate in the defense of the city, so that everyone can become a soldier."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes: "Uncle Han has considered it carefully. Biao will go to the city immediately to mobilize the people to participate in the defense of the city. At the same time, we will strengthen the city's law and order to prevent civil unrest."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and looked at Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, you have always been cautious in doing things. I am relieved to leave this matter to you. But remember, you must ensure the safety of the people and do not force them to participate in the battle."

Zhu Biao bowed and responded: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao will handle this matter properly."

After the discussion, the three of them divided their work and took action quickly. Zhu Di went to the military camp to personally select and train elite teams; Zhu Han stayed in the Ministry of War to continue to deploy city defense matters; and Zhu Biao shuttled through the streets and alleys of the city, mobilizing the people to participate in the defense of the city, and at the same time strengthened patrols in the city to ensure public security and stability.

As night fell, the capital city was tense and orderly. Torches were lit on the city walls, and soldiers on the arrow towers and watchtowers were vigilantly observing the surroundings. Under Zhu Biao's mobilization, the people in the city took up their weapons and were ready to respond to the call to defend the city at any time. The elite team led by Zhu Di quietly left the city at night and sneaked towards the enemy's garrison.

As the night deepened, the capital was filled with a solemn and murderous atmosphere. In the lobby of the Ministry of War, Zhu Han, Zhu Biao and Zhu Di continued to discuss detailed strategies to deal with the enemy invasion under the flickering candlelight.

Zhu Han looked solemn and said in a deep voice: "The enemy is strong. We can't just rely on the city defense to resist. We need to use our wits. Biao'er, how is your work of mobilizing the people to defend the city going?"

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "The people have responded positively, and many young and strong men have spontaneously organized themselves to help defend the city. I have arranged for them to undergo simple training to ensure that they can play a role at the critical moment."

Zhu Di added, "Uncle Wang, I have selected elite soldiers to form a raiding team. They are all very skilled and are especially good at night combat. Tonight, I will personally lead the team out of the city to harass the enemy and disrupt their deployment."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, agreeing with Zhu Di's decision: "Di'er is brave and courageous, this matter is best done by you. But remember, safety comes first, and you must ensure that every soldier can return safely."

Zhu Di accepted the order with a bow: "Uncle Wang, rest assured, I know what to do."

Zhu Han turned to Zhu Biao, his tone more worried: "Biao'er, the security of the city is as important as the logistics supply. If the enemy army cannot take the city for a long time, they may take other measures to disturb the people. You need to strengthen patrols in the city to ensure the supply of food and grass."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly: "Uncle Han is right. I have ordered the Five City Military Department to strengthen patrols and mobilize the wealthy merchants in the city to ensure sufficient food and supplies. In addition, I have also set up a temporary clinic in case of emergency."

Zhu Han felt relieved after hearing this. In this crisis, every detail was related to the safety of the capital. "Very good, we need to work together to overcome this difficult time. There is one more thing we need to pay attention to. There may be spies lurking in the enemy army. We need to strengthen the inspection in the city to prevent traitors from causing chaos."

Zhu Biao immediately agreed: "Don't worry, Uncle Han, I have handed this matter over to the Jinyiwei. They are searching the whole city for suspicious people to ensure peace in the city."

The three of them discussed and prepared to act. Zhu Han stayed in the military department to continue to supervise the city defense deployment; Zhu Biao went to the city to personally check the security and logistics situation; Zhu Di led an elite team and quietly left the city at night. (End of this chapter)