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

Zhu Biao bowed to express his gratitude, but still felt a great sense of responsibility: "I dare not take credit for this. This is the result of the joint efforts of the court and all officials. I just did my duty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, then changed the subject: "Biao'er, although the disaster relief is over, the affairs of the court cannot be ignored. You need to continue to assist Handi and jointly govern the country to ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao said solemnly: "I will obey your order and do my best to live up to your high expectations."

After Zhu Biao left the imperial study, he felt both relieved and filled with a great sense of responsibility.

After returning to the East Palace, Zhu Biao immediately summoned his trusted aides to discuss the next strategy for the court. In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the solemn faces of everyone.

"Everyone, although the disaster relief in Jiangnan has been a success, the affairs in the court are far from settled. My father has high hopes for me, and we need to act more cautiously." Zhu Biao's voice was steady and powerful, revealing unquestionable majesty.

An elderly staff member bowed and said, "Your Highness is right. The power in the court is intertwined. If Your Highness wants to consolidate his position, he needs more help."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly and turned his gaze to another staff member: "Mr. Li, you have a good insight into the situation in the court. How do you think we should deal with it now?"

Mr. Li pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, the current priority is to unite all forces that can be united, especially those court officials who are neutral or supportive of Your Highness. At the same time, we must guard against those forces that pose a threat to Your Highness, especially Prince Yan Zhu Di, who is ambitious and must be guarded against."

Zhu Biao frowned when he heard this, and was obviously afraid of Zhu Di's ambition. "Zhu Di is indeed an opponent that cannot be underestimated. He is both civil and military, and has a high prestige in the army. If he has any other ideas, it will be a big problem."

At this time, a young aide interrupted and said, "Your Highness, I think that instead of passively guarding against it, it is better to take the initiative and look for opportunities to show the prince's benevolence and wisdom, and win more support from court officials and the people."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up and he praised: "That makes sense. We really need more opportunities to take the initiative. Mr. Li, do you have any good ideas?"

Mr. Li smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Your Highness, why not take this opportunity to propose holding a grand sacrificial ceremony to pray for peace and prosperity for the country and the people, and invite important officials from the court and local officials to participate. Through this opportunity, Your Highness can not only demonstrate his benevolence, but also enhance exchanges with various forces and understand their true thoughts."

Zhu Biao was moved when he heard this, thinking that this was indeed a good way to kill two birds with one stone. "This plan is very good. It can not only show the benevolence of the emperor and the prince, but also strengthen the relationship between the court officials. Mr. Li, I will leave this matter to you to be fully responsible for the preparations. You must ensure that the event is a complete success."

Mr. Li bowed and accepted the order. Just as he was about to leave, Zhu Biao stopped him again and said, "There is one more thing you need to pay attention to. We need to specially invite Prince of Yan Zhu Di to participate in this event. I want to see what his plans are."

Mr. Li nodded in agreement, thinking to himself that this would be a war without the smoke of gunpowder.

A few days later, a grand sacrificial ceremony was held in the capital. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood side by side on the altar, looking at the huge crowd below, feeling both proud and responsible.

Prince of Yan Zhu Di, wearing gorgeous armor and riding a tall horse, slowly entered the venue, looking around sharply. He nodded to Zhu Biao and Zhu Han, but his eyes revealed a subtle provocation.

After the sacrificial ceremony, Zhu Biao specially invited all the officials to the East Palace for a banquet. During the banquet, the atmosphere was warm and lively. Zhu Biao chatted and laughed with the officials, and asked about local governance from time to time, showing his people-friendly and pragmatic side.

Zhu Di sat aside, watching with cold eyes, thinking secretly in his heart. Zhu Biao's move was intended to win people's hearts, and he could not sit idly by.

After three rounds of drinking, Zhu Di suddenly stood up and raised his glass to toast Zhu Biao: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, is benevolent and kind, and this disaster relief effort is deeply popular among the people. I offer a toast to Your Highness, and wish that the Ming Dynasty will last forever, and Your Highness will live forever!"

Zhu Biao smiled slightly and raised his glass in response: "Fourth brother, you are too kind. This is our responsibility. Come, cheers!"

The two drank the wine in one gulp, but the atmosphere changed quietly. Zhu Di put down his wine glass and changed the subject: "Your Highness, I have come up with a plan in the army recently that may help strengthen the border defense and resist foreign invasion. I wonder if Your Highness is interested in listening to it?"

Zhu Biao was startled, knowing that Zhu Di was taking this opportunity to show off his talent and ambition. He smiled slightly and pretended to be curious and said, "Oh? If you have any good ideas, please feel free to tell me."

Zhu Di looked around and saw that everyone was listening attentively, so he slowly said: "I think that although our border defense is strong, we must not slack off in the slightest. I suggest that we add more outposts on the border, strengthen patrols, and select elite soldiers to form a rapid response force to deal with sudden wars."

As soon as this was said, all the ministers nodded in praise, thinking that this plan was very good. Although Zhu Biao was unwilling, he had to admit that Zhu Di's plan was indeed feasible. He smiled slightly and praised: "Fourth brother, this plan is indeed brilliant. When I report it to my father, I will definitely adopt it."

Zhu Di smiled slightly when he heard this, knowing that his goal had been achieved. He raised his glass to Zhu Biao, and they drank it all again, but the battle in their hearts was far from over.

After the banquet, Zhu Biao sat alone in his study, feeling mixed emotions.

The next morning, Zhu Biao got up early and prepared to go to the imperial study to report the sacrificial activities and Zhu Di's border defense strategy to his father Zhu Yuanzhang.

Entering the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne with a solemn expression. Seeing Zhu Biao coming, he nodded slightly and motioned him to come forward to report.

Zhu Biao bowed and reported the grand ceremony of the sacrificial ceremony and Zhu Di's border defense strategy. After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, with a hint of deep thought in his eyes.

"Biao'er, what do you think of Di'er's plan?" Zhu Yuanzhang finally asked.

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and replied cautiously: "Father, I think your plan is indeed feasible. Strengthening border defense is the foundation of our dynasty's long-term stability. But we must be cautious in implementing it to ensure that there are no mistakes."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes deep: "You are right. Although Di'er is ambitious, his talents cannot be ignored. You need to work harder to consolidate your position as the crown prince."

After Zhu Biao left the Imperial Study, he felt a great sense of responsibility and was full of determination for the future.

After returning to the East Palace, Zhu Biao immediately summoned his trusted staff to discuss how to deal with Zhu Di's challenge and strengthen the prince's influence in the court. In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the solemn faces of everyone. "Everyone, you have seen what happened today. Prince of Yan Zhu Di is ambitious, we must be on guard." Zhu Biao's voice was steady and powerful, and his eyes swept over everyone present.

An elderly staff member cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness is right. His Highness Prince Yan has a high prestige in the army. If he really has other intentions, it will be a big problem. But Your Highness does not need to worry too much. We can use the merits of this disaster relief to further consolidate the position of the prince in the court."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly and turned his gaze to another staff member: "Mr. Li, what do you think?"

Mr. Li pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness, I think that in order to consolidate the position of the Crown Prince, in addition to relying on military merit and the support of the people, we must also make friends in the court and win the support of more court officials. Especially those important officials who are neutral or on the sidelines, we need to try to get them to stand on the side of the Crown Prince."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "Mr. Li is right. So, how can we win the support of these important officials?"

Mr. Li smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "Your Highness can hold more literary gatherings and poetry banquets, and invite important officials in the court to participate. Take this opportunity to show the prince's literary talent and demeanor, and at the same time listen to their opinions and suggestions, so that they can feel the prince's concern and attention to the government."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up when he heard this: "This is a great plan! We should not only show the prince's talent, but also let them see his determination and ability to govern the country."

He then turned to another aide and said, "Mr. Zhang, you are responsible for preparing these literary gatherings and poetry banquets. You must ensure that the activities are elegant and solemn, so that all participants can feel the sincerity and style of the prince."

Mr. Zhang bowed and responded, "As you command, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to Your Highness' high expectations."

After the discussion, everyone dispersed and prepared for the upcoming activities. Zhu Biao stayed alone in the study, thinking about every move in his mind.

A few days later, the Eastern Palace held a grand literary gathering and invited many important officials to attend. At the gathering, Zhu Biao not only wrote poems and essays himself, but also invited guests to appreciate the masterpieces and comment on current affairs. His literary talent and demeanor won the appreciation and admiration of everyone present.

During the banquet, an old minister raised his glass to toast Zhu Biao and said with emotion: "Your Highness is talented and capable of governing the country. It is a blessing for our Ming Dynasty. I am willing to swear allegiance to Your Highness until death and work together for the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao quickly stood up and responded, his eyes sparkling with gratitude and determination: "You are too kind, old sir. I am just doing my best to share my father's worries and be loyal to the Ming Dynasty. I will always remember your support and trust."

Late at night, Zhu Biao sat alone in his study, looking at the moonlight outside the window, his heart filled with emotion.

The next morning, Zhu Biao got up early and prepared to go to the Ministry of Revenue to inspect government affairs.

In the hall of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhu Biao sat in the main seat and listened carefully to the reports of the officials of the Ministry of Revenue. He sometimes frowned, sometimes nodded in approval, and put forward his own unique insights and suggestions on every government matter.

"Your Highness is right." The Minister of Finance, Mr. Zhang, bowed and said, "I will follow your instructions and handle every government matter conscientiously to ensure that the country's finances are stable and orderly."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes revealing his trust and expectation for Lord Zhang: "Lord Zhang is a pillar of the Ministry of Revenue, and I have full confidence in you. I hope you can continue to perform your duties conscientiously and contribute to the Ming Dynasty."

After inspecting the Ministry of Revenue, Zhu Biao went to the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Justice and other government offices to inspect government affairs. Wherever he went, he listened carefully to the reports and suggestions of the officials, showing the diligence and wisdom that a crown prince should have.

When night fell, Zhu Biao finally finished his day's inspection. He dragged his tired body back to the East Palace, but his heart was full of satisfaction and pride.

At the same time, in the palace, Zhu Han was discussing the situation in the court and future strategies with several trusted aides. The flickering candlelight in the study illuminated his resolute face and deep eyes.

"Your Highness, how did His Royal Highness perform in court today?" an aide asked, bowing.

Zhu Han nodded slightly and said solemnly: "Biao'er's performance in the court today was remarkable. Not only did he successfully hold the literary gathering and win the support and trust of the court officials, he also personally inspected the government affairs of various ministries and demonstrated the diligence and wisdom that a crown prince should have."

Another staff member heard this and a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "However, Prince of Yan Zhu Di is not an ordinary person. He is ambitious and has a high prestige in the army. If he really has other intentions, it will be a big problem."

Zhu Han frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "Fourth brother is indeed talented and ambitious, but the Ming Dynasty is the most important country and we cannot sacrifice public interests for personal gain. We need to be vigilant of his movements at all times and strengthen the prince's position and influence in the court."

He then turned to several of his trusted aides and said, "You need to continue to pay close attention to the situation and trends in the court, especially those forces that pose a threat to the crown prince. At the same time, strengthen the crown prince's influence in the court and win the support and trust of more court officials."

The staff nodded in agreement and said they would do their best to help the prince consolidate his position. Zhu Han felt relieved knowing that with their assistance, the prince would be able to cope with future challenges and difficulties.

Zhu Han pondered for a moment in the study, then slowly stood up and said to his staff, "Everyone, although Crown Prince Biaoer has demonstrated extraordinary ability and wisdom, the situation in the court is complicated and we still need to be doubly cautious. Next, we must start from many aspects to further consolidate the Crown Prince's position."

An elderly staff member bowed and said, "Your Highness is right. I think that in addition to strengthening the prince's influence in the court, we also need to start from the people and enhance the prince's prestige in the hearts of the people."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes gleaming with approval. "This is a great plan. Public opinion is crucial to the stability of the Crown Prince's position. You can make arrangements to have the Crown Prince participate in more people-friendly activities, such as inspecting farmland, visiting disaster victims, etc., so that the people can see the Crown Prince's benevolence and diligence with their own eyes."

Another aide added: "Your Highness, I also suggest strengthening the prince's cultural education and improving his knowledge and cultivation. This will not only enhance the prince's prestige among the court officials, but also lay a solid foundation for his future governance."

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of deep thought flashed in his eyes: "This makes sense. You can select a few respected scholars to be the prince's teachers, and give him regular lessons to teach him how to govern the country."

After the discussion, Zhu Han once again looked around at his staff and said firmly: "Everyone, we are at the core of the Ming Dynasty's power, and we need to be cautious in every step. But as long as we work together, we will be able to help the prince consolidate his position and contribute to the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty." (End of this chapter)