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

All the staff members bowed their heads and said they would do their best to assist the prince. Zhu Han felt relieved when he saw this, and then he told everyone to disperse and prepare for the next action.

The next morning, Zhu Han went to the East Palace in person to discuss the next plan with Zhu Biao. In the East Palace study, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao sat opposite each other in a serious and solemn atmosphere.

Zhu Han spoke slowly: "Biao'er, you handled the affairs of the court yesterday very well. Your father is very pleased. But remember, the power struggle is like sailing against the current. If you don't move forward, you will fall behind. We must be vigilant at all times and not slack off in the slightest."

Zhu Biao replied respectfully: "Uncle Han taught me, and I will definitely keep it in mind. However, the situation in the court is complicated and changeable, and I sometimes feel powerless."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes sparkling with wisdom. "Don't worry, Biao'er. I'll be there to help you through this difficult time. Next, you can act according to the plan we discussed yesterday, participate more in folk activities, and enhance your prestige among the people."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and then asked, "Uncle Wang Han, Biaoer also feels that strengthening cultural education is very important. I wonder if Uncle Wang has any suitable candidates to recommend?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "I have a few candidates in mind, all of whom are knowledgeable and highly respected scholars. You can send someone to invite them and let them take turns to teach you."

Zhu Biao was overjoyed when he heard this and quickly thanked him: "Thank you, Uncle Han, for your trouble in arranging this. Biao will definitely learn with an open mind and live up to your expectations."

After the discussion was finalized, Zhu Han gave Zhu Biao a few more words of advice, and then stood up to say goodbye. Looking at Zhu Biao's resolute back, Zhu Han felt both relieved and a heavy sense of responsibility.

A few days later, Zhu Biao, under the arrangement of Zhu Han, started a series of activities to get close to the people. He personally inspected the farmland to understand the sufferings of the people; visited the disaster area to comfort the people; participated in local sacrificial activities and enjoyed the people. These actions quickly won the respect and love of the people, and the prestige of the prince among the people was increasing day by day.

At the same time, Zhu Han also actively worked in the court to win more support for the prince. He used his influence in the court to recommend talented people for the prince; he spoke for the prince at court meetings, expounding on the prince's governance philosophy and achievements; and he communicated with important officials in the court privately to win their understanding and support.

However, just as the prince's position was gradually becoming more stable, a sudden disturbance caused the situation in the court to become unstable again. One morning, an official suddenly came to the court and impeached the prince for being extravagant and wasteful in folk activities, which wasted people's money and labor. As soon as this was said, there was an uproar in the court.

Zhu Han was furious when he heard this and immediately stood up to refute: "This is wrong! The prince inspected the farmland and comforted the victims because he was sympathetic to the people and understood their suffering. How can it be said that it is extravagant and wasteful? As censors, you should base your remarks on facts and not make false accusations!"

Zhu Han's words were so powerful that the court fell silent. The censors looked embarrassed, but they did not dare to refute easily. Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, his eyes swept across the room, and finally spoke slowly: "This matter needs to be investigated in detail, and we should not believe one-sided words. Brother Han's words make sense. The prince should be sympathetic to the people, which is the way of a monarch. But the censors' concerns are not completely unreasonable. I order the East Factory to investigate this matter carefully and make sure that the prince is cleared of all charges."

Upon hearing this, the censor immediately knelt down to express his gratitude, secretly glad that he was not punished on the spot. Zhu Han nodded slightly, expressing his agreement with Zhu Yuanzhang's decision.

After the court session, Zhu Han did not return directly to the palace, but went to the East Palace instead, wanting to discuss today's events with Zhu Biao in detail. In the East Palace study, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao sat opposite each other, the atmosphere was solemn yet warm.

"Biao'er, what do you think about what happened in the court today?" Zhu Han asked softly, with some concern in his eyes.

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and slowly replied, "Uncle Wang, I know that my actions may have been inappropriate, which gave the censors an opportunity to take advantage of me. But everything I did was to sympathize with the people and understand their suffering. If this incident damages the prestige of the prince, I would feel uneasy."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, and comforted him: "Biao'er, you care about the people, which is the foundation of being a king. What happened today was just the work of a villain, so don't worry too much. Just be more cautious in the future and don't let the villain take advantage of you."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, but secretly made up his mind to work harder so as not to let his uncle and his father down.

"Uncle Wang, Biao'er has something else to ask you." Zhu Biao suddenly changed the subject and his expression became serious.

"What's the matter?" Zhu Han asked, already having a premonition in his heart.

"Uncle Wang, Biaoer wants to strengthen the training and selection of talents in the court to enrich the strength of the court. I wonder if Uncle Wang has any good ideas?" Zhu Biao asked sincerely.

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of approval flashed in his eyes. It is rare for the prince to have such foresight. After a little thought, Zhu Han slowly replied: "Biao'er is right. There are many talented people in the court, but we also need to constantly cultivate new forces. You can propose to set up a special college or academy to open up a wide range of talents. At the same time, strengthen the assessment and training of officials to ensure that they are not only competent for their duties, but also can continue to improve."

Zhu Biao was overjoyed when he heard this and thanked him repeatedly: "Thank you, Uncle Wang, for your guidance. Biao will start preparing for the relevant matters immediately."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

A few days later, Zhu Biao, with the support of Zhu Han, proposed to Zhu Yuanzhang the establishment of a royal academy. Zhu Yuanzhang was delighted to hear this, thinking it would benefit the country and the people, and immediately decided to set up the academy and ordered Zhu Biao to be fully responsible for the matter.

Zhu Biao lived up to expectations and quickly organized people to prepare for the establishment of the academy. He personally selected knowledgeable scholars as lecturers and opened up a wide range of paths for talents, selecting outstanding students for admission without any restrictions. The academy soon became famous and attracted many ambitious people to come and study.

At the same time, Zhu Han also actively worked in the court to gain more support for the prince. He used his influence in the court to recommend talented people for the prince; he spoke for the prince at court meetings, expounding on the prince's governance philosophy and achievements; and he communicated with important officials in the court privately to gain their understanding and support.

However, while the Crown Prince and Zhu Han were working hard to consolidate their positions, Prince of Yan Zhu Di was secretly accumulating strength, eyeing the position of Crown Prince.

It was only because of his inferior birth that he failed to inherit the throne. But Zhu Di never gave up his desire for the throne.

One day, Zhu Di took the opportunity of entertaining important officials in the court to secretly test their views on the prince. During the banquet, he casually mentioned the prince's establishment of an academy, with some sarcasm in his words.

"Although the prince's move is well-intentioned, I'm afraid he is too eager for quick success." Zhu Di took a sip of wine and swept his eyes across everyone's faces.

Upon hearing this, a minister who was on good terms with Zhu Di hastily agreed, "Yes, the prince is young and full of vigor, so it is inevitable that he will be biased in his actions. As ministers, we should assist him wholeheartedly, but we also need to remind him from time to time not to go the wrong way."

Zhu Di smiled slightly, feeling proud in his heart. Although these people did not dare to openly oppose the prince, they were somewhat dissatisfied with him in their hearts. As long as he guided them a little, he could make them chess pieces in his hands.

However, Zhu Di's wishful thinking did not go as he wished. While everyone was discussing, a minister who was usually taciturn suddenly spoke up: "Your Highness, Prince of Yan, this is wrong. The prince set up the academy for the long-term stability of the country. This move can not only cultivate talents, but also enhance the strength of the court. As ministers, we should fully support the prince."

When this was said, everyone was stunned. Zhu Di's face changed slightly, but he didn't want to get angry. He knew that this person was one of Zhu Han's trusted aides. Although he didn't show off his power on weekdays, he had great prestige in the court.

"Humph, that sounds nice." Zhu Di sneered, "I hope the prince is as wise and brave as you say."

After saying this, Zhu Di left the table on the pretext of something, leaving everyone staring at each other in bewilderment, and no one dared to speak for a moment.

This matter soon reached the ears of Zhu Han and Zhu Biao. Zhu Han just smiled slightly when he heard it, but he had already made up his mind.

The next morning, the sun shone over the Forbidden City, and the civil and military officials entered the Golden Palace one after another, ready to attend the morning court. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao also entered the palace side by side, their steps steady and solemn, revealing a kind of imposing aura without anger.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes piercing as he scanned the ministers below. After everyone finished paying their respects, he slowly spoke, "Do you have any important matters to report?"

The Minister of War stepped out, holding a memorial in his hand, his face solemn, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I have urgent military information to report. Recently, our border scouts have sent news that the Huns in the north are ready to make a move and seem to be planning to invade the south. The situation on the border is becoming increasingly tense. I beg Your Majesty to make a decision quickly."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and glanced at the civil and military officials in the hall. Finally, he set his eyes on Zhu Han: "Brother Han, what do you think about this?"

Zhu Han stepped forward, saluted, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the Xiongnu invasion from the south is a threat to the border of our Great Ming. I think we should take two steps: first, strengthen border defense, build fortresses, and send more troops to ensure border security; second, send envoys to the Xiongnu to test their strengths and weaknesses, and at the same time demonstrate the military power of our Great Ming, and strive to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means."

Zhu Biao stood aside, listening to Zhu Han's statement, with a flash of admiration in his eyes. So he also stepped forward and added: "Father, I am willing to go to the Xiongnu in person to talk to their leader, to resolve the conflict with sincerity, and at the same time to explore their true intentions and provide a basis for the court's decision-making."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes. "I am very pleased that Biaoer has such determination. However, the mission to the Xiongnu is no small matter. You must act carefully and ensure safety."

Zhu Biao bowed and accepted the order: "I will obey your order and do my best to live up to your high expectations."

Zhu Han also nodded in agreement: "I intend to send a group of capable guards to accompany Biao'er on this trip to ensure his safety. At the same time, I will also dispatch troops in the court to strengthen the border defense to prevent any accidents."

The Minister of War felt relieved upon hearing this, and bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, I will immediately prepare for border defense matters to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and glanced at his ministers again: "My dear ministers, every man has his share of responsibility for the fate of his country. The Xiongnu issue concerns the safety of our Ming Dynasty. I hope you will all work together to resist foreign aggression."

All the ministers bowed their heads and responded, saying that they would do their utmost to defend the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

Afterwards, Zhu Yuanzhang asked the Ministry of Revenue about the preparation of military supplies and the Ministry of Works about the construction progress of border defense facilities. The Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works made detailed reports respectively, saying that they had gone all out to carry out preparation and construction work in accordance with the court's deployment.

After the morning court session, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked out of the Jinluan Palace side by side. Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said earnestly, "Biao'er, you need to be more careful on this mission to the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu are fierce and you must not take them lightly."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biaoer will act prudently and live up to the trust of father and uncle Han."

After Zhu Biao came out of the Jinluan Palace, he felt a great sense of responsibility and was full of determination. When he returned to the East Palace, he immediately summoned his trusted staff and began to make intensive preparations for the mission.

In the study, Zhu Biao sat at his desk with several aides standing on both sides. The atmosphere was serious and focused.

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice: "Everyone, this mission to the Xiongnu is related to the peaceful coexistence of the Ming Dynasty and the Xiongnu, and there can be no mistakes. We must make full preparations to ensure that this trip goes smoothly."

An aide bowed and said, "Your Highness is right. We need to prepare detailed etiquette standards for this trip to avoid losing etiquette during the negotiations and causing unnecessary misunderstandings."

Zhu Biao nodded and looked at another staff member in charge of paperwork: "Mr. Li, you will start drafting the letter immediately. The words must be sincere and firm. It must express the sincerity of our Ming Dynasty in seeking peace and also demonstrate the demeanor of a great country."

Mr. Li bowed and replied, "As you command, Your Highness. I will carefully consider every word and sentence to ensure that the letter is impeccable."

Zhu Biao turned to the staff in charge of security and said, "General Zhang, safety is of utmost importance on this trip. You must carefully select a team of loyal and reliable guards to ensure that nothing goes wrong on the journey."

General Zhang stood up and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I have already started selecting elite soldiers. They are not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also have a good understanding of the Xiongnu's terrain and customs. They will definitely be able to protect Your Highness."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, expressing his satisfaction. He pondered for a moment and continued, "We need to bring enough gifts on this trip to show the sincerity of our Ming Dynasty. Lord Zhao, you are responsible for preparing the gift list. You must select the best items that can reflect the essence of our Ming Dynasty culture and conform to the customs of the Xiongnu."

Lord Zhao bowed and replied, "Your Highness is wise. I have begun to collect rare items from all over the country, striving to make the gifts both show the wealth of our Ming Dynasty and win the favor of the Xiongnu leader."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes swept over the staff, his tone gentle but full of majesty: "Everyone, this trip is not only my personal mission, but also the mission of the Ming Dynasty. I hope you can work together and contribute to this great cause, and live up to the high expectations of my father and the people of the Ming Dynasty."

All the staff members responded in unison, saying that they would do their best to help His Highness complete his mission. (End of this chapter)