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

Chapter 861: Corruption Storm, Seven Days

Zhu Biao stared at the white paper in his hand, frowning deeply, as if he could hold all the confusion and astonishment in the world. He slowly raised his head, his eyes full of inquiry towards Zhu Han: "Uncle, why... why is this? Why is the letter from my father blank?"

Zhu Han shook his head slightly, a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and his eyes sparkled with wisdom: "Your Highness, you know that true wisdom is often hidden in the most inconspicuous places. This blank paper is a profound test of us by our father, and it is also an absolute trust in our abilities. He believes that we are capable of independently solving the many difficulties of moving the capital, without his personal guidance."

Zhu Biao heard this, although his doubts were not completely dispelled, but the warmth of being trusted was like a spring breeze, which made him feel a little relieved. He took a deep breath and tried to calm down: "Uncle Huang is right, I, Zhu Biao, will definitely live up to my father's high expectations. However, this matter of moving the capital is related to the fate of the country and the people's livelihood. Any slight mistake may cause a huge wave."

Just as the two were lost in thought, the door of the study was suddenly pushed open, and a guard stumbled in, looking panicked: "Your Highness, Your Highness, something is wrong! Something has happened at the construction site of the capital relocation! Someone is so bold as to cut corners and embezzle public funds!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's face instantly turned pale, his eyes burning with anger. He slammed the table and shouted, "Who is so arrogant that he dares to do such a heinous thing under my nose?!"

Zhu Han also stopped smiling, his eyes became unusually cold. He stood up and said in a deep voice: "This matter is of great importance. We must go to the construction site immediately and get to the bottom of it. We must not let such treacherous people tarnish the reputation of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

The three of them hurried out of the study, passed through the noisy palace, and headed straight for the capital relocation site. The construction site was in chaos, with workers either terrified or angry, and discussions were heard one after another, and the air was filled with an uneasy atmosphere.

Zhu Biao stood in the middle of the crowd, looking around, his face ashen. He clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, but he didn't feel the pain at all: "Where is Li Jin? I want to interrogate him personally!"

Zhu Han gently patted Zhu Biao's shoulder to comfort him: "Your Highness, please be patient. We have sent someone to summon him. The most important thing now is to stabilize people's hearts and prevent the situation from getting worse."

Soon, Li Jin was escorted to Zhu Biao. His clothes were disheveled and he looked flustered. His usual calmness was long gone. Zhu Biao glared at him and said in a cold voice: "Li Jin, do you know your crime? How dare you cut corners and embezzle public funds in the capital relocation project!"

Li Jin fell to his knees, trembling all over, but still tried to argue: "Your Highness, please understand, I... I didn't do this, someone must have framed me!"

Zhu Biao sneered, his eyes were like torches: "The evidence is irrefutable, you still want to quibble? Come, take him to the prison and interrogate him strictly!"

As Li Jin was taken away, the crowd on the construction site gradually quieted down. Zhu Biao knew that this was just the tip of the iceberg, and the real mastermind was still hiding in the dark. He looked at Zhu Han with a determined light in his eyes: "Uncle, we must get to the bottom of this and catch all the people involved in the case!"

Zhu Han nodded in agreement, his eyes also flashing with determination: "Your Highness, don't worry, this matter concerns the state system. I, Zhu Han, will do my best to help you find out the truth and restore the court to a clear mind!"

The atmosphere in the court was so solemn that water could almost drip from it. The sunlight shone through the window lattices, scattering on the golden brick floor, but it could not warm the cold air. The discussions of the court officials rose and fell, like the eve of a summer afternoon thunderstorm, oppressive and rapid.

"Your Highness, this matter is of great importance. As the crown prince, how will you explain this to the people of the world?" An old official with white hair and beard stepped out of the line tremblingly, his eyes filled with both pain and blame. "How could someone like Li Jin sneak into such a major project as moving the capital? This is not only a mistake in your selection of people, but also a violation of the dignity of the court!"

Zhu Biao turned even paler when he heard this. He suppressed his inner turmoil and looked around the room with a determined look, trying to find a hint of understanding and support, but he only saw faces that were either angry or disappointed. He took a deep breath and was about to speak, but was interrupted by the voice of another minister.

"Your Highness, the relocation of the capital concerns the destiny of the country and the people are paying close attention. Now, the affairs of Li Jin have spread like wildfire, and the people are talking about it and have many complaints about our Ming Dynasty. If Your Highness does not take action in time, you may lose the support of the people and the foundation of the country will be shaken!" The minister had a loud voice and sincere words, and every word he said hit the nail on the head.

In the court, the crowd was furious, and the voices of accusation surged like a tide, as if to drown Zhu Biao. He stood in the center, isolated and helpless, his hands clenched into fists, his nails deeply embedded in his palms, but he still maintained the dignity and calmness that he should have.

At this extremely tense moment, Zhu Han slowly stood up. His movements were neither hurried nor slow, but like a magic needle that stabilized the sea, he instantly quieted the originally noisy court. He looked around, his eyes were deep and firm, as if he could see into the deepest secrets of people's hearts.

"My Lords, please listen to me." Zhu Han's voice was not loud, but it was extremely clear. Every word seemed to carry a thousand pounds of force, piercing everyone's eardrums. "After hearing about this, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was deeply distressed and could not sleep at night. Knowing that this matter is of great importance, he has personally gone to the capital relocation site and vowed to thoroughly investigate the matter, clear the court's name, and give an explanation to the people."

Having said this, Zhu Han paused and looked at Zhu Biao gently, with a look of encouragement and trust in his eyes: "Please give His Royal Highness some time so that he can thoroughly investigate the truth and punish severely. His Royal Highness will not let us down."

His Majesty sat on the dragon throne, his eyes sharp as torches, scanning the ministers below. The situation at the moment was delicate, and any slight disturbance could lead to greater turmoil.

Finally, he spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful: "Prince, I give you seven days. During these seven days, you need to go all out, not only to find out all the malpractices on the capital relocation site, but also to get to the bottom of Li Jin's case and severely punish those who are corrupt and pervert the law. As the crown prince, you should take this as a lesson, be strict with yourself, and be good at identifying and employing people. I and the people of the world are watching you."

Zhu Biao felt an unprecedented sense of mission and responsibility when he heard this. He bowed deeply to His Majesty, his eyes as firm as iron: "I will obey your order and live up to the high expectations of my father and the people of the world!"

Zhu Han thought to himself that the complexity of this case was beyond the ability of Zhu Biao to handle alone. So he stepped forward and whispered in Zhu Biao's ear: "Your Highness, this matter is of great importance. I am willing to help you secretly and overcome the difficulties together."

Zhu Biao heard this, a trace of gratitude flashed in his eyes, he nodded slightly, and said firmly: "Uncle, with your help, my confidence has doubled."

After leaving the palace, Zhu Han secretly gathered a group of loyal officials and spies to plot countermeasures in the study. The flickering candlelight reflected in his deep eyes, flashing the light of a wise man. "Li Jin's case must not be isolated. We must dig deep into the network of interests behind him before we can catch them all in one fell swoop." His words revealed an unquestionable determination.

An experienced spy reported: "Sir, according to our investigation, Li Jin has close relations with several ministers in the court, and often appears in some merchant places, behaving in a secretive manner." Zhu Han nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, and ordered: "Continue to monitor, do not alert the enemy. At the same time, we must do two things at the same time, collecting evidence while looking for possible breakthroughs."

Zhu Biao faced the doubts head-on in the court, demonstrating the prince's majesty and determination; while Zhu Han was in the dark, like an invisible net, quietly tightening.

Late one night, Zhu Han and several of his trusted advisers sat around a table covered with various secret letters and blueprints. He tapped the table and said in a deep voice, "Everyone, we have discovered that there is a subtle connection between Li Jin and the fourth prince Zhu Di. But this is not enough to be conclusive evidence. We need to be more cautious."

A minister frowned and said worriedly: "If it is really the Fourth Prince who did it, the matter is complicated. How should we deal with it?"

Zhu Han's eyes were sharp as a torch, and he analyzed calmly: "Direct accusations will only backfire. We need to proceed step by step, first expose the crimes of Li Jin and his accomplices, then gradually guide public opinion and let the truth naturally surface."

He turned to a young counselor and instructed, "You are responsible for spreading rumors about the corruption of the capital relocation project in the court, but remember not to point it directly at the Fourth Prince. You must guide him subtly."

The young strategist nodded in agreement, his eyes flashing with excitement and nervousness. As the investigation deepened, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao gradually obtained more key evidence.

The conversation between them is full of trust and support for each other, and also shows their distinct personality traits: Zhu Biao's tenacity and courage, Zhu Han's depth and wisdom. In this silent contest, they work hand in hand to face the challenge together.

During those tense and depressing days, Zhu Han was like a skilled chess player, planning his moves carefully and cautiously yet with hidden edge.

Late one night, Zhu Han secretly met with several important officials who were dissatisfied with Zhu Di. The moonlight shone through the window lattice, shining on everyone's frowning brows, and the air was filled with a tacit tension. "Everyone, Zhu Di's ambition is growing day by day. If it is not curbed soon, it may become a big problem." Zhu Han's voice was low and powerful, and every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart.

An old official angrily slammed the table and stood up: "Zhu Di is ambitious and has long been a major hidden danger in the court. If there is solid evidence, I would be the first to stand up and testify against him!"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with a sly look in his eyes: "I will find the evidence myself. But before that, what we need to do is to let more people see Zhu Di's true face and change the direction of the court."

Zhu Han, "My Lords, I have heard that something seems to be wrong with the capital relocation project recently. Have you heard anything about it?"

"Oh? We haven't investigated this matter in depth, but since Lord Zhu mentioned it, I think he must have noticed something."

Zhu Han, "That's right. With such a large project, it's inevitable that some people will be greedy. Although we can't point fingers directly at anything, spreading some speculation inside and outside the court can also alert people."

"Master Zhu's words make sense. We will pay attention and remind everyone in due course. After all, the relocation of the capital concerns the country and cannot afford to make mistakes."

Zhu Han, "That's right. As long as we give a little hint, I believe someone will naturally investigate the matter. When the time comes, the truth will be revealed, which will benefit all of us."

At the same time, Zhu Han did not forget to persuade Li Jin's confidants to defect. On a stormy night, he personally visited them and wove a tempting net with huge benefits and promises. "You and I both know that Li Jin is at the end of his rope. But you still have a choice. As long as you are willing to stand up, I will guarantee the safety of you and your family, and let you get the rewards you deserve."

The confidant's eyes flickered in the candlelight, and in the end, greed and fear overcame loyalty. With trembling hands, he handed over those important letters and accounts.

After Zhu Han got the evidence, he did not rush to make it public, but chose a more cautious approach - interrogating in person. In the secret room, he faced the confidant who was once loyal to Li Jin in a gentle but dignified manner. "You know, everything you are doing now is to strive for a better future for yourself and your family."

The confidant lowered his head and said nothing, but Zhu Han could sense his inner struggle and hesitation. So he continued to use his words like a knife, peeling off the confidant's psychological defenses step by step. "Tell me everything you know. About Li Jin, about Zhu Di's confidants, and about those unknown transactions."

Following Zhu Han's guidance, the confidant finally broke down, tears and sweat intertwined, he choked up and told the secrets hidden in the darkness. These secrets were like bright stars, gradually illuminating the fog in Zhu Han's heart, making him more determined to make the truth public.

In this process, Zhu Han's wisdom and calmness, the greed and fear of his cronies, and the indignation of those important officials are all portrayed vividly, making the whole story more vivid and full of tension.

As the seven-day deadline approaches, Zhu Han's actions become more and more intense.

Zhu Han found Zhu Biao, and the two talked in a low voice in the study. The night outside the window was as dark as ink, and the candlelight inside was swaying. "Biao'er, you need to continue to be fair and strict, and personally interrogate the officials involved in the case. Remember, every move you make represents the majesty and determination of the prince." Zhu Han's words revealed unquestionable firmness.

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Don't worry, uncle, I will live up to your expectations."

Zhu Han also quietly made plans in the dark. He used his rich experience and keen insight to create a series of seemingly "coincidental" events. For example, after a court meeting, he deliberately let a minister "accidentally" discover a secret report about the abnormal accounts of the capital relocation project; for another example, at a banquet in the palace, he arranged an impromptu debate on the integrity and corruption of officials, cleverly guiding the topic to the corruption issues that Zhu Di's confidants might be involved in.

(End of this chapter)