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

Zhu Biao was unwilling to accept the words, but he knew that Zhu Han was right, so he had to give up. "So what should we do now?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with a sly look in his eyes. "We will split up. You lead one group to continue observing the situation outside, and I will lead another group to check the location of the food and stables. Remember, safety is the most important thing."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, and the two of them quickly assigned the tasks. The team members then dispersed and carried out their respective tasks.

Zhu Han led several elite soldiers and quietly went around to the rear of the enemy. They used the cover of trees and terrain to gradually approach the enemy's food and stable areas.

"Everyone be careful, this place is heavily guarded." Zhu Han reminded in a low voice, while signaling the soldiers to stay alert.

When they approached a warehouse full of food and grass, they suddenly heard a slight sound of footsteps. Zhu Han immediately signaled the team to stop, and he quietly approached the source of the sound. Through the gap, he saw several enemy soldiers sitting around the fire and chatting.

"It seems that the guards here are not strict." Zhu Han thought to himself, and then whispered to the soldier beside him, "Let's split up, one person will be responsible for leading them away, and the others will take the opportunity to enter the warehouse to check."

The soldiers quickly followed the order, and one soldier quietly went around to the other side of the fire and deliberately made a noise to attract the guards' attention. Sure enough, several guards immediately stood up to check the situation, and at this time, Zhu Han and other soldiers took the opportunity to rush into the warehouse.

The warehouse was filled with food and fodder. Zhu Han carefully checked it and found that there were sufficient supplies to support the enemy for a while. "It seems that our opponents are well prepared." He thought to himself, while recording the location and size of the warehouse.

After completing the exploration mission, Zhu Han quickly led his soldiers to evacuate the warehouse and joined Zhu Biao who was observing from the outside. After the two exchanged intelligence, they found that the enemy not only had sufficient food and grass, but also had strong horses and excellent equipment, and was obviously a well-trained army.

"We must transmit this information back to the capital as soon as possible." Zhu Han said in a deep voice, with a determined light flashing in his eyes.

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. "But how to evacuate safely is a problem. The enemy patrols closely. If we reveal our whereabouts, the consequences will be disastrous."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, his eyes swept around, and suddenly his eyes lit up. "Look over there, that small hill can serve as our cover. We can use the cover of night and the terrain to quietly bypass the enemy camp and evacuate from the other side of the hill."

Zhu Biao followed Zhu Han's gaze and saw a small hill not far away, which could be used as an evacuation route. "Okay, let's follow the uncle's plan."

The two quickly organized the team and followed Zhu Han's instructions to carefully bypass the enemy camp and successfully evacuate to a safe area. Looking at the enemy camp gradually moving away, both of them couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Although this exploration was thrilling, it was very rewarding." Zhu Han said with emotion, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. "Thanks to the wisdom and courage of the emperor's uncle, we were able to escape unscathed. Next, we must send this information back to the capital as soon as possible and contribute to the border defense of the Ming Dynasty."

"Uncle, through this investigation, we not only have a deeper understanding of the enemy's deployment, but also discovered their weaknesses." Zhu Biao said to Zhu Han as they walked, with a thoughtful tone in his voice.

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes deep. "Indeed, although the enemy is well-equipped and numerous, they are not invulnerable. As long as we can find their weaknesses and develop targeted strategies, we may be able to defeat them in one fell swoop."

"So what should we do next?" Zhu Biao asked, obviously looking forward to the next action.

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "First, we must organize this information in detail and report it to His Majesty. At the same time, I will also discuss with several important officials in private to see if we can find a countermeasure from their experience."

"In addition," Zhu Han changed the subject and looked at Zhu Biao, "Biao'er, as the crown prince, you need to strengthen communication with the ministers in the court and win more support. Border affairs are not only related to the military, but also to the stability of the court."

Zhu Biao nodded seriously, knowing that Zhu Han's words made sense. "Don't worry, uncle, I will do my best. But I'm worried about my fourth brother..." He hesitated for a moment, but still expressed his concerns.

Zhu Han frowned slightly when he heard this, but soon regained his composure. "As for Di'er, I will send someone to closely monitor his movements. But remember, no matter what he does, we must remain calm and rational, and not be fooled by his schemes."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han with gratitude, his heart full of respect. "Uncle, I feel much more relieved with you here. Please give me more guidance on the road ahead."

Zhu Han smiled and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder. "Biao'er, we are uncle and nephew, but also comrades-in-arms. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will fight alongside you until the end."

The two continued to move forward, passing through dense forests and crossing mountains and rivers. After several days, they finally returned to the capital. As soon as they entered the city gate, they went straight to the palace and reported the important intelligence they had obtained to His Majesty in detail.

After hearing this, His Majesty looked solemn and spoke highly of Zhu Han and Zhu Biao's bravery and wisdom. "Your actions this time not only helped us to find out the enemy's situation, but also provided valuable reference for our subsequent strategic layout. I am very pleased."

“Your Majesty, this time Biaoer and I went deep into the border and not only found out the specific location and size of the enemy army, but also discovered several key details in its deployment.” Zhu Han said as he took out a carefully drawn map from his sleeve and slowly unfolded it on the imperial desk.

His Majesty leaned over to take a closer look and saw that the map was clearly marked, with enemy camps, food warehouses, stables and even patrol routes clearly visible. "My dear minister, you are really thoughtful and this map is extremely detailed." His Majesty exclaimed.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind." Zhu Han responded modestly, and then pointed to several key locations on the map. "Look here, although the enemy has a large number of troops, the distribution of patrol forces is somewhat neglected. At night, their eastern defense line is particularly weak, which is the perfect time for our army to launch a surprise attack."

Zhu Biao added: "Not only that, the emperor's uncle also sneaked into the enemy's rear and checked the situation of food and horses. The enemy has sufficient food, strong horses, and excellent equipment. It is obviously a well-trained army."

His Majesty frowned upon hearing this, and he obviously had a deeper understanding of the enemy's strength. "In that case, if our army wants to win, we need to plan more carefully." "That's right, Your Majesty." Zhu Han nodded in agreement, "However, I have also discovered that the enemy is not invulnerable. Although the layout of their camp is rigorous, their water supply depends on a vulnerable river. If our army can control this water source, it will greatly weaken the enemy's combat effectiveness."

Zhu Biao continued, "Moreover, during my investigation, I unexpectedly learned that there are factional disputes within the enemy army, and there are many conflicts between several generals. This may be a breakthrough for us to divide and disintegrate the enemy army."

After hearing this, His Majesty's eyes flashed with approval. "You two have done a great job in this investigation. This information is crucial to the border defense layout of our Ming Dynasty."

"Your Majesty, I think we should immediately call together the important officials in the court to discuss countermeasures together." Zhu Han suggested, "At the same time, we should strengthen intelligence gathering in border areas to ensure that our army has a full understanding of the enemy's situation."

"Your Majesty is right." His Majesty nodded in agreement. "This matter concerns the safety of the Ming Dynasty. We must not slack off in the slightest. I will issue an order immediately to summon all the ministers to discuss the matter."

Soon, important officials in the court were summoned to the imperial study. Facing the sudden emergency meeting, everyone looked solemn. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao reported their findings in detail, and every point hit the nail on the head, which amazed everyone present.

The Minister of War, Lord Zhang, spoke first: "Your Highnesses, this trip is truly a wise move, and the intelligence you have obtained is extremely valuable. In my opinion, our army should immediately prepare a surprise attack plan and take advantage of the weak patrols of the enemy to inflict heavy damage."

The Minister of Revenue, Lord Li, was more cautious: "Although Lord Zhang's words make sense, a surprise attack is no small matter. We also need to consider many factors such as food supply and logistical support. Our army must ensure that there is no room for error."

Zhu Han nodded slightly after hearing this, and then he looked at all the ministers present with a deep gaze, and slowly said, "Lord Li is right. We need to be cautious in the raid. However, we cannot miss the opportunity. We can further improve the raid plan mentioned by Lord Zhang to ensure that every step is foolproof."

He turned to look at Lord Zhang and continued, "Lord Zhang, I think we can set up a special combat planning team, with you in charge, to gather the wise men in the army to jointly formulate a detailed raid plan. At the same time, strengthen intelligence gathering to ensure that we are fully aware of the enemy's movements."

Upon hearing this, Lord Zhang's eyes gleamed with a gleam of light, and he cupped his hands and promised, "Don't worry, Prince Han. I will do my best to live up to your trust."

At this time, the Minister of Revenue, Lord Li, who had been silent all this time, also spoke up: "Prince Han, the raid is certainly important, but the logistics support should not be underestimated. I suggest that you immediately allocate food and supplies and strengthen the reserves in the border areas just in case."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Master Li is right. Logistics support is the lifeblood of the army and there can be no mistakes. You should start preparing immediately and make sure there is enough food and grass in case of emergency."

The meeting was held in a tense but orderly atmosphere, with each minister speaking actively and putting forward his own views and suggestions. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao listened patiently, nodded from time to time, and adopted reasonable suggestions.

After a heated discussion, they finally decided on a series of strategies against the enemy, including raid plans, logistics support, intelligence gathering, etc. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other and saw firmness and determination in each other's eyes.

After the meeting, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walked out of the imperial study side by side, their hearts full of expectations and confidence for the future.

"Uncle, today's meeting was fruitful. We are one step closer to victory." Zhu Biao said with emotion, with a hint of excitement in his tone.

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "Biao'er, this is just the beginning. We need to be cautious in every step that follows and not be careless at all."

The two walked and talked, and unknowingly arrived at the gate of the East Palace. Zhu Biao stopped and turned to look at Zhu Han: "Uncle, although we have a preliminary strategy for the border affairs, the situation in the court is still complicated and changeable. We can't take Fourth Brother lightly."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Biao'er is right. Di'er is very ambitious, and we must always be on guard. I will continue to strengthen intelligence work to ensure that we are fully aware of the Fourth Prince's movements."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood side by side at the gate of the East Palace, looking at the setting sun in the distance, both of them had determination and resolve on their faces. Zhu Han turned around, looked deeply at Zhu Biao, and said in a deep voice: "Biao'er, although we have a strategy for the border affairs, the real test is still to come. What we are about to face is not only the swordplay on the battlefield, but also the open and covert struggles in the court."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes gleaming with an unyielding light: "Uncle, you are right. I have already made preparations. However, I am still a little worried about the upcoming expedition."

"Oh? What are you worried about, Biaoer? You can tell me about it." Zhu Han asked with concern.

Zhu Biao sighed and said slowly: "Although I have selected elite soldiers for this expedition, the border environment is complex and changeable. I am worried whether they can adapt to the harsh conditions there. I am even more worried about whether the situation in the court will change after I leave the capital."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han patted Zhu Biao's shoulder gently, and said in a gentle but firm tone: "Biao'er, your worries are not unreasonable. But you must believe that the soldiers you selected are the elites of our Ming Dynasty, and they will definitely overcome all difficulties. As for the situation in the court, you don't need to worry too much. With me here, I will ensure that everything is stable."

Zhu Biao's worries were slightly relieved after hearing this. He looked at Zhu Han gratefully and said, "Uncle, I feel much more relieved with you here. However, I am going to the border and I don't know when I can return. I still need you to take care of the affairs of the court."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes full of love: "Biao'er, you and I are uncle and nephew with the same heart, why should I thank you? You just need to go to the battle with peace of mind, and I will handle the affairs of the court properly. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, you must remain calm and firm. You are the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, and you are also the support of the people."

Zhu Biao nodded heavily, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle, rest assured, I, Zhu Biao, will live up to your expectations and return victoriously!"

The two talked for a while until night fell and the stars were shining. Zhu Han then told Zhu Biao to rest early and conserve his energy for tomorrow's expedition. Zhu Biao reluctantly said goodbye to Zhu Han and turned to walk into the depths of the East Palace, feeling both apprehensive about the unknown challenge and eager for victory.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the clouds and shone over the capital, Zhu Biao was ready to go. (End of this chapter)