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

Chapter 884: The Prince's Attitude, Using Public Opinion

After hearing this, Zhu Han's eyes flashed with appreciation: "This is very reasonable. Internal collapse is often more effective than external attack. I'll leave this matter to you, and you must be careful."

The middle-aged aide bowed in response, a determined look on his face.

At this time, a burly and dignified military aide stood up and said in a loud voice: "Your Highness, I think that while we are planning our strategies, we should not neglect the preparation of our military force. I am willing to lead the elite troops and be on standby at any time. Once Zhu Di makes any unusual moves, we can quickly attack and give him a fatal blow."

Zhu Han looked at the military aide and nodded with satisfaction: "General Wu is right. We cannot rely solely on strategies. Military support is equally important. You should start preparations immediately to ensure that our army is in the best condition at all times."

At this moment, a guard came hurriedly to report: "Your Majesty, there is urgent information!"

Zhu Han turned around, took the intelligence and quickly glanced through it, with a sharp light flashing in his eyes: "Zhu Di has indeed started to act. He wants to take advantage of our unpreparedness and suddenly attack us. Pass the order down, the entire army is on alert and ready to fight at any time!"

The atmosphere in the study room suddenly became tense, but Zhu Han seemed unusually calm. He looked around and said to his staff, "Everyone, the real test is coming. We must let Zhu Di know that his ambition is doomed to fail!"

"Your Highness, should we mobilize the army immediately and launch a counterattack?" the military aide asked anxiously, his hands clenched into fists, as if he was ready to rush to the battlefield at any time.

Zhu Han shook his head slightly, his eyes flickering in the candlelight, as if he was weighing the pros and cons of every step: "No, we can't act blindly. Zhu Di's move is intended to test our strength and reaction. If we act rashly, we may fall into his trap."

He turned to the staff in charge of intelligence and said, "You must immediately strengthen intelligence collection and make sure to find out Zhu Di's true intentions and troop deployment. At the same time, we must ensure that our intelligence network is not interfered with and that information remains unimpeded."

Then, he looked at the staff member who was in charge of contacting the clean stream people and said, "You should also speed up your pace and use the influence of the clean stream people to make Zhu Di's conspiracy public. Let everyone in the government and the country know that Zhu Di is an ambitious and unscrupulous conspirator."

In the study, candlelight flickered and the atmosphere was solemn. Zhu Han and his staff were busy planning strategies to deal with Zhu Di. At this moment, in another secret residence in the capital, Zhu Di was also planning a new offensive with his trusted advisers.

Zhu Di sat in the main seat, playing with an exquisite jade ring in his hand, his eyes deep and cold. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Everyone, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao have returned from the border this time, and their reputations are growing. If they are not curbed, they may become a big problem. We need to use another trick to isolate them in the court."

An old counselor with white hair and beard stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness is right. I have a plan. We can spread rumors secretly, saying that Zhu Han and Zhu Biao are secretly communicating with the enemy country on the border and have bad intentions. Such a crime is enough to destroy their prestige in the court."

Zhu Di heard this and sneered, "Although this plan is vicious, it hits the nail on the head. However, rumors alone are not enough to kill people. We need solid 'evidence' to convince people."

Another young counselor, with a cunning gleam in his eyes, stepped forward to offer a suggestion: "Your Highness, I am willing to go to the border in person and forge a few 'secret letters', which will mention Zhu Han's conspiracy with the enemy generals, and then present the 'accidental' discovery to Your Majesty for your perusal."

Zhu Di nodded in approval: "Okay! I'll leave this matter to you. Make sure you do it perfectly without any mistakes."

The young counselor took the order and left. Zhu Di turned his attention to another confidant: "As for the court, we need to continue to win over those neutral or wavering ministers, promise them huge benefits, and force them to turn to us. At the same time, we must also strengthen the surveillance of Zhu Han's faction and look for their flaws."

A general in charge of intelligence bowed and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I have deployed a large number of spies around Zhu Han's mansion. His every move is under our control. In addition, I also plan to incite a confidant in his mansion to defect and provide us with internal intelligence."

Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, intelligence is the eye of war, we must ensure that it is foolproof. Remember, our goal is to completely destroy the foundation of Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, so that they will never be able to turn things around."

Just as Zhu Di was plotting with his advisers, an attendant hurried in and reported nervously, "Your Highness, it's bad! Urgent news came from the border. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao seem to have noticed our conspiracy. They are strengthening their defenses and searching for suspicious people everywhere."

Zhu Di frowned slightly upon hearing this, but soon regained his composure: "Humph, they are indeed alert. However, this also proves that my strategy has begun to bear fruit. Pass the order down, let everyone be more vigilant and act more secretly. At the same time, speed up the pace of forging secret letters and make sure to present the 'evidence' to His Majesty before Zhu Han takes any action."

In Zhu Han's study, the candlelight was still flickering, illuminating his resolute face. He slowly stood up, his eyes were like torches, and he said to the generals and staff in a deep voice: "General Wu, please be patient. The Art of War says: 'Know yourself and the enemy, and you will never be in danger in a hundred battles.' Right now, we need to find out Zhu Di's background first, and then make a decision."

The military officers and staff heard this, although they were unwilling, they also knew that what Zhu Han said made sense, so they could only bow and say: "I will obey your orders, but please be careful, Your Majesty. I am willing to lead the elite troops and be on standby at any time to prevent any accidents."

Zhu Han nodded and turned to look at the staff in charge of intelligence: "We must intensify intelligence gathering, especially the details of Zhu Di's collusion with those local tyrants. Any clues may be the key to our counterattack."

The intelligence aide bowed and said, "I will not let you down. I will do my best to uncover Zhu Di's true face."

At this time, hurried footsteps were heard outside the door again, and a servant hurried in, reporting nervously: "Your Majesty, there is urgent news from the border, saying that Zhu Di's spies are active frequently, and there seems to be a bigger conspiracy."

Zhu Han frowned, thought for a moment, and then instructed his attendant: "Quickly pass the news to the clean people, let them be vigilant, and prepare countermeasures at the same time."

The attendant took the order and left. Zhu Han once again fell into deep thought in the study. Zhu Han looked around at his staff and said in a deep voice: "Zhu Di is a man of meticulous mind and vicious means. We must not take it lightly. Next, we must take a two-pronged approach, both to expose his conspiracy and to consolidate our defense line."

The staff member in charge of contacting the clean-minded people took over the conversation: "Don't worry, Your Majesty. The clean-minded people have long been indignant about Zhu Di's actions. They will definitely support us with all their strength. However, how to use their power more effectively still requires careful planning."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "Yes, the influence of the clean stream should not be underestimated. We need to plan carefully so that their voices can spread throughout the government and form an irresistible wind of justice."

While everyone was discussing, Zhu Di's residence was also brightly lit, and a more secret plan was underway.

Zhu Di held the jade ring in his hand and tapped the table lightly, saying to his advisers, "Zhu Han is indeed not a simple man. Every step we take seems to be within his expectations. But the more this is the case, the more I want to show him the true art of political manipulation." The young adviser stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with confidence, "Your Highness, I have arranged for someone to hide the forged secret letter in a secret place on the border. When the time is right, we will 'accidentally' discover it and report it to Your Majesty."

Zhu Di smiled slightly and nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, this is a great plan. However, we still need to make two preparations just in case."

The old counselor took over the conversation and said, "Your Highness is right. I have already started to prepare a second plan. If the false trust fails, we will use those corrupt officials in the court to frame Zhu Han and make him fall out of favor with Your Majesty."

The general in charge of intelligence added: "In addition, I have strengthened the surveillance of Zhu Han's residence and successfully instigated a confidant in his residence to rebel. As long as Zhu Han makes the slightest move, we will be able to grasp it immediately."

Zhu Di heard this and sneered, "Okay, with this arrangement, even if Zhu Han has three heads and six arms, he can't escape this disaster. However, we still need to act cautiously and not be careless."

As they were talking, an attendant hurried in and reported in a panic, "Your Highness, urgent news from the border, Zhu Han seems to have noticed something and has strengthened his defenses, our spies have been blocked."

Zhu Di frowned slightly, but quickly regained his composure: "Hmph, it doesn't matter. The more nervous Zhu Han is, the easier it is for him to reveal his flaws. Pass the order down, tell the spies to be more careful and make sure to find his weak spot."

The atmosphere in Zhu Han's study became increasingly solemn, and everyone held their breath, waiting to hear his next plan.

"Everyone, Zhu Di's plan is vicious, and it aims to shake the foundation. But we can't lose our composure, we must respond calmly." Zhu Han's voice was steady and powerful, his eyes swept across everyone's face, giving them firm strength.

The staff member in charge of contacting the clean stream stepped forward, with a bit of worry in his tone: "Your Highness is right, but although the clean stream people are loyal to justice, they are afraid that they will be used by Zhu Di to spread rumors and hurt us. How can we ensure that their voices are pure and not used?"

Zhu Han smiled and said confidently, "This is not difficult. The key lies in communication and trust. I will go there in person and have a long talk with them. I will be able to win their sincere support by telling them our plans and determination. At the same time, I also need to remind them to be cautious when speaking to the outside world, so as not to be taken advantage of by Zhu Di's ears and eyes."

The military officer also interrupted at this time and said, "Your Highness, I am worried that if Zhu Di really launches a surprise attack, it may be difficult to resist his force with only the condemnation of the upright people. I request that you strengthen border patrols and secretly gather troops to prevent any accidents."

Zhu Han nodded in approval: "General Wu has thought it through. The food and fodder have not yet been sent out before the troops. You should start preparing immediately, but remember that the action must be kept secret and Zhu Di must not notice."

The intelligence staff added: "Your Highness, I have sent more people to go deep into Zhu Di's sphere of influence to collect more evidence. At the same time, we are also trying to incite his internal personnel to defect and obtain first-hand intelligence. However, these actions are extremely risky. I beg Your Highness to allow me to go and command in person."

Zhu Han hesitated for a moment, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Intelligence work is extremely important. I am relieved that you go there in person. But you must be careful and safety comes first."

At this moment, an attendant hurried in and reported nervously: "Your Highness, there is an urgent report from the border. Zhu Di seems to have noticed that we have strengthened our defenses and is adjusting his strategy, intending to launch a surprise attack by water."

There was an uproar in the study room, and the military officers and staff were furious: "Zhu Di is a cunning villain! I will go to the border immediately and build a waterproof road!"

Zhu Han raised his hand to signal him to calm down, and said in a deep voice: "General Wu, don't worry. Zhu Di's move is intended to test us. If we fight hastily, it will play into his hands. Pass the order to strengthen water patrols, but there is no need to assemble on a large scale to avoid alerting the enemy. At the same time, continue to collect intelligence and find out his exact movements."

The staff member in charge of contacting the princes also put forward his own opinion at this time: "Your Highness, Zhu Di has great power in the court, but many princes in the local area have long been alert to his ambitions. We can use their power to form a siege and make Zhu Di be attacked from both sides."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "This is a very good plan. You should set off immediately to meet with those vassal kings who are neutral and willing to support us to discuss a strategy for an alliance. Remember, you must be sincere and move people with sincerity."

The discussion in the study room continued, and everyone was contributing their wisdom and strength to the upcoming contest. At the same time, in Zhu Di's residence, a more secret and intense layout was also going on simultaneously.

Zhu Di held the jade ring in his hand and rubbed it gently, with a cold light flashing in his eyes: "Zhu Han is indeed a tough opponent, but how can he easily crack my plan?"

The old strategist bowed and said, "Your Highness, Zhu Han has strengthened his defenses. The plan of a surprise attack by water may not work. I suggest that we use the corrupt officials in the court to disintegrate his power from within."

Zhu Di smiled slightly, with a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes: "Okay, let's start with those termites. You should start immediately, promise them huge benefits, and force them to fight back. Remember, the means must be ruthless and the speed must be fast. You must give Zhu Han a fatal blow before he can react."

The young strategist added: "Your Highness, I suggest that you spread more rumors to confuse the public. Let the government and the people doubt Zhu Han and shake his foundation."

Zhu Di nodded in approval: "This plan is feasible, but we must be careful not to overdo it, otherwise it will backfire."

While everyone was discussing, another attendant hurried in and reported in a panic: "Your Highness, urgent news from the border, Zhu Han seems to have figured out the plan of a surprise attack by water and is strengthening the coastal defense."

Zhu Di frowned slightly when he heard this, but then sneered: "Humph, you really have some skills. However, how can I be seen through so easily? Pass the order down, let the spies be more careful, and prepare a second plan at the same time, and make sure to catch Zhu Han off guard."

Mr. Li, a trusted aide standing beside him, frowned when he heard this, and stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is right. Since Zhu Di has already taken action, we should fight back. However, if he really starts with the corrupt officials in the court, this matter will be quite difficult to handle."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing a kind of confidence: "Corrupt officials are a cancer, but they can also be used as pawns. Mr. Li, you will start investigating immediately and make a list of officials who have connections with Zhu Di. But please note that our actions must be secret and we must not alert the enemy."

Mr. Li bowed and accepted the order: "I obey your order and will act carefully."