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

General Zhang stood up and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I have ordered the scouts to closely monitor the enemy's movements. If there is any change, we will be able to respond quickly."

General Li also took over the conversation: "I have strengthened the defense of the camp to ensure that it is foolproof. However, the situation in the court is complicated and changeable, so Your Majesty needs to make plans early."

Zhu Han nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "I will take care of the affairs of the court. You just need to guard the border and ensure the peace of the Ming territory. Remember, our mission is not only to win on the battlefield, but also to protect the people on this land."

The generals responded in unison, their morale high. Zhu Han looked at their determined eyes, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.

The next morning, the capital was already busy. The court officials entered the palace one after another, preparing to attend the morning court. Zhu Di also arrived at the palace early, with a faint smile on his face, as if everything was under control.

The Qingliu people gathered together and discussed countermeasures in a low voice. An elderly Qingliu leader said in a deep voice: "Everyone, at the morning court today, we must unite and expose Zhu Di's crimes and do our part to maintain a clean government."

All the upright people nodded, with firm determination revealed in their eyes.

The morning court began, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, looking deeply at the courtiers below. Zhu Di and Zhu Han sat on either side, the atmosphere tense and solemn.

A young official from the Qingliu group stood up and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I have a report to make. In recent years, corruption has been rampant in the court, especially among the Fourth Prince Zhu Di. I have solid evidence in my hands, and I beg Your Majesty to investigate."

As soon as these words came out, the court was in an uproar. Zhu Di's face changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. He smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have always acted upright and have never been corrupt. These groundless accusations are really framed by villains. I beg Your Majesty to understand."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said in a deep voice: "This matter is of great importance and must be investigated in detail. Zhu Di, please step down. I will make a decision after I find out the truth."

Zhu Di did not change his expression when he heard this, and slowly stepped aside, but he was secretly thinking about how to deal with the next situation. Zhu Han must have been behind this incident, but the calmness on the surface was the disguise he needed most at the moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes swept across the court, finally landing on Zhu Han, and asked in a deep voice: "Brother Han, what do you think about this matter?"

Zhu Han took a step forward, bowed, and said in a calm but firm tone: "Your Majesty, I believe that corruption in the court is a major threat to the country and must be observed. Although I have always disagreed with Your Majesty Zhu Di on political issues, I am willing to work with Your Majesty Zhu Di to eliminate corruption and rectify the government so as to correct the country's atmosphere."

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the court. Although Zhu Di was shocked, he still kept smiling, secretly praising Zhu Han's wit and overall view. He immediately stepped forward and echoed: "Your Majesty Han is right. I am also willing to join hands with Your Majesty Han to eliminate the pests in the court and return a clear political environment to our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "It is a blessing for the country that you two can work together like this. I will send someone to investigate this matter in detail and make sure it is fair and strict."

At this time, an elderly man of integrity stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I think that investigating corruption is not a one-day job. We need to set up a special agency and conduct long-term supervision to eradicate this problem."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said slowly: "What you said makes sense. This matter concerns the foundation of the country and requires careful consideration. I have made up my mind to establish a Censorate from now on to supervise all officials. Do you have any suitable candidates to recommend?"

Upon hearing this, the upright people stepped forward one after another to recommend the candidates they thought were suitable. For a while, the discussion in the court was heated and the atmosphere was lively.

Zhu Han and Zhu Di stood aside, silently observing all this. Zhu Han thought to himself that although he had planned the rebellion of the clean officials, the purpose was not just to attack Zhu Di, but also to take the opportunity to promote reforms in the court and pave the way for the crown prince to ascend the throne in the future.

Zhu Di's eyes flickered, and he was thinking about how to use this opportunity to further consolidate his position in the court.

Finally, the discussion in the court gradually subsided, and Zhu Yuanzhang announced his adjournment. Zhu Han and Zhu Di walked out of the hall side by side, and the atmosphere between them was slightly subtle.

Zhu Di spoke first, with a tentative tone in his voice: "Prince Han's move today is truly brilliant. I admire you."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and responded, "Your Highness Zhu Di, you are too kind. Today's action is for the overall situation of the court, not for personal grudges. I hope Your Highness can take this as an opportunity to work with me to rectify the court and plan for the future of the country."

Zhu Di heard this, a complicated light flashed in his eyes, and then he smiled and said: "King Han's words make sense, Zhu will cooperate with me to the fullest."

The two of them ended the conversation tacitly and left. Zhu Han knew that although the court seemed harmonious today, the undercurrents behind it never stopped. He had to stay alert at all times to prevent Zhu Di's counterattack.

At the same time, in another corner of the palace, Crown Prince Zhu Biao was quietly listening to a report from an old minister, who solemnly reported the various changes in the court and the delicate relationship between Zhu Han and Zhu Di.

After listening to the report, Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "I have remembered everything you said. I know that my father hates corruption in the court. As the crown prince, I should put the country first and help my father eliminate this problem. However, I don't want to see the grievances between Uncle Zhu Han and Uncle Zhu Di. I hope you can help me reconcile the relationship between the two uncles and work together for national affairs."

Upon hearing this, the old minister bowed and said, "Your Highness's kindness is something I admire. I will do my best to help Your Highness solve his problems."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a calmness and wisdom beyond his age. He said softly to the old minister: "Sir, you are right. I need to work harder to live up to the expectations of my father and uncles. However, the situation in the court is complicated and changeable. I am afraid that I am not up to the task. I hope you can give me more guidance."

The old minister quickly bowed and saluted, his tone respectful and sincere: "Your Highness, you are too kind. Although I am not talented, I will do my best to assist Your Highness. However, Your Highness must understand that governing a country is not a one-day job. It requires patience and wisdom to proceed step by step and make steady progress."

Zhu Biao nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this, then changed the subject and asked, "Sir, do you think there is any possibility of reconciliation between Uncle Han and my fourth brother?" The old minister pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Although there are political differences between Prince Han and Prince Di, they both care about the country of Ming. If Your Highness can mediate and put the overall situation first, perhaps a way to reconcile can be found. However, this matter needs to be handled skillfully and not too hastily."

Zhu Biao sighed softly, a trace of worry flashed across his brows: "I also know that this matter is not easy, but as the crown prince, I should be brave enough to take responsibility. I want to visit them in person and find out their intentions. What do you think, sir?"

The old minister smiled slightly, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "Your Highness's move is indeed wise. A personal visit can not only show your sincerity, but also help you to gain a deeper understanding of the two princes' minds. However, Your Highness needs to prepare your words carefully to avoid the opposite effect."

Zhu Biao nodded, and had already made up his mind. So he stood up and said to the old minister: "Sir, you are right. I will prepare it right away. I hope you can help me draft a visiting card to show my sincerity."

At the same time, in Zhu Han's study, he was discussing countermeasures with several of his trusted staff. Zhao Canjun hurried in, looking a little anxious: "Your Highness, there is news from the palace that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince wants to visit you and His Royal Highness Prince Di in person to reconcile the conflict between the two of you."

Zhu Han frowned slightly upon hearing this, but then relaxed. He pondered for a moment and said to Zhao Canjun: "The prince's move is beyond my expectation. However, since he has such an intention, I naturally cannot refuse him. You should prepare a reply immediately, and the words should be sincere and respectful, showing my respect and gratitude to the prince."

General Zhao took the order and left, and fell into deep thought again in the study. Zhu Han knew that the prince's visit was not only a test for him, but also a great opportunity for him to consolidate his position and win the support of the court. He must prepare carefully to ensure that this meeting will be a complete success.

Soon, Zhao Canjun returned with a reply. Zhu Han carefully reviewed it and nodded with satisfaction. He stood up and said to his staff, "The prince's personal visit shows his sincerity and determination. We should also treat him with sincerity and work together for the future of Ming. You should prepare your carriages immediately. Tomorrow morning, I will go to the East Palace in person to visit His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

The next morning, Zhu Han took General Zhao and several of his trusted staff members to the East Palace in a carriage. Along the way, he repeatedly thought about the upcoming conversation with the crown prince and how to use this meeting to further consolidate his position in the court.

After arriving at the East Palace, Zhu Han was ushered into the Crown Prince's study. Crown Prince Zhu Biao had been waiting for a long time. When he saw Zhu Han coming, he immediately stood up to greet him with an extremely respectful attitude: "Uncle Han has come from afar. I am sorry for not welcoming you in person. I hope Uncle Han will forgive me."

Zhu Han quickly returned the greeting and said with a smile, "Your Highness, you are too kind. I was very touched to hear that Your Highness wanted to visit me in person. I have come to meet Your Highness and discuss state affairs."

After the two of them sat down as host and guest, Zhu Biao said straight to the point: "Uncle Han, I asked you to come here this time because I have a favor to ask. The situation in the court is complicated and changeable. I know that Uncle Han and Uncle Di both care about the country, but their political views are different. I would like to ask you to put the overall situation first, resolve the grievances with Uncle Di, and work together for the future of Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han secretly admired the prince's wisdom and courage. He pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Your Highness is right. Although I and Your Highness Prince Di have different political views, we both care about the country and the people of Ming Dynasty. I am willing to put the overall situation first and work with Your Highness Prince Di to make peace and work together for the future of Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao was overjoyed when he heard this, and he quickly stood up and bowed deeply to Zhu Han: "Uncle Han is very righteous. I thank you on behalf of my father and the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han quickly helped the prince up and said with a smile: "Your Highness, you are too kind. As a member of the royal family, I should be loyal to the Ming Dynasty."

"Uncle Han is right. The court does need a drastic reform to eliminate corruption and revive the government." Crown Prince Zhu Biao said firmly, "However, the road to reform is bound to be full of difficulties and obstacles. I wonder if Uncle Han has any good ideas?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly and answered confidently: "Your Highness is right. Although the road to reform is difficult, as long as we have determination and methods, we can overcome all difficulties. This prince suggests that we should first start with rectifying the administration of officials, severely punish corrupt officials, and establish a clean and honest style. At the same time, we should strengthen the construction of the legal system so that all officials have laws and regulations to abide by."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with excitement. He held Zhu Han's hand tightly and said gratefully, "Uncle Han's words are like the sun that clears the clouds, giving me hope. I will fully support Uncle Han's reforms and contribute to the Ming Dynasty together."

Zhu Han gently patted the back of the prince's hand and said earnestly: "Your Highness's determination is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty."

At this time, there was a gentle knock on the door, and a eunuch reported cautiously: "Your Highness, His Highness Prince Di wants to see you."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao frowned slightly, obviously surprised by Zhu Di's sudden visit. He turned to look at Zhu Han, as if asking for his opinion.

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing some confidence and calmness: "Your Highness, please invite His Royal Highness Prince Di to come in, so that we can discuss state affairs together."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao nodded and ordered the eunuch, "Please invite His Royal Highness Prince Di in."

Soon, Zhu Di walked into the study and saw Zhu Han was also there. A complicated look flashed across his eyes. But he quickly regained his composure and bowed to the crown prince, saying, "I pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Uncle Han."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao stood up and said with a gentle smile, "Brother Di, please excuse me and take a seat. I am discussing the reform of the court with Uncle Han. Brother Di, you have come at the right time. Why don't you join us in the discussion?"

Zhu Di sat down below the crown prince, his eyes lingered on Zhu Han for a moment, then he smiled and said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is discussing state affairs with Uncle Han, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. Although I am not talented, I am willing to do my part for the reform of the court."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, looked at Zhu Di and said, "Brother Di, you are too polite. The reform of the court cannot be accomplished by one person alone. It requires the concerted efforts of you and me to overcome the difficulties together."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with relief. He nodded and said, "Uncle Han and brother Di are absolutely right. I have made up my mind to reform the court and will do my best to promote it. However, the road to reform is full of obstacles and difficulties, and I still need the two uncles to take more care of it."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes revealing firmness and determination: "Your Highness, rest assured. I will do my best to assist Your Highness in completing the reform of the court and ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Di also took over the conversation at the right time, and his tone revealed a bit of sincerity: "Your Highness, what Uncle Han said is absolutely right. Although I sometimes disagree with Uncle Han on politics, when it comes to major events concerning the Ming Dynasty, I will definitely support Uncle Han with all my strength and fight side by side with him." (End of this chapter)