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

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao was very pleased. He believed that the reforms in the court would be twice as effective with half the effort. He smiled at the two and said in a gentle voice, "With your support, I feel very relieved. However, the reforms are complicated. I would like to ask you two, where should I start?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness, reforms start with people's hearts. We should start with rectifying the administration of officials and severely punishing corruption to serve as a warning to others. At the same time, we should strengthen the assessment and selection of officials to ensure that people with real talent and virtue are given important positions."

Zhu Di nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. In addition, I think we should strengthen the legal system and clarify the laws so that officials can act according to the law and reduce the space for favoritism and corruption."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "What you two said hits the nail on the head. I want to set up a Censorate to monitor all officials. What do you think?"

Zhu Han and Zhu Di looked at each other and saw approval in each other's eyes. Zhu Han said, "Your Highness, this is a very good idea. Setting up the Censorate can effectively supervise all officials and ensure a clean government."

Zhu Di also echoed, "I also agree with your Highness. The establishment of the Censorate will greatly promote reforms in the court, eliminate corruption, and revitalize the government."

Seeing that the two had no objection, Crown Prince Zhu Biao felt relieved. He stood up and said solemnly, "Since this is the case, I will start preparing for the establishment of the Metropolitan Procuratorate. I hope that the two uncles can continue to help me and work together for the future of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han and Zhu Di quickly stood up, bowed and said, "I will do my best to assist Your Highness and face the national crisis together."

With the decision of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, the atmosphere in the study became more solemn and hopeful. Zhu Han and Zhu Di exchanged glances, and they seemed to have reached some kind of tacit understanding.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked around at his two uncles and said firmly, "I know that the road to reform is bound to be full of thorns, but I have the help of my two uncles, so I feel confident. However, I still have one thing I don't understand. Regarding the establishment of the Metropolitan Censorate, do you have any specific candidates to recommend?"

Zhu Han nodded slightly, thought for a moment and then replied: "Your Highness, the selection of candidates needs to be carefully considered. I believe that the position of the Censorate needs to be held by people who are honest and upright and not afraid of power. I have several candidates in mind, all of whom are well-known officials in the court and can handle this important task."

Zhu Di also echoed, "Uncle Han is right. The candidates must be carefully selected. I also have several candidates. I am willing to discuss with Uncle Han to ensure that the establishment of the Censorate can truly play the role of supervising all officials and eradicating corruption."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao showed a delighted look on his face: "Since you two have a plan, I am relieved. I will leave this matter to you two to take full responsibility. I only hope to see results soon."

Zhu Han and Zhu Di bowed at the same time and agreed. Zhu Han continued, "Your Highness, rest assured that I and His Highness Prince Di will do our best to live up to your high expectations. However, although the Censorate can monitor all officials, corruption in the court is deeply rooted and cannot be eliminated overnight. I think we need to start with the system and eliminate the source of corruption from the root."

Zhu Di nodded in agreement: "Uncle Han is right. The foundation of the system lies in the distinction between rewards and punishments. I suggest that we should increase the punishment of corrupt officials and establish a reward mechanism to encourage honest and self-disciplined officials."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly, his eyes flashing with appreciation. "You two have great ideas, and I have benefited a lot from them. I want to promote this method in the court. Do you have any specific implementation plans?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness, the specific implementation strategy needs to be carefully planned. I think we can start by revising the law, clarifying the crime of corruption and increasing the punishment. At the same time, set up a special agency to review the property declarations of officials to ensure that every account is clear and traceable."

Zhu Di added: "In addition, I also suggest that we strengthen supervision over local officials, regularly send imperial envoys to inspect various places, and strictly investigate corruption. At the same time, encourage the people to report corruption, and reward those who report true corruption."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's eyes lit up. He stood up and paced slowly in the study. After thinking for a moment, he said, "You two are really the way to solve the problem. I would like to compile these suggestions into a memorial and present it to my father. What do you think?"

Zhu Han and Zhu Di looked at each other and nodded in agreement. Zhu Han stepped forward and said, "Your Highness is wise. This move can not only show your attention to corruption in the court, but also gather everyone's wisdom and work together to find a good strategy. I think we should quickly compile and submit the memorial."

Zhu Di also echoed, "Uncle Han is right. Your Highness's move will surely be praised by Your Majesty. I am willing to help Uncle Han and jointly draft this memorial."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao was very relieved. He smiled and said, "With your help, I feel at ease. I will leave this matter to you two and wait for good news."

Zhu Han and Zhu Di bowed again and agreed. Afterwards, the three of them sat around the table and began to discuss the specific contents of the memorial. In the study, there were sometimes heated discussions and sometimes deep silence. The atmosphere was tense and full of expectations.

After some discussion, the memorial was finally drafted. After carefully reviewing it, Crown Prince Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction and said, "You two are indeed quick-witted. This memorial is clear and sincere. I will present it to my father for his review."

After that, Crown Prince Zhu Biao ordered someone to send the memorial to the imperial study. After sending away the eunuch who delivered the imperial edict, he turned to Zhu Han and Zhu Di and said, "You two, I know that the situation in the court is complicated and changeable, and the road to reform is definitely not an easy one. But I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to eliminate corruption in the court and restore a prosperous and peaceful Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han and Zhu Di both looked determined and responded in unison: "I will do my best to assist Your Highness and work together for the future of the Ming Dynasty."

Just as the three were discussing, a eunuch hurried into the study and bowed to report: "Your Highness, His Majesty has ordered that the two princes come to the palace to meet him immediately."

Zhu Han and Zhu Di were both nervous when they heard this, wondering why Zhu Yuanzhang had summoned them so urgently. But they quickly calmed down, said goodbye to Crown Prince Zhu Biao, and followed the eunuch to the imperial study.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon chair with a solemn expression. Seeing Zhu Han and Zhu Di walk in, he raised his hand slightly to signal them to excuse themselves from the formalities, and then asked in a deep voice: "I have read the memorials you two submitted. What are your opinions on the corruption in the court?"

Zhu Han and Zhu Di looked at each other, and Zhu Han stepped forward and answered respectfully: "Your Majesty, corruption is rampant in the court, which is a great threat to the country. I think we should 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."

Zhu Di also added: "Your Majesty, what Uncle Han said is very true. I think that a special agency should be established, such as the Censorate, to supervise all officials and ensure the integrity of the government. At the same time, we should strengthen the supervision of local officials and regularly send imperial envoys to inspect various places to investigate corruption."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly when he heard this, with a hint of approval in his eyes. He said in a deep voice: "What you two said hits the nail on the head. How could I not know about the corruption in the court? But this matter involves a wide range of issues, and it needs to be eradicated step by step. Since you two have made a plan, just go ahead and do it. I will fully support you." Zhu Han and Zhu Di were delighted when they heard this, and they bowed to express their gratitude. After leaving the imperial study, the two smiled at each other, their hearts full of longing and confidence for the future.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han immediately called his staff to discuss the reform. He stood in the middle of the study, looked around at the staff, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty has graciously approved our request to establish the Censorate to supervise all officials. This is a good opportunity to eliminate corruption in the court, and we should do our best."

Upon hearing this, all the staff members were excited and came forward to offer suggestions. Zhao Canjun suggested: "Your Majesty, the establishment of the Censorate requires the selection of honest and upright people to hold important positions. I am willing to personally go to various places to inspect the character of officials and recommend talented people."

Mr. Li also added: "Your Majesty, the construction of the legal system cannot be ignored. I suggest revising the law to clarify the crime of corruption and increase the punishment. At the same time, a reward mechanism for reporting should be established to encourage the people to participate in the fight against corruption."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement when he heard this. He said in a deep voice: "What you said is absolutely right, let's act according to this plan. But remember, this must be done in secret to avoid alerting the enemy."

The staff took the order and left, and the study room regained its peace for a moment.

At this time, a guard hurried into the study, knelt on one knee and reported: "Your Highness, the Crown Prince sent someone to deliver a secret letter. Please open it yourself."

Zhu Han raised his eyebrows when he heard this, thinking that the prince must have something important to tell him since he wrote to him at this time. He took the secret letter, opened it and read it carefully, then a smile appeared on his lips.

"It seems that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is very concerned about the reforms we proposed." Zhu Han handed the secret letter to General Zhao beside him and continued, "The letter said that the emperor was very pleased with the memorial we submitted and ordered the Crown Prince to fully assist us in implementing the reforms."

General Zhao took the secret letter and quickly read it through, his eyes flashing with excitement: "This is God's help! With your majesty's support, our reform path will surely be smoother."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement, and then ordered: "Immediately pass the order down, and ask all departments to speed up preparations to ensure that the Censorate can be established as soon as possible and operate effectively. At the same time, strengthen communication with other court officials to gain more support."

Zhao Canjun took the order and left, leaving Zhu Han alone in the study room again. He closed his eyes and pondered, calculating every move in his mind.

Soon, Zhu Han's study welcomed another visitor. This time the visitor was a respected old minister in the court - Li Daxueshi. Li Daxueshi walked into the study, bowed to Zhu Han, and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, I heard that Your Majesty intends to set up a Censorate to supervise all officials, and I am very pleased. However, this matter involves a lot of things. I dare to ask Your Majesty, do you have any specific plans?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, stood up and said in return: "Grand Secretary, you are too kind. I do have preliminary plans and I want to discuss the plan with the important officials in the court. The establishment of the Censorate is aimed at eliminating corruption in the court and establishing a clean and honest style. I intend to select a group of honest and upright people to serve in important positions, and strengthen the construction of the legal system to ensure that all officials have laws and regulations to abide by."

Upon hearing this, Li Daxueshi's eyes flashed with praise: "Your Highness has a far-sighted vision, and I admire you. However, this matter is of great importance, and it requires the unity of the court to accomplish. I am willing to lend a helping hand to Your Highness, and together we can plan for the future of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han quickly returned the greeting and said, "I am very lucky that the Grand Secretary is willing to help me. When the Metropolitan Censorate is established, I will need your guidance."

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the study suddenly became relaxed. Zhu Han knew that with the support of important officials like Li Daxueshi, the road to reform would be smoother.

However, just as the two were discussing, a servant hurried into the study and reported nervously: "Your Highness, urgent news from the border! The enemy army seems to be moving and seems to be gathering troops. Their intentions are unclear!"

Zhu Han frowned upon hearing this. He quickly regained his composure and instructed his attendant, "Quickly inform the border commanders to step up their guard and ensure peace on the border. At the same time, order them to keep a close eye on the enemy's movements and be ready to respond to any unexpected events at any time."

The attendant took the order and left, and the study room fell into deep thought again. Zhu Han looked at Grand Secretary Li and said in a deep voice: "Grand Secretary, the border war has suddenly broken out, and I need to go there immediately to deal with it. I'll trouble you to take care of the affairs of the Censorate."

Li Daxueshi nodded and agreed: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will do my best to ensure that the Censorate is successfully established and operates effectively. Your Majesty also needs to take care of your health. Although the border affairs are urgent, you must not overwork yourself."

Zhu Han nodded gratefully and said, "Thank you for your concern, Grand Secretary. I will pay attention to it. When the border issues are settled, I will pay you a visit in person to discuss the reform plan."

After saying this, Zhu Han hurriedly put on his armor and prepared to set off for the border immediately. Before leaving, he turned around and bowed deeply to Li Daxueshi again: "Daxueshi, I'll leave the affairs of the court to you. I will deal with the border affairs as soon as possible, and we will discuss the grand plan together after I return."

Li Daxueshi quickly returned the greeting, his eyes full of determination: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will live up to your trust. When you return, you will see a more clear government."

Zhu Han nodded, turned around and strode out of the study, feeling both worried about the war on the border and looking forward to a reformed future.

The border was covered with war clouds. After Zhu Han arrived at the military camp, he immediately summoned all the generals to the central army tent. The atmosphere was solemn and tense.

"My fellow generals, the enemy's frequent movements clearly indicate they have some plans. We must remain vigilant and not slack off in the slightest." Zhu Han's voice penetrated every corner of the tent, firm and powerful.

General Zhang stepped forward, his expression stern: "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead my troops to attack, find out the enemy's intentions, and seize the initiative for our army."

Zhu Han shook his head, his eyes deep: "Don't act rashly. Since the enemy dares to gather troops, they must have a backup plan. We need to use static to dynamic, strengthen defense, and send scouts deep behind enemy lines to collect intelligence."

Lieutenant General Li stepped forward, clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I will immediately arrange for action and ensure that the intelligence is correct." (End of this chapter)