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

At the same time, contact those court officials who are dissatisfied with Zhu Han to discuss countermeasures together. "

His trusted advisers took the order and left in a hurry. Zhu Di stood alone in the study, his face as gloomy as water, his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles turning white from the force.

"Your Highness, don't get angry, or you will hurt yourself." A middle-aged counselor whispered.

Zhu Di slowly loosened his fist, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his anger and unwillingness. He turned to look at the middle-aged counselor and said in a deep voice: "Sir, what you said is very true, but how can I, Zhu Di, easily swallow such humiliation?"

The middle-aged counselor smiled slightly, with a sly look in his eyes: "Don't worry, Your Highness. Victory and defeat are common in the military. Although there have been some setbacks on the border, the overall situation in the court is still under our control. Right now, we need to take a long-term view and look for an opportunity to counterattack."

Zhu Di heard this and frowned slightly, signaling the middle-aged counselor to continue. Seeing this, the middle-aged counselor continued, "Your Highness can secretly contact those court officials who are dissatisfied with Zhu Han, especially those whose interests have been damaged by the reform. They will definitely be able to help us."

Zhu Di nodded, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes: "This plan is very good. However, this alone is not enough. We need to create more opportunities to make Zhu Han isolated and helpless in the court."

At this time, a young strategist hurried into the study, looking a little anxious: "Your Highness, there is urgent intelligence. The clean officials are active in the court and seem to have new moves."

Zhu Di frowned upon hearing this and said in a deep voice, "It seems that they want to take advantage of the great victory on the border to further promote reform. Pass the order down, let everyone be vigilant and keep a close eye on their movements."

The young counselor took the order and left. The study room fell into a brief silence again. After Zhu Di pondered for a moment, he said to the middle-aged counselor: "We need to do two things at the same time. On the one hand, we need to strengthen intelligence gathering and find Zhu Han's flaws. On the other hand, we need to take advantage of the weaknesses of the clean officials and create public opinion so that they can't take care of themselves."

The middle-aged counselor nodded in agreement: "Your Highness is wise. Although the Qingliu scholars have a high reputation among the people, they have a shallow foundation in the court, and most of their empty talk will harm the country. We can make a big fuss about this and make them the target of public criticism."

Zhu Di smiled slightly, with a sly look in his eyes: "Yes, we want everyone to see that those who really care about the Ming Dynasty are not those scholars who can only talk nonsense, but those of us who hold real power and can turn the tide."

After saying this, Zhu Di turned and walked to the window, staring at the capital city in the night outside the window, secretly calculating every next move in his mind.

At the same time, in Zhu Han's military camp, the joy of victory had not yet completely dissipated, and the soldiers were still celebrating the great victory on the border. Zhu Han stood in front of the tent, looking at the jubilant soldiers in front of him, but he did not completely relax his vigilance in his heart.

"Your Highness, this great victory is a blessing for our Ming Dynasty." General Zhang stepped forward and bowed to congratulate.

Zhu Han nodded slightly, but a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "General Zhang's words make sense, but although we won this battle, the situation on the border is still complicated and changeable. We must not take it lightly."

General Zhang was shocked when he heard this, and he bowed and promised: "I understand. I will take strict precautions to ensure peace on the border."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, then turned to General Zhao beside him and said, "General Zhao, you should write a letter immediately to inform the capital of the great victory on the border, let His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the important officials in the court know. At the same time, ask them if they have any further instructions."

Zhao Canjun took the order and immediately turned around and left to prepare to revise the letter. Zhu Han continued to pace in front of the tent, looking deep into the distance, as if thinking about a more profound problem.

Soon, Zhao returned with the written letter and respectfully handed it to Zhu Han for review. Zhu Han took the letter, read it carefully, and after confirming that it was correct, he said to Zhao, "Zhao, this letter is extremely important. Make sure it is delivered to the capital safely. You go there in person and be careful along the way."

Zhao Canjun bowed and accepted the order: "I will obey your order and will not fail your trust." After saying that, he turned around and was about to leave, but seemed to remember something and turned back to ask: "Your Majesty, what are your plans for the next military deployment?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then said with a firm look: "Although the situation on the border is temporarily stable, Zhu Di will never give up. We must be prepared for a long-term battle. General Zhang, you will be responsible for strengthening the border fortifications to ensure that every inch of the defense line is impregnable. At the same time, strengthen scout training to ensure that the intelligence is timely and accurate."

General Zhang bowed and promised: "I will obey your orders and do my best."

Zhu Han turned to General Wang, who was in charge of logistics. "General Wang, food and supplies are the lifeblood of the army. You need to ensure that the supply lines are unobstructed. At the same time, strengthen your ties with local officials to ensure that logistics are worry-free."

General Wang nodded and replied, "I understand. I will be careful and prudent to ensure that the army's logistics are worry-free."

At this time, a guard hurriedly entered the tent, knelt on one knee and reported: "Your Majesty, there is an urgent military situation! The enemy seems to be mobilizing troops, and their intentions are unclear."

Zhu Han frowned slightly and asked quickly, "Do you know the specific movements of the enemy?"

The guard replied, "The scouts are still investigating, and the details are not clear yet."

Zhu Han nodded and said to his guards, "Continue to strengthen surveillance. Once you have accurate intelligence, report it immediately."

The guards took the order and left. The camp fell into a brief silence again. Zhu Han looked around at the generals and said in a deep voice: "Everyone, the border war cannot be settled overnight. We must remain highly vigilant and not slack off in the slightest.

The next morning, Zhao Canjun set off for the capital with the letter, while Zhu Han stayed in the barracks to discuss the next military strategy with the generals.

At the same time, in the capital, Crown Prince Zhu Biao was anxiously waiting for battle reports from the border.

When General Zhao hurried over with the news of the great victory on the border, Zhu Biao showed a long-lost smile on his face.

"Great! Uncle Han really lived up to everyone's expectations!" Zhu Biao excitedly took the letter, quickly read it through, and said to Zhao Canjun, "Zhao Canjun, you have worked hard, go down and have a rest quickly."

Zhao Canjun bowed and withdrew to rest. Zhu Biao took the letter and went straight to the imperial study, ready to report the good news to his father, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing memorials. Seeing Zhu Biao coming in a hurry, he put down his pen and asked, "Why are you in such a hurry, Biao?"

Zhu Biao bowed, his tone filled with excitement that could not be concealed: "Father, I have something important to report. There is a victory message from the border. Uncle Han led his army to defeat the enemy. The situation on the border has stabilized."

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes, and then he said in a deep voice: "Brother Han really lived up to my expectations. Quickly present the detailed battle report to me for my review." Zhu Biao quickly handed over the letter in his hand, and Zhu Yuanzhang took it and read it carefully. After a while, he put down the letter, with a look of relief on his face: "Brother Han is not only a martial arts master, but also a wise and brave man. He is really a blessing to our Ming Dynasty. Biao'er, you immediately pass on the order to reward Brother Han and all the soldiers who participated in the battle, and order the Ministry of Revenue to raise food and wages to ensure that the border military supplies are safe."

Zhu Biao bowed and replied: "I will obey your order and do it immediately."

After Zhu Biao left, Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then summoned his trusted eunuch and whispered, "Pass on my order, summon brother Han to return to the capital immediately, I have something important to discuss with you."

At the same time, in the military camp on the border, Zhu Han was discussing the next military deployment with his generals. A personal guard hurried into the tent, knelt on one knee and reported: "Your Majesty, there is an urgent decree from the capital. His Majesty ordered you to return to the capital immediately. There is something important to discuss."

Zhu Han frowned slightly when he heard this, but then he regained his composure. So he turned to the generals and said, "Generals, His Majesty has issued an edict ordering me to return to the capital immediately. General Zhang will be in charge of the border affairs for the time being. You must ensure that the defense line is stable and there must be no slackness."

The generals all accepted the order. General Zhang stepped forward and said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will do my best to ensure peace on the border."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes swept over the generals, and his tone was firm: "I believe that you will live up to my trust. When I return to the capital to deal with the affairs of the court, I will discuss the border strategy with you."

A few days later, Zhu Han arrived in the capital and went straight to the palace to meet Zhu Yuanzhang. In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne with a dignified look. When he saw Zhu Han walk in, he raised his hand slightly to indicate that he didn't need to be polite.

"Brother Han, I am already aware of the affairs on the border. Your great victory this time is indeed a blessing for our Ming Dynasty. However, the situation in the court is complicated and changeable. I summoned you back to Beijing because I have important matters to discuss." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and powerful.

Zhu Han bowed and said respectfully, "I obey your order. What important matters does Your Majesty want me to order?"

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Brother Han, corruption is rampant in the court, and I am very worried. When you return to Beijing this time, I want to order you to lead the investigation of corruption and rectify the government. Do you have the confidence to take on this important task?"

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Your Majesty, I am willing to share your worries. I swear to catch all the corrupt officials in the court and return a clean and bright world to our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Good! I know you will live up to my trust. However, this matter is of great importance, you must act carefully and not alert the enemy."

Zhu Han bowed and responded: "I understand. I will act with caution to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

After saying this, Zhu Han left the imperial study, feeling heavy in his heart.

After returning to the palace, Zhu Han immediately summoned his staff, conveyed the emperor's will to them, and discussed a specific action plan. In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting everyone's focused and solemn faces.

"Everyone, His Majesty has ordered me to lead the investigation of corruption in the court. This task is arduous and the responsibility is heavy." Zhu Han's voice was steady and powerful, and his eyes swept over everyone present. "We must make a careful plan to ensure that every step is steady and solid."

Officer Zhao stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think the first thing we need to do is to collect evidence. Those corrupt officials act in secret, so we need to send smart and capable spies to infiltrate among them and look for solid evidence."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement: "General Zhao is right. I will leave this matter to you. Please be careful and don't alert the enemy."

Mr. Li then added: "Your Highness, in addition to collecting evidence, we also need to strengthen the legal system, clarify the crime of corruption, and let all officials have laws to follow. I suggest revising the law to increase the punishment for corruption."

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes revealing appreciation: "Mr. Li has thought it through. You will be responsible for drafting the revised law, and make sure it is detailed and fair."

At this time, an aide in charge of intelligence hurried into the study and reported nervously: "Your Majesty, I have received news that some officials in the court have begun to collude and attempt to resist our investigation."

Zhu Han frowned, and after a moment's silence, he said, "This is exactly as expected. We must take the initiative and not give them a chance to catch their breath. General Zhang, immediately select a group of elite soldiers, disguise them, sneak into various places in the capital, and secretly monitor the movements of those suspicious officials."

General Zhang took the order and left, and fell into deep thought again in the study. Zhu Han looked around at everyone and said in a deep voice: "This operation is related to the future of the Ming Dynasty and the stable position of the prince. We must go all out and cannot afford to make any mistakes."

"Your Highness, Zhu Han has been entrusted with an important task this time, which is extremely disadvantageous to us." A young strategist said anxiously, "We must try to stop him, otherwise the officials in the court who have connections with us will not be able to escape."

Zhu Di sneered, a sly look flashed in his eyes: "Stop it? That's easier said than done. But I have a plan. Pass the order on to let those corrupt officials step up their collusion and spread rumors that Zhu Han's move is to eliminate dissidents and consolidate his position."

The old strategist frowned upon hearing this and said, "Your Highness, this move may temporarily confuse the public, but in the long run, it may not work. Zhu Han is a man of both wisdom and courage, and he is no ordinary man."

Zhu Di nodded slightly, with a hint of determination in his eyes: "What the old counselor said is very true. But how can I be seen through so easily? You should immediately contact those court officials who are dissatisfied with Zhu Han, and promise them huge benefits, so that they can openly question Zhu Han's motives in the court."

The young strategist's eyes lit up: "Your Highness, this is a brilliant plan! We can also secretly arrange for people to create some false evidence to put Zhu Han's investigation into trouble."

Zhu Di smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with confidence: "Yes, we must make Zhu Han lose his composure first. However, this matter must be done perfectly, without leaving any handle."

Zhu Di's strategy was quietly implemented in the court, while Zhu Han was also busy preparing for the investigation of corruption.

In Zhu Han's study, which was brightly lit by candlelight, he and several trusted aides sat around the desk, discussing the upcoming actions.

"Your Highness, according to our latest intelligence, some officials in the court have begun to collude in an attempt to resist our investigation." General Zhao reported solemnly.

Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes sharp: "This is to be expected. The more they stick together, the more it shows that they have something to hide. We need to be more cautious and take every step carefully."

Mr. Li took over the conversation and said firmly: "Your Majesty, I think that we should not only collect evidence, but also conduct an open and transparent investigation so that the people and officials can see our determination and fairness." (End of this chapter)