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

As soon as the old man finished speaking, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao couldn't help but look towards the misty mountain outside the window, their hearts filled with curiosity about the ancient legend.

"Oh? Are the gods enshrined in that ancient temple really so effective?" Zhu Han asked with great interest, his voice gentle and inquiring.

The old man smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with a mysterious light, "That's not bragging, I have lived here since I was a child, and I have seen it many times with my own eyes. Whenever the town encounters drought or insect pests, as long as the villagers pray sincerely, the weather will be good soon and the harvest will be good. Therefore, the ancient temple is a sacred and inviolable place in our hearts."

Zhu Biao also showed an interested look when he heard this. "Hearing what you said, I really want to see the ancient temple with my own eyes and feel its sacredness and solemnity."

Upon seeing this, the old man quickly stood up and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, Prince Han, if you are interested, I am willing to lead the way for you two. However, the mountain road is rugged, so you two must walk carefully."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked at each other, and both saw anticipation and excitement in each other's eyes. Zhu Han nodded slightly and said to the old man, "Then I'll trouble you, sir. We'll make some preparations and then go up the mountain with you."

Soon after, the group set foot on the mountain road to the ancient temple. The mountain road was winding, with towering ancient trees on both sides, birds singing and flowers blooming, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of soil and leaves.

"Old sir, besides praying for good weather and good harvests, does this ancient temple on the mountain have any other special features?" Zhu Han asked as they walked. He was full of curiosity about this ancient temple.

The old man smiled slightly, as if he was lost in memories. "Oh, there are so many. In the ancient temple, there is a statue carved from a huge stone. It is said that it is a treasure left over from ancient times. It can suppress demons and evil spirits and protect the area. In addition, there is an ancient book hidden in the temple, which records many ancient spells and rituals. It is said that it can save people from danger and drive away evil spirits."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were both excited when they heard this, and they looked forward to the ancient temple even more. They quickened their pace and continued along the mountain road.

Finally, after a difficult climb, the group arrived in front of the ancient temple on the top of the mountain. Although the ancient temple has gone through vicissitudes, it is still majestic and magnificent, with red walls and green tiles shining in the sun, exuding a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao lightly stepped over the threshold of the ancient temple, and their steps slowed down involuntarily, as if even the air around them became solemn because of its antiquity and sacredness.

"This ancient temple has a unique flavor." Zhu Han sighed softly, his eyes sweeping across the curling incense smoke, which interweaved with the morning light to form a tranquil picture.

They walked slowly towards the center of the temple, and the huge statue came into view, which made people feel awe involuntarily.

"This statue is truly magnificent." Zhu Han stopped and looked at it carefully. "It has gone through wind and rain, but it is still as majestic as ever."

"Yes, uncle. Its face is so kind, as if it can see through people's hearts." Zhu Biao said softly, and he also clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to the statue.

After completing the ceremony, Zhu Han turned around and searched the temple, "I wonder where the ancient book that the old man mentioned is hidden?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes swept around and finally landed on the quaint bookshelf in the corner. "Perhaps, the answer is there."

The two walked towards the bookshelf side by side, their fingertips gently sliding over the yellowed scriptures and ancient books, as if they were having a conversation with history.

"Each of these books carries the wisdom of our ancestors." Zhu Han sighed softly, and suddenly, his fingers stopped on a book with a slightly old cover.

"Look, the gold-embroidered words on the cover are blurred, but they seem to be consistent with the old man's description." He picked up the book excitedly and handed it to Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao took it and carefully turned a few pages, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, "Uncle, this is indeed a record of ancient spells and rituals! We found it!"

The two smiled at each other, their eyes flashing with anticipation for the next exploration.

"It seems that this ancient temple is more mysterious than we imagined." Zhu Han sighed.

"Yes, uncle. This visit is really worthwhile." Zhu Biao responded, and the two continued to immerse themselves in the world of ancient books, trying to uncover more secrets about this ancient temple.

At this time, the old man outside the temple was waiting quietly, his eyes full of piety and expectation. Occasionally he looked up into the temple, as if he could feel the passion and joy of exploration.

As the sun set in the west, the light in the ancient temple gradually softened, and Zhu Han and Zhu Biao ended their exploration.

They were ready to leave with the ancient book in their hands. As the afterglow of the setting sun gradually faded, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao slowly walked out of the ancient temple with the precious ancient book. The old man was still waiting outside the door, with a satisfied and pleased smile on his face.

"Your Highnesses, have you gained anything from this trip?" the old man asked respectfully, with anticipation flashing in his eyes.

Zhu Han smiled slightly and gently patted the ancient book in his hand, "I have gained a lot, thanks to the guidance of the old gentleman."

Zhu Biao also nodded in agreement. "This ancient book records many ancient spells and rituals, which are very helpful for us to understand history and culture."

The old man smiled even more brightly when he heard this, "It is my honor to serve you two princes."

After bidding farewell to the old man, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao set out on the journey back to the town.

"Uncle, the contents of this ancient book are so precious. How can we properly preserve it and conduct further research?" Zhu Biao asked as he walked, with a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Biao'er, I think we can first bring the ancient books back to the capital and hand them over to the scholars of the Hanlin Academy for sorting and translation. They are knowledgeable and will definitely be able to find more valuable information from them."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. "Uncle Huang is right. This way, we can not only gain a deeper understanding of the contents of ancient books, but also pass on the wisdom contained in them."

After returning to the inn, Zhu Han immediately wrote a letter, detailing the discovery and importance of the ancient book, and ordered someone to send it back to the capital as quickly as possible.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the mist and shone on the town, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao were already ready to go. They continued their journey to Shu. Zhu Han suddenly said, "Biao'er, I have another idea. Can we set up a special agency to collect public sentiment and opinions from all over the country and report to the court regularly? In this way, the court's decision-making can be closer to reality and avoid closed-door decisions."

Zhu Biao heard this, and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes: "Uncle, this is a great idea! This is indeed a suggestion worth considering. We can propose to the emperor to set up a 'Civil Affairs Department' to be responsible for this matter. I believe the emperor will also agree with such a move."

As Zhu Han and Zhu Biao discussed, the idea of ​​setting up a "Civil Affairs Bureau" gradually took shape in their minds.

After discussing with Zhu Biao, Zhu Han decided to immediately submit the idea of ​​setting up a "Civil Affairs Bureau" to Zhu Yuanzhang in order to seek the emperor's support and approval.

The two men returned to the inn. Zhu Han spread out the rice paper and picked up his pen to write, while Zhu Biao was grinding on the side. Both of them looked focused.

"Biao'er, how do you think we should word this memorial so as to impress your father?" Zhu Han asked Zhu Biao for his opinion while thinking.

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Uncle, I think we should elaborate on the necessity and benefits of establishing the 'Civil Affairs Department' in the memorial, such as how it can help the court understand the suffering of the people more directly, how to promote the scientific formulation and implementation of policies, etc. At the same time, we must also emphasize that this move is not a stopgap measure, but a long-term plan for the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement, and then he picked up his pen and wrote quickly, incorporating the two people's ideas into the words. After the memorial was completed, Zhu Han reviewed it carefully again, and after confirming that it was correct, he ordered someone to rush back to the capital.

A few days later, in the imperial palace, Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the imperial study, flipping through the memorials of Zhu Han and Zhu Biao. As he read more, his brows sometimes knitted and sometimes relaxed, with a thoughtful gleam in his eyes.

"This idea of ​​setting up a 'Civil Affairs Department' is not a bad idea." Zhu Yuanzhang muttered to himself, and then summoned his personal eunuch and ordered, "Quickly summon Li Shanchang, Liu Bowen and other important officials to the palace. I have something important to discuss with you."

Soon, important officials such as Li Shanchang and Liu Bowen hurried over, paid their respects in turn, and waited for Zhu Yuanzhang's order.

"My dear ministers, my brother Han and Biaoer have written to the court, suggesting the establishment of a 'Public Sentiments Department' that will be responsible for collecting information on public sentiment and public opinion in various places and reporting to the court regularly. I think this move is quite meaningful. What do you think?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was steady and powerful, revealing unquestionable majesty.

Upon hearing this, Li Shanchang bowed slightly and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, the proposal of Prince Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is indeed far-sighted. The establishment of the 'Civil Affairs Department' will indeed enable our dynasty to be closer to public opinion and promote scientific and democratic policies. I think this move is worth a try."

Liu Bowen also nodded and agreed, "Your Majesty is right. The sentiments of the people are the foundation of the country. Only by understanding the sentiments of the people can we formulate policies that truly serve the interests of the people. I also support the establishment of a 'Public Sentiments Department'."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction upon hearing this, and immediately issued an edict: "Since this is the case, I will approve it. From today on, the 'Civil Affairs Department' will be established, led by the Ministry of Revenue, and jointly responsible for this matter with the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Justice and other departments. Since Han Di and Biao Er proposed this proposal, they will supervise and guide it to ensure the smooth operation of the 'Civil Affairs Department'."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers accepted the order and expressed their gratitude, and were full of admiration for Zhu Han and Zhu Biao's foresight.

The news soon spread back to Shu. When Zhu Han and Zhu Biao heard the news, they were filled with relief and excitement.

As the decree of establishing the "Civil Affairs Department" was issued, the entire Ming Dynasty was busy, and all departments were intensively engaged in the preparatory work. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, as the initiators of this matter, also immediately returned to Kyoto to ensure that every link could proceed smoothly.

One morning, the sun shone through the mist onto the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City. Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, dressed in court robes, walked side by side into the imperial study, ready to report to Zhu Yuanzhang in detail on the progress of the preparations for the "Civil Affairs Department".

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon chair, his eyes dignified and deep, examining the memorial in his hand. Seeing Zhu Han and Zhu Biao walk in, he gently put down the memorial and motioned for them to come forward.

"Han brother, Biao'er, you two came at the right time. I was just about to ask about the preparations for the 'Civil Affairs Department'." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was steady and powerful, revealing that he attached great importance to this matter.

Zhu Han stepped forward, bowed, and reported in detail the progress of the preparatory work: "Brother, since your majesty has approved the establishment of the 'Civil Affairs Department', the Ministry of Revenue has worked with the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Justice and other departments to jointly formulate a detailed preparatory plan. At present, we have selected an office location and started recruiting personnel. It is expected to be officially operational within a month."

Zhu Biao then added: "Father, I think that the operation of the 'Civil Affairs Department' requires not only a sound organizational structure, but also clear responsibilities and tasks. I suggest that several groups such as information collection, analysis and judgment, and policy recommendations can be set up to ensure that public sentiment and public opinion can be quickly and accurately conveyed to the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Biao'er is right. The establishment of the 'Civil Affairs Department' is to build a bridge between the court and the people, and to ensure that policy making is closer to public opinion. You two need to continue to plan carefully and make sure it is effective."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao took the order and became more determined to do a good job.

Zhu Yuanzhang put down the memorial in his hand and looked at Zhu Han and Zhu Biao with a gentle gaze: "Brother Han, Biao, since the preparatory work has taken shape, the next step is to select a site and build the specific matters. What are your plans?"

Zhu Han bowed slightly and replied, "Brother, regarding the location, I think the 'Civil Affairs Department' should be located in a prosperous area of ​​the capital, which will be convenient for the people to report their situation and also help us collect information in a timely manner. I have initially considered several locations and will make a decision after further investigation."

Zhu Biao took over the conversation and added: "Father, I think that in addition to the bustling location, we also need to consider the quietness and privacy of the office environment to ensure that the 'Civil Affairs Department' can handle public sentiment and public opinion efficiently and fairly."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in agreement: "You two have considered it carefully, very good. Then, according to your suggestion, we will first conduct an on-site survey and select the most suitable location."

A few days later, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao, along with several followers, began a field survey of the site.

The first stop was an empty mansion in the East City of the capital, which had convenient transportation, was crowded with merchants, and was bustling with people.

"This place is prosperous and has a large flow of people, which makes it very convenient for people to come here." Zhu Han looked around and nodded with satisfaction.

Zhu Biao carefully inspected the internal structure of the mansion and said, "Although the environment is good, the internal structure of the mansion is a bit messy and needs to be replanned and reorganized, which may take a long time."

The group then headed to the next candidate location, a quiet courtyard in the south of the city. It was far away from the hustle and bustle, with a quiet environment, suitable for working.

"This place is quiet and conducive to thinking, but it is relatively remote and may be inconvenient for ordinary people to come here." Zhu Han expressed his concerns. (End of this chapter)