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

Zhu Biao pointed to the list and said, "Uncle, most of these names are related to several wealthy families in Jiangnan. The food and weapons of Qinglong Mountain are likely to be transported through these channels."

Zhu Han glanced over the list with a calm look, "These wealthy families may still have some relationship with the court on the surface, but they are secretly colluding with Lord Ye, and I'm afraid they have long been disloyal. Biao'er, the next focus is to divide their power."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I understand, but these people are powerful. Once they are eliminated, I am afraid it will cause local unrest."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with a cold light flashing in his eyes: "So we can't do it openly, we have to use the method of using the opponent's strength to fight against the opponent. Send someone to pretend to be Ye Gong's messenger, spread false information, and create suspicion and distrust among them."

Zhu Biao showed a hint of appreciation: "Uncle, this is a brilliant plan! If the enemy is in internal chaos, we can take the opportunity to attack."

Zhu Han's tone was calm, but revealed great confidence: "Biao'er, a real battlefield is not just about swords and knives, but also about chess games. You must learn to control the overall situation in order to become a qualified prince."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and said solemnly: "Uncle, rest assured, I will definitely remember your teachings!"

The morning mist had not yet dissipated. Zhu Han stood on a small boat at the dock, looking deeply in the direction of the water town.

The morning light reflected on his face, but it could not reflect the ripples in his heart. Zhu Biao, who was standing beside him, was dressed in casual clothes, with a long sword on his waist, and his expression was solemn.

"Uncle, the clues Wu Qing provided point to several wealthy families in the water town. Not only do they secretly support Mr. Ye, they may also be important strongholds of his power." Zhu Biao said in a low voice.

Zhu Han nodded, his voice calm but majestic: "Biao'er, these wealthy families appear to be pleading for the people, but in fact they are secretly colluding with the enemy. What we have to do is not only to find evidence of their crimes, but also to follow the clues and uproot Ye Gong's power."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, raised his eyes and asked, "Uncle, who is the most suspicious among these wealthy families?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, took out a letter from his sleeve, and handed it to Zhu Biao: "This is the list Wu Qing gave out. One of the people is called Li Chengzuo, one of the largest salt merchants in the Jiangnan water town. He has close contacts with Ye Gong and has assisted in smuggling grain and weapons many times. His mansion is our first step."

Zhu Biao took the letter and stared at it: "Salt merchant Li Chengzuo...what does the emperor's uncle plan to do?"

Zhu Han said softly, "Li Chengzuo appears to be in a good position, but he is actually a coward. His residence is impregnable, but his business cannot be separated from the water. We only need to start with his salt transport fleet, so that he will have to show up on his own initiative."

Zhu Biao seemed to be thinking about something, and nodded in response: "Uncle, you are wise. I will lead my men to keep a close eye on his fleet."

Zhu Han put his hand on Zhu Biao's shoulder, his voice low but full of expectation: "Biao'er, this time you are responsible for the action alone, I will observe in the dark. Remember, everything should be planned before action, don't rush for success."

Zhu Biao's eyes were firm: "Yes, uncle, I will definitely fulfill my mission."

The moonlight shines on the calm river, and the reeds on both sides of the river sway in the wind. Li Chengzuo's salt fleet is quietly moored at the dock, and the crew is busy moving the cargo. In the shadows of the trees in the distance, Zhu Biao and Lin Chuan are hiding in the dark, silently observing all this.

"Your Highness, the fleet seems normal, but I noticed that the bottom of each ship is lower than usual, obviously there are hidden cargoes." Lin Chuan said in a low voice.

Zhu Biao narrowed his eyes and stared at a middle-aged man who looked like a steward on the ship: "Did you notice? That man has a sturdy figure and walks with great vigor. He doesn't look like an ordinary steward, but more like a martial artist."

Lin Chuan nodded: "I have also noticed it. It is very likely that he is the confidant sent by Lord Ye to protect the goods."

Zhu Biao smiled coldly: "In that case, let's catch them off guard tonight."

He turned his eyes and ordered, "Pass the order and arrange the personnel. When the fleet sets sail, we will hijack the ship halfway and make sure to find out the true destination of these goods."

Lin Chuan replied in a low voice: "Understood, I will arrange it right away."

As the night deepened, only the fleet's lights flickered on the river. The steward at the bow sat on the deck, looking around vigilantly, holding a scimitar in his hand, with an alert look on his face.

Suddenly, a clear whistle pierced the night sky, and dozens of men in black suddenly rushed out from the reeds on both sides of the river bank, holding bows, crossbows and torches, and headed straight for the fleet.

"There is an ambush! Protect the cargo!" the steward roared, wielding a knife and commanding the crew to fight back.

The fleet suddenly fell into chaos, but Zhu Biao's team acted quickly. One team attacked the deck from the front, and the other team flanked from both sides, trapping the crew in the center.

Zhu Biao jumped up, his sword flashing like a rainbow, and rushed straight to the steward: "Those who surrender can be kept alive! Those who resist stubbornly will be killed!"

The steward's eyes flashed fiercely, and he swung his sword to meet the enemy. The two exchanged several moves in an instant. The steward's swordsmanship was fierce, but it was obviously no match for Zhu Biao's sharp swordsmanship. After only more than ten moves, Zhu Biao's sword cut off his scimitar.

"If you dare to touch me, Ye Gong will not let you go!" The steward roared and tried to struggle.

Zhu Biao smiled coldly: "Don't worry about him letting me go, I've already come to your door."

Then, he knocked the steward unconscious with the hilt of his sword and said to Lin Chuan beside him: "Block the ship and search the cargo!"

Lin Chuan led his men to act quickly, and within a few moments, they found dozens of exquisite wooden boxes in the hold of several ships. Zhu Biao opened one of the boxes and was shocked to find that it was filled with sharp swords and crossbows.

"It is indeed military equipment." Zhu Biao said coldly, "If these weapons fall into the hands of the rebels, how can Jiangnan be peaceful?"

Lin Chuan asked in a low voice: "Your Highness, how should we deal with these goods?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "Ship it back to the base, give a portion to the emperor's uncle, and send the rest to the Jiangnan garrison, and inform them to prepare."

The next day, Li Chengzuo was enjoying a cup of tea in his mansion, unaware of the robbery of the salt ship. A confidant rushed in and knelt down to report: "Master, something terrible has happened! Our fleet was robbed on the river last night, all the cargo was lost, and the manager was also arrested!"

Li Chengzuo's face changed, and the teacup in his hand fell to the ground: "What? Who robbed you?"

The confidant showed panic on his face: "I heard... it's the prince's people!"

"Crown Prince?" Li Chengzuo stood up suddenly and paced around the room, sweat oozing from his forehead. "It's over, it's really over this time! If Lord Ye knew, would he spare me?"

The confidant whispered: "Master, let's find a way to get out of this situation. If we delay any further..."

"Shut up!" Li Chengzuo shouted, then took a deep breath and said gloomily, "No, I can't just sit there and wait for death. Go contact Ye Gong, I have to ask him for help."

The confidant hesitated for a moment, but nodded and left. Zhu Biao sat at the desk in the stronghold, with a map of Jiangnan spread out in front of him. He held the account books seized from the ship in his hand and sneered, "These account books are enough to prove the collusion between Li Chengzuo and Ye Gong. Their end is not far away."

Zhu Han walked in slowly, his expression calm: "Biao'er, you performed very well, but the next round is the real contest. If Ye Gong learns that Li Chengzuo is in trouble, he will definitely reveal his true colors."

Zhu Biao stood up, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle, please rest assured, I will completely crush this conspiracy!"

Zhu Han smiled slightly and patted Zhu Biao's shoulder gently: "Okay, next, let's lay a net together and wait for Ye Gong to fall into it."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao sat quietly in a brightly lit study room in the base, with the seized account books and weapon diagrams on the table. Zhu Han gently flipped through the account books, his fingertips skimming over the densely packed records, his eyes sharp as a knife.

“Biao’er,” Zhu Han raised his head, his eyes deep, “the names and places in these account books are enough to make it impossible for Li Chengzuo to turn over. But Ye Gong hasn’t appeared yet, which means he is weighing the pros and cons. He is likely to make two choices - one is to abandon Li Chengzuo, and the other is to counterattack and try to save the situation.”

Zhu Biao nodded slowly, tapping his fingers on the table: "Uncle, if he chooses to counterattack, should we set up an ambush in advance?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Of course. This is a psychological game. We have to put enough pressure on him to force him to show up, but at the same time we have to make him think that he still has a chance to turn the tables."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and suddenly said, "Uncle, can we use Li Chengzuo as a chess piece? He is already a frightened bird. If we can get him to contact Mr. Ye on his own initiative, perhaps we can force out more clues."

Zhu Han showed approval, "Yes, the best way to counter the enemy is to exploit their weaknesses. Li Chengzuo is now desperate. As long as we give him a 'way to live', he will definitely seize it."

Zhu Biao's eyes flickered, and his tone was firm: "Uncle, please give me the instructions, and I will arrange it!"

Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "Pass the order down, let Lin Chuan and his men disguise themselves as Ye Gong's men, try to get close to Li Chengzuo, and lead him to reveal more secrets. At the same time, our people must keep a close eye on Ye Gong's movements. If he makes any unusual movements, take action immediately."

"Yes!" Zhu Biao accepted the order solemnly.

The atmosphere in Li Chengzuo's mansion was as depressing as the sky before a storm. He sat in the main hall, his hands clenched tightly, his face covered with cold sweat. The news he received last night was like a heavy hammer that crushed his mind.

A confidant hurried in, looking anxious: "Master, there are a few people outside the door, claiming to be sent by Lord Ye, and they want to see you."

Li Chengzuo raised his head suddenly, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes: "People sent by Lord Ye? Come in quickly!"

After a while, three men in blue robes filed in, led by a tall, thin, and stern-looking middle-aged man. He clasped his fists and said, "Master Li, Lord Ye heard that you were in trouble recently, so he sent us here to help you solve the problem."

Upon hearing this, Li Chengzuo's eyes flashed with ecstasy, but he quickly became alert again: "Are you really... sent by Lord Ye?"

The middle-aged man sneered, took out a copper token from his arms, and threw it on the table: "This is Ye Gong's token, you should recognize it, right?"

Li Chengzuo hurriedly picked up the token, examined it carefully, and relaxed a little: "It is indeed a token from Lord Ye... Please take a seat! I wonder if Lord Ye has any instructions?"

The middle-aged man sat down slowly, his eyes cold: "Mr. Ye is very dissatisfied with your affairs. He believes that you were too careless, which allowed the prince's people to seize the flaw. Now, he hopes that you can make up for your mistakes."

Li Chengzuo shuddered and said quickly, "I am willing to do it! As long as it can resolve the crisis, I am willing to do anything!"

The middle-aged man nodded and said, "Very good. Lord Ye hopes that you can cooperate with us and set up a trap to lure the prince into it. As long as we can get rid of the prince, your sins will be wiped out."

Li Chengzuo hesitated for a moment, but soon gritted his teeth and said, "Okay! I will follow Ye Gong's arrangements."

That night, Zhu Biao and Lin Chuan sorted out the intelligence they got from Li Chengzuo's house in the base. Lin Chuan whispered, "Your Highness, the plan has worked. Li Chengzuo completely trusts the people we sent, and he has decided to cooperate with us to set up the trap."

Zhu Biao raised his head, his eyes sharp, "Very good. Where are our people? Have they monitored Mr. Ye's movements?"

Lin Chuan nodded: "There is a report from a secret sentry that Lord Ye's people seem to be active in another manor in the Jiangnan water town. Their goal is probably to lure the prince in and concentrate their forces to encircle and suppress him."

Zhu Biao sneered, "Encirclement and suppression? They underestimate me too much. Since they want to set a trap, let's set a bigger one and take care of Ye Gong as well."

Lin Chuan asked in a deep voice: "Your Highness, what are the arrangements for the next step?"

Zhu Biao said sternly, "Let Li Chengzuo continue to cooperate with them, but we will secretly mobilize our forces and ambush them on the road they must pass. Once Ye Gong shows up, we must capture him, regardless of life or death."

Three days later, in a manor in the Jiangnan water town, the lights were on, and dozens of masked men in black were scattered in the courtyard, each holding a sharp blade, and the atmosphere was solemn. A man in a brocade robe stood in the middle of the hall. It was the legendary "Ye Gong".

"Has everything been arranged for Li Chengzuo?" Ye Gong asked in a cold voice.

One of his men clasped his fists and replied, "Reporting to Lord Ye, Li Chengzuo has already brought the crown prince into the game. They are on their way now."

Ye Gong nodded, a hint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes: "Very good. As long as the prince enters this place, today will be the day he dies."

However, just as he finished speaking, there was a burst of hurried footsteps outside. A spy stumbled in, his face full of fear: "Mr. Ye, it's bad! There are ambushes all around, and the outside has been surrounded by heavy troops!"

Ye Gong's face suddenly changed, and he drew his sword: "What? We are surrounded?"

Before he finished speaking, a deafening roar of killing came from outside the manor. Zhu Biao led the army to rush in from all directions, long swords in hand, and headed straight for the hall.

Ye Gong gritted his teeth and roared: "Kill them! Don't let them succeed!"

But Zhu Biao was prepared. He jumped in and pointed his sword at Ye Gong: "Ye Gong, right? Today, I want to see where you can escape!"

Ye Gong swung his sword to fight, but was forced back by Zhu Biao within a few moves. He smiled coldly: "Prince, do you really think you have won? Our people are everywhere, and the Ming Dynasty will sooner or later-"

"Shut up!" Zhu Biao knocked his weapon away with his sword and put the sword tip to his throat. "If you have any other conspiracy, just tell me! Otherwise, you will die!"

Ye Gong's face was filled with fear. He took a step back, but was intercepted by Zhu Han and his men from the other side. Zhu Han sneered: "Ye Gong, it seems that you overestimated yourself and underestimated us."

The manors in the Jiangnan water town were completely cleared out, and Ye Gong was escorted back to Beijing. This secret conspiracy was finally uncovered by Zhu Han and Zhu Biao. (End of this chapter)