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

Zhu Han turned slowly with a smile on his face, "Prince, His Majesty is an extremely rational and thoughtful person. His choice is not based on momentary emotions, but on his judgment of the future situation."

"Then what are the next steps?" Zhu Biao asked anxiously.

"Next, we need to further let father see the execution and decisiveness of the Prince's Army." Zhu Han said softly.

"On the one hand, we must continue to spread false intelligence to make those wavering officials in the court more distrustful of Zhu Di. On the other hand, we must demonstrate the prince's determination for the future of the Ming Dynasty through practical actions."

In the early morning, before the mist had dispersed, the camp was already noisy, with horses neighing, horns blaring, and flags fluttering.

Tens of thousands of the Prince's troops were like a wild beast about to wake up, lying quietly on the vast plain, waiting for the order from their commander.

Zhu Biao, wearing silver armor and holding a long sword, stood firmly on the main coaching platform with a determined look. Behind him stood Zhu Han, wearing a black robe, with no emotion on his face.

"Get ready." Zhu Biao turned his head and spoke in a steady voice.

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "Once the exercise starts, all generals will no longer accept any verbal instructions and will only execute according to the previously deployed plan."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath and said, "This performance is better than a real battle."

The drums sounded like thunder, and three consecutive rapid drum beats meant that the battle officially began.

"The front troops are in formation, and the archers are ready." A general rode up on his horse, rushed to the commander-in-chief's platform, and reported loudly.

Zhu Biao waved his hand and said, "Advance according to the plan. Feint attack on the north wing, main attack on the east wing, ambush on the west wing, and wait for the enemy to penetrate deep before moving out."

Thousands of cavalrymen rushed out from the north side of the camp like arrows from a bow, raising a cloud of dust and approaching the "enemy" camp. At the same time, the infantry on the east route advanced rapidly, with shields in neat formation and crossbows flying across the sky, as if a real battle was about to begin.

The commander of the enemy's "Red Camp" had also been prepared. They were the elite of the Prince's Army who played the role of the imaginary enemy, and were led by veteran Shao Hong himself.

"The pressure on the east is great." Shao Hong frowned, "Come here, order the central army to fight, and the west wing to retreat three miles to lure the enemy deeper!"

The situation suddenly took a turn for the worse. The Prince's army advanced from the east, and the Red Camp's central army came forward to fight. The two sides engaged in a fierce battle in the vast training ground.

On the command platform, Zhu Biao stared at the sand table: "Zhu Bin, Zhang Zhong, are you going to follow the plan?"

"Zhu Bin has led the ambush troops on the west wing and has not yet set out." The deputy general reported.

Zhu Biao frowned: "It's already a little late."

At this moment, Zhu Han on the side whispered: "If the west wing moves too early, it will be easily exposed. If it is delayed for a moment, it will lure the enemy deeper."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and nodded: "That makes sense."

Soon after, a long call was heard, and the ambushing troops on the west wing rushed down the mountain like a tiger, attacking the middle of the Red Camp. Shao Hong was caught off guard and immediately dispatched troops to meet the enemy.

The entire battle situation changed suddenly due to the deployment of the West Wing, and the Red Camp's defense line was completely torn apart. The Prince's Army took advantage of the situation and attacked, and the army pressed forward.

But just when everyone thought that the prince's army would win the battle in one go, an accident suddenly occurred.

"Report to the commander! The third battalion on the west wing made a sudden mobilization error and became misaligned with the seventh battalion, creating a gap!"

Zhu Biao's expression changed: "How could it be?!"

Gu Qingping on the side was also surprised: "That's the camp arranged by Zhu Han..."

Zhu Han remained calm: "Let the third battalion retreat 300 steps eastward to form a counterattack with the seventh battalion."

"But if we do this, other generals will misjudge that we are out of control in battle!" Gu Qingping said anxiously.

Zhu Han looked calm and said in a low voice: "That's exactly what I want."

Sure enough, in the observation seats at the main coach's podium, several court ministers were already discussing in low voices.

"The West Wing is in disarray. Could it be a mistake in the deployment?"

"It seems that although the prince has courage, he lacks experience after all."

Zhu Biao heard the news and frowned in thought: "This exercise could have been decided in one battle, but now because of a mobilization error..."

Zhu Han whispered, "If we want to truly stabilize the government, a 'perfect victory' alone is not enough. Appropriate mistakes will make those people let down their guard, giving us room to truly integrate military power."

Gu Qingping was still worried: "But with this arrangement, if my father is also shaken..."

Zhu Han sighed softly: "It is precisely because he is my father that he does not only look at the superficial victory or defeat. He wants an heir who can shoulder the responsibility of the world, not a perfect but unrealistic 'young hero'."

The exercise continued, and the prince's army gradually gathered the chaos. Zhu Biao remained calm in the face of danger and issued three military orders in a row, quickly repatriating the out-of-control western wing and stabilizing the advantage in the middle. The entire battle situation resumed its rhythm again.

The Red Camp was also exhausted from fighting and was forced to retreat completely, eventually being "defeated" and leaving the battlefield.

With the sound of the horn, the exercise officially ended. The soldiers returned to the camp exhausted but excited, and the generals returned to their positions and saluted Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao glanced around, and wherever his eyes went, the soldiers were in awe.

"Everyone, although we won this battle, there are still some things we can save." Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, "The mistake in the mobilization of the west wing was a temporary response, but it also exposed our shortcomings in the connection of troop forces."

The generals bowed their heads and remained silent for a while.

Zhu Han smiled and said, "Perhaps it is because of this 'mistake' that you all understand that there is no fixed situation in war and no fixed method in battle."

Before he finished speaking, an old general stepped forward and clasped his hands, saying, "Your Highness the Crown Prince remained calm in the face of danger and issued decisive orders. If not for this, the breach in the west wing would have become a serious problem. I am willing to obey you."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han, secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and nodded slowly: "I hope you all can encourage each other."

As night fell and fires flickered in the camp, Zhu Biao stood alone on the high platform, overlooking the battlefield that had once been ravaged by war.

Zhu Han's voice came from behind: "Your Highness's performance today is sufficient."

Zhu Biao shook his head: "I don't want 'enough', I want them to be convinced."

When the morning sun shone into the palace, the atmosphere was not as bright as the sun outside. Crown Prince Zhu Biao, wearing a golden dragon robe, walked into the hall with steady steps, and the civil and military officials around him saluted.

In the court, the topic of today's discussion is still the results of the Prince's army's exercise yesterday.

"Your Highness, although victory was expected in yesterday's exercise, some of the tactical deployments seemed a bit risky. In particular, the erroneous deployment of the west wing inevitably raises doubts."

An elderly minister, holding a memorial tablet in his left hand, spoke with unquestionable authority.

"Yes, the Prince's army made such a large-scale mistake in command. Wouldn't that allow the enemy to take advantage of the situation?"

Another civil servant continued, "Although the exercise is not a real war, if the hostile forces in the court take the opportunity to provoke, wouldn't it be more harm than good?"

Zhu Biao was slightly shocked and glanced at the ministers. He felt a little anxious but remained calm.

"What you gentlemen said makes sense." Zhu Biao stood still and spoke slowly. His voice was not loud, but it had a sense of majesty.

"Although there were some mistakes in yesterday's exercise, they were not serious. In fact, those 'mistakes' were deliberately arranged by me."

As soon as the words fell, the court suddenly fell silent. The ministers looked at Zhu Biao one after another, many of them showing puzzled expressions. Originally, they thought that the prince would make excuses for his mistakes, but unexpectedly, he actually admitted it outright.

"Your Highness, are you saying... that mistake was not accidental?" a minister asked hesitantly.

Zhu Biao looked at him deeply and said calmly, "That's right. On the battlefield, things are unpredictable. If you only seek temporary perfection, it will easily let the enemy down. I deliberately arranged this 'mistake' to let everyone in the court see clearly that even when the situation goes wrong, the Prince's Army can still quickly adjust and respond to restore the situation. This is the biggest advantage of the Prince's Army in future wars."

However, the person who shocked people the most was the chief minister of the cabinet, Li Yuan, who had always had an estranged relationship with the crown prince.

He spoke slowly, his voice low: "What the prince said is beyond my expectation. In this case, do you think the 'remedy' after the 'mistake' is convincing enough? Can the prince's army really command impeccably?"

Zhu Biao looked at Li Yuan, his heart slightly moved. This mature and prudent official was his real challenger.

"Of course." Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his tone firm, "Although the mistakes made by the prince's army were a bit chaotic, if it were any other army, I'm afraid they would have lost the game long ago. The prince's army was able to recover quickly from the momentary confusion, which proves his command talent."

Li Yuan nodded slowly: "In this case, can the prince give our dynasty some specific explanations to prove the command ability and steady style of the prince's army?"

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then said: "I will arrange an actual combat exercise, and all ministers can come to watch. If there is anyone in the court who does not believe in the ability of the prince's army, I am willing to demonstrate it myself and show it to everyone."

A hint of depth flashed in Li Yuan's eyes, and he smiled slightly: "Okay, if the prince can be so confident, I naturally have no objection."

When Zhu Biao returned to the Prince's Mansion, Gu Qingping had been waiting for a long time.

Seeing the prince's uneasy expression, she whispered, "Prince, today's court discussion is probably more than just a simple command issue. Li Yuan obviously had a plan in advance."

"I know." Zhu Biao frowned slightly, "Li Yuan is an old fox. He can't be easily persuaded."

He paused, his eyes flashing with determination, "But this is an opportunity. If I can prove the true combat power of the Crown Prince's Army through this actual combat exercise, then all the voices in the court that are unfavorable to me will disappear."

Gu Qingping stared at Zhu Biao with a complicated expression: "But, such actual combat exercises are bound to have risks."

Zhu Biao turned to look at her, his eyes were gentle, but revealed an unquestionable determination: "I am not afraid of risks. Because this exercise is not to prove to others, but to prove myself."

Gu Qingping sighed, obviously still worried: "But if there is any wavering on the part of father..."

Zhu Biao lowered his head and took a deep breath: "No matter what, I have to make a decision. Just like the 'mistake' in the exercise, I have already arranged this game. What father needs to see is not only my intelligence, but more importantly, my courage to take responsibility and dare to challenge everything."

"Prince..." Gu Qingping's eyes flashed with worry, but she didn't say anything else.

"Uncle, are you ready for today's meeting?" Gu Qingping's voice clearly reached Zhu Han's ears. She was standing not far away, her eyes full of concern.

Zhu Han turned around and smiled slightly: "Everything is under control, Qingping." He spoke calmly, but there was an unusual determination in his heart.

Gu Qingping looked at Zhu Han deeply and whispered, "Although the prince is virtuous, many people in and outside the court still don't believe in him, especially my father. Those old ministers are all arrogant and will not easily submit to the young prince."

Zhu Han nodded: "I know, they don't believe Zhu Biao, just because they think the prince lacks practical experience and cannot cope with the coming storm. And this is what I need to remedy."

He paused for a moment, then whispered, "Although the prince is young, he has extraordinary courage and wisdom. If he can make good use of the people around him, especially those who are truly loyal to him, then he will definitely be able to stand out from this storm."

Gu Qingping looked at him with complicated eyes: "I understand. But, can the emperor's uncle's plan really work? Aren't you worried about father?"

Zhu Han smiled gently: "My brother has the prince in his heart, but he hopes that the prince can stand the test. If the prince can really show his decisiveness in these trials, my brother will personally support him."

The court meeting began, and Zhu Biao stood in the main hall as usual, with a calm expression.

"Prince, there are many ministers in the court meeting today. Do you want to explain it first?" Gu Qingping stood behind Zhu Biao and reminded him in a low voice.

Zhu Biao raised his head, with a hint of uncertainty in his eyes: "Will the emperor bring up that matter at the court meeting?"

Gu Qingping sighed softly, "Father will. Especially Li Yuan, he has always been favored by Father, and I am afraid he will take the opportunity to challenge the Crown Prince today."

"Li Yuan..." Zhu Biao gritted his teeth, already prepared in his heart, "If he dares to challenge, let him try!"

At this moment, the door of the court was pushed open, and Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in imperial attire, walked into the hall majestically.

All the ministers saluted immediately and the atmosphere suddenly became solemn.

"My dear ministers, please stand up." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and powerful, carrying a pressure that could not be ignored.

All the ministers stood up and the atmosphere became tense.

Li Yuan frowned slightly, his eyes swept across Zhu Biao sitting on the prince's seat, and he revealed a meaningful smile.

"Prince, at today's court meeting, I heard that everyone had different opinions on some issues. I would like to hear your opinion as the Crown Prince." Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes fell on Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao was slightly startled, but soon regained his composure. He stood up and said in a sonorous and powerful voice: "Father, I think the most important thing at present is to strengthen the border defense line and ensure the safety of the Ming Empire. At the same time, the court should attach importance to the selection of talents and put an end to some corruption."

As soon as these words were spoken, the ministers in the court discussed in a low voice, and many of them nodded in agreement, believing that Zhu Biao was far-sighted.

However, Li Yuan suddenly stood up and looked at Zhu Biao sharply: "Although what the prince said is good, if it only stays in theory, it will inevitably fall through. In my opinion, the prince should lead the troops to the battle himself. If he can make great achievements in actual combat, he can truly win the respect of the court officials." (End of this chapter)