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

Zhu Han was playing the zither when he heard someone coming, and he didn't stop playing: "You are not going back to the East Palace. If I ask, what should I say?"

Zhu Biao casually lay down on the couch and said, "Just say that I was so absorbed in the music that I missed my return date."

"Which teahouse do you think this is?"

"If it were a teahouse, I would have to spend money." Zhu Biao joked.

Zhu Han laughed and shook his head, but suddenly stopped playing the piano.

"Imperial uncle?" Zhu Biao was stunned.

"If you really sit in that position, you must remember the joy of today. Even if the mountains and rivers are as beautiful as a painting in the future and everyone is the star of the show, don't lose the taste of this world."

Zhu Biao sat up and said seriously, "I don't want to forget. And I won't forget."

He looked out the window and saw a full moon hanging in the sky, as bright as the obsession and tenacity in his heart that he had never expressed out loud.

"Uncle." He whispered, "You once said that I was the needle that stabilizes the sea. But if the sea is too deep and the waves are too wild, how can I hold up the sea by myself?"

Zhu Han slowly approached, put his hand on his shoulder, and said in a gentle voice: "I'm not asking you to carry it alone. You still have me by your side, and there are people who are truly willing to protect and help you. You just need to remember your original intention and live up to the trust. The rest will be left to time."

Zhu Biao nodded, his shoulders sank slightly, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

The repair of the Taimiao in the palace was of utmost priority. As the crown prince, Zhu Biao had no choice but to take on the responsibility and supervise the work in person.

Although Zhu Han had not been officially appointed, he was still worried and often went there quietly to check on the situation.

On this day, Zhu Han wore a plain long gown and a square scarf on his head, disguised as an ordinary scholar. He mixed in with the craftsmen and quietly came to the site where the Taimiao was being repaired.

Inside the Temple of Heaven, craftsmen were busy moving around. Some were carrying stones, some were carving wooden pillars, and some were painting the walls. It was a scene of bustling activity.

Zhu Han glanced at the crowd and saw that although they were covered in dust, they all looked focused and had skilled craftsmanship.

"Master, are there any particular requirements for the carving of the beams and pillars of the Imperial Temple?" Zhu Han walked up to an old craftsman who was carving beams and pillars and asked softly.

The old craftsman stopped the carving knife in his hand and looked up at Zhu Han. He saw that although he was dressed in ordinary clothes, he had an extraordinary temperament. He secretly guessed his identity in his heart, but replied respectfully: "My lord, the carvings on the beams and pillars of the Taimiao all have meanings. The auspicious dragon and phoenix symbolize the dignity and good fortune of the royal family; the auspicious clouds and auspicious colors symbolize peace and prosperity in the country."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, carefully examining the exquisite carvings, and couldn't help but secretly praise the craftsmanship of the craftsmen: "The craftsmanship of the master is superb, and this carving is lifelike and amazing."

The old craftsman smiled modestly and said, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is the craftsmanship passed down by our ancestors. We are just copying it."

Zhu Han was about to ask again when he saw a young craftsman running over in a hurry, looking anxious: "Master, it's bad, there is not enough stone material on the east side, I'm afraid the construction period will be delayed."

The old craftsman frowned and stood up: "How can it be not enough? Didn't we calculate the quantity before?"

The young craftsman said with a bitter face: "It was originally calculated, but for some reason, the stones transported were much less than expected."

The old craftsman sighed and was about to ask someone to check again, but Zhu Han said, "Don't worry, Master. I am familiar with this place and may be able to help."

The old craftsman looked at Zhu Han in confusion: "What can the prince do?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Master, please follow me."

After that, Zhu Han took the old craftsman to an open space outside the Temple of Heaven, where some stones were piled up. It looked messy, but Zhu Han had a sharp eye and picked out a few suitable stones. He said to the old craftsman, "Master, look at these stones. Can they be used in an emergency?"

The old craftsman's eyes lit up, and he hurried forward to check, and said in surprise: "Your Highness has a good eye. Although these stones look ordinary, they are hard and of the right size. They are perfect for filling the gap."

Zhu Han nodded: "That's good, Master, please arrange for someone to transport these stones over immediately, so as not to delay the construction schedule."

The old craftsman looked at Zhu Han gratefully and said, "Thank you for your help, Your Majesty. If it weren't for Your Majesty, I really don't know what to do today."

Zhu Han waved his hand and said, "Master, you are too polite. The restoration of the Imperial Ancestral Temple is a major undertaking. It is my honor to contribute to it."

After solving the problem of stone, Zhu Han did not leave, but continued to look around the Taimiao.

He saw some craftsmen repairing the murals on the wall. The murals had been eroded by the years and the color was a little mottled, but the craftsmen were carefully cleaning the dust and filling in the colors, as if they were repairing a precious piece of history.

"Master, what story does this mural depict?" Zhu Han walked up to a craftsman who was repairing the mural and asked softly.

The craftsman stopped painting and looked up, saying, "Your Majesty, this mural depicts the major events since the founding of the Ming Dynasty. It shows your majesty's conquests and pacification of the world, as well as your benevolence and love for the people, and your highness the crown prince, who is deeply loved by the people."

Zhu Han's heart moved, and he searched the mural carefully. Sure enough, he saw a picture depicting Zhu Biao going deep into the people and understanding their sentiments.

Zhu Biao in the picture is dressed simply and smiling as he talks to an old farmer, whose face is filled with a grateful smile.

"This painting is very vivid." Zhu Han couldn't help but admire.

The craftsman smiled and said, "Your Highness, you may not know that this painter is a famous master in the palace. In order to paint this picture well, he specially followed the Crown Prince for several months and observed his every move. Only then did he paint such a vivid work."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, and he admired the painter's professionalism in his heart.

While Zhu Han was talking with the craftsmen, Zhu Biao also came to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. He was dressed in the prince's court robes, wearing a golden crown, looking majestic, and followed by a group of officials.

When the craftsmen saw the prince coming, they all put down their work and knelt down to pay their respects. Zhu Biao waved his hand and said, "Masters, there is no need to be polite. Stand up. I came here today to see the progress of the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

The old craftsman hurried forward and reported to Zhu Biao the progress of the Taimiao renovation.

After hearing this, Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction and said, "Thank you for your hard work, the restoration of the Imperial Ancestral Temple is a major national event that concerns the dignity and inheritance of the Ming Dynasty. I hope that you will continue to work hard to ensure the quality of the project."

The craftsmen responded in unison: "Don't worry, Your Highness. We will do our best to live up to your trust."

Zhu Biao was about to give a few more instructions when he saw Zhu Han walk out of the crowd and smiled: "Biao'er, you came just in time."

When Zhu Biao saw Zhu Han, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "Uncle, why are you here too?" Zhu Han smiled and said: "I was worried about the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, so I came to take a look. I didn't expect to meet you by chance."

Zhu Biao nodded: "With the emperor's uncle here, I feel much more at ease. Does the emperor's uncle have any suggestions?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "The renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple should not only focus on the magnificent appearance, but also on the inner cultural connotation. For example, the murals should not only depict the glorious deeds of the Ming Dynasty, but also convey the governing philosophy and spiritual outlook of the Ming Dynasty. And the architectural style should retain the traditional charm, but also incorporate some new elements to show the innovation and vitality of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao listened carefully and nodded from time to time: "Uncle, you are right. I will order the craftsmen to do as you wish."

Zhu Han added: "In addition, during the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, the treatment and safety of the craftsmen cannot be ignored. We must ensure that they have sufficient wages and a safe working environment, so that they can work with peace of mind and repair the Imperial Ancestral Temple to perfection."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Uncle, you have considered everything carefully. I will order someone to arrange it right away."

After that, Zhu Biao turned around and instructed the officials behind him: "You have all heard what the emperor's uncle said. Go and implement it immediately. Make sure the treatment and safety of the craftsmen are guaranteed."

The officials took the order and left. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han looked around the Taimiao and put forward suggestions for revisions to some details.

The craftsmen all said they would do as the prince and the prince requested.

However, while the restoration of the Temple of Heaven was in full swing, a conspiracy was quietly brewing in secret.

In a secret house in the capital, several mysterious people gathered together, all with sinister expressions on their faces.

"Zhu Han and Zhu Biao attach so much importance to the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple. If we can do something about it, we will make them pay the price." A mysterious man said coldly.

Another person said, "But this temple is heavily guarded, and the craftsmen are all very loyal to them. How should we start?"

The mysterious leader pondered for a moment and said, "We can bribe some craftsmen to deliberately leave hidden dangers during the repair process. Once the Taimiao is repaired, if there is a problem, we can put the blame on Zhu Han and Zhu Biao."

Everyone nodded, thinking this was a great idea. So, they began to secretly look for suitable craftsmen to implement their conspiracy.

One day, when Zhu Han was inspecting the Imperial Ancestral Temple, he found a craftsman who looked flustered and behaved a little strangely. He was moved and quietly followed him.

The craftsman came to a remote corner and whispered something with a mysterious person. Zhu Han hid aside and listened carefully.

"You just need to follow our instructions, and you will get benefits after the task is completed." said the mysterious man.

The craftsman hesitated for a moment and said, "But this is a crime of deceiving the emperor. If I am discovered, my life will be in danger."

The mysterious man sneered, "If you don't do it, you will die now. Besides, do you think Zhu Han and Zhu Biao will let you go? Sooner or later they will find out that you tampered with the repair process, and then you will also die."

The craftsman gritted his teeth and said, "Okay, I'll do it. But you must ensure my safety."

The mysterious man patted the craftsman on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, as long as the matter is done, we will send you away from the capital immediately and ensure that you will live a life of wealth and glory."

After hearing this, Zhu Han was furious and was about to rush out to capture the two men, but he resisted the urge.

Zhu Han quietly left and returned to the Taimiao, observing the craftsman's movements calmly.

He discovered that the craftsman had indeed begun to deliberately leave some hidden dangers in the subsequent renovation work, such as the joints between the beams and columns were not strong enough and some inferior materials were mixed into the wall plaster.

Zhu Han sneered in his heart but pretended nothing happened on the surface. He only secretly arranged a few confidants to closely monitor the craftsman's every move and at the same time look for opportunities to catch the mastermind behind it.

A few days later, Zhu Han finally found an opportunity. He found that the mysterious man came to the Taimiao again and met with the craftsman. Zhu Han immediately took the Jinyiwei and captured the mysterious man and the craftsman in one fell swoop.

"Tell me, who is the mastermind behind you? Why did you tamper with the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple?" Zhu Han looked at the two men coldly and asked sternly.

The craftsman turned pale with fear and quickly knelt down to beg for mercy: "Please spare my life, Your Majesty. I was forced to do this. Someone gave me a large sum of money and asked me to do this. I really don't know who they are."

Zhu Han turned his gaze to the mysterious man, but the mysterious man kept his lips tightly closed and said nothing.

Zhu Han sneered, "Do you think I can't find out if you don't tell me? Come, take them away and interrogate them strictly. Make them reveal the mastermind behind this."

The Jinyiwei took the order and took the two men away.

Zhu Han fell into deep thought. He vaguely felt that the mastermind behind this was most likely related to those evil people in the court.

At the same time, Zhu Biao also learned about this. He hurried to Zhu Han's residence, looking anxious: "Uncle, what is going on? How could someone interfere with the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple?"

Zhu Han told Zhu Biao the details of what happened. Zhu Biao was very angry after hearing it: "How dare these traitors be so bold as to try to destroy the renovation of the Imperial Ancestral Temple and frame my uncle. How should we deal with this, uncle?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. We have captured the two men now. As long as we interrogate them strictly, we will be able to find out the mastermind behind it. At the same time, we must also strengthen the defense of the Imperial Ancestral Temple and conduct a comprehensive inspection of the repair work to ensure the quality and safety of the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Uncle, you are right. I will order people to strengthen the defense of the Imperial Ancestral Temple and personally participate in the inspection of the repair work."

The next morning, Zhu Han got up before dawn. He stood in front of the window, looking at the mist that had not yet dissipated in the sky, his face solemn.

"Lu Ping," Zhu Han called softly.

The tall and straight guard came in from outside and knelt on one knee, "Your subordinate is here."

"Was there any unusual movement in the Imperial Ancestral Temple last night?" Zhu Han asked without turning around.

"Your Highness," Lu Ping answered straightforwardly, "We doubled the night patrols and found no suspicious people, but... there was a loose floor tile in the south corner, and a small bag of kerosene and tinder was hidden underneath."

Zhu Han's face darkened when he heard this. He turned around slowly, his eyes like swords, "How dare they be so bold that they even dared to plan something as against the will of heaven as setting fire to the temple?"

Lu Ping's expression was stern: "I have ordered people to hide the evidence secretly and not alert the craftsmen, for fear that the news would leak out."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, "Well done. If you really set a fire, not only will the Imperial Temple be destroyed, but my reputation and that of the Crown Prince will also be ruined."

"Your Majesty, there are many suspicious people among those craftsmen. I suspect that someone has sneaked into the inner courtyard and even infiltrated the supervisor." Lu Ping bowed. (End of this chapter)