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

There were twenty-three people on the list, all of whom were talented people recommended from all over the country. Some were from humble families, some were sons of old officials, and some even ranked high on the list for their talent in arts and logic, shocking everyone.

At the same time, students from Beijing Middle School spread the news, and the atmosphere in the Eastern Palace changed.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's inner palace, a blank secret document was burned on a hand stove, leaving only a line of red comments:
"Biao'er is gradually getting better. Brother Han's help is of great significance."

"Order the Ministry of Revenue to send 30,000 gold coins to the Prince of Han's Palace."

The Ming Dynasty court was in turmoil.

Some people only see the prince being proud and happy, but they don't know that the prince, who is as calm as a pool and never speaks a word, has already paved the way for him to become an emperor inch by inch.

Deep in the imperial city, the night breeze blew gently in front of the Yonghe Palace. A kite flew over the eaves and was scared away by the night crows.

Zhu Han stood in front of the court, holding a chess piece in his hand, tapping his palm with his fingertips, but it did not fall.

The lights in the room were dim, and behind him was Wang Zhen, who was reporting in a low voice on the follow-up of the "Talent List" in the past three days.

The scholars were shocked, saying that the Eastern Palace was regaining its vitality and no longer as stagnant as before. Some students had already come to the capital from other counties to try their luck.

"This is the human heart." Zhu Han said lightly.

"Although the court officials are silent, they are all paying attention." Wang Zhen cupped his hands, "Although many old officials have not expressed their opinions, their attitudes have relaxed slightly."

Zhu Han dropped the chess piece gently onto the chessboard, seemingly at random, but it was stuck in a dead end corner, reversing the overall situation.

“They believe only in power.”

"The prince is still too weak. If my brother hadn't used his power as the emperor to protect him, he would have caused a storm long ago."

Wang Zhen hesitated for a moment, and finally asked: "Your Majesty... Is the Crown Prince capable of this important task?"

Zhu Han said nothing, looking at the old plum tree in front of the yard, its branches sparse and thin.

After a long time, he slowly said:
"He has a kind heart and a determined mind, but he lacks the axe."

"Then this Feng--" Wang Zhen raised his eyes.

Zhu Han looked back, his lips slightly raised:

"I'll do the grinding."

The next morning, before the hour of Wei, Crown Prince Zhu Biao had already arrived outside the Shangshu Terrace. He was not responding to an imperial edict or attending a ceremonial visit, but was just walking around casually.

"I came to visit the ministers, and I also wanted to see with my own eyes what the atmosphere of the government is like."

The words were gentle, but the tone was unquestionable.

Although several senior ministers were shocked, they still did not dare to stop him and could only bow to welcome him in. That day, Zhu Biao walked along the roads of various departments in the court, reading thousands of documents and listening to the words of the clerks. After reading for a long time, he actually developed a somewhat cold look.

When the news came out, everyone in the court looked at it with concern.

No one expected that the prince, who was once gentle and humble and immersed in the palace, would take the initiative to step into the muddy area of ​​the temple.

Some said it was the prince's instruction, some said it was the prince who had been reborn, but Zhu Biao did not say anything and Zhu Han did not respond.

However, a secret decree was quietly delivered deep into the imperial city at night and presented to Zhu Yuanzhang by a eunuch in the inner court.

It was written by Zhu Biao himself, with only a few words:
"I wish to devote myself to the government affairs and carry out the emperor's wishes. I am afraid that I am short of knowledge, and fortunately I have the help of my uncle."

After reading it, Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time and said with a sigh: "Biao'er is not me after all."

When Hu Ang heard this, he didn't dare to say anything.

"But the world cannot be filled with people like me." Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with a strange color, "Otherwise, although the iron hoof can stabilize the country, it is difficult to keep the people at peace."

He closed the secret message and ordered, "Inform the eunuchs to transfer Hanlin scholar Zhou Jian to the East Palace to give lectures at 3:45 pm."

"Yes."

Everyone in the world knew that the emperor was transferring people, but this time, there was no explicit imperial decree, but he went straight to the prince's palace.

Another chess piece falls.

Inside the palace, Zhu Han practiced swordplay as usual in the early morning. His movements were neither hurried nor slow, and wherever the sword went, it seemed like dancing rather than killing, and the sword intent was like clouds.

"Your Highness." A personal attendant came quickly, bowed and whispered, "The Third Prince came to the East Palace again yesterday, saying only that he was 'visiting His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.'"

"Oh?" Zhu Han put away his sword and wiped away the sweat on his forehead.

"Your Highness the Third Prince and His Highness the Crown Prince played two games of chess in the courtyard, but neither of them was decided."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, but there was no disturbance in his eyes. He just said, "Have someone keep a close eye on them and don't let them use their true energy."

"Your Highness, you mean..." the attendant probed.

Zhu Han replied calmly, "Zhu Di is intelligent, brave, resourceful, and young and unruly. Biao'er may not be able to control him."

"Unfortunately, it's not in the legitimate family."

In a word, it is like a sharp blade hidden in its sheath.

At dusk that day, Zhu Han sat alone in the East Pavilion of the palace.

The lights are not lit, the tea is not boiled, and the wind blows through the corner of the house.

Suddenly a familiar voice sounded:
"Brother Han, it's a cold night. Why are you sitting here alone?"

Zhu Han turned around and saw that it was Zhu Yuanzhang himself.

He had no ceremonial guards and no attendants. He wore only an ordinary casual attire with a python pattern. His expression was gentle yet a little tired.

Zhu Han stood up and bowed.

"Brother, you came here at night, what's the matter?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sat down opposite him, waved his hand, and said, "I just want to see you."

"You have a dull personality and never seek credit. Now you have helped Biao'er do many things, but you have never taken the initiative to come to the palace to say a word."

Zhu Han smiled but did not answer, only poured him a glass of warm wine.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him and said:
"Do you know why I sent Zhou Jian to the East Palace?"

Zhu Han nodded: "I know. He is the son of an old friend, and he is also a promising young man, with a sharp pen and a clear vision. Sending him there is to help the prince smooth out his edges, and also to give him someone who can truly debate with him."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly: "You are the one who sees things clearly."

He paused, then whispered slowly:

"I am getting old and tired. But I am not afraid of enemy countries or treacherous ministers. I am only afraid... that my descendants will be mediocre."

"Brother Han, you are the person I trust the most. If one day I am gone..."

Zhu Han looked up suddenly.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and smiled, "Don't worry, I'm still alive and well. But you should say it in advance."

"If that day ever comes and the prince is unstable, you will support him."

Zhu Han looked calm, neither sad nor happy, and spoke solemnly:
"I will keep this in mind."

To the north of the Imperial Stables, three miles outside the imperial city, a garden called "Wenqingtai" was quietly opened.

The place was not part of the imperial court, nor was it listed in the imperial temple, but it was often visited by scholars who played chess, wrote calligraphy, and painted, with the scent of ink lingering in the air.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao has brought several young officials from the Eastern Palace here today.

The main house in the garden is elegant, with plain walls except for a painting of Bamboo Grove on one wall; the waterside pavilions and corridors in the pavilion are rippling with the wind, a pleasure boat is slowly floating in the center of the lake, a woman in plain clothes is holding a flute, she does not speak or laugh, but the sound of the flute is as gentle as tears.

Zhu Biao stood in the pavilion, listening for a long time, and suddenly whispered: "This is "Falling Plum Blossoms."

"Your Highness has a good ear." Shen Ran smiled and said, "It is 'Falling Plum Blossoms', an old score of Chen Gong. It is said that the flute score has been lost for a hundred years. Recently, this girl has rediscovered the ancient music, and it has attracted scholars in the capital to visit her."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, but he had other thoughts in his heart.

This song, this place, this person - if no one had pointed me out, how could I have happened to be in the Eastern Palace?
He did not point it out, but just stepped forward and bowed slightly to the woman.

"This song is like snow, falling without a sound. I don't know the girl's name."

The woman stood up and bowed slowly, her voice as clear as a spring:

"My name is Qingyue. I don't claim to be an artist. I just got an old scroll and tried it out for a while."

Zhu Biao smiled: "Falling without sound is the high note."

He turned to look at Shen Ran: "This place is elegant and quiet, the talented man from the East Palace can come here a few times in the future."

Shen Ran agreed in a low voice.

In the evening, Zhu Han received the news.

Wang Zhen reported: "The place your Highness is visiting today was secretly set up by the close officials of the Eastern Palace a month ago. At first, it was just a place for gathering scholars, but in fact, it was secretly connected with the newly promoted scholars in the capital."

After listening to this, Zhu Han just pushed the chessboard lightly and said, "Sure enough, it has started to be used."

"Whose idea was it?"

Wang Zhen replied: "It should be Shen Ran and Wei Jin who are in collusion. The prince's words have been sharp recently." Zhu Han showed a look of satisfaction but said nothing.

The sweet-scented osmanthus flowers outside the house were just beginning to bloom, and the fragrance was rich. He walked slowly to the window, looking towards the direction of the imperial city in the night, and asked softly:
"Has anyone else entered this 'Wenqing Terrace' today?"

Wang Zhen paused and said, "The Third Prince's men have also arrived."

Zhu Han smiled, with a hint of amusement in his tone.

"Zhu Di is a very careful guy indeed."

At night, in the inner hall of the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat alone behind his desk, still dressed and awake. In his hand was a scroll of a book that Zhu Biao had recently presented to the emperor. The handwriting was neat and the words were coherent, no longer showing any signs of cowardice.

He read every word, then gently closed the book and remained silent for a long time.

Huang asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, but..."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and smiled coldly.

"My younger brother is really more sensible than anyone else."

"Biao'er...was finally brought out."

"If it weren't for Brother Han's careful planning, I would have to wait another five years."

He stood up, walked towards the red railing in front of the palace with his hands behind his back, and looked at the capital city in the night.

"But Han Di should also know that children will have to walk alone one day."

“You can’t have someone to support you throughout your life.”

In the palace, Zhu Han sat under the lamp, reading a page of an old music score.

It was written when Zhu Biao was ten years old. The book was full of typos and his writing was immature, but there was one sentence that he still remembers:

"I wish that there will be no cold people in the world and that all parents will be safe."

He closed the book and looked toward the courtyard.

That day, he accompanied Zhu Biao to visit the local school and saw with his own eyes the young man sitting quietly beside the rice field, watching the children reading.

Then he understood: there was light in Zhu Biao's heart.

But this light is too warm and too slow. If it is not protected by an iron wall, it will eventually be extinguished by the wind.

"Today he dared to move the pieces on the chessboard." Zhu Han whispered to himself.

"I will protect him for one more round."

As night falls in Beijing, the autumn atmosphere is heavy.

The bell and drum music department had just struck three o'clock in the morning, but Zhu Han's mansion was still brightly lit.

Under the eaves of the side hall, a few branches of wintersweets bloomed quietly ahead of the season, with a faint fragrance.

Zhu Han was wearing casual clothes, sitting alone under the lamp, flipping through an album.

That was the "Book of Eastern Palace Close Ministers" drawn by Zhu Biao's order. Every confidant had a portrait, background, words and deeds, and strengths.

"Shen Ran, wise but taciturn, good at hiding his edge."

"Wei Jin is calm and steady, and is good at writing and playing music."

"Zou Mo...is kind and honest, and is good at teaching."

He read them one by one, his expression solemn.

Wang Zhen walked in slowly and whispered, "Your Highness, the eunuch has sent word that the Crown Prince wants to go to the Honglu Temple to listen to a lecture tomorrow, and will stop by the Xiangji Temple on the way."

Zhu Han tapped the table lightly without saying anything.

He naturally knew that Zhu Biao's trip was actually to visit the "Mr. Xu" in Xiangji Temple, who had lectured in the local area in the past, but was dismissed because of his passionate words. Now he lives in seclusion in a Zen room, but several Hanlin scholars under his tutelage secretly visit him.

This person is not involved in politics, but he is quite respected by the scholars. If you get a word of praise from him, it will greatly help the reputation of the East Palace.

Zhu Biao already understood how to "control officials with reputation."

"In ten days, there will be a grand lecture of Xuanmen." Wang Zhen reminded in a low voice, "All the Confucian scholars will go to the capital, and the Ministry of Rites has scheduled three lectures. If the prince can win one of them, he can gather momentum."

Zhu Han nodded, but did not express his approval directly. Instead, he said calmly, "It can be seen that he no longer relies on the path I gave him."

Wang Zhen wanted to speak, but held back.

Zhu Han slowly closed the album and said softly, "However, things in this world are unpredictable. The Eastern Palace is still young. If we have a great reputation for a while but are unsure of our behavior, it may lead to disaster."

"It takes someone who knows how to lay a soft layer of soil outside his sharp edge."

Wang Zhen was stunned: "Your Highness wants to..."

"Let Han Zheng prepare a literary banquet at the Bamboo Forest Library, and invite a few former Hanlin officials to discuss poetry and wine instead of the world."

"By the way, please ask Mr. Xu from Xiangji Temple to come and sit with us."

"It is better to let people return to their own hearts than to wait for them to work hard."

On the second day, before dawn, Zhu Biao had already packed up and left the palace.

He rode a white horse, dressed simply, with only one attendant and one close servant. He was humble in his manner, and as he spoke and laughed, many people on the roadside praised him.

When they reached the outside of Xiangji Temple, Zhu Biao dismounted and walked.

The temple gate was not yet opened, the morning bell rang, and a monk from the temple came out. He was a disciple of Master Xu.

"The Crown Prince is coming from afar, but my teacher is suffering from an illness and may not be able to receive him."

Zhu Biao was not annoyed, but just smiled and said: "As long as you are here, I will wait for you."

Before he could finish his words, he saw the side door at the back of the temple slowly open, and several old men walked out together, all holding folding fans in their hands and chatting.

The leader had white hair and a youthful face, and it was none other than Old Xu.

He looked at Zhu Biao from a distance, and without bowing or addressing him, he just cupped his hands and smiled:
"You came."

Zhu Biao greeted him with a smile: "The teacher invited me to listen to the lecture, how dare I not come?"

Everyone was shocked.

Old Xu laughed: "You are not such a dull prince anymore."

Zhu Biao whispered: "I have been thinking about this day and night. If people in the world can believe in my kindness instead of thinking I am dull, this life will be enough for me."

Mr. Xu stared at him for a moment, then suddenly turned around:
"Follow me into the temple - it's been a long time since I've served you incense and tea."

In the afternoon, the bamboo shadows in the study are slanting.

Wang Zhen went inside and reported, "Mr. Xu has been invited to the banquet."

Zhu Han smiled and pushed a scroll of letters to the side of the table: "Since the East Palace has begun to speak out, let's open a few more windows for him."

“The light should shine out from inside, and people outside should be willing to open the window and look in.”

It was late autumn, and the palace had changed into winter clothes. Thick curtains were hung under the corridors of the Qianqing Palace, making the temperature inside and outside as warm as spring.

At this time, Zhu Han was not in the mansion.

He was wearing light grey casual clothes, standing halfway up Shou'an Mountain, in front of an ancient temple with little incense, gazing at the dusty stone statue of Guanyin.

The mountain wind blows through the pines, bringing with it a faint fragrance. Although the temple is dilapidated, the incense is still burning.

The system prompt suddenly sounded in my ears:

[Sign in successfully]

[Location: Shou'an Mountain·Jinghua Temple]

[Rewards: A red sandalwood Buddhist canon (with notes on lectures in the Six Dynasties), a secret of mental arithmetic (can improve logic and deduction abilities)]

Zhu Han's expression changed slightly.

This is not the first reward, nor will it be the last. But he never flaunts or advertises it. Now that he has it, he uses it.

"Notes on the Six Dynasties..." he whispered, "As a young official in the East Palace, I need to expand my knowledge."

He turned around and ordered, "When you return, send the sutra to the Bamboo Forest Library. Do not sign your name, just say it is a legacy from an old scholar."

The eunuch accompanying him took the order and left.

Zhu Han sat alone in front of the temple, thinking for a long time. Until an old monk slowly walked over, lowered his hands and asked: "Donor, what do you want to ask for?"

Zhu Han looked at the weathered monk in front of him and sighed softly: "I pray that people's hearts will return to the right path and the truth will last forever."

The old monk chuckled and put his hands together: "That is what you cannot ask for." (End of this chapter)