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

"Xu Wensheng." Zhu Yuanzhang slapped the letter and said in a shocking voice, "How dare you set up a trap to frame the prince and stir up trouble in the palace right under my nose? Do you still have me in your eyes?"

Xu Wensheng fell to his knees and begged for mercy in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, spare my life! I was confused for a moment and was instigated by others--"

"Instigator? Who else?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked sternly.

"Yes...it was Lord Gao from the Imperial Household Department...it was him who asked me...asked me to test the Crown Prince..." Xu Wensheng had completely collapsed, and another eunuch also knelt down in panic.

Zhu Han smiled coldly: "At this point, you still dare to quibble? You entered the East Palace at night yesterday and had a secret discussion with someone. Where are the palace rules? Where is the discipline between the monarch and his subjects?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned pale. "Come here, Xu Wensheng colluded with the inner court to frame the crown prince. Order the Jinyiwei to take him to the prison immediately and investigate his accomplices thoroughly. No one should be left out!"

"Yes!" The Jinyiwei who had been on standby outside the hall quickly entered the hall and pinned Xu Wensheng down.

Xu Wensheng continued to struggle, but he no longer had any power or dignity and was just a sinner who was about to be destroyed.

Zhu Biao stood aside silently, with a complicated look in his eyes. He knew that this was a game that Zhu Han had set up for him, and it was also the most profound lesson in the world of power and intrigue.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly turned to Zhu Biao, his eyes deep: "Biao'er, are you still uneasy?"

Zhu Biao bowed his head and said: "I am fine, I hope I will not disappoint you."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and looked at Zhu Han, his expression slightly relaxed: "Royal brother, thank you for your hard work this time."

Zhu Han bowed and smiled faintly: "I dare not, I just hope that the foundation of the Ming Dynasty will be stable and not be disturbed by the scoundrels."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up and walked out of the imperial study, with his hands behind his back, and his voice came from afar:
"From today on, no old cases in the palace shall be brought up again."

In a quiet and secluded pavilion in the Imperial Garden, Zhu Han sat quietly in front of a chess table, wearing a light fur coat. In front of him was a chessboard spread out, with white pieces as white as snow and black pieces as black as ink. There was murderous intent everywhere, and he felt cold before he spoke.

There was a sound of footsteps, and Zhu Biao walked in slowly in casual clothes. Seeing Zhu Han waiting for him in the pavilion, he couldn't help but chuckle, "The emperor's uncle seems to be in a good mood today. He actually took the initiative to invite his nephew to play chess."

Zhu Han raised his eyes, a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Your father is very angry today. If I don't do something to divert his anger, I'm afraid the imperial chef will suffer again."

Zhu Biao shook his head: "Your Majesty is a strong-willed person, but... today's incident is indeed dangerous. If it weren't for the uncle's plan, I'm afraid I would still be misunderstood."

Zhu Han stretched out his hand and made a move, saying calmly: "People's hearts are hidden in their stomachs. Those people in the court may seem submissive, but in fact, who doesn't have a plan? If you don't learn to read people's hearts first, the longer you sit on the throne of the crown prince, the more dangerous it will be."

Zhu Biao stared at the chessboard intently, but did not make a move for a long time. He only asked, "Uncle, why... are you helping me so much?"

Zhu Han stopped, as if he had not expected him to suddenly ask this question.

"Because you are the crown prince," he said slowly, his tone carrying a long-standing heaviness, "If you fall, the Ming Dynasty will have no successor."

Zhu Biao looked at him with a complex emotion in his eyes. He knew that what his uncle said was the truth, but the firm intention of protecting him made him feel heavy.

Zhu Han suddenly changed the subject and asked, "Do you know why chess is the 'Tao'? It's not about winning or losing, or killing or slaughtering, but about the 'game'."

"Game?" Zhu Biao seemed to be thinking about something.

"Only those who can understand the situation are qualified to play the game." Zhu Han said softly.
"Your father is old. He may seem strong, but his heart is tired. If you cannot keep people's hearts steady, once he lets go, the world will be overturned like a chessboard, with no more pieces to be placed."

Zhu Biao lowered his head and finally made a move. On the chessboard, the white piece broke the situation and the situation suddenly became clear.

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "You have calmed down a lot recently, which is good."

Zhu Biao sighed softly: "After being schemed against for a long time, your heart will naturally calm down."

Outside the pavilion, the moonlight was bright and a chill was rising. Zhu Han looked at the palace wall in the distance and his tone suddenly became low: "Biao'er, you have to remember that the court is no less bloody than the battlefield. It's just that the blood is not shed by swords, but by people's hearts."

Zhu Biao's expression gradually became serious: "Uncle, I know the situation today, but if someone is unwilling to accept it... I'm afraid they will take action again."

Zhu Han stood up, put his hands behind his back, and said in a deep voice: "They will take action. The closer they are to the top of power, the more difficult it will be to retreat. But don't be afraid, I am still here."

The plum grove deep in the imperial garden still sways its branches gently in the night breeze, the remaining snow has not melted, and the moonlight is cold.

After Zhu Han returned to the palace, he did not go back to his room to rest. Instead, he walked through the Moon Gate alone and into the backyard.

The courtyard is quiet, with a laurel tree leaning against the corner of the wall and the bluestone beside the well curb wetted by the night dew, giving off a faint luster.

"Your Highness has returned late today." A gentle and soft female voice came from inside the house. The curtain was lifted, and a woman in plain clothes walked out holding a cup of warm tea. Her eyebrows and eyes were gentle, and her movements were very light, as if she was afraid to disturb the night.

Zhu Han took the tea, but his hands did not touch the hot porcelain. He just asked, "You didn't go to listen to the music today?"

"I dare not act on my own." The woman lowered her head, with a hint of smile on her lips, but she didn't dare to smile too much. "Although the palace is safe, outside... it seems to be uneasy."

Zhu Han chuckled when he heard this: "You are quite smart."

"Your Highness, I have no idea what's in your mind." The woman answered in a low voice, but there was no trace of testing in her tone.

Zhu Han turned around and sat down on the stone bench, looking at the plum shadow in the moonlight, drank the warm tea in one gulp, and said slowly: "The Prince's Mansion has been too quiet recently. The quieter it is, the worse it is a good sign."

"Your Highness...are you worried about the Crown Prince?" the woman asked tentatively.

Zhu Han did not answer immediately, but looked up at her: "Ajin, what do you think of Zhu Biao?"

"The prince is kind and generous," she answered seriously, "and has a clear mind."

"Too kind." Zhu Han seemed to be talking to himself, with a hint of helplessness in his tone, "He is a good man, but a man who is too good cannot sit on the throne."

After hearing this, Ah Jin was slightly startled and whispered, "But everyone says that the kind-hearted are invincible."

Zhu Han chuckled, but his eyes were a little colder: "Invincible? Have you ever seen a benevolent person leave a few people behind in troubled times? Those who can stay have blood on their hands."

"But..." Ajin wanted to refute, but didn't say it in the end.

Zhu Han glanced at her, without blaming her, and said, "If you really respect him, from today on, on the 15th of every month, send a few volumes of poetry to the Prince's Mansion and say that they are old collections from the Southern Study."

Ah Jin looked up in surprise: "Your Highness wants to..."

"Let him learn to judge people from their poems, to see the hidden edge in the words, and to see the hidden heart in the strokes of the brush."

Zhu Han slowly stood up, his robe fluttering in the wind, "Don't destroy his nature, just teach him to recognize people."

Although his voice was light, every word he said was heart-piercing.

Ah Jin nodded in response, but Zhu Han had already left with his hands behind his back, leaving only the cold moonlight flowing along his sleeves.

On the afternoon of the second day, the sky was clear and the air was fresh. Zhu Biao took two eunuchs and strolled to Zhu Han's mansion.

He did not bring any ceremonial guards nor did he send any messengers. He just changed into casual clothes, as if he was here to chat with relatives.

"Is the emperor's uncle still taking a nap?" Zhu Biao asked softly outside the Chuihua Gate.

"Your Highness." The old butler at the door bowed hastily. "The prince is in the back garden. If you don't mind disturbing me, I will take you there."

Zhu Biao waved his hand: "No, you go ahead and do your thing, I'll go by myself."

He walked through the corridor with ease, bypassing several hidden doors, his steps unhurried and his expression calm.

As soon as I stepped into the garden, I heard a burst of laughter. Zhu Han was playing chess with a young man in blue. The boy was only fifteen or sixteen years old, but his eyes were sharp and smart.

"Uncle." Zhu Biao smiled and clasped his fists, bowing slightly, "Sorry to bother you."

"It's rare for the crown prince to have some free time." Zhu Han glanced at him and pointed at the boy opposite him, "This is a chess boy I recently recruited, named Zhang Luo, who plays more fiercely than you." Zhang Luo stood up and saluted, but Zhu Biao waved his hand and said, "This chess boy plays well, I may not be able to beat him."

Zhu Han raised his eyebrows: "If you can't win, how can you win the world?"

"Victory or defeat is not determined by just one game," Zhu said in a gentle voice. "Sometimes being able to defend is also a victory."

Zhu Han laughed after hearing this: "You sound a lot like your mother."

Zhu Biao's expression changed slightly and he sighed softly.

Zhu Han stopped talking about the past and just pointed at the chessboard and said, "Come, finish this game. Zhang Luo has broken three of my pieces. If you can save one, you win."

Zhu Biao said nothing, but leaned over to look at the chessboard. Zhang Luo stood aside without making a sound, his eyes only moving when Zhu Biao made his first move.

"Good eyesight." Zhu Han said indifferently.

Before the game was over, Zhu Han suddenly said, "Your father summoned Li Shansheng to the palace yesterday."

Zhu Biao paused and moved his piece a little slower, but did not ask why.

Zhu Han continued, "Although Li Shansheng is an old minister of your father, he has often visited your third brother's residence in recent years."

"Your Highness knows." Zhu Biao said calmly, "But Lord Li is a talented person. If Your Majesty wants to use him, there must be a reason."

Zhu Han looked at him quietly, with a strange look in his eyes: "Can you really be so tolerant?"

Zhu Biao raised his head, his eyes calm, "If I, your son, start to doubt, it will only delay the important task."

Zhu Han sighed, "It's easier said than done. Since you know that people's minds are unpredictable, why don't you take precautions?"

"Defense must be done in moderation." Zhu Biao looked at him directly. "My uncle taught me how to judge people, understand situations, and hide my strength, but he also taught me one thing - you must know when to stop when doing things."

Zhu Han was silent for a long time, then suddenly laughed out loud: "Good, a good 'stop'."

Zhang Luo seemed to understand what was being said, but he knew that although the two men were talking, it seemed as if they had already fought for dozens of moves on the chessboard.

After a while, Zhu Han waved his hand and said, "Okay, we won't play today. Zhang Luo, go to the backyard and pack up the chess equipment."

Zhang Luo stepped back in response. Zhu Han paced in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, and Zhu Biao followed behind him.

"Your personality is too much like your mother, and too much like your father."

Zhu Han said in a distant tone, "Your father is a tiger, your mother is water, and you... are the wind, erratic, gentle and docile, yet able to penetrate forests and split bamboos."

"But the wind cannot blow down the mountain." Zhu Biao said softly.

Zhu Han stopped and turned to look at him, with a strange light in his eyes: "You are no longer the same as you were yesterday."

Zhu Biao also looked at him and smiled: "My uncle taught me well."

Zhu Han suddenly patted him on the shoulder and said, "Remember this, and don't let your mother down for worrying about you for half her life."

The two looked at each other for a moment and said no more. When the wind started, the fragrance of plum blossoms in the garden spread far away.

It was still chilly in spring, and the night lights were just coming on in Zhu Han Palace, west of the palace.

The side hall was filled with warm fragrance, the wind did not enter the window, and the candlelight was bright.

Zhu Han held a cup in his hand, half leaning on the couch, seemingly drunk.

He was not drinking alone at the table. The person sitting opposite him had childish eyes and eyebrows and was dressed neatly, but he could not hide his youthful nature.

"You are more patient than your father was when he was young."

Zhu Han shook the wine cup, the moonlight floated in the wine, and there was a hint of laziness in his words.

Zhu Di sat upright, lowered his eyes, and said, "I dare not be disrespectful in front of my uncle."

"You don't dare?" Zhu Han chuckled. "You dared very much. A few days ago, you went out hunting with your bow and horse. Your father didn't allow it, but you went anyway."

Zhu Di looked up: "It was the Imperial Grandmother who agreed."

"Grandmother?" Zhu Han's eyes turned, and he looked at him for a long time, and suddenly whispered, "That old lady is not someone that anyone can use as a shield."

Zhu Di said nothing, but did not retreat.

Zhu Han took a sip, the alcohol rose to his eyes, but his tone slowly became heavier: "You are far from your elder brother."

Zhu Di raised his eyebrows, his eyes flashed, but he still lowered his head: "The prince is kind and benevolent, my nephew is not as good as him."

"Are you inferior to me, or are you disdainful?" Zhu Han's voice suddenly had a hint of coldness.

Zhu Di was silent for a moment, then suddenly raised his head and said, "My son and nephew dare not make irresponsible remarks about the crown prince."

"You know your limits." Zhu Han retracted his gaze and said, "You came to see me not to talk about family affection, nor to listen to my lecture."

Zhu Di then smiled, his brows and eyes full of heroic spirit: "It is my nephew who wants to learn a few skills from my uncle."

"Skills?" Zhu Han seemed to be interested and sat up straighter. "What do you want to learn?"

"Military tactics, archery, and strategy, all of them." Zhu Di answered very quickly with light in his eyes.

Zhu Han listened, pondered for a while, and suddenly smiled: "You are very ambitious."

Zhu Di also laughed, but did not argue.

Zhu Han put down his wine cup and said, "If you want to learn, I will teach you. But you must remember that I teach you because you are my nephew, not because you are the king."

Zhu Di was startled, then nodded and said, "My nephew remembers."

Zhu Han added: "Also, I am not teaching you to overpower your elder brother."

Zhu Di had a complicated expression, but he still clasped his fists and said, "My nephew will remember the teachings of my uncle."

Zhu Han stared at him for a while, then suddenly stood up and put on his cloak. "Come on, follow me to the West Garden."

"It's late at night?" Zhu Di was stunned.

"The deeper the night, the more true it is." Zhu Han stepped out, his voice carried away by the wind, "If you can't even stand the night wind, what's the point of learning strategy?"

Zhu Di was stunned for a moment, then quickly followed.

The lights in the West Garden were still on, and there were crossbow targets, sand tables, and wooden soldiers arrayed in the garden. Zhu Han walked to the sand table and waved his hand to clear the previous game. "You set up the array, and I'll break it."

Zhu Di's eyes moved slightly, he took out a small jade seal from his sleeve, placed it in the corner, and began to deploy his troops. Although his technique seemed immature, he could see the structure.

Zhu Han stood aside, watching with his hands behind his back, without saying a word. After Zhu Di had set up the formation, he slowly reached out, dropped a wooden piece, and said, "You lose."

Zhu Di was stunned: "Uncle Huang's move..."

"Your elder brother taught me." Zhu Han said shockingly, but there was no smile on his face. "Your elder brother was not as diligent as you in studying, not as steady in riding and shooting, and not as skillful in military tactics as you, but this is the only step that he taught me personally." (End of this chapter)