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

Su Huaiyuan whispered, "But if we want to gain a firm foothold, we can't always be on the defensive."

Zhu Biao nodded: "The emperor's uncle has made arrangements, but you are right, we also need to take the initiative ourselves."

"The prince has recently mobilized the Jinyiwei secret agents, and it seems that they have taken action."

Zhu Biao was stunned, his eyes flashed: "You said... the emperor's uncle used the Jinyiwei?"

"Yes, and they are his former subordinates, the 'Iron Blood Three Riders'. They followed the prince to fight in the southwest in his early years. They are all capable of piercing through enemies hundreds of miles away, good at disguise, and extremely good at tracking."

"Then don't we already have a trump card?" Zhu Biao's face lit up with joy.

However, Zhu Han did not take victory for granted.

After returning home, he entered the secret room alone. In front of him was a bronze table with flickering lights.

In the middle, a faint golden text appeared:

[Sign-in location: East Factory Secret Vault]

[Reward: Golden Book of Heavenly Secrets (Volume 2)]

He narrowed his eyes: "East Factory?"

It is the claw of imperial power and a mysterious place, and even the Jinyiwei have to avoid its edge.

He put on his nightgown, walked alone, entered the secret vault of the East Factory, and passed through the numerous guards and traps. The moment he got the golden book, the alarm bell rang -

"Who is this trespasser?"

Zhu Han sneered, swung the iron ruler in his hand, and his figure disappeared into the night like a ghost.

The next morning, a secret letter was quietly delivered to Zhu Yuanzhang:
"The secret vault of the East Factory was robbed, and the second volume of the Golden Book disappeared."

Zhu Han, on the other hand, stood on the stone steps of the palace, facing the morning sun, and slowly unfolded the golden page hidden in his sleeve.

On the golden page, there was a list of names——

"The remnants of the East Factory's traitors and conspiracy, the first one is Xu Wensheng."

The golden book in the secret vault of the East Factory was quietly flipping in Zhu Han's sleeve. The pages seemed to glow coldly under the moonlight. The densely packed names were connected with clues to the power network in the palace.

Zhu Han looked at the lines of handwriting with a serious look in his eyes, and his fingertips gently stroked them: "Xu Wensheng, Su Huaiyuan, Liang Bing...even the cabinet was involved."

He closed the golden book and hid it in his secret pocket. He turned around and looked back at the imperial city under the night sky: "This time, I want you to know that the Ming Dynasty is not a chess game for you to play with."

When we returned to the palace, it was just daylight.

Zhu Han, still in his clothes, called Liu Ying and Zheng Yu over: "We have the Golden Book, and the names of the people are clear. Xu Wensheng is the chief culprit, but the others cannot be ignored. If we reveal them rashly, they may become desperate."

Liu Ying's eyes lit up: "My Lord, can we use this to set up a trap and catch these thieves in one fell swoop?"

"Go and tell Wang Qi to send three riders to secretly enter the various markets in the capital to investigate Liang Bing's private residence and monitor Su Huaiyuan's movements."

"As for Xu Wensheng..." Zhu Han smiled slowly, "I will give him a big gift."

That afternoon, an anonymous letter was quietly delivered to Xu Wensheng. He opened it and his face suddenly changed. There were only two lines of words on the paper:

"Can the Golden Book of Heaven's Secrets recognize my shadow? If you don't repent, the East Factory will reopen at midnight."

Xu Wensheng's fingers trembled. He had never told anyone about the leak of the East Factory's Golden Book. How could someone know about it?
He did not dare to make it public, but immediately summoned his confidants for a secret talk in his mansion.

"Someone is testing me."

"The Golden Book of the Eastern Depot? It is impossible for this to fall into the hands of outsiders, unless... unless it is the prince."

Su Huaiyuan whispered.

Xu Wensheng's face was gloomy. "If it's Zhu Han, that would be bad. He is very important in Taizu's heart, and he is the uncle of the prince."

Su Huaiyuan's eyes turned cold: "It's better to strike first."

"You think I don't want to?"

Xu Wensheng suddenly slammed the table, "But this Zhu Han is not Zhu Biao. He is more ruthless than Zhu Biao, more stable than Zhu Di, and more unpredictable than Taizu. If he dies, Taizu will react."

"Then let him betray!"

Su Huaiyuan's eyes were stern, "We just need to set up a trap and let the emperor see it with his own eyes, and it will be ironclad evidence!"

Xu Wensheng pondered for a long time, and finally said: "Call Jinyi Deputy Commander Xu Gang, I have a plan."

But Zhu Han had already set up the chess game.

He ordered Liu Ying to visit the Shenji Camp at night and secretly contact its deputy general Huang Xu, promising him a high position. Huang Xu was indeed tempted.

At the same time, he asked Zhu Biao to meet with Liu Bowen in secret.

"Mr. Liu, I know that you have assisted my father for many years and are well aware of the changes in the court. Now that Uncle Zhu Han has found evidence of Xu Wensheng and Su Huaiyuan's rebellion, I need you to help me plan and bring peace to the world."

Liu Bowen sighed and said, "Your Highness, if it weren't for the prince's help, with your kind nature, you would have been trapped in the quagmire of political struggle. The prince's move is indeed in accordance with the will of heaven and the people. I will assist him."

Three days later, a palace drama quietly began.

That day, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned all his ministers to discuss border affairs.

Zhu Han entered the hall on time, wearing a green python robe and looking calm and composed.

Xu Wensheng and Su Huaiyuan were also there. Zhu Biao was standing on the east steps, his expression calm, but there was a hint of alertness in his eyes.

At noon, a Jinyiwei suddenly rushed into the palace, prostrated himself and reported: "Your Majesty! We have found that the prince has secretly hidden the Golden Book of the East Factory in the secret vault of the palace, and it is suspected that he is plotting for personal gain!"

There was an uproar in the hall.

Xu Wensheng stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Golden Book of the East Factory is a forbidden possession, and outsiders are not allowed to touch it. If this is true, I hope Your Majesty will investigate it thoroughly!"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and looked at Zhu Han: "Brother, do you know about this?"

Zhu Han bowed calmly and said, "I do hold the Golden Book, but I did not keep it for myself. I obtained it when the Crown Prince was investigating the assassin."

"Where is the Golden Book?"

"Your Majesty, please take a look."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Ying presented a secret letter from outside the hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang took it and looked through it, only to see that it listed densely packed evidence of the Dongchang's secret cases, people who accepted bribes, and assassination plots, with solid evidence.

"This is..." Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly changed, "Xu Wensheng, do you have anything to say?"

Xu Wensheng turned around abruptly, his eyes sinister: "Do you think this golden book can convict me? I have been making plans for the Ming Dynasty for ten years, how can I allow a piece of paper to smear me!"

Su Huaiyuan also drew his sword and pointed it at the prince: "If it doesn't work today, even if I die, I will take him to the west!"

There was chaos in the palace!

However, outside the palace, Zhu Han had already deployed the "Iron Blood Three Riders", and Su Huaiyuan was shot in the throat as soon as he jumped up.

Xu Wensheng was pinned to the ground by several guards, and he roared: "You will regret this, Zhu Han, you are just a foreigner who traveled through time..."

He bit his tongue violently and spat out blood, and even tried to commit suicide, but Zhu Han held his pulse and said coldly: "If you die, how can I make you tell all the truth?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious and sighed endlessly.

He looked at Zhu Han, then at Zhu Biao: "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known that the court had become so dark."

He waved his sleeves and ordered: "Xu Wensheng, Su Huaiyuan and his gang will all be executed and their homes confiscated. The East Factory will be reorganized today."

All the ministers knelt down and said, "As ordered!"

There was a solemn and murderous atmosphere behind the palace.

After the matter was settled, Zhu Biao followed Zhu Han and walked slowly in the imperial garden.

"Uncle, tell me... am I really qualified to be the crown prince?"

"You are not alone." Zhu Han chuckled, "You have me, Liu Bowen, and thousands of loyal ministers. Why should you be afraid of the road ahead?"

Zhu Biao bowed his hands in gratitude and said: "If I ever ascend the throne, I will never forget the kindness of my uncle."

"Don't thank me too soon."

Zhu Han turned around, smiling, "Your father's imperial decree has not yet been issued."

At this moment, a young eunuch rushed over and said, "Your Majesty, His Majesty has summoned you to come in."

Zhu Han raised his eyebrows: "I want to see what position he wants to assign me this time."

Zhu Biao smiled: "I'm afraid it's not a job, but a heavier burden."

Zhu Han shook his head and sighed, "I'm not afraid of it, no matter how heavy it is. As long as you don't make me work in vain, I can still carry the burden for you."

When Zhu Han stepped into the palace gate, the cold air of the night still lingered on the palace walls.

The faint rays of morning light penetrated the eaves of the palace and sprinkled on the red palace bricks.

Zhu Biao followed closely behind, and the two walked side by side on this familiar palace path, neither of them feeling truly at peace.

Especially Zhu Biao, although his father had put aside his doubts, the anxiety and heaviness in his heart did not ease.

"Uncle, my father summoned me into the palace, and I..." Zhu Biao paused slightly and looked at Zhu Han with some uncertainty.

"How should I face him?"

Zhu Han chuckled, his tone was somewhat soothing, "You only need to remember one thing, be as solid as a rock. The position of the crown prince will reveal signs of instability if you are impatient.

All Father asks is that you always fulfill your responsibilities."

"But what if he mentions Xu Wensheng again?"

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, "Although the emperor did not pursue the matter on the surface, he must have some doubts in his heart."

Zhu Han's eyes flickered and his tone was low, "Although the matter of Xu Wensheng has been dealt with, the real challenge has never ended.

Father is so smart, how could he let his guard down completely? This power game has already begun to develop in depth. "

The two men walked to the palace gate. Zhu Han turned around and watched Zhu Biao walk into the palace.

"Remember, Father has never really looked down upon you. What he needs is always a steady and reliable prince."

Zhu Biao nodded, took a deep breath, and stepped forward.

Zhu Han stood there, watching him enter the palace gate, sighing slightly in his heart.

Although Zhu Biao had his help at this time, he still needed to be cautious in this unfathomable palace.

Not long after, Crown Prince Zhu Biao knelt in front of Zhu Yuanzhang. The atmosphere in the hall was depressing and heavy.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne with a stern expression and eyes as sharp as knives, as if they could penetrate people's hearts.

Zhu Biao held his breath, waiting for his father's questions.

"Prince." Zhu Yuanzhang finally spoke in a low voice.

"Regarding Xu Wensheng, I have already ordered an investigation, but the turmoil in the palace has not yet ended. I need you to distinguish the truth from the falsehood and see if there is any inside information to investigate."

Zhu Biao's heart tightened, but he quickly calmed down and said softly: "Father, although I know that Xu Wensheng is a big threat to the palace, I have handled it according to your orders. I will continue to assist Your Majesty wholeheartedly to prevent such incidents from happening again."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao sharply, as if trying to find any sign of instability on his face.

However, seeing Zhu Biao's calmness, he pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Very good. Since you can deal with it calmly, I will not investigate further."

Zhu Biao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, this was only a temporary comfort.

Although my father no longer pursued the matter of Xu Wensheng, the unfathomable undercurrent behind it still lurked in the palace.

However, just as he was about to get up and leave.

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone suddenly changed, and he said coldly: "Tomorrow in the court, all officials will salute you. If you can handle it steadily, I will trust you more."

Zhu Biao's heart was shocked, and he quickly lowered his head and said, "I will definitely live up to your trust."

Zhu Yuanzhang said nothing more, but just nodded: "You can leave."

Zhu Biao bowed respectfully and walked out.

Zhu Han had been waiting outside, and when he saw Zhu Biao looked normal, he knew that everything was fine.

The two walked out of the palace side by side, and Zhu Biao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Although your father has temporarily put aside his doubts, I still feel a lot of pressure." Zhu Biao said softly.

Zhu Han looked at him, with a complicated light in his eyes.

"You don't need to worry too much. Father trusts you, but he trusts you more in defending the Ming Dynasty. As long as you can seize this opportunity, your position as crown prince will be secure."

Zhu Biao nodded, but deep down he still felt an invisible pressure, as if it was looming over his heart.

This invisible power struggle was far more complicated than he had imagined.

A few days later, Zhu Biao faced his first formal test in the court.

Court officials gathered and Zhu Yuanzhang personally presided over the ceremony.

Zhu Biao stood under the gaze of his father, his face calm and his eyes sharp.

Even though his heart was in turmoil, his face remained expressionless.

"Prince, at the court today, all the officials will salute you. If you can handle it calmly, I will value your abilities even more."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice reached Zhu Biao's ears.

Zhu Biao nodded gently, silently repeating Zhu Han's teachings in his heart: "Steady as a rock."

In the court, many ministers knelt down and saluted.

Zhu Biao stood in front of the dragon throne, bowed his head slightly, and returned the greetings in turn, his face calm and not at all flustered.

As the court officials kowtowed one by one, Zhu Biao gradually felt the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

Every salute is a test of his future.

When the last minister finished his ceremony, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly spoke: "Prince, I have seen your calmness and composure, and I will remember it in my heart."

"Thank you, father." Zhu Biao replied respectfully, feeling relieved.

However, just when everyone thought it was all over, a loud sound of music suddenly rang out in the hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, glanced at everyone, and then signaled the guards to hand over the memorial.

Zhu Yuanzhang unfolded the memorial, a complex light flashed in his eyes, and then he slowly said: "This memorial was sent by Xu Wensheng. The content is a report on the East Factory's search and seizure, which mentioned that a large number of suspected bandits are hiding in Beijing."

Zhu Biao's heart was shocked, and he reminded himself secretly: "This must be another conspiracy of Xu Wensheng."

"Xu Wensheng has always used various tactics. Although he has been deposed, these remnants seem unwilling to accept defeat."

Zhu Han said softly, "We must be cautious in dealing with this matter."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly and threw the memorial away: "How dare Xu Wensheng be so arrogant! He thinks he can still control the East Factory. It's really abominable that he is so presumptuous!"

Zhu Biao's heart tightened, and his heart was already in turmoil.

The remnants of Xu Wensheng actually had the courage to stir up trouble in the court. This was obviously not a simple incident.

Although his father did not ask him for the time being, he knew that if the situation could not be stabilized, Xu Wensheng's shadow would haunt him like a ghost.

"Father, the remaining forces of Xu Wensheng are so rampant, it seems that it is not something that can be easily solved by one person." Zhu Biao whispered, his eyes deep. (End of this chapter)