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

Zhu Biao paused, and continued in a low voice: "Father's health has been up and down recently, and he has retired several times to rest. However, the concubines in the six palaces have been making frequent moves, and there are undercurrents between the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine. The situation in the palace is becoming more and more complicated."

Zhu Han's eyes darkened when he heard this: "Your Highness, what you said makes sense. Although the affairs of the palace do not involve state affairs, if there is no good internal order, it is inevitable that there will be trouble."

Zhu Biao frowned, his eyes piercing: "Uncle, I want to clean up the palace, but my mother and the imperial concubine both have strong foundations. If I act rashly, I am afraid that something unexpected will happen."

Zhu Han chuckled, waved his sleeves and sat down, his eyes as wise as a torch:
"Your Highness's concerns are spot on. The disputes among the concubines in the palace are nothing new. If Your Highness intervenes directly, it will easily lead to suspicion. However, this matter can be solved slowly with the help of external forces."

Zhu Biao was excited and asked hurriedly: "What good ideas does the emperor have?"

Zhu Han looked deep in his eyes and said slowly:
"There is another person in the palace who has no party members, keeps himself clean, and has been favored by the emperor for many years. If we use this person's name to set up a trap to lure out the undercurrent and make it appear, then Your Highness can make the judgment and it will be justified."

Zhu Biao's eyes showed a thoughtful look, and then he suddenly realized: "Could it be that the uncle is talking about Concubine Zhang?"

"That's right." Zhu Han nodded slightly.

"Noble Lady Zhang has always been aloof from the world, and there is no direct descendant in the palace. If she makes a request and appeals to the Queen Mother's benevolence, the Imperial Concubine will not dare to act rashly. Your Highness only needs to guide and take action when the wind starts to rise."

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment, and finally nodded decisively: "Okay, I'll follow the emperor's uncle's plan."

The two of them whispered for a long time and made detailed arrangements.

It was settled, Zhu Han said goodbye and left the hall, his eyes becoming even sharper.

The situation in the palace has quietly changed since then.

A few days later, Concubine Zhang really took the opportunity to submit a petition, asking the Empress Dowager to educate the people, rectify the etiquette of the inner court, and eradicate the lawless tendencies in the palace.

The empress dowager has always regarded herself as benevolent and virtuous, so how could she refuse? She agreed immediately and ordered the chief eunuch to put the palace affairs in order.

The imperial concubine's faction was suddenly in a state of panic. Several of their trusted eunuchs and female officials were purged, and their power was greatly reduced.

Zhu Biao sat firmly at the center, without showing his edge, but he secretly controlled the situation and determined the outcome of the palace in one fell swoop.

Zhu Han heard this in the palace, smiled faintly, and said to Han Yi:
"We have already gone three steps in this game. Now that the palace is stable, we can start big things."

Hearing this, Han Yi asked in a low voice: "My Lord, next... are we going to move the Academy of Literature?"

Zhu Han's eyes flashed like lightning, and he said slowly: "It's the right time. There are still some old habits in the Academy of Literature that have not been corrected. Only then can the literary courage of supporting the prince be established."

The next day, Zhu Han personally entered the Hanlin Academy, ostensibly to observe the ceremony, but in fact to secretly monitor the movements of the scholars in the academy.

When he slowly walked into the courtyard, all the officials were in awe, and the head of the courtyard, He Wenzheng, personally greeted him:
"The arrival of the prince brings glory to the Hanlin Academy."

Zhu Han nodded with a smile, and with a quick glance, he figured out something.

Although He Wen Zheng was respectful, he looked a little apprehensive. Several scholars had uncertain expressions while paying their respects, and it was obvious that they were worried.

Zhu Han did not point it out, but walked slowly to the hall and watched the students giving lectures.

After a while, a young scholar suddenly appeared, speaking passionately and commenting on current affairs, with many extreme remarks in his words.

After hearing this, Zhu Han smiled slightly and called his attendants, "What's this person's name?"

He Wenzheng replied awkwardly: "Your Highness, this is Xu Minzhi, who always likes to talk about the general situation of the world."

Zhu Han looked coldly, "We can't just talk about the general situation, and we can't make random statements. If there are many people like this in the court, how can we help the country?"

He Wenzheng bowed in panic and said, "Your Majesty's teachings are very correct. I will rectify the situation immediately."

Zhu Han nodded, but did not leave immediately. He ordered the Hanlin Academy to read the lecture notes of previous years carefully.

He returned home that night and sent Xu Huai to lead secret agents to secretly investigate the backgrounds of the people in the Hanlin Academy.

A few days later, a secret report was submitted, and it turned out that several scholars had secret dealings with the Feng family's old party.

Zhu Han smiled coldly: "Literature is used to convey truth, how can it tolerate rats? Since this is the case, we can clean it up."

Inside the Crown Prince's Palace, Zhu Biao also made a decision after receiving the report: "What the Emperor's uncle did is exactly what I want. The Hanlin Academy should be strict in conduct and correct in learning, so as to match the literary fortune of the Ming Dynasty."

Therefore, Zhu Han took advantage of the Classical Studies Conference and teamed up with the Northern Pacification Office to secretly clean up. Several scholars with dissenting ideas were dismissed, and a new atmosphere emerged in the Hanlin Academy.

After half a month, the capital gradually returned to peace. Zhu Biao's power grew stronger and Zhu Han's name became more prominent in the court and the country.

One evening, Zhu Biao summoned Zhu Han to the imperial garden for a chat. The moon was bright in the sky and the water in the pond was sparkling.

Zhu Biao raised his cup to pay tribute from afar, and said with emotion: "I admire the efforts of my uncle in the past few months to eliminate the chaos inside and outside the country. However, there are endless things in the world, and the unknown road is even more difficult."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and raised his glass to greet him: "Your Highness, don't worry too much. If the government is stable, the government will prosper. If the government is prosperous, the people will be safe. If the people are safe, we can make great plans."

Zhu Biao's eyes were burning as he whispered, "Uncle, my father is getting old, and I... have to think about the future."

Zhu Han's eyes were deep, and he said slowly: "Your Highness must remember, act with a righteous heart and make steady plans, and destiny will be in our family."

The two of them drank until late at night. The sky was full of stars and the world was silent. Only the two of them became more determined.

The next morning, Zhu Han stood on the high pavilion of the palace, looking at the morning mist in the capital, and thought to himself:
"This game has just begun. If we want to support Zhu Biao to the top, we still need to make several good moves. The palace is stable, the literary academy is clean, the military and political affairs are solid, and then... it is the most difficult heart to control - the hearts of the people in the world."

He smiled softly, turned around and told Han Yi: "Send an order, prepare the horses and leave the city, I want to visit the counties around the capital."

Han Yi was startled and asked in a low voice: "Your Majesty, are you going out in person?"

Zhu Han's eyes sparkled, and he said calmly, "I need to go there in person to see how the people of this world can win their hearts."

Outside of Gyeonggi County, spring is deep, the wheat fields are undulating with green waves, the clouds are low overhead, and the distant mountains are dark blue.

Zhu Han was dressed in a blue shirt and wore a jade belt around his waist. He was accompanied by no more than a few dozen people, all of whom were dressed as light cavalrymen. They did not carry the royal flag in order not to alert the local authorities.

He quietly left the palace in order to observe the people's sentiments and decide whether to support Zhu Biao. Without the people's support, his support would be in vain.

"Your Highness, the town ahead is Qingyuan. Three days ago, the spies said that there is a lot of business here, and there is also a new academy." Han Yi rode his horse side by side and whispered.

Zhu Han nodded slightly and saw a bustling crowd at the town entrance.

He smiled and said, "It's a good opportunity to see what this scholar has in mind."

The horses moved slowly into the town, and the sounds of hawking could already be heard on the street.

Fragrant silk and blue cloth were spread on both sides. Occasionally, a Confucian scholar would walk briskly, holding a book in his hand, with a look of high spirits on his face.

Zhu Han stopped his horse for a while, then turned his eyes and saw a lot of people gathered in front of a teahouse, seemingly watching.

Han Yi whispered, "Your Majesty, should we send someone to investigate?"

Zhu Han waved his hand: "No hurry, let's go and see for ourselves."

A few steps later, the teahouse door was hung with the words "Qinghezhai". Inside, a middle-aged scholar was sitting and talking loudly:

"Mencius once said: The people are the most important, the country is second, and the emperor is the least important! Although our Ming Dynasty has just been established, the people's hearts are not stable, and the taxes are heavy. If we cannot cultivate morality and educate people, how can we have long-term stability?"

Everyone listened with great interest and applauded continuously.

Zhu Han frowned slightly when he heard this, and laughed softly, "Although this person has some insights, his words are too radical, and people will easily become impatient after hearing them."

He waved his sleeves, went inside, sat in a corner, and said softly, "Prepare tea."

The waiter was sharp-eyed and saw that he had an extraordinary demeanor, so he hurriedly whispered, "Sir, please wait a moment. We have some freshly brewed Biluochun."

Seeing the new distinguished guest, the Confucian scholar raised his voice even louder, as if to attract his attention: "The affairs of the court are now handled by civil officials and military generals, but we lack a wise king and duke to correct the rules. If a wise king steps forward to support the Crown Prince, promote benefits and eliminate malpractices, then the Ming Dynasty will prosper!"

Zhu Han couldn't help but smile upon hearing this, thinking, "He is a man who knows the current situation, but unfortunately he speaks too quickly."

He picked up the teacup, raised his eyes slightly, and met the scholar's eyes. The scholar seemed to feel that the visitor was extraordinary, so he stopped talking, clasped his fists and bowed:

"I am Wu Li. If my words are inappropriate, please forgive me."

Zhu Han did not put on airs, but smiled and said in response, "Mr. Wu, your words are profound, and I am very happy to hear them. However, the governance of the world does not depend on one king or one minister, but on everyone cultivating their principles. Although the tongue is good, it is ultimately not as good as real politics."

Wu Li was startled, then he bowed and said, "Sir, what you said is very true. I will learn from you."

Everyone in the teahouse was also discussing the matter in low voices, and they all felt that this young man in blue shirt spoke in a fair and just manner and was quite dignified.

After the meeting, Zhu Han called Han Yi and whispered, "This Wu Li has some good points. After returning to the capital, you can call him to the Prince's residence and give him some guidance. Maybe he can become a pillar of society."

Han Yi nodded in agreement.

The next day, Zhu Han continued his journey north to Baishi Town with a small entourage.

This place has always been a gathering place for famous people, and it is also a place where the academic atmosphere in the capital is quite prosperous.

Not long after Zhu Han entered the town, a spy reported urgently:

"Your Majesty, there is a grand lecture at Baishi Academy today. It is said that many famous scholars in the capital will also attend."

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "That's exactly what I want, let's go and listen."

At that time, the academy was full of distinguished guests, but Zhu Han did not reveal his identity and entered as an ordinary scholar.

The lecturer in the hall was Fang Yuchuan, an editor of the Hanlin Academy. He was over fifty years old, with white hair and beard, and his sermons were quite dignified.

"In the past, Duke Zhou created rituals and music to bring order to the world. Now that our Great Ming has received the Mandate of Heaven, if we want to prosper, we must attach equal importance to rituals and laws, and prioritize civil governance. If we rely solely on military force, I am afraid that the people will be divided and the government and the people will be in turmoil."

Zhu Han's expression changed slightly when he heard this, and he whispered to Han Yi: "This makes sense, but it lacks a bit of sharpness."

Suddenly a young scholar stood up and asked loudly:

"Mr. Fang's words are wonderful, but the current situation cannot be corrected overnight. If there is no powerful ruler with authority and power to enforce discipline, how can we convince all officials and bring peace to the world?"

Fang Yuchuan smiled faintly, but before he could answer, Zhu Han spoke softly:
"A gentleman who governs the world does not rely solely on authority, but must also win the hearts of the people. Authority can convince people temporarily, but virtue can convince people forever. Without virtue as a foundation, authority will ultimately be in vain."

The whole audience suddenly fell silent, and everyone's eyes turned to the young man in blue.

Fang Yuchuan bowed and said, "Sir, I appreciate your insight. May I know your name?"

Zhu Han smiled calmly: "I am just a traveling student, I dare not call myself a famous person."

Fang Yuchuan sighed, "I met you today and realized that there are many talented people in the world. If there is a chance, I would like to invite you to Beijing to discuss current affairs with me."

Zhu Han nodded and smiled, knowing that this person could be useful, and secretly took note of him.

After finishing his business and returning to the town post, Zhu Han stood in front of the window, looking at the sunset in the sky, and said:

"Han Yi, return to the capital tomorrow. I have seen the public's opinions and learning style during this trip, and I will help the prince to improve his literary and military talents."

Han Yi said: "Your Majesty is indeed a man of deep calculations. I admire you."

On the way back to Beijing, Zhu Han suddenly saw several old men in white walking on the side of the road with canes. They were dressed simply and had clear expressions on their faces.

The accompanying spy whispered, "Your Highness, this is the Taoist from Qingxu Temple, who is known as a wise man."

Zhu Han was moved, ordered the car to stop, and walked forward. When he came to the Taoist priest, he bowed and asked:

"Where are the immortals traveling? Does it seem to have a deep meaning?"

The leading Taoist said with a smile: "I and my companions happened to visit here. We heard that the people's customs are becoming more honest under the prince's rule, so we came here to observe the situation."

Zhu Han's eyes lit up slightly, knowing that he had recognized his identity, he did not hide it and whispered:
"I am very sorry for your compliment, but my ambition is not yet complete, and I still hope that God will help me to achieve it."

The Taoist smiled slightly and said, "Heaven and earth are silent, only man can make decisions. If the prince is determined to uphold justice, heaven will help him."

Zhu Han agreed with it deeply, thanked the Taoist priest, and then said goodbye and returned to Beijing.

On the night of entering the city, Zhu Biao personally summoned Zhu Han into the palace and asked him about his journey.

Zhu Han detailed what he had learned, and finally whispered:
"Your Highness, although the people's hearts are turning for the better, they still lack a guiding force. If the Crown Prince can recruit more talented people and advocate education, he will win more support from the people."

Zhu Biao's expression brightened, and he said with a smile: "What the emperor's uncle said is exactly what I want. Tomorrow I will issue an imperial edict to summon the wise men from all counties to the capital for lectures and select the talents for employment."

Zhu Han flicked his sleeves, his eyes burning:

"Your Highness, this move will make you famous all over the world, so that wise men will be happy to serve the country and evil people will not dare to act rashly."

The two looked at each other, and they both understood each other.

In the imperial garden, there are gurgling sounds of bamboos and a gentle breeze.

Zhu Biao personally poured a cup of tea for Zhu Han. The aroma of the tea wafted in the air. The two of them sat opposite each other at the stone table, as if they were in two different worlds.

"Uncle." Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han, but there was a hint of eagerness in his tone that the young man could hardly conceal.

"What you saw and heard during your tour are what the people want. However, my father is a man of strong character, and most of the officials in the court act according to his will. If I succeed to the throne in the future, I am afraid it will be difficult for me to have a free hand. Uncle, tell me - how can I make the officials truly obey me?"

Zhu Han took a sip of tea, slowly put down the teacup, and said calmly: "To make people obey you, it is not by strict orders, nor by majesty, but by whether you can master one thing."

"What's the matter?"

Zhu Han smiled: "Weighing the pros and cons."

Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows.

"The most precious thing in this world is not bravery or intelligence, but the ability to make a balance."

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "You need to know who can be used, who should be restrained, who should be kept away, and who can be abandoned. Not every loyal minister can be used, and not every treacherous minister cannot be approached. Under the imperial power, people's hearts are the lightest. With just one word from you, thousands of people will turn around."

Zhu Biao was silent for a long time, then nodded: "Does the emperor's uncle have anyone to recommend?"

Zhu Han paused and said, "There are three people worth remembering during this trip. The first is Wu Li, whose character is not stable, but whose eloquence is excellent; the second is Fang Yuchuan, who is mature and steady, and can be a counselor; the third is the young scholar, who is too sharp, but if he is honed, he will become a capable person in the future."

Zhu Biao seemed to be thinking deeply: "All three of you will be remembered. I will order you to come to the East Palace for lectures tomorrow."

Zhu Han stood up, put his hands behind his back and looked towards the center of the lake. The moon was reflected in the ripples, and the water was shimmering.

"Biao'er, remember, the true way of a prince is to make wise men serve you, officials willing to speak for you, and people willing to die for you."

His voice was low and firm, "If you can do this, even if your father is worried about you, he will not be able to stop you from becoming powerful."

Zhu Biao nodded heavily.

A few days later, a new trend suddenly spread in the capital. The East Palace set up the "Xiantan Lecture Hall" to recruit talented people from all over the country to discuss state affairs and people's sentiments under the red steps.

This move was initially doubted by the ministers, but Zhu Biao did not change his mind. He attended the lectures in person every day and took notes tirelessly. For a time, the atmosphere in the court was cleared. (End of this chapter)