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

Gu Qingping raised her eyes: "But after this one, there will probably be more."

“I know.” Zhu Biao turned his head. “That’s why I’m not targeting Qiu Shen, but the King of Qi.”

She asked softly, "You already have a plan?"

Looking at the newly installed "Wen Dao Hall" plaque in the hall, Zhu Biao murmured, "Qiu Shen dares to take on the responsibility of fame and position, so I will let him taste the true meaning of 'fame' and 'responsibility'."

"In three days, I will personally take the podium and pose a question—'Is the succession position open to discussion?'"

Gu Qingping was startled: "You...are you going to take the initiative to bring this up?"

Zhu Biao said calmly, "They think I'm afraid to speak, so I will."

"They thought I only dared to answer, so I took the initiative to ask questions."

"As long as I'm in control, they won't dare to say anything back."

Gu Qingping stared at the sharpness in his eyes, momentarily stunned.

“Your Highness…” she began softly, “you have learned not to wait for the game to unfold, but to initiate it.”

Zhu Biao chuckled: "My royal uncle has shielded me from too many dangers, and now—I must take a few swords for him myself."

Three days later, scholars gathered outside Jiande Hall, and the Wendao Hall was packed with people.

Zhu Biao personally attended the lecture, dressed in the plain scarf of the Eastern Palace, holding a white tablet, standing in front of the hall, and all those within his sight listened solemnly.

"Today's topic is not about strategy or debate, but about asking questions."

He spoke in a loud voice: "You are all students of the Imperial Academy and the National University. Your discussions on politics and etiquette are all based on classical texts and learned from the ways of the world."

"I have only one question today—is the position of Crown Prince open to discussion?"

The audience below was shaken.

Han Qingfeng was the first to stand up: "Your Highness, I would like to hear your reasoning."

Zhu Biao nodded: "What you all talk about often refers to the 'orthodox tradition,' but avoids the topic of the 'ruler.' However, since the succession is tied to the national lineage and exists among people, if one dares not speak out or refuses to discuss it, how can there be any enlightened governance?"

“I am not defending myself, but only to uphold the principles.”

"Do you all believe that the responsibilities of the crown prince are limited to obeying orders? Limited to upholding chastity?"

"If so, I am not worthy to be the crown prince."

"But if the responsibility is heavy, questions must be asked. Therefore, I have set this question and hope that you will speak freely."

“Speak what is appropriate to speak, without being bound by court regulations; discuss what is debatable, without regard to rank or status.”

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment.

A lecturer in his thirties stepped forward with his hands clasped: "If Your Highness allows me to speak frankly, I am willing to be the one to give the lecture."

Zhu Biao cupped his hands slightly and said, "Please."

The man answered loudly: "The position of Crown Prince is granted by the Emperor, but he acts in court. If his virtue is not commensurate with his position, he should speak out and submit a memorial; if his policies are questionable, he should point them out and correct them."

"This is not a power grab, but a means to preserve the throne."

Soft whispers filled the hall.

The second lecturer also spoke: "However, the Crown Prince has not yet ascended the throne, his administration is not yet in control, and his decrees are not yet in effect; to discuss his position excessively would be to speak recklessly and to offend his heart."

Zhu Biao remained calm and nodded slightly: "Both have their basis."

"Therefore, I set this question not to defend myself, but to establish a standard for the crown prince of the world."

“Those who hold high positions should know that ‘discussion’ is not a shameful thing, and ‘criticism’ is not something unpleasant to hear.”

"If a person is so noble that he cannot be discussed, so honored that he cannot be questioned—then he is not the crown prince, but the culprit."

He paused, his voice calm yet resolute: "I, Zhu Biao, am here, and I will not shy away from asking questions or speaking my mind."

"I only wish that if I inherit the throne in the future, I can receive ten thousand words of advice and establish a name for a hundred generations."

Thunderous applause erupted in the hall, and all the scholars rose to their feet.

Gu Qingping looked at him from behind the curtain, her expression gentle, a hint of warmth in her eyes.

She murmured to herself, "He finally dared to face that 'person'."

Zhu Han slowly closed the document in his hand. The night lamp beside him cast a long, slanted shadow of him onto the black bricks of the Prince's mansion's library.

He sat quietly for a moment, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, as if he were pondering or waiting.

"Your Highness." Huang Qi entered from outside, bowed and said in a low voice, "After Your Highness finished your lecture today, you did not return directly to the East Palace, but went to the Imperial Garden alone and sat there for a long time."

Zhu Han looked up at the night view outside the window: "He's thinking about something."

"I suspect it may be related to His Majesty's recent failure to summon court and his occasional signs of fatigue."

Huang Qi added in a low voice, "Although the imperial physician says there is no cause for concern, the Crown Prince's Palace may already be aware of the situation."

Zhu Han pondered for a long time before finally saying in a low voice, "Zhu Biao... has reached the point where he truly needs to think about 'succession'."

Huang Qi stood still, holding his breath.

Zhu Han said, "In the past, he lectured to establish his authority and stabilize the Eastern Palace, but now it is no longer just that. Today he dares to ask whether the succession is negotiable, and tomorrow he will have to shoulder the responsibility of unifying the world."

"But the more this is the case, the less I can shield him from it."

Huang Qi hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"Let him carry it himself," Zhu Han said calmly, "even if he has to carry it into His Majesty's presence."

"I only need to safeguard the court and prevent him from failing on the path he should have learned to walk."

After saying that, he reached for the wall clock, slowly turned it, and murmured to himself, "This night, there should be no dreams."

But that night, the lights in the Eastern Palace never went out.

Zhu Biao sat alone in the study, the books on his desk still unread.

His eyes were calm, and his expression showed no worry, yet he was clearly sleepless.

Gu Qingping quietly entered, put on her robe, and served tea. She placed the cup beside him and said softly, "Your Highness, it's late and the dew is heavy. Are you still not resting?"

Zhu Biao did not turn his head, but whispered, "Your Majesty, are you alright?"

Gu Qingping was taken aback, then said softly, "The imperial physician reported during the day that His Majesty's pulse was steady, and his qi was weak but not deficient, making him suitable for recuperation."

Zhu Biao nodded, then fell silent again.

Gu Qingping sat down opposite him and said softly, "You are no longer a young man. You are adept at strategizing, responding to challenges, managing people, and establishing a framework. What you said today has already reached the ears of the cabinet."

Zhu Biao looked up: "What did they say?"

"The cabinet remained silent, but three lecturers from the Hanlin Academy requested to see the lecture notes overnight, and scholars from the Imperial Academy also asked to write down the original questions, which became known as the 'Three Questions of Our Time'."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, but his eyes were cold: "They are not here to ask questions, but to set up a trap."

"People in this world never care how the crown prince 'succeeds,' they only care when the emperor 'is not here.'"

Gu Qingping looked at him: "So, that's why you personally set up this scheme?"

Zhu Biao whispered, "I can't wait any longer."

“If I don’t take a step forward, I will forever remain just a crown prince who is ‘trusted’ behind my uncle, under His Majesty’s wing, and behind the ministers.”

He stood up, brushed the documents on the table, and said softly, "I don't want to wait for that chair to become empty before I sit down again."

"I want the world to know that I am the Crown Prince not because of His Majesty's favor, not because of my uncle's protection, and not because of destiny's will to be the heir apparent."

"It's because I myself can stand firm."

Gu Qingping smiled gently: "It's 'walked to,' not 'waited until.'"

Zhu Biao looked at her, his eyes softening: "Yes."

A few days later, news spread through the court that Zhu Yuanzhang had suddenly issued an edict summoning the Crown Prince to the Wenhua Hall to "lecture on books".

Whispers filled the imperial court for a time.

Zhu Biao, upon receiving the imperial decree, set off that very night to organize the documents to be presented, without the slightest hesitation.

Early that morning, Zhu Biao entered the Wenhua Hall in his court robes and sat quietly in the hall. Zhu Yuanzhang sat high behind the desk, looking as usual and showing no signs of fatigue, though there was a hint of solemnity between his brows and eyes.

"Let's begin the storytelling," Zhu Yuanzhang said, uttering only this one sentence. Zhu Biao bowed, unrolled the scroll in his hand, and read aloud:
The Zuo Zhuan (Commentary of Zuo) states, "If policies are made by oneself, the people will not submit; if policies are made through public discussion, the people will be at peace and the officials will be stable."

"The establishment of the Crown Prince's Palace is not for personal glory, but for the succession of the throne. If the position of Crown Prince is not open to discussion, the country will lack public opinion; if the Crown Prince is not subject to accountability, the world will lose its moral order."

"In my opinion, the responsibility of the Crown Prince is to not indulge himself after becoming the ruler; the position of the Crown Prince is to inherit the throne rather than to gain exclusive favor."

Zhu Yuanzhang listened quietly without saying a word.

Towards the end of his speech, Zhu Biao's tone became steady yet powerful:

“I seek the throne not as the son of one person, but as the heir apparent of the nation. If I am lacking in virtue and conduct, I beg Your Majesty to question me personally; if my governance is commendable and my principles are feasible, I request Your Majesty to place me in a position of power and observe whether I can establish the order of the dynasty.”

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly stood up, walked to Zhu Biao's desk, looked down at him for a long time, and then smiled: "What a fine 'putting you in the game, observing your establishment of principles'."

"Now you dare to challenge me?"

Zhu Biao bowed deeply and kowtowed, his tone earnest: "Your subject dares not challenge you, I only ask for clear accountability."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned back to his desk, sat upright without speaking, and after a moment said in a low voice: "The position of Crown Prince is not a hothouse flower, nor a seat on a velvet carpet."

"You must know that you are walking on knives."

Zhu Biao stood up, his eyes clear and bright: "Your subject is willing to walk the path of danger."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slowly: "Now that you can say 'wish,' then let's give it a try."

He summoned a palace attendant: "Issue the decree that, starting next year, the Crown Prince will be responsible for recording court discussions, participating in the Ministry of Personnel's monthly reports, and listening to the Grand Secretariat's ten-day reports. In all matters of political discourse and affairs, the Crown Prince will be allowed to participate."

"From this day forward, you will no longer be an empty title of Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness and I am willing to live up to your position."

At this moment, in the study of the Prince's mansion.

Zhu Han sat alone on the couch, wearing a single robe. Several books and records were laid out on the table in front of him, all of which were excerpts of recent events in the Prince of Yan's residence and rumors from outside the capital.

Huang Qi cupped his hands and whispered, "Your Highness, Prince Yan, Zhu Di, has not entered the palace for nearly two months, but he has frequently held private banquets in his residence, and most of the guests are sons of former generals from the north."

"Although no secret discussion was held, the conversation mainly concerned old military and political matters, which inevitably aroused speculation."

Zhu Han smiled lightly, seemingly unconcerned: "He is unwilling and resentful."

"Since the Crown Prince entered the court to assume his duties, the political forces in the court have been converging on the Eastern Palace like a tidal wave, while the Prince of Yan... has been left behind by the political situation."

Huang Qi said, "I have found out that Zhu Di once said in secret, 'If the Prince does not move, the Crown Prince will have no support,' which seems to be an attempt to unite with the Prince to oppose the Crown Prince."

Zhu Han raised his hand, turning a jade thumb ring between his fingers, his tone light yet cold: "He still hasn't given up after all."

"Pass on my order: prepare horses tomorrow and enter the Prince of Yan's residence."

Huang Qi's expression tightened: "Does Your Highness wish to see Zhu Di in person?"

"This time, no more beating around the bush, no more persuasion."

Zhu Han's eyes were deep. "I want him to know that the stability of the crown prince position is not due to my support, but to Zhu Biao's."

The next day at noon, Zhu Han's carriage went straight into the Prince of Yan's residence without prior notice or ceremonial procession, proceeding directly to the inner hall.

Zhu Di was enjoying tea with his former generals Tao Shen and Du Zhan in the inner hall when he suddenly heard that Zhu Han had arrived. His expression changed, and he bowed to greet him in the front courtyard.

"I have committed a grave offense by not having prior knowledge of the arrival of my Imperial Uncle."

Zhu Han stood with his hands behind his back, looking calm and composed, without uttering a single word of politeness: "Zhu Di, I have only come today to say three things."

Zhu Di was stunned.

Zhu Han said calmly, "First of all, the position of Crown Prince has already entered the court's politics. If you still harbor any such thoughts, you will surely fail one day."

Zhu Di's eyes flickered slightly, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "Although the Crown Prince has received His Majesty's orders, not everyone in the court is convinced of his authority."

“I know,” Zhu Han said. “That’s why I said the second thing—if you think you can shake the Crown Prince’s position by relying on the old officials in the court and the old generals in the north, then you are making a mistake.”

Zhu Di's expression stiffened slightly.

Zhu Han stared intently at him: "I once said that you must conquer the world, not Zhu Biao."

“If you don’t understand this principle, then don’t mention that you are Zhu Yuanzhang’s son again.”

Zhu Di lowered his head and asked in a deep voice, "And what about the third line?"

Zhu Han slowly uttered, "If you don't back down, I'll cripple you myself."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming.

"The Imperial Uncle... is so biased towards the Crown Prince?"

Zhu Han smiled, his eyes expressionless: "No, it's that I believe he has the Way, and I believe you have no virtue."

After a moment of silence, Zhu Di suddenly clasped his hands in a deep bow, his voice low and resonant:

"My child understands."

"This time... I'm backing down."

Zhu Han said nothing, but turned and left with a composed gait.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Zhu Biao received the reply from the Prince's residence. After a moment of silence, he suddenly said to Gu Qingping, "Uncle... has been to the Prince of Yan's residence."

Do you understand its meaning?

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, "He is using 'retreat' to protect me from all troubles for the rest of my life."

Gu Qingping's eyes flickered: "And what about you?"

Zhu Biao said, "I can't always be under his protection."

"So I want to return the favor."

“Starting tomorrow, I will establish the ‘Capital Academy’ to revisit the old system. In the name of the Crown Prince, I will promote the system of learning and education to cultivate governance. Those admitted must not be affiliated with the royal party or belong to aristocratic families.”

"I want the world to know that the Crown Prince's lectures are not a place of refuge, but the beginning of his political engagement."

"Since the Imperial Uncle has relinquished control, then I shall take over."

Looking into the sharp edge hidden beneath the calm in Zhu Biao's eyes, she felt a sudden tremor in her heart.

"Your Highness, now it's not just about walking."

"You... are beginning to climb the steps."

Bamboo curtains were hung in all the halls of the palace, and ice basins were placed there, but the windows of the Jiande Hall in the East Palace were not closed and the curtains were not hung.

There was no high seat in the lecture hall. Zhu Biao, dressed in a plain silk round-necked robe, sat cross-legged in front of the platform, discussing with more than ten scholars around the table.

His expression was calm, but there was a sharp edge in his eyes, as if he were testing a sword rather than lecturing.

"In just three days since the Du Academy opened, forty-two students have already enrolled."

Gu Qingping stood behind the curtain and whispered to Wu Qiong, "Today's topic is 'The Application of Ritual and the Harmony of Governance,' which was personally drafted by His Highness."

“He is incorporating ‘learning’ into ‘politics’,” Wu Qiong responded in a low voice. “He is using the court as a substitute for government affairs, obtaining public opinion without establishing court deliberations.”

“Moreover,” Gu Qingping looked at a middle-aged scholar in the room who was deep in thought, “that man is Wei Zhifang, who has just entered the Imperial Academy. He has failed the imperial examinations three times, but he is known as the ‘wise man who failed.’”

"He sat in the front seat today, and His Highness personally asked him for advice."

She paused, her eyebrows twitching slightly. "This is about taking people in."

"Moreover, we do not accept people from high-ranking families, but only those with talent who have no connections."

Wu Qiong replied in a low voice, "Although Your Highness has stopped, His Highness has not stopped because of this."

"He is laying his own net."

The lecture ended in the afternoon. As Zhu Biao stepped out of the inner courtyard of the East Palace, Gu Qingping brought him a cup of cooling hawthorn drink. He accepted it and smiled, "What do you think of what was said in the lecture today?"

“Wei Zhifang’s words are the best,” Gu Qingping said softly. “He said, ‘Ritual cannot be separated from politics, and politics cannot go against feelings.’ Although he spoke of the integration of ritual and politics, his real intention was about the relationship between the ruler and his ministers.”

Zhu Biao paused slightly: "You think he was testing me?"

Gu Qingping did not answer, but looked at him with a questioning gaze.

Zhu Biao pursed his lips and pondered for a moment, then finally smiled: "Then let's try again." (End of this chapter)