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

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "My mind is made up. From now on, you two will temporarily take my place in inspecting the General Administration of State Affairs and the remaining departments of the Central Administration. If there are any remaining accomplices, kill them without exception!"

The cloth was covered with intricate lines and was a diagram of the internal structure of the General Administration Office, with every doorway and every hidden compartment clearly visible.

He lightly tapped a corner in the southwest and whispered, “This place, ‘Liujing Hall,’ has always been a place for civil officials to cultivate themselves. In fact, it was the ‘Secret Discussion Pavilion’ set up by Ma Yongnian when he served as the Central Commissioner of State Affairs. Former officials of the court often discussed matters here. It’s a pity that most people don’t know about it.”

Upon hearing this, Li Fengxing, the attendant, asked in surprise, "Does Your Highness intend to use this opportunity to infiltrate the hideout of the remaining rebels?"

Zhu Han remained noncommittal, only asking, "Did you manage to get any information out of Du Qian after capturing him last night?"

Li Fengxing cupped his hands and said, "I personally interrogated him. Although Du Qian was stubborn, he was no match for the 'Hidden Words in the Void Palace' technique. He has confessed that three people were hiding in the east corridor of the 'Quiet Hall.' One of them is named Song Xuan, who was once a deputy clerk in the Central Secretariat. The other two are old acquaintances of the former Hanlin Academy."

Zhu Han's gaze sharpened: "Song Xuan... this person has been out of the public eye for a long time. His appearance now suggests he is no ordinary person." He pondered for a moment, then suddenly activated the system's check-in function, reading aloud:

"Sign in."

[Successfully checked in today, received: 'Shadow Step' once, 'Strategy Points' +5]

Zhu Han's eyes lit up: "Good." He immediately changed into plain clothes for night travel, hid the jade pendant in his sleeve, and gave the order: "Summon Zhu Biao. At three quarters past midnight, meet him at the foot of the west stone steps of the Imperial Ancestral Temple. I will personally investigate this hall, and once I have confirmed the evidence, we will close the net."

Meanwhile, inside the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao had just left the court and had not yet taken off his robes when Li Fengxing quietly came to report.

After hearing what Zhu Han said, he immediately straightened his face and ordered, "Summon fifty guards, dressed in blue robes and dark armor, to await orders immediately."

The east corridor of the Wenyuan Pavilion's Liujing Hall must not be disturbed or alerted by any noise or disturbance from officials outside the capital.

At the beginning of the Si hour, Zhu Han, under the alias of a night official, sneaked into the Wenyuan Pavilion through the west gate.

Using "shadow trails" to move stealthily, his figure was almost as swift as the night wind, and he walked unnoticed under the eaves.

After passing through the library and the reading room, we arrived at the back courtyard of Liujing Hall, where a dim lamp flickered faintly on the wall.

Zhu Han hid in the shadow of the eaves, concentrated for a moment, and then heard a soft voice coming from inside the hall:

"...Du Qian has failed, and the Crown Prince will definitely investigate. Brother Song's plan should be more thorough."

“If this matter is not addressed, the Crown Prince and the Prince will hold absolute power. We old-timers will have no chance to turn things around.”

Then came a steady male voice: "No rush. The position of Crown Prince is not yet firmly established. Although Zhu Biao is kind, he lacks the sharpness of Emperor Taizu. If we can find an insider among the concubines in the palace and lead them astray into politics, stirring up public opinion in the Eastern Palace, we can take advantage of the situation to turn the tide."

Zhu Han's heart trembled slightly: they actually wanted to counter with the "interference of the empress dowager in politics" scheme!
He quietly moved behind the window and looked through the windowpane. He saw three people sitting around, and the one in the center was Song Xuan, wearing a scholar's robe, with graying temples and a very solemn expression.

On the table lay a scroll of handwritten text on yellow satin, bearing the insignia of the imperial court.

Zhu Han's eyes narrowed. It was a "Request from the Imperial Concubine"—only the Emperor's personal approval could grant access to the inner palace. If this item fell into the wrong hands, it could easily disrupt the court.

At this moment, Zhu Biao, who was already on the side of the outer corridor, waved to signal upon hearing the signal.

Fifty guards secretly surrounded Liujing Hall from both sides, awaiting the prince's order.

Zhu Han suddenly threw out a "fragrant pill" from his sleeve. Smoke rose slightly, and a strange fragrance like orchids wafted out, startling the three people in the hall.

Zhu Han burst through the door and shouted, "Conspiring to interfere in politics is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family! Song Xuan, do you have anything to say?"

Song Xuan's expression suddenly changed. He tried to grab the document and escape, but Zhu Han's sword energy from his sleeve forced his throat.

He staggered backward, but ultimately could not withstand the sharp weapon in Zhu Han's hand and fell to his knees.

Zhu Biao immediately entered from outside and said coldly, "Song Xuan, you are trying to use the Imperial Concubine's name to disrupt the court and seize power in the palace. Do you want to create a situation where the old party will rise again?"

Song Xuan protested in a trembling voice, "Your Highness has wronged me! This petition is a fragment I obtained; it was not intended to gain favor with the Empress, but merely to protect myself!"

As he spoke, he tried to cover the brocade box in his hand.

Zhu Han stepped forward and snatched the brocade box. After opening it, he found several secret letters inside. One of them was titled "The Sayings of the Noble Lady of Yanhe Hall," with the following words: "Wait until the Crown Prince suspects that the Noble Lady has used her words in politics, thus damaging mutual trust and influence."

Zhu Biao was furious: "They actually dare to sow discord between father and son in the palace and undermine the trust between me and the Consort! Such a vicious scheme is worse than that of a beast."

Zhu Han said coldly, "Tie these three people up and take them back to the Prince's Mansion, then hand them over to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Seal off the Jing Hall, and check everyone who enters it."

By the time the memorial was submitted, Zhu Yuanzhang had already received it and was furious: "Ma Yongnian's faction still dares to try to disrupt the politics of my Great Ming Dynasty with palace affairs! Imprison Song Xuan and his remaining followers and thoroughly investigate their origins!"

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han knelt below the imperial steps. Zhu Yuanzhang descended the steps, personally helped them up, and said slowly:

"In the past, I paved the way with my sword, seized the throne, and established a nation. I never imagined that I would still need you to eliminate internal troubles for me today. My brother and the crown prince, I rely on you."

Zhu Han cupped his hands, his gaze resolute: "I am willing to serve the Ming Dynasty, thwart conspiracies, eradicate old poisons, and safeguard the stability of the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace."

Zhu Biao followed closely behind: "May Your Majesty have no worries, Your subject will certainly not fail in your mission."

Early in the morning, in the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang held the imperial seal in his hand, closed his eyes, and pondered.

The court officials were at a loss, while the civil and military officials held their breath and waited.

Suddenly, the palace door creaked open, and Zhu Han entered slowly, followed by several guards in brocade robes, each carrying a scroll of newly confiscated secret letters.

Before the Emperor could speak, Zhu Han knelt on one knee and whispered:
"Your Majesty, there are several volumes of archives in the Imperial Household Department containing letters exchanged between the 'Noble Lady of Yanhe Hall' and many high-ranking officials in the palace, proving that she interfered in state affairs. I have verified the facts and implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly rose, took the secret letter, and read a few lines.

His gaze grew increasingly profound: "Who made these words public to me?"

He looked up, his gaze falling on Zhu Han and Zhu Biao: "Although I trust you two sons, my imperial power is precarious. If I have even the slightest doubt, I will find it difficult to calm my mind."

Zhu Biao knelt down and leaned forward, saying in a deep voice, "Father, there is no falsehood in this matter. We investigated each clue obtained through the 'sign-in system' and were able to obtain this conclusive evidence. If we do not eliminate this threat now, there may be further disasters."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and waved his sleeve to signal to his men: "Enough. This case will be retried, and we will not let anyone else handle it."

The officials withdrew, leaving only three people standing silently.

Zhu Yuanzhang put the secret letter back into his sleeve and said slowly, "You all investigate the dealings between Yanhe and the nobleman more thoroughly. If you find any deeper involvement, seal the letter immediately and do not let it leak out."

Zhu Han cupped his hands in greeting: "Your subject obeys."

Zhu Biao clasped his hands in greeting: "Your subject obeys the decree."

In the afternoon, inside the Prince's Mansion, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao sat together in the study, deep in thought.

Zhu Biao flicked his sleeve, raised his eyes, and asked, "Imperial Uncle, now that we have obtained the secret letter, when should we take action?"

Zhu Han frowned: "Though Consort Yanhe resides in a corner of the inner palace, she harbors a vast amount of hidden power. She has been in the palace for over ten years and has extensive connections with many officials. We must use overwhelming evidence to completely dismantle her and prevent future troubles." Having said this, he gently placed the jade pendant on the table: "The system allows you to spend fifty 'strategy points' today to exchange for one 'evidence summary.' Would you like to exchange now?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment: "We must not act rashly. If we rashly use all our resources here, they may be lost in an instant. Let's wait until we have more clues before making a move."

Zhu Han smiled: "Your Highness's foresight is excellent. You may first dispatch your trusted confidants to investigate separately. I will check in late at night and receive further assistance from the 'secret agents'."

Zhu Biao nodded: "This method is excellent. At midnight, I will lead twenty guards into the inner courtyard to keep a close watch on the nobleman's bedroom. If we obtain more physical evidence, we can report it together with the secret letter."

Zhu Han took out a pen, wrote down the contact list, and instructed his attendant: "Quickly send this list to Li Fengxing and have him select a few to accompany Your Highness on your night journey."

As night deepened, the moonlight dimmed, and ancient cypress trees stood tall outside the Wenyuan Pavilion, with the occasional chirping of insects.

Zhu Han, dressed in plain clothes, moved silently into the hospital, his figure disappearing without a trace.

A single green lamp flickers, casting dappled light on the ground.

He followed the sound and saw two palace maids carrying bamboo slips out of a secret room, intending to smuggle them out of the palace.

A low shout came from behind: "Stop!" The two looked up and saw Zhu Han drawing his sword. The fragrance powder had already fallen into the air, a soft and sweet scent that made them sneeze.

One of the palace maids, slightly wheezing from a sneeze, dropped the bamboo slip in her hand; another palace maid looked up and, seeing the prince's cold and stern expression, trembled and knelt down in fear: "Your Highness, please forgive me! I was merely ordered to deliver this to the inner palace; I had no idea it was intended to interfere in state affairs!"

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Where did this come from? What is your intention in daring to flaunt your inner court strategies?"

He reached out and picked up the scattered bamboo slips, which were inscribed with the words "Secret Manuscript of Yanhe Hall". Upon closer inspection, the text was found to be urging certain civil officials to help the nobles of Yanhe Hall interfere in the selection of officials.

The palace maid said tremblingly, "This is a secret recommendation from Your Highness. I do not know the purpose of this scheme, but I am following orders."

Zhu Han held the bamboo slip: "Since that's the case, you need to go to the Prince's residence to report. You must have this as proof; you cannot remain silent."

He ordered his attendants to carry a lantern: "Go, come with me to the Prince's Palace."

The palace maid, relieved, said with tears in her eyes, "Your Highness, if I am wronged, I am willing to be punished according to family law." Zhu Han nodded, "Go ahead and discuss it later."

Meanwhile, Zhu Biao led his personal guards and quietly infiltrated the vicinity of Yanhe Hall.

A gentle night breeze blew as he fixed his gaze on the rooftop, watching the palace maids led by Zhu Han appear.

He reached out from the shadows and gestured: "His Majesty's token for the Crown Prince is here. If anything happens, a single command will mobilize the guards."

Just as Zhu Biao was about to move forward, he suddenly saw Zhu Han and a palace maid carrying things. He pointed with his sword and said, "There is no danger in the rear. Quickly come back to the manor. There are important matters to discuss."

The palace maids readily agreed, but the bamboo slips had already become evidence of their crimes.

The following day, the case was presented again before the emperor. Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, surrounded by his ministers, the atmosphere heavy with solemnity.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao entered the hall and presented their findings.

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and asked in a deep voice, "How should I deal with the power behind Consort Yanhe?"

Zhu Biao clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I believe that he should be demoted to a remote prefecture on the same day as a punishment; and his family property should be confiscated and he exiled as a warning to others."

He paused, then said, "Furthermore, it is advisable to order the Right Grand Tutor and the Ministry of Rites to investigate the fairness of the court's promotions, in order to prevent the influence of the inner court from interfering again."

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at Zhu Biao and nodded slightly: "This is a very good proposal. However, the status of Consort Yanhe is extraordinary. I wish to treat her even better to prevent her from causing any further trouble. I hereby decree: strip her of her inner office and impeach many high-ranking officials on charges of 'interference in state affairs,' and then order a further investigation into her crimes."

All the officials were shaken upon hearing the order.

Seeing this, Zhu Han turned to Zhu Biao and whispered, "If we can eradicate the root of interference in politics this time, the position of Crown Prince will be secure." Zhu Biao nodded slightly.

Zhu Yuanzhang then addressed his ministers: "From now on, the women of the inner palace shall not interfere in state affairs, and those who violate this rule shall be severely punished. As for the civil and military officials in the court, they must also uphold impartiality and righteousness in order to inherit the throne."

At noon on this day, Zhu Han stood in a side hall of the East Palace. Several wooden tokens were placed on the table in front of him. These were the official tokens issued by different departments of the palace.

Each one is engraved with a number bestowed by Zhu Yuanzhang, and only those destined by Heaven are permitted to possess and use them.

He pointed to one of the grayish-white tokens and said softly:
"This token is a 'weaving workshop' order, a place rarely visited by people in the palace. It seems to be in charge of crafts and textiles, but in reality, it has been contracted to make secret items for the inner palace for many years. If someone is secretly making items to send messages, it is very likely that they come from this workshop."

Zhu Biao's eyes sharpened upon hearing this: "The weaving workshop? Could it be that the Imperial Uncle suspects that the remnants of Consort Yanhe's faction are hiding elsewhere?"

Zhu Han nodded slowly: "The bamboo slips and sachets used by Consort Yanhe are not made of the usual materials used in the Imperial Household Department, but are woven from Yunnan native silk. These items have not been presented as tribute in recent years, yet they have appeared in the capital—they must have been privately transferred by the weaving workshops. If we can find the transfer records, we can investigate the background behind it."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao immediately ordered: "Summon Li Fengxing and Qi Qian to the palace! Deploy ten guards from the Eastern Palace, disguise them as weaving workshop artisans, and have them accompany the Prince into the workshop to investigate."

A glint flashed in Zhu Han's eyes as he took out a jade pendant and whispered, "Sign in."

[Successfully checked in today, received "Entry Token" x1, "Strategy Points" +6]

[Entry Talisman: Allows the holder to freely enter and exit the confidential sections of the weaving workshop without alerting the manager]

“Perfect timing.” Zhu Han handed the secret talisman to Qi Qian: “Change your clothes and go into the workshop to cooperate with me from the inside. Be sure to keep a low profile.”

That night, the Prince's mansion quietly turned off its lights, and the Eastern Palace also closed its doors to visitors.

Only the lights in the weaving workshop in the south of the city were still on, with the sounds of looms and shuttles mingling incessantly.

The workshop is divided into three sections: east, south, and west. The central section is for dyeing and finishing, while the southern section is for fine-weaving. Outsiders are not allowed to enter.

Zhu Han entered the neighborhood through the east gate with a secret talisman. Qi Qian was already waiting inside. The two of them, under the guise of "night patrol," moved among the machines.

The weaving workshop was filled with many skilled weavers, all hand-picked by the palace. They were all meek and obedient, never daring to raise their heads.

Zhu Han continued forward, discreetly observing the silk boxes and spice bags piled up in the corners, and finally discovered several wooden tubes covered with gray cloth in the corner of the east wall of the densely patterned room.

He gently lifted the cloth and found a bamboo tube hidden inside, its shape exactly the same as the one used by the nobleman Yanhe for writing letters.

He squatted down to examine it, picked up one, and found traces of ink inside the wooden tube.

His brow twitched, and he slowly unscrewed the seal, taking out the parchment page inside. The writing on it was extremely fine, and it read:
"The plan cannot be abandoned before the winter solstice. The inner court has already agreed to send two musicians to the Eastern Palace, in order to arouse suspicion in the inner court and shake the emperor's favor."

Zhu Han tightly concealed the scroll in his sleeve and muttered coldly, "As expected, they haven't stopped. They actually dared to try and enter the Eastern Palace through the 'Music Hall'? What a clever 'undercurrent' tactic."

Suddenly, a soft sound came from behind. Zhu Han darted behind the machine and heard a creaking sound from the wooden door. A person carrying a lamp entered the intricately patterned room.

The newcomer, dressed in embroidered robes and about fifty years old, was none other than Han Zhong, the head steward of the weaving workshop. He muttered to himself:

"Three days have passed, why hasn't the Southern Bureau issued a letter yet? Your Excellency is far too patient..." (End of Chapter)