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

Daylight came slowly. When the first rays of dawn pierced through the mist, the entire village of Anle seemed to awaken from a long dream.

The rain from last night has stopped, the ground is still wet, but the air is filled with the scent of new life.

"Your Highness, the people are up early," Shen Lu said in a low voice.

Zhu Han nodded: "They're afraid the weather will change again, so they want to get to work as soon as possible to put their minds at ease."

Zhu Biao walked over carrying a basket of rice, his clothes stained with mud. He looked at the busy people with a hint of surprise in his expression.

“Uncle, they…were crying yesterday, but they’re laughing today.”

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "Crying is for yesterday, laughing is for today."

If a person doesn't move, they will die; if they move, they will live.

As he spoke, he walked towards a collapsed house. It was the site of the village's only school. The roof had long since collapsed from the rain, leaving only a crumbling wall. Several boys were carrying wooden pillars.

"Come on—one, two!"

Together they lifted the wooden beam, splinters flying everywhere, as sunlight streamed down onto their still-childish faces.

Zhu Biao stepped forward to help, and as he lifted the beam, his shoulder was cut by a wooden corner, but he still smiled and said, "A little more!"

At noon, the fire was lit again. This time, it wasn't the government troops cooking, but the people themselves.

A young widow carried an earthenware pot, ladled cooked porridge into a wooden bowl, and handed it to the old man beside her.

The old man's hands trembled as he took it, asking, "Can my old bones still eat?"

"Eat what you can," the widow said with a smile. "We need to move tiles tomorrow."

Laughter rang out around the campfire. Zhu Biao sat in one corner of the fire, holding a twig in his hand, slowly poking at the charcoal ash.

Looking at the widow's smile, he suddenly felt a pang of sadness in his heart.

On the other side, Zhu Han was distributing his dry rations to several children.

A little boy took it and asked timidly, "Sir, will there be food tomorrow?"

Zhu Han bent down and patted his head: "Yes. If you help me plant them, they will appear."

"kind?"

"Grow vegetables, grow rice, grow dreams."

The child blinked, seemingly understanding but not quite. At that moment, the clouds in the sky finally parted, and large swaths of sunlight poured down, shining on their faces.

Shen Lu watched from afar and whispered, "Your Highness, how wonderful it would be if the sky were always so clear and bright."

Zhu Han said calmly, "The sky is not always bright; people must light their own fire."

Three days later, the first intact house appeared in the south of the village.

It was a small hut built with old planks, broken bricks, and freshly cut straw. The walls were crooked, the door was narrow, but it had eaves.

The villagers gathered in front of the door, laughing as if it were a festival. Zhu Biao personally helped them nail down the last door panel.

Everyone applauded when the wooden mallet struck.

"What should this house be called?" someone asked.

"Let's call it 'Looking Forward to Clear Skies'," Zhu Han replied.

He explained, "Those who long for clear skies hope for sunshine and keep their hearts dry."

The villagers echoed in unison. Someone laughed and said, "The words spoken by the prince are more effective than the scriptures chanted by the monks in the temple."

Zhu Han also laughed: "The words themselves may not be effective, but the spirit is."

When the cicadas sing again, the rice paddies have turned green once more. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stand on the newly built ridges, gazing at the expanse of green waves.

Several children are floating paper boats on the water.

They folded it themselves, using scrap paper from the government offices. The paper boat swayed in the wind, yet it didn't sink.

Zhu Han asked, "Look at that boat, is it stable?"

Zhu Biao laughed and said, "It's unstable, but we'll go anyway."

“Exactly,” Zhu Han said. “People are like this boat. No matter how much rain falls, if your heart doesn’t sink, you can drift through.”

As they were talking, several village women came from a distance carrying baskets. The baskets contained freshly baked flatbread. "Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, please try some—this is made from new wheat."

Zhu Han took a piece and took a bite. The pancake had a slightly burnt taste, but it was fragrant.

He looked at the smiling crowd and slowly nodded: "Okay."

The summer sun was scorching and intense, casting a faint golden hue on the newly built roads in Anle Village.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao stood at the village entrance, watching the villagers' busy and orderly figures. Although they felt a little gratified, their brows remained furrowed.

"Uncle, the dike has been repaired and the village is being rebuilt, so why are you still so worried?"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han, his eyes full of doubt.

Zhu Han sighed softly, gazing into the distance: "Biao'er, this disaster area may seem calm on the surface, but there are undercurrents beneath. This levee collapse was not a natural disaster, but a man-made one, and the person behind it will not let it go easily."

Zhu Biao's face darkened: "Uncle, are you saying they will have further actions?"

Zhu Han nodded: "That's right. Although we didn't directly catch the Ministry of War red-handed this time, the marks on the Beijing Army boots are enough to tell the story. The Beijing Army is the Emperor's personal army. If this matter is related to certain forces in the capital, then the conspiracy behind it is probably far beyond our imagination."

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Lu rushed over, his expression grave: "Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, we have just received news that similar strange occurrences have been observed in several nearby villages, and there are rumors that an even greater disaster is about to befall us."

Zhu Biao frowned: "An even greater disaster? Could it be that the floods are coming again?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "It's not necessarily the flood. Now that the dike has been repaired, they won't be able to profit from another flood. What I'm worried about is that they'll make trouble in other areas, such as food shortages or rampant disease."

Zhu Biao's heart tightened: "If that's really the case, then the people will suffer. Uncle, what should we do?"

Zhu Han's gaze was firm: "Biao'er, now we need to take a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we need to strengthen the defenses in the disaster area to ensure food supply and disease control; on the other hand, we need to continue to investigate the people behind this and eradicate this evil force completely."

Just then, there was a noise coming from a distance.

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao looked in the direction of the sound and saw a group of villagers surrounding a ragged man, seemingly arguing about something.

"Let's go take a look," Zhu Han said, and walked towards the crowd with Zhu Biao.

Upon reaching the crowd, they saw a gaunt man kneeling on the ground, repeatedly kowtowing and begging for mercy: "Fellow villagers, I really didn't steal any grain, I've been wronged!"

A burly villager glared angrily at the man and shouted, "You dare to argue! We saw you come from the granary with your own eyes, carrying a cloth bag. What else could it be but stealing grain?"

The man looked aggrieved: "I came from the granary, but I just went to borrow some tools to fix my dilapidated house. I really didn't steal any grain!"

Zhu Han stepped forward and asked softly, "Brother, you say you didn't steal the grain, do you have any evidence?"

The man looked up and saw Zhu Han and Zhu Biao. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, but it quickly faded. "Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I truly have no evidence. But I swear on my life, I have never stolen any grain." Zhu Biao looked at the man, feeling a pang of pity. "Uncle, judging from his appearance, he doesn't seem like the type to lie. Perhaps there's some misunderstanding."

Zhu Han nodded: "Biao'er is right. We can't convict someone based on just one side's story. Shen Lu, go and investigate. See if any grain is missing from the granary, and ask the other villagers if anyone saw him stealing grain."

Shen Lu accepted the order and left. A short while later, he hurriedly returned, his expression somewhat grave: "Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, some grain is indeed missing from the granary, but not much. Moreover, none of the other villagers saw him stealing the grain; they only saw him coming from the granary."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "This matter is somewhat strange. If he really wanted to steal grain, he wouldn't have only stolen such a small amount. Moreover, since he dared to cry foul in front of everyone, there might really be some hidden story."

Zhu Biao frowned: "Uncle, what should we do now? We can't just let him go like this."

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Biao'er, we might as well settle him down temporarily and then investigate this matter secretly. If he is really wronged, we can clear his name; if he is really the one who stole the grain, then we must not tolerate it."

However, just as feared, an unexpected epidemic began to spread in the disaster area.

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Patients with the epidemic have appeared in several nearby villages, and they all have similar symptoms: persistent high fever and incessant cough." Shen Lu rushed over to report to Zhu Han with a worried expression.

Zhu Biao's expression changed: "Uncle, this epidemic is spreading rapidly. If it is not controlled in time, it may spread to the entire disaster area."

Zhu Han frowned: "Biao'er, the most urgent task now is to isolate the patients and prevent the disease from spreading further. At the same time, we need to find a way to treat the disease as soon as possible."

Zhu Biao nodded: "Uncle, I'll arrange for people to isolate the patients right away. But where should we find a treatment for the epidemic?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said, "Biao'er, I remember that Father Emperor once ordered the compilation of a medical book, which may contain prescriptions for treating epidemics. We can send someone to the capital to retrieve the book. At the same time, we can also look for some people in the local area who know medicine and see if they have any solutions."

Zhu Biao replied, "Alright, I'll make the arrangements right away. Uncle, you should also take good care of yourself; this epidemic should not be underestimated."

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Don't worry, Biao'er, I know what I'm doing. You should also be careful."

After Zhu Biao left, Zhu Han began searching for people with medical knowledge in the disaster area.

Zhu Han immediately led Shen Lu to Doctor Li's residence. Upon arriving at a simple hut, Zhu Han gently knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" came an old voice from inside.

"Doctor Li, I am Zhu Han. I have an important matter to ask of you," Zhu Han said.

The door slowly opened, and an elderly man with white hair appeared in the doorway.

He was slightly taken aback when he saw Zhu Han, then quickly bowed and said, "So it's Your Highness. May I ask what brings Your Highness to this old man?"

Zhu Han told Li Langzhong about the outbreak of disease in the disaster area and pleaded with him to help.

Upon hearing this, Physician Li's expression turned solemn: "Your Highness, this epidemic is fierce, and I dare not guarantee that I can cure it. But since Your Highness has asked for my help, I will do my best."

Zhu Han was overjoyed: "Thank you very much, Doctor Li. With your help, this epidemic will surely be brought under control soon."

So, Dr. Li followed Zhu Han to the area where the patients were isolated.

He carefully diagnosed the patient and prescribed medicine.

Zhu Han immediately arranged for people to get the medicine, prepare it, and distribute it to the patients.

However, several days passed and the patient's condition did not improve significantly.

Zhu Han was extremely anxious and went to see Doctor Li again.

"Doctor Li, this prescription doesn't seem to be working well. Do you think it needs to be adjusted?" Zhu Han asked.

Physician Li frowned: "Your Highness, I also find it strange. This prescription should have some effect, but why hasn't the patient's condition improved? Could it be that this epidemic is different from the ones we've encountered before?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment: "Dr. Li, could you examine the patient more carefully and see if you can find any new symptoms?"

Doctor Li nodded: "Alright, I'll go and examine him again."

Finally, a new symptom was discovered: some black spots appeared on the patient's tongue.

“Your Highness, I have noticed black spots on the patient’s tongue. This may be the key to solving the mystery of the epidemic,” said Physician Li.

Zhu Han's eyes lit up: "Doctor Li, do you have a way to adjust the prescription based on these symptoms?"

After pondering for a moment, Physician Li said, "Your Highness, I can try adding some heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood-activating, and stasis-removing herbs to the prescription. Perhaps it will be effective."

Zhu Han immediately said, "Alright, then we will adjust the prescription according to your wishes. Doctor Li, this epidemic concerns the lives of countless people, so please find a treatment as soon as possible."

Doctor Li nodded solemnly: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will do my utmost."

Night had fallen, and a faint scent of herbs wafted in the air.

Zhu Han stood in front of the campfire, his expression solemn.

The isolation area not far away was enclosed by bamboo fences, and the patients inside were either lying or sitting, with groans and coughs rising and falling.

The firelight reflected off their ashen faces, beads of sweat glistening, their eyes unfocused and misty.

“Your Highness,” Shen Lu approached and whispered, “Doctor Li is preparing medicine, but the ingredients are incomplete, especially Coptis chinensis, Forsythia suspensa, and Artemisia annua. These herbs are used in large quantities, and the nearby pharmacies are empty.”

Zhu Han raised his eyes and asked, "Could we send someone to the neighboring county to collect them?"

"The mountain roads are slippery after the rain, and there have been landslides in many places. I'm afraid we won't make it in time."

Zhu Han was silent for a moment, then suddenly turned his head: "Xu Jin!"

"exist!"

"Take thirty riders and go to the medicinal herb garden in the North Mountain. No matter day or night, you must bring back those herbs. If you encounter obstacles, clear the way; if you encounter danger, do not retreat."

Xu Jin responded and turned to leave. The sound of horses' hooves splashed mud as they rode away into the distance.

Zhu Biao looked at the dimly lit fence, his brows furrowed: "Uncle, this epidemic is probably no small matter. If it spreads into the village, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Zhu Han nodded: "That's why we need to stabilize public sentiment. If people's hearts are in turmoil, no amount of medicine will be of any use."

He turned his head and looked at the group of villagers lingering not far away.

They looked terrified, whispering to each other; some covered their mouths and noses, while others held their children and backed away.

Zhu Biao stepped forward and said loudly, "Fellow villagers, listen to me! The disease is terrible, but it is curable! The prince has ordered people to find medicine, and Doctor Li is examining patients. As long as we keep order, don't run away, and don't spread rumors, Heaven will not perish!"

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. After a moment, an old woman said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, can it really be cured? My grandson has had a fever for three days..."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han.

Zhu Han stepped forward, his voice steady: "I dare not say I can save every patient in the world, but I can do my best to ensure your safety. —Where is your grandson?"

The old woman led the way while crying.

The air inside the room was stuffy.

The sick child lay on the straw mat, breathing rapidly, his face ashen, and his forehead burning hot.

Zhu Han squatted down and gently touched the forehead with the back of his hand, causing it to tremble slightly.

"If the fever lasts too long, it will become dangerous." (End of Chapter)