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

The night rain had just stopped, and the mountain road outside Xiling Village was muddy and impassable.

Zhu Han stood before the medicine cauldron, his sleeves billowing in the wind, the firelight illuminating his resolute profile.

The medicinal liquid in the cauldron churned, grass roots and petals floated and sank, and the air was filled with a pungent, fresh fragrance.

Shen Lu stood to one side, his armor still on, his brows furrowed with exhaustion.

"Your Highness, although the medicinal aroma is neutral, the villagers are all afraid and dare not approach the well," Shen Lu said in a low voice.

Zhu Han remained unmoved, and said calmly, "Fear can cure the epidemic; to fear without understanding is foolish. Tell them that the well is clean and they can try it."

Shen Lu cupped his hands in greeting and turned to relay the order.

Before long, the villagers swarmed in, their faces pale and their eyes full of suspicion.

Zhu Han raised his hand and scooped up a ladle of medicinal liquid from the cauldron, its warm aroma filling the night.

His gaze was calm as he raised his glass and drank.

Everyone was in an uproar.

"Your Highness—!" Physician Li exclaimed, only to see Zhu Han had already swallowed the medicine, merely raising his head slightly to gaze at the night sky. After a moment, he put down the ladle, his expression as usual: "You may drink it."

At that moment, the crowd's emotions seemed to be ignited by a spark.

Someone was the first to kneel down, his voice trembling as he said, "His Highness is not afraid of our illnesses, how can we not trust His Highness!"

Immediately, everyone stepped forward, vying to drink the clean water.

The firelight illuminated their faces, revealing a glimmer of life amidst the gloom.

Looking at it, Doctor Li's eyes glistened with tears: "One drink from Your Highness is better than ten kinds of medicine."

Zhu Han simply shook his head: "Medicine can save the body, but faith can save the heart."

The next day, as dawn broke, the villagers' fevers subsided.

The air in Xiling Village finally felt a bit fresh.

Zhu Han stood by the well, silent for a long time, as if listening to the echo of the mountain wind.

Xu Jin approached and said softly, "Your Highness, the scouts report that all the villages in the East Ridge are safe, the epidemic in the West Ridge has stopped, and the water sources are clean and clear."

Zhu Han nodded and slowly said, "Have someone erect a monument, but do not inscribe my name on it."

Xu Jin was taken aback: "Why not record the prince's name? The people are grateful and will surely want to commemorate him."

"If the name is inscribed on the monument, then the meaning ends with the name." Zhu Han turned around, his gaze as cold as frost. "I saved lives, not fame."

Xu Jin cupped his hands in apology, not daring to say anything more.

For the next seven days, the sky was clear and the fog dissipated. Everyone in the army thought that the great victory was achieved, but Zhu Han often stood on the hilltop, silent.

Shen Lu was puzzled and came to inquire one night: "Your Highness, the epidemic has been over for half a month, why are you still staying here?"

Zhu Han said slowly, "It is easy to stop the epidemic, but difficult to eradicate the root of the disease. The people here are struggling with medical care and food, and there will still be disasters next year. If they cannot survive on their own, the epidemic may break out again."

Shen Lu hesitated and asked, "Does Your Highness intend to set up a medical clinic?"

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Not just the clinic. We need to teach them to make their own medicines and diagnose their own symptoms. Saving a village is easy, but saving the people is difficult."

Shen Lu remained silent, sighing inwardly: What the prince cares about has long surpassed military achievements.

The following morning, Zhu Han summoned Li Langzhong, Xu Jin, and Shen Lu to the hall and laid out a new plan: "Starting today, select twenty healthy men from the village and have the physician teach them how to make medicine. Three days later, test their skills. Those who can identify herbs will be recorded, and those who can brew medicine will be given a workshop. Once this method is successful, every village can treat its own patients."

Physician Li cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness's actions are truly a cure for all diseases."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "It is not I who heal, but people who heal themselves."

Therefore, a simple medical tent was set up in Xiling Village.

Bamboo walls and thatched roofs, a stove fire burning day and night. Doctor Li explains the properties of medicines, Xu Jin prepares medicine shelves, and Shen Lu sends soldiers to maintain order.

Zhu Han made his daily rounds, occasionally talking with the villagers to inquire about their illnesses and understand their hearts.

Three days later, the first batch of raw materials was produced.

The aroma of herbs filled the village entrance.

Zhu Han personally tasted the soup and nodded afterward: "Although the heat was a little too low, there is a method to follow."

Physician Li stroked his beard and smiled, "Your Highness, if this method spreads to every village, the world's medical tradition will naturally flourish."

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "If medicine prospers, people's hearts will be at peace. However, if even one person keeps the prescription to himself, it will become the root of disaster."

Shen Lu was taken aback upon hearing this: "Your Highness, do you mean a forbidden remedy?"

Zhu Han shook his head: "It's not a prohibition, but a protection. This law must be established, copied by officials, and kept on file for future reference. If anyone alters a prescription or passes off a fake as genuine, the crime is the same as murder."

Physician Li solemnly replied, "Your Highness's concerns are indeed profound."

Zhu Han said in a deep voice: "My work in combating the epidemic is not limited to today, but will last for a hundred years."

After these words were spread, the villagers all said, "King Zhu does not seek fame or fortune, but only peace for generations to come."

People's hearts gradually united, and morale soared.

However, a few days later, an unexpected event shattered the peace.

At night, flames suddenly erupted from the medical tent, shooting into the sky.

The crowd sprang to their feet, shouts erupting everywhere. Shen Lu led his troops to the rescue, and in an instant, the medicine shelves were reduced to ashes, and the thatched hut was completely destroyed.

Doctor Li rushed over, his face full of anxiety: "Your Highness! The prescriptions and herbal records were all in the shed, but they have been burned!"

Zhu Han's expression hardened slightly, but he did not show any anger. He simply asked in a deep voice, "Were there any casualties?"

"Only one child was knocked unconscious by the smoke, but he is not seriously injured."

"That's good then." Zhu Han looked up at the raging fire, his tone calm to the point of indifference. "Fire can burn down a house, but it can't burn down the law."

Shen Lu asked urgently, "Your Highness, this fire is probably not an accident; it seems someone set it on fire."

Zhu Han's eyes turned cold: "Investigate."

The following morning, the fire had been extinguished, but the scent of burnt herbs lingered among the ashes. Xu Jin and his men found a piece of iron with the inscription: "The antidote is brought to the capital; seal it and do not transmit it."

Shen Lu frowned: "This is a seal issued by the inner court, how could it be here?"

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "Someone wants to obstruct the transmission of my teachings, which may violate the court's prohibitions."

"Should Your Highness report this to His Majesty?"

Zhu Han said calmly, "Whether I report it or not, my brother already knows. His Majesty doesn't doubt me, he only doubts people's hearts."

Shen Lu was puzzled, but Zhu Han stopped and remained silent.

That night, Zhu Han sat alone in his tent, toying with the half-burnt piece of iron in his hand.

The firelight reflected on his fingers, like a patch of still-warm blood.

He said in a low voice, "If medicine is banned, the world will never be free from disease. If it is opened, chaos will break out. This is the path only I can take."

Outside the tent, the moonlight was like silver, and the wind rustled the grass, as if it could understand his sigh.

The next morning, Zhu Biao rode to the camp. After a long separation, he appeared much more composed, having lost his boyish naiveté.

“Uncle,” he dismounted and bowed, “the Emperor has ordered me to welcome you back to the capital.”

Zhu Han stared at him quietly for a long time before finally asking, "How many times has His Majesty urged you?"

“Three times,” Zhu Biao replied. “My father said that the plague has subsided and my uncle’s efforts are sufficient; he may return home.”

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with a hint of helplessness: "If the merit is sufficient, the world will be at peace. You've come, so come with me to see a place."

The two walked along the mountain until they reached a clearing that had been burned down.

The ashes were still warm, and the fragrance of medicine lingered. Zhu Han pointed to the scorched earth and said, "This used to be a medical shed."

Zhu Biao frowned: "How could it have burned like this?"

“People are afraid, and fire starts from that fear.” Zhu Han said calmly, “Some people thought that if the method of saving lives fell into the hands of the common people, it would surely cause chaos, so they burned it.”

Zhu Biao's gaze was complicated: "If Uncle is not angry, wouldn't that be condoning evil?"

Zhu Han's gaze was like a deep pool: "I am not angry because I understand the reason. The way of the world is based on fear. If fear gets out of control, it must be governed by reason. Remember, a ruler must make people feel fear, not be afraid." Zhu Biao pondered, as if he had understood something.

As dusk settled over the capital, a layer of frost covered the palace peaks.

Winter nights may not have arrived yet, but the chill has already set in.

Beside the Jinshui Bridge, Zhu Han dismounted and stood, looking up into the depths of the imperial city, where the majestic red palace stood silently, like iron.

Ten days had passed since he returned to the capital from Xiling, and only after three imperial edicts were issued was he finally granted an audience.

It was drizzling that night. He stood outside the palace, letting the lamplight flicker in the wind, remaining motionless. A palace attendant announced, "Your Highness may enter."

Inside the hall, incense burned in a brazier, and a burly figure stood behind the dragon bed.

Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in a heavy robe, with a stern expression, was facing a landscape painting on the wall without turning around.

Zhu Han entered the hall and bowed deeply.

"Your subject, Zhu Han, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

A moment of silence followed. Amidst the flickering firelight, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly spoke: "My brother has returned from Xiling, his service arduous and meritorious. The people praise your efforts in relieving the plague, and their hearts are with you. Do you know that the weight of the people's hearts surpasses that of ten thousand soldiers?"

Zhu Han lowered his eyes: "Your subject dares not. Saving lives is a matter of course."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, his gaze sweeping across the room like a blade: "Is it only natural? You sealed the prescriptions, set up medical clinics, and established a people's seal—did you ask for permission?"

Zhu Han calmly replied, "Not yet."

"Without invitation?" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered. "That is usurping power! You practice medicine and establish systems while you are away, and the people praise you as 'King Zhu saving the country.' If this continues for a few more months, won't I, your elder brother, become just a spectator?"

A deathly silence fell over the hall. The fire in the stove crackled, the charcoal splintered, and sparks flew into Zhu Yuanzhang's sleeve. They did not ignite, but they did reflect a red glow onto his face.

Zhu Han raised his head slightly, his gaze unwavering: "If you truly regard this as power, then I will gladly accept the blame. But if this power can save lives, I would rather betray the Emperor's grace than betray human lives."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him, a complex look flashing in his eyes: "Your temper is still that of Zhu Han from back then."

After a long silence, he sighed, sat back on the couch, and waved his hand, saying, "Enough. I'll ask you—what exactly is the meaning of your so-called 'People's Seal'?"

Zhu Han replied: "Only when the people have laws to abide by can the country be well-governed in the long run. I saw that the people were treating themselves and helping each other during the epidemic, so I put up this seal to show my trust. This seal is not for power, but for my heart."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time, then suddenly said coldly, "You said 'people save themselves,' I have read that saying. But if people can save themselves, what use is this court?"

Zhu Han said quietly, "If everyone can save themselves, then the court need not help. If people cannot save themselves, then the court should teach them."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent. Only the flickering firelight illuminated their silent faces in the hall.

After a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's tone softened: "It's not that I don't understand your intentions. It's just that the country has just been pacified and the laws are not yet stable. If everyone follows your example, there will be no rules to follow in the country."

Zhu Han kowtowed: "Your Majesty understands. All that I have done is merely expedient. If Your Majesty deems it an overreach of authority, I am willing to resign and reflect upon my actions in seclusion."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time, then suddenly smiled and said, "If you really shut yourself in, even the Crown Prince might cause trouble."

Zhu Han was taken aback, then looked up: "Your Highness... are you in the palace?"

"He is in the side hall," Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly. "I let him hear what you two have to say, so that he may know that the world is not as peaceful as it is described in books."

Zhu Han was slightly startled. He looked up and saw a figure vaguely behind the screen.

Zhu Biao walked out slowly, his clothes were simple and clean, his eyes were bright, but there was a stubbornness that a young man could not hide.

“Uncle,” he bowed, “Father said that your establishment of the People’s Seal and the dissemination of medical knowledge are acts of benevolence. I admire you greatly.”

Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly, "What use is respect? If you succeed to the throne, the people's hearts will be united, and I will become the monarch taught by your uncle."

Zhu Biao hurriedly lowered his head: "I dare not."

Zhu Han said softly, "Your Majesty is overthinking it. If the Crown Prince is respectful, he is respecting those in the world who can practice benevolence; if he is fearful, then he has truly lost his way."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent, only waving his hand: "Enough. You two may leave. I... am weary."

Zhu Han and Zhu Biao kowtowed and withdrew.

The moment the palace doors closed, the candlelight flickered out, leaving only the howling wind outside.

Outside the palace, the night wind blew through the vermilion doorways, causing the candlelight to tremble slightly.

Zhu Biao quickly caught up with Zhu Han and called out in a low voice, "Uncle."

Zhu Han stopped and turned to look at him: "Does the Crown Prince have any doubts?"

Zhu Biao's gaze was complicated: "Father... seems uneasy about what Uncle has done. Is Uncle not afraid?"

"Fear," Zhu Han answered frankly, "deep fear."

Zhu Biao was taken aback: "Then why is your uncle still here?"

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "If we do not do it, the people will be even more afraid."

Zhu Biao stood there, stunned.

Zhu Han patted him on the shoulder: "Your Highness, remember this: a ruler's heart can awe the people, but only benevolence can bring them peace. It is easy for the world to fear you, but difficult to respect you. If one day you can make the people willing to follow you, then you are a true king."

Zhu Biao looked up, his eyes brightening slightly: "I will remember what you said, Uncle."

Zhu Han nodded slightly, turned around, and slowly walked into the night.

Three days later, there will be a court assembly.

Civil and military officials lined up in the Golden Palace, where the imperial edict was proclaimed. Zhu Han was punished for "practicing medicine beyond the prescribed regulations," stripped of his third-rank official salary, and ordered to remain in the capital to await further orders.

The officials remained silent, and not one dared to offer any advice.

Zhu Biao stood at the head of the group, his face slightly pale, but he forced himself to remain calm.

After the court session ended, Zhu Biao pursued him to the foot of the palace steps.
Han Zheng, wearing a cloak, slowly descended the steps, his expression unchanged.

Zhu Biao couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, do you... ever resent Father?"

Zhu Han turned around, his eyes clear: "What's the use of complaining? If my brother doesn't blame me, I'll feel uneasy."

"Why?"

“If he does not punish me, the world will think that I am biased towards myself. Now that I have been punished, I have actually preserved the integrity of the medical law.”

Zhu Biao was stunned, a tremor running through his heart.

After a long silence, he bowed solemnly and said, "I will remember your wishes, Uncle."

Zhu Han smiled, remained silent, and walked with his hands behind his back, his steps as steady as a pine tree.

Several weeks passed, and the winter chill in the capital gradually intensified.

Zhu Han lived a secluded life in the suburbs of the royal palace, where he planted bamboo groves and kept his medicine stove burning constantly.

After returning from Xiling, many doctors and scholars secretly sought his advice, but he refused them all.

He simply said, "The truth lies among the people, not with me."

That evening, Zhu Biao quietly came to visit.

Deep within the bamboo shadows, Zhu Han is brewing tea.

Zhu Biao removed his sword and robe and sat down beside the stone table.

“Uncle,” he lowered his voice, “Father recently intends to establish the Imperial Medical Academy to recruit physicians and compile prescriptions. He says it is to establish a code for medicine throughout the land.”

Zhu Han nodded: "That's good."

“But…” Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment, “Father ordered people to check prescriptions from all over the country, but he specifically forbade the copying of ‘People’s Medical Records’. I am worried that this move may be to protect against my uncle.”

Zhu Han smiled and slowly put down his teacup: "If you only need to guard against me, your medical skills will remain unharmed; but if you need to guard against everyone in the world, your illnesses will become incurable. Brother knows what's important and won't go to extremes."

Zhu Biao's expression was solemn: "If one day Uncle's methods are truly banned, what will I do?"

Zhu Han stared at him for a long time, then his tone suddenly turned calm and slow: "If that day ever comes, you only need to remember one sentence—the medicine is in your heart, not in the prescription. Those who save lives do not care about their position."

There was light in Zhu Biao's eyes, yet a hint of sadness lingered within them.

He rose and bowed deeply, saying, "If I ever gain the throne, I will not fail to live up to this promise."

One day, under a gloomy sky, Zhu Han was reading an old manuscript of "The Correct Meaning of Materia Medica". (End of Chapter)