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

The hall was dimly lit. Zhu Han was sketching a picture of a boat in Jiangnan at his desk. He spoke calmly, “Investigate Hu Weiyong’s whereabouts over the past three months, especially his nighttime travels.”

Yin Yan clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes, sir."

Zhu Han put down his pen and said in an even lower voice, "If there are any dealings with foreign merchants, make a note of it, but don't touch it. I want to see the real deal."

Yin Yan nodded and withdrew.

Several days later, Yin Yan returned.

"Your Highness, we have discovered that Hu Weiyong secretly meets with someone at the 'Shunchang Tavern' in the west of the city every eighth night of the month."

"who?"

"Qian Ji, a merchant from Anhui".

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "Just as I thought."

Yin Yan said, "I have one more thing." He then took out a silver note with the seal of "Huizhou Merchants' Money Shop" on it, and the amount was exactly 400,000 strings of cash.

Zhu Han's fingertips traced the silver note as if caressing a sharp blade, a cold glint appearing in them: "If this matter is leaked, it will inevitably implicate the palace. If the Crown Prince exposes it directly, Hu Weiyong will first falsely accuse the Crown Prince of 'unauthorized investigation of the Secretariat,' at which point Father Emperor will be furious and the Crown Prince will suffer the consequences."

Yin Yan asked, "What are your plans, Your Highness?"

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "Set a trap."

One evening, Zhu Han feigned a banquet to entertain Hu Weiyong.

Hu Weiyong arrived in fine clothes, beaming with smiles: "Your Highness's refined tastes have not diminished lately; how come you have the leisure to invite me?"

Zhu Han raised his cup and laughed: "Recently, the Eastern Palace has opened a new school building, and I wish to raise funds to build it."

"Lord Hu is a man of great talent and wisdom; he must have a good plan."

Hu Weiyong smiled but did not answer, only raising his cup: "Your Highness is a pillar of the nation, why should you discuss money with a lowly subject?"

Zhu Han smiled faintly, his gaze falling on the silver stitching on the cuff of Hu Gong's sleeve: "I heard that Hu Gong has recently received help from Huizhou merchants and his house is overflowing with gold. I am merely lending a little bit to fulfill my obligation."

Hu Weiyong paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "The Huizhou merchants all come and go naturally; I do not know them."

Zhu Han put down his cup, his tone still gentle: "If you don't recognize it, how come the bank's seal is in your study?"

Hu Weiyong's expression changed slightly, and he stood up and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, please be careful with your words!"

Zhu Han flicked his sleeve: "I never speak recklessly."

After a moment of staring at each other, Hu Weiyong finally turned and left.

At midnight, Zhu Han walked out of the palace gate, where Gu Qingping was already waiting at the foot of the steps.

Holding a box of gold books, she said in a low voice, "This is the inventory of the Imperial Household Department's treasury, all of which are original records of allocations."

Zhu Han took it, his expression calm: "Within a month, Hu Weiyong will destroy his own network. We don't need to take action."

Gu Qingping raised her eyes: "Did Your Highness expect him to be anxious?"

“He will.” Zhu Han’s voice was like a cold blade in the wind. “He thought I wanted to trap him, so he would be eager to defend himself. But the more he defended himself, the more exposed he became.”

Sure enough, three days later, Hu Weiyong personally submitted a memorial to the throne, proving his innocence.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang was furious after reading it and ordered the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough investigation, which revealed irregularities in the Zhongshu Sheng's (Secretariat's) silver accounts. The news shook the imperial court.

Zhu Biao was greatly alarmed upon hearing the news and rushed to his uncle's residence.

Zhu Hanjing sat at his desk, holding a pot of fresh tea. When he saw him enter, he simply smiled faintly and said, "The game is over."

“Uncle...Father Emperor suspects Hu Weiyong of engaging in trade for profit, and even the Secretariat has been shut down.”

"That's good then." Zhu Han raised his eyes. "From today onwards, do not ask any questions. Just wait for His Majesty's will."

"But if Father asks—"

“You may speak of only one matter: the Crown Prince’s palace is not to be involved.”

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment, then suddenly sensed a hint of chill in his uncle's expression.

It was an aura honed by years of court intrigue—calm, resolute, yet imbued with a certain tender protectiveness.

A few days later, Hu Weiyong was imprisoned. The imperial court was in turmoil.

Zhu Yuanzhang secretly summoned Zhu Han to the palace. There was no one else in front of him, and Zhu Yuanzhang simply stared at him without saying a word for a long time.

Zhu Han knelt down: "Your subject is filled with fear and trepidation."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed slowly: "Everyone says that Hu Weiyong is loyal and diligent, and I have trusted him for many years. If it weren't for your visit to the Eastern Palace at night, I might still be kept in the dark."

Zhu Han lowered his head: "Your subject dares not claim credit, but only prays for the safety of the country."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him for a moment, then finally smiled: "You and Biao'er are truly of one mind."

After the rain stopped, the sky over Nanjing was bathed in a pale blue light.

Few pedestrians were on the Imperial Street, the palace gates were not open, but the lights in the East Palace were still burning.

Zhu Han stood by the window, holding an old chess piece in his hand.

The chess piece was engraved with the character "Han," its edges worn smooth by time. He gazed quietly out the window, his mind elsewhere from the game.

Hurried footsteps came from outside the door. It was Yin Yan.

"Your Highness, the Ministry of Justice has submitted a report stating that Hu Weiyong has confessed."

Zhu Han didn't turn around, but asked calmly, "What crime did you confess to?"

"He accepted bribes through business dealings, colluded with foreign banks, and misappropriated 360,000 strings of cash from the treasury."

Zhu Han sighed softly, "It's 40,000 less than the actual amount."

Yin Yan paused slightly, "Regarding the forty thousand strings of cash, I believe..."

"That's the fate left to the investigators." Zhu Han put down the chess piece and turned to look at him. "Do you know that this case, though seemingly closed, has only just begun?"

Yin Yan's expression shifted slightly: "Does Your Highness mean that someone intends to take advantage of this to harm the Crown Prince?"

Zhu Han nodded: "Although Hu Weiyong is guilty, he also implicates the Secretariat. If the Secretariat makes a move, the court officials will be terrified. If there are further rumors that the Crown Prince knew about it beforehand but did not report it, then he will be guilty of 'concealing state affairs'."

Yin Yan said in a deep voice, "If these words are spoken, the Crown Prince will be in danger."

Zhu Han's expression was calm, but his tone was as firm as iron: "Therefore, before the wind rises, I must act first."

On the east side of the palace, the study hall inside the Crown Prince's residence was quiet.

Zhu Biao was reviewing memorials when Gu Qingping brought in tea. Seeing his furrowed brows, she said softly, "Your Highness is still not resting?"

Zhu Biao put down his pen and smiled bitterly: "Recently, rumors have been circulating in the court that I 'interfered in the Hu case.' Although Father Emperor has not said anything, he has suspicions in his eyes."

Gu Qingping was slightly taken aback: "Does Father suspect you?"

Zhu Biao sighed, "My father is always suspicious. If I were to defend myself, it would only increase his suspicion."

She pondered for a moment, then whispered, "Does Your Highness know of this matter?"

“Uncle Wang did not enter the palace this morning.” Zhu Biao stroked the table. “If he were here, he might be able to relieve my predicament.”

Just then, an announcement came from outside: "Prince Ning has arrived."

Zhu Biao's expression relaxed, and he hurriedly went out to greet them.

Zhu Han entered, his robes still on, dusty from his nighttime journey, his expression calm and composed.

Gu Qingping bowed and said, "Your Highness, you've had a long journey."

Zhu Han waved his hand: "I've come to help you out of your predicament, no need for formalities."

Zhu Biao hurriedly said, "Uncle, if a wind really rises, what should I do?"

Zhu Han did not answer, but instead took out a scroll of letters and placed it on the table.

The envelope had been opened, and Zhu Biao glanced at it, his expression changing slightly—it was a secret letter signed by the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, stating that "the Crown Prince knew about the Zhongshu silver case long ago, but did not report the truth."

Gu Qingping was startled and whispered, "This letter..."

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "If I hadn't stopped it, this letter would have already been delivered to the Emperor."

"Who sent them?" Zhu Biao asked.

“Minister of War Jia Cheng,” Zhu Han said calmly, “is trying to demonstrate his loyalty after Hu Weiyong’s downfall.”

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, "Jia Chengsu and Hu Weiyong are at odds, why would he use this to frame me?"

Zhu Han said softly, "Because you are the only 'flag'."

He walked slowly to the window, gazing at the gradually brightening sky outside the palace walls, his voice low and somber: "The Ming Dynasty court is like a chessboard. The Emperor holds the fate of the world in his hands, and all the ministers seek only to protect themselves. After Hu Weiyong's downfall, they fear who will be next. If they can push someone forward as a shield, they can protect themselves." Gu Qingping bit her lip lightly and asked, "Then what does Your Highness intend to do?"

Zhu Han turned around, his eyes flashing coldly: "Since they want to push, then let them push in the wrong direction."

In the afternoon, news spread through the court: Liu Qian, a clerk in the Eastern Palace, had gone missing.

Liu Qian was the one in charge of the Crown Prince's accounts and had participated in recording the Hu case.

The news caused an uproar among the officials.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han remained expressionless and ordered Yin Yan to secretly investigate the whereabouts of the missing person.

That night, Yin Yan rushed back: "Liu Qian has been detained by the Ministry of Justice on the grounds of 'leaking information from the Crown Prince's memorials'."

Zhu Han smiled, as if he had expected it: "They want to use Liu Qian to implicate the Crown Prince."

Yin Yan was taken aback: "Then Your Highness—"

"Save him." Zhu Han stood up, put on his outer robe, "The sooner the better."

The Ministry of Justice prison was dimly lit under the cover of night.

Zhu Han entered, cloak in hand; once he produced his token, no one dared to stop him. The jailer bowed and led the way to the deepest cell.

Liu Qian huddled in a corner, his face ashen. Seeing someone approach, he jumped up in alarm: "Your Highness—"

Zhu Han raised his hand to silence them, glanced around, and gestured for the jailers to leave. Only the two remained in the cell, the flickering candlelight illuminating his cold, stern face.

"Did someone force you to confess?" Zhu Han asked.

Liu Qian choked up: "There... Lord Jia came in person and said that if I did not mention that the Crown Prince was involved in the case, I would be charged with 'unauthorized alteration of memorials'."

Zhu Han listened quietly, then took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to him: "This is your letter home. I have settled your wife and children in Jiangning. After tonight, you no longer need to go to court."

Liu Qian received the letter with trembling hands, tears streaming down his face: "Your Highness—how could I, a humble person, possibly be worthy of this—"

Zhu Han's gaze was indifferent: "Remember this, you have never seen me."

Liu Qian paused for a moment, then immediately understood, and kowtowed heavily: "Your subject... understands."

Zhu Han turned and walked out, his steps as steady as ever.

The rain started again outside the door, as if the heavens themselves were silencing him.

Three days later, Liu Qian died suddenly in prison.

The court was shaken, Jia Cheng was held accountable, and the Ministry of Justice submitted a memorial to defend himself, but no one mentioned the matter of the crown prince again.

Upon receiving the letter, Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time, only bowing deeply before his desk: "I, Zhu Biao, will never forget this kindness from my uncle, the king."

Zhu Han looked at his bow, smiled and shook his head: "The one you should thank is not me."

"Who is that?"

Zhu Han walked to the window, pushed it open, and saw that the osmanthus trees outside the palace were covered with golden blossoms: "It is destiny."

His tone was calm, as if he were talking to himself: "The fate of the Ming Dynasty will ultimately fall on your shoulders. I am merely paving the way for you."

Late at night, Gu Qingping arrived at the Ning Prince's residence, holding an unsealed memorial in her hand. Zhu Han was sitting alone under the lamp, looking at the old chess piece.

“Your Highness,” she said softly, “His Highness wishes to submit this memorial, requesting that the Emperor summon you to discuss state affairs with him.”

Zhu Han raised his eyes: "If the Crown Prince wishes to discuss this with others, the Emperor will surely investigate. It is not appropriate for us to stand side by side at this time."

Gu Qingping frowned slightly: "But if we don't invite them, the outer court will surely think that the uncle and nephew are at odds."

Zhu Han was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "You and Biao'er have both learned to let things go."

Gu Qingping looked at him quietly: "Your Highness's scheme is too deep; we're just afraid he won't understand it."

Zhu Han put down the chess piece and softened his tone: "Qingping, in my life, I have not sought fame or fortune, nor safety. I only want that child to live peacefully under the Emperor's watchful eye."

Gu Qingping lowered her head and said softly, "I know."

Zhu Han stood up and walked to her side, his gaze gentle: "Let him submit his memorial tomorrow. Father trusts him, and we need to re-establish his authority through this matter. My name can serve as a prelude for now."

Gu Qingping looked up, taken aback: "Does Your Highness wish to plead guilty?"

Zhu Han smiled, but his eyes were extremely calm: "I saved him twice. If I save him once more, Father will no longer suspect him."

The next morning at court, the Crown Prince submitted a memorial stating that Prince Ning had secretly entered the Ministry of Justice during his investigation of the Hu case, thus overstepping his authority and interfering in state affairs.

The officials in the hall were all shocked, and their eyes turned to Zhu Han.

Zhu Han remained expressionless and calmly cupped his hands in greeting: "Your subject did indeed enter privately, but it was out of concern for the country at the time, and I should admit my guilt."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time, his gaze shifting between the two men.

No one dared to utter a sound inside the hall; the air was almost still.

After a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly sighed: "My brother is loyal and brave, but overstepping the rules is still against the law. He shall be fined three months' salary and sent to the palace to reflect on his mistakes."

Zhu Han bowed his head: "Your subject obeys the decree."

The Crown Prince was eager to express his feelings, but Zhu Han smiled slightly and stopped him with a look.

That smile carried a faint sense of comfort, like the final words of a guardian protecting their child.

Zhu Han walked slowly outside the palace gate.

A winter wind rises, and yellow leaves flutter down. Yin Yan, standing nearby, asks in a low voice, "Your Highness, wouldn't it damage your reputation to plead guilty like this?"

Zhu Han smiled faintly: "Fame is nothing but fleeting clouds. What I want is for that child to stand on his own two feet."

Yin Yan remained silent. After a long while, he asked, "Then what's next, Your Highness..."

Zhu Han gazed at the palace, his eyes deep and unfathomable: "I will observe quietly. The wind has risen; let's see what they do next."

The light rain had just stopped after dusk, and the roof tiles of Nanjing City were glistening with water.

The lights were just coming on in the east wing of the Prince Ning's mansion, and the curtains swayed in the breeze. Zhu Han, wearing a slightly worn crane-patterned jacket, stood with his hands behind his back in front of the long table, staring at a simple map of the river.

Yin Yan pushed open the door and entered, bowing as he said, “Your Highness, a message has been sent from the East Market—'There will be trouble at the river warehouse tonight.' The person who sent the message dared not leave his name, but only left a broken copper coin.”

Zhu Han raised his eyelids: "Copper coins?"

Yin Yan handed it over. The coin was faintly etched, with only a blurry "徽" character visible.

Zhu Han twirled the money, a half-smile playing on his lips: "The mark of Huizhou merchants. The aftermath of the Hu case hasn't subsided, and some people can't hold back any longer."

On a small table in the corner of the room, a square wooden box lay quietly.

Zhu Han opened it, and inside was a thin booklet containing his daily "sign-in" records. The pages were so worn from being turned so many times that they were almost invisible, and the handwriting was neat and clear.

—"Today's record: one river embankment survey map, one old official's insignia."

He placed the old talisman next to the copper coin and gently touched it. It made a clinking sound, like two chess pieces colliding.

"Summon Gu Qingping." He closed the box, his tone unhurried. "Also, prepare a small boat and get to the mouth of the Xiao Qinhuai River before midnight."

Yin Yan accepted the order and was about to leave when he suddenly turned back: "Your Highness, what about the Eastern Palace—"

"Let's stabilize the situation first." Zhu Han turned around. "Make sure the Crown Prince studies and gives lectures on time. From today onwards, all that will be seen in Jinling City is his shadow under the lamp."

As night deepened, the curtains of the Eastern Palace were half-drawn, and the candlelight cast a warm yellow glow on the paper windows.

Zhu Biao was writing at his desk, his brushstrokes steady.

Gu Qingping placed a cup of milk ginger soup on his right side and said softly, "His Highness has instructed you not to go out tonight, but to attend the lecture on time tomorrow morning."

Zhu Biao put down his pen, glanced at her, and asked, "Did you just come from the Prince of Ning's residence?"

"Yes," she said directly. "There are rumors outside that the prince is going to the river."

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "If I ask, he will only say 'no rush'."

“Your Highness, you only need to remain still tomorrow.” Gu Qingping’s tone was gentle, yet firm. “If he allows you to remain still, it means he is confident.”

Zhu Biao nodded and sat down again. The candlelight flickered, and his back was steady, like a newly raised flag.

Before midnight, the air at the mouth of the Xiaoqinhuai River was thick with moisture. The rain had just stopped, and the river breeze carried a chill.

Zhu Han wore a straw hat and a raincoat, and stood on a narrow wooden boat. Gu Qingping wore a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) with a dark short jacket over it. She wore no pearls or jade, only a jade hairpin to tie her hair.

She raised her hand to hold down her cloak and stepped onto the boat.

The boatman didn't look up, but said in a low voice, "Gentlemen, are you going to the river warehouse?" (End of Chapter)