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

"Jinyiwei..."

Zhu Han closed his eyes and slowly exhaled.

So that's how it is. No wonder the clues were being erased so often; it turns out the Northern Garrison was manipulating things in secret.

He immediately put away the bamboo book and instructed Lu Xiao: "Send a message to the Prince's Mansion to dispatch ten shadow guards to Tongzhou Wharf to prepare to cut off the northward transport line."

"Yes!"

That night, several cargo boats were slowly setting sail on the Caohe River outside Tongzhou City.

On the deck, chests of silver ingots were neatly arranged, and the escorting officers were several Imperial Guards.

Zhu Han and Lu Xiao lay in wait in the shadows.

He whispered, "Wait for my order to seal off the river."

Lu Xiao nodded.

The moonlight shone through the water, making the river surface sparkle.

A moment later, a short whistle pierced the night sky.

With a loud crash, the iron chains that had been laid out in advance on both banks tightened abruptly, cutting off the entire river channel.

Caught off guard, the Imperial Guards were thrown into the water as the boat jolted violently.

"Seal off the ships!" Zhu Han gave the order, and the shadow guards appeared like ghosts, surrounding the several cargo ships.

"Who dares to obstruct the Zhenfu Division's official business!" the leading commander shouted.

Zhu Han lifted his cloak, stepped out of the shadows, and smiled coldly: "So what if I stop you?"

The faces of the Imperial Guards changed drastically.

"Prince Zhu—"

"No need for further words," Zhu Han said coldly. "You used the guise of 'transferring grain transport funds' to secretly smuggle them to the north of the capital. Do you know what crime that is?"

The commander gritted his teeth: "The prince is not under the jurisdiction of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and has no right to interfere in our affairs!"

"No right?" Zhu Han raised his hand, revealing the "Film History Jade Tablet".

With a flicker of candlelight, the patterns on the jade tablet resembled coiled dragons and snakes. All the Imperial Guards knelt down simultaneously.

"The jade tablet of film history is here. Do you all know who has the authority to use it?"

No one dared to answer.

Zhu Han coldly swept his gaze over the crowd and ordered, "Take them away. Send all account books and ship silver to the Eastern Palace's case. If anyone resists—execute them."

The night wind howled, and the ship fell silent.

The next morning, Zhu Han returned to the capital.

Zhu Yuanzhang summoned him to the Fengtian Hall.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn, with Zhu Biao standing to the side.

"Brother Han," Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, "I heard that you intercepted a ship belonging to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Is that true?"

Zhu Han cupped his hands and replied in a deep voice, "That is indeed true."

"Why?"

"Your Majesty, I have discovered that the surplus from the Grand Canal transport is being secretly diverted northwards. Someone is using the names of the Ministry of Works and the Garrison Command to secretly transfer silver. I have personally obtained evidence of this."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "Where is the certificate?"

Zhu Han stepped forward and presented the bamboo book and jade tablet with both hands.

Zhu Biao took it, unfolded it, and his expression changed slightly: "Father, the book clearly states that He, from the Northern Garrison Command, codenamed 'Daylight,' is in charge of transporting private silver for illegal purposes."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened, his gaze sharp as a knife.

"Someone actually dared to use the grain transport bank for personal gain!"

The officials in the hall held their breath.

Zhu Han stood quietly, without saying a word or moving.

A moment later, Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his fist on the dragon table: "Issue my decree: the Northern Garrison of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is hereby suspended from its duties. The Ministry of Justice, together with the Eastern Depot, is to conduct a thorough investigation! All officials involved in the case shall be imprisoned in the Imperial Prison!"

"According to the order!"

Zhu Han bowed: "Your Majesty's decision is wise."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him, his gaze softening slightly: "Brother Han, if you hadn't exposed this matter, it would have poisoned the whole world. You've worked hard."

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "I dare not jeopardize the peace of the realm. I am merely fulfilling my duty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and waved for them to leave.

The wind came from the north of Nanjing, sweeping past the still-damp sails on the Qinhuai River.

Zhu Han stood on the ship's side, his fingertips brushing against the "Film History Jade Plaque," its jade surface cold and lustrous, reflecting the light in his eyes.

The light was not like the moon on a cold night, but like a hidden fire, steady and secretive, yet powerful enough to scorch iron and stone.

Three days ago, Zhu Yuanzhang was furious in the Fengtian Hall. The entire Northern Garrison of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was imprisoned, and several officials from the Ministry of Works were also implicated. The court was in turmoil, government offices were silent, and everyone was in danger.

But Zhu Han knew that was just the tip of the iceberg.

“Your Highness,” Ma Ang emerged from the cabin and bowed, “the Commissioner of the Southern Zhili Water Transport Administration has received news that the river has been sealed off for three months by imperial decree, and all water transport has been suspended.”

"The news travels fast," Zhu Han replied casually.

He looked into the distance and saw that there were few boats on the river. The once bustling canal was now glaringly empty.

The wind carried the fishy smell of the river water, mixed with a faint scent of wood oil.

Zhu Han lowered his eyes and said in a low voice, "This river carries three million taels of silver a year. If it were to run dry, there would surely be complaints. Someone would definitely take advantage of this."

"Your Highness means—"

"The order to seal off the river was not to cut off their finances, but to force them to reveal their true colors."

Ma Ang was taken aback, then whispered, "I understand."

The following day, Zhu Han arrived in Suzhou.

The grain storage, the textile bureau, and the salt tax office were all sealed off.

He entered the city without alerting the local governor, accompanied only by two attendants.

Outside the Suzhou government office, crowds gathered to watch. Some whispered, others sighed. The salt merchants and grain transport officials wore somber expressions, a tension simmering beneath the surface.

Zhu Han entered the Textile Bureau and was greeted by the officials in charge.

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

"No need for formalities." Zhu Han went straight inside and looked around the hall.

The brocade scrolls in the hall were neatly arranged, but none of them were sealed, indicating that someone had taken them without permission.

"Are the inventory records complete?"

"Your Highness, ... dozens of bolts of brocade have gone missing."

Who handled it?

The official hesitated, as if he wanted to speak. Zhu Han said coldly, "If you don't speak, I'll have the Eastern Depot come and question you tomorrow."

The official's face turned pale, and he immediately knelt down: "It was...it was Qian Yuchun, the deputy supervisor of the textile bureau, who took it out under a pretext last night."

"Do you know where he went?"

"I heard they went towards Wujiang."

Zhu Han nodded: "Prepare the horses, let's head to Wujiang."

Without delay, he led Ma Ang in pursuit.

The night was deep, and reeds lined both sides of the Wujiang post road. Ahead, a faint light flickered. Zhu Han reined in his horse and stopped, his gaze as cold as a blade.

“He’s there,” Ma Ang whispered.

Zhu Han drew his bow and nocked an arrow. The wind whistled, and the arrow shot through the air, striking a stone pillar in front of him with a "whoosh." The lamplight flickered, revealing a rider in black, his back heavily bundled.

"Chase!"

The sound of horses' hooves rang out as the man in black galloped away.

Zhu Han rode his horse swiftly, his clothes fluttering in the wind. Turning off the post road, the river embankment lay ahead.

Seeing that there was no way out, the man in black threw the package into the river.

Zhu Han raised his hand, and Ma Ang leaped into the water. A moment later, he retrieved the bag.

Upon opening it, beneath the brocade lay stacks of account books and banknotes.

"It really is an account book." Zhu Han flipped through it, his expression turning cold.

That was a table comparing the textile surplus and tribute silver in Southern Zhili over several years, with the same character "昼" printed at the end of the account.

“Even the textile bureau is among them,” he said in a low voice.

"Your Highness, should we take this person back to the manor?" Ma Ang asked.

Zhu Han looked at the man in black. It was Qian Yuchun, his face pale, gritting his teeth and remaining silent.

"take away."

Ma Ang responded and tied him up behind his back.

Three days later, Hao Duiying arrived. He entered the residence at night, bringing an urgent letter from the capital.

"Your Highness, after the case of the Northern Garrison Commander, the Ministry of Justice and the Eastern Depot were vying for power. Someone submitted a memorial to the court, saying that you overstepped your authority by sealing off the river, obstructing the transport of grain and harming the people."

Zhu Han's expression remained unchanged; he only asked, "Who will submit the memorial?"

“Li Mo, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.” “Li Mo…” Zhu Han repeated softly, “formerly the Assistant Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, and on good terms with a certain He from the Northern Garrison Command. Ha.”

He turned and sat down, then took a pen and wrote a line on the paper: “Daytime: Kyoto”.

"It seems that it's not just Jiangnan that needs to be addressed."

Hao Duiying leaned closer: "Does Your Highness wish to go to the capital to explain yourself?"

"No," Zhu Han said calmly. "I have the Fengjiang Decree in hand and am acting on imperial orders. If anyone tries to use this to smear me, let them show their true colors first."

"That--"

"Order Lu Xiao to return to Tongzhou and search the old treasury of the Northern Garrison again. If there is another 'Zhou' seal, present it to the Crown Prince immediately. As for the Crown Prince, I have my own arrangements."

"As ordered."

The following morning, Zhu Han climbed the Wangjiang Terrace. The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the river was calm.

The river has been sealed off for seven days, and the boats are moored in rows, waiting quietly for orders.

He turned to Ma Ang and said, "Issue the decree: From today onwards, all seals of the three offices of the Jiangnan Grain Transport Administration, Textile Administration, and Salt Tax Administration shall be changed to the 'Fengjiang Seal'. All old seals shall be burned."

"Your Highness, this move is likely to offend many people."

"Offend?" Zhu Han sneered. "If you were afraid of offending people, you shouldn't have sealed off the river."

The order was issued, and the entire official road in Jiangnan was shaken.

Within a single day, the seals of the three government offices were all destroyed.

All the new seals of the various departments were signed "Seal of the Prince of Han", and the administration of the Grand Canal was completely under his control.

At night, the Suzhou government office was brightly lit. Piles of documents lay everywhere, and shadow guards shuttled back and forth day and night to relay reports.

Zhu Han stood by the window, gazing at the faint light in the distance.

When the wind rises, his expression is calm and aloof.

[Ding! Mission Progress: Clearing out the Jiangnan film industry – 20% complete.]

"Only 20%?" he said softly.

The next moment, Hao Duiying rushed in, his face solemn.

"Your Highness, news has arrived from Yangzhou. The Salt Tax Office has discovered more than one 'Day' seal in its treasury, and some people have even fled to Gaoyou."

"escape?"

"Yes."

Zhu Han was silent for a moment, then took out a short knife from his waist and put it into his sleeve: "Prepare the boat. We're going to Gaoyou tonight."

The night rain fell like silk threads, and the wind howled swiftly.

Outside Gaoyou City, salt warehouses stand in rows, with piles of salt as high as mountains.

Zhu Han led thirty shadow guards to sneak in quietly.

The warehouse was silent, save for the sound of rain pattering on the eaves. Zhu Han waved his hand, and the shadow guards dispersed.

A moment later, a shadow guard whispered, "Your Highness, over here."

The wooden box in the corner was lifted, revealing a well underneath. A faint light shimmered at the bottom of the well.

Zhu Han lit a torch and looked down, and saw that there was a stone trough on the well wall, containing more than ten scrolls of bamboo slips, all sealed with wax.

He took out a scroll, sealed it with wax, and inscribed it with "Zhou Jiu".

"Nine days a week? So there are different levels."

The bamboo slips were opened to reveal salt transport ledgers and coded messages, with the signature at the end: "By daytime, I have been sent to the Northern Envoy."

Zhu Han's fingers tightened, and he said coldly, "Northern envoy... this is not something that the Embroidered Uniform Guard can do."

Ma Ang was stunned: "Then—"

"It must be that someone is using the Northern Garrison Command as a cover, but actually has another plan."

Zhu Han looked up, his expression calm. "This matter must not be publicized. Take the bamboo slips, seal them all, and set off back to the capital tomorrow."

"Yes."

They arrived in Beijing the following day. Zhu Han did not enter the Fengtian Hall, but went to the Eastern Palace first. Zhu Biao was already waiting in the hall.

“Uncle,” Zhu Biao greeted him solemnly, “Li Mo, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, was assassinated last night, and his body was found in the back alley of the Office of Transmission.”

Zhu Han narrowed his eyes slightly: "They died quickly."

"There was much discussion in the court, with everyone saying that this man was targeted by his enemies because he failed to impeach the prince."

Zhu Han said calmly, "Enemies? Ha, it sounds like someone is in a hurry to silence me."

He took out the bamboo slips and handed them to Zhu Biao.

“Nephew, this is the evidence from the various offices in Jiangnan. If I am not mistaken, the ‘Northern Envoy’ is no longer outside, but in the capital.”

Zhu Biao unfolded the bamboo slips, his expression growing cold.

"My royal uncle wants me—"

"You don't need to do anything. Just hand this over to Father. I'll investigate the rest myself."

Zhu Biao pursed his lips and nodded emphatically: "Take care, Uncle."

Zhu Han turned and left, his cloak billowing as he walked, his steps as steady as a mountain.

In the capital city during winter, the chill was already intense even before the snow arrived.

The night breeze rustled the golden tiles on the palace walls, making a soft sound, like breathing from the darkness.

The Qianqing Palace was eerily quiet, both inside and out, filled with a stifling stillness.

Zhu Han stood at the end of the Imperial Street, his robes billowing in the wind, his gaze fixed on the half-closed palace gate.

A faint light flickered inside the door, occasionally accompanied by low footsteps, as if someone was patrolling.

He raised his hand and tapped it twice.

A moment later, a palace attendant poked his head out. Upon seeing him, he immediately bowed and asked, "Your Highness, are you here late at night on imperial orders?"

"By imperial decree." Zhu Han's voice was deep as he took out a jade talisman. The eunuch dared not ask any further questions and stepped aside to let him pass.

The wind inside the door was even colder. Zhu Han stepped into the long corridor and walked to the inner hall when he suddenly heard a palace attendant exclaim in surprise.

"Someone come here—quickly summon the imperial physician—"

Zhu Han paused, then immediately pushed the door open and entered.

Inside the palace, candlelight flickered. Zhu Yuanzhang sat on a couch, his expression stern, holding a memorial in his hand.

Zhu Biao stood to one side, his brows furrowed.

Zhu Han stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as a blade: "You've come at the perfect time."

Zhu Han sensed something was wrong and asked in a low voice, "What is it?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly, "Last night, someone sneaked into the East Pavilion and stole the Ministry of Justice's prison documents, including the confession of the Zhenfu Division. Today, someone anonymously submitted a memorial saying that the chaos in the Grand Canal was actually caused by your unauthorized transfer of military power. Zhu Han—how do you explain this?"

There was a dead silence in the hall.

Zhu Han slowly straightened up, his expression calm: "Your Majesty's order to seal Jiang was carried out by imperial decree. The troops were dispatched by the Jiangnan Shadow Guards and were not involved with the Imperial Guards. Some people are trying to use this to confuse the situation and shift the blame."

"Shift the blame?" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, slamming his hand on the table. "Then tell me—who is it!"

Zhu Han's eyes sharpened: "If my brother's guess is correct, it was the work of the 'Northern Envoy'."

Zhu Yuanzhang's brow twitched slightly.

Zhu Biao stepped forward: "Father, my uncle had previously obtained bamboo slips as evidence, confirming that all government offices in Jiangnan bore the 'Zhou' seal. Now that the Ministry of Justice's confession has been stolen, it's clear that someone is afraid of the truth."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a moment before finally sitting back down on the couch.

"Brother Han," he said slowly, "do you know why I haven't thoroughly investigated this case yet?"

Zhu Han lowered his eyes and remained silent.

"Because if this matter truly involves the palace, once it is acted upon, it will be a world-shaking event."

Zhu Han said in a low voice, "Your subject understands. But if we do nothing, those people will remain hidden in the shadows forever."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him, his expression complex. After a long while, he waved his hand.

"Enough. Investigate, but do not alert the Six Ministries. If there are no results within three days—the order to seal the river is null and void."

"According to the order."

After leaving the palace, Zhu Han returned to his residence.

The night was deep, but the lights were still on.

Hao Duiying was already waiting outside the door, her face solemn.

"Your Highness, news has just arrived. On the night the Ministry of Justice documents were stolen, someone saw two imperial guards carrying passes entering and leaving the Qianqing Gate. The badges were marked with markings indicating they belonged to the Imperial Household Department."

"The Director of the Imperial Household?" Zhu Han frowned slightly. "Have you verified his identity?"

"Not yet. They're keeping quiet inside the prison."

Zhu Han entered the study and pondered for a moment: "If the Director of the Palace Attendants has taken action, then the person behind it must not be an official from outside the court."

He took out the bamboo slips and spread them out on the table. The fine lines of the account books crisscrossed in the candlelight, like spider silk.

Zhu Han took up his brush and added a stroke next to the words "Northern Envoy": "Palace Lineage".

"To the Shadow Guards, send three Shadow Guards to infiltrate the Palace Attendants' Office without disturbing those on duty. Investigate one matter—who has recently taken a palace pass without permission?"

"Yes." (End of Chapter)