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

Zhu Chun glanced at him.

"Do you want anything?"

"Should we submit a memorial to express our stance?"

Zhu Chun chuckled.

"What stance are you taking? Are you afraid you're not conspicuous enough?"

He walked to the stone table, sat down, and poured himself a cup of tea.

“The King of Chu did not lose because he was cowardly,” Zhu Chun said slowly. “He lost because he thought everyone was as impatient as he was.”

The attendant was taken aback.

Zhu Chun looked up and gazed at the bamboo forest in the distance.

"Zhu Han is in the capital."

"What's the difference between moving now and running headlong into a knife's edge?"

"Pass down the word: no one in the household is allowed to leave the capital, hold banquets, or accept gifts in the near future."

"The quieter it is, the safer it is."

The real undercurrents, however, lie within the Imperial Clan Court.

On the third day after the King of Chu was imprisoned, the Imperial Clan Court held its routine brief meeting.

Several representatives of the imperial clan were summoned to a side hall.

The atmosphere inside the hall was indescribably oppressive.

"The case of the King of Chu..." someone began, but then stopped.

Another person spoke up, their voice low: "Does His Majesty mean that the decision has already been made?"

"Whether it's decided or not is not up to us," someone sneered. "But some things may need to be re-evaluated."

Upon hearing this, the expressions on everyone's faces changed simultaneously.

"What do you mean?"

The man looked around to make sure no one was approaching before whispering, "The deal that King Chu made with the Yellow River silver back then involved more than just him."

The hall fell silent instantly.

"But right now, only the King of Chu has been captured."

"Don't you find this strange?"

Someone's Adam's apple bobbed.

"what do you mean……"

The man didn't finish his sentence; he only slowly uttered a single line.

"Someone is taking attendance."

Outside the side hall, under the corridor.

Zhu Han stood in the shadows, listening to the faint sounds coming from inside, but did not go in.

Jiang Yue whispered, "Your Highness, they've started testing each other."

“That’s normal,” Zhu Han said calmly. “When people are afraid, they tend to seek out companions.”

"Then, should we—"

“No need,” Zhu Han interrupted him. “Let them say it themselves.”

Jiang Yue hesitated: "But what if they huddle together?"

Zhu Han raised his eyes and looked at the tightly closed windows of the Imperial Clan Court.

"I can't hug him."

Because they don't know—

"Could I be next?"

That night, Zhu Han entered the palace alone.

It wasn't a summons.

Instead, as was customary, he went to pay his respects to Zhu Yuanzhang.

In the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing memorials. When he saw him enter, he only raised his eyes slightly.

"It's very quiet on the royal family's side."

Zhu Han smiled and said, "Quiet means everyone is thinking."

Zhu Yuanzhang scoffed: "The more you think, the more you fear."

He put down his pen and looked at Zhu Han.

What do you think they will do next?

Zhu Han did not answer immediately.

"Yes, we will conduct our own checks."

"Yes, some will play dead."

"Some will try to make the water even muddier."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes: "And what about you?"

Zhu Han looked up.

"I will do nothing."

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback.

Zhu Han spoke softly, but every word was clear.

"With His Majesty here, they dare not cause trouble."

"With the Crown Prince around, they wouldn't dare to make any open moves."

"And I am here—"

He paused.

"They just don't dare to gamble."

Silence fell over the Imperial Study.

A moment later, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed.

That smile was cold, yet very steady.

“Fine,” he said. “Then let them be afraid for a while longer.”

When Zhu Han came out of the imperial study, it was already completely dark.

One by one, the palace lanterns on both sides of the palace road lit up, casting long shadows that made his shadow appear even thinner than during the day.

Jiang Yue was already waiting outside. When he saw him come out, he quickly went to greet him.

"Your Highness."

Zhu Han raised his hand to stop him: "We'll talk about it when we get back to the manor."

The carriage drove out of the palace gate as night deepened.

The carriage fell silent for a moment.

Only after turning the corner of the long street did Zhu Han speak: "What's been going on with the imperial family these past two days?"

Jiang Yue said in a low voice, "The Qi Prince's Mansion is checking the accounts, the Shu Prince's Mansion is closed, and the Lu Prince's Mansion has sent a letter of greeting, saying that an old servant in the mansion is seriously ill and they want to ask the imperial physician for help."

Zhu Han scoffed.

"What a coincidence that you fell ill."

Jiang Yue hesitated for a moment: "Your Highness, should we... block them?"

"I won't stop him," Zhu Han shook his head. "Let him go."

"But if the imperial physician goes, others will follow suit."

"That's perfect." Zhu Han said calmly, "Whoever can't sit still first will be the first to reveal their true colors."

Jiang Yue nodded, but still hesitated: "But if we do that, won't the spotlight fall on you again?"

Zhu Han did not answer.

The carriage stopped in front of the Prince of Han's mansion.

Zhu Han got out of the carriage, stood on the steps, and suddenly said, "Starting tomorrow, I will no longer concern myself with the affairs of the Imperial Clan Court."

Jiang Yue was taken aback: "Your Highness?"

“I’ve already done what I was supposed to do.” Zhu Han turned to look at him. “Next, it’s about the Crown Prince’s affairs.”

Jiang Yue was startled.

On the third day, at the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Biao was reading memorials in the hall, his brows slightly furrowed.

Gu Qingping sat to the side, gently sorting through several memorials that he had already approved.

"Your Highness, these are all from the imperial family," she said in a low voice. "Greetings, inquiries, excuses of illness... there are quite a few."

Zhu Biao raised his eyes and gave a bitter smile: "With the fall of the King of Chu, everyone wants to express their opinion, but no one dares to."

Gu Qingping looked at him: "How does Your Highness plan to reply?"

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment: "As usual, I'll go back."

"As usual?"

"As usual, appease them." Zhu Biao closed the memorial. "Neither praise nor scold, neither neglect them."

Gu Qingping nodded, but then said, "Uncle Kehan ​​seems to have deliberately avoided showing his face these past two days."

Zhu Biao was taken aback.

"You noticed?"

“The whole capital has noticed,” Gu Qingping said softly. “In the past, when something happened to the imperial family, the first person they thought of was Prince Han. Now… they’re starting to look at the Crown Prince.”

Zhu Biao slowly exhaled.

"Uncle, you're pushing people onto me."

Gu Qingping looked at him but didn't reply.

Zhu Biao suddenly smiled: "That's fine too."

"Your Highness?"

“We can’t keep hiding behind the Imperial Uncle.” Zhu Biao stood up. “Pass down the word that after the morning court session tomorrow, I will host a small banquet at the Eastern Palace and invite a few princes from the imperial clan to come and sit down.”

Gu Qingping paused.

"Your Highness, isn't this too fast?"

“It’s precisely because it’s fast that we can see things clearly.” Zhu Biao said calmly, “A meal is enough to tell who’s really here to sit down and who’s just here to scout things out.”

The moment the news spread, the undercurrents in the capital tightened abruptly.

The Prince of Qi's Mansion.

After hearing the report, Zhu Fu's chess piece stopped in mid-air.

"The Crown Prince is hosting a banquet?"

The aide nodded: "Only a few senior members of the royal family were invited; Prince Han was not specifically mentioned."

Zhu Fu narrowed his eyes: "Was this his idea, or Zhu Han's?"

The aide hesitated: "It's hard to say."

Zhu Fu did not ask any further questions.

He looked down at the chessboard, and the black piece slowly fell between his fingers, but did not land in the correct spot.

"Go and give them a reply," he said calmly. "Attend the banquet tomorrow."

"Yes."

After his advisors left, Zhu Fu stared at the chessboard for a long time, then suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"Zhu Han isn't coming..."

"It's even more unsettling than if he came in person."

The side hall of the East Palace had been tidied up early on.

There was no high platform, no grand music; only two long tables were set up in the hall, with warm wine and small dishes on them—simple in style, yet exquisite in every item. Gu Qingping stood by the window, watching the palace servants move back and forth, and whispered, "Your Highness, doesn't this seem a bit too plain?"

Zhu Biao was changing into his civilian clothes when he heard this and smiled.

"Today is not for show."

"It's about sitting down and talking."

Gu Qingping nodded and did not try to persuade her further.

She knew very well that today's meal, though seemingly simple, was actually more important than any court assembly.

"Is Uncle Han really not coming?" she asked softly.

Zhu Biao paused slightly as he adjusted his sleeves.

"If he comes, this meal will lose its flavor."

"His absence is actually saving a place for me."

At the beginning of the hour of You (5-7 PM), members of the imperial clan entered the palace one after another.

Prince Qi Zhu Fu, Prince Lu Zhu Tan, and Prince Tan Zhu Zi were all among those invited.

There was no place for the King of Chu.

This is the first thing everyone notices when they enter the hall.

Zhu Biao stood in front of the hall to greet people, his attitude neither too distant nor too close.

"My royal uncles, I apologize for neglecting the family banquet today."

King Qi smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness, you flatter me."

The group took their seats.

Before the wine was touched or the dishes were served, the hall had already fallen silent.

Zhu Biao didn't rush to speak, but simply raised his glass in a gesture of respect.

"This cup is a toast from this junior to my uncles."

"There has been some recent turmoil within the imperial clan, which has troubled you all."

He spoke calmly, without apologizing or overdoing the reassurance.

The King of Qi's eyes flickered slightly, and he raised his cup in response: "Your Highness is overthinking it."

The drinks were consumed, but the atmosphere remained tense.

Prince Zhu Tan of Lu spoke first, his tone casual.

"It's been much quieter in Beijing lately."

Even banquets have decreased.

Zhu Biao nodded: "Quietness is a good thing."

“But when things are quiet for too long, people’s minds tend to wander,” Zhu Tan said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, several people in the hall simultaneously looked up.

Zhu Biao, however, seemed oblivious to the hidden meaning in his words, and simply replied:
"So I'd like to invite you all to have a seat today."

"If you can sit still, your mind will not be disturbed."

King Zhu Fu of Qi finally put down his wine cup.

"Your Highness is absolutely right."

He looked up and stared directly at Zhu Biao.

"But now everyone in the royal family is watching."

"It depends on how His Majesty defines it, and also on how the Crown Prince sets the tone."

The hall fell silent.

Gu Qingping stood to the side, her fingers unconsciously tightening.

Zhu Biao, however, remained calm.

"What Father Emperor established is the law of the land."

"What the Crown Prince decided was just a matter of degree."

"Measures?" King Qi pressed.

Zhu Biao looked up, his gaze clear and firm.

"Whoever should feel at ease, then feel at ease."

"Whoever should reflect should reflect."

"As long as you don't cross the line—"

He paused.

"The Crown Prince will not cause any trouble."

As soon as those words were spoken, the air in the hall visibly relaxed.

The Prince of Lu chuckled softly: "Your Highness's words are just like the style of the Prince of Han."

He was stunned for a moment as soon as he said it.

King Qi narrowed his eyes and did not reply.

Zhu Biao nodded calmly.

"My royal uncle taught me something."

"Stability is not due to inaction."

"It's about knowing when not to act."

Upon hearing this, the King of Qi finally smiled.

"Your Highness, they are moving faster than we expected."

Zhu Biao raised his glass.

"It was my uncles who gave me this opportunity."

After a few rounds of drinks, the conversation gradually became lighter.

But the real test is in the details.

Prince Lu suddenly asked, "Your Highness, is the Imperial Clan Court going to re-examine the old files soon?"

The hall fell silent instantly.

This is a seemingly casual statement, but it is extremely dangerous.

Gu Qingping's gaze fell on Zhu Biao's face.

Zhu Biao simply put down his wine glass, his tone indifferent.

"The matters of the Imperial Clan Court shall be handled by the Imperial Clan Affairs Department in accordance with regulations."

"The Crown Prince will not interfere."

King Qi raised an eyebrow: "Really?"

Zhu Biao looked up and met his gaze.

"If I were to intervene, it would only make me appear guilty."

The King of Qi remained silent.

When half a cup of wine had been drunk, King Qi was the first to rise and take his leave.

"It's getting late, Your Highness, I dare not disturb you any longer," he said respectfully.

Zhu Biao personally escorted him to the palace gate, saying nothing more than, "Uncle, please take care."

The others also took their leave one after another.

Once the side hall had completely quieted down, Zhu Biao slowly exhaled, and the hand that had been slightly clenched in his sleeve finally relaxed.

Gu Qingping stepped forward to help him change his outer robe and whispered, "Your Highness just now answered very well."

Zhu Biao shook his head.

"It's not about being stable, it's about not being chaotic."

As he said this, his gaze fell on the darkening sky outside the hall.

"They did not come here today to hear what I have to say."

"It's to see if I've crossed the line."

Gu Qingping straightened his clothes and said softly, "Your Highness didn't step on it."

Zhu Biao smiled but didn't reply.

Even though it was late at night, the lights in the Prince Qi's mansion were still on.

After returning to his residence, Zhu Fu did not go back to his bedchamber, but went directly to his study.

The accompanying staff were already waiting at the side table, presenting a thin notebook.

"Today, the Crown Prince did not mention the Imperial Clan Court, nor did he touch upon old cases or mention Prince Han."

Zhu Fu finished reading and gently put it down.

"As expected."

"Then, Your Highness, who do you think orchestrated this banquet?" the advisor asked in a low voice.

Zhu Fu did not answer immediately.

He got up and walked to the window, looking at the bluestone ground in the courtyard damp with night dew. After a long while, he said softly:
"Zhu Biao can push this step forward, but the timing of this step is not something he can choose himself."

The advisor stiffened: "Your Highness means..."

"King Han did not come."

Zhu Fu turned around, his gaze calm.

"But it would be illogical if he didn't do anything."

The advisor hesitated: "What will Prince Han do?"

Zhu Fu chuckled.

“His greatest strength is not in getting involved in public affairs.”

"It's about dropping what should drop in advance."

On the same night, in the south of the city, at the Prince Han's Mansion.

Zhu Han did not rest.

There was only one small lamp lit in the study. The light was dim, but it was enough to illuminate the few old books lying open on the desk.

It's not a genealogy, nor is it a case file.

Instead, it was a compilation of miscellaneous tasks submitted by various localities, along with lists of materials, supplies, and warehousing, the edges of which had been thoroughly turned over and were now soft.

Zhu Han changed into a very ordinary set of casual clothes, with the cuffs rolled up, as if he were flipping through the pages casually, but he stopped at each page with perfect precision.

Light footsteps came from outside the door.

The attendant whispered, "Your Highness, the person is already in the side hall."

Zhu Han closed the booklet and stood up.

Standing in the side hall was an inconspicuous physician from the Ministry of Revenue. He was young, but his expression was reserved, clearly indicating that this was his first time entering the Prince's residence late at night.

Upon seeing Zhu Han, he immediately bowed.

"Your Highness, this humble official pays his respects."

Zhu Han waved his hand.

"sit."

The doctor dared not sit down properly, but only leaned against the edge of the chair.

Zhu Han didn't dwell on it and asked directly, "The autumn grain harvest in Beizhili this year is seven days slower than in previous years. Why is that?"

The doctor was taken aback, and subconsciously replied, "Your Highness, due to river repairs, the transport has been slightly slower..."

Zhu Han interrupted him: "I'm not asking about the reason, I'm asking about the process."

"The warehouse entry was delayed by seven days. How much was held up in between?"

The doctor's throat tightened, and a fine sweat beaded on his forehead. (End of Chapter)