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

At this time, Zhao Canjun stepped forward and reported softly: "Your Majesty, when we return to the court, we still need to prepare a detailed war report to report the war situation and the progress of reform to Your Majesty and the important officials in the court. In addition, suggestions on border defense and improvement of people's livelihood also need to be compiled into a book for presentation."

As the sun sets, the team sets up camp in a quiet valley to rest. The bonfire is lit again, and the soldiers sit in a circle, sharing interesting stories and insights from the battle, and Zhu Han also joins in.

A young soldier mustered up his courage and said to Zhu Han: "Your Majesty, I was originally just an ordinary farmer in the countryside, and was forced to join the army because of the war. But following you, I learned courage and responsibility. I hope that one day, I can protect more people like you."

Zhu Han smiled and patted his shoulder, encouraging him: "Everyone has the potential to become a hero. As long as you have justice in your heart and the courage to take responsibility, you can become a protector of yourself and others. Remember, a hero is not judged by his origin, but by his actions."

As the army slowly entered the gate of Kyoto, the people had already spontaneously gathered on both sides of the road, holding flowers and colorful flags, with joy and anticipation on their faces. The sun shone through the sparse clouds, sprinkling on every inch of land, adding a bit of solemnity and warmth to this grand return.

"The prince is back! The prince is back!" Someone in the crowd shouted first, and then cheers and applause rose and fell, resounding through the sky. Children ran around and played in the crowd, while the elderly looked at the young hero with tears in their eyes and full of respect.

Zhu Han rode on his horse, looking at the enthusiastic people on both sides, and an indescribable feeling of emotion and responsibility surged in his heart. He slowly raised his hand and greeted the people. At that moment, it seemed as if time stopped and all eyes were focused on him.

"Long live the prince! Long live the prince!" The people's shouts became louder and louder. They knelt on the ground one after another, expressing their respect and gratitude to Zhu Han in the simplest way.

Seeing this, Zhu Han hurriedly rode closer and said in a gentle but firm voice: "Please stand up, fellow villagers. How can Zhu Han deserve such a great gift? Defending the Ming Dynasty and protecting our homeland is the duty of soldiers like us. Seeing that you are living and working in peace and contentment, I am very pleased."

At this time, a white-haired old man came forward tremblingly, holding a bunch of wild flowers, tears in his eyes: "Your Majesty, on behalf of the people of Kyoto, I thank you for driving out the foreign enemies and bringing peace to us. You are the backbone of the Ming Dynasty and the patron saint of the people!"

Zhu Han quickly dismounted, took the wildflowers from the old man, and bowed deeply: "My dear father, your words are too kind. I am just doing my best and I don't deserve such praise. It is the joint efforts of the people of the Ming Dynasty that have brought us today's peace."

The old man nodded excitedly, and the people around him echoed him one after another. The atmosphere was warm and touching.

At this time, an official in official uniform hurried over, saluted to Zhu Han and said, "I am Lord Li, the governor of Kyoto, and I have come to welcome the prince back. The prince has worked hard on the journey, and I have prepared a banquet to welcome the prince and the soldiers."

Zhu Han smiled slightly and said in return, "Lord Li is thoughtful. However, let's put aside the matter of welcoming you for now. I am more concerned about the people's livelihood and defense in Kyoto. I wonder if there have been any unusual developments recently?"

Upon hearing this, Lord Li's expression froze, and he said sternly, "Your Highness, the capital has been peaceful recently. However, there have been frequent wars on the borders, and there have also been many disturbances in the court. Fortunately, Your Highness has turned the tide, and the foundation of our Ming Dynasty has been secured."

Zhu Han nodded gently, his eyes deep: "Although the border is safe, we must not take the affairs of the court lightly. Lord Li needs to be more vigilant to prevent any accidents. At the same time, we must always pay attention to people's livelihood to ensure that the people live and work in peace."

Upon hearing this, Lord Li quickly responded, "Your Majesty is right. I will do my best to ensure the peace of the capital and the harmony of the people. As for the celebration banquet, it was personally ordered by His Majesty to be prepared to commend the great military achievements of Your Majesty and the soldiers. I hope Your Majesty will honor us with an honor."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes revealing gratitude to His Majesty: "Since it is Your Majesty's kindness, Zhu Han will obey your orders. Please lead the way, Lord Li, and we will go to the palace for the banquet together."

Lord Li bowed and led the way. Along the way, the people of Kyoto stopped to watch, and some even cheered loudly to express their respect to Zhu Han. Zhu Han waved to the people from time to time, with a humble and warm smile on his face.

Arriving at the palace, Zhu Han and the other soldiers, led by Lord Li, walked into the banquet hall. The hall was brightly lit, with the sound of stringed instruments and bamboo instruments, creating a festive and peaceful scene. On the banquet table, there were a dazzling array of delicacies and the aroma of fine wines.

Zhu Han walked into the banquet hall and saw His Majesty sitting on the main seat, smiling, with eyes full of approval and expectation. He hurried forward and knelt three times and kowtowed nine times: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live Your Majesty!"

His Majesty laughed heartily and held out his hand to support him: "Prince Han, please do not be polite. Please stand up quickly. Today is your celebration banquet. I specially set up this banquet to honor you and your soldiers for your great military achievements."

Zhu Han stood up and answered respectfully, "I have only been doing my duty faithfully. Fortunately, your majesty has trusted me and the soldiers have obeyed my orders, which has led to today's victory. This achievement is not the work of me alone, but the joint efforts of all the soldiers."

His Majesty nodded and praised: "King Han is humble, which is a blessing for our Ming Dynasty. Come, I will drink this cup with you to celebrate today's victory!"

Zhu Han took the wine glass handed over by the attendant, clinked it with His Majesty's cup, and drank it all in one gulp. Then, the banquet officially began, with melodious music, guests toasting each other, and the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.

During the banquet, many court officials came forward to toast Zhu Han to express their respect and congratulations. Zhu Han responded one by one, his words were humble and polite, but he still had the demeanor of a great general.

An old official stroked his beard and said with emotion: "Prince Han's expedition not only defeated the enemy, but also demonstrated the bravery and wisdom of our Ming soldiers. This old official admires him very much!"

Zhu Han quickly said modestly: "You are too kind, old sir. I am just doing my best and I don't deserve such praise. It is you who are far-sighted and have made great contributions to the stability of the Ming Dynasty."

At this time, a young official also stepped forward to toast, his face full of admiration: "Your Highness Prince Han, I have heard of your heroic deeds since I was a child, and I have admired you for a long time. It is a great honor to meet you in person today!"

Zhu Han smiled and encouraged: "It's good for young people to be ambitious, but remember to be down-to-earth and work hard. My Ming Dynasty needs your generation to protect it."

When the banquet reached its climax, His Majesty suddenly said, "King Han, I am very pleased that you have made an unprecedented contribution this time. However, the borders are not yet settled, and the court also needs reform and strengthening. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han said solemnly: "Your Majesty is wise. Although the border is safe, hidden dangers still exist. Reforms in the court are also urgent. I am willing to work together with you adults to contribute my humble efforts to the prosperity of our Ming Dynasty." His Majesty nodded in approval: "Good! With King Han's words, I feel at ease. Come, let's have another drink and toast to the future of Ming Dynasty!"

The guests responded one after another, toasting their glasses and drinking together, and the banquet hall was filled with laughter again. Zhu Han's eyes were determined, and he had already secretly planned his next move in his mind.

At this time, a middle-aged minister in gorgeous court robes stood up and bowed to Zhu Han, saying, "Your Highness Prince Han, this great victory on the border is a blessing for our Ming Dynasty. However, there are many matters in the court that need to be dealt with urgently, especially reforms. Does Your Highness have any good ideas?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly and replied, "Your Excellency is right. Reforms are related to the foundation of the country and must be carried out with caution. I think we should start with the administration of officials, severely punish corruption, and promote talented people, so as to correct the root cause."

Another young courtier heard this, his eyes sparkling, and asked eagerly: "Your Highness is right, but how can we ensure that the reform measures can be implemented smoothly and not be obstructed by vested interests?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, and said firmly: "The road to reform is bound to be full of thorns. But as long as we care about the people and uphold justice, we can win the hearts of the people. At the same time, we need to strengthen supervision and severely punish those who hinder the reform, so as to ensure the smooth progress of the reform."

His Majesty nodded slightly upon hearing this, with approval in his eyes: "What King Han said is very much in my heart. Reforms are related to the rise and fall of the country. I will fully support King Han."

At this time, an old minister slowly stood up, with a bit of worry in his tone: "Your Majesty, King Han, although the reform is good, it may cause turmoil in the court. You need to think twice before acting."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, bowed and said: "What the old man said is very true. We need to proceed cautiously on the road of reform. But because of this, we need to be more firm in our beliefs and move forward courageously. This king is willing to work with you to make plans and ensure the smooth progress of reform."

His Majesty nodded with satisfaction upon seeing this, and swept his eyes over the ministers present. He said in a deep voice: "What you said is all reasonable. Reforms are related to the future of the country, and we need to gather our wisdom and discuss together. King Han, this matter will be handed over to you for full responsibility, and I will fully support you."

Zhu Han felt a warm current in his heart when he heard this, and he bowed quickly: "I will do my best to live up to your majesty's high expectations."

At this time, a scholar in plain clothes slowly walked into the banquet hall, holding a scroll of bamboo slips, and bowed to Zhu Han and said, "Your Highness Prince Han, I have something to tell you."

Seeing this, Zhu Han quickly stood up to greet him: "Sir, please speak."

The scholar smiled slightly, unfolded the bamboo slips, and said in a loud voice: "Reform is not a one-day job. Your Highness needs perseverance and determination to accomplish great things. At the same time, we should open up a wide range of talents and not stick to one style. There is no shortage of knowledgeable people in the court, and they are willing to help Your Highness solve problems."

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Sir, your words are like enlightenment. I will definitely keep them in mind and open up a wide range of talents, not sticking to one style."

Zhu Han nodded inwardly upon hearing this, agreeing with the scholar's opinion. He turned to face the ministers at the banquet, his eyes revealing a bit of determination and resolution: "My Lords, as you said, the road to reform is long and difficult, but as long as we work together, open up a wide range of talents, and be unconventional, we will surely create a more prosperous future for our Ming Dynasty."

At this time, a middle-aged courtier stood up, cupped his hands and asked, "Your Highness, Prince Han, do you have any specific plans for the reform?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, glanced at the ministers, and said slowly: "The specific measures still need to be carefully planned, but I have a preliminary idea in my mind. First of all, I plan to start with rectifying the administration of officials, severely punishing corruption, and promoting talents. At the same time, strengthen the construction of the legal system, clarify the laws, so that all officials have laws to rely on and rules to follow."

Another young court official heard this, his eyes sparkling with excitement: "Your Highness is right. Rectifying the administration of officials is the root of reform. But the corruption in the court is deeply rooted. Does Your Highness have a good plan to eradicate it completely?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and said in a deep voice: "Eradication of corruption is a long-term task. This king intends to set up a special agency, such as the Censorate, to monitor all officials and ensure the integrity of the government. At the same time, encourage the people to report corruption and give generous rewards to those who report true information, so as to stimulate the enthusiasm of the people to fight corruption."

An old minister frowned upon hearing this, as if he had some concerns: "Although your Highness's move is good, it may cause unrest in the court and even provoke resistance."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, and said firmly: "What the old man said is not without reason, but how can the road of reform stop because of fear of turmoil? The king has made all preparations and will ensure the smooth progress of the reform. At the same time, the king will strengthen the connection with the upright people in the court to jointly resist the storms on the road of reform."

At this time, Crown Prince Zhu Biao, who had not spoken, slowly stood up, his eyes full of determination and support: "Uncle Han is right, and I also believe that reform is the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. I am willing to fully support Uncle Han and jointly promote the great cause of reform."

Zhu Han felt a warm current in his heart when he heard this. He looked at the prince with his eyes full of relief and gratitude: "Your Highness is so kind, it is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. Prince Han will do his best to live up to your highness's expectations."

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had quietly changed. The ministers began to discuss the specific measures of reform more actively, and put forward their own opinions and suggestions.

Zhu Han sat in the main seat, sometimes nodding in agreement, sometimes silent and thoughtful, but in his heart he was silently thinking about how to incorporate these suggestions into his own reform plan.

Suddenly, a courtier who usually disagreed with Zhu Han stood up and said provocatively, "Your Highness Prince Han, reforms are good, but can Your Highness guarantee that they will not harm the interests of the vested interests in the court? If this causes unrest in the court and the country, how will Your Highness respond?"

Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes were sharp: "The interests of vested interests will be tested in the reform. But I can tell you clearly that the purpose of reform is to strengthen the country and enrich the people, not to harm others and benefit oneself. For those vested interests who hinder the reform and harm the national interests, I will punish them severely. At the same time, I will do my best to ensure fairness and justice in the reform process, so that every court official can feel the kindness and warmth of the reform."

As soon as these words came out, the banquet hall suddenly became quiet. The ministers looked at each other, as if they were all thinking about Zhu Han's words. After a moment, a man of integrity stood up and said, "Your Highness Prince Han has a far-sighted vision, and I admire you. I am willing to work with Your Highness to seek reform and contribute my humble efforts to the future of Ming Dynasty." (End of this chapter)