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

"Mr. Wang, leave today's hull inspection to me!" A young crew member shouted to Mr. Wang, his eyes full of determination and motivation.

"Okay, Xiao Zhang, I'm confident in your work. Remember to check every detail carefully, our safety depends on you." Mr. Wang responded with a smile, his tone revealing his trust and encouragement for the crew.

At lunch time, everyone sat around a table and enjoyed a simple meal. Although the food was not rich, it was particularly precious during the days of drifting on the sea.

"Oh, this fish is so fresh! I can't eat such delicious fish at home." A crew member exclaimed while eating.

"Yes, although life at sea is hard, it also has its fun and beauty. Everyone, eat more, we still have to work hard in the afternoon!" another crew member responded with a smile.

In the afternoon, the crew members either rested, exchanged martial arts, or practiced sailing skills. On the deck, Zhu Han appeared from time to time, chatting cordially with the crew members and caring about their lives and moods.

"Xiao Liu, how are you doing recently? Are you feeling well?" Zhu Han walked up to a crew member and asked with concern.

"Master Zhu, I'm fine. I just miss my family sometimes, but I know that we are all working hard for a safe and smooth journey home." Xiao Liu replied with a smile, his eyes revealing determination and conviction.

As the warm spring sun gradually dispels the chill of winter, the Ming Palace inside and outside is filled with a vibrant atmosphere.

"Mr. Wang, have you ever read this record about Coconut Island?" Zhu Han gently put down the book and turned his gaze to Mr. Wang beside him, with a hint of inquiry in his tone.

Mr. Wang put down the teacup in his hand, took the book with a smile, flipped through a few pages, and said slowly: "Although the Coconut Island is far away across the ocean, its customs and people are indeed unique. Your Majesty, have you gained any insights after returning from this trip?"

Zhu Han nodded, his eyes sparkling: "During this trip to Coconut Island, I deeply felt the simplicity and warmth of its people. Although they live a simple life, their hearts are full of admiration and yearning for the Ming Dynasty. I think this is a good time for us to strengthen exchanges between the two places and seek common development."

At this time, General Li also walked into the study. He was tall and strong, and walked steadily. As soon as he entered the room, he smiled heartily and said, "I heard that the prince had a fruitful trip to Coconut Island?"

Zhu Han smiled and stepped forward, shaking General Li's hand. "General Li, you came at the right time. Mr. Wang and I are discussing the alliance with Coconut Island. What do you think about this?"

General Li stroked his chin, thought for a moment and then said, "The warriors of the Coconut Island tribe are proficient in water and are brave in battle. If they can join forces with our Ming army, our maritime power will be greatly enhanced."

Zhu Han's eyes flashed with admiration, and he nodded vigorously: "General Li is right. We should act immediately to seek military cooperation with the Coconut Island Tribe, conduct joint training, and improve maritime defense. At the same time, we should send envoys to bring precious gifts and sincere goodwill from our dynasty to formally express our willingness to form an alliance with the Coconut Island Tribe."

Zhu Han had made up his mind, so he stood up, clasped his fists towards Mr. Wang and General Li, and said, "Please wait a moment. I will go to see my brother and report this matter to him, and strive to establish an alliance with the Coconut Island Tribe as soon as possible."

Mr. Wang smiled and nodded, and instructed: "Your Majesty must be careful with your words during this trip, and make sure that the emperor sees the long-term benefits of an alliance with Coconut Island."

General Li patted Zhu Han on the shoulder and said proudly: "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Everything in the army is ready. We will set out to welcome the envoy from Coconut Island as soon as the emperor gives the order."

Zhu Han looked at the two of them with gratitude, then turned and left the study, walking quickly towards the depths of the palace.

Soon, Zhu Han arrived in front of Zhu Yuanzhang's imperial study. He straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and gently knocked on the door.

"Come in." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice came from inside the door, steady and powerful.

Zhu Han pushed open the door and walked into the imperial study, only to see Zhu Yuanzhang sitting in front of the dragon desk, reviewing memorials. He bowed respectfully and said, "Brother Emperor, I have something important to report."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head and looked at Zhu Han sharply: "What makes you so anxious?"

Zhu Han reported to Zhu Yuanzhang everything he had seen and heard on the Coconut Island, as well as the alliance he had discussed with Mr. Wang and General Li. He emphasized the simple folk customs and rich resources of the Coconut Island people, as well as the benefits of strengthening the maritime power that could be brought about by an alliance with the Ming Dynasty.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and asked, "What do you think of the loyalty of the Coconut Island people to our dynasty?"

Zhu Han was well prepared and answered, "I think that although the Coconut Island people are far away across the ocean, their admiration and yearning for the Ming Dynasty are genuine. As long as we treat them with sincerity and give them the necessary support and help, I believe they can become loyal allies of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, seeming to be quite satisfied with Zhu Han's answer. After thinking for a moment, he said: "This matter is of great importance and needs to be considered carefully. However, your proposal is indeed worth considering."

How about this, you go back and prepare a detailed alliance plan, including how to strengthen exchanges between the two places, how to jointly train the army, etc. I will review it and then make a decision. "

After receiving the order, Zhu Han took his leave and left the imperial study, and began to think about the detailed alliance plan in his mind.

Returning to the study, Zhu Han immediately summoned Mr. Wang and General Li, conveyed Zhu Yuanzhang's intentions to them, and began to work on a plan for an alliance. The three of them sat around the table, expressing their opinions and discussing heatedly.

"Mr. Wang, how do you think we should strengthen exchanges between the two places to promote cultural integration?" Zhu Han looked at Mr. Wang and asked.

Mr. Wang pondered for a moment and replied, "I think we can select some knowledgeable scholars to go to Coconut Island to teach Ming culture, and invite scholars from Coconut Island to come to Beijing for exchanges and academic discussions. In addition, we can set up a mutual market to promote trade between the two places and enhance friendship between the people."

Zhu Han nodded, thinking that Mr. Wang's suggestion made sense. Then he turned to General Li and said, "General Li, what do you think about military cooperation?"

General Li stroked his chin and thought, "I think we can send our naval commanders to Coconut Island to guide them in training the navy and improve their maritime combat capabilities. At the same time, we can also invite the warriors of Coconut Island to come to Beijing to conduct joint exercises with our army to enhance mutual understanding and trust."

After hearing this, Zhu Han's eyes sparkled with approval, and he nodded vigorously: "Mr. Wang and General Li's suggestions are both very pertinent. In addition to these, I also thought that we could establish a normalized communication mechanism, such as sending envoys to visit each other's country every few years to keep the information flowing and the relationship close."

Mr. Wang smiled and added: "In addition, we can also consider setting up a Ming Dynasty College on Coconut Island to teach Ming Dynasty culture, history and scientific knowledge, so that young talents on Coconut Island have the opportunity to learn more about Ming Dynasty, thereby deepening the cultural ties between the two places." General Li also put forward his own views: "Militarily, we can also consider establishing a joint defense system. Once there is an invasion by foreign enemies, the two places can respond quickly and resist together. At the same time, we can hold joint military exercises at sea regularly to enhance the ability of the two armies to cooperate in combat."

Just as the discussion in the study was heated, a gentle but majestic voice came from outside the door: "Uncle, I heard that you returned from Coconut Island, so I came to visit you and listen to your experience."

Upon hearing the voice, Zhu Han hurriedly stood up with Mr. Wang and General Li to greet them. They saw Zhu Biao, dressed in the prince's attire, walking into the study with a gentle smile on his face.

"We are honored to have your presence, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Zhu Han bowed and then invited Zhu Biao to take a seat.

Zhu Biao waved his hand to indicate that it was no need to be polite. He glanced at the maps and documents on the table and said with a smile, "It seems that the emperor's uncle has gained a lot from this trip. I wonder if you can share some of it with me?"

Zhu Han nodded, and then briefly reported to Zhu Biao what he had seen and heard during his trip to Coconut Island, as well as the alliance plan he discussed with Mr. Wang and General Li.

After hearing this, Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "Uncle, you have a unique insight. An alliance with Coconut Island is indeed beneficial to our Ming Dynasty. However, I am worried that Coconut Island is far away across the ocean. How can we ensure stability and loyalty after the alliance?"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Wang bowed and said, "Your Highness is right. I think that in addition to strengthening cultural exchanges and military cooperation, we can also set up a Ming embassy on Coconut Island and station officials there to oversee the alliance and ensure Coconut Island's loyalty to our dynasty."

Zhu Biao nodded, agreeing with Mr. Wang's suggestion. He looked at General Li and asked, "General Li, do you think there is anything else to add about military cooperation?"

General Li stroked his chin and thought, "I think that in addition to sending naval commanders to guide the training of the navy on Coconut Island, we can also consider establishing a military base on Coconut Island to strengthen the defense of our sea areas. At the same time, it is also necessary to hold joint military exercises regularly to enhance the ability of the two armies to cooperate in combat."

After hearing this, Zhu Han's eyes flashed with approval. He looked at Zhu Biao and said, "Your Highness, I think General Li's suggestion makes sense. We can build a military base on Coconut Island and send our elite troops to station there to ensure stability and loyalty after the alliance."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, swept his eyes over everyone gently, and said: "Uncle, I have an idea that may further consolidate the relationship with Coconut Island."

Zhu Han looked up and asked curiously, "What do you think, Your Highness?"

Zhu Biao said slowly: "I think that in addition to military, cultural and economic exchanges, we should also consider finding common ground in religion and belief. If the Coconut Island people have their own unique religious beliefs, the Ming Dynasty can send scholars who are proficient in Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism to discuss doctrines and seek integration, so as to deepen the spiritual harmony between the two peoples."

Mr. Wang's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he praised, "Your Highness, this is a brilliant plan. The exchange of religious culture can often go deep into people's hearts and promote deeper mutual understanding and respect."

General Li also nodded in agreement and added: "Moreover, through religious exchanges, we can also understand the spiritual world of the Coconut Island people, which will be of great benefit to maintaining the stability of the alliance."

After hearing this, Zhu Han secretly admired Zhu Biao's careful consideration. He said, "Your Highness the Crown Prince has a far-sighted vision. I will immediately include this matter in the alliance plan and strive to fully and deeply promote the alliance with Coconut Island."

Just as the four were discussing heatedly, the voice of the attendant came from outside the door: "Your Highness, the Emperor has ordered that Your Highness and the Prince go to the Imperial Garden immediately to enjoy the spring scenery and discuss state affairs."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao stood up, straightened his clothes, and said to Zhu Han: "Uncle, the emperor has summoned us, let's go now."

Zhu Han nodded, spoke briefly to Mr. Wang and General Li, and then went to the Imperial Garden with Zhu Biao.

In the Imperial Garden, spring flowers are in full bloom, birds are singing and flowers are fragrant. Zhu Yuanzhang is standing among the flowers with his hands behind his back, admiring the spring scenery in the garden.

Seeing Zhu Biao and Zhu Han coming, he smiled and said, "Biao'er, Han brother, you came at the right time. Walk with me and tell me what you think."

After Zhu Biao and Zhu Han exchanged greetings, they followed Zhu Yuanzhang and walked slowly along the path among the flowers. Zhu Biao first briefly reported to Zhu Yuanzhang what Zhu Han had seen and heard since returning from Coconut Island, as well as the alliance plan he had discussed with Mr. Wang and General Li.

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said, "Your idea is very good. It will be beneficial for our country to form an alliance with Coconut Island. However, this matter needs to be handled with caution to ensure that there are no mistakes."

Zhu Han said quickly: "I understand. I will act carefully and strive to make the alliance a complete success."

Zhu Biao also added: "Don't worry, father. Your Majesty, I and your uncle will do our best to ensure that the alliance with Coconut Island is stable and long-lasting."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, looked far into the distance, and said, "Okay, I will immediately send an envoy to Coconut Island to formally propose an alliance. At the same time, we must also be prepared to welcome the envoys from Coconut Island and demonstrate the etiquette and style of our Ming Dynasty."

After receiving the order, Zhu Han and Zhu Biao took their leave and left the Imperial Garden, returning to their study rooms.

Zhu Han sat at the desk in the study, holding a detailed welcoming plan in his hand, frowning, as if thinking about every detail. He tapped the table lightly and decided to summon Mr. Zhao, who was in charge of diplomatic etiquette.

"Lord Zhao, please come to my study to see me as soon as possible." Zhu Han's voice was transmitted to Lord Zhao's ears through the attendants. Soon, Lord Zhao hurried over.

"Your Highness, what do you want me to do for you?" Lord Zhao asked while bowing.

Zhu Han handed the plan in his hand to Lord Zhao and said, "This is a detailed plan to welcome the envoys from Coconut Island. You must ensure that every step is foolproof. From the moment the envoys step into the palace until they leave, they must feel the hospitality and etiquette of the Ming Dynasty."

Lord Zhao took the plan, read it carefully, and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I will do my best to ensure the success of the welcoming ceremony."

Zhu Han nodded with satisfaction and said, "In addition, I would like you to discuss with the officials of the Ministry of Rites to prepare a special gift for the envoys from Coconut Island. This gift should not only reflect the sincerity and friendship of the Ming Dynasty, but also deepen the friendship between the two tribes." (End of this chapter)