Ming Dynasty: He was ordered to give lectures in prison, but Lao Zhu eavesdropped and made people nu

Chapter 730 Reform Suggestions
As the sun set, Zhu Biao stood on a high platform in the drill ground north of Nanjing, his brow furrowed. The once formidable and imposing Beijing garrison before him now appeared listless and dispirited. The soldiers trained listlessly, several centurions sought refuge in the shade of trees, and some even secretly drank and made merry. A gust of wind swept through, stirring up dust and carrying with it the soldiers' murmured complaints.

"Another day of training wasted, and we can't even get a decent meal."

"I heard the north has suffered another defeat; sooner or later we'll be dragged up there to our deaths too."

"Those officials are rolling in money, embezzling our military pay."

Zhu Biao's fingers tapped unconsciously on the jade pendant at his waist, his heart churning with barely suppressed anger and worry. As the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, he understood better than anyone the predicament facing the army. Frequent battles raged on the northern border, with remnants of the Mongol forces repeatedly invading, while the imperial army suffered defeat after defeat. Even more alarming was the rampant corruption and low morale within the army; if this continued, the nation would be on the verge of collapse.

"Your Highness, it's getting late, it's time to return to the palace," Liu An, the personal guard, reminded him in a low voice.

Zhu Biao sighed and turned to walk down from the platform. Just as he was about to mount his horse, he caught a glimpse of a scholar in a blue robe quietly observing the drills in a corner of the training ground. The man was about thirty years old, with a lean face and piercing eyes, standing out from his surroundings.

"Who is that?" Zhu Biao asked.

Liu An followed the Crown Prince's gaze and said, "Your Highness, this man is named Lin Che, a renowned recluse in the area. He is said to be an expert in military strategy and tactics, often uttering astonishing pronouncements, but he is also arrogant and unwilling to serve in the government."

A flicker of interest crossed Zhu Biao's eyes: "Go and invite him to see me. No, I'll go and meet him myself."

Lin Che was not flustered when he saw Zhu Biao approaching. He simply bowed calmly and said, "This humble commoner, Lin Che, greets your esteemed presence."

"You recognize me?" Zhu Biao asked, somewhat surprised.

Lin Che smiled calmly: "Although we have never met, judging from your extraordinary bearing and the presence of elite guards accompanying you, you must be of royal nobility. Judging by your age, you are undoubtedly His Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Biao inwardly praised the man's keen observation and cut to the chase: "Sir, you have been observing here for some time. What insightful opinions do you have regarding our Ming army?"

Lin Che glanced around and lowered his voice, "This is not the place to talk. If Your Highness is interested, you may come with me to my humble abode for a chat."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement. The group left the training ground and followed the winding mountain path to a secluded bamboo house. The interior was simply furnished, yet exuded elegance. Several military maps hung on the walls, and the desk was piled high with military books and manuscripts.

"My humble abode is simple and unassuming; I hope Your Highness will forgive me." Lin Che served tea. "The army's decline that Your Highness has witnessed today is not a recent phenomenon."

Zhu Biao took the teacup and asked eagerly, "Now that you've identified the problem, do you have a good solution?"

Lin Che took a leisurely sip of tea: "Does Your Highness know why Emperor Gaozu of Han was able to overcome a stronger enemy and ultimately defeat Xiang Yu?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment: "Emperor Gaozu was skilled at employing people; Han Xin, Xiao He, and Zhang Liang were all unparalleled talents."

“That’s one point,” Lin Che put down his teacup. “More importantly, Emperor Gaozu was deeply versed in the ‘way of training soldiers.’ He understood that soldiers’ morale and fighting spirit were crucial to improving combat effectiveness.”

The rustling of bamboo leaves came from outside the window, and Lin Che's voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet bamboo house: "The Ming army today, on the surface, suffers from insufficient equipment and training, but in reality, the disease is at its core—morale is low and corruption is rampant."

Zhu Biao leaned forward slightly: "I would like to hear the details." Lin Che stood up and walked to the wall, pointing to one of the maps: "Your Highness, please look here. In last year's Battle of Datong, our army outnumbered the enemy three to one, yet suffered a crushing defeat. The reason for this was not inferior troops or poor strategy, but rather the lax discipline within the army. Before the battle, officers embezzled pay, leaving soldiers hungry; during the battle, generals fought for credit and shifted blame, resulting in chaotic command; after the battle, they falsely reported achievements to enrich themselves."

Zhu Biao's expression grew increasingly grave. He was not unaware of these circumstances, but hearing them systematically from Lin Che's mouth still shocked him.

Lin Che continued, "I secretly visited several military camps and discovered three major problems: First, insufficient training. Soldiers neglect drills in peacetime, so they are naturally disorganized and unprepared in wartime. Second, lax discipline. Alcoholism, gambling, and fighting are rampant despite repeated prohibitions. Third, widespread corruption. From top to bottom, layers of exploitation exist, making it difficult for soldiers to even guarantee their basic needs, let alone defend their country."

Zhu Biao recalled the complaints he had overheard at the drill ground and nodded, "What you say is absolutely right, sir. But these are long-standing problems; how can they be eradicated?"

A glint of wisdom flashed in Lin Che's eyes: "Governing an army is like treating an illness; you need the right medicine for the right ailment. I suggest we start from three aspects: strict training, clear discipline, and nurturing the troops."

He walked to the desk, took out a manuscript, and handed it to Zhu Biao: "This is my compilation of 'Three Strategies for Strengthening the Army,' please take a look, Your Highness."

Zhu Biao unfolded the manuscript, which was densely covered with reform suggestions. The first was to establish a standardized training system, with detailed regulations covering everything from individual soldier skills to formation coordination. The second was to improve the military discipline and supervision system and establish an independent supervisory body. The third was to improve soldiers' benefits and ensure that their salaries were paid in full.

“These suggestions are excellent, but I fear the imperial treasury may not be able to afford to improve the soldiers’ treatment,” Zhu Biao questioned.

Lin Che was prepared: "Your Highness, an army is raised for a thousand days, but used for only one. It's better to invest more resources in peacetime than to suffer losses in war. Besides," he lowered his voice, "if we can eradicate corruption within the army, the current military pay is enough to improve the soldiers' lives."

As night deepened, the candlelight inside the bamboo house cast the shadows of the two men on the wall. Zhu Biao was completely absorbed in Lin Che's insights, and two hours had passed without him realizing it.

"Sir, you are truly talented!" Zhu Biao exclaimed sincerely. "If these suggestions are implemented, they will surely revitalize the military might of our Great Ming Dynasty."

Lin Che shook his head: "The most difficult part is not formulating good strategies, but implementing them. Interests within the military are deeply entrenched, and reform will inevitably encounter resistance. We need someone with Your Highness's determination and courage to lead the overall situation."

Zhu Biao stood up and solemnly bowed to Lin Che: "I beg you, sir, to come out of seclusion and assist me in devising a strategy to strengthen the army."

Lin Che pondered for a moment: "Your Highness's sincerity is appreciated. However, I am accustomed to a life of leisure and am afraid I will find it difficult to adapt to officialdom. How about this: I can serve as your advisor, secretly assisting Your Highness."

Although Zhu Biao was somewhat disappointed, he understood Lin Che's choice: "That's fine then. From today onwards, you are a distinguished guest of my household, and you are welcome to come and discuss matters at any time."

As they left the bamboo hut, the first light of dawn was breaking in the east. Zhu Biao, mounted on his horse, looked back at the small house nestled in the bamboo grove, his heart filled with long-lost hope. He touched the manuscript Lin Che had given him, as if he could already see the day when the Ming army would be transformed.

In the days that followed, Zhu Biao frequently summoned Lin Che, and the two often talked late into the night. At Lin Che's suggestion, Zhu Biao first selected a thousand-strong unit from the Beijing garrison as a pilot project to begin implementing the reforms.

The training intensity of the pilot troops increased significantly, but this was accompanied by improvements in food and pay. Lin Che personally compiled the training syllabus, progressing step by step from basic physical fitness and weapons drills to complex formation changes. He also designed a unique "ideological guidance" course to explain to the soldiers the principles of defending their country.

A month later, Zhu Biao returned to the drill ground, and the scene before him was completely different from before. The soldiers were in high spirits, and their shouts during drills were deafening. What surprised him even more was that when he randomly asked a few soldiers about their feelings, the answers he received were all heartfelt satisfaction.

(End of this chapter)