Ming Dynasty: Zhu Biao's younger brother, the most rebellious son in history

"Second brother, why did you finish work so early today?" Zhu Biao asked with a smile.

Zhu Kai put down the pen in his hand, stood up and greeted him: "Brother, actually there are still some matters that have not been dealt with. However, since you are here, I would like to ask you for advice."

Zhu Biao nodded and motioned for Zhu Kai to sit down: "Just tell me what you want to talk about, and we can discuss it together."

Zhu Kai hesitated for a moment, and finally asked, "Brother, some ministers in the court have been complaining about me recently. Do you know what's going on?"

Zhu Biao's expression turned serious. "Yes, I also heard some rumors. But you don't have to take it too seriously. As long as you are wholeheartedly devoted to the country and the people, their words are naturally not worth telling to outsiders."

"But..." Zhu Kai seemed a little worried, "If this continues, will it affect our cooperation?"

Zhu Biao thought for a moment, then comforted him, "No. As long as you continue to maintain your current attitude, I believe they will slowly change their views. After all, facts speak louder than words."

Hearing this, Zhu Kai felt a little relieved. But he couldn't help but remind himself to be more careful in handling government affairs in the future, so as not to leave any handle for those dissatisfied ministers.

That evening, Zhu Kai had just returned from the palace when he saw a gorgeous carriage parked in front of the Prince's Mansion. When he got closer, he saw that it was an envoy sent by Zhu Yuanzhang. When the envoy saw Zhu Kai, he hurried forward and saluted: "Your Majesty, His Majesty invites you."

Zhu Kai was slightly stunned, then nodded and responded: "Got it, please lead the way."

Following the envoy to the palace, Zhu Kai was taken to the imperial study. Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting at his desk reviewing memorials. When he saw him come in, he put down his pen and asked gently, "Kai'er, I have seen your performance in the court during this period. What do you think of the prince?"

Zhu Kai's heart was moved, and he knelt down quickly: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is kind and generous, and is deeply loved by the court officials. I am ashamed to be inferior to him."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled gently: "Kai'er, you don't have to be so modest. I have seen your cooperation with the crown prince. You two brothers are the pillars of our dynasty."

Hearing this, Zhu Kai felt a warm current in his heart. He knew that this was not only an affirmation of his work, but also a recognition of the deep feelings between him and the prince.

"Thank you for the praise, father. I will live up to your expectations and keep working hard." Zhu Kai replied respectfully.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. Kai'er, do you know that the prince's health has improved recently? I plan to let him preside over this year's imperial examination. What do you think?"

Zhu Kai was delighted and said quickly, "This is the best thing. I am willing to fully assist the Crown Prince to ensure the smooth progress of the imperial examination."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled with satisfaction: "Then I'll have to trouble Kai'er."

Coming out of the Imperial Study, Zhu Kai was very excited. He thought that this imperial examination was of great significance to the prince, and he must do his best to assist him. So he immediately returned to the palace and began to prepare for the relevant matters.

In the following month, Zhu Kai devoted almost all his energy to the preparations for the imperial examination. He personally reviewed the list of candidates, arranged the layout of the examination room, and communicated closely with local officials to ensure that the examination was fair and just. At the same time, he kept reporting progress to the crown prince and listened to his opinions.

Finally, the day of the imperial examination arrived. On this day, the capital was bustling with activity, and countless students entered the examination room with trepidation. Zhu Kai stood outside the palace gate with the prince, looking at the bustling crowd in front of them, and his heart was filled with emotion.

"Second brother, thank you for your hard work during this period." Zhu Biao said softly.

Zhu Kai smiled slightly: "Brother, this is what we should do. I just hope that this imperial examination can select real talents and contribute to the country."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes full of expectation: "I believe we can achieve this goal."

Soon after the imperial examination was over, Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao attended the ceremony to announce the results. When they saw the excited expressions of those young students, they were both filled with joy, because they knew that these talents would become an important force for the future development of the country.

After the ceremony, Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao walked side by side on the way back to the palace. As the night deepened and the lights dimmed, the two were silent for a long time. Finally, Zhu Kai broke the silence: "Brother, the success of this imperial examination is inseparable from your wise leadership."

Zhu Biao smiled slightly: "No, without you, none of this would be possible. We two brothers are indispensable."

Zhu Kai felt warm in his heart, and then he said seriously: "Brother, no matter what happens in the future, I will always support you."

A few months after the results of the imperial examination were announced, the entire capital was immersed in a peaceful atmosphere. The relationship between Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao became closer, and they often discussed national affairs together and worked out solutions. However, the good times did not last long, as a sudden natural disaster broke the peace.

That morning, the sky suddenly became overcast, the wind howled, and then it began to rain heavily. Soon, the streets were flooded and many houses collapsed because they could not withstand the heavy rain. The news quickly reached the palace, and Zhu Biao immediately ordered a rescue team to go to the disaster area.

"Second brother, the situation is critical. We must act as soon as possible." Zhu Biao said to Zhu Kai with a serious expression.

Zhu Kai nodded: "Don't worry, big brother. I have sent people to notify all government offices to prepare food, clothing and other supplies to support the disaster area."

"Okay, let's set off immediately." Zhu Biao said and left in a hurry, followed closely by Zhu Kai.

Arriving at the disaster site, the scene in front of us was heartbreaking. Houses were severely damaged, many people were homeless, children were crying for their parents, and the elderly were sitting helplessly in the mud. Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai immediately directed the rescue workers to distribute food and medicine, and arranged temporary settlements for the victims to take shelter.

"Second brother, look, there's an old man over there who needs help." Zhu Biao said, pointing not far away.

Zhu Kai looked in the direction and saw a white-haired old man struggling to move his body. "I'll be there right away," he said, and walked quickly towards the old man.

"Old man, are you okay?" Zhu Kai asked with concern.

The old man raised his head, his eyes full of gratitude: "Thank you for saving my life, sir. I just have difficulty walking and can't walk anymore."

Zhu Kai quickly helped the old man up: "Don't worry, we will take good care of you. Now please follow me to a safe place to rest."

After a lot of hard work, most of the victims were finally properly resettled. However, some people were still depressed because they had lost their loved ones. Zhu Biao realized this problem and decided to go and comfort them personally.

"Don't be discouraged, as long as we unite as one, there will be no difficulties that we cannot overcome." Zhu Biao said loudly while standing in the crowd.

"Your Highness is right! We will definitely get through this!" someone responded loudly.

At this time, Zhu Kai also joined in: "Fellow villagers, we have sent people to various places to collect supplies, and I believe that we will be able to resume normal life soon." Hearing this, the crowd burst into warm applause. Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai smiled at each other, feeling very relieved.

One night, Zhu Kai returned to the palace and fell into a chair exhausted. At this time, Zhu Biao came in with a bowl of hot porridge. "Second brother, you have worked hard. Drink some porridge to warm yourself up first."

Zhu Kai took the bowl and said gratefully: "Thank you for your concern, brother. In fact, I think such a busy day is quite fulfilling."

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Yes, although I am tired, I am still very happy to see everyone cheering up again."

The two of them were eating and chatting about their next work plan. At this moment, a guard came in a hurry to report: "Your Highnesses, there has been another flood disaster in a certain place in the south. We request emergency assistance."

Zhu Kai put down his chopsticks, his expression solemn: "It seems that this disaster is not over yet. Brother, we have to quickly formulate a response plan."

Zhu Biao nodded: "That's right, you go and notify the relevant departments to make preparations first, I will go to the emperor to request reinforcements."

"Okay, I'll do it right away." Zhu Kai said and stood up and left.

The next morning, Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai appeared in the disaster area again. This time, they brought more relief supplies and medical teams. With the joint efforts of everyone, the disaster-stricken areas gradually recovered their former vitality.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai co-hosted a celebration to honor those who performed outstandingly during the disaster relief process. During the event, Zhu Biao gave a moving speech.

"Everyone, this disaster has made us feel the fragility of life, but it has also witnessed the greatness of human nature. It is because of everyone's selfless dedication that we can overcome difficulties and rebuild our homes. Here, I would like to pay the highest tribute to all those who participated in the rescue!"

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause broke out from the audience. Zhu Kai stepped forward and added: "At the same time, we should also learn lessons and strengthen preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of similar incidents in the future."

After the event, Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao returned to the palace. They sat opposite each other, their hearts filled with emotion.

"Brother, you have worked really hard during this period." Zhu Kai said sincerely.

Zhu Biao waved his hands: "No, no, compared to the soldiers on the front line, our contribution is nothing."

Zhu Kai was silent for a moment, then continued: "However, this experience has made me deeply realize the sense of responsibility as a member of the royal family. In the future, I will work harder to seek benefits for the people."

Zhu Biao smiled with satisfaction when he heard this: "Second brother, I am glad that you have such awareness. As long as we work together, there is nothing that cannot be solved."

Zhu Kai nodded vigorously, with a determined light in his eyes.

After completing the disaster relief work, the people in the capital gradually returned to their previous pace of life. However, just when people thought everything would return to calm, a new challenge was placed before Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai - a sudden epidemic began to spread in the city.

"Zhu Kai, there have been some strange symptoms in the city recently," Zhu Biao frowned, holding a report, "According to the imperial physician, this is an unprecedented infectious disease, and many people have been bedridden because of it."

After hearing this, Zhu Kai's face darkened. "Brother, this is a serious matter. We must take immediate measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic."

"I have ordered the blockade of the affected area and sent imperial doctors to investigate the cause," Zhu Biao explained, "but we still need a more comprehensive plan to control the situation."

"Then let's convene officials immediately to discuss countermeasures." Zhu Kai suggested.

"Second Highness, although we have tried our best to seal off the epidemic area, there are still a few people trying to escape," an official reported, "How to deal with these people has become a problem."

Zhu Kai thought for a moment, "We must stick to our principles, but we can't be too harsh. For those who try to escape, we can first persuade them and tell them that this is for everyone's safety. If they still don't listen to the advice, then we can only take coercive measures."

"Yes, I understand." The official nodded.

As the epidemic continued to develop, more and more people began to panic. Zhu Biao realized that in addition to practical epidemic prevention measures, stabilizing people's hearts was equally important.

"Zhu Kai, we need to do something to calm the people," Zhu Biao said worriedly, "If everyone falls into panic, things will become more difficult."

"Brother is right," Zhu Kai agreed, "I think we should release some information publicly to tell everyone what we are doing and remind them how to protect themselves."

"Good idea," Zhu Biao nodded in agreement. "Besides, I also want to go to the epidemic area in person to see the situation there."

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Biao in surprise, "Brother, this is too dangerous."

"I know, but as the crown prince, I have the responsibility to understand the situation on the front line so that I can better guide our work." Zhu Biao said firmly.

Under the leadership of Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai, the epidemic prevention work gradually achieved results. However, just when everyone thought the epidemic was about to end, a new problem emerged - the disease seemed to have developed resistance to certain herbs, and the original treatment methods were no longer effective.

"Zhu Kai, what should we do?" Zhu Biao asked anxiously, "The imperial doctors have tried everything, but nothing works."

"Brother, maybe we can try to find the answer from the folks," Zhu Kai suggested, "After all, there are many experienced doctors in the folks, maybe they know some methods that we don't know yet."

"Good idea," Zhu Biao nodded in praise, "Then you go and take charge of this matter. I believe in your ability."

"Don't worry, brother, I will try my best to find a solution." Zhu Kai answered confidently.

Zhu Kai then began a series of visits, from the streets to the mountains and villages, he worked tirelessly to find possible clues. Finally, in a remote village, he met an elderly herbalist.

"Old man, I heard that you know a lot about herbs," Zhu Kai asked respectfully, "Do you know any way to treat the current epidemic?"

The old man was silent for a while, then slowly spoke: "Young man, what you are facing is an extremely rare disease. To cure it, you need a special herb, but it grows in extremely cold places and is very difficult to obtain." (End of this chapter)