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

In the court, a minister stood up and said, "Your Majesty, there has been a flood in the Jiangnan area recently. The people are displaced and urgently need relief from the court."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and said, "Quickly formulate a disaster relief plan, and there must be no mistakes."

When Zhu Kai and Zhu Di heard about this, they both volunteered to go to Jiangnan to help with disaster relief.

Zhu Kai said: "Father, I am willing to go to Jiangnan to help the people overcome their difficulties."

Zhu Di was not to be outdone: "Father, I am also willing to contribute to disaster relief."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment and said, "Well, Zhu Kai will be the leader and Zhu Di will be the assistant, and we will go to Jiangnan together."

After receiving the order, the two brothers set off immediately.

On the way, Zhu Kai said to Zhu Di: "Fourth brother, this disaster relief responsibility is huge, we need to do our best."

Zhu Di nodded and said, "Don't worry, second brother. I understand."

When they arrived in Jiangnan, the scene before them was shocking.

Zhu Kai said: "First, settle the victims and distribute food and clothing."

Zhu Di replied: "Okay, I'll arrange it right away."

However, the relief work did not go smoothly.

There was a shortage of food and supplies, and some officials even enriched themselves.

Zhu Di said angrily: "Second brother, these corrupt officials are really abominable and must be severely punished."

Zhu Kai said: "Collect evidence first, don't alert the enemy."

After some investigation, they obtained evidence of corruption by some officials.

Zhu Kai summoned the local officials and said sternly: "As officials appointed by the court, you do not think about solving the problems of the people, but instead engage in corruption. What crime should you be punished for?"

Some officials were so frightened that they knelt down and begged for mercy: "Second Prince, please spare my life."

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, we can't let them go easily."

Zhu Kai said: "Escort these corrupt officials back to the capital and hand them over to the emperor for punishment."

During the disaster relief process, Zhu Kai and Zhu Di also encountered some difficulties.

Zhu Di said: "Brother, rebuilding our homeland requires a lot of money and manpower. What should we do?"

Zhu Kai thought for a moment and said, "Solicit donations from the wealthy merchants and big families in the surrounding area, and at the same time request reinforcements from the imperial court."

So, they organized a fundraising campaign and sent people back to Beijing to ask for support.

In the capital, Zhu Yuanzhang received their report.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Pass on my order to fully support the disaster relief in Jiangnan."

With the support of the court, disaster relief work gradually improved.

The victims were grateful to Zhu Kai and Zhu Di.

An old man said: "Thank you, the two princes, for saving our lives."

Zhu Kai said: "This is what we should do."

Just then, bad news came again.

Zhu Kai's men hurried over to report: "Your Majesty, it's bad. Someone is spreading rumors among the victims, saying that the court is not doing enough to help the disaster, and intends to incite a civil uprising."

Zhu Kai was shocked: "Go and find out who is causing trouble."

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, could it be that someone deliberately framed me again?"

Zhu Kai said: "It is very likely. We must deal with it carefully."

After some investigation, it was discovered that a hostile force was behind the incident.

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, we can't let them succeed."

Zhu Kai said: "We must comfort the victims and expose their conspiracy."

Finally, thanks to the efforts of Zhu Kai and Zhu Di, the floods in Jiangnan were quelled and the situation stabilized.

The two brothers returned to Beijing with the news of victory.

Zhu Yuanzhang was delighted and said: "You have done a great job. I will reward you handsomely."

Zhu Kai and Zhu Di said in unison: "It is my duty as a son to share my father's worries and seek happiness for the people. I dare not ask for a reward."

But they didn't know that a new crisis was quietly approaching.

Zhu Kai and Zhu Di's prestige in the court increased due to their contributions to disaster relief in the south of the Yangtze River.

That day, in Zhu Kai's house, Gu Wen said worriedly: "My Lord, now that you and Prince Yan's reputation in the court is growing, I'm afraid it will arouse the jealousy and frame-up of some people."

Zhu Kai frowned slightly: "This prince is devoted to the court and the people, and has a clear conscience, but you just need to be careful."

At the same time, in Zhu Di's house, his advisers were also advising: "Your Highness, the situation is favorable to you now, but you must not take it lightly and always pay attention to the developments in the court."

Zhu Di nodded: "I understand, and I will not let others take advantage of this opportunity."

Soon, the imperial court received urgent news from the border that the northern barbarians were invading again.

In the court, the ministers argued endlessly.

A minister asked, "Which prince should be sent to fight this time?"

Another minister said, "The Second Prince and Prince Yan have just returned from Jiangnan. Should they take a rest?"

Zhu Kai took the initiative to step forward and said, "Father, I am willing to go to war again to ensure peace on the border of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Di was not to be outdone: "Father, I am willing to go too."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment and said: "Then let Zhu Kai be the commander-in-chief and Zhu Di be the deputy commander-in-chief to lead the army to the battle."

Before the expedition, Zhu Kai and Zhu Di discussed strategy in the tent.

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, the barbarians are coming with great force this time, we must not underestimate the enemy."

Zhu Kai replied: "Don't worry, fourth brother, we will plan carefully and defeat the enemy in one fell swoop."

On the battlefield, two armies faced off.

Zhu Kai shouted loudly: "How dare you, barbarians, invade my border! Today, I will make sure you never return!"

The barbarian leader responded: "Stop talking nonsense, come and fight if you have the guts!"

The battle started and both sides fought fiercely.

Zhu Di fought bravely and shouted, "Brothers, charge!"

Zhu Kai gave the command confidently: "Outflank the left wing, attack the right wing!"

After a fierce battle, the Ming army gradually gained the upper hand.

However, at this moment, news suddenly came from the army that food and grass had been robbed.

Zhu Kai was shocked: "What's going on? Check it out quickly!"

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, this must be a conspiracy of the enemy."

The spy reported: "Your Majesty, a group of bandits took advantage of the chaos to rob the food and grass."

Zhu Kai shouted angrily: "Damn it, send someone to take back the food first."

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, the army is unstable at this moment, we need to stabilize the situation."

Zhu Kai nodded: "Fourth brother is right. Pass on my order. The whole army should be on alert and not lose their composure."

Thanks to the efforts of Zhu Kai and Zhu Di, the situation finally stabilized.

At night, in the tent.

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, although today's battle is difficult, as long as we unite as one, we will surely win."

Zhu Kai replied: "That's right, but the issue of food and grass needs to be resolved as soon as possible."

As he was speaking, a general came in and reported: "Your Majesty, we have found traces of the bandits."

Zhu Kai immediately stood up and said, "Gather the troops and follow me."

After a pursuit, they finally recovered the food and supplies.

Zhu Kai said: "This time it is all thanks to the soldiers who fought bravely."

Zhu Di smiled and said, "Thanks to my second brother's good command, we were able to complete the task so smoothly."

In the subsequent battles, the Ming army became more and more courageous and finally defeated the barbarians.

After the army returned to the capital, Zhu Yuanzhang personally welcomed them.

Zhu Yuanzhang said happily: "My son is brave and has made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty." Zhu Kai and Zhu Di knelt down to express their gratitude.

Just as everyone was celebrating, a secret letter was delivered to Zhu Yuanzhang.

After seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned gloomy.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy, and Zhu Kai and Zhu Di both had an ominous premonition in their hearts.

Zhu Kai asked carefully: "Father, what happened?"

Zhu Yuanzhang threw the secret letter to them and said angrily: "Look for yourselves! Someone has impeached you for having troops on the battlefield and having evil intentions."

Zhu Di quickly defended himself, "Father, this must be a false accusation. I only want to kill the enemy and serve my country. I have no such intention!"

Zhu Kai also said: "Father, please understand clearly that someone is deliberately instigating this. I am loyal to you."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then said, "I will investigate this matter thoroughly, but before the truth comes out, you should return to your residence and reflect on your mistakes."

Zhu Kai and Zhu Di had no choice but to obey the order.

After returning home, Zhu Di was very angry.

Zhu Di said to his confidants: "These continuous false accusations must be caused by someone behind the scenes who wants to kill us."

The confidant echoed: "Your Majesty, we can't just sit there and wait for death. We have to find a way to find the mastermind behind this."

Zhu Kai was also worried in his mansion.

Gu Wen said: "Your Majesty, this time it may not be that simple, we must be careful."

Zhu Kai sighed and said, "My fourth brother and I are devoted to the country, but we are slandered like this. It is really chilling."

At the same time, the court was divided into several factions because of this matter.

One group advocated severe punishment for Zhu Kai and Zhu Di, while the other group believed that this was a false accusation and the truth should be found out.

At a court meeting, the ministers argued endlessly about this.

The minister said: "The Second Prince and the Prince of Yan have made many military achievements. It is impossible for them to have their own troops. Someone must have framed them."

The minister retorted: "There is no smoke without fire. This matter must be investigated thoroughly."

Zhu Yuanzhang was upset as he listened to the arguments among his ministers.

At this time, an old minister stood up and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. You must not jump to conclusions rashly, so as not to wrongly accuse loyal officials."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly: "I know my limits."

Zhu Kai and Zhu Di were also secretly investigating the matter.

Zhu Di said to Zhu Kai: "Second brother, I think this matter is related to a powerful person in the court."

Zhu Kai pondered and said, "Does Fourth Brother have any evidence?"

Zhu Di said: "There is no conclusive evidence yet, but my people have found some clues."

While they were investigating, new troubles arose.

Some people were instigated to cause trouble in front of Zhu Kai and Zhu Di's residences.

The people shouted: "Punish the traitors severely!"

The people followed suit and shouted: "We can't let them harm the court!"

After Zhu Kai and Zhu Di learned about this, they decided to step forward to appease the people.

Zhu Kai said: "Fellow villagers, don't be misled by rumors. My loyalty to the court is evident to all."

Zhu Di also said: "Don't worry, we will find out the truth and give you an explanation."

After some persuasion, the people's emotions gradually stabilized.

In the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was also thinking about how to solve this matter.

Zhu Yuanzhang said to the eunuch, "Send an order to have Zhu Kai and Zhu Di enter the palace."

Zhu Kai and Zhu Di hurried into the palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "I will give you a chance to prove your innocence."

Zhu Kai and Zhu Di said in unison: "Thank you, Father. I will definitely fulfill my mission."

After Zhu Kai and Zhu Di came out of the palace, they knew that time was running out and they had to find evidence to prove their innocence as soon as possible.

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, we have to act separately, so that we can speed up the progress of the investigation."

Zhu Kai nodded and said, "Okay, fourth brother, be careful."

Zhu Di returned to the palace and immediately summoned his men.

Zhu Di said: "Find out all the details of those who have been against us recently, and don't let any of them go."

The men followed the order and left.

Zhu Kai was not idle either. He and Gu Wen were analyzing the clues they had obtained.

Zhu Kai said, "Gu Wen, do you think this incident is related to the officials that were offended during the disaster relief in Jiangnan?"

Gu Wen thought for a moment and said, "Your Highness, it is possible. Those people were punished by us and hold a grudge against us. They may take the opportunity to take revenge."

Zhu Kai frowned and said, "If it's really them, then things will be tricky."

A few days later, Zhu Di made some discoveries.

Zhu Di said to his subordinates: "I found out that the minister who has always advocated severe punishment for us has close contacts with a wealthy businessman in the capital, and this wealthy businessman is in collusion with a eunuch in the palace."

The subordinate asked: "My Lord, what should we do next?"

Zhu Di said: "Keep investigating and find out the secret between them."

Zhu Kai also discovered some clues through his own channels.

Zhu Kai said to Gu Wen, "I found that the last time the food and grass were robbed on the battlefield, it seemed that there was a traitor who tipped off the matter."

Gu Wen was surprised and asked, "Your Majesty, could it be that someone in our army has been bribed?"

Zhu Kai's face was solemn: "It is very likely, we have to investigate secretly."

Just as they were working hard to investigate, new trouble arose.

Someone in the court wrote a letter saying that Zhu Kai and Zhu Di deliberately delayed the investigation and were suspected of covering up the case.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was very angry.

Zhu Yuanzhang sent someone to convey his order to Zhu Kai and Zhu Di: "If you still can't find the result, I will never let you off easily."

Zhu Di said anxiously: "Second brother, what should we do?"

Zhu Kai said calmly: "Fourth brother, the more it is at this time, the more we can't lose our composure."

After a few more days, Zhu Di finally found the key evidence.

Zhu Di said excitedly: "Second brother, I found out that the minister accepted bribes and secretly colluded with the barbarians, trying to frame us and then seize power."

Zhu Kai said: "Great, with this evidence, we can prove our innocence to our father."

They brought the evidence to the palace to see the emperor.

Zhu Kai said: "Father, your son and I have found out the truth. This is all the conspiracy of that minister."

Zhu Di continued, "Father, please look at these evidences."

After reading the evidence, Zhu Yuanzhang was furious.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "How dare you frame the prince like this? I will never tolerate it."

In the end, the minister was severely punished, and Zhu Kai and Zhu Di successfully cleared their names.

However, after this series of disturbances, Zhu Kai and Zhu Di realized the complexity of the court and the sinister nature of human nature.

Zhu Di said: "Second brother, we must be more careful in the future."

Zhu Kai nodded and said, "Yes, fourth brother, for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, we have a long way to go."

After Zhu Kai and Zhu Di successfully cleared their grievances, they thought they could live a peaceful life. However, fate did not seem to let them rest in peace.

One day, Zhu Di discussed with his advisers in the palace.

The counselor said worriedly: "Your Highness, although this crisis has passed, the situation in the court is still complicated. Those who are jealous of you and the Second Prince will probably not give up."

Zhu Di snorted coldly: "If they dare to come again, I will make them pay."

The counselor continued, "Your Highness, don't be careless. Although there is no war on the border for the time being, banditry has resurfaced in the south. I'm afraid the court will have another headache." (End of this chapter)