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

Chapter 1412 There Must Be a Hidden Story

The Ghost Hand Sect disciples panicked and tried to resist, but under the siege of the defending troops, they gradually fell into a predicament.

"What's going on? Why are there so many guards?" a Ghost Hand Sect disciple shouted in terror.

"We've fallen into a trap! Break through!" another disciple shouted, trying to organize the group to fight back and break out. However, the defending troops were well-trained and coordinated, surrounding them completely, making a breakout extremely difficult.

Meanwhile, the capital's water sources had already been protected by the garrison, making it impossible for the Poison Scorpion Gang members to poison the city.

They lay in ambush near the water source, watching the garrison stand ready, their hearts filled with despair.

"Boss, what do we do? There's no way to get near the water source," a member of the Poison Scorpion Gang whispered.

"Let's wait and see if there's a chance," the leader of the Poison Scorpion Gang said through gritted teeth, though he knew in his heart that this operation was likely to fail.

The elite force that was preparing to attack the Prince of Han's mansion was ambushed by the naval forces led by Lu Chenzhou when they infiltrated the vicinity of the mansion.

A fierce battle ensued. Although the Shenyan Alliance's attack team was brave, they gradually found themselves in trouble under Lu Chenzhou's careful planning.

Holding a long spear, Lu Chenzhou took the lead and charged into the enemy ranks.

His marksmanship was sharp, each shot carrying immense power, striking fear into the hearts of his enemies.

Under his leadership, the morale of the naval officers and soldiers soared, and they fought bravely against the enemy.

"Kill them! Don't let these thieves get near the Prince of Han's mansion!" Lu Chenzhou shouted.

The attacking force of the Shenyan Alliance was not to be outdone. Each of them was highly skilled in martial arts and well-equipped, and they engaged in a fierce battle with the naval soldiers.

In an instant, shouts of battle filled the air, and the glint of swords flashed.

A master from the Shen family brandished a large sword and slashed at a naval soldier.

The naval officer dodged the attack by sidestepping, and then took the opportunity to thrust his spear at the chest of the Shen family expert.

The Shen family expert reacted quickly, blocking the spear with his knife, and the two were locked in a stalemate.

Just then, another naval officer attacked the Shen family expert from the side.

The Shen family expert was unable to dodge in time and was slashed on the arm by the spear.

He roared angrily, intensifying his attack and forcing the naval soldiers in front of him back several steps.

However, before he could catch his breath, several more naval soldiers surrounded him.

The Shen family expert was in dire straits. He charged left and right, but could not break through the encirclement. In the end, he was subdued by the combined efforts of the naval soldiers and pinned to the ground.

The battle lasted for a long time, and the Shenyan Alliance's attacking force gradually became exhausted, suffering heavy casualties.

Meanwhile, the naval officers and soldiers and the garrison of the capital gradually gained the upper hand due to their numerical advantage and well-organized tactics.

Shen Wancai and Han Shichang were furious when they learned of the operation's failure.

They never expected that their meticulous plan would be so easily seen through by Lu Chenzhou, resulting in such a crushing defeat.

"Lu Chenzhou! I will never let you get away with this!" Shen Wancai said through gritted teeth.

"Brother Shen, now is not the time to be angry. We need to quickly think of a way to deal with the situation ahead," Han Shichang said with a frown.

"What other options are there? Our forces have already suffered heavy losses, and recovery is no easy task," Shen Wancai said in despair.

"No, we can't give up like this. Although this operation failed, we still have some strength. We can hide away, conserve our energy, and wait for an opportunity to make a comeback," Han Shichang advised.

Shen Wancai pondered for a moment and felt that Han Shichang's words made sense.

So they decided to hide temporarily to avoid Lu Chenzhou's pursuit.

After quelling the rebellion of the Shenyan Alliance, Lu Chenzhou immediately reported to Zhu Han.

Zhu Han nodded in satisfaction after hearing this.

"General Lu, you did a great job this time. The Shenyan Alliance attempted to create chaos in the capital and attack the Prince Han's residence; their intentions are despicable. Now that they have suffered heavy losses, they should not dare to make any rash moves for a while," Zhu Han said.

"Your Highness is too kind. This is all I should do. However, although the Shenyan Alliance has suffered a blow, their power has not been completely eliminated. We still need to strengthen our defenses to prevent them from causing trouble again," Lu Chenzhou said.

Zhu Han nodded: "General Lu is absolutely right. Continue to arrange for people to closely monitor the movements of the Shenyan Alliance, and report to me immediately if there is any news. At the same time, strengthen the defense of the capital and ensure its safety."

"This subordinate obeys!" Lu Chenzhou said, then turned and left the Prince of Han's residence.

Zhu Han sat in his study, pondering his next plan.

"System, sign in," Zhu Han silently said to himself.

"Ding! Sign-in successful. Reward: one firearm manufacturing blueprint." The system's voice rang in Zhu Han's mind.

"These firearms manufacturing blueprints have arrived just in time. With them, we can create more powerful weapons to meet all kinds of challenges," Zhu Han muttered to himself.

Therefore, Zhu Han immediately summoned the artisans and firearms experts in the court and handed them over the blueprints for firearms manufacturing.

"Gentlemen," Zhu Han said, "this is a firearm manufacturing blueprint that I obtained. It records an advanced method for manufacturing firearms. You must study it carefully and manufacture this firearm as soon as possible."

The craftsmen and firearms experts took the blueprints and examined them carefully.

They became increasingly excited as they looked at it, and all expressed their determination to manufacture this firearm as soon as possible.

"Your Highness, rest assured, we will do our utmost to live up to your expectations," a craftsman said.

Zhu Han nodded in satisfaction: "Good, I have faith in your abilities. If you encounter any difficulties during the manufacturing process, please report to me immediately."

The craftsmen and firearms experts accepted the order and began the intensive work of manufacturing firearms. At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang also learned of the rebellion of the Shenyan Alliance.

He was furious and immediately summoned the court officials to discuss countermeasures.

"This Shenyan Alliance dared to create chaos in the capital and attack the Prince of Han's residence. They are simply lawless! I must punish them severely as a warning to others!" Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily.

“Your Majesty, please calm your anger. General Lu Chenzhou has now quelled the rebellion, and the Shenyan Alliance has suffered a heavy blow. They should not dare to cause trouble again for the time being,” a minister said.

"Even so, we cannot let our guard down. The existence of the Shenyan Alliance remains a hidden danger, and we must completely eliminate them to ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

“Your Majesty is absolutely right. However, the Shenyan Alliance is a powerful force, and it will not be easy to completely eliminate them. We can first strengthen the defenses of the capital, and at the same time send people to investigate the remaining forces of the Shenyan Alliance, so as to wipe them out in one fell swoop,” another minister said.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Your words make sense. Do as you say. Also, issue an imperial decree to commend General Lu Chenzhou for his meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion, and to reward him with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk."

"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers exclaimed in unison.

After the court session ended, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Zhu Han to the imperial study.

"Brother, thanks to you and General Lu Chenzhou for quelling the Shenyan Alliance rebellion in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"Your Majesty, you flatter me. This is all I should do. As a prince of the Ming Dynasty, I have a responsibility to maintain the stability and security of the Ming Dynasty," Zhu Han said.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction: "Your Majesty, you have always been loyal and have made many contributions to the Ming Dynasty. It is truly a blessing for the Ming Dynasty to have a brother like you."

"Your Majesty flatters me. I have only done my best. However, although the Shenyan Alliance has suffered a blow, their power has not been completely eliminated. We still need to strengthen our defenses to prevent them from causing trouble again," Zhu Han said.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "What you say is absolutely right, my brother. I have already ordered the defense of the capital to be strengthened, and at the same time sent people to investigate the remaining forces of the Shenyan Alliance. However, I have another idea that I would like to discuss with you."

“Please speak freely, Your Majesty,” Zhu Han said.

"I believe we can take this opportunity to reform the Ming Dynasty's army and improve its combat effectiveness. Nowadays, firearms are playing an increasingly important role in warfare. We can increase our efforts in the research and development and manufacturing of firearms, and form a firearms-equipped unit to cope with future wars," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Zhu Han was overjoyed, as this was exactly what he had in mind. He hadn't expected that Zhu Yuanzhang would also be thinking about military reform and firearms units.

"Your Majesty is wise! I also believe that military reform is imperative. Establishing a firearms unit is an excellent idea. With advanced firearms, the strength of our Ming Dynasty's army will be greatly enhanced," Zhu Han said.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily: "It seems we brothers have the same idea. Then I'll leave this matter to you. You must quickly formulate a plan for military reform and a plan for the formation of firearms units, and present it to me for review."

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly not disappoint you," Zhu Han said.

After leaving the Imperial Study, Zhu Han immediately returned to the Prince of Han's Mansion and began to formulate a plan for military reform and the establishment of a firearms unit.

He summoned military and firearms experts from the imperial court to discuss solutions with them.

"Gentlemen," Zhu Han said, "His Majesty now intends to reform the Ming Dynasty's army and establish a firearms unit. You are all experts in military affairs and firearms, and I hope you will speak freely and offer your valuable opinions and suggestions."

Zhu Han listened carefully to everyone's opinions and suggestions, and then discussed and formulated a detailed plan for military reform and the establishment of firearms units with them.

After the plan was finalized, Zhu Han immediately presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang carefully reviewed the plan and was very satisfied.

"Your Majesty, your plan is very detailed and highly feasible. I approve it. Now proceed according to this plan," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"Your subject obeys!" Zhu Han said, then turned and left the imperial study.

Zhu Han sat upright in his study, his brow furrowed, and said to his trusted advisors, "The conservative ministers now hold considerable power in the court. If we want to bring them down, we must start by investigating their daily interactions, figuring out their backgrounds before making any plans. Immediately arrange for a group of loyal, reliable, and meticulous spies to disguise themselves and infiltrate the restaurants, teahouses, casinos, and other places they frequent, paying attention to their every move and listening to their conversations."

The strategist nodded quickly: "Don't worry, sir, I will make the arrangements right away and select the most suitable candidate."

A few days later, in a high-end restaurant called "Drunken Immortal Pavilion", the undercover agent Afu, disguised as a waiter, was busy serving the guests.

At this moment, Li, a core minister of the conservative faction, and a mysterious wealthy merchant walked in.

Ah Fu's eyes lit up, and he immediately stepped forward with a beaming smile: "Please come in, gentlemen. There are still seats available in the private rooms."

Lord Li nodded slightly and followed the wealthy merchant into a secluded private room with Afu.

After serving the tea, Afu quietly slipped out and stood guard outside the door, his ears perked up. Unfortunately, he could only hear faint voices inside and couldn't make out the details at all.

Another undercover agent, Ah Qiang, disguised as a diner, sat not far away, seemingly eating his food leisurely, but in reality, he was keeping a close eye on the activity in the private room.

After Lord Li and the wealthy merchant had been inside for a while, A-Qiang deliberately got up and pretended to casually pass by the door of the private room. Through the crack in the door, he could only see the two sitting at the table with serious expressions, but he could not know what they were talking about.

Ah-Qiang frowned, returned to his seat, and whispered to Ah-Fu, "These two always meet so discreetly and talk for so long. There must be some unspeakable secret behind their meetings, but we can't hear what they're saying. What should we do?"

After a moment's thought, Afu said, "Don't rush. Let's observe their expressions and movements when they come in and out, as well as the unusual behavior of their attendants. Maybe we can find some clues."

As a result, the two became even more attentive.

When Lord Li and the wealthy merchant came out after their conversation, Lord Li's expression was solemn, while the merchant nodded slightly, a hint of cunning in his eyes. Their attendants also looked tense and hurried along.

A-Qiang and A-Fu wrote down all these details. After returning to the spy gathering place, they reported to the spy chief in charge of summarizing the information: "We found that Lord Li and a mysterious wealthy merchant frequently meet at Zui Xian Lou. Each time, they meet in a secluded private room and talk for a long time. Judging from their expressions and actions when they come and go, as well as the unusual behavior of their entourage, there must be something going on."

After listening, the undercover agent said, "You've done a good job. Continue to follow this wealthy businessman and see if you can find any more clues."

A thought struck Amin. After the wealthy merchant left, he quietly slipped into the mansion and inquired about the situation from the servants. The servant gave him a wary look: "Who are you? What are you asking about?"

Amin quickly smiled apologetically: "Brother, I'm a businessman, and I'm a little short on cash lately. I'm wondering if I can get in touch with this wealthy businessman and do some business."

Upon hearing this, the servant relaxed his guard and said, "This wealthy merchant is incredibly powerful and has connections with many officials in the court. He specializes in helping them amass wealth. You'd better not cause any trouble."

Having figured things out, Amin thanked the servant and immediately went back to report the situation to Zhu Han.

Sitting in his study, Zhu Han listened to the report but did not rush into action. Instead, he pondered for a moment and said, "This alone is not enough to completely overthrow the conservative ministers. We must continue to investigate thoroughly and find more conclusive evidence." (End of Chapter)