Chapter 864: Feedback and public sentiment, Zhu Di plots against Jin Yiwei
"Sir, the farm tools and oxen recently distributed to us by the imperial court have really helped us a lot!" A young farmer said excitedly, "In the past, our family only had one old ox, which was really powerless during spring plowing. But now it's better.
The new cattle are powerful and efficient, so we no longer have to worry about missing the farming season."
Zhu Han nodded and smiled, his eyes filled with relief: "That's good. We feel much more at ease after hearing such feedback. However, apart from farm tools and cattle, do you also encounter any problems during the production process?"
At this time, the old farmer just sighed and took over the conversation: "Sir, everything else is fine. It's just these pests and diseases that give people a headache at this time of year. How can we farmers know so many prevention and control methods?
I can only watch the crops being eaten by insects, which makes me feel distressed."
When Zhu Han heard this, he frowned slightly and turned to look at Zhu Biao. Their eyes met and they understood each other's thoughts without saying anything. Zhu Han continued to ask: "Then what do you hope the court can do to help you solve this problem?
Woolen cloth?"
“It would be great if we could send some knowledgeable masters to teach us how to identify pests and diseases and how to prevent and control them.” The old farmer said with great expectation, “Also, it would be even better if we could sell some cheap and effective pesticides.
I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Zhu Han and Zhu Biao carefully recorded every suggestion and demand of the farmers, nodding from time to time to express their understanding. After the exchange, they stood up to thank the farmers and promised to report these problems to the court as soon as possible and strive to solve practical problems for everyone as soon as possible.
question.
On the way out of the farmland, Zhu Han said to Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, it seems that we need to increase our efforts in agricultural technical guidance and pest control. I think we can consider setting up a special agricultural technology extension team to conduct regular agricultural work.
The township provides training and support to farmers.”
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "What the emperor said is absolutely true. We must not only solve the immediate difficulties, but also take a long-term view and improve the self-development capabilities of farmers. In this way, our agriculture can truly achieve sustainable development."
Zhu Biao was convinced that he had a clearer next step plan in mind. After returning to the East Palace, he immediately summoned his confidants and officials from relevant departments and held an emergency meeting.
"Everyone, today we went to the fields and had in-depth exchanges with the farmers and learned about the practical problems they encountered in agricultural production." Zhu Biao's voice was steady and powerful. He looked around at everyone present and continued.
, "These problems cannot be ignored. We must act immediately to solve practical problems for the people."
After hearing the words, everyone nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere in the conference room was warm and positive. Zhu Biao's decisiveness and foresight made everyone present feel his deep concern for the country and the people.
At the same time, Zhu Di was in the mansion, listening to the reports from his confidants with a solemn face. Knowing that Zhu Biao's prestige among the people was increasing day by day, he couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency and crisis in his heart.
"Fourth Prince, His Highness's actions have won the hearts of the people. If this continues, it may pose a threat to your status." An official said worriedly.
Zhu Di frowned and tapped the table with his fingers. After thinking for a moment, he slowly spoke: "We cannot sit back and wait for death. We must take the initiative. But remember, we must act cautiously and do not leave any clues."
Everyone nodded and waited for Zhu Di's next instructions. Zhu Di's eyes were sharp and he had already made a calculation in his mind: "First of all, we must strengthen our influence in the DPRK and win over more officials who support us. At the same time, we must also create problems among the people.
Some public opinions that are favorable to us have weakened the prince's reputation among the people."
"In addition," Zhu Di changed the subject, his tone revealing a bit of coldness, "We must give appropriate warnings to those who oppose us and let them know the consequences of seeking refuge with the prince."
At the same time, the relocation of the capital was in full swing, and there was a busy scene inside and outside the Forbidden City. The craftsmen were sweating profusely and working day and night on the construction site. The huge stones were carefully carved, and the bricks and tiles were carefully stacked. Each majestic building was
Buildings are gradually rising from the ground.
"Li Shangshu, the excavation progress of this section of the moat seems to be lagging behind." A deputy pointed to a certain place on the drawing and said.
Mr. Li frowned slightly and quickly flipped through the relevant records: "Indeed, the rain in recent days has affected the progress of the excavation. It is necessary to increase manpower and equipment, and at the same time optimize drainage to ensure that the excavation work is not affected by the weather."
"However, the current manpower and material resources are already quite tight. I'm afraid if we redeploy..." another deputy looked embarrassed.
Mr. Li pondered for a moment and his eyes were firm: "Relocating the capital is a national matter, and we cannot slack off at all. I will personally report to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and request for reinforcements. At the same time, we must also tap internal potential, improve work efficiency, and ensure that the project is completed on time and with quality."
On the other side, Prince Zhu Biao was in the study room of the East Palace, carefully reading the latest project report sent by the Ministry of Works. Sometimes a satisfied smile appeared on his face, and sometimes he frowned, obviously paying great attention to every detail of the project.
"Your Highness, Li Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry wishes to see you." An attendant reported softly.
"Please come quickly." Zhu Biao put down the report in his hand, straightened his clothes, and prepared to greet Li Shangshu.
Li Shangshu hurriedly walked into the study, saluted and went straight to the topic: "Your Highness, the overall project to move the capital is progressing smoothly, but due to the recent weather, some links have been delayed. I am here to request reinforcements to ensure that the project is completed on time."
After hearing this, Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and then said: "Thank you, Li Shangshu, for your hard work. I already know about the delay in the project. I will discuss the reinforcement immediately with the Ministry of Household Affairs to ensure that the project is not affected. At the same time, I also
It is hoped that the Ministry of Industry can further strengthen internal management and improve work efficiency."
When Li Shangshu heard this, his heart dropped, and he quickly agreed: "I will do my best to live up to His Highness's high expectations."
While Zhu Biao and Li Shangshu were discussing the matter of moving the capital, Zhu Di was plotting a counterattack with his advisers in the secret room of the mansion. The candlelight in the room was flickering, and the atmosphere was solemn and tense.
"Fourth Prince, the Crown Prince's prestige among the people is increasing day by day. We must take action." A counselor said urgently.
Zhu Di smiled coldly, with unquestionable majesty in his eyes: "Of course we need to take action, but we must be smart and not head-on. Do you have any good ideas?"
"I have a plan," an older counselor said slowly. "We can secretly support some officials and gentry who are dissatisfied with the prince and let them spread unfavorable remarks about the prince among the people, while exaggerating the prince's faults and the disadvantages of moving the capital.
.In this way, it will not only weaken the reputation of the prince, but also make the people have doubts about moving the capital."
When Zhu Di heard this, a flash of approval flashed in his eyes: "This plan is very clever, but remember to do it covertly and not leave any clues. In addition, we must also strengthen our layout in the court and attract more officials to our use.
"
Zhu Di glanced at everyone and said firmly: "This contest has just begun, we must proceed step by step!
Zhu Di knew very well that in order to gain the upper hand in the contest with Zhu Biao and Zhu Han, he must master more intelligence and power. So, he began to secretly plan and set out to recruit Jin Yiwei, an important intelligence agency, in order to gain an upper hand in future struggles.
Information advantage.
"Commander Li," Zhu Di summoned Li Fang, the commander of the Jinyi Guards, with unquestionable majesty in his tone, "The situation in the court has been changing recently. The prince and Lord Zhu Han are pursuing the matter of moving the capital. You and I both need to improve.
alert."
Hearing this, Li Fang immediately bowed and saluted, secretly guessing the fourth prince's intention: "Your Majesty, Li Fang, is willing to listen to the fourth prince's orders."
Zhu Di nodded slightly, his eyes as bright as a torch: "Commander Li, the Jinyi Guards are my eyes and ears, and their importance is self-evident. I want you to strengthen your surveillance of the important ministers in the DPRK and the prince's party, especially the movements of Lord Zhu Han. You must do this."
No matter how big or small, everything is under my control.”
Li Fang was shocked. He realized that this was an excellent opportunity for him to express his loyalty to the fourth prince: "I will do my best to live up to the high expectations of the fourth prince."
Zhu Di nodded with satisfaction and continued: "In addition, I want you to secretly investigate to see if there are any officials who are dissatisfied with the prince, or people who have been harmed by the move of the capital. They may be able to help us."
When Li Fang heard this, she already had a plan in mind: "I understand that I will immediately make arrangements to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information."
Zhu Di pondered for a moment, and then added: "But remember, you must act in secret, and no news should be leaked. Jin Yiwei's actions must not leave any clues."
Li Fang bowed again and agreed: "Fourth prince, don't worry, I will act with caution to ensure nothing goes wrong."
Later, Zhu Di secretly summoned several close advisers to discuss with them how to use the intelligence collected by Jin Yiwei to formulate a more precise counterattack strategy.
"Everyone, intelligence is the eye of war. Now that Jinyiwei is under my control, we must make full use of this advantage to carry out precise attacks on the prince and Zhu Han." Zhu Di's voice was low and powerful, and every word revealed the unbearable
Doubtful determination.
A counselor nodded in agreement and said: "The fourth prince is wise. With the help of Jin Yiwei, we will be able to know the movements of the prince's party well and formulate more effective response strategies."
Zhu Di knew very well that in order to fully control the Jinyiwei, it was not enough to rely solely on the loyalty of the commander Li Fang. He also needed to ensure that he had enough leverage to check Li Fang and other members of the Jinyiwei, just in case. So he began to secretly
Deploy and let your henchmen start collecting the clues inside Jinyiwei.
"Han Feng, I'll leave this matter to you." Zhu Di summoned one of his most trusted confidants, Han Feng. This person is cautious and resourceful, and is the best choice to carry out such tasks.
"Yes, Your Highness." Han Feng bowed and accepted the order, his eyes shining with determination.
Early the next morning, Han Feng put on his casual clothes and quietly left the Fourth Prince's Mansion. He first came to an inconspicuous teahouse in the capital, which was an information exchange point he had run for many years. The teahouse was full of people, and Han Feng walked straight to the corner.
There was an empty table, and a middle-aged man had been waiting there for a long time.
"Master Han, it's been a long time." The middle-aged man stood up and saluted. He was one of Han Feng's informants in the world and was good at collecting all kinds of secret information.
"Li Si, I need detailed information about Jin Yiwei's internal affairs, especially the handles of those high-level officials." Han Feng said directly.
Li Si looked troubled: "The Jinyi Guards are heavily guarded and it is difficult to obtain information. However, I heard that some of them like to gamble and owe a lot of gambling debts. Maybe we can start here."
Han Feng's eyes lit up: "Okay, you go find out this person's identity immediately, and I will arrange the follow-up."
A few days later, through a series of complex transactions and arrangements, Han Feng finally came into contact with the Jinyiwei official who was in debt due to gambling. On a dark and windy night, the two met in a remote alley.
"Master Zhang, I heard that you are a little tight lately?" Han Feng asked in a mysterious tone.
Mr. Zhang's face was pale and he was sweating profusely: "You...who are you? How do you know about me?"
"It doesn't matter who I am, what's important is that I can help you solve the predicament at hand." Han Feng took out a stack of banknotes from his arms and placed them gently on the table, "But you have to tell me something I want to know.
things."
Mr. Zhang's eyes lit up, and then he hesitated: "This... this is a matter of losing your head!"
"Don't worry, Mr. Zhang, as long as the information you provide is valuable, I will guarantee your safety." Han Feng lowered his voice, with unquestionable majesty in his tone.
After some haggling, Mr. Zhang finally relented and told all the illegal things he knew about within Jinyiwei. Han Feng recorded them one by one and promised that there would be more benefits after the incident was completed.
In the following weeks, Han Feng used similar methods to contact and bribe several important figures in the Jin Yiwei one by one, and gradually pieced together the thick dossier.
Zhu Di returned to the study, holding the heavy file presented by Han Feng tightly in his hand, with a complicated light shining in his eyes. He sat down slowly, gently opened the first page, and began to study the contents carefully. As the
As he read more deeply, his expression sometimes became solemn and sometimes showed a satisfied smile.
"It is true that none of these people are clean." Zhu Di whispered to himself, with a sneer on his lips. This file will become his key to controlling the situation of Jin Yiwei and even the entire court.
After reading through it, Zhu Di gently closed the file, closed his eyes and meditated for a moment, and then summoned his trusted guard commander Zhao Yong.
"Zhao Yong, hurry up and summon some reliable brothers. We have something to do." Zhu Di's voice was low and powerful, revealing unquestionable majesty.
Zhao Yong took the order and left, and soon returned with several capable guards. Zhu Di handed them the file and said solemnly: "You all work separately and contact these people one by one according to the list on this file. Remember,
You must keep it confidential, act cleanly and neatly, and leave no trace behind."
The guards took the file, nodded in agreement, and then left immediately. Zhu Di stayed in the study and continued to think about the next plan.
A few days later, Zhu Di's residence received several uninvited guests. These people were high-ranking officials in the Jinyi Guards. They didn't have much interaction with Zhu Di on weekdays, but at this moment, they all seemed extremely respectful.
