Chapter Thirty-Two: The Ming Cult

The Ming Cult, also known as Manichaeism, was introduced to China during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, it was banned, leading to its migration to the Uyghur Khaganate, where it flourished. Following the An Lushan Rebellion, the Tang sought military aid from the Uyghurs, which allowed Manichaeism to spread back into the Central Plains. However, it was soon crushed by the iron fist of Emperor Wuzong of Tang and banned once again, forcing it underground. To survive, the cult absorbed elements of Buddhism and Taoism, evolving into a secret society.

By the Song Dynasty, it had become fully Sinicized as the Ming Cult and established itself as a professional instigator of rebellions. Examples include the uprising of Chen Shuozhen, the Fang La Rebellion at the end of the Northern Song, the Wang Nianjing uprising in Hengzhou and the "Demonic Thief" uprising in Dongyang County during the Southern Song, and the uprisings of Liu Futong and Han Shantong at the end of the Yuan Dynasty—all bore the shadow of the Ming Cult. They were quintessential rebels.

Zhu Biao understood this perfectly. He was well aware of the dangers posed by the Ming Cult, the White Lotus Society, and the Maitreya Sect. After all, his father, Zhu Yuanzhang, had once been a member himself, and figures like Li Shanchang had held significant positions within such organizations. Thus, as soon as the Ming Dynasty was established, the Emperor issued strict orders to suppress these groups. Yet, like a lingering ghost, they were incredibly difficult to eradicate. Even with the Emperor’s stern decrees, they persisted within the Ming.

For Zhu Biao, this was an expected reality; he should not have been surprised. Although the cult existed, the establishment of the Ming and the stabilization of the country had weakened it significantly, leaving it unable to stir up major trouble. His sudden, intense reaction was due to a realization: the Ming Cult being baited by his father was likely operating primarily in Zhongdu. The cult’s teachings were highly attractive to the suffering masses who were struggling to survive. Given that his father had gone so far as to secretly send three of his younger brothers to Zhongdu, the situation there must be dire. It was highly probable that the Ming Cult was deeply active in that city. Furthermore, the fact that his father was using the Marquis of Nan'an and the Chaohu Naval Fleet as bait made him even more anxious. The Ming Cult’s appetite was likely immense; otherwise, they would not be biting at the bait of the Chaohu fleet.

Realizing this, Zhu Biao’s reaction was fierce. His younger brothers were currently on their way to Zhongdu!

"Father! Is the Ming Cult planning to start an uprising in Zhongdu? Is it?" In his desperation, Zhu Biao dropped the formal title and called him "Father." Without waiting for an answer, he stomped his foot and turned to leave. "I will have them intercepted and brought back immediately!"

Compared to the unreliable "kind father" that was Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, as the eldest brother, acted much more like a parent.

"Biao'er!" Zhu Yuanzhang grabbed him, feeling both gratified and somewhat guilty. His son was brilliant; he knew that once he mentioned using the Chaohu fleet to bait the cult, Biao'er would likely deduce the rest. It seemed he was right. "Don't be anxious. Those boys are my own sons; how could I not care for their safety? Rest assured, I have arranged everything. They will be in no danger whatsoever!"

"They are traveling as commoners! The guards you sent can only protect them from the shadows and cannot reveal themselves. It would be one thing if they were just working, but now the Ming Cult is involved! They are truly capable of rebellion! What will happen when chaos breaks out? No, I must bring them back!"

Concerned for his brothers, the usually compliant Crown Prince was losing his composure. Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was not angry; instead, he felt deep satisfaction, believing his son had finally come of age.

"Biao'er, listen to me. The Ming Cult cannot stir up a real disaster in Zhongdu," Zhu Yuanzhang explained.

Zhu Biao remained silent, staring at his father.

"I spent time in the Ming Cult; I know them well. When is their power at its peak? Undoubtedly during times of chaos. According to the information I’ve received, there are indeed issues in Zhongdu that, if ignored, could provide the cult with an opening to cause trouble. But am I not currently moving to expose these problems beforehand? Once the issues are revealed and the people conscripted for labor are pacified, the Ming Cult won't be able to stir up a storm even if they try their hardest. Without the support of the suffering masses, those few petty, ambitious clowns in the cult can achieve nothing!"

Zhu Yuanzhang watched his son's expression as he spoke. Seeing that the eldest still stared at him silently, he continued, "My preparations don't end there. Didn't I have you contact Yu Tongyuan? If my calculations are correct, the leadership of the Ming Cult will likely approach Yu to recruit him. At that point, Yu can use the opportunity to capture the cult's leaders. With the public grievances addressed and the leadership destroyed, what waves can they possibly stir in Zhongdu? Your brothers are perfectly safe."

What Zhu Yuanzhang described was not based on intelligence from this life, but on memories from his previous one. In that past life, in the eighth year of Hongwu, the Ming Cult had recruited many in Zhongdu and attempted something massive. Although Li Shanchang suppressed it, the casualties were staggering—thousands had died. In his report, Li Shanchang had dismissed it as a minor disturbance. Zhu Yuanzhang hadn't paid much attention at the time, only realizing the true scale of the tragedy after investigating later—knowing how many innocent lives were lost. He later discovered that the so-called "King of Ming" had personally contacted Yu Tongyuan, intending to have the Chaohu fleet rise with them. Yu did not agree, but he also failed to arrest the leader or report the news, choosing to ignore it. That was during the time廖永忠 (Liao Yongzhong) was executed and the Chaohu fleet was under strict investigation for salt smuggling. It was understandable that Yu and his men, feeling vulnerable, would make such a choice.

But now, it was different. By having the Crown Prince convey this information to Yu Tongyuan—the new head of the Chaohu fleet—he was certain Yu would react differently than in the past life. The Ming Cult and the Maitreya Sect were slippery, especially their leaders, who were experts at causing trouble and fleeing. Since he had sent his three sons to Zhongdu, wouldn't it be a loss if he didn't take the opportunity to wipe out the cult's leadership? It would be a disservice to the effort he had invested.

"Is that all?" Zhu Biao asked, looking at his father for confirmation.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. "That is all."

Zhu Biao broke free from his father’s grip and turned to leave.

"Biao'er, where are you going!"

"To send a letter to the Marquis of Nan'an!"

Watching Zhu Biao hurry away without looking back, Zhu Yuanzhang’s face was filled with a smile. He felt more pleased the more he looked at him. His Biao'er was a truly qualified older brother! If Biao'er had succeeded to the throne in the previous life, that animal Zhu Yunwen would never have been able to cause the series of disasters that followed, and the Fourth Prince would never have rebelled. The Ming Dynasty would not have suffered that turmoil and catastrophe. Therefore, the one to inherit his throne in this life must be Biao'er!

However, there was one minor piece of information he had not told his son: behind the "King of Ming," there was the shadow of another person—someone who was currently obscure, but would become extremely famous in the future.