Chapter 222: Zhu Chongba, Don’t Underestimate The Bond Between Us! Monthly Ticket Bonus Chapter 28
Zhang Biao’s journey from Yingtian Prefecture was in the manner of an Imperial Envoy on an inspection tour.
He stopped at every post station and, at every checkpoint, displayed his identity as from the Anti-Corruption Bureau and his travel permit for the “Wuchang Investigation,” drawing sideways glances from officials along the route, and the news quickly spread.
【 That madman Zhang Biao is leading his men to the Wuchang Grain Transport docks! 】
Whether it was spies sent by Old Zhu or informants of the mastermind, all their attention was firmly fixed on this contingent heading straight for Wuchang.
However, as the contingent approached a fork in the road not far from the Jiujiang Guard’s farming area, an unexpected change occurred.
From the side of the road ahead, faint sounds of shouting and crying could be heard, and it seemed a considerable number of people had gathered.
“Hmm? What’s all the commotion up ahead?”
Zhang Biao immediately ordered the contingent to halt, a look of concern on his face: “Investigator Song, send someone to see. Could it be some unruly commoners causing trouble, or officials oppressing the people?”
Song Zhong frowned slightly, but Zhang Biao had a point. It was normal for an Investigating Censor to inquire about public affairs when encountering them.
He signaled one of his subordinates to go investigate.
Soon, that Imperial Guard returned to report:
“Sir, ahead is near the Jiujiang Guard’s post. A group of commoners are surrounding the Garrison Command’s yamen, seemingly with a grievance. Leading them are several elderly and weak women and children, who are crying out their complaints.”
“Oh? A grievance?”
Zhang Biao’s spirits immediately lifted. Without waiting for Song Zhong to react, he jumped off his horse: “Let’s go! Let’s go see! As an eye of the court, how can I sit idly by!”
Upon hearing this, Song Zhong vaguely felt something was amiss but couldn’t quite place it. He could only signal the contingent to move to the roadside and strengthen their guard.
They arrived at the edge of the crowd and saw outside the Jiujiang Guard’s main gate, a young woman holding a child was crying so hard she was almost fainting. Nearby, several elderly people were also pleading with the guards, creating a tragic scene.
When the woman saw Zhang Biao, dressed in his official robe, she lunged forward as if she had found a lifeline, knelt down, and sobbed:
“Your Honor, the upright official! Please right this wrong for this humble woman! They took my husband to serve as a military household, and he never returned. How are we, a widowed mother and orphaned children, supposed to live…”
Old Sun stepped forward at the opportune moment and said softly to Zhang Biao, “Sir, looking at her, she doesn’t seem to be faking. I fear there is a genuine grievance.”
Zhang Biao’s expression was calm. He personally bent down to support the woman slightly and said kindly:
“Madam, do not panic. Speak slowly. What is this grievance? I am here. If there is indeed an injustice, I will certainly see justice done for you.”
The woman immediately sobbed her story:
“Sir! This humble woman is from Wu Family Village up ahead. My husband’s name is Wu Dagen, and he is an honest farmer!”
“A few days ago, soldiers from the Jiujiang Guard suddenly came to our village, saying our ancestors were military households and that the Garrison needed replacements, so they were going to force my husband to go to Gansu to be a soldier! But our family’s military registration was canceled long ago!”
“As for the ancestors, my husband can’t even remember their names, nor do I know which distant relative they were! They forcibly took my husband to fill the quota!”
“My mother-in-law is sick at home, and the child is still young. Without him, how are we supposed to live—!”
Beside her, several elders also wept, beating their chests and stamping their feet:
“Sir! It’s not just Wu’s wife; our village elder from Li Village was also wronged!”
“A young man from our village couldn’t bear the Garrison’s exploitation and ran away. As a result, the Jiujiang Guard arrested the village elder, claiming ‘collective punishment,’ and sentenced him to exile in Liaodong! Where is the justice in that!”
Zhang Biao listened quietly, his expression gradually growing solemn.
He turned to look at the imposing main gate of the Jiujiang Guard, then at the suffering commoners before him. After a moment of silence, he said to Song Zhong:
“Investigator Song, we have both heard this.”
“Forcibly conscripting men to replace military households is an act that shakes the foundation of the state; framing good citizens and exiling village elders is even more unforgivable by law!”
“If this matter is true, then this Jiujiang Guard… has significant problems.”
Song Zhong’s expression was somewhat unsightly. He hadn’t expected such a matter to suddenly arise.
According to regulations, this matter indeed fell under the jurisdiction of the Investigating Censor. Although Zhang Biao’s reaction was intense, it was procedurally flawless.
“Lord Zhang, please calm your anger. This matter still needs verification…” Song Zhong attempted to stabilize the situation.
“Verification? Of course, it needs verification!”
Zhang Biao’s voice suddenly rose, pointing at the Jiujiang Guard’s yamen, and speaking loudly to the surrounding commoners and his subordinates:
“I am Zhang Biao, Director of the Great Ming Anti-Corruption Bureau! Since I have stumbled upon this today, I will absolutely not allow such acts that harm the people to occur within the Capital City!”
Having said that, he no longer looked at Song Zhong and directly instructed Old Sun and Old Qian:
“Take my token and go to the Jiujiang Guard yamen. Inform the Garrison Commander that I am on a mission southward, encountered public grievances, and need to locally investigate and verify relevant case details. Request his cooperation in reviewing the relevant Military Household Registers and completing administrative records, for inquiry.”
“Yes, Sir!”
Old Sun and Old Qian took their orders and left swiftly and efficiently.
Zhang Biao then explained to Song Zhong again, “Investigator Song, it is not that I am causing unnecessary trouble. You and I both know that the Grain Transport case is complex and involves extensive matters.”
“And the Garrison system is also a vital pillar of the state. If the military household management here is so chaotic and corruption is rampant, who can guarantee that it has no connection to the Grain Transport matters?”
“Investigating this place may allow us to see the whole by examining a part, and open up the situation for subsequent investigations.”
“Tonight, we will likely have to stay a night in Jiujiang.”
His words were impeccable, both stating the legitimacy of his intervention and hinting at a potential connection to the Grain Transport case, even appeasing Song Zhong by saying it would only be for one night.
Song Zhong looked at Zhang Biao’s righteous and seemingly routine expression, his heart filled with doubts but with no handle to grasp.
He could only say solemnly, “Lord Zhang’s concern for the people is admirable. However, regarding the matter in Wuchang…”
“The matter in Wuchang is not urgent within a day or two.”
Zhang Biao waved his hand, his gaze returning to the commoners, his tone firm: “The will of the people is the will of heaven. With this matter unresolved, I have no mind for anything else.”
Hearing this, Song Zhong’s internal alarm bells rang loudly.
He suddenly realized that Zhang Biao’s objective in leaving the city might not have been Grain Transport corruption from the start, but this seemingly unremarkable Jiujiang Guard!
And these villagers causing trouble were arranged by Zhang Biao beforehand!
Wu Family Village, Li Family Village? Aren’t these the villages of Old Zhou’s nephew and Old Li!
The so-called trip to Wuchang was merely a smokescreen!
This madman played a brilliant move of “crossing the sea under disguise”!
He wanted to stop Zhang Biao immediately, but Zhang Biao was currently standing on the moral high ground, using the banner of speaking up for the people and investigating military affairs, which was perfectly legitimate!
If he were to forcefully stop him, it would not only escalate the conflict but also give him grounds for criticism, and might even lead to a popular uprising!
“Investigator Song!”
Zhang Biao knew he had realized it, and his face suddenly took on a solemn expression, a mixture of anger and the sense of duty:
“You have seen it yourself; the people’s grievances are boiling over! If this matter is handled improperly, a major upheaval may occur! As officials appointed by the court, how can you stand idly by?”
His words not only pointed out the seriousness of the problem but also pulled Song Zhong onto the same standing as “fellow officials appointed by the court,” making it difficult for Song Zhong to refute.
Song Zhong looked at the indignant commoners, then at the righteous Zhang Biao, knowing that at this point, forceful obstruction was impossible.
He could only give a dark look and signal a subordinate to immediately report the situation here by flying horse to the Capital City, while saying solemnly:
“Since Lord Zhang has decided this, your subordinate will naturally accompany you to ensure your safety and… witness the verification process.”
He deliberately emphasized the word “witness,” implying he would keep a close eye on Zhang Biao’s every move.
Zhang Biao casually waved his hand, “That would be excellent! Investigator Song can serve as a witness and see how much corruption and filth this Jiujiang Guard is hiding!”
He knew in his heart that as long as they stepped through the gates of the Jiujiang Guard and audited their accounts, with his ability and the “professional talents” brought by Old Sun and Old Qian, he wouldn’t have to worry about not finding problems!
And once clues of chaotic military registration, ghost soldiers (drawing pay for nonexistent soldiers), or even more serious “collusion with the enemy and aiding bandits” were found, he would have sufficient reason to expand and deepen the investigation!
When everyone thought he was targeting the Grain Transport corruption case, he unexpectedly struck at the seemingly unrelated, but possibly more fatally problematic, Garrison military affairs!
Soon, the Jiujiang Guard yamen, under Zhang Biao’s official authority and the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s plaque, reluctantly opened its doors.
Zhang Biao, accompanied by his men, Song Zhong, and the Imperial Guards, strode in.
He looked at the panicked expressions of the Garrison officials and a subtle cold smile curved his lips.
【 Wuchang? Let Old Zhu and that mastermind wait slowly! 】
【 I’ll first seek justice for Old Zhou, Old Li, and the countless citizens whose families were ruined by this broken military household system! And by the way… I’ll dig up your past secrets! 】
Not long after, Zhang Biao, along with Song Zhong and others, stepped into the Jiujiang Guard yamen.
The Garrison Commander, surnamed Wang, was a burly, somewhat oily middle-aged military officer. He had already received the news and was waiting with a few subordinate officials at the hall.
His face was filled with a warm smile, but his wariness could not be concealed.
“Oh my, I did not expect Imperial Censor Zhang to grace us with his presence! Please forgive our lack of a proper welcome!”
Commander Wang cupped his hands and stepped forward: “This subordinate has prepared a humble wine to welcome and wash away the dust for Imperial Censor Zhang…”
Jiujiang Guard was not far from Yingtian Prefecture. Given the stir Zhang Biao had caused in Yingtian Prefecture, it was not surprising that the news had reached Jiujiang Guard.
Therefore, Commander Wang naturally knew the formidable nature of “Madman Zhang” and dared not neglect him.
“There’s no need for a welcome.”
Zhang Biao interrupted him with a wave of his hand, his expression one of stern official business:
“Commander Wang, I passed through this area and encountered commoners blocking the road to plead their grievances, accusing your Jiujiang Guard of forcibly conscripting men to replace military households, and even framing good citizens and exiling village elders! What explanation do you have for this matter?”
Commander Wang’s smile froze, and he immediately cried out in protest:
“You are mistaken, Lord Zhang! It must be those unruly commoners falsely accusing us! My Jiujiang Guard has always abided by the law, and all military household recruitment and record completion are handled according to imperial regulations. There are absolutely no such illegal matters!”
“Is that so?”
Zhang Biao sneered, “Empty words are not proof. As Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, I cannot fail to investigate such accusations.”
“Please, Commander Wang, bring forth the Garrison’s military household registers from recent years, completion records, criminal case files, and the accounts for military equipment and provisions. I wish to personally verify them.”
“Imperial Censor Zhang, you may not be aware. The border situation is urgent, and the conscription of military households is a common occurrence. Who they are does not matter; once on the battlefield, who cares about that?”
“As for that village elder, defying orders and disrespecting military officers, exile is a light punishment. These are all internal matters of our Garrison, and do not require the Imperial Censor’s concern.”
His tone was dismissive and perfunctory, as if brushing off a meddling scholar.
Old Sun and Old Qian trembled with anger, but Zhang Biao signaled them with his eyes to hold back.
“Commander Wang, while military affairs of the state are important, national laws and military regulations must not be violated. Without rules, how can troops be commanded?”
Zhang Biao’s smile remained, but his tone deepened slightly:
“Since I have received the complaint and am investigating according to law, I request Commander’s convenience in retrieving the relevant files and bringing the involved parties for questioning.”
“This…”
Commander Wang hesitated and looked at Song Zhong.
Song Zhong frowned slightly and then said solemnly, “Commander Wang, please be accommodating.”
Upon hearing “be accommodating,” a flicker of panic flashed in Commander Wang’s eyes. He naturally knew Song Zhong was acting under imperial orders.
But he quickly regained his composure and hurriedly said with a fawning smile:
“If Lords wish to investigate, of course, they can. However… these records and accounts are numerous, piled up haphazardly, and involve military secrets. Could you allow this subordinate to have someone organize them first, and then…”
“No need to organize!”
Zhang Biao’s tone was irrefutable:
“Bring them as they are! I am investigating the original accounts! Investigator Song and all the Imperial Guard brothers are witnesses here. Commander Wang, are you afraid I will destroy your accounts?”
Commander Wang glanced again at the stern-faced Song Zhong and knew he could not delay any longer. He gritted his teeth and ordered his subordinates:
“Go! As Imperial Censor Zhang instructed, bring all relevant files and accounts!”
Soon, several clerks brought several large boxes of files and account books, filling the tables in the hall.
Zhang Biao signaled to the subordinates of Old Sun and Old Qian.
Several subordinates skilled in accounting immediately stepped forward. They were experienced auditors and were prepared. They quickly opened the account books and began their verification.
At first, Commander Wang and his subordinates maintained a pretense of composure, but as they watched the auditors flip through the account books and exchange occasional low-voiced, sharp glances, beads of cold sweat began to form on their foreheads.
Half an hour later, an experienced auditor closed an account book, shook his head slightly at Zhang Biao, and whispered:
“Sir, these files, account books, completion records, and exile documents are all complete. The procedures are in order, and there are no problems.”
Upon hearing this, Commander Wang’s back seemed to straighten instantly, and a faint look of triumph even appeared on his face:
“Imperial Censor Zhang, I told you long ago that my Jiujiang Guard acts according to law and regulations…”
Zhang Biao ignored him, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over the files and account books, then back to Commander Wang, and he suddenly smiled:
“Commander Wang, the accounts are well-done, very ‘clean’.”
“However.”
His tone suddenly shifted, and his voice turned cold: “Too clean! So clean it doesn’t look like the accounts of a functional Garrison!”
“I ask you, why are the accounts for the regular maintenance and replenishment of military equipment, with the quantities matching the total allocated by the Ministry of War, down to the last detail?”
“The output from the military farms shows no fluctuation; has there been good weather every year?”
“Also, the records for completing military registrations are too neat in their handwriting and format. Are you sure they weren’t recorded in batches at the same time?”
“Lord Zhang!”
Commander Wang’s expression changed drastically:
“What… what do you mean? Are you suspecting this subordinate of falsifying accounts?!”
“This official is not suspecting!”
Zhang Biao slowly stood up, glaring at him:
“This official is certain! With your accounting skills, you might fool those incompetent officials in the Capital who are unfamiliar with practical matters, but you want to fool me, Zhang Biao? Dream on!”
He slammed the table violently:
“Speak! Where are the real account books?! Bring out the records of entries and exits from the Garrison’s storeroom, the ones that cannot see the light of day!”
Commander Wang was startled by Zhang Biao’s demeanor, stepping back half a pace. His face turned from red to white, then from white to green, and finally a hint of fierceness appeared.
He knew he couldn’t bluff his way through, so he hardened his resolve and defiantly said:
“Lord Zhang! This subordinate respected you as an Imperial Censor, which is why I treated you with courtesy! If you want to examine the regular files, I’ve given them to you!”
“But without any evidence, you want to search the Garrison’s storeroom and inspect so-called ‘secret account books’? This is exceeding your authority!”
“According to regulations, the Garrison is a military zone. All personnel and account inspections require explicit authorization from the Ministry of War and the seal of the Five Military Commissions. May I ask, Lord Zhang, do you have these procedures?!”
“That’s right! Do you have these procedures?”
“We showed you respect earlier, and now you’re throwing your official weight around?”
“Exactly! Your Anti-Corruption Bureau, hah, we really… haven’t heard of it!”
Several Battalion Commanders and Captains behind Commander Wang also crossed their arms and began to chime in, clearly not taking these “Lords from the Capital” seriously.
Song Zhong frowned, took a step forward, and instinctively reached for his Imperial Guard insignia, but his hand met empty air.
He was now a Commander of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, no longer the terrifying Imperial Guard of the past.
He said solemnly, “Commander Wang, the Anti-Corruption Bureau was personally established by the Emperor and directly reports to the throne. Investigating illegal activities is its duty.”
“Duty?”
Commander Wang sneered:
“Captain Song, or rather, should I now call you Investigator Song?”
“You also know that Garrisons are different from local yamen. Without official documents from the Ministry of War and authorization from the Five Military Commissions, let alone checking accounts, even stepping into this storeroom is a violation of regulations!”
“My brothers are rough men; they only recognize rules. If it comes to blows, and your Lords are injured, it wouldn’t be pleasant.”
His words were soft yet firm, filled with threat.
Old Sun and Old Qian clenched their fists in anger, but were helpless.
Zhang Biao narrowed his eyes and looked at Song Zhong, “Investigator Song, is this the rule?”
Song Zhong sighed inwardly and replied expressionlessly, nodding:
“Replying to Lord Zhang, what Commander Wang said… is indeed the system. Verifying the core military affairs of the Garrison requires joint documentation from the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions.”
“Our journey here only has a travel permit for southern investigations and a document for cooperation from the Ministry of War. We indeed… do not have authorization from the Five Military Commissions.”
Having said this, he looked at Zhang Biao and said in an advisory tone:
“Lord Zhang, since the accounts currently show no flaws, why not temporarily record it? After we complete the important case in Wuchang, we can apply for formal authorization from the court and then investigate in detail later.”
“It’s better to have one less thing than one more. We must prioritize the overall situation!”
Seeing that even Song Zhong said so, Commander Wang’s courage grew, and he looked at Zhang Biao with almost challenging eyes.
Everyone assumed that Zhang Biao would stop there, after all, regulations were like mountains; no matter how mad he was, he couldn’t openly violate them.
At this moment, Zhang Biao suddenly smiled.
“Heh.”
He smiled faintly, a very strange, chilling curve at the corner of his mouth.
“Rules? System? Procedures?”
Zhang Biao clapped his hands and paced around Commander Wang, his eyes as if admiring a rare treasure:
“Commander Wang, you are absolutely right! Our Anti-Corruption Bureau emphasizes rules the most and abides by laws the most!”
As he spoke, he seemed to just remember, and patted his forehead.
“You want authorization from the Five Military Commissions, right? Oh, yes, yes, yes, look at my memory.”
As his voice fell, he slowly turned around and said to Old Sun, who was standing behind him, in a tone as relaxed as if ordering a servant to pour tea:
“Old Sun, go to my carriage and open that sandalwood box!”
“Yes, the one the Emperor bestowed. Inside is something wrapped in yellow silk. Bring it to me… please.”
Old Sun was stunned for a moment, then without hesitation bowed, “Yes, Sir!”
Then, he turned and strode out.
Everyone in the hall, including Song Zhong and Commander Wang, was dumbfounded.
Wrapped in yellow silk? Bestowed by the Emperor?
Could it be… this madman truly has authorization from the Five Military Commissions?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
Song Zhong knew the procedures for authorization from the Five Military Commissions clearly. It was absolutely impossible for it to have fallen into Zhang Biao’s hands silently.
Moreover, if Zhang Biao could obtain authorization from the Five Military Commissions, why would he need to obtain a travel permit himself? This was clearly illogical!
Commander Wang’s face turned pale, his legs even trembling.
In the astonished gazes of everyone, Old Sun returned shortly.
He held a bright yellow silk package in both hands, his expression solemn, and walked up to Zhang Biao, bowing and presenting it.
Zhang Biao took the package and slowly, layer by layer, unwrapped the bright yellow silk.
Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on his hands.
Finally, the silk was completely unwrapped, revealing what was inside—
Not the expected official document or seal.
But… three books bound in an ancient style, with the words 《Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings》 prominently written on the cover!
“???”
The entire hall instantly fell into dead silence.
Song Zhong stared in disbelief.
Commander Wang’s mouth hung open, as if a hen’s egg could fit inside.
Even the Battalion Commanders, Captains, and clerks of the Garrison exchanged glances, thinking they were hallucinating.
【《Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings》?! 】
【 What is he doing bringing this out?! 】
In the stunned gazes of everyone, Zhang Biao picked up the topmost copy of the 《Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings》, casually flipped through it, then looked up at Commander Wang, whose face had turned from white to red, then red to green, a truly spectacular display.
The strange smile on his face became even more pronounced.
He lightly patted the 《Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings》 in his hand and said in a tone so gentle it was chilling:
“Commander Wang, I do not have the authorization from the Five Military Commissions that you requested.”
“However, I feel that investigating your Jiujiang Guard would be… beneath me.”
“Look, using this, the 《Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings》, compiled by the founding emperor himself, the highest law of our Great Ming… is that sufficient?”
Boom!
As these words were spoken, everyone in the hall, including Song Zhong, felt as if struck by thunder from the highest heavens, leaving them utterly stunned.
And Zhang Biao’s mouth almost split open at the back of his head.
【 Zhu Chongba, Zhu Chongba, don’t forget the bond between us! 】
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