Chapter 220: Even If My Ten Clans Are Exterminated, I Will Support Him! Monthly Ticket Bonus Update 26 27
When Yun Ming, accompanied by two young eunuchs, carried a heavy box into Zhang Biao’s dilapidated courtyard and read Old Zhu’s oral decree for an additional ten thousand taels of funding, which was given reluctantly, Zhang Biao’s reaction was truly spectacular.
He first widened his eyes, staring intently at the box of silver, as if in disbelief.
Then, he sprang forward, touched the cold silver ingots with his hand, and a smile of extreme, exaggerated joy, like that of an old farmer seeing gold ingots, instantly bloomed on his face.
“Oh my! The Emperor is wise! Long live the Emperor! I knew it!”
“I knew our Emperor was a financial master! Look at this, tsk tsk, the way this money is ‘invested’, it’s so satisfying!”
After speaking, he turned to the bewildered old soldiers and said, “What are you waiting for! Come and carry it! The Emperor cares so much for us, he knows it’s not easy for our Anti-corruption Bureau!”
As his words fell, Zhang Biao hugged the box again, his face almost pressed against it. He looked exactly like a greedy miser who would do anything for money, repeatedly bowing towards the Imperial Palace with tears of gratitude.
Yun Ming, looking at Zhang Biao’s pathetic state, twitched the corner of his mouth. The doubt he had felt because of the Emperor’s sudden generosity vanished completely.
【Censor Zhang, indeed, is someone who would do anything for money…】
Yun Ming suppressed his discomfort and conveyed Old Zhu’s instructions: “Lord Zhang, the Emperor said for you to… spend it sparingly.”
“Sparingly! Of course, I will spare!”
Zhang Biao nodded like a pecking chicken, but his hands clutched the box tightly:
“Please inform His Majesty, Your Highness the Eunuch, that your subject Zhang Biao will surely not fail to live up to the imperial grace and will spend every penny where it counts the most!”
“I will strive to find… to find irrefutable evidence of corruption among those Princes, and recover the stolen funds as soon as possible!”
He deliberately emphasized the word “Princes,” as if he were ready to fight them to the death with this money.
Yun Ming nodded with satisfaction and then left with his men.
As soon as the courtyard gate closed, Zhang Biao’s exaggerated joy and obsequiousness vanished instantly, replaced by a sly smile of a successful scheme and a cold sharpness.
He released the box and even patted the hand that had held it as if disgusted.
“Pah! Ten thousand taels? Is that for beggars? I wanted one hundred thousand, one million taels!”
He muttered softly, but his eyes fell on the box, and he stroked his chin:
“However… even a small mosquito is still meat. It’s perfect for doing some personal business.”
He certainly would not follow the expectations of Old Zhu and the mastermind behind the scenes, using this money to go all out against the Princes.
Old Zhu wanted to use this money to drive him to attack the Princes, and the mastermind wanted to use chaotic leads to guide him to attack the Princes, but he, Zhang Biao, would not!
“Old Zhou! Old Li!” Zhang Biao shouted.
“Here!”
“Take this ten thousand taels!”
“Ah?”
Old Zhou and Old Li looked bewildered, their eyes full of disbelief.
This was ten thousand taels!
They had never seen so much money in their lives!
They hadn’t even seen one hundred taels, and now suddenly ten thousand taels? Was this appropriate?!
As if sensing their hesitation, Zhang Biao glanced at them with disdain, saying imposingly:
“Look at your lack of ambition! Following me, Zhang Biao, from now on, let alone ten thousand taels, one hundred thousand, one million taels will be nothing! Don’t embarrass me!”
After speaking, he pointed at the box of silver:
“This money is not for you to go drinking and whoring!”
“No, no, we wouldn’t dare.”
The old soldiers blushed and shook their heads like rattles.
Zhang Biao looked at them with burning eyes and continued:
“Don’t forget the mission I gave you. We need to put on a full ‘show’ in the open! Use this money to go wild on the Grain Transport lines!”
“Recruit more informants, bribe more witnesses, and create more conflicts!”
“Make everyone think that I, Zhang Biao, have received the Emperor’s money and am like a hyped-up chicken, about to go all out against several Princes!”
“The bigger the commotion, the better! The more we spend, the better! Ideally, make Song Zhong and those hidden eyes think we’re foolish spendthrifts!”
Old Zhou and Old Li pondered for a moment, then suddenly understood. This was a deliberate tactic to show weakness and lull the enemy into a false sense of security!
“Understood! Sir, don’t worry, we are good at acting!”
Old Li patted his chest and gave a knowing smile.
“Loach, you go with them too!”
Zhang Biao waved his hand and added, “Learn more about how to be a ‘spendthrift’.”
“Yes!”
Loach replied excitedly.
After assigning the ‘open’ acting task, Zhang Biao turned his gaze to Old Sun and Old Qian:
“Old Sun, Old Qian, get ready. As soon as the travel permits are issued, depart at any time!”
“Alright!”
Old Sun and Old Qian replied in unison.
The next morning, Zhang Biao changed into a relatively clean official robe and swaggered out of the small courtyard.
As expected, Song Zhong appeared beside him like a shadow.
“Lord Zhang, what are your plans for today?” Song Zhong asked as a matter of routine.
“Plans? Of course, there are!”
Zhang Biao clapped his hands, his voice loud, as if he were afraid no one would hear:
“The Emperor trusts us so much and has increased our funding. Our Anti-corruption Bureau cannot fail to live up to his grace! I have decided to expand the scope of the investigation!”
Song Zhong’s eyes flickered slightly: “Oh? Where does Lord intend to start?”
“Where to start?”
Zhang Biao chuckled and pointed towards the Imperial City: “Investigator Song, could you do me a favor and inform the relevant departments to issue us some travel permits to Tongzhou, Jinan, Wuchang, and even Chengdu?”
Song Zhong was taken aback. These places were precisely the fiefdoms of Princes like Prince Qi, Prince Chu, and Prince Shu, or key Grain Transport nodes where their influence was strong.
“Lord Zhang, are you going to… personally investigate cases in various locations?”
“Otherwise?”
Zhang Biao said righteously:
“How can I uncover anything real by just listening to reports in the Capital? I must go down and see for myself, see how those Princes are managing their own small territories!”
“What is this called? This is ‘downward anti-corruption’! Deep into the grassroots to obtain firsthand information!”
His words were grand and righteous, giving the impression of someone wielding an Imperial Sword and about to embark on a grand endeavor.
This was exactly what Old Zhu and the mastermind had ‘expected’ to see.
Song Zhong pondered for a moment, believing this was in line with Zhang Biao’s usual ‘madness’ and the current situation, and nodded:
“I will handle the travel permits. When does Lord plan to depart, and where will you go first?”
“This… hmm…”
Zhang Biao pretended to ponder: “Wuchang is the closest, so let’s start from Wuchang! Please get the travel permits ready as soon as possible, we will depart at any time!”
“Yes.”
Song Zhong agreed, thinking to himself that he would indeed have to confront the Grain Transport and the Princes.
However, Zhang Biao’s subsequent actions left Song Zhong somewhat confused.
In the few days waiting for the travel permits to be processed, Zhang Biao did expand his investigation.
He had Old Zhou and Old Li take the ten thousand taels of silver and openly ‘recruit personnel’ in the Capital, hiring so-called ‘account auditing experts’ and ‘underground informants’. The commotion was immense, drawing attention from all sides.
At the same time, Zhang Biao, under the guise of ‘needing people familiar with military affairs to assist in verifying garrison systems that might be colluding with the Grain Transport’, requested copies of files from the Ministry of War through Song Zhong, including account books for military farming, lists of military equipment, and personnel records for several garrison systems in and around the Capital.
These garrison systems seemed to have little to do with Grain Transport corruption, or at least were not central to it. Among them was the garrison system that had oppressed Old Zhou’s village.
Although Song Zhong found it a bit strange, remembering that Zhang Biao had audited the Ministry of War before, he assumed it was his usual habit of ‘casting a wide net’ when investigating cases, or that he wanted to probe military personnel connected to the Grain Transport indirectly. He didn’t look too deeply into it.
After all, the main focus and attention were drawn to the grand commotion being created by Old Zhou and his group in ‘preparing for an expedition to the Princes’ fiefdoms’.
A few days later, the travel permits to the various Princes’ territories were processed and delivered to Zhang Biao.
Zhang Biao, holding the stack of travel permits, nodded with satisfaction, and then said to Song Zhong:
“Investigator Song, get ready. We depart at dawn!”
“Where to?” Song Zhong instinctively asked.
“Wuchang!” Zhang Biao replied without hesitation.
The next morning, Zhang Biao, accompanied by Old Sun, Old Qian, and several newly recruited, seemingly clever subordinates, left the Capital in grand style under the ‘escort’ of Song Zhong and several Imperial Guards, heading straight for Wuchang.
Meanwhile.
Zhu Yunwen, having received Old Zhu’s permission, arrived at the scene of the “Literary Grand Ceremony.”
The ceremony was held in a spacious royal garden east of the city.
Several high platforms and tented areas were temporarily erected, divided into sections for Classics, Policy Essays, Poetry, Mathematics, and Craftsmanship.
Scholars, literati, and skilled craftsmen from all over the country gathered here, some engaged in lively discussions, others engrossed in calculations, and still others displaying ingenious artifacts. It was truly a gathering of talent and a magnificent spectacle.
“Wang Yue, we really didn’t come here for nothing this time!”
Zhu Yunwen, dressed as a scholar, repeatedly expressed his feelings to his confidant eunuch, who was dressed as a page.
Wang Yue, the confidant eunuch, cautiously scanned their surroundings, fearing that some reckless person might offend the Imperial Grandson.
Just then, someone passed by and whispered:
“This Hu Guang from Jiangxi truly lives up to his reputation, full of spirit!”
“Indeed! Even I feel inadequate!”
“Who says not? I thought I, a Jinshi scholar, was a dragon among men here!”
“I’ve heard so much about you!”
“You flatter me!”
Hearing these discussions, Zhu Yunwen’s lips twitched slightly, but he didn’t pay much attention. He then followed the crowd with interest to the high platform for debates, where Hu Guang was.
Following Old Zhu’s instruction to “listen more, observe more, and think more,” he listened quietly for a while. Seeing that Hu Guang was confident of victory and showing a smug expression, he decided to intervene and said loudly:
“Brother Hu’s eloquent arguments are admirable. However, you used Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Taizong of Tang as examples to prove the effectiveness of hegemonic rule, but didn’t you know that Emperor Wu of Han regretted his actions in his later years, and Emperor Taizong’s actions during the Xuanwu Gate Incident left a legacy of trouble for future generations? The effectiveness of hegemonic rule may not be sustainable. How do you enlighten me on this?”
Hu Guang, who was basking in his triumph, frowned when someone questioned him, especially a stranger.
Although Zhu Yunwen was wearing only a plain Confucian robe, his demeanor was calm, indicating he was not an ordinary scholar.
Seeing this, Hu Guang slightly restrained his arrogance but did not yield, and began to refute with citations from classics.
The two exchanged arguments for several rounds. Zhu Yunwen’s references were solid, and his words, though not fiery, always hit the crucial points.
Although Hu Guang did not admit defeat, sweat had already appeared on his forehead, and his momentum was not as strong as before.
He looked deeply at Zhu Yunwen and cupped his hands: “Brother, your insights are extraordinary. Hu Guang has learned from you.”
Although he said this, there was a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.
Zhu Yunwen smiled slightly and returned the bow before leaving.
【This person has talent but is impetuous in character. He can be used, but needs tempering, and cannot be entrusted with important tasks rashly.】
He commented on Hu Guang in his mind.
Leaving the noisy area, he strolled to a relatively quiet corner and saw several students discussing a complex mathematics problem.
One of them, wearing a patched long gown, was silent but quickly pointed out several flaws in the calculations of others, using concise and effective methods.
Zhu Yunwen observed for a moment before stepping forward to speak: “Your calculations are exquisite, brother. Are you Yang Shiqi from Huguang?”
The young man looked up in surprise, his eyes honest and focused. He cupped his hands and replied: “It is I. And who might you be?”
Zhu Yunwen smiled: “I happened to hear of your name. I was impressed by your calculations just now, which did not follow old precedents and focused on practical effectiveness.”
“May I ask what your insights are on the current problem of unclear accounts in the Grain Transport?”
Yang Shiqi, asked about practical matters, pondered for a moment and replied cautiously:
“The problem lies in multi-headed management and unclear responsibilities. If unified commands cannot be established and embezzlement cannot be strictly investigated, even good laws will be difficult to implement.”
His speech was clear and logical, but he stopped short, unwilling to say more.
Zhu Yunwen found this person to be practical and steady, someone who could get things done, but too cautious. He offered a few words of encouragement, “I hope brother can apply your knowledge in the future,” and then asked no further questions.
Yang Shiqi thanked him respectfully, his expression calm.
As he walked, he suddenly heard a commotion ahead, accompanied by clear and impassioned poetry.
A wild and unrestrained young talent, surrounded by a crowd, was improvising poetry with brilliant literary skill. It was the famous Xie Jin from Jiangxi.
Xie Jin, with sharp eyes, noticed Zhu Yunwen’s extraordinary demeanor and called out to him, “Brother there, why not come over and we can appreciate the poetry together?”
Zhu Yunwen did not wish to get involved, but since he had been called out, he had no choice but to approach.
Xie Jin enthusiastically invited him to compose a poem for the ceremony. Zhu Yunwen, unable to refuse, casually recited a poem that was balanced and fitting for the occasion.
Xie Jin listened and laughed heartily: “Your poem is steady and balanced, like an old master lecturing. It lacks true passion!”
As his words fell, he added as if lecturing: “Poetry should express one’s inner feelings to reveal one’s true nature!”
Zhu Yunwen’s brow furrowed slightly, displeased. He said calmly, “Poetry expresses ambition, and everyone has their preferences. Excessive sharpness is not necessarily good.”
Having said that, he no longer paid attention to Xie Jin and turned to leave.
【This is a wild scholar, full of talent but frivolous in temperament, not fit for great use.】
He made this assessment of Xie Jin in his mind.
Afterward, he chatted casually with a few more people, but his interest had waned considerably from when he first arrived.
However, during this time, he also happened to meet a scholar from Fujian named Yang Rong.
In their conversation, he found that this person had mature insights into the current situation and a broad perspective when analyzing problems. Just as he was about to try and delve deeper, the other party skillfully steered the conversation away, speaking in a way that was airtight and made it impossible to discern his true thoughts.
【Deep-minded, difficult to control.】
Zhu Yunwen’s internal assessment revealed a sense of powerlessness.
After wandering for half a day and seeing many talented individuals, some sharp, some simple, some wild, some profound, he always felt a distance, unable to find someone with whom he could share a mental resonance and who could be a useful ally, a “fellow traveler.”
The sun was setting, and the crowd began to disperse.
Zhu Yunwen, with a hint of unfulfilled expectation, ambled towards the garden exit.
As he passed a secluded bamboo grove, he suddenly heard a clear and impassioned voice from a pavilion:
“The rites are broken and the music is in chaos, the principles are not upheld! It is not that the way of the sages has disappeared, but that those who uphold it are incompetent! If rites and laws are evident, and benevolence and righteousness are clear, why fear that treachery will not be eliminated and the world will not be pacified?!”
The voice was resonant and powerful, carrying an undeniable moral force, instantly capturing Zhu Yunwen’s attention.
He gestured for Wang Yue to stay put and quietly approached.
Inside the pavilion, he saw a middle-aged scholar, about thirty years old, wearing a washed-out Confucian robe, with a lean face and eyes as sharp as torches. He was passionately declaiming to a scroll, surrounded by two or three young students who were listening in rapt attention.
Zhu Yunwen’s heart stirred. This person’s integrity and bearing were far from that of an ordinary scholar.
He tidied his clothes and stepped into the pavilion, cupped his hands in greeting:
“Greetings, sir. I happened to pass by and heard your profound words, which struck me like thunder. I am filled with admiration and have taken the liberty to disturb you. I hope you will forgive me.”
The scholar turned his head at the sound and observed Zhu Yunwen. Seeing that although his attire was simple, his bearing was extraordinary and his words were humble, he returned the bow:
“You are too kind. I am Fang Xiaoru. I was merely speaking from my heart just now, saying some random things. You have seen me in a less than ideal state.”
【Fang Xiaoru? It really is him!】
Although Yunwen had guessed about seventy to eighty percent, confirming it now still caused him a surge of excitement.
He suppressed his emotions, a look of sincere admiration on his face: “So it is Mr. Xizhi! I have long admired your great name. To meet you today is truly a stroke of great fortune!”
He took the opportunity to converse with Fang Xiaoru, starting with the ‘propriety’ and ‘benevolence’ he had just heard, discussing classics and history, and appraising figures from ancient and modern times.
Initially, Fang Xiaoru maintained some of the reserve of a renowned scholar, but Zhu Yunwen’s citations were profound, and his insights were not those of an unlearned dandy. Gradually, Fang Xiaoru became more engaged in the conversation.
The two chatted from the profound implications of the Purple Spring Purple Summer to the rise and fall of dynasties, and from the doctrines of Confucius and Mencius to the current affairs of the day. They found themselves increasingly in agreement.
Zhu Yunwen realized that Fang Xiaoru was not merely a “pedantic Confucian scholar” who talked only of morality.
He was erudite, possessed profound insight into the successes and failures of dynastic systems and the benefits and drawbacks of people’s livelihoods. Even more rare was the resolute spirit of “if the Way exists, I will go even if it means facing ten thousand people” that permeated his words and actions.
This feeling was completely different from Zhu Yunwen’s sharp exchanges with Hu Guang, his practical caution with Yang Shiqi, his frivolous talk with Xie Jin, and his evasiveness with Yang Rong.
This was a resonance of thought, a deep identification based on shared values.
Zhu Yunwen felt as if the burdens in his heart had vanished, as if he had found a true kindred spirit.
Seeing that the timing was right, and the other students in the pavilion had tactfully dispersed, Zhu Yunwen waved to signal Wang Yue, who was following at a distance, to retreat further.
He sighed, his voice heavy with concern for the nation and its people, and steered the conversation towards more practical matters:
“Your scholarship, sir, is vast and profound. I am truly impressed.”
“However, there seem to be treacherous officials wielding power in the court now, like that Zhang Biao, who acts recklessly and disregards moral principles, causing unrest in the court and society. This is truly worrying. If this continues, the foundation of our Great Ming Dynasty may be shaken.”
Upon mentioning Zhang Biao, Fang Xiaoru’s face immediately showed undisguised disdain and anger, and his voice rose a few decibels:
“Hmph! Zhang Biao? That scoundrel is merely a madman who relies on imperial favor and seeks fame!”
“Auditing the Six Ministries? That is trampling on court regulations! Provoking the Princes? That is sowing discord among the imperial family!”
“What he does is no different from that of Meng general and Zhuo general of ancient times! If such a traitor to the nation is not eliminated early, he will become a great disaster!”
His words were fierce, and his criticism of Zhang Biao was ruthless, which was exactly what Zhu Yunwen wanted to hear.
Seeing that Fang Xiaoru’s emotions had been stirred, Zhu Yunwen sighed again, feigning a somber expression, and steered the conversation towards the most crucial and sensitive concern:
“Alas, treacherous officials in the court are indeed a cause for worry. However, the absence of a crown prince and the undecided successor position is the greatest threat to the foundation of the realm!”
“Whenever I think of it, I cannot sleep at night. What are your insights on this, sir?”
Hearing this, Fang Xiaoru’s expression became extremely solemn.
He looked around, ensuring no one was eavesdropping, then lowered his voice, but his tone was decisive, carrying an irrefutable force:
“The position of the Crown Prince is the foundation of the realm and the weight of the state. How can it remain vacant for long?”
He looked intently at Zhu Yunwen, as if trying to penetrate his disguise:
“According to rites and laws, there is a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate offspring, and an order between elder and younger! His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson has long been established by name, is benevolent, filial, and intelligent, as the world knows!”
“This is the orthodox path, beyond doubt!”
“Even if there are a thousand obstacles, we must persevere to the end. This is the duty of us scholars to uphold the Orthodox Tradition and support the state!”
These words struck Zhu Yunwen like thunder.
He hadn’t expected Fang Xiaoru to be so direct and so firmly supportive of him.
This was even more perfect than he had anticipated.
His heart was filled with joy, but his face instantly showed panic. He quickly waved his hands, his voice even carrying a hint of “fluster”:
“Sir, please be careful with your words! Sir, please be careful! Such important matters, how can they be spoken of lightly?”
“Sir, you may not know, but Scholar Liu Sanwu also strongly advocated for this proposal back then, and the result was… alas, ruined reputation and his entire family exiled. The precedent is not far away!”
“Sir, you are greatly talented and a pillar of the nation. You must not incur… incur the wrath of extermination of your entire clan due to my momentary rash question!”
He deliberately brought up Liu Sanwu’s tragic fate, both to test Fang Xiaoru’s resolve and to portray himself as benevolent and caring, unwilling to see a worthy scholar in danger.
As expected, upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoru showed no fear. Instead, it ignited the fierceness and stubbornness in his bones.
He suddenly stood up, and although he lowered his voice, every word was like striking metal and stone:
“Duke Liu adhered to the righteous path. Although he suffered misfortune, his resolve can shine like the sun and moon. He is a model for us scholars!”
“Fang Xiaoru has studied the books of the sages since childhood. What is the purpose of my studies? How can I remain silent out of fear of disaster and watch the righteous path crumble? Establishing the Crown Prince correctly is a matter of natural law and justice!”
“If I incur disaster for insisting on this matter, let alone ten clan exterminations…”
He paused, his eyes flashing with a near-martyr’s fervor, and said word by word:
“What is there to fear even if my ten clans are exterminated?!”
【What is there to fear from ten clan exterminations!】
These earth-shattering words caused Zhu Yunwen to tremble all over. His blood seemed to congeal for a moment, then boil.
He looked at Fang Xiaoru’s face, slightly flushed with excitement but filled with unquestionable determination and resolve, and a tremendous wave surged within him.
It was extreme shock, immense satisfaction, and even a sense of peace, as if he had found a spiritual pillar!
He wanted ministers like this!
With the support of such a righteous and upright scholar who would not hesitate to risk his life and family for his “righteous path,” and even disregard his ten clans, why should he, Zhu Yunwen, worry about not establishing his righteous claim? Why worry about not winning the hearts of the literati?
But he knew that the more extreme the situation, the more he had to “dissuade” and appear “benevolent.”
He quickly stood up, bowed deeply to Fang Xiaoru, his voice sincere, even choked with emotion:
“Your righteousness, sir, your sincerity… I… I am burning inside!”
“But… but these words must never be spoken to outsiders again!”
“Sir, you are a treasure of the nation, and you must preserve your useful life for the future!”
“If His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson knew of this, he would surely not bear to see you in danger! I… I bid you farewell!”
Having said that, he gave Fang Xiaoru no chance to speak, as if truly afraid he would be punished for his words. He quickly bowed and feigned panic as he hurried out of the pavilion, his figure soon disappearing at the end of the bamboo path.
Fang Xiaoru watched Zhu Yunwen’s hastily departing back, standing in place, his chest still heaving slightly with emotion.
He did not look down on Zhu Yunwen for his timidity. Instead, he felt that this young man was benevolent and understood how to protect worthy individuals, adding to his favorable impression and expectation of the “Second Imperial Grandson” whom he had never met.
As for Zhu Yunwen, who had quickly walked out of the bamboo grove, once he was sure he was far from the pavilion and no one was around, the panic and haste on his face vanished without a trace, replaced by an irrepressible excitement and a deep, cold calculation.
He looked back towards the pavilion hidden deep within the bamboo grove, and a confident, determined smile slowly curved his lips.
【Fang Xiaoru… Fang Xiaoru!】
【Having this great scholar is better than a hundred thousand soldiers!】
【With his promise today of ‘What is there to fear from ten clan exterminations’, my position among the literati and the pure stream will be as stable as Mount Tai!】
【Grandfather Emperor… you will see this too!】
He felt that his path to becoming the Imperial Grandson, which had been repeatedly thwarted by Zhang Biao, now seemed to be infused with a powerful, righteous force.
Fang Xiaoru was the most important cornerstone for him to leverage the future landscape!
This trip incognito had yielded far more than expected.
He not only gained a general understanding of the quality of the current talented scholars but also unexpectedly acquired Fang Xiaoru, such a steadfast, highly respected supporter who was willing to give his all.
Zhu Yunwen took a deep breath, calming his agitated emotions, but the light flashing in his eyes grew even more determined.
【Zhang Biao… your good days won’t last long.】
【When I ascend to the position of Crown Prince, it will be the time for treacherous officials like you to be executed!】
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