Chapter 219: Chong Ba! Your Sister Said You Were Not Treated Is Lying To You! Seeking Monthly Tickets
Inside the Huagai Hall, not long after Zhu Yunwen departed, a subtle residual tension from the sharp exchanges between grandfather and grandson seemed to linger in the air.
Just as Old Zhu raised his teacup, Song Zhong returned.
He reported verbatim the ‘farce’ that had just occurred in Zhang Biao’s small courtyard, along with the ‘clues’ that had sprung up like bamboo shoots after rain, pointing to several imperial princes.
Upon hearing Zhang Biao’s exasperated cries of ‘I can’t work anymore!’ and ‘The whole family is a den of thieves!’, and even his direct demand to ‘pay more’, Old Zhu’s hand, holding the teacup, paused mid-air. Instead of anger, his face curved into a cold, playful arc.
“Heh.”
He let out a soft chuckle, slowly put down the teacup, his eyes as sharp as an eagle’s:
“Giving up? Demanding more money? This madman… he’s playing games with us.”
Song Zhong lowered his head and said, “I observed Zhang Biao’s words and actions. While exaggerated, facing the sudden influx of numerous clues, his shock and uncertainty suggest it’s not entirely fabricated.”
“His shock and uncertainty are real, but his exaggeration is even more so!”
Old Zhu snorted coldly, tapping his fingers on the armrest:
“Is Zhang Biao the kind of person who fears trouble? He dares to curse us to our faces, would he be afraid of a few imperial princes? He’s realized this water is too murky, and someone is stirring it up from behind!”
Having said this, Old Zhu’s gaze fell upon the ‘clues’ Song Zhong had brought back.
Prince Qi’s mansion’s secret accounts, Prince Chu’s mansion’s bribery, Prince Zhou’s mansion’s former servant’s testimony, and even vague implicatons of Prince Shu and Prince Yan…
These pieces of evidence came too easily, too concentrated, and pointed too clearly, like a meticulously prepared jigsaw puzzle, eager to be handed to Zhang Biao.
“Look, look!”
Old Zhu pointed at the items, his tone laced with mockery:
“Just a few days ago, they were all hidden away, investigating things like thieves. But today, they’ve all come out!”
“Prince Zhou, Prince Qi, Prince Chu, Prince Shu, and even Fourth Brother is implicated! They’re just wishing for Zhang Biao’s fire to burn all of us sons!”
He was almost certain that this was a smokescreen and a shield deliberately thrown by the mastermind, seeing Zhang Biao’s investigation approaching the core.
The objective was to confuse matters, muddy the waters, and place Zhang Biao and himself, the Emperor, in a predicament of being enemies with numerous imperial princes.
Either they would retreat in the face of difficulty, or they would get lost amidst the intricate relationships of the imperial princes, thereby covering up the true culprit.
“Trying to borrow a knife to kill? And trying to make our sons suspicious of each other, even kill each other?”
A cold light flickered in Old Zhu’s eyes, his killing intent palpable: “A good plan! A truly good plan!”
The wickedness of the mastermind’s intentions and the depth of their scheme made him feel a tremor of alarm.
“Your Majesty, what about Zhang Biao’s request for more money?” Song Zhong inquired.
“More money?”
Old Zhu scoffed: “Tell him, if he wants more money, he can have it!”
“Let him bring real evidence in exchange! Let him bring earth-shattering material in exchange! Just relying on these ‘clues’ of unknown origin to try and extract silver from our Imperial Treasury? Dream on!”
“However.”
He suddenly thought of the ‘anti-corruption fund’ Zhang Biao had mentioned. If he ‘added money’ at this point, it might be a good opportunity.
Because he felt that Zhang Biao had investigated to a crucial core, forcing the other party to make a move, indicating that Zhang Biao would counter every move and unleash his wild spirit to aggressively recover ill-gotten gains.
If this were the case, then for him to increase investment, according to the previous profit-sharing…
Wouldn’t the more he added, the more he earn?!
Old Zhu felt incredibly ‘clever’. A flash of brilliance in his eyes, quickly vanishing, replaced by an expression of ‘I understand him completely’, he said calmly:
“Since that madman has spoken, we shouldn’t show no consideration. Yunming!”
“Your servant is here.”
“Withdraw another five thousand taels from the Imperial Treasury… no, ten thousand taels! And send it to Zhang Biao!”
“Tell him this is compensation for his injured subordinates, and to spend it sparingly! If he still can’t uncover anything concrete, there won’t be another copper coin!”
“Yes.”
Yun Ming looked strangely at the Emperor, thinking why the usually ‘stingy’ Emperor was becoming increasingly generous with Censor Zhang? But he dared not say more, only bowing in response.
Old Zhu, acting as if nothing had happened, looked at Song Zhong and said, “Song Zhong!”
“Your humble servant is here!”
Song Zhong immediately acknowledged the order.
Then Old Zhu mused, “Have your men secretly investigate the source of these ‘clues’.”
“That old man who delivered the account book, the merchant complaining in the teahouse, and that former servant of Prince Zhou’s mansion… keep a close watch on them, see if we can follow the clues to find out who is behind delivering these things!”
“Your servant understands!”
Soon, Song Zhong withdrew.
Silence returned to the Main Hall.
After an unknown amount of time, Old Zhu finally rose from his seat and slowly walked to the Great Ming Territory Map, his gaze profound.
In the Imperial Court, Yunwen’s thoughts were unfathomable.
Among the imperial princes, undercurrents surged.
Along the Grain Transport route, dangers lurked.
And a mastermind hidden deepest, constantly stirring up trouble…
This Great Ming Empire, though seemingly stable, was internally riddled with crises.
“Come, let this storm rage even fiercer!”
Old Zhu stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an air of world-domineering might:
“I want to see if your demons and monsters are more skilled, or if the blade of this Hongwu Great Emperor is sharper!”
He had already resolved to use Zhang Biao, this blade that was sometimes mad and sometimes sharp, to completely cleave through the dense mist shrouding the Great Ming!
Regardless of who might be implicated in the end, or how great the waves would be, he would spare no effort!
“Your Majesty.”
A thin eunuch cautiously entered and reported:
“Your servant has just received some news, regarding His Highness the Third Imperial Grandson and the Eastern Palace!”
“Hm?”
Old Zhu frowned, then without turning his head, asked, “What is it?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, just now Princess Mingyu went to the Northern Five Offices and brought the news of Duke of Liang’s return to the capital to His Highness the Third Imperial Grandson.”
The thin eunuch reported in detail the situation in the Side Hall concerning Zhu Yunteng, including the conversation between the siblings.
Old Zhu listened quietly. When he heard Zhu Yunteng sternly refuse to leverage Lan Yu’s power, calmly analyzing the pros and cons, even uttering such insightful words as ‘sword hanging over one’s head’, a subtle ripple finally appeared on his face, which had been as still as a calm well.
“Yunteng, this boy… has also grown.”
Old Zhu murmured to himself, his tone unreadable as to whether it was praise or sigh:
“He sees the situation clearly, understands the balance of power, knows what can be moved and what cannot… much stronger than his impulsive maternal uncle.”
This clarity and restraint maintained in adversity far exceeded his age, and he understood more than some veteran court officials.
In terms of mental fortitude and intuition for danger, Old Zhu felt that Zhu Yunteng seemed to surpass Zhu Yunwen.
However, when the thin eunuch recounted Zhu Yunteng’s almost faith-like trust and concern for Zhang Biao, calling him ‘Master Zhang has me, his unworthy student’, and even pinning his hopes of uncovering the truth on Zhang Biao, Old Zhu’s eyes instantly darkened, and his breathing became rapid and forceful.
Zhang Biao! It’s Zhang Biao again!
He’s only been with that madman for a few days? How did he make him so devoted?!
What’s so good about that madman? He acts erratically, disrespects his superiors, and causes trouble everywhere!
Yunteng values him so much, isn’t he being led astray, learning that lawless behavior?!
A strong sense of displeasure and apprehension arose in Old Zhu’s heart.
He instinctively disliked anyone who occupied an important position in his descendants’ hearts, yet was not him.
Especially an external official who could influence his descendants’ thoughts.
Zhang Biao, such a ‘heretical’ existence, was precisely the focus of his vigilance.
Zhu Yunteng’s respect for Zhang Biao was, in his eyes, akin to a dangerous ‘contamination’.
“His hatred is too great, and his mind is skewed!”
Old Zhu snorted coldly, his tone clearly displeased: “His mind is filled with pursuing the killer and revenge, and he’s been instigated by that Zhang Biao. Is this the mindset a Crown Prince should have?!”
In his ideal image of an heir, there could be political maneuvering and methods, but they must understand balance and the need to maintain the stability of the Zhu family’s empire.
Not to be swayed by personal hatred or the will of a ‘master’.
Zhu Yunteng’s performance made him feel that he was extreme and uncontrollable.
Therefore, he once again tilted the ‘scales’ for the successor position towards Zhu Yunwen.
“Wu She.”
“Your servant is here!”
The thin eunuch quickly acknowledged.
“Continue to monitor.”
Old Zhu instructed Wu She: “See what he does next. If there’s any unusual activity, report it immediately.”
“Yes.”
Immediately after, Wu She reported on the situation after Zhu Yunwen returned to the Eastern Palace.
“After His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson returned to the palace, he spoke privately with the Crown Princess for a while, after which the Crown Princess appeared sad. Later, His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson resumed his studies as usual, and the Crown Princess continued to tend to her flowers and plants, with no unusual behavior.”
“First sadness, then normalcy?”
A shrewd glint flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes, and his lips curved into a cold arc:
“Consort Lü… she is indeed becoming more composed. To show no emotion, she is quite a character.”
The more ‘normal’ this mother and son appeared, the heavier Old Zhu’s suspicion grew.
He certainly knew the reason for Consort Lü’s sadness; it was undoubtedly because Zhu Yunwen had told her that Zhu Xiongying’s death might not have been an accident.
But he absolutely did not believe that Consort Lü would remain indifferent upon learning that her son might regain imperial favor. This deliberate calmness instead indicated deeper machinations.
Watching too closely, like pushing a fish to the bottom of the water, it will not move. Only by letting the water flow will the fish swim and reveal itself.
He knew that to make Consort Lü reveal herself, he had to create an environment that appeared safe for her.
But how to create it was a skill in itself.
If it was too obvious, with Consort Lü’s cunning, she would immediately realize it was a trap and become even more cautious.
His gaze slowly swept across the hall, finally landing on the memorial tablet of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, enshrined on the incense table in the corner.
His eyes dimmed for a moment, a flicker of genuine pain crossing his heart, but it was quickly replaced by deeper calculations.
Next month… will be the anniversary of that child Xiongying’s death.
A plan, seemingly reasonable yet subtly intricate, took shape in his mind.
“Issue my decree.”
Old Zhu calmly instructed Wu She, his voice betraying no ripple:
“On the fifth of next month, it is the anniversary of His Highness the Imperial Eldest Grandson Xiongying’s death. Order Crown Princess Consort Lü, along with His Highness the Third Imperial Grandson Yunwen and His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson Yunteng, and the two Princesses, to proceed to Zhongshan Xiao Mausoleum for worship.”
“All ceremonial arrangements shall be handled according to precedent; no need for excessive fanfare, nor deliberate simplicity. Proceed according to regulations.”
He deliberately emphasized handling it according to precedent and regulations to make this outing appear as a perfectly normal royal sacrificial activity, giving Consort Lü no hint of ‘special treatment’ to lull her vigilance.
As for the purpose of doing so…
Old Zhu narrowed his eyes and added to Wu She: “Have Jiang Huan… select a few capable and unfamiliar subordinates, and mix them into the accompanying ceremonial guards and palace maids and eunuchs.”
“Tell them to keep their eyes sharp and their ears pricked!”
“See who ‘coincidentally’ meets the Crown Princess along the way, who speaks with her, who exchanges glances with her!”
“But their identities must absolutely not be revealed, lest we startle her.”
“Your servant understands and will arrange it immediately.”
Wu She understood perfectly, bowed in response, and went to deliver the decree.
In the empty Huagai Hall, Old Zhu alone watched the sun setting outside, its afterglow casting his silhouette long, like an old lion lying dormant in the shadows.
The chess game he had set was becoming increasingly complex.
Zhang Biao advanced fiercely in the open, stirring up the Grain Transport affairs, his influence even seeping into the Imperial Palace, causing Zhu Yunteng concern.
Consort Lü lay in wait in the shadows, enduring and waiting.
Zhu Yunwen strived to play the role of benevolent and filial.
And he himself, sat steadily at the center, observing with cold eyes, continuously throwing bait, adjusting the strings in his hands.
Yunteng, oh Yunteng, if you could let go of your obsession with Zhang Biao, and restrain that excessive hatred, perhaps… alas!
Consort Lü, I have prepared the stage for you, let’s see if you… will perform this play!
Before this Xiao Mausoleum, under the watchful eyes of my Biao and Xiongying’s spirits, let me see, within the Zhu Ming Imperial Palace, how many more schemes and tricks are hidden!
Old Zhu’s gaze, in the twilight, appeared exceptionally deep and inscrutable, the profound scrutiny and calculation of an emperor towards power, lineage, and truth.
In reality, if Old Zhu became suspicious of Consort Lü, given his temperament, he could directly arrest her and interrogate her severely to extract her secrets.
He also believed that Jiang Huan’s methods could certainly make Consort Lü speak.
However, he could not do so.
Because once he did, Zhu Yunwen would be finished.
Perhaps to onlookers, without Zhu Yunwen, Old Zhu could choose Zhu Yunteng or Zhu Di.
But from Old Zhu’s perspective, unless absolutely necessary, he would not choose Zhu Yunteng or Zhu Di.
One reason was a common flaw for founding emperors: they hoped for a ‘virtuous’ successor.
In Old Zhu’s eyes, neither Zhu Yunteng nor Zhu Di was the ‘virtuous’ ruler he envisioned.
Moreover, the most important point was that choosing Zhu Yunteng or Zhu Di would go against the Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings he had compiled.
He needed to set a good example of order of seniority for the Zhu Ming Imperial Family.
The second reason was that he always felt there was a mastermind behind Consort Lü.
If he moved directly against Consort Lü, it would easily alert the enemy.
Even if Consort Lü spoke, the information she revealed might not be enough to catch the true mastermind. It would be better to use Consort Lü as bait, achieving two objectives.
Because he not only had to uncover the truth of Zhu Xiongying’s death but also ensure that the future of the Great Ming Empire was firmly in the hands of the successor he deemed ‘suitable’.
Any unstable factor had to be identified, controlled, or eliminated when necessary.
On the other side, in the Buddhist Hall of the rear palace.
The woman who always wore plain clothes, devoutly recited Buddhist scriptures before the Buddha statue, as if the outside world had nothing to do with her.
“Creak—!”
The door of the Buddhist Hall was pushed open by the old nanny, who always stooped.
“Your Ladyship.”
The old nanny called out softly.
The woman did not respond, only turning her prayer beads and her lips moving continuously.
After an unknown amount of time, as a piece of incense ash slowly fell, the woman finally emitted a very soft syllable from her throat: “Speak.”
The old nanny immediately stepped forward and, in a voice only they could hear, reported clearly and steadily, point by point:
“Reporting to Your Ladyship, news has come from the front court that Censor Zhang Biao is still investigating the Grain Transport case.”
The woman’s finger, turning the prayer beads, paused almost imperceptibly, but she said nothing.
The old nanny continued, “His subordinates seem to have touched upon Prince Zhou’s mansion, investigating a clerk named Liu and a fat man named Wang who operates at the docks.”
Upon hearing ‘Prince Zhou’s mansion’, the woman’s eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, as if a tiny pebble had been dropped into a calm lake, but the ripples vanished instantly.
“Furthermore!”
The old nanny continued, her tone unchanged:
“In the past two days, Zhang Biao has suddenly received a large number of clues of unknown origin, all pointing to the four princes: Qi, Chu, Shu, and Yan, all implicated in Grain Transport corruption.”
“Now, both in court and among the people, attention has been drawn to multiple imperial princes, and Zhang Biao appears to be becoming the target of public criticism.”
Hearing this, a very faint but knowing smile slowly curved on the woman’s face, which had been as still as a calm well.
She even let out an almost inaudible scoff.
My son’s counterattack has arrived.
Placing oneself on the chessboard, no one would suspect oneself as a mere chess piece.
Moreover, one can even stir up the waters and let that ignorant madman bite and offend everyone… a truly clever plan.
The old nanny paused slightly. Seeing no response from the woman, she delivered the third piece of news:
“Also… the Emperor has recently been secretly reinvestigating the old case of His Highness the Imperial Eldest Grandson’s demise in the fifteenth year of Hongwu. The secret guards have been active, and the whispers… point to Consort Lü of the Eastern Palace.”
Boom!
This piece of news was like a giant rock thrown into a still lake!
The woman’s hand, turning the prayer beads, stopped abruptly.
Her eyes, which had been gently closed, suddenly opened, revealing an irrepressible surprise and sharp glint of light.
That light was entirely different from her usual composure.
“Oh?”
She finally spoke, her voice slightly hoarse from not speaking for a long time, yet unable to hide her excitement: “The Emperor… is investigating Consort Lü? Investigating Xiongying’s death?”
She almost burst into laughter, forcefully suppressing the curve of her lips, but the brilliance in her eyes was astonishing.
Heaven helps my son! Truly heaven helps my son!
If Consort Lü and Zhu Yunwen fall because of this… wouldn’t my son’s chances in the succession struggle greatly increase?!
A thought flashed through her mind.
Should she take this opportunity to secretly ‘help’ the Emperor?
Fabricate some evidence to confirm Consort Lü’s guilt?
Or, find a way to ‘inadvertently’ leak the news of Consort Lü plotting against the Imperial Eldest Grandson?
This way, even if the Emperor wanted to investigate secretly, he couldn’t continue.
Moreover, until Consort Lü’s case was clarified, he couldn’t mention naming Zhu Yunwen as the Imperial Grandson.
This temptation was immense.
She pondered, her fingers unconsciously tightening, causing the prayer beads to creak slightly.
Silence filled the hall, with only the silent burning of sandalwood.
However, after only a moment, the fervent light in her eyes gradually cooled, replaced by deep calm.
Unacceptable.
Acting now carries too great a risk.
The Emperor is meticulous and highly suspicious.
If evidence that is too clearly directed suddenly appears, he will instead suspect it’s a frame-up, and then following the lead, it’s hard to guarantee that his informants on my side won’t be discovered.
After all, not many people can possess knowledge of court secrets.
She slowly shook her head, suppressing the dangerous thought in her heart.
But then, another, deeper, more hidden thought, like an underwater reef, slowly surfaced.
Zhu Xiongying… Ma Xiuying…
She recalled the Empress Ma who had long since passed away.
Back then, Empress Ma, due to diligently caring for the sick Imperial Eldest Grandson Zhu Xiongying, contracted a severe illness herself, which medicine could not cure…
The outside world widely spread that Empress Ma died of illness, and in her final moments, out of compassion, she refused further medication, thus harming the imperial physician…
But, what was the truth?
The woman’s lips curved into a cold and eerie arc.
It was a condescending mockery born from possessing absolute secrets.
Chongba, oh Chongba, you were deceived by her…
She whispered silently in her heart, with a complex emotion of accumulated resentment and pleasure:
Your sister, who refused medication back then, was it out of compassion and concern for the people’s burden?
That was merely her… forced to do so…
This secret, like a poisonous seed, had been buried deep in her heart for many years.
Those who knew the inside story back then, except for her, had almost all been consumed by time or conspiracy.
Compared to Consort Lü’s potential suspicion of plotting against the Imperial Eldest Grandson, the secret she held regarding Empress Ma’s true cause of death was a fatal weapon capable of shaking Old Zhu’s mind and even affecting the destiny of the Great Ming Empire!
Furthermore, in her opinion, this secret was safer and harder to verify than Consort Lü’s matter.
She slowly closed her eyes again, and the prayer beads in her hands began to turn once more, their rhythm returning to its previous steadiness.
“Understood.”
She said faintly to the old nanny, her voice devoid of any ripple: “Continue to pay attention, especially… to Consort Lü’s movements.”
“Yes.”
The old nanny bowed and, as silently as she had arrived, withdrew from the Buddhist Hall.
Inside the Buddhist Hall, silence returned.
Only the sandalwood incense remained, rising gracefully.
The woman knelt amidst the interplay of light and shadow, like a silent statue, but behind her closed eyes, the deepest calculations and storms capable of overturning the entire Great Ming Imperial Palace and the court were churning.
But she hid deeper than Consort Lü, waited longer, and was more patient.
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