Chapter 212: Searched Everywhere Without Success, Then Found A Blood Letter! Seeking Monthly Tickets
The Hongwu Emperor issued three imperial decrees in succession, like three colossal stones cast into the already turbulent political waters of the Great Ming Dynasty, instantly stirring up thousands of waves.
The first decree caused the entire bureaucratic system, especially officials at the middle and lower levels, to erupt in an uproar.
“Your Majesty… Your Majesty finally realizes we live in hardship!”
A Supervising Secretary, clad in a faded green robe, clutched the transcribed imperial decree, his hands trembling, his eyes red.
So many years.
They had relied on their meager salaries to survive in the capital, a place where every inch of land was precious, and now hope finally appeared.
“Re-discuss salaries? Humph, easier said than done!”
Inside the Ministry of Revenue Office, some senior officials frowned deeply:
“Where will the money come from? Increased taxes? Or will we dip into the Imperial Treasury? This matter affects everything and is by no means simple!”
“This proposal must be Zhang Biao, that scoundrel, poisoning the Emperor’s mind!”
Yuan Tai, the Right Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, trembled with anger, his beard quivering:
“Increasing salaries, while seeming to care for officials, is actually undermining the Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings! If this precedent is set, the consequences will be endless!”
However, regardless of the arguments among the higher-ups, the grievances of the middle and lower-level officials were indeed greatly appeased by this decree.
Many people’s perception of Zhang Biao quietly shifted from ‘a troublemaking madman’ to ‘a capable official who speaks for us’.
Zhang Biao’s reputation among lower-level officials, in turn, rose another notch.
At this moment, inside a teahouse.
An accountant, dressed more respectably, slapped his thigh, his face full of excitement: “Censor Zhang, despite his eccentric behavior, is truly doing practical things for us!”
“Alas! Wasn’t that ‘demand salary’ incident back then for today? I want to go and pay respects at Old Censor Wang’s grave! I’ll tell him this good news!” a lower-level capital official, who had participated in the ‘demand salary’ protest with Zhang Biao, sighed with tears in his eyes.
Everyone around looked at each other in disbelief.
A peddler, who roamed the streets, broke the silence:
“And the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’! My neighbor, Scholar Li, who failed the scholar exams for over a decade, received the news yesterday and was so excited he almost fainted!”
“They say he packed his bags overnight and rushed to the capital! He said it’s an opportunity to leap over the Dragon Gate!”
“If you ask me, the ‘Complaint Box’ is still the best!”
A man with a dark complexion and calloused hands lowered his voice. He was the owner of a small workshop in the southern city who was often extorted by clerks:
“In the past, we could only endure insults. Now it’s better; that red box is right in front of the yamen gate!”
“I heard several corrupt runners have already been investigated! Although their ranks weren’t high, it’s still a significant development! Censor Zhang is the hope for us poor people!”
“Exactly! Censor Zhang! He is a good official who governs for the people!”
The teahouse patrons nodded in agreement, their words filled with gratitude and admiration for Zhang Biao.
However, in a corner of the teahouse, several men in ordinary clothes but with sharp eyes exchanged glances expressionlessly as they listened to the surrounding discussions. They silently put down their tea money and rose to leave.
They walked out of the teahouse and quickly disappeared into the depths of the alley.
On the other side, in a secluded courtyard house.
“Scoundrel! This Zhang Biao must be eliminated to quell my hatred!”
A middle-aged man in a silk casual outfit, his face grim, slammed his teacup onto the table.
He was an agent for the Beijing properties of a certain Prince.
“We received a letter from the Prince. Zhang Biao’s ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’ is attracting scholars from all over the empire, clearly aiming to cut off our path to recruit talent! And that complaint box is like a sharp sword hanging over our heads!” another person said with worry.
“And raising salaries? Humph, the wool comes from the sheep; in the end, it will still be taken from our tributes!” a merchant involved in the Ministry of Revenue corruption chain gritted his teeth.
These individuals were either representatives of princely interests, wealthy merchants colluding with corrupt officials, or retainers of certain powerful figures.
The three imperial decrees Zhang Biao requested, and the anti-corruption storm he stirred up, had genuinely touched their core interests.
Previously, they had watched with amusement, but now they truly felt the threat and the pain.
Their hatred for Zhang Biao grew day by day.
At the same time, at the back door of a noble’s villa.
A person resembling a butler quietly slipped a piece of silver to someone who looked like a peddler, and said in a low voice:
“Have you confirmed it? Is Zhang Biao really going to tackle the Grain Transport and the garrison system next?”
“Absolutely true! Those few old veterans under him have been loitering around the docks and garrisons these past few days!”
The peddler quickly pocketed the silver: “You should make plans early!”
The butler nodded with a grim expression and hurried to close the door.
These transactions and curses in the dark corners, though they believed themselves to be hidden, were all observed by Imperial Guards disguised as street vendors and teahouse patrons.
Inside Huagai Hall, candlelight flickered.
Old Zhu listened as Jiang Huan and Yun Ming reported the reactions from various parties after the decrees were issued. There was no trace of pride on his face; instead, he looked even more profound.
“Your Majesty, scholars are now gathering inside and outside the capital, all praising the Emperor’s immense grace.” Yun Ming said cautiously.
“Officials from various regions are enthusiastically responding to the matter of re-discussing salaries.”
Jiang Huan added:
“Since the anonymous complaint boxes were set up, there have indeed been reports from the populace. The Provincial Surveillance Commission has received some clues regarding illegal activities by local clerks and low-ranking military officers, and an investigation is underway.”
Old Zhu let out a ‘hmm’, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest as usual.
Zhang Biao’s three strategies… are indeed brilliant. They have practically resolved the predicament we face, dissolving it into nothingness.
This man’s grasp of human nature and the current situation is terrifying!
He felt no relief; instead, his apprehension towards Zhang Biao deepened.
Such a ‘madman’ who can stir up immense waves and then offer precise solutions to quell the turmoil poses a far greater threat than those mediocre officials who only know how to ‘die for a cause’ or ‘form factions for selfish gain’.
He presented such excellent advice, his true aim must be even greater!
The Anti-corruption Bureau… what he truly wants to move against are definitely not just a few clerks and military officers! His target has always been the Princes, and our Imperial Treasury!
A cold glint flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes.
He would never lower his guard because Zhang Biao had temporarily ‘rendered meritorious service’.
“Jiang Huan.”
“I am here.”
“Keep a close watch on those scholars flooding into the capital! It’s hard to guarantee there aren’t any with ulterior motives, or those being exploited by certain individuals! The Literary Grand Ceremony can proceed, but we must ensure it is under our control! The people selected must also be thoroughly vetted!”
“I understand!”
“Also.”
Old Zhu paused, then fixed his gaze on Jiang Huan and said heavily, “How is the matter I informed you about previously proceeding?”
Jiang Huan blinked slightly, then quickly bowed and said:
“Reporting to Your Majesty, based on the direction provided by Zhang Biao, I have dispatched additional personnel to secretly investigate everyone who might have come into contact with the Crown Prince’s itinerary during his tours in the fifteenth year of Hongwu, the twenty-fifth year of Hongwu, and his inspection of Shaanxi, yet who appear to be inconsequential.”
“This includes the stable hands at the post stations along the route responsible for feeding and changing the imperial horses; the craftsmen who inspected and lubricated the axles of the Crown Prince’s carriage; the accompanying cooks responsible for the meals of the Crown Prince and the Imperial Eldest Grandson; and even… the eunuchs who fanned them to dispel the summer heat that day.”
“All relevant personnel, regardless of their current position or location, have been included in the investigation list. Their backgrounds, relationships, and recent unusual actions are all under scrutiny.”
Old Zhu closed his eyes, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, listening very carefully.
He did not press for details, knowing that Jiang Huan would do his utmost.
This was an unsolved case concerning the cause of death of someone closest to him, and it was the deepest thorn in his heart.
Zhang Biao’s ‘seemingly irrelevant but able to affect the overall situation’ approach had, like a key, opened a new direction for his investigation.
“Mm!”
Old Zhu slowly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with an unyielding coldness: “Investigate thoroughly! Do not let any clue slip by! Report any progress to me immediately!”
“Your subject obeys the decree!”
Jiang Huan felt the chilling killing intent in Old Zhu’s words and trembled inwardly, bowing and withdrawing.
After Jiang Huan left, Old Zhu was silent for a moment, then said to Yun Ming, who was standing by: “Let Song Zhong come in.”
“Your Majesty.”
Soon, Song Zhong strode in and respectfully bowed.
Old Zhu wasted no time and directly asked, “What has Zhang Biao been up to recently? How did he spend that fifty thousand taels of silver?”
Song Zhong immediately reported:
“Reporting to the Emperor, after receiving the silver, Zhang Biao did not act ostentatiously. A portion was used to rent a small courtyard in a secluded area as a temporary office for the Anti-corruption Bureau; it is extremely rudimentary.”
“Another portion was used to purchase a large quantity of paper, ink brushes, and… some common market foods, such as pig’s head meat from Wang Mazi’s shop.”
“The old soldiers under him continue their clandestine operations, mainly active around the canal transport docks, the outskirts of the Capital Garrison, and some imperial shops, seemingly gathering clues.”
“Zhang Biao himself, apart from occasional visits to that small courtyard, spends most of his time at his official residence, seemingly studying files, but… I always feel he is plotting something.”
Old Zhu listened, his eyes flickering.
Zhang Biao didn’t rush to ‘recruit soldiers and buy horses,’ but instead set up a shabby base and purchased stationery and food?
This aligned with his previous style of ‘high-paying recruitment’ and ‘winning hearts,’ spending money in crucial areas, but it seemed excessively practical and low-key.
“Has he contacted those scholars who have flocked to the capital?”
Old Zhu keenly seized upon the key point.
“No discovery yet.”
Song Zhong replied: “He seems to be deliberately avoiding suspicion and has remained silent on the matter of the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’.”
Old Zhu’s finger-tapping speed increased slightly.
Zhang Biao proposed the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’ strategy, yet kept himself detached from it? This was illogical.
He knew Zhang Biao’s desire to ‘Dismiss Confucianism,’ and the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’ was definitely a golden opportunity.
Unless… his goal from the very beginning was not to establish prestige among scholars, or rather, he had a more important scheme and was temporarily unable to attend to this matter.
“Keep watching him closely!”
Old Zhu ordered without question:
“The first target he intends to investigate next is very important! We need to know who he intends to move against first! Is it the Grain Transport? The Garrison system? Or… the Imperial Shops?”
“Every step of his investigation, every person he contacts, must be recorded for us!”
“Specifically, pay attention to whether he and those old soldiers under him are bypassing normal channels to pass messages privately or… using any unconventional methods!”
“Also!”
Old Zhu added, his tone carrying a hint of meaning:
“Ensure his safety. Before he uncovers anything substantial, do not let those who hate him to death harm him in the slightest.”
“I understand!”
Song Zhong understood the Emperor’s intentions.
This knife of Zhang Biao is still useful now!
Not only do we want him to cut others, but we also want to prevent him from being broken prematurely, or… cutting in the wrong direction.
After Song Zhong withdrew, Old Zhu sat alone in the spacious hall, his gaze profound.
Zhang Biao’s three imperial decrees had temporarily stabilized the court and the country, but they had also caused more undercurrents to converge in the capital, and to converge around Zhang Biao.
The number of people who hated him grew, and the number of eyes wishing for his downfall also increased.
This was precisely the effect Old Zhu desired.
He wanted Zhang Biao to attract all the firepower and bear all the pressure in the open, to attack those corrupt interest groups.
While he himself sat firmly on the fishing platform.
On one hand, he used Zhang Biao to clear out accumulated malpractices; on the other hand, he tightly controlled the investigation into the ‘masterminds,’ and simultaneously maintained firm control over the reins of the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony,’ which guided the direction of scholars across the land.
He wanted the Great Ming Dynasty to develop in the direction he envisioned.
Zhang Biao, Zhang Biao, go ahead and make trouble, go ahead and investigate.
Old Zhu’s lips curved into a cold arc, and he couldn’t help but murmur to himself:
“When you have helped us clear out what needs to be cleared, and lured out the snakes from their holes…”
He did not say the rest, but the killing intent pervading the hall had already explained everything.
……
Meanwhile, Zhang Biao, having received his ‘seed funding’ and ‘Imperial Sword,’ was in his dilapidated small courtyard, happily drinking small wine with pig’s head meat.
“Censor Zhang!”
“Lord Zhang!”
Just then, several old soldiers returned.
They had now been brought under Zhang Biao’s command, essentially members of the Anti-corruption Bureau, and with official establishment.
Seeing them return, Zhang Biao’s spirits immediately lifted. He then drank the wine in his cup and stood up, saying, “My elder brothers, what did you gain today?”
“We did not fail our mission!”
The old soldiers smiled and nodded.
Zhang Biao immediately smiled and invited them to sit:
“Come, come, let’s drink and talk. We have pig’s head meat just delivered by Wang Mazi. Eat to your heart’s content, and take any leftovers home for your children and wives!”
“His Majesty gave us fifty thousand taels, we mustn’t waste it!”
“Heh heh…”
The old soldiers exchanged smiles, thinking that they too were finally experiencing the joy that Shen Lang and the others felt.
It was great following Censor Zhang.
Soon, the old soldiers took their seats, and while drinking, they chatted with Zhang Biao about their findings.
“Censor Zhang!”
Old Zhou spoke first, patting a sketch on the table with his one good arm:
“My subordinate was staking out at the Shuiximen Dock for the past few days, disguised as a scrap collector, and discovered a strange matter!”
He pointed to a marked spot on the sketch:
“According to regulations, there is a fixed amount for grain transported by canal boats to be unloaded into the warehouses.”
“But my subordinate saw that several boats flying the banner of the ‘Henan Grain Gang’ consistently unloaded at least twenty percent less grain into the warehouse than the amount they declared at the Canal Transport Office!”
“That extra grain was picked up by several unmarked small boats in the middle of the night, without anyone noticing!”
Zhang Biao’s eyes lit up: “Who were the people receiving the goods? Did he see their appearance clearly?”
“He saw them clearly!”
“See clearly!”
Old Zhou nodded and lowered his voice, saying:
“He told me the leader was a fat man with a large mole on the corner of his mouth, and he spoke with a Kaifeng Prefecture accent! He’s ruthless, and everyone on the docks is a bit afraid of that fat man.”
“A mole on the corner of his mouth? A Kaifeng accent?”
Zhang Biao stroked his chin, deep in thought.
Kaifeng was Prince Zhou Zhu Su’s fiefdom.
Although the Prince was imprisoned in the old Prince’s Mansion due to the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ case and his eldest son, Zhu Youdun, was now managing the fiefdom, the Prince Zhou’s Mansion still held influence.
At this moment, Lame Old Li also came forward. As per Zhang Biao’s instructions, he had been deliberately ‘causing trouble’ for low-ranking officials who might be involved in grain transport.
“Sir, the day before yesterday I ‘accidentally’ bumped into a Director from the Henan Provincial Administration Commission of the Ministry of Revenue, guess what happened?”
Old Li said mysteriously, “A jade pendant fell from his embrace. I saw… it looked very similar to the standard issue that Prince Zhou’s Mansion used to bestow upon some local officials in previous years!”
“He frantically picked it up then and cursed me, saying something like ‘You waste, you deserve to be sent to Kaifeng as expendable material’!”
“Expendable material?”
Zhang Biao’s brow furrowed.
The Prince was imprisoned, yet people from his mansion were still acting under the Prince’s Mansion’s banner? Was it tacitly approved by the Heir Apparent, or…?
Blind Old Sun, squinting his only good eye, added:
“I was ‘napping’ at a teahouse near the docks and overheard some transport soldiers drunk and boasting that this year’s ‘subsidy grain’ being shipped to several garrisons in Henan Province required them to exchange new grain for their old stock. The price difference was fully compensated, but they were asked to turn a blind eye to the grain quality… The losses and price differences involved were immense!”
“They also mentioned that ‘Mr. Liu from the Prince’s Mansion’ had also put in a word…”
“Mr. Liu?”
Zhang Biao pressed, “Which Mr. Liu?”
Old Sun shook his head, “They didn’t say everything, just mentioned it in passing. It sounded like a managing retainer or an accountant.”
Injured Old Qian coughed, his voice hoarse, “My subordinate spoke with some military households from Henan whose pay had been withheld.”
“A Commander from their area recently bought a large house in Longjiang and is keeping a mistress, spending money like water.”
“It’s said his brother-in-law is close with that fat man surnamed Wang on the docks, specializing in shady business. That Commander seems to be connected by marriage to a Director surnamed Liu from Prince Zhou’s Mansion.”
The clues once again pointed to Prince Zhou’s Mansion!
And specifically to a ‘Mr. Liu’ or ‘Director Liu’!
Zhang Biao’s mind raced.
【 Prince Zhou Zhu Su was imprisoned because the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ was linked to the Crown Prince’s death.
【 But how the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ recipe leaked from Prince Zhou had always been a mystery. Moreover, Prince Zhou himself didn’t know.
【 Now, even after Prince Zhou’s imprisonment, people from Prince Zhou’s Mansion were still using the mansion’s influence to engage in grain transport corruption!
【 Is this normal? The Heir Apparent Zhu Youdun should have kept a low profile to avoid suspicion, so why would he tolerate his subordinates being so brazen?
【 Unless… this force is something the Heir Apparent of Prince Zhou cannot control, or there is someone else behind this force!
【 A mastermind who could conceal the leak of the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ recipe from Prince Zhou, and then command the remaining forces of Prince Zhou’s Mansion for corrupt activities, bypassing the Heir Apparent?
This speculation sent a slight chill down Zhang Biao’s spine, yet also filled him with excitement.
Good heavens!
It was truly a case of searching high and low without success, only to find it unexpectedly!
“I’ve decided!”
Zhang Biao suddenly stood up from his seat and declared firmly, “The first strike of our Anti-corruption Bureau will be aimed at this grain transport corruption chain!”
As he spoke, the old soldiers exchanged glances.
Suddenly, the courtyard gate was opened again, and Zhang Biao and the others immediately looked towards the sound.
Song Zhong walked in with a poker face and said solemnly:
“Lord Zhang, a letter has arrived from Kaifeng Prefecture, addressed specifically to you!”
A letter from Kaifeng Prefecture?
Zhang Biao glanced at the envelope in Song Zhong’s hand, noticed the smudged bloodstains, and his brow immediately furrowed.
Seeking monthly tickets~
