Chapter 199: Old Zhu: If I Don’t Listen To You, Will My Great Ming Perish? 【 Requesting Monthly Tickets 】
Inside the side hall, the atmosphere was as oppressive as an approaching storm.
Officials gathered in small groups, talking in low voices, but everyone’s eyes flickered with unease and suspicion.
The shadow of Zhang Biao’s yellow anonymous complaint box seemed like an invisible nightmare, casting a pall over everyone’s hearts.
They were both relieved that the Emperor had postponed the court session, giving them a moment to breathe, and fearful of the approaching storm.
“Lord Wang, you say… could there already be someone in that box…”
A minor official in a green robe asked his colleague with a trembling voice.
“Hush! Speak cautiously! Speak cautiously!”
Lord Wang’s face turned pale, and he quickly covered the official’s mouth.
At the same time, he scanned his surroundings warily, as if anyone could pull a small note from their sleeve and stuff it into that imaginary box.
Just then, Yun Ming appeared silently at the doorway, like a White Impermanence emerging from the underworld.
Swish!
All sounds instantly vanished, and the officials turned their heads in unison, their movements as coordinated as a trained army, their eyes filled with terror and inquiry.
Yun Ming cleared his throat and announced the imperial decree expressionlessly:
“By imperial oral decree: We are well. The Grand Court Session shall proceed as scheduled in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.”
“Today’s agenda includes discussion on the ‘Salaries and Restraints of the Princes.’ All officials are to proceed to the Hall of Supreme Harmony immediately to await the Emperor’s arrival. Do not delay.”
Upon hearing the decree, the entire hall was astonished!
Discussing matters of the Princes?!
At a time when Zhang Biao had just shouted ‘Audit the Princes’ and set up a complaint box?!
Was the Emperor going to follow through, or lure the snakes out of their holes?
The complexions of some quick-witted officials, like Yuan Tai, turned instantly ashen.
They understood that the Emperor had not been angered by Zhang Biao’s reckless actions and retreated; instead, he intended to use this opportunity to formally bring the issue of the Princes to the forefront.
This meant that Zhang Biao’s seemingly suicidal actions had, inadvertently, provided the Emperor with an unprecedented entry point and public opinion atmosphere.
And for other officials who had deeper ties to the Princes’ interests, or who were already worried about the Princes becoming too powerful, their eyes flickered with complex emotions.
Yellow Perhaps… this is an opportunity to declare loyalty? Purple
Yellow Perhaps an opportunity to step on a Prince who is disliked? Anyway, there’s an anonymous box… Purple
Regardless, Old Zhu’s reaction far exceeded their expectations.
This was not about pacifying the situation; it was about stirring up trouble.
“Your subjects obey the decree!”
The officials, with their varied thoughts, bowed and accepted the order, surging towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony like a tide.
Each person’s heart felt heavy, knowing that this day’s court session was destined to be anything but calm.
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, solemn and majestic, the officials stood in order.
Old Zhu sat high on the dragon throne, his expression calm, showing no sign of having just experienced a farce that would have infuriated any Emperor.
Only his deep, abyss-like eyes occasionally swept over those below the steps, carrying a chilling insight into everything.
“If you have a memorial, present it. If not, the court is adjourned—”
As the official from the Ministry of Rites announced, the Grand Court Session officially began.
After a brief silence, as expected and yet unexpected, Yuan Tai, the Right Censor of the Censorate, holding his jade tablet, stepped forward first.
“Your subject, Yuan Tai, has a memorial to present!”
His voice carried a barely perceptible tremor, but more so, a sense of resolve.
As the head censor, at a time when the Emperor had explicitly stated the intention to discuss ‘restraints on the Princes,’ he had to step forward.
This was both a duty and, perhaps, a ‘letter of introduction.’
“Speak.”
Old Zhu’s voice came from above, betraying no emotion.
“Your subject impeaches Censor Zhang Biao!”
Yuan Tai took a deep breath and said loudly:
“Outside the Gate of Heavenly Acceptance, he roared at the palace gates, set up a stall to hawk wares, behaving like a merchant, and misleading the people!”
“Furthermore, he rashly proposed ‘auditing the Princes’ and privately set up an ‘anonymous complaint box.’ Such actions are appalling, shake the foundation of the state, and show contempt for imperial authority!”
“His first crime: extreme disrespect!”
“His second crime: disrupting the court order!”
“His third crime: malicious intent!”
“Your subject implores Your Majesty to severely punish Zhang Biao, to rectify the public perception and warn against future offenses!”
This was an expected impeachment.
Many officials nodded secretly, looking at the Emperor expectantly.
However, Old Zhu on the dragon throne merely raised his eyelids slightly and said calmly:
“We are aware of Zhang Biao’s reckless conduct.”
“However, his ‘Anti-corruption Bureau’ was approved by Us personally. As for auditing matters, We have already issued a decree stating that it shall not be carried out without Our command.”
“Your subject Yuan, We have heard your memorial.”
Yellow Heard? Just heard?! Purple
Yuan Tai couldn’t catch his breath and almost performed a dramatic death scene on the spot.
He felt as if his entire heartfelt accusation was like a heavy fist hitting cotton… no, it was hitting the Emperor’s now strangely ‘generous’ thick skin!
Just then, Xu Yungong, the Duke of Wei, suddenly stepped forward:
“Your subject, Xu Yungong, has a memorial! Although Zhang Biao’s actions were improper, what he said about the Princes is not entirely without basis!”
“Nowadays, many Prince’s Mansions exceed their allotted guards, some occupy military land and compete with the common people for profit!”
“If this continues, it will not be a blessing for the nation!”
“Your subject believes that it is timely for His Majesty to discuss ‘restraints on the Princes’! We should establish clear quotas for Prince’s Mansion guards, strictly investigate the occupation of land, and regulate salary expenditures, to ensure the stability of the state!”
Xu Yungong’s words exploded like cold water dropped into boiling oil.
Even Old Zhu couldn’t help but look at Xu Yungong with newfound respect.
After all, Xu Yungong’s sister, Xu Miaoyun, was the consort of Prince Yan Zhu Di, and by all rights, Xu Yungong should have been the most supportive of the Princes.
Prince Yan Zhu Di was, after all, the most powerful among all the Princes.
As his brother-in-law, there was no reason for him not to support his brother-in-law.
However, Xu Yungong’s speech surprised everyone and immediately caused an even greater stir.
“Duke Wei, your words are misplaced!”
A military officer closely associated with a certain border Prince immediately retorted:
“The Princes are the nation’s ramparts, guarding the borders, and their responsibilities are immense! Without sufficient guards, how can they resist foreign invaders? A few acres of land and their expenses are insignificant compared to the merit of defending the territory!”
“How can the merit of defending territory become an excuse for breaking the law?!”
Zhuo Jing, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who supported Zhu Yunwen, also joined the fray:
“The Emperor’s regulations have established laws! How can they be easily transgressed? If all Princes can exceed their limits, where does that leave the court’s laws?!”
“You ignorant boy, Zhuo Jing! You know nothing of border defense!”
A hirsute military officer jumped out, spitting as he spoke, “Without the Princes holding the line, the Northern Yuan barbarians would have long reached your doorstep!”
“Ruffian! Law! Do you still want law!?” a thin censor’s mustache bristled with anger.
“The Princes also have it hard… their salaries are so small…”
“Does being ‘not easy’ give them the right to occupy military land?!”
“You are slandering!”
“You are covering for them!”
“You are sowing discord among the Emperor’s kin!”
“Are you eating the Princes’ rice?!”
Soon, the Hall of Supreme Harmony instantly turned into a ‘marketplace,’ with civil and military officials arguing fiercely, throwing glares and spittle at each other.
Those who supported restraining the Princes were mostly civil officials and some officials whose interests clashed with the Princes.
Those who opposed were mostly military officers, nobles, and those with old ties to the Princes.
The two sides cited classics and attacked each other; if they weren’t in front of the Emperor, they would have likely rolled up their sleeves and started fighting.
On the dragon throne, Old Zhu watched the argument below expressionlessly, his fingers still tapping lightly on the armrest.
Yellow Argue, argue to your heart’s content. Purple
Yellow Speak the words you dare not say, bring out the conflicts you dare not bring to the surface. Purple
Yellow Let me see clearly who among these officials is worried for the nation, who is seeking personal gain, and who is secretly colluding with those favored sons! Purple
Zhang Biao’s complaint box was a ‘will-o’-the-wisp’ in the dark.
And now, he intended to turn this ‘will-o’-the-wisp’ into a raging fire that everyone could see.
He did not need to make an immediate decision; he only needed to listen, observe, and let the conflicts and factions reveal themselves.
This argument itself was a prelude to his re-examination and cleansing of the court situation.
As the argument intensified, Old Zhu slowly raised his hand.
With just one gesture, the clamor in the hall instantly subsided.
Everyone held their breath, looking towards the supreme being.
“The matter of the Princes concerns the foundation of the state and cannot be decided in a single day.”
Old Zhu’s voice echoed through the hall, with unwavering resolve:
“What has been discussed today, We have noted. We decree that the Hanlin Academy, Ministry of War, Ministry of Revenue, and Imperial Clan Court shall jointly draft a set of ‘Regulations for the Conduct of Princes,’ detailing specific rules for guards, land, expenses, supervision, and other matters, and submit it for Our review.”
He did not favor any side, but instead kicked the ball back, letting the relevant departments research specific plans.
This indicated his attitude of rectification without immediately escalating the conflict, leaving room for maneuver and negotiation.
“As for Zhang Biao…”
Old Zhu’s gaze swept across the hall, finally settling on the empty position in the Censorate’s ranks:
“His conduct was outrageous. He is fined one year’s salary as punishment. However, since the ‘Anti-corruption Bureau’ has been established, it cannot be inactive. We order him to submit a memorial within three days, detailing the operational procedures of the Anti-corruption Bureau and its auditing methods. We wish to read it personally.”
A year’s salary fine?
For a stubborn character like Zhang Biao, this punishment was practically a tickle!
Submitting a memorial detailing auditing methods?
This was not a punishment; it was assigning homework!
The officials were utterly bewildered.
The Emperor’s stance was maximally ambiguous and extremely clever.
He had appeased those who impeached Zhang Biao, stabilized Zhang Biao and the ‘reform’ demands he might represent, and by using this incident, successfully launched the sensitive issue of ‘restraining the Princes’!
The bomb Zhang Biao threw had not only failed to harm the Emperor but had been skillfully dismantled and utilized by the Emperor, becoming a tool for rectifying court order and admonishing the Princes!
At this moment, everyone truly understood the profound and astute political maneuvering of the Hongwu Great Emperor, who could turn the world upside down.
“Since the matter of the Princes has been discussed, let all ministries handle it according to the decree.”
After a moment of silence, Old Zhu spoke again, steering the conversation towards the most crucial point: “Today’s Grand Court Session has one more matter, concerning the foundation of the state, which We need to discuss with all of you—”
He paused, deliberately creating a solemn atmosphere:
“The Crown Prince Zhu Biao died prematurely, and the succession cannot remain vacant for long. We observe that Imperial Grandson Yunwen is benevolent, filial, intelligent, and pure of nature, capable of great things. Today, let us discuss the matter of establishing the Crown Prince. All officials may express their views.”
Here it comes!
Although it was expected, when Old Zhu said it personally, especially clearly stating that Zhu Yunwen was ‘benevolent, filial, intelligent,’ and ‘capable of great things,’ his inclination was already evident, and the hearts of the officials in the hall were severely gripped.
If it were usual, especially when Liu Sanwu and other core figures of the Zhejiang civil official group had not yet retired, a large number of officials would have stepped forward, citing classics and loudly agreeing, praising the Imperial Grandson Yunwen’s virtue and requesting the Emperor to quickly decide his position to stabilize the realm.
However, today—
Silence.
An almost awkward silence enveloped the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Officials looked at each other, their exchanged glances filled with hesitation, apprehension, and deeper calculations.
Many of their gazes even drifted involuntarily towards the outside of the hall.
As if they could penetrate the heavy palace walls and see the yellow anonymous complaint box that Zhang Biao had taken away, exuding an ominous aura. Purple
Establishing the Crown Prince? At this juncture?
That madman Zhang Biao had just shouted ‘Audit the Princes,’ clearly intending to make an example of them!
Although the Emperor had temporarily suppressed it, and even used it to initiate the ‘restraints on the Princes’ discussion, this water had become too murky to be any murkier!
Would stating support for His Highness Yunwen at this moment be interpreted as ‘currying favor with the future monarch,’ or even… would it be seen as a target by forces closely associated with the Princes, or by that madman Zhang Biao, and then an anonymous letter be dropped into that box?
Supporting His Highness Yun Teng? That would be even more dangerous!
Who didn’t know that madman Zhang Biao was close to His Highness Yun Teng?
The Emperor’s ‘light handling’ of Zhang Biao just now, and his instruction for him to submit a memorial, made the Emperor’s intentions unpredictable!
Would supporting His Highness Yun Teng now be seen as openly taking the side of the ‘Anti-corruption Bureau’ and opposing the Prince faction?
The risks and uncertainties made everyone exceptionally cautious.
Old Zhu sat on the dragon throne, watching the ministers below, who usually cited classics and spoke eloquently, now resembled sealed gourds. His brows furrowed, and his displeasure began to accumulate.
What he wanted was the unanimous support of all officials, a scene of united will.
This would demonstrate the legitimacy and popular support of the new Crown Prince to the realm, thus mending the rifts caused by Zhu Biao’s death and the subsequent purges, and stabilizing the court.
But what was happening now?
Even an important state matter like ‘establishing the Crown Prince’ no longer garnered enthusiasm?
Seeing Old Zhu’s expression growing increasingly grim, Dong Lun, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, reluctantly stepped forward. He carefully chose his words and said cautiously:
“I report to Your Majesty!”
“Your subject believes that Imperial Grandson His Highness Yunwen is benevolent, filial, friendly, intelligent, and studious, deeply resembling his father. If… if he were to be established as the Imperial Grandson, it would truly be in accordance with propriety and the will of the people.”
His words were dry and lacked the expected impact, sounding more like completing a necessary task.
Upon hearing this, Old Zhu felt not the slightest bit of comfort but was even more disheartened.
As for the other officials, seeing Old Zhu remain silent, two or three civil officials of lower rank stepped forward and echoed a few remarks.
“Your subject also believes that His Highness Yunwen is benevolent and filial, and should be the undisputed choice for Crown Prince!”
“Indeed, His Highness Yunwen is quite good.”
Their voices were weak and lacked any force, a stark contrast to the days when Liu Sanwu would rally them and garner widespread support.
As for the few young noble sons who had close ties to the Chang Clan, or who themselves favored the potential military strength behind Zhu Yun Teng, they exchanged glances, and some stepped forward to say:
“Your Majesty, your subject believes that Imperial Grandson His Highness Yun Teng, being born to Madam Chang, has a more legitimate status as a legitimate son, and is also valiant and resolute. Perhaps… perhaps he could also be considered.”
Their statements were also cautious, not daring to overstate their case, fearing to offend the Emperor, who clearly leaned towards Zhu Yunwen, and also fearing being drawn into a deeper vortex.
These sparse, weak, and even subtly opposing statements caused Old Zhu’s face to turn completely grim.
This was not the outcome he desired!
This would not unite the people; instead, it would highlight the divisions!
He wanted a definitive decision, unanimous support!
Not a ‘discussion’ that was so timid, lacking in spirit, and might even lead to subsequent controversy!
Yellow Damn it! It’s all that madman Zhang Biao’s fault! Purple
Yellow If he hadn’t caused the trouble of ‘auditing the Princes’ and the ‘anonymous complaint box,’ making everyone in the court feel insecure and restless, how could this have happened?! Purple
Yellow Is he not fighting corruption, but dismantling the state! Dismantling the foundation for establishing the Crown Prince! Purple
Old Zhu’s anger churned within him.
He was almost certain that Zhang Biao’s choice to stir up trouble on this day before the Grand Court Session was not accidental, and there must be a deep-seated motive behind it to obstruct the establishment of Zhu Yunwen.
Although he could not yet fully grasp Zhang Biao’s complete intentions, the disruptive effect was undeniable.
Seeing the situation on the verge of spinning out of control and heading in the opposite direction of his expectations, Old Zhu knew that this ‘discussion’ could not continue.
Any further discussion would only publicize the divisions and plunge Zhu Yunwen, before even being established, into a mire of controversy.
This would be extremely detrimental to him and to the Great Ming Dynasty.
He slammed the armrest of the dragon throne, his voice not loud but like thunder, causing everyone’s heart to jump.
“Enough!”
Old Zhu interrupted the scattered remarks from below, his face ashen, his tone carrying suppressed rage and a hint of exhaustion:
“The matter of establishing the Crown Prince concerns the state, and We have Our own considerations! What We have heard today, We have noted. This matter will be discussed again later!”
“Adjourn the court—!”
He almost jumped up, flicked his sleeve, and left, his footsteps quick as if being chased by dogs.
He left behind a hall full of officials looking at each other, their hearts filled with mixed emotions, a sense of relief at having narrowly escaped disaster, and a fear of future uncertainty.
Yellow The Emperor… was so angered that he even postponed the establishment of the Crown Prince? Purple
Yellow That madman Zhang Biao is terrifyingly formidable! Purple
Old Zhu ignored the thoughts of the officials and strode furiously towards the Huagai Hall, feeling as if his lungs were about to explode.
The last time he established the Crown Prince, Zhang Biao caused a ‘pig’s head meat salary demand.’ This time, he caused ‘auditing the Princes’ and the ‘anonymous complaint box.’
Did he despise Yunwen so much? Or did he not trust Our judgment?!
Or, must We listen to him?!
The more Old Zhu thought about it, the angrier he became, and the more he wanted to kill.
Yun Ming followed him, trotting along, trembling with fear.
“Yun Ming—!”
Old Zhu finally couldn’t suppress his anger and roared unexpectedly:
“Go! Go and drag that bastard here! We want to ask him, if We don’t listen to him, is the Great Ming going to perish?! Hurry!”
“Yes, yes, yes… Your servant will go now, will go now…”
Yun Ming’s feet moved like greased lightning, and he ran away in a flash, inwardly lamenting.
Yellow Well, now there’s more trouble. I only hope Lord Zhang can speak some sense today and not anger His Majesty again. Purple
Seeking monthly tickets~
