Chapter 188: Old Zhu, Can A Dog Really Not Change Its Ways? 【 Requesting Double Monthly Tickets 】
The twilight was heavy, and Huagai Hall remained solemn.
Candlelight flickered in the wind, casting Old Zhu’s gaunt figure onto the cold hall walls, like a slumbering, ancient lion.
Light rain tapped on the glazed tiles, creating a fine and continuous sound, which only emphasized the dead silence within the hall.
Jiang Huan entered the hall as silently as a ghost, kneeling on one knee, his voice low and clear:
“Your Majesty, Zhang Biao… his sentence has expired, and he has changed into his official robes and left the official residence.”
On the dragon throne, Old Zhu’s eyelids twitched slightly, but he did not open them, merely emitting a vaguely meaningful “Mm” from his throat.
His fingers unconsciously fiddled with a memorial that had been read so many times it had become tattered.
It was precisely that purple public order memorial, stained with blood, smoothed by his own hand, and its contents enough to make him lose sleep at night.
“After he left, did he do anything?”
Old Zhu’s voice was hoarse from disuse.
“Replying to Your Majesty, he first lingered outside the Censorate, had a brief conversation with Censor Wang, and then went to Zui Xian Ju in the south of the city to drink with an old official from the Ministry of Revenue. During the meal… he spoke carelessly, mentioning the circumstances of his pardon…”
Jiang Huan paused, his voice lowering further: “However, judging by his appearance, he seems to have some mental issues; he actually doesn’t remember how he was pardoned or placed under house arrest…”
Hearing this, Old Zhu’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, but he still did not open his eyes.
Jiang Huan continued:
“After that, he returned to his official residence, and there have been no abnormalities so far. I have already dispatched additional personnel, working in twelve-hour shifts, and his every move is under control.”
Silence fell upon the hall once more, with only the sound of the rain and the crackling of the burning candles.
Jiang Huan knelt on the ground, feeling anxious.
He had expected that upon hearing of Zhang Biao’s restlessness, the Emperor would immediately fly into a rage, perhaps even change his mind and throw Zhang Biao into the Imperial Prison again, or execute him directly.
After all, the contents of the purple public order memorial were truly terrifying.
Even though Jiang Huan had not seen it himself, just hearing Old Zhu mention Zhu Xiongying’s death made him tremble with fear.
To know that Old Zhu had killed for a full month over the death of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, and that was just the direct executions, not even counting the subsequent repercussions.
In fact, to this day, the Imperial Guard was still investigating people related to Zhu Biao’s death across the country, secretly arresting, interrogating, and slaughtering.
If the truth behind Zhu Xiongying’s death were to be revealed, he dared not imagine it; the Great Ming Dynasty would likely have no peace from then on.
However, none of the things Jiang Huan worried about happened.
Old Zhu’s reaction was terrifyingly calm.
This calmness made Jiang Huan feel more uneasy than rage.
Ever since Old Zhu had seen the purple public order memorial and issued the decree to pardon Zhang Biao, he had become increasingly silent and his thoughts more profound and unfathomable.
After a long while, Old Zhu finally slowly opened his eyes. Those eyes, once sharp as a falcon’s, were now bloodshot and filled with a bottomless weariness.
His gaze did not fall on Jiang Huan but was cast out towards the dark, rainy night beyond the window.
“Jiang Huan!”
Old Zhu called out unexpectedly.
Jiang Huan quickly responded: “Your subordinate is here!”
“Do you know why a sword must have a sheath?”
“This…”
Jiang Huan hesitated, then carefully replied:
“Because the true meaning of a sword is not in its killing, but in its concealment!”
Old Zhu chuckled lightly and said indifferently:
“I always wanted to use Zhang Biao as a knife to pierce through the Great Ming’s sores, but this knife is too sharp!”
“Therefore, I must hide him for a while.”
“In this life, ability is secondary. Some become the face, some become the substance; it’s all a matter of circumstances.”
“Perhaps many people think that Zhang Biao did everything he did to be a hero, but I think he wanted to create the circumstances.”
“Circumstances?”
Jiang Huan looked at Old Zhu with some confusion.
Old Zhu did not even glance at him, only muttering calmly and indifferently to himself:
“If the old guard holds onto the rules, when will the new generation get a chance to rise?”
*Boom!*
Jiang Huan’s heart trembled violently; he seemed to understand Zhang Biao’s previous frenzied actions.
Then he heard Old Zhu continue: “That madman is like a stone thrown into stagnant water; as long as he is alive, he is bound to stir up waves…”
He did not kill Zhang Biao not because Zhang Biao did not deserve to die, but because the secrets Zhang Biao knew made even him, a decisive emperor, hesitate.
Especially in the purple public order memorial, there was a sentence that pierced his heart like a poisoned thorn—
【 Old Zhu, do you know how Zhu Xiongying died? 】
It was because of this short sentence.
Old Zhu finally made up his mind not to kill Zhang Biao for the time being.
Later events proved that not killing Zhang Biao was a wise choice.
During the two months Zhang Biao was imprisoned, he had Jiang Huan thoroughly investigate all the palace servants, imperial physicians, and related individuals who had served Zhu Xiongying.
Alas, nothing was found.
All the evidence pointed to ‘premature death’ and ‘smallpox infection’.
It was as if the sentence in Zhang Biao’s purple public order memorial was truly just the ravings of a madman on the verge of death, meant only to disrupt his mind.
Or, to prevent him from killing.
But Old Zhu did not believe it!
Zhu Biao’s death had already proven that the waters within this deep palace were far deeper and murkier than he had imagined!
How could Zhu Xiongying’s death be entirely innocent?
He couldn’t help but suspect that Empress Ma’s death might also have some hidden circumstances.
And that monster Zhang Biao, in his opinion, must know something!
He must have glimpsed a secret that even he, the Emperor, had failed to detect!
A strong urge almost burst through Old Zhu’s chest.
He wanted to seize Zhang Biao immediately, torture him severely, and force him to reveal the truth!
No matter what the means!
But in the end, he forcefully suppressed this impulse.
He knew Zhang Biao’s character; this madman sought neither fame nor fortune and would do anything to achieve his goals.
If pushed too hard, he might truly fight to the death, dragging the Great Ming down with him.
And were the current chaotic situation not caused by Zhang Biao?
Thinking of this, Old Zhu’s fingers gripping the dragon throne trembled slightly from exertion, his knuckles turning white.
【 How many more secrets does that monster know? What is his ultimate goal? 】
【 Is he being so ostentatious now, just waiting for me to find him? Waiting to set another trap for me? 】
A flicker of apprehension flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes.
He could not touch Zhang Biao, not at least for now.
Until the truth was fully understood and Zhang Biao’s true intentions were revealed, he could not push this sole ‘witness’ to the brink of desperation.
Moreover… a cold calculation flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes.
Zhang Biao’s release was like bait thrown back into a pond.
What would Fu Youwen and Ru Chang’s remaining followers, whom he had overturned, the nobles he had utterly offended, and even… possibly, the mastermind behind the deaths of Xiongying, Biao’er, and even Xiuying, do?
Would they cower and hide, or… would they be unable to resist jumping out, to cause trouble for Zhang Biao, or even silence him?
“Keep an eye on him!”
Old Zhu’s voice regained its imperial coldness and calmness, with a condescending scrutiny:
“Watch him closely! Not just him, but also keep a close watch on everyone who approaches him!”
“Let’s see which monsters and demons can’t resist showing themselves.”
“I want to see how many big fish are still hidden beneath this murky water!”
“Yes! Your subordinate understands!”
Jiang Huan’s heart tightened, and he immediately accepted the order.
He understood the Emperor’s intention: to use Zhang Biao as bait to lure out deeper hidden forces.
A person who should have died but did not would make everyone who wished for his death feel uneasy.
Because no one knew if this madman would “madly bite” and expose their secrets.
The unknown was the most terrifying thing.
“Go.”
Old Zhu waved his hand calmly, then closed his eyes again, as if the emotional fluctuation of that moment had never occurred.
Jiang Huan bowed and retreated, silently blending into the darkness outside the hall.
In the empty Huagai Hall, only Old Zhu remained.
He still kept his eyes closed, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the armrest of the dragon throne, making a dull, rhythmic sound that echoed in the vast hall.
After a long while, he suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a barely perceptible weariness: “Yun Ming.”
Yun Ming, who had been standing like a shadow in the corner, immediately stepped forward quietly and bowed:
“Your Majesty, your servant is here.”
“How has that child Yunteng… been recently?”
Old Zhu’s voice was very light, as if he were merely asking casually.
Yun Ming lowered his head, his voice steady but with a hint of cautious deliberation:
“Replying to Your Majesty, His Highness the Third Imperial Grandson has been staying in the Northern Five Mansions Palace since that day… that day, rarely going out.”
“According to those who serve him, His Highness often practices martial arts in the courtyard, or… stares blankly in the direction of Xiao Mausoleum. Occasionally, he asks about news of rebellions in various regions and seems… quite attentive to the movements of several of his princely uncles.”
Old Zhu’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
【 Practices martial arts? Pays attention to the movements of the princes? 】
In his mind, he instantly recalled Zhu Yunteng’s eyes, which strongly resembled Consort Chang’s, but were even more stubborn and even carried a hint of ruthlessness, and the hatred that was evident deep within him, though he tried to conceal it, when he presented the iron box that day.
【 Imperial Grandfather, if someone murdered your father, what would you do? 】
【 Would you consider familial affection and kinship? 】
【 Hatred for a father’s killer is irreconcilable… 】
Old Zhu’s mind replayed Zhu Yunteng’s words from that day, feeling a chill deep within his bones.
This child, like his mother Consort Chang, had the fierce spirit of a general’s daughter in his bones, and he inherited his father Zhu Biao’s stubbornness.
If he were to ascend to the throne, with his patient and resolute nature, his profound hatred for potential ‘father’s killers’, and his natural wariness of his princely uncles…
Old Zhu could almost foresee that once Zhu Yunteng took power, there would be a thunderous and ruthless iron-fisted policy of abolishing feudal lords.
It might even ignite a storm that swept through the entire Zhu imperial clan.
Few of his sons, who held military power outside the capital, would likely have a good outcome.
Thinking of this, Old Zhu’s heart clenched.
Although he was suspicious of his sons, suppressed them, and even eliminated them ruthlessly when necessary, they were, after all, his flesh and blood, and it was for the stability of the Great Ming Empire, not for the personal vengeance of some grandson.
He could not accept his sons being eliminated one by one by his grandson as if they were obstacles.
“And Yunwen?”
Old Zhu changed the subject, his voice still calm.
Yun Ming’s reply was even more cautious: “After His Highness the Second Imperial Grandson returned to the Eastern Palace, under the guidance of Consort Lü, he has been studying diligently indoors, attending lectures by Hanlin Academy Scholar Huang Zicheng.”
“His speech and conduct… are quite benevolent, filial, respectful, and frugal. He often has a book in hand, and when discussing with his attendants, he frequently quotes classics, showing much… demeanor of a benevolent ruler.”
【 Benevolent, filial, respectful, frugal… demeanor of a benevolent ruler… 】
Old Zhu savored these words in his heart.
Yunwen was like his father, even gentler than Biao’er, and more devoted to the Confucian ideals of ruling with benevolence.
He was indecisive, easily influenced by civil officials; these were his weaknesses.
But conversely, if he were to ascend to the throne, he might emphasize ‘familial principles’ when dealing with his uncles, leaning towards gentle methods, such as granting favors or relocating fiefdoms, rather than bloody butcher knives.
Even if feudal lords were abolished, the process might be protracted and leave future troubles, but at least… it would not be like Yunteng, who would most likely raise the butcher knife directly.
One was a strong successor who might bring about internal bloody purges but could perhaps forge a unified and powerful empire.
The other was a benevolent but weak ruler who might maintain superficial harmony but could plant the seeds of trouble with the feudal lords.
The rhythm of Old Zhu’s fingers tapping the armrest faltered slightly.
He knew the Great Ming’s hidden dangers; the feudal lords being too powerful was a fact, and abolishing them was imperative.
He himself was also hesitating and weighing the options.
But he hoped that this process would be under his control, or at least proceed in a relatively stable manner that would not cause great upheaval.
Zhu Yunteng’s ‘iron will’ showed him the risk of losing control and the brutality of fratricidal conflict.
Zhu Yunwen’s ‘benevolence’, though weak, seemed to offer a smoother path, one more aligned with ‘Confucian ideals’.
Although deep down, he might have doubts about whether Zhu Yunwen could truly manage this vast empire, and he knew firsthand the effectiveness of the ‘benevolent governance’ promoted by the scholars in actual governance, but…
【 Forget it… 】
Old Zhu sighed deeply in his heart, the momentary wavering completely suppressed.
He raised his eyes, his gaze seeming to pierce through the dome of the palace, looking towards the unknowable future, his eyes once again firm and cold.
【 Yunteng is not bad. If he were born in a time of chaos, he might become a great ruler. 】
【 But now, the Great Ming has already begun to fall into chaos, and it cannot continue to be chaotic, otherwise more blood will be shed, especially the blood of the Zhu family. 】
【 Yunwen’s benevolence and weakness might be a disadvantage, but it could also be… a shield to protect the imperial clan. 】
【 I believe that under his benevolence, a… better path will always be found. At least, better than Yunteng’s path, which is bound to be stained with blood. 】
“Tell Huang Zicheng to guide Yunwen well.”
Old Zhu finally commanded indifferently, his voice devoid of any discernible emotion:
“The Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings and the Essentials of Zhenguan Politics must be studied thoroughly. The way of a ruler requires benevolence and virtue, but… decisiveness is also indispensable.”
“Yes, Your Majesty, your servant will go and relay the message immediately.”
Yun Ming bowed and accepted the order, his heart filled with awe.
He knew that the Emperor’s seemingly ordinary instruction had implicitly made a choice.
Old Zhu waved his hand, signaling Yun Ming to withdraw.
In the grand hall, he was once again alone, with the seemingly endless sound of rain outside the window.
He slowly raised his hand, stroking the inscription about Zhu Xiongying on the purple public order memorial, his expression extremely complex.
There was a yearning for truth, hatred for Zhang Biao, apprehension of the unknown, and a deep sense of powerlessness as an emperor and grandfather unable to protect his sons and grandsons.
“Biao’er… Xiongying…”
He whispered into the air, a sound so faint and hoarse that it was completely swallowed by the rain outside.
“Tell me, Father… what… should I do with this monster…”
On the other side, in Zhang Biao’s dilapidated official residence.
After returning from Zui Xian Ju, Zhang Biao had been analyzing the current situation of the Great Ming.
However, the news he gathered was fragmented, and whenever he asked a few more questions, those people would panic and quickly slip away.
It wasn’t until a few of his ‘die-hard fans’ showed up, namely those disabled old soldiers.
Upon hearing of Zhang Biao’s release, they had all brought congratulatory gifts, which deeply moved Zhang Biao. Therefore, he took out sweet potatoes, something they had never eaten before, and roasted them for them.
“Censor Zhang, this thing is really delicious. Do you have any more? I want to take some home for my wife!”
The one-armed old soldier said, finishing the roasted sweet potato in his hand, skin and all, with the embers, still wanting more.
It seemed that soldiers were all like this; they rarely beat around the bush and said what they wanted directly.
Zhang Biao also liked interacting with these old soldiers, so he said without feeling it was presumptuous:
“I do have some, but there isn’t much, and I still need it. Once I get more, I’ll give each of you a basketful!”
“Ah? Really? Thank you so much, Censor Zhang!”
“Yes, Censor Zhang! You’ve done so much for us, and you’ve suffered so much, yet we…”
“Hey! We’re all in this together, let’s not be so polite!”
Zhang Biao interrupted the old soldiers’ apologies with a gesture and then changed the subject:
“You all probably know that I was in the Imperial Prison for a long time, and even after I came out, I was confined to my dormitory and knew very little about outside news.”
“So, can you tell me some of what you know, especially about Shen Lang and the other five…”
“This…”
The old soldiers exchanged glances, their faces showing difficulty, but out of consideration for Zhang Biao giving them sweet potatoes, they gritted their teeth and told him what they knew.
“Censor Zhang, Accountant Shen and the others are fine. His Majesty has sent them to the fiefdoms of various princes as investigating censors. It’s a blessing in disguise, they’ve been appointed as officials outside!”
The one-armed old soldier spoke first.
Another limping old soldier added: “Also, after the Emperor’s letter of self-condemnation, he issued another decree, cutting off the extra expenses for those princes who were enfeoffed in the interior and did nothing. They have to find ways to support their own wives, children, and families!”
“I heard the memorials pleading poverty from the princely mansions across the country have almost flooded the Tongzhengsi!”
“Yes… I also heard that because of the rebellions in various regions, the Emperor feels that his foundation is unstable and does not dare to make any drastic moves. The treatment of the nine frontier princes has not changed at all…”
“The most critical thing is that rumors from the palace suggest that His Majesty might… might establish a Crown Prince at the Grand Court Session in three days…”
After hearing the news revealed by the old soldiers, Zhang Biao sent them away without any visible reaction.
Until they disappeared from his sight, he closed the door and sat at the dilapidated table.
*Bang!*
Zhang Biao punched the table, wincing from the pain, but it couldn’t suppress the anger in his heart.
【 Zhu Chongba! You old fool! 】
【 Cut in half and leave the other half? Is that scraping bone to cure poison? This is like trimming fingernails! The princes are the biggest sores on the body of the Great Ming. If they are not squeezed out, they will rot to the bone sooner or later! 】
【 And that waste Zhu Yunwen, you’re definitely going to choose him, right? 】
【 You really can’t teach an old dog new tricks! 】
【 If you let him ascend, won’t the Great Ming Dynasty be completely controlled by those pedantic Confucian scholars? Wasn’t all the blood I shed before in vain?! 】
He understood Old Zhu’s concerns; with rebellions erupting everywhere, stability was indeed needed.
But he knew even better that temporary stability would lead to greater future unrest and bloodshed.
And he, Zhang Biao, did not want the slightest change he had fought for with his life to be in vain.
【 Damn it! I’ve been too lenient with you, Zhu Chongba! 】
【 You want to establish Zhu Yunwen? We’ll see if I agree! 】
Requesting double monthly tickets~
