Chapter 177: I, A Traitorous Official, Am About To Die, Why Are You Crying? 【seeking Double Monthly Tickets】
Old Zhu’s sons’ crazy probing and his clear reflection on the enfeoffment system escalated.
Although Old Zhu strictly forbade attendees from leaking any news about ‘abolishing the enfeoffed princes’ salary system,’ how could such a major policy shift be completely hidden from those ‘discerning individuals’ who had weathered storms in the Imperial Court for years and possessed keen senses?
Upon receiving the order, Yu Xin, a Director in the Ministry of Revenue, immediately took several utterly trustworthy confidant clerks and plunged into the vast archives, beginning to secretly calculate the expenses of various princely mansions over the years.
The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War also quietly began to assess the situation of the Imperial Clan members.
Although these actions were clandestine, the necessary document exchanges and personnel transfers between departments still left some traces that were difficult to completely conceal.
Soon, court officials who had vested interests in the princes or had invested in them, as well as conservative officials who adhered to the principle that ‘ancestral laws must not be changed,’ sensed something unusual.
Despite Old Zhu’s clear statement that the so-called ‘ancestral law’ was the **Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings** he himself established, and that he alone should decide whether to change it.
However, the system of enfeoffment had been in place for a long time.
Especially the Civil Official Group who advocated for the **Zhou Rituals**, they did not accept Old Zhu’s reasoning at all.
They believed that ‘ancestral law’ followed the ‘laws of the Duke of Zhou,’ and Old Zhu had merely reformed ‘feudalism.’
Whereas the **Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings** were based on the rule of law.
If the rule of law was arbitrarily changed, the empire would fall into great chaos.
Thus, not long after, several memorials, worded tactfully yet with clear intentions, were carefully presented to the Office of Transmission, and finally placed on Old Zhu’s imperial desk.
【 Your subject respectfully memorializes: I have heard that the relevant authorities are currently reviewing the annual expenditures of the princely mansions. I, your humble servant, believe that the princes are the Emperor’s flesh and blood, the pillars of the state, guarding the four directions, and have rendered great service with arduous labor. 】
【 Their expenses all have established regulations. If these were to be suddenly changed, it might harm the imperial family’s affections and chill the hearts of the soldiers guarding the frontier. 】
【 Furthermore, ancestral laws have been in practice for many years, and no great flaws have been heard of. I humbly implore Your Majesty to consider carefully and act with prudence… 】
【 Your subject, risking death, speaks out: Issuing orders and then revoking them is a major taboo in governing the nation. The system of princely stipends was personally decreed by the Emperor, maintaining the Imperial Nobles and demonstrating royal grace. 】
【 If these are lightly spoken of for change, not only will the princes be bewildered, but I fear the officials and common people of the empire will also harbor doubts, believing the court is in disarray, which may harm the stability of the state… 】
【 Your subject has heard that ‘governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish,’ and stability should be paramount. 】
【 Although the four directions are now pacified, remnants of the Northern Yuan have not been eradicated, and the chieftains in the southwest occasionally rebel. Now is the time to rely on the princes to guard the territory. 】
【 If the foundation is shaken at this moment, I fear internal and external unrest, creating opportunities for villains… 】
【 Therefore, only the system of enfeoffment is the foundation for peace in the empire. 】
These memorials, some under the guise of upholding ‘imperial family affection’ and ‘ancestral law,’ while others used reasons such as ‘changing orders frequently shakes the national foundation’ and ‘fearing internal and external unrest.’
Although they did not directly oppose the ‘abolition of the enfeoffed princes’ salary system,’ their words were filled with doubt and dissuasion regarding the current policy direction, intending to make the Emperor retreat.
At this time, in the Huagai Hall, Old Zhu looked at these memorials, his face so somber it seemed water could drip from it.
【 Hmph! The news travels fast! 】
【 It hasn’t been long, and they can’t sit still? 】
【 Talking about ‘imperial family affection’ and ‘ancestral law,’ it’s all just to protect their own interests and their rigid rules! 】
Fury surged within him, wishing he could immediately arrest these officials who had submitted memorials and charge them with prying into forbidden matters and speaking treasonously about court affairs.
But his reason told him he could not do this.
These memorials were worded cautiously, offering no handle for arrest. To suppress them forcefully would only confirm the accusations of ‘changing orders frequently’ and ‘shaking the national foundation,’ making the already sensitive situation even more complicated.
More importantly, some of the concerns mentioned in these memorials were not entirely without merit.
Especially the points about ‘changing orders frequently’ and ‘internal and external unrest’ struck at his deepest hidden worries like two needles.
【 Could it be… that I was too hasty? 】
【 Biao’er has just passed away, and the court is not yet stable. Am I rushing to act against the princes… is that too inhumane? And too risky? 】
A trace of rare hesitation and self-doubt began to sprout in his heart.
After all, he was a human, a father who had just experienced the grief of losing a son and was about to turn his sword against his own child.
His obsession with the stability of the empire, coupled with the last bit of concern for his posthumous reputation and even family affection, battled fiercely within him.
He impatiently pushed the memorials aside, stood up, and paced back and forth in the hall.
The determination for reform and the resistance from reality were like two immense forces tearing him apart.
【 No! I cannot retreat! 】
【 The problem with the princes has become a chronic illness. If it is not eliminated now, when will it be? Should I leave it for Yunwen to deal with? Can he handle it? 】
【 But… if this causes unrest and the border becomes unstable, won’t that be my sin? 】
Just as Old Zhu was struggling internally, caught between advancing and retreating, an announcement suddenly came in:
“Reporting to Your Majesty, Commander Jiang requests an audience!”
Old Zhu was stunned for a moment, then threw away the memorial in his hand and said in a deep voice, “Let him in!”
Soon, Jiang Huan entered the Main Hall.
“Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!”
“Enough with the pleasantries, what is it?”
Old Zhu impatiently interrupted Jiang Huan’s bow.
Jiang Huan’s heart tightened, and he quickly reported in detail the investigation results concerning Lady Wang of Prince Qin’s Mansion and Lady Deng of Prince Jin’s Mansion, as well as the reasons why Fu Youde and Feng Sheng failed to detect it in time.
Upon hearing words like ‘committed suicide by poison’ and ‘was already dead when discovered,’ Old Zhu’s facial muscles twitched almost imperceptibly.
【 Poison… what a clean and swift method! 】
【 To silence someone so precisely under the noses of seasoned generals like Feng Sheng and Fu Youde… 】
Next, Jiang Huan reported the investigation results concerning Li Jinglong and Guo Ying:
“After extensive verification, Duke Cao Li Jinglong and Marquis of Wuding Guo Ying, although they had dealings with Fu Youwen and others, and were themselves involved in corruption and allowing their servants to commit unlawful acts, there is indeed no concrete evidence to indicate their involvement in the Crown Prince’s affairs.”
Old Zhu listened quietly, his face expressionless, only in his deep-set eyes did a storm silently gather.
After a long while, he slowly raised his head, his gaze seeming to pierce through the roof and look into the depths of the void. A chillingly cold arc curved on his lips, filled with deep self-mockery and a chilling fury from being utterly provoked:
“Heh… what a grand scheme! Truly a grand scheme!”
His voice was not loud, but it sounded as if it came from the deepest hell, making Jiang Huan’s heart palpitate.
“To set up such a scheme in Shaanxi, in the Capital City, right under my nose, using so many hidden operatives, and then to erase all traces so cleanly afterwards, even fooling Feng Sheng and Fu Youde…”
Old Zhu’s fingers tapped unconsciously on the armrest of the dragon throne, making a dull ‘thud’ sound, each beat as if striking the lifeline of the dynasty.
“It seems that over the years… I have been too ‘trusting’ of them! So trusting that they thought they could deceive heaven and earth! That they could challenge my bottom line!”
The ‘they’ he spoke of clearly referred not only to the Princes of Qin, Jin, and Zhou, but also included the ‘mastermind’ who was more deeply hidden, more ruthless in his methods, and more widespread in his machinations.
The air inside the hall seemed to congeal, oppressively suffocating.
Old Zhu closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them again, all the rage and impulsiveness in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a bottomless calmness and a hunter-like patience.
He knew that facing such a cunning and deeply hidden opponent, continuing the investigation openly would only alert the enemy.
It might even lead him astray or force the opponent to desperate measures, causing greater turmoil.
【 Hmm, it’s time to change tactics. 】
Old Zhu quickly regained his imperial composure and dignity, with an unquestionable decisiveness:
“Jiang Huan!”
“Your subject is here!”
“The overt investigation into the Crown Prince’s affairs ends here. All related files are to be sealed and stored. Without my decree, no one is to access them.”
Jiang Huan was stunned: “Your Majesty, this…”
Old Zhu waved his hand, interrupting him, his gaze deep: “If a snake is in its hole, the more you poke it with a stick, the deeper it hides.”
“If you withdraw the stick, it will think the danger has passed and naturally come out to breathe… it might even think it has an opportunity to bite back.”
He intended to feign weakness, create a false sense of relaxation, and lure the snake out of its hole.
“However!”
Old Zhu changed his tone, his voice chilling: “Double the number of eyes watching in secret!”
“Especially around the fiefdoms like Beiping, Xi’an, and Taiyuan, and… around the mansions of those princes who have ‘settled down,’ keep a close watch!”
“Your subject understands!”
Jiang Huan immediately grasped the Emperor’s intention.
Overtly relaxed, secretly vigilant; feigning weakness to capture.
“As for Li Jinglong and Guo Ying…”
Old Zhu’s thoughts turned to the handling of these two ‘wastes.’
He pondered for a moment, then thought of Li Wenzhong, his own nephew, who had made great contributions to the Great Ming Dynasty, and his regret over his early death. A ripple finally stirred in his heart.
“For the sake of the late Prince of Qiyang, spare that scoundrel’s life.”
Old Zhu’s voice carried a trace of almost imperceptible complexity: “Strip him of all official positions, and his title of Duke Cao… reduce it by two ranks, demote him to ‘Loyal Earl,’ confine him to his mansion to reflect on his mistakes, and he is not to step out of the mansion without a decree! If he commits any further offenses, he will be executed without mercy!”
Demoted from ‘Duke’ to ‘Earl,’ dismissed from office and confined, this punishment was not light.
But ultimately, his life and title were preserved, reflecting Old Zhu’s regard for the descendants of meritorious officials.
After dealing with Li Jinglong, Old Zhu thought of Guo Ningfei, who had just died ‘blocking a sword’ for him, and sighed.
Although Guo Ying deserved death, his sister had ultimately died for him.
“Considering Guo Ningfei served me for many years, and this time… she did die for me, exempt Guo Ying from the death penalty.”
Old Zhu made his decision: “Deprive him of his title as Marquis of Wuding, revoke his golden charter, and allow him… to retire and return home.”
To lose his title and be dismissed from office, but allowed to return home to live out his days, was already a great mercy.
It was partly out of consideration for Guo Ningfei and partly to show the other nobles that he, Zhu Yuanzhang, was not simply bloodthirsty but also remembered old favors.
“Your subject obeys the decree!”
Jiang Huan carefully noted down these two imperial decrees.
“Go.”
Old Zhu waved his hand, appearing somewhat tired:
“Let those who should know, know of my ‘magnanimity’.”
“Yes!”
Jiang Huan bowed and accepted the order, just about to withdraw.
At this moment, Old Zhu’s voice rang out again: “Wait!”
Jiang Huan stopped his steps and quickly turned to ask: “Does Your Majesty have any other instructions?”
Old Zhu frowned slightly and then said casually: “Has that madman Zhang Biao been behaving himself recently?”
“This…”
Jiang Huan hesitated for a moment, then said with some trepidation: “Reporting to Your Majesty, Zhang Biao has shown no abnormalities recently. It’s just that after receiving Your Majesty’s decree to postpone by three days, he uttered some vulgarities…”
“What vulgarities?”
“Your subject… dares not say…”
“Say it!”
Old Zhu said imperiously: “I grant you immunity!”
Jiang Huan inwardly lamented his misfortune, but still forced himself to answer:
“Reporting to Your Majesty, Zhang Biao said you… took off your pants to fart, which was superfluous… and also said if he couldn’t make it to Crazy Thursday… he’d just… eat stewed turtle with pig’s head meat…”
Bang!
Old Zhu angrily slammed the desk, gritting his teeth:
“That scoundrel! He deserves to die! Keep an eye on him! Don’t let him die prematurely! Three days from now, carry out the execution in public!”
“Also! Release Shen Lang and the other five, restore them to their original positions! Let them also witness the execution!”
“I want that scoundrel to see! How good it is to be alive!”
“Yes!”
Jiang Huan, as if granted a great amnesty, left quickly.
In the empty Main Hall, Old Zhu was once again alone.
He leaned back on the dragon throne, gently massaging his brow with his fingers.
The overt storm of thunder seemed to have temporarily subsided, the bloody execution grounds were being cleared, the clamorous petitions had dissipated, and a few conspicuous targets had been punished.
But he knew that the real battle would now shift to a more dangerous and hidden realm.
He had put down his fishing rod and gathered his net, seemingly no longer pursuing.
But in reality, he had already cast more, and more deadly, hooks and nets in deeper, darker waters.
He was waiting.
Waiting for that most hidden big fish to be unable to contain itself and surface.
A moment later, a trace of absolute cold ruthlessness flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes: “Yun Ming!”
“Your servant is here!”
Yun Ming hurried in from outside the hall.
Old Zhu then asked coldly: “Have the ‘letters’ I had the concubines write all been sent out?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, they have all been sent.”
“Good! I want to see their replies immediately!”
“Yes!”
…
On the other side.
The ‘family letters’ that Old Zhu had ordered the concubines to write to their sons were successively sent to the various princely mansions.
This caused many princes to panic, with various thoughts running through their minds.
“Your Highness, this is a family letter from the Empress…”
“A family letter?”
When the Prince heard the report from his subordinate, a fleeting look of surprise flashed across his face, as if he couldn’t believe his ears.
Immediately, this surprise transformed into an extremely complex expression.
The corners of his mouth twitched upwards uncontrollably, as if he wanted to laugh.
But before the smile could fully form, it froze, finally turning into an inaudible hum, a mixture of absurdity and bitterness.
“Bring it here!”
“Yes!”
The Prince took the family letter handed to him by his subordinate, glanced at the eunuch responsible for observing him, then opened the letter and examined it word by word.
Only after reading the entire content of the letter did he gently place it on the table, lean back in his chair, close his eyes, and unconsciously rub his temples with his fingers.
The old man… your probing is too direct, too ruthless…
Using his imperial concubine’s hand to ignite his sons’ ambitions? Do you think the fire isn’t hot enough yet?
Or… have you already started suspecting me?
Various thoughts flashed through his mind.
He could clearly imagine his imperial concubine’s terror and helplessness when she wrote this letter, and he could also feel the cold, bone-chilling suspicion and imperial machinations emanating from his imperial father behind this thin sheet of paper.
This was a blatant scheme.
It was his imperial father forcing his sons to declare their intentions, forcing them to reveal their ambitions, or forcing them to make a mistake.
If they appeared too eager, they would be coveting the successor position, a crime punishable by death.
If they appeared too humble, they would seem hypocritical and still attract suspicion.
Even if they showed no reaction, it could be interpreted as them being extremely cunning and harboring sinister intentions.
After a long silence, the Prince opened his eyes again.
In those sharp eyes, the usual languor was gone, as was the calm composure from the dark room. Instead, they revealed an almost genuine weariness and an inexpressible pain from being schemed against by someone so close.
He picked up his brush but didn’t dip it in ink immediately. Instead, facing the blank letter, he seemed to be talking to himself.
His voice was low and hoarse, just loud enough for the spies hiding outside the study and the eunuch ordered to observe his reaction to hear faintly:
“Imperial Father, Imperial Father… you are truly roasting all your sons on a fire…”
His tone was filled with deep helplessness, even a hint of imperceptible grievance.
“Elder Brother has just passed, his body is not yet cold, and the court is in turmoil. Instead of stabilizing people’s hearts, you use such methods to test your own flesh and blood…”
He shook his head, a bitterly wry smile appearing on his face:
“The position of Crown Prince? That is personally appointed by the Son of Heaven. How could I, your son, dare to speak of it presumptuously?”
“I, your son, only wish to guard this vast territory for my Imperial Father, so that the people of our Great Ming can live in peace and contentment. That would be the best account to my Imperial Father and Elder Brother…”
These words, seemingly sincere and heartfelt, brimmed with loyalty to the ruler and love for the country, showcasing the demeanor of a ‘virtuous prince’ who did not covet power. Furthermore, they invoked the fraternal affection for his Elder Brother, Zhu Biao, placing him on a moral high ground.
However, if one were to ponder carefully, the phrase “personally appointed by the Son of Heaven. How could I, your son, dare to speak of it presumptuously?” subtly conveyed a hint of disagreement and mild protest against his Imperial Father’s method of testing them.
Having said this, he seemed to have made up his mind and began to dip his brush in ink to write.
He wrote slowly, his handwriting steady and strong, just as was his usual style.
The content of his reply was almost identical to his earlier soliloquy.
He first expressed concern for his Imperial Father’s health and the court situation, then deeply mourned his Elder Brother, Zhu Biao.
Afterward, he solemnly declared that he harbored no desire to covet the successor position, only wishing to serve the country. Finally, he implored his Imperial Father to take care of his dragon body and not to overexert himself over such matters.
Throughout the entire letter, his attitude was respectful, his words earnest, and his sentiments profound.
He presented himself as a “loyal and filial virtuous prince,” leaving no room for any accusation of ambition.
After finishing, he carefully sealed the letter and said politely to the observing eunuch: “Please trouble you, Eunuch, to send this to the Capital City immediately to be presented to my Imperial Father.”
His tone was very calm, betraying no abnormality.
Having done all this, he leaned back in his chair again, gazing at the flickering candlelight. The bitterness and weariness on his face gradually faded, and he regained his usual languor and composure.
However, in the deepest depths of his calm eyes, a very faint, almost imperceptible gleam flashed and vanished.
This gleam was not an eager desire for the successor position, but rather a cold understanding of the game’s trajectory, and a resolute determination born from being cornered, forcing him to be even more cautious and forbearing.
Old man, I have accepted your test.
But I will not give you any handle.
This game… is still long.
Inside and outside the study, whether it was the observing eunuch or the spies in the shadows, they meticulously recorded the Prince’s initial shock upon seeing the letter, his bitter and helpless murmurs, and the content of his reply, which was both sincere and devoid of ambition.
They could not determine whether the Prince’s performance was from genuine loyalty and filial piety or an extremely masterful act, controlled to perfection down to the subtlest expression and tone.
This vague and indistinguishable reaction, along with the responses from other Princes upon receiving their letters, was quickly encrypted and sent to Yingtian Prefecture, landing on Old Zhu’s desk.
…
At this time, Old Zhu was still seated in Huagai Hall, looking at the replies delivered by Yun Ming.
Although most of the replies were similar to the Prince’s, expressing awe, loyalty, and no disloyal intentions, the habitually suspicious Old Zhu would not easily believe them.
This was because he firmly believed that among his sons, one of them was the mastermind or an accomplice.
“Has there been a reply from Fourth Brother?”
Old Zhu put down a reply he was holding and asked without revealing his emotions.
“Replying to Your Majesty, yes.”
Yun Ming quickly bowed and then picked up the reply from Prince Yan, Zhu Di, from the tray behind him and handed it to Old Zhu.
Old Zhu took the letter, opened it without a word, and then took out the letter paper and unfolded it to read.
My Imperial Father, please illuminate: I, your son, am stationed in the distant northern frontier, working diligently day and night, knowing only how to be loyal to the royal cause and guard the state.
Elder Brother was benevolent and wise, whom I have always admired. Upon hearing the tragic news of his passing, I was overwhelmed with grief. How could I harbor any disloyal or wicked thoughts?
Now that Second Brother, Third Brother, and Fifth Brother have been punished, I am grief-stricken, but the law of the land is like a mountain. I have absolutely no objections and only wish my Imperial Father to take care of his dragon body.
However, the tree wishes to remain still, but the wind does not cease. I, your son, am in a position of suspicion and cannot explain myself.
To demonstrate my innocence, I implore my Imperial Father to immediately issue an edict to strip me of my princely title, summon me back to the Capital City, and confine me within high walls!
I am willing to surrender my military authority, shed my armor, and return to the Capital to remain by my Imperial Father’s side, to fulfill my loyalty and filial piety, and to quell public gossip!
The defense of the northern frontier can be entrusted to esteemed Dukes such as Feng Sheng and Fu Youde; I assure you it will be secure!
Your son, Di, with bloody tears and a deep bow, implores your Sacred Judgment, Imperial Father!
To advance by retreating! Actively requesting the stripping of his title and confinement!
This was an extremely bold move, and an extremely brilliant one.
He knew Old Zhu was suspicious, and the more he defended himself, the more he would appear guilty.
Instead, this attitude of voluntarily relinquishing power and even offering himself as collateral was the most effective way to allay the Emperor’s suspicion.
At the same time, this put his Imperial Father in a difficult position.
If Old Zhu truly agreed, it would be like cutting off his own arm, weakening the northern frontier’s defenses.
If he did not agree, it would prove that Old Zhu, at least for now, trusted him, or still needed him to guard the northern frontier.
Old Zhu read Zhu Di’s earnest, even tearful, long letter with no expression on his face.
He read it extremely carefully, scrutinizing every word, every turn of phrase, even the density of the ink, as if trying to extract hidden information.
Upon seeing Zhu Di’s active request to be stripped of his title and confined, his fingers twitched slightly, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.
Fourth Brother, Fourth Brother… you are truly willing to pay a high price!
He had to admit that Zhu Di’s response was perfect.
His attitude was respectful, and his emotions appeared sincere.
His analysis of the evidence was both a disavowal and a “constructive” guidance.
Most crucially, this request to “advance by retreating” almost completely blocked any immediate action he could take.
Is this genuine remorse to show loyalty? Or… is it a strategy of extreme forbearance to execute a deeper plan of concealment?
Old Zhu’s suspicion prevented him from fully trusting anyone, especially this capable and meritorious fourth son.
He slowly put down the letter and looked out of the hall.
Yun Ming, at the opportune moment, presented another secret report, this one regarding the recent activities at Prince Yan’s mansion in Beiping.
The Prince Yan’s mansion in Beiping had closed its doors to visitors, its subordinates were confined to quarters, and contact with the outside world was almost severed. Furthermore, rumors of the Prince of Yan being “out of favor” were subtly circulating from the northern frontier.
Such a thorough contraction… is it fear? Or is he plotting something in secret?
Old Zhu remained silent for a very long time.
Finally, he picked up his vermilion brush and wrote a reply on Zhu Di’s letter requesting the stripping of his title.
He did not agree to strip the title or confine him, nor did he directly respond to the request. He simply wrote a few brief sentences:
Your loyalty and earnestness are known to me. The northern frontier is a vital region, and only you can hold it. You must guard it well and not fail my expectations.
Matters in the Capital, I will decide myself. You need not worry excessively.
The tone was plain, even containing a hint of encouragement, but the imperial machinations contained within were unfathomable.
This was both an “acknowledgment” of Zhu Di’s response and a deeper form of control.
To put it plainly: I still need you, but I also still suspect you. You will continue to stay in Beiping, under my watchful eye, guarding the border for me, and be ready to face my next scrutiny at any time.
At the same time, Old Zhu gave new instructions to Yun Ming: “Yun Ming!”
“This servant is here!”
Yun Ming immediately bowed and received the order.
“Convey my decree, tell Jiang Huan to thoroughly investigate the clues regarding those officials from Jiangnan and retired officials that Fourth Brother pointed out! Investigate to the end!”
“Furthermore, elevate the surveillance of Prince Yan’s mansion to the highest level! Even if he remains behind closed doors, keep an eye on every fly around his mansion for me!”
He would not relax his vigilance because of Zhu Di’s perfect response; on the contrary, he would become even more vigilant.
He was like the most patient hunter, knowing that the most cunning fox would often adopt the most harmless demeanor to deceive its opponents.
…
Unbeknownst to them, three days passed in a flash.
As the ‘culprit’ who stirred up the storm, he was brought out of the prison cell of the Imperial Prison.
At this time, Yingtian Prefecture was bathed in sunlight, and the streets were thronged with people.
The long official road from the Imperial Prison to the West Market Execution Ground was already densely packed with a crowd, making it impossible to move.
Men and women, old and young, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—all their gazes were fixed on the passage strictly guarded by the Imperial Guard.
The air was filled with an ineffable, complex emotion, a mixture of excitement, fear, curiosity, and pity.
“They’re here! They’re here!”
Someone shouted, and the crowd instantly stirred.
At the end of the passage, a group of imposing Imperial Guard officers cleared the way.
Following them, a prisoner cart slowly approached with the sound of heavy wheels.
Standing in the prisoner cart was Zhang Biao.
He was still wearing the relatively clean prisoner uniform, his hair neatly combed, and a faint, almost languid smile on his face.
This was starkly out of place in the surrounding somber atmosphere.
Unlike ordinary condemned prisoners who were dejected or fearful, he was leisurely appraising the crowds on both sides of the road, his gaze calm, as if he were inspecting his territory rather than going to his execution.
“Corrupt official! Treacherous minister! He deserves to die!”
Some uninformed or incited citizens cursed loudly, throwing rotten vegetables.
But more prevalent was silence.
Among this silent crowd were some distinctive faces.
On a temporary viewing platform erected on one side of the execution ground sat the three brothers of Prince Yan’s mansion, Li Jinglong, and Guo Ying, who had been specially ‘permitted’ by Old Zhu to witness the execution.
Zhu Gaochi’s expression was blank, but his prayer beads were almost being crushed.
Zhu Gaochi’s eyes were bloodshot, his fists clenched, veins bulging on his arms.
Zhu Gao Sui kept his head down, his shoulders slightly trembling.
Li Jinglong and Guo Ying wore complex expressions, their emotions unreadable.
Not far away, Zhu Yunteng, Zhu Mingyue, and Zhu Mingyu, a brother and two sisters, were also ‘escorted’ by palace attendants to ‘see off’ Zhang Biao.
Zhu Mingyue’s face was pale, and she tightly gripped her sister’s hand, unable to look up.
Zhu Mingyu, however, bit her lip tightly, stubbornly gazing in the direction of the prisoner cart, her eyes red-rimmed.
Zhu Yunteng stood straight, but his slightly trembling fingers betrayed his inner turmoil.
In the outer crowd, some individuals wearing low-ranking official uniforms or ordinary civilian attire were desperately suppressing their emotions.
These were Shen Lang, Sun Gui, Li Mo, and Wu Nai Da, who had been released from the Imperial Prison by Old Zhu and restored to their original positions, as well as the lower-ranking officials who had accompanied Zhang Biao in the audit and demand for salary.
They watched the figure in the prisoner cart, who had once led them in their “madness” and “uprising,” attempting to tear through the “darkness.” Their throats felt choked, and their eyes welled up with tears.
Further away, there were some old soldiers wearing worn-out military uniforms or accompanied by their families.
They were beneficiaries of the “offsetting debt” scheme, and at this moment, they watched in silence, their clouded eyes filled with tears.
The prisoner cart slowly passed before them.
Zhang Biao’s gaze swept across these familiar and unfamiliar faces, seeing the red-rimmed eyes of Shen Lang and the others, the silent tears of the old soldiers, the trembling shoulders of Zhu Gao Sui, the suppressed grief of Zhu Mingyu…
The languid smile on his face paused slightly, and then, he grinned, revealing an even brighter, almost playful smile.
With his shackled hands, he laboriously pointed at those who were secretly wiping away tears, his voice not loud, but clear enough for everyone nearby to hear, with his characteristic teasing tone:
“Hey, I’m talking to you all…”
“Why are you crying?!”
“I, a great traitor who has disrupted the court, slandered Sacred Learning, and committed ten thousand heinous crimes, am finally about to face justice today!”
“Shouldn’t you be clapping your hands and setting off firecrackers to celebrate?!”
“Why are you crying!? Huh?”
His tone was as light as if he were joking, but deep within his eyes, a fleeting, inscrutable gentleness and a sense of release flashed.
These words, like a key, instantly shattered the dam of restraint for many.
“Wuwuwu—!”
The crying intensified.
Ah, I really don’t understand you people.
It’s clearly a joyous occasion, yet you’re making it seem as if I’m about to die.
Requesting monthly tickets! Requesting double monthly tickets~
Hahaha! Finally reached this moment. Hmm, not bad.
Thanks to Natural Law for 1000 reward.
Thanks to Everyday Sky Love for 1500 reward.
Thanks to Ling Sui Xin for 1000 reward.
