Chapter 21: Only By Dying Can One’s Value Be Realized! New Book Seeking Collection
Just as Zhang Biao was returning to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to demand his salary, the atmosphere in the Prince Yan’s Mansion study was so heavy it could almost drip with water.
The windows were tightly shut, and thick curtains were drawn, leaving only a single lamp on the desk. The leaping flame cast Zhu Di’s sharply defined face in and out of shadow.
Zhu Gaochi stood at attention below, his plump body held straight, but a fine sheen of sweat had broken out on his forehead.
Zhu Gaochi stood slightly behind him, still as upright as a pine tree, his gaze sharp, though a hint of solemnity now graced his expression.
Zhu Gao Sui stood at the very back, his eyes focused forward, not daring to display the flippancy he’d shown in the Imperial Prison.
“Father King, I just received news. Imperial Grandfather was furious in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Not only did he flay and stuff the Minister of Revenue, Zhao Qian, but he also executed his entire clan. Even the Vice Minister of War, Qi Tai, whom Imperial Grandfather greatly favored, has been dismissed and ordered to be investigated along with Lu Ping.”
Zhu Gaochi’s voice was kept very low, with a trace of imperceptible tension:
“The most baffling thing is that this seventh-rank Censor named Zhang Biao is unharmed. Furthermore, Imperial Grandfather promoted him to Fourth Rank Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, bestowed upon him a crimson robe and a Silver Fish Pouch, specifically to supervise the Ministry of Revenue’s money and grain, as well as land taxes!”
Zhu Di listened in silence, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the smooth redwood desk, the rhythmic thuds echoing clearly in the quiet room.
Each sound seemed to strike Zhu Gaochi’s heart.
“The first person who jumped out to propose establishing the Crown Prince was killed, I recall. Lu Ping and Qi Tai weren’t the second or third, but this time the impact is the greatest! It seems some people can no longer sit still.”
Zhu Di finally spoke, his voice deep and even, betraying no emotion: “As for this Censor named Zhang Biao… I underestimated him.”
Saying this, his gaze, sharp as lightning, swept over Zhu Gao Sui at the very end: “Third Prince, you’ve been closest to Zhang Biao recently. Hmph, what do you think of this person?”
“Me?”
Zhu Gao Sui was surprised that his Father King asked him first, and he faltered for a moment. But he quickly stepped forward with a look of awkwardness and said respectfully, “Replying to Father King, Zhang Biao, on the surface, seems slippery, even fearless of death, but his mind is extremely active. He knows what his goal is and is completely indifferent to external influences.”
“And do you know what his goal is?”
“Uh, this… it should be to get Imperial Grandfather to kill him.”
“Does he really want to die that badly?” Zhu Di’s lips curled into a cold smile: “Sometimes, appearing eager for death might be a more cunning cover.”
He paused, his gaze shifting to the silent Zhu Gaochi: “Little Prince, on the day of the funeral, did you see clearly?”
Zhu Gaochi immediately clasped his fists, his voice ringing out:
“Replying to Father King! I saw clearly! Imperial Grandfather was overcome with grief while caressing the coffin, almost unable to control himself. Cousin Yunwen supported Consort Lü with a respectful demeanor, but his eyes scanned the officials multiple times, particularly lingering on Father King for a moment. Prince Qin appeared anxious, Prince Jin was inscrutable. Most officials… lowered their heads and shed tears, fearing to be noticed.”
Zhu Di nodded slightly.
Zhu Gaochi’s observation skills had always been keen, and the scene he described basically matched Zhu Di’s own judgment.
The Imperial Father’s grief was genuine, and Yunwen’s ‘filial piety’ was also genuine, but this ‘filial piety’ was already mixed with too many other things.
The intentions of the Second and Third Princes were also obvious.
“Little Prince.” Zhu Di’s gaze returned to his eldest son, with an unquestionable decisiveness:
“I will be leaving the capital soon. You, Gaochi, and Gao Sui will remain in the capital. Remember, be cautious in your words and actions, and stay behind closed doors studying. You must show every bit of filial piety expected of an Imperial Grandson, and do it better than anyone else! As for matters of the Imperial Court, do not inquire about them, do not get involved! Especially concerning the establishment of the Crown Prince!”
Zhu Gaochi’s heart tightened, and he immediately bowed: “Your son understands Father King’s teachings!”
“It’s not about impressing Consort Lü and Yunwen.”
Zhu Di’s voice suddenly turned cold, with a metallic chill: “It’s about impressing your Imperial Grandfather! Let him see that we, the Prince Yan’s vassals, are content and dutiful, purely filial and sincere, with no undue ambitions! Do you understand?”
“Your son understands!” Zhu Gaochi and the other two responded solemnly.
“As for that Zhang Biao…”
Zhu Di glanced at Zhu Gao Sui, his knuckles rapping heavily on the tabletop, producing a dull thud, his eyes becoming unfathomably deep:
“A minor Censor with no foundation, acting wildly. Is he truly fearless of death, or is he a vanguard for your Imperial Grandfather’s plan to abolish feudal lords? You will remain in the capital. If you hear any rumors about this person, report them to me immediately!”
“Yes!”
The three brothers pledged their agreement again.
Meanwhile, on the other side, at the Eastern Palace, the mourning hall.
Consort Lü, dressed in mourning clothes, her voice choked with sobs, bowed towards Zhu Biao’s memorial tablet and recited prayers. Every word was enough to make one’s nose ache.
Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunteng, and the other sons of Zhu Biao stood silently behind her, performing their bows.
Only after a complete set of memorial rites was finished did Consort Lü shakily rise, supported by palace maids. With tear-streaked cheeks, she looked at Zhu Biao’s sons:
“From now on, in this vast Eastern Palace, it will just be us mothers and children relying on each other. I don’t know how long we’ll be able to stay here… *sob sob sob*…”
Saying this, she couldn’t help but cry again.
“Imperial Consort, why worry about so much now? Everything has Imperial Grandfather’s arrangements,” Zhu Yunwen stepped forward to comfort Consort Lü.
Zhu Yunteng and the other sons of Zhu Biao behind him also offered their comfort: “Imperial Consort, take care!”
However, Consort Lü forced a smile and said: “Yunteng, you first take your younger brothers and sisters to eat. Your second brother and I will follow shortly!”
“Alright!”
Zhu Yunteng’s knees had gone numb from kneeling for so long. Hearing Consort Lü’s words, he agreed without a second thought.
Soon, he led his younger siblings away from the mourning hall.
Once only Consort Lü and her son remained in the mourning hall, Consort Lü put away her recent sorrowful expression and looked sternly at Zhu Yunwen: “My son is in great trouble!”
Zhu Yunwen’s eyelids twitched, and he looked at Consort Lü with surprise: “Imperial Consort, on what grounds do you say this?”
“You don’t know yet? Imperial Grandfather was furious in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Not only did he execute the Minister of Revenue, Zhao Qian, but he also dismissed and ordered the investigation of Lu Ping and Qi Tai, who proposed establishing the Crown Prince!”
“This…” Zhu Yunwen hesitated, then frowned: “Zhao Qian proposed increasing taxes in Jiangnan, disregarding the people’s livelihood, his crime is punishable. As for Lu Ping and Qi Tai, they spoke presumptuously about establishing the Crown Prince, and indeed deserve punishment…”
“Foolish!”
Consort Lü reprimanded him with disappointment: “Although Lu Ping is distantly related to me, he still bears the surname Lü. He proposed establishing the Crown Prince. Even if he had personal intentions, his gesture of goodwill was clear. As for Qi Tai, have you forgotten your Father King’s appreciation for him? He did this for you!”
“But didn’t they both anger Imperial Grandfather? Does Imperial Consort want to save them…”
“Impossible!” Consort Lü flatly denied: “Whatever they did has nothing to do with us. What I want to remind you of is that seventh-rank person named Zhang Biao… no, your Imperial Grandfather has already promoted him to Fourth Rank Left Vice Censor-in-Chief!”
“Imperial Consort, why are you mentioning him to me?” Zhu Yunwen was somewhat confused.
Consort Lü narrowed her eyes and said: “A ruler has loyal ministers, and their country will not fall. Your Imperial Grandfather is still hesitating whether to establish the Crown Prince. If you befriend him, perhaps he can help you!”
“But, didn’t Imperial Grandfather kill many loyal ministers? What’s the use of befriending a short-lived man?”
“You don’t understand. Some people’s value is only realized after their death!”
Consort Lü glared at Zhu Yunwen, then said with irrefutable authority: “Even if he dies, he must die for us!”
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen nodded thoughtfully.
