Chapter 121: Zhang Biao: I Never Show Off!
“Brother! Second Brother! Brother Biao has been arrested.”
Zhu Gao Sui practically burst into the study, his usual jovial smile replaced by a look of anxiety and worry.
He was even holding an oiled paper bag, from which the aroma of pig’s head meat faintly emanated.
This was clearly his habitual ‘condolence gift’ for Zhang Biao.
Zhu Gao Xu, who was cleaning his saber, looked up sharply at the words, his eyes flashing with brilliance: “What happened to Zhang Biao? Does Imperial Grandfather really want to kill him?”
The information he had received was slightly later than Zhu Gao Sui’s; he only knew that something major had happened in the Hall of Supreme Harmony Square, and the final outcome was not yet clear.
But he quickly stood up, his tone urgent:
“Father King’s letter said he’s useful, and we need him to keep stirring up trouble. We can’t let him be lost like this!”
After speaking, he looked at Zhu Gao Chi, who was sitting motionlessly, expressionless, fiddling with his prayer beads: “Brother, we need to find a way! We have to save his life!”
Zhu Gao Sui interjected urgently:
“It’s not about killing him, he’s already been thrown into Imperial Prison Death Row! He’s to be executed after autumn! Imperial Grandfather issued the decree himself!”
“You guys didn’t see it, Brother Biao was too awesome! He shouted ‘Dismissal of Confucianism’ and exposed all those pure stream scholars in front of Imperial Grandfather and so many people!”
“Unfortunately, in the end…”
He said, his voice cracking slightly, and waved the oiled paper bag in his hand: “I, I’ll go to the Imperial Prison to see him now, bring him some food to calm his nerves…”
“Stop!”
Zhu Gao Chi finally spoke, his voice low but carrying an undeniable authority.
He raised his eyelids, looking at his third brother, dressed in Imperial Guard attire and full of anxiety, then at his restless second brother, and sighed slowly.
“Third Brother, change out of that uniform first.”
He first instructed Zhu Gao Sui, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Zhu Gao Sui finally realized how conspicuous he was, shouting in his official uniform, and quickly fell silent, obediently going to change into casual clothes.
For the moment, only Zhu Gao Chi and Zhu Gao Xu remained in the study.
Zhu Gao Xu frowned: “Brother! Are we just going to stand by and watch? Father’s orders…”
“I understand Father King’s intentions even better than you do.”
Zhu Gao Chi raised his hand, stopping him from continuing, his gaze deep:
“Father King wants chaos in Yingtian, so that Imperial Grandfather cannot focus on the north. Zhang Biao’s imprisonment itself has already caused chaos. This chaos and uncertainty will continue until autumn, or even longer. This, in itself, aligns with Father King’s interests.”
He paused, then continued to analyze calmly:
“If we act rashly now, we’re seeking our own demise, and we’ll drag the entire Prince Yan’s Mansion down with us. Tampering in secret?”
“Under the watchful eyes of Imperial Grandfather and Jiang Huan, in the Imperial Prison, what are the chances of success? And what is the risk of exposure?”
Zhu Gao Xu was rendered speechless, but still unwilling: “Then, then we do nothing?”
“We do something, of course.”
A glint flashed in Zhu Gao Chi’s eyes:
“But not a grand show of force like you two imagine. Our primary principle is to absolutely avoid drawing any attention from Imperial Grandfather.”
“The three of us are in Yingtian Prefecture, ostensibly to study, but in reality, we are hostages. We are pawns Imperial Grandfather uses to control Father King. Every word and action is being watched by countless eyes.”
At this moment, Zhu Gao Sui, having changed into casual clothes, slunk back in, looking expectantly at his elder brother.
Zhu Gao Chi looked at him, his tone serious but with a hint of subtle manipulation: “Third Brother, only with your current status can you access Zhang Biao.”
Zhu Gao Sui’s eyes lit up: “Brother, you agree to let me bring him food?”
“It’s not simply bringing food.”
Zhu Gao Chi shook his head and said slowly:
“Remember, your current status is, first and foremost, an Imperial Guard of the Great Ming, then the third prince of Prince Yan’s Mansion, and finally… Zhang Biao’s admirer. Never reverse the order.”
He instructed carefully:
“First, never act on impulse.”
“Go back to your post, act as usual, even more low-key and law-abiding than before. Do not let anyone see that you have any special concern for Zhang Biao.”
“Second, you can use your position to pay a little attention to Zhang Biao’s basic safety in prison, ensuring he isn’t tortured to death by other guards or unknown individuals privately.”
“This is your duty, and no one can fault you. Third, and most importantly…”
Zhu Gao Chi lowered his voice:
“Observe carefully, is Zhang Biao showing any abnormalities? Does he have any messages he wants to convey to the outside world? Especially to his subordinates… or, anyone else.”
He was referring to Shen Lang and the other four, but spoke vaguely.
Zhu Gao Sui listened, not fully understanding, but he grasped that he was to be his elder brother’s eyes and ears, and could also look after his idol. He immediately patted his chest and guaranteed:
“Brother, don’t worry! It’s all on me! I’ll take good care of Brother Biao, and listen if he has any ‘divine pronouncements’!”
Zhu Gao Chi’s mouth twitched, thinking this brother was hopeless, divine pronouncements? He’s a total fanboy!
However, he didn’t have time to mock his brother and looked at Zhu Gao Xu again:
“Second Brother, your task is to restrain our own people. Absolutely, absolutely no private actions to contact or rescue Zhang Biao are allowed!”
“Everything must go through Third Brother, the only and safest channel.”
“We need to show Imperial Grandfather that the princes of Yan are law-abiding in Yingtian and show no sympathy for imperial fugitives!”
Although Zhu Gao Xu felt stifled, he also knew that his elder brother’s strategy was the most stable, and could only agree in silence: “Understood.”
Zhu Gao Chi concluded:
“What we can do now, and what is most effective help, is to ensure Zhang Biao stays alive until after autumn, and use Third Brother’s official position to gather as much information as possible. As for rescue…”
He shook his head again, his tone inscrutable:
“It’s not time yet. Perhaps he has other arrangements. We’ll observe the situation and act accordingly.”
Zhu Gao Sui didn’t care about all that. As long as his elder brother agreed to let him contact Brother Biao and bring food, he was content and began to plan what else to bring.
Zhu Gao Xu, meanwhile, tightened his grip on the hilt of his saber, his eyes flickering, contemplating something unknown.
As for Zhu Gao Chi, he lowered his gaze again, fiddling with his prayer beads, pondering silently.
【 Zhang Biao, oh Zhang Biao, if you truly have extraordinary capabilities, you should know how to find a sliver of hope for yourself in this dead end…】
【 And our Prince Yan’s Mansion might be able to offer a perfectly timed ladder at the most critical moment.】
On the other side.
Zhang Biao showed great interest when Li Jinglong and Guo Ying were suddenly brought in.
After all, waiting to die alone was too boring.
If one had to die, it was more interesting if everyone died together.
“Oh?”
Zhang Biao broke the strange silence first. His voice carried a lazy, taunting tone, which sounded particularly clear and jarring in the deathly quiet prison cell.
“Duke Cao? Marquis of Wuding?”
“Truly… fate has brought us together. I never expected to be neighbors with two such esteemed dukes and marquises in the depths of the Imperial Prison. What an honor, it truly brightens my humble abode!”
Hearing Zhang Biao’s voice, Li Jinglong flinched as if stung by a scorpion. He buried his head even deeper, his whimpers growing slightly louder, filled with despair.
Guo Ying, on the other hand, suddenly lifted his head. His bloodshot eyes were like those of a dying tiger. He glared fiercely at Zhang Biao, gritting his teeth:
“Zhang Biao… you villain, reveling in your temporary success! Do not be arrogant! I, I…”
He wanted to utter some harsh words, but thinking of his current predicament, all words were choked in his throat, leaving only heavy breaths and undeniable humiliation.
Zhang Biao picked at his ear, feigning innocence:
“What does the Marquis of Wuding mean by that? Your subordinate… oh no, as a criminal, I was merely auditing according to the law, checking accounts.”
“The Emperor’s wisdom illuminates all. If he brought the two of you here, it must be because you have some ‘unspeakable secrets’ that need to be confessed to His Majesty, right? What does it have to do with me?”
His words were like salt in a wound, a blatant mockery.
Guo Ying trembled with anger, coughing violently, nearly passing out, but he forcibly suppressed himself and did not respond.
He gave Zhang Biao a killing glance, then stumbled to the pile of grass in the corner of the cell, sat down dejectedly, and closed his eyes, as if all his pride and strength had been drained away in an instant, leaving only an aged shell and endless sorrow.
He had fought in battles his entire life, achieving distinguished achievements, yet in his old age, he suffered such utter humiliation. This spiritual torment was far greater than any physical torture.
Zhang Biao chuckled and stopped provoking them. Instead, he changed the topic, his tone as casual as if he were making small talk:
“Since the two esteemed dukes and marquises are here, make yourselves at home. Although the conditions in the Imperial Prison are rudimentary, it is quiet and undisturbed, perfect for thinking… about what should be said and what should not be said.”
He paused meaningfully, his gaze sweeping over Li Jinglong and Guo Ying:
“After all, the Emperor’s Imperial Guard is far more professional than I, a mere criminal. Your little secrets, I fear, cannot withstand Lord Jiang Huan’s meticulous scrutiny…”
These words were like icy poisoned needles, precisely striking the deepest fears of Li Jinglong and Guo Ying.
“Zhang Biao! Shut your mouth! Do you think this is your home! Stop chattering!”
Li Jinglong could no longer bear the fear in his heart and roared.
“Tap, tap”
Just then, faint footsteps could be heard from the end of the corridor.
Zhu Gao Sui was seen walking over, head bowed, one hand on the saber at his waist, the other holding a tiered food container that was two sizes larger than a normal one, his steps slightly hurried.
He was still wearing that ill-fitting Imperial Guard Ensign uniform.
But whether it was an illusion or not, the collar seemed to have been specially tidied, and his hair was slicked back, trying to appear more ‘professional’.
He tried hard to keep a stern face, adopting the demeanor of a stern prison guard, but the slight upward curve of his lips and the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him.
He stopped at Zhang Biao’s cell door, first subconsciously puffed out his chest, and then lowered his voice, speaking in a deliberately deep tone, attempting to imitate an old prison guard: “Cough. Time to eat.”
“Hahaha! My takeout delivery guy! We meet again!”
As soon as Zhang Biao saw Zhu Gao Sui, he burst into excited laughter, then nimbly took the heavy food container and opened it.
Good heavens!
The top layer was glistening, fragrant pig’s head meat!
The layer below was neatly arranged braised beef, cut to a uniform thickness!
At the very bottom, there was even a small pot of steaming mutton soup, clearly freshly made!
And on the side, there were even a few toasted sesame seed cakes!
This setup, this treatment!
It wasn’t prisoner fare, it was practically a VIP takeout meal from a restaurant!
Zhang Biao raised his eyebrows, grabbed a piece of meat, and took a bite, nodding with satisfaction.
Immediately after, as if suddenly remembering something, he mumbled to Zhu Gao Sui, who was preparing to ‘make his exit’: “Hey, Third Brother…”
“Hmm?”
Zhu Gao Sui stopped abruptly, like a soldier called out, and immediately turned around, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Zhang Biao, with a hint of anticipation, as if waiting for some ‘divine pronouncement’.
Zhang Biao then gestured with his chin towards the opposite and adjacent cells: “The two new gentlemen are of noble status. They might not be accustomed to the pig slop here. Remember to bring two more portions next time.”
“Ah? Oh! Oh, okay!”
Zhu Gao Sui was stunned for a moment, then, as if receiving a critical mission, his face showed an expression of “task will be completed,” and he instinctively brought his feet together, almost saluting.
He quickly stole another glance at Li Jinglong and Guo Ying, his eyes even showing a hint of sympathy.
Or perhaps a strange sense of responsibility: “Brother Biao ordered it, so I’ll take care of your meals from now on.”
But he quickly realized he was overreacting, coughed twice, put on a stern face again, and lowered his voice:
“The rules… the rules cannot be broken… but I will try to find a way…”
After speaking, as if afraid he would reveal more flaws if he stayed any longer, he practically scuttled away with clumsy steps, his feet not moving in sync.
His retreating figure exuded guilt and haste.
This series of reactions, from feigned composure to involuntary excitement, from nervousness to solemn acceptance of orders, and finally to a panicked escape, was all witnessed by Li Jinglong and Guo Ying opposite him.
Li Jinglong: “???”
Guo Ying: “!!!”
What’s with this Imperial Guard? He doesn’t seem very bright? And, doesn’t he look a bit familiar?!
Why is he so respectful to Zhang Biao?!
And, this is… the Imperial Prison?!
What other trump card does this madman have?!
Damn it! That lunatic has managed to put on a show!
Zhang Biao watched Zhu Gao Sui’s flustered departure and couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Then, he held up the fragrant braised beef to the opposite and adjacent cells and said with a smile:
“Gentlemen, please don’t be polite, consider it a welcome gift…”
“It’s not easy to get a warm meal in this Imperial Prison…”
“After all, we might have to interact a lot in the future…”
“Look, look at the oil, it’s superb! Even the little brother delivering the food is so thoughtful.”
Li Jinglong looked at the braised beef, smelled its aroma, and his stomach growled uncontrollably. But the immense fear and absurdity of the situation made him suppress his appetite.
Guo Ying’s chest felt heavy with anger, wishing he could cover his ears.
This wasn’t food delivery; it was a demonstration of power!
It was Zhang Biao showing them his ‘bizarre’ influence in the Imperial Prison!
That inexplicable ‘takeout guy’ who seemed a little foolish, yet exuded strangeness…
In their endless fear and humiliation, Li Jinglong and Guo Ying were filled with an ineffable sense of strangeness and unease.
It was clear that Zhu Gao Sui’s performance had unintentionally boosted Zhang Biao’s prestige.
Meanwhile, Zhu Gao Sui, who had scurried back to his post, leaned heavily against the wall, his face still flushed with excitement, and mumbled softly:
“Brother Biao spoke to me!”
“He actually called me ‘takeout guy’! And gave me a mission!”
“What should I bring next time? What do Duke Cao and the Marquis of Wuding like to eat? I need to find out…”
“No, I have to be low-key, I can’t cause trouble for Brother… but Brother Biao’s mission must be completed.”
He was lost in sweet but troubled contemplation.
This added a touch of absurdity and warmth to the grim and cruel atmosphere of the Imperial Prison.
…
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