Chapter 156: Old Zhu: Ten Thousand Years Is Too Long, Only To Kill The Morning And Evening. For Alliance Leader Ayesire7’s Bonus Update 2
Zhu Yunteng was taken to the Northern Five Offices.
The heavy hall door of Huagai Hall slowly closed, the last ray of light was cut off, and the dazzling bloodstain and shocking commotion outside the door were also isolated.
Inside the hall, silence descended again, but it was more oppressive than before, as if the air had congealed into heavy lead.
Old Zhu still stood in place, his back to the hall door, his tall figure casting a long shadow in the spacious main hall, appearing unusually stooped and lonely.
He slowly raised the hand that had just slapped Zhu Yunteng, his fingertips trembling slightly, as if the warmth and bloodstain from his grandson’s cheek still lingered on it.
【The hatred for a father’s killer is irreconcilable.】
Zhu Yunteng’s hoarse yet resolute questioning, like a demonic echo, reverberated in his mind.
Each time louder, each time sharper, fiercely striking his imperial heart, which was wrapped in layers of political maneuvering and suspicion.
He suddenly clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking.
【Yes. If someone killed our father, what would we do?】
The answer to this question required no thought.
He would use the most brutal and cruel methods to grind the murderer and their nine generations of kin to dust!
He would let the entire world know the consequences of harming Zhu Chongba’s family!
【Then, what about Biao’er?】
【Biao’er is my son, the heir to whom I have poured countless efforts and entrusted the entire empire!】
【If Biao’er was truly killed by someone, then what should I, as his father, do?】
An indescribable emotion, a mixture of immense grief, overwhelming anger, and a sliver of shame he himself was unwilling to admit, churned and burned in his chest like lava.
All his previous anger was directed more towards the loss of control in court, the potential disloyalty of his sons, and Zhang Biao’s insane provocation.
But at this moment, Zhu Yunteng, in the most tragic way, placed before him the most primal grief and desire for revenge that a ‘father’ should possess, in a bloody display.
He slowly turned around, his gaze falling on the imperial desk.
There lay the blood-stained iron box, and the copy that had just been transcribed, its ink still wet.
His eyes became extremely complex, longing, fear, anger, suspicion—all sorts of emotions intertwined.
He knew that once he opened it, he might never be able to turn back.
But he also knew that if Zhu Biao had indeed died unjustly, and he, as his father, chose to gloss over it out of fear of the truth or concern for the so-called ‘overall situation,’ then after his death, how could he face his Biao’er? How could he face his wife?
After a long time.
As if making a firm decision, all hesitation in his eyes was forcibly suppressed, replaced by the icy imperial will.
【What about eternal reign?!】
【Ten thousand years is too long; I only want what is now!】
He walked back to the dragon throne step by step, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he ordered the trusted eunuch standing by, who dared not even breathe, “Summon Song Zhong!”
Song Zhong returned quickly, still carrying the chill from outside the hall, and bowed respectfully, “Your Majesty.”
With Jiang Huan absent, he, as the Imperial Guard Battalion Commander, was Old Zhu’s ‘new subordinate.’
Then Old Zhu asked calmly and indifferently, “Where are Tang He and Chang Sheng?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, the imperial oral decree has been received, and they are rushing here by horse. They are expected to enter the palace through Xihua Gate within a quarter of an hour.”
“Hmm.”
Old Zhu nodded, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest of the dragon throne, “And the Imperial Physician?”
“They have all arrived at the side hall awaiting orders. As you commanded, they are being kept separate and are not allowed to communicate.”
“Good.”
Old Zhu’s gaze swept towards the iron box:
“From the Ministry of Records, send absolutely reliable people to deliver the copy. Tell those who examined it that we want their ‘eyes’ and their ‘mouths,’ not their ‘hearts’!”
“After reading it, give us a ‘read’ receipt. Not a single extra word, and no discussion!”
“Your subordinate understands!”
Song Zhong’s heart tightened, knowing that the Emperor intended to limit the circle of knowledge to the smallest possible scope.
“And another thing!”
Old Zhu’s gaze suddenly became extremely sharp:
“Keep a close eye on the Eastern Palace! We need to know if a single fly flies in or out!”
“And keep a particularly close watch on Consort Lü’s side!”
“Thoroughly investigate the backgrounds of everyone serving Yunwen! Anyone who has had abnormal contact with someone outside the palace recently, apprehend them first!”
His suspicion and ruthlessness were fully displayed at this moment.
Zhu Yunteng’s words were like a thorn. Although he didn’t fully believe them, they were enough to make him harbor the highest vigilance towards the Eastern Palace and Consort Lü.
He even suspected that Zhu Yunteng’s actions today might have been intentionally tolerated, or even forced, by Consort Lü, attempting to borrow a knife to kill?
After all, Consort Lü had already shown her hand before!
“Yes! Your subordinate will attend to it immediately!”
Song Zhong felt immense pressure, knowing that the real storm was about to begin.
After Song Zhong withdrew, Old Zhu did not immediately peruse the transcript.
He needed to wait, for Tang He and Chang Sheng.
These two men: one was a Duke with distinguished achievements, who had almost conquered the empire with him and knew his temper well; the other was the brother of Zhu Biao’s legitimate wife and Yunteng’s maternal uncle.
Having them witness the event alongside him would not only help him verify the truth but also, to some extent, serve as an invisible constraint and pressure.
It would force him, the Emperor and father, to face the possible outcome justly.
This wait was agonizing.
The candlelight in the hall crackled, each faint sound seeming to strike his heart.
His gaze occasionally swept over the iron box, and in his mind, Zhu Biao’s past laughter and smiles, his frail appearance when he was gravely ill, the evasive words of the imperial physicians, the reports of ‘auspicious signs’ from Shaanxi, and the news of the Second Prince’s repeated transgressions in his fiefdom being lightly pardoned, flashed uncontrollably.
Countless details that had been previously overlooked now surged into his mind like a tide, colliding with each other, attempting to piece together a terrifying outline.
His expression grew darker, and the rhythm of his fingers tapping on the armrest quickened.
Finally!
A report came from outside the hall: “Your Majesty, the Duke of Xinguo and the Duke of Kaiguo have arrived.”
“Announce them!”
Old Zhu abruptly stopped his finger, sat up straight, all hesitation vanishing from his face, replaced by the coldness and majesty of the Hongwu Great Emperor.
Tang He and Chang Sheng strode into the hall, both clearly aware that something major had happened, their faces extremely solemn.
Especially Chang Sheng; upon seeing the iron box on the imperial desk and the bloodstains at the hall entrance that had not been completely cleaned up, his eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
“Your subordinate, Tang He and Chang Sheng, pay respects to Your Majesty!”
“Rise.”
Old Zhu waved his hand, foregoing any pleasantries, and pointed directly at the transcript on the imperial desk:
“There is something here concerning Biao’er’s cause of death. Both of you, read it now, carefully! After you read it, tell us what you think.”
His tone was calm but carried immense pressure.
Tang He and Chang Sheng were deeply shaken and exchanged glances, seeing immense shock in each other’s eyes.
They dared not ask further questions and immediately stepped forward, each taking a copy of the transcript. Under the candlelight, they held their breath and began to read intently.
The only sounds in the hall were the rustling of paper and the increasingly heavy breaths of the three men.
Old Zhu’s gaze, like a hawk’s, was fixed on their faces, not missing any subtle change in their expressions.
He was observing, judging.
Judging the authenticity of the evidence.
And also judging the most genuine reactions of these two men upon seeing something that could shake the foundation of the nation.
The Emperor’s suspicion and paranoia never ceased for a moment.
And the core of the storm, the iron box, its secret, was slowly being unveiled in this suffocating silence.
On the other side, the Prince Yan’s Mansion.
“My Lord! Something is wrong!”
Just as Zhu Gaochi was hiding the hot potato-like iron box in the most secret compartment under his desk, the butler’s terrified voice and hurried footsteps sounded outside the study:
“Imperial Guard! Commander Jiang Huan himself has brought people! They are already in the front hall! They said they are here by imperial decree… to see you!”
They’re here?! How could they be so fast?!
Zhu Gaochi’s heart leaped, and the fear he had just suppressed surged to the top of his head.
He almost subconsciously glanced at where the iron box was hidden, confirming there were no flaws, before forcefully calming himself.
Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui’s faces also changed drastically, and they exchanged glances, seeing panic in each other’s eyes.
Zhu Gaoxu even clenched his fists, his body tensing slightly, adopting a defensive posture.
“What are you panicking about?!”
Zhu Gaochi reprimanded his two younger brothers in a low voice, speaking as much to them as to himself:
“Deep breaths, calm down! Remember what I just told you! Follow my lead!”
After speaking, he took a deep breath, forced a look of appropriate surprise and unease onto his plump face, tidied his slightly disheveled robes, and gave Zhu Gaosui a look.
Zhu Gaosui immediately understood and opened the study door.
Outside the door, the butler’s face was ashen, and sweat poured from him.
Zhu Gaochi tried his best to appear as if he were merely startled by the sudden arrival of the Imperial Guard, and said with a hint of fear:
“Commander Jiang’s personal visit must be for an important matter. I will go to the front hall now. Second brother, third brother, you will accompany me.”
He had to keep his two brothers within his sight to prevent them from revealing flaws if questioned alone by the Imperial Guard, and it was also a silent display of weakness:
【See, we brothers are honest people.】
Soon, the three brothers, filled with great trepidation, walked towards the front hall.
Every step felt like treading on thin ice.
And the iron box, which had just been hidden, seemed to radiate an invisible, deadly heat from behind them.
The front hall.
Jiang Huan, in a dark python robe, stood with his hand on his sword, his face like ancient ice, devoid of any expression.
Behind him stood four Imperial Guard officers with sharp eyes and chilling auras, standing like sculptures on either side, their powerful oppressive presence making the spacious front hall feel unusually cramped.
Seeing Zhu Gaochi and the other two emerge, Jiang Huan merely cupped his hands slightly, his movements precise but devoid of warmth, his voice so cold it was devoid of any inflection:
“By imperial oral decree, I am here to question the Heir Apparent of the Prince Yan’s Mansion, Zhu Gaochi.”
Zhu Gaochi quickly bowed, his plump face filled with respect and a hint of appropriate fear:
“Your subordinate, Zhu Gaochi, awaits the imperial decree.”
His voice even carried a subtle tremor, perfectly portraying the reaction of a Prince’s heir who had suddenly been confronted by the head of the Imperial Guard.
Jiang Huan’s gaze, like a hawk’s, slowly swept over Zhu Gaochi’s face, which he struggled to keep calm but could not hide his panic, then over Zhu Gaosui behind him, who was clearly nervous and evasive, and finally over Zhu Gaoxu, who, despite attempting to appear calm, leaned slightly forward with a hidden guard.
“The Emperor asks—!”
Jiang Huan spoke loudly, each word clear, like ice beads hitting the ground:
“Why did your second brother, Zhu Gaoxu, happen to be near the procession of His Highness Yunteng, Princess Mingyue, and Princess Mingyu today? The Heir Apparent must answer truthfully: his whereabouts today, what he was doing, and whom he met?”
“Report it one by one!”
The first question was direct and sharp, hitting the core!
Zhu Gaochi’s heart pounded.
But his face showed an appropriate surprise and a hint of annoyance.
He turned his head, glaring at Zhu Gaoxu with the reproof of an elder brother, before turning back to Jiang Huan and said apologetically:
“Reporting to Commander, this matter is due to my strictness in discipline!”
“My second brother here is impulsive, only knows martial arts, and lacks proper etiquette!”
“He must have been bored in the mansion again and secretly sneaked out to spar with someone or wander the market, and disturbed His Highness’s carriage!”
He skillfully characterized Zhu Gaoxu’s whereabouts as impulsive and playful, an accidental encounter, deliberately omitting any mention of intentional action and downplaying the rescue as a disturbance.
“Oh? Just wandering?”
Jiang Huan’s gaze shifted to Zhu Gaoxu, scrutinizing him, “Second Prince, tell us yourself, where did you go today after leaving the mansion? Whom did you meet?”
Zhu Gaoxu felt the pressure and, following his elder brother’s prior instructions, hardened his resolve and said with forced openness and a hint of impatience:
“I didn’t go anywhere! I was just bored in the mansion, so I went out through the west corner gate, wanting to see if there were any acquaintances to spar with at the West City training ground. Then, on the way, I encountered a maddened ox that startled the carriage, so I casually beat the beast to death! What’s wrong? Is saving someone a mistake?”
He deliberately emphasized the West City training ground and spoke roughly, fitting his usual persona.
Jiang Huan stared at him for a few seconds, as if trying to find a flaw in his eyes, but Zhu Gaoxu, suppressing his guilt, met his gaze defiantly.
After a moment, Jiang Huan withdrew his gaze, no longer pressing for details, and posed the second question, his tone still bland but carrying more killing intent:
“The Emperor further asks: The court has been unstable recently, with Fu Youwen, Ru Chang, and others engaged in corruption and factionalism, their guilt proven. They even spoke rebelliously during the court session, their words implicating princes and shaking the foundation of the nation. As the Heir Apparent has been living in the capital for a long time, what are your views on this?”
This question was more insidious!
It directly inquired about his political stance, forcing him to state his position, and perhaps even probing whether the Prince Yan’s Mansion was involved with Fu Youwen and others!
Zhu Gaochi’s heart leaped into his throat; he knew that one wrong word could lead to eternal damnation.
He immediately showed indignation on his face, his voice rising slightly, with a kind of sincere excitement:
“Reporting to Commander! Fu Youwen, Ru Chang, and others engaged in corruption and lawbreaking, forming factions for personal gain, their crimes are heinous!”
“Although I live a reclusive life, I have heard about it and am deeply shocked and indignant!”
“Such pests dare to slander and accuse in court, defiling the reputation of princes, their crimes are even more severe, and they deserve death!”
He first unequivocally criticized Fu Youwen and others, then shifted his tone, skillfully defining the implication of princes as slander and accusation.
In this way, he not only cleared the collective of princes but also implicitly defended his own family.
“Your Majesty’s sagacious enlightenment illuminates the realm, and your decisive judgment will surely purge the wicked and restore clarity to the court!”
“We, the sons of the feudal lords’ mansions, only wish to abide by the duties of our fiefdoms, be loyal to the sovereign and love the country, and have no other intentions!”
Finally, he did not forget to pledge his loyalty, lowering his posture as much as possible.
Jiang Huan listened quietly, his face expressionless, making it impossible to guess whether he was satisfied with the answer.
After a brief silence, he asked the third, and most significant, question:
“The Emperor finally asks—”
Jiang Huan’s voice softened slightly, but it was even more unsettling:
“The three princes Yunteng, Mingyue, and Mingyu were frightened today, and the Emperor pities them greatly.”
“However, Zhu Gaochi rendered meritorious service by saving His Majesty, so rewards and punishments should be clear. What does the Heir Apparent think is the appropriate way to reward your second brother?”
Here it comes! The most fatal question!
This question seems to be about rewards, but it is actually testing:
1. How does Prince Yan’s Mansion view Zhu Biao’s lineage? With pity? Affection? Or avoidance?
2. How does Prince Yan’s Mansion evaluate Zhu Gaochi’s actions? Does it think he deserves a great reward for his merit, or that he meddled and should lay low?
3. Is it even testing whether Prince Yan’s Mansion intends to use this opportunity to deepen ties with Zhu Biao’s lineage?
Zhu Gaochi’s cold sweat immediately broke out again, and his mind raced.
A great reward? It would seem too eager and arouse suspicion.
No reward? It would seem guilty, or indifferent to the Imperial Grandson.
He pondered for a moment, his face showing a troubled and fearful expression, and he said cautiously:
“Commander, please be clear! Gaochi was reckless and disturbed His Majesty’s presence first. Although he fortunately subdued the mad bull and did not cause a major disaster, his actions were impetuous. How dare he claim merit? Let alone a reward!”
He first characterized it as more of an offense than merit, then continued:
“The Emperor is benevolent and pities Prince Yunteng and his siblings. This is the affection within the imperial family.”
“As a member of the imperial clan, it is Gaochi’s duty to protect the princes. If he were to be rewarded for doing his duty, it might arouse public criticism and is not the way of the Emperor’s fair rewards and punishments.”
“Therefore—!”
Zhu Gaochi drew out the last syllable, then bowed: “Your humble servant’s opinion is that this matter should not be rewarded.”
“If His Majesty feels the need to appease Gaochi, perhaps I, as his elder brother, can discipline him strictly upon returning to the mansion, order him to reflect in seclusion, and ensure he is more cautious in his words and actions in the future, so as not to fail His Majesty’s boundless grace!”
His words were flawless.
He expressed concern for Zhu Biao’s children, ruthlessly criticized his disobedient brother Zhu Gaochi, and completely cleared himself of suspicion of trying to gain merit or approach Zhu Biao’s lineage.
This humble demeanor and conduct perfectly fit the character of a fearful and anxious Heir Apparent of a Prince, who only wishes to protect himself.
Jiang Huan listened, and silently looked at Zhu Gaochi for a long time.
In the front hall, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, only the heartbeats of the three Zhu brothers throbbed like drums.
After a long pause, Jiang Huan slowly spoke, his tone still unreadable: “Your humble servant’s words, this Commander will report to His Majesty word for word! However…”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three again, and said lightly:
“There have been many incidents in the capital recently, with villains causing trouble. His Majesty is concerned, and asks that everyone in Prince Yan’s Mansion strictly abide by their duties and not leave the residence without an imperial decree. Lest they be exploited by villains, or cause… unnecessary misunderstandings.”
House arrest! Imperial Grandfather has placed us under house arrest!
Zhu Gaochi’s heart trembled, but outwardly he could only feign gratitude and respectfully obey:
“Your humble servant, respectfully obeys the sacred decree! I will certainly restrain all within the mansion and dare not step outside even half a step, to avoid causing His Majesty worry!”
Jiang Huan said no more, cupped his hands slightly, and turned to leave with the Imperial Guards. He came quickly and left just as quickly.
Not until Jiang Huan and his men completely disappeared outside the mansion gate did Zhu Gaochi suddenly release the breath he had been holding. His legs went weak, and his obese body could no longer support him, so he collapsed backward. Fortunately, Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gao Sui, on his left and right, held him firmly.
“Eldest Brother—!”
The two brothers cried out in alarm.
Zhu Gaochi’s face was ashen, his body soaked in cold sweat, as if he had just been fished out of water. He gasped for air, unable to utter a word.
The brief ten-minute question-and-answer session just now was no less dangerous than a battlefield of clashing swords.
Three questions, three traps, he had to rack his brains and tread on thin ice to barely get through.
Imperial Grandfather’s suspicion was deeper and more direct than they had imagined!
“He—he doesn’t believe it at all…”
Zhu Gaochi gasped, his voice trembling, “He just hasn’t found evidence yet…”
“Eldest Brother, what do we do now?” Zhu Gao Sui asked, his voice on the verge of tears.
Zhu Gaochi looked in the direction Jiang Huan had left, his eyes filled with lingering fear and deep worry, and murmured:
“Wait for Father King’s instructions… or… wait for an opportunity to divert this disaster completely…”
But the iron box hidden in the study was like a bomb about to explode, filling their wait with unknown fear.
Meanwhile.
Jiang Huan, carrying a chill, had just exited the main gate of Prince Yan’s Mansion. He mounted his horse, preparing to return to the palace to report.
Suddenly!
A fast horse galloped over like mad from the end of the long street, its hooves a heart-pounding rhythm.
The rider was dressed in the uniform of the palace guards, his face pale, even showing a hint of panic.
The rider saw Jiang Huan from afar, as if he had seen a savior, and shouted hoarsely:
“Commander! Commander! It’s bad! Something big has happened! A sudden change in the palace!!”
Jiang Huan’s heart sank, and he reined in his horse: “What’s the panic?! Is it His Majesty…”
“No—it’s not His Majesty!”
The guard dismounted, almost falling before Jiang Huan’s horse, gasping for breath, his voice distorted: “It’s in front of Huagai Hall! Prince Yunteng he…”
“What happened to Prince Yunteng?!”
Jiang Huan demanded sternly, an extremely ominous premonition instantly seizing him.
The guard swallowed, his face filled with disbelief and horror, and stammered:
“For some reason, Prince Yunteng suddenly seized a knife and killed the eunuch attendant next to Consort Lü!”
“He is now holding a sharp blade, covered in blood, outside Huagai Hall, banging on the palace gates! He says he wants… to see His Majesty and report an enormous injustice regarding the Crown Prince’s death!!”
“What?!”
Even Jiang Huan, a man who had seen much and was ruthless, felt his vision blacken at this earth-shattering news, and almost fell from his horse.
Seized a knife and killed someone?! In front of Huagai Hall?! And killed Consort Lü’s confidant?! Claiming an injustice in the Crown Prince’s death?!
This… this is simply heaven-shattering!
A hundred times more horrifying than Zhang Biao’s public cursing or the ringing of the Drum of Hearing Petitions!
Zhu Yunteng, that usually timid and taciturn third Imperial Grandson, how dare he?!
What did he get?! To be driven to such a desperate and insane point?!
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Jiang Huan’s mind.
【 The iron box? Was it that iron box? Did it fall into Zhu Yunteng’s hands? 】
【 What were the contents inside? Enough to drive a child to such madness? Were Consort Lü’s people blocking him? Killing to prove his resolve? 】
“Quick! Back to the palace! Immediately back to the palace—!”
Jiang Huan could no longer bother with Prince Yan’s Mansion. He whipped his horse, and the horse, in pain, neighed and galloped towards the Imperial Palace like an arrow shot from a bow.
Meanwhile, a servant hiding in the corner of Prince Yan’s Mansion’s gate, his face pale, rushed back to the front hall where the three Zhu brothers were.
At this moment, Zhu Gaochi had just been helped to sit down by his two brothers and was drinking a cup of hot tea to calm his nerves. His pale face had not yet regained color when he saw the trusted servant he had sent to gather information at the gate scramble in, his voice distorted by extreme fear:
“Young Master! It’s bad! The palace… a major incident has occurred in the palace!!”
The teacup in Zhu Gaochi’s hand shattered on the floor with a ‘crack’.
He suddenly stood up, his voice trembling: “The palace? What happened in the palace?! Is it Imperial Grandfather…”
“No—it’s not His Majesty!”
The servant, incoherent with fright, gesticulated wildly:
“It’s Huagai Hall! Prince Yunteng! He went mad for some reason, seized a knife from an Imperial Guard, and killed Eunuch Sun, who was close to Consort Lü… killed him on the spot!”
“Right outside Huagai Hall! Blood spilled everywhere!”
“What?!”
Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gao Sui exclaimed in unison, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Zhu Yunteng? That guy dared to kill someone!? And in front of Huagai Hall!?
Zhu Gaochi was struck as if by lightning. His obese body swayed, and he suddenly grabbed the servant’s arm, his nails almost digging into the man’s flesh:
“Tell me clearly! Why did Yunteng kill someone?! What happened to him afterward?!”
“Your servant… Your servant heard the reporting guard shout that Prince Yunteng was covered in blood, holding a knife, and kneeling outside the hall crying injustice!”
The servant, terrified out of his wits, recalled tremblingly: “He said there was an enormous injustice regarding the Crown Prince’s death, and he wanted to see His Majesty to report it! He also said… and something about an iron box…”
The words ‘iron box’ struck the three Zhu brothers like thunder once more!
Zhu Gaochi suddenly let go, staggered back two steps, and collapsed back into his chair.
The color drained from his face, leaving only boundless fear and shock!
“The iron box… it really is that iron box… it fell into his hands… he actually…”
He muttered to himself, his voice broken.
Suddenly, he realized.
Opportunity!
Right now!
Imperial Grandfather must have obtained the iron box and will investigate!
Moreover, he will surely discover that a part is missing!
No more hesitation!
“Quick! Second Brother, Third Brother! Grab the things! Chase after Commander Jiang!”
Zhu Gaochi shouted urgently.
Zhu Gao Sui and Zhu Gaochi looked bewildered, but their eldest brother’s command was paramount.
“Second Brother! You go prepare the horses! I’ll get the things!”
“Alright!”
Trot trot trot, the horse galloped swiftly.
“Commander Jiang! Wait—!”
Jiang Huan had just led his men to the palace gate when a hasty, almost cracking shout came from behind him.
He saw Zhu Gaochi dismount and, disregarding decorum, holding up his robes, ran breathlessly towards him.
His obese face now held not fear, but a complex expression of extreme anxiety and determination. He didn’t even notice he had lost a shoe.
“Heir Apparent?”
Jiang Huan reined in his horse abruptly, looking down at the distraught Heir Apparent with a hint of surprise and impatience in his eyes.
With the major incident in the palace, he had no time to deal with Prince Yan’s Mansion.
Zhu Gaochi, however, ignored everything. He rushed to Jiang Huan’s horse, his words faltering due to running and fear, but he shouted with exceptional clarity:
“Commander! Please wait!”
“My… my second brother, Gaochi… he just remembered that during the chaos of subduing the mad bull today, someone seemed to… seemed to have stuffed an oilcloth package into his arms!”
“He thought it was just debris that had fallen at the time and didn’t pay attention. He only realized something was amiss after returning to the mansion!”
Saying this, he suddenly produced an object from his sleeve, tightly wrapped in ordinary oilcloth. Judging by its square shape and weight, it was indeed an iron box.
Zhu Gaochi held the oilcloth package high with both hands, presenting it to Jiang Huan, his face filled with lingering fear and sincerity:
“The origin of this item is unknown! Gaochi is dull-witted and almost caused trouble!”
“My brothers and I have thought about it and are extremely fearful! How could we dare to keep such an unknown item in our mansion?”
“We should present it to the Commander immediately, asking the Commander to examine it and report it to His Majesty! To avoid… to avoid being used by villains to frame Prince Yan’s Mansion’s loyalty!”
He spoke at a breakneck pace, his tone earnest, even tinged with a hint of tears, perfectly portraying a Prince’s Heir Apparent desperate to avoid being caught in a vortex and eager to clear his name.
This turn of events completely exceeded Jiang Huan’s expectations.
He looked at the oilcloth package in Zhu Gaochi’s hands, his pupils contracting sharply.
Another iron box?!
And it was stuffed into Zhu Gaochi’s arms while he was subduing the mad bull?
The time and place coincided so ‘coincidentally’ with how Zhu Yunteng obtained the iron box in the palace!
Is it true or false? Is Prince Yan’s Mansion fabricating a story? Or is there truly another hidden reason?
Jiang Huan’s mind raced.
The iron box in the palace had already stirred up a storm, its contents pointing directly to the Eastern Palace.
If this iron box from Prince Yan’s Mansion was similar, or even contained related or supplementary information…
He broke out in a cold sweat instantly!
Whether true or false, this iron box had to be controlled immediately!
It absolutely could not be allowed to remain at large or be handled by Prince Yan’s Mansion on their own!
Jiang Huan almost immediately dismounted, snatched the oilcloth package from Zhu Gaochi’s hands. It felt heavy, confirming it was a box.
His gaze was sharp as a blade, staring fixedly into Zhu Gaochi’s eyes: “Heir Apparent, is what you said true? Was this item truly remembered just now? Have you not opened it to look?”
Zhu Gaochi trembled with fright and quickly swore: “It is absolutely true! If there is a single false word, may I be struck by lightning and abandoned by gods and men!”
“Please, Commander, see clearly. If my brothers and I harbored any ill intentions, would we have proactively handed over this disaster?”
“It is precisely because Prince Yan’s Mansion is loyal and devoted to His Majesty, with utter sincerity, that we dare not conceal anything!”
The fearful and wronged expression on his face was beyond perfect.
Jiang Huan stared intently at him, trying to find a flaw, but Zhu Gaochi’s performance was flawless.
At least on the surface, Prince Yan’s Mansion’s actions were perfectly logical for ‘avoiding disaster’.
“Good!”
Jiang Huan no longer hesitated. He clutched the oilcloth package tightly in his hand, mounted his horse, and said coldly:
“Heir Apparent, regarding today’s events, this Commander will report truthfully to His Majesty. Whether Prince Yan’s Mansion is loyal or treacherous, His Majesty will make the sacred judgment!”
“Until His Majesty’s decree arrives, everyone in the mansion is still forbidden to leave even half a step!”
“Yes, yes, yes! Your humble servant understands! Your humble servant obeys the decree!”
Zhu Gaochi bowed repeatedly, as if granted amnesty.
Not until Jiang Huan, with his men and the newly acquired iron box, left like a whirlwind, did he seem to have all his strength drained away. He slumped down, supported by Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gao Sui who rushed over in a panic.
“Eldest Brother… did he believe it?” Zhu Gao Sui’s voice trembled.
Zhu Gaochi looked in the direction Jiang Huan had disappeared, his face ashen, and murmured:
“I don’t know, but this is our only option. Handing it over proactively is better than having it discovered. At least, it can temporarily clear us of the crime of ‘concealment’…”
Speaking, he couldn’t help but sigh.
【 Yunteng, has this move of yours pushed you to a dead end, or has it pushed Your Imperial Grandfather to a dead end? 】
【 Your Imperial Grandfather, how will you choose? 】
【 Father King, whether it is fortune or misfortune, your sons can only bear it for you. 】
……
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【 To clarify, this chapter counts for yesterday. My current standard is one update of 4000 characters, and yesterday I updated 16000 characters, which is 4 updates. 2 are normal updates, and 2 are bonus updates. 】
【 According to the previously established bonus update rules, an Alliance Leader adds 3 bonus updates, and a Silver Alliance Leader adds 20 bonus updates. 】
【 But I forgot to mention a special situation, for example, if an Alliance Leader rewards another Alliance Leader again, this will certainly require bonus updates, but it cannot follow the previous rules, so it can only be stacked as one bonus update. 】
【 To summarize, there are currently two more bonus updates for Alliance Leaders to be arranged as soon as possible. 】
