Chapter 175: Crazy Probing! Old Zhu’s Ultimate Move! 【monthly Ticket Bonus Update 12 13】
Zhang Biao is going to die?!
Imperial Grandfather is going to kill that lunatic?!
Didn’t he ‘audit’ out corruption, find the culprit for Father King, and achieve great merit?!
How could this be? If he dies, what will happen to Yunteng?!
Countless questions, confusion, fear, and unwillingness surged into Zhu Mingyu’s heart the moment Old Zhu’s words came through.
She froze abruptly in place, her pupils contracting sharply, the color draining from her face instantly, her mind going blank.
“Clang!”
The food container in her hand could no longer be held, and it fell to the ground. The exquisite soup bowl shattered, and the warm ginseng soup splashed onto her skirt and shoes.
This sudden noise was exceptionally harsh in the quiet area outside the hall.
The voices inside the hall stopped abruptly.
Immediately after, the hall door was violently opened from the inside, and Yun Ming’s terrified round face appeared in the doorway, his gaze quickly sweeping towards the source of the sound.
When he saw Zhu Mingyu, pale and standing on the spot in a daze, and the mess of ginseng soup at her feet, Yun Ming couldn’t help but look astonished.
Ever since Zhu Yunteng stormed the palace, Old Zhu had removed the guards outside the palace, partly to prevent similar incidents and partly to maintain a relaxed exterior while tightening security internally, making it difficult to discern the true situation.
But even so, no one dared to approach this palace casually.
Therefore, Zhu Mingyu was able to easily come to the hall’s exterior.
“Who is making noise outside the hall?!” Old Zhu’s icy voice came from inside the hall again.
Yun Ming shivered all over, quickly turned, and reported, “Replying to Your Majesty, it is… it is Princess Mingyu.”
Silence ensued in the hall for a moment.
“Let her in.”
Old Zhu’s voice was unreadable in terms of emotion.
Yun Ming stepped aside and made a ‘please’ gesture to Zhu Mingyu, his eyes complex.
Zhu Mingyu, like a puppet, mechanically and with unsteady steps crossed the threshold and entered the Huagai Hall, which symbolized supreme power yet was filled with invisible pressure.
The hall was brightly lit by candlelight. Old Zhu sat on the dragon throne, his gaze like a tangible entity, fixed on Zhu Mingyu.
That gaze held scrutiny, the unique pressure of an Emperor, and a trace of imperceptible complexity.
He looked at the granddaughter before him, at her pale face, her vacant eyes, and the striking stain on her skirt, as if he saw the shadow of her mother, Chang Clan, in her youth.
Even, between her brows, he saw a hint of Empress Ma’s stubbornness.
This thought, for a rare moment, softened Old Zhu’s icy heart.
“What is it?”
Old Zhu’s voice was still calm, but with less of the previous killing intent.
Zhu Mingyu opened her mouth, and tears instantly blurred her vision.
She wanted to plead for her brother, to say many things, but Old Zhu’s earlier words, “Zhang Biao will be executed in three days to rectify the situation,” had gripped her throat like a spell, leaving her unable to utter a single word.
Seeing her like this, Old Zhu seemed to understand something, or perhaps he misunderstood something.
He thought she was frightened by the decree or worried because her brother was imprisoned.
But he did not like to see his descendants so cowardly, especially a granddaughter who resembled Chang Clan and Empress Ma.
Ultimately, the softness that arose from Chang Clan, the diminished killing intent from Empress Ma, and perhaps a hint of pity for an orphan, outweighed all his displeasure.
“Go back.”
Old Zhu waved his hand, his tone carrying an unquestionable indifference, “Don’t overthink things. As for Yunteng… if you want to see him, then go. I permit it.”
He did not agree to release Zhu Yunteng, but allowing visits was, in his opinion, an exceptional ‘grace.’
“Imperial Grandfather…”
Zhu Mingyu finally couldn’t help but speak, “Mingyu knows that Zhang Biao’s crimes are heinous, and Imperial Grandfather is handling it according to law. Mingyu dares not say more. But please, Imperial Grandfather, listen to Mingyu’s words.”
She paused, mustered her courage, and looked up at Old Zhu on the dragon throne, her eyes, so like Chang Clan’s, filled with genuine concern:
“Imperial Grandfather must know that in the past, Yunteng was unlearned, lazy, cowardly, and no different from a waste…”
Old Zhu: “.”
“However.”
Zhu Mingyu then changed tack, “Since Zhang Biao appeared, Yunteng… he seems to have changed a bit.”
“Although what Zhang Biao said was treasonous, Yunteng sometimes secretly told us that while Zhang Biao is crazy, some of his words seem to have some sense.”
“He said… he said Zhang Biao made him feel that there might be other ways to live besides fighting for power and profit…”
“Mingyu doesn’t understand these grand principles, but Mingyu sees that in her brother’s eyes… there seems to be a bit of light…”
Her voice became somewhat choked as she reached this point, but she stubbornly did not let tears fall:
“Imperial Grandfather, Yunteng truly respects Zhang Biao in his heart, perhaps… he considers him half a teacher.”
“Now that Zhang Biao is about to… about to face justice, Mingyu implores Imperial Grandfather to permit our siblings… to see him off.”
She kowtowed heavily, her forehead touching the cold floor tiles:
“Mingyu does not want Yunteng to regret it for a lifetime, only to fulfill that bit of… teacher-student bond in her brother’s heart. I beg Imperial Grandfather… to show mercy!”
After saying this, she prostrated herself on the ground, not rising, her thin shoulders trembling slightly from nervousness and emotion.
She dared not ask for Zhang Biao’s pardon, for that was too extravagant and too dangerous.
She only begged for this last, insignificant ‘farewell’; it was the only thing she could think of to do for her brother and Zhang Biao.
Old Zhu looked down at his granddaughter prostrating on the ground. The hall was deathly silent.
He had not expected Zhu Mingyu to say such a thing.
He had thought Zhu Mingyu had come to plead for her brother, but instead, she was here for that madman, Zhang Biao.
【 To fulfill this… teacher-student bond? 】
A hint of absurdity and disbelief flashed in Old Zhu’s cold gaze.
He had never imagined that Zhang Biao’s influence on Zhu Yunteng would be so significant.
After a long while, he slowly spoke, his voice still unreadable, but the cold killing intent had faded considerably, “Mingyu, lift your head.”
Zhu Mingyu raised her head as instructed, her tear-filled eyes looking at her supreme Imperial Grandfather.
Old Zhu gazed at her eyes, which held fear yet still stubbornly met his, and suddenly asked an unexpected question, “Are you afraid of Imperial Grandfather?”
“This…”
Zhu Mingyu trembled all over.
Afraid? How could she not be afraid? The current Imperial Grandfather was like a primordial giant beast, ready to devour everything at any moment.
She opened her mouth, and the word ‘afraid’ was almost on the tip of her tongue.
But under Old Zhu’s suffocating aura, a mysterious courage, or perhaps a reckless stubbornness, made her swallow the word.
She thought of her Father King, Zhu Biao, the only one who dared to argue logically with Imperial Grandfather.
Immediately after, she thought of Zhang Biao, the only madman who dared to scold Imperial Grandfather.
She sniffled, her voice thick with a nasal tone, but answered exceptionally clearly, “If… if Father King were here, Mingyu would not be afraid.”
This statement was naive, innocent, and even somewhat treasonous.
But it was like a small stone cast into Old Zhu’s still heart.
“Heh…”
A very faint, almost inaudible laugh, escaped Old Zhu’s throat.
He remembered Zhu Biao’s behavior when he talked back as a child, remembered that excellent but prematurely deceased eldest son…
Time flew by, and even Biao’er’s daughter was this old, still carrying a hint of her father’s demeanor.
The smile flashed and vanished, replaced by an almost inaudible sigh, filled with endless complexity.
“If you want to… go and see.”
Old Zhu waved his hand, his tone carrying an indescribable weariness and a hint of reluctant compromise.
“It’s good to see that bastard, lest he curses our Zhu family in the underworld for being… heartless and unrighteous.”
After speaking, he no longer looked at Zhu Mingyu and turned his gaze back to the memorial in his hands, as if everything that had just happened was merely a minor interlude.
But Zhu Mingyu felt as if she had received a great pardon.
Imperial Grandfather actually agreed!
Although his tone wasn’t pleasant, he agreed!
“Thank you, Imperial Grandfather! Thank you for your grace, Imperial Grandfather!”
She quickly kowtowed, her voice filled with the joy and choked emotion of a narrow escape.
Exiting Huagai Hall, Zhu Mingyu’s steps were still somewhat unsteady, but her mood was completely different from before.
She did it! She secured this opportunity for her brother!
And inside the hall, beneath Old Zhu’s seemingly calm exterior, his heart was in turmoil.
Zhu Mingyu’s words, “Yunteng considers him half a teacher,” and her act of pleading to see Zhang Biao off, forced him to re-examine the grandson he had always considered a ‘waste.’
【 Appoint Imperial Grandson… 】
【 Zhang Biao’s words back then, was it really Yunteng? 】
【 But… 】
Old Zhu’s gaze deepened.
Even if Zhu Yunteng might have changed slightly because of Zhang Biao, in his heart, he was still not the most suitable candidate to inherit the throne.
He believed that the Great Ming Empire needed a benevolent ruler, a ‘benevolent and filial ruler’ like Zhu Biao, not a ‘little madman’ who shouted “hatred for father’s killer is irreconcilable,” needed his sister to protect him, and could resonate with a madman.
【 Forget it… 】
He brushed aside these chaotic thoughts and refocused his attention on the iron box.
【 The more important thing now is to find the true culprit who killed Biao’er. 】
【 As for the future… we’ll talk about it later. 】
“Yun Ming!”
Old Zhu’s voice suddenly rang out again.
“Your servant is here.”
Yun Ming quickly stepped forward and bowed in response.
Old Zhu did not look at him, but asked calmly, “You said before that Guo Ningfei stormed the palace rashly because Li Xianfei and Ge Liffei slandered her, correct?”
Yun Ming shivered all over and quickly said, “Replying to Your Majesty. According to my investigation, that is the case. And there is witness testimony. The young eunuch who delivered the message, I have also identified him. He is Wang An, who served tea in Huagai Hall, and previously served in Consort Li’s palace.”
“Later, Consort Li passed away, and he stayed in Consort Li Xian’s palace for a period. I saw he was clever and transferred him to Huagai Hall. He had not made any mistakes before.”
“So, he has been passing our messages to Li Xianfei?”
“Replying to Your Majesty, I have already handed him over to Battalion Commander Song. I believe the truth will be revealed soon.”
“Hmm.”
Old Zhu nodded calmly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the desk, making a ‘du, du, du’ sound, as if each tap struck Yun Ming’s heart, causing him to hold his breath.
After a long pause, Old Zhu spoke again, “Yun Ming!”
“Your servant is here!”
Yun Ming shivered and quickly bowed in response.
“Transmit my imperial oral decree to ‘invite’ all imperial concubines who have borne princes and whose princes have been enfeoffed to the side hall of Kunning Palace.”
“Say… that we wish to discuss family matters, matters concerning the foundation of the state.”
Old Zhu’s command was clear and ruthless: “Remember, it is ‘invite,’ be polite. But not one can be missing, nor can they be allowed to communicate with each other.”
“This…”
Yun Ming’s heart trembled, and he instantly understood the Emperor’s intention.
This was suspicion that someone in the harem was colluding with the feudal lords, plotting rebellion, possibly even related to the murder of the Crown Prince.
He dared not think further and quickly bowed, “Your servant obeys the decree!”
“And!”
Old Zhu added, “Prepare paper and brushes, the best xuan paper and Huzhou brushes. When they arrive, have each of them write a letter to their son.”
“A letter?” Yun Ming was stunned.
A cruelly sharp glint flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes, “Yes! A letter! A letter written to their own son!”
“As for the content… have them tell their son that I am old, that I have lost my Crown Prince, and intend to choose a worthy successor among the princes. Ask your son… what his thoughts are, what his ambitions are?”
“Ensure they write it by hand, write it ‘sincerely and emotionally.’ After writing, seal it on the spot, and have you personally arrange for an eight-hundred-li urgent dispatch to send it out of the capital!”
Hiss—!
Yun Ming gasped.
The Emperor was going to use the imperial concubines to test, and even provoke, the ambitions of the feudal lords.
Once these letters were sent, it would be no different from throwing a torch onto dry grass.
He could already foresee the tragic future of the feudal lords becoming restless and brothers fighting each other.
“Your servant… understands!”
Yun Ming’s voice trembled, but he dared not show any defiance.
“Go. Do it cleanly.”
Old Zhu waved his hand, as if he were merely assigning a trivial task.
But inwardly, he was very satisfied with this insane test.
Because he believed that anyone who could set up such a grand scheme ultimately desired that position.
Since that was the case, he would throw that position out as ‘bait.’ Whoever jumped higher would be more suspicious, and whoever remained unmoved would also be more suspicious.
To uncover the truth, he would spare no effort to unleash the ‘ultimate move.’
He would not hesitate even if it caused the feudal lords to fight to the death.
【 Hmph, you say I can’t be ruthless? 】
【 I’ll show you… what kind of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang is! 】
…
At the same time, in Prince Yan’s Mansion.
The three brothers, Zhu Gaochi, sat quietly in the study, no one speaking, only the candlelight flickering.
The killings of the past few days had brought the three brothers to the brink of collapse.
This was the first time in their lives they had witnessed the Emperor’s ruthlessness.
A suppressed atmosphere permeated the study.
It was as if their execution date was tomorrow.
Finally, Zhu Gaochi couldn’t help but punch the table, his eyes red, “Even a tiger doesn’t eat its cubs! Imperial Grandfather… has he truly gone mad!”
After saying this, he subconsciously grabbed his saber, as if only this saber could calm his restless and fearful heart.
Zhu Gaochi, standing beside him, also turned pale as paper, and said with a sob,
“Second Uncle has been deposed… Third Uncle and Fifth Uncle are also under house arrest… Will it be our Father King’s turn next?”
“I heard someone spreading rumors that Father King discussed the way to prolong life with Crown Prince Uncle, and even invited alchemists to make elixirs.”
“Do you think Imperial Grandfather will believe it?”
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the study suddenly grew colder.
Even the usually steady Zhu Gaochi, his stout body trembled involuntarily.
He was seen clenching his fists tightly, his fingernails digging deep into his flesh.
Although what Zhu Gaochi said were merely baseless rumors, and with that Imperial Grandfather’s wisdom, he wouldn’t believe such rumors.
However, this was under normal circumstances.
Now that the Imperial Grandfather had blood on his hands, who knew what his state of mind was?
What if he adopted an attitude of “better to kill three thousand by mistake than let one escape,” targeting Prince Yan’s Mansion
Zhu Gaochi dared not think further, but a great fear washed over him like ice water.
Fortunately, Zhu Di’s secret letter saying ‘wait for dawn’ was like a last straw, barely supporting him.
“Shut up!”
Zhu Gaochi roared, forcing himself to calm down, “At a time like this, the more we panic, the faster we die!”
After speaking, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes, and he said resolutely:
“From now on, no one in Prince Yan’s Mansion is to go out! All provisions shall be halved, and externally we will claim to be overwhelmed by grief upon hearing the sad news and are praying for our uncle and aunt!”
“We must appear more like ‘filial sons and virtuous grandsons’ than ever before! We must also appear… harmless!”
“But…”
Zhu Gaochi choked out, “Will this really work? Will Imperial Grandfather… really let us go?”
“What are you afraid of?!”
Zhu Gaochi gritted his teeth, “If you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear! We haven’t done anything wrong, so why wouldn’t he let us go?”
After speaking, as if seeking support, he looked at Zhu Gaochi again, his gaze burning, “What do you say, Eldest Brother?”
Zhu Gaochi frowned, about to speak, when suddenly he heard a hurried report from outside:
“Heir Apparent, this is terrible! Jiang Huan… Commander Jiang has brought a squad of Imperial Guards and barged in!”
Boom!
As this was said, the three brothers were struck by lightning.
Especially Zhu Gaochi, who was so scared he collapsed, crying, “Imperial Grandfather truly won’t let us go, sob sob… I don’t want to die… I haven’t eaten enough pig’s head meat yet.”
“Third Brother! Get up!”
Zhu Gaochi, holding his saber, strode forward, grabbed Zhu Gaochi, and said with disappointment:
“Worst case scenario, we’ll fight them! We’ll take someone down with us even if we die!”
“But, but what do we have to fight with?”
Zhu Gaochi’s cries intensified upon hearing Zhu Gaochi’s words.
Zhu Gaochi, however, looked out the window with a mixture of suspicion and unease, listening to the approaching footsteps. Finally, he suppressed his fear and shouted,
“All of you, shut up!”
“Second Brother! Put your saber away!”
“Third Brother! Shut your mouth! If you cry any louder, don’t blame your elder brother for disciplining you on behalf of Father!”
After saying this, Zhu Gaochi’s elder brotherly authority was evident.
He glared fiercely at his two younger brothers, then returned to his seat, took a deep breath, and with the composure of a mountain collapsing before him, looked directly at the door.
Soon, Jiang Huan, leading an even larger and more grim-faced contingent of Imperial Guards than before, burst into the study and unceremoniously began a ‘routine inspection’ of the room.
The undisguised intent to search almost made Zhu Gaochi impulsively draw his saber, but Zhu Gaochi’s gaze held him firmly back.
“Commander Jiang, what is the meaning of this?”
Zhu Gaochi, forcing himself to remain calm, stood up, forcing a strained smile onto his plump face.
Jiang Huan, expressionless, cupped his hands and said,
“Your Highness, please forgive me. His Majesty has decreed that with the remaining traitors in the capital, it is necessary to conduct a further inspection to ensure the safety of your mansion.”
“Furthermore, His Majesty has a few words to ask Your Highness and the two princes.”
As he spoke, his gaze sharply swept over the three brothers and he got straight to the point:
“His Majesty asks: Prince Qin and Prince Jin colluded and engaged in self-serving practices, disrupting the court order. Prince Zhou refined evil elixirs, indirectly harming the Crown Prince, and all have been brought to justice. What are Your Highness’s and the two princes’ views on this?”
This question was extremely tricky.
To sympathize would be to sympathize with the traitors.
To applaud would appear unfeeling and could be interpreted as gloating or premeditated.
Zhu Gaochi’s mind raced, and he immediately bowed, his voice filled with sorrow and respect:
“Reporting to the Commander, we were deeply shocked and pained to hear of the matters concerning our uncles Prince Qin and Prince Jin, and our fifth uncle Prince Zhou!”
“As members of the imperial clan, failing to advise our elders to walk the righteous path in time, we also bear the responsibility of oversight!”
“We can only reflect behind closed doors and adhere to our duties, hoping that Imperial Grandfather will take care of his health and not be overly saddened by the actions of these traitors.”
This answer was watertight, expressing the proper ‘grief’ of the imperial clan, clearing himself, and showing concern for the Emperor.
Jiang Huan remained noncommittal and continued, “His Majesty further asks: Zhang Biao previously mentioned the harm caused by the princes multiple times, even making wild claims about abolishing their salaries. Did the third prince Zhu Gaochi have multiple contacts with Zhang Biao, discussing this matter? Or… did you hear similar remarks?”
The dagger was revealed! It pointed directly to the most sensitive core!
Zhu Gaochi subconsciously glanced at his pale brother Zhu Gaochi, who was trembling like a sieve, then looked at Jiang Huan. Cold sweat instantly soaked his back, but his face showed an appropriate look of confusion and a hint of grievance:
“That scoundrel Zhang Biao, I have only heard of his rebellious actions in court sessions and from rumors in the marketplace. I have never had any contact with him!”
“As for Gaochi’s contact with him, it was merely a routine matter, delivering food to him.”
“Regarding his treasonous remarks about abolishing the princes’ salaries, Gaochi has not heard them, but upon hearing them, I can only feel indignant!”
“The princes were enfeoffed by His Majesty to guard the four directions; they are pillars of the nation, how can they be slandered by a condemned criminal!? Our loyalty to His Majesty and to the Great Ming is as clear as the sun and moon!”
He firmly denied any connection, emphasized loyalty to the sovereign and love for the country, and drew a clear line between himself and Zhang Biao, perfectly evading the trap.
Jiang Huan stared into Zhu Gaochi’s eyes, as if trying to find a flaw, but Zhu Gaochi’s gaze was open and honest, filled only with fear and sincerity.
“His Majesty also asks: How was your Father King’s relationship with Prince Qin, Prince Jin, and Prince Zhou on a daily basis? Did he ever comment on the old matters in Shaanxi, or the former Crown Prince?”
“Replying to His Majesty!”
Zhu Gaochi’s voice became even more cautious, even with a hint of urgency in defending his father:
“Father King always upholds his loyalty and duty. His interactions with our two uncles and our fifth uncle Prince Zhou were merely the usual courtesies of the imperial clan, with greetings on festivals according to regulations. We never had deep connections.”
“Furthermore, I have never heard Father King comment on the old matters in Shaanxi or the affairs of Crown Prince Uncle!”
“I only know that Father King often taught us to be loyal to the sovereign and love the country, respect the Crown Prince, and never to speak rashly about court affairs or the imperial family! Heaven and Earth can bear witness to this!”
He directly denied that Zhu Di had close ties with Prince Qin, Prince Jin, and Prince Zhou, emphasizing his reverence for the law and his lack of any improper intentions.
This answer, too, offered no discernible flaws to Jiang Huan.
However, this did not mean that Prince Yan’s Mansion was cleared of suspicion.
After a long pause, Jiang Huan slowly asked the last and most fatal question:
“The Emperor said that Prince Qin and Prince Jin were incompetent and had broken his heart. Now, with the important task in the northern frontier, among his sons, he has thought long and hard and believes that your Father King is the most capable and most reassuring.”
“He asks you: If I issue a decree to summon your Father King back to the capital immediately to take charge of the central government and assist in state affairs… what do you think?”
Boom!
The hearts of Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Gaochi, and Zhu Gaochi, the three brothers, all pounded.
Their blood seemed to freeze instantly.
Was Imperial Grandfather suspecting Father King was involved in Crown Prince Uncle’s death?! Or was he testing Father King’s ambition?!
A great fear coiled around their hearts like a python.
The pressure made it difficult for the three brothers to breathe.
Zhu Gaochi’s hand had already uncontrollably moved to his saber’s hilt, Zhu Gaochi was deathly pale and could barely stand steady.
At the critical moment, Zhu Gaochi bit his tongue sharply, the pain instantly clearing his mind.
He knew that any hesitation or panic at this moment would be disastrous.
He suddenly knelt down with a ‘plop’, his eyes instantly reddened, and his voice trembled with immense fear and genuine sobs:
“Commander Jiang! This absolutely cannot be!”
“We are deeply grateful for Imperial Grandfather’s favor! However, Father King is untalented and only knows how to guard the frontier and fulfill his duties. He has no experience in major state affairs. How can he dare to undertake such a crucial role in assisting the government? This is by no means false modesty, but true self-awareness!”
“Moreover, the remnants of Northern Yuan repeatedly invade the border, and the safety of the northern frontier rests entirely on Father King!”
“If Father King is summoned back to the capital at this time and there is any lapse in northern defenses, wouldn’t Father King become a sinner of the Great Ming? We would also be unforgivable!”
“We implore the Commander to report back to His Majesty and retract this thought!”
“Father King in Beiping will surely do his utmost to guard the northern gate for His Majesty. This is the duty of a subject and a prince!”
“We absolutely dare not accept, nor can we accept, the matter of entering the capital to assist in governance!”
As he spoke, he kowtowed heavily, his words filled with sincere emotion, perfectly portraying the image of a ‘filial son and virtuous grandson’ concerned about his father’s lack of ability, fearing to fail the imperial grace, and prioritizing the nation’s affairs.
Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaochi also reacted, immediately kneeling down and kowtowing like pounding garlic, repeatedly agreeing:
“Eldest Brother is absolutely right! Please ask His Majesty to withdraw his decree! Father King truly cannot bear it!”
“Please, Imperial Grandfather, understand!”
Jiang Huan watched this scene coldly, engraving every expression and every word of the three brothers from Prince Yan’s Mansion into his heart.
He had to admit that the Heir Apparent of Prince Yan’s response was almost flawless.
He expressed loyalty and cleverly evaded the traps, especially the final plea, which was impeccable both publicly and privately.
“Your Highness’s words, this Commander has noted.”
Jiang Huan nodded expressionlessly, “I will report every word to His Majesty without omission.”
Having said that, he said no more, turned, and left with his subordinates.
It wasn’t until his back completely disappeared that Zhu Gaochi seemed to collapse as if drained, his back completely soaked in cold sweat.
“Eldest Brother…”
Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaochi quickly supported him, their faces full of lingering fear.
Zhu Gaochi panted, but his eyes were exceptionally clear, and he said in a low voice,
“Imperial Grandfather… is testing us to death… If we had said even one wrong word just now, Prince Yan’s Mansion would have been finished…”
He remembered his Father King’s secret letter, ‘wait for dawn,’ and a chill surged through his heart.
【Father King… the storm before dawn is even more terrifying than we imagined…】
…
Not long after, Jiang Huan returned to Huagai Hall.
He reported in detail the entire questioning process and every sentence, every facial expression of Zhu Gaochi and his two brothers.
Old Zhu listened quietly, his fingers tapping the armrest with a slow and regular rhythm.
When he heard that Zhu Gaochi did not want his Father King to return to the capital, Old Zhu’s finger paused slightly, and a faint, unreadable light flashed in his eyes.
【Well done, Zhu Gaochi… worthy of being Old Fourth’s son. Calm, adaptable, with psychological resilience far beyond his years.】
【Does he truly have no ambition, or… is he just too perfectly disguised?】
Old Zhu’s suspicion did not completely disappear with Zhu Gaochi’s perfect response; instead, it deepened.
Because an overly perfect performance could itself be a flaw.
“Do you think they are telling the truth?”
Old Zhu suddenly asked, his voice calm.
Jiang Huan pondered for a moment and replied cautiously,
“Replying to Your Majesty, the Heir Apparent Zhu Gaochi responded appropriately, seemingly without any flaws. However, the second son of Prince Yan, Zhu Gaochi, and the third son, Zhu Gaochi, reacted with slight panic, especially when asked about ‘summoning Prince Yan back to the capital’…”
“Hmm.”
Old Zhu responded noncommittally.
He knew that based on this alone, it was far from enough to convict Prince Yan’s Mansion, let alone accuse Zhu Di of being the mastermind.
To move against Prince Yan Zhu Di required irrefutable evidence; otherwise, the ensuing turmoil would be unmanageable.
But this probing action was enough.
What he wanted was to let Prince Yan’s Mansion know that they were under the Emperor’s absolute surveillance, and any rash action would result in devastating consequences.
At the same time, this was also a warning to Zhu Di.
【Old Fourth, if you are truly innocent, then stay honestly in Beiping.】
【If you truly have ulterior motives… I want to see how long you can endure!】
A cold and calculating glint, unique to an Emperor, flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes.
He no longer dwelled on Prince Yan’s Mansion and issued new orders:
“Compile all the confessions from the interrogation of Fu Youwen and others, especially those concerning Shaanxi and the Eastern Palace, as well as the suspicious documents seized from the mansions of Prince Qin and Prince Jin.”
“Secretly send them to Beiping for… Zhu Di, Prince Yan.”
“Tell him that I hope he… as an Imperial Clan Prince and a border commander, will help me ‘deliberate’ on these traitorous evidence, and see if there are any omissions.”
This move was extremely cunning!
It threw a hot potato directly at Zhu Di.
If Zhu Di was the mastermind, seeing the evidence pointing to him being sent for ‘deliberation’ by his Father Emperor would surely make him tremble and lose his composure.
If he was not, it would also allow an observation of his reaction and stance.
“Furthermore!”
Old Zhu added, his voice chilling, “Tell the Imperial Guards in Beiping and other areas to keep a close watch on every move of Prince Yan’s Mansion! If there are any disturbances, kill them without mercy!”
“Yes!”
Jiang Huan accepted the order, his heart filled with solemnity.
The Emperor had already formed the intention to kill Prince Yan, and was merely waiting for irrefutable evidence or a suitable opportunity.
Old Zhu dismissed Jiang Huan and sat alone in the vast Main Hall.
【Is there truly no need for Princes anymore?】
There is one more chapter, it will be later.
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