Chapter 176: I Take The Blame? Can Fourth Brother Reach The Other Side?! 【seeking Double Monthly Tickets】
After Jiang Huan left, Old Zhu sat on the dragon throne for a while, then slowly stood up and walked towards a large Great Ming Territory Map by himself.
The candlelight stretched his shadow long and short, reflecting on the finely drawn mountains and cities, as if he alone encompassed the entire empire.
Zhang Biao’s words, “abolish the imperial clan stipends,” echoed in his mind like a demonic sound.
He detested the madman’s arrogance, yet he had to admit that his words had struck the deepest hidden worries in his heart.
【 Imperial clans… stipends… the world… 】
Old Zhu’s fingers unconsciously traced the points on the map that marked the locations of the Prince of Qin’s mansion in Xi’an, the Prince of Jin’s mansion in Taiyuan, the Prince of Yan’s mansion in Beiping, and other imperial clan mansions.
【 I granted you fiefdoms and guards so that you would defend the gates of Great Ming for me, so that you would become the shield of the imperial family, not so that you would become a state within a state, a worm feeding on the people’s fat and blood! 】
【 Song and Yuan both fell because of “weak ruler, strong minister,” lacking imperial clan shields… I trust you! Learn from history! But how do you repay me? 】
He recalled Prince Qin Zhu Shuang’s extravagant and decadent life in Shaanxi, his indulgence of his subordinates, and their lawless behavior. He recalled the network Prince Jin Zhu Gang had woven in court and his petty economic maneuvers. He even recalled that Prince Zhou Zhu Su, who seemed weak, also had expenses far exceeding regulations for his princely mansion.
These sons of his were like “local emperors” in their territories.
Just as Zhang Biao said, he actually knew everything; he knew the evils his sons committed, and he knew that the drawbacks of the imperial clan system were beginning to manifest.
The enormous stipends and income from fiefdoms not only failed to effectively translate into defense capabilities but instead became a breeding ground for corruption and ambition.
【 If Biao’er were here, perhaps he could keep them in check… 】
Old Zhu’s heart ached.
【 But now… 】
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
Although the thorough investigation into the Crown Prince’s death did not uncover the ultimate culprit, it laid bare before him the unchecked power of the imperial clans, their erosion of the central treasury, and even their potential threat to imperial authority.
【 Zhang Biao is mad, but what he said is not false. The imperial clan stipends are indeed a great burden on the court, and also a source of national instability. 】
But to abolish them, how easy would that be!?
【 Those are my own sons! They are the “shield” stipulated in the 《 Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings 》! 】
【 If they are suddenly abolished, how will the world view me? How will the descendants of the Zhu family view me? Will they turn on me in desperation?! 】
Old Zhu fell into an extremely painful struggle.
Reason told him that this was a wise strategy to eradicate hidden dangers and reduce the burden for future generations.
But the shackles of emotion and tradition bound him tightly.
He paced back and forth inside the hall, his steps heavy.
On one hand was the profound consideration for the empire’s future, and on the other was the reluctance to let go of familial affection, coupled with reverence for ancestral law.
This sense of tearing was even more exhausting than facing a vast army.
In the end, the emperor’s ruthlessness and his obsession with the eternal stability of the empire gradually overwhelmed everything else.
【 That madman was right. Since it has come to this, it cannot be wasted, and we cannot think of leaving it for future generations! 】
【 Rather than letting them hate my successor, it is better to let them hate me, their Imperial Father! 】
【 Even if I bear infamy, I must cut out this rotten flesh for Great Ming! 】
With his resolve firm, Old Zhu’s eyes became sharp and determined once more.
But he knew well that this matter could not be decided unilaterally; he must enlist the strength of his court officials, both to probe their opinions and to involve the civil official group, sharing the pressure and future backlash.
“Someone!”
“Your servant is here!”
An old eunuch replaced Yun Ming and hurried in to respond.
“Convey my imperial oral decree!”
Old Zhu’s voice regained its former majesty and irrefutability:
“Immediately summon Duke of Xinguo Tang He, Hanlin Academy Scholar Liu Sanwu, Imperial Son-in-Law and head of the Rear Military Commission Mei Yin, and Right Censor of the Censorate Yuan Tai, as well as… Ministry of Revenue Director Yu Xin, to enter the palace to see me immediately!”
He specifically mentioned Yu Xin, who had been brought up by Zhang Biao.
He wanted to see what abilities this “competent official” recognized by the madman possessed and what he would say.
“Your servant obeys the decree!”
The old eunuch’s heart was greatly shaken. The Emperor summoning so many important ministers late at night, and specifically a fifth-rank Director, must mean something earth-shattering!
He did not dare to be negligent and immediately ran out to deliver the decree.
About half an hour later, the ministers urgently summoned arrived at the side hall of Huagai Hall.
Their faces showed a mixture of surprise and uncertainty, clearly feeling extremely uneasy about being summoned late at night, especially during this sensitive period.
Yu Xin was so nervous that his palms were sweating. As a fifth-rank Director, how could he be worthy of being summoned by the Emperor alongside such important court officials?
Old Zhu sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the ministers standing respectfully below, finally pausing for a moment on Yu Xin, making Yu Xin almost collapse to his knees.
“You are all here.”
Old Zhu got straight to the point, his voice calm but carrying an invisible pressure: “I summoned you here to discuss a matter of great importance concerning the foundation of the state.”
The ministers’ hearts grew tense, and they held their breath.
Old Zhu slowly said: “Recently, I have been reviewing classics and contemplating for a long time. I feel that the current imperial clan stipends, especially the expenses for the princes to go to their fiefdoms, are extremely high, placing a heavy burden on the state and the people. If this continues, it will not be a blessing for the nation.”
He paused, observing everyone’s reactions.
The ministers of the various ministries and the Censor-in-Chief all changed color slightly, clearly startled by this sensitive topic, but they managed to maintain their composure, not daring to speak rashly.
Old Zhu continued:
“Therefore, I am wondering if we could, following ancient precedents, or establish new regulations, gradually… hmm, adjust the system of imperial clan stipends, and even… consider the pros and cons of their existence or abolition.”
The words “existence or abolition” struck like thunder in the side hall!
Liu Sanwu almost cried out, quickly covering his mouth.
Sweat appeared on Mei Yin’s forehead.
Duke of Xinguo Tang He and Right Censor Yuan Tai also had their pupils contract, looking at the Emperor in disbelief.
【 Abolish imperial clan stipends?! This is practically shaking the foundation of the state! 】
【 Has the Emperor been misled by that madman Zhang Biao?! 】
【 Or… after this great purge, is the Emperor going to make a move against all the imperial clans?! 】
An deathly silence fell upon the hall, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
No one dared to be the first to speak, as this was a matter of immense importance concerning the imperial family and ancestral law.
A single wrong word would lead to utter disaster!
Old Zhu saw the fear and hesitation in everyone’s eyes, a cold smile playing on his lips, but his expression remained calm:
“What? Everyone is mute? I summoned you here to discuss matters, not to be clay statues!”
His gaze turned to Yu Xin, whose face had turned pale and whose body was trembling slightly, and he called out: “Yu Xin.”
Yu Xin trembled all over and almost stumbled forward to kneel: “Your… Your humble servant is here!”
“You are a Director in the Ministry of Revenue and are knowledgeable about money and grain.”
Old Zhu’s tone was indifferent, but it carried an undeniable pressure:
“You tell me, if… I mean, if, the imperial clan stipends were abolished, how much silver could the court save each year?”
“Where could this silver be used? And how should it be managed to reduce unrest?”
Yu Xin felt his scalp tingle, his heart pounding out of his chest.
This was not an inquiry, but rather a way of putting him on the spot!
But he knew that if he retreated or equivocated now, he would incur the Emperor’s wrath.
He forced himself to calm down.
His mind raced, combining his years of experience working in the Ministry of Revenue with the “wild talk” he had vaguely heard about Zhang Biao. He gritted his teeth and kowtowed:
“Reporting to the Emperor! This matter concerns the foundation of the state, and I… I would not dare to speak carelessly. However, since the Emperor inquires, I can only respond truthfully. If there is anything improper, I shall accept the penalty!”
He first cleared himself of responsibility, then carefully said:
“In terms of savings, according to my rough estimates, the annual stipends for the princely mansions, provisions and pay for guards, and construction and repairs amount to over a million taels annually, perhaps even more…”
“If adjustments can be made, it would indeed greatly alleviate the pressure on the National Treasury. The saved silver could be used to reinforce border defenses, construct water conservancy projects, and provide relief to disaster victims, which would be immensely beneficial to the state and the people.”
He dared not directly say “abolish,” only “adjust,” but the implication was clear.
Old Zhu nodded noncommittally: “Mm. Continue, how should it be operated? What will the imperial clans’ reactions be?”
Yu Xin was sweating profusely, but his thoughts gradually cleared: “My humble opinion… if this matter is to be carried out, it must not be rushed. It should be done gradually.”
“Perhaps we could start by reducing excess expenditures and standardizing the use of funds in the princely mansions, establishing clear regulations and strictly auditing them.”
“Furthermore… perhaps we could imitate the methods of managing some imperial clan members in the Song Dynasty, allowing the sons and grandsons of imperial clans to be selected for official positions based on merit, or to engage in other professions, gradually reducing their reliance on stipends…”
He paused and, steeling himself, mentioned the most sensitive part:
“As for the imperial clans’ reactions…”
“I believe that if this is done suddenly, it will provoke a violent backlash and may lead to unforeseen incidents… we need decisive measures to deter illegal activities, and also policies of appeasement to pacify those who are obedient.”
“More importantly, the Emperor must exercise absolute authority and show the world his firm resolve to carry this out!”
“At the same time… perhaps we could find one or two exemplary cases to pilot the program first, observe the results, and then consider wider implementation.”
Yu Xin’s words were spoken very cautiously, even haltingly, but the core meaning was clearly conveyed.
【 The benefits are huge, but the risks are extremely high. 】
【 It must be both firm and gentle, implemented gradually, and requires the absolute authority of the Emperor to push through. 】
After listening, Old Zhu’s expression remained unreadable, but a faint trace of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
This Yu Xin indeed had some insight.
He was not a pedantic Confucian scholar who only knew how to read dead books; he dared to offer reasoned and actionable suggestions under immense pressure. Although conservative, it was exactly what Old Zhu wanted.
Although he had never intended to achieve it in one go.
But undeniably, the person Zhang Biao recommended was indeed a talent.
“And you?”
Old Zhu’s gaze swept over the other important ministers: “Tell me what you think.”
The important ministers, Old Zhu’s trusted confidants, and the Right Censor exchanged glances, knowing they could no longer remain silent.
Tang He spoke first, his tone heavy: “Your Majesty, what Director Yu said is indeed reasonable. The National Treasury is empty, and the imperial clans consume a great deal; this is a fact.”
“However, ancestral law cannot be lightly discarded. Moreover, the princes guard the four corners of the empire; if they harbor disloyalty, it would not be a blessing for the nation.”
“Therefore, I believe that stability should be prioritized. Perhaps we could start by reducing redundant expenses and strengthening supervision…”
Liu Sanwu interjected: “Your Majesty, the security of the border regions depends on the princes. If their stipends are drastically reduced, it may cause instability in the army and give Northern Yuan an opportunity. This matter… still requires long-term consideration.”
Mei Yin and Yuan Tai expressed similar concerns, the core of which was:
【 We all know the problems, but the risks are too great; it is better to do nothing than to act. 】
Old Zhu listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the dragon throne.
He knew that the reactions of these seasoned and prudent ministers were within his expectations.
They feared taking responsibility, feared causing unrest, and even more so, feared offending the imperial clans.
But their opposition and concerns precisely confirmed the deeply entrenched power of the imperial clans, and in turn, strengthened Old Zhu’s resolve for reform.
【 Even these important court officials are so wary of the imperial clans, which shows their immense power! If they are not curtailed now, they will become a major threat in the future! 】
After all the ministers had spoken, silence fell again in the hall, and everyone looked at the Emperor nervously.
After a long moment, Old Zhu finally spoke slowly: “I understand all of your opinions.”
“However.”
Saying this, he changed the subject with an unyielding decisiveness:
“Ancestral law? Heh, the 《 Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings 》 were compiled under my supervision. I am the ancestral law!”
“When I supervised the compilation of the 《 Imperial Ming Ancestral Teachings 》, it was to ensure the eternal stability of the empire! If the law is now more detrimental than beneficial, why can’t it be changed?”
“Border security? Are you saying that Great Ming’s millions of soldiers cannot guard the nation’s gates without a few imperial clans?!”
“Risk? What undertaking has no risk? To stop eating because one fears choking is not the act of a wise ruler?!”
With each sentence he spoke, his tone grew heavier, revealing the Emperor’s majesty to the fullest.
“The system of imperial clan stipends has deep-seated malpractices, and it must be reformed!”
“But how to reform it, when to reform it, and what it will look like, I have my own considerations.”
“I summoned you here today not to ask you if it should be reformed, but to let you know in advance and to provide me with specific and stable proposals!”
After saying this, Old Zhu’s gaze, like a sharp sword, swept over them:
“Ministry of Revenue, under the leadership of Yu Xin, conduct a detailed audit of the expenses of each princely mansion, and draft specific, detailed, and operable plans for reducing excess expenditures and standardizing regulations!”
“Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of War, consider plans for the selection and employment of imperial clan members, and their redirection and retraining!”
“Censorate, keep a close watch on all princely mansions. Any who harbor resentment or make rebellious moves will be severely punished without mercy!”
He directly assigned the tasks, leaving no room for retreat.
“This matter concerns the safety of the state. You must exert all your efforts. If there is any slack or leakage of information…”
Old Zhu snorted coldly, the unspoken words sending a chill through everyone.
“Your subjects obey the decree!”
The ministers immediately knelt and accepted the orders, feeling bitter but not daring to show any disobedience.
They knew that the Emperor’s mind was made up, and a great reform of the imperial clan system had begun.
“You may all withdraw. Yu Xin, stay.”
Old Zhu waved his hand.
The ministers felt as if they had received a great pardon and bowed as they withdrew.
Only Old Zhu and the trembling Yu Xin remained in the hall.
Old Zhu looked at the young Ministry of Revenue Director, his tone softening slightly, but still carrying pressure:
“Yu Xin, Zhang Biao previously said you could replace Fu Youwen. I see today that you indeed have some courage and talent.”
“Work hard and do this for me perfectly. If you succeed, the position of Minister of Revenue may not be out of reach.”
“But if you fail, or if the news leaks…”
Old Zhu did not finish, but the threat was implicit.
Yu Xin felt a great pressure and responsibility fall upon his shoulders, accompanied by a hint of excitement for the opportunity.
He kowtowed heavily: “Your servant… Your servant will do his utmost and not fail Your Majesty’s trust!”
“Go.”
Old Zhu closed his eyes.
Yu Xin carefully retreated from Huagai Hall, his back drenched in cold sweat.
He knew that from this moment on, his fate was tied to this extremely dangerous reform.
In the empty side hall, Old Zhu sat alone for a long time before letting out a sigh of unknown meaning.
【Biao’er, if you were here, would you support your father doing this? 】
【This Great Ming empire, I must clear all obstacles for you, and for your descendants…】
【Even if… the price is my posthumous reputation, and the resentment of a few unworthy sons. 】
………
On the other side.
Kunning Palace side hall.
In the past, this was a solemn place where the Empress received noblewomen and held inner palace ceremonies, but now it was filled with a suffocating and strange atmosphere.
Expensive ambergris was burning in the hall, but it did nothing to dispel the intangible fear and tension.
Over a dozen imperial consorts with princes who had been enfeoffed were ‘invited’ here. They wore formal palace attire, but each had a bewildered expression.
They exchanged uneasy glances and whispered to each other, but no one knew the emperor’s true purpose for suddenly summoning them.
When the head eunuch Yun Ming impassively read the Emperor’s imperial oral decree, the entire side hall fell silent as if plunged into an ice cellar.
“I have been contemplating the foundation of the state recently. The position of Crown Prince is vacant, which is ultimately not a blessing for the state. I intend to select the worthy from among the enfeoffed princes to establish the heir…”
“You are all mothers of princes. Regarding the establishment of the Crown Prince, I also wish to hear your heartfelt words.”
“Today, each of you should write a letter to your respective sons. Inform them that I have a private preference, and I hope they will restrain themselves and be diligent, and await good news.”
“Remember, this matter is confidential, and it must not be leaked…”
The content of the imperial oral decree struck all the imperial consorts like a bolt from the blue.
【Enfeoffed princes as Crown Prince?! 】
【The Emperor favors my son?! 】
【Is this true? Or… a terrible test? 】
Immense shock, disbelief, ecstatic joy, and deep-seated fear… a multitude of emotions surged like a tide through every woman present.
Some covered their mouths with their hands to prevent themselves from crying out.
Some swayed slightly, almost fainting.
Others’ eyes instantly burst with a fiery light, but it was quickly suppressed by deeper suspicion and fear.
Yun Ming, like an unfeeling puppet, waved his hand, and prepared eunuchs brought writing brush, ink, paper, inkstone and silently approached each imperial consort, placing the items on the tables beside them.
“Your Majesties, please begin.”
Yun Ming’s voice was not loud, but it carried an irrefutable pressure: “The Emperor awaits to see Your Majesties’ ‘heartfelt words’.”
The hall was deathly silent, save for heavy breathing and the sound of frantic heartbeats.
It wasn’t until a dignified and elegant woman, who appeared to be older, picked up a brush and began to write that the other imperial consorts gave up their struggle and went to the tables to write.
However, their hands holding the brushes trembled, as if they couldn’t find a place to put their ink.
Yun Ming’s gaze quickly swept over each imperial consort, noting all their expressions and actions in his heart.
Subsequently, the speed at which each imperial consort wrote, and even the neatness of their handwriting, was meticulously recorded by the eunuchs standing by and the spies hidden in the shadows.
Some consorts wrote and tore up their letters, then wrote again, cold sweat streaming down their foreheads.
Some consorts bit their lips, their eyes resolute, and wrote quickly, as if taking a gamble.
Others wrote with extreme caution, choosing every word carefully, each stroke seemingly carrying immense weight.
After about half an hour, the letters were gradually finished, collected by the young eunuchs, sealed with fire lacquer on the spot, and labeled.
Yun Ming held this stack of heavy letters, laden with countless ambitions and fears, as if holding a basin of hot coals.
He bowed to the imperial consorts and said, “Your Majesties have worked hard. Please return to your palaces to rest. The Emperor will make his own wise judgment.”
The imperial consorts felt as if they had been granted amnesty, yet filled with suspicion and unfulfilled hopes, they left absentmindedly.
The side hall was left with only the rich scent of incense and the emptiness after a dead silence.
Yun Ming dared not delay and immediately returned to Huagai Hall with the letters.
……
Over the next three days, the enfeoffed princes who were geographically closer would successively receive ‘family letters’ from their mothers.
And those princes without ‘family letters’ from their mothers received special ‘care’ from their Imperial Father.
For example, Prince Yan Zhu Di, who was in Beiping.
At this moment, Prince Yan Zhu Di had just finished inspecting the defenses of the border, covered in dust, and was riding back to his Prince’s Mansion.
For some reason, a trace of unease lingered in his heart, as if something heavy was about to happen.
He didn’t go directly back to his mansion but, as if guided by an unknown force, detoured to the river outside the city, which had a thin layer of ice forming on it.
From a distance, he saw a familiar figure; it was the black-robed monk Yao Guangxiao.
He was standing quietly by the riverbank, gazing at the frozen river surface, like a black stone sculpture.
That figure, in the vast expanse of heaven and earth, appeared exceptionally solitary, yet exuded a heart-stopping depth.
Zhu Di’s heart sank abruptly.
Yao Guangxiao rarely waited for him at such a place of his own accord.
He reined in his horse, took a deep breath of the cold air, forced himself to calm down, then dismounted and slowly led his horse over.
“Master.”
Zhu Di’s voice carried a barely perceptible huskiness.
Yao Guangxiao slowly turned around. On his face, which was usually as calm as a still well, there was now an unprecedented solemnity.
He skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point, his voice low and clear: “Your Highness, the Capital has undergone a drastic change.”
Zhu Di’s heart sank again, but his expression remained unchanged: “Oh? What matter could cause Master such solemnity?”
Yao Guangxiao still wasted no words.
He spoke concisely, recounting how Prince Qin, Prince Jin, and Prince Zhou were implicated in the Shaanxi corruption case, the death of the Crown Prince, his being stripped of his princely title, his confinement while mourning, and finally, the bloody purge of Yingtian Prefecture, uprooting the forces of the Prince Qin and Prince Jin’s mansions.
Every word was like a heavy hammer, brutally striking Zhu Di’s heart.
Upon hearing that ‘Prince Qin was stripped of his title and confined to mourning’ and ‘Prince Jin and Prince Zhou were confined’, Zhu Di’s hand gripping the reins tightened violently, his knuckles turning white from the force.
He stood frozen as if struck by lightning, his face drained of all color, his pupils constricting from extreme shock and fear!
【Second Brother was stripped of his title?! Third Brother and Fifth Brother were confined?! 】
【Imperial Father… Imperial Father actually took such ruthless action against his own sons?! 】
He had never imagined that the monstrous bloodshed would truly sweep through his brothers.
If Second, Third, and Fifth Brothers were all dealt with by his Imperial Father, would he, Prince Yan Zhu Di, be next?!
A bone-chilling coldness surged from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, instantly spreading throughout his body.
He could even hear the frantic pounding of his own heart, almost bursting through his chest.
Although the news that Second, Third, and Fifth Brothers were related to the death of Crown Prince Elder Brother filled him with immense anger, his first thought was of his Imperial Father.
How could Imperial Father’s body withstand such a massive blow? Would that wrath completely break his already aged body?
Immediately after, boundless fear engulfed him like a tidal wave.
He also thought of his three sons in the Capital!
Gao Chi, Gao Xu, Gao Sui! How were they? Were they implicated? Could they already…
The immense worry and fear caused Zhu Di’s body to sway slightly. He suddenly looked at Yao Guangxiao, his voice trembling slightly from extreme tension:
“Master… the Capital… Gao Chi and the others… are they safe?”
Yao Guangxiao shook his head slightly: “The Heir Apparent and the two princes are currently safe, but they are under strict surveillance, essentially under house arrest.”
Hearing that his sons were temporarily safe, Zhu Di breathed a slight sigh of relief, but his heart was still in his throat.
As mentioned before, he knew his Imperial Father too well.
If the cause of Crown Prince Elder Brother’s death had not been found, Imperial Father would not have been so frenzied.
Now that it had been found, the frenzy would certainly not end hastily, meaning the storm was still ongoing.
And he himself would likely be caught in this ‘bloody and ruthless’ storm.
Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but stare fixedly at Yao Guangxiao, his eyes filled with an urgent desire for an answer and a hint of unspoken pleading:
“Master… this Prince… what should I do now?”
Yao Guangxiao did not answer immediately, but with eyes that seemed to see through people’s souls, he quietly gazed at Zhu Di.
After a long pause, he slowly took out a small but exceptionally heavy box, wrapped in imperial yellow brocade, from the sleeve of his wide monk’s robe.
“Your Highness!”
Yao Guangxiao’s voice was still calm, but carried immense weight: “This is from the Emperor… sent to Your Highness with an urgent 800-li dispatch, specifically addressed to you.”
Seeing the imperial yellow brocade, Zhu Di’s eyelids twitched.
That was the color reserved for the Imperial Family!
【Imperial Father sent me something? At this time?! 】
A deep sense of foreboding coiled around his heart like a venomous snake.
He held his breath, almost, and extended his slightly trembling hand to accept the box.
It felt cold and heavy.
He glanced at Yao Guangxiao, who looked at him with deep eyes, signaling him to open it.
“Whoosh.”
Zhu Di took a deep breath instinctively, forcefully suppressing the storm raging in his heart, and unfastened the brocade, opening the lid of the box.
Inside, there were no letters, only a thick stack of… transcribed confessions and summarized documents!
His gaze quickly scanned the contents.
They were indeed parts of the confessions of Fu Youwen, Ru Chang, and others regarding the Shaanxi old case and the Eastern Palace’s expenditures, along with fragments of cryptic secret letters seized from the Prince Qin and Prince Jin’s mansions, which implicitly pointed to collusion between the enfeoffed princes and court officials!
Boom—!
Zhu Di felt a rush of blood to his head, his vision suddenly darkened, and he almost lost his footing!
【Imperial Father… Imperial Father actually sent me these things to look at?! 】
【What does this mean?! 】
【Is it a test? A warning? Or… has he already determined I am the mastermind, and this is showing me ‘evidence of guilt’ so I die knowing why?! 】
Immense shock and humiliation surged into his heart.
He almost lost control and roared.
But the extraordinary willpower forged through years of battlefield campaigns and power struggles came into play at this moment.
He clenched his teeth tightly, swallowing back the exclamation and defense that had already reached his lips.
The muscles in his face twitched violently a few times, finally forcing a return to an almost rigid calm.
Only his hands, gripping the edge of the box with such force that his knuckles turned white, betrayed the tempest within him.
He slowly raised his head, his gaze passing over Yao Guangxiao, and fixed on the frozen river before him.
The river surface was smooth as a mirror, reflecting the hazy sky. It appeared calm, but he didn’t know how many undercurrents and cracks lay hidden beneath, as if it could shatter at any moment and swallow those who stepped upon it.
An ineffable, complex emotion churned wildly in his chest like an undercurrent beneath the ice.
There was fear and heartbreak at his Imperial Father’s cruel methods.
There was the sorrow of one rabbit mourning another when a fox is hunted, regarding the tragic fate of his brothers.
There was deep worry about his own future and that of his sons.
And more importantly… there was unwillingness and anger at being pushed to a desperate corner.
He, Zhu Di, guarded the northern frontier, resisted the Yuan, had distinguished achievements, and had never harbored disloyal intentions. Why was he subjected to such suspicion and pressure?!
Was it because he was capable and had military merits that he deserved to die?!
This cold world, this heartless imperial family!
After an unknown amount of time, perhaps only a moment, perhaps a long century.
Zhu Di slowly turned around and looked again at Yao Guangxiao, who remained silent as a rock.
His face showed no trace of emotion, only in the depths of his profound eyes, a cold flame burned, seemingly rekindled after a near despair.
Without warning, he raised his hand, pointed to the seemingly insurmountable frozen river, and asked in a hoarse, low voice the question that would decide his future destiny:
“Master… do you say, can this Prince reach the other side?”
His question, seemingly asking about the frozen river, was actually asking about this perilous situation, about the unreachable yet tempting other shore, and about whether he himself still had a path forward.
Yao Guangxiao paused, then followed Zhu Di’s gaze towards the vast ice plain, and after a long time, he withdrew his gaze and looked back at Zhu Di.
For the first time, Zhu Di’s resolute and desperate figure was clearly reflected in his usually placid eyes.
He did not directly answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
He simply clasped his hands together, recited a Buddhist chant, and in an extremely calm yet infinitely powerful tone, slowly said:
“Amitabha.”
“The Buddha says: To save oneself, one must save others.”
“Where the other shore lies is not in the width of the river, but in the sincerity of the heart.”
“If Your Highness has an other shore in your heart, why fear the ice beneath your feet?”
As his words fell, the cold wind blew, stirring the dead grass on the ground, making a mournful sound.
Zhu Di’s gaze again fell upon the seemingly flat, yet perilous ice surface, and he remained silent for a long time.
Gradually, the river wind grew colder.
【Imperial Father, don’t you understand? The one who truly killed Elder Brother is you. 】
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