Chapter 180: I Draw My Sword And Laugh At The Heavens! 【seeking Double Monthly Tickets】
“Clang—!”
At the hour of the second quarter past noon, a distant and heavy bell tolled from the direction of the Imperial Palace.
Not only was it heard in Huagai Hall, where Old Zhu was located, but it also penetrated the layers of palace walls and reached that secluded Buddhist Hall.
At this moment, sandalwood incense curled in the Buddhist Hall.
The woman in plain clothes was still kneeling on the prayer mat, but the prayer beads in her hand had stopped moving at some unknown point.
She tilted her ear slightly, listening to the bell that signaled the imminent time for execution. Her closed eyes held no emotional fluctuation, only a profound and bottomless calmness.
【The hour is almost here… Zhang Biao… you are going to die after all.】
She felt no joy in her heart, only a detached indifference, as if a troublesome stone was finally being moved out of the way.
Zhang Biao knew too much; he was too uncontrollably mad.
His death would be a release for everyone, especially for her and her son.
Although she didn’t know if Zhang Biao knew about her and her son’s affairs, once Zhang Biao died, nothing else would matter.
After all, “the dead tell no tales.”
“Amitabha!”
She unconsciously chanted a Buddhist phrase, as if to bless Zhang Biao’s soul, or perhaps to comfort herself.
“Your Highness.”
Just then, the door of the Buddhist Hall was pushed open very lightly, and an old nanny entered silently, her steps quicker than ever, a hint of unconcealable surprise on her face.
“News from the imperial court…”
The nanny’s voice was kept very low, with an tone of disbelief:
“The Emperor… the Emperor has already issued a decree, stopping all investigations into the Crown Prince’s cause of death!”
The fingers that were turning the prayer beads paused almost imperceptibly, but she still did not open her eyes.
The nanny continued urgently, “Not only that, but the young eunuch we arranged to pass messages to Consort Li has actually been released!”
“And unharmed! Song Zhong only asked a few routine questions and let him go! Consort Li, before she died, also… also said nothing.”
This news was too abnormal!
Given Zhu Yuanzhang’s personality, especially concerning the Crown Prince’s death, how could he suddenly stop so abruptly after stirring up such immense turmoil? And release a key witness who might know something?!
The woman slowly opened her eyes. A sharp glint flashed and vanished in her seemingly peaceful eyes.
She did not speak immediately but remained silent for a moment, as if digesting this extremely abnormal information.
“Luring the snake out of its hole…”
She softly uttered four words, her voice low and certain: “He is luring the snake out of its hole.”
“The Emperor has investigated for so long, killed so many people, yet still cannot find conclusive evidence pointing to deeper individuals.”
“He is deliberately pretending to give up the investigation to see who will let down their guard and who will be unable to resist jumping out to act… or, to silence others.”
Her analysis was terrifyingly calm, instantly discerning the potentially ruthless scheme behind Zhu Yuanzhang’s unusual move.
“Then… then we…”
The nanny sounded somewhat panicked.
“Hold steady.”
The woman’s tone was decisive: “Tell everyone below, without my command, no one is to make any moves! Especially the connections related to Shaanxi and the old affairs of the Eastern Palace, all must remain silent!”
“Yes.”
The nanny quickly agreed, then remembered something and reported:
“Your Highness, regarding the Prince… your family letter has been received.”
“After reading it, the Prince was filled with bitterness, and then wrote a letter of grief and indignation towards the Emperor’s suspicion of his son, along with his loyalty to the Emperor and his despair of ever becoming successor. He then proceeded to handle military affairs as usual, showing no unusual behavior.”
Hearing this, a subtle softness and pride flickered in the woman’s eyes.
【My son is indeed able to remain composed.】
“And regarding the Emperor?”
She asked again, “Did he have any… special expression towards the Prince?”
This was the most crucial question.
“No.”
The nanny shook her head: “The Emperor only inquired about some details regarding Prince Yan Zhu Di, and it seems he sent materials related to the Shaanxi old case and the Crown Prince’s affairs, including the confessions of Fu Youwen and others, to Beiping.”
“Prince Yan also sent a letter back. After reading it, the Emperor did not make any major moves, but according to our people’s analysis, the Emperor should have elevated Prince Yan’s suspicion to the maximum.”
The woman listened, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly nodded.
This seemed like good news, but combined with the Emperor’s sudden cessation of the investigation, it appeared particularly ominous, like the calm before a storm.
She pondered for a long time and finally issued a ruthless order:
“Go tell the people outside to ‘take care’ of Consort Li’s family. Choose a suitable opportunity and make it look like an accident, done cleanly.”
“Your servant understands.”
The nanny understood implicitly; ‘take care’ meant silencing them.
Although Consort Li had not revealed anything incriminating, her family was ultimately a hidden danger and had to be eliminated.
After issuing these instructions, the woman closed her eyes again. The prayer beads in her hand began to move slowly once more, as if the orders concerning human lives had nothing to do with her.
Silence returned to the Buddhist Hall, with only the sandalwood incense still curling.
However, her mind was not entirely immersed in Buddhist chants.
Her gaze seemed to penetrate the walls of the Buddhist Hall, looking towards the West Market Execution Ground. A faint, chilling smile curved her lips as she murmured silently:
“Sister Ma…”
“Your man is truly lucky…”
“Every time he stumbles upon ‘righteousness’ and wins over the ‘public trust’…”
“Unfortunately, he never understood what it means to cherish…”
This murmur carried a complex, indescribable meaning, containing mockery, jealousy, and a cold hatred that had simmered for decades.
The lingering echoes of the noon bell had long since faded.
And the undercurrents within this deep palace Buddhist Hall were colder and more bone-chilling than the blood on the execution ground.
…
On the other side, at the execution ground.
“Censor Zhou, your hand warmer feels a bit strange, doesn’t it? This shape, this dampness, could it be that you… with your concubine…”
“Zhang Biao! Enough!”
Jiang Huan finally could not stand it any longer, stepped forward, and shouted sternly, interrupting Zhang Biao’s nonsensical talk.
“Guards! Bring him to the beheading platform and prepare for execution!”
Although it was not yet the third quarter past noon, preparing for execution in advance was not a direct violation of Old Zhu’s decree.
Therefore, the moment Jiang Huan gave the order, the Imperial Guards, who had been driven to the brink of exhaustion by Zhang Biao, immediately surged towards him like wolves.
And at this moment, Zhu Yunteng, who had been silent all along, suddenly stepped forward. His childish voice, with a firmness unbefitting his age, declared loudly:
“Commander Jiang, please wait!”
Swish, swish, swish!
All eyes instantly focused on the Imperial Grandson.
Jiang Huan also narrowed his eyes.
Although he had little to no interaction with this Imperial Grandson, as Old Zhu’s focus had always been on Zhu Yunwen.
However, the events that had transpired recently, especially Zhu Yunteng’s “splashing blood in Huagai Hall and presenting an iron box,” had not only made him see the Imperial Grandson in a new light but also left a considerable impression.
Currently, Zhu Yunteng’s presence here was due to Old Zhu’s “leniency,” but it was also possible that it was a “test” from Old Zhu.
And as Old Zhu’s most trusted enforcer and head of intelligence, he naturally would not stop Zhu Yunteng at this moment.
Because what Old Zhu likely wanted to see was Zhu Yunteng’s attitude towards Zhang Biao.
Therefore, a moment after Zhu Yunteng spoke, he gestured to the Imperial Guards rushing towards Zhang Biao, signaling them to halt their actions.
Zhu Yunteng, acting as if nothing was amiss, took out an oiled paper bag from his robes, held it with both hands, and walked to the execution platform. His voice, though not loud, clearly reached Zhang Biao’s ears:
“Good man… Mr. Zhang, this is the sour and spicy pig’s trotters I made myself this morning. Would you… would you like to try some?”
He had intended to call him “Good man Brother,” but in front of so many people, he changed his address.
This was because his second elder sister had once told Old Zhu that he regarded Zhang Biao as “half a teacher.”
Although he had never admitted it, in his heart, this was the truth.
Therefore, he felt that addressing him as “Mr. Zhang” was more fitting for a disciple’s address to a teacher.
Zhang Biao, upon seeing him, was first slightly taken aback, then looked at the sour and spicy pig’s trotters in his hand and couldn’t help but smile knowingly.
Zhu Yunteng had secretly left the palace once and happened to encounter Zhang Biao eating pig’s trotters. Later, they had a brief interaction.
He had not expected that this historically famous “tragic legitimate imperial grandson” of the Great Ming would be so loyal and righteous.
It rather surprised Zhang Biao, who then carefully scrutinized the young man.
Looking at the young man before him, with clear eyes tinged with determination, Zhang Biao’s usual roguish smile gradually faded.
He then glanced at Jiang Huan and said faintly, “Aren’t you afraid, Your Highness the Prince, of being implicated by me? I am a fugitive of the imperial court, a traitor and a monster reviled by all!”
“No!”
Zhu Yunteng shook his head resolutely: “You are not! You are a good person…”
“Alright!”
Zhang Biao interrupted Zhu Yunteng, somewhat speechlessly:
“I’m about to die, and you’re still giving me a ‘good person’ card!”
Saying that, he looked at the sisters Zhu Mingyue and Zhu Mingyu behind Zhu Yunteng and smiled:
“Two beautiful little princesses, you’ve come too? It’s a pity I can’t show you my handsome, dashing, and suave demeanor! Otherwise, I guarantee I’d sweep you off your feet!”
Zhu Mingyue: “…”
Zhu Mingyu: “…”
“Zhang Biao! You truly are a lunatic! And shameless!”
Zhu Mingyu, her eyes red like peaches from crying, walked up to Zhang Biao, sobbing, and took a simple yet exquisite silver hairpin from her hair, pressing it into Zhang Biao’s hand:
“Take this… I… I’ll never hear you curse again…”
After saying this, she burst into louder sobs.
Zhang Biao felt a mix of amusement and helplessness, but he accepted the hairpin. Forgoing his usual flippancy, he sighed, “Silly girl, what’s good about cursing.”
“Censor Zhang…”
Zhu Mingyue stood at the back. She was gentle and timid, and looking at Zhang Biao now, she had countless words stuck in her throat and didn’t know what to say.
Finally, she silently took off the crystal-clear jade bracelet on her wrist, gently placed it on the “gift pile” next to Zhang Biao, her eyes red, and said softly:
“Have a good journey…”
“Thanks!”
Zhang Biao nodded with a smile and then looked back at Zhu Yunteng:
“What are you still standing around for? Didn’t you make sour and spicy pig’s trotters for me? Hurry and let me taste them, see if you have any talent for cooking?”
“Oh, okay!”
Zhu Yunteng blinked for a moment, then quickly opened the oiled paper bag, revealing the bright red sour and spicy pig’s trotters inside.
Zhang Biao glanced at them and raised an eyebrow: “Wang Mazi taught you?”
“Mm…”
Zhu Yunteng mumbled somewhat awkwardly:
“He said he watched you make it, and he provided the spices too, so it’s guaranteed to be right…”
“Heh, learned it after one look, you really think he’s a genius like me!”
Zhang Biao scoffed disdainfully and gestured with his chin towards Zhu Yunteng.
Zhu Yunteng immediately understood, pinched a piece, and brought it to Zhang Biao’s mouth.
Zhang Biao tasted a bite and immediately grimaced:
“Ptooey! It’s so sour! You put too much sauce too! Zhu Yunteng, you kid, are you trying to drown me so the executioner doesn’t have to lift a finger?!”
“Ah?”
Zhu Yunteng was stunned by his scolding, but he did not get angry. Instead, he broke into a smile, nodded vigorously, his eyes full of reluctance.
The civil and military officials, marquises and nobles watching this scene, exchanged glances.
Especially the brothers Chang Sheng and Chang Sen, their eyes were filled with confusion, unease, and even anger.
They felt that Zhu Yunteng was jumping into a fire pit by doing this.
After all, Zhang Biao, the madman, brought bad luck to anyone who got involved with him.
But Zhang Biao looked at Zhu Yunteng’s demeanor, as if he were reacquainting himself with the historically famous “tragic legitimate imperial grandson,” then fell silent for a moment and said softly:
“Stinky kid… you’ve finally grown up a little bit.”
After saying that, he even used his little finger to indicate a tiny distance.
Seeing this, Zhu Yunteng’s smile turned to sorrow, his voice choked, “Mr. Zhang… have a good journey…”
“Alright, stop crying. I’m fine.”
Zhang Biao impatiently interrupted him, “As for you, be a sensible person from now on. Don’t be so impulsive like before… although I should still thank you…”
“Yes, I understand, keep a low profile…”
“Nonsense about keeping a low profile! I mean live well! Only by living is there hope!”
Zhang Biao rolled his eyes at him and said no more.
Immediately after, Shen Lang, Sun Gui, Li Mo, Wu Nai Da, and Zhao Fengman, the five of them, exchanged glances and solemnly stepped forward.
They did not bring out gold or silver jewelry, but instead, they jointly held a thick booklet with a rough cover, on which were written four characters by Zhang Biao himself—
《The Record of Blood and Tears Salary Demands》.
“Brother Biao!”
Shen Lang’s voice was choked:
“This is what we saw, heard, and experienced following you… We have nothing valuable, only this… take it with you!”
Zhang Biao looked at the booklet that contained the blood and tears of countless low-level clerks and military households. The smile on his face finally disappeared completely.
He gave a bitter smile and shook his head:
“This thing… I don’t want to take it. The place I’m going… for now, it’s not that bad.”
Shen Lang and the others did not understand what “that place” meant, but they heard the desolation in his tone and a sense of transcendence beyond the present, and their eyes immediately redder.
Zhang Biao looked at them, his tone becoming serious, and said in a low voice:
“Listen, although Old Zhu hasn’t moved against you now, he is suspicious. It’s hard to guarantee what will happen later. If you have a chance… follow Zhu Yunteng and become his right-hand man!”
“Or find a way… to transfer to a local post, far from the central government, the farther the better.”
“Also, stay away from proud and fierce generals like Lan Yu, Feng Sheng, and Fu Youde, their luck is running out.”
These last words, like a dying man’s testament, deeply shook the five of Shen Lang, and they firmly etched every word in their hearts.
On the other side of the viewing platform, Zhu Gao Sui was scratching his head and ears anxiously, wishing he could also rush up to give something, but he was firmly held back by Zhu Gao Chi.
“Third Brother! Do not act rashly! Father King is currently in a precarious situation! We cannot create any more complications!”
Zhu Gao Chi hissed in a low voice, his eyes grave:
“If you have sincerity, I believe Zhang Biao will feel your intentions!”
“Yes!”
Zhu Gao Xu uttered a single word and then tightly pursed his lips, suppressing his emotions.
Finally, when no one else stepped forward, the “burial goods” at Zhang Biao’s feet had piled up into a small mountain, ranging from gold, silver, and jade to sour and spicy pig’s trotters, a dazzling array.
Zhang Biao looked at the pile of items with satisfaction, then glanced at the sundial, and winked at the executioner beside him:
“Buddy, do me a favor, be quick with your blade later.”
“Also, these ‘tokens of sincerity,’ pile them all next to the beheading platform, stack them neatly, I’ll see if I can take a few down with me.”
The executioner: “…”
He felt that his decades-long career had been challenged like never before, and his worldview was about to collapse.
But Zhang Biao had no time to waste with him and turned to Jiang Huan:
“Commander Jiang, the hour is almost here. Please, ink and brush are required, I want to write a confession for Old Zhu.”
【Write a confession? Now?】
Jiang Huan’s brows furrowed, his heart filled with surprise and uncertainty.
【This madman refused to write it no matter what before, and now, on the brink of death, he’s offering to write it?】
His instinct told him there was a trick.
But recalling Old Zhu’s ineffable and complex attitude towards Zhang Biao, and the disturbances Zhang Biao had caused several times before, he dared not refuse outright.
After a brief silence, he finally relented: “Give it to him.”
Soon, paper and brush were brought to the execution platform by an Imperial Guard.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhang Biao propped himself on the beheading platform and wrote furiously.
As he wrote, he urged the executioner to move the items, and he wrote quite quickly, even with a look of near madness on his face.
Not long after, he threw down the brush, dried the written confession, folded it, and handed it to Jiang Huan:
“Here, take this. This is the 《Public Order Memorial》 I wrote for Old Zhu. Remember to deliver it to him personally. Tell him that my business with him is not finished, and we will meet again.”
《Public Order Memorial》?
It’s related to governance? Not a confession?!
Jiang Huan was surprised, thinking, “How can we meet again? You’re about to die!”
But soon, he thought of Zhang Biao’s strange ability and felt that the so-called “meet again” was likely Zhang Biao’s backup plan, a threat to the Emperor.
Could it be for Shen Lang and the other five?
Jiang Huan instinctively glanced at the five of Shen Lang, then frowned and took the 《Public Order Memorial》, still carrying the scent of ink, feeling it weighed heavier than a thousand pounds.
He instinctively wanted to open it to check, as it was his duty.
“Jiang Huan—!”
Zhang Biao’s voice suddenly became extremely cold, with an undeniable threat, his gaze like a knife piercing him:
“If you want your entire family to die, go ahead and look.”
Jiang Huan’s hand stiffened abruptly, as if bitten by a viper!
He instantly recalled Zhang Biao’s earth-shattering pronouncements in the Imperial Prison, which had even touched upon Empress Ma’s matters!
He knew that this madman was absolutely capable of it! And definitely capable of dragging him down with him even after death!
Weighing the pros and cons took only an instant.
Jiang Huan’s expression changed several times, and finally, he gritted his teeth and did not open it to check.
Instead, he quickly took out a brocade pouch, sealed the 《Public Order Memorial》 inside, and firmly sealed it with wax. He then sternly ordered a trusted Imperial Guard officer:
“Ride at full gallop! Enter the palace immediately! Present it to the Emperor! Do not delay!”
The officer received the order, mounted his horse, and galloped away.
This scene caused great displeasure to the Execution Supervisor Liu Sanwu, the Emperor’s son-in-law Mei Yin, and the pure stream scholars led by Fang Xiaoru below the platform.
“Commander Jiang! What is the meaning of this?!”
Liu Sanwu questioned sternly, “Do you still intend to let this scoundrel live for another moment?!”
“Exactly! The evidence is conclusive, why delay any further!?” Mei Yin also agreed.
Although Fang Xiaoru did not speak, his furrowed brow showed his disapproval.
The literati who were eager for Zhang Biao’s swift death became even more agitated.
“Execute! Execute immediately!”
“Behead the traitor! Rectify public perception!”
Jiang Huan felt immense pressure, sweat beading on his forehead, but he held the hilt of his saber tightly and gritted his teeth, saying, “Before the Emperor has read it, this commander has the right to temporarily suspend the execution!”
“Suspend what nonsense!?”
Zhang Biao suddenly became furious, “Hurry up and execute me!”
“Commander Jiang…”
Just as Zhang Biao’s words fell, a shout from afar suddenly approached:
“The Emperor has an edict—!”
“Clang—!”
At the same time, the bell for the third quarter past noon suddenly rang.
Almost everyone held their breath at this moment, including Jiang Huan, Zhang Biao, and everyone present.
Soon, a eunuch dismounted his horse, unrolled the imperial edict, and with all his might, read it out clearly and coldly:
“The Emperor has decreed: Zhang Biao, this villain, has committed heinous crimes, too numerous to list! He is to be executed immediately without delay! So decreed—!”
The content of the decree was simple, brutal, and offered no room for negotiation.
Jiang Huan was stunned; he had not expected the Emperor to be so decisive!
Before Zhang Biao’s 《Public Order Memorial》 could even be read, the imperial edict had been issued.
Did the person he sent to deliver the message before transmit the wrong information?
Thinking of this, he felt a pang of fear and even wanted to forcibly keep Zhang Biao alive a little longer.
However, he was not sure if what Zhang Biao had written could save his life.
At this moment, Liu Sanwu, as the Execution Supervisor, immediately stepped forward and said, “Your subject, Execution Supervisor, Liu Sanwu! Receives the edict—!”
As he said this, Mei Yin and others immediately showed relief and breathed a long sigh.
Fang Xiaoru closed his eyes, unsure whether it was relief or some other emotion.
The literati burst into cheers: “The Emperor is wise!”
“Hahaha—!”
Suddenly, a burst of laughter, filled with excitement, joy, and satisfaction, echoed across the execution ground, even drowning out the cheers of the literati.
For a moment, it was unclear who was being executed.
“Good! Good! Good!”
After his laughter subsided, Zhang Biao said “good” three times. He no longer looked at anyone present, his gaze directed towards the Imperial Palace.
In an unprecedented, calm, and clear voice, he spoke slowly, as if making a final statement, or perhaps a declaration:
“Zhu Chongba!”
He called him by name, his voice not loud, but possessing a strange penetrating quality.
“In my life, I have cursed heaven, cursed earth, cursed emperors, and cursed corrupt officials.”
“I have bound nobles, interrogated the Six Ministries, overturned tables, and stirred up hornet’s nests.”
“I have sought death, and also… struggled to ‘live’.”
“Some say I am a madman, a monster, a traitor.”
“Others say… perhaps… I have done some good deeds, and am a good person.”
His gaze slowly swept over Shen Lang, Sun Gui, and the other tearful subordinates, over the old soldiers with complex expressions, over the brothers Zhu Gao Chi, over the siblings Zhu Yunteng, and finally, even over the still angry or bewildered officials and scholars.
“Today, with this broken body, these wild words, and this… absurd demeanor, I come to this execution ground.”
“Not for a place in history, not for eternal fame.”
“Only for myself, Zhang Biao, to have lived, to have caused trouble, to have been mad, and to have had a good time!”
“And only to tell this world—”
His voice suddenly rose, with a near-tragic determination:
“The Way cannot only be begged for on bended knee! Reason cannot only be chanted with reverence!”
“The current Confucianism is garbage! It is a ‘confining’ scholarship that will harm generations!”
“Silence—!”
Liu Sanwu’s face changed dramatically. He immediately threw the command arrow in his hand and shouted loudly:
“The hour has come! Execute quickly—!”
Zhang Biao ignored him completely. While the executioner was removing the “execution plaque,” he quickly spoke again:
“Some things can be fought for while standing! And argued for with clenched fists!”
“Even if my head is severed and my body is broken into pieces!”
As his words fell, he suddenly withdrew his gaze, looked at the executioner’s raised broadsword, and let out another laugh:
“I have the will to save the nation, but lack the power to turn the tide!”
“I draw my saber and laugh at the sky, my loyalty and courage will travel beyond the heavens!”
Rumble!
The entire execution ground was as if struck by a thunderbolt from the heavens, instantly falling into silence.
Only Zhang Biao’s earth-shattering words echoed in everyone’s hearts, striking their perceptions and souls.
Jiang Huan stared intently at him, as if to engrave his final image into his bones.
The executioner took a deep breath, raised the broadsword in his hand, and suddenly brought it down.
“Swish—!”
The sunlight was dazzling and blinding.
Please give me double monthly tickets~ It’s the last day~
Requesting monthly tickets! Requesting recommendation tickets! Requesting subscriptions! Requesting full subscriptions!
Give it some power, dear readers, I’m almost done with the monthly ticket bonus chapters! I thought double monthly tickets would be amazing! Not even twenty thousand votes! (◎_◎;)
【Also, thank you to my my my my for the 500 reward.】
