Chapter 200: No One Supports My Lofty Ambitions, I Will Tread Through The Snow To The Mountain Peak 【 Requesting Monthly Tickets 】
Outside Zhang Biao’s official residence, in a small courtyard.
The atmosphere was completely different from the irritable suppression in Old Zhu’s palace.
Zhang Biao placed the yellow anonymous complaint box with red paper pasted on it, on a broken table in the center of the courtyard, as if it were an ancestral tablet, while the Imperial Guards outside monitored.
The Imperial Guards outside, like filial sons and virtuous grandsons, stared intently at the yellow anonymous complaint box, looking quite comical.
As for Zhang Biao, along with One-armed Old Zhou, Lame Old Li, Blind Old Sun, and Injured Old Qian, several disabled old soldiers, they sat around a circle, their eyes filled with admiration for Zhang Biao.
“My brothers—!”
Suddenly, Zhang Biao slapped his thigh, his face flushed with excitement, as if he had just won a battle, and shouted:
“The battle outside the Gate of Heavenly Acceptance today, we fought beautifully! We fought with spirit! We fought with momentum!”
“Lord Zhang, you didn’t see…”
Old Zhou shook his empty sleeve and chuckled, “The expressions on those officials’ faces were uglier than the dead faces I saw on the battlefield back then!”
“Exactly!”
Lame Old Li stomped his good leg on the ground, “Especially when you took out that box, my goodness, I felt like their souls flew away!”
“Of course! When I make a move, how can it be ordinary?”
Zhang Biao proudly lifted his chin, then suddenly changed the subject, “However, my stomach is starting to complain…”
Saying this, he turned to One-armed Old Zhou and called out, “Old Zhou, go to Wang Mazi’s shop, order ten catties of his best pig’s head meat, and get some steamed buns and Shao Daozi liquor!”
“Today we’re having a victory banquet, my treat!”
“Alright—!”
Old Zhou excitedly prepared to leave.
“Wait!”
Zhang Biao stopped him, winked, and whispered, “Tell Wang Mazi quietly to put more meat and charge less!”
Old Zhou understood immediately, chuckled, and slipped out.
Not long after, Wang Mazi’s enthusiastic yet shrewd voice came from outside the courtyard gate: “Lord Zhang! Lord Zhang! I’ve come to congratulate you!”
Wang Mazi entered, almost running, carrying a heavy, steaming food container, his face split into a smile, his wrinkles forming a chrysanthemum shape.
He carefully placed the food container on the table, then bowed deeply to Zhang Biao:
“Lord Zhang! You are truly my reborn parent, my source of livelihood!”
Wang Mazi’s voice trembled with emotion, “Since you promoted my shop’s pig’s head meat, my business has become more prosperous day by day!”
“Now, who in the Capital City who is a clean… uh, an official, doesn’t know that to eat authentic pig’s head meat, they have to come to me, Wang Mazi! This is all thanks to your good fortune!”
Zhang Biao was amused by his exaggerated flattery and playfully kicked him, “Stop that! Can flattery fill your stomach? Since I helped your business boom, shouldn’t you give me a share of the profits?”
“Cut the crap! Can flattery fill your belly? Since I helped you get your business going, shouldn’t you give this official a share of the dividends?”
Wang Mazi, far from being annoyed, thumped his chest, “Of course! Of course! When Lord Zhang speaks, it is my honor!”
“From now on, when you come to my shop, meat is unlimited, and wine is free. Dividends… we’ll settle monthly!”
Although he spoke grandly, his eyes gleamed shrewdly, knowing that by holding onto Zhang Biao, this cash cow, he would only profit in the long run.
“Hahaha, I was just joking with you!”
Zhang Biao threw his head back and laughed loudly; he was just teasing Wang Mazi and wouldn’t truly take advantage of such a small gain.
However, seeing Wang Mazi’s readiness, his eyes lit up, and he casually took out a few shriveled, bright red things from his person and threw them to Wang Mazi:
“Here, forget about dividends. Take this. It’s called ‘chili pepper’, the peak of overseas seasonings, much more potent than cornelian cherry! Consider it a new addition from me.”
Wang Mazi fumbled to catch them, looking at the red fruit he had never seen before, a look of bewilderment mixed with surprise.
Zhang Biao then picked up a small piece of charcoal from the table and quickly wrote and drew on some oily paper used for wrapping meat, saying as he wrote:
“This is the recipe for stir-frying hot pot base.”
“Take this back, figure out how to grow these chili peppers, and when they are harvested in the fall, I want to eat the first red soup hot pot in the Capital City… no, in the entire Great Ming Dynasty!”
“By then, your Wang Mazi Pig’s Head Meat might become Wang Mazi Hot Pot and become famous throughout the land!”
Although Wang Mazi was still confused about ‘Wang Mazi Hot Pot’, hearing Zhang Biao speak with such certainty and allure, and having witnessed Zhang Biao’s magic, he suddenly felt that the few dried chili peppers in his hand were as heavy as a thousand pounds.
It was as if what he held was not chili peppers, but a glittering future.
“Thank you, Lord Zhang! Thank you for your patronage, Lord Zhang!”
He was both surprised and grateful, bowing repeatedly, “You are truly my reborn parent! Today’s meal is on me! No one will fight me for it!”
Zhang Biao waved his hand with a smile, “Alright, hurry back and research your chili peppers and the recipe. We’re waiting to satisfy our appetites!”
“Yes, yes, alright! Military gentlemen, please enjoy, I’ll take my leave, take my leave!”
Wang Mazi thanked them profusely, and with his young assistant, almost on tiptoe, left joyfully.
Watching Wang Mazi leave, the old soldiers all felt a warmth in their hearts.
All the officials they had encountered before were arrogant and looked down on others!
When had they ever seen someone like Zhang Biao, who could ‘fight alongside’ them on the battlefield, engage in casual conversation with street vendors, and even casually gift them precious recipes concerning their livelihood?
This feeling of being treated equally, of being genuinely considered ‘one of their own’, made their eyes moist, these old soldiers who had struggled in the lower ranks for half their lives.
They didn’t stand on ceremony and ate heartily around the table.
They ate the rich yet not greasy, fragrant pig’s head meat, along with freshly baked steamed buns, and washed it down with a gulp of spicy, cloudy liquor, feeling utterly satisfied.
After eating and drinking their fill, and with everyone in good spirits, Zhang Biao suddenly slammed the table, his voice rising abruptly, almost shouting towards the courtyard gate:
“Brothers! Do you see this box?!”
He pointed at the complaint box in the center of the table, spattering saliva, “This is the Sword of Heaven and the Dragon-Slaying Saber of our Anti-corruption Bureau! It’s a sharp blade aimed at the hearts of corrupt officials and lawless princes!”
The old soldiers were startled by his sudden “speech,” then understood that he was putting on a show for the ears outside.
While they tried to look like they were listening attentively, they exchanged glances.
Zhang Biao continued his loud “speech”: “We must rely on the masses! Mobilize the masses! Let this box be filled with arrows aimed at corruption!”
As he spoke, he quickly grabbed a piece of charcoal from the table and rapidly wrote a few lines on the greasy tabletop:
Yellow This is a feint! The Emperor will send the Imperial Guards to keep a close watch on the box and me. Red
Yellow You, secretly develop reliable subordinates! Red
Yellow Focus on collecting: evidence from low-level clerks, local strongmen, and garrison officers who have harmed your village or oppressed your relatives and friends! Red
Yellow I’ll attract attention, you secretly weave your net! Because your influence is limited, they won’t focus much on you, which is perfect for acting in secret! Red
The old soldiers looked at the words on the table, their eyes gradually lighting up, and they instantly understood Zhang Biao’s intention.
So, the adult had made such a big fuss, set up such a conspicuous target, to attract all the firepower, so that they, the small figures, could have the opportunity to weave their net in secret.
Old Zhou nodded heavily, drawing a check on the table with his greasy hand.
Old Li gently kicked the others under the table with his lame leg, indicating he understood.
Although Old Sun squinted, his fingers tapped on the table in a Morse code-like rhythm.
Old Qian coughed loudly twice, indicating he had received the message.
Seeing they had understood, Zhang Biao smiled with satisfaction, casually wiped away the words on the table with his sleeve, and continued his “passionate speech”:
“Yes! We must let His Majesty see our determination! See the power of anti-corruption!”
“This box is the witness of our loyalty!”
This act of indirect criticism and feigned action with a hidden agenda was heard word for word by the Imperial Guards monitoring outside, who quickly recorded it in their little notebooks to report to Jiang Huan:
Yellow Zhang Biao intends to use the complaint box to incite the masses and resist the court… Red
“Alright, my old brothers, disperse now, go do what you need to do!”
After eating and drinking their fill, and the play was over, Zhang Biao let out a loud burp and waved to the old soldiers:
“Remember, our Anti-corruption Bureau, its future is bright! Its path is winding! Pig’s head meat without added flavor or preservatives… is delicious!”
“Hahaha—!”
The old soldiers chuckled, then, understanding each other, they left one by one.
They would now follow Zhang Biao’s “table instructions” to secretly identify reliable subordinates and collect evidence of grassroots corruption that truly affected their livelihoods.
The courtyard soon became quiet, leaving only Zhang Biao and the yellow anonymous complaint box, which gleamed with an eerie red light in the setting sun.
Zhang Biao contentedly picked his teeth, about to tidy up the messy table, when footsteps sounded again from outside the courtyard gate, this time sounding formal and hurried.
Yun Ming, followed by two young eunuchs, entered with expressionless faces.
“Zhang Biao, receive the imperial decree—”
Zhang Biao quickly threw away his toothpick, patted his official robe, and bowed, “Your subject, Zhang Biao, awaits the imperial decree.”
Yun Ming cleared his throat and recited in his unique tone:
“Imperial oral decree: Zhang Biao, your actions outside the Gate of Heavenly Acceptance today were reckless and unbecoming of an official, and you should be severely punished!”
“Considering your… perhaps unintentional mistakes, and that the ‘Anti-corruption Bureau’ is newly established, you are temporarily fined one year’s salary as a minor reprimand!”
“However, since you have established this bureau, you cannot be a figurehead! You are ordered to submit a memorial within three days, detailing the operational procedures of the Anti-corruption Bureau and specific methods for auditing, without error!”
“If you are perfunctory, you will be punished for both offenses! By imperial command—”
Yellow A year’s salary fine? Red
Zhang Biao pouted, thinking he hadn’t received any salary yet! What a joke!
Yellow Submit a memorial? Detail procedures and auditing methods? Red
Yellow Old Zhu… wants to use the knife, but is afraid it’s too sharp and will cut his hand, so he wants to see the manual first? Red
Yellow Hmm, more experienced than last time. Red
Zhang Biao’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Yellow However, can you dare to read my manual? I guarantee it will make you… unable to sleep at night! Red
“Your subject—Zhang Biao, receives the decree and expresses gratitude!”
He replied loudly, his tone exceptionally submissive, “Please inform His Majesty, Imperial Eunuch Yun, that your subject will spare no effort to write a memorial… that will impress His Majesty!”
Yun Ming looked at Zhang Biao’s seemingly respectful but secretly cunning demeanor, his mouth twitched, but he still announced the next oral decree according to procedure:
“Lord Zhang, His Majesty summons you to the palace immediately!”
“Oh?”
Zhang Biao raised an eyebrow and said with a hint of amusement, “What, does His Majesty want to watch me write the memorial in person?”
“This eunuch doesn’t know, but His Majesty is still angry…”
Yun Ming shook his head, then couldn’t help but lower his voice, almost pleadingly,
“When you enter the palace later, please restrain yourself and speak properly…”
“I implore you, old servant, please don’t anger His Majesty again, alright? His Majesty… his health hasn’t been as good as before lately.”
Zhang Biao smiled at Yun Ming’s genuine concern, but didn’t respond to his plea, his mind instead filled with speculation.
Yellow Old Zhu has such a fiery temper, exploding at the slightest touch, who can be blamed? Red
Yellow Historical records say he died from chronic anxiety and overwork, but he coughs up blood so often, his liver fire is unusually strong. Could he have some hidden illness? Red
Yellow Moreover, his death was rather strange, and his burial was even stranger, as if he were destroying evidence… Red
Yellow Alas, it’s a pity I can’t audit the Imperial Treasury now. Otherwise, I’d definitely investigate his daily expenses and the records of the imperial pharmacy to see if someone was playing tricks, or if he messed himself up by blindly taking ‘tonics’… Red
After a stream of internal complaints, he outwardly said to Yun Ming, “Imperial Eunuch Yun, rest assured, I understand. Shall we go to the palace now?”
“Alas, let’s go, Lord Zhang, His Majesty is waiting.”
Yun Ming sighed and gestured for him to go, but he had no confidence, only hoping this gentleman would be a little more normal today.
Zhang Biao tidied his still wrinkled official robe, glanced at the empty anonymous complaint box in the courtyard, a hint of an unreadable curve on his lips, and walked out with Yun Ming.
Yellow No one supports my lofty ambitions, I will tread through the snow to the summit Red
Yellow Old Zhu, I’m here again! Red
On the other side
The Eastern Palace, in the study.
Sandalwood incense curled upwards, but could not dispel a faint hint of anxiety between Zhu Yunwen’s brows.
He sat upright behind his desk, with “Political Essentials of Zhenguan” spread open before him, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused.
Huang Zicheng, the Imperial Tutor, sat below, carefully explaining the passages on “the way of the ruler,” but his pace was slower than usual, and his eyes occasionally flickered towards the restless Imperial Grandson.
Finally, during a lull in the explanation, Huang Zicheng looked around and lowered his voice, speaking in an almost whispered tone, “Your Highness, today’s Grand Court Session… there were some developments.”
Zhu Yunwen’s fingers, gripping the book, tightened slightly. He looked up, trying to maintain his composure, “Master Huang, what is it?”
Huang Zicheng briefly and clearly recounted the events before and after the court session, especially the matter of Zhang Biao setting up the yellow anonymous complaint box, the officials’ silence out of fear, and how Old Zhu finally angrily shelved the discussion of establishing the Crown Prince.
This time, he strictly adhered to his duty as a subject, without the previous presumptuous act of “popping champagne early.” He even controlled his expression with extreme caution, but the heaviness and indignation in his tone were undeniable.
Zhu Yunwen listened, the color draining from his face bit by bit.
Imperial Grandfather… had personally proposed making him the Imperial Grandson in the Hall of Supreme Harmony!
This should have been the moment he dreamed of, the most crucial step towards his position!
But… it had been shelved?!
And because of that madman Zhang Biao! Because of that ridiculous complaint box! Because of the officials’ timidity!
An ineffable sense of grievance, anger, and panic surged into his heart, almost making him lose control of his expression.
He felt a tightness in his chest, his breathing becoming rapid.
He imagined Imperial Grandfather’s disappointed, perhaps even angry, gaze in the court, and the mocking looks his other imperial uncles might have after hearing the news…
He clenched his fists fiercely, his fingernails digging deeply into his palm, causing a sharp pain, which finally helped him suppress the questions and resentment that were about to spill from his lips.
His mother’s words echoed in his ears.
“Yunwen, no matter what happens, remain calm, be patient. The more you want something, the less you should let others see it…”
He took several deep breaths before speaking to Huang Zicheng in a slightly trembling voice,
“Thank you for informing me, Master. I… I suddenly feel a bit dizzy and would like to go back and rest for a while. Today’s homework…”
Huang Zicheng looked at the Imperial Grandson’s suddenly pale face and his attempt to appear composed, feeling both heartache and anger. He quickly said,
“Your Highness’s health is paramount. The homework can wait. Please go back and rest well.”
He paused, then couldn’t help but add in a low, hateful voice, “It’s all that Zhang Biao, his arrogance and recklessness, disrupting the court order, he is truly hateful!”
Zhu Yunwen did not respond, but merely nodded silently, then got up and left the study, his steps even a bit unsteady.
Huang Zicheng watched his departing back, sighed deeply, his cloudy old eyes filled with a bone-chilling hatred for Zhang Biao.
This scoundrel had repeatedly obstructed the path of the new monarch, and had cast layers upon layers of heavy shadows on his own glorious future as the future imperial tutor!
Huang Zicheng watched his retreating back, sighed deeply, his cloudy old eyes filled with bone-deep resentment for Zhang Biao.
This brat has repeatedly obstructed the path of the new ruler, casting layer upon layer of heavy shadow over the supreme glory of Huang Zicheng’s future imperial tutor!
Damn it!
Zhu Yunwen almost stumbled back to the palace where his mother, Consort Lü, resided.
“Mother!”
As soon as he entered, he could no longer maintain his composure, his voice filled with obvious panic and grievance:
“In the court session… Imperial Grandfather proposed establishing the Crown Prince, and then… and then Zhang Biao ruined it!”
“Why, why is he always against me?! Why doesn’t he just die?!”
Consort Lü was trimming a potted orchid when her hand trembled at his words, and the golden shears clattered to the floor.
She suddenly turned around, her face etched with shock: “What did you say? Tell your mother carefully!”
Zhu Yunwen recounted the news that Huang Zicheng had informed him, specifically emphasizing the 【Anonymous Complaint Box】, the officials’ silent fear, and the Emperor’s angry adjournment of the discussion.
After listening, Consort Lü’s face lost some of its color, and her eyes flickered intensely.
【Zhang Biao… Zhang Biao again?】
【This persistent madman!】
She had previously hoped Zhang Biao would stir up more chaos and divert Old Zhu’s attention from investigating Zhu Xiongying’s death.
Now, Zhang Biao had indeed caused greater chaos and diverted Old Zhu’s attention, but she couldn’t be happy at all.
Because the chaos Zhang Biao stirred up was directed at her son.
However, what made her more uneasy than Zhang Biao was Old Zhu’s attitude.
【The Emperor clearly favored Yunwen, so why did he choose to shelve the matter when faced with resistance, instead of pushing forward forcefully?】
【This is not in line with the Emperor’s usual style of making his own decisions!】
A terrifying thought, like a viper, burrowed into Consort Lü’s mind:
【Could it be… the Emperor’s previously expressed determination to establish Yunwen as the Crown Prince was not entirely sincere?】
【Perhaps, it was merely a stance, a… test? Or even a way to conceal other motives?】
She suddenly recalled that a few days ago, Old Zhu had been secretly investigating former Palace officials, especially those who had interacted with the late Crown Prince Zhu Biao and the legitimate eldest grandson Zhu Xiongying…
【Could it be… the Emperor has truly found something? Regarding Xiongying’s death…】
This thought plunged her into an ice cellar, and a chill shot up from her feet to the top of her head.
【If the Emperor truly suspects something, could establishing Yunwen as Crown Prince be a lure?】
【A trap designed to make me lower my guard, or to elicit more clues?!】
She felt dizzy and almost lost her footing, quickly reaching out to steady herself on the nearby table.
“Mother? What’s wrong?”
Seeing his mother’s ashen face, Zhu Yunwen stepped forward worriedly to support her.
Consort Lü forcefully suppressed the tempest and fear in her heart. She couldn’t panic, at least not in front of her son.
She took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound steady and firm:
“Yunwen, do not panic, and do not be disappointed.”
She took her son’s hand, sat him down, and looked at him with determined eyes:
“Your Imperial Grandfather proposed in the Hall of Supreme Harmony today, in front of all the civil and military officials, to establish you as the Imperial Grandson. This in itself is the most important signal! This is practically a done deal!”
“As for the temporary shelving…”
Consort Lü’s mind raced, searching for a reason that would best comfort her son and convince herself:
“It is because that scoundrel Zhang Biao has caused a mess in the court. Your Imperial Grandfather is the Supreme Ruler; he naturally needs to consider appearances and needs a more suitable time, when you are widely supported, to formally establish your position.”
She gently patted Zhu Yunwen’s hand, her tone full of encouragement, but a shrewd calculation flashed in the depths of her eyes:
“Yunwen, you must understand that Master Liu Sanwu has retired, and although Uncle Mei Yin is good, the current situation is delicate, and he also needs to be cautious. He cannot support this alone.”
“What the court lacks now is someone who can rally support, unite public opinion, and build momentum for you!”
Zhu Yunwen seemed to understand: “Mother means?”
A decisive glint flashed in Consort Lü’s eyes: “We cannot wait! We must actively build momentum for you! Someone needs to step forward, represent the literati of the realm, and form a torrent of public opinion that your Imperial Grandfather cannot ignore, making your establishment as Imperial Grandson ‘widely supported’ rather than merely an imperial decree!”
Suddenly, a name flashed through her mind like lightning.
The one who was highly respected among scholars, known for his uprightness and boldness, who had even initiated ‘Ten Thousand People Petitioning for Zhang Biao’s Execution’…
“Fang Xiaoru!”
Consort Lü almost blurted it out, her eyes lighting up as if she had seen a lighthouse in the darkness:
“Yes, it’s him! Mr. Xizhi is profoundly learned and of noble character, and he commands great support among scholars, his influence even surpassing that of Liu Sanwu in the past!”
“If we can gain his firm support and have him rally the troops, why would we worry about not forming public opinion? Why would we worry about the general trend not inclining towards you?”
With this thought, the panic and fear in Consort Lü’s heart seemed to be replaced by a new hope and ruthlessness.
Zhang Biao wanted to obstruct with schemes and tricks? Then she would crush him with upright ‘general trend’!
She would personally pave the way for her son, by introducing the next ‘Liu Sanwu’, a more powerful and fearless leader of the civil officials!
“Yunwen!”
Consort Lü grasped her son’s hand, her tone firmer than ever: “What you need to do now is to remain calm, focus on your studies, and display your benevolence and talent. The matters outside the court, your mother… and Mr. Huang and the others, will pave the way for you!”
Zhu Yunwen looked at the light flickering in his mother’s eyes. Although he didn’t fully grasp the specific plans, he could feel his mother’s rekindled fighting spirit and confidence.
His unease also slightly eased, and he nodded heavily: “Your son understands and will obey your mother’s arrangements.”
However, as he lowered his head, a hint of imperceptible gloom flashed in his eyes.
That madman, Imperial Grandfather’s unfathomable thoughts, and the truth about his Father King and elder brother’s deaths, which seemed to perpetually shroud the Eastern Palace… could all of this truly be swept away with the help of just one Fang Xiaoru?
Requesting monthly tickets~
