Chapter 207: Great Ming Is Shocked! An Unprecedented Battle Of Public Opinion! Monthly Ticket Bonus Update 22
“Jiang Huan!”
After a painful struggle, Old Zhu shouted towards the outside of the hall with a dark expression.
Soon, Jiang Huan walked in from outside.
Although it was different from Old Zhu in the past, he did not see Old Zhu throw a tantrum, but he was more apprehensive than ever.
Because, in his opinion, Old Zhu not throwing a tantrum was the most terrifying.
He then heard Old Zhu say calmly and indifferently:
“Based on the clues you’ve investigated, expand the scope of your investigation. No longer limit it to the Eastern Palace. Investigate the Lü family, especially those of the Lü clan who are connected to the 《Empty Seal Case》. We don’t believe the Lü family has the ability to scheme inside and outside the palace.”
“If Xiong Ying and my daughter’s deaths are truly related to her, she must have accomplices.”
“In fact, we suspect… she might not even be the mastermind! Perhaps someone exploited her ambition to murder our Imperial Eldest Grandson and my daughter!”
Jiang Huan’s heart tightened upon hearing this.
He actually knew that the Lü family had a motive, but it was too obvious, which made it hard to believe it was the truth.
If there was someone behind the Lü family, it would make sense.
She was not directly involved, and perhaps even just “coincidentally” comforted Zhu Biao a few words, and she could achieve the result she wanted.
Because no matter how you investigate, it would be considered “unintentional negligence.” Therefore, she dared to be so unscrupulous.
However, the most crucial thing now was how the Emperor viewed Zhu Yunwen.
Whether he intended to separate him from the Lü family or label him an accomplice of the Lü family would depend on whether the subsequent investigation could find conclusive evidence of the Lü family murdering the Imperial Eldest Grandson and Empress Ma.
“Also!”
Old Zhu added thoughtfully again:
“We also need to clarify whether the mastermind behind Biao’er’s death is related to the Lü family.”
“I wonder if you’ve noticed, that viciousness is too similar! The deaths of Biao’er, Xiong Ying, and my daughter, could they possibly be from the same mastermind?”
“This…”
Jiang Huan hesitated for a moment, then frowned and said, “Now that Your Majesty mentions it, I also feel that there is indeed something strange.”
“Every time I investigate a crucial point, it becomes an unsolved case.”
“So…”
Old Zhu instantly clenched the armrest of the dragon throne, leaned forward, looked directly at Jiang Huan, and said solemnly:
“You must investigate this clearly for us. We would rather kill three thousand wrongly than let any single culprit go!”
“Yes!”
Jiang Huan immediately bowed.
Old Zhu then instructed:
“Remember! The investigation must be conducted in secret, so as not to alert the enemy. Keep watching the Eastern Palace as usual, and report to us immediately if there is any slightest disturbance!”
“Your servant obeys the decree.”
“Alright, you may leave.”
Jiang Huan respectfully accepted the order, then turned and left the Main Hall.
As Old Zhu watched him leave, he narrowed his eyes slightly.
【The Lü family. Fourth Brother】
【If you are truly the murderers, I will not show any mercy】
On the other side, Kaifeng City.
In the late spring season, willow catkins fluttered.
The once bustling Prince Zhou’s Mansion was now deserted, with few people coming and going.
News that Prince Zhou Zhu Su had been stripped of his title and imprisoned in his old residence in the capital had already spread, and his fiefdom was temporarily managed by his eldest son, Zhu Youdun.
This newly appointed Commandery Prince was young and fearful. Faced with the mess left by Old Zhu’s thunderous wrath and the covetous Investigating Censors, he was trembling and walking on thin ice.
Meanwhile, Li Mo, an Investigating Censor, held the Emperor’s secret decree and acted decisively in public.
He used the methods he had developed while Zhang Biao was auditing the Six Ministries, combined with local conditions, to truly investigate and solve several long-standing cases, overthrowing several corrupt officials and powerful families who had exploited the people and oppressed the good.
For a time, the reputation of “Qing Tian Li” (Honest Official Li) quietly spread throughout Prince Zhou’s fiefdom. The people clapped their hands in approval, and the new Commandery Prince Zhu Youdun respected and feared him, cooperating fully.
However, Li Mo’s focus was never on these “public” achievements.
Deep within his desk lay a piece of ‘iron box’ evidence secretly copied by Zhao Fengman, along with his own compiled fragmented files regarding Prince Zhou Zhu Su’s ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ case.
His true mission was to clarify the source of the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ and how it eventually flowed out of Prince Zhou’s Mansion to be used in the murder of Crown Prince Zhu Biao.
It should be known that although Prince Qin Zhu Shuang was the one who directly offered the “Red Lead Immortal Pill,” he was also misled by his favored concubine, Consort Wang.
The person behind Consort Wang must have known the side effects of the “Red Lead Immortal Pill” long ago, which is why they meticulously planned to kill Crown Prince Zhu Biao.
Furthermore, according to Prince Zhou Zhu Su’s confession, he did indeed improve the Red Lead Elixir, which was said to ‘strengthen the body and prolong life.’ However, apart from Prince Qin and Prince Jin, he never actively passed it on, and only a few people knew about it.
As for the elixir formula, he guarded it as his life and hid it extremely secretly.
【So, who? And by what means, was it sent out of the heavily guarded Prince Zhou’s Mansion? And what led to the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ case?】
Although the ‘Red Lead Immortal Pill’ case was exposed by Li Mo and Wu Nai Da, the identity of the person who gave them the package had never been investigated.
This was why Li Mo focused his suspicion on Prince Zhou’s Mansion.
In his view, the person who sent out the elixir formula and the person who sent them the package must have had some connection.
Thus, with his keen mind and meticulous patience, after months of covert investigation, he quietly narrowed his target to one person.
This person was Prince Zhou’s second son, Zhu Youjian.
Unlike his elder brother Zhu Youdun, who was gentle and devoted to opera and arts, Zhu Youjian was outwardly humble but inwardly deeply cunning, with a flicker of resentment and ambition often seen in the depths of his eyes.
He had long harbored resentment over his father’s favoritement of his elder brother and his own meager title of General of the Imperial Guard.
More importantly, Li Mo learned through secret channels that before Prince Zhou was deposed, Zhu Youjian had repeatedly contacted the alchemists who made elixirs for Prince Zhou in private, and under the guise of ‘studying pharmacology,’ had requested some alchemy notes and partial formulas.
However, Li Mo did not alert them.
Instead, he used his identity as an Investigating Censor to actively befriend Zhu Youjian, discussing poetry and appreciating scenery, and even occasionally “inadvertently” expressing a hint of sympathy for the harshness of the imperial court and the plight of the princes.
Zhu Youjian was initially wary, but seeing Li Mo’s competence, his local reputation, and that he seemed to have a good impression of him, he gradually let down his guard and interacted with him, even considering Li Mo a confidant.
Li Mo, through repeated interactions, cautiously tested and observed, collecting bits and pieces of evidence.
He was almost certain that Zhu Youjian was involved in the leakage of the Red Lead Elixir and might even know more inside information.
But he lacked crucial evidence and could not determine if there was a deeper mastermind behind Zhu Youjian.
He was like a patient hunter, setting a trap and waiting for the best moment.
However, a piece of news from the capital struck him like a thunderbolt, shattering his outward calm and reigniting the nearly extinguished embers within his heart—
【Zhang Biao has been specially pardoned by the Emperor and released from house arrest!】
When the messenger brought this news to Kaifeng, Li Mo was tidying his robes, preparing to host Zhu Youjian at the pavilion in the back garden of the yamen.
Outwardly, he remained composed, but the fingers tidying his robes were slightly pale from exertion, and his heart pounded as if it would burst out of his chest.
【Brother Biao… is free?!】
At this moment, the heavy pressure of months of forbearance, loneliness, and lurking seemed to find a release.
The ‘madman’ who led them to demand wages, audit accounts, dared to scold the Emperor to his face, and finally caused a shocking case, had been specially pardoned and released by the Emperor?!
Li Mo suppressed his inner excitement and calmly walked towards the pavilion in the back garden of the yamen.
At this time, Zhu Youjian was casually sipping tea and humming a tune.
A few plates of exquisite tea snacks were laid out on the stone table, and the aroma of newly brewed Longjing tea wafted from a pot.
Li Mo entered the pavilion with a calm expression, picked up the teapot, and poured tea for Zhu Youjian with unhurried movements.
Zhu Youjian, on the other hand, had a gentle smile on his lips, but the smile did not reach his eyes. The occasional flicker of his gaze hid a barely perceptible caution and calculation.
“Does Brother Youjian have any new works recently? I’ve heard you have a great understanding of poetry, and I’ve always wanted to ask for your guidance.”
Li Mo put down the teapot, his tone humble, as if he were genuinely discussing scholarship with a friend.
Zhu Youjian smiled slightly, picked up his teacup, and took a sip, concealing his thoughts:
“Censor Li flatters me. It’s just random scribbling when I have free time, not worthy of being presented. Unlike Censor Li, who patrols on behalf of heaven and punishes evil, that is truly a great accomplishment.”
Li Mo sighed, “What great accomplishment, it’s just doing my duty.”
“In this world today, it’s difficult to do things, and even more difficult to be a person. Sometimes, when investigating a case deeply, one inevitably touches upon some… deeply entrenched matters, making one feel like walking on thin ice!”
Zhu Youjian’s eyes flickered slightly. He put down his teacup and asked casually, as if probing:
“Oh? What kind of difficult case is Censor Li investigating recently?”
“If there’s anything that requires Youjian’s help, please don’t hesitate to ask. After all, the entire Kaifeng Prefecture now relies on Censor Li to maintain order.”
His words, though seemingly enthusiastic, were actually an attempt to probe Li Mo’s investigative direction, especially if it related to old matters of Prince Zhou’s Mansion.
Li Mo sneered inwardly, but outwardly, he showed an expression of finding a kindred spirit, lowering his voice:
“To be honest with Brother Youjian, I’ve recently been reviewing some old accounts and found several suspicious payments related to the Prince’s Mansion’s procurement of elixirs. It seems… they are linked to some insidious items circulating in the market.”
Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian’s hand holding the teacup paused almost imperceptibly. He then quickly resumed his natural posture, his face showing surprise and indignation: “Such a thing has happened? It must be those scoundrels below deceiving us!”
“Alas, my father…”
He said, unable to help but sigh,
“My father was obsessed with alchemy in the past and neglected his management, which allowed some villains to take advantage! Censor Li must investigate thoroughly and eliminate the scoundrels within the mansion!”
Li Mo knew he was acting, but he didn’t expose him, instead following his words:
“Brother Youjian is magnanimous, I admire you.”
“However, this matter is deeply involved, and some clues… seem to point to individuals within the mansion who have access to core matters.”
After speaking, he swept his gaze meaningfully over Zhu Youjian.
The smile on Zhu Youjian’s face stiffened for a moment, then turned into a long sigh. His tone also carried a hint of sincere bitterness:
“Censor Li is an understanding person. To be honest with you, we imperial clan members, despite appearing glamorous, are actually in a difficult position.”
“My elder brother is kind but not a strong leader. My father in the past… Now, with the misfortune of our family and this great calamity, Youjian only wishes to protect himself and do his best for my father and brother. That is already fortunate, how could I have any other ambitions?”
His approach was to retreat in order to advance. It hinted at his grievances and lack of recognition within the Prince’s Mansion, while also stating that he had no ambition and only wished for a peaceful life.
The two exchanged words, with hidden barbs, as they cautiously tested each other’s bottom lines and true intentions.
Willow catkins fluttered outside the pavilion, and the aroma of tea permeated within, but it could not hide the silent competition.
Li Mo saw that Zhu Youjian was extremely wary and knew that forcing him would be useless. He then turned to discuss moonlit flowers and ancient anecdotes, his tone becoming more relaxed.
Zhu Youjian was happy to cooperate, and for a time, the atmosphere in the pavilion seemed to return to its previous harmony.
It wasn’t until the sun began to set that Zhu Youjian rose to take his leave.
Li Mo personally escorted him to the main gate of the yamen.
As they parted, Zhu Youjian casually mentioned:
“I heard that the capital has been somewhat… restless lately? Has that Censor Zhang, who once stirred up trouble, made any new moves?”
Li Mo’s heart trembled, but his expression remained unchanged. He said calmly:
“Matters of the capital are not for us outside officials to arbitrarily discuss. As for Zhang Biao… he’s just a madman. His Majesty is benevolent and spared his life; I presume he should be behaving himself now.”
Zhu Youjian observed Li Mo’s expression carefully. Seemingly finding no flaws, he smiled, cupped his hands, and said:
“Censor Li is right. It was my slip of the tongue. Thank you for your hospitality today, I take my leave.”
Watching Zhu Youjian board his carriage and depart, the calm on Li Mo’s face instantly vanished, his eyes becoming sharp and cold.
【He indeed mentioned Brother Biao…】
【He is testing me, and even more so, testing the direction of the capital! This means… he is guilty!】
On the carriage, Zhu Youjian’s gentle smile disappeared the moment the curtain was lowered, his expression becoming extremely gloomy.
【Li Mo is by no means as simple as he appears!】
【In his words just now, he repeatedly mentioned elixirs and core individuals, clearly implying something! How much does he know?】
【And Zhang Biao… that madman has actually been released by His Imperial Grandfather! If he is still colluding with Li Mo…】
【It seems I must contact Uncle Prince】
A strong sense of crisis seized Zhu Youjian.
He knew he had to speed up his actions, either to completely clear himself of suspicion or to silence those who might leak secrets forever!
The meeting in the pavilion, seemingly calm on the surface, was in fact full of undercurrents.
Both of them became more certain of the other’s ‘complexity’ and reassessed the situation in their hearts, planning their next moves.
Li Mo was waiting for an opportunity to throw out bait.
And Zhu Youjian, driven by fear and ambition, might be about to make even more dangerous moves.
This silent battle of hidden agendas was developing in an unpredictable direction.
Suddenly, a gust of spring wind picked up, blowing the willow catkins and awakening Li Mo’s thoughts.
【Brother Biao, now that he’s out, he definitely won’t be idle! He must have a bigger plan!】
Li Mo clenched his fists tightly, a long-lost passion surging in his chest.
【This lead with Zhu Youjian must be accelerated! We must obtain conclusive evidence!】
【As long as we get the evidence, perhaps… we can help Brother Biao! And bring the truth one step further!】
He was no longer satisfied with slow infiltration and testing.
A bolder, riskier plan began to form in his mind.
At the same time.
Zhang Biao was also brewing an unprecedented public opinion war in the capital that would shock the Great Ming Dynasty.
Meanwhile, Old Zhu in the palace, aside from attending court and reviewing memorials, would occasionally inquire about the progress of Jiang Huan’s investigation and send people to watch Zhang Biao.
He received Song Zhong’s ‘urgent’ delivery of 《Zhang Biao’s Storytelling Records》 almost every day.
At first, he could resist reading them, but later, unable to suppress his curiosity, or perhaps driven by a mindset of ‘I want to see how much more shameless this madman can be,’ he opened the record.
Upon reading it, it almost sent him to his grave!
“Scoundrel! Nonsense! When did I ever tell him to investigate the Prince’s Mansion?!”
“And wielding an imperial decree? He has no imperial decree at all!”
Old Zhu, furious, threw the record to the ground:
“And! What has he written about my sons? Arrogant and willful, as stupid as pigs?! He, Zhang Biao, has become a righteous official pleading for the people?!”
Yun Ming, trembling by his side, whispered, “Your Majesty, in his story, he didn’t mention which Prince, just ‘a certain Prince’s Mansion’… and… he didn’t mention… he said it was Director Zhang…”
“That’s still not acceptable—!”
Old Zhu roared,
“Pointing at the mulberry tree to curse the locust tree, his intentions are punishable! He is ruining the reputation of the princes and shaking the foundation of the nation!”
However, what made Old Zhu even more frustrated was that Zhang Biao’s ‘storytelling’ was surprisingly effective.
Those low-ranking officials and commoners loved this kind of ‘upright official fighting powerful figures’ drama, and it spread incredibly fast.
In just a few days, many people in the Capital City were already discussing the untold secrets between ‘Director Zhang of the Anti-corruption Bureau’ and the ‘unlawful princes’.
Old Zhu felt as if he had swallowed a fly, unable to spit it out, and it was utterly disgusting.
He wanted to retaliate, but Zhang Biao had neither attacked the palace gates nor explicitly insulted him. He was merely ‘telling stories.’ If he were to severely punish him for this, it would make him appear guilty and validate the content of the stories.
This feeling of being grilled, of holding absolute power yet having nowhere to exert it, made Old Zhu want to explode.
“Go! Have Song Zhong find a way—!”
Old Zhu roared at Yun Ming: “Make him shut up! At least don’t let him talk at the Palace gate!”
“Yes, yes, yes, this servant will go immediately.”
Yun Ming bowed and scraped as he went to relay the decree.
However, what could Song Zhong do?
Coercion? Zhang Biao wasn’t afraid at all; at worst, they could kill him, which would be exactly what he wanted.
Bribery? He was like a rolling stone that couldn’t be moved, impervious to all attempts. Furthermore, he was rumored to be worth twenty million, richer than the Emperor’s Imperial Treasury!
Forcible removal? He would immediately lie down and stage a ‘government oppresses the people’ act, making the situation even more embarrassing.
Therefore, for the time being, neither Old Zhu nor Song Zhong could do anything about him.
But Zhang Biao’s troublemaking was far from over.
Just as Old Zhu and Song Zhong were at their wits’ end with his ‘artistic offensive,’ he came up with a new tactic.
He was no longer satisfied with ‘storytelling’ and began to mobilize the lower-class citizens and minor officials who had been moved by his ‘stories.’
Soon, a strange form of ‘petition’ appeared.
Every day when the officials went to court, a few commoners, or minor officials dressed in low-ranking official robes, would come to the Outside the Gate of Heavenly Acceptance. They wouldn’t cause a commotion or kowtow, but would simply stand there silently for a while, perhaps holding a piece of paper with crooked writing on it:
“We implore His Majesty to strongly utilize Director Zhang and rigorously investigate corruption!”
“Support the Anti-corruption Bureau in auditing the princes and bringing justice to the people!”
“Anonymous complaint box, the hope of the people!”
There weren’t many people, but they came every day, like a trickle of water, gathering outside the Palace gate, forming a silent yet persistent pressure.
Some of these people were genuinely moved by the ‘stories’ and hoped for an upright official; others had been oppressed by clerks and powerful figures and were using this opportunity to express their discontent; there might even be people secretly instigated by Zhang Biao’s old soldiers.
They didn’t disrupt order, didn’t smash or loot, they just stood there quietly, using their silent gazes and simple slogans to express a demand that made those in power uneasy.
This immediately put pressure not only on Old Zhu but on the entire imperial court.
When the officials went to court and saw those silent figures outside the Palace gate, their hearts pounded.
Especially those with guilty consciences, or those deeply involved with the princes’ interests, felt as if thorns were piercing their backs.
“Your Majesty, although the people gathering daily outside the Palace gate have not caused unrest, if this continues for a long time, it may not be a good omen!”
Some censors began to submit memorials.
“Zhang Biao is deceiving the masses with demonic words and inciting public sentiment; his intentions are sinister, please Your Majesty execute him according to law!”
Yuan Tai and others stepped forward again to impeach him.
Old Zhu sat on the Dragon throne, his face so grim it could drip water.
He felt as if Zhang Biao had outmaneuvered him again!
This lunatic, at the lowest cost and in the most unscrupulous way, had leveraged public opinion and cornered him into a position where he had to respond!
Continue to ignore it?
The ‘silent petitions’ outside the Palace gate would only increase. If news spread, how would the world view him as Emperor? Would they say he was protecting the princes? That he was afraid of the Anti-corruption Bureau?
Severely punish Zhang Biao? On what grounds? For ‘telling stories’? Or for ‘incitement’?
Under the current public opinion atmosphere, forcibly suppressing him would only provoke a greater backlash, perfectly fitting Zhang Biao’s image of an ‘incompetent ruler and corrupt officials’ in his stories!
Caught between a rock and a hard place!
Old Zhu tightly gripped the armrest of the Dragon throne, his knuckles turning white from the force.
He had never hated anyone so much, nor had he ever been so helpless against anyone.
“Your Majesty…”
Yun Ming carefully held a newly delivered ‘Storytelling Record’ and a memorial report about the situation outside the Palace gate, his voice trembling.
“Slam—!”
Old Zhu, without even looking, suddenly waved his hand, sending the items from Yun Ming’s grasp flying.
He panted heavily, his chest heaving, his eyes bloodshot.
Just then, hurried footsteps were heard from Outside the Hall, along with a report delivered with a trembling voice:
“Your Majesty, Censor Zhang, he he has stopped storytelling.”
“Hm?”
Old Zhu and Yun Ming were both stunned, thinking, has that lunatic changed his ways? He’s voluntarily stopped storytelling?
“Then what is he doing?”
Old Zhu couldn’t help but press.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, he he is recalling your past events.”
“What past events?”
Old Zhu’s brow furrowed, a vague sense of foreboding washing over him.
“It’s about Your Majesty’s your uprising back then.”
“!”
A black exclamation mark suddenly popped up at Old Zhu’s temple, and his heart trembled violently.
That dog has got to be…
He recalled the day he chased Zhang Biao with a sword in Huagai Hall and the nonsensical things that scoundrel had said. Instantly, he was consumed by rage:
“Yun Ming! Quickly issue a decree! Summon Zhang Biao to an audience—!”
…
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