Chapter 234: Old Zhu: Zhang Biao Is Not Dead? Are You Trying To Die Mumbling Like That?! Seeking Monthly Tickets
Inside Huagai Hall, the blue smoke from sandalwood rose straight up.
Old Zhu sat on the enormous dragon throne, the memorials piled before him seemingly endless.
He picked up an urgent military report from Beiping, submitted by Prince Yan, Zhu Di.
“Heh, Fourth Brother…”
Old Zhu muttered with a smile, his gaze sharply scanning the contents of the report.
Zhu Di detailed in the report that the remnants of the Northern Yuan tribes had been frequently harassing the borders, with small cavalry groups repeatedly encroaching and plundering the border populace.
Although it had not yet escalated into a major disaster, their actions were becoming increasingly rampant.
Therefore, Zhu Di requested Old Zhu’s permission to lead an elite force out of the frontier for a swift and decisive purge, in order to “subdue the petty offenders and pacify the border.”
After reading Zhu Di’s report, Old Zhu’s fingers unconsciously tapped on the words “out of the frontier for a purge,” his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
He knew that the north was unstable.
Zhu Di, guarding Beiping, indeed faced immense pressure from the Northern Yuan. His proactive approach, using offense as defense, was consistent with his usual style and seemed logical.
However…
Times were different now.
Old Zhu no longer trusted his princely sons as he once did, thanks to Zhang Biao’s meddling.
Especially the truth behind Zhu Biao’s death had subtly hinted at another hidden manipulator.
And Old Zhu had repeatedly suspected that this hidden manipulator was a prince, even directly implicating Prince Yan, Zhu Di.
Therefore, under these circumstances, any action by Zhu Di would be magnified tenfold in his scrutiny.
Even actions that, in his opinion, were logical.
Old Zhu casually put down Zhu Di’s report and turned his gaze to Jiang Huan, who stood respectfully at his side.
“Jiang Huan.”
“Your subject is here.”
Jiang Huan immediately stepped forward.
“In Beiping, besides the Prince Yan’s Mansion strengthening its military, have there been any other movements?”
Old Zhu’s tone was flat, revealing neither pleasure nor displeasure.
Jiang Huan, seemingly prepared, immediately bowed and replied:
“Reporting to Your Majesty, according to reports from informants in Beiping, the Prince Yan’s Mansion has indeed been preparing its troops. Besides that, there is another matter that has drawn significant attention.”
“Speak.”
“Since the beginning of spring this year, the Prince Yan’s Mansion has organized military households and laborers to carry out extensive land reclamation and cultivation around Beiping, on a scale far exceeding previous years. It is estimated that the newly reclaimed and deeply tilled land has increased by nearly thirty percent compared to last year.”
“Oh?”
Old Zhu raised an eyebrow. “An increase of thirty percent? When did Fourth Brother become so concerned with farming? What reason did he give?”
“Reporting to Your Majesty, the Prince Yan’s Mansion claims that due to the severe floods in Jiangnan last year and the disruption of grain transport, the imperial granaries have been heavily depleted.”
Jiang Huan continued, “The northern regions have enjoyed favorable weather in recent years. Prince Yan, sympathizing with the court’s difficulties, has therefore expanded land cultivation to achieve self-sufficiency, hoping to alleviate the northern border’s provisions and pay shortages.”
“Sympathizing with the court’s difficulties?”
Old Zhu’s lips curved into a smile that was not a smile, his eyes devoid of warmth. “My Fourth Son is becoming increasingly eloquent.”
This assessment, though seemingly noble and unimpeachable,
only deepened Old Zhu’s suspicion.
Who was this Zhu Di?
He grew up amidst war and turmoil!
He was ambitious, aspiring to conquer battlefields and expand territories. When did he become so understanding and considerate?
【When things are abnormal, there must be a reason!】
A sharp glint flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes as his fingers unconsciously tapped the armrest of the dragon throne.
【Expanding land cultivation to strengthen its foundation… it’s like preparing for something major…】
【Could it be… accumulating strength?】
【That’s it!】
Old Zhu’s heart stirred, and he suddenly recalled the “raising bandits for self-importance” that the madman Zhang Biao had uncovered.
Although Zhang Biao’s investigation concerned the southern grain transport and garrison system, this idea of “raising bandits” might not be confined to that region.
【Is Fourth Brother also planning to play this game?】
【Does he intend to use the excuse of Northern Yuan border incursions to constantly demand money and provisions from the court, while simultaneously intensely cultivating land and storing grain to strengthen himself?】
Once this thought took root, it grew like wild grass in his heart.
He looked again at Zhu Di’s memorial requesting military action, his gaze growing deeper.
【Fourth Brother, oh Fourth Brother, at this juncture, you had better not act rashly, or our father-son relationship may be severed!】
【However, if you want to send troops, I will grant your request!】
【I’ll see if you’re truly going to fight the Tatars, or putting on a show for me!】
“Granted.”
Old Zhu picked up his vermilion brush and wrote a “May” on Zhu Di’s memorial, but then added:
“Inform the Ministry of War that the provisions and military equipment required by Prince Yan shall be allocated according to regulations, with no additional provisions.”
“Furthermore, order the Liaodong Military Commission and Datong Garrison to closely monitor the enemy situation beyond the frontier. If there are any changes, respond promptly. There shall be no errors.”
He thus both agreed to Zhu Di’s request and subtly imposed restrictions and surveillance.
After approving Zhu Di’s memorial, Old Zhu casually asked Jiang Huan again:
“The Literary Grand Ceremony is currently being held in the Capital City, with scholars from all over the realm gathered. Have there been any movements from the Prince Yan’s Mansion? Haven’t Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Gaochi, and Zhu Gaochi, those three brothers, thought of going to join the excitement?”
Jiang Huan understood implicitly that His Majesty wanted to test whether the sons of Prince Yan had any intention of forming factions and recruiting talent.
He replied cautiously:
“Reporting to Your Majesty, the three princes of the Prince Yan’s Mansion have been very careful since that incident. Even after I withdrew most of the Imperial Guard, they have remained so, with no signs of them joining the festivities.”
“However… if Your Majesty wishes, perhaps an imperial decree could be issued to allow them to attend the ceremony, as a show of imperial favor.”
Old Zhu’s eyes narrowed, and then he nodded faintly.
“Indeed, your words have merit.”
“Issue a decree, specially permitting the Heir Apparent Zhu Gaochi, Commandery Prince Zhu Gaochi, and Commandery Prince Zhu Gaochi to observe the Literary Grand Ceremony.”
“Let them also witness the abundance of talent in our Great Ming Dynasty.”
【If Fourth Brother truly harbors ill intentions, his sons must harbor the desire to recruit talent! Let me see what these three young men are made of!】
After dealing with matters in the north and concerning the Prince Yan’s Mansion, Old Zhu picked up another report from the southwest.
This was a victory report jointly submitted by Prince Mu’s Mansion in Yunnan and Prince Shu’s Mansion.
The report stated that local chieftains in the Dazhang River and Xining Fort areas of Jianchang, along with the Mosuo Cave chieftain of Yongning, had conspired in a rebellion and occupied parts of Yongning.
Marquis Xiping, Mu Chun, and the Sichuan Central Military Governor Investigator Xu Kai had joined forces, quickly mobilized troops, and quelled the rebellion. They had successfully recovered Yongning, defeated the rebel forces, the main culprits were apprehended, and the rest scattered.
Old Zhu looked at the victory report, his face not showing much joy, but rather his brows furrowed tighter and tighter.
To him, rebellions and their suppression in areas like Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan were not new occurrences.
Therefore, without hesitation, he picked up his vermilion brush and wrote on the report:
“Mu Chun and Xu Kai are commendable for their loyalty and bravery, having swiftly suppressed and pacified the rebels. The Ministry of War is ordered to deliberate on their merits. Prince Shu provided effective assistance and truly lives up to his reputation as the ‘Shu Scholar’.”
The annotation appeared to be praise, but after putting down his brush, Old Zhu fell into a long silence.
The only sound in the hall was the faint crackling of candlelight.
“If my memory serves me correctly… last year it was the chieftains of the Eleven Villages of Weimo, the Jiahalah clan of Yanjing Guard in Sichuan… and the rebellion of the Xifan of Mosuo Cave in Yongning…”
“How long has it been? Why is Mosuo Cave in Yongning rebelling again? And colluding with the chieftains of Jianchang?”
Old Zhu muttered to himself, his voice echoing in the vast hall:
“Moreover, Lan Yu had just pacified the rebellions in Jianchang and Sichuan and was summoned back to the capital.”
The speed at which his fingers tapped the armrest gradually quickened, indicating his inner turmoil.
One rebellion could be attributed to poor local governance and defiant chieftains.
But successive rebellions in the same region, even involving the same tribes, forced one to ponder.
Were Mu Chun and Xu Kai incompetent?
Or was Prince Shu Zhu Chun, the ‘Scholar Prince,’ only good at reading and not at governing?
Or was someone trying to use these rebellions to tell him that the border could not do without Lan Yu?
No… Mu Ying was his adopted son, and Mu Chun was a worthy son of his father; he knew their capabilities.
Xu Kai was also his veteran general.
Although Prince Shu Zhu Chun favored literature, he was not an incompetent official.
As for Lan Yu… he would not dare to play such games with him.
Then why were the rebellions so frequent? Like weeds, one crop was burned, and another sprouted quickly.
Suddenly, a chilling thought flashed through Old Zhu’s mind like lightning, making him tremble and his pupils constrict.
【Raising bandits for self-importance!】
Those four words again!
The terrifying speculation Zhang Biao, the madman, had come up with while investigating the loss of military equipment exploded in his mind like thunder.
【Could it be… that the frequent rebellions in the southwest are not natural disasters, nor simply man-made misfortunes, but that someone… someone is deliberately manipulating them from behind the scenes?!】
【Someone needs rebellions! Needs warfare! To extort more provisions and greater power from the court!】
【Or even… to deplete the court’s national strength, eliminate adversaries, or seek personal gain amidst the chaos?!】
Old Zhu abruptly stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, his expression shifting rapidly.
He thought of the power of the Prince Mu’s Mansion in Yunnan, of Prince Shu’s seemingly detached demeanor yet deep reserves, of the possibly irregular write-offs in the Ministry of War, and of the military equipment whose whereabouts were unknown, as discovered by Zhang Biao…
Could all of this be explained by coincidence?
“Jiang Huan!”
Old Zhu suddenly stopped, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness and coldness he himself hadn’t noticed.
“Your subject is here!”
Jiang Huan felt the terrifying aura emanating from Old Zhu and his heart tightened.
“Investigate them meticulously and secretly!”
Old Zhu stared at him, enunciating each word:
“Investigate the expenses for quelling rebellions in the southwest in recent years, and the write-offs for military equipment losses! Investigate the unusual movements and personnel exchanges of local officials, garrison commanders, and even princely mansions before and after each rebellion!”
“Focus on Mu Chun and Xu Kai’s units, as well as Prince Shu’s Mansion! Show me whether their hands are clean!”
“I want to know if these rebellions are due to the arrogance of barbarians, or… man-made disasters!”
“Yes! Your subject obeys the decree!”
Jiang Huan bowed and accepted the order, a cold sweat already breaking out on his back.
He understood that the Emperor’s suspicion, ignited by Zhang Biao, was now spreading to a wider area.
A secret investigation targeting the southwest and the entire Great Ming military merit system was about to commence.
Old Zhu stood alone before the enormous Great Ming Territory Map, his gaze sweeping over Beiping in the north, then falling upon Yunnan and Sichuan in the southwest, his eyes as cold as iron.
Zhang Biao was like a mad bull that had charged into a china shop. Although he had caused a mess, he had also broken through many carefully concealed stains.
Now, the stench of these stains had spread, making him, the Emperor of the Great Ming, smell the nauseating scent of conspiracy and betrayal.
【Shaanxi Corruption Case, Grain Transport Corruption Case, Raising Bandits for Self-Importance Case.】
Old Zhu constantly pondered the connections between these cases, trying to find common threads.
However, the information he received was not firsthand, and he had not personally investigated the cases, making it difficult to discover subtle clues.
This once led him into a mental stalemate.
Just then, Yun Ming rushed in, almost stumbling.
He held two secret reports that had arrived almost simultaneously, his face a mixture of unprecedented gravity and alarm.
“Your Majesty! An urgent dispatch! Investigator Song has sent two secret reports consecutively! Censor Zhang… Censor Zhang was assassinated at the post station!”
Upon hearing this, Old Zhu turned around abruptly, his eyes instantly flashing with terrifying intensity, and a chilling aura of malevolence spread out. “He died?!”
“No, no!”
“Don’t stammer like a fool, do you want to die?!”
Old Zhu roared in exasperation.
Yun Ming immediately knelt on the ground with a thud, his voice trembling.
“Your Majesty, please calm your anger. According to Investigator Song’s first secret report, Censor Zhang was fortunate, and was able to use… use what appeared to be a musket, a strange hidden weapon, to kill an assassin. However, his subordinate Imperial Guards suffered heavy casualties.”
“The assassins… were all suicide agents. After their mission failed, they immediately bit poison and committed suicide, leaving no survivors.”
“Suicide agents again?!”
Old Zhu’s expression darkened, and he turned to Jiang Huan, angrily saying,
“What are my Imperial Guards good for?! The assassination attempt at the Ministry of Justice Prison hasn’t yielded any clues yet, and now there’s the assassination attempt on Zhang Biao!? Am I nurturing a bunch of wastes?!”
“Your Majesty, this humble subject is guilty.”
Jiang Huan also knelt with a thud, his voice trembling. “This humble subject… this humble subject will do his best to investigate this matter.”
“Hmph!”
Old Zhu snorted coldly, but did not berate Jiang Huan further.
Because he knew that the Imperial Guard was not omnipotent. If not for Zhang Biao’s reckless meddling, he might never have known how many wicked deeds had been committed right under his nose.
This act of using suicide agents to assassinate an “Imperial Envoy” was no longer merely obstructing the investigation of corruption; it was outright treason.
He snatched the first secret report and quickly scanned it.
Upon seeing the “Bi’an” tattoos on the assassins’ inner left arms, and Zhang Biao’s insistence on going to the more dangerous Raozhou Guard against advice, Old Zhu’s face became as dark as if water could drip from it.
“Good! Very good!”
Old Zhu’s voice was like the grinding of ice shards. “This Bi’an organization, what audacity! Are they truly planning a rebellion?!”
His chest heaved violently, a mix of lingering fear and overwhelming rage.
Although the madman Zhang Biao often angered him, he was indeed a sharp blade that could tear open the dark curtain for him.
The fact that they were now cornered and dared to send people to break his knife at such a critical moment indicated that the path Zhang Biao was investigating was correct.
“Where’s the second letter?!”
Old Zhu roared, his premonition that a greater incident must have occurred at Raozhou Guard.
Yun Ming dared not delay, and immediately presented the second secret report, adding:
“This report arrived not long after the first, and speaks of Raozhou Guard Commander Geng Zhong…”
Old Zhu quickly opened it, his eyes scanning the secret report like lightning.
It detailed how Geng Zhong framed Zhang Biao for the murder of Blue Dragon, how Zhang Biao exposed him layer by layer through forensic autopsy and logical reasoning in front of everyone, and finally how Lan Yu suddenly arrived, and his trusted personal guards backstabbed and silenced them.
Immediately after, a large fire broke out in the Commander’s rear office. Blue Dragon was rescued but was left crippled, and the crucial evidence might have been destroyed…
“Bang!”
After reading this secret report, Old Zhu slammed his fist onto the imperial desk, and a faint crack appeared on the hard rosewood surface.
“A masterful plan of silencing and destroying evidence!”
Old Zhu’s voice came from the depths of hell, carrying a bone-chilling coldness and killing intent that almost solidified:
“The person behind Geng Zhong, their methods are so ruthless and decisive!?”
He instantly pieced together the sequence of events:
【 Zhang Biao discovered the secret of Jiujiang Guard, followed the clues, then investigated the core of Raozhou Guard, touching the reverse scale of the mastermind.
【 The other side first sent assassins. After they failed, they immediately activated a backup plan, using Geng Zhong as a pawn for a final gamble, attempting to frame and disrupt.
【 After failing, they did not hesitate to sacrifice a rook to save the general, silencing Geng Zhong, and setting fire to destroy any potentially remaining crucial evidence. Even Blue Dragon, who might have known something or been in the way, was crippled.
The speed of their reaction, the ruthlessness of their methods, and the depth of their planning, made Old Zhu feel a chill.
This was absolutely beyond the capabilities of an ordinary person!
This mastermind not only possessed immense power but was also cold-blooded and resolute, regarding human life as less than grass!
“Jiang Huan!”
Old Zhu suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot: “Have the people you sent arrived?!”
“Replying to Your Majesty, judging by the time, the Imperial Guard officers I dispatched should have just arrived near Raozhou Guard.”
Jiang Huan replied cautiously: “Perhaps… just in time to clean up the mess.”
“Clean up the mess?”
Old Zhu sneered, his laughter filled with brutality:
“Going now, how many small fish and shrimp can you catch?! The real big shots have long since retreated into their holes!”
He paced rapidly inside the hall, like a trapped lion.
Border unrest, Zhang Biao’s assassination attempt, the martyrdom of Imperial Guards, Geng Zhong’s murder, Blue Dragon’s crippling, evidence burned…
This series of events struck Zhu Yuanzhang like a series of resounding slaps to the face.
This was a provocation of imperial power! It was shaking the foundations of the nation!
After his rage, came the Emperor’s extreme cold logic and calculation.
He sat back down on the dragon throne, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the armrest, producing a dull ‘thump, thump’ sound.
“Zhang Biao… you madman…”
Old Zhu muttered to himself, his tone complex and unreadable: “This time, you almost touched the tiger’s backside…”
He had to admit that although Zhang Biao acted erratically and didn’t follow conventions, his keen instincts and his stubbornness to achieve his goal had indeed yielded remarkable results.
If the other party hadn’t reacted so quickly and acted so ruthlessly, this madman might have truly torn open a huge hole.
Now, the clues seemed broken, but were they truly broken?
Old Zhu’s gaze fell back on the secret report, focusing on a few keywords:
‘Bi’an tattoo’, ‘death warriors’, ‘Water Monkey’, ‘hollowed-out timber’, ‘soldier with a missing eyebrow and sloped shoulder’, ‘Black Wind Gully’…
These were fragments that Zhang Biao and Song Zhong had painstakingly dug up in their desperate situation.
“Jiang Huan!”
“Your servant is here!”
“Deliver an imperial edict!”
Old Zhu’s voice was decisive and unquestionable:
“First, send more reliable personnel to ensure Zhang Biao’s safety!”
“Tell Zhang Biao that his life belongs to me, and he is not allowed to die until this case is investigated!”
“Second, all local yamen must fully assist Zhang Biao in following these clues he has uncovered to investigate further!”
“That ‘Water Monkey’, the source of the timber, that soldier suspected of arson, and Black Wind Gully, search every inch for me!”
“Third, keep a close eye on the Duke of Liang’s Mansion! That old rascal Lan Yu, I don’t believe he is completely unaware of this matter!”
“Even if he himself was not involved, his subordinates may not be clean! See what actions he takes and who he contacts after returning!”
“Fourth!”
A cold glint flashed in Old Zhu’s eyes:
“Use all your hidden agents, and investigate this ‘Bi’an’ tattoo for me! The Ministry of Justice, Supreme Court, Censorate, all Prince’s Mansions, and even retired officials, anyone who might be involved in judicial matters or supervision, search them thoroughly!”
“I want to see who is using ‘Bi’an’ as a mark to commit such treasonous acts!”
“Yes! Your Majesty!”
Jiang Huan felt the solemn determination in Old Zhu’s words and did not dare to delay, bowing and withdrawing.
Then, Old Zhu said thoughtfully: “Yun Ming!”
“Your servant is here!”
“I want to host a banquet, on the day the ‘Literary Grand Ceremony’ concludes. I will invite talented individuals, civil and military officials, Imperial Concubines, and the princes and their sons residing in the capital!”
“As long as they are not on the verge of death, everyone must attend!”
“This…”
Yun Ming’s expression froze, as if he hadn’t understood. He thought, why would the Emperor, who was just acting decisively, suddenly want to host a banquet?
It was known that Old Zhu, since his ascension, had rarely held grand banquets, except for the founding ceremony.
However, when Old Zhu’s undeniable gaze fell upon him, he instantly understood. The Emperor wanted to observe everyone.
“Your servant… obeys your imperial command!”
Soon, Yun Ming bowed and withdrew.
In the empty Huagai Hall, Old Zhu sat alone on the dragon throne.
His figure appeared exceptionally lonely in the candlelight, yet exuded a terrifying majesty.
He slowly closed his eyes. In his mind flashed the faces of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, Empress Ma, and Imperial Eldest Grandson Zhu Xiongying. Then, the faces of Prince Qin, Prince Jin, Prince Zhou, Prince Qi, Prince Shu… and even Prince Yan Zhu Di.
And also the Grain Transport, Military Equipment, death warriors, princes, the struggle for the successor position, and the potential murder…
All of this seemed to be connected by an invisible thread, pointing to a vast dark shadow hidden in the abyss.
On the other side, Raozhou Guard.
After Geng Zhong’s death, the garrison system was temporarily taken over by Song Zhong’s men. All soldiers were ordered to remain in the camp and not move freely.
The soldier identified by Zhao Hu as having a ‘missing eyebrow and a sloped right shoulder’ was quickly apprehended.
After separate interrogation, the man admitted to being instructed by a trusted deputy of Geng Zhong, who had ‘disappeared’ in the fire, to pour oil in several key locations of the rear office and set the fire at a specific time, but he knew little about the mastermind behind it.
This lead seemed to be temporarily broken.
However, Zhang Biao was not discouraged and focused on two other clues.
“Old Song, any news on the ‘Water Monkey’ and that batch of timber?”
Zhang Biao asked in the temporarily cleared signing room, the faint smell of burning still lingering in the air.
Song Zhong hurried in, a hint of excitement on his face:
“Sir, we have a lead! According to the garrison’s account records and the memories of several old craftsmen, the batch of timber, brought in under the guise of ‘repairing barracks’, came from ‘Chen’s Timber Shop’ west of the city.”
“Our men have already gone to control the shopkeeper and accountant of the timber shop.”
“As for the ‘Water Monkey’…”
Song Zhong’s tone turned serious:
“This person is a local ruffian in the Raozhou dock area. He has gathered a group of idlers and specializes in acting as an intermediary between the River Gang, various merchant firms, and even the garrison, dealing in illicit businesses.”
“According to intelligence, he was seen at the docks last night, but by this morning, he was nowhere to be found at his usual gambling houses and taverns. It seems… he heard the wind and went into hiding.”
“Hiding?”
A cold glint flashed in Zhang Biao’s eyes: “Dig three feet deep, you must drag him out for me!”
“Issue an order, seal all major roads and water docks in Raozhou, and conduct strict inspections! Draw his portrait and offer a reward for his capture! Bring him back alive, or find his body!”
“Yes!”
Song Zhong received the order and was about to turn when Zhang Biao called him back.
“Wait, for Black Wind Gully, send more people to search again!”
“Focus on the place where the Imperial Guard brothers were found murdered, and its surroundings! Geng Zhong’s men handled it in a hurry, I don’t believe they left anything behind!”
“Understood!”
Song Zhong immediately went to make arrangements.
The next moment, Old Qian hurried in, his face solemn as he said to Zhang Biao:
“Lord Zhang, our men have just received news that Censor Zhao has gone missing in Qi territory!”
“What did you say!?”
Zhang Biao’s face darkened, and he quickly stepped forward.
Requesting monthly tickets~
