In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 969 His Highness the Crown Prince is Back

On the third day,
Yingtian City was shrouded in a layer of hazy morning light, and even the wind carried a sense of oppression.

The once bustling bluestone road is now deserted.
Only the Imperial Guards patrolled back and forth in orderly steps.
A long sword was slung across her waist, and the red silk ribbon swayed slightly in the wind, but it couldn't dispel the tension in the air.

The city gates remained tightly shut, and the drawbridge was raised high.
The soldiers guarding the city wall had sharp, eagle-like eyes, staring intently at the distant official road.

At the foot of the city wall, a long line of caravans stood in neat rows, waiting to enter the city, their faces full of anxiety.

Many people were so anxious that the fruits and vegetables they brought from the capital region had rotted!
"It's been sealed off for three days now. If it doesn't open soon, the vegetables will all rot!"

One farmer couldn't help but mutter.

He had barely finished speaking when his companion tugged at his arm, signaling him to shut up.

Midtown is on high alert, with bustling areas like Fudong Street and Dagongfang in particular under heavy fire.
Now, there is a guard standing every few steps.

Most shops were closed, with only a few grain shops having small windows open.
A long queue formed at the entrance, where grain merchants carefully weighed rice for the people with small scales.

The officials from the Three Departments and the Embroidered Uniform Guard were so busy they barely had time to breathe.

The officials, carrying portraits, searched house to house, practically digging three feet into the ground.
After three days of investigation, let alone an assassin...

They couldn't even find a trace of a flintlock musket.

Prefect Gao Shou personally went to the Sanyuan Pawnshop in the north of the city.

The bodies in the backyard have already been examined by the coroner.
The wounds on his body were all knife wounds, no different from those examined by the three judicial authorities.

Wen Cheng led the people from the Divine Palace Bureau to investigate the Ministry of Works' workshops, but they found no new clues.

Du Pingping led the Imperial Guards to thoroughly search the Hexing Dyehouse, but found no clues related to the case.

The search continued until noon, but still yielded no results.

When the news reached the palace, the atmosphere in the Wuying Hall instantly plummeted to freezing point.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, with a thick stack of memorials piled on the table in front of him.
These are all just the nonsense spouted by some ministers recently.

He didn't look; he just tapped his fingers lightly on the edge of the table.

His gaze swept silently downwards, his face remaining completely expressionless.

A group of ministers stood in the hall, including Liu Sili, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, who wore a scarlet official robe and had a livid face.

The Prefect of the Capital, Gao Shou, followed behind him, his expression solemn.

Ling Han, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, held the case file with a furrowed brow.

Several officials from the Governor's Office stood on the other side, their expressions also quite unpleasant.

Du Pingping, a vice commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, stood in the far corner, his head bowed low.
This was the first time he had ever seen such a grand scene, and he didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

"His Majesty!"

Liu Sili stepped forward first, raising the memorial above his head with both hands, his voice strong and clear.

"Your subject Liu Sili hereby impeaches Mao Xiang, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyes slightly, his tone flat:
"explain."

"Mao Xiang knowingly broke the law by secretly planting spies in the Six Ministries; this is one example."

"Hexing Dyehouse was a stronghold of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
This location was adjacent to the Sanyuan Pawnshop, yet the Imperial Guards made no discovery, resulting in the loss of the flintlock pistol.

This constitutes harboring criminals and dereliction of duty—this is the second point!

"The flintlock gun used in Lu Yunyi's assassination attempt is related to the gun lost by the Ministry of Works."
Mao Xiang had previously concealed the connection between Hexing Dyehouse and the pawnshop during his investigation.

This is deceiving the emperor and disrespecting his authority; this is the third offense!

Liu Sili finished speaking in one breath, his voice trembling slightly.

"Your Majesty, I implore you to execute Mao Xiang to uphold the law!"

"I second the proposal!"

Chang Yue, the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, immediately stepped forward, holding a dossier.

"Your Majesty, I have internal records of the Embroidered Uniform Guard here."
After Qian Xinghuai died last year, Mao Xiang ordered the destruction of all accounts related to Hexing Dyehouse.

I found it suspicious at the time.

Looking back now, he must have been afraid that the accounts would be leaked, revealing even more secrets!

Ling Han also stepped forward and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Justice has reviewed Mao Xiang's confession in the imperial prison."

He avoided discussing the Hexing Dyehouse incident, only saying that he knew nothing about it.

However, according to sources within the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Mao Xiang visited Hexing Dyehouse multiple times last year, indicating he was certainly aware of the situation!

Such deception, if not severely punished, will likely fail to convince the public!

Ye Wang was the Vice Commander of the Rear Army Commandery, and he spoke directly:
"Your Majesty, flintlock muskets are a top secret in the military."

Now lost and abroad, it was even used to assassinate high-ranking officials of the imperial court.

As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Mao Xiang cannot escape blame!
Your Majesty, I implore you to execute Mao Xiang as a warning to others!

"I second the proposal!"

Marquises Sun Ke, Zhu Shou, and others spoke in unison.

Zhu Shou stepped forward, his tone heavy:

"Your Majesty, Mao Xiang has been in the Embroidered Uniform Guard for many years, with deep roots and informants throughout the capital."

He has turned a deaf ear to the chaos in the capital these days, which is dereliction of duty.

If we don't sweep away the accumulated dust, even more trouble will likely arise in the future!

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes turned to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Du Pingping stood in the corner, her heart pounding, not from fear, but from excitement!
With Mao Xiang dead, the position of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard will most likely fall into his hands!
The hall remained quiet for a long time, and no one spoke.

After a long while, Zhu Yuanzhang finally spoke in a deep voice:
"Du Pingping, have you found the gun and the assassin?"

Du Pingping, who was in the corner, suddenly realized what was happening, quickly stepped to the center, and bowed deeply.
"Your Majesty, it has not been found yet."

"Humph"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes turned cold as he surveyed the crowd present and said calmly:

"A carriage, a man, and a gun"

We've searched for three whole days and still can't find it. What am I supposed to say?

Du Pingping's voice was firm and resolute as she immediately knelt down:

"Your Majesty, I am guilty! I suspect that some high-ranking officials colluded with outsiders to hide the murderer and the gun!"

"Where to hide?"

"Your Majesty, the Embroidered Uniform Guard still needs to investigate carefully, and there are no leads yet."

"How can you make wild claims about things that have no clue?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice suddenly rose in pitch!

At this moment, Duke Chang Sheng, the founder of the state, stepped forward and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I request permission to search all the gathering places and government offices of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Mao Xiang's disregard for the previous chaos in the capital already revealed his rebellious intentions.

Unfortunately, the murder weapon used to assassinate Lu Yunyi was right next to the Jinyiwei headquarters.

If someone can kill the person and take the gun without alerting the Embroidered Uniform Guard, then I will be completely convinced.

However, I believe this was an inside job by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
The assassination attempt was deliberately condoned by Mao Xiang!
"It's only because Lu Sizheng suppressed the chaos in the capital that some people suffered heavy losses!"

Upon hearing this, the pupils of everyone present suddenly contracted!

They've gone mad! Another one has gone mad!
How can such a thing be openly publicized!

However, they soon came to understand.

The Duke of Zheng, Chang Sheng, died inexplicably in Longzhou. Anyone in his place would probably go mad.

At this moment, Li Yuanming, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward, his voice steady:
"Your Majesty, although Lord Mao has made mistakes, this case has not yet been fully investigated."

Killing him now, if there are any survivors, will be difficult to explain later.

Upon hearing this, Liu Sili became anxious and took another step forward:
"Your Majesty! The evidence against Mao Xiang is irrefutable!"
Planting spies, concealing the truth, and neglecting one's duties—any one of these is punishable by death!
The case has been under investigation for three days, but they haven't even found a trace of the murderer.

"If the Embroidered Uniform Guard hadn't neglected their duties, the case wouldn't have escalated to this point."

Gao Shou also stepped forward, bowed, and said:
"Your Majesty, what Lord Liu said is absolutely right."

The people of the capital are now living in fear and unease. The city gates have been closed for three days, and shops remain shut down.
Although grain prices are stable, it is not easy for ordinary people to buy grain. If this continues, it may lead to a popular uprising.

In my opinion, the most urgent task is to severely punish Mao Xiang to appease the people.

Du Pingping suddenly became anxious:

"Lord Liu, the murderer has not been found yet. What if the murderer escapes if we open the door now?"

Liu Sili didn't look at him, but instead looked at the person to the head of the table:

"Your Majesty, I believe the murderer is incredibly powerful."
If you can't find it in three days, you might not find it even in ten.

Now that the city gates are tightly sealed, it's only the lives of ordinary people that are being disrupted.

It would be better to restore traffic and allow people to live their normal lives.

At the same time, patrols within the city were intensified. If the murderer dared to come out now that the city gates were open, he would be easier to catch!

Furthermore, the blockade of the central city not only affects ordinary people, but also caravans and government offices.

If this continues, the entire capital region will be affected by the city's stagnation!

Ling Han echoed:
"Your Majesty, Lord Liu is right; the people's livelihood is fundamental."

If people's livelihoods are thrown into chaos, it is more terrifying than the murderer.

Your subject requests that the nine gates be reopened and the blockade of the central city be lifted.

At the same time, the Three Departments and the Embroidered Uniform Guard were ordered to increase patrols and apprehend the murderer as soon as possible.

Ye Wang also nodded:
"Your Majesty, the Governor's Office can deploy a portion of its troops to assist in patrols and ensure the safety of the people."

Zhu Yuanzhang fell silent. He looked at the ministers in the hall and then at the memorials on the table.

Continuing to seal off the area is definitely not a solution.

His fingers stopped, and he looked down:

"Du Pingping, you are a Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Now that Mao Xiang is imprisoned, you are temporarily in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Once traffic is restored, we must find the culprit!

Du Pingping suddenly looked up, a flash of wild joy crossing her eyes, and quickly bowed:
"I will certainly allocate all the manpower of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
"Cooperate with the Three Judicial Offices and the Imperial Guards to increase patrols and ensure the murderer does not escape!"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, his tone finally softening:

"Issue an imperial decree to restore access to the nine gates of the capital and lift the blockade of the central city."

However, the patrols could not be relaxed; the Three Offices, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Imperial Guard each performed their duties.
We must catch the murderer and find the gun as soon as possible!

Officials in all departments also need to be careful.

This weapon can hit a target from a hundred paces away, and its power surpasses that of a heavy crossbow.

Lu Yunyi, even wearing soft armor, nearly died; you all must be even more careful.

For some reason, everyone present felt that His Majesty's voice carried a hint of mockery.

But they couldn't laugh.

He felt a growing resentment towards the Embroidered Uniform Guard and those rebels.

This thing that can take their lives at will...
How could it be lost so easily!
"Your Majesty, we obey!" the crowd replied in unison.

Zhu Yuanzhang then looked at Liu Sili:

"Investigate Mao Xiang's matter for another three days."

If no consequences are missed within three days, then we will discuss further action.

Although Liu Sili was somewhat dissatisfied, His Majesty had already relented, so he could not insist any further and could only bow.
"The minister obeys the order."

The atmosphere in the hall finally eased somewhat, and the ministers gradually withdrew.

Liu Sili walked at the back, glancing back at the direction of the prison, his eyes resolute.
anyway,

Mao Xiang, the most likely mastermind behind this, must die!
Gao Shou stood beside him and whispered:
"Brother Liu, don't worry, His Majesty has already given his consent."

Within three days, we'll gather more evidence and be sure to bring Mao Xiang to justice.

Liu Sili nodded and looked outside the hall.
The morning light had brightened, and the wind had become less sluggish.

Du Pingping walked at the back, watching the ministers' backs as they walked away, and breathed a sigh of relief.
These adults are really difficult to deal with.
They seize on a single mistake and relentlessly stomp on it until the person is completely destroyed.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from the end of the palace road, startling the sparrows on the eaves into flight.

A eunuch was seen running, his robes askew, his hair half-undone, his face covered in sweat, and even his whisk was left behind.

He shouted as he ran:

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Crown Prince! Your Highness the Crown Prince! Your Highness the Crown Prince has returned!"

These words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly freezing the ministers who had just relaxed.

Liu Sili suddenly stopped in his tracks.

His solemn expression instantly turned into tension, and he subconsciously touched the collar of his official robe.

Although Crown Prince Zhu Biao had a reputation for virtue,

But he was extremely upright and strict, and never blinked an eye when killing.

Gao Shou's expression also changed, and he looked somewhat uneasy:
"Why, why did you come back at this time!"

"Oh no, oh no, things aren't even sorted out yet, this is going to be a complete mess."

Chang Sheng had just reached the corner of the palace road when he heard these words and stopped.

He frowned, and the long sword at his waist swayed slightly.
"The Crown Prince has returned, and we haven't even caught the murderer. We've lost face big time!"

Li Yuanming stroked his gray beard, his eyes darkening:
"This matter cannot be resolved peacefully; you all should take care of yourselves."

What are you all standing there for?
"Hurry back to the yamen and sort things out, lest you be unable to answer the Crown Prince's questions."

The ministers' discussions were not loud, but they revealed a sense of panic.

Now that His Majesty is getting older, he is becoming more and more gentle in his actions.
Unless it's extremely outrageous, they won't be punished easily.

But the Crown Prince was different. He was in his prime, ambitious, and impartial when it came to handling cases.

Last year's rebellion against the party,
The crown prince advocated for a complete sweep, confiscating their property and exterminating their entire clan!

now
Du Pingping's heart tightened. He had only recently taken temporary command of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and hadn't yet figured out how things worked.

The first thing the Crown Prince asked upon his return was about him.
Being a traitor within the Imperial Guard, standing by and watching the chaos unfold, and now being a suspect himself—any one of these could land him in deep trouble.

He quietly stepped back, suddenly missing the days he spent wandering.

Although it was hard work, it wasn't as thrilling as this.

At this moment, a eunuch's announcement came from the direction of the Wuying Hall:
"By order of His Majesty, all civil and military officials are to immediately leave the city and welcome His Highness the Crown Prince!"

The ministers dared not delay, quickly straightened their official robes, and instead of returning to their offices, lined up according to their ranks to prepare to leave the city.

A quarter of an hour later, the imperial guards in the capital also sprang into action, clearing the streets and opening the city gates!

Half an hour later, the group of adults arrived five miles outside the city, where a troop of people finally appeared on the official road in the distance.

First, a bright yellow banner embroidered with dragon patterns fluttered in the wind.
Following them was a troop of cavalry, their armor gleaming.

The sound of horses' hooves grew closer and closer, causing the ground to tremble slightly.

Li Yuanming leaned forward slightly, his eyes brightening.

The clerk beside him whispered:
"My lord, His Highness the Crown Prince's entourage has arrived."

The ministers held their breath, their eyes fixed on the men and horses.

After the cavalry, came a simply decorated carriage.

The carriage curtains were plain, with a small dragon pattern embroidered on the corner; this was the carriage of the prince.

The carriage slowly came to a stop, and the driver jumped off.

Just as I was about to lift the curtain, it opened by itself.
A man dressed in blue casual clothes got off the plane.

The man was in his thirties, with a handsome face and a gentle yet undeniably authoritative air about him. He was none other than Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

As soon as he got out of the car, his gaze swept over the ministers present.
Finally, the focus shifted to Li Yuanming, who was quickly stepping forward.

"Your subject Li Yuanming, accompanied by a host of civil and military officials, greets His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Biao had a somewhat dark complexion, and he didn't reply.

Instead, he looked at the caravans stranded on the branch of the main road, his brows furrowing deeply:
"What's going on? I'm just returning to the city, why are you sending people there!"

Done
Upon hearing this, everyone present felt a sudden darkness before their eyes, and even their breath caught in their throats.

Seeing that they were stammering and unable to speak,
Zhu Biao frowned even more, glanced at Li Yuanming, and then looked at the tall city wall not far away.

Clearly sensing the strange atmosphere in the room, he said in a deep voice:
"Lord Li, what has happened?"

Li Yuanming sighed and slowly recounted the events that had occurred in the capital in recent days:
"Your Highness, previously, some traitors misappropriated large sums of money to manipulate land prices in the capital."

Lord Lu, in his capacity as Director of the Market and Exchange Bureau, defeated them.

"Oh?" Zhu Biao glanced around at everyone present, his expression softening slightly.

"What about others?"

"This this."

Li, whose original name was Minister of Rites, found it difficult to speak for the first time in his life.

At this moment, Chang Sheng, who was standing to the side, couldn't hold back any longer and stepped forward:
"Your Highness, Lu Yunyi was assassinated in the street by rebels and narrowly escaped death. He is currently recuperating at his residence!"

Zhu Biao's previously relaxed expression suddenly froze.

The next moment, everyone felt a chilling gaze sweep over them, and even the air seemed to freeze.

"Ridiculous! Let's go into town!"

(End of this chapter)