Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 267 The Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty is Easily Soluble in Water
September 20th.

The imperial entourage, on its southern tour, set off to return to the capital.

The restoration of Xianling Mausoleum has been completed, the sacrificial ceremony for the late emperor has been completed, and the enshrinement of the deceased emperor in the Imperial Ancestral Temple has been accomplished.

All three major matters were handled according to the emperor's wishes, and Zhu Houcong sat upright in the imperial carriage, his brows furrowed with satisfaction.

Overjoyed, the emperor had officials take turns boarding the imperial carriage and traveling with him.

The most frequent names were Yan Song and Mao Bowen.

Following them were Lu Song and his son Lu Bing.

Then there were Xia Yan and Hai Yue from the Hanlin Academy, who lectured the emperor on classics and historical texts.

In comparison, Wang Zuo was summoned to court only a handful of times.

"The Emperor is already giving you the cold shoulder!"

What are you still hesitating about?

"Do you really have to wait until you return to the capital and lose power in the Embroidered Uniform Guard before it's too late to regret it?"

The Junior Assistant Minister kept urging and persuading them day and night. Finally, when the southern inspection team arrived at the Linjiang Palace next to the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuchang, Wang Zuo relented and asked, "What exactly do you want to do?"

The Junior Assistant was overjoyed: "Commander, there's no need to worry. Just follow His Majesty's instructions!"

"I need to know the whole plan, not just a few orders!"

Wang Zuo frowned and resolutely refused: "Either reveal the whole plan, or give up! You don't even have a basic understanding of the deployment of the imperial guards around His Majesty. How is such a presumptuous plan any different from sending yourselves to your deaths?"

'You've finally given in!'

The junior official was not alarmed but rather pleased. The fact that the other party wanted to know the entire plan meant they had essentially boarded the Li Yuan Society's ship. The intimidation and maneuvering of the past few days had finally paid off. He feigned difficulty, saying, "This matter requires approval from His Excellency..."

Wang Zuo first snorted coldly, revealing a disdainful look, then became somewhat serious and softened his tone: "Then you should quickly go back and ask 'Emperor Yuan' for instructions!"

"nature!"

The junior assistant sensed the respect in his voice and smiled, saying, "The commander-in-chief should also get used to addressing you as Your Excellency!"

Wang Zuo's lips trembled slightly, but in the end he couldn't say it, and waved his hand: "Go!"

'It won't be long before you're groveling at our feet, bowing your head in submission!'

The junior assistant felt a sense of pleasure as he looked at his awkward appearance.

Not long after, the Junior Assistant sent back a message: "We made our move at the Tang Prince's villa in Nanyang."

Wang Zuo frowned: "You mean, make an exception and let His Majesty stay in the prince's villa? I don't have that much influence to make this happen!"

The Junior Assistant smiled and said, "There's no need for the Commander to make it happen. Prince Zhu Yuwen of Tang has already submitted a memorial requesting the Emperor's presence. The Emperor has agreed, and the Emperor will be making his way to the Prince Zhu Yuwen's villa. This is already the established itinerary."

"Oh?"

Wang Zuo's heart sank.

The other party was incredibly well-informed, even ahead of him in terms of information.

The key is.

Ever since Emperor Taizong, well, now we should call him Emperor Chengzu... Ever since Emperor Chengzu ascended the throne through the Jingnan Campaign, there have been many princes in the Ming Dynasty who rebelled, trying to emulate the successful examples of their predecessors, but their fates are well-known.

Today's emperor is a prince from a vassal state who has inherited the throne. If he dies suddenly, and the little prince in the capital who has just turned one year old also suffers some mishap, will the successor have to be chosen from among the princes of the vassal states?
so.

Could it be that a vassal king was involved behind the Liyuan Society?
Or perhaps these thieves have an inside agent in the Tang Prince's mansion, enabling them to work together from within and without?
In any case, after the southern tour group left the Linjiang Palace, it did indeed head towards the Tang King's Villa in Nanyang.

"Your subject Yuwen respectfully welcomes Your Majesty's arrival. May Your Majesty enjoy good health and live a long and prosperous life!"

On this day, the current Tang King Zhu Yuwen, dressed in a simple robe and crown, holding an ivory tablet, led his royal guards to kneel and bow in welcome. His voice was clear and melodious, standing out distinctly in the "Xianhe Melody" played by the musicians.

Zhu Houcong slowly stepped down from the carriage, his gaze sweeping over the newly painted "Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars" on the screen wall of the Prince's Mansion. He saw that the paintings were exquisite and the stories of filial piety were vividly portrayed. He smiled slightly and said, "I have long heard of your filial piety, Uncle. Seeing the grandeur of your mansion today, I can see that your reputation is well-deserved!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuwen bowed again, the cloud patterns on his tablet shimmering in the sunlight: "Your Majesty's praise is too much for me to bear. Filial piety is the foundation of human relations, and I have merely done my duty!"

The first Prince of Tang was Zhu Jing, the great-nephew of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He was enfeoffed in Nanyang. The title of Prince of Tang was passed down to the fourth Prince of Tang, Zhu Miyu. Since he had no heir, he adopted one of his nephews and was enfeoffed as Prince of Tang in the fourth year of the Jiajing reign.

The fourth Tang emperor, Zhu Mihou, was known for establishing academies and disciplining the imperial clan. He was a highly respected figure among the imperial clan, which was extremely rare. The current young Tang emperor has inherited his aspirations. He not only does not oppress the people, but also repairs public facilities, and is loved by the local people.

Interestingly, since he inherited his uncle's title of prince, after he succeeded to the throne, he also requested that his biological father be posthumously honored as the Prince of Tang and that his younger brothers be granted the title of Prince of the Commandery. However, the Ministry of Rites rejected his request on the grounds that it was "not in accordance with ancestral rules".

This familiar operation left an impression on Zhu Houcong's mind.

He inherited the position of his uncle and did not forget the reputation of his biological father after his death. He was obviously as filial as he was!
That is why, on this return journey, the emperor chose to visit the Tang King's villa. Upon entering the main hall, the emperor, his minister, and his nephew discussed filial piety and were delighted to see each other.

Wang Zuo kept a low profile, seemingly no different from before.

It wasn't until Lu Bing came up to greet him as usual that he said indifferently, "A commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard must be proficient in writing. Don't abandon your old habits, and study hard!"

Lu Bing felt a chill run down his spine.

This was the secret code they had agreed upon. Ever since the truth was revealed last time, he had been paying his respects to this gentleman every morning and evening, waiting for this very sentence.

This means the thieves are about to make their move!

'finally come! '

"The gentleman has sacrificed so much for this moment; there can be absolutely no mistakes!"

'The Embroidered Uniform Guard has already laid an ambush with a group of elites, and I also have eight skilled men under my command. Are these enough to capture the thief? Should we notify Mingwei to join forces and capture the thief...?'

While Lu Bing was eager to try, he also felt a bit tormented.

He knew very well that Wang Zuo had taken this great risk because he didn't want the Embroidered Uniform Guard to be outdone by others and wanted to claim all the credit for capturing the kingpin.

But he was really worried that if the thief was cunning and the mission failed, wouldn't all the teacher's torment and effort over the past year have been wasted?

If that's the case, it would be better to have a companion assist you; at least having someone by your side would make you feel much more at ease!
He turned his head instinctively.

Just then, Haiyue's clear gaze came over.

The two looked at each other.

Lu Bing gritted his teeth and gave a knowing look.

Is it here?

Haiyue understood immediately.

In fact, he was already on guard.

Because the return journey is not far away.

Putting yourself in his shoes, if he were a member of the Liyuan Society, he would either make his move when he was about to return to the capital and his guard was at its lowest, or he would do it now!
In the side courtyards of the princes' residences, if something happened to the emperor, the resulting turmoil would inevitably affect the princes in various regions, thus causing the greatest trouble for the court.

Whether or not Tang King Zhu Yuwen was aware of it, this was an excellent location for the assassination.

What caught the attention of those who were interested was that the emperor and his entourage first enjoyed some local delicacies in the main hall, and then toured the mansion.

Zhu Houcong strolled to the backyard and suddenly saw a pool of clear water come into view.

The weather is excellent today. The lake is like a mirror, reflecting the sky and clouds. Willows sway gently along the lakeside, and a few small boats are moored beside the waterside pavilion.

"This lake is quite unique..."

Zhu Houcong paused by the lake, his gaze lingering on the light boat.

Upon seeing this, the expressions of Yan Song, Mao Bowen, Xia Yan, and other officials immediately changed.

Just as he was about to speak, Prince Zhu Yuwen of Tang hurriedly stepped forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, this lake was dug by this old minister in his spare time; it is only a small area..."

"What's wrong, Uncle? Are you worried that something might happen to me while I'm boating?"

Zhu Houcong laughed.

The lesson of Emperor Wuzong's fate was still fresh in everyone's mind thirteen years ago, so no one dared to laugh. Xia Yan, who was the most impatient of them all, spoke up: "Your Majesty is of inestimable worth, how can you lightly venture into such a dangerous place? The depth of this lake is unfathomable..."

"Could there be some hidden danger in the lake at Uncle Wang's residence?"

Zhu Houcong waved his hand.

Beads of sweat appeared on the Emperor's forehead, and his hands trembled: "This old minister...this old minister is terrified! Although this lake is shallow, the boats are simple and crude; I fear we may fail to live up to Your Majesty's expectations..."

Zhu Houcong's expression darkened slightly: "Does Uncle really not wish to travel with me?"

Seeing that the emperor, now brimming with pride after his successful southern tour, seemed to have developed a rebellious streak, the ministers could no longer suppress their anxieties and began to plead with him: "Your Majesty, please reconsider! The fate of the entire nation rests on your shoulders; how can you take such a risk?" "Your Majesty has received the Mandate of Heaven; you should cherish your health!" "In the past, Emperor Wuzong accidentally fell into the water..."

Zhu Houcong's gaze swept over everyone's faces, and he angrily flicked his sleeve: "Enough, enough, I was just joking. Uncle, we can visit this lake another time!"

The courtiers watched in disbelief as he left the lakeside, only then feeling a sense of relief. This scene, however, proved to be quite enlightening for those who were observant.

The original design would have been more complicated, but if the emperor really had the leisure to enjoy boating, wouldn't imitating the story of Emperor Wuzong be the most convenient way to kill the emperor?
That very night, the Junior Assistant appeared before Wang Zuo again: "Our chance has come..."

"If you want Your Majesty to have another accident while swimming in the lake, I advise you to give up that idea as soon as possible!"

Before the other party could continue, Wang Zuo shook his head and said, "Not to mention that the ministers would definitely object to boating on the lake, His Majesty knows my temperament and should not propose such a rash move. If I speak up, it will only make His Majesty wary!"

"The Commander's words are well-considered and reasonable..."

The Junior Assistant smiled and said, "There is no need for your persuasion. Soon the Emperor will be secretly boating for pleasure. When that happens, the Commander-in-Chief should first sternly stop him. If the Emperor insists on going his own way, then he can act as a guard and board the boat together! When the dragon boat capsizes and the Commander-in-Chief 'bravely' jumps into the water to save him, I think I don't need to say more, do I?"

Wang Zuo's expression changed, his mood shifting for a moment before he hissed, "There can't be only one guard on the dragon boat. If we're going to do it, we have to make sure everything goes perfectly!"

"well said!"

The Junior Assistant leaned forward, his voice trembling slightly with excitement. The joy he had suppressed for so long now spread like a venomous snake: "At that time, His Majesty will personally come to the dragon boat and use the 'Imperial Death' technique to help the Commander-in-Chief achieve this earth-shaking feat!!"

(End of this chapter)