Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 121 Zhang Biao: I'm not one to show off! [Bonus Chapter 16 for Monthly Tickets]

"Big brother! Second brother! Brother Biao has been arrested!"

Zhu Gaosui practically rushed into the study, his face devoid of its usual playful amusement, replaced entirely by anxiety and worry.

He was even carrying an oil paper package in his hand, which faintly emitted the aroma of pig's head meat.

This was clearly a 'gift of comfort' that he habitually brought for Zhang Biao.

Zhu Gaochi was wiping his sword when he heard this and suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "What happened to Zhang Biao? Does Grandfather really want to kill him?"

He received the information slightly later than Zhu Gaosui, and only knew that a major incident had occurred in Fengtian Hall Square, but the specific outcome was still unclear.

But he quickly stood up, his tone urgent:

"Father said in his letter that this man is useful, and we should let him continue to stir up trouble. We can't let him just fizzle out like this!"

After saying that, he looked at Zhu Gaochi, who had been sitting upright with an expressionless face, fiddling with his prayer beads: "Brother, we have to think of a way! We have to save his life!"

Zhu Gaosui interrupted urgently:
"It's not that he's to be killed, he's already been thrown into the death row of the Imperial Prison! He'll be executed in the autumn! It was a decree personally issued by my grandfather!"

"You guys didn't see it, Brother Biao is amazing! He shouted 'Stop Confucianism!' and in front of the Emperor and so many people, he stripped those upright scholars bare!"

"Unfortunately, in the end..."

As he spoke, his voice choked with emotion, and he waved the oil paper package in his hand: "I...I'll go to the imperial prison to see him and bring him some food to calm his nerves."

"stop!"

Zhu Gaochi finally spoke, his voice low but carrying an undeniable authority.

He raised his eyelids, looked at his third brother, who was dressed in the Imperial Guard and looked anxious, and then at his restless second brother, and slowly sighed.

"Third brother, change your clothes first."

He first gave Zhu Gaosui his instructions, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Zhu Gaosui then realized how conspicuous it was for him to shout while wearing his official robes, so he quickly fell silent and obediently went out to change into his everyday clothes.

Only Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu remained in the study for the time being.

Zhu Gaoxu frowned and said, "Brother! Are we just going to stand by and watch? This is Father's order."

“I understand my father’s meaning better than you do.”

Zhu Gaochi raised his hand, stopping him from saying anything more, his gaze deep and thoughtful:

“What Father wants is chaos in Yingtian, so that Grandfather will have no time to look north. Zhang Biao’s imprisonment has already caused chaos, and this chaos and uncertainty will continue until autumn, or even longer. This in itself is in Father’s interest.”

He paused, then continued his calm analysis:

"If we act rashly now, we'll be courting death and dragging the entire Yan Kingdom down with us. Should we secretly sabotage things?"

"Under the very noses of the Emperor and Jiang Huan, to tamper with things in the Imperial Prison? What are the chances of success? And what are the risks of exposure?"

Zhu Gaoxu was speechless when asked the question, but he was still unwilling to give up: "Then do nothing?"

"Yes, of course we'll do it."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Zhu Gaochi's eyes:
"But it's not as big a fuss as you think. Our primary principle is to never attract the attention of the Emperor."

"The three of us are in Yingtian Prefecture, ostensibly to study, but in reality we are hostages, used by the Emperor to control our father. Every word and action is being watched by countless eyes."

At this moment, Zhu Gaosui changed into his everyday clothes and slipped in again, looking longingly at his elder brother.

Zhu Gaochi looked at him, his tone serious but with a hint of barely perceptible manipulation: "Third brother, right now, only you have the right to contact Zhang Biao."

Zhu Gaosui's eyes lit up: "Big brother, you agree to let me deliver the food?"

"It's not just a simple meal delivery."

Zhu Gaochi shook his head and slowly said:
"Remember this: your current identity is first and foremost that of a member of the Imperial Guard of the Ming Dynasty, then the third prince of the Prince of Yan's mansion, and finally, an admirer of Zhang Biao. You must not put the cart before the horse."

He gave detailed instructions:

"First, we must never act impulsively."

“Go back to your post and do everything as usual. In fact, you should be even more low-key and disciplined than before. You must not let anyone see that you are showing any special attention to Zhang Biao.”

"Secondly, you can use your position to keep a close eye on Zhang Biao's basic safety in prison and ensure that he is not tortured or abused to death by other prison guards or unidentified people."

"This is your duty, and no one can find fault with it. Thirdly, and most importantly."

Zhu Gaochi lowered his voice:

“Observe carefully, is there anything unusual about Zhang Biao? Does he have anything he wants to say to the outside world? Especially to his subordinates, or anyone else.”

He was referring to Shen Lang and his group of five, but he was vague about it.

Zhu Gaosui didn't quite understand, but he roughly grasped that he was to be his elder brother's eyes and ears, and also take care of his idol. He immediately patted his chest and guaranteed:

"Don't worry, big brother! Leave it to me! I'll take good care of Brother Biao and find out if he has any 'divine pronouncements'!"

Zhu Gaochi's lips twitched. He thought to himself that his younger brother was hopeless. A divine oracle? He was a complete brainwashed fanatic!
However, he had no time to complain about his younger brother, and looked at Zhu Gaoxu instead:

"Second Brother, your task is to keep our own people in check. Absolutely, absolutely no private attempts to contact or rescue Zhang Biao are allowed!"

"Everything must go through the only and safest line—the third brother."

"We must show the Emperor that the sons of the Yan Kingdom are law-abiding citizens in Yingtian and have absolutely no sympathy for the criminals wanted by the court!"

Although Zhu Gaoxu felt aggrieved, he knew that his elder brother's strategy was the safest, so he could only silently agree, "Understood."

Zhu Gaochi concluded by saying:
"The best we can do right now, and the most effective help we can offer, is to ensure Zhang Biao survives until autumn, and to use our third brother's position to gather as much information as possible. As for rescuing him..."

He shook his head again, and said in an inscrutable tone:
"That time hasn't come yet. Perhaps he has other plans. Let's wait and see, and act accordingly."

Zhu Gaosui didn't care about anything else. As long as his elder brother agreed to let him contact Brother Biao and could bring him food, he was satisfied and started planning what to bring.

Zhu Gaoxu gripped the hilt of his knife tightly, his eyes darting around, seemingly plotting something.

Zhu Gaochi lowered his eyes again, fiddled with his prayer beads, and pondered to himself.

Zhang Biao, if you truly possessed exceptional abilities, you should know how to find a glimmer of hope for yourself in this seemingly hopeless situation.

And perhaps my Yan state can offer a perfectly timed ladder at the most crucial moment.

the other side.

Zhang Biao showed great interest in Li Jinglong and Guo Ying, who were suddenly brought in.

After all, waiting to die alone is too boring.

If we're going to die, it'll be more interesting if we all die together.

"Yo?"

Zhang Biao was the first to break the eerie silence. His voice, carrying a lazy, teasing tone, sounded particularly clear and jarring in the deathly quiet cell.

"Duke of Cao? Marquis of Wuding?"

"It's truly an honor to meet you all here, deep within this imperial prison! I never imagined I'd be neighbors with two noble lords like you. It's an honor indeed!"

Upon hearing Zhang Biao's voice, Li Jinglong shuddered as if stung by a scorpion, burying his head even deeper, his sobs growing louder and filled with despair. Guo Ying, on the other hand, abruptly raised her head, her bloodshot eyes like those of a dying tiger, glaring fiercely at Zhang Biao, gritting her teeth as she said:
"Zhang Biao, you've become arrogant and conceited! Don't be so cocky! This old man..."

He wanted to say something harsh, but when he thought about his current situation, all the words stuck in his throat, leaving only heavy breathing and unconcealable humiliation.

Zhang Biao picked at his ear and said with an innocent look:
"What makes you say that, Marquis Wuding? I—oh, no, I was merely conducting an audit according to the law, checking the accounts."

"His Majesty is wise and insightful, having invited you two here surely because you have some 'unspeakable secrets' that you need to frankly explain to His Majesty, right? What does it have to do with me?"

His words were like rubbing salt into a wound, a blatant mockery.

Guo Ying was so angry that she shuddered and coughed violently, almost fainting, but she stubbornly held back and did not respond.

He glared at Zhang Biao with murderous intent before staggering to a haystack in the corner of the cell. He slumped down, closed his eyes, and seemed to have all his pride and strength drained away in an instant, leaving only an aged body and endless sorrow.

He fought throughout his life and made outstanding contributions, but in his later years he suffered this great humiliation. This spiritual torment was far worse than physical torture.

Zhang Biao smiled, not wanting to provoke them further, but instead changed the subject, speaking in a relaxed tone as if he were chatting casually:

"Now that you two nobles have arrived, make yourselves at home. Although the conditions in this prison are simple, it is quiet and peaceful, and no one will disturb you. You can take your time to think about what you should say and what you shouldn't say."

He paused meaningfully, his gaze sweeping between Li Jinglong and Guo Ying:
"After all, the Emperor's Embroidered Uniform Guard is far more professional than I am. Your meager resources probably can't withstand Lord Jiang Huan's careful consideration."

These words were like cold, poisonous needles, precisely striking at the very spot of Li Jinglong and Guo Ying's greatest fears.

"Zhang Biao! Shut up! Do you think this is your home?! Stop making a racket!"

Li Jinglong finally couldn't contain his fear and roared out.

"Tap, tap"

Just then, faint footsteps came from the end of the corridor.

Zhu Gaosui walked over with his head down, one hand on the sword at his waist, and the other carrying an extra-large food box that was two sizes larger than a normal food box and had several layers. His steps were slightly hurried.

He was still wearing that ill-fitting Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) officer's uniform.

But whether it was just my imagination or not, the collar seemed to have been specially arranged, and the hair was neatly combed, trying to look more 'professional'.

He tried hard to keep a straight face and adopt the demeanor of a cold-blooded jailer, but his slightly upturned lips and gleaming eyes betrayed him.

When he reached Zhang Biao's cell door, he stopped, first instinctively straightening his chest, and then lowering his voice, saying in a deliberately low tone as if trying to imitate the old jailer, "Ahem, time to eat."

"Haha! My delivery guy! We meet again!"

Upon seeing Zhu Gaosui, Zhang Biao burst into excited laughter, then quickly took the heavy food box and opened it.

Good guy!
The top layer is glistening, fragrant pig's head meat!
The next layer is neatly arranged and evenly sliced ​​braised beef!

At the very bottom, there was a small pot of steaming mutton soup, which was obviously freshly cooked!
There were even a few crispy, caramelized flatbreads on the side!

Such standards, such treatment!
This isn't prisoner food; it's practically a VIP takeout meal from a restaurant!

Zhang Biao raised an eyebrow, grabbed a piece of meat, took a bite, and nodded in satisfaction.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he mumbled to Zhu Gaosui, who was preparing to 'retire successfully,' "Hey, Third Brother."

"Ok?"

Zhu Gaosui suddenly stopped, like a soldier who had been called upon. He immediately turned around, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Zhang Biao with a hint of expectation, as if waiting for some kind of 'divine decree'.

But then Zhang Biao pointed with his chin to the opposite side and the next room: "The two new gentlemen are of noble status, and I'm afraid they won't be used to the pig feed here. Remember to bring a couple more portions next time."

"Huh? Oh! Oh oh oh!"

Zhu Gaosui was taken aback at first, then as if he had received some important mission, a solemn expression of 'guarantee to complete the mission' appeared on his face, and he even subconsciously put his feet together, almost wanting to clasp his hands to accept the order.

He quickly stole another glance at Li Jinglong and Guo Ying, his eyes surprisingly showing a hint of sympathy.

Or perhaps it's a strange sense of responsibility like, "Brother Biao has given the order, so I'll take care of your meals from now on."

But he immediately realized he had overreacted, so he coughed twice, straightened his face again, and lowered his voice:

"Rules. Rules can't be broken. But I'll try my best to find a way."

After saying that, as if afraid that he would reveal more flaws if he stayed any longer, he quickly slipped away, almost simultaneously and with hurried steps.

The back view looked suspiciously guilty and flustered.

His series of reactions, from feigned composure to subconscious excitement, from nervousness to solemnly accepting orders and then to panicking and running away, were all observed by Li Jinglong and Guo Ying on the other side.

Li Jinglong: "???"

Guo Ying: "!!!"

What's up with these Imperial Guards? They don't seem very bright. And why do they look so familiar?!

Why was he so respectful to Zhang Biao?!
And this is... a prison?!

What else does this madman rely on?!

Damn it! That lunatic got away with it!

Watching Zhu Gaosui's hurried disappearance, Zhang Biao couldn't help but chuckle softly. Then, waving the fragrant braised beef in his hand at the people opposite and next door, he smiled and said:
"Gentlemen, please don't be so polite, consider this a small gift."

"It's not easy to get a hot meal in this prison."

"After all, we might still be dealing with each other frequently in the future."

"Look at all this food! Abundant! Even the delivery boy is so considerate."

Li Jinglong looked at the braised beef and smelled its aroma. His stomach growled, but the overwhelming fear and absurdity made him suppress his appetite.

Guo Ying was so angry that her chest felt tight, and she wished she could plug her ears.

This isn't delivering food; this is clearly a protest!
Zhang Biao was demonstrating his 'strange' influence in this imperial prison!
That inexplicable, somewhat silly, yet strangely quirky 'delivery guy'.
This added an indescribable sense of eeriness and unease to Li Jinglong and Guo Ying's already endless fear and humiliation.

Clearly, Zhu Gaosui's performance inadvertently gave Zhang Biao a boost.

Zhu Gaosui, who had slipped back to his post, leaned heavily against the wall, his face still flushed with excitement, and muttered to himself:

"Brother Biao Biao spoke to me!"

"He actually called me 'delivery guy'! And he even assigned me tasks!"

"What should we bring next time? What do Duke Li and Marquis Wuding like to eat? We should find out."

"No, we need to keep a low profile and not cause trouble for Big Brother. But Brother Biao's mission must be completed."

He was caught in a sweet yet complicated dilemma.

This adds a touch of humor and warmth to the gloomy and cruel atmosphere of the imperial prison.

……

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(End of this chapter)