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

Chapter 186 Zhang Biao: Tremble, Ming Dynasty, I'm back! [Requesting double monthly votes]

Zhang Biao read the netizens' replies with great interest, sometimes nodding, sometimes unable to suppress a smile.

Some of the wildly imaginative suggestions coincided with his own thoughts, some gave him new inspiration, and some were purely for laughs.

Looking at suggestions like 'potato and sweet potato seeds' and 'technology tree data', he couldn't help but think of the emaciated people and backward production techniques he had seen in the Ming Dynasty.

If we could really bring these things over, perhaps we could change something?
But the thought only flashed through my mind.

He chuckled self-deprecatingly: "I'm just a guy who makes a living by 'auditing,' why think so much? I don't even know how long I'll be able to stay there this time."

"It would be so embarrassing if Old Zhu came back as soon as we got there!"

However, the online discussions did give him more to think about the 50kg limit.

"High-tech data... is probably not needed for the time being, and we don't have the equipment."

"High-purity salt, white sugar, and MSG are things we can consider, as they are small in size and high in value."

"A compound bow is also good; it's essential for self-defense. Antibiotics are lifesavers..."

"Hmm, we need to plan this out properly."

He silently kept some of the suggestions that he thought were reliable in mind.

Then, I shut down the forum, temporarily putting aside those heavy thoughts about time travel and the intrigues of the Ming Dynasty.

Before he knew it, Zhang Biao felt his stomach rumbling with hunger from the netizens.

He touched the bank card with a considerable amount of money in his pocket, and a sense of pride, like "I'm rich now," welled up inside him.

"Damn it, he's been out there fighting wits and courage with Old Zhu and risking his life against corrupt officials every day in the Ming Dynasty. Why is he still thinking about this after coming back? Has he really gone mad?!"

He suddenly stood up from the newly bought computer chair, the movement so forceful that he almost knocked the chair over.

"I have to splurge tonight!"

He grabbed his phone, his fingers swiping rapidly across the screen while he muttered to himself:
"Crayfish...we'll have to get a large portion! Three pounds each of garlic, spicy, and thirteen-spice flavors!"

"No, five pounds! It'll be nice to look at even if we can't finish it!"

"Grilled skewers! Lamb skewers, beef skewers, beef tendon, kidney, chives... twenty of each, please!"

"Beer... um, a case of draft beer, please! Iced!"

"Just eating meat won't do, we need some vegetables... how about some cucumber salad?"

"No, it's too cheap! I'll have... I'll have a deluxe fruit platter!"

"Bring me whatever's expensive! Imported cherries and durians, get me everything!"

He placed orders frantically while making smacking noises with his mouth:

"Wow, the prices in modern society are just... amazing!"

"In the Ming Dynasty, even five catties of meat had to be carefully calculated before eating!"

After placing the order, he was still not satisfied. Looking at his room, which was filled with nothing but computers, computer desks and chairs, and all sorts of newly bought packages that he hadn't had time to open yet, he frowned.

"No, this setting doesn't do justice to my feast tonight!"

He snapped his fingers and picked up his phone again:

"Hello? Happiness Housekeeping? Yes, right now! Send me two... no, send four housekeepers!"

Deep cleaning? Yes! Clean it until it reflects light! Money is no object!

After hanging up the phone, he looked around and still felt that something was missing.

"Atmosphere! Yes, a sense of atmosphere!"

He then opened the shopping app and searched for 'atmosphere-enhancing gadgets'.

"Fairy lights? I'll take a set! To hang in the window!"

"Scented candles? How about a 'bamboo forest after the rain' scent, to pretend I'm investigating a case in Jiangnan?"

"I definitely need a Bluetooth speaker! I'll listen to some music while I eat... Hmm, 'The Most Dazzling Ethnic Trend'? That's so outdated!"

"Something that suits my style! 'The Closed Wine' would be good!"

With a flurry of activity, Zhang Biao's bank card balance dwindled at a visible rate, but he didn't care at all, his face beaming with the joyful smile of a nouveau riche.

"Isn't the point of making money to spend it? We risked our lives working in the Ming Dynasty, and now we can't even enjoy ourselves when we get back?"

Soon, the housekeepers arrived first.

They looked at the young customer and his pile of newly purchased packages, and although they were puzzled, they still worked enthusiastically under Zhang Biao's offensive of "paying more".

Then, the delivery guys started knocking on the door one after another.

The aroma of crayfish and the smoky scent of grilled skewers instantly filled the entire room.

Zhang Biao directed the women to arrange the deluxe fruit platter, hang up the string lights, light the scented candles, and connect the Bluetooth speaker...

As the stirring melody of "Closing the Wine" filled the room, Zhang Biao had already put on disposable gloves. In front of him were mountains of bright red and oily crayfish and fragrant skewers, with bottles of cold beer placed beside him.

He took a deep breath, his face filled with rapture: "Ah! This is the life a human being should live!"

He grabbed the largest spicy crayfish, skillfully peeled it open, dipped the meat in the broth, stuffed it into his mouth, squinted his eyes in satisfaction, and mumbled a muffled sigh:

"Mmm... Great! Much better than arguing with Old Zhu in the Fengtian Hall!"

Then, he picked up a sizzling, oily skewer of lamb, ate it in big bites, and then gulped down a large mouthful of ice-cold beer.

"Ha! That's great! A hundred times better than eating roast chicken in prison!"

He ate heartily while swaying his body to the rhythm of the music, completely immersed in this simple and direct joy.

The previous fatigue, tension, and calculations seemed to be completely washed away by the delicious food and music.

The cleaning ladies looked at this strange but generous young man and exchanged glances that seemed to say, "Is this kid an idiot?" but they worked even faster.

After all, who would turn down money?
After a hearty meal, Zhang Biao let out a loud burp, slumped onto the sofa that the aunties had just polished to a shine, patted his round belly, looked out at the city's neon lights, and sighed contentedly.

"If only we could combine Old Wang's pig's head meat with these crayfish... Sigh, I wonder if I can bring anyone back."

The thought only flashed through his mind for a moment before he quickly reverted to the languid satisfaction that followed his binge eating.

"Never mind! We'll deal with tomorrow's problems tomorrow! Tonight, I'm going to live a life of debauchery!"

He picked up the last skewer of grilled kidneys and took a vicious bite, as if he were challenging an emperor from six hundred years ago.

After a hearty meal, with burps reeking of crayfish and barbecue skewers, Zhang Biao slumped on the sofa, rubbing his round belly, but felt that this 'luxurious' night was still missing something.

"What kind of rich person just eats takeout at home?"

He mumbled drunkenly, his mind searching for those legendary, decadent places he had only ever heard of.

"Yeah! Club girls and models! I want to experience what high-end consumption is all about!"

He tried to do a somersault... but failed and almost rolled off the sofa.

Staggering to his feet, he took out his phone and searched for the most famous high-end private club in the area—'Cloud Top Wonderland'.

"Wow, what a grand name! That's the one!"

He changed into his most expensive T-shirt and a pair of trendy jeans, tucked his bank card (which he had just used to lose weight) into his pocket, and drove off confidently towards 'Gentle Peak Wonderland'.

When we arrived at the place, it was indeed impressive.

The entrance was understated yet luxurious, with two burly men standing at the door, dressed in well-tailored suits and wearing earpieces, their eyes sharp as searchlights.

Zhang Biao, head held high and chest puffed out, was about to walk inside.

"Sir, please wait."

A burly man reached out to stop him, a standard professional smile on his face, but his eyes held a scrutinizing gaze.

"Do you have an appointment? Or are you a member of our club?"

"member?"

Zhang Biao was taken aback, then waved his hand dramatically, mimicking the mannerisms of a nouveau riche in a TV drama:
"Get it done! Get it done right now! Money's no object!"

The burly man's smile remained unchanged, but his tone carried a subtle hint of contempt:

"I'm sorry, sir, our club operates on an invitation-only basis."

"Membership requires a referral from an existing member and verification of funds; personal liquid assets must meet certain requirements..."

He paused slightly, then uttered an astronomical figure that instantly sobered Zhang Biao up: "Over 300 million RMB."

How much...how much?!

[Three hundred million?! And still liquid assets?!]

Zhang Biao wondered if his ears had been burned by the spiciness of the crayfish.

The combined assets of the corrupt officials he audited probably didn't even amount to that much.

The arrogance on his face froze instantly, turning into astonishment, then embarrassment, and finally flushing red.

"How...how much?"

His voice changed: "Is your club gilded or something?"

Another burly man stepped forward: "Sir, this is our membership standard."

Although he remained polite, his tone already carried an undeniable air of dismissal:

"If you do not have a reservation or membership, please leave and do not disturb other guests."

Luxury cars occasionally stopped nearby, and well-dressed men and women cast curious or disdainful glances at Zhang Biao, which felt like needles pricking him.

He felt like a country bumpkin who had wandered into a flock of swans, and the smugness he had felt as a "nouveau riche" at home was instantly shattered.

"Damn it...you're so prejudiced..."

He muttered a curse under his breath, but under the other person's clearly professionally trained physique and cold gaze, he ultimately didn't dare to act rashly.

He retreated to the side of the road, covered in dust and grime, staring at the door he hadn't even touched. A surge of anger mixed with a strong sense of defeat rushed to his head.

"Three hundred million...three hundred million..."

He repeated the number through gritted teeth, the humiliation of being nakedly despised by money in modern society involuntarily reminding him of the Ming Dynasty...

He remembered that place he had never visited, but had always wanted to.

"That's right! It's the imperial treasury! Old Zhu's imperial treasury must contain a lot of good stuff!"

Zhang Biao's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had found an outlet and a beacon of hope.

"I can't even get through a door in this wretched place. I wonder how many treasures you, Zhu Chongba, have hidden in your warehouse."

"There's even stuff inside that I audited. Why should I give it all to you?!"

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and the angrier he became, the more he thought about it.

"I'm rich now, why should I put up with this crap?!"

"No! We can't let this go!"

The mischievous impulse that had been temporarily quelled by a hearty meal was reignited.

He glared fiercely at the gate of the 'Cloud Top Wonderland' one last time, as if to remember this humiliation and then return it tenfold.

"Just you wait! When I get back to the Ming Dynasty! If I don't make a few hundred million, I'll change my surname to yours!" Zhang Biao spent the rest of his 'vacation' in a rather low-key manner.

His relationship with Chen Jingming, the owner of Zhenbaoge, quickly warmed up through several successful private transactions.

He was invited by Chen Jingming to attend almost every private auction.

During this period, Zhang Biao also sold several trinkets he had brought back from the Ming Dynasty.

A fine piece of mutton-fat jade pendant and a pair of gilded cloisonné enamel sachets, though not as eye-catching as those of a duke, still fetched considerable prices.

Chen Jingming, that old fox, had long seen that the things Zhang Biao had were unusual, but he adhered to the rules of the trade and never delved into their origins, only discussing their quality.

He admired Zhang Biao's straightforwardness and connections, while Zhang Biao valued his reliability and influence.

Therefore, after the last transaction within two months, Zhang Biao casually mentioned:
"Mr. Chen, you have many connections, could you help me get some... things that aren't commonly found on the market?"

"Ha, Brother Zhang, is there anyone as young, promising, and resourceful as you who can't handle you?"

Chen Jingming made a joke with a smile, but did not directly refuse.

Because he still hasn't figured out Zhang Biao's true strength or weakness.

Zhang Biao laughed it off:
"As the saying goes, everyone has their own expertise. My skills can only be used in specific areas. As for those unspecified areas, it's hard to say."

He neither denied his own abilities nor denied his limitations, which made him seem even more unfathomable.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jingming gave him a deep look, then picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said calmly:
"What do you want?"

"Easy to say!"

Zhang Biao chuckled and quickly rattled off the list he had been planning for a long time.

These things were absolutely groundbreaking and even life-saving 'miracle objects' in the Ming Dynasty.

In modern times, it's just something that's not easy to obtain, or that has complicated formalities.

After listening, Chen Jing was initially surprised, but not entirely unable to accept it. He pondered for a moment, then nodded and said:

"It's not cheap, and it takes several days."

"money is not a problem."

Zhang Biao readily transferred the deposit.

A few days later, Chen Jingming indeed had everything ready.

Zhang Biao was very satisfied after inspecting the goods, so he paid the balance immediately and then quietly transported the items back to his suburban villa.

However, he had only been back at the villa for a short time, preparing to order the Crazy Thursday meal again, waiting for the time to 'return' to the Ming Dynasty—.

Woo-woo-woo-!
The piercing sound of a fire alarm suddenly came from afar!
Zhang Biao suddenly stood up from the sofa, walked quickly to the window, pulled back the heavy curtains, and looked outside.

Thick smoke billowed from the southwest of the city, and flames were faintly visible in the night, illuminating a small patch of the sky.

That direction...

Zhang Biao squinted and examined it carefully, a strange expression appearing on his face.

"Huh? That looks like... the old town area where I used to rent a place?"

He stroked his chin, recalling the sharp-tongued landlady, Aunt Wang, and couldn't help but curl a gloating smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Tsk tsk, it seems that one shouldn't be too immoral when it comes to being a person."

"Even God couldn't stand it anymore!"

"Aunt Wang, your luck is amazing... hehe..."

He chuckled lightly, devoid of any sympathy, drew the curtains to shut out the noise outside, and curled back into the comfortable sofa, as if everything happening outside had nothing to do with him.

He only cares about one thing now:

Three hours later, we return to the Ming Dynasty!

This time, he was better prepared and determined to stir up even greater waves under that sky from six hundred years ago.

Tremble, Great Ming! Your Imperial Censor Zhang has returned!

On the other side, in the world of the Ming Dynasty.

That "snowfall in June" phenomenon, like an unknown curse, lingered over Yingtian Prefecture for a long time.

Even though Zhu Yuanzhang reluctantly issued an edict of self-reproach, it did not achieve the expected effect of stabilizing the country.

Even the rumor that "Emperor Hongwu's excessive killing caused strange celestial phenomena" spread like wildfire, even the Embroidered Uniform Guard could not effectively suppress it, and it quickly spread throughout the country.

This led to a situation where the local powerful families, remnants of the former Yuan dynasty, and even some people who could not survive, who were originally dissatisfied with the harsh laws and punishments imposed by Zhu Yuanzhang and the heavy taxes, seemed to have found an outlet and a banner of justice.

In the two months following Zhang Biao's 'death,' they launched a series of rebellions in various places.

In Taizhou, Zhejiang, salt smugglers instigated a disturbance, raising the banner of "purging the court of corrupt officials and punishing treacherous ministers." Although small in scale, the disturbance subtly pointed to the incompetence of the imperial court.

In Jingzhou, Huguang, remnants of the White Lotus sect seized the opportunity to incite a popular uprising, declaring, "Emperor Hongwu was tyrannical; heaven has sent down snowstorms; a new Buddha should be established," and attacked and occupied the county seat.

In Qingzhou, Shandong, a garrison officer, severely punished by his superiors for embezzling military pay, took a desperate gamble, inciting his soldiers to mutiny and seize the treasury.

[In the border region between northwestern Yunnan and Sichuan, eleven villages including Weimo, the Tusi Ci Ma clan of Jiahala in the Zuosuo of Yanjingwei in Sichuan, and the Xifan Fu of Yongning Mosuo Cave, launched another attack on the Beisheng area.]

Although these rebellions did not spread and were quickly suppressed by local garrisons or urgently dispatched imperial troops, they were not able to gain widespread influence.

However, the constant outbreaks of war undoubtedly cast a thick shadow over the Hongwu reign, which had just experienced the tragedy of the crown prince, the scandal of the vassal kings, and the ominous signs of celestial activity.

"Cough cough...a bunch of useless trash!"

Inside the Hall of Literary Glory, the candlelight flickered, illuminating Old Zhu's increasingly gaunt face, covered with age spots.

He coughed violently, and Yunming quickly stepped forward to pat his back and offer him ginseng tea.

On the emperor's desk, the mountain of memorials was no longer about the Zhang Biao case, but rather urgent military reports from various places requesting the suppression of the rebellion and demanding money and grain.

Old Zhu cleared his cough, then pushed away the ginseng tea, his voice hoarse and weary as he said:
"Yunming, tell me, we've killed so many corrupt officials and trained so many soldiers, how come we can't even quell this little mess?!"

"This……"

Yunming trembled all over, and dared not answer.

But Old Zhu didn't seem to expect him to answer; he simply walked to the window and looked out.

Although it is springtime, the vitality of all things coming back to life seems to have never been reflected in him.

He muttered to himself, his voice filled with helplessness:
"We have driven out the barbarians and pacified the four seas, working tirelessly day and night without daring to slacken for a single day... Why is there still so much trouble in this world?"

Why are all our sons cursed? Why is even Heaven against us?!

He increasingly failed to understand everything he was going through.

He should have been one of the greatest heroes in history, but now his reputation is so poor that he's almost not even worthy of being called a hero anymore, and he's practically sitting at the same table as Li Longji (Emperor Xuanzong of Tang).

"Hey!"

He sighed deeply.

Gradually, Zhang Biao's mocking face once again uncontrollably appeared before his eyes.

The questions left behind by that 'madman' are like poisonous thorns, deeply embedded in Old Zhu's heart.

Do you know how Zhu Xiong Ying died?

[To be without father or ruler... is the greatest shame in life...]

The rulers of the Ming dynasty were no longer like those of the Han dynasty...

These words haunted him like a nightmare, day and night.

The doubts surrounding Zhu Xiong Ying's cause of death, in particular, became even more profound and terrifying after corroborating the death of Zhu Biao.

Old Zhu's gaze involuntarily fell on the inconspicuous iron box in the corner of the imperial desk.

That was sent by Zhu Yunwen at great personal risk; it contained the secret about the cause of his son Biao'er's death.

Old Zhu admitted that he had misjudged his grandson. He not only had courage and decisiveness, but also resembled Old Zhu himself.

After experiencing so many ups and downs, Old Zhu did have a moment of doubt, such as whether he should consider this more spirited grandson.

however……

Old Zhu slowly closed his eyes, the turmoil of the past few months flashing through his mind:

The court was in chaos, the princes were committing disgraceful acts, rebellions were breaking out in various regions, and there was that damned "snow in June" omen and the boiling resentment among the people.

This great Ming dynasty cannot withstand any further turmoil.

What the Ming Dynasty needs now is not a successor who is ambitious and might stir up more trouble, but rather stability, benevolence, a focus on recuperation and development, and the ability to soothe the hearts of the people.

Thinking of this, Old Zhu thought of Zhu Yunwen again.

Although this grandson is kind-hearted and indecisive, it is precisely this 'kindness and weakness' that, in the present moment, may be the best choice.

Old Zhu sighed again.

[Biao'er, if you have a spirit in heaven, you should understand your father, right?]

He returned to the dragon throne and looked at the iron box again, as if trying to convince himself.

[Yunwen is deeply favored by civil officials; Huang Zicheng, Zhuo Jing, and others fawn over him. If he were to ascend the throne, he could quickly stabilize the court and gain the support of the literati.]

[Yunwen is gentle in nature, unlike Yunhu who possesses a hidden ruthlessness and a stubbornness that might lead him to investigate thoroughly. Perhaps this could prevent further palace turmoil and fratricide.]

Yunwen's reputation for 'benevolence and filial piety' can be used to offset the negative impact of our 'tyrannical' image and appease the people.

[Biao'er, girl...]

We're not doing this for ourselves, but for the sake of the Zhu family's empire, so that it can be passed down smoothly...

Old Zhu explained this to himself, as well as to his deceased son and wife.

He was, after all, an emperor.

Between personal feelings and the stability of the dynasty, he chose the latter.

The matter of establishing an heir can no longer be delayed.

He took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind, and the last trace of hesitation in his eyes completely disappeared, leaving only the coldness and decisiveness of an emperor.

"Yunming".

"The servant is here."

Yunming quickly bowed in response.

"deliver an imperial order!"

Old Zhu's voice regained its usual authority, but carried a hint of barely concealed weariness: "Three days from now, at the Grand Court Assembly. I have important matters to announce."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Yunming bowed and withdrew, vaguely guessing what the emperor was about to announce.

Old Zhu sat alone on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the blood-stained and smoothed-out "Memorial on Public Security" before finally settling on the cold iron box.

He admired Zhu Yunwen's courage and ruthlessness, but the future of the Ming Dynasty needed Zhu Yunwen's 'benevolence' more than anything else.

It remains to be seen what future this decision will lead the ships of the Ming Dynasty to.
Please give me double monthly votes!

(End of this chapter)