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

Chapter 188 Old Zhu, you really can't change your ways! [Requesting double monthly votes]

As dusk settled, the Huagai Hall remained solemn.

The candlelight flickered in the wind, casting Old Zhu's gaunt figure onto the cold palace wall, like a lurking, aged lion.

The drizzle tapped on the glazed tiles, producing a fine and continuous sound that only amplified the deathly silence inside the hall.

Jiang Huan entered the hall silently, like a ghost, knelt on one knee, and spoke in a low, clear voice:
"Your Majesty, Zhang Biao... has completed his sentence and has left the official residence in his official robes."

On the dragon throne, Old Zhu's eyelids twitched slightly, but he didn't open them. He just let out an ambiguous "hmm" from his throat.

His fingers unconsciously twirled a memorial that had been read so many times that the edges were worn.

It was that blood-stained document, which he had personally smoothed over, yet whose contents were enough to keep him awake at night: the "Memorial on Public Security".

What did he do after he left?

Old Zhu's voice was slightly hoarse from not speaking for a long time.

"Your Majesty, he first lingered outside the Censorate, had a brief conversation with Censor Wang, and then went to 'Drunken Immortal Abode' in the south of the city to drink with an old clerk from the Ministry of Revenue. During the meal... he spoke freely, mentioning the circumstances of his pardon..."

Jiang Huan paused, her voice even lower: "But, judging from his appearance, it seems he has some mental problems. He doesn't even remember how he was pardoned and imprisoned naked..."

Upon hearing this, Old Zhu's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, but he still did not open his eyes.

Jiang Huan continued:

"After that, he returned to his official residence, and there have been no abnormalities so far. I have increased manpower and have shifts around the clock. His every move is under control."

Silence fell again in the hall, broken only by the sound of rain and the crackling of burning candlelight.

Jiang Huan knelt on the ground, feeling uneasy.

He had thought that the emperor would be furious upon hearing of Zhang Biao's unruly behavior, and might even change his mind and throw Zhang Biao back into prison, or execute him outright.

After all, the contents of the "Memorial on Public Security" were truly horrifying.

Even though Jiang Huan hadn't witnessed it firsthand, just hearing Zhu Xiong Ying's death from Old Zhu's words terrified him.

It should be noted that Zhu Yuanzhang spent a full month killing people because of the death of his crown prince, Zhu Biao. This only includes the direct killings, not even taking into account the subsequent consequences.

Anyway, to this day, the Embroidered Uniform Guard is still investigating people related to Zhu Biao's death all over the country, secretly arresting, interrogating, and killing them.

If the truth about Zhu Xiong Ying's death were to be revealed again, he didn't even want to think about it; he feared that the Ming Dynasty would never have a peaceful life again.

However, none of the things Jiang Huan feared happened.

Old Zhu's reaction was frighteningly calm.

This calm made Jiang Huan more uneasy than his rage.

Ever since Zhu Yuanzhang saw the memorial on maintaining order and issued an edict to pardon Zhang Biao, he has become increasingly silent and his thoughts have become more and more profound and unpredictable.

After a long while, Old Zhu slowly opened his eyes. His once sharp, hawk-like eyes were now bloodshot and filled with a bottomless weariness.

His gaze wasn't on Jiang Huan, but rather fixed on the dark, rainy night outside the window.

"Jiang Huan!"

Old Zhu suddenly shouted something.

Jiang Huan quickly replied, "Your humble servant is here!"

Do you know why knives need sheaths?

"This……"

Jiang Huan hesitated for a moment, then said carefully:
"Because the true meaning of the knife lies not in killing, but in concealment!"

Old Zhu chuckled softly and said calmly:
"We've always wanted to use Zhang Biao as a knife to puncture the festering wound of the Ming Dynasty, but his knife is too sharp!"

"So, we need to hide him."

"In this life, ability is secondary; some become appearances, others become substance, all due to the times."

"Perhaps many people think that Zhang Biao did everything to become a hero, but we think he wanted to create the times."

"The times?"

Jiang Huan looked at Old Zhu with some confusion.

Old Zhu didn't even glance at him, but calmly and indifferently muttered to himself:

"If the older generation sticks to the rules, when will the newcomers ever get a chance to rise to the top?"

boom!
Jiang Huan was deeply shocked, and seemed to understand Zhang Biao's previous crazy behavior.

But then Old Zhu said, "That madman is like a stone thrown into stagnant water; as long as he's alive, he's destined to cause ripples..."

He didn't kill Zhang Biao not because Zhang Biao didn't deserve to die, but because the secret Zhang Biao knew made even this decisive emperor hesitate.

Especially in the "Memorial on Public Security," there was a sentence that pierced his heart like a poisonous thorn—

Old Zhu, do you know how Zhu Xiong Ying died?

Just because of this short line of text.

Old Zhu finally made up his mind to spare Zhang Biao for the time being.

Subsequent events proved that sparing Zhang Biao's life was a wise choice.

During the two months Zhang Biao was imprisoned, he had Jiang Huan thoroughly investigate all the palace servants, imperial physicians, and other related individuals who had served Zhu Xiong Ying.

Unfortunately, nothing was found.

All the evidence points to 'premature death' and 'smallpox infection'.

It seems that the sentence in Zhang Biao's "Memorial on Public Security" was really just the ramblings of a madman on his deathbed, meant only to disturb his mind.

Or, prevent him from carrying out the killing.

But Old Zhu didn't believe it!

Zhu Biao's death has proven that the waters within this deep palace are far deeper and more murky than he imagined!
How could Zhu Xiong Ying's death be entirely innocent?

Even the death of Empress Ma made him wonder if there was something fishy about it.
In his opinion, Zhang Biao, that prodigy, must know something!
He must have discovered a secret that even he, the emperor, had failed to notice!

A powerful impulse almost burst through Lao Zhu's chest.

He wanted to arrest Zhang Biao immediately, torture him severely, and force him to tell him the truth!
No matter what means!
But in the end, he forced himself to suppress the impulse.

He knew Zhang Biao's character; this madman sought neither fame nor fortune, and would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

If pushed too far, he might really resort to desperate measures, dragging the Ming Dynasty down with him regardless of the consequences.

Isn't the current chaotic situation all caused by Zhang Biao?

Thinking of this, Old Zhu's fingers, gripping the dragon throne tightly, trembled slightly, and his knuckles turned white.

Just how many secrets does that fiend know? What is his ultimate goal?

Is he acting so ostentatiously now, just waiting for us to go to him? Or is he waiting to set another trap for us?

A hint of apprehension flashed in Old Zhu's eyes.

He can't touch Zhang Biao, at least not now.

He couldn't push this only 'insider' to the brink before he fully understood the truth and Zhang Biao's true motives.

Moreover... a cold, calculating glint flashed in Old Zhu's eyes.

Zhang Biao's release from the ban was like bait being thrown back into a pond.

What will happen to Fu Youwen and Ru Chang's remaining followers whom he previously overthrew, the nobles he offended to death, and even... the possible masterminds behind the deaths of Xiong Ying, Biao'er, and even Xiu Ying?
Will they tuck their tails between their legs and hide far away, or... will they be unable to resist jumping out to cause trouble for Zhang Biao, or even killing him to silence him?
"Keep an eye on him!"

Old Zhu's voice regained its imperial coldness and calmness, carrying a condescending scrutiny:

"Keep a close eye on him! Not just him, but everyone who gets close to him!"

"Let's see what kind of monsters and demons are out there, they won't be able to resist jumping out."

"Let's see how many big fish are hiding at the bottom of this pool!"

"Yes! I understand!"

Jiang Huan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately accepted the order.

He understood the emperor's intention: to use Zhang Biao as bait to lure out a deeper, more hidden force.

A person who should have died but didn't will make everyone who expects him to die feel like they're sitting on pins and needles.

Because nobody knows if this madman will spill their secrets.

The unknown is the scariest thing.

"Go."

Old Zhu calmly waved his hand, then closed his eyes again, as if the emotional turmoil of that moment had never happened.

Jiang Huan bowed and withdrew, silently disappearing into the darkness outside the hall.

Inside the empty Huagai Hall, only Old Zhu remained.

He kept his eyes closed, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the armrests of the dragon throne, producing a dull, rhythmic sound that echoed in the empty hall.

After a long silence, he suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of weariness: "Yunming."

Yun Ming, who had been standing guard in the corner like a shadow, immediately stepped forward quietly and bowed, saying:
"Your Majesty, this servant is here."

"How is Yunhuo doing lately?"

Old Zhu's voice was very soft, as if he were just asking casually.

Yunming lowered his head, his voice steady yet tinged with a cautious consideration:

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Third Prince has been staying in the Northern Fifth Palace ever since that day...and rarely goes out." "According to his servants, His Highness often practices martial arts in the courtyard, or...stares blankly in the direction of Xiaoling Mausoleum. Occasionally, he will ask about news of rebellions in various places, and seems to be quite attentive to the movements of his several vassal prince uncles."

Old Zhu's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

[Practicing martial arts? Keeping an eye on the movements of the regional kings?]

The image of Zhu Yunwen's eyes, which resembled those of Lady Chang but were even more stubborn and ruthless, flashed through his mind. He also recalled the hatred that Zhu Yunwen exuded from the depths of his being when he presented the iron box that day, despite his best efforts to conceal it.

[Grandpa, what would you do if someone murdered your father?]

Do you consider family and kinship?

The hatred for the murderer of one's father is irreconcilable...

Old Zhu's mind kept replaying Zhu Yunwen's words from that day, and he felt a chill run down his spine.

This child, like his mother Chang, has the fierce spirit of a daughter of a military family, and also inherited the stubbornness of his father Zhu Biao.

If he were to ascend to the throne, given his patient and resolute nature, his deep-seated hatred for any potential 'father's killer,' and his natural wariness of his uncles who were princes...

Old Zhu could almost foresee that once Zhu Yunwen took power, he would inevitably carry out a thunderous and ruthless campaign to weaken the power of the princes.

It could even unleash a storm that sweeps across the entire Zhu imperial family.

Few of his sons, who command armies in the field, will likely meet a good end.

Thinking of this, Old Zhu's heart clenched.

Although he was suspicious of and suppressed his sons, and even ruthlessly eliminated them when necessary, they were ultimately his own flesh and blood, and his actions were for the stability of the Ming Dynasty, not for the personal vendetta of a certain grandson.

He couldn't accept that his sons were being removed one by one by his grandson, like clearing obstacles.

Where is Yunwen?

Old Zhu changed the question, his voice still calm.

Yunming answered more cautiously: "After His Highness the Second Grandson of the Emperor returned to the Eastern Palace, under the persuasion of Consort Lü, he has been studying behind closed doors and listening to lectures by Hanlin Academician Huang Zicheng."

“His words and deeds were quite benevolent, filial, respectful and frugal. He was often engrossed in reading and frequently quoted classical texts when discussing matters with his attendants. He was quite like a benevolent ruler.”

[Benevolence, filial piety, respect, frugality...the virtues of a benevolent ruler...]

Old Zhu pondered these words in his mind.

Yunwen was like his father, even more gentle and more devoted to the Confucian ideal of governing the country with benevolence than Biao'er.

His weakness lies in his indecisiveness and susceptibility to the influence of civil officials.

On the other hand, if he were to come to power, he might treat his uncles with consideration for kinship and be more inclined to use gentle methods, such as bestowing favors or granting fiefs, rather than resorting to bloody executions.

Even if the power of the princes is reduced, the process may be protracted and may leave behind future troubles, but at least... it will not be like Yunhuo, who will most likely directly raise the sword.

One is a strong successor who might bring about a bloody internal purge, but could also forge a monolithic and powerful empire.

Another possibility is a benevolent but weak ruler who may maintain a facade of harmony but could sow the seeds of future regional warlordism.

Old Zhu's fingers tapped the handrail in a slightly off-beat rhythm.

He was well aware of the hidden dangers facing the Ming Dynasty. It was a fact that the vassal kings had become too powerful to control, and it was imperative to reduce their power.

He himself was also hesitating and weighing the options.

But he hopes that this process will be under his control, or at least in a relatively safe manner that will not cause major upheaval.

Zhu Yunwen's 'iron-fisted' nature made him see the risks of things getting out of control and the horrors of fratricide.

Although Zhu Yunwen's 'benevolence' was weak, it seemed to offer a smoother path that was more in line with 'Confucian ideals'.

Although deep down he may have had doubts about whether Zhu Yunwen could truly control this vast empire, and was well aware of the ineffectiveness of the 'benevolent governance' advocated by scholars in actual administration, but...

That's enough...

Old Zhu sighed deeply in his heart, completely suppressing that momentary wavering.

He raised his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the palace dome, looking towards the unknowable future, his eyes regaining their firmness and coldness.

[Yun Tong is not bad. If he had been born in a chaotic era, he might have become a great ruler.]

But now, the Ming Dynasty has begun to descend into chaos, and this chaos cannot continue, otherwise even more blood will be shed, especially the blood of the Zhu family.

Yunwen's gentleness and weakness may be a flaw, but they could also be... a shield to protect the imperial clan.

We believe that under his benevolence, a better path will eventually be found. At least, a better one than Yun-heng's inevitably blood-stained path.

"Tell Huang Zicheng to properly guide Yunwen."

Old Zhu finally gave the order in a calm tone, his voice devoid of any emotion:

"Both 'The Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty' and 'Essentials of Governance in the Zhenguan Era' should be studied carefully. In the way of a ruler, benevolence and virtue are certainly indispensable, but...decisiveness is also essential."

"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant will go and deliver the message immediately."

Yunming bowed and accepted the order, but his heart was filled with dread.

He knew that the Emperor's seemingly ordinary instruction had actually implied a choice.
Old Zhu waved his hand, signaling Yunming to step down.

Inside the main hall, he was alone again, with only the seemingly endless sound of rain outside the window.

He slowly raised his hand, stroking the words about Zhu Xiong Ying on the "Memorial on Public Security," his eyes filled with extreme complexity.

There is a yearning for the truth, hatred for Zhang Biao, fear of the unknown, and a deep sense of frustration as an emperor and grandfather who is powerless to protect his children and grandchildren.

"Biao'er...Xiongying..."

He murmured something very soft and hoarse into the air, but the sound was completely swallowed up by the sound of rain outside the window.

"Tell your father... what should we do with this monster?"

On the other side, Zhang Biao's dilapidated official residence.

After returning from Zuixianju, Zhang Biao had been analyzing the current situation of the Ming Dynasty.

However, the information he gathered was very incomplete, and whenever he asked a few more questions, those people would panic and quickly make their escape.

Until a few of his die-hard fans came to his door, namely those few disabled veterans.

After hearing that Zhang Biao had been released from confinement, they all sent him congratulatory gifts. Zhang Biao was very moved, so he took out sweet potatoes, which they had never eaten before, and roasted them for them.

"Imperial Censor Zhang, this is delicious! Do you have any more? I want to take some home for my old wife!"

The one-armed veteran finished his roasted sweet potato, skin and charcoal still attached, and said with lingering satisfaction.

It seems that soldiers are all like that; they rarely beat around the bush and just say what they want.

Zhang Biao also enjoyed spending time with these veterans, so he didn't feel it was presumptuous at all and said:
"Yes, I do have some, but not much of it. I still need it. Once I get more, I'll give each of you a basketful!"

"Oh? Really? Thank you so much, Imperial Censor Zhang!"

"Yes, Imperial Censor Zhang! You have done so much for us and suffered so much, yet we..."

"Hey! We're all on the same side, no need for such polite words!"

Zhang Biao raised his hand to interrupt the veterans' embarrassment, then changed the subject:
"As you all know, I spent a long time in the imperial prison. Even after I was released, I was confined to my dormitory and knew very little about the outside world."

"So, could you tell me some information you know, especially about Shen Lang and the other four..."

"This……"

The veterans exchanged glances, looking troubled, but considering that Zhang Biao had given them sweet potatoes, they gritted their teeth and told him what they knew.

"Censor Zhang and Accountant Shen are both fine. The Emperor has appointed them as supervisory censors in the fiefdoms of various princes. It can be considered a blessing in disguise, as they have been sent to serve as officials in the provinces!"

The one-armed veteran spoke first.

Another lame veteran chimed in, "Furthermore, after the Emperor issued the 'Edict of Self-Reproach,' he also issued another decree to cut off the extra expenses of those princes who were enfeoffed in the interior and did nothing, so that they would have to find their own way to support their wives, children, and elderly parents!"

"I heard that the memorials from princes across the country pleading poverty are almost flooding the Office of Transmission!"

"Yes... I also heard that because of the rebellions in various places, the emperor felt that his power base was unstable and dared not launch any major military campaigns. The treatment of the nine border kings has not changed at all..."

"The most worrying thing is that rumors are spreading in the palace that during the grand court assembly in three days, the Emperor might...he might establish an heir apparent..."

After hearing the information from the veterans, Zhang Biao calmly saw them off.

He didn't close the door until they were all out of his sight, and then sat down at the dilapidated table.

"boom!"

Zhang Biao slammed his fist on the table, wincing in pain, but he couldn't suppress the rage in his heart.

[Zhu Chongba! You old fool!]

[Shaving half and leaving half? Is this called scraping the bone to remove poison? This is like cutting fingernails! The vassal kings are the biggest festering sore on the Ming Dynasty's body; if they're not squeezed clean, they'll rot to the bone sooner or later!]

[And that good-for-nothing Zhu Yunwen, you'd definitely choose him, right?]

You really can't change your ways!

If he ascends the throne, won't the Ming Dynasty be completely controlled by those pedantic scholars? Wouldn't all the blood I shed have been for nothing?!

He understood Zhu's concerns; with rebellions raging everywhere, stability was indeed needed.

But he knew even better that temporary stability would only bring greater turmoil and bloodshed in the future.

Zhang Biao, however, did not want any change he had risked his life for to be in vain.

[Damn it! I was too lenient with you, Zhu Chongba!]

[Want to make Zhu Yunwen the heir? You'll have to see if I agree!]

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(End of this chapter)