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

Chapter 189 It doesn't matter who sits on the throne, right? The Xuanwu Gate of the Ming Dynasty! ? [Bonus Chapter 18 for Monthly Tickets]

The news of Zhang Biao's release spread like wildfire throughout every corner of Yingtian Prefecture.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang pardoned Zhang Biao's death sentence, everyone felt that even though Zhang Biao was pardoned, he would not be free, and Zhu Yuanzhang would definitely imprison him until he died.

After all, none of the things Zhang Biao did made it easy for him to live.

However, Lao Zhu's actions once again surprised everyone.
If the massacre two months ago hadn't been so brutal, there would probably be another wave of people 'requesting the execution of Zhang Biao'.

Meanwhile, in a quiet Buddhist hall in the inner palace.

The woman in plain clothes was chanting sutras with her eyes closed when an old woman gently pushed open the door to the Buddhist hall.

"My lady..."

The old nanny's voice trembled almost imperceptibly: "News has come from the previous dynasty..."

"Say!"

The woman calmly uttered a single word, but did not open her eyes.

The old nanny continued:

"His Majesty issued an edict today, lifting Zhang Biao's confinement! He is now free, and can even swagger to the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and even 'Drunken Immortal Abode' to gather information..."

Upon hearing this, the woman's fingers, which were fiddling with her prayer beads, suddenly stopped, her tone filled with confusion and anger:
"Has Zhu Chongba really gone mad? That Zhang Biao, not only did he not kill him, but he actually dared to release him..."

Her thoughts were the same as most 'wise men': even if Zhu Yuanzhang didn't kill Zhang Biao, imprisoning him until his death would be the most reasonable and in line with the interests of the court.

Moreover, as long as Zhang Biao is kept under control and unable to cause any more trouble, then the mother and son will be safe, and those covered-up secrets can continue to lie dormant.

But now... Old Zhu has actually brought out this biggest variable again.

"Now that the internal and external troubles of the Ming Dynasty have just begun to subside, the remnants of the Northern Yuan are still eyeing us covetously. The court has been severely weakened after this purge. Instead of thinking about how to recuperate and stabilize the country, he actually released Zhang Biao, this scourge, again?!"

"Does he think the world is too peaceful? Is he really not afraid that he will personally turn the Ming Dynasty upside down?!"

The woman became increasingly agitated as she spoke, her chest heaving slightly, clearly indicating that she was deeply shaken.

She couldn't understand why her usually shrewd and ruthless husband would make such a seemingly foolish decision.

The old nanny was also pale.
"Your Majesty, Zhang Biao is too unpredictable. Almost no one knows what he'll do next. What should we do if he targets us?"

"Why panic?!"

The woman suppressed her shock and anger, the turmoil in her eyes gradually being overshadowed by cold rationality:
"If Zhang Biao really knew about what happened between my son and me, given his previous madness, he would have told Zhu Chongba long ago. Why would he wait until today?"

"That 'Memorial on Public Security'?"

"Hmph! It's nothing but a charade!"

She scoffed dismissively, then carefully reviewed all of Zhang Biao's previous 'crazy words and actions,' and indeed there was no indication that they were directly directed at her and her son.

He targeted Fu Youwen, Ru Chang, and other nobles, even extending his reach to the four princes of Qin, Jin, Zhou, and Lu, and even the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, but he never touched the inner palace or her son.

"He may know some of the details, but he knows nothing about the core issues."

The woman confidently concluded: "The Emperor's actions can only mean two things: either he has truly gone mad and is destroying his own defenses, or... he has a deeper scheme in mind, wanting us to panic because of the news of Zhang Biao's release from confinement."

"but……"

A cold glint flashed in the woman's eyes, and her tone turned sinister:

"This scoundrel is a constant threat as long as he's alive. Even though he's been released this time, there's no guarantee he won't cause even bigger trouble next time. What if... what if he actually stumbles upon something someday..."

She hesitated for a moment, then squeezed her fingertips so hard that she almost made an imprint on the sandalwood prayer beads.

"Tell our people in the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Her voice was extremely low, carrying an undeniable killing intent:
“Keep a close eye on him! If he behaves himself, let him live a few more days. If he makes any unusual moves, or… if there’s an opportunity…”

She didn't finish her sentence, but the old woman already understood completely.

If a suitable opportunity arises, without needing to ask for permission, one can directly create an accident to eliminate any future troubles.

"Yes! This old servant understands!"

The old nanny bowed and left to receive her orders.

Once again, only the woman remained in the Buddhist hall.

She slowly sat up straight, gazing at the gloomy sky outside the window with a deep look in her eyes.

"Ma Xiuying...did you see that?"

She muttered to herself, her voice carrying a complex mockery:

"Your man has gone mad. He's truly reckless... He even dares to use a madman like Zhang Biao, who can destroy everything..."

"Fine... let him do whatever he wants. The muddier the water, the better it might be for us, mother and child."

"Once he dies... what difference does it make who sits on the throne of the Ming Dynasty?"

She closed her eyes again, twirled her prayer beads, and the chanting resumed, but it seemed to carry a hint of bloody murderous intent.

Zhang Biao's release from confinement was like a boulder thrown into the seemingly calm, stagnant waters of the deep palace; the ripples it stirred were spreading silently.

……

"Sis! Sis! Have you heard?!"

Zhu Mingyu rushed into the house like a gust of wind, not even bothering to wipe the rain from her face. Her face, which usually carried a hint of stubbornness and impulsiveness, was now filled with unbelievable ecstasy, and her voice even changed tone:

"Zhang Biao! That madman Zhang Biao! Grandfather has released him! He's free!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Mingyue, who was embroidering by the window, suddenly plunged the embroidery needle into her fingertip, and a drop of bright red blood instantly seeped out, staining the plain white silk cloth.

Unaware of what was happening, she suddenly raised her head, her gentle eyes widening in shock, joy, and a hint of tears that had been suppressed for a long time.

"Really...really?"

Her voice trembled, choked with sobs: "Mingyu, you mustn't lie to me! Grandfather... how could he possibly..."

"Absolutely true!"

Zhu Mingyu nodded vigorously and excitedly grabbed her sister's hand:

"It's all over the place! They say he's served his sentence and been reinstated! Although no one dares to discuss it openly, the news is absolutely reliable!"

"I knew it! I knew that madman wouldn't fall so easily! He's the hero who made Grandpa Emperor faint several times with his insults!"

The two sisters hugged each other tightly, crying and laughing at the same time, as if they wanted to release all the fear, repression and humiliation they had endured for the past few months in this moment.

Zhang Biao's rebirth is not just a matter of life and death for them, but also a symbol.

The fact that the 'madman' who dared to challenge the darkness and tear apart hypocrisy has been freed means that this suffocating night may not be entirely devoid of light.

After the initial excitement, Zhu Mingyu immediately thought of her younger brother.

"I have to go tell Yun-hu!"

She wiped away her tears and turned to run outside: "He'll be so happy to hear this news!"

"and many more!"

Zhu Mingyue quickly grabbed her, a hint of worry returning to her face: "Be careful, walls have ears... Besides, Yunhuo, he..."

She felt a pang of heartache as she recalled how her younger brother had become increasingly silent and reserved ever since he presented the tin box.

Zhu Mingyu ignored all that and broke free from her sister's hand: "What are you afraid of! This is fantastic news! We must tell Yunhu!"

She walked quickly through the corridor and arrived at the side hall of the North Fifth Palace, where Zhu Yunwen lived alone.

At this moment, Zhu Yunwen was copying a calligraphy work by his father, Zhu Biao. His brushstrokes were steady, but his slightly furrowed brows showed that he was restless.

"Yunyi! That madman Zhang Biao! No, your Mr. Zhang has been released by the Emperor! He's free!"

Upon hearing the news brought by Zhu Mingyu, Zhu Yunwen's hand holding the pen suddenly paused, and a drop of thick ink fell onto the Xuan paper, quickly spreading into a black blot.

He looked up, his eyes instantly gleaming with a bright light—a joy that came from the heart and was hard to hide.

Mr. Zhang is free?

Was the kind older brother who revealed the truth about his father's death and gave him the most important lesson in his life not imprisoned and killed by his grandfather?

that is really good!
But this joy lasted only a moment before it was replaced by a deeper worry.

He put down his pen, walked to the window, and gazed at the continuous drizzle outside, his voice low and somber:

"He's out...that's a good thing. But, Second Sister, he's offended so many people...even if Grandfather doesn't touch him for now, will those people let him go?"

He thought of Zhang Biao's five brothers: Shen Lang, Sun Gui, Zhao Fengman, Li Mo, and Wu Naida.

As far as he knew, all five of them had been taken away by his imperial grandfather. Now, Zhang Biao was all alone, like someone in a jungle surrounded by wolves, where every step could lead to a trap.

Suddenly, a strong impulse surged into Zhu Yunwen's heart.

He wanted to contact Zhang Biao!

He wanted to know the truth about the deaths of his father and brother!

He wanted to use Zhang Biao's power to fight his way out of this desperate palace!
However, after a moment of impulsiveness, he knew he couldn't.

He was being watched by countless eyes.

Any unusual move he made could bring utter destruction to himself and his two sisters, or drag Zhang Biao, who had just escaped danger, back into the abyss. He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, using the pain to force himself to calm down.

"There's nothing we can do right now."

Zhu Yuntong's voice carried a hint of bitterness and helplessness: "We can only wait and see. I hope Mr. Zhang... will be blessed by heaven."

He seemed to be comforting his sister, but more like he was trying to convince himself.

Zhu Mingyu felt a pang of sadness as she looked at her younger brother's pretentious act of maturity.

She suddenly remembered something and lowered her voice:
"There's one more thing... I overheard the palace servants talking privately, and it seems... it seems they still intend to make that illegitimate son the Crown Prince."

boom!
These words struck Zhu Yunwen like a thunderclap.

His body swayed almost imperceptibly, his face instantly turned pale, and a chill ran from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

The Crown Prince... This means that the Chang family line will be completely marginalized, or even purged.

Zhu Yunwen will forever lose that position, and even the prospect of living peacefully as a vassal king may become a distant dream.

However, his face showed no sign of distress. He simply lowered his eyelids quickly, concealing the turbulent emotions in his eyes, and said in a calm, almost indifferent tone:
"understood."

After saying that, he stopped looking at Zhu Mingyu, turned around and walked to the place where weapons were hung in the hall, and took down an unsharpened practice spear.

"I'm going to practice martial arts."

He needed to vent, to channel this sudden surge of crisis and resentment into every chop, stab, and thrust.

Sweat might temporarily wash away the biting chill in one's heart.

Zhu Mingyu looked at her younger brother's silent and resolute back, opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing. She just sighed softly and left.

Inside the side hall, only the sound of the wind whipped up by Zhu Yuntong's spear and the ceaseless, cold sound of rain outside the window remained.

He knew that Zhang Biao's release from prison was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

The Crown Prince's proposal foreshadowed an even greater storm to come.

He must become stronger and more patient.

Before dawn arrives, he must first learn to hide himself in the darkness and survive.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Palace, in the sleeping quarters of Lady Lü.

"Mother! I heard that Zhang Biao, that madman, was released by the Emperor! He wasn't beheaded by the Emperor, nor was he imprisoned to death!"

Zhu Yunwen, with a sob in his voice, arrived at Lady Lü's bedchamber.

Upon hearing this, Madam Lü's face turned pale instantly.

The teacup in his hand fell onto her skirt with a 'clatter,' soaking a large area with scalding tea, but she didn't even notice.

"You... what did you say? Zhang Biao, that madman... he's been released?!"

Her voice trembled uncontrollably, and her once gentle eyes were now filled with terror and disbelief.

"Yes! It's spread throughout the palace and beyond; it's no secret anymore."

Zhu Yunwen said dejectedly, "Moreover, it was a special decree issued by my grandfather; he was not only freed, but also reinstated to his original position."

"Special decree... special decree..."

Lady Lü muttered to herself, her body trembling slightly.

The name Zhang Biao is like a nightmare.

The last audit storm that swept through the court resulted in the imprisonment of two dukes, Guo Ying and Li Jinglong, and the eventual execution of six high-ranking officials, including Fu Youwen and Ru Chang. She thought that was the end of it.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Biao's "incoherent ramblings" in prison brought up "forbidden drugs in the palace" and "old cases in Shaanxi," especially the suspicions that vaguely pointed to the cause of the crown prince's death, which was like a sharp sword hanging over her head, keeping her awake at night for more than two months.

She thought Zhang Biao was doomed, and that all the secrets and fears would be buried with his death.

As a result, Zhang Biao wrote a memorial entitled "On Public Security," which led Zhu Yuanzhang to pardon him at the last minute and imprison him in his official residence, where the Imperial Guards were dispatched to guard him closely.

She also thought that even if Zhang Biao was pardoned from the death penalty, he would still end up being imprisoned until death, which would be no different from death.

However, she has now heard that the madman has actually been released, released after only two months?!
Why did the Emperor release him? Could it be related to Xiong Ying?
A tremendous fear gripped Lu's heart, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.

"Mother? What's wrong?"

Zhu Yunwen was startled to see his mother looking so distraught and disheveled, and quickly went to support her.

"Don't be afraid! Wen'er, don't be afraid!"

Lady Lü gripped Zhu Yunwen's hand tightly in return, as if to transfer strength to him, and also to encourage herself:

"You are the Emperor's grandson, the most honorable grandson of the Ming Dynasty! That madman is nothing but a clown; even if he gets out, he won't be able to cause any trouble!"

Her tone was firm, but the worry deep in her eyes could not be hidden from Zhu Yunwen.

"But it's my mother!"

Zhu Yunwen said with deep concern:
"He was already so crazy before, and now that he's escaped death, will he become even more outrageous? Maybe he'll start spouting nonsense again, slandering my mother, or... targeting me?"

This was exactly what Lady Lü feared most.

Zhang Biao's mouth is terrifying.

He can make the dead seem alive, and turn a trivial matter into a huge uproar.

Who knows what kind of venom he'll spew out this time?
"He doesn't dare!"

Lady Lü forced herself to remain calm: "Although the Emperor has pardoned him, he will never tolerate his recklessness again!"

"Remember this, Wen'er, from now on you must be even more careful with your words and actions, and in front of the Emperor you must appear even more benevolent, filial, diligent, and composed!"

"You must let the Emperor see your virtue and your ability!"

"As for Zhang Biao..."

A cold glint flashed in Madam Lü's eyes: "If he knows what's good for him, he'll behave himself. But if he dares to cause trouble again, there will naturally be someone... who won't tolerate him!"

This statement was pointed.

Zhang Biao had offended too many people—nobles, civil officials, and possibly even other vassal kings—and there were countless people who wanted him dead.

"What Mother Consort means is..."

Zhu Yunwen seemed to understand something.

"We know nothing, and we do nothing."

Lady Lü lowered her voice and instructed, "Keep an eye on our own people and watch what we say. Let's wait and see. The Emperor... is watching."

Zhu Yunwen nodded heavily, keeping his mother's admonition firmly in mind.

But the unease in his heart did not dissipate as a result.

Seeing this, Madam Lü sighed helplessly, then stroked her son's face and said hesitantly:
"Originally, I didn't want to tell you this news, for fear that you would be upset like last time."

"But, to put your mind at ease, please listen to what your mother has to say."

"What does Mother want to say?"

Zhu Yunwen's heart stirred, and he couldn't help but look up at Lady Lü, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Lady Lü smiled faintly and said in a very low voice:

"Mother has heard that the Emperor will convene a grand court assembly in three days, and it's very likely related to the selection of an heir. Perhaps this time, our wish will be fulfilled."

Boom!

Zhu Yunwen was struck dumb upon hearing this.

The immense excitement dispelled all previous unease, replacing it with an irrepressible surge of exhilaration.

He quickly grabbed Madam Lü's hand, even harder than before, and then asked in a trembling voice, "Mother, is this true?"

Lady Lü smiled and nodded, but didn't say a word.

But at this moment, no amount of words can compare to this nod.

"Haha...hahaha!"

Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but laugh out loud.

He tried hard to maintain the dignity befitting a crown prince, but the upturned corners of his mouth and the ecstatic joy in his eyes were impossible to conceal.

What's mine will always be mine!

[Zhang Biao! No matter how crazy you are, a ruler is a ruler, and a subject is a subject!]

Even if you come out, so what? You're nothing but an ant crawling at my feet! If you know what's good for you, then so be it! But if you dare to cause trouble again...

After the laughter subsided, a cold glint flashed in Zhu Yunwen's eyes, a glint that was inconsistent with his usual gentle demeanor.

[If my grandfather doesn't kill you, I will definitely kill you after I ascend the throne!]

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(End of this chapter)