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

Chapter 199 Old Zhu: If we don't listen to you, will our Ming Dynasty perish? [Seeking monthly votes]

Inside the side hall, the atmosphere was as oppressive as an impending storm.

The officials gathered in small groups, talking in hushed tones, but each of their eyes gleamed with unease and suspicion.

The shadow of Zhang Biao's anonymous tip-off box looms over everyone's heart like an invisible nightmare.

They were both relieved that the emperor had postponed the court session, giving them a chance to catch their breath, and fearful of the impending storm.

"Lord Wang, do you think... there might already be someone inside that box...?"

A minor official in a green robe asked his colleague next to him in a trembling voice.

"Hush! Be careful what you say! Be careful what you say!"

Lord Wang turned pale and quickly covered his mouth.

At the same time, his eyes scanned his surroundings warily, as if anyone might pull a small note from their sleeve and slip it into that imaginary box.

Just then, Yunming appeared silently at the door like a ghost emerging from the underworld.

Swish!
All sounds vanished instantly, and the officials turned their heads in unison, their movements as synchronized as a trained army, their eyes filled with fear and curiosity.

Yun Ming cleared his throat and announced the imperial decree expressionlessly:
"His Majesty's decree: I am well, the Grand Court Assembly shall proceed as usual in the Fengtian Hall."

"Today's discussion includes 'the stipends and restrictions for the princes.' All officials must immediately proceed to the Fengtian Hall to await His Majesty's arrival without delay."

The moment the decree was issued, the entire hall was astonished!

To discuss matters concerning the feudal lords?!
At this very moment, just as Zhang Biao proclaimed himself the "King of Auditing" and set up a whistleblower box?!

Is the Emperor going to go with the flow, or is he luring the enemy out of their hole?

Some astute officials, such as Yuan Tai, turned deathly pale instantly.

They realized that the Emperor was not angered or deterred by Zhang Biao's crazy actions, but instead wanted to take this opportunity to formally bring the issue of the vassal kings to the forefront.

This means that Zhang Biao's seemingly suicidal act inadvertently provided the emperor with an unprecedented entry point and public opinion environment.

Meanwhile, some officials who were more deeply involved with the interests of the vassal kings, or who were already worried about the vassal kings becoming too powerful, had complex glints in their eyes.

Perhaps... this is an opportunity to choose sides and show loyalty?

[Taking this opportunity to kick a disliked prince while he's down? There's always an anonymous mailbox...]

In any case, Lao Zhu's reaction far exceeded their expectations.

This is not about settling things peacefully; it's about stirring up trouble.

"I will obey your orders!"

With their own thoughts and intentions, the officials bowed and accepted the order, surging towards the Fengtian Hall like a tide.

Everyone felt a heavy weight in their hearts, knowing that today's court assembly was destined to be anything but peaceful.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified, with officials standing in order.

Zhu sat high on the dragon throne, his face calm, showing no sign that he had just experienced a farce that would have enraged any emperor.

Only those deep, abyss-like eyes occasionally swept across the imperial steps, carrying a chilling, all-knowing quality.

"If you have a petition, please submit. If you don't, please leave the court—"

With the announcement of the court officials, the grand court assembly officially began.

After a brief silence, as expected yet unexpectedly, Yuan Tai, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, stepped forward first, holding a jade tablet.

"Your subject, Yuan Tai, has a memorial to present!"

His voice trembled slightly, but it was more resolute than anything else.

As the head of the censors, he had to stand up when the emperor clearly wanted to discuss the "restraint of the vassal kings".

This is both a duty and a 'pledge of allegiance'.

"speak."

Old Zhu's voice came from above, revealing neither his joy nor anger.

"I impeach Censor Zhang Biao!"

Yuan Tai took a deep breath and said loudly:

"Outside Chengtian Gate, he roared and clamored within the palace, set up stalls and hawked his wares, acting like a merchant and bewitching people!"

"Furthermore, they dared to make the audacious claim of 'auditing the princes' and set up 'anonymous whistleblower boxes' in private. Such actions are appalling, shake the foundation of the nation, and show contempt for imperial authority!"

"His first crime is utter disrespect!"

"His second crime is disrupting the order of the court!"

"His third crime is that he harbors treacherous intentions!"

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you severely punish Zhang Biao to set an example and deter others from following suit!"

This was an impeachment that was expected.

Many officials nodded secretly, looking at the emperor expectantly.

However, Old Zhu on the dragon throne merely raised his eyelids slightly, his tone indifferent:
"We are already aware of Zhang Biao's arrogant and unruly behavior."

"However, the establishment of its 'Anti-Corruption Bureau' was personally approved by me. As for the audit, I have already given the order that no action may be taken without my permission."

"We understand what Minister Yuan has reported."

[You know? You just know?!]

Yuan Tai almost died on the spot because he couldn't catch his breath.

He felt that his accusations, which he had put in with all his might, were like a heavy punch landing on cotton... no, it was like hitting the Emperor's face, which had somehow become so 'lenient'!
Just then, Duke Xu Yungong of Wei suddenly stepped forward:

"Your Majesty, Xu Yungong has submitted a memorial! Although Zhang Biao's actions were inappropriate, his claims about the vassal kings were not entirely without basis!"

"Nowadays, some of the princely residences have guards who exceed the prescribed limits, while others encroach on military farms and compete with the people for profit!"

"If this continues, it will likely not be a good thing for the country!"

"In my opinion, Your Majesty's proposal to 'restrain the princes' is timely! The number of guards for the princes' residences should be clearly defined, the encroachment on farmland should be strictly investigated, and the expenditure of their salaries should be standardized, so as to ensure the stability of the nation!"

Xu Yungong's words were like cold water being poured into boiling oil, creating a deafening explosion.

Even Old Zhu couldn't help but look at Xu Yungong with new respect.

It should be noted that Xu Yungong's elder sister, Xu Miaoyun, was the wife of Prince Yan, Zhu Di. Logically speaking, Xu Yungong should have been the most supportive of the prince.

After all, Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, was the most powerful of all the princes.

As the brother-in-law, he had no reason not to support his brother-in-law.

However, Xu Yungong's remarks surprised everyone and immediately caused an even bigger uproar.

"The Duke of Wei is mistaken!"

A military general with close ties to a certain border vassal king immediately retorted:
"The vassal kings are the bulwark of the nation, guarding the borders, and bear a heavy responsibility! Without sufficient protection, how can we resist foreign aggression? A few acres of land and expenses are insignificant compared to the merit of defending the land!"

"How can the merit of defending the territory be used as an excuse for perverting the law?!"

Zhuo Jing, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue who supported Zhu Yunwen, also joined the battle:

"The Emperor's decrees are established by law! How can they be easily transgressed? If even princes can overstep these rules, where does that leave the laws of the court?!"

"Zhuo Jing, you brat! What do you know about border defense!"

A military officer with a full beard jumped out, spitting as he spoke: "Without the princes keeping order, the Northern Yuan barbarians would have already invaded your hometown!"

"You brute! The law! Do you even care about the law anymore?!" A thin censor was so angry that his beard stood on end.

"The princes have it tough too! They only get such a small salary..."

"You think you can seize military farmland so easily?!"

"You are slandering!"

"You're the one covering it up!"

"You are sowing discord among the royal family!"

"You ate the prince's rice!"

Soon, the Fengtian Hall turned into a 'marketplace', with civil and military officials arguing and exchanging glares and spittle.

Those who supported restraining the vassal kings were mostly civil officials and some officials whose interests conflicted with those of the vassal kings.

Those who opposed it were mostly military generals, nobles, and those who had a past relationship with the prince.

Both sides quoted classical texts and attacked each other. If they hadn't been in front of the emperor, they probably would have rolled up their sleeves and started fighting long ago.

On the dragon throne, Old Zhu watched the argument below with a blank expression, his fingers still tapping lightly on the armrest.

[Argue all you want, argue as much as you want.]

Let's bring out all the things we wouldn't dare say in ordinary times, and all the conflicts we wouldn't dare to put on the table.

【Let us see clearly who among the officials is truly concerned for the country, who is seeking personal gain, and who is secretly colluding with those good sons!】 Zhang Biao's complaint box is a 'ghost fire' lurking in the shadows.

Now, he wants to bring this "ghost fire" into the open, turning it into a raging inferno that everyone can see.

He doesn't need to make immediate decisions; he just needs to listen, observe, and let the conflicts and factions come to light.

This argument itself was the prelude to his re-examination and purge of the court.

Just as the argument was escalating, Old Zhu slowly raised his hand.

With just one gesture, the commotion in the hall instantly subsided.

Everyone held their breath, gazing at that supreme being.

"The matter of the vassal kings concerns the very foundation of the nation and cannot be decided in a single day."

Old Zhu's voice echoed in the hall, carrying an undeniable composure:
"I am fully aware of what was discussed today. The Hanlin Academy, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Imperial Clan Court shall jointly draft a 'Code of Conduct for Princes,' detailing regulations on guards, land, expenses, and supervision, and submit it to me for my review."

He did not favor either side, but instead passed the buck back to the relevant departments to study specific solutions.

This demonstrates a willingness to rectify the situation without immediately escalating the conflict, leaving room for buffering and maneuvering.

"As for Zhang Biao..."

Old Zhu's gaze swept across the entire hall, finally settling on the empty spot in the line of censors:
"His behavior was erratic, so he was fined one year's salary as a punishment. However, now that the Anti-Corruption Bureau has been established, it cannot remain inactive. He is ordered to submit a memorial within three days, detailing the operating regulations and auditing methods of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. I need to review it personally."

One year’s salary deduction?
For someone as stubborn as Zhang Biao, this punishment was like a tickle!

The above statement outlines the auditing methods.
This isn't punishment; it's clearly assigning homework!
The officials were completely dumbfounded.

The Emperor's attitude was both extremely ambiguous and extremely clever.

He not only appeased the side that impeached Zhang Biao, but also stabilized Zhang Biao and the 'reform' demands he might represent. Furthermore, he successfully used this incident to formally launch the sensitive issue of 'restraining the princes'!

The bomb that Zhang Biao threw not only failed to injure the emperor, but was cleverly dismantled and used by the emperor as a tool to rectify the court and reprimand the vassal kings!

At this moment, everyone truly realized how profound and shrewd Emperor Hongwu's political skills were, capable of manipulating events at will.

"The matter concerning the vassal kings has already been discussed; all relevant departments are to proceed accordingly."

After a brief silence, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly spoke again, steer the conversation toward the most crucial point: "Today at court, there is another matter concerning the foundation of the nation, which requires discussion with all of you—"

He paused, deliberately creating a solemn atmosphere:

"The Crown Prince Biao has passed away early, and the position of heir apparent cannot remain vacant for long. We observe that the Imperial Grandson Yunwen is benevolent, filial, intelligent, and of pure character, and is worthy of being cultivated. Today, let us discuss the matter of establishing an heir apparent. All of you may express your opinions."

coming!

Although it was expected, when Zhu Yuanzhang said it himself, especially when he explicitly pointed out that Zhu Yunwen was "benevolent, filial, intelligent" and "worthy of being cultivated," his inclination was obvious, and the hearts of the officials in the hall were still clenched tightly.

Normally, especially when Liu Sanwu and other core figures of the Zhejiang East civil official group had not yet retired, a large number of officials would have stepped forward by now, quoting classics and echoing loudly, praising the virtue of the grandson of the emperor Yunwen, and requesting the emperor to establish his official title as soon as possible to reassure the people.

But today——

silence.

An almost awkward silence enveloped the Fengtian Hall.

The officials exchanged glances, their eyes filled with hesitation, apprehension, and deeper calculations.

Many people's gazes even unconsciously drifted towards the outside of the hall.

It was as if one could penetrate the layers of palace walls and see the ominous-smelling [Anonymous Report Box] that Zhang Biao had carried away.

Establishing an heir apparent? At this juncture?

Zhang Biao, that madman, just shouted "audit the princes," clearly indicating that he wants to target the princes!

Although the Emperor temporarily suppressed the issue and even took the opportunity to initiate the discussion on 'restraining the vassal kings', the situation had become extremely murky!

If I express my support for His Highness Yunwen at this moment, will it be interpreted as 'clinging to the future monarch'? Or even... will I be seen as a thorn in the side by certain forces closely related to the vassal kings, or by that madman Zhang Biao, and then have an anonymous letter thrown into that box?

Supporting Prince Yunheng? That would be even more dangerous!
Who doesn't know that madman Zhang Biao is close to Prince Yuntong?
The Emperor treated Zhang Biao so leniently just now, even letting him submit a memorial; it's truly unfathomable how the Emperor's will works!

Supporting Prince Yunhu at this moment would be tantamount to openly siding with the Anti-Corruption Bureau and going against the feudal princes.
Risks and uncertainties have made everyone extra cautious.

Sitting on the dragon throne, Emperor Zhu looked down at the group of ministers who were usually eloquent and erudite, but now seemed like gourds with their mouths sawed off. His brows gradually furrowed, and his displeasure began to accumulate.

What he wanted was the unanimous support of all officials and a scene of unity among the people.

This was to demonstrate to the world the legitimacy of the new crown prince and the popular support for him, thereby mending the rift caused by the mass killings following Zhu Biao's death and stabilizing the court.

But what's going on now?

Even a major national event like choosing an heir apparent has lost its appeal?
Seeing that Old Zhu's expression was growing increasingly grim, Dong Lun, the Vice Minister of Rites, steeled himself and stepped forward. He carefully chose his words and cautiously said:
"Your Majesty!"

"In my opinion, His Highness Prince Yunwen is kind, filial, intelligent and studious, and closely resembles his father. If... if he were to be established as the Crown Prince, it would be in accordance with propriety and the will of the people."

His words were dry and lacked the necessary appeal; they sounded more like he was completing a task he had to do.

Upon hearing this, Old Zhu felt no relief whatsoever; instead, he became even more distressed.

Seeing that Zhu remained silent, two or three other low-ranking civil officials stepped forward and echoed his sentiments.

"I also believe that His Highness Yunwen is benevolent and filial, and is the only suitable candidate for Crown Prince!"

"Yes, His Highness Yunwen is quite good."

Their voices were very weak and lacked any momentum, a stark contrast to the days when Liu Sanwu's call to arms would be met with a huge crowd.

As for those young noble scions who had close ties with the Chang family, or who themselves were optimistic about the potential military power behind Zhu Yunwen, they exchanged glances, and one of them stepped forward and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe that His Highness Prince Yuntong, born to Lady Chang, is of more legitimate status as the eldest son of the emperor. Moreover, he is brave and resolute, so perhaps... perhaps he is worth considering."

Their statements were equally cautious; they dared not overly advocate for Zhu Yunwen, for fear of offending the emperor who clearly favored him, and also for fear of being drawn into a deeper vortex.

The scattered, listless, and even subtly opposing statements from the two sides made Old Zhu's face turn completely gloomy.

This is not the result he wanted!
This not only fails to unite people's hearts, but also highlights the divisions!

What he wants is a definitive decision, unanimous support!

Instead of a timid, uninspiring, and potentially controversial 'discussion' like this!
[Damn it! It's all that madman Zhang Biao's fault!]

If he hadn't stirred up the "auditing the princes" and "anonymous whistleblower boxes" incidents, making all the officials feel insecure and uneasy, how could things have turned out this way?!

[He's not fighting corruption, he's sabotaging us! He's undermining our efforts to establish a successor!]

Old Zhu was seething with anger.

He was almost certain that Zhang Biao's decision to cause this scene before today's grand court assembly was not unintentional, and that he must have a deeper purpose behind it: to obstruct the establishment of Zhu Yunwen as emperor.

Although he could not fully comprehend Zhang Biao's intentions, the effect of this disruption was already undeniable.

Seeing that the situation was about to get out of control and slide in a direction completely opposite to what was expected, Lao Zhu knew that he could not let this 'discussion' continue any longer.

Further discussion will only make the differences public and plunge Zhu Yunwen into a quagmire of controversy before he has even been officially appointed.

This is extremely disadvantageous for him and for the Ming Dynasty.

He slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne. The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a thunderclap, making everyone's heart skip a beat.

"enough!"

Old Zhu interrupted the scattered comments below, his face ashen, his tone filled with barely suppressed anger and a hint of barely perceptible fatigue:

"The matter of choosing an heir concerns the stability of the nation, and we have our own considerations! We are fully aware of what we have heard today. We will discuss this matter again later!"

"Court adjourned!"

He practically jumped up, flicked his sleeves, and left, his steps so fast it was as if a dog was chasing him.

The officials were left looking at each other, their hearts filled with mixed feelings. They were both relieved to have escaped a disaster and filled with fear of the uncertainty of the future.

[The Emperor was so angry that he even postponed the selection of an heir?]

[Zhang Biao is a madman, terrifyingly so!]

Ignoring the thoughts of his ministers, Zhu stormed off toward the Hall of Literary Glory, feeling as if his lungs were about to explode with rage.

Last time, when Zhang Biao was choosing an heir, he pulled a "pig's head meat demand for unpaid wages" stunt. This time, he pulled another stunt: "auditing the princes" and "anonymous whistleblower boxes."

Does he really look down on Yunwen that much?! Or does he not trust our judgment?!

Or is it that we have no choice but to listen to him?
The more Old Zhu thought about it, the angrier he became, and the angrier he became, the more he wanted to kill someone.

Yunming followed behind him, jogging all the way, his heart pounding with fear.

"Yunming—!"

Old Zhu finally couldn't suppress his anger and suddenly roared:
"Go! Go and bring that bastard here! We want to ask him if he's going to die because he doesn't listen to him! Go now!"

"Yes, yes, yes... This servant will go right away, right away..."

Yunming slipped away as fast as he could, inwardly groaning in despair.

[Well, this is going to be troublesome again. I just hope Lord Zhang will speak like a human being today and not make the Emperor faint again.]

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(End of this chapter)