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

Chapter 200 No one supports my lofty ambitions; I will tread the snow to the mountain peak myself. [Seeking monthly votes]

In the small courtyard outside Zhang Biao's official residence.

The atmosphere was completely different from the irritable and oppressive atmosphere in Old Zhu's palace.

Zhang Biao solemnly placed the anonymous tip box covered with red paper on the broken table in the center of the courtyard, allowing the Imperial Guards outside to monitor it, as if he were enshrining an ancestral tablet.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Guards outside were staring intently at the anonymous tip box like dutiful sons and grandsons, which looked rather comical.

As for Zhang Biao, he was surrounded by several other disabled veterans, including one-armed Lao Zhou, lame Lao Li, blind Lao Sun, and wounded Lao Qian, their eyes filled with admiration for Zhang Biao.

"Guys—!"

Suddenly, Zhang Biao slapped his thigh, his face beaming with excitement, as if he had just won a battle, and shouted:

"We fought a brilliant battle outside Chengtian Gate today! We displayed our might and our spirit!"

"Lord Zhang, you didn't see it..."

Old Zhou flicked his empty sleeve and chuckled, "The faces of those officials were even uglier than the faces of the dead men I saw on the battlefield back in the day!"

"you do not say!"

Old Li, who had a limp, stomped his good leg on the ground: "Especially when you pulled out that box, good heavens, I felt like their souls flew away!"

"That's right! When this official takes action, it's no ordinary matter."

Zhang Biao proudly raised his chin, then suddenly changed the subject: "However, my belly is starting to complain..."

As he spoke, he turned to look at the one-armed Old Zhou and called out, "Old Zhou, go to Wang Mazi's shop and order ten catties of his best pig's head meat, and also get some steamed buns and liquor!"

"Let's have a celebration party today, it's on me!"

“Alright—!”

Old Zhou was about to leave excitedly.

"and many more!"

Zhang Biao stopped him, winked and whispered, "Tell Wang Mazi to add more meat and charge less!"

Old Zhou understood immediately, chuckled, and slipped out.

Before long, Wang Mazi's enthusiastic yet shrewd voice rang out from outside the courtyard gate: "Lord Zhang! Lord Zhang! I've come to congratulate you!"

Wang Mazi came in carrying a heavy, steaming food box, almost running in. His face was beaming with joy, and his wrinkles were all shaped like chrysanthemums.

He carefully placed the food box on the table, then bowed deeply to Zhang Biao:
"Lord Zhang! You are truly my second parents, my ancestor who provides me with food and clothing!"

As he spoke, Wang Mazi's voice trembled with excitement: "Ever since you praised my shop's pig's head meat, business has been booming every day!"

"These days, all those corrupt officials in the capital... uh, all those officials know that if you want to eat authentic braised pig's head, you have to come to me, Wang Mazi! It's all thanks to your great fortune!"

Zhang Biao was amused by his exaggeration and playfully kicked him.
"Don't give me that! Can flattery put food on the table? Since I've helped you boost your business, shouldn't you share some of the profits with me?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Mazi was not angry at all. Instead, he thumped his chest loudly and said, "Of course! Of course! It is my honor that Lord Zhang has spoken!"

"From now on, when you come to my little shop, you can have plenty of meat and wine, and as for profit sharing... we'll settle accounts monthly!"

Although he spoke with great confidence, his eyes gleamed with shrewdness, knowing that holding onto Jinbo, this cash cow, would only bring profits in the long run.

"Haha, I was just kidding!"

Zhang Biao suddenly threw his head back and laughed. He was just teasing Wang Mazi and naturally wouldn't really take advantage of him.

However, seeing how readily Wang Mazi agreed, his eyes darted around, and he casually pulled out a few shriveled, bright red things from his person and tossed them to Wang Mazi:
"Here, forget about the dividends. This is for you; it's called 'chili pepper,' the pinnacle of overseas condiments, much stronger than dogwood! Consider it a bonus from me."

Wang Mazi hurriedly caught it, looking at the red fruit he had never seen before in his hand with a blank yet delighted expression.

Zhang Biao then picked up a small piece of charcoal from the table and quickly began to scribble and draw on a piece of oiled paper used to wrap meat, saying as he wrote:
"This is the recipe for making hot pot broth."

"Take this back and find a way to grow these chilies. When they're harvested in the fall, I want to eat the first red-broth hot pot in the capital... no, in the entire Ming Dynasty!"

"At that time, your Wang Mazi pig's head meat might become Wang Mazi hot pot, and become famous all over the world!"

Although Wang Mazi was still clueless about "Wang Mazi Hot Pot", after hearing Zhang Biao's confident and enticing words, and having witnessed Zhang Biao's amazing skills, he suddenly felt that the few dried chilies in his hand were as heavy as a thousand pounds.

It was as if he was holding not chili peppers, but a glittering future.

"Thank you very much, Lord Zhang! Thank you for your guidance, Lord Zhang!"

He was overjoyed and grateful, bowing repeatedly: "You are truly my second parents! This meal is on me! Don't anyone try to take it from me!"

Zhang Biao waved his hand with a smile and said, "Alright, hurry back and work on your chili peppers and recipe. We're waiting to eat!"

"Alright, alright! Enjoy your meal, gentlemen. I'll take my leave now!"

Wang Mazi thanked them profusely and, with his young assistant, practically tiptoed away, beaming with joy.

Watching Wang Mazi leave, the veterans felt a warm glow in their hearts.

Which of the officials they had previously encountered wasn't aloof and arrogant, looking down on everyone?

Have you ever seen anyone like Zhang Biao who can fight alongside them on the battlefield, chat and laugh with street vendors, and even casually give them a precious prescription that is crucial to their livelihood?
This feeling of being treated equally and genuinely regarded as 'one of their own' brought tears to the eyes of these veterans who had struggled at the bottom of society for half their lives.

They didn't stand on ceremony and ate heartily around the table.

Eating fatty yet not greasy, fragrant pig's head meat, along with freshly baked steamed buns, and then taking a sip of spicy liquor, is pure bliss.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Zhang Biao, seeing that everyone was in high spirits, suddenly slammed his hand on the table, his voice rising abruptly, almost shouting towards the courtyard gate:

"Brothers! See this box?!"

He pointed to the complaint box in the center of the table, spitting as he spoke:
"This is our Anti-Corruption Bureau's Heaven-Slaying Sword and Dragon-Slaying Saber! It's a sharp blade aimed at the heart of corrupt officials and lawless tyrants!"

Several veterans were taken aback by his sudden 'speech,' but they quickly realized that it was a performance for outsiders to hear.

They tried their best to appear attentive while exchanging glances.

Zhang Biao continued his loud 'speech':
"We must rely on the masses! Mobilize the masses! Let this box be filled with arrows aimed at corruption!"

As he spoke, he quickly grabbed a piece of charcoal from the table and scribbled a few lines on the greasy surface:
This is a feint! The Emperor will send the Imperial Guards to keep a close watch on the box and me.

[You guys, secretly develop reliable downlines!]

[Focus on collecting evidence of the low-ranking officials, local tyrants, and garrison officers who have harmed your village and oppressed your relatives!]

[I draw their attention, you weave your web in the shadows! Because your influence is limited, they can't keep a close eye on you, making it perfect for you to act covertly!]

The veterans' eyes lit up as they looked at the words on the table, instantly understanding Zhang Biao's intention.

It turns out that the adults made such a big fuss and set up such an eye-catching target in order to attract all the firepower, giving these small fry a chance to weave their net in the dark.

Old Zhou nodded heavily and drew a checkmark on the table with his greasy hands.

Old Li nudged the others lightly under the table with his limp leg, indicating that he understood.

Although Old Sun squinted, his fingers tapped on the table in a Morse code-like rhythm.

Old Qian coughed twice to indicate that he had received the message.

Seeing that they understood, Zhang Biao smiled with satisfaction, wiped the words on the table with his sleeve, and continued his 'passionate speech':
"Yes! We must show His Majesty our determination! Show him the power to fight corruption!"

"This box is a testament to our loyalty!"

This veiled attack, a feint and a covert maneuver, was overheard word by the Imperial Guards watching outside the door. They quickly jotted it down in their notebooks, intending to report back to Jiang Huan.

Zhang Biao intended to use the complaint box to incite the masses to oppose the imperial court...

"Alright, guys, you can all go home now. Go do whatever you need to do!"

Having eaten and drunk his fill, and with the play over, Zhang Biao let out a loud burp and waved to the veterans:

"Remember, our Anti-Corruption Bureau has a bright future! The road is winding! Pig's head meat without artificial flavorings or preservatives... is just delicious!"

"Hahaha--!"

The veterans chuckled, then understood and left.

Following Zhang Biao's 'desktop instructions,' they will then secretly begin to recruit reliable subordinates and collect evidence of grassroots corruption that truly affects their own interests.

The courtyard quickly quieted down, leaving only Zhang Biao and the anonymous tip box that glowed with an eerie red light in the setting sun.

Zhang Biao was picking his teeth with satisfaction, just about to tidy up the mess on the table, when footsteps sounded again outside the courtyard gate, this time formal and hurried.

Yunming walked in expressionlessly, accompanied by two eunuchs.

"Zhang Biao receives the imperial decree—"

Zhang Biao quickly threw away the toothpick, patted his official robe, and bowed, saying, "Your subject Zhang Biao awaits Your Majesty's decree."

Yun Ming cleared his throat and recited in his distinctive accent:

"His Majesty's decree: Zhang Biao, your behavior outside Chengtian Gate today was arrogant and unbecoming of an official, and you deserve severe punishment!"

"Considering that your mistake may have been unintentional, and given that the Anti-Corruption Bureau is newly established, a one-year salary suspension will be imposed as a minor punishment to serve as a warning!"

"However, now that you have established this bureau, you cannot be a mere figurehead! You are hereby ordered to submit a detailed report within three days, outlining the operating procedures of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the specific methods of auditing, without any errors!"

"If this is done perfunctorily, both offenses will be punished! So be it—"

[A year's salary deduction?]

Zhang Biao curled his lip, thinking to himself, "I haven't even received my salary yet! What's the point of fining me!"
[Kamijo Shigeo? Detailed explanation of the articles of association and auditing methods?]

[Old Zhu is... wanting to use the knife, but afraid it's too sharp and he'll cut himself, so he wants to read the instruction manual first?]

[Yes, I'm much more experienced than last time.]

Zhang Biao narrowed his eyes slightly.

[However, do you dare read my instruction manual? I guarantee it will keep you up at night!]

"Your subject, Zhang Biao, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude!"

He responded loudly, his tone extremely submissive: "Please inform His Majesty, Eunuch Yun, that I will certainly devote myself to writing a proposal that will... impress His Majesty!"

Yunming's lips twitched as he looked at Zhang Biao's seemingly respectful but actually mischievous expression, but he still followed procedure and announced the next imperial edict:
"Lord Zhang, the Emperor summons you to the palace immediately!"

"Oh?"

Zhang Biao raised an eyebrow, finding it somewhat amusing, and said, "What, does His Majesty want to watch me write this memorial in person?" "This humble servant doesn't know, but His Majesty is still angry..."

Yun Ming shook his head, then couldn't help but lower his voice, almost pleadingly, and said:

"When you go to the palace later, please be careful and speak politely..."

"Please, I beg you, please stop upsetting His Majesty. His Majesty... his health has been declining lately."

Zhang Biao smiled at Yun Ming's genuinely worried expression, but didn't respond to the question. However, he was starting to have doubts.

Old Zhu has this fiery temper; he explodes at the slightest provocation. Who can he blame?

Historical records say he died from long-term anxiety and overwork, but given how often he vomited blood, his liver fire seemed unusually strong. Could he have some hidden illness?

Moreover, his death was indeed somewhat suspicious, and his burial was even more so, almost like the body was being disposed of...

[Sigh, it's a pity we can't audit the imperial treasury now, otherwise we'd definitely check his daily expenses and the records of the Imperial Pharmacy to see if someone's sabotaging him, or if he's made a mess of things by taking too many 'tonics'...]

He inwardly grumbled a lot, but outwardly said to Yun Ming, "Don't worry, Eunuch Yun, I understand. Shall we go to the palace now?"

"Sigh, let's go, Lord Zhang, His Majesty is still waiting."

Yunming sighed and gestured for him to proceed, but he had no confidence at all. He could only hope that this man would be a little bit normal today.

Zhang Biao straightened his still-wrinkled official robe, glanced at the empty complaint box in the courtyard, a cryptic smile playing on his lips, and followed Yun Ming outside.

No one will support my lofty ambitions; I will tread through the snow to reach the mountain peak myself.

[Old Zhu, I'm here again!]

the other side

Inside the study of the Eastern Palace.

The sandalwood incense wafted gently, but it couldn't dispel the faint anxiety etched on Zhu Yunwen's brow.

He sat upright behind his desk, with "Zhenguan Zhengyao" (Essentials of Governance in the Zhenguan Era) open in front of him, but his gaze was somewhat unfocused.

The lecturer Huang Zicheng sat at the lower end, carefully explaining the chapters on "The Way of the Ruler," but his speech was slightly slower than usual, and his eyes occasionally glanced at the restless grandson of the emperor.

Finally, during a break in his explanation, Huang Zicheng looked around, lowered his voice, and said in an almost whispered tone, "Your Highness, something unexpected happened at today's grand court assembly."

Zhu Yunwen's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the book. He raised his eyes, trying to remain calm: "Mr. Huang, what is it?"

Huang Zicheng gave a brief but clear account of what happened before and after the court assembly, especially how Zhang Biao set up the anonymous complaint box, how the officials fell silent out of fear, and how Zhu Yuanzhang ultimately angrily shelved the discussion on establishing an heir.

This time, he remained true to his duty as a subject, refraining from the presumptuous act of "opening the champagne ahead of time" that he had done last time. He even controlled his expression with extreme caution, but the heaviness and resentment in his tone could not be concealed.

As Zhu Yunwen listened, the color drained from his face little by little.

My grandfather... personally proposed making him the Crown Prince in the Fengtian Hall!

This should have been the moment he had been dreaming of, the most crucial step he had taken to reach that position!
But... it's been shelved?!

It's all because of that madman Zhang Biao! Because of that ridiculous complaint box! Because of the officials' timidity and cowardice!

An indescribable surge of grievance, anger, and panic welled up in his heart, making it almost impossible for him to control his expression.

He felt a tightness in his chest, and his breathing became rapid.

He imagined his grandfather's disappointed, perhaps even angry, gaze in the court, and the mocking looks his other uncles might give him upon hearing the news...

He clenched his fist tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, causing a sharp pain, which barely managed to suppress the questions and resentments that were about to spill out.

His mother's words echoed in his ears.

【Yunwen, no matter what happens, stay calm and patient. The more you want something, the less you should let anyone see it…】

He took several deep breaths before speaking to Huang Zicheng in a slightly trembling voice:
"Thank you for informing me, sir. I... I suddenly feel a little dizzy and would like to go back and rest for a while. Today's homework..."

Seeing the prince's face turn pale instantly and his forced composure, Huang Zicheng felt both heartache and anger. He quickly said:

"Your Highness's health is of utmost importance; studies are not urgent. You should go back and get some rest."

He paused, but couldn't help himself, and added in a low, resentful voice, "It's all because of Zhang Biao, so arrogant and unruly, disrupting the court and causing chaos. He's truly hateful!"

Zhu Yunwen did not reply, but simply nodded silently, got up and left the study, his steps even a little unsteady.

Huang Zicheng watched his departing figure, let out a long sigh, and his cloudy old eyes were filled with deep resentment towards Zhang Biao.

This brat has repeatedly obstructed the path of the new emperor, casting a heavy shadow over Huang Zicheng's future glory as the imperial tutor!

Damn it!

Zhu Yunwen staggered back to the palace where his mother, Lady Lü, was.

"Mother!"

As soon as he entered the room, he could no longer maintain his composure; his voice was filled with obvious panic and grievance.
"At the court meeting... Grandfather proposed establishing an heir, but... Zhang Biao ruined it again!"

"Why, why does he always go against me?! Why doesn't he just die?!"

Ms. Lü was pruning a pot of orchids when she heard this, her hand trembled, and the golden scissors clattered to the ground.

She turned around abruptly, her face filled with shock: "What did you say? Tell me in detail!"

Zhu Yunwen recounted the information Huang Zicheng had given him, especially emphasizing the anonymous tip box, the officials' trembling reaction, and the emperor's final, furious decision to postpone the meeting.

Upon hearing this, the color drained from Lady Lü's face, and her eyes flickered violently.

[Zhang Biao...it's Zhang Biao again?]

This persistent, madman!

She had previously hoped that Zhang Biao could create more chaos and divert Lao Zhu's attention from investigating Zhu Xiong Ying's death.

Now, Zhang Biao has indeed stirred up even more chaos and diverted Lao Zhu's attention, but she is not happy at all.

The chaos caused by Zhang Biao was directed at her son.

However, what alarmed her even more than Zhang Biao was Lao Zhu's attitude.

[The Emperor clearly favored Yunwen, so why did he choose to postpone the marriage instead of pushing it forward when faced with resistance?]

This is inconsistent with His Majesty's usual autocratic style!

A terrible thought, like a venomous snake, burrowed into Lü's mind:

Could it be... that the Emperor's previous display of resolve to make Yunwen his heir was not entirely genuine?

Perhaps it was just a gesture, a...test? Or even a cover for other purposes?

She suddenly remembered that some time ago, Old Zhu secretly investigated the former people of the Eastern Palace, especially those who had contact with the deceased Crown Prince Zhu Biao and his eldest grandson Zhu Xiong Ying...

Could it be... that His Majesty has truly discovered something? About Xiong Ying's death...?

This thought made her feel as if she had fallen into an ice cave, a chill running from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.

If the Emperor truly has suspicions, could making Yunwen the heir apparent be a trap?

[A trap to lower her guard, or to elicit more clues?!]

She felt dizzy and almost couldn't stand up, so she quickly reached out and grabbed the table next to her.

"Mother? What's wrong?"

Seeing his mother's pale face, Zhu Yunwen stepped forward to support her with concern.

Madam Lü forcibly suppressed the turmoil and fear in her heart. She couldn't panic, at least not in front of her son.

She took a deep breath, trying to make her voice sound steady and strong:
"Yunwen, don't panic, and don't be disappointed."

She took her son's hand, helped him sit down, and looked at him with unwavering eyes:
"Your imperial grandfather personally proposed making you the imperial grandson in the Fengtian Hall today, in front of all the civil and military officials. This in itself is the most important signal! It's practically a done deal!"

"As for temporarily shelving it..."

Lady Lü's mind raced, searching for the most reassuring reason for her son and the one that would convince her best:

"That's because Zhang Biao, that villain, caused chaos in the court. Your imperial grandfather is the supreme ruler, so naturally he has to consider the situation and needs a more suitable and popular opportunity to formally establish your status."

She gently patted Zhu Yunwen's hand, her tone full of encouragement, but a shrewd calculation flashed deep in her eyes:

“Yunwen, you must understand that Mr. Liu Sanwu has already retired. Although Uncle Mei Yin is a good man, the current situation is delicate, and he also needs to be cautious. He cannot stand alone.”

"What the court lacks now is someone who can rally public opinion and create momentum for you!"

Zhu Yunwen seemed to understand: "What does Mother mean?"

A resolute glint flashed in Lady Lü's eyes: "We cannot sit idly by! We must actively build up 'momentum' for you! Someone needs to step forward, represent the hearts and minds of the people, and create a torrent of public opinion that even your imperial grandfather cannot ignore, so that making you the crown prince is 'the will of the people,' rather than merely a decision made unilaterally by the emperor!"

Suddenly, a name flashed through her mind like lightning.

That man, who enjoyed immense prestige among scholars and was known for his outspoken and outspoken nature, had even once initiated a petition with ten thousand men to execute Zhang Biao…

"Fang Xiaoru!"

Almost blurted it out, her eyes lighting up as if she had seen a lighthouse in the darkness:
"Yes, that's him! Mr. Xizhi is a man of profound learning and noble character. He commands great respect among scholars, and his influence even surpasses that of Liu Sanwu back in the day!"

"If we can get his strong support, and he raises his voice, why should we worry about public opinion not being heard? Why should we worry about the general trend not tilting in our favor?"

Thinking of this, the panic and fear in Lu's heart seemed to be replaced by a new hope and ruthlessness.

Zhang Biao wants to obstruct us with schemes and tricks? Then she'll crush him with the might of the world!

She wanted to personally help her son produce the next 'Liu Sanwu,' a more powerful and fearless civil service leader!
"Yunwen!"

Madam Lü grasped her son's hand, her tone more resolute than ever before: "What you need to do now is remain calm, concentrate on your studies, and demonstrate your virtue and talent. As for matters outside the court, your mother... and Mr. Huang and the others will pave the way for you!"

Zhu Yunwen looked at the light shining in his mother's eyes. Although he did not understand the specific plan, he could feel his mother's renewed fighting spirit and confidence.

His unease eased slightly, and he nodded heavily: "Your subject understands, and will follow Mother's arrangements."

However, at the moment he lowered his head, a barely perceptible shadow of gloom flashed in his eyes.

That madman, the unfathomable thoughts of the Emperor, and the truth about the deaths of the father and elder brother that seems to forever loom over the Eastern Palace... Can they really be completely swept away by Fang Xiaoru alone?
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(End of this chapter)