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

Chapter 207 Shocks the Ming Dynasty! An Unprecedented Battle of Public Opinion! [Bonus Chapter 22 for Monthly Tickets]

"Jiang Huan!"

After a painful struggle, Old Zhu, his face ashen, shouted something towards the outside of the hall.

Soon, Jiang Huan walked in from outside.

Although he was different from the old Zhu of the past, and did not see the old Zhu fly into a rage, he was more worried than ever before.

Because, in his eyes, the most terrifying person was Old Zhu, who rarely lost his temper.

But Old Zhu said calmly and indifferently:
"Based on the clues you've uncovered, expand the scope of your investigation beyond the Eastern Palace. Investigate the Lü family, especially those members connected to the 'Empty Seal Case.' We don't believe the Lü family has the power to scheme against anyone inside or outside the palace."

"If the deaths of U.A. and the girl are truly related to her, she must have had accomplices."

"We even suspect... that she might not be the mastermind! Or perhaps someone exploited her ambition to murder our grandson and sister!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huan felt a chill run down his spine.

He knew that Lu did have a motive, but it was so obvious that it was hard to believe it was true.

If there are other people behind the Lü family, then it makes sense.

She was not a direct participant; she merely "coincidentally" offered Zhu Biao a few words of comfort, which may have achieved the result she wanted.

Because no matter how the investigation is conducted, it is always deemed an "unintentional mistake." That's why she dares to act with such impunity.

However, the most crucial question now is how the emperor views Zhu Yunwen.

Whether to separate him from the Lü clan or to label him as an accomplice of the Lü clan depends on whether the subsequent investigation can find conclusive evidence of the Lü clan's plot to harm the eldest grandson of the emperor and Empress Ma.

"besides!"

Old Zhu added thoughtfully:
"Whether the mastermind behind Biao'er's death is related to the Lü family must also be investigated."

"Have you noticed how similar that sinister aura is? Could the deaths of Biao'er, Xiong Ying, and our sister be the same person behind it all?"

"This"

Jiang Huan hesitated for a moment, then frowned and said, "Now that Your Majesty has said that, I also feel that there is indeed something strange about it."

“Every time I investigate a crucial point, it turns into a dead end.”

"so……"

Old Zhu instantly gripped the armrests of the dragon throne, leaned forward, looked directly at Jiang Huan, and said in a deep voice:
"You must find out the truth! We'd rather kill three thousand innocent people than let any murderer go free!"

"Yes!"

Jiang Huan immediately bowed.

Old Zhu then added:

"Remember! Conduct the investigation secretly, without alerting the enemy. Continue to keep an eye on the Crown Prince's palace as usual, and report to us immediately if there is any disturbance!"

"Sir, obey the order."

"Okay, let's go down."

Jiang Huan respectfully accepted the order, then turned and left the main hall.

Old Zhu, who watched him leave, narrowed his eyes slightly.

[The fourth son of the Lü family]

If you are truly the murderers, we will show no mercy.

On the other side, in Kaifeng.

In late spring, willow catkins flutter in the air.

The once bustling Zhou Prince's Mansion is now deserted, with few people coming and going.

News of Prince Zhu Su of Zhou being stripped of his title and imprisoned in his old residence in the capital had already spread, and his fiefdom was temporarily taken over by his eldest son, Zhu Youdun.

The newly appointed prince was young and fearful. Faced with the mess left by the old Zhu's thunderous wrath and the watchful eyes of the censor, he was trembling with fear, as if walking on thin ice.

Li Mo, as the censor, carried out the emperor's secret decree with swift and decisive action in public.

Using the methods Zhang Biao had developed during his audit of the Six Ministries, and combining them with the actual local conditions, he successfully investigated and dealt with several long-standing cases, bringing down several corrupt officials and powerful figures who had exploited the people and oppressed the good.

In no time, the reputation of "Li Qingtian" quietly spread throughout the fiefdom of Prince Zhou. The people applauded and cheered, and the newly appointed Prince Zhu Youdun both respected and feared him, and did his best to cooperate with him.

But Li Mo never focused his attention on these 'obvious' political achievements.

Deep within his desk lay a 'iron box' of evidence secretly copied by Zhao Fengman, as well as fragmented files he himself had compiled regarding the case of Zhou Wang Zhu Su's 'red lead elixir'.

His true mission was to find out the source of the "Red Lead Elixir" and how it left the Prince Zhou's residence and was ultimately used to murder Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

It should be noted that although Prince Zhu Shuang of Qin was the one who directly presented the "Red Lead Elixir," he was also influenced by his favorite concubine, Lady Wang.

The person behind Wang must have known about the side effects of the "Red Lead Elixir" for a long time, which is why they set up a scheme to kill Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

In addition, according to the confession of King Zhu Su of Zhou, he did indeed improve the so-called "strengthening the body and prolonging life" red lead cinnabar, but he never actively spread it outside of the Kings of Qin and Jin, and only a few people knew about it.

He regarded the elixir formula as his lifeblood and kept it extremely secret.

So, who, and how, managed to smuggle this item out of the heavily guarded Zhou Prince's residence? And how did this lead to the 'Red Lead Elixir' case?

Although Li Mo and Wu Naida exposed the 'Red Lead Elixir' case, the identity of the person who gave them the package has never been investigated.

Therefore, Li Mo focused his suspicions on the Zhou Prince's residence.

In his view, the person who sent out the prescription and the person who sent them the package must have some kind of connection.

Thus, with his meticulous mind and patient dissection, after months of covert investigation, he quietly focused his attention on one person.

This person was Zhu Youxun, the second son of the King of Zhou.

Unlike his gentle and artistic elder brother Zhu Youdun, who was devoted to opera and literature, Zhu Youxun was outwardly humble but inwardly very shrewd, with a hint of resentment and ambition often flashing in the depths of his eyes.

He had long harbored resentment towards his father for favoring his elder brother and for only receiving the title of General Who Guards the State.

More importantly, Li Mo learned through clandestine channels that before the deposed King Zhou, Zhu Youxun had repeatedly contacted the alchemists who refined elixirs for the King Zhou, and had asked for some alchemy notes and incomplete prescriptions under the pretext of 'studying pharmacology'.

But Li Mo did not alert the enemy.

Instead, he took advantage of his position as an imperial censor to befriend Zhu Youxun, discussing poetry and literature, commenting on local customs, and even occasionally, 'unintentionally,' revealing a hint of sympathy for the harshness of the court and the plight of the princes.

Zhu Youxun was initially wary, but seeing that Li Mo was quite capable, had a good reputation in the local area, and seemed to have a good impression of him, he gradually lowered his guard, began to associate with him, and even regarded Li Mo as a close friend.

Li Mo carefully probed and observed during their interactions, gathering clues from every possible source.

He was almost certain that Zhu Youxun was involved in the leak of red lead cinnabar, and might even know more inside information.

However, he lacked crucial evidence and couldn't figure out if there were deeper forces behind Zhu Youxuan.

He was like a patient hunter, setting a trap and waiting for the perfect moment.

However, news from the capital struck like a thunderbolt, shattering his outward composure and rekindling the almost extinguished embers within him—

Zhang Biao has been pardoned by the Emperor and released from house arrest!

When the messenger brought the news to Kaifeng, Li Mo was tidying his robes, preparing to go to the pavilion in the back garden of the government office to entertain Zhu Youxun.

He remained outwardly composed, but his fingers, which were adjusting his robes, turned slightly white from the force, and his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it would burst out of his chest.

[Brother Biao...is he free?!]

At this moment, the heavy pressure brought about by months of forbearance, loneliness, and lying low seemed to find an outlet in an instant.

The 'madman' who led them to demand unpaid wages, investigate accounts, dared to point his finger at the emperor and curse him, and ultimately stirred up a shocking case, has been pardoned and released from confinement by the emperor?!

Li Moqiang suppressed his excitement and walked calmly toward the pavilion in the back garden of the government office.

At this moment, Zhu Youxun was casually sipping tea and humming a tune.

Several plates of delicate tea snacks were placed on the stone table, and a pot of freshly brewed Longjing tea emitted a fragrant aroma.

Li Mo walked calmly into the pavilion, picked up the teapot, and poured tea for Zhu Youxun with unhurried movements.

Zhu Youxun had a gentle smile on his lips, but the smile didn't fully reach his eyes. In the depths of his eyes, which occasionally flashed, there was a hint of caution and calculation that was not easily detected.

"Brother Youxun, have you had any new works recently? I've heard that you have a lot of experience in poetry, and I've always wanted to learn from you."

Li Mo put down the teapot, speaking in a humble tone, as if he were genuinely discussing scholarship with a friend.

Zhu Youxun smiled slightly, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and concealed the thoughts in his eyes:

"Imperial Censor Li is too kind. It was just some idle scribbles, hardly worthy of serious consideration. He is far superior to Imperial Censor Li, who acts on behalf of Heaven to patrol the realm, punish the wicked and eliminate evil, which is a truly great achievement."

Li Mo sighed: "What great achievements? It's just fulfilling my duty."

"In this day and age, it's hard to do things, but it's even harder to be a person. Sometimes, when investigating a case, you inevitably touch upon some... deeply entrenched and complex matters, making you feel like you're walking on thin ice!"

Zhu Youxun's eyes flickered slightly. He put down his teacup and asked casually:

"Oh? I wonder what thorny case Imperial Censor Li is investigating lately?"

"If there is anything you can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask. After all, the entire Kaifeng Prefecture relies on Imperial Censor Li to maintain order and discipline."

His words seemed enthusiastic, but in reality, he was trying to find out the direction of Li Mo's investigation, especially whether it was related to the old affairs of the Zhou Prince's Mansion.

Li Mo sneered inwardly, but on his face he showed a hint of having found a kindred spirit, and lowered his voice to say:

"To be honest, Brother Youxun, I recently checked some old accounts and found several suspicious transactions related to the purchase of elixirs for the Prince's Palace. They seem to be... connected to some insidious items circulating in the market."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxun's hand holding the teacup paused almost imperceptibly for a moment before he regained his composure, his face showing surprise and indignation: "Is this really true? It must be those treacherous servants below deceiving their superiors!"

"Alas, Father..."

As he spoke, he couldn't help but sigh and said:

"My father was so engrossed in magic and neglected his upbringing that some scoundrels were able to take advantage of him! Imperial Censor Li must investigate thoroughly and purge the corrupt elements from the household!"

Li Mo knew perfectly well that he was acting, but she didn't expose him and went along with his words:

"Brother Youxun is very righteous, I admire him greatly."

"However, this matter is quite complex, and some clues... seem to point to certain people within the manor who have access to the core items."

After speaking, he glanced meaningfully at Zhu Youxun.

Zhu Youxun's smile froze for a moment, then turned into a long sigh, his tone tinged with a heartfelt bitterness:

“Imperial Censor Li is a shrewd man. To be honest, we members of the imperial family may seem glamorous, but in reality, we are in a difficult situation.”

“My elder brother is kind and honest, but he is not a capable ruler. My father was also... Now our family has suffered misfortune and is in dire need of help. I only hope to protect myself and do my best for my father and elder brother. That would be a great blessing. How could I have any other thoughts?”

His strategic retreat served to both imply his grievances and frustrations within the Prince's residence and demonstrate that he had no ambition and only desired a peaceful life.

The two exchanged barbs, their words subtly veiled in sarcasm, each cautiously probing the other's limits and true intentions. Outside the pavilion, willow catkins drifted in the air, while inside, the aroma of tea filled the air, yet this silent contest remained undeniable.

Li Mo could tell that Zhu Youxun was extremely wary, and knowing that forcing him would be useless, he changed the subject to talking about romance, anecdotes from ancient times to the present, and his tone became more relaxed.

Zhu Youxun was happy to cooperate, and for a moment the atmosphere in the pavilion seemed to have returned to its previous harmony.

Zhu Youxun did not get up to take his leave until the sun had set.

Li Mo personally escorted him out of the government office.

As they parted, Zhu Youxun seemed to casually mention:
"I've heard that things seem a bit...unsettled in the capital lately? That Imperial Censor Zhang, who once stirred up trouble, seems to be making moves again?"

Li Mo's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm as he said indifferently:
"The affairs of the capital are not for us officials outside the capital to discuss. As for Zhang Biao... he is nothing but a madman. His Majesty is benevolent and spared his life. He should be behaving himself now."

Zhu Youxun carefully observed Li Mo's expression, seemingly finding no flaws, before smiling and cupping his hands in greeting:
“Censor Li is right. I have indeed misspoke. Thank you for your hospitality today. I will take my leave now.”

As Zhu Youxun boarded the carriage and left, the calm on Li Mo's face vanished instantly, and his eyes became sharp and cold.

[As expected, Brother Biao was mentioned...]

He's testing me, and more importantly, he's testing the political climate in the capital! This means he's feeling guilty!

As soon as the curtain was lowered, Zhu Youxun's gentle smile vanished, replaced by an extremely gloomy expression.

Li Mo is far more complex than he appears on the surface!

[His words just now repeatedly mentioned elixirs and key figures, clearly implying something! Just how much does he know?]

[And then there's Zhang Biao... that madman was actually unsealed by the Emperor! If he still has connections with Li Mo...]

It seems I have no choice but to contact Uncle Wang.

A strong sense of crisis gripped Zhu Youxun.

He knew he had to act quickly, either to completely clear himself of suspicion or to silence those who might leak the secret forever!

The meeting in the pavilion seemed calm on the surface, but undercurrents were surging beneath.

Both of them became even more certain that the other was "not simple," and they were both reassessing the situation and planning their next move.

Li Mo was waiting for an opportunity to throw out the bait.

Driven by fear and ambition, Zhu Youxun may soon take even more dangerous actions.

This covert struggle, fueled by ulterior motives, is developing in an unpredictable direction.

Suddenly, a spring breeze arose, blowing up the willow catkins and also waking Li Mo from his thoughts.

[Once Brother Biao is out, he's definitely not going to stay quiet! He must have even bigger plans in store!]

Li Mo clenched his fists tightly, a long-lost surge of passion coursing through his chest.

[We must expedite the investigation into Zhu Youxun! We must obtain conclusive evidence!]

[If we can get the evidence, maybe... we can help Brother Biao! We can get closer to the truth!]

He was no longer satisfied with slow infiltration and probing.

A bolder, more adventurous plan began to take shape in his mind.

at the same time.

Zhang Biao was also brewing an unprecedented propaganda war in the capital that would shock the Ming Dynasty.

Meanwhile, in the palace, besides attending court, reviewing memorials, and occasionally inquiring about the progress of Jiang Huan's investigation, Emperor Zhu also sent people to keep an eye on Zhang Biao.

He received Zhang Biao's "Tales of Storytelling" almost every day via express delivery from Song Zhong.

At first, he could resist looking, but later he couldn't resist his curiosity, or rather, he was driven by a "I want to see how shameless this madman can be" mentality, and he opened the records.

Upon seeing this, I almost sent him away on the spot!

"Nonsense! What rubbish! When did we send him to investigate the Prince's residence?!"

"He's holding an imperial edict? He doesn't have a single imperial edict!"

Old Zhu was so angry that he threw the record on the ground:
"And what else! How did he portray our sons? Arrogant and domineering, stupid as pigs?! And Zhang Biao has become a righteous and just official who speaks up for the people?!"

Yunming trembled beside him and whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty, in his story, he didn't mention which prince it was, it was all 'a certain prince's mansion'... and... he didn't mention him either... he was talking about Director Zhang..."

"That won't do either—!"

Old Zhu roared:
"His veiled criticism is utterly despicable! He is tarnishing the reputation of the vassal king and undermining the foundation of the nation!"

However, what frustrated Lao Zhu even more was that Zhang Biao's 'storytelling' was surprisingly effective.

Those low-level officials and ordinary citizens love to hear this kind of drama of "an honest official fighting against the powerful and wealthy," and it spreads extremely quickly.

Within just a few days, many people in the capital were already discussing the untold secrets of "Director Zhang of the Anti-Corruption Bureau" and "the lawless prince."

Old Zhu felt like he had swallowed a fly, unable to spit it out, and utterly disgusted.

He wanted to lash out, but Zhang Biao had neither stormed the palace nor insulted anyone by name; he was merely 'telling a story.' If he were to punish him severely for this, it would only make him appear guilty and confirm the content of the story.

This feeling of being roasted over a fire, of having absolute power yet being unable to do anything about it, almost made Old Zhu explode.

"Go! Get Song Zhong to think of a solution—!"

Old Zhu roared at Yunming, "Tell him to shut up! At least not in front of the palace gate!"

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

Yunming bowed and scraped as he went to deliver the imperial decree.

But what could Song Zhong do?
Coercion? Zhang Biao wasn't afraid at all. At worst, he would just kill him, which suited him perfectly.

Bribes? He's completely unyielding. Besides, he's suspected of having a net worth of 20 million, more than the Emperor's personal treasury!

Force them to leave? He could immediately lie on the ground and stage a "people's rebellion due to official oppression," making the scene even more unsightly.

So, for a time, neither Lao Zhu nor Song Zhong could do anything about him.

But Zhang Biao's antics went far beyond that.

Just when Lao Zhu and Song Zhong were at their wits' end with his "literary offensive," he came up with a new trick.

He was no longer satisfied with just 'storytelling' and began to mobilize the lower-class people and minor officials who were inspired by his 'stories'.

Soon, a strange form of 'petition' emerged.

Every day when the ministers went to court, small groups of commoners or low-ranking officials would come to the Chengtian Gate. They would not make a fuss or kneel, but would just stand there silently for a while, perhaps holding a piece of paper with crooked and messy writing on it:

"I implore Your Majesty to give Director Zhang an important position and thoroughly investigate corruption!"

"Support the Anti-Corruption Bureau's audit of the princes and restore justice to the people!"

"Anonymous tip-off boxes: the people's hope!"

There weren't many people, but they came every day, like a trickle of water converging outside the palace gates, creating a silent yet persistent pressure.

Some of these people were genuinely moved by the 'story' and hoped for justice; others had been oppressed by petty officials and powerful figures and were using this opportunity to express their discontent; still others might have been secretly incited by the veterans under Zhang Biao's influence.

They did not disrupt order, nor did they engage in looting, arson, or vandalism. They simply stood there quietly, expressing a demand that made those in power uneasy through silent gazes and simple slogans.

This put pressure not only on Emperor Zhu, but also on the entire court.

When the ministers went to court, they saw those silent figures outside the palace gates and their hearts pounded with anxiety.

Those who had something to hide, or whose interests were deeply intertwined with those of the vassal kings, felt particularly uneasy.

"Your Majesty, people gather outside the palace gates every day. Although no chaos has broken out, this situation is not a good omen if it continues!"

An imperial censor began to submit a memorial.

"Zhang Biao spreads heresies and incites the people; his intentions are sinister. We beseech Your Majesty to punish him according to the law!"

Yuan Tai and others jumped out again to impeach him.

Old Zhu sat on the dragon throne, his face so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

He felt that Zhang Biao had outmaneuvered him once again!
This madman, using the lowest cost and the most shameless methods, leveraged public opinion, forcing him into a corner where he had no choice but to respond!
Continue to ignore it?

The silent petitions outside the palace gates will only increase. Once the news spreads, how will the world view him as emperor? Will they say he's protecting the princes? Will they say he's afraid of fighting corruption?
Severely punish Zhang Biao? On what grounds? For the crime of "storytelling"? Or for the crime of "incitement"?

In the current climate of public opinion, forceful suppression will only provoke a greater backlash, which will only confirm the image of Zhang Biao as a 'tyrannical ruler and treacherous minister' in the story!
What a dilemma!
Old Zhu gripped the armrests of the dragon throne tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

He had never hated anyone so much, nor had he ever felt so helpless against anyone.

"Your Majesty..."

Yunming carefully held a newly delivered 'storytelling record' and a report on the situation outside the palace gates, his voice trembling.

"Snapped--!"

Old Zhu didn't even look at it, and with a sudden wave of his hand, he knocked the thing out of Yunming's hand.

He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving violently, and his eyes were bloodshot.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall, along with a trembling voice reporting:

"Your Majesty, Imperial Censor Zhang... he's not telling stories anymore."

"Ok?"

Old Zhu and Yunming were both taken aback, thinking to themselves, "Has that madman changed his ways? He's actually stopped telling stories on his own initiative?"
"What is he doing?"

Old Zhu couldn't help but press for an answer.

"Your Majesty, he is reminiscing about your past."

"What past events?"

Old Zhu frowned deeply, a vague sense of foreboding creeping in.

"It's about the events of Your Majesty's rebellion back then."

"!"

A black exclamation mark suddenly popped out from Old Zhu's temple, and he was shocked.

That bastard wouldn't...

He recalled the day he chased Zhang Biao with his sword in the Hall of Literary Glory, and the lewd things the latter had said, and he was instantly enraged:
"Yunming! Quickly deliver the imperial decree! Summon Zhang Biao to an audience—!"

……

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(End of this chapter)