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

Chapter 22 Fight, Imperial Censor Zhang! [New book, please add to your collection]

"Waste! They are all waste!!"

Prince Zhu Shuang of Qin also heard the news of Old Zhu's punishment of Zhao Qian, Lü Ping, and Qi Tai. He was so angry that he roughly tore off his heavy mourning clothes and threw them to the eunuchs standing by, as if the white hemp clothes were some kind of suffocating shackles.

The sorrow on his face had long been replaced by a gloomy expression mixed with restlessness, resentment, and ambition.

"That idiot Lü Ping! He's so quick to anger! Qi Tai is a self-righteous idiot too! And that Zhang Biao, who doesn't know his own limitations! A troublemaker! He's muddied the waters!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he slammed his fist on the table in anger, making the teacups clink.

Zhu Yunwen's filial piety and sincerity at the funeral, which attracted the attention of all the officials, was like a thorn stuck in his heart.

Why?
How can a mere child, just because his father is the crown prince, rightfully stand in that position?
Zhu Shuang, the second son of the legitimate wife, who possessed a powerful fiefdom and had made outstanding military achievements, had to bow and pay respects to that boy.

"Your Majesty, please calm down."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shuang's confidant Zheng Yi immediately stepped forward to comfort him, saying, "The Emperor's second grandson's performance at the funeral was truly well-received. His Majesty, in his grief, feels even more affection for him. At this time, it is crucial not to show off your talents!"

"Calm down? How can I calm down!"

Zhu Shuang turned around abruptly, his eyes bloodshot: "Look at the fourth prince! He's acting like nothing's wrong! And the third prince, with that inscrutable look on his face! Who knows what they're laughing at me for! Father only has eyes for Biao'er, and now that Biao'er is gone, he only sees Biao'er's son! What are we sons to him?!"

"Your Highness, be careful what you say! Beware of eavesdroppers!"

Zheng Yi turned pale with fright and hurriedly stepped forward, lowering his voice even further: "His Majesty's grief is genuine, but His Majesty's heart is unpredictable. This is not the time to fight. Lü Ping, Qi Tai, and Zhao Qian have already been dealt with by His Majesty. Your Highness's most urgent task is to stabilize yourself and observe the situation calmly."

"Stabilize? How?"

Zhu Shuang was panting heavily, but he managed to lower his voice: "Father may issue an edict at any time to send us away from the capital! Once we leave Yingtian Prefecture, it will be difficult to come back!"

"Leaving the capital may not be a bad thing."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes: "Being far from the center of the vortex will allow us to see the situation more clearly. Your Highness has deep roots in Xi'an and commands a large army. As long as Your Highness remains calm and leaves reliable spies in the capital to closely monitor the situation regarding the succession, your command of a powerful army will be your greatest asset should anything happen in the capital!"

"what do you mean?"

Emperor Taizong of Tang was also born into the family of the Prince of Qin.

"hiss--"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Shuang couldn't help but gasp, then stared at Zheng Yi with a look of utter horror.

However, the irritability and violence in his eyes were gradually replaced by a deeper and more dangerous ambition.

He slowly sat back in the main seat, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cold armrest, his eyes looking out the window at Yingtian Prefecture, as if he were weighing something.

"you're right."

After a long silence, Zhu Shuang finally spoke, his voice regaining its usual somber tone, but now carrying a hint of decisiveness: "Send a letter to Xi'an, instructing the Chief Secretary and the Commander-in-Chief to be more vigilant, to ensure the troops are well-trained and the provisions are sufficient! Also, in the capital..."

He looked at Zheng Yi, narrowed his eyes, and said, "Keep a close eye on things for me! As for Yunwen, the third and fourth princes, and that brat Zhang Biao, if there's any movement, immediately send a messenger to report to me!"

"Yes! Your Highness is wise!"

Zheng Yi bowed and accepted the order, a barely perceptible smile appearing on his face.

On the other side, the Prince of Jin's residence

Compared to the restlessness of Prince Zhu Shuang of Qin, Prince Zhu Gang of Jin appeared unusually quiet.

Unlike Zhu Shuang, he did not vent his anger. Instead, he sat silently behind his desk, calmly turning the pages of the Zizhi Tongjian in his hands.

But his gaze wasn't on the pages of the book; instead, he stared at the flickering candlelight, lost in thought.

He also received the news from Fengtian Hall and was well aware of how much Zhu Yunwen valued him. This made him feel even more threatened than Zhu Shuang.

Zhu Shuang could still fight against the military strength of the Northwest with his reckless bravery, but Zhu Gang, although Taiyuan was also an important town, in terms of military achievements and his weight in the old Zhu's heart, he knew that he could not compare with his eldest brother Zhu Biao who died young, nor with his fourth brother Zhu Di who seemed low-key but was actually unfathomable.

"A fourth-rank Left Vice Censor-in-Chief"

Suddenly, the image of Zhang Biao, that junior censor, popped into Zhu Gang's mind.

Although they only received news that Zhang Biao had been promoted to the rank of Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, a fourth-rank official, he believed that there was more to this than met the eye.

Because he knew Zhu Yuanzhang too well. Given Zhu Yuanzhang's personality, if someone was imprisoned, it would be a miracle if they came out alive, let alone be promoted? To a fourth-rank official? He must be dreaming!
Therefore, he was certain that Zhang Biao must have done or said something else in the Fengtian Hall!

"So, what could it be?"

Zhu Gang was completely baffled. Finally, he turned his attention to the Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government) and muttered to himself, "Could it be related to the Crown Prince? Or perhaps... the reduction of the power of the princes?"

"Your Majesty!"

Just as Zhu Gang was talking to himself, his confidant Xie Cheng came over and whispered, "It seems there's quite a commotion on Prince Qin's side. Prince Yan has been staying indoors since returning to his residence."

Zhu Gang snapped out of his daze, a faint smile playing on his lips: "The second prince is impatient and nothing to worry about. As for the fourth prince, the quieter he is, the more uneasy I feel."

He paused, his gaze sharpening, and said, "Father is immersed in the grief of losing his son, which is when he is most easily moved by filial piety!"

"What does Your Highness mean?" Xie Cheng's eyes flickered slightly.

"The law and propriety!" Zhu Gang uttered two words decisively: "This is our opportunity, and also our greatest obstacle. Father values ​​relationships, but he values ​​the law even more! The selection of an heir is the foundation of the nation, and the law and propriety must be followed!"

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed in the direction of the Qin Prince's residence and the Yan Prince's residence. His voice was extremely low: "We cannot be as reckless as the second prince, nor can we be as secretive as the fourth prince. What we must do is remind Father of the importance of etiquette and law! But it is not up to us to do so!"

Xie Cheng understood immediately: "Does Your Highness intend to use someone else's words?"

"Not bad!"

A calculating glint flashed in Zhu Gang's eyes: "With Zhao Qian, Lü Ping, and Qi Tai punished, the court is in a state of panic. It is precisely the time when someone needs to step forward and set things right!"

"We just need to wait and see, and if necessary, give it a push. Let this fire of etiquette burn brighter, preferably until it reaches the feet of Yunwen and his mother!"

"I want to see how Father Emperor will choose between emotion and law!"

Xie Cheng bowed and exclaimed, "Your Highness is truly insightful and far-sighted! I admire you! I will take care of it immediately!"

Zhu Gang nodded, then, as if remembering something, said calmly, "Keep a close eye on that Zhang Biao. Report any news about him to me immediately!"

"Yes!"

Xie Cheng immediately agreed and withdrew.

At the same time, Zhang Biao had just arrived outside the Fengtian Hall when he was stopped by Jiang Huan with his sword drawn.

"Imperial Censor Zhang! You are not allowed to enter without the Emperor's order!"

"Then hurry and report to the Emperor that I want my salary back!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Biao pulled out a crumpled booklet with frayed edges.

The booklet's cover prominently displayed five large, crooked characters: "Give Me Back My Hard-Earned Money."

"???"

Jiang Huan's hand, which was holding the knife, froze instantly.

(End of this chapter)