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

Chapter 221 Old Zhu: Young people always need experience! [Seeking monthly votes]

Inside the Huagai Hall, the candlelight cast Zhu's shadow long and short.

Jiang Huan bowed his head and reported Zhang Biao's movements after leaving the capital:

"Your Majesty, after Zhang Biao received the additional funding, his subordinates Zhou Tong, Li Gui, and others have been quite active in various parts of the capital recently."

"They not only recruited informants and bribed so-called 'witnesses,' but also had several quarrels and conflicts with the canal transport authorities, causing quite a stir."

"Judging from their posture, they are indeed going to make a big fuss about the Grand Canal and related matters concerning the princes."

As Zhu listened, he let out a soft, ambiguous hum, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the imperial desk.

[They took the money, but they know how to put on a show for us.]

[Fine, let him flounder in that murky water of the canal transport, and draw their attention.]

He could naturally see that Zhang Biao's "grand display" had an element of performance, but he was happy to see it happen.

Because Zhang Biao wasn't the only one using the tactic of "openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass"; he was doing the same thing.

On the surface, he ordered Zhang Biao to draw fire, while secretly he sent the Imperial Guards to investigate the clues Zhang Biao had found.

After all, the Embroidered Uniform Guard had more power and could investigate more thoroughly.

In this way, he would have a clear understanding of the money Zhang Biao obtained through anti-corruption efforts, making it easier to seize it all from Zhang Biao when the time came.

However, he never dreamed that Zhang Biao would not thoroughly investigate the corruption case in the canal transport sector as he had expected.

Not only him, but even Song Zhong, who went with Zhang Biao, had not yet discovered Zhang Biao's true purpose.

In other words, both the emperor and his minister were playing a game of 'blind spotting their own shortcomings'.

It all comes down to who's darker.

"Let him do whatever he wants. Tell Song Zhong to keep a close eye on him. We want to see what tricks he can pull."

Old Zhu spoke calmly, with a hint of indifference as if he were in control of the situation.

"Yes."

Jiang Huan agreed, then changed the subject, his expression becoming more serious: "Your Majesty, the investigation at the Prince Zhou's residence in Kaifeng... has encountered obstacles."

"speak."

"Now, all the clues pointing to the leak of 'red lead cinnabar' and corruption in the canal transport, after several twists and turns, finally... all vaguely point to the heir of the Prince of Zhou, Zhu Youdun."

Jiang Huan's voice carried a hint of hesitation:
"Moreover, the key official Liu Dianbu was found dead yesterday in the side room outside the Crown Prince's study. The preliminary investigation indicates that he hanged himself. He left a suicide note stating that he felt ashamed before the Crown Prince and would atone for his sins with his death."

"boom--!"

Old Zhu slammed his hand on the table, his eyes blazing with fury:

"Suicide? Apology? What utter bullshit! This is murder to cover it up! Framing someone! That little bastard Zhu Youxun, he's ruthless!"

He immediately understood the truth behind it.

Because such tactics were too simplistic; to Zhu Yuanzhang, they were like children playing house.

His chest heaved with rage. He never imagined that his grandson would stoop to such a vicious act as framing his brother in order to escape punishment.

"What about Li Mo?"

Old Zhu, barely suppressing his anger, asked, "Are you awake?"

"Your Majesty, Imperial Censor Li's injuries are too severe, and he has not yet regained consciousness. The imperial physician says... he will need some more time," Jiang Huan replied.

Old Zhu's eyes were sinister. After a moment of silence, a cold smile suddenly appeared on his lips:

"Since all the evidence points to the Crown Prince, let's go along with their wishes!"

"Issue the imperial decree! Prince Zhu Youdun, the heir apparent of the Prince of Zhou, is suspected of colluding with officials outside the capital to embezzle grain tribute, and condoning his subordinates' actions, which led to the 'suicide' of a major criminal. Effective immediately, he is stripped of his title as heir apparent and detained pending trial!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Huan was taken aback at first, but then immediately understood Old Zhu's intention.

This is a plan to lure the snake out of its hole!

"Then... who will temporarily take charge of the affairs of the Prince of Zhou's residence?" Jiang Huan asked cautiously.

"Let Zhu Youxun temporarily take over!"

Old Zhu said without hesitation.

[Didn't you want to frame Prince Zhu Youdun and muddy the waters? Well, we'll do as you wish and take Zhu Youdun down!]

【But we won't let you get away with plunging your fiefdom into chaos. Instead, we'll have that problematic Zhu Youxun temporarily take charge!】

If Zhu Youxun is truly the mastermind behind the scenes, his sudden acquisition of power will either lead him to become arrogant and expose his true colors, or he will be controlled even more tightly by the mastermind, or even... be 'abandoned' after losing his usefulness.

If Zhu Youxun is innocent, this opportunity can be used to observe his behavior.

A cold glint flashed in Old Zhu's eyes: "That little bastard wants to be the heir apparent, doesn't he? Let's give him that chance! Let's see if he can hold onto it!"

"Your Majesty is wise! This plan is brilliant!"

Jiang Huan sincerely praised, "This move of turning the tables is absolutely brilliant."

After dealing with the troublesome affairs of the Prince Zhou's residence, Old Zhu rubbed his temples and his tone turned cold: "How's the investigation on the Lü family going?"

Mentioning the Lü family, Jiang Huan perked up and lowered his voice, saying:
"Your Majesty, as you instructed, we investigated the 'insignificant' people who visited the Eastern Palace before and after the Crown Prince's tours in the fifteenth and twenty-fifth years of the Hongwu reign, and indeed found some!"

"Oh?"

Old Zhu narrowed his eyes: "Tell me about it!"

"Yes!"

Jiang Huan reported in detail:

“We have investigated the clues from the fifteenth year of Hongwu’s reign. There is no substantial problem with Consort Lü. Apart from ‘suggesting’ His Highness the Crown Prince to go on an inspection tour to relax, there is nothing else unusual.”

"But there was something strange about the sixteenth year of Hongwu's reign."

"On the first birthday after Consort Lü was promoted to Empress, Fu Youwen presented her with a mutton-fat jade Guanyin statue as a congratulatory gift."

"This matter was recorded when Zhang Biao audited the accounts, but it was not investigated in depth."

"After reviewing the old files, we discovered that about six months later, a palace maid who was responsible for cleaning Consort Lü's storeroom accidentally broke this jade Guanyin statue and, in a panic, threw herself into a well and committed suicide. At the time, it was treated as an accident."

Old Zhu's brows furrowed slightly: "Jade Guanyin..."

Jiang Huan continued, "I searched for the old palace servants who handled the remains of the jade Guanyin back then. An old eunuch vaguely remembered that when cleaning up the fragments, he saw some red powder residue in the hollow part of the Guanyin's base, which was similar to... incense ash."

"But he remembered that Consort Lü had never worshipped this jade Guanyin, so there shouldn't have been any incense ash left behind."

"Incense ash? Incense ash?!"

Old Zhu suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with a terrifying light.

He immediately recalled that during Zhu Biao's illness, Lady Lü had personally prepared "soothing incense" for him for a long time.

When he was investigating the death of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, the corruption in Shaanxi, the case of the red lead elixir, and the "abnormal expenses of the Eastern Palace" provided by the iron box, he suspected that Lady Lü was involved. He even asked Lady Lü to make him some "calming incense".

However, Lü's subsequent behavior proved that she had no problem, and he also felt that Lü had no reason to harm Zhu Biao, thus clearing her of suspicion.

But now, upon hearing Jiang Huan's investigation, he suddenly realized that while Lu Shi had no reason to harm Zhu Biao, she did have a reason to harm Zhu Xiong Ying.

"Hehe...hehe..."

Old Zhu let out a chilling low laugh, his facial muscles contorted with deep-seated hatred:

"What a vicious woman! What a Fu Youwen! So this is where the root of the problem lies!"

That jade Guanyin was not a birthday gift at all, but rather a 'container' for conveying messages.

Fu Youwen used this method, or rather, someone used Fu Youwen to contact the Lü family in this way; the incense ash may have been the key for the two to identify each other.

Because Ms. Lü was a master perfumer, she could distinguish which 'incense ash' belonged to her.

Having figured this out, a chilling aura and overwhelming killing intent instantly swept over Old Zhu's entire body.

He almost lost control and immediately ordered that Lady Lü be arrested and severely tortured.

But he forced himself to hold it back.

"Could it be certain?" Old Zhu asked in a hoarse voice.

Jiang Huan shook his head: "Due to the passage of time, the physical objects have been destroyed. Relying solely on the memories of palace servants is hardly conclusive evidence."

"Furthermore, Fu Youwen is dead, and Consort Lü can also argue that she was framed by someone else. I speculate that there may be a secret letter or something similar inside the Jade Guanyin, but it is impossible to verify now."

Old Zhu's face was ashen as he paced back and forth in the hall.

Based on this vague clue alone, it is indeed impossible to touch Lady Lü, whose position is now secure and who has the grandson of the emperor, Zhu Yunwen.

Suddenly, he stopped and looked at Jiang Huan: "What do you mean?"

A ruthless glint flashed in Jiang Huan's eyes as he bowed and said, "Your Majesty, since evidence is so hard to find, perhaps... we should stir up trouble and alert the enemy!"

"Oh?"

"In my opinion, there are almost no obvious clues left, so we might as well do the opposite and let the bait take the bait itself."

"Just tell me how to do it."

Old Zhu calmly gave the instructions.

Jiang Huan considered for a moment, then continued:
"My idea is to quietly spread rumors in the streets that some villains are trying to slander Consort Lü, saying that she colluded with the traitor Fu Youwen to use evil incense to murder... the late Imperial Grandson!"

"This message must be vague and its source is unknown."

Old Zhu's eyes flickered: "Continue."

"After the news was released, the Embroidered Uniform Guard immediately took swift and decisive action to arrest several 'rumor-mongers' and publicly declared that it was nonsense. The Emperor firmly believed in Consort Lü's innocence, and anyone who dared to discuss the royal family or slander the Crown Prince's widow would be severely punished!"

"This will quell the rumors."

Old Zhu instantly understood Jiang Huan's scheme:
"Are you planning to... suppress it openly while observing it secretly? To see who will step forward to care about this rumor, who will rush to distance themselves from the Lü family, or... who will try to contact her?"

"Your Majesty!"

Jiang Huan said, "If Consort Lü is truly guilty, or if her accomplices are still around, they will surely take action upon hearing this news! Once they make a move, we won't have to worry about not being able to catch them!"

Old Zhu pondered for a moment, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

After all, Lady Lü was the widow of the Crown Prince and the biological mother of Zhu Yunwen. Without solid evidence, taking action against her would have too many implications.

Although Jiang Huan's plan was somewhat risky, it was indeed the best way to break the deadlock at present.

"That's right!"

Old Zhu said decisively, "Do it your way! The news must be released subtly, and the suppression must be made to look real!"

"Open your eyes wide and see what kind of monsters and demons are lurking beneath this stagnant pool!"

"Sir, obey the order!"

"besides!"

Old Zhu pondered for a moment, then continued:
"The fifth day of next month is the anniversary of Xiong Ying's death. Tell your men to pay close attention and not overlook any detail!"

"I understand."

Jiang Huan bowed respectfully, his eyes gleaming with a hunter's light, and then quietly withdrew from the main hall.

Old Zhu stood alone in the hall, gazing at the deep night outside the window, his face as if covered with a layer of frost.

After an unknown amount of time, he suddenly called out to the outside of the hall, "Yunming, go and fetch Wushe!"

"promise!"

Yunming responded with a nod, vaguely sensing a sense of inexplicable crisis, but he quickly brought Wushe over.

"This servant greets Your Majesty."

Old Zhu dismissed his attendants, leaving only Yunming and Wushe.

He leaned back on the dragon throne, his eyes half-closed, his fingers tapping habitually on the armrest, and asked seemingly casually:

"Tell me, who did Yunwen meet at the ceremony today? What did they talk about? Tell me everything clearly, without missing a single detail."

The tongueless man knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head.

However, his voice was clear and steady as he gave a detailed account of how Zhu Yunwen had encountered Hu Guang, Yang Shiqi, Xie Jin, and Yang Rong, and how he had a long private conversation with Fang Xiaoru in the bamboo pavilion.

Even Zhu Yunwen's demeanor and tone of voice when talking to each person, as well as the general reactions of the other party, are described in great detail.

Old Zhu listened quietly, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.

When he heard that Zhu Yunwen had only talked casually with Hu Guang, Yang Shiqi and others and had not developed a deep relationship with them, he nodded slightly.

When he heard Zhu Yunwen discussing poetry with Xie Jin, and how Xie Jin's behavior had become eccentric and ended in a bad mood, the corner of his mouth turned down almost imperceptibly.

When he heard Zhu Yunwen and Yang Rong testing each other, exchanging witty remarks, and ultimately each holding back, a knowing glint flashed in his eyes.

Finally, when he heard Zhu Yunwen and Fang Xiaoru discussing matters of state and the treacherous officials in the pavilion, eventually touching upon the "foundation of the state" and the "crown prince," and Fang Xiaoru's earth-shattering statement, "Even if my entire clan is exterminated, what do I have to fear?" and Zhu Yunwen's fearful attempts to dissuade him and his hasty departure...

Old Zhu's fingers, which were tapping on the handrail, suddenly stopped.

An eerie silence fell over the hall.

The tongueless creature lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to even breathe, feeling an invisible pressure pressing down on it like a mountain.

After a long while, Old Zhu slowly opened his eyes, his gaze as deep as a cold pool, its bottom unfathomable.

"Fang Xiaoru... what is there to fear from ten generations of his family..."

He repeated those words in a low voice, his tone flat, but it made Yunming, who was next to him, shiver involuntarily.

What a remarkable Fang Xiaoru! What a spirit! What unyielding character!

[For the sake of his own 'righteous path' and for the sake of Yunwen's 'status,' he wasn't even afraid of exterminating ten generations of his family?]

This man's uprightness borders on pedantry! He could be a loyal minister, capable of upholding the order of the court, but if used improperly, he could also bring disaster upon himself!

Old Zhu knew about Fang Xiaoru.

He was learned, upright, and highly respected, and was one of the key ministers he had prepared for the future heir apparent.

But he also knew that Fang Xiaoru was too sharp and had too many edges. He lacked experience and refinement, like a piece of uncarved jade. Although it was good material, it was easy to hurt others and himself.

Placing it directly in a high position is definitely not a good thing.

but……

Old Zhu's thoughts raced.

After Liu Sanwu was forced to retire, the civil officials in the court, especially the Qingliu faction, were indeed somewhat leaderless.

When he last tried to make Yunwen the crown prince, few people in the court responded, far less than when Liu Sanwu was in power. This made him lose face as emperor and he felt that he needed a new fulcrum to control the civil service system.

Fang Xiaoru appeared at that very moment.

Given his reputation among scholars and his fearless and unyielding spirit, if he could be put to good use...

Perhaps, by publicly supporting and embracing Yunwen on the highly anticipated stage of the "Literary Festival," he could greatly influence public opinion, unite the hearts of civil officials, and create a momentum of "divine mandate" and "unanimous support from the literati"!

This might be... an opportunity?
An opportunity to both successfully establish a crown prince and reorganize and control the civil service!

As for Fang Xiaoru's overly rigid and potentially disobedient nature...

A cold glint flashed in Old Zhu's eyes.

[With continued use, once the rough edges are smoothed out, it may become very useful. But if it remains stubbornly unresponsive...]

[Hmph, we can use him, and we can also abandon him! 'Ten Clans'? Who are you trying to scare?]

Before us, even dragons must coil up, and tigers must lie low!

A plan to use Fang Xiaoru to build momentum for the establishment of an heir apparent, and then decide whether to "polish and use" or "discard like worn-out shoes" after the matter was accomplished, quickly took shape in Zhu De's mind.

"What do you think of Hu Guang, Yang Shiqi, Xie Jin, and Yang Rong?"

Old Zhu suddenly asked Wu She again, his tone returning to calm.

Wu She quickly gave a brief evaluation of the talents, temperaments, and responses of these people, based on what he had observed.

After listening, Old Zhu remained noncommittal, only saying lightly, "Hmm, they all have some talent. Especially that Yang Shiqi, he sounds like a reliable and hardworking person."

He already had a plan in mind.

Since Zhu Yunwen had already come into contact with these people, regardless of the level of their contact, they had come into the royal family's view.

If someone truly demonstrates exceptional talent and ability during the ceremony, he wouldn't mind promoting a few of them despite the usual circumstances.

It was both a selection of talent for the country and a way to pave the way for Zhu Yunwen's future, to see how good his eye for talent was.

Of course, the premise is that these people know how to maintain boundaries and know who they should be loyal to.

"Yunming".

"The servant is here."

"Pass on our decree to the chief examiner!"

Old Zhu said in a deep voice, "This 'Literary Festival' must be fair and just, and only the talented should be selected!"

"Especially evaluate Fang Xiaoru, Hu Guang, Yang Shiqi, Xie Jin, and Yang Rong!"

"If someone's talent and character are truly outstanding, there's no need to follow the usual rules. They can report directly to us, and we'll make arrangements accordingly."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Yunming bowed and agreed.

He understood that the Emperor intended to use the grand ceremony to both select talented individuals and to give special consideration to these people, especially Fang Xiaoru.

Old Zhu waved his hand, signaling Wu She and Yun Ming to step back.

In the empty hall, he was lost in thought.

In his view, Zhu Yunwen's performance today showed progress; he knew how to restrain himself and how to seek help, especially by finding someone like Fang Xiaoru, which showed that he was not without cunning and insight.

But the deliberately crafted kindness and the final panic still seemed somewhat naive and contrived in the eyes of this old fox.

But no problem.

Young people always need experience.

What he needs to do now is to pave the way and clear the obstacles for this experience, while keeping a firm grip on everything.

Zhang Biao's investigation into corruption in the Grand Canal transport system implicates several princes and may even be related to Biao'er's death.

Yunwen secretly cultivated relationships with scholars and plotted to become the heir apparent.

The civil service needs new leaders and a unifying force.

The feudal lords were restless, each with their own schemes...

The chessboard of the Ming Dynasty appears exceptionally complex at this moment.

But Old Zhu sat in the chess player's seat, his eyes cold and sharp.

He not only wanted to use Zhang Biao as a "knife" to purge the rotten flesh, but also to use Fang Xiaoru as a "brand" to stabilize the court, and even more importantly, to watch how his grandson would grow up in this storm.

All the pieces were under his control.

What should be the next move to steer this game toward the outcome he desires?
His gaze once again turned to the outside of the palace, as if piercing through the palace walls, revealing the bustling scene of the 'literary festival,' and also the thick fog hidden behind the corruption in the canal transport system.

"Come out, all of you... let us see just how capable you really are..."

Old Zhu muttered to himself, a deep and unfathomable smile curving his lips.

"Zhang Biao, Fang Xiaoru, don't let us down!"

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(End of this chapter)