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

Chapter 222 Zhu Chongba, don't underestimate the bond between us! [Bonus Chapter 28 for Monthly Tickets]

Zhang Biao's journey from Yingtian Prefecture resembled that of an imperial envoy on an inspection tour.

They would stop at every post station and at every checkpoint they encountered, clearly displaying their "Anti-Corruption Bureau" identity and travel permit for "investigating a case in Wuchang," attracting the attention of officials along the way, and the news spread quickly.

That madman Zhang Biao has led his men to attack the Wuchang Grand Canal wharf!

Whether it was Zhu's spies or the mastermind's informants, they all kept their attention firmly on this team heading straight for Wuchang.

However, when the group reached a fork in the road not far from the Jiujiangwei settlement, a sudden change occurred.

Amidst the road ahead, faint sounds of commotion and crying could be heard, indicating that a large crowd had gathered.

"Hmm? What's all the commotion up ahead?"

Zhang Biao immediately halted the procession, a concerned look on his face: "Song Qianshi, send someone to check if there are any troublemakers causing chaos, or if officials are oppressing the people?"

Song Zhong frowned slightly, but Zhang Biao's words made sense. It was normal for an imperial censor to inquire about the people's affairs when he encountered them on the road.

He signaled one of his men to go and investigate.

Soon, the Imperial Guard returned and reported:
"Sir, we are near the Jiujiang Garrison. A group of people are blocking the garrison office, seemingly because they have been wronged. The leaders are several elderly people, women, and children, who are crying and pleading their case."

"Oh? A wrongful conviction?"

Zhang Biao immediately perked up and, without waiting for Song Zhong's reaction, jumped off the carriage: "Let's go! Let's go take a look! As the eyes and ears of the court, how can I sit idly by!"

Upon hearing this, Song Zhong vaguely sensed that something was amiss, but couldn't quite put his finger on it. He could only signal the group to move to the side of the road and increase their vigilance.

As the group approached the outer edge of the crowd, they saw a young woman holding a child crying so hard she was almost fainting outside the gate of the Jiujiang Garrison. Several elderly people beside her were also pleading with the guards. The scene was heartbreaking.

Upon seeing Zhang Biao in his official robes, the woman grasped at a lifeline, threw herself forward, knelt down, and wept uncontrollably.

"Your Honor! I beg you to do me justice! My husband has been taken away to serve as a soldier and has never returned. How are we, a widow and orphan, supposed to survive?"

Old Sun stepped forward at the opportune moment and whispered to Zhang Biao, "Sir, she doesn't seem to be faking it; she may truly be innocent."

Zhang Biao remained calm, personally bending down to gently help the woman up, and said in a gentle voice:
"Madam, do not panic. Speak slowly. What is the injustice you have suffered? I am here. If you are truly wronged, I will surely seek justice for you."

The woman immediately burst into tears:

"Sir! I am from Wu Family Village up ahead. My husband's name is Wu Dagen, and he is an honest farmer!"

“A few days ago, a soldier from Jiujiang Garrison suddenly came to the village and said that our family had been military households since our ancestors were. Now that the garrison is short of personnel, they want to send my husband to Gansu to serve as a soldier! But our family’s military registration was canceled long ago!”

"My husband can't even remember his ancestors' names, let alone which distant relative they were! They forced my husband to fill in for them!"

"My mother-in-law is sick, and my child is still young. How will we survive without him?!"

Several elderly men were also nearby, tears streaming down their faces, beating their chests and stamping their feet in despair.
"My lord! Not only Wu's daughter-in-law, but also our old village chief of Li Village has been wronged!"

“A young man in the village couldn’t stand the exploitation by the garrison and ran away. As a result, the people from Jiujiang Garrison arrested the old village chief, saying it was ‘collective punishment,’ and wanted to exile him to Liaodong! Where is justice!”

Zhang Biao listened quietly, his expression gradually becoming serious.

He turned to look at the imposing gates of Jiujiang Guard, then at the suffering people before him, and after a moment of silence, said to Song Zhong:

“Song Qianshi, you and I both heard it.”

"Forcibly conscripting men to replace military households is an act that undermines the foundation of the nation; framing innocent people and exiling village chiefs is an act that cannot be tolerated by the law!"

"If this is true, then Jiujiang Guard... has a serious problem."

Song Zhong's face was rather grim; he hadn't expected such a thing to suddenly appear.

According to regulations, this matter does indeed fall under the jurisdiction of the Censorate. Although Zhang Biao's reaction was intense, there was nothing wrong with the procedure.

"Lord Zhang, please calm down. This matter still needs to be verified..." Song Zhong tried to stabilize the situation.

"Verify? Of course we need to verify!"

Zhang Biao's voice suddenly rose, and pointing to the Jiujiang Guard's yamen, he addressed the surrounding people and his men loudly:

"I am Zhang Biao, the chief of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Great Ming Dynasty! Now that I have witnessed this, I will not allow such a harmful act to happen right under the Emperor's nose!"

After saying that, he stopped looking at Song Zhong and directly instructed Lao Sun and Lao Qian:
"With this official's token, go to the Jiujiang Garrison Office and inform the garrison commander that this official has been ordered to go south and has encountered local conditions. He needs to investigate and verify relevant cases on the spot and asks for his cooperation in reviewing the relevant military household registers and supplementing the archives for future inquiries."

"Yes, my lord!"

Old Sun and Old Qian accepted the order and left, their actions swift and efficient.

Zhang Biao then explained to Song Zhong, "Song Qianshi, this is not an unforeseen complication of my duties. As you and I both know, the canal transport case is complex and involves a wide range of issues."

"The garrison system is also a vital national asset. If the management of military households here is so chaotic and corruption is rampant, who can guarantee that they have no connection with the canal transport and other related matters?"

"Investigating this place may provide a glimpse into the whole picture and pave the way for subsequent investigations."

"It seems we'll have to spend the night in Jiujiang tonight."

His words were impeccable, demonstrating the legitimacy of his intervention, hinting at a potential connection to the canal transport case, and even reassuring Song Zhong that the delay would only last one night.

Looking at Zhang Biao's upright yet seemingly routine face, Song Zhong was filled with doubts, but couldn't find any evidence to support his claim.

He could only say in a deep voice, "Lord Zhang's concern for the people is admirable. But what about Wuchang..."

"The matter of Wuchang is not urgent in a day or two."

Zhang Biao waved his hand, his gaze returning to the people, and said firmly, "The will of the people is the will of Heaven. Once this matter is resolved, I have no intention of concerning myself with anything else."

Upon hearing this, alarm bells rang in Song Zhong's mind.

He suddenly realized that Zhang Biao's goal in leaving the city might not have been the corruption in the canal transport from the very beginning, but rather this seemingly insignificant Jiujiang Guard!
These troublemaking villagers were arranged in advance by Zhang Biao!

Wu Family Village, Li Family Village? Isn't this the village of Old Zhou's nephew and Old Li?!
The so-called trip to Wuchang was nothing but a smokescreen!

That madman pulled off a brilliant sneak attack!

He wanted to stop Zhang Biao immediately, but Zhang Biao was now standing on the moral high ground, using the pretext of speaking up for the people and checking military affairs, which made him perfectly justified!
If he forcibly obstructs it, it will not only exacerbate the conflict, but also give others grounds for criticism, and may even cause a popular uprising!
"Song Qian Shi!"

Zhang Biao knew he had realized what was happening, and his face suddenly took on a serious expression that mixed anger and a sense of duty.

"As you can see, public resentment is boiling over! If this matter is not handled properly, it could lead to a major upheaval! As officials of the imperial court, how can we sit idly by?"

His words not only highlighted the seriousness of the problem but also put Song Zhong on the same side as an official of the imperial court, making it difficult for Song Zhong to refute.

Looking at the indignant crowd and then at Zhang Biao's upright demeanor, Song Zhong knew that things had come to this point and it was impossible to forcibly stop them.

He could only keep a grim face, give a wink to one of the Imperial Guards behind him, signaling him to immediately report the incident to the capital on horseback, and at the same time say in a deep voice:
"Since Lord Zhang is so determined, I will accompany him to ensure his safety and... witness the verification process."

He emphasized the word 'witness,' meaning he would keep a close eye on every move of Zhang Jinbiao.

Zhang Biao waved his hand dismissively: "Very well! Vice Commissioner Song can serve as a witness and see just how much filth and corruption this Jiujiang Guard has hidden!"

He knew perfectly well that once he stepped into Jiujiangwei's gates and audited their accounts, with his abilities and the 'professional talents' brought by Lao Sun and Lao Qian, he wouldn't be afraid of not finding any problems!

Once he uncovers clues of chaotic military registration, receiving salaries without working, or even more serious 'collusion with the enemy and aiding bandits', he will have sufficient reason to expand and deepen the investigation!

Just when everyone thought he was going to target the corruption case in the canal transport sector, he unexpectedly turned his attention to the seemingly unrelated military affairs of the garrison, which in fact might be hiding a more fatal problem!

Soon, the Jiujiang Guard's yamen (government office) reluctantly opened under Zhang Biao's official authority and the sign of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Zhang Biao, accompanied by his men and the Imperial Guards, strode inside.

He looked at the panicked expressions on the faces of the garrison officials and a barely perceptible sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.

[Wuchang? Let Old Zhu and the mastermind behind it all wait!]

[I'll first seek justice for Old Zhou, Old Li, and the countless other people whose families have been destroyed by this rotten military household system! And while I'm at it... I'll dig up your past!]

Before long, Zhang Biao led Song Zhong and the others into the Jiujiang Guard Office.

The commander of the guards, surnamed Wang, was a burly, slick-faced middle-aged military officer. He had already received the news and was waiting in front of the hall with several subordinates.

His face wore a warm smile that couldn't hide his wariness.

"Oh dear, I had no idea that Imperial Censor Zhang would grace us with his presence. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly!"

Commander Wang bowed and stepped forward: "This humble official has prepared a small feast to welcome Your Excellency the Censor and wash away the dust of your journey..."

Jiujiangwei is not far from Yingtianfu, so it is not surprising that the commotion Zhang Biao caused in Yingtianfu would reach Jiujiangwei.

Therefore, Commander Wang naturally knew how formidable "Zhang the Madman" was and dared not be negligent at all.

"There's no need for a welcome dinner."

Zhang Biao waved his hand, interrupting directly, his face serious and businesslike:

"Commander Wang, I was passing through this area when I encountered people blocking my road to plead their cases. They accused your Jiujiang Guard of forcibly conscripting men, impersonating military households, and even framing innocent people and exiling village chiefs! What is your explanation for this?"

Commander Wang's smile froze, and he immediately cried out in protest:

"Injustice, Lord Zhang! It must be those scoundrels who made this false accusation! Our Jiujiang Guard has always abided by the law, and the registration and appointment of military households are all handled in accordance with the regulations of the imperial court. There is absolutely no such illegal act!"

"is it?"

Zhang Biao sneered: "Words are no proof. As the head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, I cannot ignore such accusations."

"Commander Wang, please bring me the military household registers, supplementary files, criminal records, and accounts of military equipment and provisions from the garrison in recent years. I want to verify them myself."

“Imperial Censor Zhang, you are unaware of the situation. In times of emergency on the border, it is common to conscript soldiers. Who is conscripted is not important. On the battlefield, who cares about such things?”

"As for the village chief, he disobeyed orders and roared at the military officers. Exile is already a light punishment. These are all internal affairs of our garrison, and there is no need for Your Excellency to worry about them."

His tone was nonchalant, full of dismissive perfunctoriness, as if he were brushing off a meddlesome scholar.

Old Sun and Old Qian were trembling with anger, but Zhang Biao held them back with a look.

"Commander Wang, while matters of state and military importance are certainly significant, national laws and military regulations are equally indispensable. Without rules, how can one command troops?"

Zhang Biao's smile remained unchanged, but his tone became more forceful:
"Now that I have received the complaint, I will investigate according to the law. I would like to ask the Commander to do me the favor by reviewing the relevant case files and having the parties involved come for questioning."

"this."

Commander Wang looked at Song Zhong hesitantly.

Song Zhong frowned slightly, then said in a deep voice, "Commander Wang, please do me a favor."

Upon hearing the words "please do me a favor," a flicker of panic crossed Commander Wang's eyes. He knew, of course, that Song Zhong was acting on orders. But he quickly regained his composure and hurriedly smiled apologetically:

"If Your Excellency wishes to investigate, of course you may. However... these files and accounts are numerous and disorganized, and they involve military secrets. Could you perhaps order someone to organize them beforehand...?"

"No need to tidy it up!"

Zhang Biao's tone left no room for argument:

"Just bring it back exactly as it is! I'm checking the original accounts! Vice Commissioner Song and all the Jinyiwei brothers are here to witness this. Commander Wang, are you afraid I'll destroy your account books?"

Commander Wang glanced at Song Zhong's stern face again, knowing that he couldn't delay any longer, so he gritted his teeth and gave orders to his subordinates:

"Go! As Zhang Yushi instructed, bring all the relevant files and accounts here!"

Soon, several clerks brought in several large boxes of files and account books, piling them up on the tables in the main hall.

Zhang Biao gave a wink to Lao Sun and Lao Qian's men.

Several skilled accountants immediately stepped forward. They were experienced auditors and had come prepared. They quickly opened the ledgers and began to check the accounts.

At first, Commander Wang and his men tried to remain calm, but as they watched the auditors constantly flipping through the ledgers and their sharp eyes as they occasionally whispered among themselves, cold sweat gradually seeped from their foreheads.

Half an hour later, an experienced auditor closed an account book, shook his head slightly at Zhang Biao, and whispered:
"Sir, all the records of these files and ledgers, as well as the exile documents, are complete and the procedures are in order, with no problems whatsoever."

Upon hearing this, Commander Wang seemed to straighten his back slightly, and a faint hint of smugness even appeared on his face:

“Imperial Censor Zhang, as I have said before, all actions taken by the Jiujiang Guard are in accordance with the law…”

Zhang Biao ignored him, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. His gaze swept over the files and ledgers, then turned to Commander Wang, and suddenly he smiled:

“Commander Wang, the accounts are well done, very ‘clean’.”

"but."

His tone abruptly changed, his voice turning icy: "Too clean! So clean it doesn't look like the accounts of a powerful garrison!"

"I ask you, why is it that the military equipment in the garrisons is regularly maintained and replenished, yet the quantities recorded in the books are exactly the same as the total amount allocated by the Ministry of War?"

"The output of the military farms remains unchanged. Is it because the weather is favorable every year?"

"Also, the handwriting and format of these supplementary records of soldiers are too neat. Are you sure they weren't all added in batches at the same time?"

"Master Zhang!"

Commander Wang's expression changed drastically:

"What...what do you mean? Do you suspect me of falsifying accounts?!"

"I am not doubting you!"

Zhang Biao slowly stood up, staring intently at him, and said:

"I am certain! With your accounting skills, you might fool those clueless and incompetent officials in the capital, but you think you can fool me, Zhang Biao? Dream on!"

He slammed his hand on the table:
"Speak! Where are the real ledgers?! Produce to me those shady entry and exit records in the garrison's storeroom!"

Commander Wang was so frightened by Zhang Biao's imposing manner that he took a half step back. His face turned from red to white, then from white to green, and finally a hint of ruthlessness appeared on his face.

He knew he couldn't fool them anymore, so he steeled himself and said defiantly:
"Lord Zhang! I treat you with courtesy because I respect you as an imperial censor! You wish to access the regular case files, and I have provided them!"

"But you have no evidence whatsoever, yet you want to search the garrison's storeroom and examine the so-called 'secret ledgers.' This is an overreach of authority!"

"According to regulations, the garrison is a military stronghold, and all personnel and account verifications require a formal document from the Ministry of War and the seal of the Five Military Commissions. Lord Zhang, do you have these documents?!"

"Yes! Do you have these documents?"

"We were giving you face before, and now you're putting on airs like an official?"

"Exactly! Your anti-corruption bureau, haha, we really... have never heard of it!"

Behind Commander Wang, several commanders of thousands and hundreds crossed their arms and began to echo him, clearly not taking these 'gentlemen from the capital' seriously.

Song Zhong frowned slightly, took a step forward, and instinctively tried to display the Jinyiwei's signboard, but his hand reached for his waist and found nothing.

He is now a deputy commander of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, no longer the fearsome Imperial Guard he once was.

He said in a deep voice, "Commander Wang, the Anti-Corruption Bureau was established by the Emperor himself and is directly under his command. It is his duty to investigate illegal activities."

"Duty?"

Commander Wang sneered:
"Commander Song, oh no, should I call you Vice Envoy Song now?"

"As you know, the garrison is different from local government offices. Without documents from the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions, let alone checking the accounts, even stepping into this warehouse is considered a violation of regulations!"

“My brothers are all rough men who only follow the rules. If we were to fight and hurt you gentlemen, that would be terrible.”

His words were a mix of soft and hard, full of threat.

Old Sun and Old Qian clenched their fists in anger, but there was nothing they could do.

Zhang Biao narrowed his eyes and looked at Song Zhong: "Song Qianshi, is this rule in place?"

Song Zhong sighed inwardly and nodded expressionlessly:
"Reporting to Lord Zhang, what Commander Wang said... is indeed the system. Verifying the core military affairs of the garrisons requires a joint document from the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions."

"On this trip, we only have the travel permit for going south to investigate the case and the document for the Ministry of War to assist in the investigation. Indeed... we do not have the procedures of the Five Military Commissions."

After saying this, he looked at Zhang Biao, his tone admonishing:

“Lord Zhang, since the accounts seem to be without flaws for now, why not make a note of them and wait until we have finished handling the Wuchang case before requesting the official documents from the court and conducting a more detailed investigation?”

"It's better to avoid trouble; we should prioritize the overall situation!"

Seeing that Song Zhongdu had said this, Commander Wang became even bolder and looked at Zhang Biao with an almost defiant gaze.

Everyone thought that Zhang Biao would give up, after all, the rules were inviolable, and no matter how crazy he was, he could not openly violate them.

Just then, Zhang Biao suddenly laughed.

"Ah"

He chuckled softly, a strange, unsettling smile playing on his lips.

"Rules? Systems? Procedures?"

Zhang Biao clapped his hands and paced around Commander Wang, his eyes looking as if he were admiring a rare treasure:
"Commander Wang, you're absolutely right! Our Anti-Corruption Bureau values ​​rules and upholds the law above all else!"

As he spoke, he seemed to just remember something and patted his forehead.

"You need the paperwork from the Five Military Commands, right? Oh, right, right, look at my memory."

As soon as he finished speaking, he slowly turned around and, facing Old Sun who was standing behind him, said in a relaxed tone as if he were instructing a servant to pour tea:
"Old Sun, go to my carriage and open that sandalwood box!"

"Yes, it's the one the Emperor bestowed upon me. There's something wrapped in yellow silk inside. Please bring it here."

Old Sun was taken aback for a moment, then bowed without hesitation: "Yes, sir!"

Then, he turned around and strode out.

Everyone in the hall, including Song Zhong and Commander Wang, was completely dumbfounded.

Wrapped in yellow silk? A gift from the Emperor?
Could it be... that this madman really has the credentials of the Five Armies Commandery?

impossible! Absolutely impossible!
Song Zhong knew the procedures and formalities of the Five Military Commands perfectly well, and there was absolutely no way it could have fallen into Zhang Biao's hands quietly.

Furthermore, if Zhang Biao could obtain the necessary documents from the Five Military Commands, why would he need to obtain his own travel permit? This is clearly illogical!
Commander Wang's face turned deathly pale, and his calves were cramping.

Amidst everyone's astonished and uncertain gazes, Old Sun quickly returned.

He solemnly approached Zhang Biao, holding a bright yellow silk package in both hands, and bowed as he presented it.

Zhang Biao took the package and slowly unwrapped the bright yellow silk cloth layer by layer.

Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on his hand.

Finally, the silk cloth was completely untied, revealing what was inside—

It was not the official document or seal that was expected.

Instead, it was... three books with an antique design and the four large characters "Huang Ming Zu Xun" (Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty) prominently displayed on their covers!
"???"

The entire lobby fell into a deathly silence in an instant.

Song Zhong was dumbfounded.

Commander Wang opened his mouth wide, as if he could fit an egg inside.

Even the commanders and clerks of the garrison looked at each other, wondering if they were seeing things.

[The Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty?!]

Why did he take this out?!

Amidst the stunned gazes of the crowd, Zhang Biao picked up the top book, "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty," casually flipped through it, then looked up at Commander Wang, whose face had gone from white to red, then from red to green, displaying a fascinating array of emotions.

The eerie smile on his face became even more pronounced.

He gently patted the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty" in his hand, his tone so mild it was chilling:
"Commander Wang, I do not have the documents for the Five Armies Commandery that you requested."

"However, I think that using that to investigate your Jiujiang Guard is a bit beneath you."

"Look, is this, the 'Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty,' compiled under the personal supervision of the founding emperor, the highest legal standard of our Great Ming... sufficient?"

Boom!

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall, including Song Zhong, was stunned, as if struck by a thunderbolt from the heavens.

Zhang Biao's mouth was practically stretched to the back of his head in a wide grin.

【Zhu Chongba, Zhu Chongba, don't forget the bond between us!】

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(End of this chapter)