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

Chapter 250 Imperial Edict? Alright! I'll tell you one! [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Inside the Wuchang Guard Commandery's office, the air was so heavy it seemed you could wring water out of it.

Zhang Biao sat imposingly in the main seat that originally belonged to the commander, with his chilling short gun casually placed on the table beside him. The dark muzzle of the gun seemed like a cold eye, silently warning the people below.

Old Zhao and Cao Ji stood behind Zhang Biao with their hands on their swords, their eyes sharp as hawks, scanning every officer in the hall.

Wang Tong and several commanders and deputy commanders stood at the lower end with grim expressions, beads of sweat visible on their foreheads.

The soldiers and civilian representatives who had followed them in stood in the corner, both nervous and excited.
They had never seen such a spectacle before.

The adults who were usually so high and mighty were so submissive in front of Zhang Qingtian.

"Commander Zhao!"

Zhang Biao tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, but his gaze was sharply fixed on Zhao Meng:
"I will say this one last time: retrieve the detailed ledgers of military pay disbursements for the past three months, as well as the records of entry and exit from the armory."

"Are you taking it or not?"

Zhao Meng's forehead was beaded with sweat, but he still forced himself to stand tall, his back ramrod straight, his tone carrying the characteristic hardness of a martial artist:

"Lord Zhang! The armory is a highly sensitive place. Access to the records, especially when Commander Jin Shun is not in the vicinity, requires, according to regulations, a warrant from the Commander or his deputy!"

"This humble servant... This humble servant is bound by duty and dares not act on my own!"

He seemed to be saying this to Zhang Biao, but out of the corner of his eye he glanced at Wang Tong with a hint of barely perceptible arrogance.

He was a confidant of Commander Li Yuan, and he didn't even respect Commander Jin Shun, let alone Wang Tong, the Assistant Commander.

Therefore, even though he let Zhang Biao and the others into the garrison office, he did not intend to cooperate with Zhang Biao and the others in their investigation.

After all, in his eyes, Wang Tong was just a boss in name only.

Unless Commander-in-Chief Li Yuan gives his approval, no one can change the outcome, not even the imperial envoy.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Biao scoffed, turning his gaze to Wang Tong, whose face had turned ashen, his tone filled with undisguised mockery:
"Wang, it seems that your words don't carry much weight in Wuchang Garrison, even though you are a high-ranking deputy commander?"

"You can't even command a commander of a thousand? I saw you agree so readily at the Provincial Administration Commissioner's office, so it turns out... you can't make decisions?"

Wang Tong's face instantly turned a deep shade of liver, filled with shame and indignation.

Zhang Biao's words were a public slap in the face, tearing away the last shred of decency he had left.

He glared fiercely at Zhao Meng, forcing out the words through clenched teeth:

"Zhao Meng! Lord Zhang is an imperial envoy! It's the rule for an imperial envoy to audit the accounts! Go and fetch it now!"

Zhao Meng merely bowed slightly, remaining stubborn:

“Commander Wang, it is not that I am disobeying orders, but that is the rule of the garrison. Lord Li Yuan has repeatedly emphasized this, and I dare not disobey! I hope you will understand!”

He directly brought out Commander Li Yuan, replacing Wang Tong.

The meaning is clear: Wang Tong's words are not as effective as Li Yuan's.

Wang Tong was so angry that he trembled all over. He pointed at Zhao Meng and stammered "You...you..." for a long time, but he couldn't utter a complete sentence.

He was already suppressed by Li Yuan in the Commandery, and now, in his own subordinate garrison, he was so humiliated by a mere commander of a thousand men. It was an utter disgrace.

Watching this dramatic scene of 'subordinates disobeying their superiors,' Zhang Biao's mockery deepened.

He slowly took out the bright yellow imperial edict from his pocket again, not fully unfolding it, but just holding it in his hand and waving it in front of Zhao Meng.

"Commander Zhao, you keep referring to Lord Li Yuan, with all these rules and regulations... So let me ask you, is Li Yuan greater, or is the Emperor greater?"

"Which is more powerful: the regulations of Wuchang Guard, or the Great Proclamation and this imperial edict?"

Zhang Biao's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling undercurrent:

"Your constant obstruction and evasion have led me to suspect that you are hiding something and intend to cover up the truth!"

"If you utter another 'no,' believe me, I can arrest you on the spot, based on the imperial edict, on charges of 'disobeying imperial orders and obstructing official business,' and execute you without prior notification!"

[By imperial decree, one can act first and report later]

These eight words, like a heavy hammer, struck down once again.

Zhao Meng's expression changed repeatedly.

He dared to look down on Wang Tong because of Li Yuan, but he would never dare to actually defy the imperial edict that represented the imperial power.

"This humble servant...this humble servant dares not disobey the imperial decree..."

Zhao Meng's momentum was completely crushed, and he lowered his head with difficulty.

"You do not dare?"

Zhang Biao sneered: "Then Li Yuan dares to do it?"

"This"

Zhao Meng hesitated, unsure how to answer.

Zhang Biao, however, said in an unquestionable manner:
"Now, I'll count to three. Either you hurry up and get me the account books, or I'll take this imperial edict and punish you and Li Yuan for disobeying orders and treason!"

"one!"

"Lord Zhang, this humble servant has absolutely no intention of rebelling."

"two!"

"Very well! Your subordinate obeys!"

Seeing that Zhang Biao was about to count to three, Zhao Meng quickly agreed.

Seeing Zhao Meng back down, Wang Tong felt a sense of satisfaction, but fearing that Zhang Biao would escalate the situation beyond repair, he quickly seized the opportunity and shouted sternly at Zhao Meng:
"Hurry up and bring all the relevant ledgers!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Meng dared not hesitate any longer, gritted his teeth and nodded, then strode out of the yamen.

Before long, several clerks came in carrying several large stacks of account books and placed them on the large table in the hall.

"Lord Zhang...this is the payroll and receipt list for the Wuchang Garrison over the past three months..."

The official's voice trembled uncontrollably.

Zhang Biao casually picked up the top book and started flipping through it.

He read very quickly, his fingers tracing lines of ink, his brows furrowing slightly.

The hall was completely silent, save for the rustling of pages turning and the increasingly heavy heartbeats of everyone present.

Wang Tong stared intently at Zhang Biao's expression, trying to glean something from it.

He harbored a sliver of hope that the accounts were clean enough to fool everyone.

Suddenly, Zhang Biao stopped turning the pages, his finger hovering over one of the records. He looked up at the clerk in charge of grain and provisions, his tone flat and emotionless:
"This sum of 15,000 taels was allocated in June of the 25th year of the Hongwu reign as an extra payment for the maintenance of equipment in the garrisons."

"The withdrawal record shows the purchase of tung oil, hemp rope, nails, etc. The signatory is... Chen Qianxiang?"

As he spoke, he raised his eyelids and glanced at Wang Tong:
"Wang Qianshi, are you aware that Chen Qianxiang has disappeared?"

"Fifteen thousand taels of silver, and all you bought were some tung oil-soaked hemp ropes?"

"This price is probably enough to buy up all the tung oil in the entire city of Wuchang, isn't it?"

Wang Tong's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to remain calm and said:
"Your Excellency, this matter... I have heard a little about it."

"With the border towns unstable, the maintenance of military equipment is of paramount importance. Perhaps... perhaps the purchase price... will fluctuate slightly."

"float?"

Zhang Biao chuckled and threw the account book onto the desk with a sharp 'thud,' startling the clerk.

"In my opinion, it's not a fluctuation, it's that the ledger is dancing!"

Zhang Biao's voice turned cold: "Furthermore, the accounts show that the military pay for these three months has been fully paid, and all signatures and seals are complete. So why these few..."

As he spoke, he pointed to the old officials in the corner: "yet they claim they haven't received their full pay for three months?"

Several old officials, their faces ashen, kowtowed repeatedly.

"My lord, spare me! My lord, spare me!"

"I...I was confused for a moment. I heard some rumors and thought...I wanted to make a good impression on the emperor and get more reward money..."

"It was my foolishness! I was talking nonsense! Please forgive me, sir!"

"Sir, perhaps we have misremembered."

"Mistaken?"

Zhang Biao sneered: "Falsely accusing a superior and disrupting the morale of the army are serious crimes! Speak, who instructed you to spout nonsense in front of the inn?"

"I, we."

The old officials stammered, unable to utter a word.

But their gazes kept glancing at Wang Tong, their eyes filled with pleading and fear.

Clearly, their families and even their own lives are in the hands of others, and they would never dare to make false accusations.

Zhang Biao knew perfectly well what was going on, and didn't dwell on it with the old officials. He then said calmly:
"No matter what, there's definitely something wrong with the garrison's accounts!"

"Since some people say they didn't send it, and others say they made a mistake, let's reconcile the accounts!"

He picked up the signature list and casually tossed it to Old Zhao:

"Commander Zhao, find a few literate villagers to check the handwriting and seals against the roster and randomly select some soldiers from the barracks!"

"Check if it was signed and pressed by the person themselves!"

"Yes!"

Old Zhao took the roster and immediately led two representatives of the people out.

Wang Tong and Zhao Meng's expressions instantly turned even more grim.

When they were doing the accounting, how could they have imagined that Zhang Biao would use such a tricky method of "on-site auditing" and "random sampling"?

Many of those who put their fingerprints on the document were illiterate soldiers, or were forced to sign or press their fingerprints on behalf of others. How could they withstand scrutiny?!
Once a problem is found during the verification process, it will be irrefutable evidence!

"My lord... this... perhaps there is some misunderstanding..." Zhao Meng tried to explain.

"Misunderstand?"

Zhang Biao ignored him completely and turned his gaze back to Wang Tong: "Wang Qian Shi, it seems that there are quite a few misunderstandings in your garrison, from military pay to procurement!"

Wang Tong's forehead was covered in cold sweat. He knew that the issue of military pay could no longer be concealed.

The only option now is to cut our losses again, throw out a few scapegoats, and get through this immediate crisis first.

He was about to grit his teeth and speak, offering several lower-ranking officers in charge of provisions as scapegoats, when Zhang Biao suddenly changed the subject:
"The military pay accounts are in disarray and need to be thoroughly cleaned up. Now, I will go to the armory to inspect the stored military equipment and verify it against the accounts."

What? They want to inspect the armory?!

Zhao Meng's heart, which had just relaxed, jumped again instantly, and he vehemently objected:

"Lord Zhang! What does the issue of military pay have to do with the armory?"

"Besides, the armory is a key location in the garrison. How can it be raided so easily? This...this is against the rules!"

"rule?"

Zhang Biao suddenly stood up, his movements as fast as lightning. The uniquely shaped Kellogg pistol reappeared in his hand, the muzzle pointed directly at Zhao Meng's forehead.

The chilling sensation of death suddenly descended, and Zhao Meng froze on the spot, his breathing stopping abruptly.

"My rules are the rules!"

Zhang Biao's voice was like ice shards in the dead of winter, carrying an undeniable domineering air:
"Lead the way to the armory right now!" "Otherwise, I'll shoot you on the grounds of 'obstructing the imperial envoy's investigation and suspected destruction of evidence'!"

Zhao Meng stared at the dark muzzle of the gun, and a tremendous, instinctive fear gripped him.

That eerie short gun, that unwavering killing intent…

The two crisp, deadly gunshots he had heard outside his own yard that night flashed through his mind like lightning.

[It was him! He was the one who shot and saved Song Zhong that night! Zhang Biao!]

This realization shattered Zhao Meng's spirits; all his wishful thinking and stubbornness vanished at that moment.

Seeing that Zhang Biao was about to fire again, Wang Tong was terrified. He no longer cared about Li Yuan or the rules; saving his life was the most important thing.

He practically screamed:

"Investigate! Let him investigate! Zhao Meng! Are you deaf? Take Lord Zhang to the armory!"

"I...I will take full responsibility!"

He spoke the last few words through gritted teeth, his voice filled with humiliation and helplessness.

Zhang Biao snorted coldly, then slowly lowered his gun and gave the order to Cao Ji:

"Cao Ji, take those soldiers who stood up and spoke up, and go to the armory!"

"Check carefully for me, and see if the inventory and accounts are truly 'exactly the same'!"

"Yes!"

Cao Ji was greatly encouraged and immediately called over the excited soldiers.

Zhang Biao calmly sat back down in his chair, as if he hadn't been the one who had just threatened him with a gun.

He didn't even glance at Zhao Meng, whose face was ashen, or Wang Tong, who was filled with shame and indignation. He picked up the now-cold tea beside him, took a sip, and said indifferently:
"Wang Qianshi, please beat the drum to give the order to assemble all officers and soldiers of Wuchang Guard who are not on duty at the drill ground immediately."

Wang Tong was taken aback, and asked blankly, "Assemble? Lord Zhang, why is that?"

Zhang Biao put down his teacup, his fingers unconsciously reaching for the pistol holster at his waist, his gaze calmly fixed on Wang Tong:
"On behalf of the Emperor, I will read out an imperial edict to the soldiers of Wuchang Guard."

"Oral...oral decree?"

Wang Tong was completely dumbfounded, thinking to himself, "How come there's an imperial edict? When has the Emperor ever issued an imperial edict to a garrison?"

But seeing Zhang Biao's expression that seemed to say, "Try asking me one more question," and the hand resting on the holster, Wang Tong swallowed all his questions.

He exchanged a surprised and uncertain look with Zhao Meng, but ultimately dared not ask any more questions.

"Yes... Your humble servant obeys."

Wang Tong reluctantly agreed, then roared towards the door, "Men! Beat the drums! Assemble the entire army!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The dull yet rapid drumbeats of the rallying drums, like thunder, suddenly resounded throughout the entire Wuchang garrison.

This not only broke the previous oppressive atmosphere but also foreshadowed an even bigger storm that was about to unfold on the training ground.

A cold, unnoticed smile crept onto Zhang Biao's lips.

Wuchangwei, drill ground.

The dark-clad soldiers stood in formation. Although their armor was not particularly gleaming and many of their battle jackets were patched, the discipline they had developed through long-term training remained. Apart from the sound of the wind and the rustling of flags, there was hardly any other noise in the entire training ground.

However, most of those faces, marked by the humid and hot weather and the hardships of life in Hubei and Hunan, carried a sense of bewilderment and a hint of barely perceptible anxiety.

The drumbeats for gathering generals were no ordinary event, especially since they were performed when Commander Jin Shun was absent and the Deputy Commander was 'missing,' and the drums were personally ordered to be beaten by Vice Commander Wang, with a legendary 'lawless' imperial envoy also present.

On the reviewing stand, Wang Tong and Zhao Meng were on pins and needles, their faces so gloomy they could drip water.

They had absolutely no idea what Zhang Biao was up to.

[Reading an imperial edict? Where did this imperial edict come from?]

How could the Emperor possibly issue a special oral decree to the Wuchang Guard?

Zhang Biao stood alone at the front of the stage, his tattered official robe fluttering slightly in the wind. He was not particularly tall, but his unruly yet fierce and ruthless aura drew the attention of thousands of eyes from below the stage.

He didn't speak immediately, but his sharp gaze slowly swept across the entire room, his eyes seemingly able to see through clothes and discern the fear and anticipation in everyone's hearts.

This oppressive silence is more chilling than any eloquent speech.

After a long silence, just as a slight commotion began to rise from below the stage, Zhang Biao finally spoke. His voice wasn't loud, but strangely, it carried throughout every corner of the training ground:

"Brothers of Wuchangwei—!"

There was no flowery official jargon; it got straight to the point, like a casual chat, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.

"I am Zhang Biao! The Imperial Commissioner, personally appointed by the Emperor as the Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau!"

"I'm not standing here today to preach any grand principles to you, but to ask a few questions and do a few practical things on behalf of the Emperor and for you!"

He paused, his gaze sharp as lightning, and scanned the entire room once more:

"First question! How many of you haven't received your full salary for three months?"

"Are your wives and kids at home almost starving?!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the training ground fell into dead silence.

Military discipline is strict; who would dare to admit it in public?
But the sudden changes in their expressions, the clenched fists, and the heavy, suppressed breathing were the best answer.

Wang Tong and Zhao Meng felt like they were sitting on pins and needles on the stage. Zhao Meng even subconsciously wanted to step forward to stop them, but was forced back by Zhang Biao's cold glare.

"You dare not speak? No problem! I will speak for you!"

Zhang Biao's voice suddenly rose in pitch:

"Throughout my investigation, all I've heard and seen is the suffering of your garrison brothers!"

"The imperial court's pay hasn't stopped! But why the hell is it gone once it reaches your hands?! Why?!"

He suddenly pointed at Wang Tong and Zhao Meng on the command platform, his voice booming like thunder:
"Is the Emperor stingy? No! Is the court short of money? No!"

"There are some bookworms! Some bedbugs! They crawl all over you, drinking your blood and eating your flesh!"

"They not only embezzle your military pay, but they also resell weapons! They use the swords, spears, bows, and crossbows that you use to defend your homeland to support their own enemies and enrich themselves!"

"boom--!"

The drill ground was in complete chaos!

Everyone knew about the embezzlement of military pay, but the eight words "reselling weapons" and "supporting bandits to enhance their own power" were like a torch thrown into boiling oil, instantly igniting the anger and fear of all the soldiers!
This is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!
"Silence! Silence!"

Wang Tong was both shocked and furious. He stood up and tried to maintain order, but his voice was instantly drowned out by the huge roar.

Zhang Biao let the clamor rage for a moment before raising his hand again and slowly pressing it down.

Strangely, as he moved, the noise gradually subsided, and everyone's eyes were fixed on him.

"Second question!"

Zhang Biao's voice had a strange penetrating power:

"Do you still remember your Deputy Commander, Chen Qianxiang, Lord Chen?!"

When Chen Qianxiang's name was mentioned, the expressions of many veterans on the drill ground changed.

Chen Tongzhi was a righteous man who cared for his subordinates and was highly respected in the army.

His sudden 'disappearance' had already sparked much discussion.

"Why did he disappear?! He's nowhere to be found, neither alive nor dead?!"

Zhang Biao's voice was filled with grief, indignation, and accusation: "It's because he discovered those corrupt officials' shady dealings of reselling weapons and embezzling military pay!"

"He wanted to report it, he wanted to get justice for you! And then, he was gone!"

This caused even the lower-ranking officers who had managed to remain somewhat composed to become agitated, their gazes towards Wang Tong and Zhao Meng on the reviewing stand filled with suspicion and anger.

"Now, I have arrived!"

Zhang Biao stepped forward, his voice resounding in all directions:

"I am here by imperial decree to investigate this case, to root out these corrupt officials, to restore justice to Magistrate Chen, and to restore a bright and just world to Wuchang Garrison!"

Then, he changed the subject, his tone becoming extremely solemn: "Now, on behalf of the Emperor, I will read out the imperial edict to you!"

The entire room fell silent instantly; even Wang Tong and Zhao Meng held their breath.

Although they were full of disbelief, the words "oral decree" represented imperial power, and no one dared to openly desecrate them.

Zhang Biao faced Yingtian Prefecture, slightly cupped his hands, and said loudly:

"The Emperor’s decree: The soldiers of Wuchang Guard, who are guarding the local area, should have sufficient food and pay and excellent weapons."

"However, I have heard that some officials in Huguang, and even within the garrisons, have embezzled military pay and resold military equipment, causing hardship to the soldiers and a decline in military preparedness. This is an act that shakes the foundation of the nation, and it pains me deeply!"

"Imperial Envoy Zhang Biao is hereby given full authority to investigate and punish all those involved, regardless of their official position, once verified!"

"The soldiers of Wuchang Guard are to be dutiful and dedicated, assisting the Imperial Envoy in cleansing the corrupt and restoring military prestige! This is the imperial decree!"

This so-called 'oral instruction' was naturally improvised by Zhang Biao on the spot.

Falsely conveying an imperial edict—a death sentence? Just what he wanted!

However, his tone was firm and his expression solemn, perfectly mimicking the Hongwu Emperor's tone of deep sorrow and decisive ruthlessness. Coupled with the atmosphere he had created earlier and the groundwork laid by the 'imperial privilege,' the vast majority of soldiers in the audience believed him without a doubt.

"Long live my emperor! Long live! Long live!"

No one knows who took the lead, but thousands of soldiers on the drill ground knelt down in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Their cries soared into the sky.

Many soldiers who had long suffered from withheld pay were moved to tears, as if they had finally seen hope.

Wang Tong and Zhao Meng were also forced to kneel down, their faces ashen and their bodies ice-cold.

Zhang Biao's tactic of 'falsely conveying an imperial edict' was utterly vicious!
He not only openly accused the army of "selling arms" and "raising bandits to enhance their own power," but also used the name of imperial authority to directly incite the entire army!
If they try to obstruct us in the future, they will be going against the imperial decree and against the morale of the entire Wuchang Guard!
Zhang Biao slowly turned around, looking at Wang Tong and Zhao Meng kneeling on the ground, their faces pale, and a cold smile reappeared on his lips.

"Wang Qianshi, Zhao Qianhu, have you heard His Majesty's edict clearly?"

His voice was soft, yet carried an immense weight.

Wang Tong and Zhao Meng lay on the ground, their fingernails almost digging into the cracks in the bricks, and squeezed out two words from their throats: "...clear."

"In that case!"

Zhang Biao's tone suddenly turned stern:

"From this moment forward, all officers and soldiers of Wuchang Garrison must fully cooperate with my investigation! Anyone who outwardly complies but inwardly resists or secretly obstructs the investigation—"

His gaze swept across the entire room, and he said, enunciating each word clearly: "To be punished for defying an imperial decree!"

"I will obey Your Majesty's orders!"

Below the stage, one of the quick-witted officers shouted out first, and soon a large crowd responded, creating a deafening roar.

At this moment, Zhang Biao, with his superb skills and the support of 'imperial power', instantly reversed the disadvantage in Wuchangwei and firmly grasped the initiative.

Wang Tong and Zhao Meng looked up at the soldiers below the reviewing stand, their eyes burning with fervor, and then at Zhang Biao, who stood on the stand with his hands behind his back, seemingly in control of everything. A chill ran through them.

They knew that Zhang Biao's "knife" was no longer just aimed at them, but rather he had borrowed the power of the entire Wuchang Guard to unleash a real bloodbath in the Huguang region.

At that moment, Cao Ji was leading several soldiers, accompanied by a few junior officers who had been intimidated by Zhang Biao's imposing manner, and they were walking briskly toward the armory.

The stone lion that holds the secret is quietly waiting for the moment it will be discovered.

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(End of this chapter)