My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

In fact it is.

The Duke of Wei, Xu Yunzhen, was able to inherit the title and sit in the position of Nanjing garrison commander and leader of the nobility. He may lack great talent and strategy in military and national affairs, but he was definitely a very shrewd "clever man" when it came to protecting his family and maintaining their glory!
He knew perfectly well that daring to deceive the emperor at such a critical moment of life and death would be tantamount to courting death!

It's like an old man eating poison—he's tired of living!
Moreover, he had already thought about something repeatedly before.

That is why the emperor would suddenly send Luo Yangxing, a trusted confidant of the emperor and head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to Nanjing.
Could it be that Luo Yangxing really made a mistake and was demoted to Nanjing?
Obviously not!

They must have been acting on a secret order to investigate the backgrounds of these southern nobles! With Luo Yangxing's methods and the Jinyiwei's ability to infiltrate every corner, they probably already knew almost everything about each of their families' shady dealings in the past six months!
Moreover, these details will eventually return to the emperor's hands!
Since the emperor likely already possesses substantial evidence, if I were to try to tamper with the account books in an attempt to deceive him, wouldn't that be like showing off my limited skills before an expert and inviting disaster upon myself?
Once discovered, it would be an additional crime, a deception of the emperor, and at that point, it might not be as simple as sacrificing half of one's family's assets; confiscation of property and extermination of the entire clan could be possible!
Therefore, Xu Yunzhen saw things very clearly. Between "whether the family can continue and whether the title can be kept" and "half of the family property", there was no need to hesitate at all!
As long as the family and title remain, with their roots and connections in the south, even if they lose half of their wealth, they may be able to rebuild it over time.

But if the family falls, the title is lost, or even the head is chopped off, what is the point of having mountains of gold and silver?
That's what you call a complete waste of effort!

Anyone with a clear head can do the math!

Therefore, he insisted on being as "honest" as possible in this "atonement" ledger, even going so far as to list some of the more secretive businesses that Luo Yangxing might not have discovered yet, in order to show that he had no intention of hiding anything and to gain the emperor's trust and forgiveness.

He was betting that the emperor would value the symbolic significance and role these nobles played in stabilizing the situation in the south. As long as they showed enough sincerity in "repentance" and determination in "sacrifice," the emperor would most likely accept the conditions, forgive their past transgressions, and let them continue to be their "meritorious officials of peace."

Although power and interests will be greatly restricted and weakened, at least the foundation will be preserved and the family will continue.

This is the choice of truly intelligent people.

Just then, Chongzhen had finished flipping through the account books in his hands.

He neither immediately expressed his opinion nor looked at the crowd kneeling on the ground. Instead, he casually handed the heavy ledger to Zhu Cilang, who had been sitting quietly to his left and behind him.

Zhu Cilang calmly extended both hands to accept the account book and began to carefully flip through it page by page.

His reading speed seemed even faster than Chongzhen's, his sharp eyes scanning over the lists of properties and figures.

As he flipped through the pages, a subtle hint of surprise flickered across his calm eyes.

To be honest, Zhu Cilang was indeed somewhat surprised.

He originally thought that these noble groups, who had been entrenched in the south for more than two hundred years and were used to taking whatever they wanted, would inevitably have some wishful thinking even when a knife was held to their throats, and would try to play some tricks on the accounts in an attempt to retain more assets.

He had even prepared how to exert greater pressure and gradually expose their lies if the amount they offered differed significantly from Luo Yangxing's secret report, ultimately forcing them to relinquish more benefits.

However, the "candor" of the ledger in front of him exceeded his expectations.

The total value of the assets listed above is highly consistent with the results of Luo Yangxing's investigation, and even has some "supplements" in certain details.

This can only mean that the nobles led by the Duke of Wei made the most rational and thorough choice when faced with a life-or-death decision.

They're making their stance clear:
You can take half of my estate, just don't kill me or strip me of my title!

Of course, Zhu Cilang remained calm and vigilant.

Another possibility flashed through his mind in an instant:
Could it be that Luo Yangxing had already been bribed by these Nanjing nobles with a large sum of money, and that the two sides colluded to create a false account to deceive him?
The amount reported by Luo Yangxing was false, which is why the account book presented by the Duke of Wei at this moment could "match" it?
But this thought only flashed through his mind and was quickly dismissed by Zhu Cilang himself.

Because the probability is too low.

Although Luo Yangxing was the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, holding a high position and great power, all his power came from the imperial power and from Zhu Cilang's trust.

Zhu Cilang was confident that he had enough control over Luo Yangxing.

More importantly, he and Emperor Chongzhen were about to embark on a southern tour, and he would definitely visit Nanjing in person.

By then, it would be difficult to completely conceal the true wealth of these nobles during the subsequent rectification and investigation by the imperial court.

But what will happen to Luo Yangxing, who participated in deceiving the emperor, once the lie is exposed?
Confiscating their property and exterminating their entire clan are to put it mildly!
Luo Yangxing was a smart man. He should have known very well that risking his life and fortune for a small bribe from these nobles was not worth the risk at all!

Luo Yangxing would never have such audacity!

Therefore, Zhu Cilang was more inclined to believe that the account book in front of him reflected the true "sincerity" of the Duke of Wei and others.

They were indeed cornered and chose the path that best protected themselves.

This was undoubtedly a very good start for Zhu Cilang's subsequent southern tour and reorganization plans.

In a flash, Zhu Cilang made up his mind.

Without further hesitation, he closed the ledger and casually handed it to Wang Chengen.

Wang Chengen immediately bowed and respectfully accepted the heavy account book with both hands, as if holding a hot iron, and carefully placed it on a corner of the imperial desk.

Immediately, Zhu Cilang raised his eyes, his gaze calmly sweeping over the Nanjing nobles who remained kneeling below, their bodies trembling slightly from maintaining the posture for so long. His steady voice broke the awkward silence in the quiet hall:
"Duke of Wei, all meritorious officials, please rise."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.

The nobles kneeling on the ground felt as if they had been granted a pardon, but they dared not get up immediately. They secretly raised their eyelids and glanced fearfully at Emperor Chongzhen on the throne.

After all, they dared not get up unless the emperor gave the order!
Only when Emperor Chongzhen nodded almost imperceptibly did they dare to shakily climb up from the cold, icy gold brick floor.

Prolonged kneeling caused many people's legs to go numb, making them unsteady on their feet and looking quite disheveled.

Once everyone had managed to stand still, Zhu Cilang continued speaking, his tone calm, yet carrying a condescending air of judgment:

"Your ancestors were all meritorious officials who helped us establish the Ming Dynasty. They followed Emperor Taizu to drive out the Tartars and restore China, and made outstanding contributions. These are unparalleled achievements, and the court and the royal family have never forgotten them."

He first set the tone, affirming the achievements of his ancestors, which was both a formality and a way to appease them. "Even if you yourselves have not contributed to the country today, you have guarded the capital and maintained the stability of half of Jiangnan for two hundred years. Even if you have not made any great contributions, you have still worked hard."

He paused slightly, his gaze sharpening as he swept over the anxious faces of the crowd:

"Today, you have come to your senses, taken the initiative to plead guilty, and donated your families' savings accumulated over half a century to the court for national use. This shows that you still have a heart of remorse, your loyalty to the emperor has not been extinguished, and your attitude is still sincere."

"In view of the merits of your ancestors and your repentance, your request will be granted this time. Your past crimes of deceiving the court and participating in smuggling will be pardoned and will not be pursued."

The words "pardon" were clearly uttered by Zhu Cilang, and they resounded like thunder in the hearts of the nobles below!

However, contrary to the expected ecstasy and gratitude, the vast majority of nobles, upon hearing these words, did not show the joy of relief, but rather extreme astonishment, bewilderment, or even disbelief and stunned silence!

All eyes involuntarily turned to Emperor Chongzhen, who sat regally on the dragon throne!

According to their view, such a significant decision to pardon, especially for high-ranking and powerful nobles like themselves, must ultimately be decided by the current emperor on the throne!

No matter how prestigious or powerful the crown prince may be, he is still the heir apparent and a subject!
At such a crucial moment concerning national law and the life and death of nobles, how could the Crown Prince overstep his bounds and directly announce the final decision?
This is against etiquette! This is practically usurping the host's place!
Even though they had long heard rumors that this Crown Prince was no ordinary person, that he was in charge of the country and had immense power, and that he had even personally led the army to quell the bandits who had ravaged the country for many years, making him a man of unparalleled merit.

But merit is merit, and rules are rules! Such an important decree should be issued by the emperor himself to conform to the proper relationship between the ruler and his subjects, and to appear legitimate!
In their eyes, Zhu Cilang's words and actions at this moment were far too presumptuous!

Then, a bizarre scene unfolded.

Even though the Crown Prince had announced the pardon, not a single nobleman below uttered a word of thanks. Instead, they all stood frozen in place, their eyes fixed on Chongzhen, as if waiting for the emperor's true "golden words."

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly became extremely subtle and awkward.

Emperor Chongzhen, seated on his throne, took in the reactions of the crowd below.

At this moment, Chongzhen was not displeased by his ministers' "disregard" of the crown prince; on the contrary, he felt a sense of indescribable pride.

That's right, it's smugness!
Although he knew perfectly well that the power of the court was now in the hands of the Crown Prince, and that he was more often a puppet.

But at this moment, in the solemn and majestic Qianqing Palace, in front of so many nobles and high-ranking officials, their first instinct was still to look at him, waiting for his response!
This undoubtedly satisfied, to some extent, the last vestiges of his vanity and sense of dignity as an emperor!

Look, in the hearts of my subjects, I am the true supreme ruler!
No matter how capable the Crown Prince is, there are certain rules and regulations that he cannot bypass me, the Emperor!
But soon, Chongzhen felt the gaze from Zhu Cilang beside him. The gaze was calm and unwavering, yet it carried a subtle urging.

Emperor Chongzhen knew that he was the one who had to end this charade to completely dispel the last doubts of these nobles and bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

So, Chongzhen coughed lightly to clear his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

Then, with a commanding gaze sweeping across the audience, he spoke in a deep, authoritative tone:
"The Crown Prince's will is my will!"

These words acted like a stabilizing force, instantly calming the restless hearts of everyone in the audience.

Chongzhen continued, his tone carrying an undeniable certainty:

“The Crown Prince is benevolent. Considering the merits of your ancestors and your repentance, and having already spoken, he has promised to pardon your crimes. I will naturally grant his request.”

He deliberately emphasized the "benevolence of the Crown Prince" and the "promise of the Crown Prince," cleverly shifting the credit for the decision and the moral high ground to Zhu Cilang, while he himself played the role of making the final decision.

This preserved the crown prince's face and authority, while also maintaining the emperor's final dignity.

However, he immediately changed his tone, his voice suddenly becoming stern, his gaze sharp as he stared intently at the crowd below:

"However, you must all remember this well! The Emperor's grace is boundless, but it is by no means limitless! This leniency will only be granted once, and will not be repeated!"

"If you dare to disobey me and the Crown Prince again, or dare to evade taxes and cause chaos on the coast again..."

Chongzhen's voice suddenly rose, carrying a chilling killing intent:
"Don't blame me for not showing any mercy then! What awaits you will not be something that can be resolved by simply handing over your family fortune! You will be punished for all your crimes, your property confiscated, and your entire clan exterminated. I will show no leniency! Do you all understand?!"

These last few words were like ice picks, piercing the nobles below the stage and sending chills down their spines, their inner shirts instantly soaked with cold sweat.

They had no doubt about the emperor's resolve in saying these words! If they were pardoned today, they would be utterly annihilated if they committed the same offense again in the future!
"We understand! We understand!"

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless! Your Highness the Crown Prince's grace is boundless!"

"Your Majesty, we kowtow in gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace! Your Highness, we kowtow in gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace!"

"Your Majesty, rest assured! Your Highness, rest assured! We swear to Heaven that from this day forward, we will repent and reform, diligently perform our duties, and safeguard the southern borders of the Ming Dynasty. We will never dare to commit any rebellious acts again! If we break our oath, may we be struck down by Heaven!"

In an instant, the crowd below the stage kowtowed repeatedly, their voices filled with tears of gratitude and vows of oath.

The elation of surviving a catastrophe, mixed with awe of the future, filled everyone's hearts.

They knew that they had finally escaped death and preserved their family's title and foundation!
Looking at the group of nobles kneeling and bowing respectfully at his feet, Chongzhen finally revealed a genuine smile, one that exuded a sense of control.

He still skillfully employs the art of combining kindness and severity, giving a slap followed by a sweet treat—a tactic he uses adeptly in ruling the world.

Zhu Cilang, standing to the side, remained calm throughout, as if everything before him was already within his expectations.

After everyone had calmed down a bit, Zhu Cilang spoke again:

"Alright, now that this matter is settled, everyone should prepare to return to Nanjing as soon as possible."

All eyes immediately turned to him, and everyone's attitude became even more subservient than before. (End of Chapter)