Taichang Ming Dynasty

Chapter 157 Remember to vindicate Zou Yuanbiao
Beneath, bee, bee.

Someone knocked on the door of the South Study.

"Come in."

Wei Chao pushed open the door and found that the emperor was still sitting there with his head propped up in the same position. He did not go in immediately because there was another person coming.

"Your son pays homage to His Majesty." Zhu Youxiao stepped over the threshold and came to the imperial desk. Only then did Wei Chao close the palace door.

"Why are you here?" Zhu Changluo asked Zhu Youxiao, but he looked at Wei Chao at the door. Wei Chao shook his head in denial, and Zhu Changluo withdrew his gaze.

"I am worried about your father, so I came to see you." Zhu Youxiao replied.

"What's there to worry about?" Zhu Changluo chuckled and finally changed his posture. "Since you're here, come and have a meal with your father." He waved his hand, signaling Zhu Youxiao to stand up and Wei Chao to serve the meal.

"Okay." Zhu Youxiao hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not use such a distant expression as "Thank you, father, for the meal."

As soon as the dishes were served, Wei Chao dismissed the eunuchs who were preparing to serve the meal. "You all go out, I'll take care of this place."

"Tell me, what do you want from father?" Zhu Changluo was still smiling.

Because Zhu Changluo went to the Huangji Hall to supervise lessons almost every day, Zhu Youxiao did not need to make a special trip to pay his respects to his father, and rarely came to the Qianqing Palace.

"Your son doesn't want anything. You really just came to see your father." Zhu Youxiao picked up the wine that was warmed to the perfect temperature and wanted to pour a glass for his father.

"No need, I'll quit." Zhu Changluo waved his hand to stop Zhu Youxiao.

Zhu Changluo did not specifically order that no wine be served, so even if he did not drink it every time, the Shangshenjian would definitely prepare a special stove cart for warming wine.

"It's good to quit." Zhu Youxiao put down the wine pot. "After morning classes, my father sent Eunuch Wang to the wing room to announce that classes would be suspended in the afternoon and that my fifth brother would temporarily stay at Ciqing Palace. That afternoon, the palace was surrounded by the Imperial Stables, and they wouldn't let me out. I immediately wondered if something bad had happened to my father." Zhu Youxiao was only worried about his father, nothing else.

The Ciqing Palace was built in the early years of the Jiajing Emperor's reign. At that time, the Jiajing Emperor decided to build the Cining Palace in the western part of the Forbidden City for Empress Dowager Jiang's residence, and the Ciqing Palace on the site of the Qingning Palace in the eastern part of the palace for Grand Empress Dowager Shao's residence. However, before the Ciqing Palace was completed, the Grand Empress Dowager passed away. Therefore, the first person to reside in the Ciqing Palace was Empress Dowager Zhang, the mother of the Zhengde Emperor and the aunt of the Jiajing Emperor. During the Wanli period, Empress Dowager Chen, the legitimate mother of Emperor Zhu Yijun, also lived there.

However, the most important resident of Ciqing Palace was Zhu Changluo, the crown prince.

In October of the 29th year of the Wanli reign, Emperor Shenzong was forced to appoint his eldest son, Zhu Changluo, as Crown Prince. That same month, Zhu Changluo moved to Ciqing Palace. In other words, from the time the eldest son was appointed Crown Prince in October of the 29th year of the Wanli reign until his ascension to the throne in August of the 48th year of the Wanli reign, Ciqing Palace served as the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace.

The most serious palace feud in the 200 years since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the "Piercing Case", also took place here.

At first, after Zhu Changluo took Zhu Youxiao out of the West Warm Pavilion, Zhu Youxiao had been living in a side hall of the Qianqing Palace, separated from Zhu Changluo by only a wall. But after Zhu Youxiao "challenged the throne", Zhu Changluo asked Zhu Youxiao to move to the Ciqing Palace.

"It's not a big deal, just to be prepared. And it's almost resolved." Zhu Changluo chuckled and shook his head. Then he asked, "Which way did you come here? Did you pass Wenhua Hall?"

Wenhua Hall was located directly south of Ciqing Palace, a short walk away. If Emperor Shenzong had allowed the Crown Prince to participate in government affairs, it would have been very convenient. However, if Emperor Shenzong himself did not want to participate in government affairs, he certainly would not have allowed the Crown Prince, who had always disliked him, to do so.

"Going south to Wenhua Palace requires a detour, so I went directly north through Fengxian Palace. Before coming here, I sent my fifth brother back first. Otherwise, Concubine Li would be worried." The Concubine Li that Zhu Youxiao was referring to was not the "West Li" Li Zhulan, but the "East Li" Li Qinfang.

"Is there any problem?" Zhu Youxiao asked.

"It's nothing, I just asked casually. I just want to know if those people have returned." Zhu Changluo had a poor appetite, but he still tried his best to put rice into his mouth.

"Father, are you talking about the civil servants who are causing trouble?" Zhu Youxiao scooped himself a bowl of vegetable soup.

"Have you heard?" Zhu Changluo didn't think the noise in front of the Qianqing Gate was loud enough to be heard in the Ciqing Palace.

"I also attended the court meeting on the 11th." Zhu Youxiao cleaned up all the remaining rice in his bowl with the soup. "Father has been worried about this lately, right?"

"I have the whip and the cane, and even the knife if things get urgent. As long as you're not afraid of the pens, dealing with civil officials isn't difficult." Zhu Changluo was silent for a moment. "Of course, I'm not afraid of the pens. But everything must have a reason and a legitimate reason. Only an angry, incompetent monarch who can't truly control the situation would randomly beat or kill his subjects."

Zhu Youxiao pondered. "Not only should we make them retreat, but we should also make them submit?"

"You're quick to grasp the truth." Zhu Changluo gave Zhu Youxiao an approving look. "But it's hard to be justified. I've put a lot of thought into it and done some things I had to do."

"Zou Yuanbiao? He conspired to force the emperor to abdicate, so he is indeed guilty." Zhu Youxiao said.

"No. That would be a good thing." Zhu Changluo shook his head. "Xu Guangqi learned through Liu Yirong that although Zou Yuanbiao had always opposed the reform of the imperial court system because of your royal grandfather's previous experience, he did not approve of forcing the emperor to abdicate on the 11th, and even had a heated argument with another key member, Zhao Nanxing, over this. However, by the time I learned of this, Zou Yuanbiao was already dead!" Zhu Changluo, as if to relieve his anger, told Xu Guangqi everything he had learned.

"Then why didn't Zou Yuanbiao give out the mastermind?" Zhu Youxiao put down his chopsticks.

"Zou Yuanbiao is a loyal and upright man worthy of admiration. He is unwilling to betray his friends." Zhu Changluo picked up the wine pot, but looking at the empty wine glass in front of him, he remembered that he had just said "quit", so he put the wine pot back. "Do you think Zou Yuanbiao deserves to die? Tell the truth according to your heart."

Zhu Youxiao did not answer but asked: "Is it possible that Xu Libu was lying? He is also a member of the Donglin Party. Perhaps he wants to protect Zou Yuanbiao."

"No," Zhu Changluo said with a wry smile. "Let me tell you. He was the one who suggested convicting Zou Yuanbiao. Liu Yirong should know that, too."

"If that's the case, Zou Yuanbiao shouldn't die." Zhu Youxiao finally replied.

"But he is already dead, and he could only have committed suicide out of fear of punishment." Zhu Changluo gently put down his bowl and chopsticks, and pushed the empty wine glass away.

"Perhaps we can ask Lord Liu to come forward to testify and confront Zhao Nanxing." Zhu Youxiao suggested with a flash of inspiration.

"This is a bad idea!" Zhu Changluo raised his eyelids.

"Why?" Zhu Youxiao was a little dissatisfied. He thought his idea was good.

"Do you remember what I said to you?" Zhu Changluo asked.

"My father said a lot." Zhu Youxiao shrugged.

"You little brat! You're even getting poorer!" Zhu Changluo cursed with a smile, his mood brightening. "Politics requires balance, and the current cabinet structure is excellent. Throwing it aside easily wouldn't be a good idea. Uncovering this and causing an open confrontation between Liu Yirong and Zhao Nanxing would force Liu Yirong to resign. And then, the Donglin Party would fall apart. That's not worth it."

"The Donglin Party has always opposed our father. Wouldn't it be better to defeat them all at once?" Zhu Youxiao asked.

"For the royal family, only the loyal servants around them are loyal." Zhu Changluo smiled at Wei Chao who was standing beside him, and Wei Chao's face immediately showed a flattered and happy feeling.

Zhu Changluo continued, "As for external officials, there is no good or bad. As long as they are beneficial to the court and the country, they can be used."

"Where there's advantage, there's contention, and where there's contention, there are factions. I've told you before, factions are impossible to eradicate. When Taizu founded the country, there was the Huaixi Clique and the Zhejiang Clique. During the Jiajing reign, there was the Yan Clique and the anti-Yan 'clean stream.' By the time of your grandfather, there were the Prince's Clique and the Fu Wang Clique." "After the assassination, the Fu Wang Clique completely lost power, and the Prince's Clique immediately split into countless smaller factions. Today, the structure of the court is similar to that of the cabinet. No matter how annoying the Donglin Clique was, it was a cohesive faction. Other factions united because of the Donglin Clique's strength, forming a relatively unified group that was opposed to the Donglin Clique."

"Two opposing factions are much easier to control than a chaotic fight between many. As long as Fang Congzhe is obedient and the new Donglin leader is also obedient, there will be no vicious factional strife in the court."

"So, forcing Lord Liu to confront Zhao Nanxing may clear Zou Yuanbiao's name, but it will be detrimental to the political situation?" Zhu Youxiao understood.

"Smart." Zhu Changluo nodded, then sighed deeply. "To install a new leader, we must first discredit the current and deceased leaders. Therefore, Zou Yuanbiao must be convicted and must have committed suicide out of fear of punishment. This will then be used to legitimately determine the nature of the case and inflict pain on the Donglin Party. A compliant leader can then easily win over the people."

"My son, I understand."

"Politics is a dirty business. It's easy to lose sight of your true purpose. You must always remember why you're manipulating it." Zhu Changluo suddenly became serious. "Zhu Youxiao, accept the order!"

"Your son listens respectfully to your instructions!" Zhu Youxiao hurriedly left his chair and knelt beside his father.

"Remember to vindicate Zou Yuanbiao."

------

The next day.

Lu Wenzhao was feeling a lot of pressure. But after letting off steam at night, he woke up feeling refreshed. After changing into his official uniform and having breakfast, he headed straight for the government office.

But just after turning the first corner and before he even stepped onto the main road, Lu Wenzhao was stopped by a burly man. "Stop."

"Who are you?" Lu Wenzhao lowered his scabbard and gripped the hilt, staring intently at the weapons of the burly men while focusing his attention on the movements behind him. "Do you know who I am?"

The capital had been in turmoil recently, with several murders occurring in quick succession. The military officers of the various cities were helpless, unable to find any clues. They came to the Imperial Guard for help, but the Imperial Guard was completely preoccupied with the Donglin Clan case and had no time to spare to support the military officers.

"Jinyiwei, Captain Lu." The burly man pulled out a bronze plaque from his waist. "We are from the Western Depot. Come with us."

"You want to arrest me? What crime have I committed?" Lu Wenzhao looked annoyed, but a feeling of joy rose in his heart: the news had indeed reached the palace.

"Someone wants to ask you a few questions, just follow me." The strong man said in an unquestionable tone.

"Okay." Lu Wenzhao followed the strong man to the intersection near the avenue and found a carriage parked there.

"Go up."

"I know the way to the West Factory." Lu Wenzhao asked tentatively.

"Captain Lu. We're all in this business." The burly man opened the car door and tilted his head to signal. "Please come in."

Three quarters of an hour later, the carriage stopped.

"The Imperial Household Department?" Lu Wenzhao looked up at the plaque with a puzzled look.

"You go in by yourself." It was difficult to turn the carriage around, so after unloading Lu Wenzhao, the driver drove the carriage straight to the next intersection.

As soon as Lu Wenzhao entered the yamen, Cao Huachun came to greet him. "Captain Lu, we meet again."

"Greetings, Admiral Cao." Lu Wenzhao bowed and saluted.

"Captain Lu, don't blame me for asking people from the Western Factory to invite you." Cao Huachun led Lu Wenzhao to continue walking inside.

"Honestly, this really scared me." Lu Wenzhao laughed a few times in agreement. "May I ask why Admiral Cao ordered me here?"

"Captain Lu really doesn't know?"

Lu Wenzhao was startled. Just as he was about to reply, Cao Huachun led him to a spacious side hall. After entering, Lu Wenzhao found two people already sitting there.

"Captain Lu, I think we should have met once." The old eunuch sitting in the main seat spoke first.

"I am Lu Wenzhao, and I pay my respects to the eunuch who holds the seal." Lu Wenzhao knelt down and kowtowed without hesitation.

"It seems Captain Lu still remembers my face." Wang An said with a kind and amiable look. "Please sit down."

"Thank you, eunuch!" Lu Wenzhao's heart was pounding, but he tried his best to maintain a calm expression. "Excuse me, who is this?" Lu Wenzhao looked at the child sitting next to Wang An.

"I'm Wang Chengen, currently the director of the External Inspection Department of the Western Factory Inspection Bureau." Everyone present were elders and superiors, so Wang Chengen could only introduce himself.

"Hello, Chief Minister Wang." Lu Wenzhao thought to himself: No wonder he is wearing the flying fish suit.

"Captain Lu, do you know why you were asked to come here?" Wang An asked with a smile.

"It's for Lord Sun's confession." Lu Wenzhao didn't dare to play dumb anymore.

"Did you bring it?" Wang An was satisfied with Lu Wenzhao's tact.

"I dare not carry such an important thing with me." Lu Wenzhao replied.

"Where?" Wang An nodded.

"I gave it to a brother for safekeeping." Lu Wenzhao replied.

"What's his name? Where is he?" Wang An asked.

"His name is Shen Lian. He lives in the home of an old man named Xing Kuan."

"Xing Kuan, the one who uses the whip?" Wang An suddenly recalled Xing Kuan's flattering old face.

"See you," Lu Wenzhao complimented. "I can go over and get the confession right now."

"Let's first tell you what's written inside. It might need some revisions." Wang An gestured to the empty seat by the window. "Take a seat."

(End of this chapter)