Ya She

Chapter 35 Five Bright Fans

Huangjue Temple outside in 1371 AD

Zhu Yuanzhang, in a fit of temper, glared at the dark forest. He had already severely reprimanded the imperial guards beside him; how could so many of them not keep an eye on a single monk?

"Find him quickly! He can't have gone far!" Zhu Yuanzhang was furious. The monk was injured, and besides, the candlelight was so obvious in the dark night.

The guards extinguished their torches and focused intently on searching for the faint candlelight in the deep forest.

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at the silent forest, listening to the rustling of the night wind through the branches, and slowly furrowed his brow.

He would always remember the scene he had secretly witnessed in the Garan Temple when he was young.

The smoke from a single incense stick, winding its way upwards, coalesced in the air to form the image of a graceful and exquisitely beautiful woman. It was through overhearing the words spoken by her that he achieved his current glory and became the ruler of the world.

He is already the most honorable man in the world, so why won't that woman come out to see him?
It's all that little monk's fault!

Zhu Yuanzhang was completely unaware that the little monk he was talking about, although much younger than him, was, in terms of seniority, his senior brother.

Or perhaps he was aware of it, but didn't care.

Because he was now the emperor, the supreme ruler of the land, no longer a monk. Even his former master would never dare to discuss seniority with him. As his thoughts raced, Zhu Yuanzhang caught a glimpse of candlelight flashing in the distance and immediately wanted to order his guards to give chase. But as soon as he spoke, he realized that his guards, perhaps wanting to redeem themselves, had all gone into the mountains to search, leaving no one behind.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was about to fly into a rage, suddenly suppressed his anger. The fewer people who knew about the candle incident, the better. And how could he, a seasoned warrior, not deal with such a battered and bruised little monk?

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang gripped the willow-leaf knife in his hand and chased after the candlelight.

In the rugged mountain forest, the candlelight flickered in and out of view behind the dense trees, like a leaping spirit. Zhu Yuanzhang grew increasingly alarmed as he pursued. The candlelight maintained a certain distance from him. He was not slow, but could a wounded and dying monk possess such speed?

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang almost thought it was a will-o'-the-wisp and was about to stop and summon his guards, the candlelight stopped without warning.

The warm, dim candlelight burned silently in the dark forest. Recalling the beautiful woman in his memory, Zhu Yuanzhang's heart pounded. As if bewitched, he parted the branches and slowly approached.

As Zhu Yuanzhang got closer, he became more and more alarmed, because he finally saw clearly that a red dragon was floating in the air next to the incense and candles.

In the darkness, the incense stick was held in the mouth of the red dragon, its body swaying constantly in the night.

In an instant, Zhu Yuanzhang thought of countless miracles and legends. Could it be that he really was the Son of Heaven?

Suppressing his fear and excitement, Zhu Yuanzhang took a few more steps closer, only to discover that the red dragon wasn't real, but rather embroidered on his black cuff. Black background, red thread. Due to the exquisite craftsmanship, at first glance, it looked just like a real dragon.

The lifelike red dragon coiled its body around the man's right arm, its tail embroidered on his right shoulder, and its head on the cuff of his right sleeve. It looked as if it could rise from the clouds at any moment. As the night wind blew against the man's long sleeves, from a distance it looked as if the dragon's body was constantly swaying.

Zhu Yuanzhang was both disappointed and relieved at the same time. His complicated feelings instantly turned into anger, and he angrily rebuked the man without any politeness: "Who are you? How dare you wear the dragon robe? Do you know that this is a capital offense?" Zhu Yuanzhang was very irritable. Compared with the red dragon on the man's black robe, the dragon on his own dragon robe was simply a pig or a dog on the ground, and could not be compared at all.

In response to the emperor's overwhelming rage, the figure in the darkness chuckled and retorted, "And who are you? Who granted you the authority to wear that dragon robe?"

These words struck Zhu Yuanzhang like a thunderclap, startling him.

Since becoming emperor, the deepest part of his heart has been an indelible sense of inferiority.

He was once a beggar, and then a monk, but now he has become the emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

His ministers were obsequious before him, but who knew if they were secretly mocking him or plotting to replace him?
That's why he needed that incense stick and needed extraordinary power to feel at ease.

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath, only then realizing that the person who shouldn't be there had his entire face hidden in darkness. Logically, the incense and candles should be in his hands, yet defying the natural order, they didn't illuminate his face at all. Looking at the candlelight burning so calmly in the howling night wind, Zhu Yuanzhang speculated that perhaps this person was the true owner of the incense and candles, not that dull-witted little monk.

Perhaps that's why he wore his crimson dragon robe so openly.

Recalling the countless times he had tried to hold the incense stick in his hand, only to inexplicably burn his hand with the flame, Zhu Yuanzhang released his hand from the hilt of his willow-leaf sword at his waist, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and said sincerely, "I, Chongba, have been unruly and offended you, sir. But I have long desired this incense stick; please, sir, part with it."

The candlelight flickered, but it was definitely not due to the night wind.

"This incense stick is not meant for you. Don't force it."

The person in the darkness spoke softly. Only then did Zhu Yuanzhang realize that the voice sounded very young, probably no more than twenty years old.

Zhu Yuanzhang would never let such a good opportunity slip by. He didn't even dare to call himself "I" (朕), and forced out the words through gritted teeth: "If you want to take these incense sticks with you, I, Zhu Yuanzhang, cannot force you, but that little monk..." He deliberately dragged out the words, watching with satisfaction as the burning candlelight trembled violently.

"So what do you want?" The man's tone carried a hint of helplessness.

"It's entirely up to you, sir," Zhu Yuanzhang replied readily. The unspoken meaning in his words was somewhat roguish: he was a reasonable man, but fairness was paramount! Taking the candle was acceptable, but he would have to exchange it for something of similar value.

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with confidence and conviction, but in reality, he was quite apprehensive. Unable to see the man's face in the darkness, he pondered the situation further. The flickering candlelight mirrored his own anxious state of mind. Fortunately, his torment didn't last long; after a short while, the man sighed and pulled a slender object from his robes, handing it to him.

By candlelight, Zhu Yuanzhang saw that it was a folding fan, and the fan ribs were an unusual ivory white. He subconsciously took the folding fan, and found that it was much heavier than he had imagined. The fan ribs were delicate and cool, making it irresistible to hold.

"This is...."

"Initially, the fan was not something used to create a breeze for cooling, but rather a symbol of power made of reeds. It was a ceremonial fan used by those in power to demonstrate their status and privileges," the man said slowly, his clear voice sounding so ethereal in the night breeze. "The Five Bright Fan was made by Shun. After receiving the abdication from Shun, he broadened his vision and sought wise men to assist him, hence he made the Five Bright Fan."

"Ahem, sir, although Chongba is not very learned, he knows that the Five Bright Fan should be a large palm fan. This is just a folding fan!" Zhu Yuanzhang suppressed his dissatisfaction and casually unfolded the folding fan in his hand. The fan ribs were thick and heavy, and the fan surface was made of gold-flecked silk, which was very rich and luxurious. As the fan surface unfolded, a square "Ming" character appeared in front of Zhu Yuanzhang.

A huge fan surface with only this one character. The back is blank. But Zhu Yuanzhang liked it very much because the dynasty he founded was named Ming.

"The Five Brightnesses refer to the five directions. This Five Brightness Fan is naturally not the same as the previous one; its ribs are made from the remnants of those ribs. The one who holds this Five Brightness Fan can discern the truth or falsehood of others' words. I think this Five Brightness Fan will suit your taste better than the Mermaid Candle," the man said calmly.

"So amazing?" Zhu Yuanzhang's heart skipped a beat. They say the human heart is unpredictable, and what he needed most now was to know if the people around him were consistent in their words and actions. His eyes darted around, and Zhu Yuanzhang immediately asked the man, "Is it true or false? I'll have to test it. Sir, who are you?"

In the darkness, the man smiled helplessly and said, "I'm just an antique dealer."

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback; this answer was completely unexpected. Moreover, the Five-Bright Fan in his hand showed no abnormality whatsoever. Frowning, Zhu Yuanzhang continued to press, "Then what are you doing here?"

The man sighed softly again, "It's just getting back the mermaid candle..."

Zhu Yuanzhang had been paying close attention to the Five Brightness Fan in his hand, and was astonished to find that the character "Brightness" on the fan surface was slowly disappearing on the gold-flecked silk!

So, does that mean the fan doesn't react when you tell the truth, but the character "明" disappears when you tell a lie?
Zhu Yuanzhang hurriedly looked up, only to find that the person had already left. In the distance, he could see that the candlelight was being slowly carried into the darkness by a red dragon.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! The little monk has been caught!" The imperial guards, sweating profusely, rushed up to report. They had been terrified to realize they had lost the emperor. Fortunately, His Majesty hadn't gone far.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked again, only to find that the candlelight had completely disappeared into the dark forest and could no longer be seen.

With a flourish, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his folding fan and said in high spirits, "Alright, send him back to Huangjue Temple and treat him well!"

Yingtianfu Imperial Palace, 1390 AD
Zhu Yunwen walked slowly out of the main hall, and after entering the left and right gates, he passed through the Huagai Hall. He waited for a while in the side of this hall, which was like a pavilion with eaves on all four sides and a gilded dome. Finally, he saw the gate of Fengtian Hall open, and the princes and ministers who had just finished court filed out.

Seeing their expressions—some terrified, some relieved, and some in a daze—Zhu Yunwen sighed inwardly.

The Emperor's grandfather recently dealt with Li Shanchang on charges of treason. Although Zhu Yunwen was only fourteen years old, he knew that the seventy-seven-year-old man had been keeping a low profile and enjoying his retirement since retiring from his post. He would never have had any thoughts of rebellion. However, not long ago, Li Shanchang was reported by a servant and killed. Several high-ranking marquises were implicated. After the investigation by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the case got out of control, and now more than 30,000 officials have been implicated.

It is said that the executioner's blade was worn down several times, and the blood that flowed on the execution ground soaked the stone bricks, staining them no matter how much they were washed. Even the snow falling from the sky could not cover up the horrific scene, turning the fallen snow a dark red.

The entire Ming Dynasty court was trembling with fear. This was not without precedent. Ten years ago, the Hu Weiyong case had a significant impact, resulting in the deaths of 15,000 people. The current Li Shanchang case involved even more people. No one knew how long the emperor's wrath would last. It was said that the ministers who came to court every day would tell their families their last words, perhaps never to return.

Zhu Yunwen was carefully educated by Zhu Biao from a young age, and he learned from his father in both words and deeds. He believed that benevolence was the means to govern the country, and he could not agree with his grandfather's actions in his heart.

His father, of course, could not agree with it either. He had heard about Li Shanchang's argument with his grandfather in the Imperial Study yesterday. He did not want to get involved, but today several students were missing from the Great Hall, including Cheng Cong, who was on good terms with him. This made him unable to hold back.

After the ministers who had attended court went to their respective offices, Zhu Yunwen confirmed that no ministers had been beheaded in the morning court session out of anger. He then assumed that his grandfather was in a good mood and felt relieved. He turned around and took a different path toward the Imperial Study. Along the way, the eunuchs and palace maids he encountered all bowed and greeted him. Not even one of the guards dared to stop him. Those of them who walked in the palace seemed to be able to better understand the turmoil in the outer court. Even the high-ranking officials and nobles were living in constant fear, let alone the lower classes like themselves.

Zhu Yunwen arrived at the Imperial Study without any hindrance. Standing guard outside the door was Er Nie, the eunuch most trusted by his grandfather. Zhu Yunwen greeted him in a low voice, and the latter was very pleased with his attitude. He gently invited him to wait in the warm pavilion first, and then quickly went in to announce his arrival. Zhu Yunwen stood outside the carved red brocade screen inlaid with treasures, and could vaguely hear his grandfather's voice. After a while, Er Nie came out and nodded to him.

Zhu Yunwen observed Nie's expression and, seeing that Nie's expression was peaceful, knew that his grandfather was indeed in a good mood today. Only then did he feel at ease and go in to pay his respects to his grandfather.

Zhu Yuanzhang was already sixty-three years old this year, an age of knowing one's destiny, but he still looked vigorous and personally attended to all matters. After Zhu Yunwen finished paying his respects, he looked up and found that his father was indeed in the imperial study, and his grandfather, sitting behind the imperial desk, still held his fan in his hand, never letting it go, no matter how cold the weather was.

"Yunwen, you've come at the perfect time." Zhu Yuanzhang slowly waved his folding fan, the breeze causing his beard to flutter gently. His eyes were slightly closed, and he appeared calm and serene. But those who knew him well knew that this ruler of the Ming Empire was far from as harmless as he seemed. He slowly said, "You're fourteen this year. You've studied at the Imperial Academy for so long; you should understand some things about court affairs. What do you think of the Li Shanchang matter?"

This was an extremely difficult question to answer, but Zhu Yunwen had come here on his own initiative, prepared for his grandfather to bring it up. So, facing his father's worried gaze, Zhu Yunwen calmly replied, "Grandfather's actions have their reasons, but too many people are involved, and it may go against the will of Heaven."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused slightly in his hand that was waving the fan, and slowly opened his half-closed eyes a crack, his expression unreadable.

At that moment, Zhu Yunwen noticed something on the imperial desk that shouldn't have been there.

This is the most luxurious palace in the Ming Dynasty. The roof is adorned with exquisite brackets and gilded coffered ceilings. Golden dragons coil around the round pillars and double eaves supporting the palace. Persian long-haired carpets are underfoot, and the table is set with Jiangzhou Chengni inkstones, Peng family Huzhou brushes, and a Hongwu blue and white porcelain brush holder newly fired during the Hongwu period, among other priceless artifacts. Yet, in such an environment, a thorn sits on the imperial desk, appearing particularly out of place.

Why is this item here? Naturally, it was sent by the Emperor's grandfather to find it. And why did the Emperor's grandfather send people to find this item? Naturally, he wanted to explain something.

Zhu Yunwen was a very intelligent man, so he naturally did not think that his grandfather wanted someone to apologize with thorns on their back. After a little thought, he came to the answer.

Zhu Yuanzhang had been watching Zhu Yunwen's expression closely, and upon seeing this, he asked, "Can you discern the deeper meaning behind this object?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao felt a surge of nervousness. He and his father had just finished court and hadn't yet discussed this matter. He could naturally discern his father's thoughts, but his son was still young, and he feared he might give the wrong answer.

Zhu Yunwen spoke slowly and gently, “The thorn bush chosen by my grandfather represents the Ming Empire. Now that the empire is newly established, its foundation is unstable and full of thorns. My grandfather’s intention is probably to remove all the thorns from this thorn bush so that my father can hold it more easily without getting hurt.” The boy’s voice, which had not yet changed, sounded somewhat childish, but it was incredibly pleasant to listen to.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao's heart, which had been pounding, settled back into his seat. He rose respectfully and said, "Your Majesty's intentions are profound; I am truly humbled."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't care about Zhu Biao's attitude at this moment. Instead, he closed his folding fan and pointed at Zhu Yunwen over there, saying, "Yunwen, is there anything else you want to say?"

Zhu Yunwen lowered his eyes, clenching his fists and using the stinging pain to give himself strength. He heard his slightly trembling voice echo in the hall, "Grandfather, but how can you be sure that what you cut down are thorns, and not branches that may grow in the future, or even branches that may become the main trunk?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was greatly surprised, and then his feelings became complicated, a mixture of worry and pride.

After all, only a young man who is young and fearless could utter such words.

Zhu Yuanzhang was not angry. Instead, he looked appreciatively at his grandson standing in the center of the hall. He did not answer his question, but instead asked another question: "You came here today for your father? Or for those officials? Or for some other purpose?"

Zhu Yunwen's body stiffened slightly. He could say it was because he was worried that his father would anger his grandfather, or that he couldn't bear to see his grandfather commit such heinous crimes that went against the will of Heaven. He could even use lengthy passages from the Four Books and Five Classics to refute him. But then he suddenly remembered something his father had once told him.

Never lie to your royal grandfather.

Therefore, Zhu Yunwen lowered his head and honestly admitted, "My classmate Cheng Cong didn't come to class in the main hall today..."

Zhu Yuanzhang gently unfolded his folding fan, seemingly quite satisfied with his grandson's answer. He nodded with a slight upturn of his lips and said, "I understand. Let him go back to school tomorrow." He paused for a moment before solemnly adding, "As for how you distinguish between thorns and branches, I will let you know one day."

Zhu Yunwen was startled by these words, and then realized the unspoken meaning in his grandfather's words. Helpless, he looked up and exchanged a glance with his father. Both father and son saw the same light in each other's eyes.

Imperial Study, 1398 AD
Zhu Yunwen sat behind his desk with mixed feelings. He knew that he would sit in this position one day, but he did not expect that day to come so soon.

His father, Zhu Biao, had longed for this throne for twenty-five years, but passed away from illness six years ago. His grandfather, defying all opposition, made him the Crown Prince. After his recent death, the throne of the Ming Empire fell to him.

Zhu Yunwen, who was only twenty-one years old this year, felt an unusual weight on his shoulders. How could he, so young, manage the empire as well as his grandfather?

Zhu Yunwen stared at the folding fan lying quietly on the imperial desk. Before his death, his grandfather had told him the origin and secrets of this fan. This also explained why his grandfather was so certain that the people he killed were the thorns on the thorn bushes, not the branches.

However, that wasn't what he really wanted to do with the Five Bright Fan.

He grew up in the palace and witnessed too much deceit and treachery.

Lying has become instinctive for people here, because sometimes, they simply can't survive without it. Besides, sometimes even when they're telling the truth, people will still perceive it as a lie.

But is it happiness or unhappiness to know whether others are telling the truth or lying, to know all the truth?
Zhu Yunwen thought of his grandfather and realized that his life had not been happy.

"Mingzhe, do you want to know whether what others are saying is true or false?" Zhu Yunwen raised his head and looked at Cheng Cong, who was accompanying her in reviewing the memorials. Mingzhe was his courtesy name, taken from the "Zhong Lun" (Treatise on the Middle Way), which says that a wise and discerning person is called Cong.

Cheng Cong was about the same age as Zhu Yunwen. His father was originally a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, but was implicated in the Li Shanchang case. If it weren't for Zhu Yunwen's courageous plea, he and his family would probably have become innocent victims. Moreover, after Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne, he was appointed as a Reader in the Grand Secretariat. Although the position wasn't high, he could directly serve the Emperor. This honor didn't make Cheng Cong lose his composure; on the contrary, he became even more cautious. He pondered for a moment, then put down the memorial in his hand and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, putting aside the saying 'too much clarity leaves no room for fish,' how is a lie judged? If I knew about the severe drought in Hebei but reported everything was fine, that's a lie. But if I didn't know about the drought in Hebei, and the officials below reported everything was fine, and I presented this memorial to Your Majesty, would that be a lie or the truth?"

Cheng Cong's words were somewhat convoluted, but Zhu Yunwen was taken aback, as if struck by a sudden enlightenment. No wonder his grandfather had killed so many people; in reality, it was impossible for so many to dare to deceive the emperor. Apart from his grandfather's intention to make an example of them to eliminate female founding heroes, most of the others had died innocently and unjustly. Moreover, deceiving superiors and concealing the truth was an unspoken rule in officialdom.

However, due to his impoverished childhood, the Emperor's grandfather harbored a deep-seated hatred for corrupt officials and a natural distrust of them, a trait he never changed even after becoming emperor. His monthly stipend was a paltry seven and a half shi of rice. Zhu Yunwen once inquired out of curiosity and learned that one shi of rice was equivalent to five qian of silver, meaning two shi of rice were only worth one liang of silver—a pitifully small amount. Not to mention that officials had large families to support, including servants and servants; to live such a life, one simply had to take desperate measures to survive.

Even with the Emperor's unprecedentedly severe punishments for corrupt officials—such as the cruel torture of skinning someone alive—corruption still seemed to spring up again like wildfire. Why was this?

Zhu Yunwen was lost in thought, but Cheng Cong disapproved of his slacking off. Straightening his robes, Cheng Cong respectfully advised, "Your Majesty, a decision should be made regarding the Prince of Yan."

A bitter smile played on Zhu Yunwen's lips. He thought to himself that while his grandfather had brandished the sword against meritorious officials of different genders, he had lavishly enfeoffed princes. Of the twenty-five princes his grandfather had enfeoffed, twenty-four were his uncles. Because the meritorious officials and veteran generals had all been slaughtered, military power had fallen into the hands of the princes. Almost every prince possessed his own army, held high positions and great power, and had practically become the overlords of their own small empires. He was like a weak lamb surrounded by wolves; no matter how high or sturdy the Ming city walls of Yingtian Prefecture were built, it would be of no use.

Zhu Di, the fourth uncle and Prince of Yan, was enfeoffed in Shuntian Prefecture of Yanjing, but his three sons remained in the capital, Yingtian Prefecture. Ostensibly, they were there to study at the Grand Hall, but in reality, they were being held hostage. Recently, Prince Zhu Di submitted a memorial, claiming to be critically ill, and begged Zhu Yunwen to release his three sons back to their fiefdoms so that he could see them one last time before he died.

Whether to agree to Zhu Di's demands was a point of contention within the court. Qi Qin, the Vice Minister of War, strongly advocated for the arrest of the Prince of Yan's three sons as hostages to restrain the Prince's actions. However, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices believed that taking the three sons would give Zhu Di leverage, providing him with a pretext for rebellion. At this time, Cheng Cong reminded him that it was time to make a decision, otherwise, the longer it dragged on, the worse things would become.

Zhu Yunwen looked at the memorial Cheng Cong handed him and smiled sarcastically.

He hadn't understood why his grandfather had chosen him as his successor. After all, in many ways, his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, was more like his grandfather, both in military command and political affairs, and both were decisive and ruthless. Yet his grandfather had directly passed the throne to him, even after his second and third uncles had passed away, when, according to custom, his fourth uncle should have ascended the throne.

Later, upon learning of the existence of the Five Bright Fans, I understood my grandfather's choice. He must have known that my fourth uncle was not sincere. Moreover, looking back now, it was such a coincidence that before my grandfather passed away, the two uncles who were in their prime and ranked ahead of my fourth uncle in the order of seniority died before him.

Zhu Yunwen sighed more and more as he thought about it. His grandfather possessing this Five-Finger Fan might have been a great asset. But even with this fan in his hands, he could discern that his fourth uncle's claim of serious illness was a lie, yet no one could tell him what to do.

"Mingzhe, draft an edict for me, saying that I have allowed my three cousins ​​to return to care for me while I am ill, and then send Zhang Bing, the Left Provincial Administration Commissioner of Beiping, and Xie Gui, the Commander-in-Chief, to visit me on my behalf." A playful expression appeared on Zhu Yunwen's face. He secretly rejoiced at the thought that even his usually serious fourth uncle would have to feign illness. However, he quickly suppressed his smile. He could only resort to such silly pranks; he was completely helpless in the face of the wolves surrounding him.

When Zhu Yunwen's gaze fell upon the Five Bright Fan on the imperial desk, he couldn't help but think to himself.

My dear grandfather! A fan that can distinguish truth from falsehood can add beauty to brocade, but it cannot provide charcoal in the snow.

Imperial Study, 1402 AD
Zhu Yunwen sat alone behind his desk, his eyes filled with melancholy. Outside, palace maids and eunuchs hurried about, and the sounds of weeping and arguing occasionally drifted over. The once quiet and solemn palace was now filled with a desolate and sorrowful atmosphere, and sometimes the sounds of fighting and the clash of swords could be heard from afar.

It seems he really isn't suited to be an emperor. A self-deprecating expression appeared on Zhu Yunwen's handsome face. He had been on the throne for four years, and it looked like it was time to change the ruler.

For the past four years, he has been engaged in various struggles with his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, and now he has to admire his opponent.

As Zhu Yunwen was reflecting on his brief five-year life experience, he heard a sound of running outside. He looked up and saw Cheng Cong rushing in anxiously. Without even exchanging greetings, Cheng Cong hurriedly reported, "Your Majesty! Duke Cao, Li Jinglong, and Prince Gu, Zhu Hui, have opened the Jin Chuan Gate to welcome that treacherous Prince Yan into the capital!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen's smile did not fade. Instead, he nodded in understanding and said, "No wonder I heard the shouts of battle outside stop. So that's why."

Cheng Cong was startled by his expression. Looking around at the Imperial Study, where all the antiques and artifacts had been swept away, he exclaimed in astonishment, "Your Majesty! This...this..." Then, realizing what he had seen outside—the eunuchs and palace maids carrying large and small bags and fleeing out of the palace—he immediately flew into a rage, shouting, "Those servants, simply! Simply!" He was a refined man, and even in his moment of shock and anger, he couldn't utter a single curse.

Zhu Yunwen waved his hand and said, "It was I who told them to take their things and leave. The Four Books are also unforgiving, so why make them accompany me on my journey?"

Cheng Cong's heart skipped a beat, realizing that Zhu Yunwen had decided to die. He stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty! You should leave too! The city is in chaos right now; Your Majesty can escape to another vassal king..."

Zhu Yunwen smiled and raised his hand to stop Cheng Cong, saying calmly, "A lamb is prey for wolves no matter where it is. What difference does it make if it escapes from one wolf's mouth to another?" Before Cheng Cong could persuade him further, he continued, "Mingzhe, do you think I am simply unsuitable to be emperor?"

Cheng Cong was taken aback when he heard this, because Zhu Yunwen had even abandoned the self-reference of "I" when he said this.

Looking at the young emperor sitting behind the imperial desk, whose smile revealed a fragile vulnerability, Cheng Cong sighed deeply, "Your Majesty."

"Don't lie, I can tell whether you're telling the truth or not." Zhu Yunwen picked up the folding fan from the imperial desk with a half-smile. He had given away all the things that could be moved from the imperial study to the palace maids and eunuchs who served him. The only thing left here was this Five-Finger Fan.

Cheng Cong said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I will always speak the truth to you." Seeing that Zhu Yunwen wasn't dismissing him but instead chatting with him, his initial panic gradually subsided, and he regained his usual composure. He straightened his disheveled court robes and, as respectfully as in their usual dialogue, said, "Your Majesty's benevolent rule has reduced the number of prisoners reported by the Ministry of Personnel in the first year of the Jianwen reign to thirty percent of what it was during the reign of Emperor Taizu. In the second year of the Jianwen reign, an edict was issued to reduce heavy taxes in Suzhou, Songjiang, Jiaxing, and Huzhou, to no more than one dou per mu, which was praised by the people. The Six Ministries were re-established..."

Inside the Imperial Study, Cheng Cong's clear voice echoed quietly, as if they were two completely different worlds from the noisy and chaotic palace outside.

Zhu Yunwen listened quietly as Cheng Cong recounted his political achievements. After the imperial study regained its tranquility, he couldn't help but sigh, "Too short... only four years..."

"Yes, it's too short. And the main reason is that Emperor Taizu did leave Your Majesty a thorn with the thorns removed, but he didn't expect that the thorn without the protection of the thorns would be easily snatched away." Standing in the empty imperial study, Cheng Cong said what he had never dared to say before. Zhu Yunwen had told him about that thorn, which made him feel a lot.

Zhu Yunwen stared blankly at the Five Bright Fan in his hand. He didn't even need to open it to know that Cheng Cong was telling the truth.

Just as he had stated his true intentions, Zhu Yunwen never doubted that his words were entirely false. Even the Confucian officials around him, all upright and outspoken, never once unfurled the Five Bright Fan during those four years.

"Your Majesty, there's still time. You should leave..." Cheng Cong immediately advised, seeing Zhu Yunwen's expression soften. "Even if... you don't like being a lamb, you don't have to..."

Zhu Yunwen understood what he meant, and a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared.

He was raised in the deep palace from a young age and was identified as the future crown prince at an early age. He studied the Four Books and Five Classics and the principles of governance every day. He didn't know what else he could do if he didn't become emperor.

Cheng Cong, however, seized upon this glimmer of hope and continued to persuade him, "Your Majesty, you and I are about the same size. When you leave later, wear my court robes; my servants will be waiting for you at the West Corner Gate."

"And what about you?" Zhu Yunwen didn't answer, but asked in return.

"I'll burn this palace down in a minute, and then no one will see my face." Cheng Cong said this with complete nonchalance, showing no concern for life or death. In fact, he felt that being able to serve the young emperor before him was a blessing he had earned in the past.

Zhu Yunwen chuckled, shook his head, and said, "No, I still have something I need you to do. Come here."

After saying this, he slowly unfolded the Five-Finger Fan in his hand.

Zhu Di sat smugly on his horse, deliberately tightening the reins and slowing down as he slowly passed by the officials who were prostrating themselves in worship.

This feeling is damn good!

Seeing the familiar capital city of Yingtian Prefecture open its gates to him without any defense, if Zhu Di were not mindful of his always serious and stern image, he would have liked to laugh out loud and shout, "I'm finally back!"
Oh no, perhaps I should change my self-reference now; it should be "I have finally returned!"

As Zhu Di was secretly fantasizing, he caught a glimpse of his second son, Zhu Gaoxu, following closely behind him, not his eldest son, Zhu Gaochi.

In this Jingnan Campaign, the one who contributed the most was his second son, Zhu Gaochi. At the last moment, when he was about to decide to divide the country with Zhu Yunwen across the Yangtze River, his second son led his troops to the scene and crossed the Yangtze River in one fell swoop. He made a great contribution, so Zhu Di made a promise to him on the spot, saying that his elder brother Zhu Gaochi was often ill, and if he won the empire, he would make him the crown prince.

Zhu Di naturally knew that these words were meant to please his son. Regardless of the dynasty, the deposition or establishment of the crown prince would shake the foundation of the country. If his eldest son, Zhu Gaochi, did not commit any major mistakes in the future, the throne would naturally be passed to him.

As for that promise, it was obviously a lie.

Zhu Di had told countless lies throughout his life. His mother was of humble birth, so he publicly claimed to be the son of Empress Ma. He always said what his father wanted to hear and made solemn promises to his subordinates. Telling a few lies to his own son naturally wouldn't cause him much psychological burden. Zhu Di thought this coldly as he looked at his second son, Zhu Gaoxu, who was following closely behind him, his face flushed with excitement, and gave him an approving smile.

Zhu Gaoxu immediately misunderstood the look and became even more agitated.

Zhu Di was about to offer him some words of encouragement when he heard a commotion ahead. He turned around in displeasure and was astonished to find a plume of thick smoke rising into the sky in the distance, directly from the direction of the palace.

He immediately whipped his horse and galloped away, ordering his men to extinguish the fire. Even without sending anyone to investigate, he knew it must be his incompetent nephew, Zhu Yunwen, committing suicide by fire. He didn't want his nephew to die like that; he wanted to abdicate in his favor and become emperor, forcing him to admit his mistakes. Only then would his four-year-long Jingnan Campaign be recorded in history as a just war.

But looking at the raging flames that had already begun to burn, Zhu Di almost gritted his teeth in frustration. The palace was a wooden structure, and once it started burning, it was very difficult to extinguish.

Everyone was helpless and could only watch silently as the magnificent palace was reduced to ashes. No one spoke, but everyone could feel that the fire had consumed the old Ming Empire.

Zhu Di sent men to search for Zhu Yunwen's whereabouts, but they found nothing. All the answers indicated that Zhu Yunwen was very likely in the burning palace.

Everyone was helpless and could only watch silently as the magnificent palace was reduced to ashes. No one spoke, but everyone could feel that the fire had consumed the old Ming Empire.

Zhu Di sent men to search for Zhu Yunwen's whereabouts, but they found nothing. All the answers indicated that Zhu Yunwen was very likely in the burning palace.

"Father! Someone has sent a message on behalf of Emperor Jianwen." The fire had been burning for a whole day, and as the sun was setting and the flames were about to die down, Zhu Gaochi dragged someone over. Their faction, led by the Prince of Yan, had long since stopped calling Zhu Yunwen "Your Majesty" and simply referred to him as Emperor Jianwen.

Zhu Di looked closely and saw a young man in the robes of a sixth-rank official. After a moment's recollection, he remembered that this man was Cheng Cong, a close advisor to Zhu Yunwen in the Grand Secretariat. He was now in a disheveled state, his robes in disarray, suggesting that Zhu Gaochi had searched him for any hidden weapons when he brought him here. Zhu Di narrowed his eyes, his expression authoritative yet not angry, and asked, "Oh? What message did he leave behind?"

“Your Highness, please dismiss your attendants. What I am about to say should not be relayed to anyone else.” Cheng Cong released Zhu Gaoxu’s restraints, his expression composed. He bowed his head and straightened his court robes, his expression serious and solemn.

Zhu Di wasn't afraid that this scholar, who couldn't even crush a chick, would threaten him. He dismissed his subordinates, even sending away Zhu Gaoxu, who was unwilling to leave. Only then did he stare at the composed young man in front of him. His gaze fell on the folding fan in the young man's hand, and he immediately felt that it looked familiar. He recognized it as the folding fan that his father always carried.

"He's probably just another guy offering up a treasure to protect himself." Zhu Di thought of the princes and officials who had opened the gates to welcome him earlier, hoping to gain credit for his ascension to the throne. His gaze turned slightly contemptuous as he casually said, "Speak."

Cheng Cong paid no attention to Zhu Di's expression, but calmly revealed the origin of the Five Bright Fan in his hand and its magical ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

Zhu Di's expression changed several times. Only then did he realize why his father had disliked him until his death. It turned out the problem lay with this Five-Finger Fan! No wonder his elder brother Zhu Biao was so honest and never lied. He must have known the secret of the Five-Finger Fan. She had thought it was just his nature!

As a superior, he naturally knew how important the Five Bright Fan was to him. Unable to contain his joy any longer, he laughed loudly, "Mingzhe, your contribution is immense! What do you want? Once I formally ascend the throne, I will reward you handsomely!" As he spoke, he unceremoniously took the Five Bright Fan from Cheng Cong's hand. In his heart, he thought that such an important secret could not be known to a second person. He had to find an opportunity to shut this young man up completely.

Only the dead can truly keep a secret.

At this time, the fire in the nearby palace had been almost extinguished. A guard came to report that a body had been found in the fire, but it was no longer possible to identify whether it was Emperor Jianwen.

Zhu Di slowly unfolded the folding fan in his hand and asked Cheng Cong, "Mingzhe, do you know that the corpse is my nephew?"

Cheng Cong straightened up and smiled slightly with a hint of pride, "Your Highness, do you know that His Majesty knows the secret of the Five Bright Fan, but why has he never opened the Five Bright Fan even once in the four years since he ascended the throne?"

Zhu Di frowned but did not answer. In his heart, he was unconvinced and did not believe that Zhu Yunwen had such a treasure and could resist using it.

Cheng Cong gave him a deep look, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips, as if mocking his confidence, or perhaps his ignorance, and said calmly, "Because only people who like to lie will doubt whether what others say is true or false."

Zhu Di was taken aback upon hearing this, but then a surge of shame and anger almost overwhelmed him. He could no longer care about his composure and shouted angrily, "Speak quickly! Is Zhu Yunwen in that hall?!" After he finished speaking, he stared intently at the Five-Bright Fan in his hand, preparing to test whether Cheng Cong was telling the truth or lying.

However, Cheng Cong had no intention of answering the question and decisively rammed into the south wall of the palace.

The guards standing nearby were not expected to do this so suddenly, and none of them were able to stop him in time.

The officer on the ground stared expressionlessly at the young cabinet reader who had collapsed against the south wall, and gritted his teeth as he uttered, "Search."

AD 2013

"Ah... Zhu Di forgot that even with the Five Bright Fan that can verify authenticity, people can still refuse to answer questions!" The doctor's parasitic rabbit doll had changed into a thick red cotton-padded coat. Although he was a doll and couldn't feel the winter cold, snowflakes were already falling outside, so he had to at least be in tune with the season! However, the buttons seemed a bit tight. The doctor laboriously moved his rounder body, made even more chubby by the new coat, from the counter to the shopkeeper, gesturing for him to unbutton the coat.

Although he didn't know how a doll could feel suffocated, the shopkeeper put down the folding fan he was wiping and reached out to unbutton the doctor's clothes.

"Phew, that feels a bit better." The doctor twitched his long rabbit ears and continued commenting on the story he had just heard. "I suppose Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) would have carried that Bingwu Ming Fan with him at all times, wouldn't he? No wonder he was as bloodthirsty as his father, Zhu Yuanzhang. In the early Ming Dynasty, only during the four years of Emperor Huizong (Zhu Yunwen) did officials have an easy time; the rest of the time it was a sea of ​​corpses and bloodshed! Zhu Di even invented the punishment of exterminating ten generations of a family, which was even more outrageous than the punishment of nine generations! He was truly ruthless!"

The shopkeeper declined to comment, not believing that the whole affair was caused by him giving Zhu Yuanzhang the Five-Flame Fan. Even without the fan, the killing would have continued. As Cheng Cong said, only those who enjoy lying doubt the truthfulness of others. Different objects serve different purposes in different hands. In Zhu Yunwen's hands, the Five-Flame Fan was merely an ordinary folding fan.

Seeing that the doctor remained silent, he finally couldn't hold back any longer and asked the question that had been on his mind, "Boss! You even managed to fake Emperor Hui of Han, Liu Ying, and save him. You know so much about the Five Bright Fans incident. Did you also save Emperor Hui of Ming, Zhu Yunwen? Wait, it seems that both of them had the posthumous title of Hui! What a coincidence!"

The shopkeeper remained silent, then picked up the Five-Flame Fan from the brocade box and carefully wiped it with a silk cloth.

"Boss! Don't keep us in suspense! Zhu Yunwen is one of the few emperors in history whose death date is unknown. Later, Zhu Di sent the eunuch Zheng He on his voyages to the Western Ocean, and it was rumored that he was searching for Zhu Yunwen's whereabouts! Did he die or not? Without an answer, the doctor is extremely anxious."

At this moment, the boss slowly unfolded the Five Bright Fan in his hand. On the rich and luxurious gold-sprinkled silk, the upright and square character "Bright" was slowly revealed as the fan unfolded.

"Oh? You want to know the answer? Do you want the truth or a lie?"

"..."

(End of this chapter)