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

Chapter 147 Kill me? I've shed blood for the Emperor! [Bonus Chapter 1 for Alliance Leader Dingyuan]

"Quickly! The Emperor has decreed! Seal all nine gates; entry is permitted, but exit is not!"

"Halt! Everyone stay! Come and register!"

"Anyone who dares to spread rumors will be punished for treason!"

Inside the small ancestral hall, the deathly silence was broken by the faint, increasingly noisy commotion coming from the direction of the imperial city outside the window.

The commotion was like a surging tide, foreshadowing the rapid spread of the thunderclap from Fengtian Hall, impacting the entire Yingtian Prefecture.

Chang Sheng's expression shifted constantly, and the veins on his forehead throbbed slightly.

His nephew's earth-shattering declaration and the even more earth-shattering upheaval at the court meeting that had just arrived were like two huge whirlpools, tightly strangling him in the middle.

The risk was so great that it could bring the Chang family to ruin.

But the dangers of opportunity may also hold the only chance of survival in a desperate situation.

He abruptly closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, the decisiveness of a founding duke and the ruthlessness of a battlefield general finally overwhelmed his hesitation.

He grabbed Zhu Yuntong's shoulder with such force that Zhu Yuntong winced in pain.

But Zhu Yunwen did not back down; instead, he met his uncle's gaze even more stubbornly.

"Yunxi!"

Chang Sheng's voice was as deep and muffled as a drumbeat, each word seeming to be squeezed out from between his teeth:
"Do you know that the path you've chosen is fraught with peril, perhaps even certain death?!"

"Know!"

Zhu Yunwen did not hesitate, his voice hoarse but firm: "To fight is to die, to live a life of dishonor is also to die, so we might as well fight to the death! Good brother is right! Don't underestimate a young man's potential!"

"Good! Well said, 'Never underestimate a young man's potential!'"

Chang Sheng suddenly slapped Zhu Yunwen on the shoulder, almost breaking him, but quickly asked with a puzzled look, "Who is Brother Good Guy?"

"It's Zhang Biao!"

Zhu Mingyu quickly interjected, "It's that crazy censor who cursed the Emperor, Fu Youwen, and Li Jinglong in the Fengtian Hall!"

"It's him?!"

The Chang brothers were completely stunned.

They had been trying to figure out how to avoid Zhang Biao's 'audit'.

Even though Zhang Biao is now in prison, their fear of him has never lessened.

After all, it was Zhang Biao who dragged Li Jinglong and Guo Ying into this mess while they were in prison.

But Chang Sen couldn't help but speak first: "How did you get involved with that madman?! And Yunwen, why are you calling him 'good guy brother'?!"

"Uh, this."

Zhu Yunwen awkwardly tugged at the corner of her mouth, then turned to look at her two older sisters.

Zhu Mingyue sighed and shook her head, then recounted the whole story to the Chang brothers.

The Chang brothers were stunned, their mouths agape until they could swallow an egg.

After a long while, Chang Sheng looked at Zhu Yunhu with a strange expression and said with a wry smile, "I didn't expect that madman to have this ability, actually helping Yunhu complete his transformation!"

"Yes, Second Uncle! That madman is really something! He..."

"Second sister!"

Zhu Yunwen, somewhat displeased, stopped Zhu Mingyu: "My good brother isn't crazy, he's a hero! A great hero!"

"Oh my! You're really smitten with him!"

Zhu Mingyu reached out and poked Zhu Yunwen's forehead, then muttered, "However, you really should thank him."

"Yes! If it weren't for that kind brother, I'd probably still be that 'good-for-nothing' and 'little beggar' now."

Zhu Yunwen nodded in deep agreement, then became even more determined: "Therefore, I must save Brother Good Man!"

"This"

Hearing the siblings' conversation, the Chang brothers looked at each other in bewilderment.

Clearly, they never expected this turn of events to happen, and they didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse.

But soon, Chang Sheng became extremely alert, his eyes flashing with a terrifying light:
"No matter the reason, since Yunhu has the guts, then the Chang family... will gamble with you!"

After saying that, he looked around at the people present, his eyes sharp as knives: "But what you said today, once it came from your mouth, has entered my ears! You must not utter a single word about it to outsiders!"

As he finished speaking, he glared at Zhu Mingyu, who was so excited she was about to jump up: "Especially you, Mingyu!"

Zhu Mingyu stuck out her tongue and shrank her neck, but her eyes remained bright and sparkling.

"but."

Chang Sheng changed the subject abruptly and continued in a low voice:

"His Majesty is currently in a rage and his methods are extremely ruthless. We must not act rashly, and we must not leave any trace of forming cliques or coveting the throne!"

"Everything needs to be planned in secret, waiting for the right opportunity!"

As he spoke, his gaze returned to Zhu Yunwen, a complex expectation in his eyes:

"Yun Tong, your most important task right now is not to fight, but to hide! Hide your thoughts, hide your sharpness!"

"Especially in front of the Emperor, you must appear even more submissive, fearful, and even... more cowardly and incompetent than before! Make him think you pose no threat! Understand?!"

Zhu Yunwen paused for a moment, then nodded emphatically: "Yunwen understands! Conceal your abilities and bide your time!"

"That's right!"

A hint of admiration flashed in Chang Sheng's eyes. He thought to himself that his nephew's comprehension was indeed different from before after he had become enlightened.

"As for Zhang Biao..."

He paused, then said in a solemn tone:
"This man is the eye of the storm, the Emperor is keeping a close eye on him, anyone who touches him dies! The matter of saving him must never be mentioned again! At least not now!"

Zhu Yunwen's lips moved, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes, but in the end he gritted his teeth and nodded.

He is not unaware of the current situation.

Moreover, there must have been a reason why Zhang Biao actively sought death and even caused such a sensational incident in the imperial prison.

He did want to save "Good Guy Brother," but he didn't want to disrupt "Good Guy Brother's" plans.

"Second brother!"

Chang Sen, unable to contain his excitement, whispered, "So what should we do next? We can't just sit here and wait, can we?"

"Of course not."

A cold glint flashed in Chang Sheng's eyes: "The Emperor wants to investigate old cases in Shaanxi, forbidden drugs in the palace, and treason... The muddier the water, the more advantageous it is for us."

"Although the Chang family's influence has waned in recent years, they are not entirely without foundation in the military. I will immediately make secret arrangements to have our people find a way to 'assist' Jiang Huan in his investigation..."

At this point, his voice lowered further, carrying a hint of cold calculation:

"Especially regarding the old stories of the King of Qin in Shaanxi, and... some old courtiers who had close ties with the Lü family and the civil officials of the outer court... some clues should be discovered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard by chance."

Shifting the blame eastward, using someone else to do the dirty work!
This is the real political struggle!

Zhu Yunwen and his siblings were deeply shaken, experiencing for the first time the cruelty and coldness of power struggles so directly.

"And what about us? What can we do?"

Zhu Mingyu pressed for details, not wanting to just stand by and watch.

Chang Sheng glanced at her, then at the pale-faced Zhu Mingyue and the determined-looking Zhu Yunwen:
"You? Return to the palace immediately! The more frightened you appear, the better! Especially Yunhu, once you return, feign illness and stay indoors!" He then turned to Zhu Mingyue and added, "Mingyue, keep a close eye on your younger siblings. Don't let them do anything unusual! Wait for my news!"

"Yes……"

Zhu Mingyue responded softly.

Just then, the cautious voice of the eunuch sent by Lady Lü came from outside: "Your Highness, Your Highness, it's getting late, it's time to return to the palace..."

Upon hearing this, Chang Sheng immediately composed himself and regained his calm and dignified demeanor.

He patted Zhu Yunwen on the shoulder, his voice rising slightly, carrying the concern of an elder:
"Your Highness, please accept my condolences and take care of yourself. If anything happens in the palace, please send someone to inform me at any time."

These words had a double meaning, and Zhu Yunwen understood them, so he nodded heavily.

The three siblings took one last look at their mother's memorial tablet, and under the complicated gazes of Chang Sheng and Chang Sen, they followed the palace maids and servants out of the old Chang family residence.

Once only the Chang brothers remained in the small ancestral hall, they exchanged a complicated glance and then smiled knowingly.

"My sister's son has grown up."

"Yes, they didn't let the Chang family down."

After he finished speaking, the small ancestral hall fell silent again.

After an unknown amount of time, Chang Sheng lowered his voice and said:
"Sen Di, immediately arrange for someone to use our most secretive means of communication to see Uncle in person and tell him everything about today's court meeting and Yun Hu's decision!"

"Tell him that the knife is at his throat. He must decide quickly: either lie low and await his fate, or fight for his future! I will wait for his news at the manor!"

"it is good!"

Chang Sen knew this was no small matter, and nodded emphatically, saying, "Don't worry, Second Brother! I'll make the arrangements right away!"

After saying that, without hesitation, he turned around and quietly left through the hidden door of the ancestral hall, his figure quickly disappearing into the complex corridors of the mansion.

.........

the other side.

Jianchang, the camp of the pacification army.

A whole lamb is roasting over charcoal, its fat dripping and sizzling, its aroma mingling with the smells of leather and steel.

Lan Yu sat imposingly on the tiger-skin chair.

He was tall and strong, with a sharp, angular face, and his tiger-like eyes shone brightly when they opened and closed.

Even when he was just sitting casually, he exuded the imposing aura of a battle-hardened general and a hint of arrogant arrogance.

At this very moment, he had just finished listening to his trusted retainer's whispered report of earth-shattering news from Yingtian Prefecture.

This news was passed on by Chang Sheng's brothers.

Although somewhat delayed, it clearly conveyed the situation in Yingtian Prefecture.

"Oh? That good-for-nothing Li Jinglong and that old codger Guo Ying have been thrown into the imperial prison?"

Lan Yu's voice was loud and clear, carrying an undisguised hint of sarcasm and amusement:
"Still locked up with that madman Zhang Biao, who verbally abused the emperor until he fainted and cursed everyone in the court?"

After saying that, he tore off a large piece of roasted mutton, stuffed it into his mouth, and chewed it heartily, as if he had not heard bad news, but rather a funny farce.

"Haha! This is interesting!"

Lan Yu suddenly laughed, his voice echoing through the tent: "Is the Emperor getting old, and his temper even more volatile? Is he starting to use these mad dogs to bite people?"

He felt awe towards Zhu De, but more than that, he harbored a subtle resentment towards Zhu De, who had become too powerful for his master.

In his view, Li Jinglong, Guo Ying and their ilk were nothing but useless people who relied on their family background or seniority, and it was no big deal that they were arrested.

But as he laughed, his smile gradually faded, and a barely perceptible hint of seriousness flashed in his tiger-like eyes.

"However... that kid Zhang Biao is really like a mad dog, biting anyone he can get his hands on."

Lan Yu took a swig of strong liquor and wiped his mouth:

“Li Jinglong is a coward, he definitely can’t hold out. Guo Ying… she’s a bit tougher, but she can’t withstand Jiang Huan’s methods either. As for Fu Youwen and the others…”

As he finished speaking, his fingers slowly traced the rim of his wine glass, and his eyes sharpened.

"If those two start biting each other..."

Lan Yu's gaze swept over the several generals in the tent who were also from Huaixi and had close ties with him, and his tone became somewhat somber:
"It's inevitable that some old grievances will be brought up, and some people who shouldn't be implicated will be dragged into it."

These words immediately made the atmosphere inside the tent more tense.

They were all brothers who had gone through thick and thin with Lan Yu, and their interests were too intertwined to withstand scrutiny.

Moreover, Fu Youwen and Ru Chang were both involved in matters of the Ministry of Revenue, one being the de facto head of the Ministry of Revenue and the other having managed affairs in the Ministry of War for over a decade. It was inevitable that they would be entangled with each other over provisions, weapons, and even their private property.

But then a subordinate general couldn't help but whisper, "Lord Duke, shouldn't we... make some plans as soon as possible? It seems the Emperor is serious this time..."

"Plans? What plans do you have?"

Lan Yu's eyes widened, and that arrogant air returned:

"I've shed blood and rendered meritorious service for the Ming Dynasty! When we were sweeping across the northern deserts, Li Jinglong was still playing in the mud! What do I have to be afraid of?!"

Although he spoke toughly, he was not entirely unmoved inside.

He knew best how ruthless Old Zhu was.

The phrase "his achievements overshadowed his master" was like a thorn, always stuck in his heart.

He was silent for a moment, then downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, slammed the glass down with a thud.

"Relay my military order!"

"First! Each battalion must immediately conduct a self-inspection! All accounts and correspondence, anything that might involve those people in Yingtian, or anything that can't be hidden, should be burned or hidden! Keep your hands clean!"

"Second! Keep your men in line! And all my adopted sons and godsons! They'd better keep their tails between their legs and behave themselves from now on!"

"third!"

Lan Yu's gaze sharpened, sweeping over everyone like a hawk's:

"I don't care what your reasons are. If anyone dares to act recklessly like before, seizing military farmland and oppressing the people, I'll skin them alive without the Emperor even lifting a finger!"

This was his most direct reaction to the situation in Tianfu before.

Temporarily restrain yourself and avoid their sharp edge.

But he immediately followed with a cold laugh and added:
"However, we shouldn't scare ourselves! If the Emperor wants to clean up the court, that's his business. We've done nothing wrong, so what's there to be afraid of?!"

"As for Chang Sheng..."

A complex emotion flashed in Lan Yu's eyes; he had indeed shown considerable kindness to Chang Yuchun's descendants.
"Let them be smart! If they want to worship, they should do it properly, and stop with all that nonsense! I can't worry about them right now!"

His strategy was clear.

On the surface, he strictly disciplines his subordinates, appearing to be law-abiding.

He was inwardly resentful and wary of Lao Zhu's actions, and decided to wait and see for the time being, never daring to walk into the line of fire.

He was confident that with his military achievements and prestige, as long as he didn't deliberately risk his life, Zhu De would never easily touch him, the pillar supporting the frontier.

[Hmph, you want to kill me? No way!]

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(End of this chapter)