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

Chapter 175 A Frenzied Test! Old Zhu's Ultimate Move! [Bonus Chapters for Monthly Tickets: 12 & 13]

Zhang Biao is going to die?!

Grandfather wants to kill that madman?!

Didn't he uncover corruption through 'auditing,' find the murderer for his father, and perform a great service?!

How could this happen? He's dead, what will happen to Yun-hu?!

Countless questions, confusion, fears, and resentment surged into Zhu Mingyu's heart the moment Old Zhu's voice came through.

She froze on the spot, her pupils suddenly contracted, the color drained from her face instantly, and her mind went blank.

"Bang!"

She could no longer hold the food box in her hand and it fell to the ground, shattering the delicate soup bowl. The warm ginseng soup splashed onto her skirt and shoes.

The sudden sound was particularly jarring outside the silent hall.

The sounds inside the hall abruptly ceased.

Immediately afterwards, the palace door was suddenly flung open from the inside, and Yunming's terrified round face appeared in the doorway, his eyes quickly scanning the source of the sound.

When Yunming saw Zhu Mingyu standing there, looking lost and bewildered, with the ginseng soup scattered around her feet, he couldn't help but be filled with astonishment.

Since Zhu Yunwen stormed the palace, Emperor Zhu withdrew the guards outside the palace. One reason was to prevent similar incidents from happening, and the other was to maintain a loose exterior but tight interior, making it difficult for people to see the true situation.

Even so, no one dared to approach the palace casually.

Therefore, Zhu Mingyu was able to easily reach the outside of the palace.

"Who is making a ruckus outside the hall?!" Old Zhu's icy voice came from inside the hall once again.

Yunming shuddered and quickly turned around to report, "Your Majesty, it is...it is Princess Mingyu."

There was a moment of silence in the hall.

"Let her in."

Old Zhu's voice was devoid of emotion.

Yunming stepped aside and gestured for Zhu Mingyu to enter, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Zhu Mingyu, like a puppet, mechanically and unsteadily stepped across the threshold and entered the Huagai Hall, which symbolized supreme power but was also filled with invisible pressure.

The hall was brightly lit by candles. Old Zhu sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze fixed on Zhu Mingyu.

That gaze carried scrutiny, the oppressive aura of an emperor, and a subtle, almost imperceptible complexity.

Looking at his granddaughter, at her pale face, empty eyes, and the glaring stain on her skirt, he seemed to see a shadow of her mother, Madam Chang, in her youth.

Even between her brows, one could see a trace of Empress Ma's stubbornness.

This thought softened Old Zhu's cold heart for a rare moment.

"What's the matter?"

Old Zhu's voice remained calm, but it lacked some of the murderous intent he had shown before.

Zhu Mingyu opened her mouth, but tears instantly blurred her vision.

She wanted to plead for her brother and had many things to say, but Old Zhu's words, "Zhang Biao will be executed in three days to set things right," were like a curse that gripped her throat, leaving her speechless.

Looking at her like this, Old Zhu seemed to understand something, yet also seemed to have misunderstood something.

He thought she was frightened by the imperial decree or afraid because her brother was imprisoned.

But he didn't like to see his descendants so weak, especially those like Lady Chang and Empress Ma's granddaughter.

In the end, the gentleness that arose because of Lady Chang, the fading murderous intent because of Empress Ma, and perhaps a trace of pity for the orphan, overwhelmed all displeasure.

"Let's go back."

Old Zhu waved his hand, his tone carrying an unquestionable indifference: "Don't overthink it. As for Yun Tong... if you want to see him, then go ahead. We approve."

He did not agree to release Zhu Yunwen, but allowed him to visit him, which he considered an extraordinary 'grace'.

"Grandfather..."

Zhu Mingyu finally couldn't help but speak up: "Mingyu knows that Zhang Biao's crimes are heinous, and Your Majesty is handling the matter according to the law. Mingyu dares not say more. But please, Your Majesty, hear what I have to say."

She paused, then mustered her courage to look up at Old Zhu on the dragon throne. His eyes, so similar to Chang's, were filled with genuine worry.
"Grandfather should know that the former Yuntong was ignorant, lazy, timid, and cowardly, no different from a good-for-nothing."

Old Zhu: "."

"but."

Zhu Mingyu then changed the subject: "Ever since Zhang Biao appeared, Yun Tong... he seems to have changed a bit."

“Although Zhang Biao said some outrageous things, Yun Tong would sometimes secretly tell us that although Zhang Biao was crazy, some of what he said seemed to make some sense.”

"He said... that Zhang Biao made him feel that there might be other ways to live besides fighting for power and profit..."

“Mingyu doesn’t understand these grand principles, but Mingyu saw a glimmer of light in her younger brother’s eyes…”

As she spoke, her voice choked with emotion, but she stubbornly refused to let the tears fall.
“Grandfather, Yunhuo actually respects Zhang Biao in his heart, perhaps... he regards him as half a teacher.”

"Now that Zhang Biao is about to be executed, Mingyu begs the Emperor to allow my brother and me to see him off."

She kowtowed heavily, her forehead touching the cold floor tiles:

"Mingyu doesn't want Yunhuo to have any regrets for the rest of his life, and only wants to fulfill the bond between master and disciple in her younger brother's heart. I beg Your Majesty... to have mercy!"

After saying this, she lay down on the ground and refused to get up, her thin shoulders trembling slightly from tension and excitement.

She dared not ask for Zhang Biao's pardon, because that would be too extravagant and too dangerous.

She only asked for this last little bit of insignificant 'farewell,' which was the only thing she could think of to do for her brother and Zhang Biao.

Old Zhu looked down at his granddaughter lying on the ground; the hall was deathly silent.

He never expected Zhu Mingyu to say such a thing.

He thought Zhu Mingyu had come to plead for her brother, but he never expected it was for that madman Zhang Biao.

[Should we help this master-disciple relationship to be fulfilled?]

A hint of absurdity and disbelief flashed in Old Zhu's cold eyes.

He never imagined that Zhang Biao would have such a great influence on Zhu Yunwen.

After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly, his voice still devoid of emotion, but the chilling killing intent had faded considerably: "Mingyu, raise your head."

Zhu Mingyu raised her head as instructed, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at her supreme grandfather.

Old Zhu stared into her eyes, which were filled with fear yet still stubbornly met his gaze, and suddenly asked an unexpected question: "Are you afraid of your grandfather, the Emperor?"

"This"

Zhu Mingyu trembled all over.

Fear? How could I not be afraid? My current grandfather is like a primordial beast that could devour everything at any moment.

She opened her mouth, the word "fear" almost escaping her lips.

But under Old Zhu's overwhelmingly powerful aura, a strange courage, or perhaps a stubborn recklessness, made her swallow the word back.

She thought of her father, Zhu Biao, the only one who dared to argue with her grandfather.

Then she thought of Zhang Biao, the only madman who dared to curse her grandfather.

She sniffed, her voice thick with nasal congestion, but answered with unusual clarity, "If...if Father were here, Mingyu would not be afraid."

This statement is naive, innocent, and even somewhat rebellious.

But like a small pebble, it stirred up Old Zhu's tranquil heart.

"Ah……"

A very soft, almost inaudible laugh escaped from Old Zhu's throat.

He remembered how Zhu Biao used to talk back to him when they were kids, and he remembered his outstanding but short-lived eldest son…

Time flies, and even Biao'er's daughter has grown up so much, still bearing a resemblance to her father.

The smile vanished in an instant, replaced by an almost inaudible sigh, filled with endless complexity.

"If you want to go... then go and see."

Old Zhu waved his hand, his tone carrying an indescribable weariness and a hint of helpless compromise.

"It's good to see that bastard, so that he won't curse our Zhu family for being heartless and ungrateful when he gets to the underworld."

After saying that, he stopped looking at Zhu Mingyu and turned his gaze back to the memorial in his hand, as if everything that had just happened was just a minor episode.

But Zhu Mingyu felt as if he had been granted a pardon.

Grandfather actually agreed!

Although his tone wasn't very pleasant, he agreed!
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

She quickly kowtowed, her voice filled with the joy and sobs of someone who had survived a disaster.

As Zhu Mingyu left the Huagai Hall, her steps were still somewhat unsteady, but her mood was completely different from before.

She did it! She fought for this opportunity for her brother!
Inside the hall, beneath Old Zhu's seemingly calm exterior, his heart was in turmoil.

Zhu Mingyu's statement that "Yun Tong treated him as half a teacher," and her actions in fighting for her brother's send-off, forced him to re-examine his grandson, whom he had always considered "useless."

[Establish a Crown Prince...]

Was what that bastard Zhang Biao said really Yunhu?

【But……】

Old Zhu's gaze deepened.

Even if Zhu Yunwen might have changed slightly because of Zhang Biao, he was still not the most suitable candidate to inherit the throne in his heart.

He felt that what the Ming Dynasty needed was a benevolent ruler, a "benevolent and filial ruler" like Zhu Biao, not a "little madman" who shouted "the hatred of killing one's father is irreconcilable," needed his sister's protection, and would empathize with madmen.

That's enough...

He shook off these chaotic thoughts and refocused his attention on the metal box.

Right now, the more important thing is to find the real culprit who killed Biao'er.

As for the future... we'll see.

"Yunming!"

Old Zhu's voice rang out again unexpectedly.

"The servant is here."

Yunming immediately stepped forward and bowed in response.

Old Zhu didn't look at him, but asked in a calm and even voice, "You said before that Consort Guo Ning rushed into the palace because of the slanderous words of Consort Li Xian and Consort Ge Li, is that right?"

Yunming trembled and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, according to my investigation, this is the case. Moreover, there are witnesses. I have also found out who the little eunuch who delivered the message is, Wang An, who served tea in the Huagai Hall. He previously served in Consort Li's palace."

"Later, after Consort Li left, he stayed in Consort Li's palace for a while. Seeing that he was clever, I transferred him to the Huagai Hall, where he had not made any mistakes before."

"So, he's been communicating with Consort Li about us all along?"

"Your Majesty, I have handed him over to Commander Song. I believe the truth will come out soon."

"Ah."

Old Zhu nodded calmly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the desk, making a 'tap, tap, tap' sound, as if each tap was hitting Yunming's heart, making him dare not even breathe.

After a long pause, Old Zhu spoke again: "Yunming!"

"The slave is here!"

Yunming shuddered and quickly bowed in response.

"By my decree, all the concubines in the palace who have given birth to princes and whose princes have already been enfeoffed shall be summoned to the side hall of Kunning Palace."

“Just say… we need to discuss family matters, which concern the foundation of the nation.”

Old Zhu's instructions were clear and ruthless: "Remember, it's 'please,' be polite. But not one can be missing, and they can't be allowed to communicate with each other."

"This"

Yunming was shocked and instantly understood the emperor's intention.

This raises suspicions that someone in the inner palace is colluding with a regional prince, plotting something sinister, and possibly even related to the assassination of the crown prince.
He dared not think too much and quickly bowed, saying, "This servant obeys the decree!"

"besides!"

Old Zhu added, "Prepare paper and brushes, the best Xuan paper and Huzhou brushes. When they arrive, have each of them write a letter home to their son."

"A letter from home?" Yunming was taken aback.

A cruel glint flashed in Old Zhu's eyes: "Yes! It's a family letter! A letter written to his own son!"

"As for the content... let them tell our son that we are getting old, have lost our crown prince, and intend to choose a worthy successor from among the princes. Ask our son what his thoughts are and what his ambitions are."

"Make sure they write it by hand, and write it with genuine feeling. After they finish writing, seal it on the spot, and you personally arrange for it to be sent out of the capital by express courier!"

hiss--!
Yunming gasped.

The emperor intends to use his concubines to test, and even incite, the ambitions of the vassal kings.

Sending this letter would be like throwing a torch onto a dry grassland.

He could almost see the tragic future of the feudal lords becoming restless and brothers fighting amongst themselves.

"This servant...understands!"

Yunming's voice trembled, but he dared not disobey in the slightest.

"Go ahead. Do it efficiently."

Old Zhu waved his hand, as if he had only given a trivial instruction.

But deep down, he was quite pleased with this crazy test.

Because he felt that someone who could orchestrate such a grand scheme ultimately wanted nothing more than that position.

Since that's the case, he used that position as 'bait' and threw it out. The more enthusiastically someone jumped, the more suspicious they became; the more unmoved someone was, the more suspicious they became.

In order to find out the truth, he is willing to unleash his 'ultimate move' at any cost.

Even if it means the feudal lords fight each other to the death, we are willing to do it.

[Hmph, saying we can't bring ourselves to do it?]

Let me show you what kind of emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was!

……

At the same time, in Prince Yan's Mansion.

The three Zhu brothers, Zhu Gaochi ...

The killings of the past few days have brought the three brothers to the brink of collapse.

This was the first time in their lives they had witnessed the ruthlessness of their imperial grandfather.

A suffocating atmosphere permeated the entire study, as if tomorrow were their death day.

Finally, Zhu Gaoxu couldn't hold back any longer and slammed his fist on the table, his eyes bloodshot: "Even a tiger wouldn't eat its own cub! My grandfather... he's really gone mad!"

After saying this, he subconsciously grabbed his sword, as if only this sword could calm his restless and fearful heart.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaosui's face turned deathly pale, and he said in a tearful voice:
"My second uncle is crippled... my third and fifth uncles are also imprisoned... will our father be next?"

"I've heard rumors that my father discussed health preservation with my uncle, the Crown Prince, and even consulted alchemists about elixirs."

"Do you think Grandpa Emperor would believe you?"

These words immediately chilled the atmosphere in the study.

Even the usually composed Zhu Gaochi couldn't help but tremble slightly with his obese body.

He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his flesh.

Although what Zhu Gaosui said was nothing but unfounded rumors, his wise grandfather would not have believed them.

However, this only applies under normal circumstances.

Now that imperial grandfather is in a bloodthirsty frenzy, who knows what his mindset is right now?
What if he adopts a "better to kill three thousand innocent people than let one guilty person go free" attitude towards the Prince of Yan's residence?
Zhu Gaochi dared not think any further, but immense fear poured over him like ice water.

Fortunately, Zhu Di's secret letter, "Wait for dawn," was like the last straw, barely keeping him afloat.

"Shut up!"

Zhu Gaochi roared, forcing himself to calm down: "At a time like this, the more panicked we are, the faster we'll die!"

Having said that, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes, and he said resolutely:
"From this moment forward, no one from the Prince of Yan's residence is to leave! All expenses shall be halved, and the only statement to the outside world shall be that we have been shocked and saddened by the terrible news and are currently in the residence praying for our uncles!"

"We must be more like 'filial sons and virtuous grandsons' than ever before! And we must act... harmless!"

"But."

Zhu Gaosui choked back tears, "Will this really work? Will my grandfather really let us go?"

"What are you afraid of?!"

Zhu Gaoxu gritted his teeth and said, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear! We haven't done anything wrong, so why won't they let us go?"

After saying that, as if seeking a source of support, he looked at Zhu Gaochi with burning eyes and said, "Don't you think so, Boss?"

Zhu Gaochi frowned, about to speak, when suddenly a flustered report came from outside the door:

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Commander Jiang Huan has stormed in with a squad of Imperial Guards!"

Boom!

These words struck the three brothers like a thunderbolt.

Zhu Gaosui, in particular, was so terrified that he collapsed to the ground, crying, "Grandpa Emperor really won't let us go, waaaah! I don't want to die! I haven't had enough pig's head meat yet!"

"Third brother! Get up!"

Zhu Gaoxu, gripping his sword, strode forward, grabbed Zhu Gaosui, and said with exasperation:

"At worst, we'll fight them to the death! We'll take one of them down with us!"

"But, but what do we have to fight with?"

Upon hearing Zhu Gaoxu's words, Zhu Gaosui cried even harder.

Zhu Gaochi looked out the window with suspicion and uncertainty, listening to the approaching footsteps. Finally, suppressing his fear, he hissed:

"You all shut up!"

"Second brother! Put your knife away!"

"Third brother! Shut your mouth! If you keep howling, don't blame your elder brother for disciplining you on Father's behalf!"

After saying this, Zhu Gaochi's elder brotherly authority was clearly revealed.

He glared at his two younger brothers, then returned to his seat, took a deep breath, and stared straight out the door with the calm composure of a mountain collapsing before him.

Soon, Jiang Huan led a larger and more imposing group of Imperial Guards into the study and began a 'routine inspection' of the room without any hesitation.

The undisguised search intent almost made Zhu Gaoxu draw his sword, but Zhu Gaochi held him back with a firm look.

"Commander Jiang, what is the meaning of this?"

Zhu Gaochi stood up, forcing a smile, his fat face showing a strained expression.

Jiang Huan remained expressionless and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Highness, please forgive me. The Emperor has decreed that the rebels in the capital have not been eliminated. To ensure the safety of the Prince's Mansion, further inspection is necessary."

"In addition, His Majesty has a few more questions to ask the Crown Prince and the two princes."

As he spoke, he sharply swept his gaze over the three brothers and went straight to the point:
"His Majesty asks: The Princes of Qin and Jin formed cliques for personal gain and disrupted the court, while the Prince of Zhou concocted evil elixirs, indirectly harming the Crown Prince. They have all been brought to justice. What are the Crown Prince and the two princes' views on this?"

This question is extremely tricky.

To say I sympathize with them is to sympathize with the rebels.

To say that one is clapping and cheering would seem heartless and could be interpreted as gloating or premeditated.

Zhu Gaochi's mind raced, and he immediately bowed, his tone solemn and respectful:
"Reporting to the Commander, we were deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the affairs of our two uncles, Qin and Jin, and our fifth uncle, the Prince of Zhou!"

"As members of the imperial family, we also bear responsibility for failing to promptly advise our elders to take the right path!"

"Now I can only stay at home and reflect on my mistakes, and keep to my duty. I hope that Your Majesty will take care of your health and not be overly saddened by the traitorous minister."

This answer was watertight, expressing the 'heartache' that a member of the imperial family should have, distancing himself from the situation, and demonstrating concern for the emperor.

Jiang Huan remained noncommittal and continued to ask, "Your Majesty, please ask again: Zhang Biao has mentioned the harm caused by the vassal kings many times before, and even went so far as to say that the vassal kings' salaries should be abolished. The Third Prince Zhu Gaosui has contacted Zhang Biao many times. Did he discuss this matter with him? Or... heard similar remarks from him?"

The true intentions were revealed! It pointed directly to the most sensitive core issue!
Zhu Gaochi glanced instinctively at his younger brother Zhu Gaosui, whose face was pale and who was trembling like a leaf, then looked at Jiang Huan. His back was instantly soaked with cold sweat, but his face showed just the right amount of bewilderment and a hint of grievance:
"I have only heard of Zhang Biao's outrageous behavior in court assemblies and in the gossip of the common people; I have never had any contact with him!"

"As for Gao Sui's contact with him, it was just a routine matter, such as delivering food to him."

"I have never heard of his treasonous words, such as dismissing the princes, but I am filled with indignation!"

"The princes are appointed by His Majesty and are tasked with guarding the four corners of the land. They are the pillars of the nation. How can a condemned prisoner be allowed to slander them?! Our loyalty to His Majesty and to the Ming Dynasty is as clear as the sun and moon!"

He firmly denied any connection, emphasized loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, and distanced himself from Zhang Biao, thus perfectly avoiding the trap.

Jiang Huan stared into Zhu Gaochi's eyes, seemingly trying to find a flaw, but Zhu Gaochi's eyes were open and honest, filled only with fear and sincerity.

"His Majesty also asked: What was your father's relationship with the Kings of Qin, Jin, and Zhou? Did he ever comment on the past events in Shaanxi, or even the past events of the Crown Prince?!"

"Go back to the emperor!"

Zhu Gaochi's voice became more cautious, even carrying a hint of urgency in defending his father:

“My father usually adhered to the duties of a subject. He only had ordinary exchanges with his two uncles and his fifth uncle, the King of Zhou, as members of the royal family. They would greet each other according to regulations during festivals, but they never had any deep friendships.”

"Your Majesty has never heard of your father making any comments on the old affairs of Shaanxi or the matter of the Crown Prince's uncle!"

"Your Majesty, I know that he always taught us to be loyal to the emperor and love our country, to respect the crown prince, and never to discuss state affairs or matters of the imperial family! Heaven and earth can bear witness to this!"

He directly denied that Zhu Di had any close relationship with the three kings of Qin, Jin, and Zhou, emphasizing that he was respectful and law-abiding and had no improper thoughts.

This answer, too, left Jiang Huan with no clue as to its flaws.

However, this does not mean that the Prince of Yan's residence has been exonerated.

After a long silence, Jiang Huan slowly asked the last, and most fatal, question:
"His Majesty said that the Princes of Qin and Jin are not up to the task, which broke our hearts. Now, with the heavy responsibility of the northern frontier, among all my sons, after much thought, the most capable and the one I trust the most is your father."

"He asked you: If we were to issue an edict summoning your father back to the capital immediately to take over the central government and assist in governing the country... what would you think?"

boom!
The hearts of the three brothers, Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Gaoxu, and Zhu Gaosui, pounded wildly at the same time.

It felt as if my blood had been frozen instantly.

Does the Emperor suspect that the death of the Crown Prince's uncle is related to Father? Or is he testing Father's ambitions?

A tremendous fear coiled around my heart like a giant python.

The oppressive atmosphere made the three brothers feel suffocated.

Zhu Gaoxu's hand had uncontrollably pressed onto the hilt of the knife, and Zhu Gaosui's face was deathly pale, almost unable to stand.

At the critical moment, Zhu Gaochi bit his tongue hard, and the sharp pain instantly brought him back to his senses.

He knew that any hesitation or panic at this moment would lead to utter destruction.

He suddenly knelt down, his eyes instantly reddening, his voice choked with immense fear and genuine emotion:
"Commander Jiang! This is absolutely unacceptable!"

"Your Majesty's favor is deeply appreciated by us! However, my father is of limited talent and learning, and only knows how to guard the border and perform his duties faithfully. He has no experience in important matters of state affairs, so how dare he take on this important responsibility of assisting in the government? This is by no means a humble statement, but rather a true reflection of his self-awareness!"

"Moreover, the remnants of the Northern Yuan have repeatedly invaded the border, and the safety of the northern frontier rests on Father King's shoulders!"

"If we summon Father back to the capital now, and there is any mishap in the defense of the northern border, wouldn't Father become a sinner of the Ming Dynasty? We your subjects would also be unable to atone for our sins even with ten thousand deaths!"

"I implore the Commander to report to His Majesty and have him rescind this idea!"

"With Father in Beiping, I will do my utmost to guard the northern gate for the Emperor. This is the duty of a subject and a prince!"

"I absolutely dare not accept the offer to come to the capital to assist in governing, nor can I accept it!"

As he spoke, he kowtowed repeatedly, his sincerity and earnestness perfectly portraying the image of a filial son and grandson who worried about his father's inadequacy, feared failing the emperor's grace, and prioritized national affairs.

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui also realized what was happening, and quickly knelt down, kowtowing repeatedly and echoing:
"Elder brother is absolutely right! Please, Your Majesty, rescind your decree! Father truly cannot bear such a responsibility!"

"Please, Your Majesty, see the truth!"

Jiang Huan coldly watched the scene before him, engraving every expression and every word of the three Zhu brothers into his heart.

He had to admit that the Prince of Yan's response was almost flawless.

It expressed loyalty while cleverly avoiding traps, especially the final appeal, which was impeccable both in terms of public and private matters.

"I have remembered what His Highness said."

Jiang Huan nodded expressionlessly: "I will report back to the Emperor without missing a single word."

After saying that, he said no more and turned to leave with his men.

Only after his figure completely disappeared did Zhu Gaochi collapse to the ground as if he had lost all strength, his back already soaked with cold sweat.

"Big brother..."

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui quickly helped him up, their faces filled with lingering fear.

Zhu Gaochi was panting heavily, but his eyes were unusually clear. He said in a low voice:

"Grandfather... this is testing us to the death... if we had uttered even one wrong word just now, the Prince of Yan's mansion would have been finished..."

He recalled his father's secret letter to "wait for dawn," and a chill ran through him.

[Father... this storm before dawn is far more terrifying than we imagined...]

……

Before long, Jiang Huan returned to the Huagai Hall.

He gave a detailed account of the entire interrogation process and every answer and expression of the three Zhu brothers.

Old Zhu listened quietly, his fingers tapping the armrest in a slow and rhythmic manner.

When Zhu Gaochi told him that his father was not allowed to enter the capital, Zhu's fingers paused slightly, and a faint, elusive light flashed in his eyes.

[What a remarkable Zhu Gaochi... truly worthy of being the fourth prince's son. His composure, resourcefulness, and mental fortitude far surpass his years.]

Is it that he truly lacks ambition, or... is his facade too perfect?

Old Zhu's suspicions were not completely dispelled by Zhu Gaochi's perfect response; on the contrary, they deepened.

Because an overly perfect performance can itself be a flaw.

Do you think they are telling the truth?

Old Zhu suddenly spoke, his voice calm.

Jiang Huan hesitated for a moment, then cautiously replied:
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi responded appropriately, seemingly without any flaws. However, the second son of the Prince of Yan, Zhu Gaoxu, and the third son, Zhu Gaosui, reacted with slight panic, especially when asked about 'summoning the Prince of Yan back to the capital'..."

"Ah."

Old Zhu gave a noncommittal reply.

He knew that these facts alone were far from enough to convict the Prince of Yan's mansion, let alone identify Zhu Di as the mastermind behind it all.

To take action against Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, requires irrefutable evidence; otherwise, the resulting turmoil will be difficult to control.

But this scare was enough.

What he wanted was for the Prince of Yan's mansion to know that they were already under the emperor's absolute surveillance, and that any rash action would result in a devastating blow.

This was also a warning to Zhu Di.

Fourth brother, if you're truly innocent, then stay put in Beiping.

If you truly harbor ulterior motives... let's see how long you can tolerate it!

A hint of coldness and scheming, typical of an emperor, flashed in Old Zhu's eyes.

He no longer dwelled on the Prince of Yan's residence, but instead issued new instructions:

“Compile all the confessions of Fu Youwen and others, especially those involving Shaanxi and the Eastern Palace, as well as the suspicious documents confiscated from the residences of the Princes of Qin and Jin.”

“Send it to Beiping secretly and hand it over to Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan.”

“Tell him that we hope he… in his capacity as a prince of the imperial family and commander of the border garrison, can help us ‘examine’ the evidence of these traitors’ crimes and see if there are any omissions.”

This move was extremely ruthless!

He simply passed the hot potato to Zhu Di.

If Zhu Di was truly the mastermind behind it all, seeing these pieces of evidence pointing to him being sent to him by his father for 'examination' would surely have terrified him and thrown him into complete disarray.

If he is not, this can also be used to observe his reaction and stance.

"in addition!"

Old Zhu added in a chilling tone: "Tell the Imperial Guards in Beiping and other places to keep a close eye on the Prince of Yan's residence! Any unusual activity must be dealt with swiftly and without exception!"

"Yes!"

Jiang Huan accepted the order, his heart filled with trepidation.

The emperor had already decided to kill the Prince of Yan, but was just waiting for solid evidence or a suitable opportunity.

Zhu dismissed Jiang Huan and sat alone in the empty hall.

Are feudal lords truly no longer necessary?

There's one more chapter, it'll be a little later.

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(End of this chapter)