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

Chapter 180 I Laugh As I Strike at the Sky with My Sword! [Requesting Double Monthly Tickets]

"clang--!"

At noon, the distant and heavy tolling of bells came from the direction of the palace.

Not only did the Huagai Hall where Old Zhu was located hear it, but it also penetrated through layers of palace walls and reached that secluded Buddhist hall.

At this moment, the air inside the Buddhist hall was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

The woman in plain clothes remained kneeling on the prayer mat, but the prayer beads in her hands had stopped being turned at some point.

She tilted her head slightly, listening to the bell that signaled the approaching moment of execution. Her closed eyes showed no emotion, only a deep, unfathomable calm.

The time is almost up... Zhang Biao... you are going to die eventually.

She felt no joy, only a sense of indifference, as if 'the troublesome stone is finally going to be moved away'.

Zhang Biao knows too much, and his madness is out of control.

His death was a relief for everyone, especially for her and her son.

Although she didn't know whether Zhang Biao knew about her and her son, with Zhang Biao dead, nothing else mattered.

After all, 'the dead can't talk'.

"Amitabha!"

She unconsciously uttered a Buddhist phrase, seemingly to pray for Zhang Biao's soul, or perhaps to calm her own mind.

"Your Majesty."

Just then, the door to the Buddhist hall was pushed open very gently, and an old woman walked in silently, her steps more hurried than ever before, her face showing a hint of undisguised surprise.

"News has arrived from the previous dynasty..."

The old woman's voice was extremely low, tinged with disbelief:
"Your Majesty...His Majesty has issued an edict to halt all investigations into the cause of the Crown Prince's death!"

The woman's fingers, which were turning the prayer beads, paused almost imperceptibly, but she still did not open her eyes.

The old nanny continued urgently, "Not only that, the little eunuch we arranged to deliver the message to Consort Li has actually been released!"

"And he was completely unharmed! Song Zhong only asked him a few routine questions before releasing him! Before she died, Consort Li... she didn't say anything either."

This news is too unusual!

Given Zhu Yuanzhang's personality, especially regarding the cause of the crown prince's death, how could he have stirred up such a huge storm and then suddenly stopped without warning? And even released the key witnesses who might know the truth?!
The woman slowly opened her eyes, and a sharp glint flashed in those seemingly peaceful eyes.

She didn't speak immediately, but remained silent for a moment, as if processing this extremely unusual information.

"Luring the snake out of its hole..."

She uttered four words softly, her voice low and firm: "He's trying to lure the snake out of its hole."

"The Emperor has investigated for so long and killed so many people, yet he still cannot find conclusive evidence pointing to someone deeper down."

"He's deliberately putting on a show of giving up the investigation, wanting to see who will lower their guard, who will be unable to resist jumping out and taking action... or, to silence them."

Her analysis was frighteningly calm, instantly discerning the ruthless scheme behind Lao Zhu's unusual behavior.

"Then...then we..."

The old nanny was somewhat bewildered.

"Stand still."

The woman's tone was resolute: "Tell everyone below that no one is allowed to make any move without my order! Especially those connections related to Shaanxi and the past events of the Eastern Palace—all must remain silent!"

"Yes."

The old nanny quickly agreed, then remembered something and reported back:
"Your Highness, the Prince has received your letter."

"After reading it, the prince felt bitter and immediately wrote a letter expressing his grief and indignation at the emperor's suspicion of his son, as well as his unwavering loyalty to the emperor and his hopelessness in becoming the heir apparent. Then he went about his military affairs as usual and did not do anything unusual."

Upon hearing this, a subtle blend of tenderness and pride flashed in the woman's eyes.

My son is indeed very composed.

"What about the Emperor?"

She pressed further, "Did you show any... special regards to the Prince?"

This is the most critical issue.

"No."

The old nanny shook her head: "The Emperor only inquired about some aspects of Prince Yan, Zhu Di. It seems that he sent information about the old case in Shaanxi, the Crown Prince, including the confessions of Fu Youwen and others, to Beiping."

"The Prince of Yan also replied with a letter. After reading it, the Emperor did not take any major action. However, according to our analysis, the Emperor should have raised the suspicion against the Prince of Yan to the highest level."

After listening, the woman remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

This seemed like good news, but combined with the Emperor's sudden halt to the investigation, it appeared particularly eerie, like the calm before the storm.

After a long silence, she finally issued a cold-blooded order:

“Go tell the people outside that Consort Li’s family… should be ‘taken care of’. Choose a suitable opportunity, make it look like an accident.”

"Old slave understands."

The old woman understood perfectly; this "care" was tantamount to silencing her.

Although Consort Li Xianfei didn't uncover anything, her family remains a potential threat and must be eliminated.

After giving all these instructions, the woman closed her eyes again, and began to slowly turn the prayer beads in her hands once more, as if those life-or-death commands had nothing to do with her.

The Buddhist hall returned to silence, with only the lingering fragrance of sandalwood incense.

However, her mind was not completely immersed in the chanting of the Buddha's name.

Her gaze seemed to pierce through the walls of the Buddhist hall, looking towards the execution ground in the West Market. A faint, cold smile curved her lips as she silently murmured:
"Sister Ma..."

"Your man is really lucky..."

“He always manages to find a way to claim ‘righteousness’ and win over ‘the hearts of the people’…”

"It's a pity he never understood what it meant to cherish..."

The murmur carried a complex and indescribable meaning, containing mockery, jealousy, and even a cold hatred that had been brewing for decades.

The echoes of the noon bell had long since dissipated.

The undercurrents within this deep palace Buddhist hall are colder and more chilling than the blood on the execution ground.

.........

On the other side, at the execution ground.

“Imperial Censor Zhou, something seems off about this hand-held object of yours. The shape, the wetness... could it be something you're up to with your concubine...?”

"Zhang Biao! That's enough!"

Jiang Huan finally lost his temper, stepped forward, and shouted angrily, interrupting Zhang Biao's nonsense.

"Men! Take him to the execution platform and prepare for execution!"

Although it was not yet noon, preparing for the execution ahead of time would not be considered disobeying Zhu's orders.

Therefore, the moment Jiang Huan gave the order, the Imperial Guards, who had been tormented by Zhang Biao to the point of almost turning into 'dried-up human skin', immediately rushed towards him like wolves and tigers.

At that moment, Zhu Yunwen, who had been silent all along, suddenly stepped forward, his childish voice carrying a firmness beyond his years, and said loudly:
"Commander Jiang, wait!"

Swish swish!
All eyes immediately turned to the grandson of the emperor.

Jiang Huan also narrowed his eyes.

Although he had very little, if any, interaction with this grandson of the emperor, after all, Zhu Yuanzhang's heart was always set on Zhu Yunwen.

But recent events, especially the incident of Zhu Yunwen's blood splattering in the Huagai Hall and being presented with an iron box, have not only made him look at this grandson of the emperor with new respect, but have also left a considerable impression on him.

Zhu Yunwen is able to appear here now because of Old Zhu's 'mercy,' but it cannot be ruled out that Old Zhu is 'testing' him.

As Zhu Yunwen's top henchman and intelligence chief, he naturally wouldn't stop Zhu Yunwen at this time.

What Zhu Yunwen might want to see is Zhu Yunwen's attitude towards Zhang Biao.

So, the moment Zhu Yunwen finished speaking, he waved to the Imperial Guards who were rushing towards Zhang Biao, signaling them to stop.

Zhu Yunwen, seemingly unperturbed, took out an oiled paper package from his robes, held it with both hands, walked to the execution platform, and spoke in a low but clear voice that reached Zhang Biao's ears:

"Good man... Mr. Zhang, this is a spicy and sour pig's trotter that I made myself this morning. Would you... would you like to try some?"

He originally wanted to call him "good brother," but in front of so many people, he changed his mind.

Because his second sister once told Lao Zhu that he regarded Zhang Biao as 'half a teacher'.

Although he never admitted it, in his heart it was the truth.

Therefore, he felt that addressing him as 'Mr. Zhang' was more in line with how a disciple would address his teacher.

When Zhang Biao saw him, he was slightly taken aback at first, then glanced at the spicy and sour pig's trotter in his hand and couldn't help but smile knowingly.

When Zhu Yunwen secretly left the palace, he happened to meet him while he was eating pig's trotters. The two had a brief encounter later.

Unexpectedly, this famously tragic imperial grandson in Ming Dynasty history is actually so loyal and devoted.

This surprised Zhang Biao, who then carefully examined the boy.

Looking at the young man before him, whose eyes were clear yet resolute, his carefree smile gradually faded.

He then glanced at Jiang Huan and said indifferently, "Isn't Your Highness afraid of being implicated by me? I am a wanted criminal of the court, a traitor and monster that everyone wants to kill!"

"No!"

Zhu Yunwen shook his head firmly: "You're not! You're a very good person..."

"okay!"

Zhang Biao interrupted Zhu Yunwen, somewhat speechless:
"I'm about to die, and you're still giving me the 'friend zone' card!"

After saying that, he looked at the two sisters, Zhu Mingyue and Zhu Mingyu, behind Zhu Yunwen and smiled:

"My two beautiful young princesses, you've come too? It's a pity I didn't show you my handsome and dashing appearance! Otherwise, I guarantee I would have captivated you completely!"

Zhu Mingyue: "..."

Zhu Mingyu: "..."

"Zhang Biao! You're a madman! And shameless!"

Zhu Mingyu's eyes were red and swollen from crying. She walked up to Zhang Biao, sobbing, and took a simple yet exquisite silver hairpin from her hair, placing it in Zhang Biao's hand.

"Here, take this... I... I'll never hear you swear again..."

After saying that, she burst into even louder sobs.

Zhang Biao was somewhat amused and exasperated, but he still took the hairpin. He rarely put away his playful smile and sighed, "Silly girl, what's so nice about cursing people?"

“Zhang… Imperial Censor Zhang…”

Zhu Mingyue stood at the back. She was gentle and timid by nature. Looking at Zhang Biao, she had a thousand words stuck in her chest, but she didn't know what to say.

Finally, she silently removed the crystal-clear jade bracelet from her wrist and gently placed it on the pile of gifts beside Zhang Biao, her eyes reddening as she whispered:
"May you have a safe journey."

"Thank you!"

Zhang Biao smiled and nodded, then looked at Zhu Yunwen:
"What are you standing there for? Didn't you make me some spicy and sour pig's trotters? Bring them over so I can taste them and see if you have any talent for cooking?"

"Oh, good!"

Zhu Yunwen reacted for a moment and quickly opened the oil paper package, revealing the bright red and spicy pig's trotters inside.

Zhang Biao glanced at it, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Wang Mazi taught you that?"

"Um……"

Zhu Yunwen stammered somewhat awkwardly:
"He said he watched you make it, and he also supplied the spices, so he guarantees it's correct..."

"Ha, he can learn it after watching it once? Do you really think he's a genius like me?"

Zhang Biao scoffed and gestured towards Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen immediately understood, picked up a piece and put it to Zhang Biao's mouth.

Zhang Biao took a bite and immediately grimaced.

"Ptooey! It's so sour! And you put in too much sauce! Zhu Yunwen, are you trying to make me sick from the spiciness so the executioner won't have to do it?!"

"what?"

Zhu Yunwen was stunned by his scolding, but he was not angry. Instead, he smiled through his tears and nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with reluctance.

Those civil and military officials, dukes, marquises, and nobles who witnessed this scene could only look at each other in bewilderment.

The Chang brothers, Chang Sheng and Chang Sen, in particular, had eyes filled with incomprehension, unease, and even anger.

They felt that Zhu Yunwen's actions were tantamount to jumping into a fire pit.

After all, Zhang Biao was a madman; anyone who got involved with him was doomed. But looking at Zhu Yunwen, Zhang Biao seemed to have a new understanding of this historically famous 'tragic grandson of the emperor,' then fell silent for a moment and whispered:

"You brat... you've finally grown up a little bit."

After saying that, he even gestured a tiny distance with his little finger.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yunwen's smile turned to sorrow, his voice choked with emotion: "Mr. Zhang... may you rest in peace..."

"Alright, stop crying, I'm fine."

Zhang Biao interrupted him impatiently: "As for you, you should be a more sensible person in the future. Don't be as impulsive as before... although I still have to thank you..."

"Yes, I understand. Conceal your strength and bide your time..."

"Nonsense about hiding your strength and biding your time! I'm talking about living well! Only by living can there be hope!"

Zhang Biao rolled his eyes at him and said no more.

Immediately afterwards, Shen Lang, Sun Gui, Li Mo, Wu Naida, and Zhao Fengman exchanged glances and solemnly stepped forward.

Instead of gold and silver jewelry, they jointly held a thick, roughly covered booklet with four large characters handwritten by Zhang Biao on the cover—

A Tearful Tale of Demanding Unpaid Wages.

"Brother Biao!"

Shen Lang's voice choked with emotion:

"This is what we've seen, heard, and experienced while following you... We don't have anything of value, only this... Please take it!"

Looking at the booklet filled with the blood and tears of countless low-ranking officials and military households, Zhang Biao's smile finally vanished completely.

He gave a wry smile and shook his head:

"I don't want to take this thing with me. The place I'm going to... isn't that bad yet."

Shen Lang and the others didn't understand what 'that place' meant, but they sensed the desolation in his tone and a sense of transcendence from the present moment, and their eyes immediately reddened.

Zhang Biao looked at them, his tone becoming serious, and said in a low voice:
"Listen, although Old Zhu hasn't touched you yet, he's very suspicious, and it's hard to say what will happen in the future. If you have the chance... follow Zhu Yunwen and become his right-hand man!"

"Or find a way... to transfer to a local area, far away from the central government, the farther the better."

"Also, stay away from those arrogant and fierce generals like Lan Yu, Feng Sheng, and Fu Youde. Their days are numbered."

These words of advice, which sounded like a dying wish, deeply moved Shen Lang and the other four, and they engraved every single word in their hearts.

On the other side of the execution platform, Zhu Gaosui was so anxious that he scratched his head and wished he could rush up and deliver something, but Zhu Gaochi held him down firmly.

"Third son! Do not act rashly! Father is currently in a precarious situation! We cannot afford to create any unnecessary complications!"

Zhu Gaochi shouted in a low, stern voice, his eyes serious:

"If you're sincere, I believe Zhang Biao will sense your feelings!"

"Correct!"

Zhu Gaoxu uttered a single word, then pursed his lips tightly, suppressing his emotions.

Finally, when no one else stepped forward, the 'burial goods' at Zhang Biao's feet had piled up into a small mountain, ranging from gold and silver artifacts to spicy pig's trotters, a dazzling array of items.

Zhang Biao looked at the pile of things with satisfaction, then glanced at the sundial and winked at the executioner beside him:
"Hey buddy, give me a hand, make sure you get to it quickly later."

"And these 'gifts', pile them all up next to the guillotine, stack them neatly, I'll see if I can take a few with me."

Executioner: “…”

He felt that his decades-long career was facing unprecedented challenges, and his worldview was on the verge of collapse.

But Zhang Biao didn't have time for idle chatter with him, and turned to Jiang Huan, saying:

"Commander Jiang, it's almost time. Please bring me pen and ink. I need to write a confession for Old Zhu."

[Writing a confession? At this time?]

Jiang Huan frowned, his heart filled with doubt and unease.

[This madman refused to write before, but now that he's facing death, he's suddenly offering to write?]

He instinctively felt something was amiss.

But remembering Lao Zhu's indescribably complex attitude towards Zhang Biao, and the several upheavals caused by Zhang Biao in the past, he dared not refuse on his own.

After a brief silence, he finally relented: "Give it to him."

Soon, a member of the Imperial Guards brought the paper and pen to the execution platform.

In full view of everyone, Zhang Biao lay on the execution platform and wrote furiously.

As he wrote, he urged the executioner to move things, and he wrote quite quickly, his face even showing an almost frantic expression.

Before long, he threw down his pen, blew on the confession filled with writing to dry it, folded it neatly, and handed it to Jiang Huan:

"Here you go. This is the 'Memorial on Public Security' I wrote for Old Zhu. Remember to hand it to him personally. Tell him that my business with him isn't over yet, and that we'll meet again someday."

"A Treatise on Public Security"?
It's actually related to governing the country? And it's not a confession?!
Jiang Huan was taken aback, thinking to himself, "Why isn't this over yet? You're about to die! What do you mean by 'see you later'?!"
But soon, he thought of Zhang Biao's 'strange' ability and realized that the so-called 'see you later' was probably Zhang Biao's backup plan, and that he was threatening the emperor.

Could it be for Shen Lang and the other four?
Jiang Huan glanced at Shen Lang and the other four men subconsciously, then frowned as he took the still-fragrant letter of "Memorial on Public Security," feeling as if it weighed a ton.

He instinctively wanted to open it and check; it was his duty.

"Jiang Huan—!"

Zhang Biao's voice suddenly turned extremely cold, carrying an undeniable threat, his gaze piercing him like a knife:

"If you want your whole family to die, then go ahead and watch."

Jiang Huan's hand suddenly stiffened, as if bitten by a poisonous snake!
He instantly recalled Zhang Biao's earth-shattering, even slightly offensive, remarks in the imperial prison that touched upon Empress Ma!

He knew that this madman was absolutely capable of doing it! And he was absolutely capable of dragging him down with him after he died!

Weighing the pros and cons only takes a moment.

Jiang Huan's expression changed several times, but in the end, she gritted her teeth and didn't open it to check.

Instead, he quickly took out a brocade pouch, sealed the "Memorial on Governance" inside, and secured it tightly with sealing wax. He then sternly addressed a trusted imperial guard:

"Hurry up! Enter the palace immediately! Present your report to the Emperor! There must be no mistakes!"

The imperial guard accepted the order, mounted his horse, and rode away in a cloud of dust.

This scene greatly displeased the supervising official Liu Sanwu, the imperial son-in-law Mei Yin, and the scholars in the audience led by Fang Xiaoru.

"Commander Jiang! What do you mean by this?!"

Liu Sanwu demanded sharply, "Do you want this scoundrel to live a little longer?!"

“Exactly! The evidence is conclusive, how can we delay any longer!?” Mei Yin echoed.

Although Fang Xiaoru did not speak, his furrowed brows showed his disapproval.

Those scholars and intellectuals who were hoping for Zhang Biao's swift death became even more agitated.

"Execute! Execute immediately!"

"Slay the traitors! Set the record straight!"

Jiang Huan was under immense pressure, sweat beading on his forehead, but he gripped the hilt of his knife tightly and gritted his teeth, saying, "Before His Majesty has reviewed this, I, the commander, have the authority to postpone the execution!"

"Schedule my ass!?"

Zhang Biao was immediately enraged: "Execute them immediately!"

"Commander Jiang..."

Just as Zhang Biao finished speaking, a shout suddenly came from afar, growing louder as it approached:
"The Emperor has decreed—!"

"clang--!"

At the same time, the bell rang suddenly at noon.

Almost everyone held their breath at that moment, including Jiang Huan, Zhang Biao, and everyone else present.

Soon, a eunuch dismounted, unfurled the imperial edict, and, with all his might, read it aloud clearly and coldly:

"By imperial decree: Zhang Biao, this scoundrel, is guilty of heinous crimes, too numerous to recount! He shall be executed immediately without delay! So be it!"

The message was simple, blunt, and left no room for negotiation.

Jiang Huan was stunned; he hadn't expected the emperor to be so decisive!
Before he could even read Zhang Biao's "Memorial on Public Security," the imperial edict was issued.

Could it be that the message I sent was delivered to the wrong person?
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a little scared, and even wanted to force Zhang Biao to stay a little longer.

However, he was unsure whether what Zhang Biao had written could save his life.

At this moment, Liu Sanwu, the supervising officer, immediately stepped forward and said, "Your subject, Liu Sanwu, the supervising officer, hereby receives the imperial decree!"

Upon hearing this, Mei Yin and the others immediately showed smug expressions and breathed a long sigh of relief.

Fang Xiaoru closed his eyes, unsure whether it was relief or some other emotion.

The scholars and literati erupted in cheers: "His Majesty is wise!"

"Hahaha--!"

Suddenly, a burst of laughter filled with excitement, joy, and triumph echoed across the execution ground, even drowning out the cheers of the scholars and intellectuals.

For a moment, no one knew who they had killed.
"Good! Good! Good!"

After the laughter subsided, Zhang Biao said "good" three times in a row. He stopped looking at anyone present and turned his gaze toward the palace.

He spoke slowly in a voice that was calm and clear like never before, as if making a final statement, or as if declaring something:
"Zhu Chongba!"

He called him by his name, his voice not loud, but with a strange penetrating power.

"In my life, I have cursed heaven, I have cursed earth, I have cursed emperors, and I have cursed corrupt officials."

"I've kidnapped nobles, interrogated six ministries, overturned tables, and stirred up hornet's nests."

"I have sought death, and I have also... struggled to 'live'."

"Some people say I'm crazy, a monster, or a traitor to the country."

Some people say... I might have done something decent, and that I'm a really good person.

His gaze slowly swept over Shen Lang and Sun Gui's tearful former subordinates, over the veterans with complex expressions, over the Zhu Gaochi brothers, over the Zhu Yunwen siblings, and finally, even over the officials and scholars who were still angry or bewildered.

"Today, with this crippled body, with these wild words, with this... absurd and nonsensical attitude, I go to this execution ground."

"Not seeking fame in history, nor for lasting glory."

"Just for me, Zhang Biao, I've lived, made a ruckus, gone mad, and had a great time!"

"And only to tell the world—"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying an almost tragic resolve:

"The Way cannot be begged on one's knees! Principles cannot be recited while holding something in one's hands!"

"Modern Confucianism is garbage! It's a 'suppressive' doctrine that has plagued us for thousands of years!"

"shut up--!"

Liu Sanwu's expression changed drastically. He immediately threw out the command token in his hand and shouted loudly:

"The time has come! Execute the execution immediately!"

Zhang Biao completely ignored him and, taking advantage of the moment when the executioner removed the execution token, quickly spoke again:

"Some things, you can argue about even standing still! You can even talk your way out of a fight!"

Even if my head is severed, my blood flows, my bones are crushed, and my body is shattered!

As soon as he finished speaking, he abruptly turned his gaze to the executioner's raised blade, and then threw his head back and laughed again:
"I have the will to save the country, but I am powerless to reverse its fate!"

"I will smile to the sky from my horizontal sword, leaving my liver and gallbladder intact!"

Boom!

The entire execution ground fell silent instantly, as if struck by a thunderbolt from the heavens.

Only Zhang Biao's earth-shattering words resonated in everyone's hearts, impacting their understanding and souls.

Jiang Huan stared intently at him, as if trying to etch his last image into her bones.

The executioner took a deep breath, raised his cleaver, and brought it down suddenly.

"Shh-!"

The sunlight was dazzling.

Please give me double monthly votes! It's the last day!

　Requesting monthly votes! Requesting recommendation votes! Requesting follow-up subscriptions! Requesting full subscriptions!
　　Come on, readers! We've almost paid off the extra chapters from the double monthly votes! I thought double monthly votes were a big deal! Not even 20,000 votes yet! (◎_◎;)
　　[Also, thank you to all the 500-yuan donations I received.]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)