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

Chapter 208 Why Did the Emperor Rebel?! [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang issued the decree to summon Zhang Biao, the voices of children could be heard from time to time in the streets and alleys of Yingtian Prefecture.

They are innocent and carefree, their words are uninhibited and catchy:
"Lord Hongwu, the storeroom is huge, what exactly is hidden inside?"

"Gold nuggets and silver nuggets are not as fragrant as pork head meat!"

"The anti-corruption bureau is conducting an audit, why won't they let us in?"

"Could it be that there are too many rats, and they're afraid they'll scare our little children?"

These nursery rhymes, full of humor and able to pierce the veil of hypocrisy, have made Zhang Biao's 'storytelling' the focus of the entire Yingtian Prefecture these past few days.

He made good use of the lack of entertainment in this era, attracting not only countless onlookers but also resonating with many people.

This has even led more and more people to stand up and express their support for him.

For example, under a certain overpass, Old Zhou, who only has one arm, was squeezed among a group of old men sunbathing, sighing and complaining.
"Alas, you have no idea! That Imperial Censor Zhang was a very loyal minister! He just wanted to help the Emperor check the accounts, afraid that the Emperor's private funds would be embezzled by his subordinates. And what happened?"

"The Emperor must have listened to some treacherous minister's slander, because he locked Imperial Censor Zhang out! He won't even let him into the palace!"

"Tell me, if you have nothing to hide, what are you afraid of?"

The old men listened with great interest and nodded in agreement.

"Yeah yeah!"

"There's definitely something wrong with the Emperor's slush fund!"

"Imperial Censor Zhang is a good man!"

For example, in a teahouse, a storyteller who feels his career is about to take off imitates Zhang Biao by smashing bricks on a broken table:

"Last time we talked about how Censor Zhang's single sweet potato shook the world! Today we continue with the story of how Censor Zhang, wanting to 'purge the emperor's inner circle,' audited the imperial treasury to show his loyalty!"

"But unexpectedly, the palace gates are as deep as the sea, and honest words are like defying the dragon's scales!"

"Who is behind this? What secrets are hidden within the imperial treasury? Find out in the next episode!"

The tea drinkers listened with rapt attention and showered the guests with tips.

"Say it quickly!"

"His Majesty is confused!"

"Support Imperial Censor Zhang!"

Even worse, some secretly posted big-character posters on the screen wall of the government office.

For example, one morning, a piece titled "Looking at the Confused Accounts of the Ming Dynasty's Finances Through a Sweet Potato" was prominently displayed on the screen wall at the entrance of the Ministry of Personnel. The ink was still wet, the words were sharp and easy to understand, and it attracted the attention of the officials who had just arrived at work. They were all surprised and uncertain.

Moreover, not only the Ministry of Personnel was plastered with similar posters, but other ministries also saw similar large-character posters with titles such as "Shocking! Why did the Hongwu Emperor's private treasury dare not be exposed?", "The Secret I Had to Tell About the Imperial Treasury: The Temptation of Going Home", and "On the Necessity of the Emperor's Imperial Treasury Being Subject to Supervision: Philosophical Reflections Triggered by a Sweet Potato".

The Imperial Guards were constantly on the go, unable to keep up with the constant fighting.

Even in front of Wang Mazi's butcher shop, Zhang Biao's deeds were being spread unintentionally.

As Wang Mazi chopped the meat, he said mysteriously to the customer:

"Have you heard? Imperial Censor Zhang has put a reward on my family! Anyone with clues about corruption will be rewarded with a lifetime supply of free pig's head meat!"

"Tsk tsk, what a huge injustice this must be!"

All sorts of rumors, both true and false, and some even embellished with artistic flair, spread like wildfire in Yingtian Prefecture, much like a virus.

The core content remains highly consistent:
[Imperial Censor Zhang is a loyal minister and wants to help the Emperor!]

The Emperor has been deceived; there's something wrong with the imperial treasury!

Those who oppose auditing are all corrupt officials!

As the initiator of this public opinion event, Zhang Biao arrived at the storytelling stall outside Chengtianmen on time, just like always, to start his new day.

But this time, Zhang Biao seems different from before.

He didn't use a storyteller's fan or a brick as a gavel; instead, he appeared before the crowd carrying a porridge bucket.

"Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues! Today, we will not be discussing 'The Anti-Corruption Chronicles,' but rather the past of the current emperor!"

Zhang Biao's voice carried an unusual heaviness. He pointed to the bucket of porridge, looked around at everyone, and said:
"Does everyone recognize what this is? It's called 'Pearl, Jade, and White Jade Soup'!"

"It's a 'good thing' that our Emperor Hongwu often ate when he was a monk at Huangjue Temple and later followed Commander Guo Zixing in the uprising!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he scooped up a spoonful of the murky soup, which dripped down.

It looks so unappetizing.

"Back then, to have even a bite to eat was a blessing from God!"

"Our emperor, back then, ate this while wearing tattered robes and a worn-out battle coat, and resisted the tyrannical Yuan dynasty!"

"So, what was on the emperor's mind at that time? It was the well-being of all people! It was the rebuilding of China!"

These words immediately drew sighs from the entire audience.

Even Song Zhong, who was in charge of monitoring Zhang Biao, and the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) couldn't help but be surprised, wondering if this madman had changed his ways.

It should be noted that the public opinion Zhang Biao has been creating during this period has put the emperor, the vassal kings, and even the imperial court in a very difficult position.

If Yingtian Prefecture hadn't been part of the capital and had been guarded by a large army, it would probably have been in complete chaos long ago.

Now, Zhang Biao, caught in the eye of the storm, has stopped his frenzied storytelling and started praising the emperor instead, which seems rather strange.

Perhaps because he had been in contact with Zhang Biao enough, Song Zhong instinctively felt that something was wrong, but he did not stop Zhang Biao. Instead, he stared at Zhang Biao more warily, as if trying to see through Zhang Biao's intentions.

Zhang Biao ignored Song Zhong and the Imperial Guards' attention and began his performance.

He was no longer the joking madman, but rather like a storyteller truly immersed in the past, his voice sometimes deep, sometimes passionate:
"Do you know that back in Haozhou City, there was a commander named Li who embezzled military rations and lined his own pockets, causing the soldiers on the front lines to fight on empty stomachs!"

"Our emperor was just a lowly squad leader of nine personal guards back then! When he found out, he stormed into the commander's mansion without saying a word and threw the evidence on the ground in front of Commander Guo!"

Then, pointing his finger at Commander Li, he yelled, "Our brothers are risking their lives at the front, and you're just drinking their blood in the rear! Have you lost your conscience?!"

Zhang Biao, mimicking the imagined young Old Zhu, straightened his thin back, his eyes sharp, his voice carrying an undeniable righteousness, and loudly proclaimed:
"What does our Emperor say about General Guo's plan to protect Commander Li?"

He said, "General! If you protect him today, more people will follow suit tomorrow! This righteous army is not a righteous army speaking out for the people; what difference is there between them and the Yuan Dynasty Tartars?!"

"In the end, Commander Li was beheaded! The military rations were also distributed to the soldiers!"

"From then on, the discipline of the Haozhou rebel army was greatly improved!"

"why?"

"Because our emperor cannot tolerate any injustice! He utterly despises corrupt officials!"

"Because our emperor's parents and brothers were all killed by corrupt officials! He witnessed firsthand how corrupt officials oppressed the good and how the Mongol Yuan dynasty did not treat us Han people as human beings!"

"Because our Emperor wants to change this world that shouldn't be like this! He has vowed to expel the Tartars and restore China!"

As he spoke, Zhang Biao recounted how Old Zhu shared weal and woe with his soldiers, how he distributed the spoils of war to the poor, and how he personally went undercover to investigate a county magistrate who was oppressing the people, and after verifying the facts, executed him in public, drawing cheers from the crowd...

He spoke vividly, with rich details and full of emotion.

He vividly portrayed the stories of Zhu De's early years of hard work, frugality, hatred of evil, and love for the people.

Many elderly people who had lived through the chaos of the late Yuan Dynasty were moved to tears, as if they could see Zhu Chongba, the man who led them out of the darkness.

Even some young officials and minor clerks were awestruck by this 'founding history,' and felt a genuine sense of admiration for the majestic emperor on the dragon throne. "You all speak—!"

Zhang Biao's voice suddenly rose, filled with reverence and passion:
"Such an emperor! Such a Hongwu Emperor! Shouldn't we praise his great achievements from generation to generation? Shouldn't we be grateful to him for revitalizing China?!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in cheers.

"Long live Emperor Hongwu!"

"Your Majesty!"

"If only His Majesty could always be like this!"

Cheers and exclamations rose and fell.

Song Zhong and the Imperial Guards listened, and although they felt that Zhang Biao's words were exaggerated, the content was, after all, praising the emperor, so they couldn't stop him. Instead, they breathed a slight sigh of relief.

However, just as the emotions were at their peak and everyone's respect for Lao Zhu reached its zenith, the passion on Zhang Biao's face receded like the tide, replaced by an extreme sense of desolation, confusion, and heartache.

He remained silent, his gaze slowly sweeping over the excited crowd, the sadness in his eyes almost overflowing.

The cheers and exclamations gradually subsided, and everyone was bewildered by his sudden change.

Zhang Biao slowly raised his hand, pointing to the tall, majestic palace wall, towards the direction of the Fengtian Hall. His voice trembled, carrying a heart-wrenching question, like the mournful cry of a cuckoo:

"But...but this kind of emperor...this kind of Hongwu Emperor..."

"Why are you now obstructing the anti-corruption bureau from auditing those princes who might be corrupting the country and harming the people?!"

"Why are we now so hesitant to let the Anti-Corruption Bureau investigate the royal treasury, which is taken from the people?!"

"Why are you now so suspicious and suppressing the Anti-Corruption Bureau, which he personally approved and which should have been as sharp as the sword he wielded when he fought against the tyrannical Yuan?!"

With each question he posed, his voice grew louder, and his grief deepened.

It struck a chord with everyone present, filling them with wave after wave of sorrow.

However, he didn't finish his sentence.

He raised the ladle in his hand, as if it were a sharp sword in Old Zhu's hand, and said with a resounding voice:
"The emperor back then wished he could sweep away all the corrupt officials in the land!"

"Why is the current emperor turning a blind eye to the possibility of embezzlement by members of the imperial clan?!"

"The emperor of yesteryear was able to share a bowl of bran porridge with his soldiers!"

"Why does the current emperor not even dare to let anyone glance at his account books?!"

"Your Majesty—!"

Zhang Biao suddenly tilted his head back, and with all his might, let out a cry that was earth-shattering, utterly absurd, yet piercing to the soul:

"Tell me! Why did you rebel back then?!"

"You rebelled precisely to overthrow the old order that upholds privileges, tolerates corruption, and silences the people!"

"How come now that you're firmly seated on the throne, you've... become the very thing you hated most back then?!"

"Your Majesty—! Why have you rebelled?!"

That final sound, like a thunderclap from the heavens or the mournful tolling of a death knell, struck the hearts of everyone present.

The entire hall fell into a sudden, deathly silence!

Everyone was utterly shocked by this extreme contrast and the soul-searching question!

The people who were just moments ago excited about 'Zhu Chongba' now felt as if they had been doused with a bucket of ice water. An indescribable sense of absurdity, coldness, and identification spread through their hearts.

Yes...why?

Is the Zhu Chongba of yesteryear, who was devoted to the people and hated evil, really the same person as the Hongwu Emperor of today who obstructs anti-corruption efforts and protects the vassal kings?

The toothless veteran's cane fell to the ground with a thud. His mouth was open, and his cloudy old eyes were filled with confusion and pain.

The vendor's carrying pole slipped from his hands, scattering his goods all over the ground, but he was completely unaware.

The veteran military officers looked at each other, seemingly seeing shock and an undeniable sense of resonance in each other's eyes.

They had all fought alongside Zhu De in the past, witnessing his most down-to-earth and anti-corruption moments. Now, hearing Zhang Biao's words, recalling the past and comparing it with the present, they felt a mix of emotions.

Song Zhong and his group of Imperial Guards, however, were deathly pale, their bodies ice-cold, and they didn't even have the courage to step forward and arrest the man.

This is not just arrogance, it's cutting the emperor's own flesh with the emperor's own knife!
Zhang Biao stood there, his chest heaving violently, as if he had used up all his strength.

He looked at the deathly silent crowd, at the towering palace walls, his face filled with endless sorrow and a trace of loneliness.

He didn't say another word, but simply threw the soup spoon into the porridge bucket.

"boom--!"

The moment the ladle was thrown into the porridge bucket, the scene erupted!

The people were outraged; they were completely drawn into Zhang Biao's story and his questions!

“Censor Zhang is right!”

"Didn't the Emperor rebel back then because he couldn't stand the corrupt officials?"

"Why can't we investigate now?!"

"We want the Anti-Corruption Bureau! We want Director Zhang!"

Some lower-ranking officials were also thrilled and excited, feeling that Zhang Biao had said what they dared not say.

Song Zhong and the Imperial Guards, who were mixed in with the crowd, looked beyond ugly; they were deathly pale, terrified, and filled with the despair of seeing the end of the world approaching!
[How dare he!]

He's not just courting death, he's destroying the very foundation of imperial power!

Song Zhong could no longer care about anything else and led his men to rush up and drag Zhang Biao away.

But Zhang Biao was prepared. Just before the Imperial Guards rushed forward, he suddenly knelt down facing the direction of the palace, banging his head on the ground with a dull thud, and cried out in tears:
"Your Majesty—!"

"Your subject, Zhang Biao, possesses a loyal heart, as clear as the sun and moon!"

"What I say today is by no means slander against His Majesty. It is simply because I cannot bear to see His Majesty's reputation tarnished and the foundation that His Majesty painstakingly built be eroded by parasites!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to offer this crippled body to implore you... never forget your original aspiration and always keep your mission in mind!"

"Restarting the anti-corruption campaign and purifying the world will be a blessing for all the people and for the Ming Dynasty!"

After shouting those words, he 'fainted' and collapsed to the ground, his acting incredibly realistic.

Looking at Zhang Biao, who had 'fainted,' and then at the surging crowd around him, Song Zhong felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, realizing he had almost followed in Zhang Biao's footsteps.

He's now stuck in a dilemma, unsure whether to arrest him or not.

Just then, a sharp voice rang out: "By imperial decree! Summon Zhang Biao to an audience!"

Upon hearing Zhu's decree, Zhang Biao sat up in shock, as if he were on his deathbed.

Hehe, mission accomplished!

[Old Zhu, I'm here again!]

Please vote for me with your monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)