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

Chapter 21: Only in death can one's value be revealed! [New book, please add to your collection]

Just as Zhang Biao returned to Fengtian Hall to demand his unpaid wages, the atmosphere in the study of the Prince of Yan's residence became so heavy it was almost palpable.

The windows were tightly closed, and heavy curtains hung down, leaving only a solitary lamp on the desk, its flickering flame illuminating Zhu Di's angular face in a dim, intermittent light.

Zhu Gaochi stood respectfully at the lower end, his plump body standing ramrod straight, but a fine layer of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Zhu Gaoxu stood slightly behind him, still as upright as a pine tree, with sharp eyes, but now also a touch more solemn.

Zhu Gaosui stood at the back, keeping his eyes down and not daring to show the frivolousness he had displayed in prison.

"Father, I just received news that Grandfather was furious in the Fengtian Hall. He not only skinned Zhao Qian, the Minister of Revenue, alive, but also executed his entire family. Even Qi Tai, the Vice Minister of War whom Grandfather had always valued, was dismissed and investigated along with Lü Ping."

Zhu Gaochi's voice was very low, with a hint of barely perceptible tension:

"What's most unbelievable is that Zhang Biao, a seventh-rank censor, not only got away with it, but was also promoted by the Emperor to the fourth-rank Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, given a scarlet robe and a silver fish-shaped pouch, and put in charge of supervising the Ministry of Revenue's money and grain, and land taxes!"

Zhu Di listened in silence, his fingers unconsciously tapping the smooth mahogany tabletop, producing a soft, clear sound that was particularly distinct in the quiet room.

Each sound seemed to strike Zhu Gaochi's heart.

"The first person to jump out and propose establishing an heir, as I recall, was killed. Lü Ping and Qi Tai weren't the second or third, but this time the impact is the greatest! It seems some people are starting to get restless."

Zhu Di finally spoke, his voice low and calm, revealing no emotion: "As for this censor named Zhang Biao, I underestimated him."

As he spoke, his gaze swept sharply towards Zhu Gaosui, who was sitting at the very end: "Third brother, you've been spending the most time with Zhang Biao lately. Hmph, what do you think of this man?"

"I?"

Zhu Gaosui was slightly taken aback when his father asked him first, but he quickly stepped forward with a flustered expression and said respectfully, "Father, Zhang Biao may seem slippery and even fearless, but he is very shrewd. He knows what his purpose is and is completely unconcerned about external influences."

"Then do you know what his purpose is?"

"Uh, this should mean having Grandfather kill him."

"Does he really want to die that badly?" Zhu Di's lips curled into a cold smile. "Sometimes, what seems like a desperate desire to die might actually be a more sophisticated cover-up."

He paused, then turned his gaze to Zhu Gaoxu, who had remained silent: "Xu'er, did you see clearly on the day of the funeral?"

Zhu Gaoxu immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice resounding:

"Reporting to Father! I saw it clearly! When the Emperor touched the coffin, he was overwhelmed with grief and could barely contain himself. My cousin Yunwen supported Consort Lü with a respectful demeanor, but his gaze swept over the officials several times, especially lingering on Father for a moment. Prince Qin looked anxious, and Prince Jin was sinister and unpredictable. Most of the officials lowered their heads and wept, fearing that they would be noticed."

Zhu Di nodded slightly.

Zhu Gaoxu was always keen in his observations, and the scene he described basically matched Zhu Di's own judgment.

The Emperor's grief was genuine, and Yunwen's filial piety was also genuine, but this filial piety had been mixed with too many other things.

The thoughts of the second and third sons are also quite obvious.

"Chi'er." Zhu Di's gaze returned to his eldest son, carrying an undeniable determination:

"I am about to leave the capital. You, Gao Xu, and Gao Sui will remain in the capital. Remember, be careful with your words and actions, and study behind closed doors. You must fulfill your filial duties as imperial grandsons without the slightest deficiency, and do so better than anyone else! Do not inquire about or get involved in any matters of the court! Especially the matter of choosing an heir!"

Zhu Gaochi's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately bowed: "Your subject will remember your teachings, Father!"

"It's not for Consort Lü and Yunwen to see."

Zhu Di's voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a metallic chill: "It's for your imperial grandfather to see! To let him see that the sons of the Yan fiefdom are law-abiding, filial, and sincere, with absolutely no improper thoughts! Do you understand?"

"Your subject understands!" Zhu Gaochi and the other two replied solemnly in unison.

"As for Zhang Biao..." Zhu Di glanced at Zhu Gaosui, tapped his knuckles heavily on the table, making a dull thud, and his eyes became unfathomable:

"Is this petty censor, who has no connections and acts erratically, truly fearless in the face of death, or merely a pawn in your Emperor's plan to weaken the power of the princes? You remain in the capital, and if you hear any rumors about this man, report them to me immediately!"

"Yes!"

The three brothers agreed again.

On the other side, in the Eastern Palace, at the Hall of Filial Piety.

Dressed in mourning clothes, Lady Lü, her voice choked with sobs, bowed to Zhu Biao's memorial tablet, murmuring to herself. Every word she uttered brought tears to the eyes of those who heard it.

Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yuntong, and other sons of Zhu Biao stood silently behind him and bowed to him.

Only after a complete set of sacrificial rites was completed did Lady Lü, unsteady on her feet and supported by palace maids, look at Zhu Biao's children with tears streaming down her face:
"From now on, this vast Eastern Palace will be left to us, mother and son, to depend on each other. I don't know how long we can stay here, sob sob."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but cry again.

"Mother, why think so much now? Everything will be arranged by Grandfather," Zhu Yunwen said, stepping forward to comfort Lady Lü.

Behind her, Zhu Yunwen and other sons of Zhu Biao also comforted her, saying, "Mother, take care!"

But then Lady Lü forced a smile and said, "Yunyi, you take your younger siblings to have a meal first. Your mother and your second brother will be here soon!"

"it is good!"

Zhu Yunwen was already numb from kneeling, and upon hearing Lady Lü's words, he agreed without a second thought.

Soon, he left the mourning hall with his younger siblings.

Once only Madam Lü and her son remained in the mourning hall, Madam Lü composed herself, her expression turning solemn as she looked at Zhu Yunwen: "My son is in big trouble!"

Zhu Yunwen's eyelids twitched, and he looked at Lady Lü with a face full of surprise: "Why do you say that, Mother?"

"Don't you know? Your imperial grandfather flew into a rage in the Fengtian Hall, not only killing Zhao Qian, the Minister of Revenue, but also dismissing and investigating Lü Ping and Qi Tai, who proposed the establishment of an heir apparent!"

"This..." Zhu Yunwen hesitated for a moment, then frowned and said, "Zhao Qian proposed increasing taxes in Jiangnan, disregarding the people's livelihood; his intentions are despicable. As for Lü Ping and Qi Tai, they presumptuously discussed establishing an heir, and they certainly deserve to be punished."

"Confused!"

Lady Lü, exasperated, scolded him in a low voice, "Although Lü Ping is not related to me by blood, he still shares the surname Lü. Even if he has ulterior motives in proposing the establishment of an heir, his intention to curry favor is self-evident. As for Qi Tai, have you forgotten your father's initial appreciation for him? He did this for your sake!"

"But haven't they all angered Grandfather? Does Mother want to save them?"

"Impossible!" Madam Lü denied directly. "What they do is none of our business. I want to remind you that Zhang Biao, that seventh-rank official—no, he's already been promoted by your imperial grandfather to the fourth-rank Left Vice Censor-in-Chief!"

"Why did Mother mention him to me?" Zhu Yunwen asked, somewhat puzzled.

Lady Lü narrowed her eyes and said, "A ruler with loyal ministers will not perish. Your grandfather is still hesitating about whether to appoint an heir. If you befriend him, he might be able to help you!"

"But didn't Grandfather kill many loyal ministers? What's the use of befriending a short-lived wretch?"

"What do you know? Some people's value is only realized after they die!"

Lady Lü glared at Zhu Yunwen, then said in an unquestionable tone, "Even if he dies, he will die for us!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen nodded thoughtfully.

(End of this chapter)