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

Chapter 216 A Chaotic Dance of Demons? Tell Old Zhu, we need more money! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

Inside the Huagai Hall, the candlelight shone brightly, casting an uncertain glow on Old Zhu's weathered face.

Song Zhong stood respectfully with his hands at his sides.

He reported in detail the harrowing night in Zhang Biao's courtyard, Old Zhou's injury, the discovery of the "Bi'an waist tag" and the portrait of the "scarred man" by Niqiu, as well as Zhang Biao's subsequent plans.

Old Zhu listened quietly, his face revealing neither joy nor anger, only the rhythmic, muffled tapping of his fingers on the armrests of the dragon throne betrayed the turmoil within him.

When he heard the 'Bi'an Waist Token', his tapping paused almost imperceptibly, and his eyes suddenly sharpened like a hawk's.

“Bi’an…”

Old Zhu repeated it in a low voice, his tone carrying a chilling coldness: "Presiding over criminal cases, distinguishing right from wrong... Hmph, he certainly knows how to pat himself on the back!"

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

This waist tag is by no means an official document; it is more like a token of some kind of secret organization.

How ironic and outrageous it is that an organization capable of infiltrating the Grand Canal, potentially involving multiple vassal kings, and even linked to the leak of the "red lead elixir," uses the Bixie, a symbol of judicial justice, as its emblem.

"What about the portrait of Scarface?" Old Zhu asked calmly.

Song Zhong immediately presented a copy of the portrait drawn by Zhang Biao.

Old Zhu carefully examined the fierce-looking man with a knife scar in the painting, his eyes as cold as knives.

He etched that face into his mind.

"Send the order!"

Old Zhu said in a deep voice, "Use all your undercover agents to investigate the origins of this scarred man and his Bixie waist token!"

"Focus on investigating whether there are any people with similar appearances or suspicious identities in the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, the Censorate, and the residences of various princes!"

"Also, keep an eye on those retired officials who are nominally in office but still maintain close ties with various parties!"

"Yes!"

Song Zhong obeyed the order with a stern expression.

He knew that the Emperor was following Zhang Biao's lead and expanding the investigation to the entire bureaucratic system and the imperial clan, casting a very wide net.

But then Old Zhu calmly said, "Li Mo got into trouble in Zhou. We sent the five of them to the vassal states in the hope that they could achieve success."

"Now, Li Mo is starting to look like a censor. What about the other four? Have they made any progress?"

Upon hearing this, Song Zhong thought for a moment and then respectfully reported: "Your Majesty, on the Qin side, Shen Lang assisted Duke Fu Youde of Ying in rectifying officialdom and investigated several old cases of garrison officers embezzling farmland and deducting military pay."

"His methods were decisive, and with the Duke of Ying in charge, the Prince of Qin and others dared not utter a single word of complaint, so the fiefdom remained relatively stable."

Old Zhu nodded slightly. Fu Youde was a veteran general he trusted. With him in charge, the Qin region would not be in chaos.

Shen Lang is Zhang Biao's right-hand man, so he can't be too bad.

But that's not what he wants.

He needed Shen Lang to secretly investigate whether the people around the King of Qin were connected with the mastermind behind the scenes.

Because the King of Qin's favorite concubine, Lady Wang, was the culprit who bewitched him, and Lady Wang must be connected to the mastermind behind it all.

However, he did not say it outright, because he believed that Shen Lang would secretly investigate this matter.

"How is the Jin vassal state?"

Old Zhu spoke again.

But Song Zhong respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, in the Jin region, Sun Gui assisted Duke Feng Sheng of Song in investigating cases in an unconventional manner, going deep into the city to seek justice for the people and solving many cases of local tyrants colluding with clerks to oppress the people."

“He was known as ‘Sun the Divine Lamp’ by the people of Shanxi. It is said that… when he tried cases, he often carried a chamber pot lamp with him, saying that he wanted to illuminate the darkness of the world.”

Upon hearing "Sun the Divine Lamp" and "Chamber Pot Lamp," Old Zhu's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, then he coldly snorted:
"Nonsense! This is outrageous!"

His tone was very displeased, but there was little anger in the depths of his eyes; instead, there was a hint of barely perceptible approval.

The fact that Sun Gui enjoys such popular support shows that he is truly doing his job, even if his methods are somewhat absurd.

I just don't know if that warrior can understand my deeper meaning.

Immediately afterward, without Zhu saying a word, Song Zhong continued to report:

"In the Yan region, Wu Naida acted prudently, just as he had when he served in the Ministry of Personnel. The cases he investigated were mostly about omissions in the accounts of money and grain, and overstepping of regulations in ceremonies."

"His Highness the Prince of Yan treated him with great courtesy and did not prevent him from exercising his supervisory powers."

Old Zhu grunted in response, offering no further comment.

If the mastermind behind it all is the fourth brother, given his intelligence, Wu Naida would probably be no match for him, even if he is well-versed in the ways of officialdom.

Therefore, Wu Naida acted according to the rules, and naturally, nothing happened.

What a pity! It wasn't that madman who went.

Old Zhu sighed with some regret.

Finally, let's talk about the Qi vassal state.

"On the Qi side..."

Song Zhong's tone was slightly hesitant: "It seems that Imperial Censor Zhao Fengman and His Highness Prince Qi do not get along very well."

"According to reports from informants, His Highness Prince Qi has repeatedly insulted Imperial Censor Zhao after drinking at his private residence, accusing him of 'meddling' and 'not knowing what's good for him.' Imperial Censor Zhao, however, continued to do as he pleased, investigating matters such as canal transport and mining taxes in Qi."

"However, in the past half month, there has been no unusual activity from either side, and both the Prince Qi's residence and the Censor Zhao's office have been quite calm."

"calm?"

Old Zhu's brows furrowed instantly, and his fingers tapped noticeably faster:

"That bastard Zhu Fu, don't we know him? He's vindictive and narrow-minded!"

“Having his sore spot exposed by Zhao Fengman, how could he possibly let it go? How could he suddenly become ‘calm’?”

Old Zhu's intuition told him that beneath this unusual 'calm' lay an even bigger storm brewing.

Zhu Fu was by no means one to swallow his anger.

He quickly connected the information from all sides in his mind:

Zhang Biao's clues in the capital and the Zhou prince's fiefdom point to a major canal transport case and the possible existence of a secret organization...

Zhao Fengman was investigating the canal transport and mining taxes in the fiefdom of the King of Qi, and his relationship with the King of Qi was tense, but now it has suddenly become 'peaceful'...

Prince Zhu Fu of Qi was tyrannical and greedy, and his fiefdom of Qingzhou was a crucial point in the Grand Canal transport...

A terrifying hypothesis surfaced in Old Zhu's mind:

Prince Zhu Fu of Qi was very likely deeply involved in this corrupt network of grain transport, and may even have been a key figure in it!

[And Zhao Fengman's investigation has already come close to his core interests!]

The so-called 'peace' is very likely a trap set by Zhu Fu to murder and silence witnesses!

"Song Zhong!"

Old Zhu suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with cold light: "Immediately send more capable men to infiltrate Qingzhou!"

"Keep a close eye on the Qi Prince's residence and Zhao Fengman! We need to know their every move! Especially the Qi Prince's troop movements, and whether any unfamiliar experts are coming and going!"

"Tell our people that if they discover any unfavorable actions by the Prince Qi's Mansion against Zhao Fengman, or if Zhao Fengman is in danger, they should spare no effort to protect him! If necessary, they can reveal their identities!"

Old Zhu's tone carried an unquestionable decisiveness.

Zhao Fengman may possess crucial evidence; we must not allow him to encounter danger or even be harmed like Li Mo.

"Yes! I will take care of it immediately!"

Sensing the seriousness of the situation and the Emperor's determination, Song Zhong dared not be negligent in the slightest and immediately turned around to make arrangements.

In the empty hall, Old Zhu stood up alone, walked to the huge map of the Ming Dynasty's territory, and his sharp gaze swept over Kaifeng, Qingzhou, and the Grand Canal.

Zhang Biao, like a sharp knife, has already torn a hole in the capital and the fiefdom of the Prince of Zhou.

Zhao Fengman may be in danger in the Qi King's fiefdom, but he may also be holding another key.

Shen Lang, Sun Gui, and Wu Naida appeared to be in stable positions, but they were also keeping other vassal kings in check.
All these clues seem to point to a huge conspiracy hidden behind the corruption in the Grand Canal transport system, which may involve multiple vassal kings, a mysterious organization, and even be inextricably linked to the death of the crown prince.

"Wow... what a chaotic mess!"

Old Zhu's voice was icy, filled with overwhelming killing intent: "Let's see how long you can keep hiding!"

He decided that he would not only allow Zhang Biao, this "madman," to continue slashing, but also secretly provide protection for Zhao Fengman.

Even... if necessary, push Zhang Biao's blade to point it at King Qi even faster.

He wants to use this canal transport corruption case to thoroughly purge the filth that has accumulated over the years, and to thoroughly cleanse the evil spirits who dare to challenge imperial power, erode the foundation of the country, and may even plot against the crown prince!
"Yunming!"

Old Zhu shouted out unexpectedly.

"The slave is here!"

Yunming immediately bowed and stepped forward.

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Old Zhu's eyes, then he calmly asked, "How has the Lü family been performing lately?"

"Your Majesty, it's the same as before, there's nothing unusual."

Yunming said cautiously, "Besides tending to the flowers and plants in the palace, paying respects to the Crown Prince on time, I also teach the Second Prince to read and learn etiquette, visit the two princesses, and send snacks and pig's head meat to the Third Prince."

"Ah!"

Old Zhu chuckled and said indifferently, "You're quite composed!"

"but."

Yunming hesitated for a moment, then continued:
"His Highness the Second Grandson of the Emperor seems quite interested in the 'Literary Festival,' and has recently been frequently asking Scholar Huang about its details." "Oh?"

Old Zhu raised an eyebrow and immediately asked, "Yunwen wants to participate in the 'Literary Festival'?"

"This servant is not sure; His Highness the Second Grandson of the Emperor did not specify."

"Okay, I understand."

Old Zhu nodded, then said thoughtfully, "Go and call Yunwen here. We haven't tested his knowledge in a long time. Have him come to the Huagai Hall."

"Yes!"

Yunming bowed slightly and prepared to leave.

But then Old Zhu said, "Also, call Jiang Huan over; we have something to ask him too!"

"The slaves obey the order."

Yunming nodded in agreement, but at the same time, a chill ran through him.

It seems His Majesty still doesn't quite trust His Highness the Second Grandson!

Is this a warning to him? Is he using Commander Chiang's investigation as a pretext?

Thinking of this, Yunming suddenly remembered the imperial grandson Zhu Youxun, but dared not linger and quickly bowed and left the palace.

at the same time.

The atmosphere in Zhang Biao's dilapidated courtyard seemed somewhat eerie.

Old Zhou, Old Li, Old Sun, and Old Qian sat around the table, their faces beaming with the joy of a bountiful harvest, reporting to Zhang Biao the new clues they had easily obtained.

"Lord Zhang, look at this!"

Old Li proudly presented a seemingly old and worn-out account book with a tattered page:

"I was just strolling around the entrance of the Ministry of Revenue today when an old man I didn't know handed it to me, saying he couldn't stand corrupt officials! It had the location of the Qi Prince's secret warehouse at Shuixi Gate and several large transactions recorded on it!"

"Oh, what a coincidence!"

Old Sun laughed and quickly replied:

“In the teahouse, I also heard several merchants with accents from other places complaining that the people from the Chu Prince’s Mansion were blocking the grain transport boats and demanding more than double the ‘tribute’ compared to previous years!”

"It also implied that the Yan Prince's Mansion and the Shu Prince's Mansion were not properly taken care of, and the goods were piling up."

"Cough cough."

Old Qian coughed twice and took out a few sheets of paper:
“I have a man here who claims to be a former servant of the Prince Zhou’s mansion. He contacted my subordinate and said that Zhu Youxun and the steward of the Prince Qi’s mansion met privately and seemed to have mentioned some kind of ‘marquis’ in the capital.”

The loach nodded in agreement from the side:
"Uncle Zhou, someone on my side also said they saw the scarred man in the west of the city, and he was in contact with a man wearing official boots..."

The clues were clear, the evidence seemed irrefutable, and the process of obtaining them was unbelievably easy, as if someone was lining up to deliver the secret to them.

As Zhang Biao listened, his expression gradually changed from initial surprise to seriousness, and finally to complete gloom.

He didn't look at the 'evidence' but instead sharply scanned each veteran.

"Old Zhou, have you looked at those ledgers? Are you sure they're genuine?"

Old Zhou affirmed, "I checked it, the handwriting and seal match, and I've checked some archives from previous years, and the figures also match some hidden accounts."

"Old Sun, have you met those businessmen before? How come you happened to hear their complaints?"

"Never seen him before, he looks completely unfamiliar..."

Old Sun also sensed something was wrong: "It's like it suddenly appeared."

Zhang Biao pressed on, "Old Qian, why did that old servant specifically target your subordinate? And why did he go into such detail?"

"This……"

Old Qian was speechless.

Zhang Biao slammed his fist on the table, his voice filled with suppressed anger: "Don't you guys think this is fucking too smooth?! It's ridiculously smooth!"

"Just a few days ago we were being chased like rats in the street, and today, the intelligence seems to have grown legs and come running to us? And it was even delivered to our door for free?!"

After saying that, he suddenly stood up and paced restlessly in the small room: "King Zhou, King Qi, King Chu, King Shu, and now even King Yan has been dragged into this!"

"This water is so deep, it could drown all of us ten times over!"

"Dong dong——!"

Just then, there was a knock on the courtyard gate, and Song Zhong's voice suddenly came: "Lord Zhang."

Zhang Biao's eyes flashed, and his face instantly changed to one of exasperation and defiance. He yanked open the courtyard gate and roared at Song Zhong outside:
"Sir Song! You've come at the perfect time! This job is impossible to get done!"

Song Zhong was taken aback by his sudden outburst: "Lord Zhang, what makes you say that?"

"how you said that?"

Zhang Biao pointed at the pile of 'clues' on the table in the room and shouted in an exaggerated voice:
"Look for yourself! In such a short time, the King of Zhou, the King of Shu, the King of Qi, the King of Chu, and the King of Yan! Damn it, they've almost gathered all the vassal kings listed in the 'Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty'!"

"They're all involved in corruption in the canal transport industry! What's the point of investigating them?!"

"If we investigate further, will we even implicate Old Zhu?! Is his whole family a den of thieves?!"

These words were undeniably bold, but Song Zhong was already used to Zhang Biao's audacity and pretended not to hear them, then focused his gaze on the 'clues'.

Zhang Biao, however, observed Song Zhong's reaction discreetly.

Song Zhong stared blankly at the pile of 'clues' that had suddenly appeared on the table, then glanced at Zhang Biao's 'I'm not going to serve you anymore' attitude, and was momentarily unsure of what to do.

Was Zhang Biao genuinely frightened, or was he acting?

"Lord Zhang, please calm down. Investigating cases inevitably involves various complex situations..."

"Complex? Is this fucking complex? This is deadly!"

Zhang Biao interrupted him, waving his hand: "Go back and tell Old Zhu, I can't do this job in the anti-corruption bureau! Who cares! Unless..."

He abruptly changed the subject, rubbing two fingers together and revealing a shrewd, mercenary expression:
"We need more money! The risk has to be doubled, and so has the funding! Otherwise, I'll resign tomorrow. Let whoever wants to deal with this mess take care of it!"

Song Zhong was speechless as he watched Zhang Biao's shameless attempt to get more money.

He couldn't tell whether Zhang Biao genuinely wanted to quit or was using the opportunity to demand more resources.

After a moment's hesitation, he decided to report the truth: "I will report Lord Zhang's meaning to His Majesty word for word."

"Go, go, go!"

Zhang Biao waved his hand impatiently, as if shooing away flies.

Song Zhong gave him a deep look, then turned and left.

Once Song Zhong was out of sight, the anger on Zhang Biao's face vanished instantly, replaced by a cunning, fox-like expression.

He closed the door and went back inside.

"Lord Zhang, are we... really not going to investigate?"

Old Zhou couldn't help but ask, and the others looked at him expectantly.

"Investigate? Investigate my ass!"

Zhang Biao chuckled and plopped down on the floor.
"They've clearly dug a pit for us, using carrots as bait, trying to lure us, this stupid mule, into jumping in!"

"If we blindly follow these clues, we'll die without even knowing how we died!"

"Then what should we do?" the mudfish asked blankly.

"What are you doing?"

Zhang Biao grinned and patted his stomach: "Good food! Nothing is more important than eating!"

"Mudfish, go find Wang Mazi. Order five servings, or ten servings of braised pork head noodles! Extra meat, less charge! Today it's my treat, let's eat and drink our fill before we talk!"

"okay!"

Although the loach didn't understand, it still happily ran out.

Before long, a steaming bowl of fragrant braised pork head noodles was delivered to the courtyard.

The group sat together, slurping their noodles, and the atmosphere relaxed for a moment.

As he ate, Old Zhou, the one-armed man, seemed to remember something. He put down his chopsticks, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke:

“Lord Zhang, speaking of not inspecting the docks… I’ve just remembered another rather strange matter.”

"Oh? What's the matter?"

Zhang Biao slurped his noodles and asked indistinctly.

Old Zhou glanced at Old Li, Old Sun, and Old Qian, who had stopped eating, swallowed subconsciously, and then said cautiously:

"Didn't you ask us to investigate our village and my nephew's matter a while ago?"

His voice trailed off at this point: "We've discovered...there's someone in the court."

"Did you leave your vocal cords at home?! Just say what you have to say!"

Zhang Biao swallowed the noodles in one gulp and urged impatiently.

Old Zhou shuddered and blurted out, "There are people in the court colluding with the enemy and funding bandits, raising them to enhance their own power!"

"Pa-ta-!"

Zhang Biao's chopsticks fell onto the table without warning.

Asking for a monthly ticket~
(End of this chapter)