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

Chapter 224 Old Zhu: Ah—! I really want to eat instant noodles! [Requesting monthly votes]

"Brother, I heard that the 'Literary Festival' is really interesting, and there are a lot of talented people there. Don't you want to go and see it?"

Inside the Prince of Yan's residence, Zhu Gaosui, while enjoying Wang Mazi's newly launched "Dragon Bone Broth Hot Pot," excitedly addressed his elder brother, Zhu Gaochi:

"I've heard that Zhu Yunwen went there and discovered many talented people!"

"Humph!"

Zhu Gaoxu scoffed disdainfully, then picked up a slice of scalding hot pork belly, stuffed it into his mouth, and said with his mouth full of oil:

"What talented people could he possibly discover? Isn't it just that Fang Xiaoru? I have no respect for that pedantic scholar!"

"It's not just pedantic scholars. I heard that even the Emperor praised that man named Yang Shiqi! And that Yang Rong is quite good too!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu frowned, then looked at Zhu Gaochi and said seriously:

"Eldest son, Father has been telling us to keep an eye out for talented people in the capital. What do you think?"

"Third brother, second brother, don't speak recklessly!"

Zhu Gaochi straightened his face and solemnly reminded him:

"Have you forgotten our current situation? The 'Literary Festival' was established by our Imperial Grandfather to recruit talent. How can we possibly interfere? Are you out of your minds?"

"What's this?"

Zhu Gaoxu disagreed, saying:

"I didn't say I was going to steal people from my grandfather. I meant to pick up the scraps! Besides, look around us, there are hardly any Imperial Guards left!"

"Yes! Most of the manpower has been transferred away by Chief Jiang!"

While echoing his second brother, Zhu Gaosui served food to his eldest brother, Zhu Gaochi, and introduced them with a grin:

"Brother, you should try this. It's a new dish by Wang Mazi called blood sausage. It's delicious!"

"It's said that he's still researching other hot pot recipes, but he's missing one crucial ingredient, so it'll probably be ready to eat in the fall!"

Zhu Gaochi nodded, but didn't touch his chopsticks. Then he frowned and asked:
"Third brother, you just said that Jiang Huan transferred most of the Embroidered Uniform Guards?"

"Yes, they say they're maintaining order at the 'Literary Festival,' but I don't think so. There must be some big case going on!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Gaosui seemed to remember something and lowered his voice.
"Eldest brother, second brother, I heard that someone is spreading rumors about the Crown Princess Lü, saying that she colluded with Fu Youwen and is suspected of plotting to harm our eldest brother Xiong Ying!"

"Shh!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaochi's expressions changed drastically.

"Are you sure?!" Zhu Gaoxu asked hurriedly.

"How can I be sure? I only heard snippets of conversation from inside the prison! But Chief Jiang has indeed arrested quite a few rumor-mongers recently!"

"This"

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaochi looked at each other in bewilderment.

Zhu Gaochi frowned and said:

"Ever since Zhang Biao was released from confinement by the Emperor, things have become more complicated in Yingtian Prefecture. I wonder what the Emperor is planning."

"Damn it! That Zhang Biao is a troublemaker! He was investigating a corruption case in the canal transport just a few days ago, and now who knows what he's up to? I heard he took Song Zhong out of the city!"

Zhu Gaoxu slammed his hand on the table, interrupting Zhu Gaochi, then turned his gaze to Zhu Gaochi and said:

"Brother, what do you think of the corruption case in the canal transport sector? I have a feeling something's getting increasingly wrong."

"And that scarred guy, that name sounds familiar too, like I've heard it somewhere before."

"Huh? Second Brother, you know Scarface!?"

Zhu Gaosui was just about to scoop the bones out of the pot to eat when he was immediately drawn to Zhu Gaoxu's words.

However, before Zhu Gaochi could answer him, a very faint report sounded from outside the door:

"Your Highness, the mute old man has come to deliver the prince's secret message."

Upon hearing this, the three brothers were taken aback, and then immediately stood up from their seats.

Soon, the man named Mute Old Man entered the study silently, then quietly left the secret letter and disappeared like a ghost.

Throughout the entire process, there was no communication between the two parties.

After the mute old man left, the three Zhu brothers surrounded the secret letter.

In the candlelight, Zhu Gaochi's chubby face looked particularly solemn.

He slowly tore open the envelope and read it silently.

The sweet potatoes have arrived; we await their effects. Amidst the winds and rains in the capital, we at Yan Residence remain silent and observe.

Zhu Gaoxu read the contents of the letter, his rugged brows furrowing into a knot:

"Father, did you agree or disagree with what you said? I don't understand."

Zhu Gaosui quickly said:
"Don't you understand? 'Wait and see' means that Father will grow sweet potatoes and we'll see how it goes! 'Observe the situation in the capital' means we shouldn't get involved in that mess in the capital!"

Zhu Gaochi slowly shook his head, placed the letter on the table, and tapped it with his finger:
"Second brother, third brother, you've oversimplified Father's meaning."

"'Wait and see the results' means that the Prince of Yan's mansion has accepted the sweet potato matter, but we need to see real benefits."

"'The storm in the capital, the Yan residence observes in silence' is not meant to tell us to stand idly by, but to make us open our eyes wide and see clearly where this storm comes from and where it is going, and more importantly, to see clearly what role Zhang Biao... really wants to play in this storm!"

He paused, took a deep breath, and continued his analysis:
"Think about it, Zhang Biao is making quite a stir in the capital, his spearhead is aimed directly at the Grand Canal. The Zhou Prince's Mansion is the first to be affected, and Qi, Chu, Shu, and even our Yan Prince's Mansion have all been dragged into those clues of dubious origin."

"But have you noticed? Grandfather's reaction is quite intriguing."

"Grandpa Huang?"

Zhu Gaoxu snorted:
"Now all he cares about is that madman Zhang Biao and the Grand Canal case! Our Prince Yan's mansion has probably been forgotten long ago."

"Even if some rumors implicate us, has the Emperor ever sent the Imperial Guards to ask us a single question? What does that mean? It means that in the Emperor's heart, he simply doesn't believe we would be involved in such shady corruption in the grain transport industry!"

"That's exactly the problem!"

Zhu Gaochi's voice suddenly rose, carrying a sharp edge that seemed to see through the fog:

"Second brother, do you think that with Zhang Biao's abilities, he wouldn't be able to see through these layers of clues, which someone deliberately threw out to trap him in the quagmire of the power struggle among the princes?"

"Will he really do as those people wish, plunging headlong into the canal transport case and fighting to the death with those uncles?"

Isn't that what he's doing right now?

Zhu Gaoxu was taken aback, and hesitated before saying:
"I heard that his men, with the extra silver from the Emperor, are recruiting soldiers and horses in the capital with great fanfare, determined to stir up trouble in the Grand Canal transport case!"

"Build the plank road openly, and spend time secretly in Chencang!"

Zhu Gaochi slapped his thigh suddenly, his plump body leaning slightly forward with excitement:
"I couldn't understand it at first either, why he was making such a big fuss, as if he wanted everyone to know he was going to investigate the princes. Until just now, my second brother, you reminded me!"

Zhu Gaoxu looked bewildered: "Me? What did I remind you of?"

"Scarface! Garrison!"

Zhu Gaochi's eyes gleamed:
"You just mentioned that the scarred man who appeared at the dock, you've heard a little about him, and you suspect it might be related to the local garrison! Because the grain transported to the warehouse ultimately needs to be received and verified by the local garrison!"

Zhu Gaoxu nodded: "Yes, what's the problem? The canal transport and the military garrisons are inherently closely connected..."

"This is a big problem!"

Zhu Gaochi interrupted him, his tone slightly hurried:

"What if Zhang Biao's apparent investigation into the canal transport is just a pretense, and his real purpose is to use this route to audit the garrisons along the way?!"

The room fell silent the moment these words were spoken.

Before Zhu Gaosui could fully react, Zhu Gaoxu's expression suddenly changed.

Having spent many years in the military, he was far more sensitive to matters concerning the garrisons than Zhu Gaochi.

Auditing the Guardian! What does this mean?
This means that we will investigate the land under military settlements, the replenishment of soldiers, the accounts of military equipment, and all the shady practices of receiving salaries without working, exploiting soldiers, and reselling military funds!

Their Prince Yan's Mansion, guarding Beiping and facing the remnants of the Northern Yuan, had numerous garrisons under its command. In order to maintain a strong border defense force and some unspeakable 'business operations,' some things couldn't withstand the scrutiny of a madman like Zhang Biao with a magnifying glass!

"He...he dares to do that!"

Zhu Gaochi was both shocked and furious:
"The garrison is a vital national asset; how can it be investigated by a mere anti-corruption bureau?!"

"He even dared to audit the Emperor's private treasury, what wouldn't he dare to do?!"

Zhu Gaochi countered with a question tinged with bitterness:
"Moreover, he could easily use the pretext of 'speaking out for the people' and 'rectifying military discipline' to start investigating small garrisons where there are deep-seated grievances and solid evidence!"

"For example, that garrison that oppressed the village of veterans and forcibly conscripted men! It was perfectly justified!"

Zhu Gaoxu gasped, finally realizing the seriousness of the problem.

Once Zhang Biao's fire spreads to the garrison system, it will definitely not only affect one or two units.

Given his madness, it's bound to spread like wildfire.

At that time, their many 'operations' in Beiping will probably...

Seeing the sudden change in his two younger brothers' expressions, Zhu Gaochi slowly sat up straight, his face showing a complex expression of sudden realization, yet also one of utmost solemnity and a hint of admiration.

"I understand... I understand everything..."

He muttered to himself, "Zhang Biao approached us for cooperation, offering us sweet potatoes. His real purpose wasn't to audit the imperial treasury, nor was it simply to weaken the power of the regional governors..."

"He is warning us! He is also showing us a way out!"

Zhu Gaochi's gaze seemed to pierce through the wall, looking towards the south:

"He's telling us that his next step is to stir up a hornet's nest at the garrison!"

"His inspection of the health station is ostensibly an anti-corruption operation, but at a deeper level, it's about cutting off the foundations of certain individuals!"

"And he chose to cooperate with us at this time, throwing out sweet potatoes..."

He suddenly looked at Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui, and said, word by word:

"He wants our Prince Yan's residence to take advantage of the time he's drawing everyone's attention and quickly 'clean up'!"

"Cut off any hands or feet that shouldn't be there, and take back any power that has crossed the line!"

"Then, we'll put all our energy into growing sweet potatoes!"

"Food! Popular support! Tangible achievements! These are the foundation for a secure future! Not those empty words and military power that could explode at any moment!"

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui were so shocked by their elder brother's analysis that they were speechless.

In the study, only the crackling of the candlelight remained.

After a long silence, Zhu Gaoxu asked in a hoarse voice, "Brother... then, what should we do?"

Zhu Gaochi took a deep breath, a resolute expression on his face:

"Immediately send a letter to Father King, reporting our entire analysis! We suggest that Father King cut his losses and save the day!"

"While Zhang Biao was still dealing with things in the south, the Emperor's attention was drawn to him, and he immediately set about erasing our 'traces' in various garrisons, especially those related to the Grand Canal and the transfer of funds of unknown origin, and completely wiping them out!"

"at the same time!"

His tone was resolute:
"Make sweet potatoes the top priority for the Prince of Yan's residence! Concentrate all available resources, develop official farmland, select top farmers, and have Father personally oversee the project. Plant them like crazy!" "We must achieve results and produce tangible yields in the shortest possible time!"

He walked to the window, pushed it open, and looked at the dark southern night sky, as if he could see the figure stirring up the storm.

"Zhang Biao... this is an open conspiracy."

Zhu Gaochi sighed softly, with a hint of awe:
"He calculated that we could see through it all, and he also calculated that we would have no choice but to follow the path he pointed out."

"He's coming... not to inspect us, but... to verify our results."

"We must clear ourselves of all blame before he causes a major disaster, and we must have enough leverage in our hands! And that sweet potato that can save countless lives is the best leverage!"

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui exchanged a glance, both seeing an unprecedented sense of urgency in each other's eyes.

On the other side, in the Imperial Palace, at the Hall of Literary Glory.

"You bastards! A bunch of good-for-nothings!"

While Zhang Biao was outside wreaking havoc with the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty," Zhu Yuanzhang was also wreaking havoc in the Hall of Literary Glory.

However, he didn't kill people, but rather the memorials he reviewed every day.

He didn't know if it was because Zhang Biao had given him a taste of stimulation, or if he simply found the memorials he reviewed uninteresting.

Compared to Zhang Biao's 'messy' writings and plans, which read like a pile of shit, this is much better.

However, he has no choice but to read it, which is making him very irritable now.

The atmosphere in the Hall of Literary Glory was oppressive, like the rumble of thunder before a storm, because of his agitation.

"Your Majesty, please calm down, or..."

"roll--!"

Old Zhu roared, clutching a document titled "Preliminary Proposal for Reforming the Salaries of Officials" jointly submitted by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel.

This was the third time he had read this document today, and each time he read it, the fire in his heart burned even brighter.

"Snapped!"

He finally couldn't hold back any longer and slammed the memorial onto the imperial desk, startling Yunming, who was standing to the side, into a trembling fit.

"A 30% pay raise?! Where will the money come from?! Huh?!"

Old Zhu paced back and forth in the hall, pointing at the pile of papers and cursing:
"Has Yu Xin lost his mind?! All he knows is how to ask for money, he doesn't have a single way to increase revenue or cut expenses! All he knows is to target our private treasury and increase taxes!"

"And Zhuo Jing! He seems like a pretty sensible person usually, why is he joining the chorus?! He only talks about how raising salaries can encourage integrity, but why doesn't he talk about how to prevent those corrupt officials from continuing to embezzle money with even higher salaries?!"

He grew angrier and angrier as he spoke, feeling that adopting Zhang Biao's suggestion to "reconsider the salary system" was like shooting himself in the foot.

These officials are either too timid to take real action, or they are thinking of taking the opportunity to benefit themselves. Very few of them can actually come up with a feasible solution that does not increase the burden on the people.

"It's all bullshit! Empty talk! Clichés!"

Old Zhu was panting heavily, feeling a tightness in his chest and a throbbing headache.

Is it really impossible to find a few capable individuals in the court who can both empathize with the plight of the people and share the burdens of the nation?!

"Yunming!"

Old Zhu waved his hand impatiently: "Serve the meal! I'm a little hungry, let's eat something to calm down."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Yunming hurriedly ran off to make the arrangements.

Soon, the exquisite imperial cuisine was served.

Although it wasn't a grand banquet, the dishes were plentiful and varied:

There's perfectly cooked braised deer tendon, tender and smooth sweet and sour fish slices, a bowl of fragrant glutinous rice, and several refreshing and delicious seasonal side dishes.

On a normal day, seeing these things would give Old Zhu, who had worked hard all day, some appetite.

But today, he picked up his jade chopsticks, took a piece of deer tendon, put it in his mouth, chewed it a few times, but found it tasted like chewing wax. The broth that he used to find rich and flavorful now tasted bland and tasteless.

He tasted the fish slices again, ate a couple of mouthfuls of rice, and finally put down his chopsticks, losing interest.

"It has no taste...it has absolutely no taste..."

Old Zhu frowned, the nameless anger in his heart unable to find an outlet, making him feel even more uncomfortable.

Just then, for some reason, an image suddenly popped into his mind.
Zhang Biao, that fellow, was sitting on the floor tiles of his Huagai Hall, holding a large bowl filled with some tangy, golden, and tempting noodles. He was slurping them down, sweating profusely. The rich, domineering, and spicy aroma seemed to transcend time and space, penetrating his nostrils...

It's instant noodles!

Old Zhu's Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

He remembered the taste, and had even tasted it himself. The strong aroma, so different from that of imperial cuisine, was now recalled with unusual clarity, stirring a throbbing in his empty stomach.

I want to eat...

The thought had barely formed when it was immediately replaced by even greater rage.

"You bastard Zhang Biao!"

Old Zhu slammed his hand on the table, his anger, which had just subsided, erupting once more:

"It's all this madman's fault! If he hadn't caused so much trouble, would we be so annoyed?! If he hadn't come up with that damn 'instant noodles,' would we find even the imperial cuisine tasteless?!"

He felt like he was possessed.

How could he possibly think about the food in the hands of that madman who repeatedly angered him, disobeyed him, and always tried to steal his money?!

This is simply a shame!
Just as Old Zhu was so angry he was about to explode, and everything seemed to provoke him, a series of slightly hurried yet cheerful footsteps came from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Urgent news from Yunnan!"

An official from the Ministry of Justice, holding a report, knelt outside the palace with a joyful expression.

Old Zhu was in a bad mood and yelled irritably, "What are you yelling about! Come in!"

The official scrambled in, holding the report high above his head: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations! The pilot program of 'replacing native chieftains with centrally appointed officials' in Qujing and Puan, Yunnan, has been remarkably successful!"

"The Duke of Xin and the Marquis of Xiping jointly reported that the first batch of officials appointed by the central government have successfully taken office, are carrying out water conservancy projects, promoting new agricultural tools, clearing up hidden fields, and some of the sons of local chieftains who have submitted to the government have also entered schools, and the people's hearts have begun to settle down!"

"Although there are still some small groups resisting, they have been quickly quelled. In the pilot areas, tax revenue has increased slightly, far exceeding expectations!"

This series of good news was like sweet rain falling on Old Zhu's anxious heart.

He snatched the newspaper and quickly began browsing through it.

The more he looked, the more his tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and the anger on his face was gradually replaced by a hint of barely perceptible relief.

"Good! Good! Finally, some decent news!"

Old Zhu let out a long sigh of relief, and his tense nerves relaxed a little.

This "reform of local administration" policy was something he blamed on Zhang Biao, who then "scolded" him out. Later, it was refined by Yu Xin, Zhuo Jing, and others, and he personally oversaw its promotion.

Although the process was full of twists and turns, it now seems that this move was indeed the right one.

If successful, it will not only stabilize Yunnan, but also provide a model for governing other Tusi areas in the future, benefiting future generations.

This proves that, setting aside the madman's madness, some of his "tricks" can indeed address current problems and bring tangible benefits.

Old Zhu's feelings were extremely complicated.

On one hand, there was the overwhelming resentment towards Zhang Biao stirred up by the "salary reform" and "instant noodles," and on the other hand, there was the unavoidable acknowledgment of Zhang Biao's "unorthodox talent" due to the success of the Yunnan pilot program.

He put down the report, glanced at the untouched and tasteless imperial meal on the table, then thought of the tempting instant noodles, before finally focusing his gaze back on the memorial regarding salary reform that had caused his blood pressure to spike.

"Ugh……"

Old Zhu sighed heavily and rubbed his throbbing temples.

This Ming Dynasty's empire truly brought him both joy and sorrow.

There is hope in Yunnan, but also countless troubles in the imperial court.

And that person he both hated and...

"Withdraw."

Old Zhu didn't want to think about that madman, so he waved to Yunming and pointed to the food on the table.

He has no appetite at all now.

I just want some peace and quiet.

However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.

"Your Majesty! Vice Commissioner Song has urgent news to report!"

Old Zhu was slightly taken aback, then said in a deep voice, "What is it?!"

"Your Majesty, according to a message sent by Vice Commissioner Song, Censor Zhang and his entourage, on their way to Wuchang, passed through Jiujiang Garrison and encountered some people crying out for justice. They stopped in Jiujiang Garrison intending to go to the Jiujiang Garrison government office to appeal their grievances!"

"This bastard!"

When Old Zhu heard Song Zhong report that Zhang Biao was "neglecting his duties" and had gone to Jiujiangwei to handle civil lawsuits, his anger, which had just subsided slightly due to the good news from Yunnan, flared up again.

"It's the Anti-Corruption Bureau! Not the Yingtian Prefecture Government! How come they're getting lawsuits everywhere they go?!"

Old Zhu was so angry he almost threw his chopsticks down again: "Aren't you going to investigate the canal transport case? Aren't you going to follow up on the Zhou Prince's Mansion line? What's the point of going to Jiujiang Guard to seek justice?!"

He felt that Zhang Biao was like a monkey with a rebellious nature, never playing by the rules and always testing his patience.

However, this is not over yet.

Just as Old Zhu was furious about Zhang Biao's "meddling," an even more explosive piece of news arrived.

"Your Majesty, a urgent report from Vice Commissioner Song!"

That was an urgent report, and now it's another urgent message?

It's obvious that these were released one after the other.

In other words, Zhang Biao's "meddling" did not seem like a sudden incident, but rather a premeditated action.

That does fit the madman's unpredictable style.

Could it be that the madman really found a problem in Jiujiangwei?

Thinking of this, Old Zhu's face instantly turned extremely ugly.

After all, the garrisons were an important foundation of the Ming Dynasty. If the garrisons right under their noses had problems, who knows how badly the garrisons in other places would have deteriorated.

"Send it up!"

"promise!"

Soon, Yunming carefully presented Song Zhong's memorial.

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(End of this chapter)