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

Chapter 239 Father, seeing his son still alive, draws out seven wolves! [Bonus Chapter 34 for Monthly Tickets]

Inside the Hall of Literary Glory, the lights were on full display.

"Ah……"

A soft, ambiguous laugh escaped from Old Zhu's throat.

“This time, Lan Yu has learned her lesson and knows to come to us immediately to cry and plead her case.”

His voice carried a hint of mockery, but more so a chilling, all-knowing quality.

Following Mr. Liu's advice, Lan Yu wrote a letter of appeal to Old Zhu.

In the letter, he wrote with extreme sorrow and indignation.

The story begins by recounting how the adopted son, Lanlong, was manipulated and deceived by his sworn brother, Geng Zhong, the commander of Raozhou Guard, leading him into a dangerous situation and ultimately causing him to lose his mind and become a cripple.

Between the lines, there is a deep hatred for Geng Zhong's betrayal and a profound sorrow for Lan Long's fate.

He then described in detail what he saw after arriving at Raozhou Wei.

For example, how Geng Zhong slandered Zhang Biao, how Zhang Biao examined the body and defended himself, how Geng Zhong's trusted bodyguard suddenly attacked and killed someone to silence him, and then attempted suicide, and how the commander's rear office mysteriously caught fire, and how Lan Long was rescued in a state of mental instability.

He also emphasized that he had no further connection with Geng Zhong and was completely used by him. He expressed great indignation at the mastermind's vicious scheme against his Liangguo Duke's Mansion and adopted a posture of apology, saying, "Even if I die ten thousand times, I cannot atone for my sins."

Finally, he changed the subject and mentioned Zhang Biao.

The tone was complex, acknowledging that Zhang Biao's actions, though contrary to common sense, were indeed exceptional in distinguishing false accusations and investigating cases, while also subtly expressing dissatisfaction with his "disrespect for superiors."

Overall, Zhang Biao was still portrayed as an imperial envoy who was "ordered to handle cases and used ruthless methods," without much criticism. Instead, the focus was placed on Geng Zhong and the mastermind behind him.

The entire memorial is sincere, logically clear, and written with utmost humility.

He acted entirely like a victim and someone being used, trying his best to distance himself from the crimes of Raozhou Guard and expressing his loyalty to the emperor.

Old Zhu slowly closed Lan Yu's petition letter, his fingers tapping lightly on the cover, producing a dull 'tap-tap' sound that echoed in the silent hall.

He didn't speak immediately, but instead closed his eyes slightly.

It was as if Song Zhong's secret report and Lan Yu's petition were corroborating each other in his mind, recreating that thrilling afternoon in Raozhou Guard.

After a long while, he slowly opened his eyes, a chilling smile curving his lips.

Lan Yu's performance might fool others, but it couldn't fool Zhu Yuanzhang.

He knew perfectly well how arrogant and domineering Lan Yu and his adopted son were.

Normally, if Lan Yu had encountered an censor like Zhang Biao who was "unappreciative," he would probably have been furious and might even have drawn his sword.

This time, however, he was able to control his temper, and even in his memorial, he only mentioned Zhang Biao as "disrespectful" in a very brief way, focusing all his attention on crying out for justice and expressing his loyalty...

This in itself is not normal.

This can only mean that Lan Yu was either genuinely frightened by the ruthless methods of the mastermind behind the scenes, or that his advisors saw the danger and dissuaded him in time.

"At least you have some brains; you know you can't cause trouble right now."

Old Zhu muttered to himself, his tone chilling:
"If you dare to lay a hand on Zhang Biao, or show any sign of obstructing the investigation, we can throw you into the imperial prison right now!"

However, Lan Yu's 'well-behaved' behavior also indirectly confirms the authenticity of Song Zhong's secret report.

The person behind Geng Zhong is indeed terrifying in terms of power and methods.

Even a proud nobleman like Lan Yu was almost tricked and suffered a major setback, and even had to swallow his anger and immediately express his loyalty and sever ties with him.

"Sacrifice the pawn to save the king... kill to cover up the crime... destroy the evidence..."

Old Zhu muttered these words, his eyes growing increasingly cold.

"These methods, this decisiveness... are not something ordinary powerful people could do!"

His gaze swept over the two documents again, focusing on those key points:

[Death squad, Bixie tattoo, water monkey, unusual wood, soldier with broken eyebrows and sloping shoulders, Black Wind Pass...]

These are fragments that Zhang Biao and Song Zhong managed to salvage during the enemy's near-perfect attempt to silence them.

Although scattered, these are the only clues that may point to the mastermind behind it all.

"Zhang Biao..."

Old Zhu repeated the name again, his feelings complicated.

This madman, once again in a desperate situation, tore open a hole in his incomprehensible way.

Not only did they save their lives, they also managed to uncover clues.

His methods of examining corpses and refuting false accusations were so effective that even Lan Yu was stunned; they were truly bizarre.

But it is indeed useful.

Old Zhu could even imagine how out of control the situation would have become if Zhang Biao hadn't conducted that seemingly nonsensical yet incredibly accurate autopsy and deduction.
Based on his understanding of Lan Yu, he knew that after his adopted son was murdered, Lan Yu would likely clash with the imperial envoy's team in a fit of rage, which would play right into the hands of the mastermind behind the scenes!

It seems that this time... the truth is indeed about to come to light.

Old Zhu thought to himself.

He sat up straight again and picked up the vermilion brush.

He pondered Lan Yu's petition for a moment, then wrote in his reply:

[I have read and understood your memorial. You are a meritorious official of the nation, yet you have suffered such a treacherous plot. The bond between father and son is deep, and my heart aches with sorrow.]

Since Blue Dragon has suffered misfortune, please take good care of him. You have discerned right from wrong, and have not fallen into treacherous schemes; your loyalty is evident, and we are greatly comforted.

[From now on, you must be even more cautious and discipline your subordinates to prevent them from giving others any ammunition against you. The remaining matters have been ordered to be investigated by the relevant authorities. So be it.]

The comments, though seemingly comforting, actually contain a hidden warning.

It is certain that 'they did not fall into the trap of evil'.

However, the phrase "You should be more careful in the future, restrain your subordinates, and not give others any leverage" is a warning, reminding Lan Yu to control himself and his group of arrogant and fierce soldiers.

After reviewing Lan Yu's petition, Old Zhu asked about another matter: "Has that kid Li Mo woken up?"

"Your Majesty, Commander Leng Feng reported this morning that Li Mo has awakened. Although he is still weak, his life is not in danger and he is conscious."

"Is there any unusual activity regarding Zhu Youxun's handling of affairs in Kaifeng?"

Jiang Huan bowed and replied, "At present, he seems to be behaving well and handling government affairs in accordance with the rules. There has been no obvious overstepping or abnormal behavior."

After a moment's thought, Old Zhu ordered, "In that case, have Leng Feng escort Li Mo back to the capital. Ensure his safety along the way."

"Yes!"

"besides!"

Old Zhu once again instructed Jiang Huan: "Bring the Prince of Zhou here."

"We must tell him in person what great things his 'good son' has done to bring glory to the family in his fiefdom!"

He wondered what Zhu Su's reaction would be when he heard that Zhu Youxun had betrayed his father, assassinated court officials, and framed his own brother for the throne.

Is it heartbreak? Or indifference?
Or... will it reveal some deeper information?

This was both a warning to King Zhu Su of Zhou and a test.

They were trying to find out if there were any unknown connections between him, his fiefdom, and his descendants, or even if he was connected to the vast network of "bandits".

"Sir, obey the order."

Jiang Huan's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped back to make the arrangements.

Old Zhu sat alone on the dragon throne, the candlelight in the hall casting a long shadow of him on the cold ground.

He was like a dormant old dragon, patiently sorting through every clue and examining every piece on the chessboard.

Lan Yu, who was manipulated; Zhang Biao, who went mad; Li Mo, who has awakened; Zhu Youxun, who was acting as the fiefdom holder; and the Prince Zhou, who ruined things by refining elixirs...

His fingers moved unconsciously along the armrest, tracing patterns that no one could understand.

[The Zhou Prince's Mansion... harboring bandits... armaments... canal transport... and the 'Bi'an' organization hiding deep within...]

You'd better hide even deeper... lest we find you all at once!

Inside the hall, only the faint crackling of the burning candles and the invisible yet omnipresent imperial pressure remained, heavy enough to suffocate anyone.

Not long after, Prince Zhu Su of Zhou was brought over by two expressionless Imperial Guards.

He was even thinner than before, with sunken eyes.

His once pampered face now bore an unhealthy pallor, with only a faint, almost obsessive glimmer of light remaining deep within his eyes, honed by his life of confinement.

He wore an old royal robe that had been starched until it was faded, and his steps were somewhat unsteady. Clearly, he had not seen the sun for a long time, and his health had deteriorated significantly.

He was led to a warm pavilion next to the Huagai Hall, rather than the main hall.

The atmosphere here is slightly more relaxed, but it is still shrouded in the solemnity of imperial power.

Old Zhu did not sit in the main seat in the center, but stood with his hands behind his back by the window, with his back to the door.

The afterglow of the setting sun elongated his tall, somewhat lonely figure, casting it onto the gleaming gold-brick floor.

Zhu Su staggered in, and upon seeing that figure, she instinctively wanted to kneel down, her voice hoarse from not speaking for a long time:
"Your subject... pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Get up."

Old Zhu's voice was flat, devoid of emotion, and he still didn't turn around:
"We called you here today to tell you some interesting things happening in Kaifeng."

Zhu Su felt a tightness in his chest, a vague sense of foreboding creeping in.

During his confinement, he was almost completely cut off from outside information, especially regarding the matter of his fiefdom.

Old Zhu slowly turned around, his sharp, hawk-like eyes slicing across Zhu Su's face like a cold blade.

"Your good son, Zhu Youxun!"

Old Zhu spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice not loud, but each word struck Zhu Su's heart like a hammer blow:
"After you were imprisoned, you handled all the affairs of the fiefdom very diligently."

Zhu Su was full of doubt, thinking to himself, why is it Zhu Youxun who is in charge of all affairs in the fiefdom? Shouldn't it be the heir apparent Zhu Youdun?

But he didn't ask Old Zhu.

Because he knew that Old Zhu's summons was definitely not for a simple reason.

Perhaps it is related to Zhu Youxun.

"He wanted to overthrow his elder brother and seize the throne of the Zhou Dynasty!"

Old Zhu's tone suddenly turned stern, carrying a chilling edge:
"How dare they collude with outsiders to plot the assassination of Li Mo, the imperial censor sent by the court to investigate the case! And frame Zhu Youdun for it!"

boom--!
Like a bolt from the blue, Zhu Su suddenly looked up, his eyes widening instantly, his face drained of all color, leaving only a horrifying paleness.

He swayed, almost unable to stand.

"Assassinate...assassinate a high-ranking official of the imperial court?"

His voice trembled, filled with disbelief: "Framed You Dun?!"

"This isn't over yet!"

Old Zhu pressed closer, his voice seeming to come from the deepest hell:

"According to the investigation, the secret of that 'Red Lead Elixir' was not leaked by chance, but rather by your 'good son' who deliberately revealed it to gain people's trust and support!"

"Wha...what?!"

Zhu Su was struck dumb, frozen in place, his pupils contracting violently.

He always believed that it was his own carelessness in refining the elixir, or that he had been betrayed by someone close to him, that led to the leak of the 'Red Lead Elixir' and implicated the Crown Prince...

He never imagined that the one who leaked the secret would be his own son!
Looking at his instantly broken expression, Old Zhu saw no pity in his eyes, only a deeper coldness and pain. He then delivered the final, and most fatal, blow:
"And the person he's colluding with is very likely... the mastermind behind the death of your elder brother, Zhu Biao!"

"Do not--!"

Zhu Su let out a shrill, inhuman roar, as if all his bones had been removed, and suddenly collapsed, his knees slamming heavily onto the ground.

He gripped his hair tightly with both hands, his nails digging almost into his scalp, his body trembling violently as if enduring the most extreme pain and betrayal in the world. "You unfilial son! You unfilial son!!"

Tears streamed down his face, his voice hoarse and cracked, filled with devastating despair and rage.
"How dare he... how dare he collude with outsiders to harm his uncle?!"

"How dare he reveal the secret of the elixir... It's my fault... It's my fault that my brother is in trouble! Waaah—!"

He suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood, the scarlet liquid splattering onto his gray royal robe and front, a shocking sight.

It is the ultimate pain of having one's beliefs completely shattered and having one's heart pierced from behind by one's closest loved one.

He never imagined that his obsession with pharmacology and his desire to concoct elixirs would cause so much trouble, even leading to the death of his elder brother, and that the one who handed him the knife was none other than his own son!
At this moment, the throne and power become the most ridiculous and pathetic illusions.

He just wanted to strangle that bastard son with his own hands!
Old Zhu watched him collapse and vomit blood with a cold expression, his face devoid of emotion, only a frozen indifference.

It has a feeling of a father seeing his son is still alive and pulling out seven wolves.

"Now you know pain? Now you know how to cry?"

Old Zhu's voice was filled with endless sarcasm and exhaustion.

"Father! Your son deserves to die a thousand deaths for his sins! But Zhu Youxun, that rebellious son, deserves to die! I beg you, Father, to punish him severely and avenge my elder brother!"

"Ah!"

Old Zhu sneered: "You say Zhu Youxun is a rebellious son, but what kind of good person do you think you are?"

"Do you and your heir Zhu Youdun really think we're senile?"

"One is feigning madness, while the other is pretending to be confused when he knows the truth!"

"Is Zhu Youxun the only unfilial son in your Zhou Prince's Mansion's messy affairs?!"

Old Zhu suddenly took a step forward, looking down at the limp Zhu Su, his voice booming like thunder:

"The Grand Canal corruption case! As a transit point, how much illicit goods have you helped transport over the years? How much ill-gotten silver have you swallowed?! Don't tell me you have no idea!"

"My son."

Zhu Su was utterly humiliated by these repeated rebukes and revelations.

He collapsed to the ground, too weak to even cough up blood, left only with desperate gasps and tears.

He knew that his father knew everything.

Before the Emperor, all pretense and wishful thinking are in vain.

He struggled, using his last bit of strength, and banged his head against the ground with a dull thud, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Your son... is guilty! Your son is incompetent! Your son has failed in educating his son and managing the household properly, thus causing this great disaster..."

"Your Majesty, I request that you abolish the Zhou vassal state and strip me of all my titles!"

He raised his bloodied and mangled forehead, his eyes vacant, filled only with utter desolation and deathly silence:
"Your subject wishes to remain forever in the old royal palace, to study medicine, compile pharmacopoeias, and do his utmost for the people of the world to atone for this sin..."

"From now on, I will live a life of seclusion, never leaving the mansion, and never again concerning myself with worldly affairs..."

Upon hearing the words "abolishing the Zhou vassal states" and "a life of seclusion and studying," Zhu De's heart felt as if it had been gripped tightly by an invisible hand, and he suddenly clenched his fist!
He looked at his emaciated son, who was determined to die, and then thought of the talented but untimely-dying crown prince, and the other incompetent or treacherous sons...

An indescribable sense of sorrow and intense pain surged into my heart, and a metallic taste filled my throat.

"Cough cough cough... cough cough!"

Old Zhu suddenly coughed violently, his face instantly turning red, and his body trembling violently from the cough.

He had to use his hands to support himself on the table next to him in order to stand up.

"Father...Father Emperor!"

When Zhu Su saw Old Zhu in such a state, he was so frightened that he instinctively tried to crawl over.

"roll--!"

Old Zhu suddenly raised his head, and with all his might, let out a hoarse roar, like that of a wounded lion.

The single word 'roll' contains so much more.

There was endless anger, profound disappointment, heartbreaking pain, and also that trace of blood ties as a father that even he himself was unwilling to acknowledge...

Zhu Su trembled from the roar. Seeing Old Zhu's face contorted with violent coughing and rage, he dared not linger any longer and hastily retreated from the warm pavilion, scrambling and crawling on his hands and feet.

Inside the warm pavilion, only Old Zhu's suppressed and painful coughs echoed for a long time in the twilight.

He leaned against the table, his back hunched, the last rays of the setting sun shining on his gray hair, making him look particularly desolate.

The pinnacle of power is also the abyss of loneliness.

The bond between father and son is so fragile and vulnerable in the face of national interests, conspiracies, and betrayals.

On the other side, in Wuchang.

They didn't know how long they had been running for their lives in the mountains and forests. It felt like they had run a marathon for a lifetime. Zhang Biao and his five companions finally stumbled and crawled into a secluded mountain valley on the border of Wuchang Prefecture.

After confirming that it was temporarily safe, almost at the same time, they all collapsed to the ground like five puddles of mud.

"Heh heh... my... my lungs... are going to explode..."

Zhang Biao lay sprawled on the ground, his chest heaving violently, feeling the blood in every breath he took.

"My lord... this humble servant... this humble servant thinks I see my great-grandmother waving at me..."

A young Imperial Guard stared blankly, muttering to himself.

"Water... leave me... a sip..."

The middle-aged Imperial Guard stretched out his hand and groaned weakly.

Song Zhong was in slightly better condition, but the injury to his shoulder made him pale. He forced himself to speak to Zhang Biao:

"Sir... this place is not safe to stay any longer, but the brothers are too exhausted to run any further. I'll leave a secret signal and contact Chen Qianxiang..."

"Hurry...hurry..."

Zhang Biao waved his hand, too exhausted to utter another word.

Song Zhong gritted his teeth and staggered away, disappearing into the twilight.

The remaining four, including Zhang Biao, lay sprawled on the grass, barely able to breathe.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, as if gilding these 'corpses' with a tragic golden edge.

After a while, Zhang Biao finally felt that the breath he had been holding in was coming out a little easier.

He struggled to sit up, looking at his three subordinates beside him, their eyes glazed over, as if their bodies had been hollowed out. He knew that if he didn't use some 'high-tech' equipment, they would all be out of a job tonight.

With a pained expression, he rummaged through his official robe, which was practically a beggar's outfit, and finally, as if by magic, pulled out four crumpled but well-packaged Snickers bars!

"Hey! My most treasured possession!"

With a 'you're lucky' look on his face, he tossed the three sticks to the three Imperial Guards whose eyes were practically bulging out of their sockets.
"Hurry up! Eat this to revive yourself! Don't act like you've never seen anything like it before!"

The three imperial guards hurriedly caught this 'divine object' they had never seen before. It was soft to the touch and its packaging was strange, completely beyond their comprehension.

"My...my lord, what...what kind of elixir is this?" The middle-aged imperial guard's voice trembled.

"Fairy my ass! Eat! Tear it open! Eat the black one inside!"

Zhang Biao roared irritably, then ripped open the packaging with a loud "rip" and took a big bite of the chocolate bar.

A rich, sweet aroma bursts forth instantly.

The three Imperial Guards followed suit, clumsily tearing open the package and carefully taking a bite.

The next second—

"Ow-!!"

"My goodness! This tastes amazing!!"

"Sweet! Fragrant! And filling! Even a god's fart couldn't be better than this!"

The three of them instantly widened their eyes like saucers, their faces showing an expression of extreme ecstasy and near-madness.

It was originally in a state like a dead dog, but it visibly 'revived' before death.

"My lord! A divine object! Truly a divine object!"

The middle-aged Imperial Guard, his mouth stained black from eating, was so excited he danced around.

"My lord! You are a living god! From now on, I will serve you!"

The young Imperial Guards were itching to rush over and cling to his coattails.

"This thing should only exist in heaven! You must be a star descended to earth, sir!"

The other one was also frantically flattering him.

Looking at their pathetic state, Zhang Biao chewed on a Snickers bar and smugly crossed his legs, though they were still shaking.

"Look at you guys, so pathetic! You're already kneeling down?"

He chuckled and began his boastful reminiscences of bygone days, his body language extremely exaggerated:

"Let me tell you, this stuff, back in my hometown, is just a snack for kids to fill their stomachs! It's not something you can be served in a formal setting!"

"The true deliciousness is beyond your wildest imagination!"

"There's a dish called 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,' where dozens of delicacies from land and sea are simmered in a jar for days and nights. The moment the jar is opened, the aroma is so enticing that it would make the monk next door climb over the wall to get his mouth watering!"

"There's also something called 'sashimi,' made with the freshest sea fish, sliced ​​thinly, dipped in soy sauce and wasabi, it melts in your mouth, so fresh and sweet... tsk tsk!"

"When I get hungry at night, I just find a roadside stall, order some spicy crayfish, and pair it with ice-cold beer. That's pure bliss!"

"Unlike now, when we're eating this lousy candy, we have to be careful not to get stabbed!"

He described it with great enthusiasm, gesturing wildly as if the delicious food were right in front of him.

The three Imperial Guards listened with rapt attention, drooling so much they forgot to wipe it from their chins, their eyes filled with longing for Zhang Biao's 'hometown'.

"My lord... what you're talking about... is probably the Jade Emperor's imperial cuisine, isn't it?" the young Imperial Guard asked dreamily.

Zhang Biao ignored him, finished the last bite of his Snickers bar, and licked the wrapper until it was reflective, still feeling unsatisfied. Then, looking at the pitch-black night sky, he thought about his current situation and was overcome with sorrow, so he slapped his thigh.

"Damn it! What did I do to deserve this?!"

He pounded his chest and stamped his feet, his face contorted in frustration, and began his monologue-style rant:
"I live in a big villa, drive a luxury car, and at night I can just collapse on that leather sofa while pretty young ladies surround me, massaging my legs and pouring me drinks!"

"And now?! Sleeping in haystacks! Eating candy! Being chased around like a grandson by a bunch of dogs with melee weapons every day!"

"Isn't this just forcing myself to suffer without any real pain?! I'm such a complete traitor!"

"I have to go back! I absolutely have to go back! The club's young models! The chilled 82 beer! The spicy crayfish! You guys wait for me! I've missed you all so much—!"

He let out a wolf-like howl at the sky, filled with endless longing for the decadent modern life and an unwavering belief that he must return.

The three Imperial Guards were startled when they saw Zhang Biao suddenly go mad and shout "Dad" at the air. Then they remembered that this lord had just led them to escape death and had brought out such a "miracle item" to save them in an emergency. They figured he must be under too much pressure and was having a bit of a fit of hysteria.

However, the elation of surviving the ordeal and the satisfaction brought by the Snickers bar made them unable to help but giggle like idiots.

The middle-aged imperial guard even imitated Zhang Biao, shouting at the sky, "I...I also want to eat crayfish!"

"The dads want some too—!"

"And there are also young models from clubs!"

In an instant, the desolate mountain valley was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

After a brief period of indulgence, fatigue returned.

But this time, everyone's eyes held a hint of anger and a sense of awe for this 'mad' yet miraculous adult.

As night deepened, the future remained uncertain, but at least for now, they were still alive, and... a little hungry.

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(End of this chapter)