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

Chapter 241 How did Zhu Laosi successfully become emperor?! [Requesting monthly votes]

A thrilling assassination attempt was like throwing a pebble into the ocean, without causing a ripple.

However, all of this is superficial.

Old Zhu knew Zhu Youxun had problems, so why didn't he just arrest him?

Because Zhu Yuanzhang knew very well that with Zhu Youxun's abilities, it was impossible for him to use the "Red Lead Elixir" to scheme against Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

In other words, there must be someone behind him.

It was that person who schemed against Crown Prince Zhu Biao based on the properties of the 'Red Lead Elixir' that he had revealed.

Therefore, what Old Zhu wanted to capture was the 'prince' behind him.

As long as Zhu Youxun gets what he wants, Old Zhu believes he will eventually slip up.

After all, few people are able to be complacent and vigilant when they are successful.

However, both Old Zhu and that 'prince' seemed to have underestimated Zhu Youxue.

"Your Highness, I found these things on the assassin!"

The trusted bodyguard who had just gone down to deal with the body returned to the study with light steps.

Zhu Youxun frowned slightly, then took the item from the assassin's hand. It turned out to be some marks that seemed to be there, but upon closer examination, they could vaguely point to the Qi Prince's Mansion in Qingzhou.

"It seems that not only does Uncle Wang want to abandon me, but he also plans to use my death to frame Uncle Qi..."

He muttered to himself, his voice hoarse, without resentment, only a chill that seeped into his bones.

"Why is that? Is it because that mad dog Zhang Biao is pushing too hard, or do you feel... I've become a burden?"

He was very aware of his fatal weakness.

He participated in the heinous crime of plotting to murder Crown Prince Zhu Biao, a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of his family.

He and the prince were in the same boat; if the prince's boat capsized, Zhu Youxun would be the first to drown, and he would die a miserable death.

Therefore, he absolutely dared not, and could not, betray the prince.

All his anger and retaliation must be strictly controlled within the scope of self-preservation and proving that he still has value.

After a brief silence, he took a deep breath, walked to his desk, spread out a sheet of paper, and, in his capacity as the temporary head of the Zhou Prince's residence, wrote a letter to Leng Feng, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with words that were both apprehensive and earnest.

In the letter, he described in detail the assassination attempt he had made that night by "unidentified, well-trained thugs," emphasizing that the assassins were ruthless and their plan was meticulous, and that it was by no means an ordinary gangland feud.

He expressed his deep concern, suggesting that the case might be related to the previous assassination of Censor Li Mo, or even to the major cases involving grain transport and military equipment that the court was currently investigating.

Zhu Youxun was appointed to temporarily manage the Prince's Palace during a time of crisis. He felt a great responsibility and feared that his lack of ability might cause chaos to break out in his fiefdom, thus failing the Emperor's grace and his father.

Therefore, we earnestly request Commander Leng to use his authority as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to intervene and thoroughly investigate this case, and to find out the origin of the assassin and the mastermind behind it.

This would not only clear the name of the Prince Zhou's mansion, but also help him stabilize the situation in his fiefdom, and further clarify the situation for the imperial court.

He promised that everyone in the Zhou Prince's residence would fully cooperate with the Embroidered Uniform Guard's investigation.

There are two purposes for doing this:
1. By proactively requesting an investigation from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he made a very convincing gesture, which could effectively clear him of suspicion of assassinating Li Mo and create the image of a princely heir who actively cooperated with the court.

2. Pass the hot potato to Leng Feng and let the authorities investigate. No matter the outcome, it will help relieve his pressure and may even be used to kill someone.

Immediately afterwards, he wrote a second letter in cipher and sent it to the prince through an absolutely reliable channel.

In the letter, he first "deeply apologized," admitting that he may have left hidden dangers in handling Li Mo's matter, which drew the court's attention to Kaifeng and brought unnecessary trouble to the prince's grand plan. This was due to his incompetence.

Then, in a 'still-shaken' tone, he gave a detailed account of the assassination attempt that evening, and based on the existing 'clues,' made bold speculations:
This is very likely due to other forces in the court who are at odds with the prince, such as Prince Qi, who has been rife with corruption in the grain transport and is being closely watched by Zhang Biao, or some remaining forces loyal to the former crown prince who are seeking revenge, who have realized the prince's intention to use Zhang Biao to eliminate dissidents.

Therefore, in desperation, he attempted to create chaos and sow discord between the Prince and the Prince of Zhou's residence by assassinating Zhu Youxun.

They even framed the prince for the crime of assassinating the prince's heir, a treacherous scheme that killed two birds with one stone.

He stated that he had narrowly escaped with his life and would always remember the prince's kindness.

In addition, he took corresponding measures to guide the direction of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's investigation, vowing to find out the real 'mastermind', relieve the prince's worries and difficulties, and never let the villain's conspiracy succeed.

Finally, he reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the prince, stating that he would share the prince's honor and disgrace, and earnestly pleaded with the prince to have a clear understanding of the situation and, considering his still insignificant usefulness, to provide protection and guidance.

There are two purposes for doing this:

1. Use the Embroidered Uniform Guard to threaten the prince in reverse, and don't force yourself to take desperate measures.

2. Subtly shift all the problems to the prince's political enemies, positioning yourself as a loyal ally who is being targeted by the enemy and is capable of handling the trouble.

After writing the two letters and applying the special sealing wax, Zhu Youxun felt his tense nerves relax slightly.

"Uncle Qi... this time, I have no choice but to trouble you for the time being."

Zhu Youxun muttered to himself, his face devoid of any remorse, only displaying cold calculation.

"Somebody come!"

"My subordinate is here!"

The trusted assassins appeared like ghosts.

"Send these two letters out immediately, separately! Make sure everything goes smoothly!"

"Yes!"

"in addition!"

Zhu Youxun narrowed his eyes and said again:
"Bring the assassin's body back and assist Commander Leng's men in their investigation once they arrive."

“Remember, let them discover these clues pointing to Qingzhou ‘naturally.’ We are just providing the scene; the conclusions are for them to draw themselves.”

"My subordinate understands!"

After doing all this, Zhu Youxun walked to the copper basin and vigorously rubbed his face with cold water.

He looked up at his reflection in the bronze mirror, his face now calm, yet still bearing a hint of shock and grievance.

He knew that the role he would be playing next was that of a young and inexperienced member of the imperial family who was innocently caught up in a massive conspiracy, who was lucky enough to escape but was filled with fear and anger, and who was eager to seek the protection of the court and his elders.

This assassination attempt did not break him; instead, it acted like a powerful medicine, spurring him to develop a deeper level of cunning and more ruthless methods.

In the grand scheme controlled by the prince, he, as a pawn, must strive to become indispensable, at least... not to be easily discarded.

Before long, Leng Feng, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, received a 'letter of appeal' sent overnight from the Prince Zhou's residence.

He quickly finished browsing, his face expressionless, but a faint hint of mockery flickered in his eyes, which had seen through too many conspiracies.

This second master's reaction was quick, and his methods were quite clever.

He shifted the blame eastward, finding favor with both sides, wanting to clear his own name while also demonstrating loyalty to those behind him.

"Someone come here," Leng Feng said in a deep voice.

"exist!"

"Give me a squad of brothers and come with me to the Zhou Prince's residence."

Leng Feng stood up and straightened the collar of his flying fish robe:
"The assassination attempt on Second Master is no small matter. We, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, will naturally provide our full support in the investigation."

He deliberately emphasized the words "with all his might".

"Furthermore, pass down the order to send more people to secretly monitor all those entering and leaving the Zhou Prince's residence, especially the Second Master's trusted confidants, and see who they will contact next."

"Yes!"

Leng Feng led a team of elite cavalry and soon arrived at the Zhou Prince's residence.

Zhu Youxun was already waiting in the living room. His face was pale, and his eyes had just the right amount of dark circles. When he saw Leng Feng, he immediately got up and greeted him with an expression that was three parts still in shock and seven parts relieved.

"Commander Leng! You've finally arrived!"

Zhu Youxun's voice trembled slightly, just enough to be felt:

"What happened tonight was truly... appalling! If it weren't for the guards fighting to the death, I would probably be dead by now!"

"Now that my father is gone, my brother has been wronged, and I... I am truly at a loss, and can only rely on you, Commander!"

His performance was sincere and moving, perfectly portraying a young royal who was deeply frightened.

Leng Feng sneered inwardly, but maintained a serious, businesslike demeanor on his face:

"Second Master, you've been frightened. Protecting the imperial family and investigating the case are the duties of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"Please tell me more about tonight's events in detail, and grant me permission to examine the assassin's body and the scene."

"It should! It should!"

Zhu Youxun hurriedly led Leng Feng to the study where the assassination had occurred, and described the assassination in great detail again, implying repeatedly that the assassin was well-trained and no ordinary person.

Upon entering the study, the stench of blood had not yet completely dissipated.

Several coroners from the Imperial Guards have begun examining the bodies.

Leng Feng's sharp gaze swept across the scene, not missing a single detail.

He noticed the extent of the damage to the window, the distribution of bloodstains on the ground, and... as Zhu Youxun described it, his gaze would occasionally drift to a specific spot on the assassin's corpse.

Soon, a coroner came to report:
"My lord, there were five assassins in total. Four were killed by the guards, and one apparently committed suicide by poison and was then stabbed to death. Their weapons were all standard military crossbows and poisoned short blades, their origins unknown. However..."

The coroner paused, then presented several odds and ends found on the assassin:

"This was found in the lining and inner fabric of the clothing of several assassins."

They were some seemingly ordinary scraps of cloth and a badly worn copper buckle, but you could vaguely see a pattern similar to the Qingzhou Guard mark on it, as well as an almost worn-down engraving that resembled the character '齐'.

The appearance of this 'evidence' was so logical, as if it were just waiting for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to discover it.

Leng Feng picked up the copper buckle, rubbed it between his fingertips, and looked intently at Zhu Youxun, who had a look of 'surprise and doubt' on his face.

"Second Master, these clues... seem to point to Qingzhou!"

Leng Feng's tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

Zhu Youxun immediately showed a shocked and incredulous expression: "Qingzhou? Uncle Qi? This... how is this possible!"

“I have no grudge against him… Could it be because I assisted in the investigation of the canal transport, which infringed upon his interests? Or… is someone trying to frame him and sow discord between us, uncle and nephew?”

His words completely absolved him of any responsibility, pointing out both the King of Qi's motives and leaving room for the possibility of being framed, thus providing a balanced and persuasive argument.

Leng Feng put away the copper buckle, remaining calm: "The truth still needs to be verified. Rest assured, Second Master, I will investigate to the end."

"For the Second Master's safety, please try to minimize going out in the near future. I will also increase the number of guards at the Prince's Mansion to assist in the security."

"Thank you very much, Commander! I'm so grateful for your help!"

Zhu Youxun thanked him repeatedly, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Leng Feng left the Zhou Prince's Mansion with the 'evidence' he had collected and a bellyful of 'doubts'.

Zhu Youxun stood in the shadows of the high palace, watching Leng Feng and his entourage leave. The fearful and helpless expression on his face gradually faded, replaced by a cold calculation.

"The first step is complete."

He whispered to himself.

Now, let's see how Uncle Wang responds.

【And Zhang Biao... Li Mo... you all just wait! This game isn't over yet!】 Meanwhile, in a small house in Guihua Lane outside Wuchang City.

Cuilian worked quickly, and soon brought out several large bowls of steaming hot vegetarian noodles, topped with golden fried eggs, which smelled delicious.

Having been starving all day, the five of them didn't care about their image anymore and started slurping their food down, even drinking every last drop of soup.

With warm food in my stomach and a bit more warmth in my body, my tense nerves finally relaxed a little.

Zhang Biao let out a satisfied burp, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and looked at Song Zhong:

"Old Song, now that we're a bit safer, tell me, what kind of person is your brother Chen Qianxiang? Besides being afraid of his wife and having affairs, what real skills does he have?"

Song Zhong put down his bowl and became serious: "My lord, Qian Xiang may seem rough and rough, but he is actually very meticulous. He is especially skilled in military affairs and knows the intricacies of the garrison like the back of his hand."

"Most importantly, he is loyal and keeps his promises. Back in the day, he took an arrow for me on the battlefield. We have a true bond that is worth risking our lives for."

"Oh?"

Zhang Biao raised an eyebrow: "Then how come he's still just a local garrison commander after all these years? Logically speaking, someone with ability and loyalty shouldn't be overlooked!"

Song Zhong sighed: "It's because he's too shrewd and not tactful enough that he offended his superiors."

"In addition... his affair with his mistress, although it was kept secret, no secret can stay hidden forever. Eventually, it left him with something to hold against him, so he has been stuck in the position of Assistant Magistrate of Wuchang Garrison for several years."

"interesting."

Zhang Biao stroked his chin and muttered to himself:

“A garrison officer who is capable but suppressed, harboring resentment, and has a history of romantic entanglements… such a person, if used well, can be a sharp knife.”

After saying this, he glanced at the young Imperial Guard and added:
"Xiao Wu, go and call Sister Cuilian in. I need to ask her some questions!"

"okay!"

Xiao Wu moved very quickly and soon brought Cuilian in.

"Zhang Qingtian, is there not enough to eat? I steamed a few more buns."

Cuilian greeted him warmly as soon as she entered, seemingly treating Zhang Biao as an acquaintance at all.

Zhang Biao patted his stomach and burped, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, looked at the enthusiastic Cuilian, and smiled:
“We appreciate your kindness, sister-in-law. But I called you in not because we didn’t have enough to eat, but because I wanted to ask you some questions.”

"Does Your Excellency wish to inquire about Chen Lang?"

Cuilian was very quick-witted and reacted instantly; her enthusiasm was replaced by worry.

Zhang Biao gave her a deep look, thinking to himself, "No wonder wildflowers smell better than cultivated ones; this woman is truly understanding." So he didn't mince words and said:

"Sister-in-law, since you understand everything, please tell us, what exactly happened to Magistrate Chen recently? Was there anything unusual about him before he disappeared?"

Cuilian twisted the handkerchief in her hand, tears welling up in her eyes:

“Brother Song, Lord Zhang, to be honest, Chen Lang… he hasn’t come for five days.”

“Even when he was busy before, he would sneak a peek at me every two or three days. This time it's been so long, without even a word. I'm so worried…”

She took a deep breath and tried hard to recall:
“Five days ago, on the night he last came, he looked flustered and restless. When I asked him what was wrong, he only said that something terrible had happened at the garrison…”

"It seems there's some discrepancy in the accounts, and the higher-ups are investigating it closely. It also involves... involves some kind of 'brand' and 'goods from the north'."

"Brand? Goods from the north?"

Zhang Biao and Song Zhong exchanged a glance, a thought flashing through their minds. This likely pointed to the 'beast token' and the unusual supplies transported via the canal.

"Correct!"

Cuilian nodded and said:
"He also said that he felt he was being watched and told me not to go to the garrison to see him recently. Before leaving... he seemed to have made a big decision and said to me..."

She lowered her voice:

"He said that if he didn't hear from me within three days, or send anyone to pick me up, he would have me go and find a way to deliver what he had hidden under the third loose brick behind the stove to... to a commander named 'Zhao Meng'!"

"Or, if the situation is worse, try to send him to the Provincial Surveillance Commission and find a deputy envoy surnamed Wang."

"Behind the stove?"

Song Zhong frowned and couldn't help but ask, "Didn't he say what it was?"

"no!"

Cuilian shook her head and said, "He only said that it was 'something that can save your life' and 'something that can bring disaster,' and that it must not fall into the hands of bad people."

Zhang Biao immediately stood up: "Are the things still there? Let's go get them now!"

"I don't know, I didn't touch that thing!"

"Let's go! Let's go take a look!"

Soon, the five of them arrived at the cramped kitchen.

Cuilian moved the pile of firewood aside and, sure enough, found a loose blue brick behind the stove.

Song Zhong carefully pulled out the brick, reached inside to feel around, but his expression suddenly changed.

"empty!"

Everyone's hearts sank.

"Could you have remembered the location wrong?" the middle-aged Imperial Guard asked anxiously.

"impossible!"

Cuilian said with certainty, "Chen Lang has told me repeatedly that it's the third brick! I even made a special note of the missing corner on the brick next to it!"

Song Zhong carefully examined the hole, then touched its edges, and said with a grim face:

"There are scratches here...someone must have gotten here first!"

These words sent a chill through everyone.

They were still a step too late.

Chen Qianxiang's backup plan has been discovered.

"Oh shit!"

Frustrated, Zhang Biao slammed his fist on the earthen stove, instantly extinguishing the glimmer of hope that had just begun to rise.

The trail seems to have ended here.

Chen Qianxiang's fate is unknown, and the crucial evidence he left behind has vanished without a trace. They are like headless flies.

"My lord, what do we do now?" The middle-aged Imperial Guard's voice was filled with despair.

Zhang Biao forced himself to calm down, his brain racing.

He stared at the empty hole and suddenly asked, "Sister-in-law Cuilian, besides you, does Magistrate Chen have anyone else he can trust?"

"this."

Cuilian lowered her head somewhat awkwardly and stammered, "If I had to say who I can trust, it would be the First Madam."

"impossible!"

Song Zhong categorically denied it, saying, "That woman Liu is arrogant and domineering, and she can't keep a secret at all. Qian Xiang would never tell her such an important matter!"

Upon hearing this, Cuilian was overjoyed, but asked with a hint of doubt, "Could it be that Zhao Meng?"

"Wait!"

Before Song Zhong could reply, Zhang Biao interrupted them, then frowned and said:

"I'm wondering if it's possible that besides hiding things here, he hid them somewhere else? Like in the study, the bedroom, or some other place he frequents?"

"After all, even Geng Zhong knew how to have multiple burrows, so this Chen Tongzhi doesn't seem like a fool!"

"That's right! Qianxiang is a shrewd person; he wouldn't leave without a backup plan!"

Song Zhong nodded in deep agreement, then looked at Cuilian again.

Cuilian was trying hard to recall when, suddenly her eyes lit up:
“Once, when Chen Lang was drunk, he bragged to me that he hid things in the open, but the real things were hidden in the dark.”

"He also said... the most dangerous place is the safest place. When he used to be on night duty at the garrison, he liked to stuff important personal items into... into the gap in the base of the stone lion statue at the entrance of the armory!"

He said that the place was so busy with people coming and going that nobody paid attention to it!

"Arsenal! Stone Lion!"

Zhang Biao and Song Zhong shouted out almost simultaneously.

The armory! That's a major warehouse for military equipment!

The stone lion is one of the nine sons of the dragon. It resembles a lion, loves fireworks, and is often used as an incense burner or architectural decoration. It also has the meaning of guarding.

Chen Qianxiang was skilled in military affairs and often went to the armory. Choosing it as his second hiding place was perfectly in line with his personality and the theory of "the darkest place is under the lamp"!

"But... the armory is a heavily guarded area of ​​the garrison, how can we get in?"

Xiao Wu raised a key question.

Song Zhong pondered for a moment and said, "Forced entry is definitely not an option. We must find a way to sneak in, or... lure them away from the mountain."

He looked at Zhang Biao: "Sir, we need Zhao Meng's help! He is a commander of a thousand men, has the authority to enter the armory area, and has a group of trustworthy brothers under his command."

"Can Zhao Meng be trusted?" Zhang Biao questioned.

Song Zhong thought for a moment and said, "Although I have only met Zhao Meng once, Qian Xiang trusts him in this critical moment, so there shouldn't be any problem!"

"Yes, you're right, but we must be careful!"

Zhang Biao pondered for a moment and said, "We cannot reveal all the details until we are certain that he is absolutely reliable."

"Old Song, you go yourself, pretend to be an old friend, find out where Chen Qianxiang is, and observe his reaction."

"If he can be trusted, then we can act according to the circumstances and ask him for help."

"understand!"

Song Zhong nodded. He knew this was the only feasible solution at the moment, but it was also fraught with risks.

"and many more!"

Zhang Biao called him back again, his expression grave:

"Remember, our primary objective is to confirm Chen Qianxiang's fate, and secondly, to obtain evidence. If things become impossible, saving lives is the priority! We can't afford to lose any more men!"

Song Zhong nodded heavily, then turned and left.

Zhang Biao, who watched him leave, frowned again.

How exactly did this incredibly powerful prince ultimately fail?

How did it end up benefiting Zhu Laosi?

Or perhaps, this prince is none other than Zhu Laosi?!

Please vote for me with your monthly tickets!

(End of this chapter)