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

Chapter 243 Zhang Biao: I'm not pretending anymore, I'm laying my cards on the table, I'm self-destructing! [Seeking monthly votes]

Half an hour later, in the courtyard of Osmanthus Lane.

The courtyard gate was knocked on rhythmically and gently, a signal that Song Zhong had returned safely.

Cuilian quickly opened the door.

Song Zhong stumbled through the door, soaking wet and with a bloody gash on his shoulder from a stray arrow. He was pale as he walked in.

"Song Qian Shi!"

Two Imperial Guards immediately stepped forward to help him up.

"My lord... Zhao Meng... has betrayed us!"

Song Zhong gritted his teeth and briefly recounted how he encountered the trap and was rescued by the 'mysterious man':
"If it weren't for someone coming to my rescue, I would have been dead tonight!"

After hearing this, Zhang Biao's face turned so gloomy it seemed like water could drip from it.

He touched the still-warm pistol in his arms.

It was he and Xiao Wu who had been secretly following him and fired the shot at the crucial moment to save Song Zhong.

But he didn't say it aloud; he simply said in a deep voice:
"It's good that you're back! This shows that our opponents reacted extremely quickly and laid a tight net, even managing to turn someone like Zhao Meng, who seemed like an unyielding man!"

After saying that, he glanced at the wound on Song Zhong's shoulder and said to Cuilian, "Sister-in-law, could you please fetch a basin of hot water and a clean cloth?"

Then he addressed Song Zhonghe and the other three:

"Zhao Meng's betrayal means that our last visible lead has been cut off, and the enemy already knows that we have entered the city, and may even begin a city-wide manhunt!"

"This place... is probably no longer safe."

These words immediately created an unprecedented pressure that enveloped the small courtyard.

They seemed to be caught in an invisible net, surrounded by enemies, with danger lurking at every turn.

However, after the initial gloom, Zhang Biao's eyes ignited with an even more frenzied flame.

He suddenly stood up, paced around the cramped main room a couple of times, and then stopped in front of Song Zhong.

"Old Song, can you still hold on?"

His voice was deep and powerful.

Song Zhong gritted his teeth and let Cuilian bandage his shoulder wound, nodding emphatically: "Don't worry, sir, it's just a superficial wound, I won't die!"

"it is good!"

Zhang Biao clapped his hands: "Do those people think we'll hide like rats? We won't!"

A smile, almost sinister, appeared on his face:

"Anyway, I've already found the key evidence, and all that's left is to identify the mastermind. Now, I'm done playing this game, I'm laying my cards on the table!"

"showdown?"

Song Zhong and the three Imperial Guards were stunned.

"That's right!"

Zhang Biao's gaze swept over the group, and he said decisively:
"I'm an imperial envoy! I'm the head of the anti-corruption bureau, personally appointed by the Emperor to investigate this case! Why should I play hide-and-seek with these shady characters?!"

He suddenly pointed out the window towards the center of Wuchang city:
"After daybreak, I'll put on this tattered official robe, take Zhu's imperial edict, and go straight to knock on the door of the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission!"

"I'm going to smash those eight words, 'raising bandits to enhance one's own power' and 'assassinating the imperial envoy,' right in front of all the officials in Huguang!"

"Sir! No!"

The middle-aged imperial guard was so shocked he almost jumped up: "This...this is too risky!"

"Yes, sir!"

Xiao Wu quickly advised Zhang Biao, "The Provincial Administration Commission is a mixed bag; who knows how many of its people are inside? You're walking right into a trap!"

"Throw yourself into a trap?"

Zhang Biao sneered: "I just want to see just how strong this net really is!"

"Would they dare to kill an imperial envoy who held irrefutable evidence and revealed his identity in broad daylight, right in the main hall of a provincial government office?"

He paused, his eyes sharp as knives: "They wouldn't dare! At least, not openly!"

"Assassinating an imperial envoy is tantamount to treason, a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family! No matter how powerful the person behind it is, they wouldn't dare to bring this matter out into the open!"

"I'm going there to make a huge fuss! I'll make sure the whole of Wuchang knows about it, and when the news can't be kept under wraps anymore, it must be sent to the capital by express courier!"

"I want to force them to jump from the shadows into the light!"

"They either arrest me on the spot and confirm my guilt, or they have to watch me submit evidence and then be put on the defensive!"

Despite the pain in his shoulder, Song Zhong pondered Zhang Biao's words, his eyes gradually brightening: "My lord... are you going to take a risky move, using yourself as bait to stir up this mess?"

"Correct!"

Zhang Biao nodded and said, "Only when the water is murky can we have a chance to catch fish!"

"Moreover, I bet that not everyone in the Provincial Administration Commission is one of their people!"

“There will always be officials who are loyal to the emperor and love their country, or who are not of one mind with them!”

"My outburst is a signal to these people, an opportunity for them to stand up and set things right!"

After saying this, he looked at Song Zhong and said in a deep voice:

“Old Song, your task is even more important. My two brothers and I will storm the Provincial Administration Office to attract everyone’s attention.”

"Your injuries make you inconvenient and you're a small target, so take Sister Cuilian and move immediately!"

"Remember! Find a more secluded place to hide!"

After speaking, he handed the package he was carrying to Song Zhong, saying:
"Take this with you and keep it safe; it's our trump card. I'll only take a copy when I go to the yamen."

"No! My lord, it's too dangerous! I'll go with you!" Song Zhong said urgently.

"This is an order!"

Zhang Biao's tone left no room for argument, and he immediately patted Song Zhong's uninjured shoulder, his tone softening slightly:
"Don't worry, I'm tough as nails, I won't die that easily. Besides, I still have 'something' in my arms."

He made a suggestive gesture by touching the spot where the gun was hidden.

Then, looking at Xiao Wu, he gave the order again:

"Xiao Wu, your task is to contact the nearby garrisons and have their commanders come to Wuchang City to await orders. Anyone who fails to come will be considered to be disobeying an imperial decree!"

"This"

Xiao Wu hesitated for a moment, then looked at Song Zhong.

Song Zhong knew that Zhang Biao had made up his mind, and that behind this seemingly crazy plan was the only risky move that might break the deadlock in the current desperate situation.

He clasped his hands tightly and said, "Your subordinate obeys!"

Seeing that Song Zhong had accepted the order, Xiao Wu naturally dared not hesitate any longer and immediately clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your subordinate obeys! My lord... take care!"

"Take care, you too."

Zhang Biao smiled, then looked at the other two Imperial Guards: "Are you afraid?"

"I am willing to die with you, sir!"

The two spoke in unison, their eyes resolute.

"Alright! Let's get ready and move out at daybreak!"

Zhang Biao made a decisive decision.

The following morning, Wuchang City awoke from its slumber.

As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the imposing plaque of the Provincial Administration Commissioner's Office, three disheveled men, though deliberately tidying their official robes, appeared at the entrance.

Zhang Biao, who was in the lead, took a deep breath and ignored the astonished and wary gazes of the yamen runners at the door.

He pulled out the crumpled document from his pocket, bearing the official seal of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the imperial envoy's seal. Gathering his strength, he unleashed a thunderous roar at the vermilion gate:

"I am Zhang Biao, the Imperial Commissioner and Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau appointed by His Majesty!"

"There is a momentous case concerning the fate of the nation and involving powerful princes and ministers. I need to see the governor immediately! Summon him at once!"

This roar, delivered with all his might, sounded particularly abrupt and loud in the relatively quiet Yaqian Street in the early morning.

Not only were the yamen runners at the gate stunned, but even the pedestrians and vendors who had just started to get busy on the street stopped and looked over with surprise and doubt.

"Zhang... Zhang Biao? That madman Zhang from the capital?"

"What 'Zhang the Madman'?! That's Zhang the Upright Official! If you keep talking nonsense, I'll beat you up!"

"Oh, but... why does he look like this?"

"He said there was a shocking case?"

"Involving a feudal lord? My God..."

The discussions erupted like water thrown into a hot oil pan.

The constables looked at each other, not daring to delay, and one of them quickly scrambled in to report.

Zhang Biao stood there imposingly at the entrance of the yamen.

Although his clothes were tattered, his unruly and eccentric temperament, combined with his status as an imperial envoy, created a peculiar aura that made people afraid to approach him.

Not long after, a series of hurried footsteps came from inside the yamen.

Pan Wenmao, the Left Provincial Administration Commissioner of Huguang, walked out quickly, surrounded by a group of subordinates, his face filled with surprise and uncertainty.

He had clearly been informed, and his brows furrowed as he looked at Zhang Biao, who resembled a beggar at the door.

"Lord Zhang...?"

Pan Wenmao could hardly believe it: "What is this...?"

"Pan Fantai!"

Zhang Biao didn't give him a chance to exchange pleasantries. He stepped forward and handed over the official document and a few pages of key contents from the account books seized from Raozhouwei.

The voice remained loud, ensuring that the growing crowd of onlookers could hear it:
"I was ordered to investigate a case, but I was ambushed and killed by villains along the way. I barely made it to Wuchang after surviving many close calls!"

"It has now been discovered that a mastermind is colluding with local garrisons and grain transport authorities to carry out a shocking conspiracy of 'nurturing bandits to enhance their own power'!"

"Geng Zhong, the commander of Raozhou Guard, is a key link in this chain!"

"Military supplies were secretly transported to unknown locations through the garrison network, and the accounting records provide conclusive evidence!"

"And Geng Zhong has been silenced by the person behind the scenes!"

He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over Pan Wenmao and the officials behind him with their varied expressions, before raising his voice again:

"This case also involves many regional princes, and even nobles in the court!"

"I possess irrefutable evidence, pointing directly to this crime! This is an unforgivable crime of undermining the foundations of our Great Ming Dynasty and shaking the very core of the nation!"

"Wow——!"

These words were like a thunderclap from a clear sky, causing a huge uproar not only among the officials but also among the onlookers.

[Is the act of harboring bandits to enhance one's own power? Were garrison officers silenced? Are feudal lords and nobles implicated?]

Any one of these words is enough to send chills down your spine!

Pan Wenmao's face turned deathly pale instantly, and some of his subordinates behind him were so shocked that they almost lost their footing.

"Lord Zhang... Lord Zhang! Be careful what you say! Be careful what you say!"

Pan Wenmao's voice changed, and he hurriedly stepped forward to try and stop Zhang Biao:
"This matter is of great importance; how can we make a scene here? Please come inside for a detailed discussion!"

"Let's discuss in detail?"

Zhang Biao flung his hand away, his voice even louder:

"I intend to say this right here! Let all the people of Wuchang hear it! Let everyone be a witness!"

"I, Zhang Biao, am making this case public today. If I utter even the slightest lie, may I be struck by lightning!"

"If anyone dares to kill to silence witnesses and cover up the truth, then they are guilty of a guilty conscience and deserve to be punished!"

He has completely torn off pretense, laying everything out in the open, using public opinion and transparency as a shield for himself.

Pan Wenmao was trembling with anger, yet he was helpless.

Zhang Biao was an imperial envoy, so he couldn't resort to violence on the spot.

Moreover, Zhang Biao's words had already spread, and if he forcibly dragged Zhang Biao in under the watchful eyes of everyone, it would only make him seem guilty.

"Very well! Very well! Lord Zhang, please! I... I will come inside and discuss this with you in detail!"

Pan Wenmao almost gritted his teeth as he uttered these words, signaling the constables to clear the road.

Zhang Biao snorted coldly, straightened his tattered robes, and gave a wink to the two Imperial Guards behind him who were sweating nervously.

The two men immediately felt relieved, and then, with their heads held high and chests puffed out, they followed Zhang Biao and strode into the vermilion gates of the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission under the watchful eyes of all the onlookers.

Before long, they arrived at the Second Hall of the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission.

Pan Wenmao dismissed his attendants, leaving only his trusted advisor and a court official in charge of recording.

He sat in the main seat, his face ashen, watching Zhang Biao, who was sitting casually opposite him and even poured himself a cup of tea, his chest heaving violently.

"Master Zhang!"

Pan Wenmao suppressed his anger, forcing out the words through clenched teeth:

"Do you know what you just said outside the yamen?!"

"'Nurturing bandits to enhance one's own power' and 'the involvement of vassal kings'! Are these words to be uttered lightly? These are crimes punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!" "Without solid evidence, you...you are slandering the imperial family and sowing discord among the people!"

Zhang Biao slowly took a sip of tea and clicked his tongue: "Prefect Pan, this tea is excellent, much better than the dew I drank in the mountains."

"Zhang Biao—!"

Pan Wenmao almost slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

"No hurries?"

Zhang Biao put down his teacup, took out the few pages of key information copied from the Raozhou Guard's account books from his pocket, and casually tossed them onto the coffee table in front of Pan Wenmao:
"Real evidence? Look at this, is it convincing enough?"

"This was copied from the secret ledger of Geng Zhong, the commander of Raozhou Garrison! It records the time, quantity, and code name of the unusual transfer of military equipment!"

"Also, the verification symbol for the internal transport warehouse!"

Pan Wenmao picked up the few pages of paper with suspicion. After only a few glances, his face turned from pale to ashen, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.

The records of the time, quantity, and code names of the military equipment allocation, especially the symbols indicating unclear destinations and the imperial treasury, vaguely matched some things he vaguely knew.

"This... Geng Zhong is dead, how can we be sure this isn't a forgery by you?"

Pan Wenmao tried to remain calm, but his voice trembled slightly.

"Forgery?"

Zhang Biao stared at him, his eyes sharp as knives:

"I publicly tried Geng Zhong in Raozhou Garrison, in front of Duke Lan Yu of Liang and many soldiers! His personal guards can testify! Duke Lan Yu of Liang can also testify!"

"Prefect Pan, should I invite the Duke of Liang to confront you?!"

He took a step closer, his voice lower but even more menacing:

"Prefect Pan, did Chen Qianxiang, the Deputy Commander of Wuchang Garrison, also disappear because he discovered something similar?"

"Whether he is alive or dead, you, as the official in charge of Huguang, surely know?"

Pan Wenmao's eyes flickered: "Prefect Chen... he asked for leave a few days ago, saying that his elderly mother was seriously ill and he had gone back to his hometown to visit her..."

"fart!"

Zhang Biao slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups jump around.

"His mother died ten years ago! Pan Wenmao, are you trying to fool me?!"

He stood up and pointed at Pan Wenmao's nose:

"Chen Qianxiang's woman told me that he discovered the garrison's accounts didn't match up five days ago, and then he suddenly disappeared!"

"Now, they're either already dead, their bodies buried in some mass grave, or locked up in some dark, sunless place!"

"As the provincial governor and a high-ranking official in charge of a region, are you truly completely unaware of such shocking events?"

"Or...is it deliberately feigning deafness or even...being part of the whole scheme?!"

That's too harsh a statement.

Pan Wenmao and his advisor were both horrified.

"Zhang Biao! Don't you dare make false accusations!"

Pan Wenmao also stood up abruptly, his beard trembling with anger: "I am an upright official, how dare you slander me so wantonly!"

"Upright and honest?"

Zhang Biao sneered: "Then let me ask you, in the past three years, the military expenditures reported by Huguang for suppressing bandits have increased year by year! Last year alone, it reached 800,000 taels! But has the banditry been quelled?"

"No! The more we try to suppress them, the more there are!"

"I'm asking you, where did all the money go? And where did all the damaged weapons go?"

"As the provincial governor, in charge of the province's finances and people's livelihood, don't tell me you've never had any doubts!?"

Pan Wenmao was speechless when asked the question, his face turning red and white in turns.

He certainly had his doubts, and even investigated them secretly.

But every time a clue is found, it is met with invisible pressure from all sides, or the people involved die or disappear mysteriously, and in the end, nothing is ever found.

He knew this was a very deep pool of water, with a vast network of vested interests involved, so he dared not investigate, nor could he possibly investigate it.

"Lord Zhang... there are some things that I don't understand, but they involve too many people and could easily lead to a catastrophe!"

Pan Wenmao's tone softened, carrying a hint of helplessness and pleading:

"Why...why do you have to stir up this hornet's nest? Why don't we...why don't we suppress this matter and discuss it further..."

"Damn it!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Biao's anger flared up:

"Do you know I was chased like a dog in the mountains? Everyone knows I, Zhang the Madman, am fearless! How dare you bully me like this! Do you really think I have no temper?!"

"Now, let me tell you, Pan Wenmao, I'm going to stir up this hornet's nest!"

"Even if the Emperor himself came, he couldn't stop us! I said it!"

boom!
Upon hearing this, Pan Wenmao, his clerk, and the clerk in charge of recording were all struck dumb.

Although they had heard of Zhang Biao's crazy deeds, seeing is believing!

This Zhang the Madman is even bolder and crazier than the rumors suggest.

"I'm not only going to stab it, I'm going to smash it to pieces!"

After saying this, Zhang Biao walked straight to the window, suddenly pushed it open, and pointed outside:

"Listen to this! The whole city of Wuchang is talking about it now!"

"I believe the news will soon spread throughout Hubei and Hunan, and throughout the world!"

"Can you suppress it? Can the people behind you suppress this overwhelming public opinion?!"

Outside the window, the faint sounds of even louder discussions from the street drifted in, with words like "raising bandits," "feudal king," and "imperial envoy" constantly floating in.

Pan Wenmao's face was ashen.

He knew that Zhang Biao was right; things had escalated too much to cover up now.

Just then, a constable rushed in to report:
"The Provincial Governor, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Huang, the Military Commander Wang, and... and the Chief Secretary of the Prince of Chu's Palace, have all arrived outside the yamen, saying they want to... want to see Imperial Envoy Zhang."

Pan Wenmao stumbled and almost lost his balance.

What was supposed to come finally came!

And they came so quickly!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Biao laughed instead.

His smile held a hint of madness and excitement: "Great! Everyone's here? Perfect! Saves me the trouble of searching for them one by one!"

After speaking, he straightened his robes and said to Pan Wenmao:
"Prefect Pan, shall we go? Let's go and meet all the 'gods' in this Huguang region!"

"Let's see if they're here to put out the fire, or... to silence us!"

Without waiting for Pan Wenmao's response, he strode outside.

At this time, outside the second hall, in the courtyard of the Provincial Administration Commission, a number of people were already standing.

Huang Yan, the Provincial Judicial Commissioner of Huguang, had a calm expression and sharp, piercing eyes.

He was in charge of criminal cases in a province, and this matter was within his jurisdiction.

Wang Tong, the Vice Commander of the Military Command, was dressed in military uniform and looked rather grim. He was responsible for the incident involving the military equipment in the garrison.

The most eye-catching figure was Zhou Wenyuan, the chief secretary of the Chu Prince's mansion, who wore the robes of a prince's official, had a fair complexion, and a slightly condescending look in his eyes.

He represents the will of King Zhu Zhen of Chu!

All eyes were focused on Zhang Biao, who walked out of the second hall, dressed in rags but exuding an imposing aura.

"Which one of you is the Chief Secretary of the Chu Prince's Palace?"

Zhang Biao's gaze swept over the crowd and landed directly on Zhou Wenyuan.

Zhou Wenyuan bowed slightly, his tone neither humble nor arrogant, yet distant: "This humble official, Zhou Wenyuan, Chief Secretary of the Chu Prince's Palace, greets Imperial Envoy Zhang."

He paused, then asked casually, "I wonder what Imperial Envoy Zhang meant by 'involving the princes' when he said that outside the yamen? You should know that slandering members of the imperial family is a serious crime."

[Is it starting with questioning and threats?]

Zhang Biao grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth:

“Chief Secretary Zhou, I possess conclusive evidence from Raozhou Guard showing that there are indeed weapons whose whereabouts are unknown, and this may involve a wide range of people, perhaps even a vassal king!”

"When did I specifically refer to His Highness the Prince of Chu? Are you trying to cover your tracks by jumping out so quickly?"

"Lord Zhang, please watch your words!"

Zhou Wenyuan's face darkened: "This humble official is only here on behalf of the Prince's Mansion to inquire and clarify, so as to prevent slanderous words from tarnishing Your Highness's reputation!"

"Reputation?"

Zhang Biao took a step closer, his eyes piercing: "If you don't want anyone to know, then don't do it in the first place!"

"I possess irrefutable evidence from Raozhou Guard, proving that the loss of military equipment and the harboring of bandits for personal gain are indeed true!"

"As for whether it's related to the Chu Prince's Mansion, we'll have to investigate to find out!"

"If Chief Secretary Zhou has nothing to hide, why is he in such a hurry to clear his name? He should assist me in thoroughly investigating the matter. If His Highness the Prince of Chu is innocent, we can take this opportunity to announce it to the world!"

His words were both deconstructive and offensive, highlighting both the solid evidence from Raozhou Guard and putting Zhou Wenyuan in a difficult position.

Zhou Wenyuan was speechless for a moment, and his face became even more unsightly.

At this moment, Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Huang Yan spoke, his voice steady:
"Lord Zhang, what you just said is of great importance. May I see the evidence?"

"If you want to see Huang Juetai, of course you can."

Zhang Biao treated the provincial judicial commissioner in charge of criminal matters with slightly better manners, and handed over a copy of the Raozhou Guard's account books:

"This is a copy of the secret ledgers seized from Raozhou Guard. The original has been properly kept by me, and some of the core contents have been secretly sent to the capital by my subordinates through other channels!"

He deliberately emphasized "sent to the capital" and "the original document was properly kept," both to exert pressure and to give himself an extra layer of protection.

Huang Yan looked at the records carefully, his brows furrowing more and more.

As a seasoned criminal investigator, he could tell at a glance that these records were not unfounded, especially the unusual flow of supplies and the symbols of the imperial treasury mentioned above, which alarmed him.

Wang Tongqian, the vice commissioner, also came over to take a look, and his face turned deathly pale after just one glance.

He was in the military, so he knew better what those records meant.

"Master Zhang!"

After reading it, Huang Yan asked in a deep voice:
"Where are the personnel from Raozhouwei who provided this evidence? Also, what about the case of Chen Qianxiang's disappearance in Wuchangwei that you just mentioned?"

"Geng Zhong, the commander of Raozhou Garrison, has been silenced! His trusted personal guards have been taken into custody by the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Zhang Biao shouted, "Chen Qianxiang of Wuchangwei is suspected of having discovered similar clues, but he has now disappeared and his fate is unknown!"

"I suspect it's right here in Wuchang City! It might even be in someone's private prison!"

After saying this, he paused, then looked intently at Huang Yan:
"Huang, you are in charge of criminal justice in this province. One of the garrison officials has been killed and another has gone missing. As the provincial judicial commissioner, are you going to take any action or not?!"

Huang Yan took a deep breath, his eyes sharpening:
"I will take care of it! Of course I will! The murder of Geng Zhong and the disappearance of Chen Qianxiang are both major cases within the territory of Huguang. I will investigate them thoroughly!"

"it is good!"

This is exactly the attitude Zhang Biao wanted:

"Now, I request that Provincial Governor Huang, Provincial Governor Pan, and Vice Commissioner Wang immediately issue orders to seal off all entrances and exits of Wuchang City and conduct a city-wide manhunt for those thugs who attacked the Imperial Envoy and killed to cover up their crimes!"

"At the same time, search for Chen Qianxiang! We need to find him alive or dead!"

His gaze then turned to Zhou Wenyuan: "Chief Secretary Zhou, can the Chu Prince's Mansion also lend a hand?"

"After all, if any villains are using the properties under the name of the Prince of Chu to hide, it will be easier to find them in time, so as not to tarnish the Prince's good name!"

Zhou Wenyuan's face turned ashen. He knew that Zhang Biao was forcing him to take a stand and dragging the Chu Prince's Mansion into the mess.

He gritted his teeth and said stiffly:
"The Prince's guards are not to interfere in local affairs! This matter will be handled by Provincial Judge Huang and Provincial Governor Pan!"

"If there is indeed evidence pointing to the involvement of the servants of the Prince's residence, the Prince's residence will take care of its own affairs, and there is no need for the Imperial Envoy to trouble himself!"

"I don't need to bother?"

Zhang Biao sneered: "What if I find that there are criminals or evidence hidden in the manor or shops under the name of the Prince's Mansion?"

"Can Chief Clerk Zhou also guarantee 'cleaning up the ranks'? Or do you want me to bring out the royal decree and lead troops to search directly?!"

"Zhang Biao! How dare you!"

Zhou Wenyuan finally couldn't hold back and shouted sternly.

"You're the ones who dare to be so insolent—!"

Zhang Biao's voice was louder than his, and his imposing manner completely overwhelmed him.
"I am the Imperial Envoy here, representing His Majesty! You, as his subjects, do not think of sharing the Emperor's burdens and investigating corrupt officials, but instead shirk your responsibilities and make excuses. What are your intentions?!"

"Could it be true, as I suspect, that the officialdom in Huguang is already a monolithic entity, a den of snakes and rats?!"

When this serious accusation was slapped on their faces, all the officials present changed their expressions drastically!

Zhang Biao has completely torn off all pretense of civility, putting the entire officialdom of Huguang in a very difficult position!

.........

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(End of this chapter)