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

Chapter 4 Today, too, is a day for desperate remonstrance. [New book, please add to your collection]

The seven-day 'holiday' flew by, and Zhang Biao woke up again on that familiar hard bed.

Old Zhu ordered an investigation into the affairs of his ancestors for eighteen generations, which he naturally did not know. Even if he did know, it would have been from his 'past' generations ago.

After all, the 'monster Zhang Biao' had absolutely nothing to do with him, Imperial Censor Zhang.

So, he sat up from the bed without any burden on his mind, his movements still fluid and effortless.

1. Touch your neck – all is fine!
2. Look at the arm—the pure white countdown and 0kg mark have disappeared!

3. Feel your body – you don't feel the exhaustion that comes with eating snail rice noodles, but you still want to eat it again.

In essence, humans are just repeaters.

"Ah! Another day of desperately trying to die!"

He stretched, his bones cracking, and a 'calm' smile, like a corporate slave facing a new work week, appeared on his face.

Okay, actually it's more like the feeling of utter despair that comes with having to go to work before I'm even fully awake.

I don't know what Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking. He didn't need the "blessing" of working 996, so why did he have to attend court every day? Look at all the dynasties in history, which emperor attended court every day?

He not only exhausted himself, but also his son. He was already worrying about being an emperor before he even became one, and as a result, he passed away at a young age!

He's already the emperor, why is he still so diligent? Can't he just enjoy life?
Otherwise, what's the difference between gaining the world and not gaining it?
Despite wanting to criticize Zhu Yuanzhang in his heart, Zhang Biao followed the familiar procedure: straightening his official robes, putting on his official hat, and then pushing open the door to meet Imperial Censor Shen.

Good morning, Brother Zhang! You look radiant and full of energy today; something good must be about to happen!

"Thank you, thank you! Good morning, Brother Shen! Yes, today is a good day to offer advice!"

Zhang Biao smiled broadly; in his eyes, Imperial Censor Shen was just an NPC (non-player character).

A familiar scene: Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained seated majestically on the dragon throne, his cold gaze sweeping over the assembled officials in the hall.

As usual, the eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial stepped forward and shouted as soon as the appointed time arrived: "If you have something to say, speak now; otherwise, court is adjourned—"

"Your Majesty!"

Soon, the Minister of Revenue stepped forward and began to report on the floods in Jiangnan, as well as the tax situation.

Although Old Zhu didn't know that the current Zhang Biao was the same "monster Zhang Biao," the unconventional remonstrance of "monster Zhang Biao" still had an effect.

For example, the Minister of Works' suggestion to rebuild the Fengtian Hall was rejected by Emperor Zhu on the same day.

The Minister of Works was so angered by Zhang Biao's mad behavior that he fell seriously ill at home and then retired to his hometown.

Actually, he wasn't that old; the main problem was the psychological trauma he had suffered, which made him too afraid to continue serving as an official.

As for the floods in Jiangnan mentioned by the Minister of Revenue, Zhang Biao remembered that it happened during his third time traveling to the Ming Dynasty.

However, the reason why Old Zhu killed him was not because of the floods in Jiangnan, but because he was seeking justice for a corrupt official in Jiangnan.

As we all know, floods, whether in ancient or modern times, always require disaster relief. However, this corrupt official secretly sold off the grain, and when the disaster relief was needed, he couldn't produce any.

Later, he had a sudden inspiration and forcibly requisitioned grain from the local wealthy households, which angered them so much that they hired a large group of people to fraudulently claim the grain.

Having no other choice, he started mixing sand into the grain.

Those who fraudulently claimed grain stopped claiming it after a few times because they found sand in the grain, which was troublesome to remove and inedible.

Later, the flood was relieved and the people were finally rescued, but the corrupt officials were sued by the wealthy households.

When Zhu learned of this, he was furious. Zhang Biao, however, thought the corrupt official had done a good job and even praised him. This immediately angered Zhu, who was committed to upholding justice for the people. In a fit of rage, Zhu ordered Zhang to be executed at the Meridian Gate.

Looking back now, Zhang Biao still thinks the corrupt official's act of saving people was commendable, but the official also perished along with him. However, he was resurrected, while the corrupt official met his grandmother.

Sighing
Zhang Biao stood among the censors, seemingly meek and obedient, but in reality, he was absent-minded, his fingers fiddling with something inside his wide sleeves.

Then the Minister of Revenue changed the subject, speaking in a heavy tone: "However, the military pay for the northern frontier and the grain supplies for Liaodong cannot be lacking for even a day. For the sake of the nation, I dare to petition that the taxes of the disaster-stricken prefectures in Jiangnan be increased by 30% to alleviate the urgent crisis!"

Good guy!
Zhang Biao was completely stunned.

The Jiangnan region has just suffered from floods, and you want to increase taxes by another 30%? Isn't that just rubbing salt into the wound?

No! This is practically just sprinkling lime!

Zhu Yuanzhang, sitting on the dragon throne, frowned almost imperceptibly, his fingers tapping habitually on the armrests, making a soft, rhythmic sound.

Those who know him well know that this is the calm before the storm.

Zhang Biao's eyes lit up.

It's now!

He suddenly took a deep breath and was about to rush out to plead his case to the death.

However, someone was faster than him.

Even before the person arrived, his voice rang out: "Your Majesty! In my opinion, the most urgent task is to establish an heir apparent!"

The voice was high-pitched and sharp, trembling with desperation, and instantly drowned out the Minister of Revenue's petition.

The hall was as silent as autumn leaves swept away by the wind.

The air in the entire Fengtian Hall seemed to freeze.

All the officials stiffened and immediately held their breath.

Even Zhang Biao managed to freeze in place, his half-step forward blocked.

Lu Ping, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, was kneeling beneath the red osmanthus tree, his forehead pressed firmly against the cold gold bricks, his official robes soaked with cold sweat, turning a dark color.

Establishing an heir? Seriously, bro? You've really forgotten how I died right after I transmigrated here?!
At this moment, Zhang Biao suddenly recalled the situation when he first traveled to the Ming Dynasty.

At that time, Zhu Biao had only been dead for a short time when his predecessor stubbornly stood up and suggested that Zhu should quickly establish an heir. As a result, Zhu was furious and berated him. He not only had him executed at the Meridian Gate, but also warned the officials not to discuss the matter of establishing an heir again.

However, less than three months later, someone is already jumping out to advocate for the crown prince. Isn't that like going to the toilet with a lantern and looking for shit?
It must be said that the officials of the Ming Dynasty were incredibly tough; they all seemed fearless of death.

"I'm really suited for the Ming Dynasty," Zhang Biao thought to himself.

But then Old Zhu suppressed his anger and said calmly and authoritatively, "Didn't we say before that the matter of the crown prince would not be discussed for the time being? Why are you bringing up the matter of establishing an heir again?"

"Your Majesty, the country cannot be without an heir for even a day!"

"Oh?" Old Zhu's voice was not loud, even a little breathy, but it sent a chill down everyone's spine in the hall: "So, Minister Lü is really going to great lengths to ensure the foundation of the nation!"

"Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation."

Lu Ping trembled even more violently, and the sound of sweat droplets hitting the ground and cracking was clearly audible.

It's over! It's over!

Old Zhu is about to unleash his fury on him!

Zhang Biao was pounding his chest in frustration! He thought to himself, "Why not me?!"

(End of this chapter)