Huangming

Chapter 198 The Shock Has Just Subsided, A Question of Human Relationships (Bonus Chapter for 200 Monthly Tickets!)
The following morning, a light drizzle fell, nourishing the northern part of Zhili province.

The drought, which had lasted for nearly a month without rain, finally saw some relief on this day.

A light drizzle, like mist, gently enveloped the land surrounding the capital. The parched fields greedily drank in the long-awaited rain, and the withered rice seedlings seemed to stretch out with a bit of vitality.

Farmers on the outskirts of the city emerged from their thatched huts, looking up to feel the coolness of the rain on their faces, and a glimmer of hope finally appeared on their wrinkled faces.

Although this rain could not completely relieve the drought, it at least allowed the parched land to breathe and gave the crops that were on the verge of total crop failure a chance to recover.

The golden tiles of the Forbidden City gleamed from the rain, and raindrops dripping from the eaves formed a shimmering curtain.

In the drizzling rain, Zhu Chengzong, who was training troops in the West Garden, entered the palace gates but was listless and disoriented.

"A rebellion? Can it really succeed?"

This thought coiled around his mind like a venomous snake, almost suffocating him.

Although Zhu Chengzong was still young, he was not ignorant.

He knew better than anyone that the current political landscape was vastly different from that of the Jingnan Campaign.

Inside and outside the capital, the Eastern Depot agents under Wei Zhongxian's command and the Embroidered Uniform Guard agents formed a dense network, turning the entire imperial city into an impenetrable fortress.

Among the streets, alleys, teahouses, peddlers, and laborers, countless spies and informants of secret police were hidden.

Although my father and uncles, along with other nobles, still maintained some connections with the old troops of the Beijing Garrison, the real military power was firmly in the hands of the civil officials in the Ministry of War and the supervising eunuchs.

These nobles now find it difficult to even mobilize a single squad of personal guards.

What alarmed him even more was that the current emperor was no longer the indecisive Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yunwen of yesteryear.

He remembered that historical records showed that Emperor Jianwen had the ambition to weaken the power of the princes, but lacked the decisive means to do so, just like Yuan Shao in the Three Kingdoms period who was strong on the outside but weak on the inside. This gave Emperor Chengzu an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

The man on the dragon throne today is swift and decisive in dealing with the eunuch faction, and he doesn't even blink when confiscating the property of the eight great Jin merchants—he's practically Cao Cao reincarnated, and he kills people even in his dreams!
What drove him to despair the most was the attitude of the nobles.

Of the twelve hereditary noble families invited to the conspiracy, only three dared to follow their fathers into this mess.

Duke Zhang Weixian of England had already clearly sided with the emperor. His memorial at yesterday's court meeting, which vehemently criticized the corrupt practices of the Beijing Garrison, was clearly a pledge of allegiance to the emperor.

The remaining eight families either claimed to be sick or pretended to be drunk, and disappeared faster than rabbits.

What's even more terrifying are those newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), all of whom are the emperor's own protégés. If even the slightest word gets out, impeachment memorials will likely flood the Office of Transmission.

Thinking of all this, Zhu Chengzong felt a chill run down his spine.

In such a situation, let alone restoring the glory of the Jingnan Rebellion, it's likely that after the failure, they won't even be able to keep a whole corpse.

The historian's pen is like a knife; when the time comes, all one hundred-plus members of the Duke of Cheng's mansion will likely be infamous for eternity in the "Biographies of Traitors."

difficult!
Difficult!

Terrifying images flashed before Zhu Chengzong's eyes:
The Imperial Guards broke down the door and dragged men, women, and children from the Duke of Cheng's mansion out on chains.

On the execution ground, the executioner's blade gleamed coldly as the heads of the Chengguo Duke's family members rolled to the ground.

History will forever record that "Zhu Chunchen plotted rebellion and was executed," thus ending the lineage of a century-old noble family!

"Father, this is leading the entire clan into a fire pit!"

He gripped the jade pendant in his sleeve tightly, his knuckles turning white.

Tick ​​tock~
A light drizzle, like smoke, enveloped the training ground in the West Garden. The raindrops pattered on Zhu Chengzong's armor, making a soft, rustling sound.

He was immersed in worries about treason, his thoughts in turmoil, when suddenly he felt a weight on his shoulder—someone patted him on the shoulder from behind.

This strike was like a thunderclap.

Zhu Chengzong trembled, his hair stood on end, and almost instinctively turned around. His right hand was already on the hilt of his sword, and with a push of his thumb, a cold light flashed as the blade was drawn three inches from its sheath.

His eyes were filled with murderous intent, as if he were about to cut down the person behind him at any moment.

"Brother Zhu, what are you doing?"

The familiar voice snapped Zhu Chengzong back to his senses.

Upon closer inspection, he recognized the man before him as Zhang Zhiji, the commander of the Noble Camp and the heir apparent to the Duke of Ying.

The other person was dressed in military uniform, with a touch of heroism between his brows, but at this moment he frowned slightly because of his overreaction.

Zhu Chengzong's heart tightened, and he knew something was wrong. He quickly suppressed his panic, forced a smile, and with a flick of his wrist, slowly pushed the sword back into its sheath. He pretended to be calm and said, "So it's the Commander. I was distracted just now and was impolite."

Zhang Zhiji's gaze lingered on his face for a moment, a hint of suspicion flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and laughed loudly, "It's alright! It's just that Brother Zhu's reaction makes it seem like he has something to hide."

Although it was said in a joking tone, it sent chills down Zhu Chengzong's spine.

Before he could respond, Zhang Zhiji patted him on the shoulder, his tone warm but with a hidden meaning: "Hurry up and train the troops. His Majesty will be here in a few days. Our Noble Camp cannot lose face in front of those new peasants."

Zhu Chengzong nodded reluctantly, his voice slightly hoarse: "What the commander said is absolutely right. I will go and urge my men to do so now."

Having said that, he turned around hastily and strode towards the noble camp's formation, his back view even showing a hint of panic.

Zhang Zhiji stood still, staring intently at his back, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

Rain dripped down the brim of his helmet, but it couldn't conceal the sharpness in his eyes.

"Something's wrong..."

He muttered to himself, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the hilt of the knife.

"There's something very wrong."

Zhu Chengzong's reaction just now was too abnormal.

A nobleman's son was so frightened by a colleague patting him on the shoulder in the military camp that he drew his sword in response.

This is hardly the demeanor one would expect from the heir of the Duke of Cheng.

Even more suspicious was the murderous intent that flashed in Zhu Chengzong's eyes when he turned around, clearly indicating that he was genuinely enraged.

If I hadn't recognized myself in time, that knife would probably have already come down.

“This fellow has something to hide.” Zhang Zhiji narrowed his eyes, recalling his father, the Duke of Yingguo’s, instructions this morning: “The atmosphere in the court has been tense lately. Keep an eye out for any unusual activity in the noble camps.”

It seems that the uproar caused by the reorganization of the Beijing Garrison is quite significant.

Duke Cheng, have you finally held back?
Despite his own thoughts, Zhang Zhiji remained as composed as ever, calmly directing the training of the noble battalion. He would sometimes shout orders loudly, and sometimes personally demonstrate the drills, his movements as agile as a tiger.

As he passed by Zhu Chengzong, he even patted him on the shoulder with a smile and teased, "Brother Zhu, why are you so reserved today? Did you drink too much last night and your limbs are weak?"

Zhu Chengzong forced a smile and replied in a relaxed manner, "Commander is joking. I just went to bed late last night and am not feeling well."

Zhang Zhiji laughed heartily, then casually put his arm around his shoulder and whispered, "If you're tired, let's go to Zuixianlou for a couple of drinks after we get off work to perk ourselves up!"

"I'd like to go, but my family is very strict."

"Oh? That's a pity. Let's come another day!"

Seeing that he looked normal and there was no hint of probing in his words, Zhu Chengzong finally relaxed a little and nodded in agreement: "Okay, I will follow the commander's instructions!"

However, he did not notice that a sharp glint flashed in Zhang Zhiji's eyes the moment he turned around.

The time spent practicing martial arts flew by. Under Zhang Zhiji's command, the noble camp's formation advanced and retreated in an orderly manner. Amidst the flashing swords and shadows, no one noticed the undercurrents surging beneath the surface.

By the time the bell rang signaling the end of the shift, the drizzle had completely stopped, and a faint ray of light could be seen on the horizon.

Zhang Zhiji stood in the center of the training ground and loudly announced the dismissal. The sons of nobles bowed and took their leave, departing in twos and threes.

Zhu Chengzong mingled in the crowd, walking hurriedly, seemingly eager to leave.

Zhang Zhiji watched his figure disappear outside the palace gate, the smile on his face gradually fading, replaced by a cold expression.

After everyone had left, he did not leave the palace with his colleagues. Instead, he straightened his clothes and ordered his attendant to present a plaque requesting an audience with the emperor.

Passing through numerous palace gates, the solemn halls of the Qianqing Palace come into view.

As soon as Zhang Zhiji stepped into the hall, he saw Luo Yangxing, the Imperial Guard Commander, standing with his hand on his sword, looking arrogant.

Their eyes met, and Luo Yangxing raised the corners of his mouth slightly, cupped his hands in a half-smile, and fiddled with his flying fish robe, saying in a rather vain manner, "Commander Zhang, it's been a long time."

Zhang Zhiji sneered inwardly, but showed no sign on his face, only saying calmly, "Commander Luo, you've worked hard."

He thought to himself: This guy just took the spot I didn't want and is now putting on airs.

Long time no see?
If you don't see them for three days, they'll start tearing the roof off.

Once this storm passes, see how I'll get my hands on you!
While he was still in a daze, the young eunuch reminded him:

"Young Duke, please!"

Zhang Zhiji then came to his senses, nodded, and strode into the Qianqing Palace, entering the East Warm Pavilion.

The warm pavilion was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Emperor Zhu Youxiao of the Ming Dynasty was bent over his desk reviewing memorials when he heard footsteps. Without looking up, he asked, "What important matter do you have to discuss with me at the end of your shift?"

Zhang Zhiji immediately knelt down and bowed, saying in a deep voice, "Your subject, Zhang Zhiji, commander of the noble camp, respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health!"

Zhu Youxiao then put down his vermilion brush, looked up and sized him up: "Speak."

Zhang Zhiji took a deep breath and recounted what he had seen that day: "Your Majesty, during today's drill, Zhu Chengzong, the heir of the Duke of Cheng, seemed dazed. When I casually patted his shoulder, he was startled and drew his sword, nearly injuring me. Although he tried to remain calm afterward, his words were evasive and his behavior suspicious."

He paused, lowering his voice slightly.

"Judging from his appearance, he is not just a normal person who is distracted. Rather, he seems to have something to hide and is restless."

The warm pavilion was utterly silent for a moment, with only the sound of the water clock dripping.

Zhu Youxiao tapped his knuckles lightly on the imperial desk, then suddenly sneered: "What do you mean?"

Zhang Zhiji suddenly looked up and said decisively, "Zhu Chengzong has problems, and the Duke of Cheng's mansion has problems! I fear they harbor ill intentions, and I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!"

He already knew that the Duke of Cheng had problems.

This morning, Luo Sigong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, told him about the meeting between the Duke of Cheng, the Duke of Ding, the Marquis of Huaining, and the Marquis of Wu'an last night.

Zhu Youxiao knew they intended to do something wicked, and immediately ordered the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to keep a close eye on the four men.

As more and more news came in, he was certain that these four people were definitely involved in something wrong.

And the problem is significant.

Contact former members of the Beijing Garrison, visit scholars and civil officials, and mobilize Zhuangwei's troops.
This is treason!

Despite his unlimited expansion of the Imperial Guard's power, these people still dared to commit such rebellious acts.

This isn't like an old man eating poison—wanting to die too soon?

With victory seemingly within his grasp, Zhu Youxiao began to think even further ahead.

Now, hearing Zhang Zhiji say that Zhu Chengzong was distracted, he sensed that he could use this to his advantage.

It seems I can have another dog under my command.

Zhu Youxiao chuckled and asked, "What do you think of Zhu Chengzong?"

Zhang Zhiji was unsure why the emperor asked this question. After thinking for a moment, he honestly replied, "The heir of the Duke of Cheng was previously an uneducated and dissolute young man, just like me, living a life of debauchery and daring to do anything."

"Oh? You're willing to do anything?"

Zhu Youxiao sneered and said to Zhang Zhiji, "Then tomorrow you can ask him for me whether he dares to commit patricide?"

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(End of this chapter)