Huangming

Chapter 199 Shocking Change in Fengtai, Righteousness Over Family Ties

The next day, the sky was clear and the air was clear.

The drizzle from last night had long since evaporated under the scorching sun, leaving only a few wisps of damp moisture floating in the air.

The parched earth remained parched and thirsty, as if yesterday's rain was merely a drop in the ocean, and in the blink of an eye, it had returned to its cracked and hideous state.

Only a few tender grasses stood stubbornly upright, their vibrant greenness enhanced by the rainwater, standing out starkly against the backdrop of withered yellow.

On the training ground inside the West Garden, the drills of the Noble Battalion were in full swing.

These once pampered aristocratic sons have long since shed their privileged lifestyle.

Everyone's face was tanned dark and shiny by the scorching sun, with the marks of time etched between their brows; their palms were covered with thick calluses, and even the base of their thumbs was chafed with blood, no longer showing any trace of their delicate skin.

They gripped their swords and spears tightly, their movements swift and fierce, each move revealing a hint of the ruthlessness of seasoned veterans.

"Drink-ha!"

The deafening shouts of battle pierced the sky, startling the birds perched on the eaves.

Zhang Zhiji, the commander of the Noble Camp, stood on the high platform, his command flag fluttering like lightning.

At his command, the army formation sometimes scattered and maneuvered like a tide, and sometimes suddenly closed in like an iron wall.

Amidst the flashing swords and clashing blades, the hundred men moved with the ease of an extension of their own limbs, without the slightest hesitation.

"kill!"

"kill!"

The sharp sound of blades cutting through the air and the clanging of armor clashing together created a cacophony of dust, and this transformed team was beginning to show its formidable strength.

If someone were to look at this from a distance, they would surely be amazed – where are these the same group of cockfighting and horse racing playboys?

They are clearly a fierce and powerful army, tempered and refined!

Time flies.

Soon, it was noon.

Under the blazing sun, the scorching sunlight baked the training ground in the West Garden, making the bluestone pavement scorching hot.

The sons of the nobility were already drenched in sweat, their heavy armor soaked through. Large beads of sweat rolled down their dark cheeks and evaporated instantly upon hitting the ground.

"Today's training is over!"

At Zhang Zhiji's command, everyone felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and they all took off their helmets, panting heavily in the scorching air.

Zhang Zhiji slammed his lance heavily into the ground, making a muffled clang.

He looked around at everyone and said in a loud voice, "After you all return, you must study military books. After the military drills are completed, His Majesty will certainly test your military strategy and tactics!"

Upon hearing this, the sons of noble families displayed varying expressions.

Several young noblemen, well-versed in military strategy, showed delight in their eyes and secretly rubbed their hands together in anticipation; while those playboys who only knew how to fight cocks and ride horses turned pale, and some even secretly wiped away a cold sweat.

"In order to preserve the ancestral title."

A burly marquis's son muttered under his breath, "Even if it means hanging my head from the rafters and pricking my thigh with an awl, I have to memorize 'The Art of War'!"

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Zhang Zhiji's sharp gaze locked onto Zhu Chengzong, who was about to leave in a hurry.

He strode forward and grabbed the other man's shoulder: "Brother Zhu, please wait!"

Zhu Chengzong froze, then forced a smile as he turned his head: "What else do you need, Commander?"

"Know yourself and your enemy and you will never be in danger of a hundred battles."

Zhang Zhiji had a hearty smile, but the force in his hands was irresistible.

"Come with me to the Fengtai camp and let's find out what the new camp is really like?"

A flicker of panic crossed Zhu Chengzong's eyes. He instinctively took a half-step back and reluctantly refused, saying, "There are some urgent matters at home today. Let's reschedule for another day."

"another day?"

Zhang Zhiji raised his eyebrows slightly and suddenly lowered his voice.

"What could be more important than the future of the Noble Camp?"

He leaned close to Zhu Chengzong's ear and said meaningfully, "Could it be that Brother Zhu doesn't want to smoothly inherit the title of Duke of Cheng?"

These words struck Zhu Chengzong like a heavy hammer.

His pupils contracted slightly, and his fingers, hidden in his sleeve, trembled involuntarily.

The image of his father's gloomy face flashed before his eyes, followed by the emperor's cold gaze.

"The commander is joking."

Zhu Chengzong tried to remain calm, but his Adam's apple bobbed uncontrollably.

Zhang Zhiji is a very shrewd person. If he refuses again and again, it will probably arouse his suspicion. For now, the only option is to agree to his request.

"In that case, let's go to Fengtai Camp together."

Zhang Zhiji patted him on the back with satisfaction, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "That's more like it! If we brothers work together, we'll definitely earn some respect in front of His Majesty!"

"That's only natural." Zhu Chengzong's smile was somewhat forced.

The two walked side by side, Zhu Chengzong's gaze constantly shifting.

While Zhang Zhiji casually played with the riding whip, he actually took in every subtle change in the other person's expression.

The shadows of the palace walls fell upon the two of them, like an invisible net slowly tightening.

Once they left the palace, the two mounted their tall horses and rode side by side.

Zhang Zhiji, dressed in military uniform, looked dashing, his horse striding proudly; Zhu Chengzong, however, kept his head down, as if a heavy burden was pressing on his shoulders.

Two teams of guards followed at a distance—the retainers of the Duke of Ying's mansion carried goose-feather sabers at their waists, while the personal guards of the Duke of Cheng's mansion held long spears, maintaining a delicate distance from each other.

"drive!"

Just outside the city gate, Zhang Zhiji suddenly whipped his horse and urged it on.

His crimson cloak fluttered in the wind as he laughed loudly, "Brother Zhu, let's see who gets to Fengtai first!"

Before the words were even finished, the warhorse had already shot off like an arrow.

Caught off guard, Zhu Chengzong had no choice but to grit his teeth and give chase.

Horse hooves pounded the official road, kicking up clouds of yellow dust.

He stared at Zhang Zhiji's retreating figure, his eyes filled with uncertainty—was this commander's invitation to go to the military camp today a spur-of-the-moment decision, or did he have ulterior motives?
All the doubts in my heart could only be transformed into a whip, lashing the horse's rump.

After more than half an hour, the two warhorses, drenched in sweat, finally stopped in front of the gate of the Fengtai camp.

The two men looked at the Fengtai camp with different expressions.

After being reorganized by Yuan Keli, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, the military camp was completely transformed: the fortified barricades were imposing, the arrow towers were towering, and the plaque above the camp gate that read "Loyalty and Courage to Serve the Country" shone brightly in the sunlight.

The soldiers on duty, clad in bright armor, immediately blocked the two men as they dismounted, brandishing their halberds.

"Zhang Zhiji, commander of the Noble Battalion, was ordered to observe the new battalion's drills."

When Zhang Zhiji handed over his calling card, he emphasized the words "By Imperial Decree".

These words struck Zhu Chengzong like a hammer blow.

His grip on the reins tightened suddenly—he had come by imperial decree.
Could it be that the emperor had already foreseen this?
While the guards were examining the documents, Zhang Zhiji turned to Zhu Chengzong, who seemed lost in thought, and whispered, "I've heard that Vice Minister Yuan is a genius at training troops. Today is a good day to observe him."

Zhu Chengzong was apprehensive, but could only nod in response.

"Since you have come by imperial decree, please come inside!"

The soldiers on duty checked the documents expressionlessly, and parted the road amidst the clanging of their armor.

Zhang Zhiji and Zhu Chengzong entered the camp one after the other. The former looked around the camp with great interest and suddenly clapped his hands and laughed, "Minister Yuan's military discipline is truly strict! Back when my father was in charge of the Beijing Garrison, those soldiers would kneel down to welcome the Duke's mansion's entourage. But now it's different."

He waved the business card in his hand and continued, "Even the Duke of England's face is no match for him; things must be done according to the rules."

Zhu Chengzong had a vague feeling that things were not going to end well today.

I just don't know if I can get away with it.

Just as they were wondering what was going on, they suddenly heard a deafening roar of battle cries coming from the distant training ground.

"kill!"

"kill!"

"kill!"

Where dust and smoke obscured the sun, thousands of new soldiers were practicing the Mandarin Duck Formation.

These former emaciated refugees are now all muscular and strong, their spears flashing like a forest of cold light when they thrust, and the sound of their shields clashing is like thunder rolling across the ground.

The most terrifying thing was that the soaring killing intent seemed to solidify, pressing down on Zhu Chengzong and making him gasp for breath.

"This"

His Adam's apple bobbed, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

My father always said that the new camp was just a motley crew of refugees, but the army in front of us was clearly a fierce and ruthless force!
Zhu Chengzong's heart pounded, but he had no choice but to continue walking with Zhang Zhiji.

As we turned the corner to the east of the drill ground, we heard a series of orderly footsteps and the clanging of metal.

Dozens of soldiers stood in a straight line, waiting quietly in front of the bluestone platform.

Their armor gleamed, their swords gleamed, and they remained motionless under the blazing sun, only the beads of sweat on their foreheads glistening in the sunlight.

"This is."

Zhu Chengzong subconsciously stopped in his tracks.

Zhang Zhiji also stopped to observe, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes: "The monthly pay for the new camp is being distributed."

On the bluestone platform were three sandalwood tables. The head of the Ministry of Revenue sat in the center, holding a gilded account book, while the secretary of the Ministry of War and the eunuch in a python robe stood on either side.

Each time a name was called, soldiers clad in iron armor would march out in orderly ranks to receive their pay.

"Fan Tong, your monthly wage is one tael and eight mace!"

A loud, booming voice answered, and a burly man stepped forward.

As he accepted the heavy sum of money, his armor clanged loudly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the pay! I will serve the Ming Dynasty and die for Your Majesty! I will serve the country and save the people, and I will be rewarded with a title for killing the chieftain!" His face was beaming with joy.

Fan Tong laughed heartily, counting the pay in his hand, his smile wide and he couldn't stop.

Before, when I received my salary, I could hardly get a tael of silver; I was lucky to get three coins.

Most of the grain and salary was embezzled by officials.

Now, with a solid ounce and eight mace in his hand, his voice is louder and his resolve is much stronger.

Paying wages is still ongoing.

The head of the Ministry of Revenue called out, "Yang Wei, your monthly wage is nine qian!"

A tall, thin soldier stepped forward, his face flushed red beneath his helmet.

As he accepted the half-string of copper coins, his armor clattered with shame: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the pay! I will serve the Ming Dynasty to the death! I will strive to be the best and receive the highest pay!"

Zhu Chengzong's Adam's apple bobbed, and he was involuntarily stunned: "These rations are actually divided into different grades?"

"This is the training method personally determined by His Majesty."

Zhang Zhiji explained from the side: "The monthly salary of a top-class soldier is one tael and eight mace, while that of a lower-class auxiliary soldier is only half that amount."

He suddenly lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "If you are rated as inferior for three consecutive months, you will be demoted to an auxiliary soldier and your rations will be greatly reduced."

"It actually happened."

Rumble~
Just then, a muffled thunderous tremor suddenly came from the ground.

A troop of elite cavalrymen with red flags on their backs galloped past, the eight golden characters on the vermilion flags, "Imperial Gift for Elite Cavalry: Three Taels of Silver per Month," shining brightly in the sunlight.

The knights' eyes gleamed, and the sabers hanging beside their saddles gleamed with a cold light.

Zhu Chengzong felt a chill on his back, and his undergarments were soaked with cold sweat.

He finally understood why the nine noble families among the twelve were hesitant to make a decision.

Just look at these soldiers receiving their pay.

What these soldiers are receiving is not pay.
It's clearly a blood money exchange for lives!
With such a generous reward, the iron-blooded battle formation trained by Yuan Keli would make even the corrupt Beijing garrison, let alone the Qi Family Army, retreat in fear!
They would risk their lives for whoever provided them with food and pay.

If Your Majesty provides these soldiers with sufficient rations and pay, how could they not be willing to die for Your Majesty?

Zhu Chengzong's heart sank suddenly, as if a huge rock was pressing on his chest, making it difficult to breathe.

He stared at Zhang Zhiji's ambiguous smile, feeling as if an invisible knife was hidden in the other's eyes, slowly pressing against his throat.

"Let's go. There's still a good show to watch in the central army camp."

Zhang Zhiji's voice was light and airy, yet it pierced Zhu Chengzong's ears like a venomous snake's tongue.

"Looking forward to a good show?"

Zhu Chengzong's throat tightened, and he subconsciously asked a question, but his voice was dry as if it had been sanded.

He had long realized that Zhang Zhiji's every move today was like a carefully woven net, and he was the prey being forced into a corner step by step.

Zhang Zhiji's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, but he was in no hurry to answer. He simply turned slightly to the side and made a "please" gesture: "You'll know when we get there."

Gollum~
Zhu Chengzong swallowed hard, the sound of his Adam's apple bobbing clearly audible in the deathly silence.

He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, yet he felt no pain whatsoever.

At this moment, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and follow Zhang Zhiji's steps toward the central command tent.

The closer one gets to the main tent, the more intense the somber atmosphere becomes.

The armored soldiers stood like iron towers, their cold armor gleaming menacingly in the sunlight. Their halberds stood like a forest, their blades gleaming, as if they could tear any intruder to shreds at a single command.

"Commander Zhang Zhiji of the Noble Camp requests an audience!"

After the announcement, the two were finally allowed to enter the main tent.

The tent was dimly lit, with only a few copper lamps flickering with a dim yellow light, illuminating the tall figure in the main seat—Yuan Keli.

He was clad in light armor, his face was cold and stern, and his gaze was sharp as a knife, as if he could see right through people's hearts.

Beside him, the supervising eunuch Wang Tiqian squinted his triangular eyes, a faint sneer playing on his lips, the rising steam from the teacup in his hand blurring his sinister face.

Their gazes fell on Zhu Chengzong at the same time. In that instant, he felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were prey being watched by a venomous snake, and even his blood froze.

He subconsciously gripped the jade belt at his waist, his knuckles turning white from the force.

"I have met Vice Minister Yuan and the military supervisor."

Zhang Zhiji and Zhu Chengzong clasped their hands in a salute.

Yuan Keli nodded slightly, his well-defined fingers tapping three muffled sounds on the table.

bang bang bang~
In an instant, the clatter of chains dragging on the ground and the thunder of military boots pounding the ground outside the tent grew louder as they approached, interspersed with a harsh shout: "Kneel down!"

The heavy tent flap was suddenly flung open by the scabbard, and in the blinding sunlight, three burly men, bound hand and foot, were kicked into the tent. The heavy shackles slammed onto the blue brick floor, sending up tiny sparks.

Zhu Chengzong’s pupils contracted sharply. The one at the front, whose face was covered in blood, was none other than Zhao Dezhu, the commander of the Shenji Battalion whom his father relied on most.
Following behind, Qian Tieshan, the commander of the Fifth Army Battalion, had his left arm twisted unnaturally, while Sun Meng, the commander of the Third Army Battalion, had his face swollen and purple from being strangled by the ox sinew rope.

Their faded battle robes were still stained with the red soil unique to the new camp, clearly indicating that they were captured on the spot while lying in ambush.

"Your Highness, let's go quickly!"

Zhao Dezhu suddenly looked up and roared, blood and foam spurting from his missing front teeth, but he stopped abruptly when he met Wang Tiqian's cold gaze.

Zhu Chengzong then noticed that all three men had the character "逆" branded on the back of their necks, with yellow fluid seeping from the charred flesh.

Clearly, they had been subjected to severe torture.

Cold sweat slid down Zhu Chengzong's back.

He gripped the dragon-patterned buckle on the jade belt tightly. These trusted confidants that his father had planted for more than ten years were uprooted on the eve of the uprising.
Zhu Chengzong suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot, his voice trembling slightly with suppressed shock and anger: "Zhang Zhiji!"

He stared intently at the other man's ambiguous smile, and said, word by word, "You invited me to the Fengtai camp today for no reason other than to observe a military exercise... You already knew about the Duke of Cheng's mansion, didn't you?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiji's lips slowly curved into a meaningful smile.

He slowly adjusted his cuffs, but his gaze pierced Zhu Chengzong's heart like a blade, and he said softly, "It's not just me. His Majesty knows too."

As soon as Zhang Zhiji finished speaking, Zhu Chengzong was struck dumb, his face turned deathly pale, and even the color drained from his lips.

His throat bobbed, and he swallowed hard, but his mouth was still dry, as if a fire was burning in his chest.

However, he still forced his back to straighten, his voice hoarse but stubborn: "Kill me or torture me, it's all up to you! Why humiliate me like this?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiji's lips curled slightly, but his eyes were filled with coldness.

He slowly smoothed his sleeves and said calmly, "If I really wanted to kill you, why would I go to the trouble of bringing you to the Fengtai camp? His Majesty gave you a chance to reform because he thought you had worked hard in the Noble Camp and that you still had potential."

Zhu Chengzong suddenly looked up, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, as if a drowning person had suddenly seen a piece of driftwood.

Just moments before he was trapped in a deadly situation, but now the tide had turned. He was momentarily dazed, his voice trembling slightly: "What...do you mean by that?"

Zhang Zhiji's gaze was sharp as he said, word by word, "The one who plotted the rebellion is Duke Cheng, Zhu Chunchen, not you, Zhu Chengzong. As long as you are willing to put righteousness before family and confess all the evidence, accomplices, and plans of Zhu Chunchen's rebellion, His Majesty will not only pardon your crimes but also reward you for your merits."

Parricide?!
Zhu Chengzong's mind went blank for a moment, and his vision went black.

He staggered back half a step, feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cave, and even his breath caught in his throat.

His Majesty actually wants him to expose his own father?

Seeing the drastic change in his expression, Zhang Zhiji sneered, his tone suddenly turning icy: "What? You're unwilling? Do you want the entire Chengguo Duke's mansion, with over a hundred people, to be buried with Zhu Chunchen?"

Zhu Chengzong shuddered, as if a thousand voices were tearing at his ears—Loyalty to the emperor? Filial piety? Family? Life and death?

His knees buckled, and he could barely stand; cold sweat poured down his forehead.

After a long silence, he finally closed his eyes in despair, his voice hoarse as if grinding sand: "I... am willing to serve Your Majesty and suppress the rebellion of the traitors Zhu Chunchen, Xu Xigao, and others!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed to have all his strength drained away, and he swayed precariously.

He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer the heir of the Duke of Cheng's mansion, but a traitor who had personally pushed his family into the abyss.

but.
soon.

The shame on Zhu Chengzong's face receded like a tide, and a fierce, scarlet glint suddenly surged in his eyes.

That last vestige of guilt has now been completely burned away by an even more intense and resolute determination.

'I'm not afraid of death'

He roared inwardly.

'I simply must protect the Duke of Cheng's mansion!'

Zhu Chengzong seemed to see his father's gloomy face before his eyes—a face that was always full of mockery and arrogance.

Hoo-ho hoo-ho~
Zhu Chengzong's breathing suddenly became heavy, like a trapped beast cornered in a desperate situation.

'You're wrong!'

He vehemently denounced it in his heart.

'You are stubborn and unrepentant! You are audacious and reckless! How dare you defy the might of Heaven like an egg trying to break a rock!'

The wind outside the tent suddenly turned fierce, whipping up sand and gravel that lashed against the tent, making a soft, rustling sound, like the sighs of ancestors in the afterlife.

Zhu Chengzong suddenly looked up, the last trace of hesitation in his eyes replaced by a razor-sharp resolve.

'The son had no choice'

He gazed into the void, as if conversing with some unseen figure.

'For the sake of the Duke's mansion's century-old foundation, and for the continuation of the Zhu family line, I have no other choice.'

Zhu Chengzong slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his eyes were filled with an icy resolve.

'Father.'

He moved his lips silently, as if he were making a cruel farewell.

'Don't blame me! '

5400 big chapters!

(End of this chapter)