Huangming

Chapter 519 Remnants of Jiangnan, Beizhai Enters the Palace

Shen Lian suppressed the surging joy in his chest and carefully raised his head.

My gaze swept over the mottled wooden door. The door was thick and heavy, covered with a thick layer of dust, and cobwebs were wrapped around the corners. It looked like it hadn't been opened for at least several months, which was completely out of place with the decadent and noisy atmosphere of the rest of the Manchun Courtyard.

But when he pressed his ear against the door again, the "tap tap tap" of printing became clearer, mixed with the "click" of gears turning, and the whispers of several people deliberately lowered their voices. He could vaguely make out words like "printing plate" and "transfer".

This is no ordinary commotion; it is clearly a sign of secret printing!

He sat up abruptly, took a deep breath of the cool night air, and forced himself to calm down.

The beating heart in my chest, the excitement of discovering this earth-shattering secret.

This is no ordinary achievement; it is a secret intelligence base of the traitors that the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard have been investigating with all their might!

If we could report this to the authorities and capture the person behind it alive, it would be an extraordinary feat.

Shen Lian has always been indifferent to fame and power. In the past, when he worked in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he was just trying to make a living and only wanted to live a peaceful life.

But suddenly, the image of his elder brother, Lu Jianxing, appeared in his mind.

The honest and hardworking elder brother, who had served diligently all his life, had the greatest wish to be promoted one rank, from a commander to a deputy commander, so that the Lu family could gain a foothold in the Embroidered Uniform Guard and no longer be looked down upon.

If this credit were given to my elder brother, it would surely fulfill his long-cherished wish!

Upon realizing this, the confusion and numbness in Shen Lian's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp, knife-like glint.

He stood up silently, brushed the dust off his clothes, and moved slowly, as if afraid of disturbing the person behind the door.

"Chirp chirp chirp."

He lowered his voice and called out to the shadows outside the courtyard wall in the sound of a nightingale.

As soon as the words were spoken, a dark figure silently appeared and knelt on one knee:
"Master Baihu."

The visitor was Zhao San, a junior officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and a subordinate of Shen Lian.

As a centurion, even though Shen Lian frequented brothels, he habitually brought two trusted confidants to wait nearby.

It was ostensibly an "official inspection," but in reality, it was meant to deal with unexpected situations, and it came in handy at this moment.

Shen Lian leaned down and whispered in Zhao San's ear:

"Go immediately to the camp outside the city and report to Commander Lu that there is a hideout for treasonous secrets hidden behind the wooden gate on the west side of Manchun Courtyard in Baishun Hutong. Tell him to bring his elite troops here immediately and make sure to wipe them all out, leaving no one behind!"

"Yes!"

Zhao San's eyes sharpened, knowing that this matter was of great importance. He dared not delay, got up and darted into the night like a cat, disappearing in an instant.

Shen Lian retreated back into the shadows of the corner. Just as he regained his footing, he heard a series of soft noises coming from behind the wooden gate, mixed with the rustling sound of piled-up papers.

"This version is almost ready to print."

A rough, hoarse voice said, "Go to Fushou Lane in the east of the city and find Mr. Beizhai to get the new printing plates. We need to get everything ready here and move them before dawn to avoid any unforeseen problems."

"know!"

Another, younger voice responded.

Shen Lian's heart stirred.

Hokusai?

Isn't this the signature of that seditious article in the Yanjing Daily?

It seems that "Hokusai" is one of the masterminds behind this!

Not long after, the wooden gate creaked open a crack, and a head popped out first. It was a servant boy of about fifteen or sixteen years old, wearing a coarse cloth jacket, looking around warily.

He held his breath and carefully surveyed the courtyard of Manchun Courtyard. Seeing that no one was around and only the flickering lamp under the eaves was burning, he cautiously stepped out, closed the wooden gate behind him, and propped it up with a stone.

The servant still dared not relax. He walked a few more steps close to the wall, and only after confirming that there was nothing amiss did he quicken his pace and sneakily head towards the gate of Manchun Courtyard.

A cold glint flashed in Shen Lian's eyes as he gave an order to another subordinate who had just emerged from the shadows:
"You stay here and keep watch over the gate. Wait for Commander Lu to arrive and follow his orders. Do not act rashly."

"I obey my orders!"

After giving his instructions, Shen Lian straightened his outer robe and disappeared into the deeper shadows, silently following the servant like a ghost.

The night was thick, and there were no pedestrians on the street. Only the footsteps of two people, one after the other, were so light that they were almost inaudible.

Shen Lian dared not get too close, only using the shadow under the eaves to stare intently at the servant's back, with only one thought in his mind.

Find Hokusai, expose all the traitors, and secure this monumental achievement for your brother!

The servant hurried eastward, glancing back frequently, clearly unaware of the tail following him.

Shen Lian followed closely behind, passing through a series of quiet alleys. The capital city in the night was like a sleeping giant beast, and they were getting closer and closer to the secrets hidden in the belly of the beast.

The night was as dark as ink, and the streets of the capital were deathly silent after the curfew, with only the occasional echo of the night patrol's clapper fading away in the distance.

Shen Lian followed the servant through the depths of the alley, his doubts growing stronger.

After the curfew, the Five City Garrison should have been patrolling the streets and checking people walking at night, but after walking for half an hour, they hadn't seen even half a patrol team.

The servant walked briskly, his expression wary but not flustered, and he knew the routes through the alleys and turns as well as if they were his own backyard.

Shen Lian thought to himself: This is definitely not an ordinary errand boy. Someone must have pulled strings behind the scenes, and even knows the duty routes and shift change times of the Military Command.

The fact that the Yanjing Daily possessed such power shows that the forces behind it were far more formidable than he had imagined.

After walking for a while, the servant turned into a quiet alley in the east of the city, where an inconspicuous little courtyard was located at the end of the alley.

The courtyard wall was not high, with withered vines climbing on top. The gate was an ordinary vermilion wooden door, long since faded and mottled, blending into the surrounding dilapidated houses and remaining inconspicuous.

The servant stopped, looked around for a moment, and after confirming that no one was watching, gently knocked three times on the door.

Two light and one heavy, with a clear rhythm, were obviously a pre-arranged code.

With a creak, the courtyard gate opened, revealing an elderly woman with gray hair, dressed in a plain cloth dress. Her eyes were sharp as an eagle's. She glanced behind the servant and, seeing no one following, stepped aside to let him in. She quickly closed the gate and bolted it shut.

Shen Lian hid behind the old locust tree at the alley entrance, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

He hesitated for a moment, then crouched down and crept to the base of the courtyard wall. Using the withered vines as cover, he lightly touched the base of the wall with his toes, leaped up like a cat, hooked his fingertips on the top of the wall, and with a little effort, flipped himself over.

He landed with a light touch of his toes, making almost no sound, demonstrating the skill of a commander of the Imperial Guard.

Following the servant's footsteps, he quietly circled around to the window of the main room. Seeing the flickering candlelight inside, he climbed onto the eaves, carefully removed a few loose tiles, and peered down through the gaps.

The room was simply furnished with only a wooden table, two chairs, and some books and writing implements piled up in the corner.

The old woman was taking a woodblock print out of a camphor wood box and handing it to the servant.

"The new printing plates are here. Keep them safe and don't let anything go wrong on the way."

The servant took the printing plate, wrapped it carefully in layers of cloth, tucked it into his robes, and bowed deeply.
"Don't worry, Granny, I'll go back right away and make sure I get back before dawn to change the version."

Having said that, he didn't linger and turned to leave in a hurry.

Shen Lian lay on the eaves for a moment, and seeing that the old woman had closed the door, he quietly jumped down and followed the servant out of the alley.

The servant headed towards the outer city. When he arrived at the city gate, he found it closed. He then found a corner of a dilapidated temple and curled up, his eyes warily fixed on the gate. He was clearly waiting for it to open at dawn.

Shen Lian memorized the location of the dilapidated temple, already having made his plans:

This servant can't escape for now; the most urgent task is to find out the details of "Beizhai".

He turned back and climbed over the wall again into the small courtyard.

The courtyard was quiet at this time, except for a room on the east side where a candle was still lit. The candlelight shone through the window paper and cast a slender figure, who could be vaguely seen writing at a desk.

Shen Lian tiptoed along the wall to the door of the side room, and gently pushed the door. The door hinges had already been greased, so there was no sound.

He gently closed the door and was about to step out when he heard a clear, melodious voice coming from inside, carrying a scholarly air.

"Granny Rong, didn't we already hand the new printing plates to that servant? Why do we need to come here again?"

Shen Lian stopped abruptly, his brows furrowing instantly, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock.

It's actually a woman's voice!

Was Hokusai a woman?
He originally thought that "Beizhai" would be a disgruntled former official or a down-on-his-luck scholar whose interests were affected by the new policies. After all, it was not something an ordinary person could write such a critical and sharp article.

But he never expected that "Beizhai," who signed her name in the Yanjing Daily and dared to openly slander the emperor and shake the foundation of the country, was actually a woman!

Shen Lian held his breath, hiding behind the door, his heart churning with turmoil.

Why would a woman defy public opinion and use her private seal to report a crime?

Is there an even bigger mastermind behind her?
Is there any connection between this and the collaboration with Vice Premier Liu Yi-chyuan?
Countless questions flooded his mind. He composed himself, his gaze falling on the thin screen. He thought to himself: Today, I must uncover the true face of this "Northern Study"!
Shen Lian darted across the screen like a cat, his gaze suddenly meeting a scene that made his breath catch in his throat.

In the candlelight, the woman was writing at her desk with her back to him. Her long, black hair was tied into a neat bun, with a few stray strands playfully hanging by her ears, making her small, delicate face appear even more exquisite.

When she turned around in surprise at the sound, Shen Lian's gaze was fixed on her.

The woman's eyebrows were like distant mountains, her features delicate and graceful, with the charm of the Jiangnan water towns. Her almond-shaped eyes were large and bright, as if they contained crushed stars. When she looked at people, there was a stubbornness that refused to admit defeat, but at the corners of her eyes, there was an inexplicable charm. Just one glance was enough to make one's heart tremble.

She wore a light blue, plain-colored long gown with a few elegant clusters of orchids embroidered on the collar. Although the fabric was not luxurious, it made her skin appear as white as snow.

Holding a book in her hands, the scent of ink mingled with the faint fragrance of her cosmetics, adding to her scholarly air. Yet, the tenacity in her eyes revealed a sharpness distinct from that of a typical young lady from a secluded family.

With such looks and demeanor, how could this be the "Hokusai-sensei" who wrote "The Earth Dragon Rolls Over, a Warning from Heaven about Tyranny!"?
"Who are you?"

Hokusai's voice was clear and gentle, yet it carried a strong sense of vigilance; before he could finish speaking, he was about to shout.

Shen Lian wouldn't allow her to make a sound. He rushed forward and covered her lips with his hand in a flash.

Upon touching the soft, warm fabric, the delicate touch caused his arm to stiffen almost imperceptibly.

Hokusai only managed to let out a muffled "whoosh," his almond-shaped eyes wide open, filled with panic and anger.

"Quiet! I am a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Shen Lian lowered his voice, his tone icy, but unconsciously loosened his grip a little.

It wasn't that he felt sorry for her; it was just that her face was so captivating that he subconsciously didn't want to hurt her.

The words "Jinyiwei" were like a bucket of cold water poured over him. In an instant, the shock and anger in Beizhai's eyes faded, leaving only a despairing grayness.

She struggled even more fiercely, so Shen Lian had to tighten his grip on her to hold her close.

Upon embracing her, he realized how voluptuous her figure was, especially the two soft curves of her breasts, which exuded an astonishing elasticity even through the thin fabric, making Shen Lian's heart skip a beat again.

He snapped back to his senses and cursed himself for being absurd.

Now is the time to investigate traitors and make great contributions; how can I let myself be distracted by women!

"Tell me, who is behind this?"

Shen Lian released his hand from her mouth, his voice as cold as ice.

Just as Beizhai was about to shout, Shen Lian's eyes flashed, and his hand swiftly struck the back of her neck.

"Uh……"

Beizhai let out a short, muffled groan, rolled her almond-shaped eyes, and then slumped softly into Shen Lian's arms, fainting.

Shen Lian caught her limp body, his palm touching the warm skin on the back of her neck. He looked at her peaceful sleeping face even after she had fainted, and a strange sense of irritation rose in his heart again.

He shook his head to suppress these chaotic thoughts, quickly pulled out the rope he had prepared in his pocket, and his eyes regained the ruthless decisiveness of a Jinyiwei commander.

Regardless of the identity or secrets of this "Mr. Hokusai," capturing her would be a great achievement!
My elder brother Lu Jianxing's position as a deputy commander is in sight!

As dawn broke, the first rays of sunlight barely pierced the clouds and sprinkled onto the bluestone path in the courtyard, causing the condensed dew to splash in all directions at the sound of footsteps.

Lu Jianxing led the elite Imperial Guards of his garrison into the alley like a cold wind, the scabbards of his Embroidered Spring Blades clanging together, exuding a chilling aura.

"Do it!"

With a low shout, Lu Jianxing swiftly subdued several guards in the courtyard who were trying to resist, displaying the bravery and decisiveness of a commander.

He kicked open the door to the side room and immediately saw Shen Lian standing guard by the table, while "Mr. Beizhai" was bound hand and foot in the chair in front of the table, his mouth stuffed with cotton cloth and his eyes closed.

"Why is it a woman?"

Lu Jianxing's pupils contracted slightly, his tone revealing his surprise.

Shen Lian stepped forward and whispered:
"Brother, Mr. Hokusai is a woman."

"what?"

Lu Jianxing frowned, his heart filled with turmoil.

For a woman to possess such courage and writing skills, the forces behind her must be quite powerful.

"Since he is a serious offender, according to the law he should be imprisoned in the Imperial Prison and handed over to the Governor for judgment!"

Lu Jianxing said subconsciously.

Shen Lian quickly dissuaded him, saying, "Brother, I'm afraid it's not appropriate to imprison him in the imperial prison."

Lu Jianxing frowned: "What do you mean?"

“Once he’s in the Imperial Prison, the case will be under the direct jurisdiction of the Eastern Depot, and the credit… probably won’t go to my elder brother.”

Shen Lian's voice was extremely low, but his eyes were sharp as knives.

"The recent frequent moves by Vice Premier Liu Yi-ju may involve his forces behind 'Bei Zhai'."

If we can uncover the mastermind behind this, the credit will be enough to promote you, brother, to commander-in-chief!

Lu Jianxing's eyes flickered, and after a moment of contemplation, he asked:
What's your plan?

"Get the information out of them!"

Shen Lian's gaze fell on the unconscious Bei Zhai.

"Also, have those people who printed and distributed privately been caught?"

"They've all been arrested and are being interrogated next door, but they're just low-level thugs who take money to do things, and they don't know anything about it."

Lu Jianxing sighed.

"All the clues lie with this woman."

"Give me a day, and I'll definitely be able to find out what's going on!"

Shen Lian spoke with certainty.

After hesitating for a long time, Lu Jianxing finally nodded:
"You need to be quick. We are, after all, people who get things done. If we delay handing over the person, I'm afraid Governor Wei will have something to say."

Shen Lian nodded, reached out and gently shook Bei Zhai's neck.

Hokusai slowly woke up and opened his eyes to see the room full of Imperial Guards and Lu Jianxing's sharp gaze scrutinizing prisoners. He was immediately panicked and struggled to shout, but his mouth was tightly stuffed with cotton cloth.

Shen Lian stepped forward, pulled the cloth out of her mouth, and said in a cold, hard voice:
"I'll give you a chance to live. Tell me who instigated you. If you don't, I'll throw you into the Imperial Prison. You should know what the Imperial Prison is."

Hokusai took a breath, but a stubborn flame ignited in his eyes, and he spat:
"Go ahead and kill me! Don't even think about getting a single word out of me!"

"hehe."

The squad leader, Ling Yunkai, stepped forward, a mocking sneer on his face.

"I don't think we need to waste words with her. Why don't we brothers... first taste the flavor of this 'Mr. Hokusai' and see if she's still tough!"

Upon hearing this, Hokusai's face turned deathly pale, and for the first time, genuine fear appeared in his eyes. His body trembled uncontrollably.

"Soaring Cloud Armor!"

Shen Lian shouted a stern rebuke, stepped forward to block Bei Zhai, and coldly swept his eyes over the captain.

"This woman is a wanted criminal. We need to get the mastermind out of her, not let you act recklessly here!"

Ling Yunkai's playful expression faded slightly after being shouted at, but he still stubbornly retorted:
"Commander, we have to use extraordinary measures to deal with this kind of traitor! Otherwise, she's too stubborn to talk back, what can we get out of her?"

"It's none of your business how I conduct myself."

Shen Lian's tone left no room for doubt; he knew Ling Yunkai's thoughts.

This person has always been at odds with him and is eager to take this opportunity to humiliate him and steal his credit.

Lu Jianxing coughed lightly, easing the tense atmosphere:

"Alright, stop arguing. Second brother, don't let the one day you mentioned be wasted."

Although he agreed with Shen Lian's plan, he was unsure how stubborn the woman could be.

Shen Lian took a deep breath, turned around, and faced Bei Zhai again.

He softened his tone, trying to ease the tension:
"What's your name?"

Hokusai bit his lower lip tightly, and after a long while, he managed to squeeze out three words through gritted teeth:

“Zhou Miaoxuan…”

"Zhou Miaoxuan?"

How come there's only a one-character difference between her and Zhou Miaotong?
Shen Lian noted the name down and continued, "Why did you use your seal to send a treacherous message and slander the emperor? Who was behind this?"

Zhou Miaoxuan raised her head, the fear in her eyes fading, replaced by an almost fanatical obsession:

"Slander? It's a fact that Zhu Youxiao implemented a tyrannical regime, causing widespread suffering! I was merely speaking the minds of the people!"

"presumptuous!"

Lu Jianxing rebuked him sternly.

"Those who spread heresies and mislead the public deserve to die!"

Zhou Miaoxuan, however, seemed not to hear her and continued:

"I have no one behind me, everything I have done is of my own free will! Kill me or torture me, it is all up to you. Trying to get anyone out of me is absolutely impossible!"

Shen Lian looked at the determination in her eyes and thought to himself.

This woman is no ordinary rebel; her words are filled with deep-seated hatred for the new policies, and she must be connected to a powerful interest group behind her, possibly even to certain forces in the court.

He pondered for a moment, then suddenly changed his perspective:
"Do you know what the crime is of using a private seal to report a crime and slandering the emperor and father? It's punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family, and the bones being ground to dust! Even if you don't think of yourself, you should think of your family!"

Zhou Miaoxuan's body trembled violently, a hint of pain flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly masked by her stubbornness:

"I am all alone, without father or mother, without any relatives or friends! Don't even think about threatening me with my family!"

Shen Lian frowned even more deeply.

This woman was actually an orphan?

No wonder they act so recklessly.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside, and a junior officer from the Imperial Guard rushed in to report:
"Lord Commander, Lord Commander! The Eastern Depot has arrived, saying they are here on the orders of Governor Wei to take over the traitors!"

Lu Jianxing and Shen Lian exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.

"They came so quickly..."

Lu Jianxing said in a low voice, "Shen Lian, you only have half an hour left."

Shen Lian took a deep breath, walked up to Zhou Miaoxuan, lowered his voice, and spoke with a subtle hint of seduction:

“Zhou Miaoxuan, do you know what Vice Premier Liu Yizhuan has been doing lately? He seems to be… paying close attention to your ‘articles’.”

Zhou Miaoxuan's eyes narrowed sharply, and her pupils trembled almost imperceptibly.

Shen Lian understood immediately; it seemed his guess was correct!
Behind this "Mr. Hokusai" is indeed a high-ranking official in the cabinet!
Just as he was about to press his advantage, the eunuchs from the Eastern Depot strode in. Leading them was Wei Zhongxian's trusted eunuch, who glared menacingly at the people inside.
"By order of the Grand Eunuch, the traitor 'Beizhai' shall be transferred to the Eastern Depot's prison!"

Shen Lian looked at the Eastern Depot agents closing in, and then at the fleeting panic in Zhou Miaoxuan's eyes, and made a decision in his heart.

We must get some information out of them in this half hour!
He leaned closer to Zhou Miaoxuan again and said quickly in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"Liu Yizhu can't protect you! Tell me who's involved behind the scenes, and maybe I can save your life!"

Zhou Miaoxuan's lips trembled, and the struggle in her eyes was very obvious.

The rumors of torture in the Eastern Depot's prison clung to her like maggots, and she had personally experienced the ruthlessness of the forces behind it.

After weighing the two options, she seemed to have exhausted all her strength, and uttered a hoarse sentence:
"Yes... I am Liu Yizhu's man."

"what?!"

Lu Jianxing abruptly took half a step back, his face instantly turning deathly pale. He never imagined that this case of tampering with a private seal would actually involve such a powerful figure as the Vice Premier of the Cabinet.

The cabinet ministers are the pillars of the court, and they are not something that a mere commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard can shake.

If this matter is confirmed, it will be a shocking case that shakes the entire court and the public. Those involved in the case may very well become victims of the power struggle.

Lu Jianxing unconsciously gripped the hilt of the Embroidered Spring Blade, his palms covered in cold sweat.

"Hand this woman over to the Eastern Depot immediately!"

He made a prompt decision.

Now that things have come to this, the only way to clear ourselves of trouble is to hand over the assets as soon as possible and avoid being entangled in this massive controversy.

The Eastern Depot agents, unable to contain themselves any longer, immediately stepped forward upon hearing this, roughly lifted the limp Zhou Miaoxuan, and dragged her along the ground with the clanging of the iron chains.

Shen Lian stood there, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

"This matter is probably not that simple."

Lu Jianxing nodded in deep agreement, his brows furrowed with seriousness:

"She admitted it too quickly, as if she had prepared her explanation long ago."

Jin Yichuan, standing to the side, scratched his head, looking puzzled, and asked:
"Do you two mean that someone deliberately framed Grand Secretary Liu?"

"It's highly likely."

Shen Lian said in a deep voice, "Liu Yizhu is a high-ranking official in the cabinet and is highly respected. If he is accused of disloyalty and slander against the emperor, he will surely die. The person behind this is probably trying to use us to get rid of this cabinet minister."

Lu Jianxing sighed: "But now, this case is beyond our control. We can only hope that Eunuch Wei can find out the truth so that we can have some peace and quiet."

The news spread like wildfire, reaching the entire Forbidden City in just half an hour.

The entire gang that operated the private reporting service was apprehended, and the chief editor, "Mr. Beizhai," was captured and confessed that the mastermind was Liu Yijing, the Vice Premier of the Cabinet.

This series of news plunged the entire court into an eerie silence.

Inside the East Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Youxiao played with the jade pendant in his hand, his face revealing neither joy nor anger, only a cold glint flashing deep in his eyes.

He had already received a secret report from Shen Lian and Lu Jianxing, knew about Zhou Miaoxuan's confession, and saw through the strangeness of the situation.

"Summon Liu Yijing to an audience."

Before long, Liu Yizhu, dressed in court attire, hurried into the warm pavilion.

He was over sixty years old, his hair and beard were already streaked with white, but he was still in good spirits.

As soon as I entered, I felt the oppressive atmosphere in the hall, and my heart sank inexplicably.

"Your humble servant Liu Yiju greets Your Majesty."

He knelt down to pay his respects, his voice steady and calm.

Zhu Youxiao did not let him get up, his tone as cold as a knife:

"Grand Secretary Liu, was that seditious article in the *Yanjing Daily* that slandered me and made irresponsible comments about the new policies your work?"

Liu Yizhu was jolted awake, abruptly looking up with an expression of utter disbelief and shock:

"Your Majesty, what makes you say such a thing? This was absolutely not the work of this old minister! This old minister is utterly loyal, how could I dare to do such a treasonous act?"

"Don't you dare?"

Zhu Youxiao sneered and threw a confession in front of him.

"This is the confession of 'Master Beizhai' Zhou Miaoxuan. She personally admitted that she was instructed by you to secretly print seditious documents and incite public sentiment. What else do you have to say?"

Liu Yizhu picked up the confession with trembling hands, his eyes quickly scanning it. His face turned from white to green, then from green to purple, his shock growing ever more intense.
"This...this is slander! This old minister has no knowledge of any Zhou Miaoxuan! This woman must be acting under someone's orders to deliberately frame this old minister!"

"Framed?"

Zhu Youxiao raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with amusement.

“These days, you have been frequently meeting with Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai. Am I right? These two are very close to Zhou Miaoxuan and are both core figures of the Fushe Society.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Yiju was struck dumb and collapsed to the ground.

He never imagined that his momentary camaraderie would become irrefutable evidence of someone framing him.

Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai were both famous scholars from Jiangnan. Due to the fall of Jiangnan, they traveled to Beijing.

Their advocacy of "reviving ancient learning and making it useful" coincided with Liu Yizhu's governing philosophy.

Therefore, Liu Yiju often summoned the two men to discuss scholarship and current affairs, but he never imagined that these men were actually colluding with the rebels who privately printed secret reports!

"Your Majesty, this old minister...this old minister is innocent!"

Tears streamed down Liu Yizhu's face as he prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly.

"This old minister has only had a literary relationship with Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai, and has never been involved in any treasonous matters! They... they have come to frame this old minister!"

Privately using a seal to report a crime is already a capital offense, let alone slandering the emperor or father and undermining the foundation of the state.
If this charge is proven true, not only will he himself be implicated, but the entire Liu family will be wiped out!
Liu Yijing was so frightened that he trembled all over and could not even speak coherently: "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."

Just when he thought he was doomed, Zhu Youxiao suddenly spoke, his tone much gentler: "Grand Secretary Liu, get up."

One moment he was furious, the next he was speaking softly. This sudden change left Liu Yizhu stunned, unsure of how to react.

He hesitated as he stood up, bowing respectfully, his eyes filled with bewilderment and fear.

"Your Majesty, this old minister is gravely guilty, I beg Your Majesty to punish me..."

"Condemned?"

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said calmly:
"Do you really think I believe this testimony?"

He walked up to Liu Yiju, his gaze sharp as an eagle's:

"Zhou Miaoxuan insists that you ordered it. The person behind it simply wants me to go with the flow and kill you, a highly respected Grand Secretary."

"You have a very high reputation both in and out of the court, and your students and former officials are all over the world."

"If I were to kill you in a fit of anger, those who oppose the new policies would seize the opportunity to accuse me of slaughtering loyal ministers and being stubborn and self-willed. Then they would be able to manipulate events and shake my foundations."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yizhu felt as if he had been enlightened, and instantly understood the crux of the matter.

He looked at Zhu Youxiao, but there was some disappointment in his eyes.

"Your Majesty is wise! This old minister...this old minister almost fell into the trap of a treacherous person!"

"A trap set by a villain?"

Zhu Youxiao gave a cold laugh.

"This trap is not only aimed at you, but also at my new policies."

He turned back to his throne and said in a deep voice, "You may return to your residence in peace and reflect on your mistakes in seclusion. I have ordered the Eastern Depot to arrest Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai. We will surely find out the truth and clear your name."

Liu Yizhu immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty! This old minister will definitely turn over a new leaf and follow Your Majesty's lead from now on!"

Watching Liu Yijuan stagger away, Zhu Youxiao's eyes turned cold once again.

He picked up the confession, and with a little force, crumpled the paper into tiny wrinkles.

"Wei Zhongxian".

Zhu Youxiao's voice rang out in the East Warm Pavilion, carrying a penetrating and oppressive aura.

"The servant is here."

As soon as he finished speaking, a hunched figure emerged from the shadows outside the hall; it was none other than Wei Zhongxian, the director of the Eastern Depot.

He had been standing in the shadows for an unknown amount of time, but now he bowed deeply forward, his head almost touching the ground, his tone extremely respectful. The sinister aura he once possessed was completely concealed before the emperor, leaving only utter obedience.

"Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai will be interrogated rigorously."

“Follow this line and dig deeper, we must find out all the masterminds behind it all, and not let a single one escape!”
"I want to see who has the audacity to play these tricks of using others to do their dirty work and spreading rumors right under my nose!"

"The slaves obey the orders!"

Wei Zhongxian bowed and accepted the order.

The emperor's wrath was his sword of Damocles; he had plenty of ways to deal with these rebels.

After Wei Zhongxian left, Zhu Youxiao sat alone on the throne, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

He already knew it perfectly well.

Liu Yiju may be innocent.

The root of this force stirring up trouble in the shadows lies not in the imperial court, but in Jiangnan.

Some time ago, he deliberately allowed Wang Haoxian to act in Jiangnan and let him stir up trouble in the local area. Those aristocratic families and gentry who had been entrenched in Jiangnan for hundreds of years either lost their hidden land due to the land reform, had their monopoly broken due to the opening of the sea, or had their source of income cut off due to the salt administration reform. Many of them went bankrupt and fell into poverty, and many fled to the capital with their families.

This situation filled them with resentment.

Liu Yijing, a key member of the Donglin Party, did not advocate for these "fellow believers." Instead, he tacitly approved the implementation of the new policies in Jiangnan, naturally becoming a thorn in the side of these disillusioned gentry.

Eager to overthrow Liu Yijun and shake the foundation of the new government, they devised a vicious scheme to spread rumors about the earthquake and frame loyal officials.

As expected, Wei Zhongxian's interrogation efficiency far exceeded expectations.

The intimidating power of the Eastern Depot's prison was never an exaggeration.

Within a few days, the whole truth came to light.

The mastermind behind it all was the Fushe scholars, led by Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai.

These people, under the guise of "reviving ancient learning," actually gathered a large number of bankrupt gentry from Jiangnan and secretly amassed power.

The so-called "Mr. Beizhai" Zhou Miaoxuan was originally a Yangzhou courtesan. She was beautiful and literate. She was bought by Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai and carefully trained to become a ghostwriter.

Those vicious words published in the Yanjing Daily were all written by her.

They thought their plan was flawless:

By exploiting the "interaction between heaven and man" theory triggered by the earthquake, they used vulgar content to attract attention, while also subtly smearing the emperor and attacking the new policies, and then framed Liu Yijun, attempting to kill two birds with one stone.

Unexpectedly, their secret printing shop in Manchun Courtyard was accidentally discovered by Shen Lian, who was indulging in wine and women.

They also underestimated the investigative capabilities of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot.

To launch a propaganda offensive right under the noses of the imperial guards in the capital, the very place where the dynasty rose to power, is tantamount to an old man hanging himself, having no regard for his own life.

Upon receiving the interrogation results, Zhu Youxiao immediately issued the following order:
"The entire Imperial Guard is mobilized to arrest the traitors according to the list. Anyone involved will be apprehended and severely punished!"

Suddenly, the political situation in the capital changed dramatically.

The Imperial Guards surged into the streets like a tidal wave, heading straight for the mansions and inns of the Jiangnan gentry in the capital.

The sounds of horses' hooves, doors being broken down, and shouts mingled together, shattering the peace of the capital.

This case involved a wide range of people, including countless gentry and members of the Fushe Society in Jiangnan. The search party stretched for miles, and the gold, silver, treasures, prohibited books, and correspondence seized were piled up like mountains.

Those people from Jiangnan who had fled to Beijing were filled with fear and unease upon seeing this.

In the streets and alleys, the casual conversations with the Jiangnan accent that could be heard in the past have all disappeared. Every household is staying indoors, for fear of being implicated.

The air in the capital seemed to freeze, filled with a sense of dread and panic.

Fortunately, Zhu Youxiao had anticipated this and promptly issued an edict to appease the people.

The imperial edict stated:
"In this rebellion, only the ringleaders and participants will be punished. All people from Jiangnan who are not involved will not be prosecuted and can continue to live in peace in Beijing."

This imperial edict acted as a reassurance, slightly easing the panic and preventing the situation from spiraling out of control.

Even so, ten days later, the market was still awash in blood.

At noon, with the executioner's order, thousands of heads fell to the ground and rolled into the dust.

Among them were masterminds like Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai, accomplices who participated in printing and distributing seditious documents, and gentry from Jiangnan who funded the Fushe Society and participated in the planning.

The corpses were piled up, and the stench of blood permeated the air for miles. The onlookers were all terrified and lowered their heads, unable to look directly at the scene.

These thousands of heads were not only a severe punishment for the rebellious party, but also a clear signal that Zhu Youxiao was sending to the world.

Privately using one's seal to report crimes, slandering the emperor and father, and undermining the foundation of the state are all heinous crimes. No matter what forces are involved or how many people are involved, he will punish them severely and without leniency!
Inside the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Youxiao gazed at the cloudless sky outside the window, his face expressionless.

This storm, triggered by a false report, was ultimately quelled with swift and decisive action.

It not only eliminated opposition forces in the imperial court and the capital, but also deterred the gentry in Jiangnan, and further consolidated the foundation of the new policies.

However, he knew in his heart that the Jiangnan gentry were deeply entrenched. Although this time they had dealt a heavy blow to their power in the capital, their foundations remained, and the future struggle was far from over.

But at this moment, he didn't need to think too much.

After this battle, the people of the world realized that the voice of public opinion in the Ming Dynasty could only be controlled by the emperor.

Anyone who attempts to challenge imperial power or obstruct the new policies will pay a heavy price.

The next day.

The sky was clear and the air was fresh. The plants and trees in the West Garden were covered with morning dew, exuding vitality.

Zhu Youxiao, dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, rode and shot arrows with a group of noble sons from the Noble Camp on the training ground.

The sound of bowstrings piercing the air and horses' hooves pounding the ground intertwined, fully displaying the young emperor's heroic spirit and exhilaration.

He drew his bow and shot every arrow with deadly accuracy, drawing cheers from the surrounding nobles.

After a period of intense training, Zhu Youxiao's forehead was covered in sweat, and his close-fitting clothes were soaked with sweat, which only made his figure look even more upright.

After enjoying himself to the fullest, he cracked his whip and, with a touch of exhilarating exhaustion, headed towards the temporary western garden.

As soon as Zhu Youxiao stepped into the main hall of the Xingyuan Garden, he was slightly taken aback.

A familiar figure stood in the hall; it was none other than Zhou Miaoxuan, the "Master Beizhai," who was supposed to be executed at Caishikou.

At this moment, Zhou Miaoxuan had shed the disheveled state of her prison uniform and changed into a plain palace dress. Her long hair was simply tied up, and although there was not much embellishment, her beautiful face was still undeniable.

However, her face was pale, and her eyes were full of shock and confusion. She had not yet recovered from the huge turn of events from "certain death" to "survival".

Upon seeing Zhu Youxiao enter, she froze, instinctively kneeling down with her head bowed and her hands tightly gripping the hem of her clothes. She dared not move, even her breathing became extremely soft.

She originally thought that as one of the main culprits for using the private seal to report the enemy and slander the emperor, she would surely be doomed to death.

The horrific scene of thousands of heads rolling at Caishikou had been swirling in her mind for days.

But to everyone's surprise, not only did they escape with their lives, they also got to see the current emperor in person.

This unexpected event left her with mixed feelings, including relief, but also fear and confusion.

Zhu Youxiao walked slowly to her, looking down at her, his tone indifferent:

You're calling me a foolish ruler? A tyrant?

Zhou Miaoxuan trembled, raised her head, a stubborn glint in her eyes, gritted her teeth, and replied with a forced smile:

"Indeed! Your Majesty slaughtered over a thousand people in one go, causing rivers of blood to flow, and allowed the White Lotus Sect to wreak havoc in Jiangnan, making the people suffer. What else is this but a tyrant?"
Rumors circulate that His Majesty has abused the Imperial Concubine and is licentious and immoral; what else could he be but a tyrannical ruler?

These words were sharp and forceful, completely disregarding the hierarchical relationship between ruler and subject.

"You audacious scoundrel! How dare you openly slander your sovereign and father! You're tired of living!"

Wei Chao, who was standing beside Zhu Youxiao, was immediately enraged. He stepped forward, shouted angrily, and his eyes were full of murderous intent.

He never expected that this woman, who had escaped death, would still dare to be so audacious.

"Go back."

Zhu Youxiao raised his hand and waved it, his tone remaining calm, showing no sign of anger.

Although Wei Chao was unwilling, he could only bow and step aside, glaring fiercely at Zhou Miaoxuan.

Zhu Youxiao squatted down, meeting Zhou Miaoxuan's gaze, and slowly said:

"When I kill people, it is never out of lust for blood, but to eliminate treacherous officials, restore order, and save more people."

Those who were beheaded were all those who used their seals to spread false information, slandered the emperor and father, and undermined the foundation of the state. If they are not executed, the world will not be at peace, and the people will not find tranquility.

He paused, a hint of sarcasm in his voice:
"As for the claim that she was insulted by the Empress Dowager, that is utter nonsense."

My harem is filled with beauties, many of whom are gentle and virtuous. Why would I do something that violates morality and is despised by others?
It's nothing but a rumor deliberately fabricated by treacherous people to smear me.

Seeing that Zhou Miaoxuan's face still held a hint of defiance, yet also showed a hint of hesitation, Zhu Youxiao continued:
"I can spare your life and let you stay by my side as a palace maid serving me."

From now on, you will see for yourself how I govern, how I treat the people, and see what kind of person I really am, whether I am the incompetent and tyrannical ruler you speak of.”

He secretly complained in his heart:

He wasn't after Yang Mi's beauty; he simply wanted her to witness firsthand how he could dispel the rumors and prove that he was a truly wise ruler.

Of course, these thoughts can only be kept to oneself.

On the surface, he still maintained that confident and extraordinary demeanor.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Miaoxuan's face showed an extremely complicated expression, her eyes filled with shock and confusion.

She stared blankly at Zhu Youxiao, seemingly unable to believe her ears:

"Aren't you afraid I might take the opportunity to poison you, or strangle you in the night?"

Poison me, strangle me?

Are you kidding me?
On the surface, Zhou Miaoxuan entered the palace to serve him.

But in reality, Hokusai was definitely under strict control in the palace.

Poisoning or strangling him was out of the question.

"Hahaha!"

Zhu Youxiao laughed loudly, his laughter hearty and carrying the confidence and composure of an emperor.

"If I am truly the incompetent and tyrannical ruler you speak of, then my death at your hands is my own fault; but if I am a wise and benevolent ruler, wholeheartedly devoted to the country and its people, then why do you want to harm me?"

These words were powerful and resounding, causing Zhou Miaoxuan to be deeply shaken.

Looking into the open and honest light in Zhu Youxiao's eyes, she felt a wavering for the first time.

Could it be that... everything Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai said to me before was a lie?

Are they simply using themselves to fabricate rumors in order to bring down Liu Yiju and obstruct the new policies?

But then I thought, if a highly respected Confucian scholar like Qian Qianyi was ordered to be executed by this emperor, could such a person really be a wise ruler?

She was torn between her inner thoughts and her own, and for a moment she didn't know how to respond.

Zhu Youxiao, however, paid no attention to her dilemma. He abruptly changed the subject and his tone became serious.

"I have one more thing to ask you."

Did Grand Secretary Liu know beforehand about the secret report and the attempt to frame Liu Yiju?
Is it true, as you previously stated, that you were acting under his orders?

This issue is one of the core purposes of his summons to Zhou Miaoxuan today.

Zhou Miaoxuan's body stiffened abruptly. She recalled how Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai had bribed her and instilled in her the idea that Liu Yizhu had "failed to save lives" and "betrayed his comrades." Combining this with the current situation, she felt confused.

"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Liu... he should be unaware of this."

"From beginning to end, it was all orchestrated by Zhang Pu and Zhang Cai. They're the ones who made me slander Grand Secretary Liu, claiming he was the mastermind."

"should?"

Zhu Youxiao gave a cold laugh.

"I don't think so!"

PS:

A long chapter of 11,400 words!

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(End of this chapter)