Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

The palace bells had only tolled three times when a thin mist shrouded the sky. Suddenly, a piercing scream tore through the night—

"Someone's dead—!"

The sound came from the direction of Qianqing Gate, startling the entire palace.

Guards carried lanterns and ran about, the clanging of armor echoing through the palace alleys.

When Zhu Han arrived, the palace gates were brightly lit. A corpse lay on the ground—dressed in a flying fish robe with a brocade pouch hanging from his waist, he was clearly a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Zhu Biao was also there, wearing a blue robe, his face pale, but he tried to remain calm.

Zhu Han crouched down, his gaze calmly sweeping over the corpse. "Throat slit, one fatal blow. Extremely steady strike."

Shen Lu said in a low voice, "Your Highness, the deceased was named Luo Xuan. He was ordered to patrol the Imperial Garden the night before last."

"Patrolling the Imperial Garden?" Zhu Han raised his head, his gaze turning cold. "That's the outer garden of the Crown Prince's palace. Why is he patrolling to the Qianqing Gate at night?"

Zhu Biao frowned: "Luo Xuan is one of my father's personal guards, and he never leaves his post without permission."

Zhu Han stood up and whispered, "Seal off the entire palace. Check everyone who enters or leaves. Do not move the corpses."

The eunuch stepped forward tremblingly: "Your Highness... Luo Xuan is still holding something in his hand."

Zhu Han bent down and took out a piece of broken jade. The jade was crystal clear, but it was cracked in two, with a dragon pattern carved on one side.

Zhu Biao's expression changed: "That is... Father Emperor's imperial pendant."

The air froze instantly.

Shen Lu took a low breath: "How could His Majesty's imperial pendant end up in the hands of a patrol guard?"

Zhu Han pondered for a moment, then turned his gaze to the other end of the bloodstain: "Someone wants us to think that he is a jade thief."

"Is that really true?" Zhu Biao pressed.

Zhu Han did not answer, but walked towards the palace gate corridor. The floor tiles there were stained red with blood, and a few faint, messy footprints could be seen.

He crouched down to examine them closely, his expression shifting slightly: "More than two people. The former had small feet, the latter walked quickly. Luo Xuan was chasing someone before he died."

Zhu Biao bent down: "The footprints are pointing east, which leads to the Imperial Garden."

Zhu Han nodded: "Let's go."

Deep within the Imperial Garden, the moonlight was pale and cold. The wind blew through the withered branches, as if even the night itself was giving way.

Beside an artificial hill in the garden, there was a patch of blood that hadn't dried. Zhu Han squatted down and touched it; his fingertips were cold and damp.

"This is the first place where the murder took place."

Shen Lu asked in surprise: "Then the corpse from Qianqing Gate—was it moved there?"

"Yes." Zhu Han looked up at the shadow of the artificial hill. "He tried to escape from the palace before he died, but failed."

Zhu Biao frowned: "Uncle, who dares to kill a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the palace?"

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "The one who could kill him with a single blow must be an acquaintance or a master."

As they spoke, the wind rustled the bamboo leaves behind the artificial hill, revealing a corner of tattered cloth. Shen Lu quickly stepped forward and picked it up; it was a piece of a palace maid's sleeve, still stained with blood.

Zhu Biao's expression hardened: "A palace maid?"

Zhu Han took it and examined it carefully, then said calmly, "This is brocade fabric, made by the Inner Palace Bureau, and is only for use by the servants of the Three Upper Palaces."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up: "Father held a banquet in the central hall yesterday, and all the attendants were from the Inner Palace... Could this be related to the banquet?"

Zhu Han nodded slightly: "Very likely."

He suddenly turned to Shen Lu and said, "Go check the duty roster from last night. Bring everyone who entered the Qianqing Palace in for questioning."

Shen Lu accepted the order and left.

Zhu Biao stood silently for a long time, then suddenly whispered, "Uncle, if this case involves the inner court, Father will surely be furious."

Zhu Han smiled faintly and said, "Therefore, we must find out the truth first."

He turned and looked at the fading moonlight: "All murders in the palace, if not treason, are for the purpose of seizing favor."

Zhu Biao was taken aback: "Stealing favor?"

“Someone wants to use the deceased’s words to make people suspect that the emperor has lost his guard.”

"But……"

"It's a pity he died too young," Zhu Han said in a low voice. "The people who killed him were desperate."

Shen Lu reported: "We found that a total of 27 people were on duty in the palace last night: 13 eunuchs, 7 palace maids, and 7 guards. Apart from Luo Xuan, no one is missing."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment: "Bring those seven palace maids."

A moment later, seven palace maids knelt in a row, each with their heads down, not daring to look at anyone.

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Han, indicating that he should take the lead in asking the questions.

Zhu Han slowly asked, "Who saw Luo Xuan last night?"

Everyone was silent.

He said coldly, "If you don't speak, I will order a body search."

An older palace maid finally spoke in a trembling voice: "Your Highness... this servant saw Commander Luo in the Imperial Garden. At that time... he was arguing with someone."

With whom?

"I dare not speak."

Zhu Han's eyes turned cold: "If you dare to conceal anything, you will be executed according to palace law."

The palace maid was so frightened that she kept kowtowing and crying, "It's...it's Consort Chen's personal maid, 'Xiaoyu'!"

Zhu Biao's heart skipped a beat. Consort Chen was one of Zhu Yuanzhang's former favorites. Although she was over thirty, she was still the most favored concubine in the harem.

Zhu Han slowly stood up and said calmly, "Take me to see her."

A side hall in the Imperial Garden, the residence of Consort Chen.

She was sitting in front of the mirror combing her hair when she heard that the prince and the crown prince had come to visit. She was taken aback, but still smiled and got up to greet them.

"Your Majesty, I have offended you." Zhu Han bowed.

"Why do you say that, Your Highness?" Consort Chen smiled gently, her tone calm. "A murder has occurred in the palace, and I am still shaken."

Zhu Biao cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, Luo Xuan came to this place before he died. Someone witnessed him arguing with Xiaoyu, a maid of the Imperial Concubine."

Consort Chen frowned and glanced back coldly. A moment later, her maid Xiaoyu was dragged into the hall, her face ashen.

"This servant...this servant deserves to die."

Zhu Han stepped forward and asked, "Tell me, what caused your argument with Luo Xuan?"

Xiaoyu trembled, and after a moment she finally choked up and said, "Commander Luo... wants me to hand over something, saying it's a jade pendant that His Majesty lost... but I don't have that jade."

"Then why did he contact you?"

He said someone pointed it out.

Zhu Han's eyes flickered slightly: "Who pointed that out?"

Xiaoyu looked up, shivering, glanced at Consort Chen, and then quickly lowered her head again.

The air suddenly became quiet.

Consort Chen remained unmoved, only saying softly, "Your Highness, this girl is talking nonsense. If Luo Xuan truly suspects me of stealing the jade, isn't that just wishful thinking?"

Zhu Han said calmly, "Your Majesty, please do not be angry. Your subject is merely inquiring as a matter of routine."

Having said that, he stepped forward and reached out to lift a piece of brocade cloth on the table. Beneath it lay a small box.

The box lid was slightly ajar, revealing half of the cracked jade inside—its texture perfectly matching the half in Luo Xuan's hand.

Consort Chen's smile froze on her face.

Zhu Biao stepped forward, his voice low: "Does Your Majesty have an explanation?"

Consort Chen's eyes flickered with panic, then she suddenly smiled: "That was the jade His Majesty bestowed upon me, how did it become evidence?"

Zhu Han said in a deep voice, "His Majesty's jade pendant has a dragon seal, but your jade has no seal."

Consort Chen's face turned pale, and she suddenly shouted, "You—you're trying to frame me! I haven't seen Luo Xuan!"

Her voice echoed in the hall, tinged with despair.

Zhu Biao slowly took a step back and looked at Zhu Han.

Zhu Han did not give the order immediately, but said calmly, "If Your Majesty is truly innocent, the truth will come out."

He turned to Shen Lu and said, "Seal the hall. No one is allowed to enter or leave."

At noon, Zhu Yuanzhang received the report and was furious.

"A murder case involving the imperial palace?!" He immediately ordered Zhu Han and Zhu Biao to appear before the emperor within three quarters of an hour.

When they entered the main hall, Zhu Yuanzhang was already seated on the dragon throne, his face grim. "Brother Han, have you found out who was responsible?"

Zhu Han bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Luo Xuan's death is suspected to be related to Consort Chen's palace. However, there are suspicious circumstances."

"What's strange about it?"

"The murderer deliberately left the jade pendant, intending to lure trouble into the palace."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned deeply: "Was someone framing me?"

"Yes," Zhu Han answered confidently, "but this person's skill in doing things is far beyond what a palace maid could do."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to Zhu Biao: "What do you think?"

Zhu Biao lowered his head: "Your subject believes that the murderer intended to use the palace case to shake the hearts of the inner court, not for the jade, but for power."

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze gradually turned cold: "Whose power is this?"

Zhu Han slowly spoke: "Your subject suspects it is Left Commander-in-Chief Lan Yu."

The entire hall was deathly silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed completely. Lan Yu—one of his former generals and confidants.

Zhu Biao asked urgently, "What proof do you have, Uncle?"

Zhu Han took something out of his pocket and spread it on the imperial desk—it was an iron token engraved with the character "Lan," which Luo Xuan had clutched in his palm before his death, but it was covered by blood.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned ashen. He clenched his fist for a long time before suddenly saying in a deep voice, "Summon Lan Yu to the palace—if this is false, I will take your life!"

Zhu Han cupped his hands in greeting: "Your subject understands."

Lan Yu was escorted into the Golden Hall, still wearing his armor, his expression still defiant.

"I do not know what crime I have committed to warrant this summons?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly, "Are you aware of the murder at Qianqing Gate last night?"

"I don't know."

Zhu Han stepped forward and placed the iron token in front of him. "This item was in the hands of the deceased."

Lan Yu's expression changed, then he sneered: "This order was lost in the army half a month ago, how did Your Highness obtain it?"

"Lost?" Zhu Han stared at him. "You really believe I would believe that?"

Zhu Biao looked at his father, the Emperor, only to see that Zhu Yuanzhang's knuckles were already taut.

"Lan Yu," Zhu Yuanzhang said in a low voice, "you've followed me for decades since the Northern Expedition. If you truly betray me..."

Lan Yu knelt on the ground, his voice hoarse: "Your Majesty, though I am foolish, I dare not! This bloodshed must be a frame-up!"

Zhu Han said coldly, "If it were truly a frame-up, why choose a location next to the Consort's palace? Does she have some old grudge against General Lan?"

Lan Yu's eyes flickered, but she remained silent.

Zhu Han slammed his hand on the table: "If you won't tell me, I will—three months ago, the Imperial Concubine's brother, Chen Jing, was transferred to the Southern Army's grain department. You punished him with eighty strokes of the cane for 'dereliction of duty,' and he died suddenly half a month later."

Lan Yu gritted her teeth: "That's military law!"

"Military law? Or murder to silence witnesses?" Zhu Han's voice was as firm as iron. "This case was never about stealing jade, but about revenge."

Zhu Biao stepped forward and whispered, "Uncle, there is insufficient evidence."

Zhu Han glanced at him and said calmly, "The evidence will come on its own."

He looked up at the eunuch and said, "Summon Xiaoyu."

The palace maid was brought into the hall, her face deathly pale. Upon seeing Lan Yu, she immediately collapsed to the ground, trembling all over.

"Your Highness...Your Highness, spare me! This servant was only delivering a message as ordered by the General!"

Zhu Han sneered: "What letter?"

"It was given to Consort Chen... saying that the jade pendant belonged to Luo Xuanzang, and that if she handed it over, she could protect herself."

There was silence in the hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly rose, his eyes flashing with anger: "Lan Yu! How dare you slander my harem?"

Lan Yu suddenly looked up and exclaimed, "I am innocent!"

But before he could finish speaking, a cold light flashed—Zhu Han drew his sword and plunged it into the bluestone in front of the imperial desk, his voice booming like thunder:
"Blood is not white, Heaven has eyes!"

The blade trembled, and Lan Yu's gaze finally broke. He sighed deeply and knelt on the ground: "It was...it was my mistake. Luo Xuan knew the truth and wanted to expose it, but I...feared the matter would be revealed."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was ashen, and he remained motionless for a long time.

"Drag him away and hand him over to the Ministry of Justice."

Lan Yu was dragged out of the palace gate, leaving a trail of blood.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly sat back on the dragon throne, his gaze falling on Zhu Han: "Without you, this case would have almost ruined my court."

Zhu Han lowered his head: "Your subject has merely fulfilled his duty."

"Do you know why I'm angry?" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice suddenly deepened. "You investigated too quickly."

Zhu Han was slightly taken aback. "It was as if you knew someone was going to kill you."

That one sentence carried the weight of iron.

Zhu Biao suddenly looked up: "Father!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand to stop him, his gaze fixed on Zhu Han: "Do you dare to swear—that you did not foresee this case?"

There was a dead silence in the hall.

Zhu Han raised his head, looked at the dome with the golden dragon relief, and slowly said, "Your subject dares to swear—if I have any selfish intentions, I am willing to die and the country be destroyed."

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a long sigh. "You are all iron-willed, yet you have a tender heart. I truly cannot control you."

He waved his hand: "You may leave. Tomorrow, you will accompany the Crown Prince to inspect the Ministry of Justice and close the case."

That night, in the North Garden of Qianqing Palace, a light drizzle fell, and raindrops dripped from the eaves.

Zhu Han stood alone under the eaves, wearing an untied cloak, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

Shen Lu stepped in from outside the corridor, his clothes damp, and reported in a low voice: "Your Highness, Lan Yu's confession has been confirmed. The Ministry of Justice escorted him to the Meridian Gate to hear the imperial decree, but this morning—he died."

Zhu Han turned around, his eyes cold.

"How did you die?"

"Hanging himself."

"Hanging?" Zhu Han's voice was extremely soft, yet it was like a knife slicing through the night air. "He was in shackles, how could he have hanged himself?"

Shen Lu bowed, not daring to say anything more. "Where is the body?"

"They are still in the Ministry of Justice prison."

Zhu Han was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Go and prepare the horses."

Outside the prison gates, the wind howled. Zhu Biao was already there, wearing a blue robe, his expression solemn.

“Uncle, I have ordered guards to stand at the gate. The Minister of Justice requests an audience with you, saying that this matter… is suspicious.” Zhu Han nodded and stepped inside.

Deep inside the prison, the air was thick with dampness, and torches flickered. The prison guards lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise their heads.

Zhu Han stared at the corpse hanging from the beam. Lan Yu's eyes were slightly open, his tongue was sticking out, and his body was covered in bruises, yet—the mud beneath his feet was perfectly clean and unmarked.

“He didn’t hang himself,” Zhu Han said in a low voice. “He was strangled.”

Zhu Biao frowned: "Who did it?"

"The one who can move the prisoners of the Ministry of Justice is not from the outer court." Zhu Han slowly raised his head, his gaze looking through the prison window, "It is from the inner palace."

Shen Lu exclaimed in surprise, "Your Majesty?"

“It may not be him,” Zhu Han said coldly, “but whoever made the move must have been acting on imperial orders.”

Zhu Biao's face paled slightly: "If that's true, then the case we're investigating..."

"The case was closed a long time ago," Zhu Han said calmly. "It's just that some people don't want the truth to be known."

The candlelight flickered in the prison. Zhu Biao's fists were clenched tightly in his sleeves, but he remained silent.

The next morning.

Zhu Yuanzhang ascended to the throne. Lan Yu's death was ruled as "suicide out of fear of punishment." There was no trial or review, and his body was cremated.

The officials looked solemn, but none of them dared to speak.

Zhu Han stood silently to the side of the hall, his expression unmoved. Only when Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze swept over him did he slowly step forward, bow, and say:
"Your subject has something to say."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

"The Lan Yu case is closed, but the killing of a Jinyiwei guard in the palace remains unclear. Your humble servant wishes to thoroughly investigate the whole affair, find the murderer, investigate the orders, and find out the true culprit's motives." (End of Chapter)