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

“But do you know?” Lu Gong looked up, his gaze dark, “If you continue to investigate, even the Crown Prince will be lost.”

Zhu Han narrowed his eyes: "Are you threatening me?"

"I am simply telling you the truth. The matter of the 'Northern Envoy' is not limited to Jiangnan and the inner court. It also involves—the Eastern Palace Treasury."

As soon as those words were spoken, Zhu Han's fingers tightened suddenly.

"The Eastern Palace?"

Lu Gong smiled and said, "Why doesn't Your Highness ask His Highness the Crown Prince whether the 100,000 bolts of satin that the Jiangnan Textile Bureau sends as tribute each year have actually entered the national treasury?"

Zhu Han stared at him for a long time, then suddenly chuckled softly: "You think you can get away with this by sowing discord between me and the Crown Prince?"

Lu Gong said nothing more, but took something out of his sleeve and slowly placed it on the table.

It was a black jade seal, with the words "Supervised by the Eastern Palace" clearly engraved on the bottom.

Zhu Han's smile faded further: "Well done."

He turned and left.

It was already dark when I left the palace. The wind was so strong it almost blew my cloak off.

Hao caught up with Ying: "Your Highness, how's the investigation going?"

"Lu Gong is doomed."

"But he mentioned the Crown Prince's Palace—"

“He’s trying to trick me,” Zhu Han said in a deep voice. “He knows I have a close relationship with the Crown Prince, so he’s testing me like this.”

"So how do we respond?"

"Tomorrow I will report to my elder brother the Emperor, accusing him of stealing the national seal and altering the memorial."

"If His Majesty requests proof?"

"There are bamboo slips, seals, and the testimony of Granny Su."

Zhu Han gazed at the palace lanterns in the distance, his voice calm, "Enough to leave him nowhere to escape."

The next day, in the Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious. He slammed the bamboo slips onto the palace steps, making a crisp sound.

"Lu Gong has arbitrarily used the imperial seal and altered the national regulations; his crime deserves to be executed by slow slicing! Guards—drag him away!"

Lu Gong, escorted by two imperial guards, was pale-faced but still smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I am merely acting on your imperial decree."

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback: "An imperial edict?"

"It is the Empress Dowager's decree."

The hall was deathly silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze slowly shifted to Zhu Han: "Brother Han, can you hear me clearly?"

Zhu Han cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, his voice as firm as iron: "Your subject does not believe it. This man is abusing the Empress Dowager's name to commit evil, adding insult to injury."

Lu Gong suddenly burst into laughter: "Whether Your Highness believes it or not, the imperial edict is indeed in the inner treasury."

"Go and fetch it!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted sternly.

A moment later, the eunuch presented a roll of gold silk.

Zhu Yuanzhang unfolded it and saw that it was indeed stamped with the "Seal of the Empress Dowager," with elegant handwriting.

"Your Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, Lu Gong, is temporarily acting as the envoy to the north. He has heard that the administration of grain transport in Jiangnan is in disarray. You may expedite the revision of the documents so that I may review them."

Zhu Yuanzhang's hands trembled slightly.

Zhu Han stepped forward: "Your Majesty, this handwriting... is not from the Empress Dowager herself."

“How come you see?”

Zhu Han pointed to the words "I read this": "The Empress Dowager usually refers to herself as 'Your son reads this,' and never refers to herself as 'I.' This document is a forgery."

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned. After staring at it for a moment, he said sternly, "Guards! Seal this edict, imprison Lu Gong, and thoroughly investigate this forgery!"

Before being dragged away, Lu Gong looked back at Zhu Han, the smile in his eyes as thick as blood.

That night, Zhu Han did not return to the Prince's residence, but instead lingered outside the East Palace.

Upon receiving the news, Zhu Biao personally came out to greet him: "Imperial Uncle."

The two entered the hall, the firelight reflecting off Zhu Biao's young face.

“Lu Gong has been imprisoned,” Zhu Han said in a deep voice, “but I am worried that there are still people behind the forged imperial edict.”

Zhu Biao frowned: "Whom do you suspect?"

"There is only one person who can forge the Empress Dowager's handwriting and also make the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs act."

"Who?"

Zhu Han's voice was extremely low: "Empress."

Zhu Biao was shocked: "Impossible, the Empress Dowager has been here for a long time..."

"Always uninterested in politics? That's just an appearance." Zhu Han looked out the window at the snowy landscape. "Since she entered the palace at the beginning of the Yongle reign, she has been in charge of the household affairs for twenty years. Even the promotion and demotion of eunuchs require her approval. If she wants to take action, who dares to stop her?"

Zhu Biao's face was pale.

Zhu Han said slowly, "Nephew, you must not interfere in this matter. If she is truly involved, pretend you know nothing. I will investigate and then report to Father."

"But she is, after all, my mother—"

“If she uses the Empress Dowager’s name to carry out her orders, it would be treason.”

Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time before finally nodding: "Uncle... take care."

The morning bells rang from the palace rooftop, deep and long.

The snow has stopped, and the sky is as gray as a sheet of silk. The cold air seeps through the cracks in the tiles, and even the copper bells on the eaves are covered with a thin layer of frost.

Zhu Han didn't sleep all night.

On the table lay three confessions, a bamboo slip, and a fragment of an imperial seal whose wax seal was still wet.

Hao Duiying stood outside the door, her expression solemn.

"Your Highness, after the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs imprisoned the suspect, the Ministry of Justice has intervened. But... there are people in the inner court suppressing the case."

"Who?"

"Pei Jing, head of the Imperial Kitchen."

Zhu Han raised an eyebrow slightly. Pei Jing was ostensibly in charge of the meals, but in reality, he was the Empress's confidant.

“Once Lu Gong falls, the Empress will surely take action. She will not sit idly by.”

"How does Your Highness intend to deal with this?"

"I must see the Empress Dowager."

Hao Duiying was stunned: "Empress Dowager?"

"Lu Gong used the Empress Dowager's decree as an excuse. If he really wanted to expose the falsehood, he would have to ask the Empress Dowager to speak in person."

"But I'm afraid you won't be able to see the Empress Dowager easily."

Zhu Han closed the file and stood up: "Then let's go through the main entrance."

The snow in front of the Cining Palace had been swept clean, but the stone lions still had unmelted ice blocks piled up at their feet.

As soon as Zhu Han arrived, a palace maid stepped forward to stop him: "Your Highness, the Empress Dowager is unwell and will not receive guests this morning."

Zhu Han remained expressionless, only saying calmly, "I am here to inquire after your health as ordered by imperial decree."

The palace maid hesitated for a moment, but ultimately dared not stop him and led him inside.

Benzoin was burning in the hall, and pale white smoke swirled around.

The Empress Dowager sat on the warm couch, draped in a silver fox fur coat, her brows and eyes filled with weariness.

"Is it Han'er?" Her voice was slightly hoarse.

Zhu Han stepped forward and knelt down, saying, "Your subject pays respects to the Empress Dowager."

"Enough, no need for formalities." The Empress Dowager raised her hand, signaling the palace maids to leave. The room was now empty except for the two of them.

Zhu Han spoke in a deep voice: "Your subject has important matters to report."

The Empress Dowager nodded: "Speak."

"Someone falsely claimed to be acting on the Empress Dowager's decree, instructing eunuchs to alter the Ministry of Justice's memorial. Now the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial has confessed, but he still insists that he was acting on the Empress Dowager's decree. I dare not believe it, so I have come to verify."

The Empress Dowager remained silent for a moment, then slowly turned her head. The candlelight illuminated her profile, revealing a calm expression.

"I did indeed issue the imperial decree."

Zhu Han's heart skipped a beat.

The Empress Dowager looked at him, her eyes seemingly filled with a thousand layers of meaning: "That was last month. Your brother couldn't sleep at night, overwhelmed with official duties. I felt sorry for him, so I ordered Lu Gong to copy a few documents for him. But I didn't ask him to change the words."

“But the bamboo slip was marked ‘Northern Envoy’ and stamped with the official seal.”

"The Imperial Seal?" The Empress Dowager's expression changed slightly, then she said in a deep voice, "The Imperial Seal is on the Emperor's desk in the palace and has never been lent out. If that's the case, then someone has taken it privately."

Zhu Han pondered for a moment and asked, "Does Your Majesty recall if anyone has entered the palace to present an imperial edict in the past month?"

"Yes," the Empress Dowager sighed softly, "it is the Empress."

The air suddenly turned cold.

The Empress Dowager slowly raised her eyes, her voice extremely low: "Han'er, there are many things to do in the palace. The deeper you investigate, the more cautious you must be. The Empress... is not someone to be trifled with."

"My son understands."

“I am old. If you can protect your brother and the crown prince, that will be a great deed.”

Zhu Han rose and bowed solemnly: "Your subject will remember."

When we left Cining Palace, the sunlight on the snow was so bright that we couldn't open our eyes.

Hao Duiying was already waiting outside the door: "Your Highness, the Empress has sent word that a family banquet will be held tonight, and she invites you to attend."

Zhu Han's lips curled slightly: "An invitation to a banquet? You've come quickly."

"Is Your Highness going?"

“Go. If she wants to test me, I’ll test her.”

Night falls.

The Yanshou Hall in the central palace was brightly lit, and the air was filled with the scent of sandalwood mixed with the aroma of wine.

The Empress sat gracefully at the head of the table, her smile gentle, a golden cup lightly in her hand. "Prince Han has worked hard these past few days. I heard this and have specially prepared this simple banquet. How have you been?"

Zhu Han bowed, his expression calm: "Thanks to the Empress's blessing, all is well."

The Empress gestured for them to sit down. A multitude of delicacies were laid out on the table, and a palace maid subtly moved a wine pot.

"I heard the other day that the Prince was investigating the grain transport administration in Jiangnan, which really breaks my heart," the Empress said softly. "You have always been diligent and conscientious, and now you are sharing His Majesty's burdens."

Zhu Han smiled slightly: "You flatter me, Your Majesty."

"You're always so polite."

She looked up, her eyes flashing, a half-smile playing on her lips, "However, there are some people who may not understand you."

"Oh?" Zhu Han raised his cup and gently clinked it against the glass. "Who is this 'Imperial Sister-in-Law'?"

"There are always people in the court who are afraid of your power. Even the crown prince has been dragged into this."

The Empress spoke softly, yet every word carried a sharp edge: "I've heard... that the case involving the Directorate of Ceremonial is also somewhat related to the Crown Prince's Palace."

Zhu Han's gaze narrowed slightly: "Your sister-in-law is quite well-informed."

The Empress's smile remained unchanged: "There are many eyes and ears in the palace. I only overheard a few words. You and the Crown Prince are as close as blood relatives, and there should be no discord between you."

Zhu Han slowly put down his cup, his tone indifferent: "Your Majesty's worries are unnecessary. The Crown Prince is wise and has the world at heart."

"Of course I believe you," the Empress said, changing the subject with a soft sigh. "But the world is full of turmoil. Your Highness is a man of integrity; wouldn't it be a pity if you were to be used by others?"

Zhu Han looked at her, remaining silent for a long time.

In that instant, he finally understood—the Empress was not merely testing him; she was issuing a warning.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty," he smiled faintly, "I only recognize imperial decrees, not people's words."

The Empress's smile faltered slightly before she raised her cup and drank it all in one gulp.

"Your Highness has such a magnanimous spirit."

The atmosphere at the gathering was heavy for a time. Zhu Han rose to take his leave when the last piece of music ended.

The Empress saw him off at the palace gate, then suddenly whispered, "Your Highness—if there is wind tomorrow night, please do not leave the palace."

Zhu Han glanced back at her, his eyes revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty."

When the night wind rose, it did indeed rise in an eerie way.

Dark clouds churned above the Forbidden City, and the wind swept across the palace eaves with a low hiss.

As soon as Zhu Han returned to the Prince's residence, Hao Duiying greeted him: "Your Highness! Something has happened at the Eastern Palace—"

"Say!"

"A fire broke out in the palace. The Crown Prince's palace was sealed off. It is said that someone took advantage of the chaos to poison the prince, who has already fainted."

Zhu Han's expression changed drastically, and he put on his outer robe and went out.

"Prepare the horses, and follow me to the palace!"

Outside the Qianqing Gate, palace servants were in chaos, and the firelight illuminated half the sky. Eunuchs knelt down one after another, their cries echoing in the air.

"Step back!" Zhu Han shouted, leading his shadow guards to break down the door.

Thick smoke billowed inside the hall, and the crown prince lay on the couch, his lips pale.

The imperial physician knelt tremblingly: "Your Highness has been poisoned—by an unusual medicine."

Can he be saved?

"If acupuncture is not administered within half a moment, I fear..."

Zhu Han said coldly, "Use my dagger!"

The imperial physician trembled with fright and did as instructed.

A moment later, the prince's breathing became slightly labored.

Zhu Han turned around and asked coldly, "How did the fire start?"

The eunuch knelt on the ground, trembling: "Your Highness, it was soup sent from the Imperial Kitchen. It was placed by the charcoal stove and accidentally spilled."

"The Imperial Kitchen?" Zhu Han's voice was icy. "Who's on duty?"

“Pei Jing…Chief Steward Pei.”

Hao Duiying's expression changed drastically: "It's the person who suppressed the case!"

Zhu Han asked in a low voice, "Where is he?"

"After the fire, he disappeared."

That night, Zhu Han thoroughly investigated the imperial kitchen.

The entire warehouse was burned to a crisp, except for one bronze cauldron that remained intact.

The bottom of the cauldron is engraved with the words "Serving the Empress".

Zhu Han remained silent, reaching out to stroke the words, his fingertips leaving a trail of black ash.

"The Empress Dowager—she has finally made her move."

Hao whispered to Ying, "Your Highness, should we report this to His Majesty?"

"Not yet. The Crown Prince is still unconscious, and the evidence is incomplete."

"What should I do?"

Zhu Han looked at the charred roof of the palace in the distance, his voice extremely cold: "From today onwards, shadow guards will secretly infiltrate the central palace and report any movement immediately."

"Yes."

The wind blew through the palace gates, stirring up ashes.

Zhu Han stood amidst the embers, his heart frozen solid.

He suddenly remembered the Empress's words: "If there is wind tomorrow night, please do not leave the palace."

She knew all along.

At dawn, Zhu Yuanzhang arrived at the Eastern Palace.

The prince has escaped danger, but remains unconscious.

"Who is it!" the emperor roared, shaking the golden tiles.

The courtiers knelt on the ground, speechless.

Zhu Han stepped forward: "Your Majesty, Pei Jing from the Imperial Kitchen has gone missing, and it is suspected that he is related to this case."

“Pei Jing is a man of the Empress.” Zhu Yuanzhang’s face was ashen. “If that’s true…”

He didn't finish speaking, but waved his hand: "Temporarily seal the Empress's palace; the Empress is not allowed to leave without permission. Investigate!"

"Your subject obeys."

As night fell again, Zhu Han, wearing a cloak, walked along the imperial road leading to the central palace.

Beneath the sky, the wind howled like the panting of a wild beast.

He knew that this night was not just about investigating a case; it was about life and death.

The Yanshou Hall was still lit. The palace gates were half-closed, and the fragrance mingled with the scent of cold snow.

The Empress sat alone in the hall, holding a teacup in her hands. When he entered, her expression remained calm.

"Prince Han." She gently put down her teacup. "You've finally come."

Zhu Han walked to the front of the hall, his gaze sharp: "Did you know that the Crown Prince almost died?"

"I know."

She spoke so calmly.

"Who cooked that soup?"

"Pei Jing".

"You ordered this?"

"Yes."

Zhu Han slowly clenched his fist.

"Why?"

The empress raised her head, her eyes flashing coldly: "Because he will ascend the throne sooner or later, and I cannot allow you to dethrone him."

"Me?" Zhu Han sneered. "I never touched him."

“But you are investigating the ‘Northern Envoy,’ you are digging up the roots. If those roots are severed, even the Crown Prince cannot stand.”

She stood up and slowly walked to him: "You should know that the money from the Jiangnan Textile Bureau has long been in the Crown Prince's account. That was the foundation I built for him."

Zhu Han stared at her: "You think this will protect him?"

“Protect him? No—I’m protecting my bloodline.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a gust of wind suddenly rose outside, and the palace doors were blown shut shut.

Zhu Han suddenly heard the soft rustling of clothes—several figures flashed out from behind the curtain, and a flash of sword light appeared.

"Protect the Emperor—" Hao Duiying's voice came from outside the door.

Zhu Han drew his sword. A flash of cold light, sparks flying.

Within moments, several corpses lay strewn across the hall.

The Empress retreated behind the screen, her face deathly pale, yet she still smiled: "Even if you kill me, you cannot bring peace to the Crown Prince."

Zhu Han sheathed his sword and said coldly, "I won't kill you. The truth will destroy you."

He turned and left, leaving the empress standing there, her robes fluttering in the wind.

At daybreak, the palace gates reopened.

Zhu Han stood in front of the Fengtian Hall and presented the case file to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"The Empress Dowager plotted to harm the Crown Prince; the evidence is conclusive."

There was silence in the hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly closed the file, his expression complex.

"She...in the end, she still came to this." (End of Chapter)