The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 649 Undercurrents in the Capital
The night was deep, and the streets of the capital were brightly lit, seemingly peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents were surging beneath.

The news that Zhu Xiong Ying's army was about to return to the capital spread like wildfire throughout the court.

Various factions in the capital were alerted and began to act, especially Zhang Jing's faction, which had been secretly planning for a long time.

"Your Highness, the situation in the capital is extremely tense. Zhang Jing and others have been making frequent moves recently."

A trusted aide hurried into the tent, holding the latest intelligence in his hands.

"They have won over a group of ministers in the court and are waiting for an opportunity to create chaos."

Zhu Xiong Ying took the intelligence report, quickly scanned it, and frowned slightly.

"Sure enough, Zhang Jing couldn't hold back any longer."

He said this with utmost calmness.

"Their goal was clear: to disrupt the court before we returned to the capital and make people in the court suspicious of us."

The confidant nodded and then said, "According to intelligence, Zhang Jing has begun to spread rumors, claiming that Your Highness's victory was merely a fluke, and that Your Highness has acted improperly in the border war."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze turned slightly cold.

"The rumors have indeed started."

He said this with a hint of coldness in his voice.

“Zhang Jing and his ilk have been waiting for an opportunity, and now they are using rumors to try to shake my foundation in the court.”

The confidant whispered, "Your Highness, if you do not return to the capital soon, the spread of rumors may seriously damage your reputation."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, her gaze remaining calm.

"Returning to Beijing is inevitable, but now is not the best time."

"Zhang Jing and his associates are clearly plotting a larger conspiracy; they are not just relying on rumors."

He spoke with remarkable insight and composure.

“We must thoroughly understand their plans before delivering the fatal blow.”

Upon hearing this, the confidant immediately understood and said, "I will immediately arrange for more people to gather intelligence inside and outside the capital."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly and then said, "That's right, intelligence is key."

"Only by understanding their actions can we strike first."

Although his voice was calm, it conveyed an unparalleled decisiveness and ruthlessness.

The trusted confidant immediately left to make arrangements, and the entire camp remained on high alert.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the tent, his gaze deep.

He knew that the situation in the capital had entered its most critical moment.

Although victory belongs to him, all his efforts could be ruined if he is not careful on his way back to the capital.

"Zhang Jing, you have been plotting in secret for many years, but this time, the winner can only be me."

He silently made a vow in his heart, his eyes shining with determination.

***
Several days later, Zhu Xiong Ying's army finally embarked on the final leg of their journey back to Beijing.

The walls of the capital were already in sight, yet Zhu Xiong Ying's heart remained heavy.

He knew that the real battle was not on the border, but within this imperial city.

"Your Highness, the capital city is just ahead."

Li Jinglong stood to the side, his expression showing a hint of excitement.

"The news of our great victory has already spread throughout the capital, and I'm sure all the officials are waiting for Your Highness's triumphant return."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, his gaze remaining calm.

"Although news of the victory has spread, Zhang Jing and his men's conspiracy is quietly brewing."

"We must proceed with caution and cannot afford any negligence."

He said this with a deep sense of vigilance in his voice.

Li Jinglong nodded in agreement and then said, "Your Highness, I have already arranged for people to return to the capital ahead of time to ensure smooth communication within the capital."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, her eyes gleaming with wisdom.

“Yes, every step from now on is crucial.”

"In the capital, many people have already been won over by Zhang Jing and his group, and their power should not be underestimated."

"We must quickly grasp the situation after returning to the capital and prevent them from having any opportunity to overthrow the government."

Although his voice was calm, every word he spoke conveyed unparalleled decisiveness and resolve.

Li Jinglong was deeply impressed and then asked, "Your Highness, how should we deal with the situation in the court next?" Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes were deep as he slowly said, "First of all, we must dispel the rumors spread by Zhang Jing and others."

"Their purpose in spreading rumors is to undermine our prestige and make the officials in the court doubt me."

"As long as we return to Beijing in victory, all the rumors will be dispelled."

He said this with unwavering confidence and composure.

"However, dispelling the rumors is only the first step."

"Next, we must act swiftly to eliminate the influence of Zhang Jing and his associates."

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong's eyes flashed with surprise, and he then asked, "Your Highness, how do you plan to proceed?"

A cold glint flashed in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes as he said in a deep voice, "The officials that Zhang Jing and his ilk have won over are not all loyal; some of them are just opportunists."

"We must use the momentum of this victory to deter these opportunists and make them realize that standing on Zhang Jing's side will only lead to their own destruction."

"At the same time, we must quickly investigate Zhang Jing's network of influence in the court and eradicate it completely."

He said this with an air of unwavering resolve and decisiveness.

Li Jinglong nodded in agreement and then said, "Your Highness understands. I will fully cooperate with Your Highness's plan."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, her eyes flashing with calm light.

"This victory is just the beginning; the subsequent power struggles in the court will determine the future."

"Zhang Jing and his ilk have been waiting for years, but they will never win."

Although his voice was calm, it conveyed immense confidence and determination.

***
The army finally arrived in the capital.

At the city gate, officials had been waiting for a long time.

When Zhu Xiong Ying's army entered the city gate, they were greeted by thunderous cheers.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has returned in triumph, and the might of the Ming army is awe-inspiring!"

All the officials in the court bowed and greeted Zhu Xiong Ying's return.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze remained calm. Through this grand welcoming ceremony, he could clearly see the many undercurrents swirling in his eyes.

Among them, Zhang Jing stood in the crowd with a fake smile on his face.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is indeed the guardian of the Ming Dynasty. The border war is so difficult, yet His Highness was able to lead the army to such a victory. It is truly admirable."

Zhang Jing's voice was full of flattery, but Zhu Xiong Ying could hear the hypocrisy and pretense in it.

"You flatter me, Lord Zhang Jing."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

"This victory is not just my achievement, but the result of the collective efforts of all the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty."

"As for the rumors spread by some people, they are nothing but clown tricks and are not worth mentioning."

His voice was soft, yet it carried an unparalleled sharpness.

Zhang Jing's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his smile.

"Your Highness is right; rumors stop with the wise."

"Now that the borders of the Ming Dynasty are secure and the country is at peace, Your Highness has made an invaluable contribution."

His voice remained flattering, yet a hint of undisguised hostility lurked deep within his eyes.

Zhu Xiong Ying didn't say anything more, her gaze sweeping indifferently over Zhang Jing.

He knew that behind Zhang Jing's smile lay countless conspiracies and schemes.

However, this time, he will not let these plots succeed.

"Zhang Jing, your tricks have reached their end."

"Next, I will personally expose all your conspiracies."

He silently made a vow in his heart, his eyes shining with determination.

***
A few days later, Zhu Xiong Ying officially went to court, where all the officials gathered to await the victory.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying knew that this court assembly was not only a celebration of victory, but also a crucial moment that would determine the future situation.

Zhang Jing and his associates had been secretly plotting for years, and they would not give up easily.

This morning assembly will be a battle without gunfire.

(End of this chapter)