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

Chapter 652 The Time to Close the Net
As the first rays of dawn shone on the streets of the capital, Zhu Xiong Ying stood by the window, overlooking the bustling city.

After several days of planning and covert operations, Zhang Jingyi's faction's power has been gradually disintegrated, and the situation has begun to develop in his favor.

"Your Highness, Lord Li has made all the arrangements."

The confidant strode in, his tone tinged with excitement.

"We have enough evidence, and the network of Zhang Jingyi's faction is being gradually uncovered."

"I suggest we begin operations to capture Zhang Jing in one fell swoop?"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, his eyes revealing calmness and decisiveness.

"The time is indeed ripe."

He said this with utmost calmness in his voice.

“Zhang Jingyi’s faction secretly formed cliques and colluded with many ministers in the court. If they are not eliminated in time, there will be endless troubles in the future.”

He turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over the trusted confidant standing in front of him.

"Pass down the order to prepare to close the net."

Although Zhu Xiong Ying's tone was calm, every word she spoke carried a resolute tone.

The trusted confidant immediately bowed, accepted the order, and turned to leave.

Silence returned to the main hall, with only Zhu Xiong Ying standing there, pondering each step to take next.

"Zhang Jing, you have been secretly plotting for many years, thinking your plan was meticulous, but in the end you could not escape my control."

He pondered silently, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

He knew that this operation was not only to eliminate Zhang Jing's power, but also to consolidate his position in the court.

Only by completely eliminating Zhang Jing's faction can he truly control the situation in the court in the future.

***
Meanwhile, inside Zhang Jing's residence.

Zhang Jing sat in the study, his expression somber.

He had realized that the atmosphere in the capital had changed recently, especially with Zhu Xiong Ying's frequent actions, which made him feel uneasy.

"After the Crown Prince returned to the capital, he kept making plans in secret."

"It seems he has begun to fight back."

Zhang Jing muttered to himself, his brows furrowed.

He originally thought that after years of building up his power, he would be able to rival Zhu Xiong Ying in the imperial court, and even turn the tide at a crucial moment.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying's sudden triumph and steady methods caught him off guard.

"Although the Crown Prince has returned victorious, this contest is far from over."

"As long as my people are still in power, the situation will not change easily."

A ruthless glint flashed in Zhang Jing's eyes. He knew he had to take action as soon as possible, or the situation would become increasingly unfavorable.

“Send people to intensify contact with those wavering officials.”

"We must keep them in check and not allow the Crown Prince's people to continue to erode our power."

He said this with unwavering decisiveness in his voice.

"Furthermore, continue to spread rumors and create unease in North Korea and China."

"If we can further damage the reputation of the Crown Prince, our opportunity will come."

Zhang Jing secretly plotted, attempting to use this series of measures to regain control of the situation in the court.

However, he was unaware that Zhu Xiong Ying's spies had already secretly planted all over the capital, monitoring his every move.

***
A few days later, Zhu Xiong Ying's plan finally entered its final stage.

The atmosphere inside the main hall was more tense than ever before.

All the civil and military officials had already gathered, waiting for the start of today's court assembly.

"Your Highness, all preparations are complete."

Li Jinglong stood beside Zhu Xiong Ying and said in a low voice.

"Zhang Jing's network of influence has been gradually dismantled by us. Today's battle will be the moment that determines their fate."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, her eyes revealing a calm light.

"Excellent, today is the time to reap the rewards."

"This contest must end completely."

He said this with an air of unparalleled decisiveness and ruthlessness.

As the bell rang, Zhu Xiong Ying slowly walked into the main hall, and all the civil and military officials rose to pay their respects.

Zhang Jing was also among the officials, his face still bearing that hypocritical smile, but his eyes held a deep hostility.

“Your Highness, the situation in the capital has been somewhat turbulent recently. I wonder if Your Highness has any countermeasures?” Zhang Jing spoke first, his tone tinged with provocation.

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, and all the ministers turned their gazes to Zhu Xiong Ying, awaiting his response.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the center of the hall, his gaze sweeping coldly over Zhang Jing, and then slowly said, "What Lord Zhang says is absolutely right. Indeed, there have been many rumors circulating in the capital recently."

"I am very concerned about this matter. The stability of the capital is crucial to the foundation of the country, and I will not allow anyone to wantonly destroy it."

His voice was calm and authoritative, conveying unwavering determination and decisiveness.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jing's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible sneer, and he immediately said, "Your Highness is absolutely right. If there are any unruly individuals, we will certainly support Your Highness in punishing them severely."

"However, we have not been able to ascertain the source of these rumors."

"If this is not dealt with in time, it may affect Your Highness's prestige."

His tone remained respectful, but the provocation in it became increasingly obvious.

Zhu Xiong Ying gave a cold laugh, his gaze sweeping over Zhang Jing like a knife.

"Lord Zhang is overthinking it."

"Perfect timing, I have recently found out the source of these rumors."

"Some people think they are well hidden, but in fact they have already revealed their flaws."

His voice suddenly turned sharp, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense.

Zhang Jing's expression changed slightly, clearly not expecting Zhu Xiong Ying to expose everything so directly.

"Your Highness, who are you referring to as these people...?"

Zhang Jing asked tentatively, his tone tinged with unease.

Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze was sharp as he slowly said, "Recently, rumors have been rampant in the capital, precisely because some court officials have secretly colluded in an attempt to disrupt the court."

"I have already gathered evidence against these people, and today is the time to expose their true colors."

His voice was powerful and clear, and the entire hall fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone held their breath, quietly waiting for Zhu Xiong Ying's next move.

"Send the messenger, present the evidence."

At Zhu Xiong Ying's command, several guards quickly entered the main hall, carrying several thick volumes of memorials.

Li Jinglong stood aside, took the memorial, and then presented it to Zhu Xiong Ying.

"This is evidence that Zhang Jing and others have colluded with court officials for many years, secretly forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices."

"This evidence is irrefutable."

"Today, I will expose their conspiracy in public."

Zhu Xiong Ying's voice was cold and authoritative, filled with undeniable power.

Zhang Jing's face turned pale instantly, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead.

"Your Highness, this...this is a frame-up!"

"Your subject is utterly loyal and has absolutely no disloyal intentions!"

Zhang Jing immediately spoke out loudly, attempting to deny the evidence.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying gave him no chance at all.

"Zhang Jing, your conspiracy has already been exposed."

"For many years you have secretly colluded with court officials, spread rumors, and attempted to disrupt the court and shake the foundation of the country."

"These crimes must be severely punished today!"

His voice was filled with utter coldness and decisiveness.

The officials in the hall were completely shocked. All eyes were on Zhu Xiong Ying and Zhang Jing, waiting for the final outcome of this court storm.

"Issue the order: Zhang Jing is colluding with court officials and plotting rebellion. Arrest him immediately!"

At Zhu Xiong Ying's command, the guards immediately rushed forward and surrounded Zhang Jing.

Zhang Jing's face was pale, and his eyes were filled with fear and despair.

He thought his power, built up over the years, was enough to rival Zhu Xiong Ying, but at this crucial moment, his conspiracy was completely exposed.

"Your Highness, you can't do this!"

"I am innocent! It's all a frame-up!"

Zhang Jing shouted frantically, trying to defend himself.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying looked at him coldly, her face showing no sign of wavering.

(End of this chapter)