Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 6 Old Zhu! Why aren't you playing by the rules?! [New book, please add to your favorites]

Although it was not uncommon for censors to die for their principles throughout history, cases of censors being killed were actually quite rare.

Even in the Ming Dynasty under Zhu Yuanzhang's iron-fisted rule, it was rare for censors to be killed.

Moreover, none of the censors who rushed out to remonstrate to the death were truly seeking death.

Sometimes, saying "to die for one's country" simply indicates a resolute attitude.

Those in power, unless they are incompetent rulers or someone embodies the 'monster Zhang Biao', rarely target censors.

After all, this is what censors do for a living. If you kill all the censors, who will dare to offer advice in the future? I'm afraid no one in the entire court will dare to speak up.

However, Zhang Biao's shrewd move left even the usually bloodthirsty Lao Zhu completely bewildered.

He looked down at the hot-headed censor below, who was 'loyal and unyielding' and was voluntarily begging for death; then he looked at Zhao Qian, the pale-faced and swaying Minister of Revenue, and Lü Ping and Qi Tai, who were kneeling on the ground.
A more violent and chaotic rage erupted in his chest like a volcano!

The tax increase issue mentioned by Zhao Qian, the Minister of Revenue, made him feel uneasy!

He was furious when Lü Ping made irresponsible remarks about the crown prince!

Qi Tai, under the guise of acting in the best interests of the country, brought up the matter of establishing an heir again, but his heart was bleeding!

Now, another fearless Zhang Biao has emerged, not only bringing together all the troublesome things in one go, but also volunteering for the most miserable way to die in order to 'force the emperor to resign'?

chaos!
It's such a mess!

kill!

They all deserve to be killed!

But we really can't let you get away with this!

"Good good!"

Old Zhu, enraged to the point of despair, laughed, his laughter like the wailing of an owl, sending chills down everyone's spine: "What a loyal and upright minister! What a man who died without regret!"

As he spoke, he suddenly pointed at Zhang Biao, his voice as cold as the depths of hell: "Zhang Biao! You spread heresies, alarmist rhetoric, and sow discord between the emperor and his ministers! You even dare to threaten me with death!?"

"What do you mean by 'peeling the skin and stuffing the grass'? You think you're worthy? We'd rather not get our hands dirty!"

Old Zhu roared, shouting out the command Zhang Biao had been longing for: "Men! Take this reckless, trouble-making bastard to us!

Zhang Biao's heart pounded when he heard this.

I'm coming!

Execute immediately!
fast!
Just say beheading!
"Take it down for us!!"

Old Zhu, panting heavily, his voice hoarse and distorted with rage, shouted: "Throw them into the deepest prison! Hand them over to the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review for a thorough joint interrogation, along with Lü Ping, Qi Tai, and Zhao Qian! Pry their mouths open! We want to see who dared to be so audacious!

"We must find out the truth! Find out their accomplices! Find out who's behind them!"

"???"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Biao's forehead was covered in question marks.

It's not Old Zhu!

Why aren't you playing by the rules?!

I'm begging to die like this, how can you not kill me?!

Just as Zhang Biao was at a loss and his face was full of astonishment, several Imperial Guards pounced on him like wolves and tigers.

He panicked and blurted out, "Old Zhu! Kill me! I'm in a hurry!"

"shut up!!!"

Old Zhu was so angry he jumped up and down: "Gag his stinking mouth—drag him away!!!"

Upon seeing this, the officials and civil and military officials exchanged bewildered glances.

At this moment, Liu Sanwu, a close advisor to Zhu Yuanzhang, cautiously reminded him, "Your Majesty, tomorrow is the day of the Crown Prince's burial."

"Alright, let Jiang Huan handle this matter. We need to go see Biao'er one last time. Court adjourned!"

Exhausted, Old Zhu waved his hand dismissively. Clearly, even if Zhu Biao were dead, it would be enough to quell his anger at this crucial moment.

All the officials in the court knew the truth.

It's just unknown how long Zhu Biao's burial will last.

Soon, Old Zhu left Fengtian Hall and went to Feng'an Hall, where Zhu Biao's coffin was placed.

Meanwhile, inside the Feng'an Hall.

A group of eunuchs and palace maids surrounded a woman dressed in white, wailing and lamenting.

The woman's tears fell like rain, and she seemed unable to even stand steadily.

"Your Highness! How could you bear to abandon us, mother and child? What will I do without you in this vast Eastern Palace!"

"Your Highness! Why didn't you take me with you? It would have been better if someone had served you!"

The cries were heart-wrenching and brought tears to the eyes of all who heard them.

This woman was none other than Zhu Yunwen's mother, the Crown Prince's second wife, Lady Lü.

"Mother concubine!"

Seeing that Lady Lü was about to collapse, Zhu Yunwen, who was kneeling behind her, quickly stepped forward to support her, tears streaming down his face.

As for Zhu Biao's other sons, although they wanted to step forward to help, they were blocked by Zhu Yunwen's body and could only stare blankly at everything in front of them, unsure whether to move or not.

"Mother, let me help you to the side hall to rest for a while. You've been crying all morning and haven't had a drop of water. I'm afraid you'll get sick."

Zhu Yunwen whispered a reminder to Lady Lü, but the next moment he felt a piercing pain in his thigh, and a low admonition: "My son is foolish! Have you forgotten the important matter between us? Your imperial grandfather is about to leave court, how can we leave?"

"But your health..."

"If I can help my son accomplish this great task, I will have no regrets even if I die now!"

Upon hearing Lady Lü's words, spoken through gritted teeth, Zhu Yunwen was speechless for a moment.

He was well aware of his mother's expectations of him, and he also knew the importance of that position.

But who could be more suitable for that position than himself?

Zhu Yunwen? What right does an incompetent good-for-nothing have to compete with me for the throne?

Second Uncle, Third Uncle? That would be in accordance with the inheritance system, but Grandfather isn't blind. What kind of people are they that would make Grandfather choose them instead of himself?
As for Fourth Uncle
Thinking of this, Zhu Yunwen's eyes narrowed slightly.

At this moment, a young eunuch walked quietly to Lady Lü's side, helping Zhu Yunwen support her while reporting the day's events in the court in a low voice.

When Lady Lü heard that Lü Ping had been imprisoned by Zhu Yuanzhang, her face turned pale instantly.

How could this be?
It's been almost three months, why can't we bring up the matter of establishing an heir apparent yet?

Could it be that His Majesty has fallen for someone else?
Thinking of this, Lady Lü quickly looked at Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen appeared somewhat bewildered and incredulous.

Could it be that Grandfather really wants to make Fourth Uncle the heir?

"The Emperor has arrived——!"

Just as Zhu Yunwen and his mother were filled with worry, a loud and shrill announcement suddenly came from outside the palace.

"Meet the Emperor!"

"Long live my emperor! Long live!"

Upon hearing the announcement, everyone in the hall immediately stopped crying and, with sorrowful yet respectful expressions, kowtowed to the door to pay their respects.

"Long live the Emperor? Long what the hell?!"

Old Zhu started complaining for no reason, then looked at the coffin in the hall with a dazed expression, and said aggrievedly, "Our sister is gone, our Biao'er is gone, what use is the Emperor?!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

(End of this chapter)