Chapter 129

Inside the Fengtian Hall, the atmosphere in the hall at this moment was so heavy it was nearly suffocating; facing this question from Zhu Yuanzhang, Jiang Huan felt as if he were on pins and needles, and bean-sized beads of sweat rolled down from his forehead, quietly soaking his collar.

"Answer me!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice sounded again, shaking Jiang Huan's heart.

Jiang Huan did not dare to have the slightest hesitation, kneeling on both knees, his body trembling slightly, and replied with a hint of panic: "Reporting to the Emperor, the Shen family!"

"His Highness the Prince of Yan has already investigated thoroughly, but after flipping through the files and searching for clues, he could not find a single bit of evidence that could prove the Shen family participated in it."

As he spoke, he secretly raised his eyes to observe Zhu Yuanzhang's expression, only to see Zhu Yuanzhang's expression growing colder and colder, which scared him into lowering his head again quickly.

"The recruitment officer who abused power for personal gain did confess, but the key figures who contacted him have all disappeared without a trace. Even though His Highness the Prince of Yan wanted to bring the Shen family to justice, he was helpless due to the lack of evidence."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard went to investigate later, but also returned empty-handed."

Jiang Huan's voice carried a hint of trembling, saying every word very clearly, afraid that Zhu Yuanzhang would not understand, and afraid that if he said one wrong word, he would bring about his own death.

Facing Zhu Yuanzhang, he did not dare to have any disrespect.

Every court official knew that Zhu Yuanzhang was a god of slaughter.

Upon hearing this!

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression was ugly, his eyes revealing bone-chilling coldness.

To catch a person, one must catch the stolen goods! To catch a criminal, one must pay attention to evidence!

In the past, when eradicating Hu Weiyong, Zhu Yuanzhang had carefully laid out plans in the turbulent court situation, plotted and managed, and spent countless efforts before he could grasp Hu Weiyong's handle.

This way of doing things also made the officials in the court convinced, and also let the people of the world see the majesty of the law.

Law! Legal system! It is the foundation of a country!

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was majestic and domineering, saying one thing and doing another in the court, in front of the law, he always led by example and upheld the law first. Even the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which possessed the power to execute before reporting, had to have conclusive evidence when acting.

"Keep a close watch on the Shen family for me."

Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth and said word by word, each word seeming to carry infinite killing intent.

"As long as the Shen family dares to have any corrupt or illegal acts, deal with them immediately, and never show mercy!" Zhu Yuanzhang stared fixedly at Jiang Huan, carrying unquestionable authority.

After these words fell, feeling Zhu Yuanzhang's terrifying murderous aura, Jiang Huan trembled all over, knocked his head heavily on the ground, and said loudly: "This subject accepts the decree!"

Facing Zhu Yuanzhang, he carried boundless awe and panic.

"Withdraw."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue and helplessness, and he was too lazy to waste more words on this matter.

For Zhu Yuanzhang, this matter was merely a small interlude on his path of governing the country.

To speak of it as a major event, it was actually not a matter concerning life and death.

But the Shen family, because of this seemingly inconspicuous small matter, lost the big for the small.

Invisibly, they had already caused Zhu Yuanzhang to develop killing intent toward their Shen family.

This would inevitably cause the future Shen family to face a earth-shaking change.

The crisis of extermination had already quietly shrouded them like dark clouds.

"This subject takes his leave." Jiang Huan bowed, his movements extremely slow, slowly stood up, and walked toward the outside of the hall while backing away, each step taken carefully, until he exited the main hall, he let out a long sigh of relief, his back already soaked with sweat, sticking to his body, his whole body feeling cold.

Every time he faced the Emperor, he was this afraid and scared.

But because of his duty, he had to face it.

After Jiang Huan left, the anger on Zhu Yuanzhang's face softened slightly, and he turned his head slightly to look at Zhu Biao on the side.

"Biao'er." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice carried a bit more gentleness, as if he had changed into a different person: "Do you see, this is a merchant."

As he spoke.

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head slightly, his eyes full of disdain and disgust: "No profit, no early rising; seeing profit and forgetting righteousness! These merchants are cheap and must never be trusted."

"After you take charge of the country in the future, you must also take many precautions against these merchants; otherwise, these merchants will definitely use wealth to move people's hearts, collude with officials and merchants, and cause chaos in our Great Ming."

Then he smiled and asked: "Biao'er, it seems you already have a suitable candidate in your heart."

In front of Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao had no intention of hiding, and said frankly: "To tell you the truth, Father! For this battle, son believes the Marquis of Yongchang, Lan Yu, can be the main general."

Once these words were spoken.

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression was calm as usual, without the slightest ripple of surprise, clearly having long expected Zhu Biao to have this proposal.

He raised his hand lightly, making a gesture to please continue, signaling Zhu Biao to continue.

"Since following Father, the Marquis of Yongchang has fought south and north, experienced countless battlefields, and made great war merits."

"Although he has also made some mistakes, overall, his merits outweigh his faults."

"With his seniority and excellent military ability, if it weren't for those past mistakes, perhaps he would have been granted the position of Duke long ago."

Zhu Biao said with a serious face, clearly trusting and valuing Lan Yu very much.

"The Marquis of Yongchang is, in terms of public, one of the outstanding generals of our Great Ming who is good at commanding troops! In terms of private, he is also my uncle's generation."

"Son hopes Father can give him a chance to let him show his talent again on this battlefield, to prove himself."

"And also to strive for the position of Duke, to let him go further."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, revealing a gratified smile, his eyes full of appreciation and gratification for his son's ability to recognize talent: "Biao'er! Actually, you and Father thought of the same thing."

"Over the years, many old brothers have passed away, and some have retired to their hometowns."

"In the imperial court, except for those who inherited titles, there are few Dukes available."

"Lan Yu, although his personality is somewhat arrogant, he indeed has extraordinary talent in commanding troops and fighting battles, and our Great Ming is in urgent need of such talent now."

"Now that the old Dukes have retired one after another, it is time for Lan Yu to stand out and take on more important responsibilities."

Zhu Biao heard this, felt convinced, cupped his hands and bowed respectfully, his tone full of admiration: "Father is wise! Son pays respect!"

"However."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face sank slightly, his expression revealing a kind of worry: "Lan Yu is a Huaixi general, closely related to many Huaixi people, and now he is even the head of the Huaixi faction."

"This battle is of great significance, concerning the national destiny of our Great Ming, so we cannot just set one Great General."

"Even more so, we cannot let him go on an expedition alone."

The Huaixi problem, forming cliques for personal gain, had always been a heart disease in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart.

In the past, when Hu Weiyong served as Prime Minister, the circle of Huaixi forces reached its peak, and the imperial court was almost completely covered by him.

But as Zhu Yuanzhang decisively dealt with Hu Weiyong, the Huaixi forces were effectively suppressed and controlled, and everything was under his control.

Even if there were arrogant people among the military generals, under Zhu Yuanzhang's iron-fisted rule, without the cooperation of the court officials, the Huaixi forces, although holding military power, could not mobilize the army at will, which fully demonstrated Zhu Yuanzhang's absolute control over the army.

Money!

He was covered in tears and snot, his face full of fear and pleading: "Everything was instructed by the Shen family; I had no choice! General Zhu..."

Clearly.

He didn't know he was wrong; he just knew he was afraid.

He was afraid of death.

When Zhu Ying's name resounded in Liaodong, the news naturally spread to Beiping Prefecture.

Upon hearing the name Zhu Ying, he prayed in his heart that this Zhu Ying would not be the one the Shen family had used their power to arrange into the Daning border army.

Since Zhu Ying began to stand out and rise step by step.

The Shen family was large and powerful, and as long as they didn't leave any evidence, they were wary, but they also thought Zhu Ying wouldn't dare to go too far.

But this criminal official was different.

He felt like he was sitting on pins and needles every day, fearing the truth would come out.

After the Yan Prince's Mansion guards arrived at his official residence, he knew everything was over.

If it were any other dynasty, perhaps his corruption might have had a chance of survival, but now the Great Ming had only been founded for twenty-one years, and there was the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, who hated corrupt officials the most; the money he embezzled left him with no way out.

"General Zhu, the Prince has sent people to investigate and verify."

Zhu Neng stepped forward and said with a serious expression: "This criminal official is named Li Tao, and he has been in the position of recruitment officer for six years, accepting bribes of no less than a thousand gold."

"According to our Great Ming laws, he should be punished with the ultimate penalty."

"Therefore, the Prince has handed this criminal official over to General Zhu for disposal."

Saying this.

Zhu Neng took out a disposal document stamped with the seal of the Beiping Prefecture Criminal Department from his bosom and handed it to Zhu Ying.

The paper of the document was slightly yellowed, and the bright red seal was eye-catching, as if telling of the seriousness of this case.

Zhu Ying's expression changed slightly, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

He hadn't expected Zhu Di to give him such a favor.

Zhu Ying's gaze lingered on the document for a moment, then he looked up, bowed respectfully to Zhu Neng with a serious face, and said: "Please tell His Highness the Yan Prince for me, this favor, Zhu Ying has noted it!"

Zhu Ying's voice was solemn, and his face also revealed gratitude.

"I will definitely convey General Zhu's words!" Zhu Neng replied with a smile, also revealing a gratified smile.

Clearly.

This was what the Yan Prince wanted.

Zhu Neng naturally understood why the Prince had sent him thousands of miles to Daning Prefecture; it was to gain Zhu Ying's favor and befriend him.

Using the life of a criminal official to befriend Zhu Ying was naturally a great gain, and it also maximized the value of Li Tao.

Zhu Ying pondered for a moment, looked at Zhu Neng, and asked: "Since you found this person, I wonder if you found the Shen family?"

Clearly.

Zhu Ying was also curious about how far Zhu Di had investigated.

"General Zhu, this is the complete document found, please take a look."

Zhu Neng immediately took out a booklet from his bosom and handed it to Zhu Ying with both hands.

Zhu Ying took it and quickly opened it to read.

As he read, his face became colder and colder.

"The Shen family acts extremely covertly, and the person who contacted this criminal official has already disappeared."

Zhu Neng explained: "Therefore, there is currently no conclusive evidence."

Hearing this, Zhu Ying didn't say much, only saying in a deep voice: "In any case, thank you, Your Highness the Yan Prince. This time, the Yan Prince sending this person to me is a great gift, and Zhu Ying is content."

Regarding the Shen family escaping from this matter, Zhu Ying had no surprise.

Zhu Ying knew very well what kind of old fox Shen Wansan was.

That he could become a tycoon of the Great Ming, and had already become a tycoon during the former Yuan Dynasty, was enough to prove his means and ability.

If he had stumbled over such a small matter, he wouldn't be Shen Wansan.

However.

The one uncontrollable point about the Shen family was that Zhu Ying was no longer the Zhu Ying of the past.

Zhu Neng was very satisfied with Zhu Ying's attitude and said with a smile: "As long as General Zhu is satisfied! The task the Prince gave me this time is complete, and I should return to Beiping to report."

Saying this, Zhu Neng cupped his hands and bowed: "General Zhu, I hope that one day, I can see you in Beiping again."

"If there is an opportunity to return to Beiping City in the future, I will definitely pay a visit to His Highness the Yan Prince!" Zhu Ying immediately cupped his hands and returned the salute, saying politely.

"Farewell!"

Zhu Neng didn't stay long, turned and strode away, taking the guards and quickly leaving the main hall, leaving only Li Tao collapsed in the hall, like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

After Zhu Neng and the others left, without Zhu Ying's order, Liu Lei immediately took several personal guards forward, their movements quick and skilled, firmly controlling Li Tao.

Zhu Ying looked at Li Tao before him, his expression seemingly calm, but the killing intent in his eyes was undisguised. He walked toward Li Tao step by step, every step taken heavily, every step making Li Tao tremble all over.

"How much life-buying money did the Shen family give you?" Zhu Ying asked coldly, the entire hall seeming to become oppressive.

"General Zhu, spare my life! This little one... this little one will never dare again! Spare my life..."

Li Tao knelt on the ground, his body trembling, kowtowing like pounding garlic, his forehead already bleeding, staining the ground red.

Zhu Ying didn't hesitate in the slightest, striding forward.

With a swish, he drew the Qinghong sword from his waist.

The sword's cold light flashed like a bolt of lightning. With a "crack," Li Tao's head instantly fell to the ground, blood spraying out like a fountain, spreading across the floor of the hall, emitting a strong smell of blood.

"Enemy killed, picked up 1 point of strength." The panel's prompt sounded in his mind.

Regarding death, regarding killing!

Several personal guards were long accustomed to this, looking at all this with cold expressions, their faces without a ripple.

Only Lin Fu felt his scalp go numb, his face turning slightly pale.

This was the first time he had seen his young master kill someone with his own hands, and a chill couldn't help but rise in his heart.

It also made him understand what his young master had experienced on the battlefield over the past year or more, and how much suffering he had endured to be so calm.

"Liu Lei, arrange for a few people to clean up, throw the corpse directly to the mass grave."

Zhu Ying said in a deep voice, his voice without a ripple, as if what had just happened was just a trivial matter.

"Yes!"

Liu Lei respectfully took the order, waved his hand, and two personal guards quickly stepped forward, lifted Li Tao's corpse, and walked out, the corpse dragging a long trail of blood on the ground.

Afterward, several more personal guards came in with brooms and buckets, beginning to carefully clean the bloodstains in the hall.

"Young Master, is this the person who framed you into the Daning army?"

Lin Fu walked to Zhu Ying's side and asked with an ugly face.

He didn't feel uncomfortable because Zhu Ying killed this person, but rather, thinking of his young master being harmed by this person, his heart was filled with anger, and a trace of ruthlessness was revealed in his eyes.

"He was just a pawn bought by others."

Zhu Ying's expression was extremely cold, and he said in a deep voice: "The real culprit is the Shen family. Only after solving the Shen family will it be true revenge."

"Young Master, although the Shen family are merchants, they have vast wealth, known as being rich enough to rival a nation, and there must be many people in the imperial court and government colluding with them."

"Revenge against the Shen family is inevitable in the future, but Young Master must be cautious and careful." Lin Fu said with a serious face, his words earnest.

Zhu Ying turned his head, looked at Lin Fu, smiled slightly, and said gently: "Uncle Lin, don't worry, I already have a plan in mind for how to deal with the Shen family."

Training death soldiers, isn't this one part of it?

Just wait for the death soldiers to take shape, and the first one to be dealt with will be the Shen family.

On the surface, Zhu Ying cannot engage in killing, but in the dark, who could find out?

Zhu Ying's personality was just like this, a person who would seek revenge for the slightest grievance. Since the Shen family was already at odds with him, Zhu Ying's revenge would be endless.

"As long as Young Master has a plan." Lin Fu nodded with relief, the worried look on his face gradually fading.

"By the way, Uncle Lin."

Zhu Ying's gaze was soft, and he said: "Go and purchase some items needed for the wedding later, phoenix crowns, red robes, and the like."

Saying this, the corners of Zhu Ying's mouth rose slightly, revealing a look of longing.

"Young Master, you are..." Lin Fu was stunned at first, then reacted, a look of joy appearing on his face, his eyes instantly lighting up: "Could it be that Young Master is going to marry Yuer?"

"Yuer followed me thousands of miles to this place for my sake, and even gave up everything."

Zhu Ying's eyes were full of tenderness: "I naturally have to give her a status."

"Then Young Master, should we make some invitations to invite guests?" Lin Fu asked immediately.

"Except for Prefect Bu Wan, there is no need to send invitations to others." Zhu Ying pondered for a moment and said: "This time, I intend to marry Yuer under the witness of my brothers-in-arms in the army."

"First, to treat these brothers who have shared life and death well, and second, it also fits my identity as a military general. I don't like the clichéd banquets in officialdom."

"Holding a wedding banquet in the military camp is quite unique." Lin Fu said with a smile: "I will listen to Young Master."

"I have put several thousand gold into the treasury, let the personal guards go and buy more wine and meat. As for the wedding date, just pick a recent good day." Zhu Ying said with a smile.

"Young Master, don't worry, this old servant will handle it properly!" Lin Fu nodded immediately, his face full of smiles, so excited he almost ran toward the outside of the hall, his steps even becoming light, as if he had become ten years younger, his heart full of joy and anticipation for Zhu Ying starting a family.

After Lin Fu left.

Zhu Ying also had a thoughtful look on his face.

"Yan Prince Zhu Di."

"The Yongle Emperor after the Campaign of Defending the South."

"He is showing goodwill to me."

"He is already intentionally winning over military generals at this time?"

"Zhu Biao hasn't died yet."

"Or perhaps, this was instigated by Yao Guangxiao, who is known in history as someone who knows the art of dragon-slaying?"

Looking at the bloodstains being cleaned on the ground, Zhu Ying was also thinking about the purpose of Zhu Di's goodwill.

Zhu Di.

Yao Guangxiao.

Others might not know, but how could Zhu Ying not know.

"Whatever."

"Zhu Yuanzhang is still alive and well."

"Zhu Biao is the same."

"And it will be many years before the Campaign of Defending the South begins."

"Let Zhu Di plot if he wants to, what does it have to do with me."

"However, I still have to find an opportunity to repay this favor in the future."

"Killing this Li Tao can be considered as barely resolving some hatred." Zhu Ying thought to himself.

After the bloodstains in the hall were cleaned.

"General, just received news."

Liu Lei ran over quickly, his expression respectful: "The army returning from Liaodong has returned to their respective camps in batches, and the Daning City military camp will be back in at most one day."

"Pass my order." Zhu Ying's expression straightened, and he said: "Let the generals above the rank of Assistant Regional Commander, such as Chen Heng, Liu Zhen, and Zhang Wu, come to Daning City immediately after arranging the military affairs of their respective camps."

"The war is settled, it is time to discuss merits and reward."