Chapter 11: Zhu Yuanzhang Backs Down?

While Chen Lin was enjoying tender moments in the prison, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were debating whether to have Chen Lin kill Empress Ma.

“Great-grandfather, I think it’s possible...” Zhu Biao began.

“Shut up!” Zhu Yuanzhang snapped sharply. Zhu Xiongying shrank back, hiding behind Zhu Yuanzhang.

“Why are you yelling at him?” Zhu Xiongying asked.

Zhu Biao wore a worried expression. “Father, Mother’s condition isn’t yet at the point where we must take risks. I think it’s better to be cautious.”

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply. “We know the danger involved, but Xiongying’s case is right before our eyes. If we don’t try, with your mother’s current health, I fear she won’t last long.”

At that moment, Empress Ma, who had been lying on the bed, slowly woke up. “Zhongba...”

They all hurried over. Zhu Yuanzhang held Empress Ma’s hand. “Sister, how do you feel?”

“I heard everything you said just now,” she replied. “I’m willing to try. Xiongying was barely saved by that immortal; I want to spend a few more years with him.”

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned. “But the risks involved...”

Empress Ma patted his hand. “I know my own body. Regular medicines no longer work. Now, I can only trust that immortal. Zhongba, I truly want to live a few more years—to see Xiongying grow into adulthood.”

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed heavily. “Very well, we will send Chen Lin into the palace immediately.”

“Father!” Zhu Biao tried to stop him, but Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand decisively. “It’s settled. Doesn’t he want me to kill him? Now’s the perfect time. If your mother doesn’t survive, at least we will have personally avenged our enemy.”

“Send the decree: summon Chen Lin.”

At the Ministry of Justice prison, Mao Xiang came and went.

Chen Lin was comfortably nestled in Chen Xiaolan’s arms, enjoying her massage while casually provoking the inmates in the opposite cell.

Several prison guards leaned against the outside of the cell, taking turns smoking the cigarettes Chen Lin had given them. Though harsh and unfamiliar, they noticed how Chen Lin seemed dazed and euphoric when smoking. They all understood this was a treasure, a luxury only nobles could enjoy, so they shared it carefully in rotation.

Their presence also served to intimidate the inmates opposite; anyone who dared speak back was promptly beaten.

The inmates could only grit their teeth silently, enduring Chen Lin’s scorn and mockery in silence.

Just then, Mao Xiang returned.

“Immortal, His Majesty has made a decision. Hurry with me to the palace.”

Chen Lin rolled over, signaling Chen Xiaolan to continue the shoulder rub.

“Tell Zhu Yuanzhang to come here.”

Then he closed his eyes, ignoring Mao Xiang.

Mao Xiang was stunned. “This is the emperor’s direct order, Immortal...”

Chen Lin said nothing.

Mao Xiang had no choice but to return and report truthfully.

“Heh, Chen Lin is doomed now—daring to disobey the imperial edict.”

“Since we’re all doomed anyway, I want to see what kind of skill he has to speak so boldly, even making the emperor personally summon him. Won’t even know how he dies.”

“Something’s off. Don’t you find it strange? Why is the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard so courteous to him? Why is he so fearless? Could the emperor have some leverage over him? If he really has some reckless capital, wouldn’t we be...?”

“You mean he might exploit this opportunity?”

An hour later, Zhu Yuanzhang arrived at the Ministry of Justice prison.

Guards and prisoners alike knelt in respect, utterly surprised the emperor had come in person.

Yet Chen Lin was asleep. Zhu Yuanzhang was about to demand an explanation but was stopped by Chen Xiaolan.

“Your Majesty, my master said not to disturb him while he’s sleeping, or else...”

Chen Xiaolan kneeled anxiously, her heart pounding, afraid to look up at Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang squinted, staring at Chen Lin lying on the bed with his back to him.

“Bring him out. Use torture. Let’s see how long he can hold his ground.”

The inmates opposite cheered in excitement.

“Yes, torture him to death. Make that beast suffer for dragging innocent people into this.”

“You dare!”

Chen Lin finally responded, rising and standing before the cell door, staring unflinchingly at Zhu Yuanzhang. “Zhu Zhongba, if you dare lay a finger on me, even if I die under torture, I will never help you again.”

Seeing Chen Lin’s resolute gaze, Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated.

This young man had the ability to come back from death. Torture might cause him pain, but what if he bit his tongue to commit suicide or just smashed himself to death right then? There would be nothing he could do.

Even if they blocked his mouth to prevent tongue-biting or tied him down to stop any suicide attempts, after such treatment, even if Chen Lin relented, would he still be willing to save his sister?

Would you trust someone who harbors immense hatred toward you to save your dearest?

So they had to be cautious—very cautious.

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath, restraining his anger. “Speak. What are your conditions? We will meet them all.”

What?!

The inmates opposite were shocked.

Why had the emperor backed down? What power did this young man have to make the emperor speak softly and promise to satisfy all his demands?

This was bad. Given this young man’s nature, he would surely turn on them...

As the inmates trembled, Chen Lin relaxed upon seeing Zhu Yuanzhang yield. This was terrifying. Luckily, he had bet correctly—the emperor’s affection for Empress Ma was genuine; otherwise, torture would have already started.

Since Zhu Yuanzhang had softened, Chen Lin no longer needed to pretend and must cooperate when necessary.

After all, this was the Hongwu Emperor. Angering him would only bring suffering upon oneself.

With that in mind, Chen Lin pointed fiercely at the opposite cell. “I want them to live worse than death, and they must survive for at least one year. Every day during that year, they must suffer as if in hell.”

“No~~~”

“Your Majesty, spare us! We are innocent!”

“MercyI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.