Chapter 36: Old Zhu’s True Examination

Since ancient times, the people of the capital have always been deeply concerned with the major affairs of the imperial court. After all, living at the feet of the Son of Heaven, in the most prestigious land in the realm, how could they justify their lofty status without discussing court matters or palace secrets? How else could they puff out their chests with pride in front of outsiders and country bumpkins?

Consequently, rumors and gossip have always flown through the city streets like wildfire. Truth and falsehoods are hopelessly intertwined, and no one knows where one ends and the other begins. It usually starts with Zhang San telling Li Si that this must be kept strictly confidential, that it must never be passed on to a third person, or else heads will roll. Li Si then turns around and whispers it to Wang Wu, warning him never to let it slip. Wang Wu then tells Zhao Liu... and slowly, it becomes a "great secret" known to everyone. As for how much flavor is added or how many meanings are twisted during the retelling, it is impossible to say. After all, if the same story passes through three mouths, it is bound to deviate from the original truth. The more it is shared, the more bizarre the tale becomes.

The events of today, however, saw information spreading at an unprecedented pace. After all, when the Imperial Guard mobilizes on such a massive scale, everyone knows something momentous is afoot. Who could help but be curious? In an instant, all manner of speculation and rumors ran wild.

Unlike the common folk, the princes, dukes, and high-ranking officials of the court have always kept a respectful distance from marketplace gossip. They understand that disaster often stems from loose tongues; they value their status and security too much to spread rumors or pry into matters that do not concern them. They live by the motto: "If it doesn't involve me, I shall keep my distance."

But today, every official, prince, and aristocrat in Jinling was watching the movements of the Imperial Guard, led by Zhu Yuntong, with intense focus. They were far more anxious than the commoners, desperate to understand the situation. A massive mobilization of the Imperial Guard could never be aimed at commoners. Naturally, they worried: were they coming for their own households? Or perhaps a relative or friend, which might implicate them in turn?

At this moment, it was not just the Prince of Xian or the Prince of Yan whose eyes were drawn to the spectacle. The entire city’s nobility and officialdom watched with bated breath.

Zhu Yuntong sat inside his carriage, while Jiang Huan rode alongside, periodically asking about their destination. The Prince of Wu did not reveal his objective, choosing instead to lead the way himself.

*Clop. Clop. Clop.*

The large detachment of the Imperial Guard marched in silence. The onlookers dared not point or gesture. Any discussion took place in hushed, secluded corners. Many watched from afar, feeling the intense murderous intent radiating from the soldiers, and their hearts grew heavy with dread. Was the court about to launch another wave of mass arrests? Who would it be this time? How many heads would fall?

The procession continued until they reached a grand and imposing mansion. Only then did Zhu Yuntong order the unit to halt. "Divide the men; have half surround the residence, and the other half follow me inside to make the arrest."

Jiang Huan looked up and saw the plaque hanging above the entrance. The characters were written in a crisp, upright regular script; they appeared unremarkable at first glance, yet they seemed to emanate the clash of blades and the presence of a thousand iron-clad warriors. A chilling, overwhelming aura of slaughter rolled forth.

Since the deaths of Xu Da and Chang Yuchun, the most renowned and militarily distinguished figure of the age was none other than the Duke of Liang, Lan Yu. No one had expected the Prince of Wu to bring a massive detachment of the Imperial Guard to the Duke of Liang’s mansion to make an arrest. Even Jiang Huan was stunned, momentarily at a loss for what to do.

"Your Highness, this is the residence of the Duke of Liang," he whispered as a cautious reminder.

Zhu Yuntong turned to look at him. "Is there a problem?"

Jiang Huan bowed his head, lowering his voice until he was practically whispering into the Prince's ear. "The Duke’s status is of immense importance, and he is your grand-uncle by marriage. If things turn too ugly, it won't look good for anyone. If you wish to apprehend someone from his household, you need only send a note explaining the cause. The Duke’s estate can then detain the individual and hand them over to us. This way, we avoid offending the Duke too deeply, and everyone saves face. What does Your Highness think?"

Zhu Yuntong replied sternly, "I think it is a poor plan. Because the person I am here to arrest is none other than my own grand-uncle: Lan Yu, the Duke of Liang!"

*Clatter!*

Jiang Huan swayed, nearly falling from his horse. "Your Highness, this must not be done!" he urged loudly. "What is the status of the Duke of Liang? How can he be arrested so casually without an imperial decree?"

"A decree?" Zhu Yuntong said coldly. "Did the Imperial Grandfather not issue a decree long ago ordering you to follow my commands? What is this? Are you looking to defy the Emperor?"

Jiang Huan was stunned once more. The Emperor had indeed issued such a decree; otherwise, he would have refused when Zhu Yuntong first came to requisition the Imperial Guard. But the extent of that authorization—whether it allowed the Prince of Wu to act with such reckless abandon—was something Jiang Huan did not know. Arresting the Duke of Liang was no small matter.

"This subordinate would not dare!" Jiang Huan said. "Might I ask for what reason you intend to arrest the Duke? Do you have ironclad evidence of his crimes?"

Zhu Yuntong’s gaze remained fixed on the gates of the Duke’s mansion. "You need not ask about such things. Simply follow my orders. If the sky falls, I will bear it; it is not for you, Jiang Huan, to shoulder the responsibility."

Jiang Huan took a deep breath and made one last attempt: "Your Highness, the Imperial Guard has already surrounded the mansion; the Duke cannot escape even if he had wings. Would it not be better to go to the palace now and petition the Emperor for a final decision?"

Zhu Yuntong looked at him deeply, then turned his gaze to the setting sun. "The sun is about to set. At this hour, the palace gates will soon be closed. The Imperial Grandfather is advanced in years and should rest early in the evening. To disturb his rest now would be highly inappropriate. Long nights bring many dreams. There are countless eyes watching us right now. Since the Imperial Guard has already mobilized, we must act with the force of a thunderclap to apprehend the criminal. How can we pause halfway, only to invite gossip and cause unrest in the court? Say no more. Follow me inside to make the arrest."

With that, Zhu Yuntong jumped from his carriage and strode toward the gates of the Duke of Liang's mansion. Seeing this, Jiang Huan hurriedly ordered one of his men, "Ride with all haste to the palace and inform the Emperor of what is happening here."

The man acknowledged the order, vaulted onto his horse, and whipped the beast into a gallop toward the palace gates. Zhu Yuntong saw this from the corner of his eye but did not stop him.

After giving the order, Jiang Huan hurried to catch up. He had offered so many objections, and he had done so loudly, precisely so that others could see and hear him. He was creating a witness. It was the Prince of Wu who insisted on this course of action; as the Commander of the Imperial Guard, he had fulfilled his duty to remonstrate. This way, if the Emperor were to fly into a rage and assign blame, his own culpability would be significantly reduced, perhaps even cleared entirely. This was why he had started by whispering his objections, but once he realized the target was Lan Yu, he had intentionally raised his voice.

He sensed, vaguely, that the Emperor’s decree was intended to give the Prince of Wu free rein; to resist further would be true defiance of the imperial will. Yet, the stakes of arresting the Duke of Liang were so high that he could not be certain of the Emperor’s heart, so he had to prepare for every contingency. This way, whether he advanced or retreated, he would remain standing.

By now, Zhu Yuntong had reached the gate. He took a deep breath. Had the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, not told him that the Imperial Grandfather intended to deal with Lan Yu? As the Prince of Wu, for the sake of loyalty, he must relieve the Emperor of his burdens. As a grandson, for the sake of filial piety, he must resolve the Emperor’s difficulties. Lan Yu was his grand-uncle, the relative closest to him among the imperial family. If the Imperial Grandfather wanted to bring Lan Yu down, then he should be the one to take the lead, doing the deed so the Emperor would not be caught in a dilemma!

Only by doing this would he be a truly loyal and filial grandson! Only in this way could he truly "save" Lan Yu, while simultaneously resolving the impossible situation he himself faced! This was the true test the Old Emperor had set for him.

That night, it began with being forced to kill, showing him how cruel the life of a ruler would be. Then came the feigned allegiance of the Imperial Guard Commander, Jiang Huan. This was not a simple trial. It was a warning that Lan Yu had the capacity for treason! He held immense influence within the military and was unruly—a hidden danger that could never be ignored. If he truly harbored rebellious intent, and others conspired with him, the consequences would be unthinkable.

The problem of Lan Yu, and indeed the entire class of military aristocrats, had to be solved by Zhu Yuntong himself. Otherwise, they would have to be slaughtered like the Park family. A ruler cannot be soft-hearted; when it is time to kill, one must kill. The Old Emperor needed him to prove that, after his own passing, he would be capable of controlling these arrogant, battle-hardened generals. Only then would the Old Emperor refrain from turning his blade against Lan Yu and the others, and only then could he entrust the empire to him with peace of mind.

If not, no matter how many poems he wrote or clever inventions he created, it would all be in vain. The ability to command both civil and military officials and to control the court was the fundamental requirement. If he failed to realize this, he would soon lose his qualifications to compete for the throne.

His mind made up, Zhu Yuntong raised his hand and pounded on the gates of the Duke of Liang’s mansion.