Chapter 118: Urgent military intelligence from eight hundred miles away, Tubo attacks the tribute envoy from U-Tsang!

Royal study room.

"Third brother, what's wrong with the second brother lately?"

"In the court, all officials above the fourth rank and below the second rank were arrested by him and thrown into the imperial prison."

"It has caused panic among the people in the imperial court. Even if they want to arrest someone, they have to inform us first."

"I went to Kunning Palace today, but I didn't get any news from the old man."

"And even when I sent the message to you, I also sent someone to look for the second brother."

"But the second son still did not come. He just sent someone to reply with a memorial, saying that he was handling a case and had no time to take care of the court."

"It's been three months. It's almost the New Year, and he hasn't attended the morning court once, nor has he been to the imperial study twice."

As soon as Zhu Gang arrived at the imperial study, Zhu Biao complained with great dissatisfaction.

Ever since Zhu Gang and Zhu Chong went to Daxiangguo Temple to pray for blessings some time ago, Zhu Chong has never shown up again.

But Chaozhou's Jinyiwei were swift and resolute, and today they were either arresting officials or ransacking their homes and exterminating their families.

He completely circumvented the court's judicial procedures and even ignored Zhu Yuanzhang's edict.

If this wasn't his own son, Zhu Biao would have been there to mediate.

Just based on Zhu Chong's crime of disrespect, the report submitted to the court could deprive him of his royal title.

"Second brother may be a little upset, let him deal with it himself."

"We are brothers. He will not harm the court, nor will he eliminate dissidents on a large scale."

Zhu Gang naturally understood why Zhu Chong did this, but he could not talk to Zhu Biao because the matter involved too much.

Even his own family members were involved, so those letters might really contain incredible secrets.

Or maybe, my second sister-in-law is also involved.

It is not difficult to understand why Zhu Chong did this.

It's nothing more than not wanting to give any excuse, but at the same time wanting to cover up the matter.

Then they all took responsibility for the crime, after all, they evaded the court's judicial procedures and did not report to Zhu Yuanzhang or the Crown Prince Zhu Biao who was the regent.

So Zhu Chong's behavior is not in compliance with regulations both morally and logically.

But if the case is settled and the evidence is conclusive, then some things can indeed be concealed, and it can also be used to strike a blow against a group of gentry and powerful people.

I just don’t know what kind of huge waves this blockbuster bomb will cause once it is dropped?
"What can't we talk about among brothers?"

"If they really broke the law, I can't let them off easily."

"But the second brother is so reckless in arresting and killing people, confiscating their homes and destroying their families. Is that really good for him?"

"Let alone the old man, even here, the memorial impeaching the King of Qin is almost unstoppable."

"So if he continues to do this, even if the ministers in the court are guilty, in the end, won't he still hurt his enemies by a thousand and his own by eight hundred?"

There was still a sullen look in Zhu Biao's eyes.

"I can only tell you that there are spies in the court who are secretly colluding with the grasslands."

"Besides, this involves so many people that we must not alert the enemy. If we are not careful, we won't be able to find out what happened."

Seeing that Zhu Biao was still like this, Zhu Gang hesitated for a moment before speaking softly.

"Careful work!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao was shocked and shouted loudly.

"Ah."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly.

"So you knew all about this? And the old man and I were the only ones who were kept in the dark?"

Zhu Biao glared at Zhu Gang fiercely again.

There was a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone.

"I didn't get involved from beginning to end."

"It's just that this matter was indeed caused by me, and it concerns the second child, so I'm busy until now."

"After all, we are brothers. As long as the situation is not irreversible, you will definitely protect the second brother."

"so."

Zhu Gang sighed again and said, "I really don't know what to say. After all, I promised the second brother that I can't interfere unless he asks for it himself."

"This spy you mentioned, could it be that he is related to the Second Brother's family?"

In response, Zhu Biao narrowed his eyes and said.

If this were true, Zhu Biao would be able to understand clearly.

Moreover, once this news gets out, it will inevitably cause a shock to the world and damage the reputation of the royal family.

"You're just guessing. I don't know anything. It has nothing to do with me."

Zhu Gang quickly waved his hand.

The Chinese language since ancient times is profound and extensive. It seems to say nothing, but in fact it says everything.

After this statement was made, Zhu Biao had no choice but to think that this must involve Zhu Chong's family affairs.

Otherwise, no matter how important the matter was, Zhu Chong would first meet with Zhu Yuanzhang, or Zhu Biao, before making a decision.

It would never happen that they arrested important officials of the imperial court on a large scale and without any reason, as they have done in March.

"So you let the second brother solve it himself, just to see what choice he will make?"

Zhu Biao said thoughtfully again.

"That's his own business, and if he wants to speak out, he speaks out."

"But if he doesn't want to say it, and just pretends that this incident never happened, I will help him erase all traces."

"After all, we are brothers from the same mother. Just think of it as a little bit of power and self-willedness."

“You are the crown prince, and I am the Prince of Jin. As long as similar things don’t happen again in the future, this time, I will help my relatives, not the people.”

Zhu Gang shook his head.

"Ah."

Zhu Biao also understood Zhu Gang's meaning, although he really wanted to say something, after all, there is no private matter in the royal family.

But in the end, Zhu Biao still nodded hesitantly.

But as brothers of the Zhu family, there are times and things that they really cannot interfere in.

Otherwise, there will definitely be a rift in this brotherhood.

"Then we can only keep it secret from the old man. Otherwise, given the old man's temper, this matter will definitely become a hot topic."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Gang again and pondered.

If Zhu Yuanzhang really knew about this, he would be furious.

Moreover, she was a childless daughter-in-law. As long as the charges were proven, Zhu Yuanzhang would kill her without hesitation.

After all, as the daughter-in-law of the Zhu family, how could she harm the interests of the Ming Dynasty?

Just for this reason, Lao Zhu would never allow it.

As for the reputation of King Qin Zhu Chong, compared with the Ming Dynasty, it was worthless in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.

But as a group of brothers, they have to be more respectful to their own brothers. At least the decision should be left to Zhu Chong.

"Ah."

This time, the two brothers agreed. After all, if for no other reason, they had to consider Zhu Chong.

“But external announcements are still necessary.”

"deliver an imperial order."

"From today on, the Twelve Guards and all the guards in the capital under the jurisdiction of the Grand Military Governor's Office will be under the control of the Prince of Jin."

“Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.”

"To deter disobedience and also to pave the way for the King of Qin."

After saying this, a deep look flashed across Zhu Biao's eyes.

What does this amount to?
This is equivalent to handing over all the imperial guards in Beijing to the command of Prince of Jin Zhu Gang.

That is to say, he entrusted his life entirely to Jin Wang Zhu Gang.

At the same time, it was also to establish a strong backer for the second son Zhu Chong, so that he could do what he wanted without any scruples.

After all, given Zhu Gang's decisiveness and ruthlessness, these civil officials and military generals really need to think carefully about whether they should impeach him.

"In this way, I am in control of the overall situation of the capital. Aren't you afraid that I might have second thoughts?"

Zhu Gang raised his head slightly and looked at Zhu Biao.

"If you want, I can give it to you. Why rebel?"

Zhu Biao smiled indifferently.

The honesty between the two brothers is so sincere that even the sun and the moon can testify to their sincerity.

"it is good."

Hearing this, Zhu Gang showed a warm smile on his face and nodded.

"But once this decree is issued, the imperial court will certainly cause a stir. And my imperial study will not be safe any more."

Zhu Biao sat back on the dragon throne and said helplessly.

The censors in the court and those civil servants known for their integrity still exist.

Especially if the prince is in power or the guards in the capital, they will definitely oppose it.

Moreover, this decree came at a time when the King of Qin was setting up a prison, which would make people think about something else.

"I'm not afraid that these ministers will have other ideas, I'm just afraid that the old man will think too much."

Zhu Gang also folded his arms across his chest, thinking slightly.

Although it was a story of deep affection between father and son, and there were some speculations in later generations, this was a dynasty that controlled the life and death of hundreds of millions of people.

How can we draw conclusions based on mere speculation?

"You mean the old man thinks I want to take the top position?"

Zhu Biao said with an intriguing smile on his face.

"Not ruled out."

"After all, think about it. First, for no reason, the second brother arrested officials on a large scale, confiscated their homes and exterminated their families."

"And it's been three months, and not only have you not made any moves, but the old man hasn't made any moves either."

"There's not even a reason. Plus, I've already taken control of the capital's lifeline."

"What do you think these officials will think?"

"The prince is anxious to take the throne?"

"The two kings of Qin and Jin followed?"

"Has the old man been sidelined on the surface?"

"Don't forget, the country is now supervised by you. The old man hasn't shown up for a long time."

"What's more, even if the old man doesn't think so, facts speak louder than words. I'm afraid that after this interrogation and the announcement of the imperial edict, you and I will have to go to Kunning Palace."

Zhu Gang leaned lazily in his chair before speaking.

And this speculation is not unreasonable.

The Crown Prince, Prince of Jin, and Prince of Qin grew up together and have a deep relationship.

Although there were rumors of the Prince of Jin Party in the court, after experiencing so many things, many court officials also understood that this so-called Prince of Jin Party was probably also the Prince's Party.

As for the King of Qin, needless to say, he always follows the lead of the Crown Prince and the King of Jin.

Then, in recent months, the King of Qin has been arresting officials on a large scale. Could it be that the Crown Prince is eliminating dissidents?
Could it be that he didn't want to be the crown prince, but wanted to change the dynasty and ascend the throne to become emperor?

"If I wanted to be emperor, the old man would abdicate and let someone else take over."

"It's just that the Ming Dynasty has only been established for nine years, and the old man is in his prime, so I naturally don't have this idea."

"So the old man can understand, and I bet you that the old man will never ask us to go to Kunning Palace."

"Because no one knows us and our brothers better than the old man."

Zhu Biao closed the memorial on the table and smiled softly.

Zhu Biao's position as crown prince was the most stable throughout all dynasties.

He was also the most powerful prince, and almost had the power to compete with Zhu Yuanzhang.

So Zhu Biao was not worried at all, whether Zhu Yuanzhang would think too much?
"You're the boss, you talk a lot, and I listen to you."

Zhu Gang did not refute Zhu Biao, but nodded.

"No matter how many ministers this storm will bring out, we must not lose our composure."

"Let the second brother be willful for once. As his elder brother, I have always owed him a lot."

Zhu Biao turned his head to look out the window, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes again.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Prince of Jin, please review the urgent military information from 800 miles away."

Just at this moment, a noise was heard, and the leading soldier shouted loudly as soon as he stepped into the courtyard of the imperial study.

"Eight hundred miles of urgent military information?"

Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao looked at each other, then stood up and walked towards the door.

"Your Highness, the envoys from U-Tsang came to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty. They were attacked by Tubo on the way. The tribute was lost and all the envoys were killed."

As soon as Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao stepped out of the room, the messengers who delivered the message knelt on the ground and kowtowed.

As soon as the words fell, a chill instantly rose around them.

This made the already cold air even colder.

"Send an imperial decree to summon Duke of Han Li Shanchang, Duke of E Chang Yuchun, Duke of Wei Xu Da, Duke of Wei Deng Yu, Duke of Cao Li Wenzhong, and the Right Prime Minister of the Secretariat Hu Weiyong to the court to discuss politics."

Zhu Biao's somewhat cold voice sounded, he took the envelope from the messenger and went straight back to the imperial study.

"In the tenth year of Hongwu, the remnants of the Tibetans robbed the tribute envoys of U-Tsang. In April of the same year, Deng Yu was appointed General of the Western Expedition, and he and his deputy general Mu Ying went to suppress the Tibetan resistance."

"Although the time has been advanced a lot, it is only three months away from the tenth year of Hongwu, so it is not too far off."

Unlike Zhu Biao, a hint of thought flashed across Zhu Gang's eyes.

In this battle, the Ming Dynasty won an almost overwhelming victory and defeated the remaining Tibetan forces.

Just because of this, Zhu Yuanzhang lost Deng Yu, the Duke of Weiguo, whom he praised as the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. He was also the first general to fall among the six founding dukes.

At the same time, in the residence of Prince Qin.

In recent days, Zhu Chong has been busy all day and has become a little unkempt, but his eyes have been gloomy since the day Zhu Gang left the house.

"Your Highness, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has issued an order that the Twelve Guards, as well as all the guards under the Grand Military Governor's Office in the capital, will be under the control of the Prince of Jin."

Jiang Li of the Embroidered Uniform Guard hurriedly walked into the Prince of Qin's Mansion, then looked at Zhu Chong and clasped his fists.

"Ah."

Zhu Chong nodded slightly.

Brothers should put themselves in his shoes, even if he hasn't said anything.

But his two brothers still chose to believe in him. Zhu Chong naturally understood this and was of course moved.

And Zhu Chong would not let down the trust of Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao.

"Also, the envoys from U-Tsang were attacked by Tubo on their way to pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty, and their entire army was wiped out."

After hesitating for a moment, Jiang Li spoke again.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

Hearing this, Zhu Chong frowned slightly and stood up.

"I just received the news as well."

Jiang Li bowed quickly.

"Order the Pacification Division to conduct an interrogation overnight. No matter what means are used, I want all of these people to speak tomorrow."

"Otherwise, all the Jinyiwei who participated in the interrogation will be killed."

"Also, after one hour, all the Jinyiwei in the mansion will be withdrawn. The top secrets here can only be handled by my confidants. Jiang Li, do you understand?"

Zhu Chong's cold voice sounded again.

"I understand, Your Highness, please rest assured."

Jiang Li's heart trembled, and he kowtowed immediately.

(End of this chapter)