Chapter 153 Zhu Yuanzhang will not bear the infamy of killing meritorious officials, so you will have to bear it.

The residence of Marquis Jiangxia.

"How dare you! This is the residence of Marquis Jiang Xia, how dare you trespass!"

A loud shout was heard, and the leading guard, holding a long sword, lined up in front of the mansion, looked at the Jinyiwei in front of him and confronted them.

"The Royal Guards are investigating the case. All outsiders, please retreat immediately."

Jiang Li drew out his Embroidered Spring Sword without hesitation, looked at the guard in front of him, and said in a cold voice.

"Chong-"

Seeing that Jiang Li had already drawn out his Embroidered Spring Sword, the many Jinyiwei around him also drew their swords and rushed forward without any fear in their eyes.

"Even if I am guilty, I still need your Majesty's order. Otherwise, I'm afraid you won't be able to find a rope to tie me up."

At this moment, another group of guards came out holding torches, followed by Jiangxia Hou Zhou Dexing and his eldest son Zhou Ji, who looked at Jiang Lin coldly.

Even if Zhou Dexing, the great Marquis of Jiangxia, broke the law and did many wrong things, it was not the turn of the Jinyiwei to interfere and meddle in his affairs.

What's more, Zhou Dexing was an old friend of Zhu Yuanzhang's childhood, a founding hero, and a hero who had followed the emperor all the way. Naturally, he was not afraid of the Jinyiwei.

"Then let's see whether the guards in Jiangxiahou's mansion are more powerful or my Jinyiwei are better."

Jiang Li narrowed his eyes slightly, and the embroidered spring knife in his hand exuded a hint of coldness.

As the snow and wind were falling all over the sky, Jiang Li took a step forward, and the Jinyiwei behind him also took a step forward.

As for the guards at Jiangxia Hou's mansion, they took a step back.

Even in such cold weather, a hint of sweat appeared on their heads.

Even Zhou Dexing's son Zhou Ji's body shook slightly, but he still managed to hold on and did not fall down.

Only Jiang Xiahou, who had experienced life and death on the battlefield, had no fear in his eyes. Instead, he continued to look coldly at Jiang Li.

With the iron scroll of immunity from death in hand and the friendship of many years, he can save his life even if the matter is discovered.

Then of course he is not afraid of the Jinyiwei.

"Uncle Zhou, if the king comes to invite you personally, will you go or not?"

Just at this tense moment, a light voice was heard.

Zhou Dexing raised his head slightly, and when he saw what was happening, his pupils shrank.

A man dressed in a black fur robe came slowly towards her in the snow.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao is on the left and Prince of Qin Zhu Chong is on the right.

As for the person in the middle of this moment, it was Prince of Jin, Zhu Gang.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, Your Highness, the Prince of Qin, and Your Highness, the Prince of Jin, may you live forever."

Seeing this, Zhou Dexing quickly bowed and saluted.

But after a long time, he didn't hear the voice asking him to get up, so Zhou Dexing raised his head slightly again.

At this moment, a trace of sweat finally appeared on Zhou Dexing's forehead.

"Jiang Li, how did I teach you?"

"Or are you afraid of offending Jiang Xiahou and dare not take action?"

Zhu Chong raised his eyes and looked at Jiang Li, speaking in a neither clear nor calm voice.

"Your Excellency the Commander, I am not afraid."

Jiang Li quickly shook his head and knelt on one knee.

"What will happen if you stop the Jinyiwei from investigating a case?"

Zhu Chong nodded slightly and asked again.

"Anyone who dares to obstruct the Jinyiwei from investigating the case will be executed immediately." Jiang Li said in a deep voice.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

Zhu Chong slowly drew out the Xiuchun Knife from his waist, played with it in his hand and said, "Wait for me to do it myself?"

"kill!"

Without any hesitation, Jiang Li stood up instantly, with a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes, and said in a low voice.

As the voice rang out, Jiang Lin took the lead, and the Jinyiwei behind him followed closely, drawing their swords one after another.

As he raised the knife, heads fell off, blood gushed out, and the thumping sounds of heads dyed the frost and snow on the ground red.

Zhou Dexing trembled all over at this scene and wanted to plead for mercy, but he was met with Zhu Gang's indifferent eyes.

Zhou Ji was so frightened that he wet his pants. He hadn't recovered until the Jinyiwei took him away. There was only a smell of urine on the spot, which made people frown.

"He is your eldest son after all. I thought he was just not good enough for important tasks, but I didn't expect him to be so useless."

"Marquis Jiang Xia, your reputation for the rest of your life has been ruined by this son. He is truly a disgrace to the family."

Zhu Biao waved his hand, still frowning.

"It can only be said that people of the same family are of the same family. After all, his father can only do some lowly things besides fighting."

"Don't you think about it? After all, you are one of the founding dukes. You actually did so many dirty things behind the scenes. It's really shameful."

Zhu Gang didn't care at all.

"Your Highness, what crime did this old minister commit?"

Zhou Dexing naturally understood how ruthless these three brothers were, so he wanted to die knowing full well.

"Tonight, with this heavy snow, many people will die. In eastern Zhejiang, Jiangnan, and the capital, at least thousands of people will die, and tens of thousands will be implicated. So think about it, what mistake have you made?"

Zhu Gang's lips curled up in a playful manner.

Just this playful smile made Zhou Dexing feel a little chilly.

Thousands of people will die tonight, and tens of thousands will be implicated. What else could it be?
Xiao Ming Wang’s case is about to explode!
"So from that day forward, you already knew that I was involved."

Zhou Dexing gritted his teeth and looked up to ask.

"Ah."

Zhu Gang nodded without denying it.

"Then why didn't you kill me then?"

Zhou Dexing's face turned pale and he spoke again.

"You are not the only thing I need to consider."

"One incident has not been resolved yet, and another disturbance has arisen, which is not conducive to the stability of the court."

"That's why I let you enjoy this blessing for a few more months, but it's over today, so you deserve to die."

"Don't think that the iron certificate of immunity from death can save your life. The crimes you committed are already proven beyond doubt, and each and every one of them is so heinous that the iron certificate of immunity from death may not be enough."

Zhu Gang was still playing with the taste.

"Hu Weiyong."

Zhou Dexing said with gritted teeth.

At this moment, how could Zhou Dexing not understand that the three brothers were playing a big game of chess, and everyone was involved in it. Almost everyone was a chess piece in their hands.

Including Hu Weiyong, the right prime minister of the Secretariat.

"You guessed right. You are indeed very smart."

"But after today, you will die, and Hu Weiyong will cut ties with you."

"The chess pieces are still chess pieces, and the chess game is still chess. It just has nothing to do with you anymore." "So you should be happy. After all, it is better to die than to live in fear."

"Of course, the crime you committed should be made public. Otherwise, wouldn't Your Majesty be accused of slaughtering meritorious officials?"

A gleam of praise flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes, and he clapped his hands lightly.

"I am willing to plead guilty. I am also willing to hand over the list of all persons involved in the case to Your Highness."

"I only ask Your Highness to spare my son's life. I will thank you."

There was a flash of regret in Zhou Dexing's eyes. He certainly knew that his crime was unforgivable, but he still wanted to make a last-ditch effort.

"Do you think the court knows nothing?"

"Do you think I can't find out about your secret marriage with the Lu family?"

"You underestimate me, and you also underestimate the Imperial Guards."

"The Jinyiwei had already found out about your son marrying Lü Ben's illegitimate daughter."

"The in-law relationship between your two families has already been confirmed, so it's really scary to think about it now."

"You are the smartest person among the nobles in Huaixi. If that bitch of the Lu family really succeeds, your Zhou family will be able to rest easy."

"Even with this relationship, your Zhou family can go further."

In response, Zhu Gang smiled coldly again.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards had already found out long ago that there was indeed a distant relationship between Zhou Dexing and the Lu family.

But distant relatives are always distant relatives.

Unfortunately, Zhou Dexing's son Zhou Ji was very lustful, so Lu Ben married his beautiful illegitimate daughter to Zhou Ji as a concubine.

Therefore, the relationship between the two families cannot be called distant relatives, but rather very close.

This is why Zhou Dexing got involved and became closer and closer to the Jiangnan gentry.

"The evidence is irrefutable that the Lu family intended to murder the Crown Princess. They are also the only family to be executed since the founding of the Ming Dynasty."

"Because his crime is unforgivable. He intended to destroy the bloodline of our royal family. The law does not tolerate mercy and his crime cannot be punished. The only option is to exterminate his entire clan."

"So if you were willing to tell His Majesty earlier about the dispute between your son and the illegitimate daughter of the Lu family, it wouldn't be a big deal."

"After all, everyone is lustful, and your majesty can just laugh it off and not pursue it."

"But you didn't say a word from beginning to end, so this is an aggravated crime. However, considering that you are a meritorious official, His Majesty also remembers our old friendship, so only Zhou Ji's family will be killed, because the remnants of the Lu family are guilty and cannot be killed."

Zhu Biao tightened his robes and looked at Zhou Dexing, who looked ashen, and continued, "Besides that, His Majesty has decided to grant you a special favor. As long as you make this matter known to the world and commit suicide to thank the world, I feel so ashamed of your Majesty's grace that I have no choice but to commit suicide."

"His Majesty will also be in the court to protect your Zhou family. Your title will be downgraded to earldom and will be inherited by a bastard son. It will no longer be hereditary."

"At the same time, confiscate all illegal property, and return your family to Fengyang to enjoy wealth and luxury from now on. The court will not pursue any further questions."

After a pause, Zhu Biao's voice sounded again.

Zhou Dexing had only one legitimate eldest son, Zhou Ji.

As for other illegitimate sons, Zhou Dexing did not pay much attention to them and their status in the Zhou family was not high either.

Therefore, giving the title to a bastard's son is not only a grace from the court, but also a way to prevent trouble before it happens, so as to avoid hatred and evil intentions.

But from now on, Zhou Dexing’s wife would probably not have an easy life. After all, she had been oppressed for so many years, and now that the other party has suddenly risen up, she will definitely want revenge and complain.

"Your Highness, you are so scheming."

Zhou Dexing raised his head weakly and laughed miserably.

Zhou Dexing committed suicide because he was unworthy of Zhu Yuanzhang's grace, and at the same time he made his crimes public. This eternal infamy will befall Zhou Dexing alone.

Zhu Yuanzhang would not bear the infamy of slaughtering meritorious officials, and he could even make a big fuss about this incident to make the people of the world more loyal to the Ming Dynasty.

What a merciful emperor the emperor was to show leniency to such a minister who disregarded the emperor's grace and did not intend to be loyal, spare the lives of his entire family, and retain the wealth of the Zhou family.

As for the officials who were killed, they even dared to kill the young Ming King. Were they afraid that they had no other crimes?
As long as he confesses and is killed, the people will only applaud.

In this way, Zhu Yuanzhang would not only avoid being branded as a massacrer of meritorious officials, but would also demonstrate his kindness and majesty as an emperor.

Then the people's sense of belonging to the Ming Dynasty will become stronger and stronger.

As for the Zhou family's grace, that is, their wealth, the earl only had a few children a year, and he did not hold real power, so it was impossible for him to have any political achievements. Even if his salary was increased, at most he would have no worries about food and drink. It was considered wealth, but not great wealth.

After all, it is the home of a criminal, so it should look like the home of a criminal.

"Marquis Jiang Xia should be thankful. If it were Your Majesty, your entire Zhou family would have been executed."

"But as a son, I naturally have to consider His Majesty. The infamy of slaughtering meritorious officials will not appear in my Ming Dynasty."

"And you have to understand that this is already a tremendous grace. It was you who failed His Majesty first, not His Majesty who failed you."

Zhu Gang slowly came in front of Zhou Dexing and looked down at him condescendingly.

"Your Majesty, I, Zhou Dexing, thank you for your grace!"

Tears of regret finally rolled down Zhou Dexing's eyes. He looked in the direction of the imperial palace and kowtowed heavily.

"Jiang Li, Marquis Jiang Xia does not need to bring back the Jinyiwei. Just do it at Marquis Jiang Xia's mansion."

"I will also give him a favor and let him have another meal with his family and have a good chat with them. This will also be considered as fulfilling the relationship between uncle and nephew."

Zhu Biao sighed softly again, looked at Jiang Li and gave instructions.

"As ordered."

Jiang Li clasped his fists heavily.

"Uncle Zhou, this is the last time I call you uncle. The Zhu family has never let you down, but you have let the Zhu family down, so we can't forgive you."

"Because I spared you, it would be unfair to the world. This time next year, I will go to your grave to pay my respects and go on my journey in peace."

Zhu Biao stepped over Zhou Dexing and spoke softly.

"Tonight, the Jinyiwei has not come to Jiangxiahou Mansion."

"Erase all traces that should be erased."

"As for the dead guards, it was due to the accumulated grudges and the killing of each other. We will report this to the Yingtian prefect and close the case."

Zhu Gang gently rubbed his aching head, gave an order, and followed Zhu Biao out of Jiangxiahou Mansion.

"Hurry up. If you are slow, I am afraid that the imperial prison will not be able to hold them. Remember, except for the case of the death of the young prince, all those who are responsible must confess."

Zhu Chong also looked at Jiang Li and gave him instructions before leaving Jiangxiahou Mansion.

"Tomorrow's morning court session has been cancelled, so all officials in the capital must be made to confess tomorrow."

"As for Jiangnan and Zhejiang, all of them should be taken to the capital, and the case should be closed as soon as possible. After all, we need to give an explanation to the world."

On the way back to the palace, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Gang beside him and said softly.

"Ah."

"I still have to go to the Pacification Office, so I won't go back with you."

"As for the old man, please help me deal with him. I don't want to listen to his nagging."

In response, Zhu Gang first nodded, then stopped and looked at Zhu Biao.

"The old man doesn't blame you. Everything happened for a reason, so you must act decisively and not hesitate."

"I even praised you because now is indeed the right time to take action."

A look of helplessness appeared in Zhu Biao's eyes, and he patted Zhu Gang's shoulder.

(End of this chapter)