Zhu Yunwen naturally understood that during this period, both Goryeo and Dongdao were thinking of attacking the Ming Dynasty.

Wasn't the reason for this inspection tour deliberately designed to create opportunities for them?

But there was one thing Zhu Yunwen never expected: Zhu Yunwen himself was involved.

This surprised Zhu Yunwen, who frowned and looked at Magistrate Li, saying:

"You're saying that Zhu Yunwen was also involved in this plan to attack the Ming Dynasty?"

Magistrate Li nodded and said:

"Indeed, Zhu Yunwen has been active throughout the Ming Dynasty since he left the capital that day, trying to win over former officials who were on good terms with him. Now, some officials across the country have probably secretly submitted to him."

Zhu Yunwen narrowed his eyes and looked at Magistrate Li of Baicheng, saying:

"So you're one of those who submitted to him?"

Magistrate Li's face immediately turned pale as he said:

"This humble subject is terrified and could not resist the temptation. The conditions he offered were simply too tempting, making it impossible for this humble subject to refuse."

Zhu Yunwen immediately asked:

What kind of terms did he offer you?

The magistrate, Li, stammered and said:

"He told the guilty minister that if he joined forces with other forces to fight his way back to the capital from the north, he would have to pass through Baicheng."

He instructed me to cooperate with Baicheng, open the city gates, and provide him with intelligence so that he could annihilate a small portion of the army stationed outside Baicheng.

He promised me that if I succeeded in my mission and became emperor, he would appoint me as a court official or a regional governor.

Zhu Yunwen sneered and said:

"He's quite generous, making promises to you. But as you just said, there are many people in the Ming Dynasty that he's trying to win over."

So after he succeeds, with so many powerful regional officials, can he share the spoils with you people?

"With so many positions for court officials, do you think you can possibly share them all?"

Upon hearing Zhu Yunwen's words, Magistrate Li was momentarily at a loss for words.

Zhu Yunwen, too lazy to waste words, continued to ask:

"And tell me about Zhu Yunwen. Where is he now?"

"Your Highness, he should be in Goryeo."

Zhu Yunwen also said:

"Do you know just how powerful he has become within the Ming Dynasty?"

Magistrate Li thought for a while before saying:

"I know a little bit, but it may not be accurate. As far as I know, he is mainly trying to win over, or rather, bribe some local officials in the north."

They even recruited individuals from some of the northern armies, so that they could utilize these resources when the latter led large armies to attack from the north.

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly and said:

"Alright, you have provided some fairly accurate information. However, while you may escape the death penalty, you cannot escape punishment. In any case, the crime you committed is still quite serious."

Besides, if I hadn't discovered your problem, you probably would have actually sided with Zhu Yunwen and worked for him.

Therefore, today, I will throw you into prison, where you will spend the rest of your life repenting.

Magistrate Li kowtowed to Zhu Yunwen while crying. At this moment, although he regretted it, he knew that some things, once done, are done and there was no way to undo them.

After Magistrate Li was taken away, Zhu Yunwen looked at Zhao Qingzhu and said:

"See that? This Zhu Yunwen is still stubborn and hasn't changed his ways. He's actually starting to think about colluding with foreign enemies."

If he falls into my hands again this time, I won't let him off so easily.

Zhao Qingzhu nodded and said:

“This kind of disloyal, unjust, and unfilial person should have been killed in the first place.”

Zhu Yunwen sighed:

"He is, after all, the Emperor's grandson. It's understandable that the Emperor would feel sorry for him. But if he continues to court death like this, even the Emperor, who is concerned about family ties, will probably never forgive him again."

As he spoke, Zhu Yunwen leaned back in his chair, took a deep breath, then his eyes narrowed, his gaze sharpened, and he spoke in a firm tone:

"Issue the order: this area will be taken over by the county magistrate of Baicheng. And summon the county magistrate to see me."

Before long, the county magistrate of Baicheng came forward. Zhu Yunwen looked at the magistrate and asked:

"May I have your name?"

The county magistrate bowed his head and said, "My surname is Wang, and my name is Wang Wenhao. Your Highness, what are your orders?"

Zhu Yunwen said:

"From now on, you are the magistrate of this place, Magistrate Wang. I have had someone investigate your background and your recent performance. I am quite satisfied with it."

The reason you've been appointed magistrate is because your predecessor enriched himself, deceived his superiors, and colluded with foreign enemies. Now, as magistrate, you must cooperate with the military should foreign enemies invade. Do you understand?

Magistrate Wang immediately spoke up:

"Your subject understands!"

Some things don't need to be said; everyone understands. Some things don't need to be explained explicitly, because how to do them already has its own system, and there's no need to teach them too much.

After Zhu Yunwen replaced the magistrate of Baicheng, he was no longer worried about any collusion between internal and external forces, but this only applied to Baicheng.

It's hard to say how many local officials and military generals in northern China had secret dealings and connections with Zhu Yunwen.

However, this was naturally no challenge for Zhu Yunwen. Solving this problem was incredibly easy for him.

All that's needed is to replace most of the generals in the northern army, or those who are suspected of being incompetent.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!