As a fifth-rank commander of the Runing Houqianhu Office, Zhao Yi had the confidence to back it up.

Because he was also from Fengyang, and his father had followed Emperor Hongwu when he left Haozhou to govern Dingyuan, he was one of the earliest core members of Emperor Hongwu's inner circle, and one of the people Emperor Hongwu trusted most.

Although Zhao Yi's father was not as capable as the so-called "Twenty-Four Generals of Huaixi," he still had some merits. If he hadn't died in battle at a young age, he might have even received a noble title.

As for Zhao Yi himself, he naturally followed in his father's footsteps. Although he was only a mid-level military officer, he had followed the Prince of Zhongshan in his campaigns. Two years ago, he even followed the Emperor's brother-in-law, the Duke of Zhongshan, on the Northern Expedition. After a bloody battle, he made meritorious contributions and was promoted to commander of a thousand households and then to the commander of the Runing Rear Thousand Household Garrison.

Zhao Yi also knew that the Emperor Emeritus and the Crown Prince were touring the country and were currently in Runing. He really wanted to get closer, but he had no opportunity.

The retired emperor had three major battalions of the capital army and the emperor's personal guards, so there was no need for local garrisons to undertake the core defense work. The only thing Zhao Yi and others could do was to guard the outermost perimeter, which was the treatment of mid- to low-ranking officers.

Suddenly, a troop of cavalry approached rapidly, their armor gleaming and their weapons like a forest, completely surrounding the Runing Rear Thousand-Household Garrison.

While Zhao Yi and the soldiers of the Runing Thousand Household Garrison were surprised and panicked, a group of boys appeared, surrounding a strong and burly young man.

Sitting atop his tall horse, Fu Zhong loudly proclaimed, "By order of the Crown Prince, the criminal Zhao Yisuo is hereby arrested for questioning. All others, lay down your weapons and await further instructions."

In fact, according to Fu Zhong, the Crown Prince's methods were too simplistic and crude, and not the best approach.

However, Fu Zhong was also self-aware. Since the Emperor Emeritus had no objections and the Emperor Emeritus was in charge, he should naturally follow the Crown Prince's decree. There was no need for him, the son-in-law, to say anything more; it was enough to do things well.

Zhao Yi was somewhat apprehensive and uneasy. "Imperial Son-in-Law, I refuse to accept this! What crime have I committed?!"

Fu Zhong glanced at Zhao Yi and said indifferently, "What crime have you committed? You know perfectly well what crime you have committed! His Highness the Crown Prince will take care of everything!"

With a gentle tug on the reins, Fu Zhong didn't bother saying anything more to Zhao Yi. Let alone that this was just a minor fifth-rank commander, Fu Zhong had witnessed many dukes and marquises of the Ming Dynasty being exterminated, imprisoned, and their families wiped out over the years.

Therefore, a mere commander of a thousand households is nothing special and carries absolutely no weight. Moreover, many people are well aware of whether this person has committed any crimes; it's just that some people have protected him in the past, or some simply dare not provoke Zhao Yi.

But the situation is different now. Since His Highness the Crown Prince is so angry and wants to personally conduct the trial, this speaks volumes. Zhao Yi is now a criminal official, and there is absolutely no room for doubt about that.

Zhao Yi, who was once quite imposing, was kicked in the back of the knee. As he fell to his knees uncontrollably, several teenagers quickly tied his hands.

Many soldiers in the garrison were curious or worried, but many more seemed to be gloating or even openly harboring hostility.

Little Zhu Haisheng was very patient and didn't care about the anxiety or disdain of the Prefect and Assistant Prefect of Runing Prefecture. Little Zhu really didn't need to care about these things.

Because this identity is truly enough; he is the ruler, and all those below him are his subjects. Everyone is aware of their own status and the differences between them, and they all know very well what they should do.

At this moment, Shuangquan also had a serious expression, showing no trace of the fawning or ingratiating attitude he displayed in front of Xiao Zhu in private. He was now the Crown Prince's chief eunuch, and he represented imperial power.

A junior officer in armor entered the government office and respectfully reported, "Your Highness, the Imperial Son-in-Law requests an audience."

Seeing Xiao Zhu nod, Shuang Quan immediately raised his voice and drew out the last syllable, "Announce."

Fu Zhong was well aware of his position and knelt on one knee to report, "Your Highness, I have been ordered to arrest the criminal official Zhao Yi and others. Now, I hereby report that Zhao Yi and the other criminal officials must be arrested and detained."

Little Zhu nodded. Although Little Zhu appears in the court relatively rarely now, he has learned a lot through observation and exposure.

Zhao Yi was forced into the main hall. Still somewhat resentful, Zhao Yi glanced at the Crown Prince sitting in the chair. Now he seemed to know what fear was. Now he seemed to realize that some of his past actions had brought him great trouble.

Little Zhu's voice was still that of a child, clear and crisp: "Official Zhao Yi, considering that you and I are both from Fengyang, and that your father was once a personal guard under the Emperor Emeritus, I originally intended to give you some face. However, since you are so disappointing, I will naturally not forgive you."

Zhao Yi wanted to say something more, but Xiao Zhu shouted, "You are the commander of the Ru Ning Hou Qianhu Garrison, and you should have 1,120 men under your command! How dare you leave a shortage of three hundred men!"

Drawing a salary without actually working was a common practice among many military officers. It was the fastest way to make money, and even in times of war, some reckless individuals would take the risk for a paycheck, let alone in times of peace.

Little Zhu continued, "Leaving aside the issue of receiving a salary without working, you haven't even been in office for a year. What's more, you dare to enslave the soldiers of the garrison and force them to cultivate your reward fields?!"

Zhao Yi has really become arrogant; he's probably lost his head after gaining power for a short time.

Not only did he receive salaries without working, but he also committed serious crimes by encroaching on military farmland and privately employing soldiers to cultivate it. Furthermore, when a garrison commander died, Zhao Yi did not replace him from the military register. Not only did desertion increase, but Zhao Yi's administration was also lax, resulting in soldiers frequently harassing both civilians and officials, and some officers using this as an excuse to embezzle and persecute the people.

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