Chapter 79: Show Your Power
Although the news of Zhu Gaochi's death was concealed by the current Empress Dowager Zhang and four ministers, the handling of the matter in the palace never stopped for a moment. Almost all of Concubine Guo's personal maids were buried with him. In addition to Concubine Guo, the former Tan and the other three childless concubines were also buried with him. Even if Zhu Yuhuan did not see it with his own eyes, he could imagine the miserable plight of those women.
The families of these concubines and palace maids could obtain a large amount of wealth from this, but it was meaningless to those who died.
It was not until seven days before Zhu Gaochi's death that Empress Zhang planned to announce Zhu Gaochi's death to the public, and issued the rest of the imperial edicts together, such as Zhu Zhanji's temporary regent, rewards for concubines, palace maids and their families, etc.
As soon as Zhu Yuhuan heard the news, he naturally understood that Zhu Zhanji was probably about to return to Shuntian. For Han Wang Zhu Gaoxu, this was naturally a good opportunity. However, he did not know that some time before Zhu Gaochi's death, Empress Zhang had secretly sent a letter to Zhu Zhanji, informing him to return to Beijing as soon as possible.
Zhu Yuhuan was thinking about another thing, which was the matter of Huang Yan that Wu Miaosu had told her before. Ever since the palace servants could move around normally, Huai'en often paid attention to the movements near the long street. In addition, the female officials could also start to pass on messages to Zhu Yuhuan again, so they heard Huang Yan's movements. Zhu Yuhuan thought that it was a good opportunity to catch Huang Yan and avoid some unnecessary complicated procedures.
Zhu Yuhuan said obediently: "Grandma, I want to bring a few more palace servants with me. I have something important to do in the afternoon."
Zhang, who was now the Empress Dowager, looked at Zhu Yuhuan with a warm smile on her face, but she did not ask any more questions. Instead, she said to the palace maids around her, "Call some capable palace maids to accompany the princess on this trip."
"yes."
Zhu Yuhuan asked curiously, "Grandma, won't you ask me what I'm going to do?"
Empress Dowager Zhang was amused. "The child has grown up and can handle things on her own. What reason do I have to ask? How could a grandmother not trust her own granddaughter?" She paused, then continued, "Besides, you should do something meaningful to show your father that you've grown."
Zhu Yuhuan was slightly stunned, and when he met Empress Dowager Zhang's encouraging gaze, he responded and turned to walk out.
Empress Dowager Zhang should have been well aware of Wu Miaosu's origins, but she simply didn't care. After all, Wu Miaosu had been by her side for some time, and she knew her character and background well. She knew that Wu Miaosu didn't have the courage to commit such rebellious acts, not to mention the kindness Hu Shanwei had shown her and the grace he had given her. Wu Miaosu couldn't bring herself to harm Hu Shanxiang's husband. Moreover, Zhu Zhanji was now her "husband," and if they rose together, they would rise together, and if they fell together, they would fall together. How could the King of Han really let Wu Miaosu and her family go if his plan succeeded? Although Wu Miaosu lacked courage, she was not stupid.
Even if Wu Miaosu really leaked the secret to the King of Han, the news would not have traveled from Yingtian to Le'an Prefecture faster than Zhu Zhanji could rush back, not to mention that Empress Zhang had already secretly sent her own people south to provide support, and news was coming in from time to time, making it even more impossible for Zhu Gaoxu to succeed.
In terms of cunningness, how could Zhu Gaoxu compare to his sister-in-law who was with Zhu Di and Zhu Gaochi every day but almost never got scolded?
Zhu Yuhuan was rushing towards the long street. Before she met Huang Yan, she bumped into another eunuch. The young eunuch did not salute her when he saw her, but turned around and was about to hit the wall next to him. Zhu Yuhuan's reaction was faster than the people next to him. He immediately reached out and grabbed him and pushed him to the side. Huai En waved his hand, and the palace servants next to him rushed forward and caught him red-handed.
Zhu Yuhuan looked down at him and asked in a light tone, "You didn't know how to greet me, but instead you ran away. Where are you going? Are you going to see Huang Yan?"
Unexpectedly, Zhu Yuhuan hit the nail on the head. The eunuch was stunned at first and was about to open his mouth to beg for mercy, but Zhu Yuhuan had already said, "Shut his mouth, so as not to alert the enemy."
Huai En had already taken out a handkerchief and stuffed it into his mouth. He then pulled up the inner official's collar and carefully scanned his attire. He said, "He must be a rough servant sent by the harem. He seems to be a palace maid of the late Concubine Gongxi Shun, Tan. I'm afraid he wanted to come out and inform the emperor as soon as the palace gate opened."
Zhu Yuhuan blinked, quickly understood, and said, "That incense from the Tan family... could it be that you somehow managed to get it into the palace?"
Empress Dowager Zhang had previously blamed Zhu Gaochi's illness entirely on Concubine Guo's glass of wine, but upon closer examination, Zhu Gaochi's sudden death, barely a month after Empress Dowager Zhang's birthday, seemed more complicated than that. Zhu Yuhuan, though unfamiliar with pharmacology, saw Zhu Gaochi sweating profusely when she and Zhu Zhanji met him that day, and coupled with Tan's panicked appearance, he had to speculate.
But it's useless to think too much, it's better to just try a trick. Anyway, the affair between Zhu Gaochi and Tan had already been spread everywhere by Li Shimen's memorial, so she didn't need to be the one to blame.
The eunuch was stunned at first, then became even more flustered, shaking his head violently to deny something, but unfortunately, Zhu Yuhuan caught the hesitation in that moment and she could immediately determine the result.
The safety of the palace has always been of utmost importance. On weekdays, everything that passes through the palace gate must be inspected. However, the direct palace supervisors are responsible for sweeping and this kind of hard labor department carries things that are not popular, so the inspection is even more difficult. What's more, after Hu Shanwei left, the jurisdiction of the palace was much broader than before. The palace people would also find ways to ask the direct palace supervisors to bring some spices, rouge, etc. from outside the palace into the palace. These eunuchs who are responsible for bringing things are in collusion with the guards and will let them go easily, not to mention this small spice. If they are not familiar with medical knowledge, how can they see the clues?
It's a pity that Tan had already been chosen by Empress Zhang to be buried alive, and it's probably impossible to find out the truth from her. However, Zhu Yuhuan still privately believed that she probably didn't know about it, and just wanted to have a child as Concubine Guo said, so that she could escape the disaster like Concubine Li did because she had a son.
Whether it was Mrs. Tan or Concubine Guo, they both invisibly accelerated the speed of Zhu Gaochi's death.
How is this not destiny?
The palace maids who came with Zhu Yuhuan were all people trusted by Empress Dowager Zhang. Even if they didn't know what Zhu Yuhuan was talking about, they would keep it secret when they heard it. That's why Zhu Yuhuan felt so confident asking the question.
More importantly, Zhu Yuhuan was curious whether Empress Dowager Zhang knew about these things. However, given Empress Dowager Zhang's personality and methods, even if she knew, she would make use of it. With a sharp knife to solve everything for her, Empress Dowager Zhang was so happy that she couldn't contain herself.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't need to say anything, as two palace servants had already dragged the eunuch who leaked the information to Kunning Palace. With him as an induction, they should be able to catch many of the King of Han's men in the palace, which would save a lot of trouble.
The information Huai En received was correct. Huang Yan was waiting for someone at the corner of the long street, pacing back and forth from time to time, obviously very anxious. Unfortunately, he did not wait for the person to pick him up. Instead, Zhu Yuhuan waved his hand, and several strong palace servants came forward to restrain Huang Yan, forcing him to kneel on the ground and unable to move.
Huang Yan suddenly felt something was wrong and hurriedly said, "I am the eunuch in charge of the palace, I am just here to check whether the room is clean!"
Zhu Yuhuan then walked up to him and said, "Really? Are you the only one here checking? Don't you even have a supervisor with you?"
Zhu Yuhuan hadn't had a very deep impression of Huang Yan; she couldn't even remember his appearance. After all, there were so many eunuchs in the palace, and it was impossible for Zhu Yuhuan to recognize every one of them. She had simply arranged for someone to conduct a brief investigation of Huang Yan. But Huang Yan was deeply impressed by Zhu Yuhuan, and when he saw that she had come in person, he froze in place for a moment, not daring to move.
The emperor's mood was unpredictable. A little girl like Zhu Yuhuan who could win the Emperor Taizong's extraordinary favor at such a young age, not to mention in the palace, or even in the whole world, there was no one like Zhu Yuhuan who could "stroke the dragon's whiskers" and make the Jinyiwei commander and Liu Yongcheng her teachers. Not to mention that even though the Emperor Taizong was gone, Zhu Yuhuan was still the center of attention in the palace. She was proficient in both civil and military affairs and was still outstanding in everything. She had countless wonderful ideas. Even the late emperor praised her highly. Therefore, even an inconspicuous government office like the Zhidianjian could still hear of Zhu Yuhuan's majesty.
Seeing that he didn't dare to speak for a moment, Zhu Yuhuan raised his eyebrows slightly, raised his chin and said, "It seems you recognize me."
Huai En said, "If you don't explain now, I'll hand you over to the Queen Mother, and you'll end up in even worse trouble."
Huang Yan, seeing that a mere eunuch had the audacity to rebuke him, immediately retorted indignantly, "Who do you think you are? You're barely even fully grown, yet you dare speak to me like that! Do you know that I was once sent on a diplomatic mission to Korea by the order of Emperor Taizong? You were still in your mother's womb at that time! Do you have the right to speak here?"
Zhu Yuhuan shook her head at the palace maid who was frowning and ready to shut him up physically. She chuckled mockingly, then said to Huai En, "Huai En, slap him twice."
Hearing Zhu Yuhuan's words, Huai En did not hesitate. He raised his hand and slapped him twice. After that, he took a step back and subconsciously hid his numb hands in his sleeves.
He had no idea how much farm work he had done before, and the thing he had the most of was strength. After two slaps, Huang Yan suddenly saw stars, felt tinnitus and dizziness, and was unable to speak for a while.
"My great-grandfather sent you as an envoy to Korea, but I don't see you achieving anything. Instead, I've heard some Korean envoys in Beijing talk about how you demanded bribes and forced the sale of contraband, even to the Korean princes. This caused widespread resentment in Korea, but they dared not say anything due to the majesty of the Ming Dynasty." Zhu Yuhuan sneered, "You've been ruining my great-grandfather's reputation everywhere. I was already showing mercy by not taking your head because you had followed my great-grandfather for so many years. And my grandfather was known for his generosity, so I spared your life. But you're becoming complacent! I don't think you want this tumor on your neck anymore, so I'll remove it today!"
Now that the truth had been completely exposed, Huang Yan, in order to save his own life, naturally would not continue to keep the secret for the King of Han and the King of Zhao. He immediately shouted, "I am willing to be a spy in the palace! I beg the princess to say a few good words for me..."
Zhu Yuhuan asked with a half-smile, "Do you think you still have a chance to negotiate now? If you tell me everything, maybe you can still save your wife and children. But if you don't, when my father comes back, he will charge you with treason as a palace maid, and the three Yi clans will let you off easily."
Huang Yan was already sweating profusely, and kept saying, "I understand..."
Zhu Yuhuan then ordered, "Take him back and put him in solitary confinement. Record all his confessions in a book and submit it to Grandma."
Then I can go back and compare the confession with the other person to prevent them from cheating.
"yes."
Zhu Yuhuan watched as several palace servants took Huang Yan away. She turned to look at Huai En and asked after a long moment, "Did your hand hurt?"
Huai En responded hesitantly, and the two looked at each other for a moment, and suddenly laughed out loud.
Zhu Yuhuan finally left the harem, but without Empress Dowager Zhang's permission, Zhu Yuhuan did not dare to act rashly. He could only glance at the direction of the Eastern Palace from a distance, and then returned to Kunning Palace with Huai'en.
Although Empress Dowager Zhang was now the empress dowager, Zhu Zhanji had not yet officially ascended the throne. In addition, the Kunning Palace was close to the previous dynasty, so she could respond immediately to any incidents. Therefore, Empress Dowager Zhang did not move out of the Kunning Palace immediately.
"Our princess is so majestic."
Zhu Zhanji was originally waiting outside the curtain to ask Empress Dowager Zhang about the matter of regent. When he heard the palace maid announce that Zhu Yuhuan had returned, he spoke jokingly.
Zhu Yuhuan thought it was no joke and waved his hand modestly, saying, "Fifth Uncle, you're too polite. I do have some prestige, but it's not that great."
"Look at you, you seem quite proud of yourself after hearing a few compliments." Zhu Zhanji rubbed Zhu Yuhuan's head and said, "How did you find out about Huang Yan's affairs? When big brother comes back, I'll give you a credit for your merit. You'll be the first to be named a princess, and I'm afraid you'll also be able to be a princess."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't say he had the female officials to help him, right? Huai En, standing by, had already said respectfully, "I heard from other palace servants that Huang Yan often walked alone, and I was afraid he might be doing something inappropriate, so I immediately reported it to the princess. The princess was very careful and ordered me to investigate thoroughly. After much inquiry, I suspected that Huang Yan was a tip-off. Today, with the permission of the Empress Dowager, I went to arrest him."
Zhu Zhanji jokingly said, "It seems that you two, master and servant, have a good understanding. This young eunuch is so eloquent. Did he learn all that from you?"
Zhu Yuhuan said seriously, "That's not true. Huai'en is very quick-witted. If it were someone dumber, even a parrot wouldn't be able to imitate him." After she finished speaking, she couldn't help but move closer to Zhu Zhanji and whispered, "Fifth Uncle, how has my younger uncle been these days?"
Zhu Zhanji was slightly taken aback when she asked about his tenth brother. He then whispered, "Of course he's sad. Tenth brother is smart and knows his limits. No matter how upset he is, he won't show it on the surface."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but sigh and said, "I don't know when we can meet again..."
Before Zhu Zhanji could say anything, Empress Dowager Zhang emerged from behind the pearl curtain and began, "A thousand-mile dam can be breached by a single ant's drop. These two are only the visible ones; who knows how many more are lurking beneath the surface. Finding them all is no easy task." She looked at Zhu Yuhuan and said, "Huanhuan, what do you think?"
Zhu Yuhuan noticed Zhu Zhanji's gaze, thought for a moment, and said, "Let the palace servants report each other. Once there is solid evidence, the person who reported it will be rewarded. This way, the palace servants will supervise each other, and I believe the truth will be revealed soon."
Zhu Zhanji exclaimed, "You do have an idea."
Zhu Yuhuan answered obediently: "The ancients' idea."
"You, please don't delay Huanhuan here. Now that the late emperor is in mourning, Shanxiang is always worried that Huanhuan will cause trouble in the palace. She often sends people to ask my well-being. She is worried about this little girl." Empress Dowager Zhang saw Zhu Yuhuan was slightly stunned and continued, "Leave the palace quickly, so that your mother won't worry about you all the time."
Zhu Yuhuan then realized that if it wasn't a national mourning, she would definitely cheer.
Therefore, Zhu Yuhuan had to suppress his excitement, and saluted Empress Dowager Zhang and Zhu Zhanji politely before walking out quickly.
Zhu Zhanji looked at her like a gust of wind and shook his head helplessly.
Still young.
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