Chapter 697: Kill when necessary, comfort when appropriate—show no mercy.

When the news spread that Marquis Ningyang Chen Mao had been ordered to lead an army to attack Le’an, the entire capital was shaken. Since the imperial order called for the mobilization of a hundred thousand troops, all nearby military camps and guards were involved, including nearly all the sons of noble families who served as officers. Thus, upon hearing the news, families rushed to prepare for departure, especially those who had dealt with Zhu Gaoxu during the Jingnan Campaign, who were deeply worried. After all, Zhu Gaoxu, the Prince of Han, had left a deep impression with his bravery at that time.

That morning, before dawn, Lady Lu, who was usually too weak to leave her house, made an exception and appeared at the second gate of her residence. Seeing Meng Jun standing there neatly dressed, she couldn’t help but think of her husband guarding Xuanfu and began to nag him incessantly. When Meng Jun promised to set off, she couldn’t resist wiping her eyes with a handkerchief.

Zhang Qing was also extremely anxious, but fearing that Lady Lu might worry too much, she tried to reassure her, “Mother, Brother Jun is just accompanying the army as an escort; nothing will happen to him.”

“On the battlefield, nothing is certain—who can predict what will happen?” Lady Lu took Zhang Qing’s hand and led her inside, still worried. “It’s not that I’m speaking ill of others, but Marquis Ningyang has indeed fought many battles in his life. He earned his title through his own courage in battle. Yet, if not for Emperor Taizong’s consideration for the late Duke Jingguo who died in battle, he wouldn’t have risen so quickly. Moreover, he has never led an entire army alone. Think of Li Jinglong back then…”

At this point, Lady Lu sighed deeply and stopped speaking, knowing further comments would be highly disrespectful. She walked to the Buddha hall and knelt down on the thick cushion at the front, then said to Zhang Qing without turning around, “Today, I will pray here for Jun’s safety. Don’t disturb me with anything outside, unless there are changes regarding military operations in the court… When Avalokiteshvara practices profound Prajna Paramita, he sees that all five aggregates are empty, thus transcending all suffering…”

Seeing that Lady Lu had begun praying, Zhang Qing felt a heavy weight in her heart and quietly left the room. Yet, this day was destined to be turbulent. In the morning, she forced herself to handle household chores, but before she could catch her breath, several noble families came to inquire about the situation, all worried about the safety of their sons who were joining the campaign to quell the rebellion. Realizing that she wasn’t the only one worried, Zhang Qing’s heart was filled with an increasingly ominous sense.

If even these noble families who lead troops in battle lack confidence like this, how can the war be fought?
A court assembly at Fengtian Gate.
Since it was not a grand court session on an eclipse day, the meeting still took place at Fengtian Gate. Although the ministers submitted their reports as usual, many of them were distracted. Losing two emperors in less than a year was already an omen of bad fortune, and now with the Han King’s rebellion, many people compared the current situation to that of the short-lived Emperor Jianwen. Another young emperor who had once been named heir apparent, another prince who rose in rebellion under the pretext of quelling chaos—this seemingly cyclical pattern was truly alarming. Thus, when Marquis of Ningyang Chen Mao stepped forward to report on troop deployments, many ministers sighed inwardly.
Though Marquis Chen Mao was skilled in battle, could he really defeat the Han King? At such a time, if anyone should lead the troops, it should be the Duke of Ying!
Yet everyone thought the emperor should encourage Marquis Chen Mao and then choose a day to swear an oath and set out on an expedition. But Zhu Zhanji suddenly stood up and said something that left many stunned: “Yesterday, I discussed this with the ministers. Marquis of Ningyang is both wise and brave, and certainly capable of capturing the rebel. But the Han Prince is my uncle and also a meritorious official in the past. Now that he has rebelled, I must personally lead the army. If I can persuade him to return to the right path, it will reflect my principles of filial piety, fraternal love, and kindness…”
Most of his long speech was empty rhetoric, but the key word that everyone grasped was—personal expedition! Even veteran ministers like Jian Yi and Xia Yuanji, who had served through four dynasties, couldn’t help but recall how Emperor Jianwen personally pushed Li Jinglong’s chariot when sending him off on an expedition, while they waited in the palace for news of the battle. Comparing this to the current emperor, who readily accepted advice and decided to lead the expedition himself, they couldn’t help but feel emotional. Standing among the court officials, Zhang Yue also pondered Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di.
Zhu Yuanzhang had used great Confucian scholars to teach the heir apparent, but Zhu Di not only hired renowned teachers to teach Zhu Zhanji but also took him on northern tours in person and even brought him to the battlefield. Although Zhu Zhanji nearly lost his life then, it was only through such battlefield experiences that he could differ from the weak emperors raised in the palace among women. He knew well that Zhu Zhanji’s personal expedition was not meant to show off national or military power, but to intimidate those with ulterior motives.
Without that move, sending a large army at great cost would have been inevitable. Now, with just a few more days, perhaps this seemingly fierce rebellion would come to an end.

Those who become emperors need a solid reason for everything they do. Thus, after ascending the throne, despite his eagerness to punish Zhu Gaoxu immediately, Zhu Zhanji still rewarded his uncle generously, offering everything from gold and silver to camels and carriages. Once he heard news of the Han King’s rebellion, he sent imperial officials with personal letters to persuade him, going to great lengths to maintain appearances. In front of the ministers, he once again performed the necessary formalities before calling in his attendants one by one.

As Zhang Yue had expected, among the ministers accompanying the emperor were only Jian Yi and Xia Yuanji, while all the scholars in the cabinet were part of the entourage. Most of the nobles, starting from the Duke of Yingguo, followed as well, leaving only a few like Duke Chengguo Zhu Yong to guard Beijing. In contrast, few officials from other departments accompanied the emperor, and surprisingly, the Censorate, which had previously been criticized, sent four people—Zhang Yue leading them, with Yu Qian, who had just been appointed as a censor, being the last.

Although the emperor’s few words completely overturned Chen Mao’s efforts over several days, Chen Mao was relieved. He had already lacked confidence facing Zhu Gaoxu, and after several days of colleagues urging him to move his family members to the rear army, he was utterly overwhelmed. Now that the troublesome issue had been taken back by the emperor, he felt somewhat at ease.

After leaving the court, Zhang Yue was puzzled to see Chen Mao leaving in a hurry. It wasn’t until Zhang Fu came over and explained the situation that he understood what was going on, shaking his head in dismay. As they walked away from Jinshui Bridge, Zhang Fu sighed, “Most of the nobles are intimidated by the Han King’s past bravery, but few realize that true heroes should not boast of their past feats. I offered to lead 20,000 elite troops to quell the rebellion, only to have the Duke of Anyuan beat me to it and get stuck there. Your father was right—in such situations, it’s better to follow the emperor in person.”

Zhang Yue had already heard about his father Zhang Zhuo’s advice to Zhang Fu and didn’t know what to say. The uncle and nephew parted at Chang’an Right Gate—Zhang Fu headed to the Central Military Command, while Zhang Yue returned to the Censorate. Yet as soon as he reached the Censorate’s entrance, he saw a rider speeding toward them. The rider suddenly reined in his horse at the gate, tumbled off, and after taking a few steps, collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.

“Hurry… take me to the Chief Censor!”

The noise not only alarmed the Censorate but also drew a few curious heads from the Ministry of Punishments across the way. Zhang Yue stepped forward as well, only to see a man with disheveled hair and clothes, his face completely unfamiliar. Two clerks rushed out from the office and helped the middle-aged man to his feet, one of them examining him for a moment before suddenly exclaiming, “Lord Li, weren’t you back in your hometown to observe mourning? Ah, I remember now—you’re from Le’an!”
“Stop wasting time. I want to see Lord Liu, the Chief Censor!”
The clerk, seeing that the man was just staring at him, quickly stammered, “Lord Li, the Chief Censor has been ordered by the emperor to inspect the Yellow River channels and is not in the office right now.” As he spoke, he glanced at Zhang Yue, then turned the man around to face him, saying, “Lord Li, this is Lord Zhang, the newly appointed Left Assistant Censor. Since both the other assistant censors are away, you may directly approach him if you have any matters. Lord Zhang, this is Lord Li Jun, a Censor who was previously back in his hometown observing mourning.”
One was a Left Assistant Censor of the fourth rank in his early twenties, while the other was a Censor of the seventh rank in his forties. As they looked at each other, Zhang Yue didn’t recognize him, but Li Jun was shocked. He quickly forced a smile and said, “So Lord Zhang has already risen to the Censorate. I am Li Jun, also a graduate of the imperial examinations in the Wuxu year.”
Zhang Yue wasn’t expecting Li Jun to be his peer, which made him feel somewhat uneasy. But in the world of officialdom and the imperial examinations, age didn’t matter—only when one passed the exams. Moreover, the most important thing at the moment was that Li Jun came from Le’an, so he didn’t have time to discuss their shared background. After exchanging greetings, he instructed the two clerks to lead the man into the office’s administrative hall and dismissed everyone else. He immediately asked Li Jun about the situation in detail. After hearing the full account, he didn’t hesitate and made a decision right away.
“This is a serious matter. You and I must go to the palace together to see the emperor immediately.”
After court sessions, usually only officials from various ministries and departments were allowed to enter the palace to see the emperor; it was against protocol for others to request an audience. However, since Zhang Yue was a high-ranking Left Assistant Censor, close to the emperor, and connected through Zhang Fu, the Duke of Yingguo, the palace attendants didn’t neglect him despite his vague explanation and reported his request without delay. Even so, the round trip still took nearly half an hour.

The Qianqing Gate in the inner court served as an insurmountable barrier separating high-ranking officials from others. Although Li Jun had been in service for over six years just like Zhang Yue, he had never set foot inside this gate, let alone the Qianqing Palace behind it. While waiting outside the hall, he felt his emotions surge uncontrollably. When it came time to meet the emperor, he was so distracted that he couldn’t even remember what he had said. It was only after leaving the Qianqing Palace as ordered that he gradually regained his senses—by then, it was too late to recall what had happened during his audience.

“Li Jun being able to escape shows how chaotic the defenses in Le’an are. It seems Duke Yingguo’s claim that the King of Han is cowardly wasn’t an exaggeration. With so many important anti-piracy garrisons in Denglai, he sent only his two sons there. Does he really think those immature boys can be of any use? I’ve met them before; they’re nothing but obedient lackeys!”

In front of Zhang Yue, Zhu Zhanji couldn’t help but show the sarcasm he usually hid well in front of his ministers. Once his anger subsided, he asked Zhang Yue, “Since Li Jun claims the King of Han wants to seize all the military forces in Shandong, I can’t just sit idly by. Yuanjie, do you have any suggestions?”

Regarding this question, Zhang Yue had already thought of a suitable candidate as soon as he entered. He suggested, “Lord Liu Zhong, the deputy commander of the Right Army Command, used to be the commander of Shandong. He was very popular among his subordinates during his tenure. If he takes charge, he will surely be able to calm the anti-piracy garrisons in Denglai and other areas. As for Le’an, Your Majesty can order the nearby Jinyiwei to keep a close watch.”

Zhu Zhanji suddenly remembered the time when Wang Jie, the commander of the Jinyiwei, visited him along with other officials. Among them was Fang Ling, who had once been his tutor. He had once exiled Fang Ling for a crime, but later someone proved Fang Ling’s innocence. When he wanted to recall him, Fang Ling was taken away by his father, Zhu Gaochi. He hadn’t paid much attention to it before, but now he found it rather suspicious. However, this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. Besides, Fang Ling was indeed more astute and capable than Wang Jie, so he had no objections to the appointment. But after carefully considering the candidate suggested by Zhang Yue, he shook his head.

“It’s natural for the Jinyiwei to monitor Le’an. But as for Shandong… I’m not confident relying solely on Liu Zhong. After all, he spent many years in Qingzhou Prefecture. Yuanjie, I’ll select elite members from the Jinyiwei and the imperial army to accompany you. How about you go there with him?”

Although the Han Prince’s scouts were everywhere and it was said that the people in neighboring counties were in panic, Zhang Yue knew well that as long as an imperial order for a personal campaign was issued, that person would most likely become timid. So after brief consideration, he agreed. Yet just as he was about to leave, Zhu Zhanji suddenly called out to him.
“Yuanjie!”
“Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?”
“The Han Prince has been stationed in Shandong for seven or eight years now; with such a long tenure, his base must be quite strong. When you go to the defense posts in Denglai to deal with the Japanese pirates, you will be representing me in person. I will bestow upon you the imperial sword left to me by my grandfather!” Zhu Zhanji had finally made up his mind, and his voice carried a firm and resolute tone. “Kill those who need to be killed, pacify those who need to be pacified—do not hold back! Once Denglai is stabilized, if possible, make a trip to Qingzhou Prefecture. After all, it is where you once lived, and Liu Zhong is familiar with the area. Capture Commander Jin Rong!”
Faced with the emperor’s fierce demeanor, Zhang Yue naturally agreed. After leaving the Qianqing Palace, he kept thinking about what would be the best course of action. As soon as he stepped out of the Qianqing Gate, he ran into Eunuch Fan Hong from the Imperial Secretariat. Behind Fan Hong was none other than Fang Ling. Observing these two people who seemed utterly incompatible, he grew deeply suspicious.
Fan Hong was an old servant who had followed Zhu Gaochi for many years. Like Wang Jin, he was a cautious and reticent man. After offering his respects, he led Fang Ling into the Qianqing Gate. Zhang Yue didn’t have the chance to speak to him and could only continue walking outside. After passing the Left Gate of Yuntai, he suddenly realized that the group seemed to be coming from the Renshou Palace in the west, and he stopped in his tracks.
Perhaps it wasn’t Zhu Gaochi who ordered Fang Ling to carry out that task, but Empress Dowager Zhang. If that were the case, Empress Dowager Zhang was indeed very scheming and far-sighted. If not for Zhu Gaochi’s self-inflicted disaster that cost him his life, she would surely have found a way to get rid of the Han Prince, Zhu Gaoxu.