Chapter 38: Returning Tooth for Tooth

Chapter 38: Tit for Tat

In the second year of Jingrui, on the twenty-eighth day of the tenth month, in the Xuan De Hall.

Today was the grand court assembly held every half a month, where all civil and military officials ranked fifth-grade and above in the capital were present. Zhu Yunxuan launched his surprise attack when the ministers had exhausted their reports, just as the assembly was about to conclude. The emperor personally called out General Zhang Can, the commander of the Southern Capital Camp, and Vice-General Liu Qizhong, asking them about the whereabouts of the military pay allocated by the Ministry of Finance the previous year.

The two remained relatively calm, answering Zhu Yunxuan's questions directly. They detailed when the silver had been allocated, when they had distributed it, and provided evidence for each point.

"Is that so?" Zhu Yunxuan's voice was deep, his expression concealed from the courtiers as he sat high on the imperial throne. "Why did the military pay, which was allocated by the court in September, not reach the soldiers until February of the following year?"

General Zhang Can replied cautiously, "The military payroll is dispersed every six months. Due to the need for verification and reconciliation of accounts before distribution, it naturally takes some time. Delaying the payment of military salaries...has long been a common practice."

Whispers broke out among the officials in the hall, unsure of why Zhu Yunxuan had suddenly raised this issue. Not only the Southern Capital Camp, but all major camps in the capital had experienced delays. It was considered fortunate if the pay arrived three or six months late. For troops stationed in remote regions, the situation of unpaid salaries was likely even worse.

Just as confusion reigned, the emperor's voice boomed from the throne. "Recently, someone reported to me that you two have withheld the military pay allocated by the court to operate gambling dens and lend money at exorbitant interest rates for profit. I have already instructed the Left Assistant censor-in-chief of the Board of Censors, Gao Xing, to privately investigate. He has confirmed these allegations and there are even signed affidavits from witnesses. What do you two have to say for yourselves?"

The named censor stepped forward and clearly recounted the details of his investigation. As Zhang and Liu listened, their faces paled, and they eventually knelt on the ground, drenched in sweat.

Zhu Yunxuan asked again, "Do you acknowledge what Censor Gao has said?"

Zhang Can's lips trembled, unable to utter a word. Suddenly, Deputy Commander Liu Qizhong rushed forward and shouted at Liang Zhen, who had remained silent until now, "Prince Zhao, save this general!"

The noisy hall fell instantly silent as everyone realized the emperor had deliberately targeted the two southern camp commanders during the grand assembly, ultimately aiming at this powerful vassal king with military authority.

Zhu Yunxuan's icy gaze shifted slowly towards Liang Zhen. "Does Prince Zhao have anything to say?"

Liang Zhen lifted his gaze to meet the almost indistinct emperor's face on the throne.

Zhu Yunxuan... He had done this intentionally. Gao Yushi was a disciple of Zeng Huai, and though his position wasn't high, he was one of the few loyal individuals Zeng Huai had left for Zhu Yunxuan to use. By orchestrating this incident today, Zhu Yunxuan had caught him off guard.

After a long silence, Liang Zhen said, "This minister has nothing to say."

Zhu Yunxuan raised his hand, ordering that Zhang Can and Liu Qizhong be taken away and dealt with once the case was investigated.

The two men panicked, shouting Liang Zhen's name. Liang Zhen didn't turn back, and no one dared to step forward to plead for mercy. Thus, they were dragged away in full view of everyone.

Without further ado, Zhu Yunxuan announced the end of the assembly.

In the imperial study.

Liang Zhen remained alone, while Zhu Yunxuan attended to his state affairs without acknowledging him. It wasn't until Liang Zhen took the initiative to ask, "Your Majesty, if this servant was too lenient with my subordinates, why not punish me as well?"

Zhu Yunxuan didn't lift his head, still perusing the documents in his hand. He replied casually, "Prince Zhao jests. Though you oversee the capital's defenses, you are not part of the Southern Camp. The ones at fault are its general and vice-general. How could it implicate Prince Zhao? Besides, it has always been Prince Zhao manipulating this emperor. How dare I punish you?"

Liang Zhen's pupils narrowed slightly. "This matter was unknown to this servant beforehand."

Putting down his pen, Zhu Yunxuan finally looked up at him, his eyes carrying a subtle mocking edge. "Is that so? Prince Zhao seems to know everything, from who does what in secret to their dirty deeds. You claim to help this emperor cleanse the court, yet you claim ignorance when it comes to your own trusted aide?"

"…This servant hasn't visited the Southern Camp for quite some time," Liang Zhen admitted without offering further excuses. The more trusted someone was, the more one might let their guard down. It was indeed his oversight, and there was no point in denying it.

Zhu Yunxuan chuckled softly. "So, how does Prince Zhao think this emperor should deal with these two?"

"Hasn't Your Majesty already made up your mind?" Liang Zhen looked at Zhu Yunxuan. "If their actions are thoroughly investigated, Your Majesty can handle them according to the law."

Zhu Yunxuan gave a light scoff. "Will Prince Zhao plead for mercy on their behalf?"

"Would Your Majesty show leniency if I did?"

Zhu Yunxuan said no more. Liang Zhen stood quietly for a moment, sighed inwardly, and then retired.

Within ten days, the Ministry of Justice and the Board of Censors had thoroughly investigated Zhang and Liu's misdeeds. They had only started this last year, and delaying military salaries was a common practice in the army. They were cautious and, despite making profit without investment, they would return the funds once collected and even distribute additional rewards under various pretexts. Thus, no soldiers had ever complained about the delayed pay, and they strongly supported the two, allowing them to conceal their actions.

In the Ministry of Justice's prison, Zhang and Liu Qizhong knelt before Liang Zhen, pleading with tears in their eyes, "Your Highness, only you can save us. Considering our unwavering loyalty and dedication to you, please save us..."

Liang Zhen's gaze darkened. "This prince cannot save you. The emperor will likely sentence you to exile. When you leave, this prince will send extra silver for your journey. You should reform yourselves once you're outside."

Zhang protested emotionally, "Your Highness, we did it all for you!"

Liang Zhen rebuked coldly, "This prince never asked you to do such things. It was your greed that led you to break the law. How can this prince save you when the emperor is punishing you accordingly?"

"I refuse to accept this! If not for Your Highness ordering us to mobilize troops and suppress the suspicious factions in the capital, how could the emperor have smoothly ascended to the throne?! Now that his position is secure, he wants to get rid of us, the very people who helped him! Not only does he want to deal with us, but he also plans to target Your Highness! Why must you continue protecting him?!"

Liu Qizhong lunged forward, his fists clenched so tightly they crackled, his eyes bulging with fury. "Why do you yield, Your Highness?! That position should be yours! With just one command from you, we would follow you in rebellion against that ungrateful emperor! What difference would it make?!"

"Silence!" Liang Zhen barked fiercely, his expression even colder. "This prince came today out of camaraderie from our past. I hoped you could repent and perhaps have a chance to return someday. But if you persist in speaking such treasonous words, this prince will be unable to help you in the future, regardless of whether your exile turns out well or not."

Zhang's face turned ashen. Their grievances and indignation were futile. He muttered, "Your Highness, you know the emperor targets you. By dealing with us, he aims to eliminate your influence. Do you plan to simply wait for your doom?"

A bitter glint flashed in Liang Zhen's gloomy eyes as he spoke gravely, "This is between me and him. There is no need for others to question it."

Half a month later, after Zhu Yunxuan swiftly exiled Zhang and Liu Qizhong, he instructed the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel to propose candidates for the new Southern Camp Commander. Both ministries agreed on Jiang Sheng, who had been promoted from Associate Commander to Deputy Commander of the Southern Camp just the previous year. Zhu Yunxuan did not immediately consent but summoned Liang Zhen instead, asking, "How does the King of Zhao view Jiang Sheng?"

"Loyal, courageous, and principled. Though his experience is limited, he is capable of handling great responsibilities," Liang Zhen replied frankly, meeting his gaze. "If Your Majesty trusts him, then he can be utilized."

Zhu Yunxuan said coldly, "Both Capital Armies are under your control. Even without Zhang and Liu, Commander Jiang is your trusted protégé. It makes no difference whom i trust. Why bother asking me?"

"Why ask this of me if that's the case?" Liang Zhen inquired.

"Didn't this nomination pass through the King of Zhao's eyes first?" Zhu Yunxuan asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.

Liang Zhen did not deny it. Zhu Yunxuan observed, "Are you determined not to surrender the command of the two capital armies?"

Liang Zhen remained silent, gazing deeply at him before suddenly smiling. "Your Majesty, I've said it before. If you want military power, find a way to obtain it yourself. But I will never voluntarily hand it over. Otherwise, I would become the second Zhang or Liu tomorrow."

Zhu Yunxuan reminded him with a calm expression, "At least Zhang and Liu preserved their lives. If the King of Zhao is willing to let go now, becoming the second Zhang or Liu might not be a bad choice."

Liang Zhen shook his head with a smile. "Does Your Majesty wish to force me out? But I truly cannot bear to part from you."

Zhu Yunxuan's gaze turned cold. "Since the King of Zhao insists, there is nothing more to discuss between us."

"...And what about the appointment for the Southern Camp Commander?"

Zhu Yunxuan circled the candidate's name on the nomination report, then fiercely slammed it towards Liang Zhen. "You'd better warn Jiang Sheng to never make a mistake, or else I'll find a way to hold something over his head!"

Liang Zhen bent down to pick up the report, gently placing it back on the imperial desk. He softly reminded, "Doctor Fang mentioned that Your Majesty should not get angry. The child in your womb..."

Zhu Yunxuan rose and swept out, sleeves flaring.

Liang Zhen did not follow. Watching the fading figure of Zhu Yunxuan, the smile on his lips gradually disappeared. He closed his eyes briefly before turning and leaving as well.

Back in the inner chamber, Zhu Yunxuan's clenched fists gradually uncurled, his palms damp with sweat. Yet, he couldn't suppress the smile that spread across his face, his eyes eventually turning red from laughter.

Gao An supported him as he sat down, passing him the letter. In a hushed tone, he said, "Your Majesty, a letter from Duke Guo."

Zhu Yunxuan tore open the envelope to find a reply from Zhu Yunjing. In just over a month, he would be arriving in the capital. For all these years, He Huailing had never returned to the imperial city, but this time, he would escort Zhu Yunjing back for an official report.

"It's perfect timing..."

Zhu Yunxuan murmured softly. After waiting so long, he could finally see a glimmer of hope.