The vast wind swept through. Zhu Nanxian looked at these tens of thousands of ministers, soldiers, and generals who had submitted and bowed before him, and slowly said: “All beloved ministers, rise.”

At this moment, he could be said to have initially grasped great power. But Zhu Nanxian knew that Zhu Zhaowei had long run rampant in court and countryside. To suppress him, he absolutely couldn’t give him a chance to catch his breath—he had to seize the current momentum and press the advantage.

“Commander Xu, this palace heard that today’s imperial guard rebellion was caused by your issuing a beheading order against Deputy Director Shen of the Court of Imperial Stud. Come out and explain—what is going on here?”

Hearing these words, Xu Mo’s face couldn’t help but turn pale.

This was no wonder. Not to mention that Zhu Nanxian was already the legitimate Eastern Palace heir, in chaotic situations, only military power was the true path. And Zhu Nanxian firmly held the supreme command of the Twelve Guards in the capital region.

“In response to the Thirteenth Prince, this subject received petition documents from Yellow Minister Huang and Director Liu of the Court of Imperial Stud, accusing Deputy Director Shen of using insufficient fodder supply as cover to secretly alter the Court of Imperial Stud’s horse transport route map, causing three thousand warhorses to vanish without trace…”

“Nonsense!” Zhu Nanxian interrupted before he could finish. “The three thousand warhorses should have been transported to the Northern Camp in batches. Transporting them all together creates enormous pressure on fodder supply, especially during wartime. If this palace hadn’t learned of this matter while in Nanchang and ordered Deputy Director Shen to change the route map, with this palace going to Jiujiang Prefecture Anqing garrison to coordinate the reception, these three thousand warhorses would probably have starved to death halfway.”

His voice and expression darkened: “Before the matter was even investigated clearly, you wanted to execute a meritorious minister as a criminal. As Right Commander of the Central Military Commission, is this how you issue military orders?!”

Wrongfully issuing military orders was a grave crime punishable by beheading.

Xu Mo hadn’t expected that the Thirteenth Prince, who had always been kind and benevolent, would show him no mercy. He was immediately shocked and hurriedly knelt to beg forgiveness: “Crown Prince, calm your anger. Crown Prince, forgive this crime. The three thousand warhorses vanished without trace, and this old subject received no information from the Transmission Office. I was truly kept in the dark.”

Zhu Nanxian looked at him but said neither that he forgave nor didn’t forgive. After a moment, however, he changed the direction of his questioning: “So you’re saying the Imperial Forest Guards and Eagle Soaring Guards also received military orders from the Commissions Office and came to the long street to indiscriminately kill innocents?”

“This…” Xu Mo knew that if he answered this question poorly, it would be the grave crime of inciting rebellion, punishable by execution of nine generations of kin.

After much deliberation, he steeled himself, thinking that since Zhu Nanxian had already killed Wu Yusheng, at worst he could push this crime onto the Imperial Forest Guards. Having a dead man take the fall was better than sacrificing several living people.

“In response to the Crown Prince, when this subject issued the military order last night, Commander Wu of the Imperial Forest Guards was indeed present.”

As Xu Mo spoke, he glanced at Zhu Nanxian’s expression. “Actually, when Commander Wu led the Imperial Forest Guards to intercept Lord Shen outside the long street, this old subject found it strange, thinking shouldn’t the Imperial Forest Guards be guarding the palace today? But Your Highness knows, once a military order is issued, all imperial guards and Commissions Office garrison troops have the authority to execute it, so this old subject didn’t stop him. Later, Lords Su from the Ministry of Justice and Liu from the Imperial Censorate arrived saying that Deputy Director Shen’s case was unclear and needed to wait for investigation by the Three Judicial Offices before sentencing could be determined. Who knew that after hearing this, Commander Wu insisted on deploying troops. The Eagle Soaring Guards only arrived later. By that time, chaotic battle had already erupted. Presumably, the Eagle Soaring Guards were also deceived by Commander Wu.”

This speech of Xu Mo’s could be called blatant lying. His wishful calculation was a delaying tactic—the Commissions Office and Three Judicial Offices each holding their positions in dispute would give him and Zhu Zhaowei room to maneuver.

Who knew that after hearing this, Zhu Nanxian didn’t believe a single word. He sneered and said: “So you’re saying the imperial guards killed each other like this, all due to being deceived by Wu Yusheng alone?”

Xu Mo said: “This old subject doesn’t know why the Golden Martial Guards came. Just looking at the situation with the Imperial Forest Guards and Eagle Soaring Guards at that time—”

“This palace sees you simply don’t acknowledge your crime!” Zhu Nanxian said angrily. “Someone, take Xu Mo into custody for this palace!”

“Yes!”

Tiger Infantry Guard Commander Shi Fei and Golden Martial Guard Commander Zuo Qian personally stepped out of formation. The two cupped their hands toward Xu Mo: “Commander, pardon the offense.” One on the left, one on the right, they bound him and escorted him aside.

“Three Judicial Offices,” Zhu Nanxian said again.

Liu Chaoming, Su Jin, and Zhang Shishan responded simultaneously, bowing to Zhu Nanxian.

“This imperial guard rebellion is entrusted to you for investigation. If you need to summon witnesses for interrogation, whether Imperial Forest Guards, Eagle Soaring Guards, or any princes or high ministers, feel free to issue orders from the Three Judicial Offices to summon them. No need to come request permission from this palace.”

“This subject obeys your command.”

Zhu Nanxian was silent for a moment, then looked toward Su Jin: “Vice Minister Su.”

“This subject is present.”

“This palace heard—” Zhu Nanxian paused, softening his tone somewhat, “that the Ministry of Justice received testimony from Yellow Minister Huang of the Court of Imperial Stud and is also investigating Deputy Director Shen’s case?”

Su Jin said: “In response to the Crown Prince, yes. Because this subject believed this case had many suspicious points, the investigation has continued until today without result.”

Zhu Nanxian said: “You need not investigate further. This palace will shortly have Guard Qin, who has been following this palace, write a detailed testimony proving that Deputy Director Shen’s alteration of the horse transport route was done at this palace’s instruction. After you review it, you may close the case.”

“This subject understands. Thank you, Your Highness.”

Zhu Nanxian looked again toward Liu Chaoming: “Lord Liu.”

“This subject is present.”

“The Imperial Censorate governs the discipline of all officials. The rebellion of the imperial guards and Commissions Office, at its root, was caused by improper discipline. Starting today, this palace orders you to fully investigate and manage the Imperial Forest Guards and Eagle Soaring Guards. All involved guard captains shall be replaced, and each one held accountable.”

“This subject receives your command.”

“Zuo Qian, Shi Fei,” Zhu Nanxian finally said.

“This general is present.”

“Now that Qi Wujiu has gone to the East Sea, the Central Military Commission has no one in charge and is in utter chaos. You two, together with Minister of War Gong and the two Vice Commanders of the Commissions Office, shall manage Commissions Office affairs. If there are rebels among them, execute them immediately. Additionally, during the general investigation period, the Imperial Forest Guards and Eagle Soaring Guards shall be temporarily supervised by you two.”

This was to strip Zhu Zhaowei and Zhu Qiyue of the military power in their hands.

Strange that from childhood to adulthood, Zhu Nanxian had never thought about competing or fighting with others. But forced by circumstances to today’s situation, using this combination of defense and offense came naturally without any instruction.

Zuo Qian and Shi Fei exchanged glances. Immediately understanding Zhu Nanxian’s deeper meaning, they responded: “This general receives your command.”

After Zhu Nanxian finished arranging affairs, he looked again at the assembled ministers: “Since the beginning of this year, there have been disturbances throughout the land, war in Northern Liang, nothing going smoothly. The assembled ministers have worked tirelessly without rest, your meritorious service is great. This palace keeps it in mind. But this palace has just returned to the capital, and many matters remain to be settled. I hope you will all accompany this palace through a few more hard days.”

As he spoke, he then looked toward Liu Chaoming and the others in that line: “The Seven Ministers.”

“This subject is present.”

“After this palace returns to the palace, I must first go see Father Emperor. I trouble you all to compile summaries of recent major events and come to Fengtian Hall to see this palace at the hour of shen.”

“This subject receives your command.”

It was already near the hour of wu. To discuss matters with the Seven Ministers at the hour of shen—only a little over two hours remained.

After saying this, Zhu Nanxian glanced at the guards beside him and took steps to leave. Seeing this, the assembled ministers hurriedly made way down the middle, preparing to pay respects.

Who knew that after walking a few steps, Zhu Nanxian stopped before Zhu Zhaowei and Zhu Qiyue.

He turned his face aside and said very coolly: “Seventh Brother and Twelfth Brother have been busy all night and are truly tired. After returning, each of you go back to your own manors to rest. When this palace discusses matters with the Seven Ministers, you two need not come.”

Having said this, his eyes looked straight ahead, no longer regarding the two of them: “Prepare the carriage, return to the palace!”

In an instant, all the ministers paid obeisance. Zuo Qian led the Golden Martial Guards as the first escort. Thereafter, the assembled ministers rose, and with Liu Chaoming at their head, followed the long column of Golden Martial Guards walking toward the outside of the long street.

Su Jin, along with the other five ministry officials, was about to follow when, having just taken a step, the surrounding crowd unconsciously made way to the sides, clearing a spacious path for her.

A new emperor, a new court.

“Lord Su.” After reaching the long street and about to board the carriage, Minister of Rites Luo Songtang urgently caught up and called to her.

Su Jin bowed to Luo Songtang: “Does Lord Luo have business?”

Seeing her bow, Luo Songtang hurriedly said: “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.” After hesitating for quite a while, he continued: “It’s like this—after this old man returns to the palace, I must remonstrate with the Crown Prince about a matter. Because this old man can’t quite gauge His Highness’s temperament, I hope Lord Su will help speak up for this old man later.”

Hearing this, Su Jin couldn’t help but be stunned.

Luo Songtang was famously tight-lipped, adhering to one principle for decades: “Kowtow more, speak less.” Normally at court, he wished he could sew his mouth shut with a needle. Today the sun really rose from the west—he actually wanted to actively remonstrate?

Su Jin asked doubtfully: “What matter does Lord Luo wish to remonstrate about with His Highness?”

Luo Songtang sighed: “Alas, it’s rather shameful to speak of…”

Before he could finish, a Golden Martial Guard nearby said: “Lord Luo, you should board the carriage.”

Luo Songtang looked back and saw that he had actually blocked Su Jin’s way. The court officials behind, seeing that Vice Minister Su wasn’t moving, all respectfully waited in place, not daring to board their carriages first. So he said: “Like this—after returning to the palace, after this old man finishes the matters at hand, I’ll go to the Ministry of Justice to discuss it in detail with Lord Su.”

By the time they returned to the imperial palace, it was already the hour of wei. Su Jin’s mind was occupied with cases at the Ministry of Justice. Thinking she needed to compile summaries to report to Zhu Nanxian, she quickly put the matter of Luo Songtang’s remonstrance out of her mind.

She had just finished organizing the case files for the Imperial Noble Consort’s case when Zhu Nanxian’s guard Qin Sang arrived.

As soon as she saw him, Su Jin remembered that Zhu Nanxian said he would have Guard Qin write testimony to close Shen Xi’s case. She immediately asked: “Has Guard Qin already finished writing the testimony about the Court of Imperial Stud’s horse transport route?”

Hearing this, Qin Sang’s face showed difficulty. He bowed to her and said: “Reporting to Lord Su, I haven’t finished writing it yet. This lowly officer came actually on the Crown Prince’s orders, commanding you to first go to Fengtian Hall to see the Crown Prince.”

Actually, at this moment, there was still nearly half an hour before the hour of shen. Yet in the midst of his busy schedule, Zhu Nanxian was making time to see her early.

Su Jin was quiet for a moment, then nodded and said: “Good, I’ll go with you.”

Leaving the Ministry of Justice, all the officials large and small who saw Su Jin respectfully bowed, their expressions humble and extremely cautious.

As Qin Sang cleared the way for her, he apologized: “Lord Su, this lowly officer is a crude person. My writing skills truly leave much to be desired. Regarding the testimony about the horse transport route, I hope you will grant this lowly officer two days to ponder how to put pen to paper.”

Su Jin thought for a moment and said: “Two days is too long. I plan to close Qingyue’s case today. Qingyue actually mentioned the process of transferring and transporting horses to me. I generally understand it. If Guard Qin is not skilled in writing, you can explain the cause and effect of the matter to me again in detail. I’ll write this testimony, and after Guard Qin copies it over, just sign your name.”

Hearing this, Qin Sang hesitated: “This idea of Lord Su’s is good, just that I must trouble Lord Su not to tell the Crown Prince about writing the testimony on behalf of this lowly officer.”

Su Jin was startled: “Why?”

“Lord Su doesn’t know—from Nanchang to the capital, the Crown Prince worried about you and Lord Shen constantly along the entire journey. Having this lowly officer write the testimony is probably also to spare Lord Su the hardship. If His Highness were to learn that this lowly officer troubled you again, I fear it would displease His Highness.”

Su Jin smiled and said: “This is a small matter. I won’t mention it to His Highness.”

While speaking, they had already arrived at Fengtian Hall. Su Jin stood outside the hall entrance and looked in, seeing that Zhu Nanxian had already changed into light-colored robes embroidered with five-clawed golden dragons.

He looked heroically spirited even in light colors.

Seeing her, he opened his mouth, then seemed to remember that given his current status, he should wait for people to come pay respects. He pressed his lips tightly together, waiting for her to enter the hall.

Su Jin therefore bowed: “This subject Su Jin pays respects to the Crown Prince.”

Seeing she was about to bow down, Zhu Nanxian hurriedly said: “Minister Su is excused from the formalities.” He looked again toward Qin Sang. “You all go out first. This palace has important matters to discuss privately with Vice Minister Su.”

“Yes.”

Qin Sang cupped his hands and received the command, leading all the inner attendants and guards in Fengtian Hall to withdraw outside the hall, closing the hall doors.

Only then did Su Jin raise her eyes to look at Zhu Nanxian.

She didn’t know if he was born with an inherent military bearing. Dissolved in this hall’s ink fragrance, it had a particular youthful vigor.

As their gazes met, he smiled faintly and strode toward her with large steps. Gripping her elbow, he pulled her into his embrace, softly, word by word, saying: “Nanchang is one thousand one hundred thirty-six li from the capital. During these days, riding urgently li by li to get here, I always felt I was moving too slowly. Day and night, I worried about what to do if Zhu Zhaowei harmed you. Today when I returned, fortunately both you and Father Emperor are still here.”

His solid chest radiated warm comfort.

Su Jin smiled and asked: “Has Your Highness already gone to see His Majesty?”

“Mm.” Zhu Nanxian said. His voice was slightly low, as if somewhat sorrowful. “Father Emperor is already in very poor condition. He has been a person hard both externally and internally his whole life. He probably held on until today just to wait for me.”

He paused, looked up at the sky outside. At this moment, less than a quarter hour remained until the hour of shen. He released Su Jin and said: “I truly have important matters to discuss with you.” Turning back, he took something from the desk. “This is what I found at the hiding place of the spy Zhu Zhaowei sent to Shu. You…”

Before he could finish, he suddenly heard the inner attendant outside report: “Crown Prince, Minister of Rites Luo asks for an audience.”