Chapter Five: The Storm

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  In the fifth year of Tianqi, in March, under Wei Zhongxian's instructions, Wang Wenyang, a middle-aged man who had been rescued by Xiong Tingbi after being captured for consecutive defeats in Liaodong and Guangning to the Later Jin, was arrested. Zhu Yinglong knew that this was just the beginning, and as someone familiar with history, he knew that Wei Zhongxian wanted to force him to frame Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, Wei Dazhong, Zhou Chaorui, Yuan Huazhong, Gu Dazhang, etc., for accepting bribes from Xiong Tingbi, thereby infuriating the Tianqi Emperor and sending the Donglin Party members to their deaths.

  In the Battle of Guangning, from Zhu Yinglong's perspective, Xiong Tingbi was to blame for a certain degree of responsibility. If he hadn't been impulsive and hastily retreated without reinforcing Wang Huazhen who defended Guangning to death, perhaps Guangning wouldn't have fallen, and he himself wouldn't have ended up in deep trouble. However, even if there wasn't the defeat at Guangning, Xiong Tingbi might not have been tolerated by the eunuch party, and his outcome could have been much better than what was written in history books.

  In general, Xiong Tingbi was still a rare talent, with flaws that didn't overshadow his merits. People can't always do things right; as long as they do the right thing at critical moments, it's enough. Xiong Tingbi had responsibilities but wasn't guilty of a crime worthy of death. The root cause of Xiong Tingbi's impulsive behavior was actually the ignorance of military affairs and poor command by Liangdong Governor Wang Huazhen.

  If anyone was to blame, it could only be said that he lacked awareness of the bigger picture. If such talent were to be killed by the eunuch party, Zhu Yinglong would truly feel regretful. On the other hand, for people like Yang Lian, Zhu didn't think their deaths were a pity. With Wei Zhongxian controlling public opinion, they still recklessly charged forward without any political awareness; such straightforward and uncompromising individuals shouldn't be placed in high-ranking positions.

  Although it's a pity that they died, it also earned them the respect of later generations. However, it wasn't worth saving them. With Zhu Yinglong's current powerless position, he didn't have the ability to save them either.

  After meeting Ye Xianggao, I finally knew why Ye Liangying had such a high level of martial arts. Ye Liangying was taken in by the old nun from Emei Qingyi An as a child. The old nun was a legendary hero on the rivers and lakes when she was young and had some connections with Ye Xianggao, so she took her granddaughter as an apprentice. It just so happened that the master let her return to see her parents and family members, but Wei Zhongxian found out and used the excuse of selecting a concubine for Prince Xin to take Ye Liangying away. The imperial edict was hard to defy, and although Ye Xianggao was unwilling, he eventually let Ye Liangying marry into the Prince Xin's mansion. Of course, even if Ye Xianggao knew that he wasn't really foolish, he wouldn't say it out loud, because their family's fate was already tied to his own.

  Having witnessed Ye Liangyi's extraordinary martial arts skills, Zhu Yinglong's inner desire for martial arts began to inflate extremely. Although he knew he had already passed the best age for practicing martial arts, he still practiced diligently every day, spending at least an hour each day practicing Tai Chi and some widely-known kung fu moves taught by Wang Chengen, such as Luohan Quan. Wang Chengen didn't know why Zhu Yinglong was practicing martial arts, thinking it was just to have fun with the prince. Although he hadn't learned much about martial arts, his body had become much stronger. Later, when he found out that Ye Liangyi's incredible skills were the result of ten years of practice, where she would tie bricks to her legs every day and increase the weight according to her age and skill level, he felt terrified just thinking about it. No wonder she was so cold and simple, having spent all her time on this. He then gave up his dreams of becoming a great martial artist and focused on practicing his basics diligently.

  Zhou, Tian, and Ye, the three women, basically knew that their husbands were not completely foolish, but rather had good and bad times. Otherwise, these little girls would have seen a normal Zhu Youjian, and it would be strange if they didn't suspect anything. Zhu Yinglong was also working hard to slowly recover, striving to make everyone believe that this was a "lucky coincidence" that had brought him back to health, including the three princesses who gradually came to believe that her husband, who was not living up to his name, would one day fully recover.

  Two months later, in May of the fifth year of Tianqi, the Northern Pacification Commissioner Xu Xianchun murdered Wang Wenyang and fabricated his confession according to Wei Zhongxian's intentions: falsely accusing Yang Lian of accepting 20,000 taels of silver, Zuo Guangdou of 20,000 taels, Wei Dazhong of 3,000 taels, Zhou Chaorui of 10,000 taels, Yuan Huazhong of 6,000 taels, and Gu Dachang of 40,000 taels. In May, Wei Zhongxian forged an imperial edict to arrest the above six people and threw them into prison (Northern Pacification Commissioner's office). They were subjected to severe torture. Xu Xianchun inflicted cruel punishment on the six men, beating them once every three days and applying physical punishment once every five days. The "Six Gentlemen" were subjected to wooden stocks, fire torture, and all five punishments, until their flesh was torn apart and maggots infested their wounds. These were messages that Wang Cheng'en had secretly inquired about through some channels. At this point, Wang Cheng'en had basically become Zhu Yilong's confidant, just like Xu Yingyuan, but Zhu Yilong still didn't dare to completely trust them, so he kept some things temporarily in his mind and didn't dare to do them.

  The capital city is still as prosperous as ever. For several months, Zhu Yinglong has become familiar with this metropolis where he lives, except for a few alleys in the south of the city that he has been restraining himself from visiting. He takes Xu Yingyuan out on the streets, trying not to reveal his identity, strolling through the streets and alleys with great enthusiasm, leaving Xu Yingyuan who is following behind him to suffer in silence. It's really unknown how a slender and weak master like him can have such abundant energy. Coming and going, Zhu Yinglong's current body has not only gained a lot of weight but also become much stronger, his complexion is also rosier than when he first left the palace.

  "Your Highness, you've been running around half of the capital for two months now. What are you trying to do?" Xu Yingyuan had wanted to ask this question a long time ago, but today he really couldn't take it anymore, his legs were about to break from running, and he mustered up the courage to ask.

  "This king wants to do some business, what do you think is good?" said Zhu Yinglong.

  "Your Highness wants to engage in trade? This is something that lower-class people do. You are of noble birth, how can you do such a thing?" Xu Yingyuan replied without hesitation.

  "Do you know, if I were to engage in commerce, would the imperial court impose any restrictions?" Zhu Yinglong asked. He was still setting up a vassal king and wondered if there would be any constraints on him doing business under the Ming law. It seemed that he needed to find a copy of the Ming law to study carefully, otherwise, he wouldn't know where to start with his future reforms.

  "Your Highness, according to the Great Ming Code, members of the imperial family, relatives of the emperor and officials are not allowed to engage in commerce. This is competing with the people for profit." Xu Yingyuan replied cautiously.

  "Oh, you also know how to fight with the people for profit?" Zhu Yinglong smiled and said.

  "I've heard it once and I remembered it." Xu Yingyuan said with embarrassment.

  "Oh, you have a pretty good memory!" Zhu Yinglong praised him, making Xu Yingyuan's face red like a monkey's butt.

  Since the "Da Ming Lu" does not allow members of the imperial family to engage in commerce, Zhu Yinglong did not think of taking it on himself, but rather waited for the right person to appear. Originally, Tian Shulan's father, Tian Hong, was a candidate he considered, but this man liked to indulge in pleasures and was not ambitious, often staying overnight at brothels and speaking carelessly. How could such an important matter be entrusted to this kind of person? Thus, he excluded his own father-in-law from consideration. However, finding another suitable candidate proved to be extremely difficult. Zhu Yujian did not know anyone he could trust or recognize. He had already looked at several ironwork shops. According to Ming dynasty regulations, artisans were generally hereditary, passing down their skills from generation to generation. Although this ensured a good inheritance of techniques, it also led to rigid thinking and stagnation in technology. The government imposed many restrictions on artisans as well. Many of the artisans in the capital city had settled there after working on the construction of the Forbidden City, making this area one of the most technically advanced regions in the entire Ming dynasty. Strategic materials like steel and iron were strictly controlled, and privately smelting them was punishable by severe penalties. Therefore, Zhu Yinglong planned to acquire several existing ironwork shops, recruit some apprentices, and use future methods to smelt steel, starting with making farm tools and everyday knives for ordinary people, gradually accumulating experience to pave the way for manufacturing firearms later on.

  When it comes to firearms, with Wang Chengen's skills, getting a fire lance gun is easy, but other types of cannons are not that simple, unless they're scrap, but this thing is too big and too eye-catching, in the Wang Mansion, there are many people around, Zhu Yinglong doesn't want to take this risk, one fire lance gun is enough for him to study, finally relying on his memory from his past life, he drew out a blueprint of a flintlock gun, but whether it can be successful or not is still unknown, only after refining good steel and actually manufacturing one will he know, this matter he didn't even tell Wang Chengen about, Wang Chengen just thought that the young master liked things related to weapons, usually also paying attention to collecting books and objects related to weapons, this made Zhu Yinglong very happy, greatly praising Wang Chengen for being able to handle matters, rewarding him with a lot of wealth, this made Wang Chengen even more loyal to him.

  To change the fate of the late Ming dynasty, which was plagued by internal and external troubles, overthrowing the existing government from below would be the most effective and direct approach. However, the biggest limitation of peasant uprisings is that they lack visionary leadership, resulting in more failures. If I were to join forces with Li Zicheng or others, I would likely take this path, and my actions would be less constrained. But as Zhu Yinglong, who is currently the King of Xin, I cannot lead a rebellion against my own family. Even if I were to succeed, those stubborn so-called "clear streams" would curse me as another Yan Wang Zhu Di. The possibility may be small, but since Emperor Tianqi had no children, the only heir to the throne is his younger brother, and he has already married early. His concubine, Yuan Shi, became Ye Shi, and it's not impossible that history could have changed if Emperor Tianqi had a son or daughter. Moreover, as I am in Beijing, leading a rebellion would be impossible. Therefore, to change the fate of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yinglong can only choose the path of reform from above. This approach may encounter great resistance, and he cannot help but think that it would be better if he were in the position of Fu Wang Zhu Yousong, who is far away in Luoyang, where he could have already taken action.

  Zhu Yinglong only now understands what it means to be in a difficult situation. A good start indicates a successful future, but he doesn't know how to begin. In his own mansion, he is being monitored by others, and as a prince, even if he wants to give up everything and live a carefree life as a prince, it's not possible. If history really goes in that direction, he can't help but become the emperor. But after becoming the emperor, taking action on these matters would be unbearable for him. His current despair is overwhelming, and he's almost at the point of drowning his sorrows in drink.

  "Your Highness, there is a scholar named Shi Kefa outside the door who requests an audience!" Normally, Wang Cheng'en wouldn't even bother to announce such a person, but this young man Shi Kefa had in his hand a personal letter from Princess Ye Lianyi's grandfather, Ye Xianggao, so he made an exception and announced him.

  "Is it Shi Kefa?" Zhu Yinglong was suddenly startled, and he quickly stood up excitedly: "Quickly, quickly invite the person to the living room, I'll be right there."

  Wang Chengen was also extremely surprised, who is this Shi Kefa that can make the king so excited and even go to see him in person. He became curious about Shi Kefa at once.

  As he walked towards the living room, his colleague Zhu Yinglong was also thinking about why Shi Kefa had suddenly come to see him. It must have something to do with his mentor Zuo Guangdou's imprisonment. And how did he get Ye Xianggao's handwritten letter? What if he asked him to save Zuo Guangdou and others? If he didn't agree, wouldn't that disappoint him? Shi Kefa was a talented person, and at this time, Zhu Yinglong didn't have many trustworthy people outside. He couldn't miss out on Shi Kefa.

  "Student Shi Ke Fa pays respects to Wang Ye!" Shi Ke Fa saw Zhu Ying Long and loudly but calmly greeted him.

  Zhu Yinglong carefully sized up the legendary national hero, who wore a green robe with long sleeves and had a resolute face with a pair of clear and spirited eyes, looking quite impressive. However, in his hands, he probably couldn't become a national hero, but it was highly likely that he could become a good minister for generations to come. He hastily gestured to Wang Chengen to let the idle people retreat, then stepped forward and said: "Brother Xian, I've long heard of your great name, and today I finally get to meet you in person. I'm truly delighted."

  Wang Chengen's face flashed with surprise, but immediately returned to calmness. Zhu Yinglong saw it all in his eyes, and Shi Kefa widened his eyes. The 15-year-old young master Wang in front of him actually had an inconsistent maturity, and there was a hint of the majesty of a king that was difficult to detect between his movements. It made people involuntarily convinced, and he hastily said: "Your Highness is being too kind, Shi Kefa's little fame is really embarrassing."

  "Does the elder brother of Xian have any important business to discuss with me?" After the host and guest had taken their seats, Zhu Yinglong got straight to the point. He understood Shi Kefa's character, who was also a person that didn't like to beat around the bush, so he spoke directly.

  Shi Kefa did not expect Xinyue Wang to be so direct, although he had prepared many excuses that were now unnecessary. His good impression of Zhu Yinglong suddenly increased, and he quickly took out a letter from his sleeve: "When Kefa came to the capital, he met Ye Lao Ge Lao on the road who was retiring to his hometown. The old man entrusted Kefa with a letter to be delivered to Wang Ye's family, so I came to pay my respects to Wang Ye and bring the old man's letter."

  Zhu Yinglong clasped his fists in gratitude and said: "Thank you, Brother Xianzhi."

  Wang Chengen handed the envelope from Shi Kefa to Zhu Yinglong, who took it but didn't open it immediately. Instead, he put it aside, knowing what was inside without needing to read it. Ye Xiangao had just left, and there was no reason for him to send a letter on the way, so it must be that Shi Kefa had gone to see Ye Xiangao, asking for his help in rescuing his mentor Zuo Guangdou and others. However, Ye Xiangao had already resigned from office, and even if he were still in the position of Prime Minister, he wouldn't have been able to save those people.

  Shi Kefa saw that Zhu Yinglong had not opened the envelope, and suddenly became somewhat impatient. After all, he was still young and couldn't calm down, so he called out: "Wang Ye..."

  "Alas, Brother Xian, you've just arrived in the capital, do you have a place to stay?" Zhu Yinglong asked with a hint of a smile.

  "Ke Fa hastily entered the capital, without a place to settle down." Ke Fa's face turned red. Usually when he came to the capital, he stayed at Zuo Guangdou's house. Now that Zuo Guangdou was deeply trapped in prison and his mansion had been confiscated, where could he stay? Since Zuo Guangdou was dismissed from office and became a commoner, he had sent Ke Fa back home to study, fearing that he would be implicated too. Ke Fa studied hard at home until recently when he learned that his teacher had been imprisoned and subjected to corporal punishment. He rushed to the capital overnight and happened to meet Ye Xianggao who was retiring and returning to his hometown. After Ke Fa's repeated pleas, he finally obtained this letter, which allowed him to come to the capital to find Xing Wang.

  "Alright, you can stay here with me for now. I also want to know what the scenery is like outside the capital city, tell me about it and I'll waive your food and lodging fees." Zhu Yinglong's only thought right now was to keep Shi Kefa here first, he had arrived too suddenly, and he still wanted to figure out how to make use of him.

  "Your Highness, this..." Shi Kefa worried about his mentor and believed that Wang would not open the envelope if he didn't know what was written inside. Why not wait until Wang had read the letter before making plans?

  "Xian's brother was the champion of the eight prefectures of North Zhili in the second year of Tianqi, and King Ben has always admired such great talents like Xian's brother. You don't have to decline now." Zhu Yinglong said as he hammered while the iron was hot.

  "Yes, Mr. Shi, it's the first time my lord Wang has kept a guest since he built his mansion, I'm sure you won't deny my lord Wang this face-saving gesture?" One was playing the "red face" and the other the "white face", and with Shi Kefa also asking to meet with Zhu Yinglong, they had no choice but to agree.

  Looking at the flames rising rapidly in the copper basin, Shi Kefa handed over to Zhu Yinglong's so-called family letter without even opening it and had already turned into ashes. Wang Chengen, who was waiting beside him, looked confused and said: "Wang Ye, you haven't read this letter yet, why did you burn it?"

  "This king has finished reading and still wants to burn, what's the difference between burning early or late?" Zhu Yinglong smiled mysteriously, making Wang Chengen feel a chill run down his spine. The eyes of this young prince were really too terrifying, how come he hadn't noticed it before?

  "The storm is coming!" Zhu Yinglong let out a long sigh, as if there was endless meaning in it. Wang Chengen's heart also tightened, and he seemed to have guessed something. At the same time, he began to dare not treat this 15-year-old master as a child, because he was more mature than adults. He was considering whether to return to Empress Zhang's place, although his freedom would be reduced, it was still better than feeling terrified every day in the Wang Mansion. He also felt afraid for knowing so many secrets, although this master now still looked harmless, but his methods and means had already made him sense danger. However, he no longer had a choice, since boarding the Wang's ship, he only had two paths: one was to follow Zhu Yinglong, which meant death. Intelligent people choose intelligent routes, and Zhu Yinglong increasingly discovered that he possessed the potential of a conspirator.

  Zhu Yinglong didn't care about Wang Chengen's extremely complicated mind at this time, and calmly instructed: "Tomorrow, let Shi Kefa take my name card to the Northern Pacification Commission, and have him go in to visit a few people inside."

  "Your Highness, this..." Wang Chengen was startled. The Northern Pacification Commission was Wei Zhongxian's claw, and the feudal king was not allowed to interfere with local government affairs. King Xin was afraid that doing so would give Wei Zhongxian an excuse to take advantage of the situation.

  "Just say that the new clerk in our palace was originally a student of Zuo Guangdou, and he wants to see his old master, that's all. It doesn't count as interfering with local government affairs." Zhu Yinglong knew what Wang Chengen wanted to say, so he raised his hand to stop him from continuing.

  "I understand!" The master had already thought of all the reasons, so he naturally had nothing more to say.