Chapter 862 Zhu Di’s confidant, the death of Zhao Xuan
These "coincidences" moistened things silently like drizzle, but they caused ripples in the court. The ministers began to discuss privately, and became very interested in the complexity behind the capital relocation project. Some even began to speculate about this.
Is there a deeper power struggle hidden behind it?
Finally, Zhu Han felt that the time was ripe. He secretly summoned several key ministers, who were either dissatisfied with Zhu Di or loyal to the prince. In the conference room, the candlelight illuminated everyone's face.
The atmosphere was solemn and tense.
Zhu Han slowly unfolded the scroll in his hand. It was a detailed list of evidence. Each page recorded the crimes of Li Jin and his henchmen. "Everyone, please look at these evidences. They not only reveal the corruption of Li Jin and others.
His actions vaguely pointed to a larger network of interests." His voice was low and powerful, and every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart.
A minister took the scroll and after reading it carefully, his expression suddenly changed: "This... how is this possible? Zhu Di's confidants are also involved?"
Another minister frowned and thought for a moment before saying: "If this is true, then this matter is no small matter. We must unite to expose the truth and maintain the justice and stability of the court."
Zhu Han nodded and glanced at everyone: "That's exactly what I meant. But we must act cautiously and not let Zhu Di notice our intentions. What we have to do is to gradually guide public opinion and let the truth surface naturally."
Zhu Han's eyes looked extremely firm under the candlelight. He stood up slowly, with unquestionable majesty in his voice: "Everyone, the evidence is conclusive, we can no longer hesitate. I have made up my mind and immediately ordered the arrest of Li Jinji.
His associates, at the same time, launched a secret investigation into Zhu Di's confidants."
When a minister heard this, he looked slightly hesitant: "But in this case, wouldn't it mean that he would directly become the enemy of the fourth prince? This move is very risky."
Zhu Han smiled slightly, with a cold flash in his eyes: "Risks and opportunities coexist. If we sit idly by and wait until Zhu Di becomes more powerful, it will be even more difficult to overthrow him. Now, we have evidence.
, it’s the best time to take action.”
Another minister nodded in agreement: "What Lord Zhu Han said is absolutely true. As ministers, we should put the country and the country first. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's benevolence, if he can successfully succeed to the throne, it will be a blessing to the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Han turned to Zhu Biao, his tone full of trust and expectation: "Biao'er, you still need to personally take charge of this matter and direct the overall situation. The arrest operation must be quick and secretive to avoid alerting the enemy."
Zhu Biao looked solemn and agreed: "Uncle, don't worry, I will do my best to live up to my trust."
After some careful deployment and actions, Zhu Han finally captured Zhu Di's henchman in a secret mansion. This man's name was Zhao Xuan. He usually acted low-key, but he was Zhu Di's most capable assistant and had many powers.
An unknown secret.
When Zhao Xuan was arrested, his face was pale, and there was a flash of panic in his eyes, but he quickly calmed down, and a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth: "Master Zhu Han, what do you mean by this? I am a member of the fourth prince's house, could it be that I am your lord?"
Do you want to trap me for no reason?"
Zhu Han sat in the center of the interrogation room, with candlelight flickering, reflecting his stern face. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Zhao Xuan, you don't need to make excuses. The evidence for what you committed is conclusive. If you
If you are willing to cooperate and tell everything you know, you may be able to save your life."
Zhao Xuan sneered even more: "Evidence? The evidence that your Excellency mentioned is nothing more than mere rumors. I, Zhao Xuan, act upright and sit upright, so why should I be afraid?"
Zhu Han's eyes narrowed, knowing that this person had a tough mouth and would not let go easily.
So, he turned to a more stern tone and said: "Zhao Xuan, do you think you are very smart? Do you think Zhu Di can keep you safe for the rest of your life? Let me tell you, now His Royal Highness is kind and virtuous, and there are many righteous people in the court. You
If you continue to resist, you will only put yourself in a position of irreversibility."
When Zhao Xuan heard this, his expression changed slightly, but he still managed to stay calm: "Hmph, Lord Zhu Han, don't try to scare me. I, Zhao Xuan, am not a person who is greedy for life and afraid of death. No matter how severe the punishment you use, I will not give in."
When Zhu Han saw this, he knew that ordinary interrogation methods were useless against Zhao Xuan. So, he stood up, walked to Zhao Xuan, and stared at him with burning eyes: "Okay, since you are so courageous, then I will help you. Come on.
, be punished!"
Following Zhu Han's order, the interrogation room was suddenly filled with a gloomy atmosphere. Several strong guards came forward, holding various torture instruments in their hands. Following Zhu Han's instructions, they began to torture Zhao Xuan
torture.
However, although Zhao Xuan was sweating profusely and screaming in pain, he still gritted his teeth and did not give any evidence about Zhu Di's crime. When Zhu Han saw this, he couldn't help but secretly admire Zhao Xuan's tenacity and loyalty, but at the same time
He also became more determined to uncover the truth.
It was not easy to get the answer he wanted from Zhao Xuan, so he decided to change his strategy and use a more clever way to break down Zhao Xuan's psychological defense.
He asked the guards to suspend the torture, then walked up to Zhao Xuan in person and said in an almost gentle tone: "Zhao Xuan, you are so loyal to Zhu Di, have you ever thought about whether he is worth your efforts? Do you know what he is doing behind the scenes?
Those dirty deals he made? Did you know that he was willing to sacrifice the lives of innocent people in order to fight for the throne?"
When Zhao Xuan heard this, a trace of wavering flashed in his eyes. Seeing this, Zhu Han continued to stimulate him with words: "If you continue to resist, you will only make yourself and your family fall into a deeper quagmire. But if you are willing to tell the truth, help us expose Zhu Di's
crime, then you might still have a chance to survive."
After a moment of silence, Zhao Xuan finally spoke: "Master Zhu Han, you are right. I, Zhao Xuan, am not an unreasonable person. It's just...but if I tell the truth, then my family...they..."
Zhu Han was overjoyed when he heard this and knew that his strategy had worked. So he quickly promised: "Don't worry, as long as you tell the truth, I will try my best to protect your family and prevent them from being implicated."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Although Zhao Xuan's eyes flashed with emotion, the loyal look on his face did not completely fade away. He gritted his teeth and seemed to be engaged in an inner struggle.
Upon seeing this, Zhu Han knew that today's trial could not go any further, so he decided to give in temporarily and resume the trial tomorrow.
He stood up, walked slowly to the door of the interrogation room, stopped, turned back and took a deep look at Zhao Xuan, with a hint of helplessness and determination in his tone: "Zhao Xuan, I'll give you one night to think about it. Tomorrow
, I hope you can give me a satisfactory answer. Remember, your choice is not only related to your own destiny, but also to the safety of your family."
After saying that, Zhu Han turned and left, leaving only Zhao Xuan in the interrogation room, facing the darkness with flickering candlelight alone.
Early the next morning, the sun shone through the window lattice of the interrogation room and fell on the ground, forming patches of mottled light and shadow. Zhu Han sat in the center of the interrogation room again, his eyes burning brightly, waiting for Zhao Xuan's arrival.
Soon, Zhao Xuan was escorted into the interrogation room by the guards. His face was paler than yesterday, and his eyes were a little more tired and confused. Seeing this, Zhu Han knew that last night's thinking was not easy for Zhao Xuan.
He lightly knocked on the table, making a "dong-dong" sound, which attracted Zhao Xuan's attention. Then, he slowly spoke, his voice low and powerful: "Zhao Xuan, how are you thinking about it? Are you willing to say something?
Come out with the truth and help us expose Zhu Di’s crimes?”
Zhao Xuan was silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Zhu Han firmly: "Master Zhu Han, although I, Zhao Xuan, am a martial artist, I also know the word loyalty. I am loyal to the fourth prince. This is my choice and mine.
But..." He paused, a trace of pain flashed in his eyes, "But, I also understand that my family is innocent. They should not be implicated because of me."
When Zhu Han heard this, he was overjoyed. Zhao Xuan had begun to waver. So, he struck while the iron was hot and continued: "Zhao Xuan, if you are willing to tell the truth, I will not only protect your family, but also try my best to get a tolerant life for you."
Deal with it. After all, you are also forced to have no choice, aren't you?"
Zhao Xuan was silent again, struggling fiercely in his heart.
Once the truth is told, it means betraying Zhu Di, which he cannot accept.
However, he also understood that his family was innocent and they should not be implicated because of him.
At the same time, Zhu Di was extremely anxious when he learned the news of Zhao Xuan's arrest. Zhao Xuan was loyal and tenacious, and he also understood that once Zhao Xuan opened his mouth, his crimes might be exposed.
So, he hurriedly asked your majesty to allow him to participate in the interrogation, hoping to influence Zhao Xuan in his own way and keep the last secret.
His Majesty pondered for a moment and felt that allowing Zhu Di to participate might reveal the truth more quickly, so he approved his request.
Soon, Zhu Di strode into the interrogation room, his eyes sharp and imposing. As soon as he entered, he walked straight to Zhao Xuan, his eyes full of complicated emotions.
"Zhao Xuan, why are you so confused?" Zhu Di's voice was low and powerful, with a hint of blame and pain, "You and I have been brothers for many years, how can you betray me?"
Zhao Xuan raised his head and looked at Zhu Di, with a flash of pain and struggle in his eyes: "Fourth Prince, I...I don't want to betray you, it's just..."
"Just what?" Zhu Di pressed and asked, with an unquestionable majesty in his eyes.
Zhao Xuan lowered his head and was silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Zhu Di firmly: "I just don't want my family to be implicated because of me. They are innocent and they should not bear such pain."
Zhu Di looked at Zhao Xuan's firm eyes. Although there was anger in his heart, he was more anxious and helpless.
He quietly knelt down and whispered in Zhao Xuan's ear in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "Zhao Xuan, you and I have been brothers for many years, how could I let your family be implicated? As long as you keep the secret, I will
You promise that your family will be safe and sound. I will never let the friendship between you and me be ruined."
When Zhao Xuan heard this, a complicated emotion flashed in his eyes. He looked up at Zhu Di, with both gratitude and determination in his eyes.
Once he opens his mouth, not only will he be in danger, but he may also bring disaster to Zhu Di. At this moment, Zhu Di's promise made him feel warm and strengthened his choice.
He took a deep breath, and then spoke slowly, his voice low but extremely firm: "Master Zhu Han, I am willing to bear all the blame. I planned all of this alone and has nothing to do with others. I just ask you to protect me.
Family, keep them from being implicated.”
When Zhu Han heard this, he was shocked. He did not expect that Zhao Xuan would choose such a way to protect Zhu Di and his family. He looked at Zhao Xuan's determined eyes and knew that he could no longer shake his determination.
Zhu Di looked at Zhao Xuan in astonishment. He did not expect that Zhao Xuan would choose such a way to end everything. A complex emotion surged in his heart, including gratitude and regret.
"Zhao Xuan, you..." Before Zhu Di finished speaking, Zhao Xuan suddenly swayed and slammed into the wall. There was a loud "bang" sound, and Zhao Xuan's body fell softly.
The ground was motionless.
"Zhao Xuan!" Zhu Di and Zhu Han exclaimed at the same time. They did not expect that Zhao Xuan would choose to commit suicide to protect this secret.
Zhu Di and Zhu Han walked out of the cell together, their steps seemed extremely heavy. Zhao Xuan's suicide was like a huge stone, weighing on their hearts, making the atmosphere extremely depressing.
"We must report this matter to His Majesty immediately." Zhu Han's voice was low and firm, and there was no room for any delay.
Zhu Di nodded, with a trace of complicated emotions flashing in his eyes. He was saddened by Zhao Xuan's passing, but also grateful that the secret could be kept. However, he also understood that the matter was far from over.
The two of them came to His Majesty's imperial study together and reported everything about Zhao Xuan's suicide in prison. After hearing this, His Majesty frowned, and after a moment of silence, he slowly said: "Why did Zhao Xuan commit suicide again?"
?Could it be that he has something hidden in his heart?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Han immediately took a step forward, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I believe that there must be something fishy about Zhao Xuan's death. He was a perseverant person, and he would never have chosen to commit suicide easily if he had not been under great psychological pressure. I request that the investigation continue.
We must uncover the truth about this matter and avenge Zhao Xuan."
When Zhu Di saw this, he was secretly anxious. So he took a step forward, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I think there is no need to continue to pursue this matter. Zhao Xuan is dead, and there is no evidence to prove his death. Continuing to pursue it will be in vain. Besides, my court
At this troubled time, it is not appropriate to disrupt the imperial court because of this matter."
When Zhu Han heard this, he glared at Zhu Di angrily and asked: "Fourth Prince, is there something evil in your heart that makes you so afraid to continue to investigate? There must be a hidden reason for Zhao Xuan's death, and I will never let him die unjustly!"
When Zhu Di heard this, although he was angry in his heart, his face remained calm. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Master Zhu Han, what you said is wrong. I don't have any evil intentions in my heart, I just think that this matter can no longer be continued.
It is necessary to investigate. If you continue to dwell on this matter, it will only plunge the court into deeper turmoil."
The two couldn't argue, and His Majesty frowned upon seeing this.
