Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Chapter 862: Death of Zhu Di's confidant, Zhao Xuan

These "coincidences" were as silent as the gentle rain, 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 scandal. Some even began to speculate whether there was a deeper power struggle behind it.

Finally, Zhu Han felt that the time was ripe. He secretly summoned several key ministers, some of whom were dissatisfied with Zhu Di, and some of whom were loyal to the crown prince. In the meeting room, the candlelight illuminated everyone's face, and the atmosphere was solemn and tense.

Zhu Han slowly unfolded the scroll in his hand, which was a detailed list of evidence, with each page recording the crimes of Li Jin and his confidants. "Everyone, please look at these evidences. They not only reveal the corruption of Li Jin and others, but also point to a larger network of interests." His voice was deep and powerful, and every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart.

A minister took the scroll and read it carefully, his face suddenly changed: "How...how is this possible? Zhu Di's confidant is also involved?"

Another minister frowned and said after thinking for a moment: "If this is true, then this matter is of great importance. We must unite to expose the truth and maintain 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 realize our intentions. What we need to do is to gradually guide public opinion and let the truth come to light naturally."

Zhu Han's eyes looked extremely firm under the candlelight. He stood up slowly, his tone full of unquestionable majesty: "Everyone, the evidence is irrefutable, we can no longer hesitate. I have made up my mind. I will immediately order the arrest of Li Jin and his accomplices. At the same time, I will launch a secret investigation of Zhu Di's confidants."

Upon hearing this, a minister looked a little hesitant: "But if we do this, won't we be directly making an enemy of the Fourth Prince? This move is very risky."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "Risks and opportunities coexist. If we sit back and do nothing, and wait for Zhu Di's power to grow, it will be even more difficult to overthrow him. Now that we have evidence in our hands, it is the best time to act."

Another minister nodded in agreement: "Lord Zhu Han is right. As ministers, we should put the country first. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is kind and benevolent. If we can allow him to succeed to the throne smoothly, it will be a blessing for the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Han turned to Zhu Biao, his tone full of trust and expectation: "Biao'er, this matter still requires you to be in charge and command the overall situation. The capture operation must be swift and secret to avoid alerting the enemy."

Zhu Biao looked solemn and promised: "Uncle, rest assured, I will do my best and live up to your trust."

After careful planning and action, Zhu Han finally captured Zhu Di's confidant in a secret mansion. This person is called Zhao Xuan. He usually keeps a low profile, but he is Zhu Di's most capable assistant and holds many unknown secrets.

When Zhao Xuan was captured, his face turned pale, and a trace of panic flashed in his eyes, but he soon calmed down, and a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Master Zhu Han, what do you mean? I am from the Fourth Prince's residence. Are you trying to frame me for no reason?"

Zhu Han sat in the center of the interrogation room, the candlelight flickering, illuminating his stern face. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Zhao Xuan, you don't need to quibble. The evidence of your crime is irrefutable. 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 you mentioned is nothing but some unfounded rumors. I, Zhao Xuan, have behaved uprightly and have nothing to fear."

Zhu Han's eyes narrowed, knowing that this person was stubborn and would not give in easily.

So, he changed to a more severe tone and said: "Zhao Xuan, do you think you are smart? Do you think Zhu Di can keep you safe for the rest of your life? Let me tell you, the Crown Prince is benevolent and there are many righteous people in the court. If you continue to resist, you will only put yourself in an irretrievable situation."

Zhao Xuan's face changed slightly when he heard this, but he still tried to remain calm: "Humph, Master Zhu Han, don't try to scare me. I, Zhao Xuan, am not a coward. No matter how severe the punishment you use, I will not yield."

Seeing this, Zhu Han knew that ordinary interrogation methods would be useless against Zhao Xuan. So he stood up, walked in front of Zhao Xuan, and stared at him with a sharp gaze: "Okay, since you are so courageous, then I will fulfill your wish. Come on, start the torture!"

Following Zhu Han's order, the interrogation room was suddenly filled with a gloomy atmosphere. Several strong guards came forward with various torture instruments in their hands. Following Zhu Han's instructions, they began to torture Zhao Xuan severely.

However, although Zhao Xuan was sweating and screaming in pain, he always gritted his teeth and did not give any evidence about Zhu Di's crimes. Seeing this, Zhu Han could not 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 defenses.

He asked the guards to stop torturing him, and then walked up to Zhao Xuan himself and said in an almost gentle tone: "Zhao Xuan, you are so loyal to Zhu Di, have you ever thought whether he is worth your efforts? Do you know the dirty deals he made behind the scenes? Do you know that he was willing to sacrifice the lives of innocent people in order to fight for the throne?"

Zhao Xuan's eyes wavered when he heard this. Seeing this, Zhu Han continued to provoke him with words: "If you continue to resist, you will only sink yourself and your family into a deeper quagmire. But if you are willing to tell the truth and help us expose Zhu Di's crimes, then you may still have a chance of survival."

Zhao Xuan was silent for a moment and 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 delighted when he heard this, knowing that his strategy had worked. So he quickly promised, "Don't worry, as long as you tell the truth, I will do my best to protect your family from being implicated."

Although Zhao Xuan's eyes flashed with emotion, the loyalty on his face had not completely faded. He clenched his teeth, as if he was struggling internally. Seeing this, Zhu Han knew that the interrogation today could not go any further, so he decided to give in temporarily and retry the case tomorrow.

He stood up and slowly walked to the door of the interrogation room. He stopped and looked back at Zhao Xuan deeply. His tone was filled with helplessness and determination: "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 about your own destiny, but also about the safety of your family."

After saying that, Zhu Han turned and left, leaving Zhao Xuan alone in the interrogation room, facing the darkness with flickering candlelight alone.

The next morning, the sun shone through the window of the interrogation room and sprinkled on the ground, forming patches of mottled light and shadow. Zhu Han sat in the center of the interrogation room again, his eyes sharp, waiting for Zhao Xuan's arrival.

Soon, Zhao Xuan was escorted by the guards into the interrogation room. His face was paler than yesterday, and his eyes were more tired and confused. Seeing this, Zhu Han knew that last night's thinking was not easy for Zhao Xuan.

He knocked lightly on the table, making a "dong dong" sound, attracting Zhao Xuan's attention. Then, he slowly spoke in a low and powerful voice: "Zhao Xuan, what have you thought about? Are you willing to tell 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 with a firm gaze: "Lord Zhu Han, although I, Zhao Xuan, am a warrior, I also know the words loyalty and righteousness. I am loyal to the Fourth Prince. This is my choice and my destiny. 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."

Zhu Han was delighted when he heard this. Zhao Xuan had already 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 you a lenient treatment. After all, you are also forced to do so, aren't you?"

Zhao Xuan fell silent again, a fierce struggle going on in his heart.

Once he told the truth, it would mean betraying Zhu Di, which he could not 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 of Zhao Xuan's arrest. Zhao Xuan was loyal and tenacious, and he also knew that once Zhao Xuan opened his mouth, his crimes might be exposed.

So he hurriedly asked His 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, felt that allowing Zhu Di to participate might help uncover the truth more quickly, and approved his request.

Soon, Zhu Di strode into the interrogation room with sharp eyes and imposing manner. As soon as he entered the room, 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, "We have been brothers for many years, how could you betray me?"

Zhao Xuan raised his head and looked at Zhu Di, with a trace of pain and struggle in his eyes: "Fourth Prince, I... I don't want to betray you, it's just..."

"Just what?" Zhu Di asked urgently, his eyes revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Zhao Xuan lowered his head and was silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Zhu Di with a firm gaze: "I just don't want my family to be implicated because of me. They are innocent and they should not suffer such pain."

Zhu Di looked at Zhao Xuan's determined eyes. Although he was angry, he felt more anxious and helpless.

He quietly squatted 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 promise you that your family will be safe. I will never let the friendship between you and me be destroyed."

Zhao Xuan heard this, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He looked up at Zhu Di, with a look of gratitude and determination.

Once he opened his mouth, not only would he be doomed, but he would also bring disaster to Zhu Di. At this moment, Zhu Di's promise made him feel warm and determined in his choice.

He took a deep breath, then spoke slowly, his voice low but firm: "Master Zhu Han, I am willing to take all the blame. I planned all this alone, and it has nothing to do with others. I only ask you to protect my family and keep them from being implicated."

Zhu Han was shocked when he heard this. He didn't expect Zhao Xuan to choose this way to protect Zhu Di and his family. He looked at Zhao Xuan's resolute eyes and knew that his determination could no longer be shaken.

Zhu Di looked at Zhao Xuan in astonishment. He had not expected that Zhao Xuan would choose this way to end it all. A complex emotion surged in his heart, with both gratitude and regret.

"Zhao Xuan, you..." Before Zhu Di finished speaking, Zhao Xuan suddenly shook and slammed into the wall. With a loud bang, Zhao Xuan's body slid softly to the ground, motionless.

"Zhao Xuan!" Zhu Di and Zhu Han exclaimed at the same time. They didn't 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 unusually heavy. Zhao Xuan's suicide was like a huge rock pressing 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 he would not allow any delay.

Zhu Di nodded, with a hint of mixed emotions in his eyes. He was saddened by Zhao Xuan's death, but also glad that the secret was kept. However, he also understood that the matter was far from over.

The two of them came to His Majesty's study and reported everything about Zhao Xuan's suicide in prison. His Majesty frowned after hearing this, and after a moment of silence, he slowly spoke: "Why did Zhao Xuan commit suicide again? Is there something hidden in his heart?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han immediately stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe there must be something fishy about Zhao Xuan's death. He was a tenacious man, and if he had not been under great psychological pressure, he would never have chosen to commit suicide so easily. I request that you continue to investigate this matter, and we must uncover the truth and redress Zhao Xuan's injustice."

Zhu Di was anxious when he saw this. So he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think there is no need to investigate this matter any further. Zhao Xuan is dead and there is no evidence. It would be futile to investigate further. Besides, our dynasty is in a time of trouble and it is not appropriate to disturb the government with this matter."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Han glared at Zhu Di and asked, "Fourth Prince, are you afraid to continue investigating because you have something to hide? There must be something hidden behind Zhao Xuan's death. I will never let him die unjustly!"

Zhu Di was angry when he heard this, but his expression remained calm. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Master Zhu Han, you are wrong. I don't have any guilt, but I think there is no need to investigate this matter any further. If you continue to dwell on this matter, it will only plunge the court into deeper turmoil."

The two men were arguing, and His Majesty frowned when he saw this.