Volume 1, Chapter 27: How Much of a Benefit

"As you command." Wei Zhiren’s figure retreated respectfully into the shadows behind the palace doors, vanishing as soundlessly as a passing breeze.

Zhu Youjian’s gaze, sharp as a torch, shifted to the other side. "Zuo Liangyu, have you heard me clearly?"

"This subject is here, awaiting the Imperial decree," Zuo Liangyu replied, his voice laced with an undeniable resolve.

"You must depart immediately. Like a leopard in pursuit of its prey, you are to cast an inescapable net before reaching Hangzhou."

"I obey, but..." Zuo Liangyu’s words flickered with a hint of hesitation, like a shooting star across the night sky.

"Is there some hidden difficulty?" Zhu Youjian’s voice was low and powerful, like an undercurrent in the deep sea.

"Those gentry clans, they..." A flash of insight crossed Zuo Liangyu’s eyes, and he seemed to grasp the implication. "I understand now."

"Go. Do not disappoint me." Zhu Youjian waved his hand dismissively, as if brushing away a speck of dust.

Zuo Liangyu’s figure receded until he vanished from sight.

Zhu Youjian turned his attention to Lu Xiangsheng, his voice softening with an imperceptible tenderness. "Minister Lu, Yangzhou is entrusted to you. Be as steady as a rock, as immovable as a mountain."

"I obey. But if they should..." Lu Xiangsheng’s voice carried a note of concern.

"It matters not. Let them revel in their triumph for a time," Zhu Youjian said, a faint smile playing on his lips like a flower blooming in spring. "Remember, everything is within my grasp."

A flicker of understanding passed through Lu Xiangsheng’s eyes as he bowed and withdrew.

"Wait." Zhu Youjian spoke suddenly, his voice rippling like a breeze across a lake. "Tell Sun Chanting to sharpen his weapons and await the dawn; he must be ready to strike at any moment."

"As you command." Lu Xiangsheng bowed once more before slowly exiting the hall.

Only Wang Cheng’en and a few eunuchs remained, and the atmosphere in the hall grew profoundly still. Zhu Youjian walked to the window, gazing at the moonlight like a lonely poet searching for inspiration.

"Your Majesty, shall I..." Wang Cheng’en’s voice was as soft as a gentle rain.

"Go and bring Cao Huachun to me," Zhu Youjian whispered, his voice light as a spring breeze.

***

Before long, Cao Huachun appeared in the hall, his movements ghost-like.

"This subject pays respects to Your Majesty," Cao Huachun said, his voice tinged with reverence.

"How go the arrangements?" Zhu Youjian’s voice was deep and brilliant, like stars in the night sky.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the shops have all been set up as instructed. We are merely waiting for the fish to take the bait," Cao Huachun replied with a hint of triumph.

"Very good," Zhu Youjian nodded, his gesture light as a breeze through the treetops. "Continue the surveillance. Do not let your guard down."

Cao Huachun bowed, preparing to withdraw.

"Wait," Zhu Youjian called out again, his voice as intoxicating as the scent of spring flowers. "Have there been any anomalies among those merchants recently?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, they have been secretly hoarding goods, acting as cunningly as rats," Cao Huachun replied with a touch of disdain.

Zhu Youjian let out a cold laugh. "As I expected."

He returned to his desk, picked up his brush, and wrote rapidly. A secret decree appeared on the paper: "Effective immediately, strictly investigate all merchant guilds. Any found with suspicious activity shall be punished without mercy."

Cao Huachun received the decree, his eyes burning with determination. "I obey, Your Majesty."

"Furthermore," Zhu Youjian added, his voice like the spring rain nourishing all things, "tell those below to observe with care—especially the residences of the gentry clans. Do not let a single clue escape them."

A sharp glint flashed in Cao Huachun’s eyes. "I understand."

Just as Cao Huachun was about to leave, Zhu Youjian stopped him. "Wait."

"Does Your Majesty have further instructions?" Cao Huachun asked respectfully.

"Tell the Eastern Depot to watch the movements of those merchants closely, like hounds tracking their prey," Zhu Youjian declared, his voice resonating like thunder in the spring air.

Cao Huachun bowed and slowly exited the hall.

Zhu Youjian returned to the window, staring at the moonlight like a lonely monarch pondering the road ahead.

"Your Majesty, would you like to rest for a moment?" Wang Cheng’en asked, his voice as soft and warm as a spring breeze.

***

"No need," Zhu Youjian shook his head gently, like a breeze brushing the treetops. "Go and bring me the secret reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the ledgers from the confiscated estates."

Wang Cheng’en complied, returning shortly with the documents. Zhu Youjian reviewed them carefully, nodding from time to time.

Suddenly, he set the ledger down and fixed his gaze on Wei Zhiren. "Wei Zhiren."

"This servant is here," Wei Zhiren replied, his voice light and respectful.

"Go and bring that rebel leader here. I wish to interrogate him myself," Zhu Youjian commanded, his voice firm and absolute.

A short time later, a man covered in blood was dragged in, his eyes burning with stubborn defiance.

"Kneel!" Wei Zhiren’s voice boomed like a thunderclap.

The rebel leader collapsed to his knees, as if a boulder had been cast into a tranquil lake, stirring ripples in the air.

"Look up," Zhu Youjian said, his voice as biting and cold as a winter wind.

The rebel leader slowly lifted his head, his gaze meeting Zhu Youjian’s like two stars colliding in the void.

"Speak. Who put you up to this?" Zhu Youjian’s voice was like a blade, piercing straight to the heart.

"No one," the rebel leader gritted out, standing proud like a winter plum in the spring.

"On your own?" Zhu Youjian gave a cold, mocking laugh that made the man uncomfortable. "Do you think I would believe that?"

He stood up and walked toward the rebel leader, his gaze piercing. "How much did Wen Tiren promise you to make you fight so desperately for him?"