Volume One, Chapter 31: News
“Your Majesty, the night is deep, yet your resolve shines as brightly as this moonlight,” Wei Zhiren whispered softly, careful not to disturb the solemn determination in the air. He continued his report, “The spies of the Eastern Depot, like keen eyes piercing the darkness, have caught subtle movements from Wen Tiren’s conspirators.”
Zhu Youjian lifted his head slightly, his deep eyes gleaming with a sharp, icy light. “Oh? Have they finally begun to move?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Wei Zhiren replied cautiously. “Those trusted men slink about like cunning foxes, quietly connecting with the great merchants across the land, seemingly gathering funds for a feast unknown to others.”
A cold smile curved Zhu Youjian’s lips, as if he had long seen through it all. “Let them prepare to their heart’s content. My net has already been quietly cast; now, they only await their own capture.”
“But, Your Majesty…” Wei Zhiren’s voice faltered slightly, revealing a hint of unspoken worry.
“Speak,” Zhu Youjian’s tone was deep and commanding, as if capable of piercing the soul.
“I fear they are not merely amassing silver,” Wei Zhiren said gravely, “but may also be secretly colluding with the Northern Jiannu, harboring treacherous intentions.”
A cold glint flashed in Zhu Youjian’s eyes. Rising, he approached the window where moonlight poured over his dragon robe, the golden glow intertwining with the night’s darkness, making him appear radiant and formidable. “This is exactly what I have been waiting for—to see their fox tails exposed.”
Turning back, he issued orders to Wei Zhiren: “Send word to Zheng Zhilong. Increase surveillance over the maritime routes. Not a single fly is to be spared.”
“At once,” Wei Zhiren bowed deeply and withdrew swiftly.
Soon after, Cao Huachun hurried in, his expression grave. “Your Majesty, urgent military intelligence has come to light.”
“Speak,” Zhu Youjian’s voice was brief and resolute.
“The merchants are not only secretly stockpiling arms,” Cao Huachun whispered, “but appear to be entangled in countless covert ties with the Jiannu.”
Zhu Youjian let out a cold chuckle, as if all was firmly in hand. “As expected, the fox tails have finally been revealed.”
He turned quickly and issued further commands to Wei Zhiren: “Immediately inform Zheng Zhilong to heighten guard. At the same time, order Sun Chuanting to closely monitor any activity outside the city. Should any suspicious figures appear, act without hesitation.”
“Your command is obeyed.” Wei Zhiren and Sun Chuanting responded in unison before departing swiftly.
Returning to his desk, Zhu Youjian took up his brush and swiftly penned a series of secret edicts that flowed like a mighty river: “Effective immediately, conduct a thorough investigation of the Jiangnan merchant guilds. Anyone showing abnormal behavior is to be executed without mercy. Simultaneously, audit the accounts of all Jiangnan officials to root out corruption lurking in the shadows.”
Wang Cheng’en quietly recorded every decree, each one like a sharp blade aimed directly at the hearts of those harboring treason.
“Your Majesty, your wisdom and resolve shine like the bright moon in this night sky, illuminating all darkness,” Wang Cheng’en whispered in admiration.
Zhu Youjian smiled faintly, his gaze deep and unwavering. “This is only the beginning. The true battle lies ahead. I will make them understand the heavy price of betraying the Ming.”
As the secret edicts spread, the entire Jiangnan region seemed enshrouded in an invisible net. Those with treacherous hearts were steadily stepping into a trap of their own making. And Zhu Youjian stood as the cold-eyed hunter, patiently awaiting the moment to close the net.