Chapter 17: Shadows Beneath the Lamp in the Eastern Palace
Consort Guo Hui, daughter of Guo Zixing and sworn sister to Empress Ma.
With Empress Ma no longer present, Consort Guo Hui held the greatest influence in the imperial harem of Zhu Yuanzhang.
Upon receiving the summons, Consort Guo Hui promptly arrived at the Qianqing Palace. As she entered, she began, “Brother-in-law…”
However, before she could finish, she saw that the room was filled with grandchildren of various ages, including two little darlings. Calling him brother-in-law now seemed inappropriate, so she corrected herself, “Your Majesty, I have arrived. The Qianqing Palace seems especially lively today.”
Zhu Yunshu turned to the voice and recognized Consort Guo Hui. He thought to himself that Old Zhu had brought the sisters into the palace together. To meet and call him brother-in-law—what a playful dynamic between brother-in-law and younger sister-in-law.
Quite an elaborate game indeed!
Zhu Yuanzhang felt somewhat embarrassed and shot Consort Guo Hui a sharp glance, chiding her for not minding her words according to the occasion.
“It’s not that it’s lively today; we were nearly driven to death by anger.”
He briefly recounted the troubles involving Lady Lü.
Consort Guo Hui showed some interest upon hearing about the struggle for the crown prince’s succession but refrained from commenting.
As a member of the harem, she was not supposed to interfere in such matters; listening passively was sufficient.
“Your Majesty wishes for me to look after Lingyue and her sisters?”
Consort Guo Hui quickly realized the intention behind Old Zhu summoning her at this moment.
“Yes.”
Zhu Yuanzhang murmured thoughtfully, “I never imagined the Eastern Palace would come to this. I entrust Lingyue and her sisters to your care—don’t let them be bullied. Those children have endured enough hardship; I have wronged Biao’er.”
“Also, punish Lady Lü on my behalf,” he added.
“Let her know that in this palace, I am the one who calls the shots. The Eastern Palace bears the surname Zhu, not Lü.”
At that, he let out a cold snort, visibly angry.
“I understand,” Consort Guo Hui replied.
She looked over at Zhu Lingyue and the others, smiling gently as she asked, “Lingyue, do you still remember me?”
“Grandma Guo!” Zhu Lingyue and the others answered timidly in unison, their meek voices stirring sympathy.
“What obedient children!”
Consort Guo Hui liked them too but was slightly surprised to see one of the unruly grandchildren still eating a bun.
Even Zhu Yunwen, once favored, dared not be so casual in front of Old Zhu, yet this rebellious grandchild seemed to have a special relationship. She immediately sensed the significance of this.
Recalling yesterday’s events, Consort Guo Hui understood that the palace was about to change drastically.
“Grandma Guo.”
Zhu Yunshu noticed the gaze fixed on him.
“I’m entrusting you with my grandchildren’s sisters.”
They were all girls, naturally better off by Consort Guo Hui’s side than his own. With Zhu Yuanzhang’s explicit words, he believed Consort Guo Hui would not mistreat them.
“Third Brother!”
Zhu Linghua reluctantly tugged at his sleeve.
“Be good, Linghua!”
Zhu Yunshu ruffled the little head, comforting her, “Grandma Guo is a good person. When I have the time, I will definitely come visit you all.”
“Your Majesty, Yunshu is a good elder brother,” Consort Guo Hui praised.
“Of course!” Zhu Yuanzhang observed the four granddaughters, all so dependent on Zhu Yunshu.
This was true family affection, unlike the disparity so evident with Zhu Yunwen.
“All right!”
Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Yunshu on the shoulder and continued, “Keep eating, but you need to go to class soon. I will summon you again this afternoon. Lingyue, lead your sisters back with Grandma Guo.”
“All right!”
As the eldest sister, Zhu Lingyue was naturally sensible.
Her three younger sisters nodded obediently, understanding that they would no longer go hungry or be bullied.
“Grandfather, where is the class?”
Zhu Yunshu asked.
“At the Great Hall.”
Zhu Yuanzhang snorted lightly, “You won’t try to skip class, will you? Hurry along and study well.”
This rebellious grandchild had already fallen behind Zhu Yunwen academically and needed to be urged to keep up; otherwise, how could he someday inherit his position?
“I dare not, I will go to the Great Hall now.”
Zhu Yunshu wiped his mouth, realizing that moving out was not yet feasible. He would have to devise a better plan later.
The Eastern Palace was too dangerous; Lady Lü was no innocent woman, and there might be other hidden schemes.
“I will take Lingyue and the others back first.”
Consort Guo Hui greeted them and then departed.
Soon, only Zhu Yuanzhang remained in the Qianqing Palace.
Thinking over the earlier events, his eyes regained their icy sharpness; it turned out he had long misplaced his trust in Lady Lü.
When Zhu Biao was alive, he was willing to believe, but now that Zhu Biao was gone and certain truths slowly surfaced, none of it was good news.
“Your Majesty!”
Jixiang announced, “Commander Jiang is here to see you.”
“Let him in.”
Zhu Yuanzhang commanded.
Jiang Yao entered and bowed, raising a report in both hands.
“Your Majesty, this intelligence comes from the Liang Duke’s residence.”
Jixiang, ever dutiful, presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang.
Unfolding it, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.
“Feng Sheng is far more studious and clever; he knows what needs to be done.”
After reading the contents, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, “I hope they are sincere in aiding Yunshu, but… Yunshu must face a formal test to see what he is truly capable of.”
“Is Ye Sheng’s son in the hands of Lan Yu and the others?”
He looked to Jiang Yao.
The Hu Weiyong case’s repercussions had lingered for a long time.
Just last month, Marquis Jingning Ye Sheng and his entire clan were exterminated because of the Hu Weiyong case, but one son escaped.
Zhu Yuanzhang had known about this son for some time but had refrained from acting, waiting for the right moment.
“Yes,” Jiang Yao lowered his head.
“Make arrangements.”
Zhu Yuanzhang instructed, “And one more thing: the Eastern Palace has grown too quiet—reinsert the Embroidered Uniform Guard.”
When Zhu Biao was alive, Zhu Yuanzhang was completely at ease; there was no need for the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the Eastern Palace. Now, it was different.
“I obey.”
Jiang Yao did not question the order and accepted it. This was the duty of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
After Jiang Yao left, Zhu Yuanzhang beckoned.
Jixiang understood and stepped forward, saying, “At your service.”
“Are there any of your men among the eunuchs in the Eastern Palace?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked.
As emperor, holding supreme power, he surely commanded more than just the Embroidered Uniform Guard for intelligence and could not rely solely on them.
“None, Your Majesty.”
Jixiang bowed his head, “When the Crown Prince was alive, it was unnecessary.”
“Now it is necessary.”
Zhu Yuanzhang said.
“I understand.”
Jixiang nodded.
“Also.”
Zhu Yuanzhang recalled Yunshu’s words from yesterday, and with today’s events, Lady Lü’s image had completely collapsed. Trust was no longer possible.
The coldness in his eyes was unmistakable as he ordered, “Investigate quietly whether my daughter-in-law or Xiongying’s supporters have any issues behind the scenes.”
He finally believed that the rebellious grandchild had not brought this up without reason yesterday.
There might be no evidence yet, but he intended to find it.
After so many years, much had been destroyed; it was uncertain if anything could be found. Lady Lü was the Crown Princess; without proof, it would be difficult to act.
“Investigate covertly; don’t alert them.”
“And don’t let that rebellious grandchild know. Only report to me if anything is found.”
Zhu Yuanzhang gave further instructions.
“Yes!”
Jixiang was like a cold machine, receiving orders without any emotional fluctuation.
“Let’s proceed to court.”
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the sky outside, “We left late today.”
He tidied himself and headed out.
It was already dawn, and his lonely shadow stretched long beneath the morning light, stirring even Jixiang’s sympathy.