Recently, Prime Minister Zhang has been investigating the influx of people entering the capital. It was startling to discover the numbers; over the past decade, many merchants from various provinces have come to the capital to do business. At first glance, there seemed to be no issue, but the main concern was that most of these outsiders were engaging in the grain and iron industries. Employment rates in these two sectors had steadily increased over the years, and since they were primarily filled by foreigners, it raised significant suspicions.
With a heavy heart, Prime Minister Zhang took this data to the palace to meet with the Emperor. After hearing Zhang’s conjectures, the Emperor’s face darkened, though he attempted to remain composed. “Could it be that you are overthinking this, Zhang Qing?” he asked.
If that were true, it would be terrifying! The capital was already infiltrated by the King of Qi’s people! Even if the Emperor decided to act now, it would cause turmoil among the populace, leading to a loss of public support and ultimately tarnishing his reputation.
Prime Minister Zhang spoke earnestly, “Your Majesty, I suspect that the King of Qi has been plotting for years. I fear the palace may no longer be safe. Please, Your Majesty, move the imperial guard to the temporary palace, and after I clear out the mixed elements within the city, you may return to the palace.”
The Emperor stared at Zhang with an inscrutable expression. Despite Zhang having served him for many years, the Emperor could not fully trust him. Who knew if Zhang had already colluded with the King of Qi, enticing him out to allow a trap to be laid?
Suddenly recalling that Zhang’s only child was Zhang Fang, the Emperor asked, “Where is your son?”
Zhang was taken aback, clearly not expecting the Emperor to mention Zhang Fang. He shook his head and replied, “This old minister is also uncertain.”
With a half-smile, half-sneer, the Emperor said, “Do you not frequently correspond with your son? How could you not know his whereabouts?”
Zhang was a bit alarmed but calmly explained, “My son has not replied to my letters for some time now. I am somewhat worried that he may have encountered trouble outside.”
“Why don’t I send someone to bring your son back to the capital? Once this matter is resolved and the King of Qi is dealt with, we can restore his reputation,” the Emperor suggested. The exile of Zhang Fang had merely been a means to placate the Empress. The Emperor had previously promised Zhang that once the King of Qi was captured, Zhang Fang would be pardoned. Now, he intended to bring Zhang Fang back and keep him close. This way, Zhang would surely not dare to harbor any other thoughts!
Zhang instantly understood the Emperor’s intentions and, following his line of thought, gratefully knelt to express his thanks: “Your kindness is immense! This old minister humbly thanks Your Majesty!”
After Zhang left, the Emperor, with a serious countenance, organized a team of experts to capture the King of Qi and his family. No matter how hard the King of Qi had worked for all those years, as long as his life was in the Emperor’s hands, he would not create any significant storms.
The Emperor’s forces successfully captured the people from the King of Qi’s residence and transported them to the capital. However, upon seeing the captives, the Emperor’s expression changed dramatically.
“What have you brought me? Where is the King of Qi?” The Emperor was furious when he could not find the King.
“Isn’t that the King of Qi?” the commander of the imperial guard, with a stiff expression, pointed to a limping man.
Angered, the Emperor kicked the commander and scolded, “Fool!”
At that moment, the Emperor realized that the King of Qi had already escaped! He might be lurking in some corner, ready to strike at any moment!
Unable to stay in the capital any longer, he began to feel that everywhere was filled with danger, and he could not even sleep soundly. He had no choice but to heed Prime Minister Zhang’s earlier advice to leave the capital with the majority of the imperial guard under the pretense of patrolling, leaving Zhang behind.
“Zhang Fang is missing?” Upon arriving at the temporary palace, the Emperor was informed that there had been no news of Zhang Fang since he had entered the Jiangzhou. His expression darkened tremendously. Once again, he suspected that Prime Minister Zhang had long been in collusion with the King of Qi! Otherwise, how could Zhang Fang have vanished at such a critical time?
“Send word to the Second Prince, ordering him to surround the Zhang household!” Once suspicion arose, the Emperor no longer trusted Zhang. He simply wanted to apprehend him and press for a confession.
Prime Minister Zhang had reached his position because he came from humble beginnings—he had no solid foundation. Just as the Emperor could raise him to power, he could also kick him down from that position.
Fortunately, the Emperor had left the Second Prince in the capital on this occasion. Having a reliable son left meant the Second Prince could deal with Zhang.
Currently, the Second Prince was accompanying Prime Minister Zhang under the guise of new policies, driving questionable individuals out of the capital. Those who caused trouble were arrested on the spot.
Upon receiving the Emperor’s orders, the Second Prince’s expression turned cold. The next moment, he burned the message. He hoped for the King of Qi to incite chaos, leading to the deaths of the Emperor and the Crown Prince. Yet he also feared that the King could do the same to him. The only reliable person now was Prime Minister Zhang. The Second Prince needed Zhang’s support. He had been actively trying to make a good impression on Zhang and would not dare to create difficulties for him at this moment.
Even if the King of Qi were to fail, and the Emperor sought accountability from the Second Prince for disobeying his orders, the Second Prince could argue that he had not received any news regarding the command. In any case, the Emperor could only lash out verbally, imposing a minor punishment at most.
That night, a heavy rainstorm lashed the capital. Prime Minister Zhang could not sleep well and decided to get up to handle state affairs.
Suddenly, the Second Prince dashed into Zhang’s residence, kneeling before him and tearfully calling out, “Father… Wuwu…”
Seeing this, Prime Minister Zhang’s expression changed drastically, helping the Second Prince up and urgently asking, “What has happened to the Emperor?”
The Second Prince sobbed uncontrollably, barely coherent as he said, “Father… the temporary palace… it’s on fire…”
Prime Minister Zhang ignored the Second Prince, not even changing his clothes as he rushed outside.
The Second Prince quickly wiped away his tears and hurriedly got up to follow Zhang. With the Emperor’s life hanging in the balance, the only person he could rely on was Prime Minister Zhang! He had to stay by Zhang’s side! If the Emperor truly passed away, and the Crown Prince also died, wouldn’t the throne fall upon him? Only with Zhang’s support could he secure his place on the throne without a hitch!
When Zhang and the Second Prince arrived at the temporary palace, it was not raining there; the palace had become a sea of flames, the fire raged like a voracious beast, making it impossible for anyone to approach.
The fire burned for three days and nights before it was completely extinguished. In the end, Prime Minister Zhang found the bodies of the Emperor and the Crown Prince among the wreckage.
The Second Prince fainted on the spot. Who could have expected such shocking news to arrive so suddenly? He was afraid that if he did not continue pretending to be unconscious, he would burst out laughing.