Your Highness, You Are My Idol!

Night, the third watch.

The Capital City, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Northern Investigation Bureau.

This was the most terrifying place in the entire Great Ming, the nightmare of all officials.

Ordinary people wouldn't even dare to walk past, let alone enter.

Yet, at this moment, Zhu Zhanjun walked in as boldly as if he were strolling through his own backyard.

In his hand, he toyed with a token made of pure gold, carved with the pattern of a tiger descending a mountain.

This was the golden token Zhu Di had given him during the day, granting him the authority of the Emperor himself.

With this token, he could mobilize all troops in the Capital City, enter any forbidden area, and execute first, report later.

"Your Highness Prince Zheng!"

Ji Gang, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, had been waiting respectfully at the entrance for a long time.

Upon seeing Zhu Zhanjun, he immediately put on a smiling face and hurried over, adopting an extremely humble posture.

Ji Gang was a smart man. He knew better than anyone that this seemingly frivolous young prince before him was the most important figure in the court that one absolutely could not afford to offend.

Prince Han and Prince Zhao had fallen, His Highness the Crown Prince was not involved in state affairs, and the Emperor was advanced in age. The future of the Great Ming would likely fall into this man's hands.

If not now, when would be the time to cling to his coattails?

"Commander Ji, where is the person?"

Zhu Zhanjun got straight to the point, having no time for pleasantries.

"Replying to Your Highness, the person has been moved to the 'Heaven' chamber in the deepest part of the Imperial Prison."

Ji Gang quickly led the way.

"Your Highness, please rest assured, we did not dare to use heavy torture. We only starved him for a day, guaranteeing he still has a breath left, so Your Highness can interrogate him personally."

"Hmm, well done."

Zhu Zhanjun nodded with satisfaction.

The two passed through a gloomy corridor, the air filled with a mixed scent of blood and decay.

From the surrounding prison cells, the groans of suffering and desperate wails of prisoners could occasionally be heard, making one's scalp tingle.

As they walked, Ji Gang cautiously observed Zhu Zhanjun's expression. He found that the young prince showed no discomfort whatsoever. Instead, he seemed accustomed to it all, perhaps even… enjoying it?

Ji Gang couldn't help but shiver inwardly, his reverence for the prince deepening further.

Soon, they arrived in front of an isolated prison cell.

This cell was clearly much cleaner than the others, even having dry straw spread on the floor.

The assassin who had identified Zhu Zhanjun in the Eastern Palace during the day was chained to the wall, looking listless.

"Your Highness, this is him."

Ji Gang opened the cell door and gestured for him to enter.

Zhu Zhanjun walked in, pulled up a chair, and sat down in front of the assassin.

"Shall we talk?"

He crossed his legs, his tone relaxed.

The assassin looked up and, upon seeing Zhu Zhanjun, a strange light instantly flashed in his cloudy eyes.

It wasn't hatred, nor was it fear, but a kind of... fervor and excitement?

"You… you are really His Highness Prince Zheng?"

The assassin's voice trembled with excitement.

"Authentic."

Zhu Zhanjun raised an eyebrow, sensing something was amiss.

"That's great! I finally get to see you in person!"

The assassin struggled, seemingly wanting to kneel, but being bound by chains, he could only writhe in place.

"Your Highness Prince Zheng! You must believe me! I didn't mean to harm you!"

"I was forced! That old scoundrel surnamed Fang, he threatened me with the lives of my entire family, forcing me to slander you! I had no choice!"

As he spoke, tears streamed down his face, and he looked utterly wronged.

Zhu Zhanjun: "..."

Ji Gang: "..."

The two exchanged a glance, both bewildered.

This wasn't how the script was supposed to go!

Shouldn't it be a process of harsh interrogation, threats, and enticement, with the assassin either refusing to yield or confessing only after enduring immense suffering?

Why did he confess everything before any interrogation even began?

And looking at this situation, why does it feel like he and Prince Zheng are long-lost brothers?

"Stop."

Zhu Zhanjun raised his hand, interrupting his performance.

"I ask you, what did Fang Bin say to you?"

"Reporting to Your Highness!"

The assassin immediately perked up and, like pouring beans from a bamboo tube, spilled everything.

"That old scoundrel found me a few days ago and said that you, Prince Zheng, are the Purple Star descended from heaven, the true savior who can lead us poor people to a good life!"

"He said you couldn't bear to see the common people suffer, that you couldn't stand the corrupt officials in court, and that the Crown Prince was incompetent, so you were preparing to 'cleanse the ruler's side' and take his place!"

"He also said you needed an opportunity, an opportunity to legitimately take control of the Capital City's military authority and eliminate your rivals! And assassinating the Crown Prince was the best opportunity!"

"He said that as long as I pretended to assassinate the Crown Prince and then falsely accused you, I could blow the matter out of proportion."

"Then, you could use the excuse of proving your innocence to go on a killing spree and slaughter all those who opposed you, like Prince Han, Prince Zhao, and even himself!"

The assassin became more and more agitated as he spoke, a pathological flush spreading across his face.

"Your Highness, don't worry! Although I falsely accused you, it was all for your own good!"

"I am using my life to pave a broad road to the throne for you!"

"I've already agreed with that Fang fellow that once you ascend the throne, you must posthumously grant me the title of 'Marquis of Loyalty and Valor'!"

"And you must reserve a spot for me next to your imperial mausoleum!"

After listening to this impassioned "statement," Zhu Zhanjun was utterly speechless.