Consort Guo was Guo Zixing's daughter and Empress Ma's sworn younger sister.
With Empress Ma gone, Consort Guo held the greatest influence in Zhu Yuanzhang's harem.
Upon receiving the summons, Consort Guo immediately came to the Palace of Heavenly Purity. As she entered, she said, "Brother-in-law..."
But the moment the words left her lips, she saw grandchildren of all ages seated inside, along with two little darlings. Calling him brother-in-law no longer seemed appropriate, so she corrected herself. "Your Majesty, I have arrived. The Palace of Heavenly Purity seems quite lively today."
Zhu Yuntong looked toward the voice and realized that she was Consort Guo. He thought that Old Zhu had taken both sisters into his harem, yet she still called him brother-in-law when they met. He was indulging in that little flirtation between a brother-in-law and his wife's younger sister.
He certainly knew how to spice things up!
Zhu Yuanzhang was a little embarrassed too. He shot Consort Guo a sideways glare, blaming her for speaking without considering the occasion.
"Lively? They nearly angered me to death today."
He briefly recounted what Lü Shi had done.
Hearing that it even involved a struggle over the succession piqued Consort Guo's interest, but she offered no comment.
She belonged to the harem and should not interfere in such matters. Merely listening was enough.
"Does Your Majesty wish for me to look after Lingyue and her sisters?"
Consort Guo quickly understood why Old Zhu had summoned her at this particular moment.
"Yes!"
Zhu Yuanzhang said pensively, "I never imagined the Eastern Palace had become like this. I'm entrusting Lingyue and the others to your care. Don't mistreat them. Those children have suffered enough. I've let Biao down."
"And go punish Lü Shi on my behalf."
"Let her know that I have the final say in this palace. The Eastern Palace belongs to the Zhu family, not the Lü family."
At that, he gave a cold snort, his anger palpable.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
Consort Guo looked at Zhu Lingyue and the others, then smiled and asked, "Lingyue, do you still remember me?"
"Granny Guo!"
Zhu Lingyue and her sisters were very well-behaved. They spoke together in soft, timid voices, a sight that tugged at the heart.
"What good children!"
Consort Guo liked them too, but she was rather surprised when she glanced at the unruly grandson still eating buns.
Even Zhu Yunwen, who had once been favored, had never dared act so casually in Old Zhu's presence. Yet this unruly grandson could. Something subtle seemed to have shifted in their relationship, and she immediately caught that crucial detail.
Recalling yesterday's events, Consort Guo understood that things in the palace would soon change.
"Granny Guo."
Zhu Yuntong felt her gaze on him. "I'm entrusting my sisters to you."
They were all girls, so naturally, staying with Consort Guo would be better than staying with him. With Zhu Yuanzhang having spoken as well, he trusted that Consort Guo would not dare mistreat them.
"Third Brother!"
Zhu Linghua tugged at his sleeve, reluctant to part.
"Be good, Linghua!"
Zhu Yuntong rubbed her little head and comforted her. "Granny Guo is a good person. Whenever I have time, I'll be sure to visit you."
"Your Majesty, Yuntong is a good elder brother."
Consort Guo spoke admiringly.
"Of course he is!"
Zhu Yuanzhang saw how much all four granddaughters relied on Zhu Yuntong.
This was true familial affection, unlike what Zhu Yunwen showed. The difference was instantly clear.
"All right!"
Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Yuntong's shoulder and added, "Still eating? It's time for class. I'll summon you again this afternoon. Lingyue, take your younger sisters and go back with Granny Guo."
"All right!"
As the eldest sister, Zhu Lingyue was naturally sensible.
Her three younger sisters also nodded obediently, understanding that they would no longer go hungry or suffer anyone's bullying.
"Grandfather, where do I go for class?"
Zhu Yuntong asked.
"Great Ben Hall."
Zhu Yuanzhang gave a light snort. "You're not thinking of skipping class, are you? Hurry over and study hard."
This unruly grandson was already behind Zhu Yunwen in his studies. He had to push him to catch up, or how could he have him take over his position in the future?
"I wouldn't dare, Grandfather. I'll go to Great Ben Hall right away."
Zhu Yuntong wiped his mouth, realizing that moving out was still impossible for the moment. He would have to think carefully about how to manage it next.
The Eastern Palace was too dangerous. Lü Shi was no saint, and she might have other underhanded tricks waiting.
"I'll take Lingyue and the others back first."
Consort Guo took her leave, then departed as well.
Soon, Zhu Yuanzhang was the only one left inside the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Thinking of what had just happened, his eyes turned cold again. All this time, he had been wrong to trust Lü Shi.
When Zhu Biao was still alive, he had been willing to trust her. Now that Zhu Biao was gone, certain things were slowly coming to light, and none of them were good.
"Your Majesty!"
Jixiang said, "Commander Jiang is outside requesting an audience."
"Send him in."
Zhu Yuanzhang spoke.
Jiang Jue entered and bowed, raising both hands with a piece of intelligence held in them. "Your Majesty, this came from the Duke of Liang's Residence."
Jixiang tactfully delivered it to Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang unfolded it, read it, and smiled.
"Feng Sheng really is much better read. He has some brains and knows what he should do."
After finishing the contents, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed. "I hope they genuinely intend to assist Yuntong. But... I must also give Yuntong a proper test and see what he's capable of."
"Is Ye Sheng's son in Lan Yu and the others' hands?"
He looked at Jiang Jue.
The effects of the Hu Weiyong Case had lingered for a long time.
Just last month, Ye Sheng, the Marquis of Jingning, had had all nine degrees of his kin wiped off the board because of the Hu Weiyong Case, but one son had escaped.
Zhu Yuanzhang had long known about this son. He simply had not acted yet, saving him for the right moment.
"Yes!"
Jiang Jue lowered his head as he answered.
"Make the arrangements!"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "There's one more thing. The Eastern Palace is too quiet. Plant the Embroidered Guard inside again."
When Zhu Biao was alive, Zhu Yuanzhang had been completely at ease, and there had been no Embroidered Guard in the Eastern Palace. But things were different now.
"I obey, Your Majesty!"
Jiang Jue did not ask why. He only needed to receive the order and carry it out.
That was their duty as the Embroidered Guard.
After Jiang Jue withdrew, Zhu Yuanzhang beckoned.
Jixiang understood and stepped forward. "Your servant is here."
"Do you have any men among the eunuchs in the Eastern Palace?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.
As emperor, he held supreme power.
The Embroidered Guard certainly was not the only intelligence organization under his command, nor could he place his trust solely in it.
"No, Your Majesty."
Jixiang lowered his head. "There was no need while the Crown Prince was alive."
"There is a need now."
Zhu Yuanzhang spoke.
"Your servant understands!"
Jixiang nodded.
"One more thing."
Thinking of what Zhu Yuntong had said yesterday, then connecting it to today's events, Zhu Yuanzhang realized that Lü Shi's carefully maintained image had crumbled. He could no longer trust her completely. The chill in his eyes could no longer be concealed as he said, "Investigate whether there was anything suspicious behind what happened to my daughter-in-law and Xiongying."
Only now did he believe that his unruly grandson had not brought the matter up yesterday without reason.
He probably had no evidence, but Zhu Yuanzhang would now find that evidence.
Yet so many years had passed, and much had been destroyed. He did not know whether anything could still be found. Lü Shi was the Crown Princess; without evidence, it would be difficult to act.
"Investigate in secret. Don't rustle the grass and startle the snake."
"And don't let that unruly grandson know. If you uncover anything, report only to me."
Zhu Yuanzhang gave further instructions.
"Yes!"
Jixiang was like a cold machine, knowing only how to receive orders, without any other flicker of emotion.
"Time for court!"
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the sky outside. "I'm leaving late today."
He straightened himself up, then headed outside.
Day had already broken. Beneath the morning light, his somewhat lonely shadow stretched on and on, a sight that made even Jixiang's heart ache.
Before you continue