Chapter 7: Scolding the Emperor to His Face, Zhang Yi’s Treacherous Trap

A sly, sinister glint flashed through Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes, though his face maintained a gracious smile. Following Old Zhu were the Crown Prince, Zhu Biao, and several palace guards. Upon hearing Zhang Yi’s words, all their expressions turned furious.

Yet the most pitiable of all was Zhang Zhengchang, the Celestial Master of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, who looked as if he had been pulled from a river—drenched from head to toe. Zhu Biao observed Zhang Zhengchang with curiosity, realizing for the first time that a person truly could become soaked with sweat in an instant from sheer terror.

No one present dared respond to Zhang Yi’s words—no one except Zhu Yuanzhang. He took a deep breath, reined in the anger in his eyes, and said, “Children speak without malice, and besides, those words were spoken by Master Zhang Daoling, not this boy. Why do you all look so alarmed?”

At his words, the others finally dared to breathe, though they all glanced at Zhang Zhengchang with sympathy. Knowing the Emperor’s temperament, they could guess the Zhang family was in for trouble. Although reluctant to admit it, most who accompanied Old Zhu found Zhang Yi’s—no, Master Zhang Daoling’s—assessment to be fair. Well... just not something that could be said aloud.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Zhang Yi quickly fell silent. The Emperor cast a glance at Old Zhang, who gritted his teeth and said, “Go on, speak. We are all among friends here—you can trust us.”

His words were resolute, though tinged with a sob; he could only hope Zhang Yi would understand his predicament. Alas, there was little tacit understanding between father and son. Seizing the rare opportunity to vent using Master Zhang Daoling’s identity, Zhang Yi gave no further thought.

“That Zhu Emperor—he is destined to be the ruler for the ages. And what does such a formidable sovereign despise most? When someone covets or meddles with his authority. At its smallest, it’s corruption; at its greatest, it’s outright rebellion!”

The word “rebellion” nearly caused Zhang Zhengchang to collapse to his knees and beg the Emperor for mercy. This child was truly a bane to his father; he dared say anything. Did he not know how dangerous it was even to mention such words?

Of course, Old Zhu did not suspect the Zhang family of rebellion, but seeing Zhang Zhengchang’s reaction, he found it all rather amusing. What intrigued him more, however, were the words “ruler for the ages.” As a newly enthroned emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang still felt his way forward, unsure how best to be a good sovereign.

Zhang Yi, in his presence, called him petty, yet also praised him as the ruler for the ages. The Emperor’s mind was troubled—had this boy already guessed his identity and was playing at mysticism?

Unlike other emperors, Zhu Yuanzhang had once been a monk and was well acquainted with the tricks of priests and mystics. Yet now was not the time to test this child; he would hear him out first.

Sensing Zhang Yi’s pause, Old Zhu encouraged him, “Go on, speak. If you speak well, Uncle Huang will reward you!”

At these words, Zhang Yi smiled and continued, “The present Emperor began with nothing but a bowl, yet rose step by step to seize the world. He is remarkable, but with such humble origins, he surely harbors insecurities he himself may not fully understand. In the dead of night, he must often wonder: If even he could become Emperor, would others not believe they could do the same?”

At Zhang Yi’s words, not only Zhang Zhengchang, but even the palace guards wished they could flee. To analyze the Emperor’s mind in his very presence—if he wished to die, he ought not drag the rest of them down with him.

Such words were terrifying to utter, even to hear. Nearly everyone glared at Zhang Yi, wishing he would hold his tongue. But Zhang Yi, oblivious, pressed on:

“So, our Ming Emperor is destined to be unlike his predecessors. First, after ascending the throne, he will undoubtedly accelerate the centralization of power. As a sovereign who won his crown on horseback, military and administrative power are within his grasp; but there is one kind of authority that—if wielded—can stir up storms. That is religious authority!”

“Our Ming Emperor has had many dealings with religions. He knows well how much trouble can come if someone manipulates the populace with tales of gods and spirits. Thus, upon founding a new dynasty, the Emperor is sure to control religion. But look around—apart from the Kong family, is there any better candidate than our Zhang family to be made an example of?”

Zhang Zhengchang fell silent at these words. The Mongols had believed in Buddhism and Daoism, but with the departure of the lamas to the west alongside the Mongols, the Zhang family of Dragon and Tiger Mountain, as leaders of Daoism, had become the most conspicuous target.

Even if the Emperor bore no grudge against the Zhangs, he would still need to reclaim their powers. Zhang Zhengchang’s gaze flickered; for the first time, he regarded his son in earnest. Were these words truly relayed by their ancestral master, or had the child thought them up himself? For the first time, he wished the Emperor would leave quickly, so he could have a proper conversation with Zhang Yi.

Yet this was but wishful thinking. The Emperor glanced at Zhang Zhengchang with interest and asked, “Then, what do you think the Emperor will do? Will he spare your Zhang family, or...?”

Though he left the sentence unfinished, Zhang Zhengchang’s legs nearly gave way, and his heart pounded like a drum.

Zhang Yi replied, “There’s no need for concern. Though today’s events were meant to humble my father, the Emperor would never truly strike at the Dragon and Tiger lineage.”

“First, Dragon and Tiger Mountain aided His Majesty before his enthronement—there is loyalty there. He may weaken or suppress us, but to destroy us outright would be heartless. So that is not a worry. Second—”

Zhang Yi smiled, “Frankly, it’s true that the Zhang family is being made an example of, but the Emperor has never taken Dragon and Tiger Mountain seriously. In his eyes, we are but a band of charlatans deceiving the masses. Such people must not be allowed unchecked power, thus the need for suppression; but, used wisely, we could still help the Emperor pacify the people.”

“As long as the Zhangs do not bring ruin upon themselves and behave with caution, then even if the Emperor curtails our authority in the future, so long as we do not resist, our bloodline will endure.”

“Oh?” Old Zhu remarked with interest, “Then how do you think the Emperor will deal with the Zhang family in the future?”

“To begin with, the position of leader of Daoism will still belong to the Zhangs, for His Majesty will wish to use our reputation among the people. But real power—there will be none!” Zhang Yi glanced at his father. “You’ll just have to get used to it, Father.”

Zhang Zhengchang sat uncomfortably under his gaze. Zhu Biao, who had been silent, could not help but ask, “Brother Zhang Yi, you say the Emperor will allow your family to hold the title of Leader of Daoism, yet strip away your real power. Isn’t that contradictory?”

“Not at all. The Emperor is a master of political strategy; he will have his ways to keep the Zhang family firmly in hand.”

Zhang Yi regarded his royal companion curiously. Since his father and Zhang Zhengchang were close, he and Huangmu were old family friends. Rebellious toward his father he might be, but toward others he was not so.

Zhu Biao glanced subtly at Old Zhu, then asked, “Brother Zhang, if you were the Emperor, how would you deal with the Zhang family?”