Chapter 555: Young Unorthodox Genius

The streets surged like rolling tides of humanity. Carriages rattled endlessly through the avenues, and rows upon rows of buildings stretched into the distance like embroidered brocade blooming beneath the heavens.

Even the air itself carried the scent of the capital’s prosperity.

The fragrance of rouge and powder drifting from passing women. The aroma of wine and tea fermenting together from taverns and teahouses lining the streets. Mixed together, they created the unmistakable atmosphere of flourishing peace beneath imperial rule.

Although this was not Zhu Ping’an’s first time entering the capital, he still found himself deeply shaken by its grandeur.

The moment he passed through the city gates and looked upon the bustling streets, an involuntary sense of pride rose within him.

This was the greatest and most prosperous city in the world.

Without equal.

Compared to this magnificent capital, any city in Europe during this era seemed rustic and provincial. As for the cities of the Americas—still under indigenous rule at this point—they were even farther behind, not worthy of comparison at all.

Leading his horse, Zhu Ping’an merged into the endless flow of people.

The streets rang with unceasing cries of hawkers advertising their wares, customers haggling over prices, vendors shouting over one another in lively competition. Following the sounds through the crowded avenue, Zhu Ping’an eventually entered a tavern without hesitation.

There was no need to rush to the Ministry of Justice to plead his case immediately.

First, he needed a full stomach and a place to settle himself.

As he walked, Zhu Ping’an had been considering an important question.

Should he first eat?

Or should he first visit the Marquis of Linhuai’s Residence?

This time, however, he had already decided he would no longer lodge there.

Back when he had stayed at the manor during the imperial examinations, it had only been for a short period. But now that he had received an official appointment in the capital, who knew how long he might remain here? Continuing to freeload off another household’s food and lodging would truly be embarrassing.

Besides…

The Marquis of Linhuai had already departed for an appointment along the coast. At present, aside from Fatty Zhou, the entire manor consisted almost entirely of female family members.

As a grown man—and technically now the manor’s son-in-law—continuing to stay there no longer felt particularly appropriate.

Still, he absolutely had to pay them a visit.

After all, he was the Marquis of Linhuai’s Residence’s son-in-law now. Having arrived in the capital, it would be improper not to greet the family first.

Of course…

That could wait until after eating.

The tavern itself was not especially large, but business was booming. Several waiters carrying trays of wine and dishes wove rapidly between the tables like fish darting through water. Laughter and loud conversation rose constantly from the patrons drinking inside.

Zhu Ping’an found an empty seat and sat down.

When the waiter came over, he ordered a plate of stir-fried tripe, a serving of stewed pork and bread in broth, and a bowl of assorted organ soup.

Then he began eating heartily.

Even a humble tavern beneath the Son of Heaven’s feet carried an air of refinement and grandeur. Portions were generous, the presentation surprisingly elegant, and the cooking skill excellent.

The flavors were genuinely delicious.

By the time Zhu Ping’an finished the last drop of soup, he finally felt completely satisfied.

After settling the bill, he exited the tavern, took hold of his horse once more, and headed toward the Marquis of Linhuai’s Residence.

Meanwhile—

As Zhu Ping’an traveled through the streets toward the manor, news of his arrival in the capital had already been delivered to the desk of Lu Bing, Commander of the Jinyiwei.

In fact, if one calculated carefully, the information had probably reached Lu Bing while Zhu Ping’an was still outside the city gates waiting to enter.

What was the Jinyiwei?

This.

This was the Jinyiwei.

The most professional intelligence organization of the era.

If they truly wanted to investigate someone, there was almost nothing they could not uncover.

Among the common people of the Ming Dynasty, merely hearing the words “Jinyiwei” was enough to change one’s expression in fear. But in truth, it was more accurate to say that Ming officials feared them even more.

Monitoring and investigating government officials was the core duty of the organization.

The very reason the Jinyiwei had been established was tied to the struggle between imperial authority and the civil bureaucracy. The emperor needed eyes and ears throughout the realm. Only by knowing both oneself and one’s enemies could victory be assured.

Thus, the Jinyiwei became the emperor’s instruments—his spies, his blades, and his means of maintaining imperial authority.

Its creator, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang himself, had developed severe paranoia after seizing the throne. Though he had conquered the empire, he never truly felt secure. He constantly feared rebellion from his own officials and subordinates.

As a result, he monitored nearly everything his ministers did.

Not only while they were at court—

But even after they returned home.

There was once a famous story involving the scholar-official Qian Zai during the Hongwu reign.

Qian Zai had been ordered to compile Selected Passages of Mencius, a task so exhausting that late-night work became routine. One evening after court, exhausted and aching all over, he returned home and impulsively wrote a poem in his study:

“At the fourth watch drum I rise to dress,
Yet still fear arriving late at Meridian Gate.
When shall I finally enjoy pastoral peace,
Sleeping until the hour rice is fully cooked?”

The next day, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang summoned him to the palace.

Smiling pleasantly, the emperor said:

“I hear my beloved minister composed an excellent poem last night. But I do not recall ever accusing you of arriving late to court. Wouldn’t the word ‘worry’ be more appropriate than ‘late’?”

Qian Zai reportedly broke into cold sweat on the spot.

“Your servant knows his fault. Your Majesty is wise indeed. ‘Worry’ is certainly superior to ‘late.’”

At that moment, he was immensely grateful he had not written anything truly reckless.

Otherwise, he might not have survived the day.

The Hongwu Emperor then laughed and casually composed a poem of his own:

“Before my ministers rise, I rise first.
After my ministers sleep, I remain awake.
How enviable are the wealthy men of Jiangnan,
Still wrapped in blankets when the sun stands three poles high.”

From this anecdote alone, one could understand how terrifyingly thorough the Jinyiwei’s surveillance truly was.

Even private matters within one’s own home could not escape their notice.

Compared to that, learning of Zhu Ping’an’s return to the capital almost instantly was nothing unusual at all.

Inside his office, Lu Bing picked up the report containing the information.

After reading it, he calmly set it back down.

Then he retrieved another letter.

At the bottom of the letter was the character “Li.” The remaining characters of the sender’s name were obscured beneath Lu Bing’s hand and could not be seen.

He read the letter twice.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

Without another word, he tossed the letter into the brazier beside him and watched it burn to ashes.

“My lord,” a subordinate of the Jinyiwei asked respectfully while bowing below him, “shall we report Zhu Zihou’s arrival in the capital to Grand Secretary Yan?”

Lu Bing looked toward the subordinate and smiled leisurely.

Then he waved his hand dismissively.

“For the past two days, Grand Secretary Yan has been presiding over zhaijiao rites and has hardly slept at all,” he said casually. “Only this morning did His Majesty graciously allow him to return home and rest.”

He paused slightly before continuing:

“There is no need to disturb Grand Secretary Yan’s pleasant dreams over such a trivial matter today.”

The subordinate instantly reacted as though enlightenment had struck him.

“My lord is most thoughtful. Your subordinate nearly caused trouble.”

Indeed.

What could possibly be more important than Grand Secretary Yan’s health and rest?

The old man was advanced in years and had already spent two sleepless days overseeing rituals. If someone disturbed his rest and damaged his health, the consequences would be unbearable.

As for Zhu Ping’an’s memorial—

So much time had already passed. There was no need to rush over a single day.

Besides, compared to Grand Secretary Yan’s well-being, what significance could such a matter possibly hold?

“There is no harm done,” Lu Bing replied lightly. “Young people simply lack patience. In the future, think thrice before acting. It will benefit your growth greatly.”

The subordinate immediately knelt in gratitude.

“Thank you for your instruction, my lord.”

“Enough. Continue performing your duties well. Whether I sit securely in this position still depends greatly upon all of you.”

Lu Bing waved him away.

After the subordinate withdrew, Lu Bing picked up a book scroll from beside him and casually flipped it open.

If Zhu Ping’an had been present, he would have been shocked.

The page Lu Bing was reading was precisely the essay Zhu Ping’an had written before leaving the capital for Zhang Siwei and the others—

On Thick Black Theory.

After reading it, Lu Bing slowly shook his head and gave a faint smile.

“What a remarkably cunning mind… He sees matters with extraordinary clarity.”

Then his expression became slightly regretful.

“But how did someone so perceptive end up submitting such a muddleheaded memorial?”

He sighed softly.

“Still too young…”

“Too easily driven by impulse.”