Chapter 111: The Purpose of the Rumor

Zhu Hao recognized the danger posed by Lady Ke and resolved to prevent his brother, the Emperor, from allowing her into the palace. He could not stand by and watch a woman destined to wreak such havoc on the Ming Dynasty enter the imperial residence. Even if she did not prove as catastrophic as history recorded, her presence would undoubtedly disturb the current tranquility of the inner court, a development Zhu Hao was determined to avoid.

With this in mind, once Wei Xiaobao finished his report, Zhu Hao rose and headed toward the Qianqing Palace. Possessing an imperial golden medallion, he required no announcement and walked straight inside.

Upon entering, he found his brother, the Emperor, with a dark and unsettled expression. Clearly, the Emperor was in a foul mood. Unsure of the cause but driven by his concern over Lady Ke, Zhu Hao did not ask questions. Instead, he bowed respectfully and said, "Your younger brother pays his respects to Your Majesty. May you live for ten thousand years!" Zhu Hao addressed him as "Your Majesty" rather than "older brother" because several eunuchs and palace maids were on duty; he had to uphold the decorum of sovereign and subject and respect the dignity of the Emperor.

His greeting pulled Zhu Youxiao from his thoughts. Seeing Zhu Hao, the Emperor forced a faint smile, rose slowly from the dragon throne, and asked, "So it is my imperial brother. Is there something you need today?"

Zhu Hao had intended to speak directly about Lady Ke, but seeing the surrounding servants, he restrained himself for the sake of appearances. "Your Majesty, I have some private matters to discuss. I request that you dismiss your attendants."

Zhu Youxiao trusted Zhu Hao implicitly. Despite his confusion, he waved his hand and commanded the staff to withdraw. Once the hall was clear, Zhu Youxiao asked, "Now, brother, tell me—what is so important that it required such secrecy?"

Zhu Hao went straight to the point: "Older brother, I have heard that you intend to recall your wet nurse, Lady Ke, to the palace. Is this true?"

Zhu Youxiao was surprised that this was the topic, but he did not hide the truth. He nodded and asked, "That is correct. Why do you ask?"

Having received confirmation, Zhu Hao took a deep breath. "Brother, I believe this is an ill-considered move. You must not allow Lady Ke into the palace."

Zhu Youxiao’s brows knit together in frustration. "And why not? Is this the only reason you asked me to dismiss my attendants?"

Zhu Hao detected the irritation in the Emperor's tone and struggled to find an explanation. He could not reveal that he feared Lady Ke’s future collusion with Wei Zhongxian would ruin the dynasty; no one would believe such an unfounded claim.

Finally, Zhu Hao took a breath and offered a weak excuse: "Older brother, Lady Ke has been out of the palace for many years and is not a member of the inner court. It is against protocol for her to reside here. I fear the ministers will have much to say about it."

Zhu Youxiao sighed. "What you say is not without merit, but that is of little consequence to me now. Do you know why I am in such a rush to recall her?"

"I do not, brother. Have you encountered some trouble? And how does that relate to Lady Ke?"

Zhu Youxiao sighed again. "You are unaware, but rumors have spread throughout the palace overnight, claiming that I murdered Lady Xuan-shi and that I am an unfilial man, unworthy of ruling."

Zhu Hao immediately interjected, "Brother, I was the one who orchestrated those rumors! It has nothing to do with you. Tell me which servants are wagging their tongues, and I will have them executed at once!"

Zhu Youxiao shook his head slightly at Zhu Hao’s murderous intent. "Although you started it, it was at my instruction. How can I blame you? And even if I were to explain, who would believe me? I finally understand how terrifying public opinion can be."

Watching his brother’s dejection, Zhu Hao cursed Wei Zhongxian internally: *That treacherous dog, biting the hand that feeds him! He has brought so much trouble to my brother.* Zhu Hao wondered how the rumors had reached the Emperor’s ears, as no one would dare speak of such things in his presence.

"How did you come to hear of this, brother?" Zhu Hao asked. "I do not believe anyone would dare say such things to your face."

"No one said it to my face," Zhu Youxiao replied heavily. "I heard it by chance, but now that I have, I cannot simply ignore it."

Zhu Hao sensed a deep conspiracy. "This is indeed tricky, but what does it have to do with recalling Lady Ke? Did someone suggest this to you?"

Zhu Youxiao nodded. "When I heard the rumors, I was deeply distressed. Wei Zhongxian noticed my mood and asked what was wrong. When I told him, he suggested that I bring Lady Ke into the palace and treat her with great honor. He argued that if the world sees me treating my wet nurse so well, they will realize I am not unfilial. I thought it made sense, so I issued the decree. Please, brother, do not stop me. Nothing is more important to me right now."

Zhu Hao suddenly understood everything. *That old eunuch Wei Zhongxian! He spread the rumors for this very purpose. He is playing a double game—appearing to slander my brother while actually forcing him to bring Lady Ke into the palace. What a cunning scheme! He gains favor with my brother while ingratiating himself with Lady Ke before she even arrives.*

Zhu Hao realized that the die was cast; he could not stop it. He sighed deeply. "Since that is the case, I will not try to dissuade you further. But remember, Lady Ke is not a consort; you must be careful not to grant her too much power."

Zhu Hao was merely trying to plant a seed of caution, hoping the Emperor would not grant the woman excessive influence.

Zhu Youxiao nodded. "I have my own judgment. Do not worry. Is there anything else? I am quite tired today."

Understanding the dismissal, Zhu Hao bowed. "Take care of your health, Your Majesty. I have nothing else to report. I take my leave."

After exiting the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Hao returned to his quarters and smashed several vases in a fit of rage, cursing Wei Zhongxian. In truth, his anger was directed at himself; he was furious that he had failed to see through the eunuch’s scheme until it was already a reality, leaving him in a position of complete passivity.