Chapter 112: Wei Zhongxian Takes Control of the Eastern Depot

Unaware of the developments unfolding behind the scenes, Zhu Hao was venting his frustrations alone in his private chambers. Just moments earlier, as he had stepped out of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Wei Zhongxian had quietly emerged from behind a folding screen. Throughout Zhu Hao’s heated conversation with his elder brother, the emperor, Wei Zhongxian had hidden in the shadows, absorbing every word with keen interest.

After leaving his concealment, Wei Zhongxian knelt before Zhu Youxiao and said, “Your Majesty, when you tasked your humble servant with investigating the rumors, I discovered that they are linked to His Highness Prince Xin. You did not believe me and even scolded me harshly. Yet today, as soon as Your Majesty issued the edict for the wet nurse Ke to enter the palace, Prince Xin hurriedly rushed to prevent it. Does Your Majesty still fail to see? Prince Xin spreads these rumors to coerce Your Majesty into abdicating. When he saw you had found a way to suppress the rumors, he immediately intervened to stop you. His intentions are as blatant as those of Sima Zhao—known to all! Your Majesty, do you still doubt my words?”

Listening to Wei Zhongxian, Zhu Youxiao rubbed his temples, his face darkening with displeasure. He spoke coldly, “Silence! I do not wish to hear these accusations. I cannot believe my younger brother harbors disloyalty, much less wishes me harm. I will overlook this today, but if you speak thus again, do not blame me for turning my back on you!”

Wei Zhongxian remained kneeling, observing the emperor’s harsh tone yet unsettled gaze. He knew Zhu Youxiao was visibly shaken. Resolute, he continued, “Your Majesty, even if you forbid me to speak, I must. Should Your Majesty redirect your anger upon me, I welcome death with no regret. Yet I cannot bear to see Your Majesty wronged. Though Prince Xin once shared a brotherly bond with you, history is rife with siblings torn apart by the throne’s allure. I risk my life to counsel you because I serve you faithfully. As the saying goes, one must not harbor ill will, but one must always guard against it. Your Majesty must remain vigilant!”

With that, Wei Zhongxian collapsed to the ground, sobbing bitterly like a devoted minister pleading with a sovereign who has lost his way.

Zhu Youxiao, naturally indecisive, was moved by the sight of Wei Zhongxian’s tear-streaked face. He softened and said, “Zhongxian, rise. I know your loyalty runs deep. But hear me—if my younger brother truly desires my throne, I could abdicate now and live as a carefree prince, free from the burdens of statecraft.”

Hearing this, Wei Zhongxian knelt once more, tears flowing as he entreated, “Your Majesty, you must not! I know your brotherly affection for Prince Xin, but the throne was entrusted to you by our late sovereign. It is unthinkable to surrender it lightly—such a deed would betray his trust!” He paused, then pressed on, “And consider this: throughout history, how many who have abdicated met a peaceful end? Your Majesty, do not entertain such thoughts. If you do not change your mind, I will dash my head against the palace pillars today, hoping my blood might awaken you. Please take care, Your Majesty—your servant takes his leave!”

Wei Zhongxian’s dramatic gesture was merely a show; he prized his own life above all. But Zhu Youxiao, unaware of the act, was startled and rose from the throne, commanding, “Zhongxian, do not! I was but jesting. Whether Prince Xin harbors disloyalty or not, I will never relinquish this throne. Do not do anything foolish!”

Relieved by the emperor’s words, Wei Zhongxian wiped his tears and said, “Your Majesty’s reassurance brings me comfort. I cannot be certain of Prince Xin’s intentions, but his behavior is indeed suspicious. You must remain cautious.”

Zhu Youxiao fell silent for a long moment before sighing, “Zhongxian, I know you mean well, but I trust my brother will not harm me. Let this matter rest—do not speak of it again.”

Wei Zhongxian understood this was the final verdict. Though he failed to drive a wedge between the emperor and Prince Xin, he had at least planted a seed of doubt in the emperor’s heart. His objective was largely achieved. Yet he pressed on, “Your Majesty, even if Prince Xin harbors no ill will, he clearly opposes the wet nurse entering the palace. It would be wise to find a way to keep him from interfering. Otherwise, should anything happen to the wet nurse, Your Majesty would bear the stain of unfilial conduct beyond cleansing.”

Zhu Youxiao nodded thoughtfully and asked, “I do not wish to harm the brotherly bond I share with Prince Xin. Within that assurance, how might I keep him from meddling? Zhongxian, do you have any counsel?”

Wei Zhongxian replied promptly, “I heard that recently Prince Xin petitioned to travel south to Zhejiang to investigate cheating in the local imperial exams. Your Majesty could seize this opportunity and issue an imperial decree appointing Prince Xin as your special envoy. He would depart for Zhejiang at once. With him absent from the capital, he would be unable to interfere with the wet nurse’s entrance—and this would not harm your brotherly relationship. What say you, Your Majesty?”

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao’s gloomy expression brightened into a smile. He exclaimed, “Zhongxian, you truly are my strategist! This plan pleases me greatly. You have done me a great service. What reward do you desire?”

Wei Zhongxian, sensing the emperor’s favor, seized the moment delicately. “Your Majesty, while investigating the rumors, I have found myself stretched thin and lacking capable aides. I have heard that the Eastern Depot’s intelligence network spans the realm. If Your Majesty still trusts me, I humbly request to oversee the Eastern Depot, to listen in on all affairs for your benefit.”

Though this was a request for official power, Wei Zhongxian framed it as a service to the emperor, which pleased Zhu Youxiao immensely. Nodding, he said, “Zhongxian, your devotion is rare. Very well, I entrust the Eastern Depot to your charge. Serve me diligently and do not disappoint.”

Wei Zhongxian knelt deeply, bowing his head. “Your servant thanks Your Majesty’s grace. Rest assured, I shall serve faithfully, gathering intelligence for Your Majesty—your eyes and ears.”

Zhu Youxiao smiled and nodded, unaware that by trusting Wei Zhongxian, a treacherous eunuch destined to wreak havoc on the realm had now stepped onto the stage of history.

Meanwhile, none of the happenings in the Palace of Heavenly Purity escaped the palace’s intricate intelligence network. The news reached Zhu Hao swiftly. As Wei Xiaobao reported the developments, Zhu Hao’s fury, which had partially subsided after smashing a dozen vases moments before, flared anew, boiling within him.

In a rage, Zhu Hao paid no mind to Wei Xiaobao’s presence and cursed loudly, “Wei Zhongxian, you old eunuch scoundrel! I will never tolerate you!”

With that, Zhu Hao hurled another vase to the floor, the sharp crash startling Wei Xiaobao so profoundly that he trembled uncontrollably. He had never seen his lord so furious. Wanting to soothe him but unsure how, Wei Xiaobao quietly stepped aside, fearful that the storm might turn upon him.

Zhu Hao’s wrath was not so much because Wei Zhongxian had sown discord between the emperor and his brother, but because Wei Zhongxian now commanded the Eastern Depot. This agency’s extraordinary power was unique to the Ming dynasty, and Zhu Hao could not help but feel uneasy.

The Eastern Depot, formally known as the Eastern Surveillance Office, was a privileged imperial watchdog. Its authority surpassed that of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, another elite secret police organization, for the Eastern Depot answered only to the emperor. It could arrest and monitor subjects without judicial approval. Suspected individuals could be detained without even the emperor’s consent. The Embroidered Uniform Guard, by contrast, could only investigate cases authorized by the emperor. The Eastern Depot could initiate cases on its own. Thus, Zhu Hao’s fury at Wei Zhongxian’s command of such a formidable institution was no surprise.

After shattering the vase, Zhu Hao tried to quell his anger. Drawing a deep breath, he asked Wei Xiaobao, “Xiaobao, you say the emperor has agreed to let Wei Zhongxian take charge of the Eastern Depot. Is this news certain? Has it been verified?”

Wei Xiaobao replied without hesitation, “Your Highness, this matter is of utmost importance. I have confirmed repeatedly with the intelligence agents. The news is undoubtedly accurate.”