Chapter Fifty-Two: Central Intelligence Agency
Hua Rong saw Zhu Hao returning from outside, his face clouded with worry. “Your Highness, where have you been? I nearly turned the entire palace upside down searching for you. Why did you leave without taking me along? Do you not trust your subordinate?”
Hearing such a direct inquiry, Zhu Hao realized Hua Rong’s concern for him and coughed awkwardly. “Well, Protector Hua, it’s like this—Father summoned me unexpectedly this morning. Since you were all still asleep, I went alone.”
At his words, Hua Rong immediately knelt to the ground. “Please punish your subordinate, Your Highness. As the leader of your guards, it is my duty to know when you leave, yet I failed. Please reprimand me!”
Zhu Hao hurried forward to help Hua Rong up, but Hua Rong stubbornly refused to rise. Helpless, Zhu Hao said, “Oh, come now! This isn’t your fault. Please, get up!”
Still unmoved, Hua Rong continued kneeling. “I have neglected my duty. Your Highness should punish me!”
Zhu Hao understood Hua Rong’s true intention: a reproach for not informing him of his departure. Knowing Hua Rong’s concern for his safety and his unwavering diligence, Zhu Hao relented for once. “Enough, Protector Hua. I admit my fault. Next time, no matter when I go out, whether I require your company or not, I’ll notify you immediately. Now, please stand up! I have something I need you to do.”
Upon hearing Zhu Hao’s assurance, Hua Rong finally stood and asked, “What orders does Your Highness have? I will carry them out at once!”
Zhu Hao nodded. “It’s nothing major. Go and fetch Wei Xiaobao, Gongsun Ce, and Shi Qian. I have important matters to discuss with you all. Make haste; I’ll wait here for your return.”
Hua Rong received his orders and departed. After about the time it takes two incense sticks to burn, he returned with Wei Xiaobao, Gongsun Ce, and Shi Qian. The four, seeing Zhu Hao waiting in the courtyard of the sleeping quarters, bowed in unison. “Greetings, Your Highness!”
Zhu Hao looked at his pitifully small cadre and shook his head with a sigh. “Rise. Let’s speak inside.”
With that, Zhu Hao led the way into the room, the others following close behind. Once inside and the door closed, Zhu Hao wasted no words and began, “You should all know that I killed Cui Shi of the Eastern Forest Faction at the royal hunting grounds. Now, the Eastern Forest Faction sees me as a thorn in their side, yearning to eliminate me. Though Father currently protects me, he cannot shield me forever. What do you think I should do to ensure my own safety?”
Wei Xiaobao spoke first. “Your Highness, I don’t care about any damned Eastern Forest Faction. Anyone who seeks to harm you, I’ll make sure they never get near you!”
His words brought a smile, but Zhu Hao sensed his loyalty and nodded, then turned to Gongsun Ce. “Gongsun, what do you think?”
Gongsun Ce, ever the scholar, did not answer rashly. He pondered a moment, then said, “Before entering the palace, I’d heard of the Eastern Forest Faction’s considerable influence among the scholarly class. If they truly intend to target Your Highness, it will be troublesome indeed. I have no immediate solution, but my suggestion is that Your Highness must build your own strength. Otherwise, given the current situation, it will be difficult to withstand their assault.”
Zhu Hao nodded. “Gongsun’s words align with my thoughts. I’ve summoned you four today to establish our own force.”
Hua Rong asked, somewhat perplexed, “Our own force? What does Your Highness mean? Forgive my ignorance; please enlighten me.”
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Hua Rong’s question was rooted in reason. In this feudal Ming dynasty, anyone speaking of forming their own faction risked being accused of treason. Hua Rong thought Zhu Hao might be planning rebellion, hence his cautious inquiry.
Zhu Hao grasped the implication at once, knowing Hua Rong’s loyalty to his father, Zhu Changluo, was unwavering.
Understanding Hua Rong’s concerns, Zhu Hao explained, “This so-called force of ours is a semi-secret organization, established to guard against the Eastern Forest Faction externally and the inner palace internally. Its main purpose is intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, enabling me to foresee threats. Once the organization is formed, I will report it to Father for official recognition.”
Relief washed over Hua Rong’s face, and he bowed to Zhu Hao. “I understand, Your Highness. I await your orders.”
Zhu Hao nodded approvingly and was about to continue when Shi Qian timidly asked, “What… what will our organization be called?”
Zhu Hao had considered naming it the Inner Bureau, but its reputation was tarnished by the infamous eunuch Liu Jin. Drawing upon memories from before his journey, Zhu Hao decided, “Since our organization is born within the palace and dedicated to intelligence, I hereby name it the Central Intelligence Office. What do you all think?”
Among the four, Hua Rong cared only about whether Zhu Hao was plotting rebellion, not the name itself. Wei Xiaobao, ever agreeable, voiced no objection, and Shi Qian, the lowest in rank, would never dissent. Gongsun Ce pondered briefly and then voiced his approval.
With unanimous consent, the future Central Intelligence Office, destined to profoundly impact the Ming dynasty, was thus founded.
Seeing no objections, Zhu Hao began assigning roles. “Now that the Central Intelligence Office is established, I’ll allocate tasks. Wei Xiaobao, listen!”
Wei Xiaobao responded with solemnity. “I am here!”
Zhu Hao’s expression grew serious. “I appoint you as Chief Steward of the Central Intelligence Office, responsible for recruiting intelligence personnel. Remember, the backgrounds of new members must be clean; ability is secondary. Understood?”
Wei Xiaobao replied respectfully, “I accept my orders and will follow Your Highness’s instructions!”
Satisfied, Zhu Hao nodded and continued, “Shi Qian, listen!”
Shi Qian, startled to be called so soon, knelt hastily. “Here!”
Zhu Hao nodded. “I appoint you as Second Steward of the Central Intelligence Office, in charge of training recruits in intelligence gathering. Teach them all your skills. Can you do this?”
Shi Qian, overwhelmed, kowtowed fervently. “I accept my orders! I will do my utmost to instruct them and ensure Your Highness’s satisfaction!”
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Zhu Hao nodded again and turned to Hua Rong. “Hua Rong, listen!”
Hua Rong answered crisply, “I am here!”
Zhu Hao said with equal directness, “I appoint you as Chief Instructor of the Central Intelligence Office, responsible for training all personnel in martial arts.”
Hua Rong knelt on one knee, fist clasped. “I accept my orders!”
Finally, Zhu Hao looked to Gongsun Ce. “Gongsun Ce, listen!”
Gongsun Ce knelt in response. “Present!”
Zhu Hao pondered briefly before declaring, “I appoint you as Acting Chief Steward of the Central Intelligence Office, overseeing all arrangements, directing intelligence operations, and reporting all crucial information to me at once.”
Gongsun Ce bowed deeply. “Thank you for Your Highness’s trust. I will ensure the tasks are accomplished!”
With these appointments made, another covert agency was quietly established within the palace. Perhaps none of them, not even Zhu Hao, could foresee the tremendous growth and far-reaching influence it would one day wield.
With their new roles, the group dispersed to their tasks, while Zhu Hao sat quietly in the room, contemplating the events that might soon transpire. The end of the month approached, his father’s health remained robust, and there were no signs of illness. He wondered whether the Red Pill Incident would unfold as expected. Anxiety gnawed at his heart, for he was now the least willing in the palace to see harm befall his father. Should anything happen to him, Zhu Hao would become the target of all. The Empress wished his death, and the Eastern Forest Faction sought the same. Both the inner palace and the world outside had been offended by him alone. Without his father’s protection, his future was truly unimaginable.
As Zhu Hao secretly established the Central Intelligence Office in his chamber, unrest simmered in the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Just as he had summoned Wei Xiaobao, Lady Zheng quietly entered the palace. Moments later, fierce quarrels erupted within.
Seated on the phoenix throne, Empress Guo glared coldly at Lady Zheng opposite her. With a snort, she said, “Why do you keep coming here? Do you still wish to form an alliance with me? Do you think I would trust you again?”
Lady Zheng smiled faintly. “Empress, there’s no need for such anger. What could be so grave as to provoke you so? I have my reasons for acting as I do. Since we are partners, you must trust me.”
Empress Guo swept her gaze over Lady Zheng. “Trust? How am I to trust someone so fickle and unreliable? I will not trust you again.”