Chapter 557 A play directed and performed by Zhu Xi The day. Zhu Yunwen hurried to the Imperial Prefect's Mansion, his actions full of determination and urgency. The doubts and worries in his heart made him unable to rest at peace. He needed to know the truth of the matter personally. He was convinced that it was impossible for the National Preceptor to do such a cruel act, and he needed the National Preceptor to clarify this rumor. Arriving in front of the main hall of the Imperial Prefecture, Zhu Yunwen felt solemn and solemn. Wearing a vermilion dragon robe, he walked into the hall with a solemn expression. Lin Che was already waiting in the hall. His expression was calm, as if he had anticipated Zhu Yunwen's arrival. Zhu Yunwen walked to Lin Che's side with steady steps, his eyes full of mixed emotions. He bent down to salute, raised his head and looked at Lin Che and said, "Master, I couldn't believe the rumors that King Qin was seriously ill." "I have always believed that the Imperial Master is loyal and kind, and would never do such a cruel thing." "However, for the sake of national stability, I must know the truth. If someone is spreading such rumors, they must not be allowed to go unpunished." Lin Che's expression remained calm in the face of Zhu Yunwen's doubts. He slowly said, "This rumor is obviously fabricated by someone with ulterior motives."

After Zhu Yunwen listened, the doubts in his heart gradually dissipated. He knew that what Lin Che said was reasonable. Such rumors would be an unbearable smear to Lin Che and the entire royal family, not to mention a loyal and virtuous minister like Lin Che. He nodded appeasingly, understanding Lin Che's words. Lin Che continued: "The people's trust and dependence on us is the cornerstone of governing the country. The spread of rumors will not only disturb people's hearts, but also weaken the prestige of the court. We must resolutely deal with those who spread rumors and eliminate the root causes of the rumors. To protect the country’s tranquility.” Zhu Yunwen thought deeply and said with understanding: "What the Imperial Master said is true. I will send capable ministers to find out the truth and severely punish those criminals who spread rumors." We will also order intensified publicity so that rumors will have nowhere to hide. " "National Master, do you need my help..." Zhu Yunwen was halfway through his words when he was stopped by Lin Che. A chilling atmosphere enveloped the Prince of Qin's palace. Zhu Ping was sitting in the main hall of the palace. His face was gloomy, his brows were furrowed, and his heart was full of frustration and anger. Originally, he thought that the benefits of directing and acting on his own were that the rumors about the Imperial Preceptor Lin Che's intention to harm him would be able to turn the tide in the court and point everyone's finger at Lin Che. However, the development of things was beyond his expectation and put him into a more dangerous situation. "How could it become like this?" Zhu Xi said to himself, looking angry. After Zhu Yuanzhang learned of the news, he immediately dispatched a large number of manpower to conduct a large-scale investigation to find evidence to confirm these rumors. Under the influence of this move, Lin Che received more attention and support, and Zhu Xiang's plan failed. In the court, people's eyes became complicated. Zhu Ping became a thorn in everyone's side. His prestige was severely hit and his position in the court was in jeopardy. Princess Qin was extremely anxious, and his eyes were full of worry and helplessness. "Our Qin Prince's Mansion has been criticized a lot now. I just hope that we can survive this disaster and be safe and sound." Princess Qin said worriedly. She had been worried about Zhu Xi's safety, and she was also worried about her own future. Zhu Chong listened quietly with a serious expression. He knew that the situation was urgent and the most important thing now was to get through this storm. As night fell, Zhu Chong stood alone in the courtyard with a lot of thoughts in his mind. Suddenly, in the night, a familiar figure appeared in his sight. It was a guard. "Your Highness, I have investigated clearly. The Imperial Master seems to have discovered that we are the ones spreading the rumors." The guard bowed and said. Zhu Xi nodded slightly, showing the slightest hope: "There is no way, the situation is not good for me now. The prestige of the national master is getting higher and higher, but I am becoming more and more isolated. I need time and I also need to find a suitable opportunity."

The guard took a deep look at Zhu Xi and said firmly: "Your Highness, leave it to me." A few days later, news came that Zhu Ping exposed his ambitions during a secret banquet. After Zhu Yunwen learned about it, he decided to take action. He summoned his most trusted guards to discuss a plan. At night, the Qin Prince's Mansion next to the imperial palace was filled with a solemn atmosphere. Under the moonlight, Zhu Yunwen and his guards shuttled through the secret passages between the palace and Prince Qin's Mansion, looking for Zhu Ping's whereabouts. Suddenly, a black shadow flashed past, Zhu Yunwen was startled, and he hurriedly chased after him. The black shadow led them to a remote palace, where there was a faint light. Zhu Yunwen quietly walked into the palace, where Zhu Ping was sitting on the dragon throne, surrounded by some bribed officials and warriors. They were talking to each other and planning earth-shaking plans to usurp the throne. Zhu Yunwen stared at Zhu Ping, his eyes showing anger and determination. "Zhu Ming, for the sake of power and position, you dare to murder your own flesh and blood and bring endless suffering to the country. Today, I will end everything." Zhu Yunwen's voice was cold and firm. Zhu Ping was stunned when he heard this voice. He looked at Zhu Yunwen in horror, not believing the scene in front of him at all. "Hmph, do you think you won?" Zhu Ping suddenly laughed and rushed towards Zhu Yunwen desperately. Zhu Yunwen faced Zhu Ping's impact and moved the sword in his hand. The sword was bright and stabbed at Zhu Ping like lightning. Their figures intertwined in the palace, sword moves came one after another, sword energy surged, and the entire palace seemed to have turned into a battlefield. Zhu Ping tried his best, but he could not resist Zhu Yunwen's offensive. Every sword strike by Zhu Yunwen contained anger and determination towards Zhu Ping. In the end, Zhu Ping was defeated. He fell to the ground in a state of embarrassment, almost unable to breathe. He looked at Zhu Yunwen's raised sword, and his heart was filled with despair. "伱, don't come over." Zhu Ping took a step back tremblingly, knowing that he was on the verge of life and death. Zhu Yunwen's eyes were cold and firm. He raised his sword and stabbed Zhu Ping's chest without hesitation. However, at that moment, a figure appeared between the sword blades. "Your Highness, please do not harm your second uncle." Fu Youwen suddenly appeared in front of Zhu Xiang, and he stretched out his hand to block Zhu Yunwen's sword blade. Zhu Yunwen stopped in shock and looked at Fu Youwen in front of him. "Master Fu, why did you..." Zhu Yunwen's voice was filled with indescribable emotions. Fu Youwen looked at Zhu Yunwen with a smile and said in a gentle tone: "Your Highness, although Zhu Xiang has rebellious intentions, he is your relative after all. The decision you made for the Ming Dynasty is admirable, but I hope there will be a better one." The solution is not to shed the blood of family members.” Zhu Yunwen fell into deep thought. He rethought his relationship with Zhu Xi and slowly put away his sword. (End of this chapter)