Chapter 128 The conspiracy failed, look at my conspiracy
Chen Biao hugged his two younger brothers and rubbed them. After his mood improved a little, he said, "The next thing will be handed over to Uncle Yang. Brother Zheng, if you want to intervene, go and take a look."
Zhu Wenzheng gave Chen Biao a bear hug: "Don't be sad."
Chen Biao wanted to say that he was not sad, but he opened his mouth and no sound came out.
It was impossible not to be sad. Chen Biao had been with these people day and night for several years. He would cry even if something happened to his pet. How could he not be sad and angry when he was betrayed?
Chen Biao really wanted to rush to that person and ask him if he was not good enough to the servants of the Chen family?
Not to mention that as a modern soul, he definitely treats his servants much better than other feudal nobles, even if the servants of the Chen family were replaced with modern company employees, he would still have a clear conscience.
He has money now, and he provides his subordinates with everything from benefits, working hours, education, retirement, and housing funds . If he were in modern society, he would also be a good boss who would be worshipped by his employees.
He also repeatedly emphasized that anyone who wanted to make a name for themselves should tell him, because the Chen family would not sign a death contract with anyone and would let anyone go out to fight.
His father also told him that if any of these people's descendants wanted to achieve great things, they could be given directly to the three elder brothers and no one could stop them.
Put yourself in their shoes, would they really have the nerve to betray you?
Even if we don't talk about conscience, just based on interests, can they gain greater benefits by leaving the Chen family?
Chen Biao just couldn't understand. He couldn't accept it.
"I won't go to see him. Brother Zheng, please find out the reason for me and tell me." Chen Biao wanted to hold back, but still couldn't help choking.
He remembered the names and faces of every member of the Chen family, and considered them all his own. He knew rationally that he shouldn't shed tears for a betrayer, but Chen Biao couldn't help it.
He couldn't help sobbing, which became louder and louder, and then he hid in Zhu Wenzhen's arms and cried like he did when he was a child.
Zhu Wenzhen hugged Chen Biao tightly and patted his back gently, his expression becoming more and more ferocious.
"Okay, you won't go, and you're not allowed to go. I'll ask for you." Zhu Wenzheng tried to soften his voice to cover up the violence in his heart. "Biao'er, be good, don't be sad. We're going to worship our ancestors soon. If you cry your eyes out, you'll be laughed at."
Chen Biao burst into tears and said, "Just laugh at me. I'm young anyway. It's their fault if anyone laughs at me!"
Zhu Wenzheng immediately said, "Right, right, right. If anyone laughs at you, I'll beat him up!"
Chen Chong and Chen Tan stood behind Chen Biao and clenched their fists.
There was a cruel expression , which was very inconsistent.
Chen Jing felt guilty and anxious, a hint of hatred appeared in his eyes, and a huge fire was burning in his heart.
The two brothers knew how good their brother was. He was good not only to them but also to everyone in the Chen family. Who could bear to make such a good brother cry?
When their older brother could barely walk, he took over the family's responsibility to support their almost nonexistent father. Growing up, they only had their older brother, not their father. Chen Biao and Chen Jin rarely saw him cry, let alone cry so heartbreakingly.
The two brothers hated themselves for being so young and for not being able to grow up quickly. They could only stand there, unable to help their brother.
Zhu Wenzhen took a look at the two little brats with sinister and violent expressions, and couldn't help but sneer in his heart.
He had long known that Biao'er was the only kindhearted person in the Zhu family. Whether it was his fourth uncle, himself, or his cousins, there were all vicious beasts that devoured people.
Even the cat that looks the most well-behaved shows surprising indifference and calculation at such a young age, let alone the dog.
The dog wasn't a puppy at all; it was a wolf cub that, at such a young age, hadn't concealed its ferocity and dominance. If it weren't for Biao'er, the "alpha wolf," keeping him in check, this wolf cub would probably have grown up to be ruthless and uncaring for the top spot.
People often dislike people with similar personalities to themselves, so Zhu Wenzhen does not have a good relationship with his other cousins.
He only had a good relationship with his cousins in front of Chen Biao. This was not a disguise, but in front of Chen Biao, they were all brothers with different personalities, and they really got along well with each other, and they were not cruel people who were all made from the same mold.
Now, seeing his cousins revealing their inner anger, Zhu Wenzhen could hardly help but feel disgusted.
It’s not bad to have such a vicious wolf and tiger brother. Biao’er is still too soft and needs the protection of jackals, tigers and leopards.
Chen Biao stopped crying only after his eyes were swollen.
He felt extremely embarrassed looking at Chen Chong and Chen Chong. How could he, as the eldest brother, cry so hard in front of his younger brothers?
Chen Biao covered his eyes embarrassedly, trying to cover up his mistake.
Chen Chong and Chen Tan had already prepared wet towels and water. One wiped Chen Biao's face, and the other fed Chen Biao water.
Chen Biao enjoyed his brothers' hospitality for a while, but was almost choked by the water Chen Chong fed him. He quickly said that he was fine and asked them to stop wasting time.
"This matter is over." Chen Biao suppressed the sadness in his heart and continued to teach his brother, "Do you understand the purpose of my doing this?"
Chen Xun racked his brains and thought for a moment before saying, "Brother...brother, are you going to give them a lecture to calm them down while you send people to search for them?"
Chen Jing held his head and stammered, "Brother, are you giving us a lecture so that they can confess their crimes? Those who truly betray us will think that you know everything and run away."
Chen Biao said with relief: "That's about it. I didn't use any complicated tricks, this is a very simple thing. But you all guessed it, it's really amazing."
Chen Biao felt much more relieved when he saw that his brothers had hit the nail on the head.
As long as my younger brothers are growing up, this matter...this matter is still so fucking infuriating!
Chen Biao also explained to his younger brothers the significance behind his actions in this matter, such as that giving lectures was not just to steady them, but that the lectures themselves were also the most important part of this matter.
Without rules, there will be no order. Chen Biao originally thought that these people could do their work well on their own. If they didn't know how to do it, they would set the rules and regulations themselves and determine the rewards and punishments.
Next, Chen Biao will exempt some people from the punishment of copying the courseware a hundred times and reward them; for others, the punishment will be reduced or increased in turn, and they will have corresponding individual conversations.
Chen Biao would play the victim and tell others about his betrayal. He would ask others if he, as the young master, had not done a good enough job, so that the person he trusted the most had stabbed him in the heart.
Appropriate displays of weakness and sympathy, coupled with strong and accurate rewards and punishments, can increase the cohesion of the group every time a crisis comes.
There is no group without problems. Only by treating every problem as a test can the group become more mature and stable.
Chen Biao educated his younger brothers and also educated himself.
It is impossible not to feel bad, and you may not be able to hold back your tears next time, but you cannot let this incident affect your future behavior, and you cannot blame those who did not betray you.
Not only did Chen Biao not complain, he also gave everyone an extra month's salary.
When the Chen family servants learned that someone had betrayed them, they were stunned at first. Then someone picked up the old friend that had been hanging on the head of the bed for a long time and wanted to kill him.
Li Zhen finally managed to calm down this group of people who were injured in the battle and could no longer fight on the battlefield.
The people around Chen Jing were even more upset. The person who was rewarded returned the reward, saying that he had copied it a hundred times without any ambiguity.
How did they know that such a small matter could have such a sinister intention behind it?
When Chen Biao saw that the servants of the Chen family began to look at the people around them with suspicion, he quickly stopped them and held a cultural performance for them. Everyone had to organize a group to perform on stage, and he used the joke to deal with this small crisis.
"We were once comrades-in-arms, and now we are colleagues. The betrayals are few in number, so don't let them affect our relationship. I've already written an analysis of the events surrounding the betrayals, so please read it carefully and avoid these pitfalls in the future." Chen Biao warned, "I don't want to affect the harmonious atmosphere of our Chen family. It's not worth it for one betrayer."
Chen Biao already knew why that person betrayed him.
The man was reminded by the judge that he had been set up. He didn't even realize that he was betraying the Chen family.
He kindly rescued a woman who was selling herself to bury her father, and the woman promised to marry him. Then the woman found her mother and was found by her uncle, a wealthy businessman who came from afar to look for his relatives.
The wealthy uncle was very grateful to him, gave him more money, and often had meals with him. After a few visits, they became familiar with each other.
The wealthy uncle was also a scholar and had served as a local official in the Yuan Dynasty. When he heard the man praising the Chen family's good master, he said that his way of treating the young master was wrong and that the young master would bear a grudge against him.
"Young Master Chen San is your true master. If you obey Young Master Chen Da in every detail, Young Master Chen San will definitely dislike you in the future." My uncle said earnestly, "Help him keep some harmless little things secret. That way he will trust you. This is not a betrayal of your eldest son, it's just a small matter."
He obeyed. Chen Jing was indeed very kind to him.
Things just started to get out of control.
He only indulged Chen Tan in some small things. After he tasted the sweetness of being rewarded and valued, he began to actively instigate Chen Tan to do some things that Chen Tan liked but were forbidden by his family.
From secretly eating snacks to slacking off on homework. Because it was just a small matter, Chen Chong, who was taking care of his younger brother instead of Chen Biao, didn't notice it. He just thought that the eldest brother was away and the youngest brother started to slack off.
It was not until Chen Tan took the dog to climb a tree that the danger went beyond the scope of "small matter" that Chen Tan began to strictly discipline Chen Tan.
At this time, the man began to follow Chen Tan's mood and sow discord between Chen Tan and Chen Tan. He said that it was okay to talk about the eldest son, but the second son was only two years older than Chen Tan, so why did he have the right to control Chen Tan?
That person always thought that everything he did was out of his desire to gain more benefits. He just thought that the Third Young Master would definitely be crowned king in the future, and he would enjoy endless wealth and honor by following the Third Young Master, so he wanted to become the Third Young Master's confidant.
He had no idea that everything he did was the result of the subtle influence of his "rich uncle who used to be an official and was very educated."
After reading it, Chen Biao sighed in his heart.
Chen Biao didn't know that the temptation this person faced was the temptation of becoming a prince's confidant.
So he sighed, the mere benefit of being a confidant of Jin'er could turn a once loyal and reliable servant into a sycophantic villain. Corruption was so easy.
Chen Biao was also very confused. If that was all, he wouldn't have to run away. He honestly apologized to himself, and at most he would let him stay away from the Chen family.
This person follows Chen Jing and doesn't know any secrets. I won't take his life.
Did he have to flee in such a hurry?
Zhu Wenzheng said: "You can only ask him to leave the Chen family, but my fourth uncle and I will not do that. He is my fourth uncle's old subordinate and knows our personalities."
Chen Biao scratched his head: "It seems so. Alas, he... forget it, I won't ask."
Zhu Wenzheng said lazily, "Ask, it's not a big deal. I left him an intact body, and Yang Xian dealt with his problematic family members. It's a pity that that wealthy uncle ran away. Judging from the traces left behind, he must be from Zhang Shicheng's group."
Chen Biao sighed. "Zhang Shicheng? This method is very similar to the work of someone in the imperial court. Considering Zhang Shicheng's personality... but he has gathered many former Yuan Dynasty officials under his command, so this is indeed possible. I didn't expect that you, Brother Zheng, left that man's body intact. I thought you had a hobby of cutting people up like Dad did."
Zhu Wenzheng cursed: "Bullshit! Who is the same as him? I am a serious person!"
Chen Biao laughed, and the dark clouds in his heart caused by this incident completely dissipated.
He is a rather cold-hearted person and will feel sad towards people other than his family, but this emotion will not last long.
Zhu Wenzhen felt relieved when he saw Chen Biao's relaxed smile.
In fact, he really wanted to skin the man alive at first. But when he learned that this man did not reveal Chen Biao's identity even though he was afraid of death and ran away, and even cut off his own tongue to prevent him from revealing it after escaping, he softened his heart.
Zhu Wenzhen thought that he was probably also influenced by Chen Biao's words and carefully considered this man's guilt.
Flattery is indeed a crime, but if this person did not know Chen Biao's identity, he would not have been allowed to stay after leaving the Chen family. He would not have to die, at most he would have been sold and exiled.
After Zhu Wenzheng made this decision, he crouched on the ground with his head in his hands, doubting his life for a long time. Even when his son, who could now walk unsteadily, poked him in the back with a small wooden sword from behind, he didn't move, which frightened Song Shi.
When Zhu Wenzheng told Song about his confusion, she burst out laughing. "Isn't this a good thing? The man who deserved death is dead, and you didn't do anything too cruel. Biao'er might not feel too bad when he finds out that the man's body was intact."
Zhu Wenzheng seemed to understand, but when he saw Chen Biao's relaxed smile, he felt that his momentary leniency was worth it.
The adoptive father was furious and scolded himself for having killed that man without his permission and without waiting for him to come back and cut him into pieces with his own hands.
Zhu Wenzhen scoffed at his adoptive father's abusive letters and even disliked the ink used to wipe his butt.
My godfather’s mood doesn’t matter, as long as Biaoer is happy.
After spending a few days taking care of household affairs and completing the preparations for the ancestral worship, Chen Biao was about to leave Yingtian again.
This time his father wrote to him, asking him to take Chen Chong and Chen Tan with him. The two children were old enough to travel long distances, so it was just the right time for them to go see the world.
Prince Ming also sent a letter, asking him to bring along his two children, Jian'er and Jian'er, to prevent him from being exploited again. As for apologizing, there was no need for that. This was a family matter, and Yang Xian was only concerned that Chen Biao wouldn't be able to take action. Since Chen Biao could handle it himself, there was no problem.
The Ming King also sent half of a military token along with the letter, saying that with the token he could mobilize any army. If anything happened on the way to ancestor worship, he could use it at will. Believe him.
Yang Xian complained: "Fortunately, this time it was only half a military token, not ten copies of it."
"Ten pieces? What ten pieces of military tokens?" Ji Renshou was puzzled.
Yang Xian said sarcastically, "The Lord gave Biao'er ten gold medals with the inscription 'The King is Present' and he was afraid that Biao'er would lose them."
Ji Renshou: "...Biao'er, you must keep it safe!"
Chen Biao took out a gold medal and said, "It's engraved on the back with "For Chen Biao Only." I don't have to worry about losing it.
Ji Renshou couldn't help laughing.
Although Chen Chong and Chen Tan were very happy to go out with their brother for the first time, they were worried about the dog and cat.
"Brother, how about I stay and you take my third brother with you?" Chen Chong hesitated for a whole night and suffered from insomnia for half a night before making this difficult decision.
Chen Biao smiled and touched the dark circles under Chen Xun's eyes, saying, "The dog and cat are with my uncle. Mother said she will be back in a few days, and she will take good care of them."
When Ma Xiuying learned about this, she was so anxious that she almost rode back on horseback. Zhu Yuanzhang was afraid that Ma Xiuying would be tired, so he persuaded her to take the boat.
Zhu Yuanzhang would rush back as soon as he finished dealing with the affairs in Peking.
The couple was so scared that their house was almost robbed.
Chen Xun breathed a sigh of relief: "Why didn't you say so earlier? Brother! Is there anything good to eat outside?"
Chen Biao pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "Yes. The beautiful ones include corpses strewn across the desolate fields for thousands of miles; the delicious ones include tree bark, grass roots, and Guanyin soil."
Chen Chong's face froze.
Chen Jing stammered, "Ah, we eat tree bark and grass roots?"
Chen Biao shook his head. "Of course we'll bring some food. But we might encounter famine victims and bandits along the way, and I'm afraid there will be fierce battles. Those we kill along the way may not be the ones who deserve to be killed, and we can't give them our food. You... well, take a good look. Yingtian is too prosperous, and you haven't seen troubled times yet."
Chen Chong and Chen Tan suddenly became very nervous.
Chen Biao patted his brother's head and said with a smile, "It's good to go out for a walk. Although I'm reluctant to let you go, you may have reached the age where you should go out and broaden your horizons."
Chen Biao really couldn't bear to let her go. Song'er would only be ten this December. In modern society, this would be a carefree age, free from worries except for studying.
In this era, Chong'er has reached the age where he should be sensible.
Just as Chen Biao was touching his brothers' heads with heartache, Zhang Chang strode in from outside the door.
When they met, he smiled and bowed deeply to Chen Biao. "Are you Chen Jiabiao? I really admire the story of Chen Junshi scolding Chen Zhuangyuan to death."
Chen Biao smiled and bowed back, "Mr. Zhang, that's not true. I've already said it in the newspaper, and I didn't curse anyone. It's possible that Chen Hanlin was tired from following the dog emperor on the journey, and he couldn't hold on any longer, so he just collapsed."
Zhang Chang almost couldn't control the twitching of his face, and clenched his hands in his sleeves.
Ji Renshou defended Chen Biao and said, "Of course, Biao never curses. I also read the newspaper. Biao was just telling the truth. How can that be called cursing?"
To be honest...
Zhang Chang stood up straight and said with a smile, "Indeed."
Chen Biao said enthusiastically, "I've long heard that Mr. Zhang has turned from evil to good and cares deeply about the people. Meeting him today, Mr. Zhang is indeed a man of great stature. Just by looking at his face, I can tell that he is full of talent and moral integrity."
Zhang Chang suppressed his disgust and said with a kind smile, "Military Advisor Chen, such a compliment is unacceptable to me."
Chen Biao was even more enthusiastic. "I'm just telling the truth. Mr. Zhang is too modest. I just happen to have an errand that I need Mr. Zhang's help with. After the sacrifice, I'll bother you for a while and be your colleague for a while. Please don't be offended, Mr. Zhang."
Before Zhang Chang could answer, Ji Renshou immediately asked, "What's the matter?!"
How could my lord let Biao'er and Zhang Chang be alone together!
Chen Biao put away his smile and forced a sad expression. "My lord has received a letter saying that many people in Peking are seeking justice for Prime Minister Tuotuo and suing the emperor and his treacherous ministers. After reading Tuotuo's deeds, my lord has decided to publicize Tuotuo's virtuous name to warn the people of our time and future generations about the dangers of treacherous rulers and treacherous ministers."
At this point, Chen Biao covered his face with his sleeves and wiped the corners of his eyes, which turned red. "The reason why I say that Han Ming came to power in the most righteous way is because both Emperor Gaozu of Han and my lord were commoners and officials. In a peaceful world, they would have lived a peaceful life."
"The wealthy families who fought for the throne in other dynasties lived well, regardless of whether they were in troubled times or prosperous ones. My lord was really forced into a corner and couldn't survive." Chen Biao choked up, "If Tuotuo had met a wise ruler earlier, who could have put an end to the chaos and given the people a way to survive, who would still be willing to live on the edge of a knife? He would have accepted the amnesty and returned to his hometown long ago."
Chen Biao covered his face with his sleeves again, his body trembling twice, and then he lowered his sleeves to reveal his red eyes: "Shouldn't such a good prime minister be commemorated?"
Zhang Chang was stunned for a long moment before he said in a deep voice, "Yes!"
Chen Biao said, "So the Lord asked me to help Mr. Zhang and compile Tuotuo's deeds. The first issue of our Yingtian newspaper was used to explain Tuotuo's deeds and redress his name. The Lord also said that after he ascends the throne, such a good official as Tuotuo must be enshrined in the Taimiao."
Zhang Chang's body trembled and he was speechless.
Seeing this, Ji Renshou's hostility dissipated a little.
He sighed and said, "It is indeed a pity that a virtuous and loyal minister does not meet a wise master. My lord is thoughtful."
Chen Biao wiped his eyes again and said, "My lord also said that the officials of the Yuan Dynasty knew that the Yuan Dynasty was doomed, but they still needed a legitimate reason to surrender to the Ming Dynasty. Let's have Mr. Zhang hold a memorial service for Tuotuo, which will give them this reason."
Zhang Chang's heart skipped a beat.
Chen Biao sighed, "Mr. Zhang was once the Minister of Finance of the Yuan Dynasty. Seeing the incompetence of the Yuan Emperor due to the Tuotuo incident, Mr. Zhang decided to join a wise ruler. This wasn't betrayal, but a concern for the people of the world. When Tuotuo died, the Yuan Dynasty should have been buried with this wise and loyal minister. Mr. Zhang wrote an obituary for Prime Minister Tuotuo. I think former Yuan Dynasty officials around the world, knowing that the Ming Dynasty would treat them well, would be willing to serve in the Ming Dynasty."
Chen Biao half covered his face with his sleeves: "Mr. Zhang, isn't that right?"
Zhang Chang's head was buzzing: "Yes."
Chen Biao sighed, "Mr. Zhang is a Han Chinese, a great scholar who cares about the people, and a virtuous minister of the Yuan Dynasty who spoke up for Prime Minister Tuotuo. It's only natural for such a person to leave the scoundrel emperor and join a wise leader who can end the chaos. I believe that all the former ministers of the Yuan Dynasty will take Mr. Zhang as a benchmark and respect him as a role model. Mr. Zhang is indeed such a person, and he deserves any praise."
Ji Renshou looked at Zhang Chang, hiding the sympathy in his eyes, and nodded, "Indeed. Mr. Zhang is a man of both talent and virtue, a role model."
Ji Renshou was very curious. How would Zhang Chang respond to Biaoer's move?
But no matter how Zhang Chang responded, Biaoer was sure to win this game.
This is an open and aboveboard conspiracy that is unstoppable.
