Daming: After self-explosive time travel, Lao Zhu's mentality collapsed

"The Ming Dynasty will last forever!"

After pacifying Xixia and the grassland tribes, the Ming Dynasty ushered in a rare period of peace. Chu Ze worked hard to govern the country and implemented a series of reform measures, which gradually improved the lives of the people.

However, just when everyone thought that the world was at peace, a new crisis quietly arrived.

One day, Chu Ze was reviewing memorials in the imperial study when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside.

"Report! Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!"

A Jinyiwei rushed in hurriedly, knelt on the ground, his voice trembling.

"A plague has broken out in Jiangnan Water Village!"

Chu Ze's face suddenly changed when he heard this. He stood up suddenly and asked sternly:

"What happened? Tell me in detail!"

Jinyiwei hurriedly reported: "An unknown plague has broken out in many places in the Jiangnan water towns. The patients have high fevers and ulcers all over their bodies. The mortality rate is extremely high. Local officials are helpless, and the people are in panic. Many people have already fled their homes."

A shadow fell over Chu Ze's heart. He knew very well how terrible the plague was, and once it spread, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Immediately issue an order to seal off the Jiangnan Water Village and prohibit anyone from entering or leaving!"

"At the same time, mobilize the imperial doctors and medicinal materials to rush to the epidemic area and do our best to treat the patients!"

"According to the order!"

The Jinyiwei took the order and left, while Chu Ze paced back and forth in the imperial study with a frown on his face.

He knew very well that this plague was not only a disaster, but also a test. If it was not handled properly, it would likely shake the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.

“A solution must be found quickly.”

Chu Ze muttered to himself, with a glimmer of determination in his eyes.

He decided to go to the Jiangnan water town in person to investigate the source of the plague and find a solution.

"Your Majesty, you must not do this!"

After Qin Yunyun learned of Chu Ze's decision, she anxiously dissuaded him.

"The epidemic area is full of dangers. As the emperor, how can you risk your life?"

Chu Ze shook his head and said firmly: "As a king, how can I sit back and watch the people suffer?"

"What's more, only by going to the scene in person can we understand the real situation and find a solution to the problem."

Qin Yunyun wanted to persuade him again, but seeing the determination in Chu Ze's eyes, she knew she could not change his decision.

"Well, in that case, I am willing to accompany the emperor and take care of your daily life."

Qin Yunyun said softly, her eyes full of worry and love.

Chu Ze felt warm in his heart, held her hand, and said gratefully: "Thank you, Yunyun."

He paused, then added: "However, this journey is extremely dangerous, so you should stay in the capital. I will find out the truth as soon as possible and return safely."

Qin Yunyun shook her head and said firmly: "No, I must go with the emperor. No matter life or death, I must be with the emperor."

Chu Ze looked at the woman who loved him deeply, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions. He knew that he could no longer refuse her request.

"Okay, let's go together then."

Chu Ze hugged Qin Yunyun affectionately, his heart filled with warmth and strength.

He knew that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, as long as his lover was by his side, he could overcome all difficulties.

The next day, Chu Ze and Qin Yunyun disguised themselves and secretly went to the water town in the south of the Yangtze River with a few trusted guards.

After a long and dusty journey, they finally arrived at the center of the epidemic area.

The scene before them shocked and saddened both Chu Ze and Qin Yunyun.

The once prosperous and bustling Jiangnan water town has now become a dead city.

The streets were deserted, with only the occasional coughs and groans making one feel creepy.

The doors and windows of the houses were tightly shut, and some were even in ruins. A nauseating stench filled the air.

Chu Ze and Qin Yunyun looked at each other and saw the sadness and determination in each other's eyes.

They knew they had to act quickly or more people would die.

Chu Ze brought everyone to the local government office, but found that the door was closed and there was deathly silence inside.

"what happened?"

Chu Ze frowned, with a bad feeling in his heart.

He went forward and knocked on the door, but there was no response from inside.

"Break the door!"

Chu Ze gave the order and the guards immediately took action. They worked together to break open the door and rushed into the government office. However, the scene before them shocked them.

The yamen was littered with corpses and blood flowed like a river.

All the officials and yamen runners had fallen in a pool of blood.

A shadow fell over Chu Ze's heart.

He realized that things were more complicated than he had imagined.

Chu Ze and Qin Yunyun carefully passed through the bloody yamen and came to the backyard. They found that there was a secret room in the backyard with a heavy iron lock on the door.

Chu Ze drew his sword and slashed at the iron lock. The iron lock broke with a sound, and the door of the secret room slowly opened.

The secret room was pitch black. Chu Ze lit a tinder, and with the faint light, they saw a shocking scene.

The walls of the secret room were hung with various torture instruments, and bloodstained clothes and broken bones were scattered on the ground.

The air was filled with a strong smell of blood, which made people feel sick.

"What on earth happened here?"

Qin Yunyun covered her mouth and her face turned pale.

Chu Ze did not answer, he just walked silently to a table, on which was a thick account book.

Chu Ze opened the account book and looked at it carefully. He found that the account book recorded the corruption and bribery of local officials over the years.

The amount is staggering.

"These dog officials are so greedy!"

Chu Ze said through gritted teeth, his eyes full of anger.

He continued to look through the account books and suddenly found a familiar name.

"Li Er?"

Chu Ze exclaimed in surprise. He didn't expect that this name would appear here.

Li Er was the prince's biological father and a former founding hero of the Song Dynasty.

Hadn't he been demoted to a commoner and exiled to the frontier? How did he appear in the water town of Jiangnan?

Chu Ze had an ominous premonition in his heart. He realized that things were more complicated than he had imagined.

Li Er, the former hero, has now turned into a conspirator.

What exactly is he planning? What is his purpose?
Chu Ze decided that he must get to the bottom of this matter!

He closed the account book, turned to Qin Yunyun and said:

"Yunyun, let's go."

Qin Yunyun nodded, and the two left the secret room.

After returning to the inn, Chu Ze told the accompanying Jinyiwei about his discovery.

"Immediately send someone to investigate Li Er's whereabouts and make sure he is arrested!"

Chu Ze gave the order, his tone full of unquestionable majesty.

"As ordered!"

The Jinyiwei took the order and left, while Chu Ze paced back and forth in the room with a frown on his face.

He had a hunch that Li Er's appearance was no accident.

This former hero may have now become a huge threat.

Chu Ze must find him as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous.

At this moment, there was a sudden knock on the door.

"Who?"

Chu Ze asked warily.

"It's me, Lin Ye."

Lin Ye's voice came from outside the door.

Chu Ze breathed a sigh of relief and quickly opened the door.

Lin Ye walked into the room with a serious look on his face.

"Brother Chu, I just got the news that Li Er has already fled the Jiangnan water town."

Chu Ze's heart sank when he heard this.

"Where did he go?" (End of this chapter)