Lu Mansion.
Rear courtyard.
Madam Zhang sobbed imploringly as her two sons continuously offered consolation.
Today, while Minister Lu attended court, an agent from the Ministry of Personnel under Eunuch Yu's command arrived to inspect the goods of the Zhang family business, discovering prohibited items such as saltpeter and sulfur.
Ever since Emperor Tianshun took the throne, materials related to gunpowder, including civilian circulation, were banned.
Caught red-handed, the Zhang family business had no defense and the entire household was taken to the imperial prison to await trial.
Madam Zhang choked out, "My lord, they've passed on the message, just as you inform Imperial Attendant Yu, and immediately they will release everyone..."
"A woman's perspective! Do you think it's as simple as notifying?"
Minister Lu scolded, "As the head of the clean officials, I must set an example for the scholars of the National Dynasty, how could I collude with those eunuchs?"
