In the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Youxiao's anger finally dissipated. He removed the screen and looked at a location in the inner hall.
Just a few months ago, his grandfather, Emperor Wanli, passed away unwillingly and helplessly here.
Wang Xiangqian and others who followed the emperor just stood behind quietly. They could see that the young majesty was seeking revenge for his grandfather, the former emperor who was forced by the courtiers to not leave the palace for decades.
It can only be said that the way of heaven is reincarnation. Just as the civil servants treated the former emperor back then, so your majesty treats them today.
"The Supervisor of Ceremonies has drafted an edict. During my trip south, all matters concerning the DPRK and the capital will be handed over to the Prime Minister's Yamen!"
"Wang Xiangqian, Xu Guangqi, Cheng Guoxiang, Song Yingxing, and Zhang Weixian are the general ministers. When I am away, they can exercise the power of the emperor on my behalf!"
"The British Duke Zhang Weixian is appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Horses of the Gyeongsang Province. He has jurisdiction over all the land in the Gyeonggi Province, including the soldiers at the guards, the local garrison guards, and the guards of the Yulin Army!"
"The Minister of War, King Jin, has full authority to handle the military affairs of the Nine Borders and Liao Town. However, in case of emergency, he has the right to make immediate decisions. If there is a problem with the generals in each town, he has the right to kill first and report later!"
"Xu Guangqi, the second assistant to the cabinet, is in charge of the inner city imperial army. From today on, everyone who enters the inner city must be strictly inspected and interrogated. Anyone coming from the south, no matter if it is a caravan or something else, no one can enter but no items!"
"After I lead the army on the expedition, in accordance with the old system, the entire city of the capital will be under military control. I will dispatch Li Wensheng to lead elite troops to garrison the city to defend the nine gates of the capital as well as Taicang and the granary of the Ministry of Revenue!"
Zhu Youxiao’s close ministers immediately bowed their fists and said:
"I am waiting for your order!"
Although the division of power is very scattered, it is still quite detailed and there is no overlap or conflict.
Moreover, the left-behind ministers he appointed are not the kind of people who think about fighting for power and gain all day long. Their loyalty to him is currently considered the highest. As long as there are no accidents, even if he leaves for a year and a half, there will be no What a big problem.
As for the imperial city, Zhu Youxiao was still the same as last time, but this time it was not Concubine Liu who held the power, but his wife, Empress Zhang.
Jin Yiwei and Dongchang no longer need to disguise themselves and hide their secrets. He will hand over the management of these two secret agencies to her. Wei Zhongxian and Yang Huan will stay in the capital and be dispatched by the Queen's orders.
The edict he drafted last time has not been touched yet, and is still intact under Nuan Ge's imperial desk.
Then Zhu Youxiao drafted another edict. This edict was used to announce to the world, but in fact it was used by him to confuse outsiders.
The imperial edict stated that he would personally go to Shaanxi in one month to provide relief to the people, without even mentioning the word south.
Only a few prime ministers knew that the emperor would secretly set off from the military camp outside the city in three days and go straight to Xi'an. He would not stop on the way, let alone go to Shaanxi.
Before leaving, Zhu Youxiao took Queen Zhang to Concubine Su Chun's bedroom and stayed there until late at night. Then he put on his armor and quietly left the palace with Ma Xianglin and a thousand imperial guardsmen and went straight to Yongding Gate.
But in fact, Zhu Youxiao even deceived several prime ministers. He will lead the army to set off tonight without delay. It is already August, and the day of the chieftain's rebellion is imminent.
Inside the military camp, the huge training ground was brightly lit, and two thousand escort cavalry and a night fighting army that had been trained a few days ago were already well prepared.
Zhu Youxiao briefly inspected the army that was going to go south with him. After confirming that everything was correct, he ordered the assembly to begin.
In a corner, Zhang Weixian was sitting on an armchair.
His son Zhang Zhiji whispered from the side:
"Father, your Majesty is here!"
Zhang Weixian, who was drowsy, woke up immediately. With the help of his servants, he got up with difficulty and saluted Zhu Youxiao.
Zhu Youxiao immediately got off his horse and held Zhang Weixian's body as he was about to kneel down.
"Old Duke, please get up quickly. Didn't I say it last time? You don't have to salute unless necessary!"
Zhang Weixian replied with a hint of exhaustion in his voice:
"No, your Majesty is the emperor, how can your ministers mess with the etiquette system? Moreover, I have not made any merits and have not contributed to the country. How can I receive such courtesy from your majesty!"
"The old prince is too self-effacing. Without the full help of the old prince, my succession to the throne would not have been so smooth, let alone today's situation. Without the painstaking efforts of the old prince, how could I dare to leave with confidence?
Beijing, I’m afraid it’s hard to even take a step out of the imperial city.”
"That minister is in the capital, quietly waiting for His Majesty's triumphant return!"
Seeing the gray-haired and elderly British father-in-law working day and night, Zhu Youxiao felt very uncomfortable. After the Southern Expedition was over, it was time for this elder he respected to retire.
In the future, with his son Zhang Zhiji and grandson Zhang Shize, he can enjoy his old age in peace.
"Old Duke, your mission to stay in the capital is a top priority. I have to keep an eye on those nobles and relatives of the emperor, and make sure nothing goes wrong!"
Zhang Weixian said firmly:
"Your Majesty, you can rest assured. Although I am old, I promise that I will never miss your Majesty's important events. When your Majesty returns to the capital, the capital will be as stable and peaceful as it is now!"
Zhu Youxiao held the old man's hands tightly, nodded happily, and then said to Zhang Zhiji who was standing next to him:
"If the army can decide and handle matters, there is no need to worry about your father. I will appoint you as the admiral. Please don't let me down, little Duke!"
After finishing speaking, Zhu Youxiao immediately got on his horse and galloped away with the army.
The Zhang family father and son walked together to the entrance of the military camp. When the firelight dimmed, they turned and left.
"Father, do you think your majesty can win this time? Can the national policy of returning natives to exile be successfully implemented?"
Zhang Weixian said as he walked:
"Your Majesty is wise and powerful. He never fights an unprepared battle, and he never does anything he is unsure of. Every step your Majesty takes is carefully considered. I will just wait for good news."
Zhang Zhiji walked slowly with support:
"What my father said is true, but I don't know how long it will take this time, and His Majesty will be away from the capital for a long time. Those monsters and monsters will not continue to lie dormant, but will jump out one by one."
"It's good that you know, otherwise why would Your Majesty let Li Wensheng lead 30,000 troops to garrison the capital."
After dawn, everything in the capital was operating as usual. Except for the Zhang family and his son, no one knew that the emperor was actually no longer in the city.
The minister wanted to go to Qianqing Palace to ask for an audience with the emperor, but Wei Zhongxian refused. The reason was that his majesty was ill and did not want to interfere with state affairs, so the minister had to return with regret.
Zhu Youxiao's five thousand troops were all equipped with one man and two horses, and in this Gyeonggi plain, the marching speed was naturally greatly increased.
After marching at full speed, Zhu Youxiao finally left Shuntian Mansion.