Ming Dynasty: pacifying the rebellion and defending the border, dominating the world

Chapter 431 A Series of Imperial Edicts Shock the Court

That night, several imperial edicts were issued from within the palace.

The civil and military officials, who were already tossing and turning and were so depressed by Zhu Jinzhen's strange phenomenon that they were almost vomiting blood, had no choice but to force themselves to get up despite their drowsiness and find out the inside story.

"His Majesty only ascended the throne yesterday, and there are still many positions in the cabinet and the six ministries that are yet to be filled."

"Since Zhu Wushi conspired with former cabinet members to rebel, many affairs of state in our Great Ming have been temporarily put on hold, awaiting His Majesty's processing and approval. For him to go into seclusion at this time, this..."

"Our Emperor is the law; how dare you and I question his decisions?"

"No, Lao Zhang, we're not criticizing His Majesty, we're just shocked and having a normal discussion. How could you..."

"Hmph, that won't work either."

When the first imperial edict was issued from the palace, all the civil and military officials were stunned.

Which emperor ascended the throne on the first day and then announced his seclusion on the second day, with no set date? He left all the affairs of the court to be handled by Changsun Wangqing, the former commander of Cangyun who had not yet been officially named empress.

So it was a collaboration between the cabinet and the six ministries?

The second order was issued, and it was only communicated to the six ministries of the cabinet, or rather, the oral edict was circulated.

All the officials of the Six Ministries and the entire court were eager to support Zhu Jinzhen's decision to go into seclusion and hand over the reins of government to Changsun Wangqing for temporary management. This decision was coordinated by the cabinet and the Six Ministries.

"This is a test, which will last until His Majesty emerges from seclusion and resumes his rule."

"The Eastern Depot, Western Depot, and Embroidered Uniform Guard will work together with the Xuanjia Secret Guard to record the behavior of all officials in the court. The records will then be submitted to His Majesty the Emperor for personal review. Those who excel in this assessment will have the opportunity to be listed on the Investiture of the Gods."

"If any of the Six Ministries, Three Offices and Five Temples have made great contributions, they will be granted even greater fortune."

If these words had come from anyone else, the civil and military officials would have simply taken them as a joke, with few believing them. But when these words came from Cao Zhengchun of the Eastern Depot and Xu Yu, who had just officially taken over as Minister of Rites...

That is an undeniable fact.

The news quickly spread throughout the capital.

The civil and military officials began racking their brains to figure out what constituted a major merit that would earn Zhu Jinzhen's favor and qualify them for the Investiture of the Gods list.

Ultimately, they had no choice but to seek advice from others who knew the inside story.

Leaving aside the main generals of Tian Ce and Cang Yun for the time being.

They were not on the same path as the civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty, and they did not have much interaction with them.

But Yang Qingyi, Xu Yu, Ma You, and others are different.

The cabinet was purged by Zhu Jinzhen, leaving no one alive. Xu Yu, as a Grand Secretary who assisted the government and concurrently served as Minister of Rites, was even listed on the Investiture of the Gods.

Even if he is just an earl.

In order to find out the inside story of Zhu Jinzhen's second imperial edict.

The Xu residence was bustling with visitors as usual tonight.

"Whatever you wish to know, I will answer to the best of my ability." Xu Yu sat at the head of the table, a slight smile on his face, but his gaze swept over the crowd with a chilling pressure.

The civil and military officials who came to visit were fully aware of the situation.

This must be a divine miracle obtained after being listed on the Investiture of the Gods.

I was filled with envy.

A courtier stepped forward and bowed slightly to Xu Yu: "Lord Xu...Grand Secretary Xu, after His Majesty suddenly displayed extraordinary phenomena tonight, is it inappropriate for him to announce seclusion?"

The Ming Dynasty ushered in a new era, a time of renewal and rebuilding.

Zhu Jinzhen's sudden announcement of seclusion at this time was intriguing and left the officials puzzled.

"As his subjects, how can we presume to speculate on His Majesty's decision?" Xu Yu said, clasping his hands in a fist salute towards the palace, before shaking his head. "If you are truly curious, you can submit a memorial to inquire."

Of course, Xu Yu had her own suspicions.

Given the dramatic events of today and tonight, events worthy of being recorded in history, Xu Yu guessed that Zhu Jinzhen's hasty seclusion must be related to the events of today's court and the Investiture of the Gods. Submitting a memorial?
The officials and others who had just been questioned immediately shook their heads.

The officials, nobles, and powerful figures in the capital had just been purged in a bloodbath, and their courage had been shattered. Today, they saw Zhu Jinzhen ascend to heaven to pray to the heavens, establish an unparalleled dynasty, and beg the heavens to issue the Investiture of the Gods.

Their minds are now filled with thoughts of being included in the Investiture of the Gods in the Ming Dynasty.

How could I dare to ask?

An official stepped forward and asked curiously, "May I ask, Grand Secretary Xu, in His Majesty's second decree, what is considered outstanding, and what constitutes a great achievement?"

"This is what you gentlemen need to consider. However, I can offer you a word of advice..." Xu Yu smiled and advised the several neutral officials in front of him, or rather, the upright officials who did not form cliques, did not entangle themselves with powerful families, and were always loyal to the Emperor and the Ming Dynasty: "Be self-disciplined and dedicated to public service, and make some achievements, that is naturally considered outstanding."

"As for great achievements?"

"To bring benefits to the people, to seek the well-being of the nation, to expose others for corruption and embezzlement, to seek justice for the people whose lives have been taken lightly, to crack down on organized crime and evil forces, etc., anything that benefits the Ming Dynasty can be considered a great achievement!"

After Xu Yu finished speaking, a strange glint flashed in the depths of her eyes, but it vanished in an instant.

Xu Yu was also startled when the imperial edict was first issued.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Jinzhen suddenly announced that he would go into seclusion at this time, and that the Yan general, the future empress, would temporarily take over the government, with the cabinet and the six ministries assisting him.

However, Xu Yu understood Zhu Jinzhen's intentions regarding the second decree.

Even the old foxes in the imperial court could basically guess that Zhu Jinzhen was just making empty promises to them.

The problem is, the pie in the sky that His Majesty has painted is so tempting!

It smells so damn good!
Today, during the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven and the conferment of divine titles, he was granted the title of Earl, his lifespan increased by a thousand years, he was rejuvenated, and he was blessed with good fortune. He was put in charge of the rituals of the Ming Dynasty. When he received the blessings and incense offerings, all the civil and military officials in the court were so envious that their eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

Now there is an opportunity to be listed on the Investiture of the Gods.

Although it may seem like empty promises, someone will eventually get a piece of the pie. Even if it's just a hoax, they'll still rush in like moths to a flame, just to seize that slim chance.

"To act as the master of the people and to seek happiness for the people."

"Isn't this exactly what I aspired to when I first became an official?"

"Although I have lost my way in recent years, my unwavering loyalty has never changed."

Upon hearing the news, an official smiled.

As the head of the Ministry of Justice, he wielded considerable power, but due to the unspoken rules of officialdom and certain individuals within the Ministry, he had to remain in the shadows.

Now?

In order to be included on the list of gods, he decided to dig up all the wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice in the Ministry of Justice over the years.

Re-examination and re-investigation.

With his own emperor's endorsement and the secret guards, the Eastern and Western Depots, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard secretly recording the events, he had ample confidence.

That night, the Northern Garrison Command.

The Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, and White Tiger gathered together to discuss how to achieve outstanding results during Zhu Jinzhen's seclusion.

"Our Embroidered Uniform Guard is His Majesty's personal army, with the duty of supervising all officials and the entire nation."

"It's not difficult to make a contribution, but it's difficult to perform well enough."

"Isn't that simple?" Zhuque's face revealed a sinister smile. "Treason cases often involve thousands of people and various factions. If my Embroidered Uniform Guard handles such a major case well, wouldn't that leave a good impression on His Majesty?"

"If one thing isn't enough, we'll do one more. In the past, because of the former emperor, we Jinyiwei turned a blind eye to many things, but now is a great opportunity."

"Once the pigs are fattened up, it's time to slaughter them for the New Year!"

"what do you mean……"

Neither the Azure Dragon nor the White Tiger were fools; they immediately understood the Vermilion Bird's implied meaning.

(End of this chapter)