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

Chapter 464 A Furious Outburst, Yet Rewards and Punishments Were Balanced

"Having comprehended the Way of Heaven, I hereby entrust all affairs of the court to the Empress for her management."

"I can say that I will grant you all your requests."

"Is this how you repay me?"

Zhu Jinzhen's cold gaze swept over the Eastern Depot and Western Depot, as well as the civil and military officials who had just been watching the show in the court: "What are the Six Ministries and the Cabinet doing?"

"The rebellion in Jiangnan has been stirred up, and public opinion has been manipulated. Is your handling of this situation simply waiting for me to come out of the pass and make a decision?"

"If I don't leave the pass for even a day, will the court be unable to function?"

"Xu Yu?"

"Wei Chen is here."

Xu Yu smiled bitterly to herself, knowing that she really couldn't escape it.

"You are one of the earliest civil officials to serve under me, and one of the meritorious officials in the Jingnan Campaign. I thought that with your skills, you would be decisive enough to work with the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions to suppress the rebellion in Jiangnan at the first opportunity."

"And this is how you did it?"

"Wait for me to come out of seclusion and deal with it?"

"If this cabinet regent is not doing a good job, he can be replaced. Among the many officials in the court, there are many capable people, even if they are not particularly talented."

"Wei Chen is guilty."

Xu Yu's heart trembled violently. He knew that Zhu Jinzhen was truly enraged. He bowed deeply, his body drenched in cold sweat, and dared not refute him at all.

Indeed, the cabinet and the six ministries had a problem with the overall direction of their handling of this matter.

At the same time, Xu Yu was also alarmed, because he was promoted by Zhu Jinzhen, who could also bring him back to his original state with a single word, or even ruin him forever.

The stability of the court and the approval of the imperial family were issues that Zhu Jinzhen needed to consider, not himself.

This is similar to the case where Prince Ning received the news in advance, made preparations, incited a popular uprising in Jiangnan, and, by manipulating public opinion and several princes, openly demanded an explanation from the court.

What he needed to do was not to wait, but to first suppress the rebellion and bring all the culprits back to the capital for trial.

Li Chengen, the current Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the Tian Ce Army, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, there are already four thousand Tian Ce soldiers, and the Five Armies Command has transferred soldiers from seven garrisons to the Jiangnan region, ready to be deployed at any time. I believe that Prince Ning will not be able to cause too much trouble."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Jinzhen calmed down slightly: "Qin Yiyan."

"The end will be here."

"You will personally go to Jiangnan, leading a team of secret guards."

"I need to see Prince Ning and his entourage in the capital within three days."

Zhu Jinzhen's voice was authoritative and left no room for argument.

Qin Yiyan immediately bowed and accepted the order: "Yes, this humble general will quell the unrest in Jiangnan within three days."

"Ministry of War and Ministry of Revenue, ensure proper logistics. Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of Justice, conduct thorough investigations. All those involved in the rebellion, regardless of their status, shall be severely punished."

When Zhu Jinzhen uttered these words, the court fell silent.

The officials in the court were not fools; they naturally understood who was being referred to as "severely punished."

But then they thought about it again and realized that it didn't seem to be a problem.

Other emperors, upon ascending the throne, not only needed to compromise with their officials to a certain extent and gain their support, but also required the support of the Ming imperial family. However, Zhu Jinzhen ascended the throne through the Jingnan Campaign.

Moreover, he ascended to the throne after overwhelmingly defeating the entire Ming Dynasty. He received absolutely no support from the outside world.

The treatment of the imperial family members was naturally not the same as that of previous emperors, who primarily adopted a policy of appeasement and appeasement.

But the officials knew in their hearts that even Zhu Jinzhen, a member of the imperial family, didn't care and gave Qin Yiyan the order to "severely punish him regardless of his status," so they, as officials, were even less likely to be an exception.

"Your humble servants will cooperate fully!"

The officials from the six ministries who were called upon by Zhu Jinzhen answered in unison.

Zhu Jinzhen nodded in satisfaction, looking at the eager civil and military officials. He chuckled to himself, but couldn't help but nod in approval. Indeed, the best way to govern subordinates, besides maintaining balance, was to offer empty promises.

"During my period of seclusion, I heard from the Empress that the Secret Guard had also reported on it."

“Many ministers are indeed wholeheartedly devoted to the country and its people, working tirelessly day and night.”

"Wang Jing, what a lesson."

Two officials stepped forward and bowed to Zhu Jinzhen.

"You two have devoted yourselves to the Ming Dynasty and deserve a reward." Zhu Jinzhen looked at the two men. The former was a junior official in the Ministry of Revenue who was promoted to temporarily manage the Ministry of Revenue, while the latter was originally the Minister of Justice, but was later demoted to the Vice Minister of Revenue due to some issues.

During this period, the two men were indeed very loyal to their duties under the supervision and records of the secret guards. Whether it was investigating official corruption or re-examining major cases in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Justice, they handled all aspects of the matter very well.

"I bestow upon you both the fortune of the fifth rank of the Great Ming Dynasty. I hope you will continue your efforts and contribute to the prosperity of the Great Ming Dynasty."

As soon as Zhu Jinzhen finished speaking, two golden rays of light descended from the void onto the two men. The officials present noticed that the two men had visibly become younger, especially He Jian, who had been demoted to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. His white hair had turned black, making him look thirty or forty years younger, and he appeared to be in his prime.

A fifth-grade fortune, if one survives even once, adds two hundred years to one's lifespan.

They can also enjoy the subtle benefits of the blessings and incense offerings, and have several opportunities each year to increase their cultivation speed by two hundred times.

The civil and military officials were extremely envious.

Many people secretly regretted that they had been too conservative; otherwise, they would surely have received a share of today's reward.

Zhu Jinzhen took in the reactions of the entire court and knew that from this day forward, these people would likely work even harder, for death was the only way out in this world.

Apart from the officials in the capital, there are very few ordinary people who can stand in this Fengtian Hall.

They had already tasted the beauty of power, and they were already used to the money and women that came with it. But even the former Grand Secretaries and many other ministers who had been purged, as well as the original six ministers, could never give up their desire for longevity and immortality.

As long as they can live, with their power, they can have whatever wealth and beauty they want.

Even if someone once held immense power and influence, after death, a hundred years later they are nothing but withered bones buried in a desolate tomb, their power and wealth vanishing completely.

Therefore, even though He Jian and Wang Jing only received the reward of being granted the fifth rank of fortune, it still made the civil and military officials extremely envious, their eyes red with envy, wishing they could take their place.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your reward."

"I am willing to give my life for Your Majesty and for the Ming Dynasty, even at the cost of my life."

As Wang Jing and He Jian experienced the miraculous changes within themselves, suddenly becoming decades younger and enjoying the various wonderful benefits of being blessed with good fortune, they quickly suppressed their overwhelming joy and knelt down at the foot of the steps to pledge their loyalty.

Two hundred years of lifespan!
Things they never dared to dream of before, they now receive simply because they have performed their duties diligently and rendered meritorious service to the court.

Although they only possessed fifth-grade fortune, they were already very satisfied.

With this fifth-grade fortune bestowed upon them today, adding two hundred years to their lifespan, they believe that achieving fourth-grade, third-grade, or even second-grade and first-grade fortune in the future is not out of the question.

(End of this chapter)