You can't only love the Qing Dynasty when you're eating the fruits of others' labor.

Chapter 223 Second Only to One Person, Above Ten Thousand
The empty streets outside the Meridian Gate were gradually filled with civil and military officials who came to attend court.

This was the last morning court session of the Qing Empire before the Spring Festival.

The officials from Beijing who came to the meeting dared not speak or move; they were all invited out of their homes in a very friendly manner by fully armed soldiers.

In just a few days, the situation in Beijing changed dramatically.

Bannermen died in droves, and the number of dead in the Infantry Commander's office was countless.

The most absurd thing is that everyone unanimously believes that Jiang Qingyun was instructed by the ruthless young emperor.

Bloodthirsty, tyrannical, stubborn, insane, sinister, cruel, hypocritical, and manipulative in imperial politics—these are just some of the labels that have been attached to Shunzhi's face.

The Han officials felt more fear, vigilance, and contempt; they viewed Shunzhi as someone like Shi Hu or Sima Yan.

The Manchu officials felt more of an overwhelming sense of anger, disgust, and hostility, and many harbored deep contempt for imperial power.

A classic misunderstanding.

Jiang Qingyun won decisively.

……

"The time has come; all officials shall enter the court."

The chief eunuch, Wu Liangfu, personally took the whip and cracked it several times with a loud crack.

He suddenly noticed that the civil and military officials who came to court looked terrible, had strange expressions, and walked with weak steps, exuding an indescribable evil aura, as if they were a group of living dead!

Suddenly, Wu Liangfu remembered something important: why hadn't the intelligence from outside the palace been sent back?
its not right!
Instantly, a chill ran from my ankles straight to my head.

Could it be? Could it be?
Sweat beaded on Wu Liangfu's forehead, his vision blurred, and his hands trembled. He stared wide-eyed, trying to find two figures in the crowd: Jiang Qingyun and the Third Eunuch.

Ah, Jiang Qingyun has finally arrived!
He's here! He's strode in with a confident stride, his eyes gleaming, his head held high! The image of a powerful minister, second only to the emperor, is now fully realized.

"Butler Wu?"

The Third Eunuch suddenly appeared beside Wu Liangfu as if he were a ghost.

"Oh my god, you scared me to death! You really scared me to death! What, what are you going to do?"

"Steward, someone just sent word from outside the palace that your residence in Qianliang Hutong has been broken into by thieves and all your valuables have been looted."

"Who did it?"

"Sir, the task of apprehending thieves in the capital used to be handled by the Five City Garrison Command, but now it is handled by the Infantry Commander's Office. Why don't you try to find Commander Jiang of the Nine Gates? If he is willing to take action, these petty thieves can be captured easily."

Wu Liangfu grabbed the Third Eunuch and gave him a friendly smile.

"Hey, hehe, Third Brother, when I see you, it's like seeing myself when I was a teenager. It's so similar. I'm getting old. In a couple of years, the position of Grand Eunuch will definitely be yours."

"This servant is only a seventh-rank head eunuch, and dares not covet the position of chief eunuch."

"Next year you'll be promoted to the sixth rank, the year after to the fifth rank, and the year after that you'll be the fourth rank."

"Thank you, Steward Xie."

The third eunuch revealed a delighted smile.

It's no wonder Wu Liangfu acted so strangely; he had stored dozens of silver winter melons, each weighing 300 jin, in his house in Qianliang Hutong.

What kind of thief could steal a silver winter melon weighing several hundred kilograms in the capital?

The answer is obvious.

……

Jinluan Palace.

Jiang Qingyun turned his back to Shunzhi and looked around at the crowd.

"Colleagues, Your Highnesses, I have finished speaking. So, do you agree or disagree?"

Such a question is extremely arrogant.

Emperor Shunzhi was also startled and couldn't help but frown.

Unexpectedly~
Zhu Guozhi: "Agreed."

Sony: "That's good."

Prince An, Yue Le: "Generalissimo Jiang is right, I agree."

Prince Zhuang, Shuo Sai: "I have no objection either."

Prince Jehri Khan said, "I also realize that the Council of Deliberative Ministers system is not in line with the current situation, so let's change it."

Fan Wencheng: "Generalissimo Chiang is loyal and devoted to the country; I agree." There was not a single dissenting voice in the hall; all were in agreement.

"Your Majesty, I, Jiang Qingyun, request that Your Majesty immediately reform the Council of Princes and Ministers."

The ministers immediately knelt down and said, "We second that proposal."

Shunzhi sat up straight, looked left and right, and thought, "Oh, it feels so damn good to have my wish come true."

"Since that's the case, I will follow the will of the people and have the Inner Court expedite the process."

"According to the order."

Emperor Shunzhi, seizing the opportunity, appointed 14 councilors, including Jiang Qingyun.

The Council of Princes and Ministers had a full complement of 27 members, 14 of whom were appointed by the Emperor. Such a council would not need to be abolished even a hundred years from now.

Jiang Qingyun:
"Your Majesty, fellow officials, I suggest we re-establish the rules for court deliberations and discussions. We should hold meetings every five days, with discussions on the first day and court deliberations on the second."

The crowd replied listlessly, "Agreed."

Emperor Shunzhi was so engrossed in his satisfaction that he did not realize how abnormal this was.

……

After the end of the dynasty.

Outside the Meridian Gate.

Jiang Qingyun: "All officers and staff of the Infantry Commander's Office, listen to my command."

"The end will be here."

A group of commanders, deputy generals, brigade generals, and guerrillas bowed and accepted the order.

"It's dark and the roads are slippery. There are also lurking dissidents from the Ninth Banner. The safety of you gentlemen is of utmost importance. You will escort you back to your residence. If you fail in your duty, you will be subject to military law."

"I will obey my orders."

After the court session, the princes and ministers were each escorted back to their own residences by a squad of armed soldiers, eliminating any opportunity for them to contact each other in private.

……

At this point, Jiang Qingyun had completed a crucial step.

He first used the power and influence of his position as General Dingyuan, his ability to decide life and death, and the illusion of imperial authority to win over the Eight Banners soldiers and incorporate them into the Infantry Commander's Office, temporarily forming an armed group.

Then, this armed group was driven to swiftly divide the millions of Manchus living in the capital, breaking them into loose cells and preventing them from connecting.

Then, the princes and ministers in the capital were also broken up into loose cells, making it impossible for them to connect.

All the enemies could not unite against him.

The organization's power is terrifying.

In the past few days, Jiang Qingyun has been the most powerful man in the capital. In theory, he can take the life of any enemy at will.

……

The Infantry Commander's Office.

"General, Abu Nai requests an audience."

"Who?"

"Prince Abu Nai of Chahar".

"I won't see him. Just send him away. Wait, tell him that my arrow wound has reopened today and I'm not fit to see guests. I'll invite him back another day."

"Yes."

Jiang Qingyun suddenly changed his mind because he remembered that during the Revolt of the Three Feudatories in history, the Chahar tribe suddenly betrayed the Qing court and almost captured the capital, which was weakened by the enemy.

I can't remember whether it was Abu Nai who did it or his son.
In short, the Chahar tribe has always harbored rebellious intentions.

Abu Nai and Wu Sangui, these two rebels, one in the north and one in the south, were like furnaces, whetstones, shields, and pawns that could be used at any time.

Tang Bohu once said:
Many things need to be compared.

For example, Qiu Xiang's beauty seems ordinary on its own, but when compared to Chun Xiang, Dong Xiang, and Xia Xiang, she appears to be stunningly beautiful.

For example, Jiang Qingyun's loyalty, viewed alone, seems despicable, but when contrasted with Wu Sangui and Abu Nai, it appears exceptionally loyal.

(End of this chapter)