Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 16 Game of Thrones

The fourth hour after Zhu Youjian ascended the throne (8 PM).

At this moment, the residence of Left Vice-General Tian Ergeng was brightly lit, as bright as day.

Inside the study, on a large rosewood desk, a three-legged bronze crane incense burner was emitting wisps of smoke.

The finest styrax fragrance permeated the air, which should have been an elegant and calming experience, but instead became a catalyst for suppression.

The air was so thick it felt like you could wring water out of it.

The five people present were the infamous "Five Tigers" under Wei Zhongxian.

Leading the group was Tian Ergeng, the Left Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the grandson of the late Minister of War, Tian Le.

Beside Tian Ergeng was Xu Xianchun, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and grandson of the Imperial Son-in-Law Xu Congcheng. He was a military scholar who passed the imperial examination in the 47th year of the Wanli Emperor's reign.

Sitting at the next table was Cui Yingyuan, the Vice Commander-in-Chief. He was a burly man with a fierce face, and came from a background of street ruffians.

Opposite Cui Yingyuan was Sun Yunhe, the Right Vice-General and current Chief of the Eastern Depot's Criminal Division. Under his command, there was nothing he could not obtain.

At the very end was Yang Huan, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who was in charge of the Eastern Division of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and was in charge of stake-driving and arresting criminals.

These five men, in the past, could shake the entire officialdom of the capital with a mere stomp of their feet.

But now, they are like fish swimming in a pot, restless and fearful.

What crushed their morale was the news that came from the palace this afternoon.

Wei Zhongxian, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial and Director of the Eastern Depot, hanged himself.

The Nine Thousand Years Old died, less than three hours after the new emperor ascended the throne!

Deathly silence, a suffocating deathly silence.

Yang Huan couldn't stand the atmosphere any longer. His Adam's apple bobbed violently as he swallowed hard.

His lips trembled as he looked at Tian Ergeng, his voice barely audible: "The...Governor...the Ninth Prince...he...is really...gone like that?"

That sound was like a needle puncturing a taut balloon.

"Damn it!" Cui Yingyuan slammed his hand on the table, making the rosewood octagonal table vibrate loudly.

He was like an enraged bull, his eyes bloodshot, panting heavily.

"Is there any way? Come up with a solution quickly! We can't just sit here and wait to die!"

His eyes darted around, filled with urgency and fear.

Like a trapped beast, he paced back and forth in the room, each step making the floorboards creak, before finally stopping abruptly in front of Tian Ergeng.

His spittle almost landed on Tian Ergeng's face:

"Left Commander, say something!"

"What do we do now? Just wait to die? In my opinion, we can't just sit here and wait!"

"Why don't we submit the memorial first? It doesn't matter who it is, Li Yongzhen, Cui Chengxiu, or Li Chaoqin. The right thing to do is to get the blame off the hook first!"

"Shifting blame? Submitting a memorial?"

A cold, mocking laugh escaped Xu Xianchun's nose.

He leaned back in the armchair, his head slightly lowered, his tone full of indifference:

"Cui Yingyuan, do you think you're a civil official?"

"That new emperor won't even glance at us."

At this point, he suddenly stood up from his chair, looked up, and his eyes were bloodshot and filled with madness.

"You're a dog! We're all dogs!"

"They're just dogs! When they die, we just replace them with another batch. What else can we do? They're all just waiting to die!"

"Xu Xianchun! You spineless bastard! You're utterly useless, yet you're still barking like a dog here!" Cui Yingyuan immediately exploded, rolled up his sleeves, and was about to step forward.

Xu Xianchun also stood up abruptly, his eyes flashing with a fierce light. "Come on! I've been wanting to test your worthless martial arts for a long time!"

"enough!"

Tian Ergeng finally spoke, his low shout not loud, but like a heavy hammer blow to their hearts, silencing them both.

He remained seated firmly in the main seat, his expression calm and serene.

He slowly picked up the teacup in front of him, wanting to drink some water to calm the fire in his heart, but his hand trembled slightly on its own, and the rim of the cup clinked against his teeth, making a crisp "clunk" sound.

He froze for a moment, then slowly put the teacup down.

“Things haven’t come to that yet,” Tian Ergeng’s voice was a little hoarse. He glanced at everyone, his face calm.

“Your Majesty… Wei Ni ultimately committed suicide by hanging himself; Your Majesty is still considering the late Emperor’s reputation.”

Silence fell over the room once again.

Xu Xianchun took a few deep breaths, sat back heavily in his chair, and buried his head in his hands without saying a word.

Suddenly he sat up abruptly, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Left Commander, how about... we look for a way? The new emperor has ascended the throne, and he needs people. It doesn't matter who we use."

"Wasn't it Eunuch Wang Tiqian who took over the Eastern Depot? Shall we prepare a generous gift and go sound him out?"

Upon hearing this, even Yang Huan, who hadn't said much until now, raised his head, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.

However, Sun Yunhe spoke quietly from the corner.

“Wang Tiqian? No way.”

He curled up into a ball inside the armchair, as if that would make him less conspicuous.

"I was there when the Prince came to take over at the Eastern Depot today. It was so crowded that I couldn't even get close to him. I tried to bribe the head steward, but he wouldn't accept it..."

His words were like a bucket of ice water poured over everyone, causing the hopes that had just been ignited to sink back into despair.

Yes, how could someone like Wang Tiqian possibly get involved with this group of defeated dogs from the previous dynasty at a time like this?

They might get involved one day, and the next day they'd pack up everything and offer it to the new emperor as a stepping stone to advancement.

The study fell silent once again.

The smoke from the incense burner seemed to solidify, making it hard to breathe.

"Then...then there's really no way out?" Yang Huan's voice was trembling with tears. He was the lowest-ranking official and the most timid, and at this moment he was completely panicked.

"There is a road, though."

Tian Ergeng, who was sitting in the head seat, finally spoke.

All eyes turned to him.

“It’s normal that we can’t speak to the prince, since he always has to avoid suspicion.”

"But what about the eunuch who served His Majesty when he was still a prince? That Xu Yingyuan?"

"How much money could he have made in the Prince Xin's mansion before? If we spend 10,000 taels, 30,000 taels, or 50,000 taels, can't we buy a future for ourselves?"

This suggestion is much more reliable than the previous one.

Seeking out Wang Tiqian would be like walking into a trap, but finding a newly rich man with obvious flaws would be a viable option.

Cui Yingyuan slapped his thigh: "That's right! The Left Commander is really smart! Damn it, it's just money, right? We've confiscated so much money over the years, are we afraid we won't have enough to pave the way? I think this is a good idea!"

Even Hsu Hsien-chun didn't refute this time, but just frowned, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

Tian Ergeng looked at the renewed hope in everyone's hearts, but his heart was ice-cold.

He knew better than anyone that this was nothing more than drinking poison to quench his thirst.

The new emperor's methods are so ruthless and decisive, how could a mere Xu Yingyuan possibly control them?
But for now, this is the only option.

Even a false hope is better than waiting to die.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down:
"I will take care of this matter. You all go back first. Remember, stay in the manor and don't wander off or visit other people's homes. The sky won't fall down."

He waved his hand, dismissing them. The crowd, subdued by his gesture, dispersed, each lost in their own thoughts.

The night grew deeper, as black as a thick curtain.

Cui Yingyuan, Sun Yunhe, and Yang Huan bowed and took their leave. Each of them led their servants, carried lanterns, and walked out of the Tian residence. They dispersed in different directions and soon disappeared into the darkness at the street corner.

……

However, after an incense stick had burned...

In a quiet alley not far from the Tian residence, the glow of a lantern flickered against the corner of the wall.

A figure emerged from the darkness; it was Cui Yingyuan.

He dismissed the servants and leaned against the wall alone, his fleshy face appearing particularly ferocious in the dim light.

Not long after, Sun Yunhe's figure appeared silently from another direction.

He also had his servants wait at the alley entrance before walking in himself.

Finally, Yang Huan almost jogged over, looking around like a startled rabbit.

After confirming that no one was following them, he quickly approached the two people.

The three of them, "unanimously," got together again.

"call--"

A gust of cold wind swept into the alley, causing the lanterns in the three people's hands to sway, the light and shadow dancing on their faces, sometimes bright and sometimes dim.

"Pah!" Cui Yingyuan spat a mouthful of phlegm on the ground and cursed angrily.

"You say the sky won't fall down? I think Tian Ergeng's sky is about to fall! He's so scared his hands are shaking, but he's still acting all high and mighty with us!"

"Shh!" Yang Huan immediately made a shushing gesture, nervously looked around, and whispered, "Brother Cui, keep your voice down! The walls have ears!"

Sun Yunhe leaned against the wall, his whole body hidden in the shadows, with only the faint light of the lantern outlining his cold profile.

A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips, and his voice drifted over:
"What's there to be afraid of? Who would dare to eavesdrop on us now? They're all hiding at home burning incense and praying to Buddha, begging the new emperor not to chop off their own heads."

He analyzed slowly and methodically:
"It seems that Governor Tian and Vice Commissioner Xu will not be able to escape this situation."

"If Your Majesty wants to establish authority and consolidate power, how can you control the court and the people without cutting down these two towering trees?"

"How do we win over the hearts and minds of those Donglin Party members who are about to be reinstated?"

"On the contrary, we brothers are nothing more than vines on a tree. If the tree falls, we'll just find another tree to cling to."

These words were like a key, unlocking the most hidden door in the hearts of Cui Yingyuan and Yang Huan.

Cui Yingyuan's eyes lit up, and he slapped his thigh: "That's right! Brother Sun is right! Damn it, how come I didn't think of that! Tian Ergeng has fallen, someone has to take over!"

The three of them suddenly became a little rapid in their breathing.

This is what they really care about.

Loyalty? It's worthless in the face of life and death.

Yang Huan rubbed his hands together, excitedly lowering his voice: "Who do you think will take this position? Is it Mr. Luo Sigong? He's an old man who was in charge of the Imperial Guard during the Wanli Emperor's reign. He's senior and has a wide network of connections."

"Him?" Cui Yingyuan curled his lip, looking disdainful. "He's so old he can barely walk, and he's lost all his teeth. How could he possibly lift a knife? The Emperor wants a sharp knife, not a memorial tablet to be worshipped."

Sun Yunhe pondered for a moment and said, "I think Zheng Shiyi has a chance."

"He was also a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who came through the imperial favor, so he could be considered to have some connection with the Donglin Party, right?"

"Most importantly, he didn't get too close to us, so he's relatively clean."

"Now that the Donglin Party's group of pedantic scholars are in power, they will definitely like people with clean backgrounds."

Yang Huan was still unsure and quickly asked:
"But he's only a Vice-Chancellor. Above him is the Third-Rank Admiral, and only above that is the Commander of the Guards. Is he qualified?"

"Fool!" Cui Yingyuan cursed again, but this time with a smile. "If the Emperor wants him to be on the throne, he can be. That's what you call imperial favor! Do you understand?"

"Isn't Duke Zhu Chunchen of Cheng more likely?" Yang Huan thought of another person.

"He's a Duke, the head of the nobility. Wouldn't it be more effective to put him in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

“Even more impossible.” Sun Yunhe shook his head directly, his tone certain.

"His ancestor, Zhu Xizhong, was in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard during the reign of Emperor Shizong. Have you forgotten how badly he was purged by the civil officials?"

"This year, even asking the late emperor for a sedan chair was met with a barrage of insults."

"Even if he had three times the courage, he wouldn't dare to take on this hot potato again."

The three of them took turns guessing all the prominent figures in the capital.

From nobles to newly rich, from military officers to eunuchs, everyone was weighed on a scale, their chances of rising to power analyzed, and their own decisions made.

During their conversation, a light rain began to fall. None of the three had brought umbrellas, so they dispersed.

"Never mind, let's see how it goes."

"Yes, let's take another look."

They said these words as they bowed to each other in farewell.

……

Cui Yingyuan returned to his residence. He had barely stepped inside, not even having time to change out of his official robes, when he whispered instructions to his trusted aide:
"Prepare a generous gift, the most lavish one possible! Deliver it to Zheng Shiyi's residence tomorrow morning! Say that I, Cui, have long admired your brilliance! Hurry!"

He understood perfectly well that if he was going to gamble, he should gamble the biggest. Once Zheng Shiyi came to power, he would be a rising star, and if he were the first to pledge allegiance, that would be the greatest achievement.

He climbed his way up from a scoundrel to where he is today by relying on his ruthless vision and willingness to take risks!
Almost simultaneously, at Sun Yunhe's residence, the steward also received a secret order:

“Take a few of the best items from the storeroom and prepare to send them to Mr. Luo Sigong.”

"He's getting old and prefers more substantial tonics. So he said... it was a gift from me, his junior, to show my respect."

His plan was even more solid. Even if Luo Sigong couldn't get promoted, he would still have some favor to do for him because of his seniority. At that time, he could easily let this little ant get away with it by saying a few words.

This is called cultivating good relationships and securing an invincible position.

Yang Huan, who held the lowest official rank, was simply seeking to survive.

After much deliberation, he gritted his teeth and ordered his servants to carry several pieces of jewelry and quietly turn into another alley.

At the end of that alley was the residence of Xu Yingyuan, the newly appointed head of the Imperial Horse Administration and the former residence of His Majesty when he was a prince.

Yang Huan felt that he didn't want much, nor did he expect this newly popular figure to risk his life for him.

As long as I can live, that's all that matters.

In the drizzling rain, the sky was just before dawn.

Three carriages, each carrying a different thought, departed from three different residences and headed toward a shared future.

Allies who were once united against a common enemy have now each stepped onto a new gambling table, betting their entire fortunes.

They are unaware of other people's choices, or rather, they don't care about other people's choices.

In this game of power, there are no friends, only interests.

This is the Ming Dynasty, this is the true Ming Dynasty!
At least... it's the Ming Dynasty now.

　[This chapter's deduction]

　　1. Historical records do not describe the personalities of these so-called Five Tigers; they are simply described as ruthless, ruthless, ruthless. My interpretation is based on their family background, origins, and the ways they lived their lives, and is just one person's opinion; different opinions are welcome.

　　[Historical Facts in this Chapter]

　　1. As I described in this chapter, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was composed of a very complex group, including military graduates, sons/grandsons of former civil officials, members of noble families, and street ruffians. Of course, some joined the eunuch faction, while others did not follow due to moral or social considerations. Every organization is complex, as was the Donglin Party, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard was no exception.

　　2. Zheng Shiyi, according to historical records, succeeded Tian Ergeng as the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Who came after him is unknown, followed by Wu Mengming, and then Luo Yangxing. —Zheng Shiyi (Ming Dynasty), courtesy name Zhongren, was from Jinyun. He was appointed to the Eastern Division of Justice through his father's influence. For his merit in overseeing the construction of imperial tombs, he was promoted to Assistant Secretary of the Court. At that time, Wei Zhongxian held power, and Shiyi feigned drunkenness to avoid joining his faction. After Wei was executed, he was promoted to Vice Commander-in-Chief. He died in the capital for speaking out against the emperor. He authored *A Collection of Essays on the Self-Entertainment of the Wanli Emperor*.

　　3. The vulgar language Cui Yingyuan used to curse Xu Xianchun comes from *Stories to Awaken the World*, written by Feng Menglong. There are many other obscene and offensive phrases; the Ming Dynasty ancestors' skill in cursing was truly no less than ours.

　　4. Zhu Chunchen, a descendant of Duke Dingguo Zhu Xizhong. Zhu Xizhong has an important role in "Wanli Mingjun", which means he has a small connection with the novel I like.

　　5. Zhu Chunchen was scolded by civil officials. The Ming Shilu (Veritable Records of the Ming Dynasty) states: "Li Jingbai of the Ministry of Rites also said: Wang Mingfu submitted three memorials requesting a sedan chair, which were all sent to the Ministry for discussion. However, Chunchen alone obtained the imperial decree, which not only violated the political system but also went against the ancestral system."

　　
　
(End of this chapter)