The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

The candlelight in the Princess Zhenguo's residence burned out on the last night of late autumn.

At the beginning of the Yin hour, all was quiet, even the howling wind seemed to have temporarily stopped.

Inside the study, the embers in the charcoal brazier emitted a dark red light, illuminating Yun Jin's slightly pale but unusually focused face behind the desk, as well as Su Che's calm and serene eyes opposite her.

On the desk lay several sheets of plain paper covered with writing.

The ink has dried; it is the result of repeated deliberation and numerous revisions.

The topmost document, written in vermilion ink, reads "A memorial requesting the imperial decree to establish officials under the jurisdiction of the Princess Zhenguo's residence and to transfer meritorious soldiers." Below it are densely packed names, proposed official positions, and brief recommendations.

This list is the first cornerstone for their future foothold in the court and their confrontation with the Third Prince, and also the first stone thrown into this bottomless quagmire of power. Its importance is self-evident.

"The position of Chief Secretary is responsible for managing the affairs of the government, coordinating internal and external affairs, and requires someone who is mature, prudent, knowledgeable in politics, and able to reconcile different parties."

Su Che pointed his finger at a name: "Li Gang, former Hanlin Academy Lecturer, a fifth-rank official. He is a descendant of a veteran minister from the previous emperor's reign, with a family tradition of learning. He is well-versed in classics and history, and once served as a local prefect, where he was highly regarded for his political achievements."

Dissatisfied with the Crown Prince's monopolization of power, he repeatedly submitted memorials to the emperor, which led to his being ostracized from the central government and left idle in the Hanlin Academy, where he remained frustrated and unfulfilled.

He is upright and reputable, but not a pedantic or rigid person. He can be used to govern the government and demonstrate His Highness's wisdom in recruiting talented individuals regardless of their background.

Yun Jin looked at the name "Li Gang" and nodded slightly.

The position of Hanlin Academy Lecturer was prestigious but lacked real power. However, it was well-regarded and had sufficient experience. As the Chief Secretary, it was difficult for the court and the public to criticize its "lack of experience".

Furthermore, given his rift with the eldest prince, he naturally distanced himself from the third prince's faction.

"The Sima is in charge of military planning and deployment. This position requires military expertise, courage, and absolute loyalty."

Su Che pointed to the next name, "Zhou Bo, has been promoted to the position of garrison commander of Shuofeng City, a third-rank military officer, for his meritorious service."

He was petitioned to be transferred to the capital and appointed as the commander of the Shence Battalion of the Northern Army, a fourth-rank official, who was in charge of a battalion of soldiers.

At the same time, he also served as the Sima (military officer) of the Princess Zhenguo's Mansion.

Zhou Bo has long served on the frontier, is familiar with military affairs, and is loyal and reliable. He has rendered meritorious service in guarding the pass this time, so it is only right and proper for him to be transferred to the capital for promotion and reward.

With him stationed at the Shence Camp, His Highness has truly secured a foothold in the Imperial Guards.

His transfer from a border garrison commander to the powerful commander of the Imperial Guards in the capital may seem like a lateral move, but in reality, it was a move from the local to the core, and he was in charge of an elite battalion, which was of great significance.

Zhou Bo's loyalty, tested by the blood and fire of Tiebi Pass, undoubtedly made him the best candidate.

"The various military advisors are responsible for handling specific tasks."

Su Che continued, "The Registrar of Household Affairs is in charge of the finances of the government and coordinates with the Department of Revenue."

Pang Xiaopan is still the owner of "Huitong Trading Company" on the surface, but she is secretly appointed as the Registrar of the Princess's Palace. She is not given a rank and works as a "staff member" and "advisor".

He is skilled in business and familiar with the flow of money and grain, and can secretly manage the prince's properties, monitor the Ministry of Revenue's expenditures, and open up new sources of revenue for the princess's residence.

This is a crucial step in gradually transforming covert forces into overt support under a legitimate identity.

Pang Xiaopan's business network will become the economic lifeline and intelligence outreach of the Princess's residence.

"The Military Advisor assists in military affairs and is in charge of the personal guards."

Zhao Jianing was awarded the title of Zhaowu Colonel for his meritorious service, and was actually appointed as the commander of the personal guard battalion of the Princess Zhenguo's residence, in charge of the Princess's personal protection and the security of the residence.

His 500 elite troops from Blackwater Town could be reorganized into the core of his personal guard battalion.

He further requested that three hundred men be selected from among the meritorious soldiers of the northern frontier to reinforce the Imperial Guard.

Su Che paused for a moment, "The Imperial Guard Battalion must be an independent army. Its equipment, provisions, and garrison will all be directly managed by the Princess's residence, and it will not be subject to the control of the Imperial Guard or the Ministry of War. This is His Highness's last resort in the capital, and it must be elite and reliable."

"The Legal Advisor is in charge of criminal law and regulations, investigates the discipline of the prefecture, and can also assist in handling cases investigated by the Department of Revenue."

Night Owl, also known as Yin Wujiu, was originally the chief of the Ministry of Justice's Bureau of Clerks. He was dismissed from his post due to his involvement in an old case and ended up wandering the martial arts world.

He was actually a veteran of the "Listening" system, and was proficient in criminal justice, investigation, and interrogation.

They can be secretly employed, appointed as legal advisors, but their names are not publicly listed; they remain behind the scenes, specializing in intelligence, surveillance, and special affairs.

The Night Owl's identity must be kept absolutely secret, but his expertise is indispensable.

Using the verifiable identity of "Yin Wujiu," a former official of the Ministry of Justice, as a cover, and appointing him as a legal advisor, he could legitimately mobilize the resources of "Diting" to handle Yun Jin's shady dealings.

"The Military Advisor is in charge of the repair of residences, the manufacture of weapons, and the research and development of new military equipment."

Han Lie, formerly the captain of the Iron Wall Pass Archery Battalion, was skilled in making crossbows and improving military equipment.

He was awarded the title of Renyong Colonel for his meritorious service and transferred to the Princess's Palace as a Military Advisor in the Ministry of Works.

They can continue researching and improving items such as the "Armor-Piercing Crow Arrow" and the "Thunderclap Bomb," and secretly recruit craftsmen to establish our own military workshops.

Su Che specifically mentioned Han Lie's name.

This person is skilled, and his loyalty has been tested in the defense of the city. He is a seed for future military equipment development.

"The remaining positions, such as the military advisors in charge of granaries, armor, and cavalry, will be temporarily vacant, or filled by reliable officials recommended by Li Gang, Zhou Bo, and others, and will be filled later."

Su Che went through the last part of the list. "In addition, I request that ten mid- to low-ranking officers from the Northern Frontier Army who have made meritorious contributions and are on good terms with Zhou Bo and Zhao Jianing be transferred to various battalions of the Northern Army to serve as captains, brigade commanders, and other positions."

They don't need to occupy high positions, but they need to be spread out at key points to serve as eyes and ears and provide support.

This list is a mix of literary and military talents, both overt and covert. It includes upright figures like Li Gang, loyal confidants like Pang Xiaopan, Zhao Jianing, and Ye Xiao, as well as "special talents" with their own expertise like Zhou Bo and Han Lie. It covers almost all the key aspects needed to establish a government and military headquarters.

At the same time, it also leaves room for future expansion of power.

More importantly, each candidate was chosen based on reasons such as "meritorious service to the country," "ability to perform the duties," and "verifiable background," making it difficult for the Third Prince's faction to openly oppose the "appointment of private individuals."

"Sir, your considerations are thorough; this list is quite appropriate."

After carefully reading the memorial, Yun Jin picked up her pen and solemnly signed her name at the end of the memorial, then stamped it with the newly acquired golden seal of the Princess Zhenguo.

The vermilion seal landed on the plain paper, heavy as if carrying a thousand pounds of force.

"Once this memorial is presented, it will surely cause a great uproar in the court." Yun Jin put down her pen and looked at the brightening sky outside the window. "My third brother will definitely not sit idly by and watch us succeed so easily."

"That's exactly what I wanted him to object to."