Please call me the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty

Cui Chengxiu grinned upon hearing this, thinking to himself that Xu Xianchun was truly getting worse with each generation.

His father is an old imperial son-in-law. If he kills all the members of the royal family, wouldn't that mean he'd kill your whole family too? What a bastard!

Besides, even if I wanted to mobilize troops, I would need the Emperor's approval.

If the emperor doesn't approve, my word doesn't count.

Thinking of this, Cui Chengxiu quickly persuaded him: "Lord Xu, I know that you were upset when your daughter was not selected as the Princess Consort of Xin."

but,

Times change

at this time,

We should be even more careful; how can we act rashly?

Let's think about this more carefully.

Upon hearing this, Xu Xianchun blushed and sighed, "I'm not bragging, but my daughter is as beautiful as a fairy. Nobles and princes have come to propose marriage so many times they've practically broken down the threshold."

However, she didn't like anyone else, but she fell for Zhu Youjian.

What do you suggest we do about this?

Could it be that,

"If Zhu Youjian doesn't marry her, does that mean she'll never marry again?"

Cui Chengxiu comforted him, "Lord Xu, who can really explain matters of the heart?"

Good things come to those who wait; perhaps one day your daughter will get what she wants.

If you kill Zhu Youjian, won't your daughter become a widow waiting to be married?

Upon hearing this, Xu Xianchun deflated like a punctured balloon and slumped into his chair.

When it comes to charging into battle and fighting on the battlefield, he is fearless.

However, the mention of his daughter filled him with worry, leaving him in a dilemma, unsure whether to move forward or back.

As the saying goes, "Even heroes are often overcome by tender feelings for their children."

Wei Zhongxian pondered for a moment and said, "Mao Wenlong is stationed on Pi Island. If he attacks the Later Jin army from the rear, it will cause great trouble for the Later Jin army."

"It would be great if Mao Wenlong could be transferred away. Is there any way to do that?"

Cui Chengxiu thought for a long time and shook his head: "Mao Wenlong is different from ordinary generals; he's a troublemaker."

This can only be done slowly.

After obtaining Wei Zhongxian's consent, Wei Guangwei first placed Gao Diyi's entire family under house arrest.

Then, he took 5 taels of silver and rushed to Shanhaiguan.

night.

The Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youjian felt much better after issuing an edict to exonerate Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, Wei Dazhong, and the other six gentlemen.

Historically, political stability and integrity have often been a symbol of a prosperous era.

Whether it was the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, the reign of Emperor Zhenguan, or the later Kaiyuan era, this was true in every case.

Political darkness is a symbol of the decline of a dynasty. For example, at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Ten Attendants controlled the government, and local warlords ruled independently.

The imperial decrees simply could not be conveyed.

Zhu Youjian thought to himself, if he could restore the Ming Dynasty to the state it was during the reign of Zhenguan, then there would be hope for its revival.

During the Zhenguan era, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, employed people without regard to background, and there were very few criminals. Prisons in various places were basically empty.

For example, Wei Zheng was originally a member of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng's camp.

and,

Wei Zheng had repeatedly advised Li Jiancheng to kill Li Shimin as soon as possible.

However, Li Jiancheng hesitated and missed many opportunities.

finally,

Li Shimin decisively launched the Xuanwu Gate Incident, killing Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Prince Qi Li Yuanji.

Logically, Wei Zheng was a member of Li Jiancheng's faction and should have been purged. However, Li Shimin was magnanimous and recognized Wei Zheng as a rare talent.

Therefore,

Instead of killing him, they gave him an important position.

The story of Li Shimin and Wei Zheng, a ruler and his minister, is considered a timeless tale.

Wei Zheng was known for his outspoken advice, often putting Li Shimin in an awkward position in court.

However, Li Shimin knew he was a loyal minister and did not hold it against him.

Wei Zheng offered Li Shimin many good ideas, and Li Shimin readily accepted them, demonstrating his ability to listen to sound advice.

Therefore, he was known as a wise and benevolent ruler.

As Zhu Youjian was lost in thought, Li Ruolian walked in from outside and reported, "Wang Jiayan requests an audience."

"Quickly, invite them in!"

"promise!"

Li Ruolian agreed and turned to leave.

Shortly after, Wang Jiayan entered from outside and knelt on the ground: "Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"

Zhu Youjian emerged from behind the desk and helped him up with both hands: "My dear minister, there's no need for such formalities, please rise quickly."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"What brings you to see me so late?"

After Wang Jiayan stood up, he said, "Your Majesty, your decree today to exonerate Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, Wei Dazhong and the other six gentlemen is truly gratifying."

The people of Beijing spread the news with great joy.

People all believe that His Majesty is a sage ruler, and that our Great Ming Dynasty will be revived once again.

Upon hearing Wang Jiayan's words, Zhu Youjian's eyes lit up, and he was also very excited: "Really? Is that what the people of Beijing are saying?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

When Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, Wei Dazhong, and the other six gentlemen were murdered, the people felt sorry for them.

Everyone knows that this was a miscarriage of justice fabricated by Wei Zhongxian's eunuch faction.

but,

The people in the imperial court were angry but dared not speak out.

But now, His Majesty has overturned their case.

Therefore, it is evident that Your Majesty is a sage ruler like Yao and Shun.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian waved his hand: "I dare not compare myself to the sage rulers of ancient times."

The case of Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, Wei Dazhong, and the other six gentlemen, after detailed investigation, has been confirmed as a miscarriage of justice.

Therefore, I will overturn their case, clear their names, and restore their reputations.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Wang Jiayan paused here, and took out a memorial from his bosom. "This is my impeachment of Wei Zhongxian."

Zhu Youjian took the memorial, opened it, and saw that it listed twenty-four crimes committed by Wei Zhongxian.

Each point was clearly listed and supported by evidence.

Wang Jiayan continued, "Your Majesty, these materials were all carefully collected and compiled by your humble servant, and they are all facts."

Zhu Youjian thought to himself, "I am just about to deal with Wei Zhongxian."

Unexpectedly, at this moment, Wang Jiayan took the initiative to prepare all the materials.

Zhu Youjian pondered for a moment and said, "Now, the Later Jin army has already attacked Ningyuan. Dorgon is coming with great force, wanting to avenge his father Nurhaci. He claims that he will break through the Guan-Ning-Jin defense line, take Shanhaiguan, besiege Beijing, and force me to abdicate."

In this situation, we cannot afford to lose our composure in the rear.

Therefore, we must be extremely careful in dealing with Wei Zhongxian; either we shouldn't act at all, or we should strike decisively and kill him instantly.

Upon hearing this, Wang Jiayan praised, "Your Majesty, your considerations are truly profound."

Is Your Majesty aware that Cui Chengxiu and Wei Guangwei secretly traveled to Shengjing and reached an agreement with Huang Taiji?

The plan was to coordinate an attack from within and without, and hand over Shanhaiguan and Beijing to the Later Jin.

After the deed was done, Huang Taiji bestowed upon Wei Zhongxian the title of "Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Years Old".

He appointed Cui Chengxiu as king.

"How did you know?"

"Cui Chengxiu has a concubine named Qing'er who has a good relationship with my wife."

One day, Cui Chengxiu was drinking when he said to his concubine, "I am about to be made a king, and you will be my queen."

Qing'er asked, "How could you possibly be made a king?"

Fueled by alcohol, Cui Chengxiu blurted out the truth.

Qing'er was also shocked when she heard this.

Because Choi Seong-soo had previously insulted Consort Jang Yu-ho,

Furthermore, they confined Consort Wang to her home.

Therefore, Qing'er harbored resentment towards Cui Chengxiu.

She then told my wife about it and begged her to spare her life.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian thought to himself that it seemed to be true, and that Cui Chengxiu was truly hateful.

Cui Chengxiu was originally a member of the Donglin Party, but he was dismissed from his post due to corruption.

Wei Zhongxian rescued him.

At that time, Zhu Youxiao did not care too much and still trusted him and gave him important positions, allowing him to rise to the position of Minister of War and concurrently Left Censor-in-Chief.

Unexpectedly, Cui Chengxiu repeatedly colluded with the Later Jin in an attempt to overthrow the Ming Dynasty.

Perhaps he sensed that his good days were coming to an end, so he was eager to change allegiances.

Zhu Youjian grew angrier the more he thought about it.

Wang Jiayan stroked his beard and said, "Wei Zhongxian is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and Cui Chengxiu is full of cunning schemes. The two of them are in cahoots."

His Majesty wants to control the army, but with these two around, it might not be so convenient.

Zhu Youjian nodded and said, "That's right. Even if I want to move a single soldier, I have to get their approval."

"Your Majesty, a ruler must have control over the military; otherwise, he will be sidelined."

Emperor Xian of Han was very intelligent and wanted to achieve something great.

When Dong Zhuo first entered the capital, Emperor Shao of Han, Liu Bian, was so frightened upon seeing him that he was speechless.

However, when Liu Xie met Dong Zhuo, he answered fluently and remained calm.

Therefore, Dong Zhuo felt that Liu Bian was not capable, and that Liu Xie was more like an emperor.

Therefore, Emperor Shao of Han, Liu Bian, was deposed and Liu Xie was installed as emperor.

However, Liu Xie was never able to gain control of the military.

Initially, Dong Zhuo was in charge. Minister Wang Yun devised a scheme involving two interlocking plots: first, he promised Diao Chan to Lü Bu, and then he offered Diao Chan to Dong Zhuo.

This caused a conflict between Dong Zhuo and his son Lü Bu. Later, after Lü Bu killed Dong Zhuo, Li Jue and Guo Si stormed into Chang'an.

Emperor Xian of Han was still not free, and Li Jue and Guo Si were in charge again.

after that,

Emperor Xian of Han was taken to Xuchang by Cao Cao, but Cao Cao was no pushover either.

He manipulated Emperor Xian of Han at will, using the emperor to command the feudal lords.

Liu Xie still did not have military power.

Finally, Cao Cao died, and Cao Pi took power. Cao Pi simply deposed Emperor Xian of Han and declared himself emperor.

"You see, the root cause of all this is that Emperor Xian of Han didn't have military power."

Zhu Youjian nodded repeatedly after listening.

"Let's talk about Li Longji again."

People say that Li Longji was wise and powerful when he was young.

In his old age, he became obsessed with Yang Guifei, which made him senile and incompetent. He neglected state affairs and was like a completely different person.

At that time,

Jiedushi (military governors) were established in various regions.

The military governors gradually gained control over the army, finances, and personnel.

Originally, the Tang Dynasty system stipulated that each military governor could not stay in one place for too long and had to be transferred after a period of time.

However, Li Longji lowered his guard against An Lushan.

and,

He was given the authority to govern the three towns of Fanyang, Pinglu, and Hedong.

An Lushan commanded nearly 20 troops, becoming the most powerful military governor in the land.

To Li Longji's surprise, An Lushan did not pledge allegiance to the Tang Dynasty, but instead joined forces with Shi Siming to launch the An Lushan Rebellion.

Because Li Longji's military power had fallen into other hands and he was unable to defeat his enemies, he had no choice but to retreat in defeat, fleeing to Western Shu with Yang Yuhuan.

Halfway there, the army mutinied, and Li Longji had no choice but to order Yang Yuhuan to commit suicide.

Isn't it tragic that an emperor couldn't even protect the woman he loved most?

From then on, the Tang Dynasty began its decline, and it was extremely difficult to restore its former glory.

Zhu Youjian was filled with emotion. As an emperor, it was truly tragic that he couldn't hold onto military power.

Protecting one's woman is not so easy.

At the time, Liu Bang favored Lady Qi and even considered making Liu Ruyi, the son of Lady Qi, the crown prince.

Shortly after Liu Bang's death, Empress Lü poisoned Liu Ruyi, and then threw Consort Qi into a pigsty, turning her into a "human pig."

Xiang Yu, known as the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, was virtually invincible in battle.

However, Han Xin set up an ambush at Gaixia, and Xiang Yu suffered a crushing defeat.

Yu Ji was Xiang Yu's most beloved woman. Seeing that Xiang Yu's power was waning and that she knew she was doomed, she drew her sword and committed suicide.

Zhu Youjian thought to himself, "I absolutely cannot follow in the footsteps of Liu Bang, Xiang Yu, and Li Longji, who couldn't even protect the woman I love most."

"Your Majesty, if you wish to retain control of the military, I suggest that you promote and appoint a group of loyal men to important positions."

They were given important positions in the military.

For example, Sun Chengzong.

After hearing this, Zhu Youjian frowned: "I once summoned Sun Chengzong, and he made it very clear that Wei Zhongxian was suppressing and ostracizing him."

"He wouldn't take up an official position while Wei Zhongxian is in court."

Wang Jiayan sighed, "It's no wonder, because so many people have been persecuted by Wei Zhongxian."

Officials in the court were all in danger. They couldn't survive if they didn't pledge allegiance to Wei Zhongxian, who was both open and covert in his schemes.

On that occasion, Wei Zhongxian took advantage of the opportunity to suppress the Six Gentlemen, including Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, and Wei Dazhong, to...

At the same time, sixty or seventy officials from the court were either imprisoned, exiled, or killed.

The entire imperial court had become a living hell.

All the officials lived in fear, not knowing when disaster would befall them.

Zhu Youjian's eyes were filled with resentment. He thought to himself, "That's right. If an official's personal safety cannot be guaranteed, who will have the mind to deal with those political affairs?"

His own elder brother was truly an oddball. Six emperors, including Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, and Wei Dazhong, impeached Wei Zhongxian.

How could you hand this case over to Wei Zhongxian for trial?

This is clearly unreasonable.

When Wei Zhongxian seized the opportunity, he naturally went to great lengths to persecute people.

This is similar to the conflict between Li Si and Zhao Gao back then.

Zhao Gao was determined to bring down Li Si; as soon as Li Si fell from power,

He was the sole ruler of the entire Qin Dynasty.

Hu Hai actually handed over Li Si's case to Zhao Gao for trial.

Knowing that Zhao Gao studied criminal law and was ruthless, would he let Li Si go?

It seems history repeats itself; monarchs can easily make the same mistakes.

To say that Wei Zhongxian was even worse than Zhao Gao back then is an understatement. No matter how powerful Zhao Gao was, he couldn't be considered a "Nine Thousand Years Old".

Moreover, Wei Zhongxian had "Five Tigers" and "Five Leopards" under his command, a wealth of talent.