Ming Dynasty: I, Zhu Yunwen, started by resurrecting my grandmother.

Zhu Yunwen seemed excited upon hearing Huang Zicheng's words: "Qi Tai misled me! Please continue."

Huang Zicheng bowed again: "Did Qi Tai suggest to His Majesty that Zhang Bing be appointed as the Provincial Treasurer of Beiping, and Xie Gui and Zhang Xin be put in charge of the Beiping Military Command?"

"yes."

"This is extremely dangerous."

Zhu Yunwen asked in surprise, "Then why?"

"Throughout history, monarchs have been extremely cautious in their use of people. If the right person is chosen, everything will go smoothly, such as Yi Yin and Huo Guang."

If the wrong people are employed, there is a risk of overthrowing the country, as seen with Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo.

Zhang Xin was a former subordinate of Zhu Di; how could he be given such an important position?

Zhu Yunwen, however, had a different opinion: "Sir, you can't say that. There are many people who surrendered from the opposing camp."

For example, Zhang He during the Three Kingdoms period and Wei Zheng during the Tang Dynasty both surrendered.

However, Zhang He was absolutely loyal to Cao Cao, and Wei Zheng was even more so to Li Shimin. I also have shown great favor to Zhang Xin, and I believe he will not betray me.

Besides, my decree has already been issued; how can it be changed so easily?

"Your Majesty, you are mistaken. How can Zhang Xin be compared to Zhang He and Wei Zheng?"

Moreover, Zhu Di had treated him well back then, and Zhang Xin never forgot his former master.

Your Majesty, I suggest you replace him immediately; it's not too late.

"Not changing it, or changing it every day, is a great taboo."

"I will not misjudge people. I am certain that Zhang Xin will be loyal to the court." Zhu Yunwen was very stubborn.

"Your Majesty..." Huang Zicheng was about to continue speaking when, just then, a guard entered from outside and bowed, "Your Majesty, Wu... Zhu Yunwen requests an audience."

"Oh, quickly call him in."

"promise!"

The guard agreed and turned to leave.

Huang Zicheng said in a low voice, "Since Zhu Yunwen is here, you two talk first, I'll excuse myself for a moment."

Zhu Yunwen nodded.

Huang Zicheng went behind the screen and hid.

Shortly after, Zhu Yunwen entered from outside, knelt on the ground, and greeted, "Your Majesty!"

Zhu Yunwen, neither feigning intimacy nor feigning closeness, turned around from behind the documents and came to Zhu Yunzhuo's side, helping him up with both hands: "Yunzhuo, there are no outsiders here, no need for formalities."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhu Yunwen stood up.

Zhu Yunwen personally poured a cup of tea for Zhu Yuntong and handed it to him: "There are five of us brothers. Our eldest brother, Zhu Xiong Ying, unfortunately died young."

Now, there are four of us: you, me, Zhu Yunxuan, and Zhu Yunxi. Although we are not born of the same mother, it doesn't make much difference.

Last time, Zhu Di used the pretext of mourning to send 100,000 troops to besiege the capital. It was you who relieved the siege for me, and I am extremely grateful.

I originally intended to restore your title and official position, but some ministers in the court believe this is inappropriate. Therefore, you will have to endure this injustice a little longer and wait patiently.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen thought to himself, "What do you mean there are ministers who object? Isn't it all up to you to say a word?"

However, he couldn't say it aloud, even though he thought it to himself: "Brother, you're absolutely right. We're brothers. If you're in trouble, it's only right that a brother should stand up for you."

As for titles and ranks, those are minor matters.

Zhu Yunwen patted Zhu Yunwen on the shoulder: "It's good that you understand."

"However, rest assured, as long as you complete your mission in Beiping successfully, I will certainly reinstate you to your original position upon your return."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen thought to himself, "This one's learned to make empty promises now."

It is said that Li Yuan once told Li Shimin, "Only if you can conquer the country will I make you the crown prince."

However, when Li Shimin actually conquered the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan never mentioned it.

It seems that making empty promises is a tactic used by all emperors.

"Brother, then I thank you in advance."

Zhu Yunwen feigned concern: "Did you encounter any difficulties on your mission to Beiping?"

"no."

"I have ordered you to visit Qi Tai in the Dali Temple prison. Does he have any complaints?" Zhu Yunwen was also wary and didn't trust anyone.

"No, Lord Qi is utterly loyal to the court."

"Did he have anything to say?"

Zhu Yunwen coughed lightly: "He asked me to bring a letter to His Majesty."

"Oh, where is the letter? Bring it to me so I can see it."

So Zhu Yunwen took out a letter from his bosom and handed it to Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen took the letter, opened the envelope, and read it by the light. He saw that it contained roughly three layers of meaning:

Firstly, Your Majesty, Xuanfa was truly not killed by this humble subject. Please investigate thoroughly, Your Majesty.

Secondly, Your Majesty, please allow Chang Yuchun to lead 500 cavalrymen to accompany Zhu Yunwen to Beiping, in case of unforeseen circumstances.

In his letter, Qi Tai listed various potential threats from the Northern Yuan, the Western Regions, the Central Plains, and Beiping;

Thirdly, Your Majesty, please reward Zhu Yunwen with a thousand catties of gold and ten thousand taels of silver, which he may use as he sees fit.

Zhu Yunwen examined it three times and concluded that it was Qi Tai's handwriting, without a doubt.

Zhu Yunwen could understand the first point.

Zhu Yunwen thought to himself, "Hmph, even if you really killed Xuanfa, you won't admit it. Who would admit to killing someone?"

However, he had some doubts about the second and third points Qi Tai mentioned in the letter.

Would it be detrimental to us to let Chang Yuchun command troops outside?

Chang Yuchun was Zhu Yunwen's maternal grandfather, but five hundred men were insignificant and wouldn't cause any trouble.

As for the third item, a thousand catties of gold and ten thousand taels of silver, that was a considerable fortune. With this money, Zhu Yunwen could do many things.

Zhu Yunwen thought to himself, "Usually, Qi Tai wanted to kill me in front of me, but today, Qi Tai seems to be a man who cares about the bigger picture."

Zhu Yunwen thought for a moment, and since Qi Tai had written a letter, he decided to agree.

"Your Majesty, what did Lord Qi mention in his letter?"

"Oh, it's nothing. You can take a look at his letter."

Zhu Yunwen took the letter and read it over and over again, and couldn't help but praise, "It seems that Lord Qi is truly a man who cares deeply about the country."

"When you go to Beiping this time, you must place our people in there. At the same time, try to disperse Zhu Di's troops and divert his army so that our people can control most of the troops as much as possible."

Do you understand what I mean?

Zhu Yunwen was secretly delighted, but on the surface he showed no sign of it: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail in my mission."

"Go and get ready."

"promise!"

Zhu Yunwen agreed and strode out the door.

At that moment, Huang Zicheng emerged from behind the screen, looking anxious: "Your Majesty, where is the letter? May I see it?"