Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

The worst plan is not feasible, the risk is too great! Our advantage lies in field battles. If we besiege the Ming army, we will be in a disadvantageous position! The deep forests and steep mountains are our stage for galloping. Once we are trapped under the strong city, how can our cavalry perform? Moreover, if time goes on for a long time, I am afraid that our retreat will be cut off and our food and grass will be exhausted. That would be terrible! "A flag owner said anxiously, his eyes revealing deep worry about the unknown.

"Yes, we don't know the enemy's food reserves yet. If our food runs out first, the soldiers will be hungry and their morale will be low, what should we do then? Are we to be cowardly before the battle and return empty-handed? Then where is our face! How can our warriors endure such humiliation!" Another flag owner was very emotional, his voice resounding throughout the tent, his face distorted with anger, as if he could hear the neighing of war horses in the distance and feel the unwillingness of the soldiers.

"I think the middle strategy can be implemented. No matter who wins or loses between the Ming court and the bandits, it will be profitable for us!" A calm flag owner spoke slowly. His eyes were like torches, as if he was examining an invisible map. He had already made up his mind. "We can wait for the right opportunity, sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight. When both sides are exhausted, we can attack again. Isn't it wonderful?"

"The best strategy is the best option! We only need to send elite troops to constantly harass the Ming court's borders, making them exhausted and bleeding. In this way, we can gradually weaken their power and pave the way for the decisive battle in the future!" A young flag owner stood up, his eyes flashing with ambition and confidence, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

……

Each flag owner expressed his or her own opinion and argued endlessly. The atmosphere in the tent was tense and heated, just like the violent storm outside, foreshadowing the upcoming changes.

However, everyone was aware of the riskiness of the worst plan and did not dare to venture into the unknown abyss. After all, the Eight Banners had only a hundred thousand soldiers. If they failed, they would not only lose face, but also shake the foundation of the country, with disastrous consequences.

Dorgon and Dodo, two wise and brave generals, advocated the best strategy. They wanted to take the opportunity to enter the pass, adopt a strategy of cannibalization, gradually weaken the power of the Ming court, and at the same time plunder property, relocate people, and open up the vast and fertile land of Liaodong to lay the foundation for future hegemony.

Hauge and Jirgalang were more cautious. They advocated a middle policy, believing that they should build high walls, store up food and grass, wait for the enemy to tire themselves out, and preserve their strength. They believed that the war between the Ming court and the bandits was raging, and entering the pass at this time would undoubtedly bring disaster to themselves and cause public resentment. It would be a foolish move that would not be worth the loss if they united to fight against them.

Daishan and Luo Luohun, the grandfather and grandson, seem to be detached from the secular world. They are indifferent and do not care about worldly affairs, as if all disputes have nothing to do with them. Their eyes reveal a kind of detached tranquility.

After a while, the four people were arguing more and more fiercely in the Hall of Ten Kings, almost as tense as the fight for the throne in the past. The air was filled with the smell of gunpowder, as if it would ignite at any time.

"Stop arguing!" Dorgon looked around, slammed the table and stood up. His voice was like thunder, shaking the candlelight in the tent. "Prince Li, what are the opinions of the Zhenghong and Xianghong banners?"

Daishan responded calmly: "My words are not important. Let's listen to the opinions of the ministers of the Zhenghuang and Xianghuang banners. If they want to enter the pass, I will follow them; otherwise, I will train troops and store food and wait for the right time." Although his voice was calm, it revealed an unquestionable majesty.

Seeing that Hauge had no objection, Dorgon summoned the ministers and generals of the Zhenghuang and Xianghuang banners. Their faces were full of expectation and anxiety, as if they were about to face a gamble that would determine their fate.

Fan Wencheng sat quietly by the side, saying nothing. His eyes were deep and wise, as if he could see into people's hearts and through the fog of the future.

Because of the young emperor on the throne, the generals of the Second Yellow Banner all wanted to make achievements and pave the way for their future careers. After weighing the pros and cons, they finally agreed with Dorgon's opinion. It was as if a gust of wind blew, and the atmosphere in the tent instantly became unified and firm.

Soon after, two hours later, the Eight Banners finally reached a decision: enter the pass to plunder! This decision was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples and foreshadowing the coming storm.

Dorgon walked up to Fan Wencheng, bowed and asked, "Mr. Fan, do you have any strategy for entering the Pass?" His eyes were full of expectation and trust.

Fan Wencheng nodded and said, "Yes, I plan to march in mid-to-late May. At that time, the wheat fields in the Central Plains will be golden, and it will be the time to harvest summer crops. We can take the opportunity to seize food and solve the problem of military food. However, the specific place to break the city needs to wait for the spies in Beijing to find out the deployment of the Ming army. " His voice was low and powerful, as if every word contained endless wisdom.

Dorgon asked in confusion: "Li Zicheng has just failed, and the Ming court is just trying to rest and regroup. Why wait until mid-to-late May? Can't we act earlier?"

Fan Wencheng smiled and said, "Do you know when the Central Plains will harvest summer grain? That will be our godsend opportunity! At that time, the Ming army's granaries will be full. If we can seize them, we can solve the military food problem and let the soldiers fight with full stomachs. Why not do it?" His smile revealed a sense of mystery and confidence.

Dorgon suddenly realized and laughed: "Mr. Fan, you are truly the Sleeping Dragon of the time! I really admire you. In this way, the worry about food and fodder is solved!" His laughter was heroic and hearty, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

Fan Wencheng waved his hand and said, "Prince Rui, you are too kind. The most urgent thing at present is to lure Wu Sangui into surrender. I plan to let Zu Dashou write to Wu Sangui again, and this time send it with great fanfare so that the Ming emperor Lin Xiaofeng will know about it. You know, Emperor Lin Xiaofeng is suspicious by nature. Once he knows that Wu Sangui is communicating with us, he will be very angry. Coupled with the instigation of court officials, perhaps Wu Sangui can be forced to rebel and be used by us." There was a cunning light in his eyes, as if he had laid an invisible net.

Dorgon was very smart and immediately understood Fan Wencheng's intention. He knew that if this plan succeeded, Wu Sangui's surrender would open the door to Shanhaiguan for them, and Shanhaiguan was the throat of the Central Plains.

Dorgon looked at the direction of Shanhaiguan, and his mood gradually calmed down. The mountains, the sea breeze, and every inch of land there seemed to be clear in front of his eyes. He knew that as long as he got Shanhaiguan, the door to the Central Plains would be open. On the plains, their cavalry could gallop unhindered and unstoppable! Their cavalry would sweep across the Central Plains like a storm, and no one could stop them!
……

Meanwhile, at Shanhaiguan, Wu Sangui was preparing to send someone to distribute military pay. He had mixed feelings, both expectant and worried. He knew that this distribution of military pay might cause a series of problems, but he had to do it.

"Mr. Wu, you've fallen into a trap!" Advisor Fang Guangchen hurried in, slapping his thigh and exclaiming. His face was filled with anxiety and uneasiness.

Wu Sangui asked in astonishment: "Why do you say that?" An ominous premonition arose in his heart.

"Why do you want to take back the one thousand cavalrymen led by Ji Zishen?" Fang Guangchen asked anxiously.

Wu Sangui said doubtfully: "These 1,000 cavalrymen are elite troops. I trained them myself. How can I hand them over to outsiders so easily? I need them to defend Shanhaiguan and our homeland."

"Alas!" Fang Guangchen sighed, "But they have already received their salaries in the capital! In this way, you are paying them repeatedly."

"How could such a thing happen? No one told me! There was no shortage of military pay issued by the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue, so I didn't investigate it carefully. If this is true, then wouldn't the court have given me an extra 20,000 gold?" Wu Sangui was secretly delighted. He had been fined because of some misunderstandings before, and now he could get this unexpected compensation. It seemed that the emperor did not alienate him.

"That's the problem!" Fang Guangchen stood up anxiously and said, "Because of the soaring grain prices, Lin Xiaofeng increased the Guanning Cavalry's salary to two taels (not counting horse feed) in the fifteenth year. But when distributing it, they often withhold some of the military pay under pretexts. Although the amount withheld each time is not much, it accumulates to a considerable amount."

Wu Sangui stood up in astonishment. He had actually overlooked this point... Among the military commanders of the Ming Dynasty, there was no one who did not withhold military pay. They usually used part of the withheld money for themselves, part of it to bribe the ministers in the court, and the rest was mostly used to feed their own personal soldiers. Personal soldiers mean family servants. They are the elite among the elite and the private armed forces of the military commanders.

The military pay from the imperial court was two taels of silver, but after Wu Sangui's hands, it was reduced to one tael and eight cents of silver. So what would those who were not close to the army think? Would they be dissatisfied and resentful of Wu Sangui because of this? The Guanning Army treated Wu Sangui as their own family, so what did Wu Sangui give them in return?
The situation was critical! Wu Sangui felt flustered and confused. He didn't know how to deal with this sudden crisis.

"Brother Fang, do you have any plan to deal with this situation?" Wu Sangui asked in panic, his eyes full of helplessness and anxiety.

Fang Guangchen pondered for a long time before saying, "How about this... Let's not withhold the military pay this time! If everyone is paid one tael and eight qian of silver, then they will have nothing to say. But since the one thousand cavalrymen have already been paid two taels of silver, if we still pay them one tael and eight qian of silver, I'm afraid it will cause trouble!"

"You should know the truth that 'it's not the lack of wealth that's worrying, but the inequality of wealth'!
The moment Zhu Fenghui stepped into the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the morning light just penetrated the intricate glazed tiles and sprinkled on his slightly tired but determined face. He was dressed in official uniform, and every step he took seemed solemn and cautious, as if every step was on the fate of the country. The palace gate slowly closed, isolating the noise from the outside world, leaving only the ambergris rising in the hall, interweaving with the faint scent of ink in the air, creating a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.

He knelt down slowly, and the sound of his knees touching the ground echoed clearly in the empty hall. With his hands folded and his forehead lightly touching the cold floor tiles, he silently recited his awe and loyalty to the emperor in his heart, and his voice was steady and powerful: "I, Zhu Fenghui, pay my respects to the emperor!" This sentence was not only a greeting to the emperor, but also his oath to his mission.

Emperor Lin Xiaofeng, sitting on the dragon throne, had a calm and deep expression on his face, and his eyes revealed the aura of an emperor who was majestic without anger. He nodded gently, and although the movement was small, it seemed to be able to shake the entire court. Guo Tianyang, who was standing aside, was wearing the flying fish uniform of the Jinyiwei, with an upright posture and sharp eyes, like a falcon ready to attack at any time. He quickly stepped forward and handed a heavy letter to Zhu Fenghui.

Zhu Fenghui took the letter, his fingertips trembling slightly. This urgent report from the border carried too much weight and expectation. He slowly unfolded the letter and read it word by word, his eyes sometimes solemn, sometimes flashing with a gleam of thought. The movements of the bandits described in the letter and the threat of the Jiannu were like a dark cloud pressing on his heart. But he quickly adjusted his mood, raised his head and looked at the emperor, his eyes flashing with determination and wisdom: "In my opinion, those bandits are probably not sincere about Xuanfu, but just want to take advantage of the fire and grab some property."

Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng nodded secretly in his heart. He did not expect that this seemingly insignificant official could have such keen insight. He smiled lightly, with a little more appreciation in his eyes: "I think so too!" This tacit understanding brought the distance between the two people closer.

"Your Majesty wants me here for some important matter?" Zhu Fenghui's voice revealed a hint of caution. He knew very well that being summoned to the Qianqing Palace must mean something very important.

Lin Xiaofeng stood up, his posture tall and straight, like an unshakable mountain. His words were concise and powerful: "Let's go hunting!" These three words made Zhu Fenghui have countless questions in his mind.

"Ah? Your Majesty, I am just a small official without a sword or knife in my hand. How can I hunt for Your Majesty?" Zhu Fenghui's surprise was beyond words. He really found it difficult to connect the word "hunting" with the crisis he was about to face.

"We are fighting the Jiannu!" Lin Xiaofeng's words rang like thunder in Zhu Fenghui's ears. His heartbeat instantly accelerated, and a surge of blood rushed to his head. As a native of Tongzhou, Zhili, his hatred and anger towards the Jiannu were deeper than anyone else. At this moment, he seemed to see the figures of his fellow villagers struggling in the war and heard their helpless cries for help.

"I am willing to serve the emperor, even if it means going through fire and water!" Zhu Fenghui's voice was firm and powerful. He knew very well that this was not only loyalty to the emperor, but also protection of his own homeland.

Lin Xiaofeng nodded with satisfaction and led Zhu Fenghui to the table. The map of Northern Zhili was like a huge scroll, unfolding before their eyes. The mountains and rivers were magnificent, the rivers were winding, the cities were scattered, and the roads were crisscrossed. Lin Xiaofeng's fingers gently slid across the map, stopping at the lost land of Liaodong and the Mongolian tribes in the south of the desert that had surrendered to Jiannu. His voice was low and powerful: "If you were Jiannu, where would you go south from in two months?"

Zhu Fenghui stared at the map, thinking silently in his mind. He knew very well that this was not only a military problem, but also a test of his wisdom and courage. After a moment, he raised his head with a firm gaze: "In the past, the Jiannu invaded from Xifengkou, Dushikou and other places. Now Yanmen Pass is in the hands of the bandits, and Qingshan Pass is guarded by Wu Sangui's Guanning Army. The Jiannu will never dare to take risks easily. Therefore, I predict that they will still go south from Dushikou or Xifengkou."

Hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng's eyes flashed with approval. He pointed at Xuanfu Town and continued, "Dushikou is adjacent to Xuanfu. If the Jiannu invade from here, they will definitely attack Xuanfu. Last time the bandits besieged the city, Governor Zhu Zhifeng died heroically, and Xuanfu suffered heavy losses. Now that you have made great contributions in defending the city, I have decided to appoint you as the Governor of Xuanfu and the Minister of War, commanding 5,000 troops to recapture Xuanfu. Do you have the confidence?"

Zhu Fenghui felt mixed emotions when he heard this. He knew the difficulty and danger of this journey, but he also understood that this was his responsibility to his country and hometown. He looked up at the emperor, his eyes flashing with determination: "Although I am not talented, I will do my best to live up to the emperor's high expectations!"

Seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng felt relieved. He turned to Guo Tianyang and said, "Why don't you announce the decree?"

Upon hearing this, Guo Tianyang quickly walked behind the screen, took out a bright yellow imperial edict, and read it aloud. The voice echoed in the hall, and every word hit Zhu Fenghui's heart like a heavy hammer. When he heard "Appoint Zhu Fenghui as the governor of Xuanfu and the vice minister of the Ministry of War", he felt an indescribable excitement and sense of responsibility. He knelt down to receive the edict, and took it with trembling hands. At that moment, he seemed to have taken over the hope and future of the entire country.

However, when he learned that he only had 5,000 soldiers to recapture Xuanfu, he couldn't help but feel a little worried. But he quickly adjusted his mood and asked the emperor for advice. Seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng smiled and comforted him: "Although 5,000 people are few, they are enough to contain the main force of the Jiannu. You can recapture Yanqing Prefecture first, and then request reinforcements according to the situation. I will send a caravan to deliver all the supplies you need to ensure that you have no worries."

Zhu Fenghui felt relieved when he heard this. He knew that this was not only the emperor's trust and support, but also his confidence and determination in himself. He knelt down again to thank him and vowed that he would never let the emperor down.

Before leaving, Guo Tianyang handed him a token and a list. The token was the commander's token of the Xuanfu Jinyiwei, symbolizing supreme power and glory; the list contained the detailed information and codewords of the Xuanfu Jinyiwei, which was the foundation for his future in Xuanfu. Zhu Fenghui took these things solemnly, his heart filled with gratitude and awe.

Finally, Lin Xiaofeng personally handed him a thick envelope, which contained the strategies and plans for the new policy. He urged him, "The safety of Xuanfu depends on you! The new policy can not only win over the people and establish prestige, but also inspire the people's fighting spirit and confidence. When you arrive in Xuanfu, you must act according to these strategies to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Zhu Fenghui held the envelope tightly, as if holding the fate of the entire Xuanfu in his hands. He looked deeply at the emperor, turned around and strode out of the Qianqing Palace. Outside the door, the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was not dry. He seemed to see the future of Xuanfu - a future full of hope and light.

On the way to Xuanfu, Zhu Fenghui's heart was filled with mixed emotions. He was nervous about the challenges he was about to face, but also proud to be able to contribute his strength to his country and hometown. He knew that the road would be full of thorns and bumps, but he believed that as long as he had the country, the people, and faith in his heart, he would be able to overcome all difficulties and challenges.

The scenery along the way unfolded like a picture scroll, with magnificent mountains and rivers, clear rivers, lush fields, and people living and working in peace and contentment... All these beautiful scenes made him more determined to protect this land. He secretly vowed to use his wisdom and courage to bring peace and tranquility to Xuanfu, Daming, and every living being on this land.

General Feng Hui's figure gradually disappeared at the end of the palace. His departure seemed to take away a wisp of cold wind from the court, but it also quietly stirred up ripples in everyone's heart. Guo Tianyang looked at the gradually blurred back, with mixed feelings in his heart. He took a deep breath, mustered the greatest courage in his life, and slowly stepped forward towards the supreme dragon throne. Every step seemed to be as heavy as a thousand pounds, but he knew that this was his duty, even if the road ahead was full of thorns.

"Your Majesty," he lowered his voice, trying to make his tone sound respectful yet sincere, "General Feng Hui's contribution to defending the city is indeed obvious to all, but his sudden promotion to the position of second-rank governor may not be easily accepted by the court and the public. After all, the position of governor is powerful and high-ranking, and only people with both moral integrity and talent can be competent, so as not to discourage the officials."

The sunlight shone through the window lattice, scattering on Emperor Lin Xiaofeng's face, coating his already deep features with a layer of golden light. He glanced at Guo Tianyang, a hint of complex emotions flashed in his eyes, and then he said lightly: "Tianyang, do you know why no one dared to take up the task of retaking Xuanfu in the court yesterday? It's not that no one is willing to go, but everyone is afraid of the difficulty and danger. General Feng Hui, with his own strength, has made great contributions to defending the city, and he is also very brave and wise. How can I not use such a talent?"

At this point, Emperor Xiaofeng's tone could not help but become more stern: "The territory of the Ming Dynasty will not be ceded. The loss of Xuanfu has made me very sad. If I lose a good general because of a mere dispute over an official position, it will be my biggest mistake. As for the discussion of the court and the public, don't worry, I know what to do."

Guo Tianyang was unwilling to hear this, but he also understood that the emperor had made up his mind and it was useless for him to say more. He could only sigh secretly, nodded vigorously, swallowed the unfinished words, and thought to himself that perhaps this was the art of the emperor, which he could not fully understand.

"Where is Gongsun Yuchun now?" Emperor Xiaofeng suddenly asked. This sudden question made Guo Tianyang slightly stunned, and then he quickly came to his senses and answered respectfully: "Your Majesty, Lord Gongsun is in Shuntian Prefecture with Commander Li, the governor of the East Factory, and the officials of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel to supervise the implementation of the new policy."

"Oh, yes, I almost forgot about this." Emperor Xiaofeng patted his forehead lightly, as if he was mocking his poor memory, but his sharp eyes revealed his extreme concern about the implementation of the new policy. "The new policy is the foundation of the country. It concerns the safety of the country and the well-being of the people. All departments must work together to ensure that everything goes well."

After saying this, he stood up and looked at the vast sky outside the window, his heart filled with expectations and worries about the future. The first day of the implementation of the new policy was a brand new beginning for everyone, and he, as the helmsman of this huge empire, had to stay awake and alert at all times.

……

On the training ground, the sun was blazing, scorching every inch of land. Shi Shouhong stood in the center, sweat running down his determined face, dripping onto the ground beneath his feet, and instantly evaporating without a trace. His eyes were filled with determination and resoluteness, as if the group of new recruits in front of him were the iron army he was about to shape.

"Brothers!" His voice resounded through the sky, carrying an unquestionable force, "Listen carefully, from today on, you are a member of the Brave Guard Battalion, the personal army of His Majesty! Our mission is to protect this land, our homeland, and everyone behind us!"

Upon hearing this, the recruits straightened their backs, their eyes gleaming with unprecedented light. They may still be young, or immature, but at this moment, they were all touched by Shi Shouhong's words and inspired by the heavy sense of responsibility.

"Three taels of silver per month, full meals, and meat every day!" Shi Shouhong continued, his tone full of temptation and expectation, "This kind of treatment is something you have never had before. But remember, it is not given for free, but earned with your sweat and hard work! From today on, you will receive the most rigorous training and the most brutal test. But as long as you can hold on, you will become the most powerful warrior of the Ming Dynasty!" The recruits looked at each other, and then burst into cheers. They knew that this would be a difficult and fulfilling journey, but they also believed that as long as they followed Shi Shouhong, they would be able to become true warriors.

On the training ground, sweat and laughter intertwined, forming a breathtaking picture. Emperor Xiaofeng stood on a high platform in the distance, watching all this quietly. There was both relief and worry in his eyes, but he knew that only after experiencing the baptism of wind and rain could a real Great Wall of Steel be forged.

At the same time, in Liangxiang and Jizhou, military training was also being carried out intensively. Generals from all over the country responded to the call of the court and led their soldiers into intensive training. They knew that the future of the Ming Dynasty was in their hands, and they had to fight to the end for this land and people.

The sun is still blazing, but in this vast land, there is an unprecedented force surging. This force will converge into a torrent, pushing the Ming Dynasty towards a more glorious future.

In the lobby of Shuntian Prefecture, Wang Tingmei, a third-rank official and the prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, had just sat down on the heavy chair when his eyes accidentally glanced outside the door. It was a sea of ​​dark figures, like a dark cloud pressing down on the head, and the atmosphere was so tense that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out. You know, in this capital, there are so many powerful people, and it is as rare for someone to come in without notification as for the sun to rise from the west. Wang Tingmei has been very busy recently, and his mood is as irritable as a mess. This sight made him even more furious, and his heart seemed to be ignited by a piece of dry wood.

"Bang!" He slammed the gavel so hard that the table jumped up, and even the air seemed to tremble. He glared and shouted at the yamen runners beside him: "Are you all blind? This is Shuntian Prefecture, not a vegetable market. How can someone just come in so casually?" His voice was like thunder, shaking the yamen runners' hearts.

"Go and stop them!" Wang Tingmei's order was like a cold blade, which immediately made the yamen runners energetic. They picked up the water and fire sticks and rushed out like a group of awakened beasts.

When they got outside, the yamen runners realized that they were a group of adults in official uniforms. They were stunned for a moment, then they all knelt on the ground, mumbling something, but the sound was too soft to be heard clearly, like the buzzing of mosquitoes in the distance.

Wang Tingmei took a closer look. Oh, isn't this Minister Fan? He quickly stood up, forced a smile on his face, and went to greet him: "Minister Fan, I'm sorry for not welcoming you in person." There was a hint of embarrassment and politeness in his voice, as if he was trying to calm down his previous anger.

"Huh? Minister Qiu and Minister Fang are here too." Wang Tingmei's eyes swept through the crowd, and her heart skipped a beat. She looked again and saw Commander Li and Admiral Wang standing side by side. Their eyes were deep and complex, as if they contained endless changes. Wang Tingmei's heart skipped a beat, and she felt that something was not right, as if dark clouds were pressing down and a storm was about to come.

"My Lords, how are you?" He forced a smile, but his heart was beating fast. What good could come out of all these big men gathering together? He felt like he was hanging in the air, feeling anxious and uneasy.

Cheng Qinghua, the oldest person in the group, patted Wang Tingmei on the shoulder and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Don't be nervous, Wang Fuyin, I'll arrange a seat for everyone first." There was some soothing and comfort in his tone, as if an old man was comforting a nervous child.

"Yes, yes, yes." Wang Tingmei wiped his sweat while ordering the yamen runners to move the chair. His movements were a little flustered, but his eyes gradually became firm. He knew that no matter what storm came, he had to face it bravely.

After everyone sat down, Gu Chaosheng, who was impatient, spoke first: "Mr. Wang, you have to fill out this form quickly." There was a hint of anxiety and urging in his voice.

Wang Tingmei took it and saw the words "Official Property Registration Form" written on it. He couldn't help but frown, and a wave of doubt and uneasiness surged in his heart.

"What is this?" he couldn't help asking.

"Your Majesty has ordered to punish corruption. All Ming officials must honestly report their assets, including houses, fields, gold, silver, jewelry, antiques, calligraphy and paintings. Not even a penny can be left out." Gu Chaosheng's tone was serious and earnest, as if he was reading out a sacred decree.

Wang Tingmei heard this and realized that the court was serious about this. He nodded, expressing his understanding of the court's determination to rectify the administration of officials. His mood became heavy, as if he was being pressed down by a huge rock.

"Then who should I give this form to after I fill it out?" he couldn't help but ask.

"You don't have to hand it in, keep it for yourself, but you have to update it every month. The Jinyiwei and the Eastern Depot will conduct random checks. If they find any false information, the Ministry of Personnel will impeach you!" There was a hint of warning and threat in Gu Chaosheng's tone.

"Random check? Isn't it a fixed check on a certain person?" Wang Tingmei was a little confused. He felt like he was blown by a sudden cold wind and felt a little caught off guard.

Gu Chaosheng nodded helplessly. In this case, it would be even more difficult to evade inspection by buying people's hearts. A trace of worry and helplessness flashed in his eyes.

Lin Xiaofeng had considered everything when formulating this policy. He knew that setting up a supervisory agency would cost a lot of money, and that the problem of official administration was not just about corruption, but also about cost and efficiency. Therefore, using Jinyiwei and Dongchang to supervise was a good way to kill two birds with one stone! He couldn't help but admire Lin Xiaofeng's wisdom.

Although Wang Tingmei was a little nervous, he remained calm on the surface. He knew that as a third-rank official, he had to show the proper calmness and composure. At this time, the Minister of Revenue Shao Shihan took out a piece of paper and shouted, "Bring it in, let Wang Fuyin inspect it." There was a bit of pride and boasting in his voice.

Wang Tingmei took the paper and saw that it was a silver transfer slip. Then, two clerks from the Ministry of Revenue came in carrying a large box. The box was heavy, as if it was filled with countless secrets and expectations.

"This is the performance silver for Shuntian Prefecture for three months, a total of five hundred taels!" Shao Shihan explained, with a hint of pride and satisfaction in his tone.

"Performance silver? What the hell is this?" Wang Tingmei was even more confused. He felt as if he was hit by a stone out of the blue and felt a little dizzy.

Shao Shihan explained with a smile: "This is a new policy introduced by His Majesty to reform the civil service. Officials' salaries are now divided into two parts: one part is the basic salary, which guarantees everyone's basic living; the other part is the performance bonus, which is the performance silver. The amount of performance silver is determined according to the nature of the yamen, the number of people and the difficulty of the work. Every month, the superiors will score the performance of their subordinates, and then distribute performance silver according to the scores." His tone was full of appreciation and expectations for the new policy.

Wang Tingmei suddenly realized that this was a good thing to increase the salary of officials! His mood suddenly became relaxed, as if a gust of spring breeze blew over him, and he felt extremely comfortable. He was about to sign and receive the money, and Shao Shihan reminded him: "Wang Fuyin, it's different now. You are not only responsible to the upper level, but also to the lower level. If your subordinates are corrupt and oppress the people, the court will hold you accountable!" His tone was a bit serious and warning.

After saying that, Shao Shihan pushed the handover form over and said, "When the capital was under siege, Shuntian Prefecture did a great job in controlling the plague and evacuating the people, and was deeply loved by His Majesty and the people. When we fought back against the bandits, the constables of the yamen also fought bravely and made great achievements. This is all because of your good leadership, Wang Fuyin! So His Majesty has specially ordered the full amount of performance silver for these three months." His tone was full of praise and admiration for Wang Tingmei.

After Wang Tingmei signed, Shao Shihan took out another official document from his sleeve: "And this, the grain price limit order." There was a hint of mystery and solemnity in his tone.

"Price limit?" Wang Tingmei asked in surprise. His mood was like the ripples after being hit by a stone, and he felt a little fluctuating.

"Yes! If the grain price is too low, it will harm the interests of farmers. Therefore, when merchants and government officials within the jurisdiction of Shuntian Prefecture purchase grain, the price cannot be lower than the silver price of the land tax in that year." Shao Shihan explained, his tone full of confidence and expectations for the new policy.

Wang Tingmei asked in surprise: "Only the low price but not the high price?" He thought the highest price was to be limited, but it turned out to be the lowest price! This was unheard of! He felt as if a sudden cold wind had blown over him, and he felt a little unbelievable.

"This is the current regulation. As for whether the maximum price will be capped in the future, that depends on the circumstances." Shao Shihan's tone carried some uncertainty and reservation.

"I obey your command." Wang Tingmei nodded and began to think about the next work. He knew that this civil service reform would be a tough battle, but he was fully prepared.

"Okay, I've finished talking about my business. Next, let's talk about the newly established government office - the Land Department!" As soon as Shao Shihan finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall became tense and solemn again. It was as if a new storm was about to come.

Outside Juyongguan Pass, Zhu Fenghui rode on his horse and pondered the secret letter in his hand. He was dressed in armor and looked heroic, but his brows revealed a trace of worry and contemplation. The newly established land department made him feel excited and worried. He knew that the establishment of this new government office was of great significance, but he also knew that it would be difficult to implement. He pondered and searched for a strategy to start with, like a wise man looking for a direction to move forward in the fog.

Jiang Yingkui, the lieutenant general of the Fifth Army Camp, saw that Zhu Fenghui had a frown on his face and mistakenly thought that he had no confidence in retaking Xuanfu, so he comforted him: "Don't worry, Lord Yan. Although I only brought 5,000 elite troops, it is more than enough to retake Xuanfu." His tone was full of confidence and pride.

Zhu Fenghui put away the secret letter and looked back at the army behind him. Although there were not many people, they were all in high spirits and morale. However, his worries were not alleviated much. He knew that this battle was not only a contest with the outside world, but also a test within. He had to deal with every challenge and difficulty carefully to ensure the smooth progress of this reform. He felt like he was being pressed down by a huge rock, which was both heavy and challenging.

Looking at the soldiers of the five military camps behind him, the initial ambition on Zhu Fenghui's face seemed to have disappeared, replaced by a confused and doubtful expression. He wondered in his heart: "Can these people really recapture Xuanfu again?" His eyes swept across the faces of the soldiers, trying to find some firm beliefs or high morale, but all he saw was fatigue and helplessness.

To say that they were all old, weak, sick, and disabled might be a bit of an exaggeration; but to say that they were an elite force would be an exaggeration. Everyone had a hungry look on their face, with sunken eye sockets and prominent cheekbones. Although they were not skinny enough to be skinny, they were definitely not brave and good at fighting. Their armor was covered with dust and traces of wear, and their weapons looked a bit old, but fortunately, they had all the armor and weapons, and they could still scare people from a distance. Zhu Fenghui thought, maybe this is what is called "a skinny camel is bigger than a horse."

At this time, it was almost dusk, and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the soldiers, giving them a layer of golden light. However, this light could not cover up the fatigue on their faces and the confusion in their eyes. Zhu Fenghui couldn't help but sigh and prayed in his heart, hoping that all this was only temporary, and that they could successfully recapture Xuanfu and end this long war.

"Report!" At this time, the scouts from the Fifth Army Camp rode their horses and hurried over from a distance. As soon as they arrived in front of Zhu Fenghui and Jiang Yingkui, they bowed and reported, "My lords, Tang Shengyu, the Earl of Dingxi, who is guarding Juyong Pass, is waiting for us outside the pass with his troops!"

The scout's voice was a little hurried and nervous, as if he was delivering an important message. Zhu Fenghui immediately gave a decisive order: "Pass the order down, the whole army should speed up! We must reach Juyong Pass before dark, otherwise everyone will have to spend the night in the wild!" His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was injecting an invisible force into the soldiers.

The military order was as firm as a mountain, and the team's marching speed immediately increased. The soldiers quickened their pace one after another. Although they still had fatigue and confusion on their faces, their steps seemed extremely firm. They knew that only by moving forward could they find a way out, and only by fighting could the war end.

Finally, before sunset, they arrived at Juyong Pass. Zhu Fenghui looked up and saw the wall of the pass towering into the sky, majestic and imposing. He couldn't help but feel a surge of ambition in his heart, as if he saw the dawn of victory. He immediately saluted Tang Shengyu on his horse: "Zhu Fenghui greets Dingxi Bo!"

Tang Shengyu also returned the gift and led Zhu Fenghui into the pass while chatting: "Governor Yan is your majesty's trusted minister, and his career is booming!" His voice was full of flattery and fawning, but Zhu Fenghui could hear some hypocrisy and affectation in it.

Zhu Fenghui secretly observed Tang Shengyu's expression, trying to see something from him, but found nothing. These two people were old foxes, deep-minded, and would not easily reveal their true thoughts. He secretly pondered how to deal with this Dingxi Bo, both to use his troops to recapture Xuanfu and to guard against his possible ambitions and conspiracies.

Zhu Fenghui thought about it for a moment and then calmed down. Before setting off, Guo Tianyang had told him that Tang Shengyu was timid but resourceful. Although he had fought many battles, he had more defeats than victories. Fortunately, he had never lost territory because of cowardice, so he was considered a "strange man" among the Ming army generals. Thinking of this, Zhu Fenghui couldn't help but smile bitterly and said self-deprecatingly: "No one is willing to take this job. It happened to be an opportunity to defend the city and make meritorious service. His Majesty also asked about it personally. I was anxious to make achievements, so I took on this difficult task."

"Using 5,000 old, weak, sick and disabled people to recapture Xuanfu? That's difficult!" Zhu Fenghui sighed. He glanced at the soldiers behind him again, and a deep worry surged in his heart. He knew that although these 5,000 soldiers were not many in number, they were his only hope to recapture Xuanfu. He had to find a way to inspire their fighting spirit and courage so that they could bravely face the upcoming battle.

Tang Shengyu looked at the soldiers of the Fifth Army Camp, held back his laughter and comforted them, "The bandits have already withdrawn from Datong. Once our army arrives, Xuanfu will be easily captured. This achievement will be as easy as taking something out of your pocket." His voice was filled with ease and confidence, as if he had already seen the outcome of victory.

"Oh?" Zhu Fenghui took the opportunity to ask, "Is the news of the bandits' retreat accurate?" He stared at Tang Shengyu's eyes, trying to find some real answers from them.

Tang Shengyu chuckled and did not answer directly. His eyes flickered, as if he was hiding something. Zhu Fenghui understood at once: Tang Shengyu wanted to get a piece of the pie. Military merit means money, and this is not just Tang Shengyu's hobby, it is the same for the whole Ming Dynasty. Moreover, Tang Shengyu urgently needs a merit to cover up his previous mistakes. When Li Zicheng attacked Juyongguan, Tang Shengyu retreated to the capital after only a few days of defense, and was later severely impeached by civil officials. Although he was not convicted in the end, he knew that he was in the wrong, so he wanted to use new merits to make up for his previous mistakes.

Zhu Fenghui saw through his thoughts, so he cupped his hands and said, "If we succeed in recapturing Xuanfu, I am willing to give half of the credit to Lord Tang." His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was making an important promise.

Tang Shengyu quickly waved his hands: "You can't do this! You can't do this!" There was a hint of embarrassment and fear on his face, as if Zhu Fenghui had seen through his thoughts.

Zhu Fenghui smiled and said, "I have just entered the official career and I still need your support, Lord Tang. Besides, this achievement is too great for me to take it all on my own. Please don't refuse, Lord." His voice was sincere and humble, as if he was asking Tang Shengyu for advice.

"What you said is quite true." Tang Shengyu finally stopped hiding it and took out a secret report from his arms and handed it to Zhu Fenghui: "This is the news from Xuanfu this morning. The bandits have all retreated yesterday morning. Now there are no bandits in the Xuanfu area." His voice was filled with excitement and excitement, as if he had seen the dawn of victory.

"If your majesty hadn't ordered me to guard Juyong Pass, I would have personally led the troops to recapture Xuanfu." After Tang Shengyu finished speaking, a hint of dissatisfaction appeared on his face. His eyes were full of desire and anticipation for the upcoming battle.

After staying overnight at Juyongguan, Zhu Fenghui got up early the next day. He stood on the wall and looked at the mountains and sea of ​​clouds in the distance. A surge of lofty sentiments and ambitions surged in his heart, as if he saw the magnificent scene of himself leading his soldiers to recapture Xuanfu. He led the army to Yanqing, determined to complete this arduous task.

Yanqing is less than 50 miles away from Juyongguan, and it can be reached in half a day if the troops march quickly. However, Zhu Fenghui and Jiang Yingkui discussed it and decided to act cautiously. They knew that a quick march would overdraw the physical strength of the infantry, and it would be dangerous if they encountered the enemy. Therefore, they chose a relatively safe marching speed to ensure that the soldiers could maintain sufficient physical strength and combat effectiveness.

As the sun gradually rose, the army began to move forward slowly. They went up the winding mountain road, passing through dense forests and grasslands. Although the road was difficult, the soldiers maintained firm beliefs and high morale. They knew that only by moving forward courageously could they achieve victory.

Finally, as the sun was about to set, they arrived outside Yanqing City. Under the setting sun, Yanqing had lost its former prosperity and was left with only depression and desolation. The bricks and stones on the city wall were already mottled and the city gates were closed, as if it was a dead city.

However, Zhu Fenghui knew that this city was of great significance to him. It was an important step for him to recover Xuanfu and the key to his dream of a career in government. Therefore, he was determined to capture this city and lay a solid foundation for his future.

There were two places for mutual trade between the Ming Dynasty and Mongolia, one was Xuanfu and the other was Datong. Most of the caravans going to Xuanfu brought goods from the south, went north along the canal to Changping, and then turned to land, passing through Juyongguan, Yanqing, Chang'an, and finally arrived at Xuanfu Town. Yanqing was once very prosperous because of the gathering of merchants. However, now, after the bandits passed, Yanqing stood there quietly as if it had been ravaged, and the silence was frightening.

"Knock on the gate!" Jiang Yingkui gave an order, and two infantrymen walked out holding shields. Because war horses were scarce, they were afraid of an ambush, so they did not dare to ride horses. They walked carefully to the city gate, knocked on the gate with their shields, and shouted loudly: "We are the imperial army! Open the city gate!"

After a while, the infantry came back and reported: "Report to Lord Yan and Lord Jiang, there are defenders in the city, but they are not many. They are all government troops who surrendered to the bandits and are unwilling to follow the bandits back to Datong, so they stayed here. When they heard that we are government troops, they said that if we can forgive them, they will open the city and surrender."

Zhu Fenghui took out an official document and handed it to the infantry: "Show them this document. His Majesty has ordered that all those who surrender will be pardoned, reinstated, and their wages owed to them will be paid." His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was injecting an invisible force into the soldiers.

The infantry went out again with the documents. Not long after, the drawbridge was lowered and the city gate was opened. Hundreds of ragged soldiers walked out of the city, threw down their weapons, and stood there motionless. Their faces were a bit tired and helpless, as if they had lost confidence and courage in the war.

However, Zhu Fenghui did not dare to be careless. He first sent a dozen people into the city to investigate, and only let the army enter the city after confirming that everything was correct. He knew that although the city had been captured, there might be some unknown dangers and traps hidden in it. Therefore, he had to remain vigilant and cautious to ensure the safety of his soldiers and the results of victory.

When they arrived at the city gate, Zhu Fenghui asked the surrendered soldiers, "Who among you has the highest position?" His voice was dignified and solemn, as if he was examining these surrendered soldiers.