high official

Chapter 1128 Military Power
The soldiers quickly carried the corpse away, washed the blood off the ground, and then lined up on the streets outside the four gates of the imperial city.

When everything was ready, the four gates of the imperial city slowly opened at the same time.

The nobles came out from Dong'anmen, which was one of the two main attack directions, and the number of dead people was no less than Bei'anmen.After washing, mottled blood can still be seen on the ground, as well as some broken skin and flesh scattered in the cracks of the roadside bricks, which is shocking!
What made the nobles even more terrified was the look of hatred on the faces of the officers and soldiers on both sides of the road. They were their soldiers!Now they are looking at them like enemies, so that the nobles can clearly feel that the last reliance in their hearts is collapsing...

Fear, boundless fear; helplessness, extreme helplessness, spread in every noble heart.Now there is no heroism of generosity and fearlessness at all, even if it is only a fake heroism, they are like quails that have been beaten by water, all of them are dejected and pale, and they dare not make eye contact with others, they just wish they could finish this journey quickly A road of shame, to heal wounds where no one is there.

However, the dignitaries wore powder-soled boots, and naturally it was extremely difficult to walk on the water-drenched, slippery stone road.Someone walked a little too fast, and then staggered and fell to the ground, and the brand-new python robe on his body was stained with sewage and blood.He got up from the ground in a hurry, and there were oval mud marks on his buttocks, as embarrassing as he could be.

Amidst the laughter of the officers and soldiers, the nobles supported each other and escaped from this sad road that lost their face...

.

Zhu Zhanji did not go out of the palace with the nobles, but quietly turned back to the Qianqing Palace, asking to see His Majesty the Father.The eunuch told him that the emperor was discussing important matters with Zhen Guogong, so please go back first.

However, Zhu Zhanji did not leave. Under the shocked eyes of the eunuch, he took off the gauze crown and the python robe, and only wore a white middle single, kneeling under the steps.

"Your Highness, what are you doing?" Zhu Gaochi's chief eunuch Zhang Cheng, who was also the former chief of the Eastern Palace, was honest and kind. Seeing His Highness Taisun's actions, he hurried forward to persuade him: "No, get up..."

"Eunuch Zhang, don't worry about me." Zhu Zhanji shook his head with a sad face and said, "This way I can feel better..."

"Alas..." Although Zhang Cheng was honest, but he knew everything, he sighed and stopped persuading him.

In the palace, Zhu Gaochi and Wang Xian were having a serious conversation. After returning from Bei'anmen, the two monarchs and ministers realized that they had to have an open and honest talk.

At this time, Zhang Cheng came in and reported in a low voice: "Your Majesty, His Highness Taisun is taking off his crown and gown outside, and knelt down to plead guilty."

After hearing this, Zhu Gaochi frowned and said, "Let him kneel down, don't disturb my conversation with Zhen Guogong."

"Yes..." Zhang Cheng bowed and retreated.

Having said that, Zhu Gaochi's mood was obviously affected.After wandering for a while, Fang Youyou said: "Zhongde, what do you think I did wrong? Why did I get into such a mess?"

"Your Majesty, since ancient times, all those who reformed the general situation have been bruised, without exception." Wang Xian said softly.

"Yes, there are always some people who turn a blind eye to the crisis of the country. Or even if they see it, as soon as their interests are touched, they will immediately become furious and want to fight you desperately!" Zhu Gaochi said deeply: "I Zeng naively thought that everyone is in the same boat, and those people should know very well that if the boat sinks, they will drown together. Even if they don't help me save the rescue, they shouldn't stab me in the back, right?"

Wang Xian listened to the emperor's words silently, and was not in a hurry to agree.

"I did ask them to throw some luggage into the water, but because they have too much luggage, it is almost sinking the boat..." Zhu Gaochi looked sad, but with anger in his eyes, he said: "What's more, the remaining luggage , is enough to ensure their prosperity and wealth, why are they not satisfied?!"

"Your Majesty, there are only too few people, never too many. What they had in the past has been taken for granted. If you want to redistribute them, they will of course be unhappy." Wang Xian said softly.

"It's beyond their control. The previous regime must be completely changed, so that Ming can usher in a new life!" Zhu Gaochi said with a firm expression, and then sighed: "Actually, I also know that we should suppress them first, and then implement Reform. But, you know the real body, I'm afraid you don't have that much time..."

Wang Xian nodded solemnly. "I can understand your majesty's concerns. Please rest assured, your majesty. From now on, nobles will not be an obstacle to reform..." After a pause, Wang Xian said slowly: "Just, please don't overcorrect, your majesty, civil servants can govern the country." But it cannot strengthen the army. If the Ming Dynasty wants to avoid repeating the mistakes of the Song Dynasty, it must cultivate both civil and military skills, and it cannot be neglected!"

"I know." Zhu Gaochi nodded, looked at Wang Xian and said, "So I leave everything about the army to you."

Zhu Gaochi's words are an understatement, but they are extremely important. This is to hand over all the military power of Ming Dynasty to Wang Xian!

"I dare not accept the order." Wang Xian shook his head and sighed, "This power is too great, and I cannot bear it."

"I have thought it through carefully, and I have no other choice." Zhu Gaochi said in a deep voice: "The military power of the nobles must be withdrawn, and the army cannot make any more troubles. No one can do it except you. And I only trust you..."

After Zhu Gaochi finished speaking, he stared deeply at Wang Xian, who also looked at the emperor.Both monarchs and ministers know that this conversation is not quite candid, and both sides have a lot of meanings that have not been expressed.

For example, Zhu Gaochi could not tell Wang Xian that he hoped that after the reform was successful, you would take the initiative to hand over the military power.

Wang Xian couldn't tell the emperor, can you guarantee that your heir will not attack me in the future?

Both parties are very clear that they both need this result at present, but no one can guarantee how things will develop in the future.They are all entangled with the interests of too many people, and in many cases, their own will is insignificant...

But the two still try their best to give each other some promises, so that the other can feel better...

"The minister can only do his best." Wang Xian said with a more serious expression, "I assure the emperor that as long as I am in office, the Ming army will always be loyal to the emperor."

"I also assure you that as long as I am in power, I will never doubt you." Zhu Gaochi also said solemnly.After a pause, he said slowly again: "If one day I'm gone, I will..." Zhu Gaochi still wanted to promise the future, but found that he couldn't give any guarantees, just like he could overthrow everything about the late emperor, his successor The latter can naturally overthrow everything about him.

All fathers hope that their sons can follow their own path, but sons may not think so...

"Your Majesty, don't worry about it, let's talk about the future..." Wang Xian smiled slightly.

"En." Zhu Gaochi nodded, looked at Wang Xian with complicated eyes and said, "Go, there are still a lot of things waiting for you..."

"Yes, my minister will leave." Wang Xian got up and saluted, and exited the palace.

When Wang Xian's figure disappeared behind the curtain, Emperor Hongxi sighed heavily from the depths of the bedroom.

.

After Wang Xian left, Zhu Gaochi still didn't summon Zhu Zhanji, and kept him hanging until dark.

When it was dark, it began to rain in the capital. The rain was rapid and icy, mixed with tiny hailstones. Zhu Zhanji was soaked all over his body, his face and hands were covered with bruises, and he described it as extremely miserable.But he remained motionless, kneeling straight in the freezing rain.

Zhang Cheng hurriedly asked someone to hold an umbrella for His Royal Highness, but Zhu Zhanji resolutely refused.The two sides couldn't stop arguing, and His Royal Highness Taisun roared angrily, "Go away, are you going to kill Gu?!"

The eunuchs stopped insisting and put away their umbrellas to accompany him in the rain.

Zhang Cheng had no choice but to run into the bedroom again, and pleaded with the emperor, "Your Majesty, it's raining cats and dogs outside, and there are hailstones. His Royal Highness has been kneeling for a whole day, and he will die if he kneels any more!"

After all, Zhu Gaochi was not as cruel as Zhu Di, and asked Zhang Cheng to call Zhu Zhanji in with a dark face.

When Zhang Cheng went to invite Zhu Zhanji into the palace, His Highness Taisun could no longer stand up.Zhang Cheng hurriedly and another eunuch, one on the left and one on the right, carefully set up the grandson, and helped him into the hall with difficulty.

"Quickly, wipe your Highness dry, and then change into your clothes!" Zhang Cheng hurriedly gave instructions as soon as he entered the hall, but was rejected by His Highness Taisun again.

"Eunuch Zhang, thank you for your kindness, there is really no need." Zhu Zhanji's face was pale, his lips were black and his teeth were chattering: "Hurry up and help me in, don't keep father waiting for a long time."

"Your Highness..." Zhang Cheng stamped his feet.He knew that the grandson wanted to play tricks on the emperor. You see, I'm in such a miserable situation. Would you still have the nerve to punish me to death?
"Eunuch Zhang, I beg you..." Zhu Zhanji looked at Zhang Cheng pleadingly, reminding the old eunuch of the little grandson who tugged at his sleeve and asked for candy 20 years ago. Unable to soften his heart, he sighed and said, "Okay."

"Thank you, Eunuch Zhang, I know you love me the most..." Zhu Zhanji gave Zhang Cheng a grateful glance.

"Ah..." Zhang Cheng shook his head helplessly, and whispered to the grandson, "Don't argue with the emperor later, you will be the one who suffers."

"Thank you father-in-law for reminding me, how dare I confront my father?" Zhu Zhanji said with a wry smile, "If I can pass this time, I will never dare to make my father angry again..."

"That's good, that's good." Zhang Cheng nodded gratifiedly, and when he was about to enter the bedroom, he suddenly whispered: "The old servant will also say a few good words for His Highness one after another."

"Thank you so much, Eunuch. Your kindness will never be forgotten." Zhu Zhanji smiled gratefully.

Entering the dormitory, everyone fell silent. Zhang Cheng and the eunuch supported Zhu Zhanji to kneel on the carpet. Although the thick Persian carpet was as soft as fur, Zhu Zhanji knelt on it, and his knees were still like tens of millions. It felt like a steel needle pierced it, and he couldn't help moaning because of the pain.

This sound detonated Emperor Hongxi, who had been silent all this time, Zhu Gaochi snorted coldly, and said angrily: "Who are you going to show this ghostly look to?!"

(End of this chapter)