Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

The morning light shines, and the golden sunlight shines on the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City, shining brightly.

Today's court meeting is different from the past. When the civil and military officials followed Yin Zhi and Wang Yue to Fengtianmen Square, the two big men in front did not stop, but continued to walk towards the palace road in front.

"What's going on?"

"Has the location of our morning court changed?"

"Don't ask, just follow us!"

...

When the officials saw the big men in front continue to go forward, they couldn't help but look at each other, but the senior officials seemed very calm.

They walked along this long palace road, passed through three halls in a row, and finally came to an open area.

The civil and military officials knew that they had entered the core area, and immediately arranged their court clothes and adjusted their tablets, ready to accept the emperor who was about to appear from the Qianqing Palace with the best appearance.

Just as they found a place to stand, the scene in front of them shocked them.

The charred door frame, the broken plaque, and the smell of smoke in the air all silently tell that a small fire has recently occurred here.

"Qianqing Gate is..."

"It's burned. Who set the fire?"

"Could it be caused by thunder and fire?"

...

When the civil and military officials saw the burning Qianqing Gate in front of them, they all showed surprised expressions on their faces and began to make various guesses in their hearts.

In fact, there are only two reasons for the fire: one is a natural disaster, and the other is a man-made disaster.

"This... What is going on?" An old official asked in a trembling voice, his face full of worry and confusion.

Guanglu Temple Minister Li Erli looked at the important officials in front of him and didn't speak. He seemed to be thinking and whispered: "Is it a warning from God?"

"The sky has been clear in recent days, and Qingning Palace has also caught fire. How can there be a warning from God?" Jia Jun, a cabinet minister, heard the remarks about the warning from God and asked back with a cold face.

If the fire at Qianqing Gate was caused by thunder and fire, then it can indeed be interpreted as the emperor's loss of virtue, and Zhu Youtang should probably cultivate his virtue honestly.

But this fire was not caused by thunder and fire, but a man-made fire.

"What? Not thunder and fire?"

"If it was really thunder and fire, how could it be so coincidental to burn the emperor and the Empress Dowager's bedroom?"

"Investigate, this time we must investigate thoroughly, and we must find out the traitors who intend to murder your majesty!"

...

After learning that the fire was man-made, the civil and military officials present were furious, and finally realized that this matter was even more serious than the thunder and fire burning the gate, and they also expressed their positions one after another.

More importantly, if Emperor Hongzhi had any accidents, it would be the biggest disaster for the Ming Dynasty.

Although the Ming Dynasty is now thriving, it is inseparable from the central figure, Zhu Youtang, a rare hero in China for a thousand years.

Once Zhu Youtang has any problems, although the crown prince Zhu Houye is now seven years old and there are many important ministers alive, the momentum of development will definitely be turbulent.

The domestic infrastructure construction in full swing will be difficult to continue. After all, without this ambitious emperor, let alone whether the court will continue to build large infrastructure.

The currency and national debt of the Ming Dynasty depended largely on the prestige of Emperor Hongzhi. Without Emperor Hongzhi, it would be difficult for the court to win the trust of the people, and there would be no more rush to buy national debt, and the financial system would be impacted.

On the other hand, overseas expansion must come to an abrupt end.

Learning from history, this is what the ruling class of all dynasties likes to do most.

From defending clan relatives to defending foreign relatives to defending eunuchs, even the prime minister was abolished in this dynasty, and now Emperor Hongzhi's overseas expansion policy actually adopted the separatist method of the Tang Dynasty.

The Governor-General's Office of the East China Sea and the Governor-General's Office of the Ryukyu Islands are okay. After all, the two places are very close to the Ming Dynasty, and many important matters have to be submitted to the court for instructions.

It's just that the American continent is separated from the Ming Dynasty by the Pacific Ocean. It takes not only a year to go back and forth, but also is restricted by ocean currents and wind direction, so they have strong autonomy.

Even under the same system, some emperors can dominate the world, but some emperors can only have the Eight Kings Rebellion, or seize the throne under the banner of Jingnan like Taizong.

Now the five governors-general Wang Zhi, Zheng Yong, Han Niu, Xu Shiying and Wang Zhendong are almost equivalent to the vassal states, but Zhu Youtang dares to use these people, but the seven-year-old Zhu Houye is probably going to take power.

Once the overseas governor-generals lose the support of the court, how can they dominate the world and let the flag of the Ming Dynasty be planted all over the world?

"Hateful!"

"Such a rebellious way, everyone can kill it!"

"The palace hides such evil spirits, absolutely can not be left!"

...

Liu Xuan, the Minister of War, and other important officials knew that Hongzhi could not have any accidents, and they also gritted their teeth to express their attitude.

The real helmsman of the Ming Dynasty has always been the emperor. Even if Wang Zhen stole the power back then, the power was actually subject to various constraints. Only the emperor could eliminate all obstacles.

The current Emperor Hongzhi is a rare wise ruler who is leading them to create a new era of prosperity, so the safety of Hongzhi is related to the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty.

That is why this fire is not only to burn the current emperor, but also to burn the prosperous Ming Empire, a super dynasty that will become the world hegemon.

A ray of morning sun shines on the golden and magnificent glazed tiles of Qianqing Gate, flashing a dazzling brilliance.

Zhu Youtang, wearing a dragon robe, appeared in front of Qianqing Gate, and music sounded, just like the usual morning court ceremony.

Although the civil and military officials knew that a fire of this magnitude would not endanger the emperor, they were relieved to see that Emperor Hongzhi was safe and sound.

Amidst the shouts of "Long Live the Mountain", Zhu Youtang, who had already run for three years, sat on the dragon chair.

His gaze swept across the courtiers. It was a deep and determined look that made people dare not look at him.

He has been in office for twelve years, and now he has promoted people from top to bottom in the court. Liu Zhong and Chen Kun, who were first promoted, have already become ministers.

Now the civil and military ministers of the Manchu Dynasty are all truly pragmatic officials, and they are also willing to work with themselves to create an unprecedented super dynasty.

It was just this fire that forced him to re-examine the civil and military ministers of the dynasty.

Who would have thought that Liu Ji, the chief assistant at that time, would include his first love and son among the people he killed, but he turned out to be a rebellious minister who harbored evil intentions!

The civil and military ministers present felt the sharp gaze. At this time, the air around them froze, and everyone held their breath, waiting for his speech.

The mature and prudent Wang Yue also felt unprecedented tension. Although he was loyal from beginning to end, the emperor's suspicion was also a difficulty for loyal ministers.

Although the current fire happened inside the palace, there was no guarantee that it would spread outside the palace.

Since ancient times, there have been various conspiracies in the imperial palace. Not to mention Yingzong's attempt to seize the throne, even Xianzong's death was a little strange.

Such a bad incident this time is destined to cause a bloody storm.

Zhu Youtang finally spoke slowly, with a deep and powerful voice: "Dear dear friends, I am holding a court meeting here today to let everyone take a good look at the Qianqing Sect! I have been in the Imperial Palace for twelve years, and I have cultivated myself with respect to heaven. Love the people like a son, and work with you to create a lasting legacy. However, someone is setting fire to the Qianqing Palace. Why is this?"

"I am the chief assistant of the cabinet. However, your majesty is in danger this time. I really feel unworthy of your majesty's favor! If this fire is not within the palace, it will come from outside the palace. I am the head of hundreds of officials. I would like to resign and return to the field to redeem my rule. What a crime!" Yin Zhi, the leader of civil and military officials, immediately resigned.

Although he had nothing to do with the arson case, as he said, if the fire did not come from within the palace, then it was instigated by someone outside the palace.

As the chief minister of the cabinet and in charge of all officials, he not only faces serious suspicions about himself, but also needs to bear the responsibility of incompetent governance.

Liu Zhong and other officials from the Ministry of Agriculture looked at Yin Zhi's statement, but they knew that this could be regarded as an example, that is, they also needed to resign to express their loyalty to the emperor.

The world is all about profit. If they can resign to the emperor at this time and express their disdain for fame and wealth, they can clear their suspicions to a certain extent.

Zhu Youtang knew that the decision-making model he created was beneficial to important ministers. The possibility of these people trying to murder him was very small, especially the position of chief minister was almost impossible.

Once he meets the young emperor, the old chief assistant is usually the first to bear the brunt, and it is difficult for Yin Zhi to continue to stay in the position of chief assistant, or he may not stay at all.

As for other non-important officials, since they are not in the core political circle, compared with assassinating the emperor, the risk of trying to climb up is obviously lower, and it is easier to gain something.

Zhu Youtang's heart moved slightly. After all, he had severed all ties between the palace and outside the palace when he ascended the throne, but he knew that the problem might really only be within the palace: "I will discuss this matter with all my dear friends, and I am not asking you to resign, but I hope there is a solution! Mr. Yin Ge, you are an important minister of the Ming Dynasty. Now that I am in danger, it is time for you to be loyal. As the head of the officials, this is how you repay me. ”

"I know the crime! I beg you to investigate this case thoroughly immediately! If this is not the case, I and others will not be able to sleep peacefully, and the prosperous Ming Dynasty will not be expected!" Yin Zhi immediately admitted his mistake and also proposed a solution.

"Your Majesty, please hand over this case to me for investigation. I will definitely get to the bottom of it!" Song Cheng, the Minister of Punishment, stood up expressionlessly and volunteered.

When Wang Yue and other important officials saw Song Cheng standing up, they all felt that it was appropriate to hand over the case to Song Cheng.

Song Cheng has already proven his ability to solve cases in countless cases. If the case is handed over to Song Cheng, even if it cannot be fully investigated, several major suspects can still be listed.

When Zhu Youtang saw Song Cheng volunteering, he said happily: "Song Aiqing, I'll give you three days, I hope you won't disappoint me!"

"I obey the decree!" Song Cheng said very seriously.

"There are many people in the Forbidden City, but the gates and courtyards in the palace are very wide. I would like to build a palace in Xiyuan. Your Majesty can move there at any time, and I and others can have peace of mind!" Chen Kun, the minister of the Ministry of Industry, knelt down and also expressed his opinion. .

"This is a sound policy!"

"Please ask Your Majesty to build a palace in Xiyuan!"

"There are two bedrooms and two couches for sleeping, so I can rest in peace!"

…

Unlike previous dynasties that opposed the emperor's palace building, now the Ming Dynasty has strong financial resources and is related to the safety of the Ming Emperor. Yin Zhi and other important ministers have expressed their stance.

Zhu Youtang raised his hand and shook his head gently: "Even if the palace is built in Xiyuan, it cannot be to avoid disaster. Qianqing Palace is my residence, and I live with the queen, concubines and princes. If this place is I am uneasy and can’t find peace anywhere?”

this……

Chen Kun and other officials choked on their words and found that this was true.

If you become suspicious just because of a fire, then that's a big problem. The current empress is a wise empress who keeps the entire harem in order, and all the concubines and the emperor are very loving.

The arson this time was probably caused by someone taking advantage of the situation. It only burned two pillars, so there is no need to be frightened.

Zhu Youtang believed in his woman, so he said decisively: "My palace is under the investigation of Song Qing, and the area outside the palace is under the investigation of Wan Qing. Do you have any objections?"

Ah?

When officials such as He Cong, the Minister of Revenue, found that the fire was burning on themselves, their mouths opened wide.

It turned out that the emperor's real idea was here. Although he might not suspect them, he also took the opportunity to let the Censorate investigate them thoroughly.

But who can be blamed for this matter? This is not an ordinary fire.

Not to mention just letting the Censorate investigate them thoroughly, even if the Jinyiwei took them to the Northern Pacification Office for interrogation one by one, it would be very reasonable.

Wan Ji, the Left Censor of the Censorate, has been appointed. He has been silently observing the reactions of the officials present, but he did not miss any clues.

Although their Wan family prospered because of their father Wan'an, their father's success was inseparable from the favor of two generations of emperors, Emperor Chenghua and Emperor Hongzhi. In particular, Emperor Hongzhi made his father's political career flourish again.

Their Wan family was originally going to decline, but Emperor Hongzhi ignored the criticism from the outside world and promoted him to the important position of Zuodu Yushi of the Censorate.

Whether it was to repay Hongzhi's kindness for Wan'an, or to repay Hongzhi's grace, or for his own future, he needed to be the sharpest knife in the emperor's hand.

Although he didn't think that any important ministers dared to plot to murder the emperor, with the fire in the Qianqing Palace, the Censorate under his control could legitimately investigate these important ministers.

It is entirely conceivable that after his in-depth investigation this time, some hypocrites will be dug out, and the court will become more united.

"Your Majesty is wise, and we have no objection!" The cabinet chief Yin Zhi and other important ministers also bowed in accordance with the emperor's arrangement.

Zhu Youtang saw that a solution had been proposed, so he waved his hand and said, "If that's the case, then it's settled! Let's start the morning court!"

After the turmoil just now, the civil and military officials present were more or less affected, and the following morning court was indeed just a formality. Since there was nothing too important, many people have begun to speculate who set the fire? (End of this chapter)