Chapter 12: Your Majesty, is Extraordinary!

Tie Xuan is currently conducting an investigation of military crimes and prisons at the Commander’s Office. Some officials and soldiers, relying on their connections with influential families, have been daring enough to forcibly seize civilian women. It is shocking that such incidents occurred right under the Emperor’s nose, especially during a period of mourning.

If these actions are not met with punishment and severe consequences, they will not be enough to deter others and instill fear in their hearts.

But Tie Xuan was also aware that behind those soldiers stands the second most powerful figure in the military:

Li Jinglong!

Li Jinglong is the son of King Qiyang, Li Wenzhong, and Li Wenzhong is none other than the only nephew of Zhu Yuanzhang. He was even regarded as a son by Zhu Yuanzhang and was renamed Zhu Wenzhong.

Zhu Yuanzhang is Li Jinglong’s grand-uncle, and Zhu Di and other Princes are Li Jinglong’s uncles. Emperor Jianwen, Zhu Yunwen, is Li Jinglong’s cousin. With such influential figures, how can Tie Xuan, a mere fifth-rank official in charge of the commander’s office’s judge, confront them?

But Tie Xuan is unwilling to submit and refuses to yield!

As a result, in the verdict document, tie Xuan issued the order for execution!

Perhaps, not long after, Li Jinglong would send someone to confront him, even arranging for officials to impeach him, leading to a miserable outcome.

But I, Tie Xuan, have a clear conscience!

There was a commotion outside the door, Tie Xuan sat proudly with his back straight, staring towards the entrance.

A messenger named Wan Gui from the Ministry of Personnel entered the room, holding an imperial decree, and shouted, “I bring a decree!”

Tie Xuan quickly stood up and knelt down, followed by the other attendants and personnel in the room.

Some people thought that Tie Xuan was in trouble and secretly rejoiced, but as they listened to the contents of the decree, it seemed to be quite different.

Iron Xuan heard the words “appointed as the left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War” and was somewhat stunned.

He, a fifth-ranked official, had suddenly become a third-ranked official.

After Wan Gui finished reading the decree, Tie Xuan stood, thanked, and receive the edict with confusion. Wan Gui approached and congratulated him, saying, “Assistant Minister Tie, you have achieved a great leap forward. Congratulations, sir.”

Tie Xuan knew that Wan Gui was seeking favors, so he casually searched and found three taels of silver and gave them to Wan Gui.

Wan Gui’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t want to show disdain. He believed that a mosquito’s meat was also meat, so he accepted the coins with the belief that every little bit counts. Moreover, Tie Xuan was clearly favored, and it wouldn’t look good if things turned sour. After a brief conversation, Wan Gui hurriedly left.

It is worth mentioning that in many TV dramas, eunuchs are often portrayed as delivering imperial edicts, arriving at the residences of officials, and proclaiming phrases like “You’ve been promoted” or “You’re finished.” While it may seem cool and majestic, it was not quite realistic in the Ming Dynasty.

In the Ming Dynasty, there was a specialized department called the “Department of Messengers” (行人司), which was responsible for delivering imperial edicts. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang had a clear understanding of the role of eunuchs, stating that they were only servants responsible for cleaning and performing specific tasks, without any other appointments or excessive authority.

In short, eunuchs were just household slaves.

Of course, when it comes to announcements within the imperial court, delivering verbal orders from the Emperor, the Emperor delegates eunuchs to deliver the Imperial decrees, and the Department of Messengers is primarily responsible for external affairs.

After his promotion, Tie Xuan naturally needed to report to the Ministry of War. The Minister of War, Ru Chang, welcomed Tie Xuan and engaged in some small talk before arranging for him to enter the palace.

“His Majesty has sent word for you to settle in first then enter the palace,” Ru Huang said, looking pleased.

Ru Huang had great confidence in Tie Xuan’s abilities, especially considering that Tie Xuan was still in his early thirties, at the prime of his youth. His future prospects were promising.

Tie Xuan held a deep respect for Ru Huang. In the early Hongwu reign, Ru Huang served as the right vice Imperial Censor, later acting as the Minister of War, and eventually being officially appointed by Zhu Yuanzhang as the Minister of War due to his outstanding performance.

Tie Xuan showed utmost respect to this “old minister” despite being only forty years old.

“Minister Ru, may I know the reason why his Majesty assigns me to the Ministry of War?”

Tie Xuan was somewhat puzzled.

After all, there were not many officials in the bureaucracy who directly rose to their positions as he did. Most people either had someone recommend them or had the trust of the emperor.

Recommendation?

He don’t personally know the ministers of the Imperial Cabinet, nor was he familiar with the officials of the six ministries. Working at the Commander’s Office, he has offended a group of people, and He believes no one would be willing to recommend him.

A trusted person?

Although He has seen the emperor, the emperor has never seen him.

With so many people in the court, who would care about a low-ranking official like him? he only barely has the qualification to attend court sessions.

Standing outside the main hall, even if he were to take a nap, no one would know.

Ru Chang looked at Tie Xuan and smiled, saying, “Compared to you, I only received the news two hours earlier. I heard that the emperor values you greatly. If you have any doubts, why not speak directly to the emperor?”

“Since that’s the case, I will pay a visit to the emperor. Thank you, Minister Ru.”

Tie Xuan stood up, bowed, and took his leave.

Zhu Yunwen was in a separate room in the Wuying Hall, busy drawing a world map. He had strictly ordered that no one was allowed to enter the room without his permission, at any time.

Shuangxi could only wait outside the door, unaware of what Zhu Yunwen was doing inside.

When Tie Xuan arrived and his presence was announced, Zhu Yunwen finally came out and allowed Tie Xuan to enter. After granting him a seat, Zhu Yunwen smiled and asked, “Minister Tie, do you have any doubts?”

Tie Xuan nodded repeatedly and said, “I am filled with fear and unease, afraid of not living up to Your Majesty’s grace.”

Zhu Yunwen laughed heartily and said, “Nonsense. You will be the future Minister of War, and I have great confidence in your abilities. I have called you here for a specific matter.”

Tie Xuan’s eyebrows lifted, and he felt a surge of excitement in his heart.

Tie Xuan didn’t fully understand the hidden meaning behind “you will be the future Minister of War,” but he sensed that it implied he would be promoted to the position of Minister of War within a few years.

“I humbly ask for Your Majesty’s guidance,” Tie Xuan said.

Zhu Yunwen asked, “You were at the Five Army Commandery, so I presume you are aware of the order to reduce the army by 100,000 soldiers. Do you think there are any flaws in my command?”

Tie Xuan hesitated as he looked at Zhu Yunwen but eventually said, “I believe Your Majesty’s decision has its merits and shortcomings.”

“Hahaha, don’t worry, speak freely. I won’t blame you,” Zhu Yunwen reassured him.

Zhu Yunwen provided Tie Xuan with some reassurance.

Tie Xuan replied solemnly, “Your Majesty, reducing the army by 100,000 soldiers can save a considerable amount of resources and military expenses, benefiting the country. The number of 100,000 may seem significant, but it will not undermine the strength of the capital’s garrison troops. Those soldiers are mostly old, weak, or in unnecessary positions.”

“It seems you understand my intentions. What are the shortcomings, then?” Zhu Yunwen asked.

Tie Xuan spoke frankly, “Reducing the army by 100,000 soldiers will primarily affect the honorable and distinguished figures of the nation. Once they become dissatisfied, it may lead to unrest. Additionally, with the vassal kings stationed outside the capital commanding substantial military forces and guarding the borders, if Your Majesty weakens the garrison troops in the capital, there is a risk that the vassal kings could grow more powerful and pose a threat to the capital, potentially causing significant disturbances.”

“Oh, do you believe the vassal kings will rebel?” Zhu Yunwen asked with great interest.

Tie Xuan fell silent.

This was an important question and a difficult one to answer.

After all, these vassal kings were Zhu Yunwen’s family members. If Tie Xuan said they would rebel, he had no evidence to support his claim, making it mere speculation. How could he convince the Emperor without concrete proof?

But if he said they wouldn’t rebel, Tie Xuan believed that was highly unlikely.

Especially the current King of Yan, Zhu Di, although his ambitions are not yet fully revealed, there are hints to be observed.

By using a posthumous decree to prevent Zhu Di from entering the capital for mourning, it can be inferred that Zhu Yunwen also believed Zhu Di had rebellious intentions.

Tie Xuan sighed and replied solemnly, “Your Majesty, among the Kings, the King of Yan, the King of Ning, and the King of Qin, particularly the King of Yan and the King of Ning, harbor ambitious aspirations. While I dare not assert with certainty, based on my speculation, if no action is taken to curtail their power, it is likely that within two years, the King of Yan will make a move.”

Zhu Yunwen took a deep breath and silently praised:

What a remarkable Tie Xuan!

Following the historical timeline, Zhu Yunwen began the process of reducing the powers of the vassal Kings in August of the 31st year of the Hongwu era. Zhu Di rebelled in the first year of the Jianwen era in June, spanning two years but actually less than a year of time.

Although Tie Xuan was working as a judge in the Five Army Commandery, his vision extended beyond just matters of prisons. He took into account the overall national situation.

Such a person had the foresight of a prime minister!

Zhu Yunwen secretly sighed. In history, Zhu Yunwen was such a fool. He didn’t know how to employ talented officials and only relied on a few bookworms, missing several opportunities to defeat Zhu Di.

If he had entrusted important positions to people like Tie Xuan, Sheng Yong, Ping An, and Xu Huizu, Zhu Yunwen could confidently assert that Zhu Di would never have made it to the capital!

“The reduction of 100.000 troops is only the beginning. The strategy for elite soldiers extends beyond their individual physical abilities. It encompasses their beliefs, military preparations, logistics, and various other aspects. By promoting you to the Ministry of War, I hope you will undertake the crucial responsibility of training new troops in the capital.”

Zhu Yunwen looked at Tie Xuan with seriousness.

During the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Five Armies Commandery were established to oversee the military. However, to prevent the Commandery from acquiring excessive power and the commanders from becoming too influential, it was stipulated that although the Five Armies Commandery had the authority to command troops, but they did not possess the power to deploy them.

The power to deploy troops was held by the Emperor alone.

The Ministry of War had the authority to appoint, promote, and train the military but did not have the power to command troops.

Initially, the Five Armies Commandery had significant power, and the Ministry of War was overlooked and deemed insignificant. However, Zhu Yuanzhang made several revisions, aiming to avoid concentrating power in a single office and to ensure that matters were not obstructed. As a result, the power of the Five Armies Commandery was weakened, and certain powers were bestowed upon the Ministry of War.

Although the Five Armies Commandery were inevitably involved in the training of new troops, it was still the Ministry of War that took the leading role.

Tie Xuan finally understood Zhu Yunwen’s intention. He stood up, straightened his posture, and solemnly exclaimed, “I will not disappoint the grace of heaven!”

Zhu Yunwen took a document from the table and handed it to Tie Xuan, saying, “Here is the new strategy I have formulated for the training of new recruits. Study it carefully when you return. I want a comprehensive and viable training plan. You can discuss this matter with the Ministry of War and Duke of Wei.”

After paying his respects, Tie Xuan left and returned to the Ministry of War, placing the document on his desk with a hint of skepticism.

What does the emperor know about training strategies?

Training new troops still requires the collective efforts and brainstorming of the Ministry of War and the Five Armies Commandery. They need to work together to come up with solutions.

After all, it was the emperor’s laborious work. if he didn’t read it, it would be disrespectful to His Majesty’s hard work. Tie Xuan didn’t hold much hope, but when he opened the document and read through it, he suddenly stood up. The more he read, the more serious his expression became. Finally, he slammed the table and exclaimed, “Your Majesty, is Extraordinary!”

Ru chang furrowed his brow, glanced at Tie Xuan, and thought to himself, even if you’re trying to please the emperor, you shouldn’t do it in the Ministry of War’s main hall, right?

To his surprise, Tie Xuan hastily approached, holding the document and handing it to Ru Chang.

Ru chang looked at it, looked again, and suddenly stood up, slamming the table and declaring, “Your Majesty, is extraordinary!”

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