Emperor Zhengde made the final decision and then went to the inner palace to visit his muhou. He told her about King Ning's rebellion and the rumors spreading among the people, and asked his muhou to be at ease. The mother and son sat and chatted for a while before Zhengde returned to the Leopard Room.
On the way, he was thinking about King Ning's rebellion. He had just returned to the study and had just changed out of his dragon robe into casual clothes. Before he had time to go to the rear courtyard to see his beloved concubine Yixian, a small eunuch ran in like a wisp of smoke, screaming: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, something bad has happened!"
Zhengde was shocked and quickly shouted: "What's the matter? King Ning is already here? "
The small eunuch was also stunned and replied: "King Ning? This servant doesn't understand what Your Majesty is talking about. It's the Imperial Censorate of the Six Departments and Thirteen Paths, the Imperial Censorate, and the Hanlin Academy! Several hundred people have completely blocked the entrance to the Leopard Room, who knows what kind of trouble they're going to cause. There are also the officials of the six departments rushing over here. The Imperial Bodyguard has already sealed the entrance. "
Zhengde was shocked and waved his hand, saying: "Quickly go and ask them what they want, it's really preposterous."
The small eunuch ran away like a wisp of smoke again and came back to report after a short while. The civil and military officials were kneeling in front of the Leopard Room, asking the Emperor to cancel the personal expedition, otherwise the officials would not be able to get up. Emperor Zhengde slapped his head and felt his head was on fire. He didn't think that after the great purge a few days ago, the Imperial Censorate's good habit of kneeling to force the Emperor to abdicate had not changed.
He paced around in a bad mood for a while before saying: "Tell the officials to temporarily withdraw and return to their own departments to do their work. They are not to come and cause trouble, otherwise they will be punished with flogging."
The small eunuch went to the main gate to pass on the edict, but the officials were determined not to obey. More and more people came. Tang Yixian also heard the news from the rear courtyard and quickly rushed to the front hall. Zhengde smiled bitterly as he recounted the matter to her.
Tang YiXian thought for a moment and sighed: "Since the officials are so insistent, then Your Majesty might as well follow the good advice. The rebellion of a vassal king is indeed a major event that shakes the foundation of the country. If it is not handled properly, even the ambitious vassal kings and local officials who are watching from afar will also follow. That is even more inappropriate. Let my elder brother go there. "
Zhengde was about to speak when another eunuch ran in. "Your Majesty, Yang Ling requests an audience."
"Oh? He's here. Quick, quick, announce him. "
Yang Ling hurriedly walked in. Zhengde happily said: "The main gate has been sealed by hundreds of officials. I didn't expect you to have the ability to break in."
Yang Ling laughed dryly, "This … I climbed the wall to get in, I didn't dare to let them see me."
Zhengde said happily, "That's right, Yang Qing has a way. Quickly climb back over the wall and gather the troops of the four families outside. Zhen will also make some preparations and jump over the wall. We will go south to put down the rebellion. "
Yang Ling said with a wry smile, "Your Majesty still wants to sneak out? Actually, in my opinion, it is better to let me go. I will not disappoint Your Majesty's expectations and quell the rebellion as soon as possible. "
Emperor Zhengde gave a long sigh and said, "Dear minister, do you also think that Zhen is curious and wants to take the opportunity to go to Jiangnan to have fun? Three people will become a tiger, and the mouth of the masses can melt gold. If the rumor is repeated a hundred times, it will become true. The rumor about Zhen's identity has been constantly spread since I was the Crown Prince. At that time, there was even a whimsical commoner who really ran over and pretended to be Zhen's father. The late Emperor was merciful and simply did not pay attention to such ignorant people. He only drove them out of the capital.
Now that King Ning, as a member of the royal family, is spreading such rumors, not to mention the common people and local officials, even the officials in court are suspicious. If Zhen hides in the Forbidden City, won't it appear that I have a guilty conscience? Moreover, King Ning is a member of the royal family and has an extremely high status. No matter how the local officials fight and to what extent, they will inevitably be restrained. As a foreign minister, it is inevitable that they will have concerns.
Thirdly, dear minister, there is no salary to pay in the court. Dispatching troops to put down the rebellion, but not even paying the soldiers' salaries, the morale of the troops will be affected. Even if I send you, the generals under you are loyal to the country. Can you guarantee that those soldiers will take the overall situation into consideration? If Zhen personally goes to battle, it is a guarantee. Zhen is the Son of Heaven, and my words are golden. I only need to say that I will reward the three armies after the rebellion is put down. Who will worry that Zhen will renege on the debt? It doesn't matter if it is late for a month or two. "
"What's more, although Jiangnan is unstable, it is also full of vitality. I have always dreamed of going to see it in person. I want to see the grand occasion of the merchant ships of all countries and the prestige of Ming Destiny's battleship galloping on the sea. Such an opportunity is not easy to find. It is difficult for me to go out of the capital."
Yang Ling was silent. Thinking about what Zhengde said, it was very reasonable. Moreover, Ming Destiny is reforming. Many old abuses and problems in the reform are reported by local officials, and then the Emperor makes a decision according to the report. If the Emperor personally visits the south and observes the people's customs along the way, the impetus for the reform is indescribable.
Information is developed in modern society. The central government's decrees and local people's customs are transmitted and understood without hindrance. As the highest leader of the central government, at the critical moment of the reform, he will personally go to the local area to investigate. He will go to the field and give some instructions on the spot. For the encouragement and motivation of the local officials, it is much more powerful than a piece of paper.
Thinking of this, Yang Ling nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty is right. But sneaking away can't be done twice. Especially this time is different from the Great Harmony trip. That is a secret alliance. This is an open judgment. We have to leave the capital openly and announce it to the world. We have to let the people know that the Emperor is personally going to battle. Only then can we calm the people's hearts and stabilize their morale. So, we can't hide it from the officials. "
Emperor Zhengde listened and said helplessly, "You think I want to hide it from them. Look, even you climbed the wall to get in. How do you want me to convince those blockheads?"
Yang Ling thought for a moment and said with a faint smile, "If you can't convince them, then force them. Use your power to suppress them. In short, make them unable to come out to obstruct and let Your Majesty leave the capital safely. That will be enough."
Zhengde asked in reply, "How else can they be suppressed? I have even brought out the cane, but these officials are not afraid of death. "
Yang Ling said with a smile, "Everyone has their own desires. These people are all loyal officials and are not afraid of death. But what is a loyal official most afraid of?"
Zhengde and Tang Yixian looked at each other and asked in unison, "What is there for a loyal official to be afraid of?"
Yang Ling smiled.
※ ※ ※
Zhengde finally appeared at the entrance of the Leopard Room. The civil and military officials were in an uproar.
Zhengde said with a smile, "My beloved officials, please rise. Please rise. It's such a cold day. Don't kneel."
The white-haired Hanlin Academy scholar, Old Master Cao said in a loud voice, "If Your Majesty is not willing to take back your order, we would rather die."
The new zhuangyuan Shu Fen also said, "Your Majesty, all the civil and military officials have come to advise Your Majesty. This official's sincerity can be seen by heaven and earth. Your Majesty, please reconsider."
Emperor Zhengde said with a smile, "Reconsider, reconsider. Zhen has already reconsidered. My beloved officials, please rise. There is no need to kneel to reply."
When everyone heard this, they were overjoyed and hurriedly got up. There was a "puff, puff, puff" sound of clothes being flapped and a cloud of dust rising from the crowd. Holding his breath, Emperor Zhengde took two steps back, and then with a smile on his face he stood still.
Yang Tinghe said happily, "Your Majesty is willing to take back your order?"
When Zheng De saw that all the officials had stood up, he said, "My beloved minister's words are wrong, we have repeatedly thought about it, thought again and again, thought again and again, we still feel that … we should personally lead the army!"
The smiles of the officials immediately froze on their faces. Liang Chu said in a flustered and exasperated manner, "It is the duty of the officials to eat the emperor's salary and share the emperor's worries. How can I let Your Majesty personally take the risk?"
Zhengde said, "I am the Son of Ming Destiny. Now that the prince is rebelling, I will personally lead the army. This will raise the morale of the army and quickly destroy the enemy. What's wrong with that?"
Yang Fang said, "Your Majesty, the imperial court has a strong army and strong horses. There are as many valiant generals as there are clouds! We only need to send one general. Wherever the imperial army's flag points, all evil will be eliminated and the world will be at peace! Why does Your Majesty need to personally lead the army? "
Zhengde said lightly, "King Ning is a member of the imperial family. This is my family's matter. How can I not go?"
"The imperial family's matter is the world's matter. How can the imperial family's private matter be to speak of?"
"Look at the banner that the old thief King Ning is using. He has insulted the late Emperor and me. Such treachery and heresy has angered both men and gods. How can this be tolerated? I am not only the Emperor who owns the country, but also the son of the Former Emperor Hongzhi. Someone has insulted my father. As a son, how can I not send troops to avenge the disgrace? How can I not be an example to the people? "
Old Teacher Cao said bitterly, "The Sages say: The Lord worries about the humiliation of the officials. If the Lord is humiliated, the officials will die! The humiliation of Your Majesty is the humiliation of the officials. It is the officials who should attack Your Majesty and suppress the rebels. Your Majesty's body is priceless. For the sake of the world, it is better for Your Majesty to stay in the capital and wait for good news! "
Emperor Zhengde's face darkened. "Rest assured? I am not at ease now! You have tried every possible way to prevent me from leading the army. What is your intention? Are you hesitating? Do you want to observe the situation and defect to the rebels to become a founding minister? "
Old Teacher Cao was shocked and angry. He said with grief and indignation, "Why does Your Majesty say this? Our loyalty can be seen by the sun. How can we do such a rebellious thing? "
Emperor Zhengde smiled sinisterly and glanced at the officials. "I heard that the officials from King Ning's mansion have come to the capital and have a wide circle of friends. Some have received gifts from him and some have eaten at his banquets. Now that the country is in danger, if I personally lead the army, I can quickly quell the rebellion. Why are there people trying to stop me with all kinds of absurd reasons? Hmm? "
As soon as he said this, some people were worried and some people panicked. The voices of the officials who tried to dissuade him suddenly weakened. Emperor Zhengde said confidently, "If we do not act decisively, we will be in trouble. We must decisively lead the army! Personally lead the army! I want to be the army supervisor and personally supervise the generals and soldiers of the country on how to be loyal to the country. I want to prevent the rascals from being disloyal and spoiling my plan. Do you have any objections? "
The cold wind rustled, and the withered and yellow tree leaves were swept up by the wind. Amidst the whistling sound of the wind, they passed through the middle of the 'wooden stakes' and flew further into the sky. No one said anything anymore. The officials really could not find any more reasons to oppose the justice and necessity of the emperor leading the army. They had sworn to be loyal officials even if they had to die. Now, if they said another word, they would be evil officials. What else could they say?
Zheng De flicked his sleeve and said in a stern voice, "I have decided to personally lead the army. If my beloved ministers are loyal and patriotic, then you should properly manage the political affairs in the capital, so that I do not have to worry about the future. That is the duty of an official. At this moment, anyone who tries to dissuade me from leading the army must have evil intentions. I will punish them according to the law! "
As soon as Zhengde's voice fell, Huang Gong, the chief of the Ministry of Punishments, rushed out and hugged Zhengde's thigh. Zhengde was shocked. Huang Gong cried bitterly and said, "I am not evil. I am not evil. But I must dissuade Your Majesty from leading the army. Your Majesty is the foundation of the world. The capital is the center of the world. Your Majesty cannot leave the capital so easily. Even if you kill me, you cannot leave the capital so easily."
Zhengde kicked his legs, but Huang Gong hugged him so tightly that he could not break free. Zhengde could only smile bitterly and say, "Guards! Guards, capture him for me! Capture him! "
Immediately a few tiger-like Imperial Bodyguards rushed over and tried to break Huang Gong's hands. Huang Gong was a scholar, but his strength was surprisingly great. The Imperial Bodyguards had to use a lot of strength. With a 'rip' sound, Zhengde's newly changed green silk robe was torn into two pieces. Huang Gong was lifted up by the Imperial Bodyguards and carried away with the two pieces of rags in his hands.
Zhengde stamped his feet and said, "I want to go back and change my clothes. My beloved officials, there is no need to say anything more. If you really want to serve the country, then help me manage the capital well. We, the ruler and the officials, will be of one mind. Together, we will get rid of the evil king and restore Ming Destiny to a peaceful world. All right, disperse! "
Zhengde entered the main door of the leopard room. He had just turned away from the line of sight of the ministers when he hurriedly called for an attendant and quietly asked, "Where is that man who is not afraid of death?"
The attendant was startled for a moment before he reacted. He quickly cupped his fists and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, that man is the manager of the Ministry of Punishments, Huang Gong. This man has offended the Emperor, the Imperial Bodyguards have already arrested him and sent him to the Imperial Prison to be interrogated."
Zhengde quickly waved his hand and said, "Go, tell them not to punish him. First lock him up for two days. After I leave the capital, go to the Ministry of Appointments and pass on my verbal order. Let Yang Yiqing see if there are any officials who are lacking prefectural magistrates or the like. Find one for him."
The attendant hurriedly complied and hurriedly ran away.
Zhengde triumphantly returned and told Yang Ling and Tang Yixian how he made the civil and military officials suffer losses. The two of them chatted and laughed for a while. Emperor Zhengde sternly said, "My beloved subject, I am personally going into battle. Without you following me, I will not be at ease. This is an important matter of the country and cannot be treated as a joke. My beloved subject, quickly go to the four armies outside to pass on the imperial edict. Tell them to immediately prepare to follow me into battle. At the same time, you must also go back and prepare to accompany me into the southern expedition to suppress the bandits and suppress the rebellion! "
Yang Ling hurriedly complied and took his leave to go to the four armies outside. Once Tang Yixian saw that Yang Ling had left, she immediately put on a gentle smile and moved closer to Zhengde. She hugged his arm and gently shook it. She sweetly said, "Hubby daren …"
All the hairs on Zhengde's body stood up. He vigilantly looked at Tang Yixian and asked with fear and trepidation, "What orders does Furen have?"
Tang Yixian smiled sweetly and shyly lowered her head. She coyly said, "Hubby daren, you want to personally lead the army into battle and suppress the rebellion in the south. I also want to follow you."
"What? You also want to go? No! Definitely not! "Zhengde flicked his sleeves and said sternly.
"Why not?" The gentle kitten bared her teeth, revealing her sharp teeth and claws.
Zhengde shivered and quickly lowered his shoulders. He flatteringly smiled and said, "Xian 'er, you also know that this time I am not leaving the capital for sightseeing. Now that the country is in a difficult situation, I have no choice but to personally lead the army. I hope to stabilize the people's morale and quickly suppress the rebellion. If you go … does it sound good?"
"What does it sound good or not good? When the Emperor goes into battle, are there any lack of servants and maids by your side? Just because I have the title of an Imperial Concubine? I can disguise as a man, I can disguise as a maid. I just want to be by your side and not cause trouble for you. My older brother went to Jiangnan to do imperial business and even disguised Wen Xin jiejie as a maid and brought her with him. If he can do it, you, the Son of Ming Destiny, can't think of a way? "
Tang meimei's apricot eyes widened and her mouth opened like a machine gun. Hearing this, Zhengde was in a daze. He blinked his eyes and after a while, he said, "There's such a thing? Minister Yang looks like an honest person, but he really has a lot of schemes. He can even do this kind of thing. When he left the capital, she was a maid and when he returned, she became a furen. He has a way, he really does have a way. "
As he said this, his heart suddenly jumped as if he had a flash of inspiration. He suddenly thought of something. Before he had time to think carefully, his ear was pulled by Tang meimei's soft hand, "I'm talking to you, did you hear me?"
"I heard, I heard," Emperor Zhengde said with a bitter face, "I just feel wronged. Why did Minister Yang bring a woman to battle? Before going to battle, she was a maid and after going to battle, she became a furen. I, the woman of the Son of Ming Destiny, have to be so wronged. Before going to battle, she was a furen and after going to battle, she became a maid?"
Tang Yixian giggled and said, "Dummy, I just want to be by your side. Is it that important what name I use?"
Her voice was soft as she said, "If you are at home, I will sing the tune of the husband with you. If you go into battle to fight the enemy, I will advance and retreat with you! You and I are husband and wife, of course we will not separate in life and death! "
"If the wife sings the tune of the husband, then the wife sings the tune of the husband." Emperor Zhengde, who had 'abandoned himself to despair', was moved as he thought this. He held Tang Yixian's small hand. Tang Yixian's eyebrows rose and she said in a heroic manner, "Houzhao, I will accompany you. Let our 'Killing the Border' play the song of victory in the midst of the tens of thousands of soldiers. I want the whole world to know that those who offend my husband's authority, no matter how far away, will be punished! "
Husband's authority! Zhengde excitedly discovered that he had finally found the authority of the husband! So it wasn't that he did not have the authority of the husband at home, but that he had never found the right direction for the authority of the husband. It turned out that the direction of the authority of the husband was not at home, but outside!
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