Yongli Ming Dynasty

Chapter 92 Army Reorganization
In the study, the ministers listened to His Royal Highness the Regent's opinion and felt that it was fair, and their faces relaxed.
The ministers originally thought that they could go home tonight after the matter was settled, but His Majesty the Regent's face darkened and he spoke in a deep voice.

"Ding Kuichu has been in charge of the Guangdong Army for a long time. Now he has suddenly lost contact. This is likely to cause panic among the Guangdong Army. I want to reorganize the Guangdong Army. What do you think?"

A stern look flashed across His Majesty the Regent's face, and he stared closely at the ministers below.
"Your Highness is wise, the Qing army is about to march south, and the court should reorganize the soldiers now to make the army united, so that we can deal with the Qing invaders with ease."

Qu Shisi's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he immediately agreed loudly.
At this time, Ding Kuichu had been detained in the imperial prison, and the Guangdong Army was leaderless. It was the perfect time to incorporate the Guangdong Army, and the excuses were ready. Anyone who dared to move at this time would be accused of treason.
If Ding Kuichu had been dealt with at this time, some die-hard elements of the Guangdong Army might have taken risks. However, the wonderful thing was that Ding Kuichu's case was still pending, so those who were close to Ding Kuichu in the Guangdong Army were afraid to act rashly.

Because if they dared to gather troops and resist stubbornly at this time, it would be confirmed that Ding Kuichu was plotting a rebellion. Regardless of public or private interests, the best way out for the Guangdong Army at this time was to cooperate with the reorganization.

The ministers looked at His Highness the Regent, who was looking at them with a sharp gaze, and a hint of surprise flashed across their faces. Ding Kuichu's greatest source of power was the Guangdong Army. If His Highness incorporated the Guangdong Army at this time, then Ding Kuichu, the Prime Minister, would certainly lose much power after he was released, regardless of whether he was plotting a rebellion or not.
Some alert ministers even had a glimmer of suspicion in their eyes. They had just revealed Ding Kuichu's rebellion, and now they were about to reorganize the Guangdong Army. It seemed like His Royal Highness the Regent was setting up a trap to seize the Guangdong Army's military power.
Although some of the ministers thought of this, they were more frightened and dared not make a sound.

The emperor's attempt to seize military power was no mere debate. If the debate failed, the worst that could happen was that he would resign and return home, leaving the court.

But if the subordinate ministers want to interfere with the emperor's acquisition of military power, it will be a matter of life and death. If they fail to become powerful ministers, they will die without a burial place. There is no other choice.

If everything that happened today was as they thought, and His Highness was setting up a plan to seize military power, then His Highness's temperament might be even more vicious than they imagined.

Ding Kuichu, who had a strong foundation and was the Prime Minister who had supported the emperor, was ruthlessly eliminated when he blocked His Highness from obtaining military power. What's more, they were ordinary ministers who had not yet established themselves in the cabinet.

His Highness the Regent stared at the ministers below. Seeing that they all bowed their heads and no one dared to speak out against him, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes, and he spoke:

"Since no one objects, then this matter will be settled."

"Where is the severe wait?"

His Highness the Regent spoke softly, but his eyes were fixed on a middle-aged man in a bright red official robe in the train below.
The man had a long beard and a refined look. He did not look like a military commander, but more like a civil official. However, he was clearly wearing a Qilin military uniform.
"what"

"Yes, I am here."

Yan Yun didn't know what he was thinking. After hearing the voice of His Royal Highness the Regent from above, he was stunned for a long time.
Everyone in the room looked at him, and Yan Yuncong suddenly realized that the prince was calling him, so he hurried out to answer.
"Marquis Qingjiang was also present just now. Does Marquis Qingjiang have any opinions on my handling of the Ding Kuichu incident?"

After His Royal Highness the Regent called out Yan Yuncong, he did not immediately talk about the military reorganization, but instead asked for his opinion on how to deal with Ding Kuichu.
"Your Highness, please understand that I am devoted to controlling the Guangdong Army and have no knowledge of this matter..."

A trace of panic flashed in Yan Yun's eyes, and he immediately replied

But as soon as he said this, he immediately realized that His Highness was not asking about this matter. He seemed to be disassociating himself from the matter, but wasn't this just confessing himself?
Yan Yuncong's eyes became more panicked, and he immediately stopped talking.

"I am a military official, I only know how to march and fight. As for the major events in the court, it will be decided by Your Highness and the other elders. I have no opinion on it."

Zhu Lang looked at Yan Yuncong who was already at a loss below, and a gleam of brilliance flashed in his eyes. He knew that Yan Yuncong must have been scared.
Ding Kuichu has been captured. The person who has the deepest connection with the Guangdong Army is Yan Yuncong. The reason why he did not ask Li Chengzhi to forge Yan Yuncong's letter before was because he was afraid that Yan Yuncong would do something desperate.

Yan Yuncong has been managing the Guangdong Army for Ding Kuichu. If he can come forward to cooperate in the reorganization of the Guangdong Army, the risk of the reorganization will be greatly reduced.
And looking at Yan Yuncong's current situation, as long as he is appeased a little and asked to cooperate with the reorganization of the army, there should be great hope.

If the Guangdong Army can be successfully incorporated, what would it matter if there was one more Marquis who was eating rice in the court?

"Marquis Qingjiang is indeed a national military hero. He is a man of great principles and a man of general principles. Civil officials govern the country, while military officials govern the army. If everyone in the court could be as loyal to their duties as Marquis Qingjiang, how could there be so many incidents?"

His Royal Highness the Regent seemed to be filled with emotion, and he sighed softly:
"Houshou Yan just heard it. The court will definitely give justice to Ding Kuichu. However, Ding Kuichu suddenly lost contact at this time. There is no guarantee that there will not be turmoil in the Guangdong Army."

"The Qing army may march south at any time. The army must not allow this to cause any more unrest. The court just discussed this as well. Are you willing to cooperate with the court and reorganize the Guangdong army?"

His Highness the Regent spoke softly, but his eyes were fixed on Yan Yuncong below, like a beast staring at its prey.

Yan Yuncong's forehead was instantly covered with cold sweat when he heard this. His face turned pale and he remained silent for a long time.
When His Highness called him out, he already had a premonition, but now that His Highness really brought up the matter, he was still terrified.

Ding Kuichu was very kind to him. If he hadn't been with Ding Kuichu, he would have been just an ordinary general, managing two or three thousand men. How could he have risen to prominence in the new dynasty and been promoted to the rank of marquis?

Ding Kuichu entrusted the Guangdong Army to him. If he cooperated with the court to reorganize the Guangdong Army at this time, it would be tantamount to betraying Ding Kuichu.

Regardless of whether he betrayed Ding Kuichu or not, if he cooperated with the court's reorganization at this time, once the court took back the Guangdong Army, not only would Ding Kuichu lose his military power, but he himself would no longer be able to command the army. At that time, he, the Marquis of Qingjiang, would become worthless.

The relationship between him and Ding Kuichu was known to everyone in the court. After the court took back the Guangdong Army, it was absolutely impossible for him to lead the army again. What use would a military meritorious official who could not lead an army have even if he was a marquis?
Yan Yuncong lowered his head. In just a short time, his back was already soaked with sweat. Yan Yuncong remained silent for a long time, and the eyes of all the ministers in the hall were focused on him.

Although His Majesty the Regent did not urge him, at this moment, His Majesty the Regent above and the ministers on both sides, all eyes fell on him.
Yan Yun was becoming more and more frightened, as if an invisible mountain was pressing down on him, making him want to escape from this place.
Yan Yuncong glanced at the solemn ministers on his left and right, and then looked at His Royal Highness the Regent whose expression was beginning to turn cold. He could no longer bear the fear in his heart.

He has no choice now. If he cooperates, he may die tomorrow. If he doesn't cooperate, he will die immediately. His Highness has painstakingly planned this and will never allow him to retreat.
If he dared to raise any objections now, he would probably be dragged out of the palace and beheaded in the next moment.
Yan Yuncong's voice trembled as he spoke

"The Guangdong Army belongs to the imperial court. As long as Your Highness gives an order, I will have no objection."

After Yan Yuncong finished speaking, a look of relief suddenly appeared on his face, but his whole body suddenly became depressed, as if all the strength in his body had been drained away.

After hearing Yan Yuncong's words, the atmosphere in the field suddenly relaxed, and everyone let out a long breath.
Everyone then realized that not only Yan Yuncong, but also their foreheads were covered with sweat without knowing when.

Zhu Lang looked at Yan Yuncong below and let out a breath, but soon he put away the expression on his face and spoke softly.

"Well, Lord Yan Qingjiang is indeed a loyal minister of the country. I know Lord Yan's loyalty," His Royal Highness the Regent sighed softly.
Yan Yuncong below just said "I dare not" and then stood in the hall with a wooden face without any reaction.
"Hero Yan will not let me down, and I will not let you down either. As long as you are loyal to the country, I will not disappoint the loyal officials in the court." Zhu Lang glanced at the dejected Yan Yuncong and comforted him again. Only then did a glimmer of light flash in Yan Yuncong's eyes. He knew that this was the promise that His Highness made to him after he handed over the Guangdong Army. With this sentence, his life should be saved.
Yan Yuncong also forced himself to cheer up and bowed to the Regent above to express his gratitude.

Zhu Lang glanced at the ministers in the palace, and without hesitation, he spoke in a deep voice:
"The military situation is urgent and the reorganization of the army cannot be delayed."

"Yan Hou, you write a letter immediately, ordering all the guerrilla officers and above of the Guangdong Army to enter the city immediately to discuss military affairs."

Zhu Lang's eyes flashed with a gleam of brilliance. There were many soldiers in the army, and all the soldiers obeyed the orders of the commander. As long as the commanders of the various camps were transferred out, even if someone wanted to cause trouble, they would not be able to do so.

When the commander is not here, all soldiers in the army are equal. You want to cause trouble, but who do you think you are? Why should I obey your orders?
When Qu Shi below heard the words of His Royal Highness the Regent, a gleam of light flashed through his mind, and a look of shock appeared in his eyes.
Qu Shisi and Chen Zizhuang looked at each other, and when they found that the other had the same shocked expression on his face, they quickly lowered their heads, but they were more amazed in their hearts.

The two of them were more and more certain that today's situation must have been manipulated by His Majesty the Regent.
Guerrilla, why guerrilla
Because His Highness had just hosted a grand banquet for all the generals in the army not long ago, and all those who attended the banquet were generals of guerrilla rank and above!
How can there be so many coincidences? His Highness must have started to take back the military power of the Guangdong Army from Ding Kuichu at the beginning of his reign.
The two of them thought about it, but His Royal Highness the Regent did not notice anything unusual about them at this time. After instructing Yan Yuncong, he continued to speak.

"Where is Wu Jinghou?"

"I am here"

"Li Mingzhong, Marquis of Wujing, will immediately go out of the city to inspect the troops. At daybreak, he will lead the troops to the outside of the Guangdong Army camp to assist in the reorganization of the Guangdong Army."

"Yes"

Li Mingzhong looked serious, bowed and saluted, then stepped aside. However, His Royal Highness the Regent above him continued to speak.

"Where is Marquis Wu'an?"

"I am here"

"Marquis Wu'an Jiao Lian, leave the palace immediately and mobilize the imperial guards to strengthen the defense of the four gates in the city."

"From now on, the entire city is under martial law. Send the imperial guards to patrol the city to prevent rioters from causing trouble."

"Once you find someone gathering to cause chaos, you don't need to report it. You will be charged with treason and beheaded directly." Zhu Lang's eyes flashed with murderous intent.

"Yes"

Jiao Lian below also looked serious when he heard this, and stepped out of the line to respond respectfully.
Li Mingzhong and Jiao Lian looked at each other, bowed again, and then hurried out the door.
Before the ministers below could react, Jiao Lian and the others had already received the order and left.
The ministers looked at the murderous regent above them, and their hearts were suddenly trembling. At this time, most people finally realized that the regent's actions today might have been premeditated.
Capture Ding Kuichu and recruit the generals of the Guangdong Army into the city

Li Mingzhong reorganized his army and moved camp, stationing beside the Guangdong Army camp, nominally to cooperate, but in fact to deter. If the Guangdong Army made any unusual moves, the Gui Army would probably rush into the camp immediately.

Jiao Lian ordered the imperial guards to guard the city, guard the four gates, and suppress the scoundrels in the city. Even if Li Mingzhong was defeated, with 3,000 imperial guards guarding the city, the Guangdong Army would never be able to attack Zhaoqing.

Li Mingzhong and Jiao Lian, one inside and one outside, have already minimized the risk of reorganizing the army

How could such a sophisticated plan be drawn up in such a hurry?

The more the ministers thought about it, the more frightened they became. They were more and more convinced that everything that happened today must have been planned for a long time.

The so-called rebellion of Ding Kuichu was probably planned by His Highness and someone else, and the purpose was to take away the military power in Ding Kuichu's hands.
Although the ministers could think of this, they dared not speak out. They all lowered their heads.
At this time, all the ministers in the court were gathered in the hall. I am afraid this is also one of His Highness's plans.
Now the hall is surrounded by Jinyiwei inside and outside. If someone is really blind and wants to say something nonsense, he will probably be dragged down and beheaded immediately.
In this era, the world is in chaos. When it comes to matters of military power, there will be bloodshed. Who cares whether you are righteous or treacherous?

"This matter is of great importance. To prevent the news from leaking, please wait in the palace for a while before the Guangdong Army enters the city."

His Highness the Regent glanced at the ministers below, his tone was firm, but he did not allow anyone to refute, and the ministers below also responded respectfully.

"Come here, give the nobles a seat."

"It's cold late at night, I asked the kitchen to prepare lotus seed soup, please have some to get rid of the cold."

Zhu Lang gestured to Li Guoyong beside him, and then Li Guoyong hurriedly retreated.

In just a moment, a group of eunuchs brought chairs into the hall, and a group of palace servants also brought bowls of steaming lotus seed soup to the hands of the ministers.
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your grace."

All the ministers looked at the soup in their hands, and then, led by Qu Shisi, bowed to the Regent and expressed their gratitude.

At this point, the ministers had no more doubts in their hearts. When His Highness gave an order, dozens of bowls of soup were immediately prepared. It was obvious that they had prepared it in advance.
In other words, even imprisoning the ministers in the hall was probably planned by His Highness long ago.

The hall was silent. Each of the ministers held a silver bowl. The steam from the bowl rose and turned into a white mist.

The ministers passed through the dense mist and looked up at His Highness the Regent, who was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and eating lotus seed soup with a calm expression. However, they felt that the figure of the young man in front of them became increasingly blurred.

In this ambiguity, a sense of awe quietly rose in the hearts of the ministers.
Yan Yuncong was taken outside the palace and quickly wrote a military order to summon the generals of the Guangdong Army.

After the Jinyiwei checked that there was no secret code left, several messengers took the letter and fell out of the city wall, running into the distance in the night.
(End of this chapter)