Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 48 The best is yet to come
The next day.

As soon as the first hint of dawn appeared in the sky, farmers in the outskirts of Beijing carried their farming tools and went to the fields to cultivate the land.

They get up earlier than the chickens and go to bed a little earlier than the dogs; this is a lifestyle they have adapted to for decades.

Although the new emperor exempted them from the Liaodong military service, greatly reducing their financial burden.

But in order to fill their stomachs, they still had to work hard to cultivate the land.

However, today, when the villagers went to the fields in groups, they were all attracted by two unfamiliar faces at the village entrance.

"You saw that strange celestial phenomenon last night, didn't you? I heard it's quite significant; it fulfilled a prophecy!"

"A prophecy?! What prophecy?"

Upon hearing the words "prophecy," the villagers slowed their pace and listened intently.

The word "prophecy" is intriguing enough on its own, let alone its connection to the unusual astrological phenomena of last night.

"May the Celestial Empire prosper and the barbarians be subdued!"

"what does this mean?"

"Hey! You don't even understand this? Let me ask you, wasn't the brightest star in the center yesterday? That represents the Celestial Empire, which is our Great Ming Dynasty."

"Then, do the four stars next to it twinkle and then dim completely? That represents the barbarians from all directions."

"If you put them together, wouldn't it mean 'The Celestial Empire prospers, and all barbarians are subdued'?"

"So that's what happened. It must be because the new emperor ascended the throne and immediately beheaded so many corrupt officials. Heaven is blessing our Ming Dynasty, which is why this strange phenomenon occurred!"

"Of course! Just wait and see, the best is yet to come!"

Although the two of them performed in a somewhat exaggerated manner.

But it was under these circumstances that the prophecy "When the Celestial Empire prospers, all barbarians will be subdued" was etched into the hearts of the people.

While working in the fields, everyone was discussing this catchy prophecy.

Within the capital.

On his way to court, Zhang Weixian also heard prophecies coming from the breakfast stalls on both sides of the street.

When Zhang Weixian first heard those eight words, he was completely taken aback.

Is that even a possible explanation?!

However, after a brief moment of surprise, Zhang Weixian quickly realized what was happening.

With the influence of this prophecy, the number of respectable young men from good families who voluntarily join the army in Beijing will inevitably increase significantly.

Simultaneously.

In the future, when training the troops of the Beijing Garrison, as long as this prophecy is used as a training slogan, it will achieve twice the result with half the effort!

Zhang Weixian took a deep breath and strode into the palace.

Inside Fengtian Hall.

After a series of tedious formalities.

Today's morning assembly has officially begun.

The civil service group had already guessed that the emperor would agree to their coercion to reinstate Yuan Chonghuan.

Therefore, this was the first time that there was an expectation for the emperor to speak at the court assembly.

as predicted.

The morning court session had just begun when everyone heard the emperor's calm voice coming from the dragon throne.

"Effective immediately, Yuan Chonghuan is appointed Imperial Commissioner General Commander of Ningyuan, in charge of all affairs in Ningyuan City."

As soon as he finished speaking, whispers arose among the officials and the public.

Those in the civil service who orchestrated this event glanced at Huang Liji expressionlessly.

Yuan Chonghuan's previous official position was Ningqian Circuit Intendant and Liaodong Governor.

Although the current official titles have been given impressive-sounding words such as "imperial envoy" and "acting expediently," they are not as impressive as they seem.

However, the actual power it wielded was greatly reduced, essentially reducing it from a provincial governor to a county magistrate.

Although this position, to some extent, also helped them achieve their goals.

But the emperor's playful attitude towards words displeased them.

Huang Liji narrowed his eyes slightly, but did not retaliate.

Seeing this, everyone immediately fell silent.

Therefore, Yuan Chonghuan's affair did not cause much of a stir in the court. Then...

It's the same old three things: disaster relief, military pay, and border affairs.

After all the trivial matters are finished.

Zhang Weixian took a deep breath and stood out from the crowd with a solemn expression.

As Zhang Weixian stepped forward.

Those Beijing garrison generals who were notified yesterday to attend the court assembly felt a chill run down their spines.

They're not stupid; they know what this means.

However, they reported to their superiors yesterday when they received the message, and the reply they received was: We have already made a deal with the emperor, and you will be fine at tomorrow's court assembly.

But now, it's clearly not like that!

Several of them immediately tried to save themselves, attempting to fight for a chance of survival in the imperial court.

However, the sharp gaze from their superiors shattered their idea.

The meaning in his eyes was clear: Even if you jump out now, the emperor won't let you off the hook. Think more about your families.

It was under these circumstances that Zhang Weixian spoke up.

Everything I say today is just a draft I prepared last night.

As the commander of the Beijing Garrison, Zhang Weixian impeached most of the generals in the garrison.

Naturally, those who are impeached are the ones who are obedient.

As he finished speaking, everyone except for some officials in the court who already knew the inside story held their breath.

The Emperor has finally taken action against the Beijing Garrison.

"Put him in the imperial prison for trial," Zhu Youjian said calmly from his throne.

As soon as he finished speaking, guards stepped forward and escorted all the ashen-faced generals off the court.

In this regard.

The civil service officials only made a few token remarks before continuing to remain tacitly silent.

The brief court assembly ended abruptly amidst the generals' pleas for mercy.

After the end of the dynasty.

Zhang Weixian rushed back to the Five Armies Commandery without stopping, and immediately posted a recruitment notice for the Beijing Garrison. He also ordered his soldiers to ride horses to various villages on the outskirts of Beijing to loudly proclaim the recruitment notice.

Just half a day.

A long queue formed in front of the Five Military Governors' Mansion, mostly consisting of teenagers.

now.

The Beijing garrison reportedly numbered over 100,000, but in reality, it numbered less than 20,000.

After paying wages to some of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled and then dismissing them, the number of soldiers capable of fighting would be reduced to only a few thousand.

Fortunately, with these people who volunteered to join the army, the number of soldiers in the Beijing garrison was finally able to recover to over ten thousand.

Looking at these young men, Zhang Weixian suppressed his surging emotions and sat in his residence to personally select those who could be included in the Beijing Garrison.

Mao Wenlong, hiding in the crowd, prepares to leave Beijing.

I also saw this scene when I passed by the Five Military Governor's Office.

He glanced discreetly at the energetic young men, then boarded a carriage and secretly left the city in batches along with the carriages transporting silver.

Inside the carriage, Mao Wenlong closed his eyes and recalled the boy who had shouted wild words at him that night.

Maybe.

For many military generals, being granted a title of nobility is a lifelong aspiration, and he might still have a chance to try it in his lifetime.

at the same time.

The capital of the Later Jin dynasty.

Shengjing.

Huang Taiji was gathered with his strategists and generals to discuss state affairs.

P.S.: I'm so annoyed by all the events I've been running around for, and then I caught a cold today. I was so busy revising the article that my mind went completely blank, and it took me ages to write anything.

Don't worry, everyone. After a good night's sleep, I'll be in better shape tomorrow.

(End of this chapter)