Zhu Yunying's arrangement for Feng Cheng and others to go to Fujian caused no stir in the court, and there was no need to pay attention to such matters.

Simply put, the Five Military Commands were essentially a private domain for military officials, and the civil service had no power to interfere in their affairs. Especially Feng Cheng; setting aside the fact that he was Feng Guoyong's son and Feng Sheng's nephew, his status as the brother-in-law of Emperor Ying Shi alone was enough to explain things.

Moreover, he was the Right Commander-in-Chief of the Right Army Commandery, second only to the Left Commander-in-Chief Mu Chun.

In fact, everyone understood that Emperor Ying Shi's two brothers-in-law firmly controlled the Right Army Commandery. Mu Chun commanded the Yunnan Commandery, Guizhou Commandery, Sichuan Commandery, Shaanxi Commandery, Guangxi Commandery, and their subordinate garrisons.

As for Feng Cheng, he led the Right Guard of the Capital Tiger Guard, the Right Guard of the Garrison, the Right Guard of the Navy, the Wude Guard, and the Guangwu Guard in Beijing.

As for bringing Zhu Yunying's second maternal uncle and brother-in-law along on this trip, there's nothing to worry about. This is a matter of military merit; they might just be going to inspect the granaries in Fujian on behalf of the emperor, or something similar.

Many people know that most of the goods that the Ming Dynasty brought back from Southeast Asia landed in Fujian and Guangdong. They also know that, in addition to jewelry and spices, the Ming Dynasty also brought back a great deal of grain from Southeast Asia and other places.

It is said that much of the military rations in Goryeo were transported directly by sea. While seemingly less valuable than jewels or spices, grain, even when piled up in warehouses, provides a sense of security. The Ming Dynasty may appear to have overflowing granaries, but everyone knows that having too much grain is never a bad thing.

Moreover, those who think a little more deeply about it know that the ruler of the Ryukyu Kingdom of Chuzan is about to enter the capital. Although it is said to be an audience with the emperor, that is merely a formality. Many people know that the Fujian navy has already gone to Ryukyu, and the Ryukyu ruler has no choice but to go to the capital to apologize.

Sending Feng Cheng and his men to Fuzhou and Guangzhou raises questions about their ulterior motives. Moreover, many are aware of the recent coup in Annam, which greatly angered His Majesty.

Many people are speculating that perhaps the Ming Dynasty, after defeating Goryeo, will launch a military campaign against Annam.

While we may worry about His Majesty's penchant for military affairs, let's set aside the question of whether the civil officials have the ability to restrain the emperor or the military leaders. It's no secret that their emperor enjoys using righteous pretexts to wage war.

While Feng Cheng and his troops were heading south, Yu Xin arrived at the Wuying Hall. "Your Majesty," he said, "the armies that previously campaigned against Goguryeo have also sent battle reports. We have drafted a military merit system..."

Zhu Yunying interrupted him directly, seemingly displeased, "Minister of Revenue, Grand Minister Yu, since when did the Ministry of Revenue take charge of military affairs?"

Yu Xin immediately knelt down and hurriedly explained, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue dares not arbitrarily exercise its power, and I dare not overstep my bounds. We were discussing the matter of rewarding merits with the Ministry of War, and I am here today to present the draft regulations to Your Majesty."

Zhu Yunying remained noncommittal, saying, "This matter is handled by the Five Military Commissions and the Ministry of War; it has nothing to do with your Ministry of Revenue."

Yu Xin could only slink away, he was in a difficult situation, but unfortunately His Majesty did not give him any chance.

The imperial court already had a considerable amount of expenditure, and with the war in Goryeo, the cost of feeding the people and horses was already high. In addition, there were the expenses for post-war rewards and pensions, which added up to a huge sum of money. All of this cost money.

The imperial court does indeed have many expenses, especially in the coming days. Yu Xin wasn't really trying to restrain imperial power; he just wanted to voice his concerns in advance, to let His Majesty know what was going on.

Even if his idea was good, the one sitting on the dragon throne was no pushover either. Before Yu Xin could even speak, Zhu Yunying preemptively reprimanded him, leaving Yu Xin speechless.

Yu Xin could have complained, and tried to withstand the emperor's wrath by speaking out beforehand. But Yu Xin dared not, he truly dared not; he had also lost some of the youthful vigor he once possessed.

It's said that Emperor Hongwu was tyrannical and ruthless in killing his officials. Emperor Yingshi, however, doesn't seem like Hongwu. But don't underestimate him either; his slow, ruthless methods are even more agonizing.

Think of Zhuo Jing, a former confidant. He offended the emperor when his future was bright and did not follow the emperor's instructions. He has suffered a lot in the past two years.

Those who don't know him think he's a high-ranking official, a key minister of the court. But those who do know him know that Zhuo Jing's career is almost at its limit. Unless he's exceptionally resilient, he might have a slight chance to return to the central government after the Crown Prince ascends the throne.

In the British court, Zhuo Jing has virtually no chance of returning to the central government; he can no longer be considered a confidant of the emperor. This is solely because he didn't act according to the emperor's wishes back then—it was Zhuo Jing's 'rebellion'.

The emperor may be petty, and there is no shortage of talented people in the court, nor is there a shortage of officials who can fill in at any time.

Who told Yu Xin to give the emperor a handle to use against him? The Ministry of Revenue should just focus on its own affairs and not worry about other things. Otherwise, the emperor wouldn't think Yu Xin was being dutiful; the emperor could see him as clinging to power.

Watching Yu Xin slink away, Zhu Yunying simply smiled and didn't say anything more.

Zhu Yunying could naturally guess what Yu Xin was thinking, and he knew that Yu Xin must have some worries.

Whether it's the upcoming Yellow River management or the potential actions against Annam and the Oirat, both will require a large amount of money.

Moreover, everyone knows that although the Ming Dynasty has seemed relatively peaceful and prosperous in recent years, and its resources seem to have increased considerably, once things get busy, it also means there will be some pressure.

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