at the same time.
The atmosphere in the secret room of the residence of Minister of Personnel Lu Bingjun was equally solemn.
The candlelight illuminated several faces, some old and some shrewd. They were all influential officials in the court, belonging to different factions, but at this moment they gathered together because of their common fear.
"Zhao Muyun's hands are stretched too far!"
An official said angrily, "Xiazhou is newly annexed, and the appointment and dismissal of officials should be made by the Ministry of Personnel in conjunction with local recommendations, and then reported to the court for final decision."
"But he's just gone ahead and used his power to 'act at his own convenience' to directly appoint his trusted aides! What do you call that? That's usurpation! That's disregard for the laws of the court!"
"It's not just Xiazhou?"
Another person interjected in a cold voice, "I've received a secret report that he wants to interfere in some key positions in Daizhou, Lanzhou, and even Xinzhou!"
"Placing his trusted associates in positions of power and eliminating dissidents. If this continues, wouldn't the several states in the northern border of Hedong Dao become Zhao Muyun's private property?"
"Where is the law of the court? Where is the authority of the Ministry of Personnel? Lord Lu, you are the official of the Ministry of Personnel, you can't just ignore this matter!"
Lu Bingjun sat at the head, twirling his beard with his fingers, his eyes deep.
He was not a direct descendant of the crown prince, but he was also deeply uneasy about Zhao Muyun's almost independent kingdom on the border.
This guy rose too quickly, acted too forcefully, and didn't play by the rules, and has long been a thorn in the hearts of many people.
What's more, the emperor not only wanted to marry Princess Qinghe to Zhao Muyun, but also wanted to bestow the title of lord on her.
Why should a soldier in the army be more dazzling than a scholar?
"What you said is exactly what I am worried about."
Lu Bingjun spoke slowly, his voice steady and powerful, "The power to 'act at your own discretion' is a special favor bestowed upon you by Your Majesty, for use in times of war."
"Now that Xijing has been relieved, Li Jingang has retreated to Mount Qishan, and the Tartars have retreated to the grasslands, the fighting has subsided."
"Yet Zhao Muyun still uses this as an excuse to appoint officials without restraint, seemingly disregarding the Ministry of Personnel and the laws of the court! This trend must not be allowed to continue!"
He glanced at the crowd, "This official wishes to submit a joint memorial at tomorrow's court meeting! The charge is 'usurping authority and privately granting and accepting court positions'!"
"This is a grave crime that shakes the foundation of the nation and defies the imperial court!"
"We petition Your Majesty to issue an immediate decree summoning Zhao Muyun back to the capital to report on his duties and surrender his military power. The Ministry of Personnel and the Supreme Court will jointly review his appointments and dismissals of officials at the border!"
"Transferring him from Shuozhou would be like removing the fuel from the fire. As long as he leaves that position, everything will be easy."
"Master Lu, your opinion is excellent!"
Everyone echoed, with a knowing look on their faces.
They may have their own plans, but their goal is surprisingly consistent in bringing down Zhao Muyun, the "unstable factor".
......
Deep in the palace, in the imperial study.
The sandalwood incense was curling in the air. Emperor Yongchang was holding the black pieces, while Lu Chunfang, the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department and the chief steward of internal affairs, was holding the white pieces. The two were fighting silently on the chessboard.
Next to the chessboard, a solitary lamp illuminated the slightly pale but extremely sharp face of Emperor Yongchang.
"I am deeply relieved that the King of Han has returned safely."
Emperor Yongchang gave birth to a child, his voice unrecognizable as emotion. "Yang Dingguo, Zhang Zhongfang... what were their merits and demerits in this battle of Xijing? Chunfang, how do you think they should be rewarded?"
Lu Chunfang twisted the white pieces, pondered for a moment, and said in a sharp but clear voice:
"My lord, the soldiers have fought bravely, and the dead and wounded are numerous. We should provide them with generous compensation to reassure the troops and show the benevolence of the emperor."
"General Zhang Zhongfang, a man of both wisdom and courage, has made a great contribution in rescuing His Highness the Prince of Han. He can also be granted a title, the title of 'Dingyuan County Man', and a reward of gold, silk, land and property. As for Minister Yang..."
He paused, then gently dropped the white piece, blocking the black piece's path. "Although he didn't achieve complete victory, he did inflict heavy damage to the main force of the rebels and forced Li Jingang to retreat."
"However, due to negligence, the food and fodder were burned, and the effort was undone."
"I believe that we should focus on appeasement, give him more encouragement, and ask him to make meritorious contributions despite his crimes. We must take advantage of Li Jingang's recent defeat and his lack of strength to intensify the suppression and ensure complete success."
Emperor Yongchang stared at the chessboard, a faint smile on his lips: "Well, Chunfang, you have thought it through. Let's do as you say."
However, he picked up a black piece, but it was hanging in the balance.
Just then.
In the darkest shadow in the corner of the imperial study, a figure wrapped in black tights emerged silently, like rippling water.
This person seemed to have merged into the darkness itself, with no breath left. He was none other than the most secret weapon in the emperor's hand: the commander-in-chief of the Longcha Division, Xiao Wuying.
"master!"
Xiao Wuying's voice was like sandpaper, low and emotionless. "The secret letter has been safely delivered to Zhao Muyun."
Emperor Yongchang's gaze remained on the chessboard, as if he hadn't heard anything.
Lu Chunfang tilted his head slightly, glancing at the shadows with his cloudy old eyes.
"How...did he react?" Emperor Yongchang finally made his move and asked calmly.
"Zhao Muyun burned it after reading it without saying a word and his expression remained normal." Xiao Wuying replied.
Emperor Yongchang stroked the warm chess piece with his fingers without commenting.
After a moment, he seemed to remember something and asked again, "Should the Longcha Division strengthen their surveillance of him? He commands a large number of troops and has received secret letters..."
Lu Chunfang's shrill voice sounded at the right moment, with a subtle hint of guidance:
"Master, Captain Zhao is a pillar of our nation, a beloved general whom you personally promoted with exceptional grace. By entrusting him with this secret letter, you clearly trust and rely on him. Why are you keeping an eye on him?"
"The Dragon Investigation Division's sword should be aimed at those who harbor ulterior motives and form cliques for personal gain."
"The Prince of Jin's Mansion has been abuzz lately, the Crown Prince's Eastern Palace is bustling with activity, and within the six government offices...undercurrents are surging. These are the things that Commander Xiao should be more concerned about."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongchang finally revealed a playful smile on his face and looked at Lu Chunfang:
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