"I wonder what the situation is like in Liaodong now!"
In the imperial study, Zhu Youjian looked towards the northeast, his tone tinged with worry.
Wang Chengen quickly replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured."
"With General Li and General Qin leading the troops, the Jurchens will not be able to overthrow us."
"Besides, didn't you already order them to build camps in southern Liaoning as a backup plan?"
"Even if the Battle of Shengjing doesn't go smoothly, our imperial troops can still retreat calmly."
"When spring comes next year, we will be able to besiege Shengjing again."
These words were not actually Wang Chengen's own thoughts, but rather the consensus reached by the court officials over the past period.
Although they were not optimistic about this battle before they set out.
However, as news of victories from the front lines continued to be sent back to the capital.
Even the most stubborn person would have no choice but to bow their head and admit their mistake.
He admitted that he had misjudged the situation.
Acknowledging the superiority of the imperial court, the Jurchens had few good days ahead.
After listening to Wang Chengen's words, Zhu Youjian shook his head and laughed, "You eunuch, you actually know so much."
Wang Chengen smiled and said, "I've been by Your Majesty's side for a long time, and I've been influenced by what I've seen and heard."
"Your Majesty, you can rest assured. There are not only two generals at the front line, but also Master Gao's apprentice."
"There definitely won't be any problems."
Zhu Youjian nodded slightly, but continued to stare at the northeast.
Although that's the logic, he was still worried.
This has nothing to do with facts, it's all about emotions.
No matter how sure something is, you can't help but feel nervous when the moment comes.
Moreover, the battlefield is inherently ever-changing.
Zhu Youjian thought to himself, "Now I understand why those emperors of the past were always so worried when they sent troops out to war."
At that moment, he felt a sense of empathy for a certain micro-management master.
Wang Chengen kept a close eye on Zhu Youjian's expression. Seeing that he was still worried about the war, he took the initiative to change the subject.
"Your Majesty, the Provincial Administration Commission of Qilu has submitted another memorial, requesting that people be sent to rebuild the garrisons and military prefectures in Liaonan."
"What do you think about this matter..."
Zhu Youjian's attention was indeed diverted.
"These guys haven't even won the battle yet, and they're already thinking about reaping the rewards!" he said with a laugh.
The Qi-Lu region of the Ming Dynasty was much larger than that of later dynasties, encompassing not only the original territory of Qi-Lu but also the Liaodong Regional Military Commission and the Nurgan Regional Military Commission.
In previous years, the Jurchens swept across Liaodong, which was not a big deal.
But now that the Ming Dynasty is about to recover Liaodong, some people with ulterior motives have started to emerge.
Zhu Youjian walked back to his desk and picked up the memorial to study it.
"Qi Lu wants to take Liaodong back, but I cannot agree to that."
"A separate Provincial Administration Commission should be established for Liaodong..."
Just as Zhu Youjian was pondering, cheers suddenly came from afar.
Zhu Youjian frowned and said angrily, "What's going on outside? Why is it so noisy?"
"Didn't I give them orders not to cause too much trouble?"
Although Zhu Youjian had made countless corrections, he was still afraid that Gao Qingyun would discover something amiss.
Therefore, loud noises are not allowed in the palace.
However, the Ming Dynasty already had similar rules, so there wasn't much of a problem.
Wang Chengen's expression was also not good.
"Your Majesty, please wait a moment. I'll go out and see who is so inconsiderate as to dare to make such a racket in front of you!"
He strode out, and as soon as he stepped out of the imperial study, he saw several guards walking towards him with excited expressions.
"Eunuch Wang, great news!"
"You lot, my foot!" Wang Chengen sneered. "You've already broken the rules by making such a racket in the palace!"
The guards were indeed startled.
“Eunuch Wang, we didn’t do it on purpose, there was a reason for it.”
"Hmph, which eunuch or guard would admit to making a mistake on purpose?" Wang Chengen raised an eyebrow.
"It's no use talking to me like this. Just wait to be punished."
The guards immediately begged for mercy.
"Eunuch Wang, at least listen to what we're doing and why we're making such a fuss."
Wang Chengen became somewhat interested.
"Oh? Then tell me, why did you have to make such a big fuss?"
The guards immediately said, "So that Eunuch Wang may know, good news has come from the Liaodong front."
"The new Khan of the Jurchens, in accordance with the will of Heaven, actually opened the city gates and surrendered."
"At this time, the heavenly army of our Great Ming has already occupied the entire Shengjing."
"I imagine that the Jurchens in other parts of Liaodong will also be pacified by issuing proclamations."
After saying this, the guards held their breath and waited quietly for Wang Chengen to speak.
But after waiting for a long time, there was still no sound from Wang Chengen.
They exchanged a glance before daring to look up and cautiously ask, "Eunuch Wang, what's wrong?"
Only when the guards asked him with concern did Wang Chengen seem to come back to his senses.
"Is what you're saying true? That Jurchen Khan really surrendered the city?"
The guards quickly replied, "Of course it's true!"
"The message was first sent to Commander Luo, who was afraid of being held responsible for reporting false military information, so he sent someone back to verify it."
"But in reality, how could the people at the front dare to speak carelessly about something this big?"
"This is definitely true."
Without saying a word, Wang Chengen turned around and ran back to the Imperial Study.
Zhu Youjian was also curious when he saw his hurried and energetic manner.
What's wrong with you?
Wang Chengen swallowed hard, then knelt down on the ground.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty! The Jurchens have surrendered!"
Zhu Youjian was stunned and speechless for a long time.
However, Wang Chengen did not follow the example of those guards. He did not disturb them at all, letting Zhu Youjian digest the matter on his own.
After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhu Youjian finally regained consciousness.
He pressed further, asking, "Is the information reliable? Why is it you reporting it, and not Luo Yangxing?"
Wang Chengen quickly relayed what the guards had said to Zhu Youjian.
Zhu Youjian immediately nodded excitedly.
"That makes sense!"
He swung his fist and punched the map.
"Good! I have finally eliminated the most pressing threat to the Ming Dynasty!"
Wang Chengen also laughed and said, "Your Majesty, you have only been on the throne for a year, and you have already destroyed the Jurchens. You are truly a restorer of our Great Ming Dynasty."
"Even Emperor Guangwu of Han cannot compare to you."
Zhu Youjian was in a very good mood and laughed as he scolded, "You little wretch, you sure know how to flatter me!"
"Emperor Guangwu almost fought the entire country anew before he was able to revive the Han Dynasty."
"How can I compare to him?"
"If I could be compared to Emperor Xuan of Han, I would be completely satisfied."
After laughing, Zhu Youjian suddenly remembered something.
"By the way, Wang Chengen, those guards who came to inform you of the news, just find any excuse to send them out of the palace."
“These people are disobedient. In order to curry favor with me and receive rewards, they secretly eavesdrop on military affairs. They can no longer stay by my side.”
Wang Chengen nodded, thinking to himself, "His Majesty's methods are getting more and more impressive."
Just then, another joyful shout came from outside the Imperial Study.
"Your Majesty, great news!" Luo Yangxing rushed in.
"The Ministry of War's report has been verified by my Imperial Guards; the Jurchens in Shengjing have surrendered!"
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