Chapter 0005: Trusted Confidant

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If it is for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, Mu Tianbo also believes that Kunming should not be easily abandoned

If Zhu Youlang remembers correctly, historically, it was more than half a month after the Yongli Emperor fled to Kunming that the Qing army finally arrived

Although this period is not too long, it is not short either

Unlike Li Dingguo, Mu Tianbo is a loyal and legitimate noble of the Ming dynasty.

Zhu Youlang stated with great determination: "I have made up my mind, and I have already discussed this matter with Prince Jin, so let it be done this way."

Compared to Li Dingguo's physique, Mu Tianbo is noticeably smaller by a circle

This last Duke of Qianguo was a rare loyal minister of the Southern Ming, following the Yongli Emperor until his death

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The Qing army can only launch rapid and aggressive attacks; once they are unable to achieve a quick victory, it becomes an opportunity for the Ming army

Mu Tianbo, who could not discern Zhu Youlang's intentions, asked cautiously

This is considered the most fundamental knowledge of a defensive battle

Moreover, the Yongli court has managed Yunnan for a long time, and there is still some goodwill among the people due to light taxation and reduced labor obligations

His Majesty has finally mustered the courage to fight to the death against the Eastern invaders

It seems that he is more like an elegant scholar

The ancestor of the Mu family, Mu Ying, pacified Yunnan, earning the Mu family the privilege of guarding the Yunnan region for generations

Mu Tianbo, filled with emotions, sincerely exclaimed in admiration

Mu Tianbo, upon hearing this, quickly rose and declined, saying: "What virtue or ability do I possess to hold such an important position? I humbly request Your Majesty to select another candidate."

Mu Tianbo respectfully performed the act of homage to Zhu Youlang, who personally stepped forward to assist Mu Tianbo in rising

After Li Dingguo took his leave, Zhu Youlang did not remain idle; he immediately issued an edict summoning Duke Mu Tianbo of Qian.

Mu Tianbo merely considers issues from the worst possible perspective, and this is also for the good of the court; there is nothing wrong with that

Li Dingguo and Mu Tianbo, two loyal and upright ministers, one from within and one from without, are capable of supporting the realm of the Southern Ming

Wherever the Yongli Emperor goes, he will vow to follow him to the death

He coughed and said: "If even you, my beloved minister, cannot fulfill this position, I fear there will be no suitable candidates left in the court. Moreover, this is my decree; do you intend to defy it?"

The words of Emperor Yongli truly astonished Mu Tianbo greatly

Anyone with a slight understanding of the history of the Southern Ming has heard of the renowned figure Mu Tianbo

Zhu Youlang felt an overwhelming joy upon seeing Mu Tianbo's agreement: "I do not wish for you to sacrifice yourself; I want to see you achieve great deeds for the Ming Dynasty. Currently, the Eastern invaders are powerful, and there are fewer and fewer loyal ministers who can genuinely serve the court. As the saying goes, 'the strength of a horse is known over a long journey, and a person's heart is revealed over time.' When the Ming Dynasty is revitalized in the future, I will certainly not forget such loyal subjects."

After the inner servant brought the brocade cushion and the Duke of Qian of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youlang could not help but begin to scrutinize this noble figure closely

Zhu Youlang smiled faintly and said: "Your Majesty should have heard about the matter of Ma Jixiang. Now that the position of the commander of the Jinyiwei is vacant, I wish to appoint you to concurrently hold this position."

The descendants of the Mu family can be said to be closely connected with the Ming Dynasty.

Certainly, when Emperor Yongli expressed his intention to relocate, Mu Tianbo did not offer any counsel

After careful consideration, Zhu Youlang decided to appoint Mu Tianbo to this important position

Secondly, Mu Tianbo is loyal and devoted, which gives Zhu Youlang a sense of reassurance

Zhu Youlang's words are essentially urging Mu Tianbo to let go of burdens and focus on his work

Your Majesty's decision to steadfastly defend Kunming is indeed that of a great sovereign

Zhu Youlang was weighing his options, while Mu Tianbo had already arrived outside the hall

However, since his soul originates from a later generation, he simply cannot bear to watch so many innocent lives perish before his eyes

Although he is already in his forties, Mu Tianbo takes good care of himself, with very fair skin and a neatly trimmed beard.

The old minister does not dare

Although Mu Tianbo did not exhibit extraordinary qualities in terms of civil and military achievements compared to his ancestor Mu Ying, he is already outstanding when measured against ordinary individuals

The emperor has made his position clear; if Mu Tianbo continues to refuse, it would be rather pretentious.

Now that Zhu Youlang has personally executed Ma Jixiang, the position of the commander of the Jinyiwei has become vacant

Certainly, these are seen from the divine perspective of Zhu Youlang, which Mu Tianbo may not necessarily be aware of

The Qing army is still far from Kunming; how could they possibly arrange for spies to infiltrate the city in advance

Such acts of modesty were the favorite practices of ministers during the Ming Dynasty; how could Zhu Youlang be unaware of this

The Mu family has guarded Yunnan for generations, and Mu Tianbo holds significant influence in Yunnan. If he were to go elsewhere, this influence would naturally dissipate.

Mu Tianbo pondered for a moment and replied: "Fortify the walls and clear the fields, leaving not a grain of food for the Eastern invaders"

Mu Tianbo, seeing the Emperor's resolute stance, felt it inappropriate to say much more, and respectfully replied: "This old minister obeys your command"

Zhu Youlang knew that Mu Tianbo would say this; he had also considered this issue before.

I, Duke Mu Tianbo of Qiang State, pay my respects to Your Majesty, and may Your Majesty be in good health.

Your Majesty, please think carefully. Bringing the common people into the city, not to mention the consumption of grain, if spies from the Eastern barbarians were to infiltrate, it could be detrimental to the overall situation

When Emperor Yongli decided to remain in Kunming, Mu Tianbo was overwhelmed with excitement

Your Majesty's benevolence and love for the people is indeed a blessing for the nation. It is hoped that the Ming Dynasty can soon be revitalized, allowing more citizens to enjoy the grace of a benevolent ruler

After a brief announcement by the eunuch, Mu Tianbo strode into the hall.

Only when the monarch and his ministers work together with a united front can there be a glimmer of hope for a turnaround

He swallowed his saliva, clasped his hands in salute, and said: "I am willing to dedicate my life and efforts for Your Majesty."

Firstly, the Mu family has a distinguished background, which can intimidate petty criminals

After all, the Jinyiwei are the personal troops of the Son of Heaven; if they were to fall into the hands of someone like Ma Jixiang, who harbors ulterior motives, it would indeed be terrifying

Zhu Youlang, of course, was unaware of Mu Tianbo's psychological activities. He smiled faintly and said, "In your opinion, how should the city of Kunming be defended"

Given the current state of affairs in the world, it is evident to discerning individuals that the Ming court is in a precarious situation akin to a fragile egg.

Zhu Youlang nodded slightly

This means that he has at least half a month to prepare his defenses

In the first year of Chongzhen, Mu Tianbo's father, Mu Qiyuan, died suddenly. At the age of only ten, Mu Tianbo inherited the title of Duke of Qian and was appointed General of the Southern Expedition.

From the most utilitarian perspective, it is certainly safest to close the city gates and prohibit the citizens from outside from entering the city for refuge

The Qing army, after a long and arduous journey, arrived in Kunming already exhausted and with their horses weary, facing a severe shortage of supplies. At such a time, if they were unable to scavenge for provisions from the outskirts of the city, the entire army would fall into a state of agitation.

This is from a self-interested perspective

The Yongli court governed Yunnan for many years, and the common people naturally regarded the Ming court as the legitimate authority

Your words are indeed reasonable, but I am supported by the people, living off their resources. If, in times of great difficulty, I were to focus solely on preserving my own life while abandoning my subjects, how could I face my ancestors?

Just now, when I was discussing with the Prince of Jin, he also made a similar suggestion. However, I believe we should still do our utmost to bring the common people from outside the city into the city.

The emperor decided to remain in the capital of Yunnan and not to relocate his residence, which brought the greatest joy to Mu Tianbo

Come here, grant a seat to the Duke of Qian.

I am uncertain what orders Your Majesty has for me

Kunming is the center of all of Yunnan, and the city's grain reserves are sufficient to sustain the army for a year. With numerous fierce generals under the command of the Jin king, how could they not hold their ground despite the strong fortifications?