Chapter 0002 The Emperor Who Smiles

Wang Cheng'en felt a deep resentment in his heart. Originally, these words should have been reported by him to the Emperor. Now that he heard Wei Zhongxian say them, he could only nod in agreement, indicating that what he said was correct. "Cheng Ji Ming, the three gentlemen Qian Longxi, Yu Dacheng, and the commander of Shanhaiguan, Lu Xiangsheng, are all waiting on the platform for the Emperor to discuss state affairs"

Wang Cheng'en noticed the emperor's unusual behavior, and his heart was filled with immense sorrow. He believed that the pressures capable of crushing a person had driven the emperor to a state of mental disarray. The emperor had never been a man of excessive indulgence since childhood; otherwise, how could he demand to see Empress Zhou during the day, while he was in the midst of work and had many urgent state affairs to attend to? "Your Majesty, please do not be too saddened. If you are feeling unwell today, I can first send a few ministers waiting to discuss state matters back, and we can deliberate tomorrow without haste."

Zhu Youjian himself was not aware of anything, but with his words, the five people present were all as stunned as wooden chickens, their minds greatly shaken! The most obvious among them was Cheng Jiming! He stared blankly at Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian; this was the first time the old man looked at the emperor seriously, having already assisted four emperors! Just based on Zhu Youjian's one sentence, Cheng Jiming's heart had already begun to weigh the situation! He stared blankly at Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian; this was the first time the old man looked at the emperor seriously, having already assisted four emperors! Just based on Zhu Youjian's one sentence, Cheng Jiming's heart had already begun to weigh the situation! Could it be that the Ming Dynasty is truly on the verge of revival? The demeanor and thoughts of this young man are completely different from those of his grandfather, father, and brother! This is the kind of thinking that only a sage ruler possesses! Not concerned with personal safety, but first thinking about troops, horses, and provisions! He holds the state and its people in his heart, and can even anticipate enemy movements, considering problems from the opponent's perspective! This! Is too incredible! Is this really a seventeen-year-old? He holds the state and its people in his heart, and can even anticipate enemy movements, considering problems from the opponent's perspective! This! Is too incredible! Is this really a seventeen-year-old?

Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, did not even think twice this time. He waved his hand and said, "No need to say more, my mind is made up! When it comes to understanding the court and the state, no one compares to Lord Wei. Let us go to the platform together"

Upon hearing Wang Cheng'en's words, Zhu Youjian recalled that he had just been reborn and had not fully entered his role yet. He was unclear about what had just transpired, but he felt a surge of youthful vitality. His diligence manifested in two aspects: he was both studious and well-versed in historical texts, and he had a passion for martial arts. He was capable of horseback riding and archery, and he could also draw a three-stone bow, equivalent to a bow with a draw weight of over 360 pounds in later times. This was no ordinary martial skill. However, people in later generations knew very little about it. When people focused on the history of the Ming Dynasty, particularly on Emperor Chongzhen and Zhu Youjian, they often directed their attention to his mistakes.

Zhu Youjian said lightly, "If I remember correctly, there should be one million five hundred thousand citizens in the capital, over five thousand eunuchs, and sturdy city walls, right? My judgment on the intentions of Huang Taiji is merely to exert pressure on our Ming Dynasty! He wants our Ming to recognize the Later Jin regime, and the main purpose is to plunder people and property. They truly do not have the strength to attack the capital! You should first discuss how much silver is needed, and then decide who will be the governor of the capital region. As for the decision-making matters, I can still take charge of that!"

Based on the experiences of his previous life, he does not possess the ability to save the Ming Dynasty! He is acutely aware that he is not the so-called king of a fallen nation, at best he is merely a last emperor! He is diligent, frugal, and hardworking in governance! He is also well-versed in both literature and martial arts, possesses insight in recognizing talent, and has the capacity to employ capable individuals! Yet, he still cannot save this world

"Where is the foundation of fate?" The old minister, the old minister... spent a long time without being able to articulate a coherent explanation

Wang Cheng'en was nearly driven mad! He was the emperor's close aide, and no matter which emperor ascended the throne, it was customary to appoint their close aides as the chief eunuchs! This is the very least that should be expected! It would be entirely reasonable for the emperor to bestow upon him both of Wei Zhongxian's positions! After all, imperial power is supreme, and the emperor has already ascended the throne! Even though Wei Zhongxian is deeply entrenched, he would not dare to openly oppose the emperor at this moment! Why not seize this excellent opportunity to take Wei Zhongxian's military power in one fell swoop? At the very least, you could start by taking one of his positions!

Zhu Youjian set down his teacup and said, "Since no one is speaking up, Cheng Jiming, you are a veteran of four dynasties and the chief minister of the court! Why don't you start by sharing your thoughts?"

This is the sorrow of Zhu Youjian at this moment, yet there is a faint smile on his face. This smile is for the fact that he can once again see his Empress Zhou! The woman he loved most in his life, his Zhou Ke'er! Just before his death, in a state of utter confusion, he painfully uttered his last words to Empress Zhou, which he still remembers vividly: "Ke'er, you should take your own life, for the loyalty to our ancestors' empire."

Zhu Youjian was so heartbroken that he could not speak. He had made too many mistakes, and this was not the only one. There was no argument left to make; he only knew how to weep. He then went to Wansui Mountain to hang himself, accompanied only by his trusted eunuch Wang Cheng'en.

Zhu Youjian lifted his teacup, blew on the tea flowers on top, and took a gentle sip. "Let's discuss how to address these three major issues. Furthermore, in future political discussions, we should speak directly in plain language, without starting from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Let's get to the point and save time."

Cheng Ji heard the Emperor call his name, and he cupped his hands in salute, saying, "The old minister bears the responsibility for oversight and should be punished."

Ke'er said nothing, silently nodding her head, the scene of hanging the white silk on the beam vividly in her mind. "Your Majesty, even if you do not speak, I would still do this. However, I must tell you that I have been married to you for eighteen years, and you have never once listened to me. If only the capital had been moved earlier, relying on the prosperous southern regions, with the north and south in opposition, the Ming Dynasty might still have a glimmer of hope, and would not have fallen to such a state."

Zhu Youjian's confidence has transformed Wei Zhongxian's heart from a state of elation to one of utter dejection. He understands that Zhu Youjian is not Zhu Youjiao. The Chongzhen dynasty is no longer the Tianqi dynasty. The thought of wanting to monopolize power is nothing but a delusion. He begins to reconsider his own path. The emperor's clear mindset is the greatest weapon for someone in his position.

However, regardless of the circumstances, it is only a matter of time before the Emperor takes action against Wei Zhongxian, a conclusion that the ministers have long accepted. Yet, witnessing the Emperor's actions today has left the ministers perplexed. "Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor for ten thousand years"

Zhu Youjian agreed, saying, "You are correct, my minister. So, who should be appointed as the governor of the capital? How much silver will these three expenses total? My premise is that the local military should not be mobilized, as long-distance travel is unnecessary, and winter has already set in! I believe that as long as we can hold the capital for one month, the rebel forces will naturally retreat."

"Regarding the matter of finding a queen, let us not rush. Wang Cheng'en, please share what issues we have at hand?" Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, spoke while looking at Wang Cheng'en and Wei Zhongxian, even offering a smile to these two high-ranking eunuchs, which was unprecedented for him! Even Wang Cheng'en, who had served Emperor Chongzhen since childhood, had rarely seen the emperor smile, especially during such a critical period! Amidst internal strife and external threats, how could the emperor still smile? This raised further doubts about whether the emperor had lost his mind. Even Wang Cheng'en, who had served Emperor Chongzhen since childhood, had rarely seen the emperor smile, especially during such a critical period! Amidst internal strife and external threats, how could the emperor still smile? This raised further doubts about whether the emperor had lost his mind.

Wei Zhongxian also noticed the emperor's unusual behavior. He understood that Emperor Chongzhen was not a ruler who was particularly fond of women, as he had previously sent beautiful women to the emperor multiple times, all of which the emperor had declined. He could not comprehend why the emperor would suddenly act this way today

Emperor Chongzhen finished speaking and was the first to step out of the Chengtian Palace, exuding a hidden confidence in his demeanor. Although Wang Cheng'en felt uneasy and did not understand why the emperor would still favor Wei Zhongxian at this time, seeing the emperor's confidence provided him with some comfort. As long as the emperor remains healthy, there is always hope for the Ming Dynasty, and there is always hope for me, Wang Cheng'en.

Zhu Youjian sighed softly, "It is not the time to discuss responsibilities; I am asking you, what should we do now?"

National affairs are of utmost importance, Wei Zhongxian, I need you, the court also needs you, you cannot shirk your responsibilities, you are not allowed to abandon any position, the revival of the Ming Dynasty still relies on you! Let us go, the three of us will go to the platform to discuss state affairs! Zhu Youjian pondered for a moment and then uttered a statement that left both Wang Cheng'en and Wei Zhongxian utterly astonished

Having undergone the trials of later generations, Zhu Youjian is more acutely aware of his own shortcomings. He is arrogant and self-satisfied, inherently suspicious, unwilling to take responsibility, and indecisive. Compared to Emperor Taizu, he finds himself lacking; however, when compared to the other fourteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty, he is confident that he could measure up to even Emperor Chengzu. Unfortunately, he finds himself in an era where the imperial authority has completely collapsed. At this point, even if Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang were to be resurrected, Zhu Youjian believes that his ancestor would lack the ability to save the realm of the Ming Dynasty.

Qian Longxi clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the first priority now is to dispatch capable officials to act independently."

This time, it was the three regents who were taken by surprise. Wang Cheng'en and Wei Zhongxian felt somewhat more at ease, as they had already witnessed the emperor's calm demeanor and straightforward manner of speaking. The three ministers initially thought the emperor would, as before, unleash his anger without warning. A seventeen-year-old youth, faced with such a significant event, was either rendered speechless by fear or truly possessed of the divine protection often attributed to the sons of dragons and phoenixes. Or perhaps it was a testament to being descendants of the founding emperor.

Those who can wield immense power in the world must possess cunning and skill; otherwise, they cannot achieve such a position. Wei Zhongxian's probing was quite straightforward

Zhu Youjian let out a faint "oh" and then fell silent, seemingly lost in thought, yet his face remained as calm as water. This involuntarily caused both chief eunuchs to feel a sudden jolt in their hearts. How profound the Emperor's mind is! This was something they had never witnessed before; if it were not for the Emperor's confusion, there would be no other way to explain it

Zhu Youjian's tone, though unremarkable, resonated profoundly with the five individuals present. Not to mention the three cabinet ministers, Wang Cheng'en was particularly astonished. The impact he felt was the greatest among the five. He never expected the emperor to handle the situation with such composure. This could only be explained as a prodigious talent. Unconsciously, he began to reassess the emperor's capabilities in his mind. He was certainly not just a youth! Truly worthy of being a descendant of the founding emperor! Unconsciously, he began to reassess the emperor's capabilities in his mind. He was certainly not just a youth! Truly worthy of being a descendant of the founding emperor!

Wei Zhongxian, however, felt secretly delighted; it was the first time he had seen the Emperor smile! It was a bright smile, and also a clear signal! The Emperor was showing him favor! He hurriedly interjected before Wang Cheng'en, "Your Majesty, the northwest border is in urgent distress. Hong Taiji has bypassed the Shanhai Pass and the Ningjin defense line, and has already crossed the Xifengkou, heading towards the capital's vital areas. The three border governors, Yang He, urgently report that Wang Zuogui is leading the starving populace in rebellion! Additionally, there is a mutiny at the Shanhai Pass, with soldiers revolting due to the court's six-month delay in military pay. This is all due to the incompetence of this old servant. I humbly request Your Majesty's grace to allow me to resign from my two current positions, as I truly cannot bear this burden." "Your Majesty, the northwest border is in urgent distress. Hong Taiji has bypassed the Shanhai Pass and the Ningjin defense line, and has already crossed the Xifengkou, heading towards the capital's vital areas. The three border governors, Yang He, urgently report that Wang Zuogui is leading the starving populace in rebellion! Additionally, there is a mutiny at the Shanhai Pass, with soldiers revolting due to the court's six-month delay in military pay. This is all due to the incompetence of this old servant. I humbly request Your Majesty's grace to allow me to resign from my two current positions, as I truly cannot bear this burden."

Yu Dacheng, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up, "Your Majesty, if we do not mobilize a large army from the provinces, it is likely that we will not be able to withstand the hundred thousand troops of Huang Taiji. Moreover, the total number of troops that can be drawn from the capital, including the Imperial Guard and the Jinyiwei, along with the cavalry camps in the suburbs, amounts to less than ten thousand. Furthermore, these troops from the capital are not a match for a field army!"

Wei Zhongxian was overjoyed; that recent smile, if it were his own private speculation, would now be confirmed by the Emperor's words that he still needed to rely on himself! After all, he was just a seventeen-year-old boy, too inexperienced to compete with an old man! "Your Majesty, this old servant is getting on in years; I fear my heart is willing but my strength is insufficient. I worry I might delay Your Majesty's important matters. Otherwise, should we hand over the Eastern Depot to Eunuch Wang?"

Cheng Ji Ming is merely a respected figurehead in the court, while the real decision-makers are these two assistant ministers. The three regents are all internally anxious and confused, yet they maintain a facade of calm. The situation at the borders is already dire, and now the emperor's ambiguous attitude towards Wei Zhongxian has cast a shadow over everyone's hearts.

Qian Longxi continued, "Your Majesty, all three matters are of great importance and cannot be delayed. However, in my humble opinion, the most urgent issue is the situation with the Emperor Taiji beyond the borders. We should immediately appoint a governor to oversee the troops near the capital and summon the local officials and military to the capital to defend the throne, while mobilizing the citizens to collectively protect the city! As for the rebellions of the starving populace in the three borders and the military unrest at Shanhaiguan, these can be resolved simply by providing funds. All these issues are related to financial matters, and the crux of the problem is that the court is already out of money."

Regardless of the circumstances, Zhu Youjian's demeanor has already left a favorable impression on the three ministers in charge of governance; after all, the emperor is the emperor! His depths are unfathomable! However, the three of them have no real opinions. Those who manage to survive through the transitions of generations are often individuals who are adept at navigating various situations. In the realm of officialdom, the more versatile such individuals are, the more they tend to be synonymous with mediocrity and incompetence

Yu Dacheng feared that Zhu Youjian was being overly presumptuous and cautioned him despite the risks involved

Wei Zhongxian was on the verge of losing his composure; he suppressed his delight, yet it was still noticed by the three seasoned cabinet ministers. They were all astonished that Emperor Chongzhen would bring Wei Zhongxian to participate in state affairs. It was simply unbelievable! Although the emperor had ascended the throne for less than six months and was making every effort to conceal his intentions to take action against the eunuchs, his youth still allowed the ministers to sense the emperor's intentions and political aspirations. Taking action against Wei Zhongxian was merely a matter of time. Therefore, during this period, the eunuchs were exceedingly restrained.

Zhu Youjian nodded slightly and said, "Please continue, my minister. How shall we proceed with our separate tasks?"

Cheng Jiming was the first to rise from the ground. As a senior official of four dynasties, the over seventy-year-old Cheng Jiming is the foremost among the high-ranking ministers! Qian Longxi and Yu Dacheng also got up from the ground and exchanged a glance.

At this moment, Zhu Youjian felt a deep sense of contradiction. Returning to this era was not something that brought him joy. Perhaps everyone longs for a chance at rebirth, but the one person in the world who does not wish for such an opportunity may very well be him, Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian

Looking at these familiar faces from his memories, Emperor Chongzhen felt as if he were in a dream. Perhaps it was because he had just returned to this identity, and he was still somewhat unable to adapt. "Please rise, my esteemed ministers, and take your seats."