For a time, a sense of tragic heroism filled the hearts of the assembled.
Prince Yu's mind was made up, and he immediately drafted an imperial edict:
"Regarding the Regency:
His Imperial Ancestor, by humble origins, conquered the realm, following the path of Tang and Wu's revolutions. This was in accordance with Heaven above and resonating with the people below. Therefore, all forms of governance and instruction have been adapted to circumstances, with laws evolving across generations and adapting to the times. Now, the reforms in Jiangnan have been in effect for several years, the national treasury is full, and all classes of people prosper. The vices of indentured servitude, land annexation, and corruption have been eliminated, and numerous benefits have arisen. The new laws have also benefited various states, earning the favor of vassal states and attracting the attention of foreign powers; is this not a sign of great prosperity?
Therefore, the Crown Prince, embodying the virtues of His Imperial Ancestor and His Imperial Grand Ancestor, must ensure the benefits of reform are distributed throughout the land. His Majesty decrees that Grand Councilor Xu Jie shall oversee this matter, with Minister of War Zhang Juzheng as the Grand Councilor's Inner Secretary, to implement the new laws of Jiangnan across the thirteen provinces of the north and south, with careful consideration and adjustment as needed. Furthermore, the success of the Jiangnan reforms was first achieved through resistance against Japanese pirates. Remembering that Zhu Wan and Wang Ji died in the line of duty, and that Hu Zongxian and Yu Dayou rendered meritorious service, Zhu Wan and Wang Ji are posthumously granted the title of Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, Hu Zongxian is promoted to Senior Tutor to the Crown Prince, and Yu Dayou is appointed Governor-General of Naval Affairs and Minister of War in Nanjing, overseeing coastal defense. Moreover, in solidarity with the court during this time of hardship, all four classes of people will have their taxes under the Single Whip Law halved. The rewards for those who resisted the pirates and those who served with distinction on the northern frontiers will be duly dispensed."
Upon reading it, several individuals felt the immense benevolence of this decree. Leaving aside other matters, the halving of taxes alone was enough to make all classes of people celebrate for days. Moreover, the decree explicitly stated that the halving was calculated according to the Single Whip Law, meaning a direct reduction of half the silver paid. How could the people not rejoice?
The next morning,
Prince Yu personally arrived at the Jianji Hall. Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng hastened to greet him, accompanied by several junior officials respectfully arrayed.
It had been many days since Prince Yu had visited the Jianji Hall. He recalled that when Chen Yiqin was present, some policies could still be implemented. However, once the Yan family began their machinations, court affairs had completely stalled. Now, with Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng leading the Grand Council, both of whom enjoyed the trust of the reformist faction, and with the Yan family's reputation in ruins, policies should still be feasible.
He had already handed the imperial edict to Xu Jie the previous night, and now he asked:
"Grand Councilor Xu, Minister Zhang, is this decree of mine appropriate?"
Uh...
Xu Jie was momentarily at a loss for words. Based on his experience, he could naturally guess that this was a strategic move by Prince Yu to secure his own position. However, to be fair, these policies were extremely shrewd, consolidating the achievements of years of reform as his own. Had this been before, the effect would not have been so significant. But now, with the Yan family forcing his hand and a bloody conflict occurring, such news, spreading overnight, had already reached several provinces. As the world speculated about the prince's actions, this decree from Prince Yu would amplify its effect tenfold. From then on, the world would believe that the Yan family had forced the prince’s hand precisely because they opposed the reforms...
He had not intended to implement it, but the crucial factor was the Emperor's unclear stance. There was no word at all on whether Prince Yu's regency would be abolished or not... Even the matter of whether Prince Yu's unwarranted arrest of two to three hundred officials and his bringing troops into the palace would be investigated was completely unknown...
In this delicate juncture, Prince Yu was still the legitimate regent and Crown Prince, overseeing all civil and military affairs of the realm. Disobeying him would be tantamount to defying an imperial edict. Furthermore, if he were to issue it without any modifications, the Yan party officials and gentry would inevitably bear resentment, believing that he, Xu Jie, was taking advantage of the crisis for personal gain, climbing on the Yan family's shoulders.
After a moment of deliberation, he glanced at Zhang Juzheng, subtly hinting that he could make some revisions.
Zhang Juzheng had partnered with him for over ten years and, upon seeing his glance, understood. However, he differed from Xu Jie and Yan Song. Not only had he long wished to promote the new laws nationwide, but the current situation was also the best opportunity to completely crush the Yan party. Once this decree from Prince Yu was issued, public sentiment would favor Prince Yu, at least to a significant extent, and they would sympathize with him. If the Yan family were to exert pressure then, they would surely lose widespread support...
This was something not only ordinary officials could perceive clearly, but how could the Emperor, being so astute, not understand it? Perhaps this was precisely what the Emperor anticipated. At that time, perhaps the Emperor would have some formidable strategy to deal with the Yan party, and it would be extremely unwise for him to get involved now.
With this thought, he smiled and said:
"Grand Councilor Xu, I, Juzheng, believe the decree is extremely clear and understandable. The reform cause currently faces much criticism and public anxiety. With the issuance of this decree, public sentiment will be greatly stabilized!"
This?
Xu Jie shook his head and could only concur:
"Your Highness, you are the regent and Crown Prince. We, your ministers, obey your command."
Excellent!
Prince Yu immediately affixed his seal. Zhang Juzheng promptly dispatched someone to send it via the Ministry of War's express courier to all provinces, ordering them to publicly post it in their prefectures and counties, ensuring that both the military and the populace were informed.
With the major task accomplished, Prince Yu inquired:
"Grand Councilor Xu, Minister Zhang, have the strategies for Liaodong been finalized?"
Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng had been discussing it since early morning but had truly come up with no viable solutions. Earlier, Zhang Juzheng had reported to the Yuxi Palace through Feng Bao. Although some preparations were made, they were merely stopgap measures presented during the shutdown of the Six Ministries. Now, although the government was back in operation, the situation was dire. Even with excellent strategies, they would likely be too late.
Zhang Juzheng shook his head and said:
"Your Highness, Grand Councilor Xu and I have also discussed this. Current military reports indicate that Liaoyang is likely to fall... Furthermore, this situation is different from before. Anda's eldest son, Xin Ai, has suddenly absconded and allied with Tumet Khan of the Tumed and Wang Gao of the Jurchens, which has led to the collapse of the situation...
I have roughly calculated that the enemy forces are no less than one hundred thousand. Forget Liaoyang; they are enough to attack Jizhou. This is not the most worrisome aspect. Your Highness, a contingent of Tumed people is roving around the Gubeikou area, seemingly intending to enter the passes. I believe they are using Liaoyang as bait to draw our forces, and once our Jizhou and Beijing garrisons are divided, the Tumed forces will likely advance on our flanks..."
Speaking of which,
He was genuinely worried. At that time, he had instructed Li Chengliang to prepare because he did not understand the command of the Governor-General of Jiliao, Yang Bo, and because the Yan party and Prince Yu were in fierce opposition, what else could be done? Upon receiving the military report and seeing that Xin Ai was leading fifty thousand troops, he was truly terrified. He had then approached Wang Guoguang and ordered him to quickly go to the Tumote region to persuade Anda to send troops to quell the rebellion. But only two or three days had passed, and there would hardly be any results.
Prince Yu nodded and looked at Xu Jie, thinking: I want to see if you, Xu Jie, are truly a loyal minister...
At this moment,
Xu Jie also spoke:
"Your Highness, Yang Bo's letter has also arrived... Just as Grand Tutor Taishi said, Yang Bo dare not act rashly... He also believes that dividing forces to save Liaoyang is absolutely not advisable, and that the entire army should still defend the Great Wall line... I, an old minister, believe Yang Bo's approach is appropriate..."
Oh...
Prince Yu nodded, thinking—
At this stage, Xu Jie still dared not offend Yan Song... Although the situation was indeed as described, Yang Bo, as the Governor-General, was helpless, which still stemmed from his fear of Yan Song. This showed that the reason for the unsolvable situation was still the Yan family...
With this thought, he recalled what Mu Chaobi had said last night—
"The Yan family will definitely try to force the prince's hand again..."
He was naturally furious but merely smiled and said:
"Grand Councilor Xu, I also have an idea..."
He paused and then revealed the final stratagem that he and a few others had discussed the previous night—
Dismiss Yang Bo.
"Grand Councilor Xu, Minister Zhang, I believe whether Liaoyang can be defended or not is temporary. The key is to repel the enemy outside the national gate... Yang Bo must be seventy years old by now, right? I believe that the vital strongholds of Jiliao cannot be entrusted to an old and incompetent person any longer... Minister Zhang, does the Ministry of War have any candidates? I think if the Governor-General of Jiliao is not replaced, no matter how we arrange things, the overall situation will be difficult to salvage..."
Hiss!
Both of them gasped in unison—
Prince Yu was truly ruthless. Even at this point, he could still be so aggressive!
Zhang Juzheng thought: Replacing the person is naturally good. Yang Bo's intentions are impure; he always straddles the fence and relies on his age and past military achievements in Xuanda. The court cannot do anything about him. Why not take this opportunity to replace him?
"Your Highness, regarding the Ministry of War, Liang Menglong and Wang Guogong are both well-versed in military affairs, but for now, they can serve as acting appointments. In the future, we can select senior officials from Xuanda and Sanbian, which would be more appropriate."
Mmm, mmm,
Prince Yu smiled:
"Minister Zhang's view is very correct. I think, since Liang Menglong is already in Liaodong, let him act as the interim appointment? Yang Bo should not return to the capital for now; he should assist in pacifying this great chaos. What do you two think?"
He naturally knew that it was impossible to recommend his own people at this point. The only useful ones were Zhang Juzheng's people. If Xu Jie had not been ambiguous in his attitude, his people could also be used, but now there were no other choices.