Chapter 74: Taking Command of the Imperial Guards
Compared to Lady Zheng’s composure, Cui Wensheng lacked such restraint. He was extremely uncomfortable under the scrutiny and stepped forward, intent on striking Empress Guo once more. At that moment, Lady Zheng, unable to bear the sight any longer, let out a cold snort and stopped him, saying, “Enough! Wensheng, whatever you think, she is still the Empress. Send her back to the Palace of Tranquil Earth to rest. See to her well, and do not behave like this again!” With that, she gestured for Cui Wensheng to withdraw.
Upon hearing this, Cui Wensheng instantly resembled a spaniel rewarded with a bone, bowing and scraping as he replied obsequiously, “I shall obey your noble command, Your Highness!” He then accompanied the attendants escorting Empress Guo, leaving the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
Many palace servants witnessed this scene, so it was impossible to conceal it from the Central Intelligence Bureau.
Zhu Hao, still awaiting word in his own chambers, had not expected to receive a report from Hua Rong and Xie Gang regarding their takeover of the Imperial Guards. Instead, it was Wei Xiaobao who returned first, bringing him urgent intelligence about the events in the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
As Wei Xiaobao recounted the episode, Zhu Hao mused silently, “Damn it, Father’s death was indeed no accident. Yet it seems Empress Guo had little to do with it. However, Xie Gang’s incident was certainly her doing. Judging from this, Empress Guo, foolish as she is, has been used by Lady Zheng, that venomous woman. Father’s demise must have been Lady Zheng’s own scheme. It appears my previous assessment was mistaken!” He pondered further, “Now that these two have fallen out, perhaps I can exploit their discord to advance my own plans!”
After Wei Xiaobao finished his account, Zhu Hao fell into deep thought. Wei Xiaobao, observing his master’s silence, dared not interrupt, and simply stood by, awaiting Zhu Hao’s instructions.
Though Wei Xiaobao did not break his concentration, Zhu Hao’s contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the entrance of Hua Rong and Xie Gang. Fortunately, nothing crucial had been lost in his train of thought, but the disruption still prompted Zhu Hao to frown slightly until he saw who had entered. Recognizing them, his expression improved, and he thought, “The task must have succeeded!” Yet he asked with some anxiety, “How did it go? Was it smooth?”
Xie Gang grinned and nodded, “Your Highness, Commander Hua and I did not disappoint. We have successfully taken charge of the Imperial Guards, and we’ve brought you a little gift as well!”
Hearing this, Zhu Hao finally felt at ease, though he was puzzled by the mention of a “gift.” He responded, “What gift? Show me.”
Xie Gang grew excited, “Bring in the present I’ve prepared for His Highness!” As his words fell, two Imperial Guards entered, escorting a prisoner.
The man brought in was none other than Cui Wensheng, the chief eunuch of the Secretariat, who had repeatedly blocked Zhu Hao from visiting his ailing father. Seeing him, Zhu Hao’s anger surged. He snorted coldly, “So it’s this wretch!” Then he feigned displeasure, “Why bring him here? Take him out and have him executed somewhere quiet!”
Hearing this, Cui Wensheng was terrified, his voice choked with sobs. He immediately knelt and kowtowed frantically, pleading, “Spare me, Your Highness! I was blind and offended you, but I was only following orders. Please, Your Highness, do not hold a grudge against a mere servant. I beg you for mercy!”
Zhu Hao listened unmoved, snorting, “Wretched servant, how could I let you live? The Empress had no quarrel with you, yet you struck her to curry favor with Lady Zheng. I dare not accept your apology—for if I ever fall into your hands, would I not fare worse than the Empress?”
Cui Wensheng, pale and trembling, listened to Zhu Hao’s relentless words. When Zhu Hao mentioned the assault on the Empress, Cui’s eyes flickered and he quickly replied, “Your Highness, I heard Empress Guo often treated you poorly, so I struck her to vent your anger. Please, for the sake of avenging you, spare me!”
Zhu Hao seemed to ponder this, then said coldly, “Very well. I shall spare your life—for now.” He turned to Xie Gang, “Imprison him in the Imperial Guard’s barracks. Guard him well, and do not let him die. I may have use for him later. Take him away.”
Xie Gang did not fully grasp Zhu Hao’s intentions, but as a soldier, he understood the importance of obeying orders. He nodded and instructed his men, “As His Highness commands. Take him away!”
After Cui Wensheng was led out, Zhu Hao grew curious, “I sent you to take charge of the Imperial Guards. How did you end up bringing him here? Did you go to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to seize him?” This was a reasonable question, since everyone in the palace knew Cui Wensheng resided there.
Xie Gang scratched his head awkwardly, “Your Highness, I wouldn’t dare storm the Palace of Heavenly Purity. That old scoundrel brought his own doom—he came to the barracks himself! As soon as I assumed command, he arrived, barking orders, claiming Lady Zheng had sent him to take charge of the Imperial Guards! I couldn’t let him sow discord, so I had him bound. Later I heard he stopped you from visiting the Emperor in his final days, so I decided to bring him to you for judgment.”
Hearing Xie Gang’s account, Zhu Hao thought, “Xie Gang and Hua Rong have truly caught a rabbit while sweeping the grass—a pleasant surprise. Lady Zheng is relentless, even trying to seize the Imperial Guards. She’s determined to stage a coup! Thankfully, I took control early; otherwise, the consequences would have been dire.”
He reached out and patted Xie Gang’s shoulder, “Well done, Xie Gang. You deserve first merit! When the new ruler ascends, you shall have a place in the Military Council!”
The Military Council was the highest military authority in Ming, even more significant for Xie Gang’s ambitions than the Imperial Guards. Zhu Hao’s promise thrilled him, and he immediately bowed, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance!”
Zhu Hao helped him up, “Commander Xie, no need for formality. I shall rely on you greatly in the coming days!”
Xie Gang pledged his loyalty, “Your Highness, I am honored by your trust. I shall serve you unto death, leading your charge on the battlefield!”
Zhu Hao nodded, “Commander Xie, though we’ve not known each other long, your words outside my father’s tent at the royal hunt made me regard you as one of my own. Rest assured, I will not treat you poorly!”
As Zhu Hao finished speaking, a system prompt suddenly sounded:
“Ding!”
“Congratulations, host, for completing the hidden quest ‘Favor of Recognition’ for two-star military talent Xie Gang!”
“Xie Gang has developed loyalty toward the host!”
“Xie Gang’s loyalty increased by 20 points.”
The sudden boost in Xie Gang’s loyalty was an unexpected delight for Zhu Hao, but he was perplexed by the absence of a special reward now that Xie Gang’s loyalty had reached its maximum. He wondered if it was because Xie Gang was a real-life talent, or perhaps his star rating was too low, or the rewards had reached their limit. With no answer, Zhu Hao found himself missing the system sprite, Xiao Ling, who would have had all the answers.
Though his mood dipped briefly at the thought, Zhu Hao quickly regained composure and instructed Wei Xiaobao, “Xiaobao, continue monitoring all palace movements closely. Report any anomalies at once.”
Wei Xiaobao bowed, “At your command!” He departed as Zhu Hao signaled.
Once Wei Xiaobao had left, Zhu Hao turned to Hua Rong and Xie Gang, “Return to the Imperial Guards and seal the palace. Any unauthorized entry or exit—execute without mercy!”
Both men bowed and departed to carry out their orders.
After they left, Zhu Hao exited his own chambers, accompanied by several palace attendants. With the Imperial Guards now firmly under his control, no one dared hinder his passage. For added security, Xie Gang had assigned a ten-man squad to escort him.
Leaving the palace, Zhu Hao made straight for the residence of Fang Congzhe. His reason for seeking Fang was clear: he now knew that Lady Zheng was behind all the intrigue. With Cui Wensheng already under his control, Zhu Hao hoped to win over Fang Congzhe. If he succeeded, Lady Zheng’s two great supports—inside and outside the palace—would be removed, and whatever schemes she attempted thereafter would pose no threat. Compared to Cui Wensheng, Fang Congzhe, as the Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, was of far greater importance.