In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 895 Power in the wrong hands is worse than an ant
The capital of Goryeo, Gaegyeong in Gyeonggi Province, was located in the heart of the Goryeo Kingdom.

The city is not large, and the most conspicuous feature is the royal palace located on the central axis.

The palace underwent some modifications after the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, and was built in the style of the Ming Dynasty, but its scale was much smaller.

Although the palace walls were vermilion, they seemed to lack some of their majesty; although the eaves and brackets were exquisite, they conveyed a sense of crampedness.

The palace buildings are scattered throughout, but they lack the imposing grandeur of the Ming Dynasty imperial palace. Instead, they resemble a few magnificent pavilions scattered throughout an exquisite garden.

The night was as dark as ink, quietly enveloping the palace.

Yi Seong-gye wore a magnificent brocade robe, embroidered with exquisite patterns that shimmered faintly in the candlelight.

He walked with a steady, slightly smug gait.

After passing through the deep corridors, we arrived at a sleeping quarters in the inner palace.

Inside the hall, the flickering candlelight illuminated the surrounding curtains in a dreamlike manner.

A young and beautiful concubine sat on the edge of the bed, dressed in a light gauze dress. She had a graceful figure and a beautiful face, but her eyes held a hint of fear and helplessness.

Lee Seong-gye's lips curled slightly upwards, revealing a barely perceptible wicked smile.

He slowly walked to the concubine's side and gently stroked her face.

The concubine trembled slightly, but dared not resist in the slightest.

At this moment, King Yao of Goryeo was sitting in his study.

Holding a book in my hand, I couldn't concentrate on reading a single word.

He was in his forties, his face looked slightly haggard, and his eyes revealed helplessness.

Although he was the king of a country, he had lost power, and all affairs of state, large and small, were controlled by Yi Seong-gye.

Even now, regarding Yi Seong-gye's various transgressions,

Although he was furious, he could only pretend not to know.

"Ugh"

Wang Yao sighed softly and put down the book in her hand.
He stood up and paced back and forth in the study.

He could almost hear faint sounds coming from the next bedroom.

Each blow felt like a sharp blade, piercing his heart.

But he could only clench his fists tightly, not daring to make a sound.

After an unknown amount of time, the commotion next door finally subsided.

Wang Yao waited a while longer before slowly walking out of the study and heading towards the bedroom.

His steps were heavy and slow, each step as if he had used up all his strength.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the sleeping quarters, Wang Yao took a deep breath.

I tried to keep my expression calm before stepping inside.

A faint fragrance filled the hall, but it made Wang Yao feel nauseous.

He saw the concubine sitting on the edge of the bed, tidying her clothes, her hair was a little messy, and her face still had a blush.

"His Majesty."

When the concubines saw Wang Yao enter, they quickly rose and bowed, their voices trembling slightly.

Wang Yao looked at her, her heart filled with mixed emotions, and forced a smile, saying:

"Get up, no need to be polite."

The concubine stood up, lowered her head, and dared not look Wang Yao in the eye.

Wang Yao walked to her side and said softly:

"You've had a tough time these past few days."

The concubine shook her head slightly, tears welling up in her eyes:
"As long as Your Majesty is safe, what does it matter if I suffer some grievances?"

Wang Yao felt a sharp pain in his heart. He gently grasped the concubine's hand and said:

"Don't worry, I won't let you suffer forever."

However, both of them knew that this was just a comforting remark.

In this era, led by Yi Seong-gye and united with emerging scholar-officials such as Jeong Do-jeon, Jo Jun, and Yun So-jong,
Wang Yao can't even control her own destiny, so how can she protect the people around her?

The following morning, in the main hall of the imperial court...
The magnificent decorations shone brightly in the morning light.

Wang Yao, dressed in a dragon robe, sat regally on the dragon throne.

Although he tried his best to maintain the dignity of a monarch, his eyes could not hide his weariness.

Yi Seong-gye stood below the throne, his posture upright. Although he was fifty-six years old, he was in good spirits, with a hint of smugness on his face.

"His Majesty."

Yi Seong-gye bowed slightly, and said in a loud voice:
"I have received news that there are unusual movements by the Ming army on the northwest front."
To be on the safe side, I have already mobilized 20,000 troops to the border to strengthen defenses.

Wang Yao frowned slightly, secretly annoyed.

Yi Seong-gye made this decision on his own without consulting him, clearly showing that he did not respect him as the monarch.

He dared not retaliate, and could only suppress his anger, saying:
"Minister Li, isn't this matter a bit rushed?"
Although the Ming army showed unusual movements, it did not necessarily mean they would take action.

Such a large-scale mobilization of troops might cause unnecessary trouble, and if the superior nation misunderstands, it would be disastrous.

Yi Seong-gye's lips curled slightly upwards, revealing a hint of mockery, but he quickly regained his respectful expression and said:

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I believe that caution is the best policy."

The relationship between Goryeo and Ming is currently delicate.

The slightest misstep could trigger war.

"My actions are also to safeguard the stability of our Goryeo kingdom and its people."

Wang Yao understood that Li Chenggui was arguing unreasonably, but he was helpless to do anything about it.

"Since Minister Li has made his decision, then so be it."
I only hope that you, my dear minister, will act cautiously and refrain from causing trouble.

Yi Seong-gye nodded slightly and said:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

Then, Yi Seong-gye changed the subject again, saying:

"Your Majesty, I have recently been promoting the reform of private land ownership."
Currently, land consolidation is a serious problem in my country, leaving many people without land to cultivate and living in poverty.

I believe that some private land should be nationalized and then redistributed to the people.
In this way, it can increase national tax revenue,

This allows the people to live and work in peace and contentment, truly a win-win situation.

Wang Yao knew perfectly well that Li Chenggui's so-called private land reform was...

It's just an opportunity to further expand one's own power and suppress dissent.

But he dared not object, and could only say:

"Minister Li's words are reasonable. Let you take full responsibility for this matter."

I only hope that when you implement reforms, you will consider the suffering of the people and avoid incurring their resentment.

Yi Seong-gye respectfully said:
"Your Majesty is wise. Your subject will do his utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust."

After saying this, Yi Seong-gye bowed to Wang Yao again and said:

"Your Majesty, if there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Wang Yao nodded slightly and said:
"Minister Li, you've worked hard. You may leave now."

Yi Seong-gye slowly turned around and left the main hall with steady steps.

Watching Li Chenggui's departing figure, Wang Yao was filled with rage.

He gripped the armrests of the dragon throne tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.
But he could only suppress his anger.

Because he knew that he was not yet capable of confronting Yi Seong-gye.

After an unknown amount of time, a eunuch hurriedly entered the main hall, knelt before Wang Yao, and said:
"Your Majesty, Minister Li Se, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, requests an audience."

Wang Yao's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said:

"Quickly summon him in."

A short while later, Li Se, dressed in official robes, strode into the main hall.

He was in his fifties, with a thin face and eyes that revealed wisdom and composure.

"Your subject Li Se greets Your Majesty."

Li Se knelt before Wang Yao and bowed.

Wang Yao quickly stood up, stepped down from the dragon throne, and personally helped Li Se up, saying:

"Minister Li, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise and speak."

Li Se stood up, looked at Wang Yao, his eyes full of concern and worry.

He knew Wang Yao was in a difficult situation and understood his pain and helplessness.

"Your Majesty, are you alright?"

Li Se asked softly.

Wang Yao sighed softly and said:
"Minister Yi, I truly don't know what to do. Yi Seong-gye is becoming increasingly unscrupulous, and I am completely helpless." Yi Saek was silent for a moment, then said:
"Your Majesty, I know you are troubled."

But the current situation is pressing, so we can only bide our time and wait for the right opportunity.

A glimmer of hope flashed in Wang Yao's eyes, and she quickly asked:

"Minister Li, has the Ming Dynasty replied?"

Li Se sighed and gently shook his head:

"Your Majesty, we have not yet received a reply from the Ming Dynasty."

However, I believe that the Ming Dynasty has always valued propriety and righteousness.
We have offered our aid in a gesture of submission; the Ming Dynasty will certainly not stand idly by.
However, this matter will take some time, and we can only wait patiently.

Wang Yao was somewhat disappointed, but could only nod helplessly and say:

"That's all we can do. I hope the Ming Dynasty can lend a helping hand soon and help me get out of this predicament."

Li Se looked at Wang Yao and said firmly:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, we will do our utmost to assist you in restoring the Goryeo kingdom."

A warm feeling welled up in Wang Yao's heart. He held Li Se's hand tightly and said:

"Minister Li, with you here, I have someone to rely on."
However, this matter should not be publicized, lest it arouse Yi Seong-gye's suspicion.

Li Se nodded slightly and said:
"Your Majesty, rest assured, I know what I'm doing."

The two talked for a while longer, and seeing that Wang Yao looked tired, Li Se took his leave.

Wang Yao stood in the center of the main hall.

Watching Li Se's departing figure, he let out another heavy sigh.

He slowly walked back to the back of the hall.
His once straight back was now slightly bent as if weighed down by a heavy burden.

He sat on the bench, rubbing his temples with both hands, trying to relieve his inner turmoil.

At this moment, a eunuch rushed in, knelt on the ground, and said in a slightly urgent voice:

"Your Majesty, Lord Zheng Mengzhou, the Earl of Zhongyi of Yiyang Commandery and Vice Chancellor, requests an audience."

Wang Yao suddenly raised her head, a flash of excitement in her eyes, and quickly said:

"Quickly, summon him in!"

A short while later, Jeong Mong-ju walked into the hall with steady steps.

He was fifty-three years old, with a resolute face and a calm gaze.

Dressed in a magnificent official robe, he appeared exceptionally solemn in the hall.

"Jeong Mong-ju greets Your Majesty."

Zheng Mengzhou knelt before Wang Yao, bowed, and spoke in a loud voice.

Wang Yao quickly stood up, walked briskly to Zheng Mengzhou, and personally helped him up, her eyes full of expectation as she said:
"Minister Zheng, get up quickly, is there any news?"

Zheng Mengzhou stood up, looked at Wang Yao's anxious expression, and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, the reason I have come here is to report on the matter of the silver."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yao's heart tightened, and she unconsciously gripped Zheng Mengzhou's arm tightly with both hands, her voice trembling as she asked:

"Minister Zheng, how did it go?"

Zheng Mengzhou felt the pressure on Wang Yao's hand and sighed inwardly.

He knew what 500,000 taels of silver meant to the royal family; it was practically their last remaining reserves.

He nodded slightly and said calmly:
"Your Majesty, rest assured, the silver has been successfully delivered to Dingzhou."

Upon hearing this, a look of wild joy flashed in Wang Yao's eyes.
But then a sense of worry arose.

He released Jeong Mong-ju's arm, paced back and forth in the hall, and muttered to himself:

"It's delivered, it's delivered."
But would the people of Ming agree?
"That's no small sum of 500,000 taels. If they don't agree, I might..."

Seeing Wang Yao's anxious expression, Zheng Mengzhou felt a pang of pity.

He stepped forward and said:

"Your Majesty, you need not worry so much. I believe that the Ming Dynasty will agree."

Wang Yao stopped and turned around, looking at Zheng Mengzhou with a puzzled expression in her eyes:

"Why is Minister Zheng so certain?"

The Ming court has always been unpredictable; what if they feel that 500,000 taels is not enough, or have other ideas?

Jung Mong-ju smiled slightly and said calmly:
"Your Majesty, Yi Seong-gye has also suspected some of our actions."

Now that he has mobilized 20,000 troops to the border, the Ming Dynasty must already know about this move.

The Ming Dynasty has always valued border stability.

Yi Seong-gye's actions were undoubtedly a provocation against the Ming Dynasty's bottom line, and the Ming Dynasty would not stand idly by.

Wang Yao frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"What Zheng Aiqing said makes sense, but even so,"

The Ming Dynasty might not necessarily send troops because of this. Five hundred thousand taels of silver is a lot, but...
However, I think it would be quite difficult to muster 20,000 soldiers to fight against Yi Seong-gye.

Jung Mong-ju sighed softly and said:

"Your Majesty, the Ming Dynasty has a far-reaching strategic layout in Liaodong."

Having just wiped out the Jurchens last year, they certainly wouldn't allow Yi Seong-gye to act recklessly.

Moreover, the 500,000 taels of silver we prepared was at their request. Now that the silver is ready, there's no reason for them not to act.

Hearing Zheng Mengzhou's words, Wang Yao felt a little more at ease, but still said with some unease:
“Minister Zheng, that may be true, but if the Ming Dynasty changes its mind, we will be... we will be finished.”

Seeing Wang Yao's worried expression, Zheng Mengzhou decided to reassure him.

He bowed slightly and lowered his voice, saying:

"Your Majesty, as far as I know, the Ming army in Liaodong has already shown signs of movement; they seem to be amassing troops."

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed in Wang Yao's eyes, and he quickly asked:
"Minister Zheng, is this true? Has the Ming army really moved?"

Jung Mong-ju nodded and said:

"Your Majesty, I dare not deceive you. This is a message from my spies in Liaodong, and it is absolutely reliable."

Wang Yao finally breathed a sigh of relief. He sat back down in his chair and revealed a long-lost smile:
"Minister Zheng, if what you say is true, then I am relieved."

Although this 500,000 taels of silver severely weakened the royal family,

But if it could bring Ming Dynasty intervention and allow Yi Seong-gye a few years of peace, then it would be worthwhile.

"Your Majesty is wise. If Yi Seong-gye suffers a great defeat..."
At that time, we can take the opportunity to regain some military power.
Even if we don't expect to regain control of the situation, we should at least be able to establish a reasonable balance of power.
"By then, it will be much easier to ask the Ming Dynasty for help."

Wang Yao nodded, a determined glint in her eyes:
“What Minister Zheng says is absolutely right. I cannot continue to be led by the nose by Yi Seong-gye.”
This military intervention by the Ming Dynasty is our chance to turn the tide.

I will seize this opportunity to restore the dignity of the monarchy.

Jung Mong-ju bowed slightly and said:

"Your Majesty, you must be patient during this period and lest you provoke Prime Minister Li to take desperate measures."

A hint of humiliation flashed in Wang Yao's eyes, and she nodded forcefully:

"Don't worry, I will act carefully."

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the hall.

Wang Yao and Zheng Mengzhou exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of foreboding.

Wang Yao quickly stood up and said:
"Minister Zheng, come with me to see what has happened."

The two hurriedly walked out of the hall and saw a group of soldiers confronting the palace guards.

Wang Yao was startled and quickly asked loudly:

"What happened? Why are you making such a commotion?"

Upon seeing Wang Yao emerge, a military leader immediately stepped forward, knelt on the ground, and said:

"Your Majesty, we are here on the orders of Prime Minister Li to inspect the palace's defenses. We hope Your Majesty will not obstruct us."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yao immediately understood Li Chenggui's intention.

He suppressed his anger and said:
"Inspecting the palace's defenses? The palace's defenses have always been arranged by me personally. When did it become your place to interfere?"

"You all leave immediately, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

The soldier leader's expression remained unchanged when he saw Wang Yao's anger:

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li is only thinking of Your Majesty's safety. I hope Your Majesty will understand."

Wang Yao was trembling with anger, and just as he was about to erupt in fury again, Zheng Mengzhou quickly stepped forward and said:

"Your Majesty, please calm down. This matter should not be handled rashly."

After hearing Zheng Mengzhou's words, Wang Yao calmed down a little.

He looked at the soldier leader and said coldly:
"Hurry up, I need to rest!"

"Yes!"

The military leader waved his hand forcefully, and the soldiers behind him surged forward to search all the halls of the palace.
Wang Yao stood there, gripping Zheng Mengzhou's arm tightly, her eyes bloodshot.
Speaking in a trembling voice that could only be heard by two people:
"Minister Zheng, I may suffer humiliation, but the nation cannot be humiliated."

"The traitors must be eliminated!!"

(End of this chapter)