Huangming

Chapter 177 Night Owl Hangs Head, Three Mastiffs Lock Frost

When they returned to the East Warm Pavilion, it was lunchtime.

Huang Hua, the chief eunuch of the Imperial Kitchen, had already prepared the imperial meal and was ready to present the exquisite dishes in order of the emperor's arrival.

The meal is over.

Upon learning that there were no urgent official matters, Zhu Youxiao prepared to take a short rest.

This afternoon nap served as a rest for the energy expended during the morning's riding through the inner training grounds, and also provided the emperor with a rare moment of leisure.

He leaned against the daybed in the East Warm Pavilion, but did not go to bed immediately. Instead, he looked thoughtfully at Wei Chao, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who was attending him.

"I have ordered Wang Tiqian to reopen the Western Depot, Wei Zhongxian to take charge of the Eastern Depot, and the Imperial Brother-in-law Wang Sheng to take charge of the Four Guards. Do you think your position as head of these posts is undeserved?"

The emperor's sudden question made Wei Chao's heart tighten.

He hurriedly knelt down, his forehead almost touching the cold gold brick floor, his voice filled with fear yet respect: "Your Majesty's wisdom is profound, and this arrangement must be the result of careful planning. I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's grace, how dare I presume to discuss state affairs? All matters of the inner court are subject to Your Majesty's judgment, and I have absolutely no resentment."

Zhu Youxiao lowered his eyes and stared at Wei Chao, who was kneeling on the ground, a playful smile on his lips, and slowly asked, "You don't know... or you dare not?"

Wei Chao swallowed hard, his forehead almost touching the ground, his voice filled with fear and obedience: "This servant is loyal to Your Majesty and has absolutely no resentment."

You don't need to be so nervous.

Zhu Youxiao gazed intently at Wei Chao, his fingertips gently stroking the carved armrest of the daybed. His tone carried a profound meaning: "Last year, you rendered a great service to me in eliminating Wang An. I have remembered all your actions in the inner court these past few days. Now, to let you, my 'ancestor,' take a leisurely position as a seal-bearer would seem rather cold-hearted to say that I have no grudges whatsoever."

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao knelt even more respectfully and hurriedly said, "It was only through Your Majesty's wisdom that Wang An was eliminated and the inner court was taken into control. This servant was merely acting on imperial orders and dared not claim any credit. As for the title of 'Grand Ancestor,' that is just a way for servants who do not know the rules to flatter you. This Forbidden City has always had only one master, and that is Your Majesty!"

He paused, his voice growing even more humble: "This servant's life was given to me by His Majesty, and being able to share His Majesty's burdens is already a great blessing. Now, the Western Depot and the Eastern Depot each perform their duties, and the Four Guards are commanded by His Majesty's brother-in-law, which is a wise move by His Majesty. This servant serves as a writer in the Directorate of Ceremonial, and is able to see His Majesty's face every day, which is already a great favor."

Zhu Youxiao chuckled upon hearing this and said, "You certainly know how to talk."

Looking at Wei Chao's respectful demeanor, he asked again, "What are the court officials saying about my reopening of the Western Depot and the reinstatement of the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Although he did not issue an explicit decree to reopen the Western Depot, Wang Tiqian's actions were significant, and his intentions were clear to the officials.

What were the attitudes of those who knew he had restarted the Western Depot and was giving more power to the Imperial Guards?

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao, his forehead still pressed tightly against the gold brick, cautiously replied, "Your Majesty, the court officials are discussing this extensively, but they are generally divided into two factions. One faction, led by Grand Secretary Liu Yijing, believes that the power of the Western Depot and the Western Police may harm the foundation of the nation, and requests Your Majesty to 'govern the world with leniency and benevolence'; the other faction, led by Grand Secretaries Sun Ruyou, Li Ruhua, and others, says that 'in chaotic times, severe measures should be used,' and praises Your Majesty's wisdom, stating that the reopening of the Western Depot is a brilliant move to clean up official corruption."

He paused briefly, then added, "However."

The eunuch swallowed his words back.

Zhu Youxiao tapped the edge of the bed with his fingertips and said, "No need to keep me in suspense any longer, continue."

"Yes."

Wei Chao lowered his body even further and slowly said, "Some upright officials are privately discussing that Your Majesty is trying to emulate the old ways of the Martial Temple (Emperor Zhengde). But I have already ordered the Directorate of Ceremonial to keep records, noting down the names of all those rebellious individuals. If Your Majesty is prepared..."

"No need."

The emperor suddenly interrupted, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Let them talk. I want to see if their pens are more powerful, or if my imperial prison is more spacious."

Wei Chao understood and immediately replied, "Your Majesty is wise. In truth, how could those scholars in the outer court understand Your Majesty's profound meaning? Now that the Jurchens are rampant and the White Lotus Rebellion is causing chaos everywhere, it is time to use swift and decisive measures to deter these villains."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao gave Wei Chao a meaningful look: "You understand my thoughts better than those Grand Secretaries."

"Your Majesty's dedication to governing the country and revitalizing the Ming Dynasty is something I, though dull-witted, can understand. Your Majesty works tirelessly day and night, always prioritizing the nation and the people. How could I not fully comprehend such a wise ruler's heart?"

That's quite a flattery.

Zhu Youxiao had a faint smile on his lips as he asked casually, "I remember that besides the Eastern Depot and the Western Depot, there was another depot set up in the inner court, is that right?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao's heart skipped a beat, and a layer of cold sweat instantly seeped out from his back.

He forced himself to calm his wildly beating heart and respectfully replied with his forehead touching the ground: "Your Majesty, it is true that the Imperial Depot was established during the reign of Emperor Zhengde."

He paused, then cautiously added, "At that time, it was under the command of Liu Jin, who was in charge of supervising the Eastern and Western Depots and the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Chao with a serious expression and asked, "If I were to restart the Imperial Workshop, what would you think, Da Dang?"

The Inner Depot was a secret service established during the reign of Emperor Wuzong (Zhu Houzhao). It was personally led by Liu Jin and was dedicated to investigating matters within the capital. It also monitored the Eastern and Western Depots and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Its officials were more tyrannical and its torture was even more cruel than those of the Eastern and Western Depots.

After Liu Jin was executed, the Imperial Depot was abolished, having existed for only a little over a year.

Wei Chao knew all too well what astonishing power struggles lay hidden behind this seemingly casual question.

The once-existing Grand Factory, though fleeting like a flash in the pan, represented supreme authority sufficient to check and balance the entire factory and guard system.

Wei Chao immediately kowtowed deeply, his voice tinged with caution and probing: "Your Majesty is wise! The Eastern Depot, Western Depot, and Embroidered Uniform Guard are growing in power day by day. If there is no check and balance, they may cause trouble. If the Imperial Depot can be restarted, it can supervise the various depots and guards on Your Majesty's behalf, so that they will not dare to act recklessly."

Zhu Youxiao's eyes flickered slightly, and his fingertips gently tapped the carved armrest of the daybed, as if he were deep in thought.

After a long pause, he slowly said, "That's right. Since I intend to use them, I cannot let them slip out of my control. The Imperial Guards—are a sword hanging over their heads." Zhu Youxiao heavily relied on the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Eunuchs. Once these secret service agencies expanded their power, they might very well turn against the imperial power if left unchecked.

The insider factory was there to supervise these people.

Think about this.

Zhu Youxiao scrutinized Wei Chao, who was kneeling on the ground, with piercing eyes, and asked, "I intend to entrust you with the important task of restarting the Imperial Workshop. Is Da Dang willing to share my burden?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao immediately kowtowed heavily, his forehead touching the ground, his voice filled with just the right amount of excitement and awe: "Your Majesty is wise! The Inner Court is a powerful tool for monitoring the Imperial Guards. This servant is willing to give his life for you!"

His fingertips trembled slightly, but he kept his tone extremely steady, "However, this matter involves many people. If someone like me, who is in charge, were to step forward, it might alert the enemy. Perhaps..."

He caught a glimpse of the emperor's faint smile and made a snap decision: "Why not let Wang Tiqian openly take charge of the Western Depot while secretly leading the Inner Depot? He has always been at odds with Wei Zhongxian, so he will definitely keep a close eye on the Eastern Depot!"

"You certainly know how to use someone else to do your dirty work."

Zhu Youxiao suddenly chuckled and straightened up from the daybed.

Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows on his dragon robe, mirroring the uncertain expression on his face.

"But what I want is for three vicious dogs to tear each other apart, not for you to reap the benefits."

Wei Chao trembled violently, prostrating herself on the gold brick: "This servant deserves to die! Your Majesty is wise beyond measure, this is the choice of the factory's personnel."

Zhu Youxiao sneered and said, "I heard you've taken in quite a few adopted sons in the palace? If you don't want to be the Inner Factory Director, I think we should let them be the Inner Factory Directors."

Faced with the relentless pressure from Wei Zhongxian and Wang Tiqian, Wei Chao could only maintain his power by constantly adopting godson sons.

Unexpectedly, His Majesty found out about this.

Sweat beaded on Wei Chao's forehead, but he could only force himself to remain calm and said, "Your Majesty is wise! But regarding the responsibility of supervising the Imperial Guards, this servant dares to request that the position of Director of the Imperial Guards be accepted by this servant personally, for this servant fears that others might ruin things."

Even the closest godson is still just a godson.

He was also Wang An's godson.

But where is Wang An now?
Power is only real when it is firmly in one's own hands.

He didn't want his godson to replace him.

Therefore, they quickly issued a statement:

“Wang Tiqian is in charge of the Western Depot, and Wei Zhongxian is in charge of the Eastern Depot. Both of them are becoming increasingly powerful. If someone else is put in charge of the Inner Depot, it may be difficult to suppress the arrogance of the two depots. Your Majesty trusts me and I know the key to the depots and guards. I will do my best to keep a close eye on these henchmen for Your Majesty.”

Seeing that this fool had finally stopped making excuses, Zhu Youxiao simply said:
"In that case, the position of Director of the Inner Factory will be taken over by Da Dang himself."

But his tone suddenly turned cold: "However—"

Wei Chao was secretly delighted, but upon hearing this sudden change in tone, he tensed up and pressed his forehead firmly against the gold brick.

"I have entrusted you with such an important task, Da Dang. You must do your job well. If you do not do it well, the Xiaoling Guard will be short of an old eunuch to guard the tomb of the founding emperor."

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave, and immediately kowtowed heavily: "This servant will definitely give her life! If I fail Your Majesty's trust, I am willing to suffer the punishment of being cut into a thousand pieces!"

A powerful eunuch like him, who had offended Wei Zhongxian, was banished to guard the imperial tombs. Where would he find a way to survive?
At that time, Wang An's fate will be his fate!
In the inner court, it's either advancement or death.

He had no other choice but to curry favor with the imperial power and be loyal to the emperor.

"I am tired, you may leave!"

"Slave, please leave!"

With the help of palace servants, Zhu Youxiao removed his imperial robes and lay on the daybed, pondering the power structure of the Ming Dynasty's inner court.

The three factories and one health facility have all been restarted.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard, acting as 'junior workers,' was responsible for basic intelligence gathering; the Eastern Depot, acting as 'mid-level cadres,' possessed independent prisons and interrogation powers; and the Western Depot played the role of 'terminator,' capable of directly arresting officials of the fourth rank and above.

As the 'ultimate weapon,' the insider factory can even monitor other intelligence agencies, forming a terrifying closed loop of 'spy surveillance of spy agents.'

As for whether there will be any overlap in responsibilities, there might be some in the area of ​​interrogation.

However, their main functions do not overlap.

The Eastern Depot was in charge of operations within the capital, the Western Depot was in charge of operations outside the capital, the Inner Depot was in charge of supervising the Depots and Guards, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard was responsible for the actual work; each had its own specific duties.

With three factories and one guard protecting the imperial power, Zhu Youxiao wanted to see if any of those self-proclaimed upright scholars complained about having their heads hanging too high.

PS:

I've got 200 monthly votes now, so there will be extra chapters in the next few days.

Also, the average number of subscriptions hasn't reached 800 yet, so please give me some support by subscribing so I can add another chapter!
(End of this chapter)