I, Emperor Chongzhen, have extended the life of the Ming Dynasty by five hundred years.

The execution of the Duke of Cheng caused a great uproar.

The Ming Dynasty had not seen the execution of slow slicing for a long time, and even executioners were hard to find.

Luo Yangxing went to great lengths to find someone who knew this craft.

This man's name was Wang San. His ancestors had been executioners for generations. He had learned a few skills when he was young, but never had the chance to use them.

On the execution ground, Zhu Chunchen endured twenty-four hours and more than 1,500 cuts before finally breathing his last.

Luo Yangxing returned to the palace to report: "Your Majesty, I have failed in your trust. The executioner was inexperienced and only made 1,500 cuts before he died."

Zhu Youjian didn't seem to care and said, "Such talents are rare and need to be nurtured. There will be other opportunities in the future."

These words were spoken lightly, but Luo Yangxing felt a chill run down his spine.

Making the executioner practice the slow slicing method (lingchi) – you can imagine what would happen next…

Zhu Youjian continued, "How's Zhang Jinyan's interrogation going?"

"Your Majesty, Zhang Jinyan has confessed everything. Before he approached Zhu Chunchen, he had already secretly contacted Li Zicheng. On the very day Your Majesty appointed Chief Minister Chen to lead the troops into battle, Zhang Jinyan released the news."

"That old scoundrel!"

Zhu Youjian slammed his fist on the table and said, "Have your executioners prepare; we'll continue with the slow slicing tomorrow!"

"yes!"

"What else did he say?"

"So far, three accomplices have confessed, all of whom hold high positions in the court. I have already arranged for Li Ruolian to personally lead men to keep watch, awaiting Your Majesty's decree to make their arrests!"

"Then what are we waiting for? Arrest them and raid their homes!"

Luo Yangxing hesitated for a moment, then asked, "After all, they are all important officials in the court. Should we wait until after the interrogation, when the evidence is conclusive, before confiscating their property?"

Zhu Youjian nodded and said, "You're right. Then let's conduct the trial tonight. I want the results!"

"Also, how's the internal investigation within the Embroidered Uniform Guard going?"

Luo Yangxing replied, "Your Majesty, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has undergone a major purge. All 634 officials involved in receiving salaries without working, embezzlement, and bribery have been dismissed and investigated. Their illegal gains have been turned over to the national treasury. Currently, the amount of illicit silver seized has exceeded one million taels!"

Zhu Youjian asked, "How many Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) are left in the capital?"

"The list I gave Your Majesty last time..."

"I won't look at the list!"

Zhu Youjian waved his hand: "I'll just ask you, how many capable men are left in the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

After a moment's thought, Luo Yangxing said, "Currently, there are over 45,000 people on the payroll. After deducting the dispatched spies, clerks, accountants, and some elderly and weak people, there are about 20,000 people available for Your Majesty's use."

Are these 20,000 men loyal?

"Your Majesty, I can guarantee that the Embroidered Uniform Guards, after the great purge, are absolutely loyal!"

Zhu Youjian thought for a moment, then said, "I'm giving you another task!"

Luo Yangxing hurriedly bowed and said, "Please give your orders, Your Majesty!"

"From these twenty thousand men, select three thousand of the strongest. I wish to reorganize the Warriors' Battalion!"

From the very beginning of its establishment, the Ming Dynasty had a guard army directly under the emperor, protecting the capital. This army was called the Warriors Battalion and ranked among the top twenty-six guards.

When Emperor Yingzong personally led the expedition, the Tumu Crisis occurred, resulting in the complete annihilation of the Warriors Battalion.

Although the imperial court quickly reorganized the Warriors Camp, its former glory was gone, and it gradually became a refuge for the sons of nobles in the capital.

By the time of the Chongzhen Emperor, the Warriors Battalion had become a mere shell of its former self.

Those sons of nobles never trained except to receive their pay.

In the fifteenth year of the Chongzhen reign, Li Zicheng captured Lujiang and Fengyang counties, while Zhang Xianzhong's troops frequently appeared in Yingshan and Taihu counties.

The imperial court had no troops available, so it had no choice but to send the Warrior Battalion to quell the rebellion.

As expected, those sons of noble families were defeated and killed or fled when they arrived at the front lines. From then on, the Warriors Battalion completely disappeared from the Ming Dynasty's organizational structure.

Zhu Youjian had been pondering this question since the very first day he arrived in this world.

No matter the era, whoever has the bigger fist has the right to speak.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard underwent a major purge, eliminating the corrupt elements within its ranks, but this was far from enough.

We also need to train a highly skilled and battle-hardened army!

After listening, Luo Yangxing hesitated and said, "The main duties of the Embroidered Uniform Guard are espionage, thief apprehension, and interrogation. They have not received any combat training on a regular basis. If His Majesty wishes to reorganize the Warrior Battalion, he can simply select elite soldiers from the Three Great Battalions..."

"No!"

Zhu Youjian raised his hand to interrupt, then said, "I don't trust anyone now, except for the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Yangxing's expression suddenly changed, and he quickly knelt down on one knee.

"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty! I will go back and make the arrangements immediately!"

"Reorganizing the Warriors Battalion is a major undertaking; we must select the elite and not be reluctant to let people go."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, the members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard are Your Majesty's men. How could I dare to decide their fate on my own..."

Zhu Youjian nodded and then asked, "Do you think Li Ruolian is capable of undertaking this important task?"

Remembering his earlier words, Luo Yangxing quickly said, "This man is brave and resourceful, capable of shouldering great responsibilities. More importantly, he never curries favor with anyone and has no political affiliation. He is trustworthy."

Zhu Youjian was very satisfied and nodded again, then said, "In that case, issue my decree to promote Li Ruolian, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to the position of Commander of the Warriors Battalion. He is in charge of selecting and training personnel. You continue investigating the case of the Duke of Cheng's rebellion!"

Luo Yangxing was somewhat puzzled, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and ask, "Your Majesty, does the New Warriors Battalion belong to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Five Armies Commandery, or the Ministry of War?"

Soldiers have to be selected from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and even the commanders have to come from the Embroidered Uniform Guard. It seems like a huge waste...

Zhu Youjian declared, "The Warriors Battalion is not subordinate to any government office; it reports directly to me!"

"I understand!"

Luo Yangxing bowed respectfully, feeling somewhat at ease.

If the new warrior battalion were assigned to the Five Armies Commandery or the Ministry of War, the Embroidered Uniform Guard would be a great misfortune.

The situation is different now; they are directly under the emperor's command, which is equivalent to being on the same level as the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Li Ruolian has been by my side for many years, and we get along fairly well.

This promotion will only bring me benefits, not harm.

We might need their help in the future!

After Luo Yangxing left, Wang Chengen carefully brought up a cup of hot tea.

"Your Majesty is very busy with state affairs. Please have a cup of tea to soothe your throat."

Zhu Youjian picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and then asked, "Wang Banban, what's going on with the Eastern Depot?"

Wang Chengen quickly replied, "Wang Dehua is quite reliable. He's been working tirelessly these past two days, cooperating with the Embroidered Uniform Guard in investigating the case of the Duke of Cheng."

"Who were they found? How many were arrested? How much money and grain were confiscated from their homes?"

"this……"

Wang Chengen was stunned and at a loss for what to do.

Seeing this, Zhu Youjian sighed inwardly.

It seems that Wang Chengen has no real skills other than loyalty.

It should be noted that the last person to control the Directorate of Ceremonial was the famous "Nine Thousand Years Old".

How come when I come to you, I'm just here to serve tea and water?

You are the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, the most powerful eunuch in the Ming Dynasty!

But looking back, it's actually not so bad.

For example, Wang Dehua, the commander of the Eastern Depot, was reliable in his work and ruthless in his actions.

However, such people are often very ambitious, making them difficult to control.

Zhu Youjian glanced over and saw that Wang Chengen had a patch on his elbow.

It is quite remarkable to be able to endure hardship by the emperor's side.

"Alright, I'll leave the investigation to Wang Dehua. You go and do some things for me."

Wang Chengen hurriedly kowtowed: "Please give your orders, Your Majesty!"

"Over the years, I have lived frugally, which has caused you all a lot of hardship. Go and get some new fabric and make a new dress for everyone in the harem."

Wang Chengen looked troubled: "Your Majesty, the imperial treasury really doesn't have much silver left..."

Zhu Youjian was both amused and annoyed, saying, "Wang Dehua's side investigated the case, arrested people, and confiscated property, seizing no less than a million taels of silver. Surely they could get some cloth?"

Wang Chengen then understood and hurriedly said, "This servant understands, this servant will go and do it right away!"

"Also, procure some daily necessities, and have the imperial kitchen buy some fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables. In short, improve the lives of those in the harem. I lead them through hardship every day, while my court officials live in luxury. Tell me, is there any justice in this world?"

"Your Majesty is wise! This servant will take care of it immediately!"