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

Undercurrents were swirling in Beijing, and officials lived in constant fear and trepidation.

Compared to Li Zicheng's unstoppable advance, the turmoil in the capital was far more terrifying.

Following the Cheng Guogong rebellion, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot are conducting a massive manhunt for the officials involved. In just a few days, more than a dozen officials have been imprisoned, and people are being escorted to the execution ground every day.

The entire capital was in a state of panic. People were surprised to find that the usually reasonable Emperor Chongzhen had suddenly become extremely unfamiliar, readily resorting to beheadings and confiscating property, much like the style of Emperor Taizu.

The sudden change put immense pressure on many people, and within just one day, the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers had received a large number of resignations.

The following morning, as the long chimes of the bells rang out, civil and military officials slowly entered the main hall and stood in their respective positions according to rank. The entire court was silent, with only the faint sound of robes rustling.

The atmosphere in Fengtian Hall was unusually somber, as if shrouded in a dark cloud.

"Your Majesty, I have important matters to report!"

Grand Secretary Wei Zaode stepped out of the ranks, his expression solemn.

"Recently, the Cabinet has received a large number of resignations from officials of the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers. The situation is quite serious. I humbly request Your Majesty to make a decision."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian showed neither anger nor surprise, but simply asked, "Is this true? What is the reason?"

Wei Zaode took a deep breath and continued, "Your Majesty, according to the officials, the power of the Imperial Guard and the secret police has become increasingly arrogant recently. They are arresting people indiscriminately, causing widespread panic throughout the court and the country. Many colleagues are worried about being implicated and are unable to rest day and night. Therefore, they have requested to resign and return to their hometowns to avoid disaster."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the imperial court.

The officials looked at each other, their expressions varied, and whispered among themselves.

Zhu Youjian remained calm, as this outcome was entirely expected.

The case of the Duke of Cheng's rebellion involved many people. As the emperor's eyes and ears, the secret police were responsible for arresting and interrogating people. However, in the eyes of the court officials, they became the root of the country's troubles.

At this moment, Fan Jingwen, the Minister of Works, stepped forward.

"The Ministry of Works has already received over a dozen resignations. At this rate, the Ministry will be short-handed in less than half a month!"

Fang Yuegong, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, then said, "The Ministry of War is in an even worse situation. We have already received more than twenty reports. If these people really leave, it won't take half a month. In just three days, the Ministry of War will be paralyzed."

After listening, Zhu Youjian looked relaxed and said, "There's an old saying: 'If you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear!' The Imperial Guards always follow procedures when handling cases, and the arrests are based on evidence. If you're not guilty, why should you be afraid?"

Wei Zaode said, "Your Majesty is right. However, the Imperial Guard has been at odds with officials for many years. In the process of handling cases, it is inevitable that there will be cases of personal revenge. Now our Great Ming Dynasty is beset by internal and external troubles. Even if there are wrongful convictions, the court will not be able to take care of them. Wouldn't that give others an opportunity to take advantage of us?"

"You just said that the Imperial Guard and the secret police are at odds with the officials. What do you mean by that?"

"This, this... what I mean is that there are also villains within the Imperial Guard and the Secret Service, such as Wei Zhongxian of the previous dynasty, who wreaked havoc on the government..."

Zhu Youjian suddenly interrupted: "It is true that some people in the Imperial Guard and the Embroidered Uniform Guard are paid by the court but do nothing. It is no exaggeration to call them parasites of the court. However, I recently ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to conduct a self-examination, kick out these bad apples, and, depending on the severity of their crimes, dismiss those who should be dismissed and imprison those who should be imprisoned!"

"If you discover that anyone within the Imperial Guard or the Secret Service is distorting the truth and framing loyal officials, you may submit a memorial to impeach them. Otherwise, the duty of the Imperial Guard and the Secret Service is to arrest and interrogate, which is their duty. What is wrong with that?"

Upon seeing this, Wei Zaode frowned, but still tentatively said, "Your Majesty, the actions of the Imperial Guard and the secret police are difficult to balance in terms of maintaining the order of the court and avoiding harming the innocent. However, such a large number of officials submitting their resignations must have their reasons, and I hope Your Majesty will consider them carefully."

What you said makes sense, but it doesn't work here.

Anyway, if you don't agree, we'll resign, everyone will leave, and then we'll see what you, the emperor, do.

These words were both a test and a threat. For more than two hundred years during the Ming Dynasty, the relationship between the civil officials and the imperial power had always been a process of wits and courage.

Even the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, who was ruthless and decisive, often confiscating property and exterminating clans, still needed officials to do his work!

Therefore, when the conflict becomes irreconcilable, officials are left with only one option: to resign.

Can I quit?

There are so many things in the world, if you're so capable, do them yourself!

Zhu Youjian's expression turned grim: "Are you trying to blackmail me with your resignation?"

"I dare not! That's not what I meant!"

Wei Zaode hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed, followed closely by Fan Jingwen and others.

To their utter surprise, Emperor Chongzhen had no intention of negotiating at all, and instead simply overturned the table.

Although this is somewhat unethical, it is the most effective method.

However, the consequences are somewhat serious, because once the relationship is broken, there is no longer any trust between people.

You are the emperor. If you have any difficulties, we will do our best to help you.

Whatever our requests, you must try your best to meet them; that's what win-win cooperation means.

If you turn on people so easily now, who will dare to work sincerely for you in the future?

"Alright, get up, everyone!"

Zhu Youjian waved his hand and said, "The Imperial Guards will continue to perform their duties. If you don't believe me, that's easy to handle. Starting today, I will send censors to follow up on the case. If they discover any wrongful convictions or if the Imperial Guards are suspected of favoritism, they can report it directly to me!"

Upon hearing this, Li Banghua, the Left Censor-in-Chief, bowed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Zhu Youjian then said, "I have granted you the power of oversight in order to ensure fairness and impartiality in handling cases. If anyone deliberately makes false accusations and frames the Imperial Guard, I will punish them for their wrongdoing!"

Li Banghua's heart tightened, and he quickly replied, "Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered!"

Zhu Youjian looked at the crowd and continued, "My lords, these are turbulent times, and I know the difficulties you all face. However, in this critical moment of life and death, the entire Ming Dynasty can only have one voice, and that is my voice!"

"If anyone dares to oppose me at this moment, their intentions are despicable!"

"Wang Chengen, collect all the resignation letters and hand them over to the Eastern Depot for verification. Those with clean records may retire; those with problems will be severely punished!"

Upon hearing this, everyone broke out in a cold sweat.

There's definitely something wrong with submitting your resignation at this time!

If one is honest and dedicated to public service, wouldn't it be better to stay and serve as an official? Why choose to retire?

Of course, those who didn't submit their resignations aren't necessarily clean either.

They are just observing and haven't made up their minds yet.

It seems we shouldn't rush into making a decision.

Especially before the situation becomes clear, it's best to wait and see.

Why has the Chongzhen Emperor become so unfamiliar?

Was he pushed to the limit, causing a drastic change in his personality...?