Who killed the Ming Dynasty?

The assembled officials, regardless of whether they advocated war or peace, all buried their heads in their hands at this moment.

The immense pressure and the emperor's will seemed to freeze the entire Wuying Hall in that moment.

"All of you are well-read scholars with extensive knowledge of poetry and literature and military history."

Zhu Cilang's voice rang out again:

"It should be known that since ancient times, there have been two towers in the Central Plains that have been crucial to the safety of the nation: one in Xuzhou and the other in Xiangyang."

He deliberately emphasized the words "Xuzhou" and "Xiangyang".

"Although Xuzhou is now part of the Ming Dynasty's territory, if Shandong is lost, Xuzhou will be isolated and in grave danger."

"If Xuzhou falls, the Yangtze and Huai Rivers will be in danger; if the Yangtze and Huai Rivers are in danger, the gateway to Nanjing will be wide open."

Amidst the soft rustling of falling incense ash, Zhu Cilang's thoughts surged like smoke and mist, instantly sweeping across vast landscapes beyond.

Throughout history, only two places have truly deserved to be called "strategic locations fought over by military strategists":

One is Xuzhou, and the other is Xiangyang.

Whenever the North and South were divided, these two places were the vital passage connecting the two.

It was not only a strategic fulcrum for both the North and the South to unify the country, but also a vital passage connecting the North and the South, making it an indisputable strategic location fought over by military strategists.

If the Southern Song Dynasty lost Xiangyang, it would perish.

During the Jingnan Campaign, Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) attacked Xuzhou, ambushing troops at Jiulishan Mountain north of the city. After capturing the city, he marched straight to Nanjing.

The copper bells on the eaves were suddenly struck and rang by the wind.

Zhu Cilang's eyelashes fluttered, and his gaze suddenly hardened:

"I have decided to follow the precedent set by Emperor Xuanzong, to reinstate the position of Governor-General of Dengzhou and Laizhou to oversee military affairs, and to issue the Edict of Accession to Dezhou, thereby securing Shandong and consolidating the capital region!"

He suddenly turned to Zhang Shenyan, the Minister of Personnel.

"My esteemed officials, are there any capable individuals who can shoulder this heavy responsibility and share my burdens?"

The position of Dengzhou-Laizhou Governor was specifically responsible for commanding military affairs in Dengzhou, Laizhou, and the islands in Liaodong (such as Pi Island).

Although these areas were not yet under the control of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Cilang established this position precisely as a strategic move to defend against the invaders and quell the rebellion.

This position is a temporary assignment, with a rank of fourth grade, and its focus is on military affairs, with civil administration being secondary.

"Your Majesty! You must not act rashly!"

A trembling voice, choked with sobs, rang out, and another minister hastily stepped forward, attempting a final attempt to dissuade him.

"My mind is made up; there is no need for further discussion!"

"Now, let's discuss the selection of a governor for Dengzhou and Laizhou!"

"Your Majesty, I recommend someone!"

No sooner had the words been spoken than a firm voice suddenly rang out from the military officers' platoon.

In an instant, everyone's eyes were focused on it.

Marquis Chengyi—Liu Kongzhao—stepped forward proudly and respectfully began his report:

"Your Majesty is wise. I humbly recommend Ruan Dacheng, the former Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices."

"Although Lord Ruan lived in seclusion in the mountains, he was always concerned about the emperor's favor and the affairs of the country. Although he did not personally serve on the frontier, he was well-versed in military strategy and tactics."

His words were earnest and he proceeded step by step:

"I earnestly request Your Majesty to dispatch an envoy, issue an imperial edict, and grant him special permission to temporarily wear official robes, enter the capital for an audience, discuss national affairs, and test his strategies."

"If he proves to be of practical use, we may entrust him with the important task of governor of Dengzhou and Laizhou."

Liu Kongzhao, who inherited the title of Earl of Chengyi, was the fourteenth generation direct descendant of Liu Bowen.

When Liu Kongzhao uttered the name "Ruan Dacheng," Zhu Cilang's heart sank.

This man was once a henchman of the eunuch Wei Zhongxian. The late emperor swiftly eliminated the powerful eunuchs.

Ruan Dacheng was also stripped of his official post and sent back to the mountains for the crime of colluding with the rebels.

He hid in Nanjing, never ceasing his efforts to regain his throne, but was repeatedly blocked from entering by the Donglin and Fushe factions.

Liu Kongzhao and Ruan Dacheng had a long-standing personal relationship. His sudden recommendation at this moment could not simply be a matter of "recommending a worthy person for the country."

Zhu Cilang's brows furrowed, and a heavy gloom silently crept into his heart.

He sensed it; that familiar yet suffocating atmosphere of factional strife was quietly permeating the halls of this new dynasty.

Zhang Shenyan, the Minister of Personnel, suddenly stepped forward, his wide scarlet robe sleeves stirring up a small gust of wind:

"How can we so easily comment on matters concerning the rebel party!"

The voice has not fallen,

Shi Kefa followed closely behind, stepping out of the train and speaking with unwavering resolve:

"Ruan Dacheng is attached to the powerful minister Wei Zhongxian. This is a case of treason officially designated by the late emperor and needs no further discussion."

Liu Kongzhao's face drained of color instantly, and he turned to refute:

"Emperor Zhaolie of Han was able to tolerate the flaws of Fazheng, and Emperor Taizu of Song pardoned the transgressions of Dong Zunhui."

"My talent surpasses these two by a hundredfold; how can I abandon such a national asset because of a minor flaw?"

Having said that, he suddenly knelt down and shouted:

"Your Majesty should emulate Yu the Great and guide talent to its use."

"If we allow him to atone for his crimes through meritorious service, it will not only demonstrate the emperor's virtue but also serve as a way to redeem himself from his mistakes. This will surely inspire patriots throughout the land to rush to the aid of the nation in times of crisis—a sign of national revival!"

Before he finished speaking, he had already taken out a black notebook box from his bosom and held it high above his head:

"Your Majesty is wise; this is Lord Ruan's painstakingly presented 'Ten Proposals for Suppression and Appeasement'."

"His strategies of 'using the enemy to control the pirates' and 'closing the sea with his naval forces' are truly wise ways of governing the country."

The Commissioner of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices hurried to receive the box, which was then examined by a scribe in the Secretariat before being presented to the Emperor.

Zhu Cilang's gaze swept over the first few lines and paused on the words "ally with the barbarians to quell the bandits".

In the shadow of the palace pillars, Ma Shiying stepped forward, holding his ceremonial tablet, his robes fluttering.

"Your Majesty is wise. Ruan Dacheng merely wrote a few petitions for Wei Zhongxian back then. Since he was not listed in the Yellow Register of treason, he was not guilty."

He slightly raised his chin, his gaze sweeping over the ranks of the Eastern Army's soldiers.

"If we were to overturn the late emperor's ironclad case now, it would not only fail to win back the hearts of the people, but would also sway public opinion in the court and among the people."

"Most of those former officials involved in the treasonous cases are already deceased; what good would it do to overturn them now?"

When Ma Shiying said "passed away," on the east side of the military procession, Marquis Lingbi Tang Guozuo nudged Earl Xincheng Zhao Zhilong with his elbow.

Their eyes met, a barely perceptible sneer flashed across their lips, and then they returned to a stone-like silence.

Zhu Cilang's palm rolled over the cold handrail.

Zhang Shenyan's scarlet robe and jade belt suddenly trembled, and the tablet in his hand shook slightly:

"Your Majesty! It is common knowledge that Ruan Dacheng has sided with the treacherous eunuch faction!"

He suddenly took half a step forward and began to list his crimes:

"In the fourth year of the Tianqi reign, he secretly conspired with Ni Wenhuan and presented the 'Portrait of One Hundred Officials' to frame loyal and virtuous officials;"

"In the sixth year of the Tianqi reign, seeing that Cui Chengxiu's power was waning, he turned against his former master."

His gaze pierced Liu Kongzhao.

"How can such a two-faced person be entrusted with important responsibilities?"

A gentle breeze blew by, and the curtains on the east side of the throne rose and fell slowly.

Zhang Shenyan faced Zhu Cilang on the throne, his hands clasped high above his head:

"Your Majesty, I risk my life to petition you to reinstate Jiang Yueguang, the former Grand Tutor!"

He pointed to the northern horizon outside the palace.

Although Lord Jiang requested to retire and return to his hometown, his heart remained with his ruler and the country.

"During the Tianqi era, he was ordered to inspect Pi Island and personally led the navy to ambush the Jurchen scouts at Tieshan, capturing more than 30 of them alive."

He spoke slowly.

"When he was sent as an envoy to Korea, he did not take anything from the Celestial Empire when he left, nor did he take a single coin from the vassal state when he returned. The Korean people erected a 'Monument of Pure Integrity' to commemorate his integrity."

"Such integrity is exactly what Your Majesty should employ!"

"Minister Zhang, please refrain from making such reckless remarks!"

Liu Kongzhao suddenly turned around, his eyes widening instantly like copper bells, bloodshot and bulging.

"Jiang Yueguang formed a faction within the Donglin Party, seized control of the court, and protected traitors who had pledged allegiance to the rebel Li Zicheng. Such behavior demonstrates a complete lack of loyalty to the emperor; how can he be entrusted with the responsibility of governing a region?"

"The Earl of Chengyi is spouting false accusations!"

Zhang Shenyan, not to be outdone, retorted sharply.

"I still remember the late emperor's personal instruction to Duke Jiang: 'Loyal, upright, and outspoken.' If such a principled minister is not employed, wouldn't it chill the hearts of the soldiers?"

He pointed his spear at Liu Kongzhao, his tone growing increasingly fierce.

"The way the Marquis of Chengyi framed someone today is exactly the same as how the eunuch faction knocked on the door in the middle of the night and threatened good officials back then."

The two engaged in a heated exchange, their faces flushed, spittle flying in the dim light.

Liu Kongzhao argued vehemently, sweat beading on his forehead; Zhang Shenyan pressed on relentlessly, his words firm and unyielding.

On his throne, Zhu Cilang silently watched the dispute unfold before him.

Factional infighting, like an undercurrent, tore apart half of the country, spreading into the dawn of the new dynasty.