Emperor Ming: Your Majesty, you have caused me so much suffering.

Wang Zhi was the first to agree, saying, "If that's the case, I think it's worth a try."

"Your Highness!" Hu Ying hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help but say, "Tongzhou is likely to be in great chaos."

"That's still much better than the grain falling into Esen's hands or being burned to the ground!" Yu Qian retorted immediately upon hearing this.

Zhu Qiyu understood the meaning behind Hu Ying's words: these loyalist soldiers could not be expected to obey orders.

Once the Tongzhou granary is opened, the losses will be substantial, and looting will be inevitable. Some ordinary people may even use the pretext of helping the court to steal grain directly. In the midst of the chaos, it will be impossible to investigate.

Even worse, it cannot be ruled out that some unscrupulous merchants and spies are interfering and profiting from this.

This is also the main reason why Yu Qian said he wanted to personally supervise the matter; without deterrence, things could become even more chaotic.

Zhu Qiyu pondered for a moment, then made a decision, saying, "If half of the grain can be delivered to the capital, I will not hold anyone responsible. All of you will have made a contribution!"

Half of it was Zhu Qiyu's bottom line. It was only forty or fifty miles. If he couldn't even do that, then with this bunch of useless idiots, there was no need to defend the capital.

The officials looked at Zhu Qiyu and couldn't help but admire the Prince of Cheng before them. He was truly a wise man who understood things at a glance and had the courage to back him up. Naturally, they had nothing to say.

"We obey your command!"

"Are there still difficulties?"

The people in the hall were deep in thought, clearly indicating that these were the most pressing issues to be addressed, and that minor problems were not worth discussing in court.

Zhu Qiyu waved to Shang Lu and Peng Shi, who were seated at the end of the table.

The two men hurriedly stopped writing, took their papers and stepped forward. Only then did the other officials notice these two new cabinet members.

The two men, without looking to the side, hurriedly handed over the papers they were holding.

Zhu Qiyu took the meeting minutes and carefully reviewed them. As expected of the top scholar, every point was clearly organized and easy to understand.

Zhu Qiyu paused for a moment, then said, "Gentlemen, the pre-battle court discussion is temporarily adjourned. I have summarized it as follows. If you have any different opinions, please raise them in a timely manner."

Upon hearing this, the ministers nodded subconsciously.

"There are five difficulties in defending the capital at present!"

"Firstly, people are filled with fear and disunity!"

"Secondly, the capital is short of soldiers and generals!"

"Three problems: food and supplies are severely insufficient!"

"Four types of weapons and military equipment are in short supply!"

"The strength of the Oirat Mongols has increased dramatically!"

The ministers were taken aback. This Prince Cheng was quite good at summarizing, and it had to be said that his summary was quite accurate and to the point.

Even Empress Dowager Sun, a complete novice when it comes to military affairs, now understood perfectly: in short, it was no good at anything.

Her face fell, and she began to doubt whether her son could really come back.

Perhaps it would be good enough if she could preserve her husband's business.

"Your Highness, that is indeed the case!" Yu Qian replied.

Zhu Qiyu nodded, and said optimistically, "Gentlemen, now that we have discovered this difficulty, let's solve it. If we can solve these difficulties, the capital will be saved."

Perhaps influenced by Zhu Qiyu's optimism, Wang Zhi hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, we will certainly do our utmost!"

"In that case, based on the current situation, I make the following arrangements. If any of you have any objections, you may refute them on the spot."

"Here you go!"

Shang Lu and Peng Shi hurriedly returned to their seats and picked up their pens again.

"As for personnel matters, things can only be accomplished with the right people. The most important thing is to fill the vacancies in the various departments in the capital as soon as possible," Zhu Qiyu said, then looked at Wang Zhi and Hu Ying and said, "I entrust this matter to Minister Wang and Minister Hu. You two should handle it properly as soon as possible. The officials must be virtuous and capable. Afterwards, submit a list."

The most appropriate course of action for the officials is to entrust the matter to two seasoned veterans; arrangements made by others may not be accepted by the public.

The two readily accepted the order: "Yes, sir!"

Zhu Qiyu turned to Chen Yi and said, "Censor Chen, it is the duty of your Censorate to stabilize the hearts of the people in the court and to supervise officials. I have only one request: there should only be voices in the court that are united in their efforts to protect the capital, and nothing else, especially the proposal to move the capital south. I do not want to hear it again."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi seemed to be deep in thought, as if he had finally made up his mind about another matter.

"Your subject obeys!"

Zhu Qiyu glanced at Chen Yi, feeling that something was off about these Imperial Censors Chen, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Now is not the time to dwell on these things. He then looked at Gao Gu and said, "Minister Gao, the Ministry of Works will be responsible for manufacturing chariots and other equipment. In any case, do everything you can to get them made as soon as possible."

"Here you go!"

"Minister Chen, the main problem right now is the supply of grain. Your Ministry of Revenue needs to resolve this matter and also assist Minister Yu in transporting the grain from Tongzhou back to the capital. There must be no mistakes."

Chen Xun nodded in agreement, "Yes!"

Zhu Qiyu's gaze fell on Yu Qian, and seeing Yu Qian's furrowed brows, he realized that this was putting Yu Qian in a difficult position.

He said softly, "Minister Yu, this battle requires your leadership. You have many duties to attend to. Before the loyalist army arrives in the capital, you should prepare food supplies. Once the army enters the capital, put aside worldly affairs and focus on organizing the army. If you need anyone to assist you, please prepare a list and submit it to me. I will certainly not cause you any trouble!"

A flicker of excitement crossed Yu Qian's weary expression as he firmly replied, "Your subject obeys!"

After Zhu Qiyu finished speaking, he glanced behind the curtain and then said, "As for Eunuch Xing and Eunuch Li, they will temporarily assist Prince Consort Jiao in inspecting the capital to prevent troublemakers. Once the troops supporting the emperor enter the capital, they will assist Minister Yu in organizing the army."

"Your subject obeys!"

Jin Ying wondered what she should do, as she seemed to be the only idle person in the palace.

Zhu Qiyu completely ignored Jin Ying. Naturally, he would not give important positions to Zhu Qizhen's lackeys, and he needed to find an opportunity to make him disappear from the Directorate of Ceremonial.

"My lords, in this time of national crisis, we must unite as one and do our utmost to protect the capital. If any intractable problems arise, I will resolve them for you. You may act boldly."

The ministers were genuinely moved at this moment, for Zhu Qiyu's words meant he was willing to bear the infamy.

"We obey your command!"

Zhu Qiyu stood up, walked to the ministers, and suddenly clenched his fist and raised one hand in the air.

The officials glanced at Zhu Qiyu, puzzled; the Prince of Cheng's actions were always unexpected.

Zhu Qiyu was speechless and could only look at Yu Qian, wondering if there couldn't be some "ruler-subject" understanding. Yu Qian met Zhu Qiyu's gaze, not understanding Zhu Qiyu's actions, but expressing respect.

He hurriedly got up and saw Zhu Qiyu beckoning him closer with his other hand. He immediately understood and quickly walked to Zhu Qiyu's side, imitating Zhu Qiyu by raising his hand and making a fist.

Wang Zhi and the others also realized that, as if they were performing some kind of ritual, they suddenly became interested. Under such a repressive atmosphere, it wouldn't hurt to vent a little.

The group quickly stood up, bumping fists and surrounding each other. Even Shang Lu and Peng Shi were summoned by Zhu Qiyu, both looking excited.

Several eunuchs from Xing'an were eager to participate, while Empress Dowager Sun watched from behind the curtain, wondering what kind of trouble the Prince of Cheng was up to.

Seeing the crowd gathered together, Zhu Qiyu slowly said, "My lords, to turn the tide when all is lost and to save the collapsing edifice, that is the mark of a true hero! You should all strive to be like this, and together we wish for the Ming Dynasty's eternal victory!"

The ministers were taken aback. These words were indeed excellent, undoubtedly expressing the sentiments of all the ministers. Who wouldn't want to be a minister of the state?

This ruler is a wise one!

Yu Qian roared, "May the Great Ming Dynasty be victorious!"

The other senior officials also abandoned their composure and acted like young men.

"May the Great Ming Dynasty prosper!"

"May the Great Ming Dynasty prosper!"

Xing'an and the others were also caught up in the emotions and couldn't help but roar. Even Empress Dowager Sun's mouth couldn't help but twitch.

At this moment, I disregard all political stances; my only concern is the Ming Dynasty!