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

The following day, the officials returned to the long-absent Fengtian Hall to hold court!

Zhu Qiyu wanted to decline, since the coronation ceremony had not yet been officially held and he was still embarrassed to refer to himself as "朕" (Zhen, the imperial "I").

However, Hu Ying directly informed him that he had to attend court in the Fengtian Hall, and his rank had already been determined.

In the past, when emperors ascended the throne, they did not immediately hold a coronation ceremony. Some emperors even mourned the late emperor to show their filial piety and postponed the coronation ceremony, but they still had to consider themselves emperors.

Of course, Zhu Qizhen did not die, so there's no need to cry about that, but the fact that court sessions had to be moved to the Fengtian Hall proved that the throne was already secured.

Zhu Qiyu decisively trusted Hu Ying, and the first morning court session was held in Fengtian Hall.

However, Zhu Qiyu was not in the mood to experience that feeling of being the only one in charge. All the formalities were kept simple, as there were important matters to deal with first.

After the officials paid their respects, Zhu Qiyu glanced at Chen Yi and immediately sensed that the old man's expression was strange, very similar to the last time. Before anyone else could report on state affairs, he spoke first.

"Gentlemen, an imperial censor has reported that the loyalist army has gathered in Tongzhou to collect grain, and their discipline has deteriorated, causing panic among the people and making it difficult for them to settle down. Vice Minister Jiang also reported earlier that although the Grand Canal has been dredged, people from surrounding prefectures and counties are still using it to smuggle themselves south. If this continues unchecked, it may lead to a popular uprising. I intend to select a senior official to go and pacify the area."

Without the slightest hesitation, Yu Qian immediately admitted his guilt, saying, "Your Majesty, I failed to properly coordinate the relief forces and failed to enforce military discipline in a timely manner. I am guilty."

It was Yu Qian's idea to suggest that the army go to Tongzhou to obtain grain, and now that there is unrest in Tongzhou, Yu Qian naturally cannot escape responsibility. However, in the current situation, no one will bring up these matters, because everything is for the sake of the capital and the officials present.

However, Yu Qian had no choice but to make his stance clear. He knew that Zhu Qiyu wouldn't hold it against him, and the court officials wouldn't dare to impeach him unless some madman was willing to give up his career.

Zhu Qiyu's expression softened, and he gestured for Yu Qian to stand up. He said gently, "In times of national crisis, there are priorities. It is not easy for the grain from Tongzhou to reach the capital. I will not allow you to be too harsh."

Upon hearing such considerate words, Yu Qian respectfully bowed and thanked Your Majesty, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you!"

"However, the important areas surrounding the capital should not be left unattended, otherwise it will be detrimental to the current war against the Oirat Mongols," Zhu Qiyu said, giving the officials no chance to speak. He looked directly at Chen Yi and said, "Minister Chen, you will go out of the capital to pacify the surrounding areas."

Chen Yi's eyes met Zhu Qiyu's. Realizing that Zhu Qiyu's gaze was directed at him, he froze on the spot, unable to react at first.

He had a memorial in his sleeve, and he had tossed and turned almost all night, rehearsing it countless times. He was determined that even if he had to kneel and plead again, he would still achieve his goal.

Today I'm ready to unleash my sword, only to be told I've entered the wrong battlefield?

Seeing Chen Yi's expression, Zhu Qiyu secretly thought that he had indeed acted just in time.

Although I don't know what the old man is planning to do, this situation is definitely going to cause trouble. His sleeves are bulging, as if he's hiding something.

Zhu Qiyu had to raise his voice and ask, "Chen Yi?"

Chen Yi snapped out of his daze and hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. Could you please choose someone else?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Qiyu inwardly cried out, "Chen Yi must leave the capital! Even if Emperor Taizu were to be resurrected, it wouldn't make a difference!"

Zhu Qiyu's face remained calm as if he were reminiscing, and he said, "When Minister Chen inspected the border affairs of Gansu, Ningxia, and Yansui in the past, he mentioned twenty-four strategies for pacifying the military and civilians. Each strategy was insightful and profound. I often read them and was deeply moved. Now that the country is in crisis, Minister Chen, why are you making excuses?"

Zhu Qiyu was telling the truth. Chen Yi's achievements in his postings to local areas were indeed remarkable, and he was particularly adept at pacifying the military and civilians. It was precisely because of his outstanding performance in local areas that he was recalled to the capital and became one of the heads of the Censorate.

Zhu Qiyu sent him to a post outside the capital region to pacify the area, which was considered a way to make use of his strengths.

Upon hearing this question, all eyes of the court officials turned to Chen Yi.

Wang Zhi and others naturally understood what Chen Yi wanted to do, but the other court officials were unaware. The officials of the Six Ministries had already begun to build up their emotions, preparing to angrily berate Chen Yi.

While his own superior, Wang Hong, was still imprisoned in the imperial prison, Chen Yi led the way in kneeling and remonstrating, yet he was unharmed. If he didn't seek "justice" now, when would he?

Upon seeing this, Yi Ming, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, stepped forward and pleaded before Chen Yi and the other officials from the Six Ministries could speak: "Your Majesty, I presume that Imperial Censor Chen is cowardly and afraid of death. With the nation in peril, he is only thinking of surviving. Although I am incompetent, I am willing to do my duty to the king and share Your Majesty's burdens! Please allow me to go. If I fail to accomplish this, I will bring my head to your face."

Yi Ming's righteous and awe-inspiring words were like slaps to Chen Yi's face from both sides. Chen Yi was immediately enraged, and his fiery temper almost made him challenge Yi Ming to a duel.

Yi Ming's words were a direct attack on his conscience. When has Chen Yi ever been afraid of death?

Chen Yi felt the intense gazes of his colleagues, all of whom suspected him. He was in a difficult position, unable to express his grievances. Yi Ming was putting him in a very difficult position; if he didn't comply, he probably wouldn't have the face to stay in the court any longer.

Unless he has the thick skin of Xu Cheng, he can't resist resigning.

Chen Yi looked at Zhu Qiyu with a bitter expression, touched the memorial in his sleeve, and was pondering whether he should kneel down and remonstrate, requesting to go to the border.

After a moment, he calmed down. Today's events were definitely not a coincidence. Given the chaos in Tongzhou, why would the censor bypass his superior to report to the emperor? Such a risky act must be at someone's behest.

Chen Yi glanced at Wang Zhi and the others, knowing that things were beyond saving.

At this moment, he didn't know whether Wang Zhi and others had betrayed him, or whether the current emperor was fully aware of the situation.

Either way, he had to leave the capital.

Chen Yi ultimately chose to yield, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Zhu Qiyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Chen Yi, instructing him: "The people are in a state of uproar. I grant you the authority to handle the situation as it arises. There is no need to report to the emperor first. Go now and set off immediately, or the people may riot."

Seeing that none of the officials came out to stop him, Chen Yi sighed helplessly.

After bowing, I left Fengtian Hall directly, stepped down the steps, glanced back at Fengtian Hall, and immediately felt extremely frustrated. It was like punching cotton.

Perhaps because he spent decades in local government, he hadn't grasped the true nature of imperial power—that the emperor was both an opponent and a referee. The only way to win was to launch a surprise attack when the referee wasn't looking, and clearly this time, Zhu Qiyu, the referee, was aware of this.

As the court officials watched Chen Yi's departing figure, they finally sensed something unusual.

At this moment, Wang Zhi and the others had a look of seriousness in their eyes. They couldn't help but look at Yu Qian. They heard that Yu Qian had already handed over the list of many garrison commanders. If there were any hidden motives among them, it could cause trouble.

If His Majesty could so quietly expel Chen Yi, what if he were to turn against Yu Qian? The current situation in the capital cannot be separated from Yu Qian.

But to be fair, now that the grain has arrived in the capital, if His Majesty decides to let Shi Heng take power, Yu Qian is not indispensable. After all, the things Shi Heng did in Datong are perfectly suited for the capital; apart from his personality flaws, he is a first-rate talent in every other aspect.

Chen Xun felt a chill run down his spine. How dare he have such a rebellious thought yesterday? Fortunately, Wang Zhi and Hu Ying, two seasoned veterans, stopped him, otherwise things would have gone awry.

Today, Chen Yi left the capital. If it weren't for His Majesty's special arrangement, he would rather believe that sows could fly.

Zhu Qiyu looked at Chen Xun's expression with some strangeness. Could it be that this guy was also involved? Now that Jin Lian had returned to the capital, he originally wanted Chen Xun to be in charge of cabinet affairs and not have to take on the Ministry of Revenue duties anymore.

Chen Xun's performance as Minister of Revenue was rather mediocre; he had the appearance of a nice gentleman and was not suitable to be in charge of the Ministry of Revenue.

Chen Xun is better suited to be a secretary or a teacher. He has done quite well in these fields over the past few years, and the future lectures on classics will be entrusted to him.

As the officials awaited Zhu Qiyu's words to discuss Yu Qian's memorial, Zhu Qiyu looked at Chen Xun and said, "Minister Chen, since you are in charge of cabinet affairs, you no longer need to concurrently serve as Minister of Revenue."

Wang Zhi and the others trembled slightly, a sense of fear rising in their hearts. Could there be a traitor among them?

No, all the subjects are loyal to Your Majesty, so how could there be a traitor?

Despite trying to convince themselves of this, the group couldn't help but glance at Hu Ying.

Hu Ying felt their gazes and almost exploded with anger. Why were they suspecting him again? Did he look like a traitor?

Chen Xun's face changed drastically, and he almost cried. It was truly frightening!

Yesterday, I only had a fleeting, unpleasant thought, and today I've lost my official position.

"I am guilty!"

Zhu Qiyu was also stunned at this moment, looking at Chen Xun who was kneeling and begging for forgiveness. Could it be that he had accidentally hit the mark?

He simply wanted to give the cabinet more responsibilities, otherwise these six ministries would be difficult to control. Now it seems that the waters are very deep!

"Minister Chen, get up, get up! What crime have you committed?"

Chen Xun stood up, wiped away his cold sweat, and calmed down a bit.

Zhu Qiyu glanced at Chen Xun but did not publicly embarrass him. Instead, he looked at Jin Lian and said, "Jin Qing, you will be reassigned as Minister of Revenue."

"Here you go!"

"Minister Yu, you are hereby reassigned as Minister of Justice."

Yu Shiyue performed quite well in the Wang Zhen case.

Yu Shiyue was overjoyed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Zhu Qiyu looked at Zhou Chen and had to admit that this man was indeed very capable. With his assistance, Yu Qian was able to procure grain and other supplies in Tongzhou in an orderly manner without any major problems. Now that supplies in the capital were gradually increasing, this man deserved much credit.

What kind of ridiculous rule was that of the Taizu Emperor? The Minister of Revenue of our Great Ming Dynasty could only be a deputy minister of one of the Six Ministries.

"Minister Zhou, you have a heavier burden. You are concurrently serving as Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, but you cannot neglect your duties in the Ministry of Works."

The best cattle and horses in the Ming Dynasty should be used to the fullest extent possible, until they die.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Zhou Chen hurriedly replied.

"As for other matters, after the ministers have discussed them in court, we will move to the Wenhua Hall to discuss them further!"

Although the appointment had been made and it was almost impossible to change it, Zhu Qiyu still had his pride and couldn't keep making special appointments indefinitely; he still had to go through the proper procedures.

"Your Majesty, we obey!"