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

After the symbolic court decree, the officials dispersed, each with their own thoughts.

Yu Qian left the palace and went straight to the Six Ministries, believing that Wang Zhi and others were also waiting for his news. This matter still needed to go through the proper procedures in the court, undergo public discussion, and whether to approve or disapprove required prior consultation and agreement.

Otherwise, if things get out of hand in the court, the scene will be extremely ugly, not only delaying matters but also causing instability in the court, which would be a disaster.

Among the six ministries, several ministers and Wang Wen, the Left Censor-in-Chief, had been waiting at the Ministry of Personnel for a long time.

Upon seeing Yu Qian arrive, Wang Zhi spoke first, "Tingyi, how is it?"

Yu Qian succinctly replied, "Neither good nor bad!"

Hu Ying frowned; this was as good as saying nothing. She asked, "What exactly are the regulations?"

Yu Qian explained, "The ten regiments have been increased to twelve, and I have been appointed as the Governor-General of the Beijing Garrison, commanding the three major battalions and the twelve regiments!"

Everyone present was shrewd, and upon hearing this, their faces did not show much joy. With the emperor in the capital, the position of governor-general of the capital's military affairs did not seem like a long-term post.

Wang Zhi pondered for a moment, then sighed inwardly, saying, "His Majesty still doesn't trust us, and I fear he will dismiss us from our posts later!"

Yu Qian nodded, as this coincided with his own thoughts.

"However, His Majesty seems to have already considered this. He has added an assistant commander of military administration to the twelve regiments, to be appointed by Li Xian, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. I believe this position should be established as a permanent practice."

The officials were taken aback. The title was indeed unique, and the word "Assistant" was particularly clever. At this moment, everyone finally understood what Yu Qian meant by "neither good nor bad." It turned out that this was the reason.

Hu Ying asked, "So, in the future, civil officials can accompany the army as advisors, but they still cannot interfere in matters of command and control?"

At this moment, Yu Qian felt a sense of admiration for Zhu Qiyu. He didn't know how Zhu Qiyu could react so quickly and understand the thoughts of everyone in the court so clearly. This move seemed to give civil officials power, but it also seemed to give them loneliness.

Military counselors were originally the job of the Ministry of War. It's just that in the past, counselors were only appointed before and after wars. Now it's a bit better, as counselors can accompany troops to assist in military affairs. But in essence, nothing has changed; they still don't have the authority to command troops.

"That's right. This is what I meant by neither good nor bad, but it's much more appropriate than being able to only advise before and after the war. This is perhaps His Majesty's biggest concession."

Yu Qian was inclined to accept this arrangement. This new ruler never did anything frivolous; he would reveal his hand from the very beginning, and whether or not to follow was a simple decision.

As for how much power civil officials can have, that will be determined later in the military. It's not impossible for them to turn the tables and take control, and Wang Ji is the best example of this.

Wang Zhi and the others looked quite solemn. Once they agreed, the subsequent court discussion would just be a formality.

However, the current result is somewhat unacceptable to everyone. In everyone's opinion, the ideal situation would be for the Ministry of War to take the lead in the reform of the Ten Regiments and Battalions, and then for the Minister of War to supervise the regiments and battalions, with a General Commander under him to command the battles. However, the General Commander would be subject to the Ministry of War, instead of the current situation. The power of the army still lies with the emperor and military officials, with civil officials serving as assistants.

Left Censor-in-Chief Wang Wen had mixed feelings about Zhu Qiyu. He had heard that when His Majesty first assumed the regency, he immediately ordered Wang Wen to return to the capital, which meant that His Majesty valued him highly.

In recent days, he observed Zhu Qiyu's actions and suddenly realized that this man was very different from the idle prince in the rumors. He was a man with strong opinions and acted decisively, with the demeanor of Emperor Taizong.

Wang Wen had some doubts. He wasn't sure if this was Zhu Qiyu's own decision or if someone else had advised him, so he asked, "Who advised His Majesty on this matter?"

Upon hearing this, the officials all shook their heads. Unlike Wang Wentong and Jin Lian, who returned to the capital midway, they had been by Zhu Qiyu's side the whole time and had witnessed the process from regency to ascension to the throne. Therefore, this move should be the result of Zhu Qiyu's own consideration.

Yu Qian said helplessly, "I just proposed the Tenth Battalion the day before yesterday. At that time, His Majesty looked surprised and wary, which proves that His Majesty had never thought of this before. Yesterday, the memorial was presented, and I think that no one is advising His Majesty on this matter. Cheng Jing, Xing An, Hao Yi and others in the palace do not have such ability."

"Yesterday, Jiao Jing and his companion did enter the palace. However, neither of them possesses such abilities. Moreover, their entry was not to advise on this matter, but rather because His Majesty bestowed upon them the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Camp. I am certain that His Majesty himself comprehended this, which is why I dare not say more. This man is truly extraordinary, a world apart from the Emperor Emeritus."

"Whether it is a blessing or a curse for us is for us to decide. At least I believe that with a wise ruler in power, the people of the world may be blessed."

Yu Qian, however, remained optimistic. He had always wanted to contend, but ultimately, he wanted to create a prosperous era, not another one where a foolish emperor ruined the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was not just the Ming Dynasty of the Zhu family, but also the Ming Dynasty of all the people. If the emperor on the throne was wise enough, what harm was there in his loyalty?

"Gentlemen, how is it?"

Hu Ying cautiously replied, "I believe the greater good is paramount. Since Your Majesty has already laid out your bottom line, not following it would be a breach of harmony between ruler and subject. Chen Yi's actions seem like yesterday!"

Fortunately, Chen Xun was in the cabinet today and did not come, otherwise he would have been praising Hu Ying like crazy. Not only Chen Yi, but Chen Xun himself was also scared half to death that day!

"Tingyi, how many commanders does Wu Xun hold?"

"The Twelve Battalions have five commanders, and the Three Battalions have been given to the Marquis of Fengcheng. That's nearly half, which is just right. I originally wanted to fight for them, but Jiao Jing and Zhang Ni are indeed qualified. Moreover, there is another matter. Chen Mao is already on his way back to the capital. We need to finalize this matter quickly, otherwise I am worried that His Majesty may have other ideas. Changing generals on the eve of battle is not a good thing."

Wang Zhi and the others were startled and asked, "Why did Chen Mao return to the capital so quickly?"

"This is something I find utterly perplexing. The Ministry of War's dispatch arrived, and an urgent reply followed immediately, stating that he would depart at once. At his advanced age, he was traveling day and night back to the capital—a gamble with his life. Given his cautious nature, there was no need for him to take such a risk. A hasty return to the capital would be fruitless if he won, and he would bear the consequences if he lost. This is a decision beyond the comprehension of ordinary people; one can only say that the Marquis of Ningyang's loyalty is beyond question!"

Yu Qian's words showed a certain respect for Chen Mao. Regardless of Chen Mao's intentions, his return to the capital at this critical juncture made him a hero!

No one expected that Zhu Qiyu would send someone to the south to summon Chen Mao as soon as he assumed the regency.

Chen Mao was initially reluctant to return to the capital, but after Zhu Qiyu was confirmed to have ascended the throne, the Ministry of War sent another document in the name of the new emperor. Without thinking twice, Chen Mao hurriedly made arrangements and returned to the capital immediately.

If Zhu Qiyu had summoned Chen Mao after ascending the throne, it would have been a desperate measure. However, the regent was thinking of Chen Mao and even sent a trusted confidant a thousand miles to deliver a message, appealing to his emotions and reasoning with him. This clearly showed that Zhu Qiyu relied on Chen Mao as a pillar of support and trusted him wholeheartedly.

Chen Mao was terribly wronged by Zhu Qizhen, but it's impossible for him not to be moved by Zhu Qiyu's actions. For the sake of Emperor Taizong's country, he had to come back, no matter what.

Upon hearing that Chen Mao had returned to the capital, the officials could only acquiesce to Zhu Qiyu's arrangement.

If the dispute continues, with Chen Mao present, the choice of commander-in-chief may change. The significance of Yu Qian leading the generals to victory in this battle versus Chen Mao leading the generals to victory in this battle is completely different.

Once everything settles down, Chen Mao can only remain an observer upon returning to the capital. At worst, either Jiao Jing or Zhang Ni will be removed from the Twelfth Battalion and Chen Mao will be appointed. The positions of Admiral and Governor-General will absolutely not be changed.

"As Your Majesty commands!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Yu Qian also breathed a long sigh of relief!