Chapter Seventeen: Everything Was Fine Before Sleep, but Upon Waking, the Sky Had Fallen!

As for those nobles whose names were not called, some had only embezzled small amounts, not worth taking action against. Others, Zhu Cilang vaguely recalled, had ultimately died loyal to the Ming dynasty when it fell, so they were spared. At this moment, however, those unmentioned nobles were unaware of this and could only tremble on their knees.

Among the civil officials, no one dared to speak further. The imperial edict had accused them of coveting imperial power—essentially, treason! Such a crime was gravely serious. If anyone pleaded for mercy and was deemed an accomplice, they would be wrongly condemned. Their families would be exterminated. In an instant, everyone present realized that the Ming dynasty was truly on the verge of upheaval.

Meanwhile, throughout the capital, the pre-prepared Jinyiwei squads began their operations. Troops stormed into the residences of dukes, marquises, and earls to arrest and ransack. To finish quickly, Zhu Cilang gave no time for resistance. Those meant to be executed were killed outright; those who did not resist were given poison to die with some dignity; those who resisted were slain on the spot. Of course, nobles of ducal rank were afforded some dignity regardless.

Take Duke Cheng, Zhu Chuncheng, for example. He had recently claimed illness and had not attended court. When the Jinyiwei arrived at his mansion, he was still in bed with a concubine, dragged roughly from his sleep. After the edict decreeing his death and demotion was read, Zhu Chuncheng was stunned, believing it a nightmare. Everything was fine before he went to sleep—how could the world have collapsed overnight?

Before he could comprehend the situation, the Jinyiwei forced poison into his mouth. At that instant, he fully realized this was no dream. Unfortunately, it was too late. The poison quickly took effect. Thus, this noble who was destined to surrender to Li Zicheng three years later met his end by Zhu Cilang’s hand.

As for those slated for demotion or removal of titles, the edicts arrived swiftly. Their estates were plundered at dawn, catching many nobles still at breakfast by surprise. In short, the operation was executed with speed as its foremost principle.

Zhu Cilang knew well the nature of these nobles; given any time, they could stir trouble. Hence, he chose to sever the chaos swiftly. Perhaps the shock of the morning’s edict silenced the ministers at court, for no one dared present other matters. Relieved, Zhu Cilang slipped away after Wang Cheng’en declared the session adjourned. He cared little about what the officials and nobles might do next. After all, he commanded fifty thousand troops—comprising the capital garrison, the Five Armies Command, and the Jinyiwei. No one could cause trouble without facing death.

Targeting the nobles was only the first step; the second would be to move against the civil officials. He awaited the perfect opportunity, which was fast approaching. When it came, he vowed to crush the entire bureaucratic faction utterly.

Back in the Phoenix Hall, Zhu Cilang finally found a moment’s respite. He looked toward Ma Bao and said, “Go to the Jinyiwei prison and bring Sun Chuanting to me. On your way, fetch a court physician as well.”

“Have the physician examine Sun Chuanting for injuries, and treat him if necessary.”

At last, he would meet the loyal and capable general—the only man able to save the Ming dynasty in its final days.

“Understood!” Ma Bao replied and hurried out of the palace.

Zhu Cilang sat solemnly on the dragon throne, secretly breathing a sigh of relief. Perhaps relaxation made him sleepy, or perhaps it was the exhaustion of nearly thirty hours without rest. Suddenly, an overwhelming drowsiness weighed on his eyelids. For the sake of the rebellion’s success, he had not closed his eyes in over a day.

Resigned, he decided to rest briefly before Sun Chuanting’s arrival. With that thought, he leaned forward on the imperial desk and soon fell into a deep sleep.

“Your Highness, Your Highness!” A voice called suddenly.

Zhu Cilang slowly opened his eyes to see Ma Bao standing nearby, concern etched across his face. He noticed a robe draped over him—obviously placed there while he slept.

“What time is it? Has Sun Chuanting arrived?”

Stretching lazily, Zhu Cilang asked.

“Your Highness, it’s already afternoon. Sun Chuanting arrived long ago, but he didn’t want to disturb your deep sleep,” Ma Bao replied.

What?

Instantly alert, Zhu Cilang lifted his gaze. Not far off knelt a middle-aged man with a square face, a beard, and a dignified countenance.

It was none other than Sun Chuanting.

Seeing him, an inexplicable anger welled within Zhu Cilang. He turned to Ma Bao and said, “You wretch! Why didn’t you wake me when Lord Sun arrived?”

Before Ma Bao could answer, Zhu Cilang rose and helped Sun Chuanting to his feet.

“Lord Sun, sorry to keep you waiting!”

Sun Chuanting was overwhelmed by the favor and quickly stood, bowing deeply. “Your Highness, please do not flatter me. I am unworthy of such treatment.”

He called himself a guilty subject for good reason. Two years ago, he had been imprisoned by Emperor Chongzhen in the Jinyiwei prison after failing in anti-bandit campaigns. In the original timeline, he would have been released the following year. But with Zhu Cilang’s arrival, Sun Chuanting was freed a year early.

Looking at Sun Chuanting, Zhu Cilang sighed inwardly. Such a capable man had been locked away—what was Emperor Chongzhen thinking?

“Ma Bao, bring a chair for Lord Sun to sit!” Zhu Cilang ordered.

Ma Bao dashed to an adjoining hall and returned carrying a chair, which he placed behind Sun Chuanting.

Nervously, Sun said, “Before Your Highness, how dare I sit? Please forgive my impertinence.”

Ignoring the protest, Zhu Cilang firmly seated him. “Lord Sun, no need for formalities before me. Also, do not call yourself a guilty subject anymore. The Emperor has pardoned you and intends to entrust you with important responsibilities. The edict will be proclaimed at tomorrow’s court session.”

Undoubtedly, the edict was issued by Zhu Cilang himself.