Chapter 10: The Great Victory at Ningyuan? Yuan Chonghuan?

Upon hearing the name Guo Xun, Zhang Weixian’s heart jolted sharply.

As a leading figure within the current Noble Corps, how could he not have heard of Guo Xun?

The reason was simple: Guo Xun, like himself, belonged to the Noble Corps.

Moreover, their ranks were roughly equivalent.

Both held the ducal title at the level of a national duke and had once served as commanders of the Capital Garrison, a position of great importance.

The only difference was that Guo Xun lived during the reign of Emperor Jiajing.

From a young age, Zhang Weixian had often heard the elders in his family recount Guo Xun’s deeds:

Guo Xun was one of Emperor Jiajing’s most trusted ministers and had attempted reforms within the Capital Garrison.

However, as soon as he showed signs of change, he was collectively attacked by the court officials.

Under intense pressure, Emperor Jiajing was forced to confine him temporarily to the Imperial Prison.

Despite explicit orders forbidding any punishment to be inflicted upon him and ensuring his safety, Guo Xun mysteriously died in custody a few months later.

After his death, the authority over the Capital Garrison was divided into three parts.

Only months later, the Renyin Palace Coup erupted.

Now, hearing the emperor mention Guo Xun deeply moved Zhang Weixian.

He understood that the emperor was concerned for his safety.

Yet, even before hearing those words during the morning court, he had already prepared himself.

He harbored a thought common to many: if it were up to him, the outcome would be different.

After a brief silence, Zhang Weixian replied solemnly, “I certainly remember Guo Xun’s affairs, Your Majesty. But as long as I can ease Your Majesty’s burden and benefit the realm, I would willingly sacrifice my life without hesitation.”

Zhu Youjian waved his hand, choosing not to dwell on the matter.

Mentioning Guo Xun was not out of sympathy or anything else; political struggles were truly life-and-death battles.

That name was something he had come across in recent readings.

Bringing him up now was simply to make Zhang Weixian realize that some matters were not so easily resolved.

Yet judging by Zhang Weixian’s reaction, he seemed unaware of the gravity of the situation.

Seeing this, Zhu Youjian asked, “So, what are your plans for reforming the Capital Garrison?”

“Your Majesty, I believe the foremost task is to investigate how many are receiving salaries without service. Then, all those who fail to meet basic conditions — the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled — should be dismissed. Afterward, new soldiers can be recruited and trained. With these measures, the Capital Garrison can surely be revitalized.”

“And where will you recruit these soldiers? Where will the funds come from? When verifying the numbers within the Garrison, if obstacles arise, how will you handle them?”

“Your Majesty, that…” Zhang Weixian was momentarily at a loss for words.

To be honest, he had considered these questions before presenting his memorial at court; otherwise, he would not have dared submit it.

His original idea was to raise these points first, then act once permitted.

During the actual process, he would address problems one by one.

Thus, faced with the emperor’s inquiries, Zhang Weixian could not provide concrete answers.

As he hesitated, unsure whether to reveal his mindset of “act first, solve problems later,” Zhu Youjian spoke again.

“Also, under your plan, how long before results can be expected in the best case?”

“Your Majesty, give me three to five years, and I will surely have the Capital Garrison thoroughly reformed!”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than Zhang Weixian bowed his head.

There was no avoiding it; before undertaking a task, one naturally envisions favorable conditions.

Yet once underway, reality often proves far different.

Even in an ideal scenario, it would take three to five years to see results.

But what did three to five years mean?

If anyone stirred trouble during that period, the reform would inevitably fail.

Zhu Youjian looked at the bowed figure before him and stepped forward, pressing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Reforming the Capital Garrison was beyond the power of a mere commander.

Only by striking with thunderous might from his own lofty position could success be achieved.

He could not allow Zhang Weixian’s spirit to falter.

This gesture moved Zhang Weixian deeply.

Before he could speak, Zhu Youjian asked again, “How many soldiers can you currently mobilize within the Capital Garrison?”

After a brief hesitation, Zhang Weixian replied, “Fewer than one thousand five hundred.”

“And how many are elite troops?”

Zhang Weixian found it difficult to answer, “Fewer than eight hundred.”

Zhu Youjian nodded, unsurprised by the figures.

Seeing this, Zhang Weixian tentatively inquired, “Your Majesty… do you already have a plan in mind? If there is anything you require of me, please command, and I shall obey fully!”

Zhu Youjian’s expression softened. “Return and continue to work diligently as you have today. When the time comes, I will send someone to inform you of what must be done.”

“I obey, Your Majesty!”

Zhang Weixian understood the emperor’s meaning.

If the ruler is not discreet, he loses ministers; if ministers are not discreet, they lose the ruler.

The emperor must already have plans, though he could not reveal them yet.

At the same time…

Though tonight’s secret palace visit would inevitably reach some ears, Zhang Weixian’s role was to feign disappointment and lull others into complacency.

Though Zhang Weixian, like many, could not fathom the emperor’s next move, he was adept at managing such minor matters.

Having received his orders, Zhang Weixian did not linger.

After kneeling to bid farewell to Zhu Youjian, he was escorted outside the palace.

After Zhang Weixian’s departure, Wang Cheng’en approached.

“Your Majesty, shall we hold court tomorrow?”

“No need. Bring me all memorials concerning the Liaodong campaign from the past three years.”

For Zhu Youjian, two matters held the highest priority: the disasters and rebellions in Shaanxi, and the Liaodong campaign.

Both regions were distant, beyond his immediate reach of imperial power.

In comparison, the Capital Garrison reforms, so crucial in Zhang Weixian’s eyes, seemed less pressing.

“As you command,” Wang Cheng’en replied.

Having given his instructions, Zhu Youjian, under the protection of two hundred palace guards in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, fell into a deep sleep.

...

The next day.

After waking, Zhu Youjian practiced horseback archery at the military training grounds.

Following breakfast, he began reviewing memorials related to the Liaodong campaign.

After examining dozens of reports detailing the Ming Dynasty’s crushing defeats, he was unsurprised.

In the dynasty’s twilight years, defeat was all too common.

Soon, among the many defeat reports, one memorial stood out: the “Great Victory at Ningyuan.”

The commander credited for this triumph was Yuan Chonghuan.

From this memorial, Yuan appeared to be a capable and reliable figure.

Yet Zhu Youjian felt no emotional stirring.

He understood all too well that military reports often served to deceive.

The defeated concealed truths, and the victors exaggerated their successes.