“Lord Jiang and Lord Yuan are utterly loyal to His Majesty, with nothing improper in any matter. I’ve only been away for a month—what did these two lords do that made His Majesty determined to have you, Younger Brother, oversee Jinyun Bureau?” An Jixiang narrowed his eyes and asked.
“Jinyun Bureau isn’t overseen by me alone. If there’s a Left Commander, there naturally should be a corresponding Right Commander,” Chen Ruyi said with a smile. “I actually suggested to His Majesty that Senior Brother take this Right Commander position. Although His Majesty didn’t immediately respond at the time, I still think that with Senior Brother’s performance and loyalty, there should be no problem.”
“…” An Jixiang didn’t respond, because Chen Ruyi hadn’t answered his question. He didn’t know what seemingly insignificant yet profoundly influential changes had occurred inside and outside the Imperial Palace during this month away from Jinling.
“Lord Jiang and Lord Yuan naturally haven’t done anything to displease His Majesty,” Chen Ruyi said with a smile. “Now both are Deputy Directors of the Palace Attendant Bureau, assisting our master in managing palace affairs. And Jinyun Bureau wasn’t directly transformed from Jinyun Tower…”
Listening to Chen Ruyi’s leisurely explanation, An Jixiang finally understood what had transpired at court over the past month regarding the question of Jinyun Tower’s ownership.
Years ago when the Third Prince left the palace to establish his princely residence, he recruited disaster victims to form the Dragon Sparrow Army. Besides having Commanders, Vice Commanders, Battalion Commanders and other military officers directly commanding troops within the battalions under the jurisdiction of what was then the Marquis of Linjiang’s residence, the garrison military prefecture managing soldier-farmers’ cultivation and epidemic control was also under the Marquis of Linjiang’s administration. From peacetime soldier placement and management, to armor casting, to conscription and training rotation—all were completely handled by the Marquis of Linjiang’s residence, making the Dragon Sparrow Army thoroughly into private troops of the then-Third Prince.
Later, for convenient intelligence gathering, following Han Qian’s suggestion, the residence newly established Left and Right Offices of the Secret Bureau to specifically handle such matters.
Han Qian selected soldier-farmers from the military prefecture to establish the Left Office, while Chai Jian transferred disciples from Wanhong Tower to establish the Right Office. However, because Wanhong Tower disciples were more skilled at infiltration and assassination but clumsy at routine reconnaissance and scouting, ultimately only the Left Office of the Secret Bureau led by Han Qian truly operated and functioned under military prefecture management.
After the Jingxiang campaign, His Majesty was enfeoffed as Prince of Linjiang, and the Left Office of the Secret Bureau moved into the princely residence to conduct business at Jinyun Tower, which served as the library.
Han Qian at that time, as Literary Attendant of the princely residence, led Jiang Huo, Yuan Guowei, Lin Haizheng and others in managing intelligence gathering, reconnaissance and scouting affairs. Part of the Right Office personnel were also formally incorporated into Jinyun Tower to await deployment.
Whether during the campaign to eliminate feudal lords or the recovery of Jinling, Jinyun Tower played an enormous role.
Even though Han Qian returned to Xuzhou under the pretext of mourning, and some of the core personnel he had trained were excluded from Jinyun Tower, it couldn’t be denied that Jinyun Tower remained the most complete and powerful intelligence gathering and collection system within Great Chu.
However, after the Third Prince formally ascended the throne in Jinling, the various affairs of the former Prince Tan’s residence all needed to be incorporated into the formal court system of the Bureau of Military Affairs and the Six Ministries and Nine Courts.
Military intelligence gathering should properly belong to the Geography Office of the Bureau of Military Affairs. Officials and commoners in various prefectures violating laws and discipline should properly be investigated and impeached by the Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, Censorate, and Jingzhao Prefecture, not have all these matters taken over by a secret intelligence organization whose power was difficult to control.
If this were truly done, the Geography Office, Ministry of Justice, Court of Judicial Review, Censorate, and Jingzhao Prefecture—these proper major bureaus—would become virtually useless, and the court would become distorted and strange.
Therefore, Zheng Yu, Zheng Chang, Marquis Xinchang Li Pu, Prince of Yuzhang Yang Zhitang, and even Marquis of Liyang Yang En who had been rescued back to Jinling, all believed that Jinyun Tower had completed its historical mission and no longer needed to exist.
The many scouts, messengers, clerks and officials of the original Jinyun Tower could be distributed to the Geography Office, Court of Judicial Review, Censorate and various offices of the Ministry of Justice, or enter Jingzhao Prefecture to serve as clerks.
This way, the personnel Han Qian had originally trained wouldn’t need to be excluded to sit on cold benches, but could be completely placed in various bureaus as basic clerks to make up for manpower shortages.
As long as the court formally operated, three to five people couldn’t possibly resist the will of the entire court.
Yang Yuanpu made some compromises, agreeing that military intelligence gathering would be incorporated into the Geography Office of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and agreeing that the Court of Judicial Review, Censorate, Ministry of Justice and Jingzhao Prefecture would each perform their duties. But he insisted on newly establishing Jinyun Bureau, incorporating into it the investigation of treason cases that should originally be jointly tried by the Court of Judicial Review, Censorate, and Ministry of Justice.
Great Chu continued the old system, designating as unpardonable serious crimes—also called the Ten Abominations—plotting rebellion, plotting great rebellion, plotting treason, wickedness, depravity, great disrespect, unfilial conduct, discord, unrighteousness, and incest.
According to the new regulations, those great abomination crimes of the treason category—endangering the state, plotting to destroy ancestral temples, imperial tombs and palace towers, fleeing Great Chu, and disrespecting the sovereign—would all be investigated by Jinyun Bureau. After Jinyun Bureau completed investigation, cases would be transferred to the Three Offices for conclusion.
Jiang Huo and Yuan Guowei, having been castrated when entering the Imperial Treasury Office, were unsuitable for positions in the Geography Office, Court of Judicial Review, or Ministry of Justice.
The new Jinyun Bureau differed from the former Jinyun Tower. Even though Yang Yuanpu still wanted eunuch officials by his side to control it, he no longer wanted to use Jiang Huo and Yuan Guowei.
With Jiang Huo and Yuan Guowei promoted to Deputy Directors of the Palace Attendant Bureau, Yang Yuanpu favored having Zhang Ping’s two disciples Chen Ruyi and An Jixiang respectively serve as Left and Right Commanders of Jinyun Bureau.
“…” After listening to Chen Ruyi’s explanation, An Jixiang stood stunned for a long while not knowing what to say. Although momentarily unable to accurately describe what kind of existence Jinyun Bureau was, it would undoubtedly become His Majesty’s sharp weapon for controlling imperial power and eliminating dissidents.
However, both he and Chen Ruyi were selected by Wanhong Tower and sent to be raised by their master Zhang Ping. Even if they assassinated Wang Lin, giving Shen Yang an excuse to return to the central administration, and then handed over a list of Wanhong Tower disciples they knew lurking in the palace—would His Majesty trust them enough to have them replace Jiang Huo and Yuan Guowei in controlling Jinyun Bureau?
Although he and Chen Ruyi had lurked in the palace from childhood and were most perceptive about discerning people’s hearts, having followed Zhang Ping these years attending His Majesty while traveling far and wide—if not meritorious, at least laborious—the problem was they currently didn’t have the qualifications to control such weighty authority.
Or perhaps this was precisely why he and Chen Ruyi could serve as Left and Right Commanders of Jinyun Bureau?
After all, their credentials were shallow. Even serving as Left and Right Commanders, they would have few core personnel in Jinyun Bureau and could only depend on His Majesty to possibly control Jinyun Bureau well?
Only this way would Jinyun Bureau truly become claws and fangs His Majesty could control?
Was this what His Majesty meant by using the weak to control the strong, using the lowly to control the honored?
At this moment, facing the great authority within reach, An Jixiang’s heart stirred with both excitement and anxiety.
Of course, he had no reason to refuse. He could only force a smile: “Hereafter I’ll still be working with Younger Brother—where I fall short, I ask Younger Brother’s forbearance.”
“Lord An, from now on we must change how we address each other,” Chen Ruyi said in a shrill voice. “Hereafter we both serve His Majesty loyally. I’m afraid our brotherhood cannot continue to be acknowledged.”
An Jixiang was momentarily stunned, then understood upon reflection. When the court later learned of Jinyun Bureau’s great authority, even if His Majesty still trusted them, the princes and ministers at court would criticize them being disciples from the same school.
The Empress establishment ceremony still hadn’t concluded. An Jixiang questioned Chen Ruyi further about changes in Jinling over this month-plus.
The Bureau of Military Affairs didn’t establish a Commissioner, with Marquis Xinchang Li Pu serving as Vice Commissioner concurrently holding Grand Councilor rank. Yang Zhitang was additionally enfeoffed as Prince Shou, serving as Commander of All Campaign Cavalry and Infantry, the nominal supreme commander of the Southern Bureau Imperial Guards. Chen De served as Commissioner of the Martial Virtue Bureau concurrently holding Palace Front Inspector Commander, the nominal supreme commander of the Imperial Bodyguard. Marquis of Liyang Yang En had his title restored, serving as Grand Councilor concurrently overseeing the Imperial Treasury Court, Directorate of Construction, and Imperial Mausoleum Commission. Zheng Chang controlled the Censorate. Zheng Yu served as Grand Councilor concurrently holding Minister of Personnel. Han Daoming served as Grand Councilor concurrently holding Minister of Revenue. Zhang Chao served as Grand Councilor concurrently heading the Finance Commission. Marquis of Linjin Li Changfeng served as Grand Councilor concurrently holding Minister of Works…
These personnel qualified to participate in Bureau of Military Affairs conferences had already been determined when An Jixiang went to Xuzhou to deliver the edict.
Shen Yang ten days ago had formally received the edict summoning him back to the capital, serving as Grand Councilor of the Secretariat-Chancellery overseeing state governance, with others holding Grand Councilor rank serving as vice premiers.
Additionally, Zhang Xiang sent his son Zhang Feng, Du Chongtao sent his son Du Tao, and Yongjia Defense Commissioner and Left Dragon Militant Army Commander Zhou Bingwu, who sat guarding against Zhenan, sent his son Zhou Nan—all entered Jinling to present memorials and have audience with the new Emperor.
Yang Yuanpu discussed and decided with the State Council lords to transfer Yongjia Defense Commissioner Zhou Bingwu to court to serve as Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, jointly controlling military governance with Marquis Xinchang Li Pu, having Gu Zhilong replace Zhou Bingwu as Yongjia Defense Commissioner and Left Dragon Militant Army Commander, responsible for Zhenan’s defense against the Martial Might Army occupying Fujian.
Additionally, Du Chongtao was transferred as Governor of Shuzhou with additional Minister of War rank, leading the Left Martial Guard Army to garrison Shuzhou, pressuring from the west Chaozhou occupied by Anning Palace rebel forces. Zheng Hui was appointed Nanyang Defense Commissioner, controlling military governance of Deng, Jun, and Xiang prefectures, leading the Right Dragon Sparrow Army to station at the Fangcheng-Jingzikou defense line, responsible for resisting western Liang forces.
Besides these two transfer orders, the court temporarily had no other major actions, just waiting for Zhou Bingwu and Du Chongtao to accept orders and depart for their posts.
If both these matters proceeded without complications, it would indicate the situation in Jingxiang, Jiangnan East Circuit, Jiangnan West Circuit, and Hunan had completely stabilized.
New adjustment plans for the Imperial Guards and Imperial Bodyguard this month also successively emerged.
The original organization of the Left and Right Martial Guard Armies was retained, continuing with Zhang Xiang and Du Chongtao as Commanders respectively, garrisoning Jingzhou and Shuzhou.
The Left Dragon Militant Army organization was retained, having Gu Zhilong replace Zhou Bingwu as Commander, stationed at Yongjia to guard against the Martial Might Army occupying Fujian.
The Jiangxi Pacification Army was organized as the Right Dragon Militant Army, with Prince Shou’s heir Yang Fan as Commander, stationed at Caishi on Jinling’s western flank.
The Left and Right Dragon Sparrow Army organizations were retained, with Li Zhigao and Zheng Hui as Commanders respectively, stationed at Baohua Mountain west of Jinling and in Deng, Xiang, and Jun prefectures.
The Left and Right Divine Militant Armies were reestablished. Troops from Shao and Heng prefectures and the Five Finger Ridge defense line were organized as the Left Divine Militant Army with Chai Jian as Commander, mainly guarding against rebel forces that withdrew south to Yongzhou. The Right Guangde Army was reorganized as the Right Divine Militant Army with Chen Mingsheng as Commander, stationed at Jiangcheng southeast of Jinling.
The Five Fang Army naval forces were expanded into Left and Right Five Fang Armies, with Gao Chengyuan and Fan Xiang as Commanders stationed at Jiangzhou and Jinling respectively.
All the above forces fell under Bureau of Military Affairs jurisdiction. Because the Bureau of Military Affairs was on the southwest side of Chongwen Hall, they were called Southern Bureau Imperial Guards. Yang Zhitang, as Commander of All Campaign Cavalry and Infantry, was the nominal supreme commander of the Southern Bureau Imperial Guards.
Additionally, two Imperial Bodyguard units were organized, with Guo Liang and Zhang Han as Commanders respectively, responsible for Imperial Palace defense. All military orders came from the Martial Virtue Bureau. Chen De, as Palace Front Inspector Commander, was the nominal supreme commander of the Imperial Bodyguard.
Besides local prefecture battalions, besides the Left and Right Martial Guard Armies, Right Dragon Sparrow Army, Left Dragon Militant Army, Left Divine Militant Army, and Left Five Fang Army stationed at strategic locations like Jingzhou, Shuzhou, Xiangzhou, Yongjia, Shaozhou, and Jiangzhou, stationed in Jinling were the Left Dragon Sparrow Army, Right Dragon Militant Army, Right Five Fang Army, Right Divine Militant Army, and the two newly organized Imperial Bodyguard units—totaling one hundred thousand elite troops.
These major military and state affairs temporarily still had nothing to do with An Jixiang and Chen Ruyi.
What greatly affected their control of Jinyun Bureau was that a group of personnel from the original Jinyun Tower followed Wanhong Tower Director Xu Jing into the Geography Office of the Bureau of Military Affairs, specifically handling military intelligence gathering.
Also, the personnel Han Qian had trained in earlier years were all dispersed to Jingzhao Prefecture, Ministry of Justice, and Court of Judicial Review as clerks.
The retained personnel directly transferred from Jinyun Tower to Jinyun Bureau were mainly those trained after Jiang Huo and Yuan Guowei became case-managing executives—this was also why Yuan Guowei and Jiang Huo needed to be transferred to other positions?
After understanding these matters, An Jixiang’s heart also became clearer about the significance of his and Chen Ruyi’s existence as His Majesty’s claws and fangs. They would necessarily need to demonstrate something to gain His Majesty’s trust and truly secure their positions.
As for this so-called demonstration, was the list Chen Ruyi produced weighty enough?
An Jixiang deeply doubted this.
That Wanhong Tower and the Marquis Xinchang’s residence were remnant forces of Shenling Bureau in the Jianghuai region was almost a well-known secret. These years it was precisely the strong support of Wanhong Tower and the Marquis Xinchang’s residence that enabled His Majesty to reach this point today.
The forces of Wanhong Tower and the Marquis Xinchang’s residence had almost completely merged into Great Chu and could be said to be a faction loyal to Great Chu.
Not to mention Cishou Palace Commissioner Lu Qingxia and Marquis Xinchang Li Pu—today’s newly enfeoffed Empress, Left Dragon Sparrow Army Commander Li Zhigao, Left Divine Militant Army Commander Chai Jian, Ministry of Works Vice Minister Zhou Yuan, plus Chen Mingsheng, Zhou Shu, Li Chong, Li Chi, and Yao Xishui, Deng Tai, Thirteenth Lady Chun and so on—which one didn’t have countless ties to Wanhong Tower?
Even the Empress Dowager and His Majesty himself should be considered part of Wanhong Tower.
They were now going to report ten disciples who had lurked in the palace in previous years. But after His Majesty reviewed the list, at most he wouldn’t have these people serve by his side—at most they’d all be concentrated at Cishou Palace to attend the Empress Dowager. Could he possibly imprison or kill them all?
What matters had been accomplished, or what great merit could they establish in the short term, to truly gain His Majesty’s trust and secure their positions?
An Jixiang fell into deep, troubled thought…