033 Conferring Titles and Bestowing Nobility

Having secured such a neutral figure who leaned toward neither side, how could Zhu Yousong possibly fail to make good use of him? Sending the matter back to the Cabinet for deliberation would just mean letting Ma Shiying call the shots, so he decided to announce it publicly in the court that very day. Otherwise, as time went on, there was no telling which way this "Top Scholar Wang" might eventually lean.

Shi Kefa understood Zhu Yousong’s motives well enough. Since his own voice held no weight in the court, and this Top Scholar Wang had once been Ma Shiying’s subordinate, if they were to reminisce after the court session, there would be even less room for those like himself—who held high titles but no real power—to speak on state affairs. Strengthening the Emperor’s prestige was, in effect, a way to weaken Ma Shiying’s monopoly on power.

With his mind made up, Shi Kefa stepped out of the ranks and said, "Your Majesty, although Top Scholar Wang’s bloody battle at Huaining did not achieve a total victory on the surface, it dealt a heavy blow to the arrogance of the rebel forces and ensured they would not dare underestimate the Ming army. Recently, the Ministry of War received reports that the rebel Yuan Zongdi’s forces have retreated westward, and there is no longer fighting on the Yangtze River defense line. This is entirely due to Top Scholar Wang’s contribution. As the Minister of War, I specifically request that Your Majesty bestow honors upon General Wang to encourage the troops at the front to follow this example and fight bravely, as well as to demonstrate that Your Majesty is clear in rewarding and punishing. I recommend Wang Lanping for promotion to Regional Commander of Anqing Prefecture."

As soon as these words were spoken, the civil and military officials in the court were stunned. Even Zhu Yousong found it laughable; everyone knew that Anqing Prefecture had already been decimated, with most of its territory occupied by the Shun rebels. What Anqing Prefecture was left to command? It was complete nonsense.

Yet Shi Kefa had calculated carefully. The Four Garrisons of the Yangtze and Zuo Liangyu, who was cowering in the Jiujiang area, were all people who cared only for their own skins; the Emperor’s edicts meant nothing to them. It was far too difficult to mobilize these men for a Northern Expedition. If Wang Lanping were appointed Regional Commander of Anqing, and if he could win a few more brilliant battles, it would not only provide the Emperor with a base of support outside the court and strengthen the Yangtze defense line, but it would also serve to split the power of Ma Shiying’s faction. Furthermore, Shi Kefa had another consideration: Wang Lanping was someone who had truly climbed up from the bottom. He could not allow him to form cliques within the court. Perhaps by sponsoring him as a Regional Commander, he could gain an ally outside the court to counter Ma Shiying. It was killing four birds with one stone—why wouldn't he do it?

Wang Lanping had already considered the possibility that the Emperor might take a sudden interest in sending him back to Anqing. The main issue was how many troops and how much funding would be provided. He only had about a thousand men under his command, and the former Regional Commander of Anqing, Liu Zeqiang, had already moved all his forces to the Huaian area. He couldn't just go to Anqing empty-handed. Yuan Zongdi’s hundred thousand troops hadn't gone far, and if they were to launch a counterattack, he would have nowhere to run.

Wang Lanping also knew that Yuan Zongdi’s counterattack was inevitable. It was only a matter of time, because he knew that Li Zicheng’s Tongguan Pass had fallen. The next target for the Qing army would be his stronghold, Xi’an. With the current combat effectiveness of the Qing army, Li Zicheng could not possibly block them. Xi’an would fall sooner or later. Where would Li Zicheng go next? He would likely head south to find a new place to settle and start a war with the Ming. Li Zicheng might not be able to handle the Qing, but dealing with the Ming was child’s play. Therefore, it was best not to go to Anqing right now; it was a front-line position, and going there without strength was just asking for trouble.

Shi Kefa’s idea was good, and if it were any other general, Wang Lanping would certainly support it. But Wang Lanping was no ordinary general. Being stationed at the front was for other commanders; he needed to control the overall situation. If he just let these people play their games, the Southern Ming would never escape its fate of destruction.

In fact, Wang Lanping had long guessed that since Zhu Yousong had gone to such lengths to summon him, he would absolutely not send him back out. Judging from his historical performance, this Emperor lacked the strategic foresight for such a move, and Shi Kefa’s plan was merely wishful thinking.

Sure enough, as soon as Shi Kefa finished, Zhu Yousong became displeased. He glared at Shi Kefa and thought to himself: *If you don't know how to speak, keep your mouth shut. If I send him that far away, why did I bother to summon him back?*

Zhu Yousong said, "Minister Shi’s words are reasonable, but I feel that appointing Top Scholar Wang as a Regional Commander would be a waste of his talents. The Great Ming is currently in dire need of capable people. How about this, I..."

Before Zhu Yousong could finish, Ma Shiying, sensing that the situation was taking a turn, interjected, "Your Majesty is wise. Top Scholar Wang indeed possesses the talent to stabilize the state, and such talent is exactly what our Ming Dynasty lacks. I nominate Wang Lanping for a position in the Cabinet, to enter the Ministry of War and serve as Vice Minister of War, participating in the deliberation of military affairs."

In the era of the Chongzhen Emperor, such an appointment would have been an earth-shattering event. For a military officer to be appointed as a Cabinet Minister and enter the Ministry of War was as difficult as ascending to heaven. The ancestral rule of the Ming was that civil officials should oversee the military. However, the current Ministry of War was merely a facade; real power lay with Ma Shiying and the various regional commanders around him. Minister Shi and his deputies spent their days doing nothing but idle chatting.

This method of "promoting in name while demoting in reality" to sideline a military officer was the most effective way to deal with political rivals, and it was a reason that made it impossible for the other side to object.

Wang Lanping smiled to himself: *Truly cunning. I expected you to pull this move.*

"Your Majesty!" Wang Lanping said. "This humble servant is but a soldier. I joined the military examinations solely for the sake of the Ming, to protect the Zhu family’s empire for ten thousand generations. I have some use on the battlefield, but to enter the Ministry of War to deliberate on major military affairs—I fear I am not up to the task. I would rather return to the front line as a simple soldier. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider."

This was exactly what Zhu Yousong wanted to hear. He was, after all, a student of the late Emperor; the moment he spoke, he prioritized the Zhu Ming empire. What a good man! What would be the point of moving him to the Ministry of War, where he would likely become Shi Kefa’s man? This person had to stay by his side. *The rest of you, don't even think about it.*

Zhu Yousong said, "Top Scholar Wang is accomplished but not arrogant, and he does not covet high positions. It is admirable. Minister Shi’s nomination of you as Regional Commander of Anqing is well-deserved, and the Chief Councilor’s nomination for you to join the Ministry of War is also reasonable. I believe both of you have valid points and are acting out of public interest. I am deeply gratified. Wang Lanping, receive the decree."

With this, neither Ma Shiying nor Shi Kefa knew what the Emperor intended, but they could not argue and could only listen quietly.

Wang Lanping, however, began to feel pleased. Zhu Yousong had been Emperor for some time now, but he had never been able to decide anything for himself. He had been carried into the palace by the common people, but this time, the Emperor was making a decision on his own. Who could say a word against it?

"This humble servant is here!" Wang Lanping knelt down respectfully.

More than a hundred pairs of eyes were fixed on Zhu Yousong, which thrilled him; he was finally the center of attention.

Zhu Yousong beckoned to the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial, signaling for him to be helped up. This matter had to be announced while standing to be truly majestic.

"Proclaim!" Zhu Yousong had never felt so confident. This was the first time since becoming Emperor that he had issued an imperial decree himself, even if it was behind the back of the Cabinet.

A young eunuch holding the imperial decree walked out from behind and unfolded it before the crowd.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Whereas Wang Lanping is diligent, filial, respectful, and frugal, and possesses both literary and military talents, the late Emperor graciously bestowed upon him the rank of Deputy Regional Commander of Anqing and General of Jingnan, tasked with guarding Huaining City. During the recent Battle of Huaining, Wang Lanping led his men from the front, upholding the prestige of our dynasty. In recognition of his merits, he is hereby appointed General of Dragon and Tiger, granted the honorary title of Vice Minister of War, and elevated to the peerage of Dingnan Marquis, a military official serving the Heavenly Throne. He is to command the various battalions of the Capital Guard in the Nanjing capital. I trust you will remain humble and prudent, continue your efforts, and fortify our Great Ming. Thus it is decreed!"

Wang Lanping was slightly stunned. *General of Dragon and Tiger?* He hadn't misheard, had he? This was a title that most military officers couldn't hope to achieve in a lifetime of service. His previous title, "General of Jingnan," clearly sounded local, but titles like "General of Dragon and Tiger" or "General of Dragon-Inlaid" were top-tier military ranks. Above that, one could only reach the rank of "Grand Master of Splendid Happiness" at the very peak. Although the title carried no real power, its prestige was immense. Even the famous anti-pirate general Qi Jiguang had only reached the rank of General of Martial Virtue, a fifth-rank position, which was worlds away from the General of Dragon and Tiger.

Commanding the capital’s battalions meant, in plain terms, being the Regional Commander of Nanjing. This was real power. The total number of troops guarding Nanjing was sixty thousand, all elite Ming soldiers drawn from various regions. This was already holding significant power. Adding the title of Vice Minister of War—one must know that high-ranking officials overseeing the military and political affairs of several provinces were usually only granted the title of Minister of War. Being granted the title of Vice Minister of War allowed him to oversee the regional commanders of various smaller towns surrounding Nanjing, something the Four Garrisons of the Yangtze could not compare to. Moreover, it was likely the first time since the founding of the Ming Dynasty that a military officer had been granted the title of Vice Minister of War.

Wang Lanping finally understood: the Emperor was keeping him close to protect him personally. It was within reason and within expectations; in any case, he was not to leave the imperial capital. But rising so quickly—was he being too conspicuous? Would the regional commanders stationed outside be convinced? Not to mention the Four Garrisons of the Yangtze closest to Nanjing, Zuo Liangyu in Jiujiang would surely be the first to object. With 150,000 troops and being a veteran of three reigns, he only held the title of Marquis of Ningnan. Suddenly granting him a Marquis title—he wouldn't object to that, but had the Emperor considered the feelings of these other men?

Ma Shiying was nearly laughing to death upon hearing the decree. He had been worried about how to resolve the issue of controlling the Capital Guard. Now, the Emperor was digging his own grave. The battalions guarding Nanjing had never been under the jurisdiction of the Four Garrisons of the Yangtze; most of them were fence-sitters like Zheng Hongkui, each acting on their own and refusing to submit to one another. Ma Shiying had thought of many ways to bring the Capital Guard under the influence of the Four Garrisons, but had never found a reasonable excuse. After all, these were imperial troops, the Forbidden Guard; for an outside official to intervene would raise suspicions of controlling the capital’s defense. Now that this decree was out, he feared no one would stop short of forcing a palace coup. Once Wang Lanping fell, it would be logical to take over the Forbidden Guard.

"This humble servant accepts the decree. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live the Emperor!" Wang Lanping naturally could not refuse such an unprecedented honor in front of the entire court. It actually saved him a lot of trouble; he would have to face these powerful generals sooner or later, and better now than later.

Ma Shiying immediately knelt and congratulated him, inwardly ecstatic, "The Emperor is wise in using talent and clear in rewarding and punishing. The Emperor is wise!"

"The Emperor is wise!..."

With the Chief Councilor leading the way, a large crowd knelt down. Some followed the herd, some were flattering the Chief Councilor, and a few generals of the Capital Guard wanted to flatter their new superior. The court was suddenly bustling, and not a single person dared to object.

However, several officials remained standing, looking around—these were the hardline main-war faction led by Shi Kefa, who insisted on launching a northern expedition.

"Your Majesty! Please retract this decree! Although Wang Lanping has the talent of a general, he is still young, and I fear his seniority is insufficient to command respect. This decree will invite disaster!" Shi Kefa was risking his life today; not only had he rejected the Chief Councilor earlier, but now he dared to oppose the Emperor’s decree.

Ma Shiying turned and shouted, "Bold! Shi Kefa, a monarch does not joke. Do you dare to disobey the imperial decree? General Wang is a rare talent; what is he incapable of? Moreover, the Capital Guard battalions have been acting independently with loose discipline and have long needed cleaning up. General Wang’s fame is widespread, and this appointment is well-deserved. Minister Shi, you disagree—do you have someone else in mind? Are you planning to collude with outside forces to plot something nefarious?"

Shi Kefa said urgently, "Your Majesty, I have no such selfish motives. I am truly concerned for the peace of Nanjing. The Ming has finally found its footing in these dangerous times; it cannot withstand a great upheaval. Your Majesty!"

"Silence!" Zhu Yousong slapped the dragon desk. "My decree has been issued. Wang Lanping will take up his post immediately. Dismiss the court!"

"We respectfully see the Emperor off..." Ma Shiying was eager for the Emperor to leave quickly to prevent any changes. He now needed to start contacting the Four Garrisons of the Yangtze to prepare and announce this news to the world as soon as possible. Anyone who was dissatisfied could come to the capital.

Shi Kefa knelt and kept moving toward the rear hall, "Your Majesty, this is a path to disaster! Your Majesty, Your Majesty! Chief Councilor, you—say something! Can you not see the consequences of doing this?"

Ma Shiying smiled triumphantly and ignored him, pacing out of the Fengtian Hall. The civil and military officials followed, fearing any association with Wang Lanping. Those who had originally stood with Shi Kefa, seeing that the matter was settled and irreversible, sighed and left.

The entire hall was empty, save for Shi Kefa and Wang Lanping. It was quiet and vacant.

The dejected Shi Kefa remained kneeling, his heart as cold as ash. Wang Lanping, holding the imperial decree, walked behind him, took his arm, and said softly, "Cabinet Minister, please rise. The Emperor has left."

Shi Kefa turned his head slowly and looked at him, "General Wang, I have no personal grudge against you, but you truly cannot accept this position. You should understand. I hope you will consider the big picture and submit a resignation."

Wang Lanping chuckled, "Cabinet Minister, please rise first. This matter is already a foregone conclusion. Besides, you and I are strangers; why have so little confidence in me?"

Shi Kefa struggled to his feet, and the two walked toward the hall entrance. Shi Kefa whispered, "General, you are new to the court and do not know the dangers within. The Chief Councilor supported the Emperor today, which is unprecedented. I know what he is thinking. It is true that the Capital Guard battalions act independently, but it is precisely this situation that maintains the stability of the capital. Mutual restraint is the key to lasting peace. Our Great Ming Dynasty has stood for nearly three hundred years. When the founding Emperor established the three main capital battalions, he ensured their commanders were not under one jurisdiction for this very reason. If the Forbidden Guard obeys one person and that person fully controls the defense of the capital, once that person harbors ulterior motives, the world will be in chaos."

Wang Lanping naturally understood this and nodded, "Cabinet Minister, are you saying that once I control Nanjing, I will do something out of line?"

Shi Kefa hurriedly said, "No, no, General, do not misunderstand. I am worried that this move will cause widespread dissatisfaction. Once the news spreads, in a few days, regional commanders from all over will flock to Nanjing, perhaps even bringing troops to force the Emperor’s hand."

Shi Kefa was indeed farsighted. If regional commanders forced the Emperor’s hand, there would only be two outcomes: either both sides would be devastated, giving the rebels an opportunity, or Wang Lanping would be ousted, and this position would be taken by one of Ma Shiying’s men. Who could say that the world wouldn't end up under the Ma name?

Wang Lanping said, "Cabinet Minister, you speak too gravely. Since I dared to accept this decree, I have already considered the consequences. Please set your heart at ease."

Shi Kefa couldn't help but look at him a few more times, suspicious, "General, do you truly intend to take up this post?"

Wang Lanping laughed heartily, "The Emperor’s word is final; I dare not defy the decree. I ask the Cabinet Minister to wait and see." With that, he strode ahead, leaving Shi Kefa standing alone in the hall.