034 Assuming Office

Promoted to the rank of Marquis, Wang Lanping had become a close confidant of the Emperor almost overnight. He was now riding the crest of a wave, enjoying unprecedented prestige. Not only had he received a promotion, but the Emperor had also granted him a new mansion—a three-courtyard residence. While it lacked the opulent grandeur of the Du family estate in Huaining, the four large characters on the plaque above the main gate, "Residence of the Marquis of Dingnan," carried far more weight and honor than the Du mansion ever could.

Beyond this, the Emperor bestowed upon him fifty thousand taels of silver to reward the three armies, along with ten male servants and ten palace maids. Although these maids were the ones left behind by Zhu Yousong, they were all quite attractive—certainly much easier on the eyes than rough men like Song Dali or Zheng Sen—and they added a touch of feminine grace to the Marquis’s estate.

Whenever Wang Lanping returned home heavily intoxicated, there would be a woman there to offer warmth and care, helping him undress and tucking him in. They were far more attentive than any man, kneading his shoulders and pounding his back. Ah, this life was truly delightful; it was so comfortable that Wang Lanping felt himself drifting into a dreamlike state.

Yet, Wang Lanping found himself increasingly puzzled. From which cloud had this pie fallen from the sky, and why was the Emperor doing all this? It seemed the Emperor hadn't asked him to do anything specific these past few days. Taking control of the Imperial Guard was easy, but winning over their hearts was a different matter entirely. What exactly was the Emperor playing at? Forget it; it was better to stick to his own plan. As the Chongzhen Emperor once said: every official in the imperial court is expendable.

The Nanjing Garrison Headquarters was now Wang Lanping’s official office, though the place had been largely abandoned since the Ming Emperor Chengzu moved the capital north, and it had not seen proper use for two hundred years.

When the Ming Emperor Taizu proclaimed himself emperor in Nanjing, he not only built this unprecedentedly large garrison, but also designated two streets outside it to serve as barracks for the city’s garrison troops. Initially, it operated under a quasi-military administration, but over time, it evolved into a commercial district dominated by professional soldiers. Garrison troops did business and traded there, and for a time, it was bustling. Once Chengzu moved north to guard the borders, Nanjing’s defense became less critical. As the Imperial Guard units were gradually transferred north, the once-thriving garrison and its soldier-built commercial district fell into decline. For two hundred years, only a few dozen hereditary garrison households remained, performing basic cleaning and maintenance.

When the Hongguang Emperor officially proclaimed himself emperor in Nanjing, the garrison was reopened, but it was merely for stationing troops. The original commercial district had long since fallen into ruin, barely habitable.

In the past, the responsibilities of the Nanjing Garrison were roughly equivalent to the Office of the Nine Gates Infantry Commander during the later Qing Dynasty; it was used to guard the city defenses, without the authority to command troops stationed outside the city. The Hongguang Emperor, however, had a novel idea: he wanted to consolidate the loose capital battalions and place them under the sole command of the Garrison Headquarters. This was precisely Wang Lanping's current mission.

In modern terms, Wang Lanping’s position was essentially a hybrid of Capital Garrison Commander and Regional Military Commander—a position of immense power.

In reality, however, he lacked the actual influence to back it up. Since taking command of the Imperial Guard, Wang Lanping knew all too well that this position was a lightning rod for jealousy. Winning over hearts was his most pressing concern. There were fifteen battalions of varying sizes inside and outside Nanjing, totaling over sixty thousand troops. More than half of the commanders were descendants of hereditary nobility whose family honors could be traced back to the eras of Taizu and Chengzu. Their seniority was incomparable to Wang Lanping’s. Others were power brokers like Zheng Hongkui, who controlled the Ming navy. No matter the faction, Wang Lanping was a nobody in their eyes.

Recognizing his own weaknesses, Wang Lanping adjusted his mindset. On his first day on the job, he didn't talk military strategy, didn't throw his weight around, and didn't try to seize control of their troops. He focused on one thing: pleasure.

For several days, Wang Lanping took these commanders to the most prosperous areas of Nanjing to eat, drink, and make merry. He was particularly generous in the flower districts along the Qinhuai River, throwing silver around like water. He even joined in the gambling himself, losing heavily and consistently.

In just a few days, Wang Lanping had squandered the ten thousand taels he brought from Huaining and the fifty thousand taels gifted by the Emperor. It wasn't his money anyway, so he didn't care.

As a result, Wang Lanping soon blended into their circle. Who wouldn't like a superior like that? As long as you don't scheme against their control of troops, everything else is negotiable. As for the nominal position the Hongguang Emperor had created, none of them took it seriously; it was just a title.

Beyond wining and dining the commanders, Wang Lanping reorganized the thousand men he brought from Huaining. He placed about two hundred veterans from the "Wind" Battalion around him as a personal bodyguard, while the "Wood" Battalion and the rest were stationed on the garrison street outside the headquarters. At the very least, the Garrison Headquarters was now fully under his control from within.

It wasn't just the commanders he courted. The newly renovated Marquis’s residence saw a constant stream of officials. Over a hundred visited—some to flatter, some to probe. Regardless, Wang Lanping entertained them all warmly, exchanging pleasantries and false sentiments. Every single one of them was a displaced official who had fled from Beijing, holding a title but no real power. They had once been prominent, but now, like tigers fallen to the plains, they were bullied by dogs. Wang Lanping, the "Scholar," was considered half a man from Beijing, so they kept close ties, hoping for a better future.

One day, after sending off a group of idle officials, Wang Lanping summoned Zheng Sen and Battalion Commander Song to the back garden. They sat around a stone table, and after the maids served tea and withdrew, they were left alone.

Zheng Sen and Battalion Commander Song had been living like gods these past few days, almost forgetting their home. Life was comfortable: sipping wine, tasting tea, holding palace maids, humming tunes, and receiving gifts. Who would want to fight a damned war?

It wasn't just the two commanders; many of the soldiers were also lost in the prosperity of Nanjing. This was precisely what Wang Lanping feared. They had forgotten their pain once the wounds had healed. The world was still in chaos, and a good life had to be bought with one’s life. How much longer would Nanjing remain peaceful? Once the Qing forces finished off Li Zicheng, the Ming Dynasty would be next.

Wang Lanping had taken the time to inspect a few Imperial Guard camps, and what he saw shocked him. Gambling was rampant. Some junior officers were even bringing prostitutes into the barracks to stay overnight. Equipment was missing, and if not for the soldiers coming and going, no one would ever guess these were barracks meant to guard Nanjing. They were nothing but a rabble. Could these soldiers even fight?

Wang Lanping poured tea for both of them and said, "Two commanders, this Marquis’s mansion is a decent place, isn't it?"

Zheng Sen chuckled, "It’s excellent, truly excellent. It feels like a different lifetime compared to fighting for our lives on the Huaining battlefield."

"Isn't that the truth?" Song Dali laughed, "Marquis, coming to Jinling was the right move. The brothers have shared in your good fortune. Look at this tea—what’s it called? I heard it costs over ten taels of silver a catty. Heh, we’re just rough men; it tastes much worse than wine to me."

Wang Lanping smiled, "Indeed. It’s rare for a commander to have such comfortable days. But I fear this good scenery won't last."

Zheng Sen nodded gravely, "The Emperor has been so generous—bestowing titles, granting mansions, and sending maids. I still don't understand what the Emperor is trying to do."

Song Dali chimed in, "Exactly. Just days ago, Marquis, you were a mere regional commander with fewer than a thousand men. Now, you command sixty thousand, all on the imperial payroll. I’ve been racking my brain over this, too."

It seemed they hadn't been completely corrupted by the "sugar-coated bullets." Wang Lanping clapped his hands and laughed, "Good, at least you’re still thinking about real business. Do you think the Emperor’s rewards are easy to accept? Let me tell you: go back and warn your subordinates. Do not let your guard down, especially now. The Emperor is using us as a shield. Keep your wits about you; don't forget why we came to Nanjing."

Both commanders sat up straight and asked in unison, "A shield? A shield against whose arrows? Is someone trying to harm the Emperor?"

Wang Lanping lowered his voice, "Don't worry about that. I have my own ways of maneuvering. Tomorrow, I will go to the palace and have the Emperor promote you both. Don't look at these officials coming by every day; they act like they want to be my sons, but you can't rely on a single one of them. To accomplish great things, I have to rely on you, my brothers, and the thousand men we brought with us."

Zheng Sen asked, "What does the General intend to do?"

Wang Lanping raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I thought I’d just get some reward silver for coming to Nanjing, but I didn't expect such a high position; it saves me a lot of trouble. Listen to me: tomorrow I will recommend to the Emperor that Zheng Sen be made Vice Regional Commander of Huai'an, and Commander Song, you will be the Commander of the Three Thousand Battalion of the Imperial Guard."

The two looked at each other in surprise. That was a fast promotion! Especially the Three Thousand Battalion—it was an elite force established during the Taizu era, composed entirely of former Yuan cavalry. The battalion structure had been passed down through generations, drawing the best from every garrison. It had always maintained a strength of three thousand, hence the name, and was the most combat-ready unit in the Imperial Guard.

Zheng Sen expressed concern, "What if Chief Grand Secretary Ma disagrees? And Liu Zeqin, the Vice Regional Commander of Huai'an, is not on good terms with you. If I go, will he tolerate me?"

Wang Lanping laughed, "Don't worry. You don't need Ma to know about your transfer. The order will go directly through the Ministry of War. I believe Shi Kefa and Ma are not of the same mind; he will help me keep it secret. By the time you arrive in Huai'an and take office, it will be a fait accompli, even if Ma finds out. Remember, once you arrive, do not get into a dispute with Liu Zeqin. Can you play the fool?"

Zheng Sen looked awkward and gave a dry laugh.

Wang Lanping said sternly, "What are you laughing at? Just play the fool. Even if you can't, you must. Our success depends on how well you play it. You even have to curse me—curse me to death. Make him think you and I have had a falling out. How you make him believe that is up to you."

Song Dali burst into laughter.

Wang Lanping glared, "What are you laughing at? And you, remember this: tomorrow I will have the current commander of the Three Thousand Battalion transferred to the Garrison Headquarters. Nominally, he will be the Nanjing Garrison Commander. After you take over, the same rule applies: do whatever it takes to win their hearts. I don't care if you have to cheat, lie, or steal—I just want the loyalty of those three thousand men. If you can't do it, tell me now, and I’ll find someone else."

Seeing Wang Lanping’s seriousness, they both nodded solemnly.

Song Dali asked, "But the commander of the Three Thousand Battalion has held that post for years, and his influence is deep-rooted. Will he give up his military power so easily?"

Wang Lanping sipped his tea and said, "You think my silver was thrown away for nothing? I saw it long ago: these people are not of one mind. Everyone just wants to preserve their own power. Taking my silver will at least ensure they aren't hostile toward me. We’ll use the Three Thousand Battalion as our first target to test the reactions of the others. As long as no one objects, we’ll pick off the rest one by one."

Song Dali nodded, feeling a lingering fear. On the battlefield, with swords and guns, there was nothing to fear—at worst, you died. But in the world of political intrigue, there were too many enemies in the shadows; it was impossible to guard against them all.

Zheng Sen didn't understand why he was being sent to Liu Zeqin’s camp, so he asked, "Marquis, what exactly are you planning? I don't feel right about this."

Wang Lanping gave a cold chuckle, "Killing. Killing Liu Zeqin. We fought and bled in Huaining while he ran off without a word. He ended up as the Earl of Dongping, and the Emperor even gave him fifty thousand taels of silver, making me a stepping stone for his success. I cannot swallow this insult."

Zheng Sen nodded and slammed his fist on the table, "Good. The less of these coward generals there are, the safer the Ming Dynasty will be."

With the plan set, Wang Lanping ordered Commander Song to arrange for some trusted men to go to the Ministry of War and spend some silver to find out where Liu Zeqin’s family was staying.

The next morning, just as Wang Lanping was getting ready to head to the palace, Zheng Sen reported that a eunuch had arrived with an imperial decree, summoning Wang Lanping to the palace immediately to discuss state affairs.