Chapter Five: The Embroidered Uniform Guard

The next day, Commander Luo Sigung of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and his son Luo Yangxing were summoned together. When Luo Yangxing saw Wei Zhongxian, he immediately recognized him, so he was not surprised upon seeing Zhu Youjiao. After both men knelt and bowed their heads, Zhu Youjiao allowed them to rise and bestowed seats upon them. Luo Sigung sat down, while Luo Yangxing remained standing behind him.

“Lord Luo, I’ve heard from the ministers that the loss of Kaiyuan and Tieling was due entirely to traitors causing sabotage within the cities. Is this true?”

“Your Majesty, it is as you have heard. The fault lies with your servant’s negligence. I beg Your Majesty to punish me as you see fit!” Luo Sigung knelt again, and seeing this, Luo Yangxing hurriedly followed suit.

Zhu Youjiao did not let him rise. “I’ve heard that during the Korean campaign, the Embroidered Uniform Guard played a crucial role. Why has no sign of them been seen in the battles with the Jianzhou Jurchens?”

“Your Majesty, during the Korean War, it was also your humble servant who led the Guard. At that time, the Guard could rely on the Koreans for intelligence, manpower, and even funds. In Liaodong, there’s no such advantage. The local garrisons there have known peace for too long and are unwilling to cooperate with the Guard. There are neither the people nor the funds to support operations. The annual pay for the Guard is but fifty thousand taels, yet there are now over seven thousand men. The officers and men can barely make ends meet, let alone take action in Liaodong.”

“Why, then, is the number of men in the Guard so high, yet the funds so scarce?”

“The pay has long been fixed, and the number of men has not changed much. As far back as the forty-fifth year of Wanli, there were nearly seven thousand. The difference now is that more and more people have been granted honorary positions within the Guard as a mark of imperial favor. Originally, these people did not draw salaries, but now they do, and the higher their rank, the more they take. Thus, the Guard’s funds are no longer sufficient.”

At this, Zhu Youjiao allowed him to rise. “From what you say, it seems there is some justification. I shall take your words under consideration for now. I have summoned you because I want the Embroidered Uniform Guard to contribute more to the Liaodong campaign. If you want the horse to run, you must let it eat; so first, those who hold no real post within the Guard are not to draw salaries, and those unfit for service are to be dismissed. That should allow you to better support those who do the work. Secondly, the Guard may draw a portion of funds from my private treasury, to be used specifically for Liaodong. As for how much, that depends on your performance. From September until next August, I will grant fifty thousand taels. Next September, the amount will depend on your results: if I am satisfied, I will double it; if not, I will halve it and strip you of your official hat. What say you?”

Luo Sigung knelt and bowed deeply. “Your Majesty’s grace is boundless. Your servant would lay down his life in gratitude. With your command, I shall personally lead the Embroidered Uniform Guard into Liaodong, risking life and limb in Your Majesty’s service.”

“I will judge not only your words but your deeds. Lord Luo, you must remain in the capital as commander-in-chief. I have met Captain Luo once; he is shrewd and capable. I hereby promote him to Assistant Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, in charge of all matters in Liaodong.”

Both men knelt and gave thanks, crying, “Long live the Emperor’s grace!”

“Select the most capable men, turn or eliminate traitors who have surrendered, gather intelligence on the enemy, rouse the loyal among the people, create instability in their rear, and root out internal spies—ensure that the disaster at Kaiyuan and Tieling is not repeated. I believe the vast majority of Han people remain loyal to the court. If we treat them well, they will trust and help us. Our Han outnumber the Jurchens by far; if the Guard does its job, victory will come more easily to our officers and soldiers.”

“I also believe that investigating whether any generals in Liaodong’s army have secretly colluded with the Jurchens is of utmost importance. If any are discovered, report to the local authorities and have them escorted to the capital at once; if the situation is dire, they may be executed on the spot.”

After expressing their gratitude, father and son left the palace in high spirits. Luo Sigung questioned his son in detail about his meeting with the Emperor, then said excitedly, “Heaven truly has eyes! I was worried you would not be able to keep your honor and fortune, but now that you have the Emperor’s favor, as long as you work diligently, you have nothing to fear in the future.”

Luo Yangxing replied, “From what His Majesty said just now, it’s clear that he takes the matter of enemy spies very seriously. I only wish to do more for His Majesty; as for honor and fortune, as long as I serve well, there is no need to worry.”

“My son’s words put your old father to shame.”

“Father, you speak too harshly. You are getting old and care for your son; I am grateful beyond words.”

Now Zhu Youjiao had to prepare to reform the military. The first to be reformed was the Capital Garrison. Lu Qin and Zhou Yuji would not do—they were too low in rank, and more importantly, both were military men, unable to command the situation. A civil official was needed. But who? With no peasant uprisings at the moment, Sun Chuanting was wasted as a mere county magistrate. He had shown himself a fierce slayer of rebels; why not send him for a trial?

The next day, Zhu Youjiao sent for Sun Chuanting. At this time, Zhou Yuji arrived. After saluting, Zhou Yuji presented a letter to Zhu Youjiao. “Last night, your humble servant found this under his door upon returning home.”

The envelope was addressed to Zhu Xiaoqi in person. Tearing it open, he found a single sheet with a few simple words: “My father insists I enter the beauty selection. Please return the sachet to me.”

It had been more than half a year since he had seen Baozhu; though he often thought of her, he was simply too busy to leave the palace. His feelings for Baozhu ran deep, and she seemed to reciprocate. But what did the letter mean? He thought of consulting Wei Zhongxian, but recalling that he was a eunuch, decided it would be pointless. Better to ask Lady Ke.

He explained the matter to Lady Ke, who smiled, “Our young master is all grown up—congratulations.” She studied the words on the letter, asked a few details, then said, “Next year, there will be a selection of beauties to serve Your Majesty. Everyone knows this. So if one wishes to avoid the selection, one must marry or become betrothed this year. The young lady Your Majesty mentioned is in fact urging you to propose.”

“Could it be she seeks to marry into the imperial family, and so wants the sachet back?” Zhu Youjiao, from past experience, knew the allure money held for women, and power was even more tempting; he feared this might be the case, which saddened him greatly.

“Your Majesty is worrying too much. If she wished to be chosen as a consort, she would have no need to ask for the sachet’s return. Once she became a consort, who would dare use such a thing against her? Besides, there’s only the character ‘Qi’ on the sachet—how could that prove she made it? If she truly wanted the sachet back, she’d have returned the jade pendant first.”

Only then was Zhu Youjiao truly reassured, though he still fretted over how to resolve the matter. Lady Ke said, “Why not reveal your identity to her, Your Majesty? When the consort selection takes place, I can see to it that she is chosen.”

After thinking carefully, Zhu Youjiao replied, “That would be too predictable. I want to give her a surprise.”