Chapter 35: Suizhou City Under the Guidance of Yuan Keli

"Hahaha, my Great Ming Dynasty can still be saved... it can still be saved..."

For half an hour, Yuan Keli asked over a dozen questions, covering the state of the court, the factional strife, the reasons behind his recommendation, and more. Once he finished, he stood in the central hall, laughing loudly until tears began to stream down his face. With his wisdom, his perspective as an outsider, and the inside information provided by Fang Wen, it was not difficult for him to discern the Emperor's true intentions.

Fang Wen watched him quietly, refraining from rushing him, his own heart filled with deep emotion. As the Emperor's absolute confidants, although they were not privy to the full extent of His Majesty's plans, everything the Emperor had done thus far clearly signaled an intent to revitalize the Great Ming.

After a long while, Yuan Keli finally calmed down. "Fang Wen, return to Beijing immediately. Tell His Majesty that I shall set off for Xi'an Prefecture at once. I will not fail the trust His Majesty has placed in me."

"Master Yuan, there is no need to rush. I was merely ordered by His Majesty to travel through the night to see you. The imperial decree should arrive by noon tomorrow. It will not be too late to depart after you have received it. For now, please make your preparations."

"Very well. I am in high spirits today. Fang Wen, join me for a grand drink."

The next morning, as the sun began to rise, the sound of rapid hoofbeats echoed from afar. The guards at the gate of Suizhou County looked at one another, their eyes filled with vigilance. The officer in charge waved his hand, and the gates were promptly shut. A dozen guards drew their bows, arrows nocked and ready, watching the approaching team.

"Dismount and submit to inspection!"

As the cavalcade reached the gate, the leader tossed a token to the officer. "I am Wu Wen, Imperial Secretary of the Hanlin Academy. Open the gates at once and lead us to the residence of Master Yuan Keli."

The officer glanced at the token and then at the dozen men. He saw a middle-aged man behind the leader wearing a black flying-fish robe, followed by men clad in Ming-style armor. Such attire was the standard uniform of the Embroidered Uniform Guard; to dare impersonate them—and then demand to see the esteemed Elder Yuan—would be a death wish. Without further suspicion, he waved his hand, and the gates slowly opened. The officer mounted a horse at the gate.

"My lords, please do not ride at full speed within the city."

Wu Wen observed the clean, tidy streets, the bustling commoners, and the street vendors. Although most people were dressed simply, some even wearing patches, every face was brimming with a genuine smile. Occasionally, horses or carriages would pass through the streets at a very slow pace, waiting for pedestrians to clear the path before moving on. They were men of the world, yet such a scene was unimaginable in other counties—even Beijing, beneath the Emperor's feet, could not achieve this.

"The folk customs in your Suizhou County are truly simple and honest."

"Master Wu, it is all thanks to the teachings of Elder Yuan. Our county magistrate is a student of his, and many of the rules and ideas in this city were proposed by him. Though our Suizhou is a bit poor, the people live in peace and contentment."

The group was highly conspicuous as they rode through the streets. Hearing the conversation, the passing commoners grew curious, and soon hundreds of people were following behind them. A quarter of an hour later, they arrived at Yuan Keli's residence. Having already received word, Yuan Keli and his family were waiting in the courtyard.

"Yuan Keli, receive the decree!" the Imperial Secretary's men entered the courtyard and announced in a loud voice. Yuan Keli and his family knelt.

"By the grace of Heaven and the Emperor, it is decreed: Since ancient times, emperors have pacified the world by relying on the strength of their generals and ministers. Yuan Keli has been upright for a lifetime, a loyal minister of refined character. His conduct is noble, his will unyielding, and his heart cannot be moved by temptation. He is hereby ordered to return to court in his original capacity, additionally appointed as Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall and Minister of War. He shall enter Shaanxi to take charge of disaster relief, and upon the conclusion of these efforts, he shall enter the Cabinet to participate in affairs of state. Respect this!"

"Your subject receives the decree and offers thanks; I shall not fail the trust of His Majesty."

Yuan Keli held the decree high above his head with both hands, then placed it upon the altar in the central hall and kowtowed once more. The messenger felt a bit perplexed by Yuan Keli's attitude; after all, this great official had submitted three resignations half a year ago, determined to retire into seclusion. Why was he so eager now?

"Someone, bring tea!"

"Elder Yuan, there is no need for tea. I must return to report. Please make your preparations and depart as soon as possible. Others have already set out from Beijing to conduct an advance investigation, and you will rendezvous with them in Xi'an. His Majesty has granted you the authority to act as circumstances dictate regarding all matters within Shaanxi. Furthermore, this is a summary of the situation regarding the refugees and civil unrest in Shaanxi. You may review it on your journey."

"Additionally, this is Cui Ming, a Centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who will be responsible for your protection on the way to Xi'an."

Wu Wen gestured toward the man in the black flying-fish robe standing in the courtyard. Yuan Keli nodded.

With the decree delivered and instructions given, Wu Wen took his leave. Seeing him depart, Yuan Keli waved his hand, and a servant left, returning moments later with a worn-out carriage. "Centurion Cui, let us go."

Cui Ming was bewildered. "Elder, are you not going to prepare?"

"What is there to prepare? I am going to provide disaster relief, not to go sightseeing. Two sets of spare clothes, a few books to pass the time on the road, and a servant to look after my daily needs—that is sufficient."

"Elder Yuan, congratulations on entering the Cabinet!"

"I told you long ago that with your talent, the court would not let you retire so easily. Look, after only three months of rest, you have been called back to the Cabinet."

As Cui Ming was speaking, a young man wearing a black gauze cap and a green robe embroidered with mandarin ducks entered the courtyard.

"Zifang, times have changed. The drought in Shaanxi has displaced hundreds of thousands, and civil unrest has broken out in several places. Even if I wanted to stay away, I could not."

Yuan Keli sighed. It was one thing to be unable to abandon the disaster victims, but resolving the factional strife and recovering Guangning were matters of national destiny. These were the lifelong aspirations he had set for himself, and as the strategist behind the three-pronged plan, he had to participate personally.

"Zifang, I am leaving for Shaanxi immediately. You must manage Suizhou County well."

"Rest assured, Elder. I will strictly execute the policies you have established. When you return, Suizhou will be even better."

"Good!"

Yuan Keli nodded with great satisfaction and turned to Cui Ming. "Centurion Cui, let us go!"

The carriage slowly rolled out of the courtyard. Outside, the street was filled with commoners who had heard the news. Old and young, rich and poor, each person wore an expression of deep solemnity. Hundreds of people stood gathered together, yet not a single sound was made.