Chapter 14: What Does His Majesty Mean by Eliminating All Obstacles?

Listening to Wang Cheng'en's words, Cao Huachun observed the various eunuchs and palace maids along the way within the imperial palace.

He had to admit—

The spirit and demeanor these people displayed were far superior to what he had witnessed in the palace years ago.

Moreover, the closer they got to the Qianqing Palace, where the Emperor resided, the stronger this impression became.

Having grown up in the palace and being well-read from a young age, Cao Huachun naturally understood the reason behind this.

From a metaphysical perspective, it was called Dragon Qi.

In practical terms, it meant that the more brilliant and formidable the Emperor appeared, the more confidence these inner attendants gained, which manifested in their daily lives.

Approaching forty, Cao Huachun found himself stirred emotionally.

When he first heard of the Emperor’s ascension, then residing in South Zhili, he felt both joy and some concern.

As a personal eunuch who had grown up alongside the Emperor, he knew the ruler’s character was somewhat... well... harsh and unkind, lacking responsibility, and prone to suspicion and pride.

Of course, that was his previous impression.

Having now entered the imperial city, Cao Huachun’s views had shifted considerably.

By the time he arrived at the Qianqing Palace and saw the fierce, vigorous young guards, he was fully convinced that what Wang Cheng'en had said about the changes was no exaggeration.

Taking a deep breath, Cao Huachun entered a side chamber within the Qianqing Palace.

Seeing the young sovereign seated on a chair, Cao Huachun performed five bows and three kowtows: “Your humble servant Cao Huachun prays for Your Majesty’s health and long life—may the Emperor live ten thousand years!”

To Cao Huachun’s surprise, the Emperor rose from his chair and personally helped him to his feet.

This moved Cao Huachun deeply, his eyes welling with tears.

The Emperor’s direct transfer of him from South Zhili to serve as the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Stud Bureau was already a great favor.

The Imperial Stud Bureau was second only to the Directorate of Ceremonial in the palace’s functional institutions, and the Chief Eunuch’s role held considerable responsibility and power.

Now, with the Emperor personally aiding him, this was favor upon favor.

Moved yet composed, Cao Huachun presented a booklet to Zhu Youjian.

The manuscript contained his overnight writings on strategies for managing the Imperial Stud Bureau during his journey from South Zhili.

Seeing this familiar old acquaintance from the original memories, Zhu Youjian took the booklet and leafed through it.

Such proposals had limited impact in reality; whether they succeeded depended on the abilities of those who executed them.

The same plan, handled by different people, would yield vastly different results.

Having fully absorbed the original memories, Zhu Youjian knew Cao Huachun was highly capable and fit for the position without question.

After a brief glance, Zhu Youjian set the booklet aside.

At this moment, Cao Huachun quietly studied the recently enthroned Emperor.

There was little change in the Emperor’s physique, save for a more resolute expression and a straighter, stronger posture.

Yet the entire aura had undergone a tremendous transformation—merely sitting there, he exuded an intimidating presence.

Seeing the Emperor put down the booklet and sit on the embroidered stool, Cao Huachun promptly straightened his posture.

“The recommendations you made are very good, but caution must be exercised when implementing them,” the Emperor said.

“Your servant understands!” Cao Huachun replied.

“Besides the Imperial Stud Bureau, there is another task I require you to accomplish.”

Without hesitation, Cao Huachun lifted his robe and knelt: “Please instruct me, Your Majesty. Your servant will obey without hesitation, even unto death!”

“Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard,” the Emperor said.

Hearing these words, Cao Huachun could not help but show a trace of outward nervousness.

His anxiety was not for himself, but for the Emperor.

Having studied history thoroughly, Cao Huachun knew the Embroidered Uniform Guard was nominally the sharp blade in the Emperor’s hand.

In practice, only emperors of exceptional talent like the Founding Emperors could truly control it.

Emperor Wuzong had attempted to indirectly command the Guard through his trusted eunuch Liu Jin but inexplicably met a downfall.

Thus, upon hearing the Emperor mention the Guard, Cao Huachun's voice grew dry: “Your Majesty, regarding the Embroidered Uniform Guard...”

Zhu Youjian waved his hand to interrupt: “I know what you are thinking. But you need not worry.”

He was not offering empty comfort but genuinely unconcerned.

If such a simple problem could not be resolved, how could the Ming be great again?

Swallowing his next words, Cao Huachun accepted the order as absolute.

Regardless of the Emperor’s previous nature or the present transformation, he would carry out the task.

Though he harbored private thoughts, his loyalty was unwavering.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he knelt and bowed deeply: “Your servant obeys the decree. However, the situation with the Embroidered Uniform Guard cannot be changed overnight; short-term results may be limited.”

“Rest assured, I will clear all obstacles for you. You need only focus on the task,” the Emperor assured him.

...

From the moment he left the Qianqing Palace until late that night, Cao Huachun pondered with furrowed brows.

What did His Majesty mean by clearing all obstacles?

Afterward, Cao Huachun spoke with the Emperor a few more times but could glean no useful information from His Majesty’s words or expressions.

It seemed the Emperor’s formidable and unpredictable aura, as Wang Cheng'en had described, was genuine.

But what exactly did clearing all obstacles mean?

Who were these obstacles, and how were they to be removed?

With these questions weighing on his mind, Cao Huachun failed to get a restful sleep on his first night in the capital.

...

The next day, after a series of elaborate ceremonies,

The Ming Emperor once again appeared in the Hall of Heavenly Reverence with his civil and military officials.

Compared to the previous court session, the officials were noticeably more subdued.

Those attending were all senior officers.

Thus, most had heard of the Emperor’s recent training of the inner guards within the palace.

Though the results of this training remained unknown, at least it revealed something:

The Emperor’s previous attitude of “reconsidering” all matters during the last court meeting was merely a silent posture; fundamentally, he still sought to govern diligently—or rather, to rule with absolute authority.

Those present were no fools; they could discern the subtle signs.

Indeed, the young sovereign, barely seventeen and recently enthroned, had a commanding presence.

Before hundreds of officials, he showed no outward sign of anger or joy—quite impressive.

But this was natural; which Emperor, upon ascending the throne, does not desire absolute control?

Whether for their own sake or for the people, such thoughts are common.

Yet most fall into despair after a few blows.

Though many held such thoughts silently,

Compared to the previous session, the officials in the Hall of Heavenly Reverence were far more solemn and obedient this time.

There was no choice—at least the formalities had to be observed.

When it came to acting, even the most renowned actors could not compare here.