With the death of the Empress Dowager, the court would be in chaos. Those ambitious people would definitely move quickly and try to fish in troubled waters.
It wasn't that easy for the Emperor of Guang Dong to seize power quickly.
The current ministers of military affairs, including Shiduo, Ele Hebu, Yan Jingming, Zhang Zhiwan, Xu Gengshen, and Sun Yuwen, were all trusted aides of the Empress Dowager. However, it was inevitable that they would not join the others after the death of the Empress Dowager of the West and continue to make the Emperor of Guang Dong a figurehead.
Thinking of this, the emperor became very anxious. He didn't want to plan for so long, only to benefit others.
"No, I have to find someone to stabilize the situation so that I can quickly take control.”The emperor made up his mind.
"Then, who should I look for?" Guang Zhou emperor pondered.
Soon, a candidate flashed through his mind. It was the current Zhili Governor and Beiyang Minister, Li Shaoquan.
Although Li Shaoquan did not enter the Military and Political Affairs Office, he was definitely one of the most important ministers in the Ming Empire. Not only did he control Zhili Province, but he also controlled the Northern Navy.
More importantly, he was the founder of the Huai Army. Almost all of the generals of the Huai Army were his students and old officials. And the Huai Army was undoubtedly one of the most capable troops in the Ming Empire.
As for the other Green Army soldiers, they were even more trash.
If he had Li Shaoquan's support, there would be no problem for the Emperor to take over the government after the death of the Empress Dowager.
After understanding this, the emperor of Guang Dong immediately made a decision.
Coincidentally, at this moment, there was a commotion outside.
The emperor knew that the Empress Dowager of the West was dead. Therefore, the entire Forbidden City was in chaos.
"What's going on outside?" Emperor Guang Dong asked.
Soon, the young eunuch of the Emperor of Guang Dong, Zhang Haojie, ran in.
"Replying to the emperor, the outside is saying…saying that the Empress Dowager has been buried.”Zhang Haojie's face turned pale.
"What is it? The Empress Dowager was buried? Who was talking nonsense? I just came back from the Empress Dowager's place. Isn't the Empress Dowager still fine?”Guang Dong emperor cursed.
"Emperor, please forgive me. This servant deserves to die. However, the palace maids and eunuchs outside were spreading the news!”Zhang Haojie quickly knelt on the ground and begged for mercy.
The emperor's expression kept changing as he stared at Zhang Haojie.
"Little Hao, can I trust you?”
Zhang Haojie was stunned for a moment before he puffed out his chest."Emperor, this servant is loyal to you, the sun and moon can prove it! If you have anything you want this servant to do, just tell me! This servant will definitely do his best, even if it means sacrificing his life!”
Zhang Haojie was only in his early twenties. However, he was very clever.
He was originally a eunuch sent by the Empress Dowager of the West to the Emperor of Guang Dong. However, he knew that after the Empress Dowager died, the Emperor of Guang Dong was the most powerful person in the Forbidden City.
After losing the Empress Dowager of the West as their backer, could the other eunuchs still make things difficult for the Emperor of Guang Dong? The Emperor of Guang Dong would probably be able to deal with them easily!
If he could cling to the Emperor of Guang Dong's thigh, his meteoric rise would be just around the corner!
Otherwise, he might even lose his life.
"Very good, immediately leave the palace secretly and head to the residence of Li Shaoquan, the governor of Zhili and minister of Beiyang. Tell him to come to the palace secretly.”The emperor said softly.
"Yes, this servant will do as you say!" Zhang Haojie quickly went to do it.
At this moment, Chuxiu Palace was already in chaos.
Li Lianying quickly sent someone to invite a few ministers.
When the ministers arrived at Chuxiu Palace and learned that the Empress Dowager was dead, they were also shocked.
They were all followers of the Empress Dowager of the West! Empress Dowager Xi was their backbone.
Now that the Empress Dowager was dead, this would undoubtedly cause a huge commotion!
The Emperor of Guang Dong acted quickly as well. Li Shaoquan was originally handling official business in Tianjin. The Zhili Governor's Office and the Beiyang Yamen were both there.
However, Li Shaoquan happened to be resting at his mansion in Yanjing today.
After receiving the emperor's summons, Li Shaoquan did not dare to delay and quickly followed Zhang Haojie to the Forbidden City.
After entering the palace, Li Shaoquan could feel how chaotic the Forbidden City was tonight! However, he did not think too much about it. He followed Zhang Haojie and quietly arrived at Yangxin Palace Hall.
"I, Li Shaoquan, pay my respects to Your Majesty!" Li Shaoquan was very respectful in front of the emperor.
Even though the Emperor of Guang Dong was just a puppet emperor without any real power. Even Li Shaoquan was a member of the Empress Dowager's side. However, he still maintained the necessary respect and etiquette.
"Minister Li, please rise!" The Emperor of Guang Dong was also sizing up this political strongman, who was famous in this era and had a mixed reputation.
Li Shaoquan was undoubtedly a very talented person. Otherwise, he wouldn't have controlled the government of the Ming Empire for so many years. However, like many officials of this era, he was greedy for money and had accumulated a lot of property. Moreover, because of his repeated defeats in foreign wars, he had no choice but to sign many traitorous agreements with the foreign powers and was regarded as a traitor.
At least for now, Li Shaoquan's strength was exactly what the Emperor of Guang Dong needed.
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