The Imperial Study.
It was already afternoon. After his midday rest, the Emperor of Great Ming returned to reading memorials and hearing separate reports from Cao Zhengchun and Zhu Wushi.
Cao Zhengchun had already reviewed and annotated most of the memorials on the desk on his behalf. Most concerned local affairs, and his handling of them largely suited the emperor.
But when he reached the last one, he raised his head. "Cao Zhengchun, wasn't the Jinyiwei's Southern Pacification Commissioner promoted only a few months ago?"
He remembered Cao Zhengchun recommending someone a few months earlier. Were they replacing him so soon?
Cao Zhengchun bowed. "Your Majesty, the previous Southern Pacification Commissioner has been missing for days. The position cannot remain vacant, or many matters will be difficult to handle."
"And Your Majesty may remember this Lin Lang whom your old servant recommends. He previously arrested many notorious bandits and imperial fugitives in Pingyang Prefecture, greatly strengthening the people's support for the court. Your Majesty even personally praised him."
"Recently, he also led men to kill the spies sent into Great Ming by Mongol Yuan's Prince of Ruyang's Manor and rescued many of our people. Everyone praised the Jinyiwei and said Your Majesty was wise and appointed men on merit."
"He is also skilled in martial arts, the finest fighter in the Jinyiwei. He has recruited several martial experts willing to serve the court as well. In the future, he will surely lead the Jinyiwei in serving Your Majesty even better."
A satisfied smile appeared on the emperor's face. "My wish is for the people to live and work in peace. Since you recommend him, let him serve as Southern Pacification Commissioner."
"Where is he? Summon him. I will meet him and offer a few words of encouragement."
It was only