The Ming Dynasty began from Sarhu

Chapter 38: The th Year of the Wanli Reign (Commemorating the Death of Zhu Jianqiang)

In the spring of the 47th year of the Wanli reign, Shen Lian bid farewell to the garrison commander, left Liaodong, where dark clouds were looming, and embarked on the long journey back to Beijing.

Shen Lian had been away from his hometown in the capital for three years. After crossing Shanhaiguan, he felt homesick and worried. Was his mother still alive? Had his brother married?

The flames of war are rising in Liaodong, how can a man live like this?
Lord Liu, who was good at summoning spirits and was loved by the soldiers, had already prepared to die for his country. He just said he would bring everyone home. Could it be that he would die in battle in a foreign land?

At this time, Shen Lian still couldn't understand why he had to guard this restricted land with his life.

The thoughts of a young man are like summer clouds, gathering and dispersing. Shen Lian is only sixteen years old this year, which is the age when he loves to dream.

In March in Liaodong, the sky is high and the clouds are vast. There is an endless stream of merchants carrying goods and cattle and horses. Standing on the wall of Shanhaiguan and looking into the distance, the capital seems to be right at your feet, yet it seems to be far away in the sky.

March 12, 47th year of the Wanli reign, Beijing.

After the late spring cold snap, a peach blossom snow fell. The ice and snow on both sides of the streets in Beijing had not yet melted. The warm sunshine shone on the Forbidden City, and the magnificent glazed tiles shone with royal majesty.

Although the weather was not chilly in spring, walking on the muddy streets filled with the smell of feces was still a torture for the officials and nobles in the capital.

At the crack of noon today, the muddy and grimy streets were bustling with people and carriages, much busier than usual. News had arrived from somewhere that the old emperor was about to hold a grand court session, apparently to discuss with his ministers the punishment for the Liaodong Governor.

More than two months ago, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the emperor still waived the court and asked the assistant minister Fang Congzhe to lead the civil and military officials in a celebration ceremony outside the Meridian Gate. The ministers were already accustomed to this. Naturally, Emperor Wanli would waive such "empty business" as the New Year's Day court meeting. Starting from the 17th year of Wanli, he would "send officials to take his place."

Rumor has it that Emperor Wanli was old, frail and lame, so he could not attend court. Some people also said that the emperor was addicted to women and even swallowed "black incense" (opium).

The "Da Ming Hui Dian" records that Siam would pay 300 kilograms of black incense to the imperial palace every time. Of course, 300 kilograms was not enough, and the eunuchs in the imperial pharmacy had to look everywhere to purchase opium.

In any case, when the old emperor asked everyone to attend the noon court, all civil and military officials did not dare to delay and immediately rushed to the imperial city from their respective residences.

Since the end of last month, the situation in the capital has become quite delicate. The censors have been impeaching Yang Hao in memorials one after another, and even the officials of the six ministries are ready to take action. Even the officials in the capital who are most isolated from the news know that the future of the poor old governor is worrying, and it is hard to say whether he can keep his life.

The emperor kept the memorial impeaching Yang Hao and did not send it out, and also asked Lu Shou to come forward and reprimand several censors who went too far.

Last summer, Lu Shou was promoted to the position of eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department and concurrently the Eastern Depot. He had little experience and was not fully prepared, and his ability and prestige were not as good as those of his predecessors such as Zhang Jing and Chen Ju.

He was close to Wanli and knew that the old emperor was seriously ill and would not have much time left. At this time, he did not dare to offend the so-called clean streams, whether they were Donglin, Chu Party, Qi Party or Zhejiang Party. If he angered them, his career as the eunuch in charge of the seal would be over.

In the western warm room of the Qianqing Palace in Beijing, the obese Emperor Wanli was chatting with the chief minister Fang Congzhe.

The old emperor wore a yellow robe with a round collar and narrow sleeves, with golden coiled dragon patterns embroidered on the chest and back, and a winged dragon crown on his head.

It was still half an hour before noon. For Zhu Yijun, who was addicted to slacking off, going to Huangji Palace now would be too much of a disrespect to his ministers.

Zhu Yijun, who is 57 years old this year, is like a strong pig, or rather, a strong pig.

He was old and obese, suffering from gout, and had difficulty moving. His left leg was also a little lame. At this moment, he was slumped in a pear wood armchair, gasping for breath.

When talking to Fang Congzhe, the old emperor's tone was not very coherent, and he gasped for breath after speaking a few sentences.

There were several copper animal-head charcoal stoves in the room, with charcoal burning brightly inside. A palace maid knelt beside the stoves, adding charcoal from time to time.

Compared with the muddy and difficult streets outside the palace, the West Warm Pavilion where Emperor Wanli was staying was truly as comfortable as spring.

"Your Majesty, we cannot delay any longer. The Liaodong war is still ongoing, and reports are coming in from Jizhou. The Shanhai Commander-in-Chief, Chai Guozhutang, reports that the Western Tartars, Hu Duntu, saw the Nu chieftains invade Fushun and Qinghe, and are taking advantage of the situation to rob them. They threaten that if you don't give them a reward, they will secretly enter the pass and rob the Shanhaiguan area! Since Yang Hao is unable to govern Liaodong, we should quickly discuss a change..."

Fang Congzhe, who was sitting opposite, was also in poor health. He was sixty-eight years old this year, ten years older than Wanli. Although he had just entered the cabinet, due to recent overwork, his hair and beard had turned white, all his teeth had fallen out, and he always had a lisp when he spoke. He was already very old.

Fortunately now, he was the only one left in the cabinet last year. Due to the old emperor's inaction, everyone else resigned due to illness. Among the six ministries, there was no Shangshu or Shilang in the Ministry of Personnel, and the Minister of Revenue Li Ruhua (over seventy years old) was acting as the deputy. There was no Shangshu or Shilang in the Ministry of War, and the Minister of Military Affairs Xue Sancai was acting as the deputy. There was only Li Ruhua in the Ministry of Revenue, and no left or right Shilang.

Fang Congzhe once gave the old emperor some advice, saying that his energy was declining and he could no longer work, so why should His Majesty entrust the safety of the entire world to a sick man like him?
He repeatedly urged the emperor to recruit people quickly to fill the cabinet, but Wanli just asked him to take care of his health and said that the country was at peace and the number of civil servants should be reduced.

Speaking of which, Lord Fang should also thank Nurhaci of Liaodong.

If it weren't for the wise Khan causing trouble in Liaodong, the emperor would not have urgently supplemented the cabinet and found some helpers for Fang Congzhe.

Fang Congzhe is not a workaholic like Zhang Juzheng and Shen Shixing. He does not want to die from overwork in his position as a cabinet minister.

Fang Congzhe coughed violently for a while. Zhu Yijun glanced at the elder and subconsciously covered his nose.

"Take care of yourself, Lord. The country is in a difficult situation right now. Lu Shou has little influence and is unreliable. We still have to rely on your cabinet!"

Again, take care of yourself.

Fang Congzhe sighed slightly.

"What do these barbarians like Huduntu think of the Ming Dynasty? How dare they threaten us like this!"

Wanli took a long breath, and the maid quickly brought a cup of hot tea. The old emperor took a sip, and when his breath was slightly calmed, the other party said:
"My dear Lord Fang, please try this. This is the finest freshly harvested tea from Wuyi Rock this year. It's called White Rooster's Crown and is extremely nourishing."

Fang Congzhe respectfully took the teacup from the palace maid, took a sip, and placed it beside the table, continuing:
"Your Majesty, Zhao Xingbang, the Imperial Secretary of the Military Affairs Department, has advised that the Liao army has suffered a defeat and the national situation is critical. The only solutions now are to pay salaries and employ personnel..."

Zhu Yijun interrupted with a wave of his hand, his face somewhat displeased:

"I have already said that the treasury is exhausted, but the censors and imperial officials are unaware of this and keep asking me for money. Why are you cabinet members also following suit? Enjoy your tea, my dear Lord Fang."

Fang Congzhe knew the emperor's attitude, but he refused to give in. He took a sip from his teacup and continued:
"Your Majesty, we recommend someone to replace Yang Hao and govern Liaodong, who may be able to turn the tide."

Wanli felt relieved when he saw Fang Congzhe did not ask him for money for the time being. He said impatiently:
"who?"

Fang Congzhe's cloudy old eyes suddenly became bright:

"Xiong Tingbi."

Wanli's eyes moved, as if he was recalling a very distant past event. Fang Congzhe was like an old monk in meditation. Because of a stroke last year, the corners of his mouth could no longer close, and saliva would overflow from his mouth if he didn't speak for a long time.

After waiting for an unknown amount of time, the old emperor was finally ready to speak.

At this moment, there was a sound of footsteps outside, and a eunuch came in to announce that Lu Shou had arrived. "We will discuss this matter later."

Before Fang Congzhe could speak, Lu Shou, wearing a Liang crown and a red coat, came and knelt before the imperial desk.

"Lu Shou, why are you so anxious? Are you wondering if I and the elder are still discussing matters?"

Zhu Yijun took a sip of tea and looked a little unhappy. He had talked so much today and was a little tired.

"Your Majesty, the Liaodong Governor has received a memorial. The cabinet has not yet drafted it, and I have not even reviewed it. I wanted Your Majesty to review it as soon as possible. It seems to be good news!"

Fang Congzhe, who had just been sitting like an old monk, snorted and expressed his dissatisfaction to the eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department. What do you mean by "not up to the draft"? You didn't even give me an idea!
"Bring it here."

Lu Shou knelt and took a few steps forward, raised his hands high and presented the memorial. An eunuch next to him took it and placed it in front of Wanli.

The palace maid handed a pair of Western reading glasses to the emperor early on. The old emperor put on the glasses tremblingly, unfolded the newspaper, and read it carefully.

While reading, Wanli said to the eunuch kneeling in front of him:

"Lu Shou, get up. You're not as domineering as Feng Bao, nor as vicious as Zhang Jing. I will certainly use you. Do your job well in the future. How are things going with the East Factory lately?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. I've already had the East Depot's officers conduct a thorough investigation, and they should be finding him soon. That person actually dared to falsely accuse Yang Jinglie of treason and collusion with the Qing army. How outrageous!"

Lu Shou stood up, stood sideways, and bowed to Lord Fang next to him. Fang Congzhe pretended not to see him and turned his head away.

Wanli flipped through a few pages and started reading directly from the last line.

"I, together with Governor-General Ji-Liao Wang Keshou and Liaodong Governor Zhou Yuchun, have submitted this report to the Ministry of War."

Since there was no signature by Chen Yuting, Wanli felt it was a bit boring.

He began searching for all the numbers that appeared in the newspapers and soon made a discovery:
"...Liu Zhaosun led the southern troops to behead 1,895 Zhenyi warriors, captured five Niulu Ezhen alive, and 3,500 Baoyi Aha..."

Seeing this, Wanli's breathing became rapid, and the palace maid hurried forward to wipe the sweat from the emperor's forehead.

"It seems to be good news."

Zhu Yijun then flipped the newspaper to the front and started reading from the first line:
"Yang Hao, the Minister of War and Right Vice Minister, stationed in Liaodong, is hereby informing you that Liu Jing's army has defeated the rebel Blue Banner and killed its leader, the Second Prince Amin. I convey this message to you overnight, and I await your Majesty's ruling."

"Killing the leader of the Bordered Blue Banner? Then shouldn't I reward him with eight thousand taels of silver?!"

The joy on Wanli's face gradually faded, and the wrinkles on his forehead were like frostbitten bark, dry and squeezed together.

"·····Rumors spread in Liaodong that the troops of the West and North were both defeated by the enemy. Generals Du and Ma are unknown whether they are alive or dead. Some say that Korea has surrendered to the Jiannu. These rumors have shaken the morale of the army······I am supervising the battle in Shenyang, and I have trained many soldiers in the south. I say that with the flames of war in Liaodong, how can a man live in seclusion?! It is the work of a man to plan and govern the country·····It is also thanks to the emperor's divine power and the obedience of the three armies. The Eastern Army is stationed in Hunjiang, confronting the enemy. Liu Zhaosun, the adopted son of Liu Jing, is the captain of the Eastern Army. He is generous and chivalrous. His appearance was extraordinary and he was admired by his soldiers. When the slave bandits, led by the Bordered Blue Banner and the Plain Blue Banner, with 30,000 dead soldiers, piled up on the Hun River, their position as precarious as an egg in danger, General Liu shouted: "Are you deceiving our Han people for having no men?" Liu Zhaosun shouted: "As warriors, we should repay the emperor's grace now!" That night, he personally led his elite troops to attack the slave camp and captured hundreds of Zhenyi heads... The next day, in a grand battle, Liu Zhaosun broke through the armor and charged into the battle line, suffering 56 wounds. He raised his arms and shouted: "Killing slaves for the country, how joyful!" The slave bandits were frightened, and they beheaded their leader Amin...

Wanli's face became increasingly gloomy. He had not read such an exaggerated memorial for a long time since Li Chengliang's death.

"He survived fifty-six wounds. Could this Liu Qianzong be a god?"

Just as he was about to throw Yang Hao's memorial into the stove, he heard Lu Shou say:

"Your Majesty, here is another report from the Imperial Inspector Chen Yuting."

Wanli snatched the memorial and said angrily:

"Why don't you show me this first? The Liaodong Governor has given you a favor!"

Lu Shou quickly knelt on the ground and shook his head in panic to explain. Emperor Wanli glared at him and asked him to stand up.

"I am guilty. I believe Yang Jinglie has died for his country..."

Wanli waved his hand impatiently, telling Lu Shou not to interrupt, and tore open the newspaper sent to him by Chen Yuting and continued reading. The eunuch in charge of the seal and the chief minister of the cabinet beside him looked at the emperor nervously, not daring to utter a word.

After a while, Wanli showed a look of joy on his face. He looked at Lu Shou with satisfaction and praised him:
"A mere captain of a thousand troops was able to behead over a thousand people and capture five Niulu alive. If the Ministry of War verifies this to be true, it would be even more inspiring than the Chenghua plowing of the court! In the past two years, the imperial court has spent three to four million taels of Liao military pay, and I wonder where it went? If everyone was like Liu Zhaosun, there would be no need to worry about the destruction of the Jiannu!"

Having said that, Wanli paused, took a breath, and looked meaningfully at the two people beside him.

"Du Song and Ma Lin truly deserve to be killed! And Li Rubai, Li Chengliang is unreliable, not to mention his son! Who recommended Li Rubai in the first place? Lord Fang, immediately find the censors to impeach him. A mere thousand-man commander has accomplished such great service, he deserves a reward!"

Wanli took a deep breath and drank a sip of tea. When the reward was mentioned, he calmed down.

Lu Shou and Fang Congzhe beside them didn't dare to speak.

"Although Amin was killed, his body was not recovered. It doesn't count after all. Forget the 8,000 taels of silver reward. Since he is still alive, promote him to the rank of Lieutenant General. After verifying his military achievements, I will discuss the reward. I like men like this!"

When Wanli thought of Liu Jing who died in battle and the fleeing Liao army, his face became gloomy again.

Fang Congzhe saw that Wanli's face was not right, and he quickly said:

"Your Majesty, the Eastern Army is short of food and fodder. Yang Jinglue has worked hard to manage it. However, relying solely on..."

"I understand. I order Jizhen and Xuanda to gather more food and fodder and deliver it as soon as possible! No mistakes!"

"Command the criminal General Li Rubai to assist the southern troops and defend Kaiyuan and Tieling. No one should fail!"

"Order the Ministry of War to reward Liu Zhaosun according to regulations, provide Liu Jing with a pension, and award him 5,000 taels of silver. General Yang Hao's contributions to the strategy are offset, and his merits and demerits will not be pursued for now! As a distinguished Jinshi, you should pay more attention to your memorials in the future. If Liu Jing were still alive, he would have written better ones than him!"

Wanli finished speaking in one breath, and half of his life was gone. He rested for a long time before waving his hand and saying:

"Go to court! Fight them!"

Before Fang Congzhe could say anything, the emperor picked up a stack of memorials impeaching Yang Hao from the desk and threw them directly into the charcoal furnace.

The rice paper covered with Taige script began to burn with crackling sounds, and the flames illuminated the plaque "Diligence and Respect for the Wise" hanging on the west warm pavilion. Amid the hunched figures of the three old men, it gradually turned into wisps of green smoke.

(End of this chapter)