Chapter Twenty-One: Court Conference to Quell the Unrest

In this way, it was the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, Chen Yan, who unexpectedly gained a swift promotion, soon to be elevated to the position at the Martial Hero Hall. Yet, the Emperor Chongzhen was so busy that he had no time to add new members to the cabinet, nor to arrange Chen Yan’s advancement.

In truth, even if Chongzhen wanted to bring in new people, the court was already at the point where there were hardly any suitable candidates left. Whether it was the current Minister of Rites, Jiang Dejing, or the venerable and highly respected scholar Huang Jingfang, or the famed military strategist Wu Shen from the Ministry of War—they were all, in essence, the tallest among a group of dwarfs.

At this moment, such matters were not on Chongzhen’s mind. He called the ministers together in haste, and after a brief contemplation, settled the agenda for the meeting. His gaze fell upon Zhou Yanru, and he said, “Yixing, you have read the memorial from Henan’s Governor Gao Mingheng and the Ministry of War’s discussion on the Kaifeng campaign, haven’t you?”

“I have already reviewed them,” Zhou Yanru replied, his demeanor dignified, his voice calm. “Kaifeng cannot be lost.”

The Emperor said, “How has the cabinet decided?”

With a solemn expression, Zhou Yanru spoke slowly, “We must not defend Kaifeng to the death. The commander-in-chief, Ding Qirui, should be strictly ordered to join forces with Yang Wenyue, the Governor of Baoding. Yang Wenyue has always been loyal, repeatedly offsetting his errors with meritorious service, and perseveres after each defeat. Under him, the Chief General of Shanxi Garrison, Hu Dawei, commands an army known for its courage, and he holds a personal grudge against the rebels for his slain son. If Your Majesty encourages them kindly, assuring the troops have no fears, their forces will surely give their utmost.”

“But General Zuo Liangyu, who leads the forces against the bandits, has many reservations. The rebel armies of Li Chuang, Luo Rucai, and Yuan Shizhong will be tough to suppress if our forces are not united. Therefore, I request the release of former Minister of Revenue Hou Xun, to serve Your Majesty in Henan.” Zhou Yanru carefully weighed his words, speaking gravely.

Hearing this, Chongzhen’s mind conjured the image of a decadent scion from a brocade-clad family, and a feeling of aversion surged in his heart.

Yet that feeling quickly wavered. Hou Xun had been impeached for corruption and moral decay under Wen Tiren’s administration, but both Hou Xun and his father were Eastern Forest Party members. Chongzhen was well aware of the implications of factional strife. Moreover, now that he was not so short on funds, that initial dislike gradually faded.

After all, if Zuo Liangyu was to be persuaded to join the battle without delay, the court could not remain indifferent. Zhou Yanru, himself an Eastern Forest Party man, had personal motives in rescuing Hou Xun, but it could not be denied that Hou Xun was the one who promoted Zuo Liangyu. If they sought to win over Zuo Liangyu, having Hou Xun encourage him was indeed a useful strategy.

“But… it is truly shameful that the court cannot inspire its generals to fight!” Chongzhen thought bitterly, and suddenly, a young and resolute figure flashed through his mind.

“I wonder if my Qilin son has reached Linqing yet. He spoke of training a powerful army loyal to the Emperor—perhaps there is progress. Linqing is a prosperous place, but Lang is only fourteen years old. How is he faring there? It’s not like being outside the palace… if he encounters danger... Alas, enough.” Zhu Youjian collected his thoughts, returning his focus to the court, and said, “I understand. The Ministry of Justice should send someone to see if Hou Xun is reflecting on his misdeeds in prison. The Three Judicial Offices should review Hou Xun’s case and submit a report as soon as possible.”

Zhou Yanru visibly relaxed, knowing the Emperor was inclined to act. But the court could not operate like a private business; proper procedures must be followed. Relieved, he bowed and accepted the order, saying, “Your Majesty, your wisdom is without fault. I accept the command.”

Chongzhen nodded slightly and looked at Chen Xinjia in the crowd. “As for the Ministry of War, urge Ding Qirui again on my behalf. The cabinet must make it clear how critical the Kaifeng campaign is! If there is any further delay, I will not be lenient! Also, draft the edicts to encourage Governor Yang Wenyue of Baoding and Chief General Hu Dawei of Shanxi Garrison as soon as possible. Once the cabinet completes the drafts, the Office of Ceremonial Affairs must send them out without delay!”

Upon hearing this, the cabinet ministers responded in unison.

“Also, have the Ministry of War urge Sun Chuanting for me. Ask him when he can lead the Qin troops out again to encircle and suppress the rebel bandits! And, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue should discuss the military funds Sun Chuanting requested in his memorial!” When Chongzhen mentioned Sun Chuanting, he frowned slightly, making it difficult to discern his mood.

Those familiar with the Emperor knew that such an expression meant he already had reservations about Sun Chuanting.

The successive deaths of the Shaanxi Governor Fu Zonglong and Wang Qiaonian at the hands of the rebels had deeply grieved Chongzhen, while he pondered the right candidate for the Governor of Shaanxi’s Three Borders. Ultimately, out of desperation, he recalled Fu Zonglong had been released from prison, so he had Sun Chuanting brought out of jail and consulted him on strategies to pacify Shaanxi.

Poor Sun Chuanting, imprisoned for three years, was cut off from outside news and imagined that the court was still dominant as it had been three years prior. Seeing the Emperor host a banquet to calm him, he was deeply moved, and when Chongzhen asked about suppressing the rebels, Sun Chuanting claimed that a few thousand elite troops would suffice to quell the unrest immediately. Most importantly, Sun Chuanting did not ask for much in terms of military funds.

This naturally delighted the Emperor. He promptly dispatched Sun Chuanting south with several thousand troops from the capital garrison to quell the rebels, and following Wang Qiaonian’s death, restored Sun Chuanting to the post of Governor over Shaanxi’s Three Borders.

However, after his return, the once confident Sun Chuanting no longer spoke of attacking the rebels outright. Several memorials he submitted hinted at requests for funds and supplies from the central government.

Such vacillating behavior understandably irritated the Emperor.

Fortunately, the Emperor was no longer so impoverished, and since he urgently needed capable men, he no longer hesitated and only wished Sun Chuanting would take the field soon.

Chen Xinjia promptly responded, and soon the court session adjourned. In a corner unnoticed by others, Si En secretly met with Wang Cheng’en.

…

The scene now shifted back to Linqing.

At this moment, Zhu Cilang was waiting at the dock of the Linqing Canal for someone.

The ones arriving were none other than Chang Zhilang and his companions, who had hastened their journey by fast boat.

“Now that my classmates are here in Linqing, my courage as Qin Xia is emboldened!” Zhu Cilang greeted the six disembarking men warmly.

Chang Zhilang was deeply moved. For them to leave the grand Ministry of Revenue in the capital and follow Zhu Cilang to Linqing was born of a desire to accomplish great things with him. But the foundation for such achievement was the chief’s recognition.

Now, it seemed they had made the right choice!

Thinking this, Chang Zhilang and the others could not help but feel both joyful and grateful. “With your high hopes for us, we can only do our utmost to repay a fraction of your kindness!”

“No need for such formality! Here at the Linqing branch, I have been waiting for you to join, so I can implement my plans without delay!” Zhu Cilang laughed heartily. “Come, let’s go to the office and I will explain everything in detail!”