Chapter 8: The Emperor Goes Mad
Ding, achievement points +1, from Chief Minister Han Luan
The Chief Minister Li Biao secretly rejoiced, thinking to himself that Han Luan was despised by the Emperor, and the day of his downfall was not far off. However, on the surface, when faced with such matters, he, as a civil official, had to make a statement: "The Chief Minister is advanced in age yet still worries about state affairs. Your Majesty's harsh words may chill his heart, and also cause concern among the civil and military officials of the realm. I hope Your Majesty will speak with caution"
Han Luan and others, however, felt somewhat disdainful, secretly looking down on him. Hmph, just a mere warrior. Nevertheless, they were also somewhat surprised by what Emperor Chongzhen had just said, and in their hearts, they began to regard this young emperor with a newfound respect
Hmm? Upon hearing this, Hu Guang immediately erupted in anger, "I am asking a question, you old fool, what right do you have to interrupt? Do you still see me in your eyes?"
Hu Guang felt a bit better and allowed those below him to stand at ease. Then, he looked at Man Gui and asked, "If I were to withdraw the loyalist troops outside the city, would it attract the enemy to attack the capital, using lives to fill the city walls?"
Ding, achievement points +1, from assistant Li Biao
Cao Huachun accompanied the Emperor for a night. After the dawn, following the rest of Emperor Chongzhen, he also went to rest, and is no longer by his side now
Man Gui started as a low-ranking soldier, accumulating military achievements step by step to rise to his current position as a general. He has a straightforward personality and has had his share of conflicts with civil officials. Now, seeing the emperor wanting him to express his opinion, he immediately knelt down and replied in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, given the current situation, I believe that only by gathering the loyalist troops, eliminating the weak and retaining the strong, and issuing a unified command, can we engage in battle with the enemy!"
Han Luan listened and realized that the advice from these people was futile, so he turned to Man Gui and said: "This matter is of great importance, speak with caution"
When Han Luan and others saw this, each of them held their heads high, displaying an air of fearlessness towards authority and a righteous demeanor. This left Cao Huachun somewhat perplexed, unsure of what had transpired.
Under normal circumstances, any reasonably sensible person would likely agree if they heard that both civil and military officials held opposing views
When Hu Guang saw him arrive, he solemnly instructed: "Regarding the matter in the Imperial Study this morning, I suspect there are external connections. Conduct a thorough investigation for me to determine who has been associating with the close attendants, and get to the bottom of it for me!"
Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Zhou Yanru
Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Cheng Jiming!
Before long, Cao Huachun hurriedly arrived
Man Gui had never experienced anything like this, and was somewhat dumbfounded. As a martial artist, he had no idea how to handle the situation and could only stand there in a daze
The implication is that, at present, there seems to be no solution.
When it comes to facing the enemy, if there is anyone who dares to fight and strive, if Man Gui is considered second, then no one would dare to claim the first position. Now that he has said this, it has relieved these civil officials.
Upon hearing this, Han Luan and the others were not afraid. Firstly, Cao Huachun had always maintained a good relationship with the civil officials; secondly, regarding the matter just now, the Emperor actually wanted to involve the Eastern Depot, which would likely escalate the situation, making it increasingly difficult for the Emperor to step down later.
Indeed, his statement is quite similar to his previous remarks, which secretly relieved these cabinet ministers. Shen Yongmao is knowledgeable about military affairs, and since he has said this, you, as a young emperor who has not led troops like Emperor Taizu or Emperor Taizong, should have taken it to heart, right
Your Majesty's utterance of such coarse words towards the court's high officials is contrary to the principles of propriety, how can it serve as a model for the world? I am deeply concerned about this and hope Your Majesty will speak with caution. Qian Longxi immediately displayed the demeanor of a loyal minister and boldly offered his candid advice.
Cao Huachun was also taken aback, not expecting that the emperor had summoned him for this matter. How should such a situation be handled? If an investigation were to take place, it is likely that none of these cabinet ministers would escape unscathed. In the several hundred years of the Ming Dynasty, such an incident has never occurred before
Upon hearing this, the civil officials were all taken aback, not expecting Emperor Chongzhen to resort to such a tactic. Forming connections with the inner court, if openly stated, would be a serious crime. However, apart from the Hongwu and Yongle eras, it was a common practice among high officials in the Ming dynasty to cultivate relationships with the inner court; otherwise, they would be unaware of the palace's affairs, making their work difficult.
After speaking, Hu Guang felt that something was amiss, Manqing? Manchu? This feels a bit awkward
As soon as these words were spoken, the elderly civil officials were so frightened that their legs went weak, and they fell back to their knees, urgently advising: "Your Majesty, it is not permissible, absolutely not!"
Very well, since the emperor does not heed advice and there are already signs of uncontrollable tendencies, let us take this opportunity to teach him a lesson. Let the emperor understand that even though he is the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he cannot act as he pleases
He thought to himself and nodded in approval, saying: "Manqing, your loyalty and devotion bring great comfort to my heart"
Your Majesty has even considered matters after the war, truly a testament to your foresight! Man Gui thought to himself, and then once again proclaimed loudly: "As long as there is an opportunity, I am willing to fight to the death for Your Majesty!"
Ding, achievement points + 4, from the Minister of War, Shen Yongmao
Hu Guang saw that they were all dumbfounded, and he knew they were a bit afraid. Feeling pleased in his heart, he spoke again: "Forget it, I have important matters to attend to here, and I may need to use the Eastern Factory, so you may stand aside and listen."
Hu Guang completely ignored them and continued to stare at Man Gui, saying: "Answer me!"
Ding, achievement points +1, from Minister Qian Longxi
Position in the lower left corner of the chat group: Achievement Points + 43. Hu Guang was overjoyed at the sight, as it was not far from adding more people to the chat group! Hmm, no worries, it will happen soon!
However, Hu Guang is not an ordinary person; he is under the pressure of being erased, so how could he simply let this go? After furrowing his brow, he asked again: "Every day that the Jurchens rampage outside, the people of our Ming dynasty suffer one more day. If the Jurchens return home laden with plundered wealth, they will inevitably invade again in the future. In the future reconstruction, regardless of military affairs or the livelihood of the people, the pressure on the court will undoubtedly be greater. I have made up my mind; we must deliver a heavy blow to the Jurchens!" In the future reconstruction, regardless of military affairs or the livelihood of the people, the pressure on the court will undoubtedly be greater. I have made up my mind; we must deliver a heavy blow to the Jurchens!
Ding, achievement points +3, from General Man Gui
Hu Guang ignored him and turned to focus on the only military general below.
Prior to this, the Emperor only treated headaches with remedies for headaches and foot pain with remedies for foot pain, never before had he considered post-war matters as he does today. It seems the Emperor is becoming increasingly astute, and the days ahead may be difficult
However, Hu Guang let out a cold snort, completely ignoring them, and loudly commanded: "Come, summon the Eastern Depot Commander Cao Huachun."
Cheng Ji Ming and Zhou Yan Ru followed closely behind, instructing the emperor. Such an opportunity, once it spreads, is a good chance to gain fame. As civil officials, if they do not take the opportunity to showcase themselves, it would truly be a disservice to this chance
If it were an ordinary emperor, in such circumstances, he would undoubtedly have to admit his mistakes out of necessity. Even the Jiajing Emperor of the past experienced such a situation.
Upon hearing this, Han Luan's forehead broke out in a sweat, yet he stubbornly replied: "As the Chief Minister of the Ming Dynasty, it is my duty to remind you of significant matters."
As soon as these words were spoken, Shen Yongmao was so frightened that his legs went weak, and he hurriedly knelt down behind the various ministers, saying: "Your Majesty, this matter must be handled with utmost caution; if the plot fails, the consequences would be unimaginable"