Chapter 2, the court where each acts independently, is better left as it is
Sun Chengzong, a native of Gaoyang in Baoding, was the imperial tutor of Emperor Tianqi, known for his resolute character and strategic acumen
Emperor Chongzhen truly did not dare to place all his so-called hopes on Yuan Chonghuan
Your Majesty, this old minister...
"Sun Qing, come and take a look, this is the map of the battle situation in North Zhili that I have reviewed."
During the course of this military deployment, the invading forces will certainly seize upon our army's intention to provide support, and may even set ambushes along the way to eliminate the various reinforcements coming to our aid
This has also led to significant controversy surrounding the actions of Sun Chengzong
However, the strategies implemented by Sun Chengzong in Liaodong proved to be slow in effect, incurred significant costs, and became the heaviest burden for the increasingly depleted finances of the Ming Dynasty
The ministers in the court at present are all calculating their own interests in their hearts
Therefore, there are certain powers that I wish to consolidate. Sun Qing, you should first review the draft of the imperial edict I have prepared, and then consider how to uphold your own views in the court.
The two strategic locations of Zhuanhua and Santunying are thus exposed to the sharp edge of the invading troops.
The sovereign before us, like Emperor Xizong, is not one to be overly concerned with trivial matters
Sun Chengzong was greatly shocked, his face displaying an expression of horror. He never expected that Emperor Chongzhen would utter such words
If this is truly the case, then the capital will undoubtedly be in great turmoil at that time
Your Majesty, if that is the case, then the situation will be very unfavorable for our Ming Dynasty
Seeing Sun Chengzong like this, Emperor Chongzhen revealed a smile, yet a cold glint flickered in his eyes, and he said: "Let me speak on this matter. This time, the Jianlu bandits have invaded the borders, wreaking havoc in the vital areas around the capital.
I kindly ask you, Sun Qing, to enlighten me on one or two matters
The old minister is filled with trepidation
Under the guidance of Cao Huachun, Sun Chengzong, looking somewhat haggard, slowly walked into the main hall. Upon seeing Emperor Chongzhen with a smile on his face, he respectfully clasped his hands and bowed.
Sun Qing, you are an old minister who assisted the late emperor. If Emperor Xizong were to encounter a court where policies are proposed from multiple sources, what kind of decision do you think he would make
In order to establish his own authority as a supervisor, he boasted about achieving five years of peace in Liao and took the drastic measure of issuing a false edict to execute the headstrong Mao Wenlong, which subsequently resulted in the Ming Dynasty losing a crucial flank that posed a threat to the Jurchens along the Liao Dong front.
As for the arrows outlined in blue, they represent my intention to launch an offensive operation, considered from the perspective of standing at the border of the enemy, after careful deliberation.
Sun Qing, are you aware that there is ongoing debate in the current court regarding this matter
This ... ...
However, due to various reasons, there was a disastrous defeat, which led to incessant impeachment and opposition within the court. In order to stabilize the situation in the court, Sun Chengzong requested to resign from his position as the governor of Liaodong and returned home to live in seclusion
The insights into the current battlefield situation are quite accurate, and the concerns raised are very pertinent
Emperor Chongzhen, who was aware of the details of the Jisi Incident, did not respond directly to the insights proposed by Sun Chengzong, but calmly stated:
Sun Qing, you come here
Yet his heart was always concerned about Liaodong
Since the ascension of the current emperor, Wei Zhongxian, who held immense power in the court and the government, has died, and the eunuchs who once dominated have been purged, the previously suppressed Donglin Party has been restored to prominence
The essence of the Eastern and Western advances is, in fact, the theory of defense and offense of our great Ming dynasty, and this has also become the focal point of contention
"Sun Qing, do not be in a hurry to advise me."
The righteousness and morality spoken of openly, yet the deeds done behind the scenes, evoke great indignation!
Sun Qing, do you feel that there is nowhere to express yourself
Emperor Chongzhen spoke with some agitation, saying: "To seek corresponding power in order to satisfy one's own desires and to support one's own faction"
Sun Chengzong was greatly shocked upon hearing these words. He furrowed his brows and stared at the strange geographical map before him, as images of the terrain and landforms around Shuntian Prefecture and Yongping Prefecture began to emerge in his mind
In the fifth year of the Tianqi era, influenced by the situation in the court, the battle of Liuhe was forced to be launched to test the achievements in Liaodong.
I had previously placed too much trust in those civil officials, which led to such a significant blunder, and they are still trying to shift the blame onto one another, striving to avoid trouble for themselves
Releasing Sun Chengzong's hand, Emperor Chongzhen pointed at the geographical map before him and said: "The areas marked in red are the troops stationed by various divisions of our Ming Dynasty.
"Sun Qing, I now speculate that Xifengkou has already been breached by the main force of the enemy. " Seeing Sun Chengzong lost in thought, Emperor Chongzhen proceeded to reveal the truth as he knew it
Your Majesty
The westward advance to the capital and the eastward advance to Yongping Prefecture represent the initiative gained on the battlefield by the invading forces. Meanwhile, the group of ministers in the court is engaged in endless debates over this matter
At this point, Sun Chengzong fell into deep thought, clearly contemplating what the Kangxi Emperor, who led the Eight Banners of the Jianlu, would do next
Feeling the enthusiasm of Emperor Chongzhen, Sun Chengzong was momentarily uncertain and once again clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, saying: "Your Majesty, how is the situation of the war on the northern side of Zhili?"
Indeed, it is Sun Chengzong, truly deserving of the title of commander during the late Ming Dynasty
This was merely a discussion of the current battlefield situation, yet upon hearing what Emperor Chongzhen had to say, Sun Chengzong furrowed his brows and displayed a look of hesitation on his face, momentarily at a loss for words.
Sun Chengzong could hardly conceal his inner shock. He bowed respectfully to the emotionally agitated Emperor Chongzhen, wanting to say something, yet finding himself unable to voice it
At this point, Emperor Chongzhen gestured, and Wang Cheng'en, who was waiting nearby, hurriedly walked over to the imperial desk and brought the opened edict.
At the most perilous moment of the Ming Dynasty, he managed to turn the tide on two occasions by taking command in Liaodong. His strategy of advancing step by step and weakening the Jianzhou Jurchens brought a brief stabilization to the chaotic and crisis-ridden situation in Liaodong.
Emperor Chongzhen stepped forward, grasped Sun Chengzong's hand, and walked towards the map of the world that was hanging. Sun Chengzong was somewhat taken aback, yet feelings of emotion arose within him.
Your Majesty, if we follow what you have indicated, then the armies of the Jianlu from the east and west have already breached Longjing Pass and Daan Pass, and the Jianlu troops are still attacking Xifeng Pass
The construction of the captive slave leader Hong Taiji aims to encircle and attack Zunhua, with plans to soon advance westward to assault the capital, while also strategizing for an appropriate retreat.
Therefore, the mountains and rivers along the way to Liaodong are exceedingly clear in my mind
I suddenly understand one thing: this court with multiple sources of authority is better off without it
If the words just spoken were to be spread outside the palace, I fear that there would be disturbances in the court again
The crimes of Wei Zhongxian have long been conclusively determined, and under the pretext of purging the eunuch faction, the Donglin Party has regained influence and is controlling the situation in the court
Sun Chengzong furrowed his brows tightly, casually picking up a long stick placed nearby, pointing to several locations, and said: "Then their intentions are quite clear
He is currently in a position where he truly lacks the qualifications to make reckless comments on these matters
The Jianlu forces captured Zunhua and Santunying, then advanced to Yungzhou, subsequently breaking through Sanhe, and finally attacking Tongzhou. Ultimately, the main force of Jianlu gathered around the capital region.
Although he has been idle for many years, he is still somewhat aware of the situation in the court during these past few years
Sun Qing, you say what use do I have for them
Emperor Chongzhen stepped forward, lifted the bowing Sun Chengzong, and said with a faint smile: "I have issued an edict to summon you back to the capital, as I wish for you to help me share the burden.
Earlier, during the upheaval in Liaoxi, the national dynasty was shaken. In order to maintain stability in the situation around the Shanhaiguan area, Sun Chengzong set out from the capital to inspect Shanhaiguan.
Old Minister Sun Chengzong, pays his respects to Your Majesty
Sun Chengzong frowned and said: "Currently, the main force of the Jianlu Eight Banners has already breached Longjing Pass and Daan Pass, and there is a significant possibility that even the strategic point of Xifeng Pass has been captured by them.
The regions marked in blue are where the Jurchens are located
Sun Chengzong, who came from a pragmatic background, was well aware of the true purpose behind the emperor's decree summoning him to the capital this time
What concerns the old minister even more is whether the main force of the invading enemy, under the command of Huang Taiji, will advance eastward or westward after breaching the pass
Emperor Chongzhen smiled as he stepped forward, extending his hands to support Sun Chengzong's arms, and said: "Since my ascension to the throne, I have been preoccupied with the affairs of the state, and it is only today that I have the opportunity to summon you to the capital."
What is laid out in the open is precisely the situation that Your Majesty has envisioned
Sun Qing, it has been several years since we parted from the capital, and I miss you dearly!
Some ministers even proposed that the court abandon its intervention and appoint Yuan Chonghuan, the military governor of Liaodong, to take full responsibility for this war