Chapter 3, Imperial Edict: Suppress Rebellion and Save the Nation

Sun Qing, during these years of idleness at home, have you ever contemplated in your heart the idea of extracting urgent military matters concerning the Ming Dynasty from the cabinet and the Ministry of War, so that I may make decisions more swiftly regarding the political situation of the Ming Dynasty

As the border troubles spread to the capital, the court officials, ministers, and censors engaged in heated debates. Although I wished to offer counsel and engage in discussions, the assembly was indecisive, having already jeopardized the foundation of the state. Therefore, I have resolved to issue an edict to quell the chaos and save the nation

By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Since I ascended the throne, I have feared that the two vice-ministers of the Ming Dynasty, with their heavy responsibilities, may have made errors under my rule, thus failing the illustrious ancestors of the Ming. I hereby open the floor for counsel and advice, and I shall diligently govern the state...

Sun Chengzong hesitated, a look of concern emerging between his brows. He turned to the resolute Emperor Chongzhen and, after a moment of contemplation, said earnestly: "If Your Majesty trusts me, I can assure you that in this battle, our Ming dynasty will surely prevail"

The forces from Tianjin, Denglai, Dongjiang, and other regions, having received the imperial decree, traveled thousands of miles to rush to the aid of the capital. However, distant water cannot quench immediate thirst

Sun Chengzong slightly nodded in acknowledgment, then lifted his robe sleeves, respectfully receiving the imperial edict with both hands, and raised his head to look at Emperor Chongzhen

It is better not to offend senior ministers like this

Your Majesty, since you understand these matters, you should also be aware that given the current situation, the primary focus should be on stabilizing the court and adjusting the border troops to provide support in response.

Hmm

Indeed, the Jurchen of Liaodong have become a chronic ailment for the heart of the Ming Dynasty. Now, the Jurchen chieftain Huang Taiji leads the Eight Banners of the Jurchen, along with various Mongolian factions, circumventing the fortified Jin Ning defense line established by the national court, invading our Ming territory from the Mongolian side.

"Sun Qing, there is no need for such excessive courtesy"

This edict, as it pertains to the current dynasty, is certainly not a good thing

Looking at the imperial edict taken away by Wang Cheng'en, Sun Chengzong let out a soft sigh, yet his mind was pondering the reason behind the Emperor's insistence on issuing this decree.

Currently, the influence of the Eastern Forest Party in the court is significant, and there are many ministers who enjoy the trust of the emperor. The emperor has spoken to himself in this manner, which suggests that the matters being plotted are indeed considerable

Emperor Chongzhen expressed his thoughts while observing the changes in Sun Chengzong's demeanor

Sun Chengzong could hardly conceal his inner shock. Holding the imperial edict in his hands, his eyes widened slightly as he looked up at Emperor Chongzhen and said urgently: "Although the Jurchens have the intention to ravage the central regions of our Ming Dynasty, the court is not without means to extricate itself from this predicament

Sun Chengzong bowed his head in greeting, then lowered his gaze. However, the content written in the imperial edict caused Sun Chengzong's eyes to widen slightly, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his face

Sun Chengzong pondered silently in his heart

Sun Qing, you may take a look first

In the midst of the tumult among the ministers, when I wish to offer counsel, I still require the assistance of Sun Qing to lend me a helping hand

Wang Cheng'en immediately stepped forward, respectfully bowing to Emperor Chongzhen, and then cautiously walked up to Sun Chengzong, receiving the imperial edict with both hands

In the Ming Dynasty, plagued by incessant party strife and corrupt governance, any desire for change without military power renders one a mere figurehead emperor. This is a situation that Emperor Chongzhen must address decisively

Sun Chengzong could not understand how the wise Emperor Chongzhen would issue such an edict. Once this edict is announced, it would undoubtedly be a great earthquake for the current Ming Dynasty

Emperor Chongzhen waved his robe and said to Wang Cheng'en: "Wang Daban, immediately take this imperial edict and go to the cabinet, summon the officials from the six ministries, the examination, and the circuits to convene in the hall, and read this decree to them.

Sun Chengzong hurriedly bowed and saluted, while Cao Huachun, who was waiting nearby, bent down and left the main hall to arrange for the eunuchs outside the hall to fetch the meals from the imperial kitchen

Good! It is excellent to have such determination

It is also an opportunity for rebirth and renewal

Emperor Chongzhen smiled, stepped forward, and said to Sun Chengzong: "Since there is nothing pressing at the moment, I shall tell you about the difficulties I face in issuing this edict.

Now that Sun Qing has arrived, I feel somewhat at ease, and my appetite has improved a bit. Sun Qing, you must have had a tiring journey and haven't had a proper meal, have you

Just now, the Son of Heaven mentioned preparing to seize some power and establish another office. But how should I assist the Son of Heaven in this matter

You are commanded to gather in Tianjin, Denglai, Dongjiang, and other regions, in response to the imperial edict, to remember the roots of the Ming Dynasty, to remember the foundation of the Ming Dynasty, and to unite our valiant soldiers of the Ming Dynasty to enter the capital to assist the emperor and rescue him.

The old minister receives the decree

This servant obeys your command

Emperor Chongzhen smiled faintly and gestured with his hand.

Whether it is to rectify the court, reshape the officialdom, or to implement measures for cost reduction and efficiency improvement, all efforts are in vain if one does not possess military power or the highest authority over military decisions

Sun Qing, I ask you only one question: if you are held responsible for this battle, even if the situation in the court is turbulent, can you ensure that our Ming Dynasty achieves ultimate victory?

Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun

However, regarding the battle against the invading forces, I do not intend to entrust the important military affairs to the Ministry of War or allow the Cabinet to make unilateral decisions, as they have greatly disappointed me

The old minister humbly thanks the grace of the Emperor

Your Majesty! This decree must not be issued!

This is certainly not a good thing for the Ming Dynasty and for the state

Sigh

In my humble opinion, this decree must not be issued lightly; otherwise...

I am in the Qianqing Palace, waiting for them to come and see me

After all, the matters one schemes for oneself will inevitably cause a stir in the court, and may even provoke discussions about the so-called ancestral system. However, if one wishes to seize power and quell the bandits, as well as address the threats posed by the invaders, this is a path that must be taken

"Sun Qing, I understand everything you have said, and I have also considered it all."

Cao Daban, send someone to the Imperial Kitchen to prepare a simple meal for me and for Sun Qing

After listening, Sun Chengzong held the imperial edict in his hands and stepped forward to advise, saying: "If the situation at court is unstable, it will inevitably affect the course of this battle. If the enemy truly seizes the opportunity, it could lead to an even more serious crisis."

Wang Cheng'en respectfully presented the imperial edict to Sun Chengzong, saying that the recent performance of His Majesty led Wang Cheng'en to surmise that Sun Chengzong would surely be entrusted with significant responsibilities

Once this edict is announced in the court, it will undoubtedly cause a great stir within the court and will also embolden the arrogance of the invading forces

Later, let us, the sovereign and his subjects, first fill our stomachs, as there are important matters to attend to shortly

Reflecting on the events surrounding the Jisi Rebellion, how many times did opportunities present themselves before the Ming Dynasty to potentially end this catastrophe, only to be ultimately squandered due to the political situation within the court or individual will

How can one speak so lightly of the notion of suppressing chaos and saving the nation!

Sun Qing! Why do you not understand my intentions?

Mr. Sun

Emperor Chongzhen sighed, saying: "Is this invasion by the Jurchens merely a simple chaos for the Ming Dynasty? This is a catastrophe for our Ming Dynasty!"

Your request appears to be incomplete or unclear. Please provide a complete sentence or text for translation.

Seeing Sun Chengzong like this, Emperor Chongzhen looked at Cao Huachun and said calmly: "In recent days, I have been worried about the situation at the border and have had no appetite at all

If I miss this opportunity and cannot reclaim some authority, nor establish a new office in the court, it will fundamentally not change the current situation of the Ming Dynasty

Emperor Chongzhen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm as he said: "In this instance, the Jianlu bandits have invaded the borders, rampaging through the vital areas around the capital. To defeat the main forces of the Jianlu Eight Banners, we must still rely on the border troops stationed in the region of Guanjin Ning.

Thank you for your assistance, esteemed sir

The Cabinet, having heard the decree, immediately issued the imperial edict, thus commanded.

Emperor Chongzhen understood that in order to restore the broken Ming Dynasty in the future, the first thing he needed to do was to regain military power