Chapter 5, Platform Summons, Denouncing Corrupt Officials
Sun Qing, when do you think those court officials who heard the edict to quell the rebellion and save the country will rush to the Qianqing Gate to crowd around and advise me to retract the imperial decree
All of you, please rise!
The words spoken by Emperor Chongzhen caused shock among Han Luan, Li Biao, and the other ministers, leading to a significant change in their expressions.
Han Luan, Li Biao, and other court officials were greatly astonished upon hearing this news. The Emperor, once again without any warning, made the decision to summon them to the platform. What on earth could this mean!
The benefits of this platform lie in the ability of the sovereign to summon ministers for discussions on state affairs. When encountering issues, the sovereign can call upon specific ministers by name, thereby maintaining a corresponding initiative.
Your Majesty, in consideration of the stability of the state, I humbly request that you retract this decree.
I must tell you the truth, at present, it is feared that the strategic pass of Xifengkou has already been breached by another main force of the enemy.
Sun Qing, please wait over there for the time being
Is that so? Then it seems I was mistaken
After Han Luan and Li Biao stood in formation, Wang Cheng'en took a few steps forward and spoke in a loud voice
Cao Huachun arrived early at the Qianqing Gate, surrounded by the eunuchs behind him. Upon seeing the group of ministers before him, he appeared indifferent and shouted loudly.
Time, he must strive to seize every moment that can be seized
Under the leadership of Cao Huachun, the assembled ministers at Qianqingmen, led by cabinet ministers such as Han Luan and Li Biao, proceeded in an orderly manner to the presence of Emperor Chongzhen.
Do you all think that because I have not attended to state affairs in the Wenhua Hall these past few days, I am neglecting the urgent military matters at hand
The cabinet has summoned the Ministry of War to discuss effective countermeasures, and has ordered Yuan Chonghuan, the commander in Liaodong, to immediately lead his troops to reinforce the capital and repel the invading enemy forces!
The old minister receives the decree
However, before the matter he is planning is finalized, he must not act recklessly
Emperor Chongzhen sat on the dragon carriage and said with an indifferent expression: "Whether we can save the Ming Dynasty this time, and whether we can decisively defeat the Manchus, depends on this summons."
Under the watchful eyes of the assembled ministers on the platform, Han Luan took a few steps forward, clasped his hands in salute, and said: "Your Majesty's decree, the edict to quell chaos and save the nation, will undoubtedly cause turmoil in light of the current situation!"
The old minister obeys the order
Emperor Chongzhen's expression was indifferent as he scanned the court officials before him and said: "What? Do you find anything I have said to be incorrect?"
Your Majesty, although the enemy has taken the route through Mongolia and divided their forces to invade the borders, the current situation is far from as critical as Your Majesty may have imagined.
Emperor Chongzhen shouted sternly, rising from the dragon carriage, and pointed at Han Luan, saying: "In these years, the court has heeded the words of Yuan Chonghuan, imposing the burden of Liao tribute on the world, spending vast sums to construct the Great Wall and the Ning border defense line, claiming that it could pacify Liao in five years. I believed him, thinking he was a pillar of the Ming dynasty, capable of assisting me in resolving the threat from the Jurchens. But what has been the result!"
Led by Han Luan, the morning assembly team performed a ceremonial bow, shouting: "Long live our Emperor!" "Long live!" "Long, long live!"
Everything that has been done is to prevent certain tragedies from occurring
"Your Majesty, this old minister believes it will take... a cup of tea's worth of time."
Emperor Chongzhen focused his mind, fixing his gaze on Zhou Yanru and Wen Tiren standing among the crowd, and said with an expression of calmness
Cao Huachun, Sun Chengzong, and others immediately clasped their hands and bowed in greeting
This servant obeys your command
Your Majesty's decree, all ministers gather at the platform for a summons
Sun Chengzong replied with cupped hands, his tightly furrowed brow had not relaxed since he left the Qianqing Palace, clearly indicating that he did not have absolute confidence regarding this platform summons.
Kneel
This edict, involving Tianjin, Denglai, Dongjiang, and other regions, cannot bypass the Ministry of War. Even if it means having the Ministry of War's officials refute it, risking the wrath of the Emperor, it must not be publicly issued.
Han Luan! As the Prime Minister of your cabinet, what else can you do besides calling Yuan Chonghuan!
Emperor Chongzhen stood up, flicked his robe sleeves, and said: "Let us go to the Qianqing Gate, I wish to convene a meeting on the platform! Together with my esteemed ministers, we shall earnestly and thoroughly discuss the important military affairs!"
Must you wait until the Eight Banners of the invading forces reach our capital's vital areas before you are willing to awaken to the reality
We, the ministers, receive the imperial decree
Emperor Chongzhen squinted his eyes slightly, scanning the officials before him, and coldly said: "You cannot still be under the impression that the current invaders at the border, the Jianlu, have merely breached the strategic passes of Longjing Pass and Daan Pass.
Zunhua and Santun River are two military strongholds. Although there is a risk of being threatened by the invading forces, it is unlikely that they would be directly besieged by the enemy.
But this is the essence, even if ... ...
Han Qing, you are the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, you speak first. Given the current instability in the court, let us not adhere to so many formalities.
Ministers Han Luan, Li Biao, and others stood quietly at the front. Although they did not speak, they heard the words of the ministers behind them and continuously pondered the Emperor's intentions in their hearts
At that time, outside the Qianqing Gate, the gathered court officials displayed expressions of worry, indignation, and unease, quietly discussing among themselves.
Do you think the Son of Heaven will summon us? If His Majesty does not summon us, then will not this decree to quell the chaos and save the nation be publicly issued by the cabinet?
If the strategic pass at Xifengkou were to be breached by the Jin invaders, then the crucial locations of Zunhua and Santunhe would truly be completely exposed to the might of the Jin army
The platform for the imperial summons, as described by Emperor Chongzhen, refers to the venue where the Son of Heaven of the Ming Dynasty convenes court officials to inquire about state affairs. This is particularly relevant for the provincial governors and high-ranking officials, as the platform summons serves to emphasize the solemnity and importance of the discussions regarding governance.
Thank you, Your Majesty
Even though they were filled with doubts and suspicions, the imperial edict had been issued, and they had no choice but to obey the command. One by one, with uncertain expressions, they made their way towards the platform.
When encountering Emperor Chongzhen, who was already seated on the platform, the cabinet ministers such as Han Luan and Li Biao, as well as the court officials behind him, all harbored silent doubts in their hearts
No wonder the Son of Heaven issued this decree; it turns out that the Son of Heaven's intention is to...
The platform, located at the center of the extreme hall facing backward, is opposite the Qianqing Gate. For today's platform summons, Emperor Chongzhen has been planning for several days.
I have heard that you have gathered at the Qianqing Gate. Do you have any objections to the decree I have issued?
Your Majesty, if that is truly the case, then it is even more imperative to summon Yuan Chonghuan to immediately return to aid the capital! Han Luan suppressed his inner shock, his hands trembled uncontrollably, and he bowed respectfully to Emperor Chongzhen.
Cao Huachun hurriedly approached Emperor Chongzhen, respectfully cupping his hands and bowing in greeting
Sun Chengzong, with a solemn expression between his brows, respectfully clasped his hands in front of Emperor Chongzhen. However, at this moment, his heart was still shaken by the words spoken by the Son of Heaven before the meal.
Arrived
On this platform, the ministers who came to pay their respects stood up one after another, marking the beginning of this platform's audience.
Emperor Chongzhen held the tea cup, glanced at Wang Cheng'en who had already returned, and said to Sun Chengzong with a faint smile. He then took a sip of tea, yet the tension in his brow did not dissipate in the slightest
Sun Qing, accompany me.
Your Majesty, the cabinet ministers, departments, courts, and officials led by the Chief Minister Han Luan have gathered outside the Qianqing Gate to petition for an audience with Your Majesty