Chapter 7, Policy Formulation (Part 1)

Looking around, it is not an exaggeration to say that the Donglin Party currently holds important official positions in this court

Do not be reserved, Wang Daban, grant seats to all of you

Gentlemen, each of you may recommend two individuals, and for the remaining positions, I will make supplementary appointments at my discretion. Now, having finished our discussion on the Military Affairs Office, let us talk about how we will confront the Jurchens next!

Emperor Chongzhen sat on the dragon throne, looking at the respectful Sun Chengzong and others standing before him, and gestured with his hand, saying: "The military affairs office has been stationed, and I have ordered Cao Daban to lead the personnel in organizing it.

The defeat of the Donglin Party was one of the explicit policies of Emperor Chongzhen

The Emperor specially established the Military Affairs Office, which is intended to personally oversee the upcoming battle against the invading bandits. Even if there are significant fluctuations in the war situation in the future, the danger will not fall upon them.

The only one who was not a member of the Donglin Party was Zhou Yanru, the Right Vice Minister of Rites.

How? Do you think I am speaking nonsense

Sun Chengzong and Wang Qia, among others, first bowed and saluted Emperor Chongzhen, and then took their seats, contemplating the two questions posed by the emperor

Regarding the stable framework of the Ming Dynasty's court, and the corrupt officialdom, if one does not seize the authority over urgent military matters, it would be exceedingly easy for the group of civil officials in the court to unite and deceive oneself

The establishment of the Special Military Affairs Office was a decision made by Emperor Chongzhen after careful consideration, taking into account the current state of the court as well as the circumstances that would need to be faced in the future

Even if the three defensive forces within the pass are reduced, it seems that this strategic point at Xifengkou will not be so easily captured by the enemy

Emperor Chongzhen set down the tea cup in his hand and said with an indifferent expression: "In order to facilitate the operations of the Grand Council, a group of military advisors may be appointed, with a temporary quota of thirty members.

Having spoken, Emperor Chongzhen rose to his feet and walked towards the geographical map hanging to the side. Upon seeing this, Sun Chengzong, Wang Qia, Li Banghua, and Zhou Yanru hurriedly stood up and followed behind Emperor Chongzhen

Wang Qia, Li Banghua, and Zhou Yanru exchanged astonished glances, clearly not having anticipated that this strategic pass at Jifengkou would be captured by the enemy.

Minister of War Wang Qia, after pondering for a moment, respectfully stood up and cupped his hands in salute to Emperor Chongzhen, saying: "After all, the Military Affairs Office was established specifically due to the urgency of the situation..."

Otherwise, why would the Son of Heaven exert so much effort, issuing edicts and convening discussions on platforms, employing the strategies of a sovereign to both strike and dispel? What is the clear justification for confronting the establishment of the invaders?

This summons is hereby concluded

Well, this matter is settled as such

The reason why Han Luan, Li Biao, and others did not directly oppose the matter of the specially established military office they proposed, aside from their calculations, is due to other considerations

It is evident that in their hearts, Han Luan, Li Biao, and these ministers are calculating the pros and cons

Since the Military Commission has been established, it must be endowed with the appropriate authority and functions. At this current juncture, it is clear that Emperor Chongzhen never intended to abolish it

This is the geographical battle situation map that I have recently created based on the reports submitted by the Cabinet and your Ministry of War.

However, for Sun Chengzong, he felt quite emotional; the Emperor, with just a few words, clearly defined the authority of the Military Affairs Office. This would greatly benefit the upcoming battle against the Jurchens. Moreover, Sun Chengzong had a strong intuition that this specially established Military Affairs Office would likely never be disbanded by the Emperor in the future

Facing the astonished ministers before him, Emperor Chongzhen stood with an unchanging expression, hands clasped behind his back, quietly observing them

Emperor Chongzhen lifted the tea cup before him, took a sip, and then looked at Wang Qia and said: "Is it still that your Ministry of War is accustomed to obeying the Cabinet rather than me?"

However, he cannot implement a one-size-fits-all approach, as this does not align with the principle of checks and balances. More importantly, the Ming Dynasty requires a process of talent succession.

Emperor Chongzhen held a conductor's baton, pointing at the geographical map before him, and looked at Sun Chengzong and the others, stating solemnly: "Before convening the platform for discussion, I summon you, Sir Sun, to express to you the concerns that weigh on my mind.

As the murmurs behind him grew louder, Emperor Chongzhen, walking briskly towards the Qianqing Palace, muttered to himself.

Your Majesty, I have absolutely no such intention

In the early stages of the Jisi Rebellion, many officials of the Ming Dynasty indeed did not believe that the invading forces could reach the capital region, nor did they anticipate that the reinforcements led by Guan Jinning would suffer consecutive defeats.

Wang Qia was greatly shocked and hurriedly cupped his hands in salute, saying: "Since the Military Affairs Office has overall control, regarding the matter of dealing with the border bandits, my suggestion is that the Ministry of War should present the corresponding urgent military affairs to the Military Affairs Office at the earliest opportunity"

Emperor Chongzhen aimed to gradually eliminate the group of East Forest officials who were merely engaged in verbal disputes, along with other civil officials, in order to achieve a renewal of the court. All of this required time for consolidation

Regarding the matter of the Military Machine Office, they have not yet had the opportunity to offer their counsel. Immediately following this, the Emperor dropped another bombshell, leaving them momentarily hesitant

This ... ...

Once this strategic point is captured by the enemy, the areas of Zunhua and Santunying (Jizhen) will be completely exposed to the enemy's military might

Emperor Chongzhen selected four individuals for the Grand Council, all of whom were capable of being utilized for his own purposes and possessed talents.

Having said this, Emperor Chongzhen flicked his sleeve and walked towards the Qianqing Palace without looking back, leaving Han Luan, Li Biao, and the other ministers who were still digesting his words in a state of bewilderment

The Jurchens in Liaodong and the bandits in Guanzhong are both grave threats to the Ming Dynasty

At present, what I wish to convey to you is that, based on the current situation, how the Military Affairs Office can still coordinate the reinforcements led by Yuan Chonghuan in Guanjin and Ning to ensure the stability of the nation!

In response to the invasion by the Jianlu, how should our Ming Dynasty prepare for battle? How should the troops commanded by Yuan Chonghuan be stationed to curb the momentum of the Jianlu?

Observing the reactions of the crowd, Emperor Chongzhen raised his eyebrows slightly and said: "It is nothing, I am aware in my heart that even now, you still believe that the danger has not yet arrived

Moreover, it is important to note that among the four individuals in the military aircraft office, Wang Qia, the Minister of War, was recommended by the elder of the Donglin Party, Zhao Nanxing, which enabled him to embark on his official career

The strategic pass at Xifengkou is likely to be breached by the enemy, and within the next two days, your Ministry of War will receive the corresponding urgent report

The most important point among these is that Yuan Chonghuan promoted himself in order to consolidate his authority as a military commander, and the memorials he submitted to the court captivated those in power.

Your Majesty, regarding the matter of the Ministry of War's transmission, should it still be submitted to the Cabinet?

East Forest, East Forest, let me show you how I will bring you down

Once everything is tidied up, you all may return to your posts. For now, let us discuss the urgent military matters reported, specifically the issue of the Military Ministry forwarding military communications.

Emperor Chongzhen declared loudly: "Cabinet, attend to what must be done. The morning court is suspended. When will the invasion by the Jianlu be resolved, we shall reconvene. You few, follow me to the Eastern Warm Pavilion."

Wang Qing, do you truly look down upon the Military Affairs Office in your heart like this

Li Banghua, the Right Assistant Minister of War, studied under Zou Yuanbiao in his early years. Even the esteemed Sun Chengzong, whom he valued, was listed in the appointment roster of the Donglin Party compiled by the eunuchs' faction.