Chapter 12: The Imperial Court in Session
Inside the East Warm Pavilion, Emperor Chongzhen continued to refine the Ming Dynasty’s Sustainable Development Plan.
Meanwhile, outside the palace, in a certain mansion, several men had gathered.
Anyone familiar with the court would immediately recognize them: Qian Qianyi, Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites; Cao Yubian, Right Censor-in-Chief; and Zhang Fengxiang, Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel—all staunch members of the Donglin Party.
“Shouzhi,” Zhang Fengxiang began, using Qian Qianyi’s courtesy name, “the matter concerning Chen Derun has been clarified.”
The group stiffened, eyes fixed on Zhang Fengxiang.
“Chen Derun was caught by the Imperial Guards attempting to trespass into Empress Dowager Yi’an’s chambers with ill intent. His Majesty was furious. Last night, he demoted Tian Ergeng, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to Deputy Commander; Xu Xianchun, who was on duty, was demoted to Pacification Commissioner. Both were docked a year’s salary and sentenced to twenty strokes of the court’s bamboo. Fang Zhenghua even took matters into his own hands. From the Imperial Medical Department, we learned both men suffered tendon injuries and will be bedridden for at least a month. Chen Derun, having been groomed by Wei Zhongxian and Wang Tiqian, bears responsibility for negligence, which led to this morning’s scene.”
Shock filled their eyes. They knew of Chen Derun but never imagined he dared to reach into the inner palace.
“Zhiyu,” one asked, using Zhang Fengxiang’s courtesy name, “is this news reliable? Such a scandal damaging to the royal image—how could His Majesty allow it?”
“Isn’t it obvious? The palace is riddled with factions. If His Majesty did nothing, would we not know? He’s using this as a warning, a show of imperial authority!”
“Exactly. It’s not just a reprimand to us but a strike against Wei Zhongxian.”
“So His Majesty fears Wei Zhongxian, then?”
...
The group discussed with smiles, knowing that while the blow was directed at them, Wei Zhongxian suffered greater losses—at least the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s nominal command had been stripped away.
With the eunuch faction suppressed, the Donglin Party’s prospects brightened.
After recounting the incident, Zhang Fengxiang suddenly said, “Shouzhi, since His Majesty intends to curb Wei Zhongxian, shall we seize this opportunity to impeach him?”
“No!”
Qian Qianyi set down his teacup calmly, slow in speech. “His Majesty has just ascended the throne. We know little of his temperament. Whether he’s testing us with Wei Zhongxian, we cannot say. If we impeach first, it must be through the Censorate. Once they take the lead, we follow. Moreover, trying to topple Wei Zhongxian over last night’s matter is unrealistic; otherwise, His Majesty would have acted decisively, and this morning’s scene would not have occurred.”
“Sound reasoning!”
“As expected, Lord Qian’s prudence is admirable.”
“Indeed. If we initiate impeachment and His Majesty hesitates, punishing Wei Zhongxian becomes difficult. If we do nothing, it discourages officials and complicates His Majesty’s position. Later, he might hold it against us.”
...
“We cannot impeach Wei Zhongxian directly, but we can vex him.”
Qian Qianyi’s sudden remark stunned the group. What difference was there between targeting Wei Zhongxian’s faction and Wei Zhongxian himself?
Cao Yubian pondered aloud, “Shouzhi means Madame Fengsheng, does he not?”
Understanding dawned on everyone.
Madame Fengsheng, wet nurse to Emperor Xizong, was technically his senior, but irrelevant to the new emperor.
No one could tolerate an unrelated elder, notorious for licentiousness, cruelty, and treachery, living in the inner palace as Wei Zhongxian’s ally.
“Exactly. I suspect His Majesty also wishes to act but lacks grounds. If we impeach, it weakens the eunuch faction and pleases His Majesty. Once successful, publicizing this will earn popular support—a triple victory!”
“Besides, a non-palace person residing within the inner chambers violates propriety and falls under the Ministry of Rites’ jurisdiction. It’s fitting for me to impeach her; no one can fault that.”
“Yubian, at tomorrow’s court session, I will initiate the impeachment. Should His Majesty reject it, you support me, and the rest will follow. In any case, Madame Ke’s guilt must be established.”
They nodded in agreement. Qian Qianyi continued, “It’s settled. Let us review and refine the charges and corresponding evidence.”
“First, deceiving the late emperor and seducing him into debauchery.”
“Second, persecuting the imperial consorts and severing the imperial lineage.”
...
Only late into the night did they finish compiling the thick dossier. They exchanged knowing smiles; each charge was true, enough to condemn Madame Ke a dozen times over.
“Lord Qian, what if His Majesty does not... approve?”
The lively group suddenly grew solemn. Qian Qianyi whispered, “Then we must remonstrate unto death.”
Before their expressions changed further, he explained, “The new emperor has no one reliable yet—except us. Moreover, the evidence is irrefutable. His Majesty cannot kill us to protect her; the backlash would be severe and discourage all future honesty.”
Relieved, they reaffirmed their resolve before dispersing.
At dawn the next day, just as the rooster crowed, Chongzhen was roused by Empress Zhou. After dressing and washing, yawning, he proceeded to the Imperial Gate to conduct court.
As the name implies, the emperor listens to his ministers’ reports before the palace gates, not inside the hall. Yet the Imperial Gate itself resembled a palace gate; once its front and rear doors were closed, it was effectively a palace.
Along the way, Chongzhen grumbled about Ming dynasty court rituals and his predecessor, calling them absurd.
The emperor had to rise before five, while ministers fared worse—those living near the palace woke at three or four a.m. to dress, those farther away at one or two a.m., all lining up outside the palace gates by five.
Starting work at two or three a.m. and not finishing until six p.m., enduring fifteen to sixteen hours daily, it was no wonder energy was scarce.
The previous emperor had done the same, attending court daily to save the dynasty. At this hour, in this weather, wasn’t it better to stay in bed, embracing Empress Zhou?
At the Imperial Gate, ministers from the Six Ministries and Nine Ministries had all assembled. Chongzhen seated himself on the Dragon Throne. After their salutations, Wang Cheng’en stepped forward.
“Present your reports; without them, court is dismissed!”
The ministers rose, eyes drawn to the platform, immediately sensing something amiss.
Normally, besides the emperor, only the imperial eunuch Wang Cheng’en stood there. Today, however, behind Wang Cheng’en stood another eunuch—Fang Zhenghua.
Even more startling, Fang Zhenghua bore a sword.
Within the Imperial Gate, military officers were forbidden to carry weapons inside. What was going on?
“Esteemed ministers, is there no one with matters to report?”