Chapter 15: A Death-Defying Remonstrance? Then I Shall Grant Your Wish

The night before last, Chen Derun trespassed into Empress Dowager Yi'an’s bedchamber. Originally, he could have handled the matter quietly to preserve the royal dignity.

But why did he make it so bloody and public in front of all the ministers?

This was a clear signal to all factions.

As long as the factions weren’t foolish, the impeachment of Wei Zhongxian or the eunuch faction would inevitably begin in the court.

With a little guidance, the eunuch faction and the other parties could be set to fight to the death.

What he hadn’t anticipated was that the Donglin faction didn’t impeach Wei Zhongxian or the eunuchs. Instead, they targeted the Ke family. It was an unexpected twist—an accidental stroke of fortune.

“Wei Zhongxian, what is your view on the eighteen charges of impeachment brought by Qian Qianyi?”

Hearing the emperor’s question, Wei Zhongxian rose from his seat. After bowing to the Chongzhen Emperor, he said, “Your Majesty, as I am involved in the matter of Lord Qian’s impeachment, if I speak, it may appear biased, which would be improper by law. I shall leave all decisions to Your Majesty.”

Chongzhen cursed this old fox silently in his heart. He did not want to alarm Wei Zhongxian now and thus left the choice to him.

If Wei Zhongxian confirmed Qian Qianyi’s charges, Chongzhen could execute the Ke family outright.

If Wei Zhongxian denied them, Qian Qianyi and his allies would certainly continue impeaching, and under the court’s pressure, Chongzhen could logically investigate the Ke family.

Once investigated, the Ke family’s doom was certain.

But this old schemer shifted the responsibility back to him, while feigning loyalty.

“Qian Qianyi, you should know the Ke family’s status; she was the wet nurse to the late emperor’s elder brother and, by right, my senior.

Your eighteen charges are each sufficient to sentence her to death by slow slicing ten times over.

If my investigation finds her innocent, you understand the consequences, do you not?”

The ministers below listened to the emperor’s words, each inwardly puzzled.

First, the emperor’s words revealed he understood the conflict between Wei Zhongxian’s eunuch faction and the Donglin faction.

Second, his tone seemed to protect Wei Zhongxian.

At this moment, not only the Donglin faction but even Wei Zhongxian himself was somewhat confused.

“Your Majesty, Ke family’s corruption of the palace, plotting against the imperial heirs, usurping power and disrupting governance—she must die to appease the people and to honor the late emperor. If she remains, she will once again sow chaos in the harem.

The Ming dynasty is now battered by storms; the palace unrest distracts Your Majesty from state affairs.

Your Majesty has the qualities of Yao and Shun; you must not forgive such a grievous sinner for the sake of the late emperor.

I… plead with my life, beseeching Your Majesty for a thorough investigation of the Ke family.”

Qian Qianyi’s voice was forceful and resonant, echoing throughout the Imperial Supreme Hall.

“I agree with Lord Qian’s words. I too plead with my life; I implore Your Majesty to execute the Ke family!”

(2/3)

“Your Majesty, the eighteen charges by Lord Qian against the Ke family are known to all. I beg Your Majesty to investigate; if not, I shall die by crashing my head upon the floor of this hall as a warning to future generations.”

Right Censor Cao Yubian, Minister of Personnel Zhang Fengxiang, and others also stood up.

If it were not for the fact that Chongzhen was a time traveler who knew the historical truth, he might have almost believed these men embodied the moral backbone of Ming scholars.

The purpose of the Censors was to speak frankly and advise the emperor. Killing a censor only immortalized their name while tarnishing the emperor’s reputation.

In the past, when Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to bring a female entertainer into the palace, the censor Zhou Guanzheng inspected Fengtian Gate and fiercely rebuked the eunuchs who relayed the order.

He then submitted a harsh memorial to Zhu Yuanzhang, who could only appease him with promises, after which the censor ceased his complaints.

Due to Zhu Yuanzhang’s precedent, later Ming emperors rarely executed censors, to the point that these censors began to risk death to remonstrate.

“Are you threatening me by saying this?” Chongzhen’s voice was calm, betraying no anger or pleasure.

“We dare not. Everything we do is for the Ming dynasty’s rivers and mountains. We have clear conscience!”

Hearing the emperor’s words, Qian Qianyi’s heart suddenly tightened. But at this moment, he had no choice but to go all in.

Otherwise, he would become a laughingstock, with no standing left in court.

Chongzhen looked expressionless at the five ministers kneeling and remonstrating with their lives. The hall was deathly silent.

After a long while, Chongzhen suddenly smiled, “Such loyalty for the nation and its people.”

Before anyone could relax, his next words sent chills through all present.

“Since you remonstrate with your lives, I shall grant you your wish.”

“Li Ruolian, drag these unruly creatures outside for thirty strokes of the court whip. I want to see if they truly care for the Ming dynasty!”

“Fang Zhenghua, you personally oversee this and be thorough!”

Li Ruolian, on duty outside the Imperial Supreme Hall, immediately led several embroidered uniform guards in and seized Qian Qianyi and the others.

“Your Majesty, thirty strokes of the court whip will leave no survivors among Lord Qian and the others. Executing censors so soon after your ascension may damage the imperial virtue. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider and show leniency.”

“Minister Guo, your words are excessive. To remonstrate with one’s life is to clarify one’s loyalty unto death. Since they have such resolve, I am merely granting their wish. What does this have to do with imperial virtue?”

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