Chapter 17: Wei Zhongxian Resigns as Supervisor of the Eastern Depot, Conspiracy Resurfaces
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“Your servant Wei Zhongxian pays respects to Your Majesty!”
The moment Wei Zhongxian entered the warm chamber, he immediately knelt down.
Hearing him refer to himself as "your servant," a sharp glint flashed in Chongzhen’s eyes, while Wang Cheng’en’s eyes flickered with a trace of amusement.
“Zhongxian, rise and speak.”
“Great companion, please be seated!”
“Your servant thanks Your Majesty!”
Although Wang Cheng’en had moved over a round stool, Wei Zhongxian remained kneeling, his forehead pressed tightly to the floor.
“Your Majesty, among the eighteen major crimes attributed to Madam Ke, several involve your servant, but I was utterly helpless. At that time, I was only the steward of Concubine Wang, while Madam Ke was the late emperor’s wet nurse. Seeing your servant’s ‘beauty,’ she sought to recruit me. With no one to rely on, your servant had no choice but to endure...”
*Cough... cough...*
When Chongzhen heard Wei Zhongxian claim he had some measure of beauty, he nearly spat out his tea.
“Your Majesty, the tea is too hot. Your servant will replace it for you!”
Wang Cheng’en reacted swiftly, stepping forward to gently pat Chongzhen on the back before carrying the tea out.
“Zhongxian, continue.”
...
“Your Majesty, some things were indeed done by your servant, and I admit to them, but it was out of absolute necessity. We eunuchs rely on imperial authority; Your Majesty can revoke the power in my hands at any time...
Your servant is willing to resign from the position of Supervisor of the Eastern Depot and loyally stay by Your Majesty’s side to serve you!”
Chongzhen’s spirit stirred. This moment had finally arrived. Before traveling through time, he had read the biography of Chongzhen, which mentioned Wei Zhongxian’s resignation from the Eastern Depot to lay low, testing Chongzhen’s reaction.
To keep Wei Zhongxian steady, Chongzhen did not accept the resignation.
“Wei Zhongxian, if I intended to kill you, I wouldn’t have taken Madam Ke out of the Imperial Supreme Hall for interrogation, especially not in front of so many ministers. With her confession and the ministers’ joint impeachment, even if I wished to protect you, I could not.”
“Do not be afraid. I trust you. Without you, the treasury would have long been empty. There would be no funds for troop salaries in Liaodong, and the Jurchens would have invaded already. You have done well!”
“Before he died, my elder brother said two things: first, to treat the Empress Dowager well, and second, that you should be employed. Since my brother trusted you, naturally I do as well.”
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“As for resigning from the Eastern Depot, don’t speak such angry words again. Work diligently—I will not shortchange you.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s understanding. Your servant is willing to face fire and water for Your Majesty, even to death!”
Wei Zhongxian’s trembling body was wracked with sobs, his voice choked with emotion.
“All right, rise.”
When Wei Zhongxian stood up, Chongzhen continued, “Your immediate task is to investigate the wealth of the landlords, gentry, ministers, and nobles in Beijing. Collect any evidence of wrongdoing. Go!”
“Your servant receives the order! Rest assured, Your Majesty, even if these ministers’ households have a few rats, your servant will investigate thoroughly.”
“I trust this. Go now.”
After Wei Zhongxian left the Eastern Warm Chamber, Chongzhen walked from behind the dragon desk to the door, staring long at Wei’s retreating figure, lost in thought.
After a while, he said, “Great companion, quietly disseminate the events that took place here in the Eastern Warm Chamber. In ten to fifteen days, release the information that he will investigate the landlords, gentry, ministers, and nobles. Then we watch the show.”
Who feared the Donglin faction the most? Not the emperor, but Wei Zhongxian.
The emperor, if he moved against them, had to consider the impact and his sacred virtue.
But Wei Zhongxian held no such reservations. How many major cases and injustices had he fabricated over the years?
As long as Wei Zhongxian lived, they would live under his shadow, for none wished to wake one day only to be dragged into the imperial prison, their families destroyed.
Thus, these ministers, for their own survival, would fiercely impeach Wei Zhongxian and the eunuch party. When public opinion forces their hand and the White Banner troops enter the capital, that will be the moment to capture them all.
Thinking of this, Chongzhen could only admire Zhu Youjian. Upon ascending the throne, he immediately bestowed rewards to secure Wei Zhongxian, then took advantage of Wei’s lowered guard to strike decisively.
At seventeen, Zhu Youjian already possessed such patience and cunning. Had he been the seventeen-year-old of the previous life, he would likely have been killed by Wei Zhongxian. Truly, the ancients matured early.
After some thought, Chongzhen returned to the dragon desk and continued reviewing memorials.
Outside Qianqing Palace, Wei Zhongxian left through Longguang Gate and instantly shed his servile demeanor, regaining his arrogant expression.
Wang Tiqian, the eunuch in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial, hurried to meet him, whispering anxiously, “Minister, how did it go?”
“Nonsense. If something had gone wrong, would I be walking down here?”
Wei Zhongxian took the tea handed by a young eunuch. “It’s fine. The emperor still trusts me and did not accept my resignation. He even cited the late emperor’s will, then gave me the task of investigating the landlords, gentry, ministers, and nobles here in Beijing. If he didn’t trust us, would he assign this mission?”
“However, with the new emperor on the throne, we must restrain ourselves for now. We cannot let the Donglin faction find faults. If they continuously impeach us, even if the emperor wishes to protect us, to silence the gossip, he may be forced to act against us.”
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“Understood. I will order the subordinates to behave for the time being.”
“Good. But don’t fully trust the emperor’s words; we must keep the initiative. Have the beauties you selected prepare quickly and send them to the emperor to distract him. Don’t forget the soul-soothing incense.”
“I’ve already sent people to find it. This matter cannot be rushed.”
“Very well. Hurry up. Keep a close watch on the Directorate of Ceremonial. I’ll head to the Eastern Depot. Those bastards in the Donglin faction dared to impeach me—I, the Supervisor, will make sure they’re finished.”
...
Outside the palace, with the court session ended, the events in the hall spread rapidly. The deaths of Qian Qianyi and others naturally caused an uproar in the capital.
At the Jiangnan Guild Hall, located in the west of Beijing, it was not as grand as a prince’s mansion but featured winding paths and secluded courtyards, a quiet retreat amid the bustling city.
At this moment, dozens were seated in the main hall.
“A foolish ruler! The greatest fool in the Ming—he killed those who spoke truth!”
“Madam Ke deserved her fate, but what does His Majesty mean by this? Is he protecting Wei Zhongxian? Is he going to reinstate him?”
“Everyone, Mr. Qian died a martyr. How shall we conduct ourselves now?”
...
“Silence!”
A man seated at the head of the hall shouted sharply, and the room fell silent. All eyes turned to him.
“Since it has happened, further debate is meaningless. His Majesty killed Mr. Qian and the others because they threatened him with their words. This fault lies with Mr. Qian and the rest.”
Seeing others attempt to speak, the leader waved his hand. “But Mr. Qian and his group impeached with facts and submitted evidence. It is also true that His Majesty killed those who dared to speak. Who will dare to advise the throne henceforth?”
“You only need to act as follows...”
After listening, the group nodded repeatedly and then departed.
Inside the Eastern Warm Chamber, Chongzhen reviewed memorials until nearly mealtime, when Wang Cheng’en said, “Your Majesty, Minister Li is here.”
“Let him in.”