20demayo Chapter 16 The Holy Emperor Reborn
Chapter 16 The Holy Emperor Reborn
The large-scale battle between the Ming army and the invading Jurchens was basically over by early December.
In the final pursuit, the Guan Ning Army suffered over 500 elite cavalry casualties but also beheaded over 200 Tibetans, in addition to more than 500 Mongol Eight Banners and Han Army soldiers.
In the past, this would have been considered a glorious victory, a triumph worthy of being celebrated by officials in the capital.
However, compared to the previous victory where Emperor Chongzhen personally led his troops to fight against tens of thousands of Jurchen troops and achieved over a thousand casualties, the results of the pursuit battle seemed less impressive.
Because the Imperial Guard cavalry strictly followed Emperor Chongzhen's orders to focus on supporting the Guan-Ning Army, their casualties in battle were limited.
However, they also attacked several Jurchen detachments along the way, plundering villages and rescuing many civilians and intercepting a considerable amount of supplies.
Emperor Chongzhen was also very satisfied with this.
No matter how capable the Guan Ning Army was, it was ultimately a warlord group whose interests were rooted outside the Great Wall.
You can win them over and use them, but you can't trust them.
The only reliable force he can rely on now is the new army under his command.
Cavalry is not easy to train. These three thousand elite cavalrymen are his pride and joy. It's one thing if they were killed or wounded in the previous major battles.
But he would really be heartbroken if he were to lose troops during the pursuit.
Fortunately, Huang Degong and Zhou Yuji were prudent in their military tactics and loyal to their orders, and did not rush into pursuit in order to gain merit.
In this way, while preserving the strength and manpower of his Imperial Guard cavalry, he managed to repel the Jurchen invasion, and he could be considered to have successfully turned the tide.
On December 26, Dorgon's vanguard army had already broken through the Gubeikou Pass and left the pass.
On December 29th, Emperor Chongzhen led his new army safely back to the capital. By then, the Jurchen army had all crossed the border, and the crisis in the capital had been resolved.
Thus came to an end the fifth invasion of the Central Plains by the Jurchens.
Dorgon led 70,000 Eight Banner troops in a hasty escape from Gubeikou to the outside of the pass. Along the way, they were harassed by the Guan Ning Iron Cavalry and the Imperial Guard Iron Cavalry, losing more than a thousand men and being forced to abandon most of the looted wealth and people.
This invasion of the Jurchens was a complete failure. Not only did they fail to shake the foundation of the Ming Dynasty, but the Ming imperial power, which had been bowing down for many years, straightened its back thanks to this great victory.
Emperor Chongzhen, who personally led the expedition and "forced back" the invading Jurchen army, won the hearts of the people and gained political prestige during the risky southern expedition.
On the way back north escorted by the new army, officials from all the prefectures and counties along the route came out of the city to kneel and welcome the emperor, and the people lined the streets to watch.
When they saw the disciplined and well-armored vanguard of the new army protecting Emperor Chongzhen's imperial carriage as it passed by, many people who had suffered from war and displacement prostrated themselves on the ground and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" The sound echoed for dozens of miles!
They had witnessed too many atrocities committed by government troops, including burning, killing, and looting, and had seen the devastation caused by the Jurchens' iron hooves ravaging various parts of northern Zhili.
But I never imagined that the current emperor would have such courage, leading troops out of the capital to repel the enemy and personally saving the people from suffering!
This unprecedented sense of security and awe spread along the official road and quickly reached the capital, finally bringing back the long-lost vitality to the imperial city that had been shrouded in the shadow of war for months.
On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the capital city had shed its previous fear and anxiety. The nine gates were wide open, banners fluttered on the city walls, and the soldiers of the Beijing garrison who remained in the city lined up to welcome the emperor.
Grand Secretary Yang Sichang led all the civil and military officials of the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers out of the city for thirty miles and knelt on both sides of the official road to await the emperor's arrival.
The old Duke of England, with a ruddy complexion and full of energy, led a group of nobles from the Ming Dynasty to await the Emperor's arrival.
Every official in the court, from the highest-ranking cabinet ministers to the lowest-ranking officials, was present.
However, not everyone was happy for the emperor's victorious return; some people had very mixed feelings.
Months earlier, the Jurchens breached the walls of Ziling and entered the pass, sweeping across the southern part of the capital region. Their forces advanced directly towards the capital, causing panic among the court officials. Some advocated for peace talks, while others advocated for closing the city and defending it to the death. However, no one dared to suggest taking the initiative to attack.
Furthermore, a group of upright officials criticized Yang Sichang for advocating peace and harming the country, impeached Gao Qiqian for holding troops but refusing to come to the rescue, and accused the court of poor command. Yet, from beginning to end, they could not come up with a single strategy to repel the enemy.
It wasn't until Emperor Chongzhen made up his mind, despite the opposition and pressure from the Qingliu faction, that he formed a new army and personally led the expedition.
At that time, there was a huge wave of opposition in the imperial court, with countless upright officials jointly submitting a memorial to the emperor, advising him not to rashly lead a personal expedition.
They bluntly stated that the emperor, confined to the palace, was unfamiliar with military affairs, and that if he were to venture out lightly, it would endanger the nation. Some even speculated that the emperor's departure from the capital would result in a crushing defeat, at which point they would jointly impeach him and hold him accountable for his reckless campaign!
But no one expected that in just half a month, the emperor not only stabilized the battle situation in Julu, but also rescued Lu Xiang-sheng's remaining troops and forced Dorgon's vanguard to retreat.
Subsequently, it held the strategic pass of Linqing, using the fortified city to dampen the morale of the Eight Banners, ultimately forcing the arrogant Dorgon to lead his 70,000-strong army in a hasty retreat north.
This "great victory" can be said to be the first time since the Wanli era that the Ming Dynasty had taken the initiative to attack and force the enemy to retreat in the face of the Manchu invasion and plunder.
More importantly, this victory shattered the myth of the Eight Banners' invincibility in open field battles.
Regardless of the methods used, the current emperor decisively broke through the Jurchen encirclement in open battle, rescuing the besieged ministers and the remnants of the army—this is an undeniable fact.
Now that the emperor has returned in triumph, all the civil and military officials feel not only awe but also a deep sense of unease.
Especially those upright civil officials who had previously vehemently opposed the emperor's personal campaign, submitted memorials daily to remonstrate with him, and even prepared to attack him as soon as he was defeated.
They knelt on the ground, their heads bowed low, their palms sweating profusely. They hoped the emperor would reward the officials and appease the court, but they also feared the emperor would hold them accountable for their previous criticism of the personal expedition. They were all restless and dared not even breathe loudly.
As the sound of horses' hooves drew closer, a chilling aura swept over them.
A well-organized cavalry force of several thousand led the way, while vigilant guards patrolled the surroundings, subtly surrounding the kneeling officials, their presence suggesting they would draw their swords and kill them if anything went wrong.
Such an "arrogant" demeanor made all the ministers feel uneasy.
But they dared not utter the subconscious questions and curses that the warriors had previously dismissed.
Because that murderous aura was simply too terrifying!
This must have brought the officials and nobles present to their senses.
The army before us is not only an elite force that has clashed head-on with the Jurchens in the field, but also the imperial guard now under the emperor's personal command. It is not to be underestimated, much less taken lightly...
Before long, Emperor Chongzhen, surrounded by heavily armored tiger guards, wearing silver armor, holding the emperor's sword, rode slowly to the front of the procession.
His eyes were bloodshot and he looked exhausted, but his face remained calm.
After calmly sweeping his gaze over the kneeling officials, Chongzhen dismounted with a smile. He showed no arrogance after his victory, nor was he as impatient and suspicious as before. His demeanor was composed and dignified, a stark contrast to the capricious and volatile Chongzhen Emperor who had been confined to the palace just months before.
"Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome your arrival! Long live the Emperor!"
Yang Sichang took the lead in kowtowing, his voice booming like a bell. Behind him, all the officials bowed in unison, and shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" echoed across the plains like a mountain range and a tsunami.
Emperor Chongzhen stepped forward and personally helped Yang Sichang up to show his favor. He then spoke gently, "Gentlemen, please rise. This time, the Jurchens invaded the border, causing immense suffering to the people of the southern region. You have made great contributions by staying in the capital to stabilize the rear. There is no need for further formalities."
Such a simple sentence made the group of officials, who were originally trembling with fear, pause for a moment. Then, their hearts relaxed a little, and subconscious smiles appeared on their faces.
Looking at Chongzhen's trusting and gentle gaze, Yang Sichang felt a warmth in his heart and immediately stepped forward to bow and guide the imperial procession into the city.
Emperor Chongzhen did not delay, and dismounted, taking Yang Sichang's arm and entering Zhengyang Gate together.
The accompanying new army was naturally placed under the command of Huang Degong and Zhou Yuji, and temporarily stationed in the military camp outside the city.
Emperor Chongzhen himself led several hundred heavily armored Tiger Guards into the Forbidden City to change clothes and rest.
After returning to Beijing, Emperor Chongzhen did not immediately convene a court assembly or summon other ministers. Instead, he discussed matters with Yang Sichang in the warm pavilion and then issued two oral edicts.
The first imperial edict instructed the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Treasury to immediately calculate the merits of the campaign to repel the enemy in the southern part of the capital. All officers and soldiers who accompanied the army, from generals and adjutants to ordinary soldiers, were to be rewarded according to their merits.
All government troops in Zhili who participated in defending the city and protecting the emperor, whether they were from the capital garrison, the border army, or the garrison troops, were to be rewarded for their efforts. Not a penny was to be withheld or retained. All the rewards were to be personally distributed to every soldier by the Embroidered Uniform Guard in conjunction with the supervising eunuch.
The second imperial edict was issued to the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue, ordering all civil and military officials in the capital, regardless of rank or whether they were serving in the capital or in other locations, to receive a three-month bonus.
In addition, rice and silk were distributed according to rank: a first-rank official received 20 shi of rice and 10 bolts of silk, a second-rank official received 15 shi of rice and 8 bolts of silk, and so on down to the next rank.
Therefore, even a low-ranking official of the ninth rank and a clerk in the Six Ministries would receive two shi of rice and one bolt of silk, and it might be impossible to distribute all the rewards and materials before the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month.
However, the extra salary would definitely be paid in full, so the officials in the capital could finally have a good New Year in peace.
The two imperial edicts were issued, and the entire Forbidden City instantly erupted in excitement.
The officials of the six ministries were both surprised and delighted upon receiving the imperial decree, and they immediately began to prepare for it.
No one expected that after the emperor's triumphant return, his first act was not to settle old scores or rectify the court, but to bestow lavish rewards.
From court officials to soldiers, no one was overlooked. This level of magnanimity and breadth of vision was unprecedented in the previous Chongzhen Emperors.
Especially those upright officials who had previously prepared to advise the emperor and impeach him for his reckless personal campaign, were all stunned and stood there in disbelief when they received the imperial edict.
Immediately, an indescribable sense of shame and embarrassment welled up in their hearts.
For example, a group of upright officials from the Hanlin Academy and the Censorate had already jointly written a memorial, which was several thousand words long.
First, he feigned celebration of the great victory, then turned his attention to detailing the many hidden dangers of the emperor's personal campaign, criticizing the emperor for leaving the capital lightly and putting the ancestral temples and the state in danger.
He further advised the emperor that he should never again leave the capital lightly or recklessly wage war, and that he should restrain military power, appoint civil officials to supervise the army, reopen channels for public opinion, and allow officials to offer more advice and admonitions.
They originally planned to submit a joint memorial at the court assembly on the first day of the Lunar New Year, both to demonstrate their reputation for speaking frankly and to reinstate imperial power, bringing the emperor back to the rules of the inner palace and court.
But now, the emperor not only did not punish them for their previous criticism of the personal expedition, but also generously rewarded them, paying their full three-month salary and sending all the rice, grain and silk to their residences.
Even those officials who had no real power and whose lives were barely made on their salaries could receive their full rewards and have a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
It should be noted that at this time of year, the national treasury is empty, and officials' salaries are often in arrears. Even high-ranking officials of the first rank do not receive their full salary for half a year, while lower-ranking officials of the sixth and seventh ranks often only receive half a salary.
This forced them to rely on offerings of ice and charcoal, as well as local tributes, to make a living.
Some upright officials, who prided themselves on their integrity and refused bribes, lived in dire poverty, unable even to afford enough rice for the New Year.
This time, the emperor's one-time payment of three months' salary, plus rice, grain, and silk, was like sending charcoal in snowy weather, relieving the urgent needs of the entire court.
When they held the silver and rice brought back by the servants in the mansion, the memorials in their hands seemed to suddenly become as heavy as a thousand pounds, and they could no longer lift them.
The veteran official in charge of remonstrance shook his head with a wry smile and said, "His Majesty's favor and kindness towards us are truly ashamed. We had previously criticized His Majesty and tried to admonish him. This memorial is absolutely unacceptable."
The other officials nodded repeatedly, looking embarrassed.
They originally thought they could gain fame by speaking frankly and remonstrating, and restrain the imperial power with public opinion. But now the emperor has silenced them with real favors and warmed their hearts in this winter.
If one were to present a memorial at this moment to advise the emperor against personally leading the campaign and accuse him of being reckless, not only would one not gain a reputation for speaking frankly and daring to remonstrate, but one would instead be branded as ungrateful and ungrateful.
Even officials from other factions in the court would probably be ashamed to associate with them.
So on the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, all the memorials prepared by the officials were quietly burned.
At the grand court assembly on the first day of the Lunar New Year, none of these upright officials dared to utter a single word of advice to the emperor against personally leading the expedition.
He submitted a few innocuous memorials, nothing more than congratulating the great victory, earnestly requesting His Majesty to cherish his health, and to consult with the cabinet more often in future military campaigns. There wasn't a single harsh word of criticism or admonition, and he had completely lost his previous sharpness and arrogance.
Emperor Chongzhen sat on the dragon throne in the Fengtian Hall, looking at the docile and respectful civil and military officials below who dared not speak ill of the government anymore, and a smile flashed in his eyes.
The civil service at the end of the Ming Dynasty included many seemingly upright and honest officials who dared to speak out. However, not all of them were simply seeking fame and reputation.
There are still honest and upright officials, perhaps quite a few, but even the most honest official needs to eat. He may go hungry, but his family cannot go hungry.
Therefore, when real benefits are distributed and there is some broad-minded concern, even the most stubborn and inflexible "pure" individuals will soften up and become more agreeable.
Emperor Chongzhen, for example, was strict in controlling his subordinates, often reprimanding and dismissing officials and even executing people. He appeared dignified, but in reality, he pushed the civil service group to the opposite side.
Working under such a boss is a dangerous job; to protect themselves, everyone has to deceive their superiors.
In this situation, who would dare to sincerely serve the imperial court?
Now he does the opposite, first bestowing great favors, then establishing his authority, using tangible benefits to show the entire court:
He is now an emperor who is willing to give benefits, and the benefits he gives are quite substantial.
Even the upright officials who had previously hindered and made things difficult for him were generously rewarded by him and treated as his own people.
How could a minister who is truly loyal to him and can get things done well not have a bright future and wealth?
However, the issue of military power should not be mentioned again.
To avoid an embarrassing court assembly, Emperor Chongzhen had already instructed Yang Sichang to issue a directive.
The formation and expansion of the new army was imperative; anyone who opposed it was opposing him and the Ming Dynasty.
If financial problems arise in the future due to the expansion of the new army, Emperor Chongzhen will take the blame himself and will never find someone else to take the blame.
But as long as the finances are sufficient, or as long as he uses his own private funds to expand the new army without misappropriating the national treasury, then the officials will have nothing to say.
Such a combination of kindness and severity, firmness and gentleness, is the way of an emperor to manage his ministers.
Compared to the surprise and shame of the officials in the capital, the emotions that erupted among the soldiers and officers in Zhili when they received the reward were a hundred times more intense than those in the imperial court!
Emperor Chongzhen had long ago issued strict orders that all military merit rewards and rewards for serving the emperor were strictly prohibited from being withheld by generals at all levels, and that supervising eunuchs were strictly prohibited from embezzling funds.
After these rewards were distributed, they were all personally delivered to various military camps and garrisons by the Imperial Guards and the supervising eunuchs dispatched by the Imperial Household Department.
The silver must be distributed to each soldier face-to-face, with signatures and fingerprints, and verified on the spot, never passing through the hands of generals or battalion officers, thus eliminating the possibility of deduction or fraud at the source.
There were quite a few eunuchs and imperial guards in Beijing, and countless others were desperate to serve the court and get ahead.
Therefore, manpower was not a problem, and having received the emperor's generous reward and warning in advance, they dared not entertain any crooked thoughts of rewarding the army with silver at this time.
On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, the Imperial Guards and the nearby garrisons outside the capital city first welcomed the Imperial Guards and the supervising eunuchs who came to deliver rewards.
Many of these soldiers from the capital garrison and military outposts had never seen such a spectacle in their lives. When they received their hefty rewards, they not only knelt down and wept, but also cried out, "The Emperor is wise!" "The Holy Emperor is alive today!"
Emperor Chongzhen's prestige in Beizhili was about to soar to new heights this winter; or rather, from this day forward, he was the true beacon of justice in the hearts of the military households in Beizhili.