Chapter 337: Counting the Aftermath, if There Were Any Mistakes in the Killings, They Shall Not Be Spared!
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Translated content:
Iron Blood Remnant Brightness
Click Ranking:Datang: I was exposed by Princess Changle
War God Returns: The anonymous master is both awesome and handsome
The Prince Listens to my Heart
The Journey of the Farmer's Son in the Imperial Examination
Da Tang: Marry Changle Princess at the Beginning
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The Divine-Level Spendthrift in the Great Tang
Lost in 1629
Rebirth in the 1980s: The Overbearing Divine Doctor Wife
The General is so fierce
Please let me know if there's anything specific you'd like me to address!
Something's wrong with my wife
End of the Song Dynasty
The Calamity of the Zhenguan Period
Full Tang Splendor
Wu Yun, Xiao Xue Yan
Return to the Zhen Guan as the Crown Prince
Shen Yue Looks Back at the Deep Clouds
Strange Tales of the Zhenguan Period
Rebirth and Abandoned Young Master
The Princess Wangfei has fled again by scaling the wall
Lin Danhan danced in the court, shocking the entire civil and military officials, and at the same time, they couldn't help but start to doubt the claim made by Chongzhen earlier that he had already annihilated the Mongol army.
Previously, Chongzhen claimed that he had achieved a glorious victory over the Mongols, but the majority of civil and military officials in the court did not believe it at all. They only thought that Chongzhen was young and arrogant, and enjoyed competing and seeking victory. After being defeated and humiliated by the Mongols, he was enraged and tried to publicize the defeat as a victory.
In order to promote his military achievements, Emperor Chongzhen forced the person in front of him, "Lin Dan Khan," to dance in the court, emulating Tang Gaozu's humiliation of Khitan Emperor Lie. This is a great event that will leave a lasting mark in history. How dare Emperor Chongzhen openly lie in the court?
If what Chongzhen said is true, then the victory at the Xinxingbao Battle could be considered the most glorious victory in the history of the Ming Dynasty, surpassing even the achievements of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu. It is not inferior to the decisive battles in the Northern Frontier during the Han and Tang Dynasties, such as General Li Jing's victory over the Turkic Khaganate.
You must know that the Great Ming Dynasty was established after overthrowing the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. Although the recent rise of the Jurchens has posed a huge threat to the defense of the Great Ming, in the hearts of most Ming people, it is the Mongols who are the irreconcilable enemies of the Great Ming Dynasty.
Since Zhu Yuanzhang rebelled against the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty has both the achievements of expelling the Tartars and restoring China and the glory of Zhu Di's five expeditions to Mongolia to chase the enemy and quell the north. However, the Ming Dynasty never achieved a decisive victory over the Mongols, and was even hit by a counterattack from the Mongols, resulting in the decline of the Ming Dynasty due to the Tumu Crisis.
From then on, the Ming Dynasty shifted from attacking the Mongols to defending against them. The Ming border troops guarded the nine towns and never dared to take another step beyond the Thunder Pool, and from time to time, they were brutally beaten by Mongol invaders.
However, at a time when the power of the Ming Dynasty was declining day by day, Chongzhen achieved a victory by defeating the main force of the Mongols and annihilating their 100,000-strong army, capturing the Mongol Khan alive. This is an unprecedented great victory for the Ming Dynasty since the uprising of Taizu against the Yuan Dynasty!
Even going back hundreds of years, the Han Dynasty has never achieved such glory and victory!
To be honest, members of the imperial party like Huang Liji, Li Guopu, Guo Yunhou, and Wen Tiren were initially skeptical about the defeat of the Mongols proclaimed by Chongzhen.
Chongzhen dared to make Lin Danhan dance in the court, indicating that this matter is most likely true.
Huang Liji took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the turbulent emotions in his heart, and asked in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, please forgive my audacity, but is it absolutely true that Your Majesty annihilated the main force of the Mongols and captured Lin Danhan alive?"
"Tsk tsk…." Zhu Youjian sneered and mocked, "So it turns out that no matter how much I say, even if I invite the renowned Lin Dan to perform for all the officials, you still don't believe me, huh?"
Huang Liji hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, I have no such intention..."
Zhu Youjian waved his hand and said, "The Prime Minister does not need to explain, I understand the concerns in your hearts. After all, our Great Ming Dynasty has been struggling with weak military strength for many years. If I now simply claim a great victory over the Mongols and capturing Lin Dan Khan, anyone would likely find it hard to believe."
But our Ming army completely annihilated the main force of the Mongols and captured Lin Dan Khan in a real battle. For this, our Ming soldiers sacrificed over ten thousand men. We will never allow anyone to erase the merits of our Ming soldiers!
At this point, We can't help but let all the courtiers open their eyes. Come, bring the ceremony representing the Mongol Khan, let all of you get a good look."
Soon, a group of imperial guards entered holding items such as the Khan's tent, cloak, golden sword, jade seal, and other objects representing the Mongol Khan, and presented them to the court.
Zhu Youjian laughed and said, "If any of you noble families have expertise in identifying historical artifacts, please come forward and take a look at these ceremonial objects to see if there is any element of deception."
As soon as Zhu Youjian's words fell, more than ten ministers who were knowledgeable in cultural relics identification hurriedly stepped forward and gathered around the ceremonial objects to examine them.
As for the ministers who do not know how to appraise, they anxiously ask, "Can you tell if it's real or fake?"
The participating ministers did not respond immediately, their previously casual expressions gradually turned serious as the appraisal went deeper.
After about half a cup of tea, a highly knowledgeable minister in cultural relic identification took a deep breath and said to everyone, "Gentlemen, the big tent, long coat, golden sword, and jade seal representing the Mongolian Khan's ceremonial entourage are all authentic."
"What!"
"That's impossible!"
"Did you see it wrong?"
"Lord Liang, did you also participate in the appraisal? Is what Lord Zhang said wrong?"
"It is absolutely true, I, Lao Liang, guarantee it with my life!"
"Oh my God! It's actually true. So it means that His Majesty personally led the army to defeat the main force of the Mongols? The person who was dancing just now was Lin Dan Khan?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone gathered around Lin Danhan, pointing and whispering, making Lin Danhan so ashamed that he covered his face in embarrassment and anger.
" Lin Danhan, you may leave!"
Zhu Youjian couldn't bear to see Lin Danhan being humiliated too much, after all, Zhu Youjian was still thinking about using Lin Danhan when he unified the grasslands in the future, so he spoke up to resolve the situation and asked Lin Danhan to step down.
Lin Danhan heard the words as if granted amnesty, he respectfully bowed to Zhu Youjian and withdrew from the court as if escaping.
As Lin Danhan left, the officials and military officers in the court fell into silence. Zhu Youjian looked around at the officials and military officers, and they all recalled their previous doubts about Chongzhen, feeling ashamed and speechless.
Huang Liji was full of shame, but he was a cunning and sly person. He quickly realized that Emperor Chongzhen had personally led the army to annihilate the main force of the Mongols and capture Lin Dan Khan. This was an unprecedented great victory for the Ming Dynasty!
Guo Yunhou, Wen Tiren, and other officials of the imperial party were also overjoyed. Chongzhen personally led the army to annihilate the main force of the Mongols and captured Lin Danhan. This is an unprecedented victory for the Ming Dynasty and is enough to shake the entire Ming Dynasty. Every Ming person will feel proud of this.
Huang Liji took a long breath, suppressing his excitement, and said repeatedly, "Congratulations to Your Majesty, congratulations to Your Majesty! Your Majesty personally led the army to annihilate the main force of the Mongols. This is an unprecedented glorious victory for the Ming Dynasty!"
The saying goes, political power comes from the barrel of a gun. Regardless of which dynasty or generation, military achievements are an important aspect to evaluate the emperor's merits. Chongzhen's great victory alone is enough to compare him to Taizu Chengzu. Nobody should underestimate him!
After all, Chongzhen annihilated the main force of the Mongols and captured the Mongolian Khan alive, which was an achievement that even Taizu and Chengzu failed to accomplish. This kind of merit is enough to suppress criticism from all over the world and close the mouths of the majority of people!
Huang Liji and other members of the imperial party knew very well that although Chongzhen made the decision to designate the Prince of Fu as the crown prince upon his return to the capital, it was a completely different story as he came back with a sense of great victory rather than suffering a humiliating defeat.
If Chongzhen fails and returns in defeat, then the authority and dignity of his imperial power will undoubtedly plummet. His various reform policies implemented since ascending to the throne will come under fierce criticism and likely be abandoned halfway.
If Chongzhen wins and returns, then everything can be easily resolved, and the adverse consequences of Chongzhen's widespread massacre of officials and gentry will also disappear into thin air.
After all, Chongzhen’s martial arts skills in annihilating the main force of the Mongols and capturing the Mongol Khan alive were achievements that even the Taizu Chengzu could not accomplish. So what does it matter that Chongzhen slaughtered officials and gentry?
This is a power possessed by a strong emperor. Whoever dares to question it, will die!
Zhu Youjian looked at the excited expressions of the imperial party and smiled indifferently.
In contrast, the ministers who had previously followed Shi Fenglai and Zhang Ruitu to force the palace revolt appeared clearly uneasy.
They vehemently denied Chongzhen's great victories and claimed that he only returned to Beijing after signing a shameful treaty because of his major defeat, aiming to undermine Chongzhen's prestige and prevent him from further investigating their previous crime of forcing him out of power.
However, Chongzhen has returned triumphant, achieving an unprecedented glorious victory for the Ming Dynasty, and his prestige has rapidly reached its pinnacle. If Chongzhen were to investigate their crimes further, who would dare to oppose him?
As expected, just when everyone was speculating how Chongzhen should punish the ministers involved in the palace coup, Zhu Youjian slowly said, "I have heard that when I was leading the Ming army to fight the Tartars at Xinxianbao, there were 101 officials who followed the traitors Shi Fenglai and Zhang Ruitu, eagerly pressuring Empress Xiaoduan to choose Prince Fu as the new emperor. Your loyalty to Prince Fu truly moves me!"
"I even feel jealous of the Crown Prince Fu, if you all could be half as loyal to me and to the Ming Dynasty as you are to the Crown Prince, I would be extremely relieved..."
"Thud, thud" The sound of kneeling and bowing resonated continuously in the court, as the ministers involved in the palace coup all fell to the ground, one after another, incessantly kowtowing and begging for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, we have no intention of rebelling!"
"Your Majesty, please be discerning. I have always been loyal and devoted to Your Majesty!"
"I am innocent. I was just too loyal to the Great Ming Dynasty and the court, which led me to be manipulated by treacherous villains like Zhu Yousong, Shi Fenglai, Zhang Ruitu, and others!"
"Yes, yes, yes! It's all the fault of the treacherous thieves. I will expose them, as well as the British Duke and State Duke, oh, and the guilty Zhang Pu designated by the Qing Dynasty. It is them, it is their sinister motive, it is them who have deceived the people. I was careless for a moment and fell into their trap!"
Seeing these officials who used to appear dignified and full of authority suddenly revealing their true ugly nature, wailing and howling in the court, Emperor Zhu Youjian's expression turned cold and he slammed the table, shouting angrily, "I haven't even died yet and you already want to replace me with a new ruler. Yet you still have the audacity to claim loyalty to me. I can see that your loyalty has all been devoured by dogs!"
"Your Majesty, please spare our lives!"
"Your Majesty, please have discernment. We have all been deceived by wicked men and, like Your Majesty, are also victims!"
"Absolutely, Your Majesty, please do not fall into the scheme of wicked men and commit acts that bring grief to loved ones and pleasure to enemies!"
"Is it true that those who are close to you will be hurt? And those who bear grudges will find pleasure?" Zhu Youjian sneered and said, "Such a saying, if it weren't for Empress Dowager Ye A'an's astute awareness, taking on heavy responsibilities as a woman, it is likely that by the time I return triumphant, my empress and concubines would have long been harmed by you!"
Officials heard Chongzhen's sneering laughter and instantly felt a chill running through their hearts, from head to toe.
As expected, Zhu Youjian took a deep breath and turned to Wang Chengen, who was standing below the royal steps, and ordered, "Wang Chengen, I entrust the matter of officials attempting to overthrow me to you. This matter must be thoroughly investigated. Whoever is involved in this incident, whether they are wrongfully accused or not, must not be let off!"
"I obey the order as a courtier!"
Wang Cheng'en decisively accepted the order and expressed gratitude, no longer displaying his previous indecisiveness and leniency.
Even more moderate officials such as Huang Liji, Li Guopu, Guo Yunhou no longer pleaded for the officials involved in the palace coup.
The reason for this is because Wang Cheng'en and other reformist officials such as Huang Liji and Guo Yunhou are really afraid!
It's just one step away, rebels like Zhu Yousong were only one step away from capturing the Forbidden City. If Zhu Youjian and his army arrived a day later, Zhu Yousong would have become the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
Once Zhu Yousong becomes the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty, it is certain that figures like Huang Liji and Guo Yunhou, who supported the imperial party, will not have a good outcome. They will definitely be severely punished by those ministers involved in the palace coup, in order to clear the way for themselves to take power.
Wang Chengen, Cao Huachun, Xu Yingyuan, Wang Dehua, and others who were slaves of the emperor, were even feared to be killed by Zhu Youzhen as rebels, and their lives were at stake.
Fortunately, Chongzhen led the army back to Beijing in time to turn the tide and prevent these terrible things from happening.
But just because it didn't happen doesn't mean it's over. This is a political struggle that affects countless lives, a life-or-death battle. Any mercy shown to the enemy is cruelty to ourselves!
After receiving the decree, Wang Cheng'en slowly turned around, and a trace of unprecedented cold killing intent burst out in his eyes. Then, Wang Cheng'en coldly said, "Someone, capture all the officials involved in the court intrigue, don't let anyone escape!"
As Wang Cheng'en finished speaking, over two hundred Jinwu guards wearing armor rushed into the hall, two by two, and began apprehending the officials involved.
It was evident that these over two hundred Jinwu guards had been waiting outside the hall, so when Wang Cheng'en gave the command, they immediately stormed into the hall and arrested the implicated officials.
"Your Majesty, please spare our lives!"
"Your Majesty, spare our lives..."
The officials involved were truly terrified when they saw Emperor Chongzhen, and their pleas for mercy grew even more desperate.
However, Emperor Chongzhen remained expressionless and coldly stated, "Throw all the guilty officials into the Imperial Prison. Without my order, no one is allowed to visit them. Anyone who violates this will be punished as well!"
“Understood!”
As soon as Zhu Youjian's words fell, the Jinwu Guards dragged out hundreds of officials like dead dogs, one by one.
Although it was anticipated that Zhu Youjian would not spare those officials who had plotted against him, the sight of hundreds of officials being dragged out of the court and thrown into prison still shocked the entire court of civil and military officials, leaving a silent atmosphere in the court.
However, the Great Purge has not stopped yet. After Zhu Youjian nodded in agreement, Wang Cheng'en stood up again and read the imperial edict to the courtiers.
"By the grace of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Fu, Zhu Yousong, has conspired with others to rebel, committing unforgivable crimes and heinous acts. Therefore, the royal lineage of Prince Fu shall be abolished, and all members of his family shall be demoted to commoners and executed!"
The entire family of the Duke of England participated in the Prince Fu's treason, committing unforgivable crimes and deserving the utmost punishment. The title of Duke of England should be revoked, and the whole family should be exterminated!
The Duke of Ding's family participated in the Prince Fu's treason, committing unforgivable crimes and deserving the utmost punishment. The title of Duke of Ding should be revoked, and the whole family should be exterminated!
"Commander of the Sixth Army of the Northern Wei... exterminate nine clans! Take note!"
What?
"The Duke of England, the Duke of Dingguo, massacre the whole family."
"The Prince Fu, Empress Zheng, are they also to be executed?"
After Wang Cheng'en's voice fell, the civil and military officials in the court were stunned for a while, and then there was a commotion.
You must know that these are the Duke of Fu, Duke of Ying, and Duke of Ding in China.
These three are the pinnacle figures among various kings and nobles, but now they have all been eliminated by Zhu Youjian at once. It's no wonder people are exclaiming in disbelief!
Previously, Chongzhen claimed that he had achieved a glorious victory over the Mongols, but the majority of civil and military officials in the court did not believe it at all. They only thought that Chongzhen was young and arrogant, and enjoyed competing and seeking victory. After being defeated and humiliated by the Mongols, he was enraged and tried to publicize the defeat as a victory.
In order to promote his military achievements, Emperor Chongzhen forced the person in front of him, "Lin Dan Khan," to dance in the court, emulating Tang Gaozu's humiliation of Khitan Emperor Lie. This is a great event that will leave a lasting mark in history. How dare Emperor Chongzhen openly lie in the court?
If what Chongzhen said is true, then the victory at the Xinxingbao Battle could be considered the most glorious victory in the history of the Ming Dynasty, surpassing even the achievements of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu. It is not inferior to the decisive battles in the Northern Frontier during the Han and Tang Dynasties, such as General Li Jing's victory over the Turkic Khaganate.
You must know that the Great Ming Dynasty was established after overthrowing the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. Although the recent rise of the Jurchens has posed a huge threat to the defense of the Great Ming, in the hearts of most Ming people, it is the Mongols who are the irreconcilable enemies of the Great Ming Dynasty.
Since Zhu Yuanzhang rebelled against the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty has both the achievements of expelling the Tartars and restoring China and the glory of Zhu Di's five expeditions to Mongolia to chase the enemy and quell the north. However, the Ming Dynasty never achieved a decisive victory over the Mongols, and was even hit by a counterattack from the Mongols, resulting in the decline of the Ming Dynasty due to the Tumu Crisis.
From then on, the Ming Dynasty shifted from attacking the Mongols to defending against them. The Ming border troops guarded the nine towns and never dared to take another step beyond the Thunder Pool, and from time to time, they were brutally beaten by Mongol invaders.
However, at a time when the power of the Ming Dynasty was declining day by day, Chongzhen achieved a victory by defeating the main force of the Mongols and annihilating their 100,000-strong army, capturing the Mongol Khan alive. This is an unprecedented great victory for the Ming Dynasty since the uprising of Taizu against the Yuan Dynasty!
Even going back hundreds of years, the Han Dynasty has never achieved such glory and victory!
To be honest, members of the imperial party like Huang Liji, Li Guopu, Guo Yunhou, and Wen Tiren were initially skeptical about the defeat of the Mongols proclaimed by Chongzhen.
Chongzhen dared to make Lin Danhan dance in the court, indicating that this matter is most likely true.
Huang Liji took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the turbulent emotions in his heart, and asked in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, please forgive my audacity, but is it absolutely true that Your Majesty annihilated the main force of the Mongols and captured Lin Danhan alive?"
"Tsk tsk…." Zhu Youjian sneered and mocked, "So it turns out that no matter how much I say, even if I invite the renowned Lin Dan to perform for all the officials, you still don't believe me, huh?"
Huang Liji hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, I have no such intention..."
Zhu Youjian waved his hand and said, "The Prime Minister does not need to explain, I understand the concerns in your hearts. After all, our Great Ming Dynasty has been struggling with weak military strength for many years. If I now simply claim a great victory over the Mongols and capturing Lin Dan Khan, anyone would likely find it hard to believe."
But our Ming army completely annihilated the main force of the Mongols and captured Lin Dan Khan in a real battle. For this, our Ming soldiers sacrificed over ten thousand men. We will never allow anyone to erase the merits of our Ming soldiers!
At this point, We can't help but let all the courtiers open their eyes. Come, bring the ceremony representing the Mongol Khan, let all of you get a good look."
Soon, a group of imperial guards entered holding items such as the Khan's tent, cloak, golden sword, jade seal, and other objects representing the Mongol Khan, and presented them to the court.
Zhu Youjian laughed and said, "If any of you noble families have expertise in identifying historical artifacts, please come forward and take a look at these ceremonial objects to see if there is any element of deception."
As soon as Zhu Youjian's words fell, more than ten ministers who were knowledgeable in cultural relics identification hurriedly stepped forward and gathered around the ceremonial objects to examine them.
As for the ministers who do not know how to appraise, they anxiously ask, "Can you tell if it's real or fake?"
The participating ministers did not respond immediately, their previously casual expressions gradually turned serious as the appraisal went deeper.
After about half a cup of tea, a highly knowledgeable minister in cultural relic identification took a deep breath and said to everyone, "Gentlemen, the big tent, long coat, golden sword, and jade seal representing the Mongolian Khan's ceremonial entourage are all authentic."
"What!"
"That's impossible!"
"Did you see it wrong?"
"Lord Liang, did you also participate in the appraisal? Is what Lord Zhang said wrong?"
"It is absolutely true, I, Lao Liang, guarantee it with my life!"
"Oh my God! It's actually true. So it means that His Majesty personally led the army to defeat the main force of the Mongols? The person who was dancing just now was Lin Dan Khan?"
As soon as these words came out, everyone gathered around Lin Danhan, pointing and whispering, making Lin Danhan so ashamed that he covered his face in embarrassment and anger.
" Lin Danhan, you may leave!"
Zhu Youjian couldn't bear to see Lin Danhan being humiliated too much, after all, Zhu Youjian was still thinking about using Lin Danhan when he unified the grasslands in the future, so he spoke up to resolve the situation and asked Lin Danhan to step down.
Lin Danhan heard the words as if granted amnesty, he respectfully bowed to Zhu Youjian and withdrew from the court as if escaping.
As Lin Danhan left, the officials and military officers in the court fell into silence. Zhu Youjian looked around at the officials and military officers, and they all recalled their previous doubts about Chongzhen, feeling ashamed and speechless.
Huang Liji was full of shame, but he was a cunning and sly person. He quickly realized that Emperor Chongzhen had personally led the army to annihilate the main force of the Mongols and capture Lin Dan Khan. This was an unprecedented great victory for the Ming Dynasty!
Guo Yunhou, Wen Tiren, and other officials of the imperial party were also overjoyed. Chongzhen personally led the army to annihilate the main force of the Mongols and captured Lin Danhan. This is an unprecedented victory for the Ming Dynasty and is enough to shake the entire Ming Dynasty. Every Ming person will feel proud of this.
Huang Liji took a long breath, suppressing his excitement, and said repeatedly, "Congratulations to Your Majesty, congratulations to Your Majesty! Your Majesty personally led the army to annihilate the main force of the Mongols. This is an unprecedented glorious victory for the Ming Dynasty!"
The saying goes, political power comes from the barrel of a gun. Regardless of which dynasty or generation, military achievements are an important aspect to evaluate the emperor's merits. Chongzhen's great victory alone is enough to compare him to Taizu Chengzu. Nobody should underestimate him!
After all, Chongzhen annihilated the main force of the Mongols and captured the Mongolian Khan alive, which was an achievement that even Taizu and Chengzu failed to accomplish. This kind of merit is enough to suppress criticism from all over the world and close the mouths of the majority of people!
Huang Liji and other members of the imperial party knew very well that although Chongzhen made the decision to designate the Prince of Fu as the crown prince upon his return to the capital, it was a completely different story as he came back with a sense of great victory rather than suffering a humiliating defeat.
If Chongzhen fails and returns in defeat, then the authority and dignity of his imperial power will undoubtedly plummet. His various reform policies implemented since ascending to the throne will come under fierce criticism and likely be abandoned halfway.
If Chongzhen wins and returns, then everything can be easily resolved, and the adverse consequences of Chongzhen's widespread massacre of officials and gentry will also disappear into thin air.
After all, Chongzhen’s martial arts skills in annihilating the main force of the Mongols and capturing the Mongol Khan alive were achievements that even the Taizu Chengzu could not accomplish. So what does it matter that Chongzhen slaughtered officials and gentry?
This is a power possessed by a strong emperor. Whoever dares to question it, will die!
Zhu Youjian looked at the excited expressions of the imperial party and smiled indifferently.
In contrast, the ministers who had previously followed Shi Fenglai and Zhang Ruitu to force the palace revolt appeared clearly uneasy.
They vehemently denied Chongzhen's great victories and claimed that he only returned to Beijing after signing a shameful treaty because of his major defeat, aiming to undermine Chongzhen's prestige and prevent him from further investigating their previous crime of forcing him out of power.
However, Chongzhen has returned triumphant, achieving an unprecedented glorious victory for the Ming Dynasty, and his prestige has rapidly reached its pinnacle. If Chongzhen were to investigate their crimes further, who would dare to oppose him?
As expected, just when everyone was speculating how Chongzhen should punish the ministers involved in the palace coup, Zhu Youjian slowly said, "I have heard that when I was leading the Ming army to fight the Tartars at Xinxianbao, there were 101 officials who followed the traitors Shi Fenglai and Zhang Ruitu, eagerly pressuring Empress Xiaoduan to choose Prince Fu as the new emperor. Your loyalty to Prince Fu truly moves me!"
"I even feel jealous of the Crown Prince Fu, if you all could be half as loyal to me and to the Ming Dynasty as you are to the Crown Prince, I would be extremely relieved..."
"Thud, thud" The sound of kneeling and bowing resonated continuously in the court, as the ministers involved in the palace coup all fell to the ground, one after another, incessantly kowtowing and begging for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, we have no intention of rebelling!"
"Your Majesty, please be discerning. I have always been loyal and devoted to Your Majesty!"
"I am innocent. I was just too loyal to the Great Ming Dynasty and the court, which led me to be manipulated by treacherous villains like Zhu Yousong, Shi Fenglai, Zhang Ruitu, and others!"
"Yes, yes, yes! It's all the fault of the treacherous thieves. I will expose them, as well as the British Duke and State Duke, oh, and the guilty Zhang Pu designated by the Qing Dynasty. It is them, it is their sinister motive, it is them who have deceived the people. I was careless for a moment and fell into their trap!"
Seeing these officials who used to appear dignified and full of authority suddenly revealing their true ugly nature, wailing and howling in the court, Emperor Zhu Youjian's expression turned cold and he slammed the table, shouting angrily, "I haven't even died yet and you already want to replace me with a new ruler. Yet you still have the audacity to claim loyalty to me. I can see that your loyalty has all been devoured by dogs!"
"Your Majesty, please spare our lives!"
"Your Majesty, please have discernment. We have all been deceived by wicked men and, like Your Majesty, are also victims!"
"Absolutely, Your Majesty, please do not fall into the scheme of wicked men and commit acts that bring grief to loved ones and pleasure to enemies!"
"Is it true that those who are close to you will be hurt? And those who bear grudges will find pleasure?" Zhu Youjian sneered and said, "Such a saying, if it weren't for Empress Dowager Ye A'an's astute awareness, taking on heavy responsibilities as a woman, it is likely that by the time I return triumphant, my empress and concubines would have long been harmed by you!"
Officials heard Chongzhen's sneering laughter and instantly felt a chill running through their hearts, from head to toe.
As expected, Zhu Youjian took a deep breath and turned to Wang Chengen, who was standing below the royal steps, and ordered, "Wang Chengen, I entrust the matter of officials attempting to overthrow me to you. This matter must be thoroughly investigated. Whoever is involved in this incident, whether they are wrongfully accused or not, must not be let off!"
"I obey the order as a courtier!"
Wang Cheng'en decisively accepted the order and expressed gratitude, no longer displaying his previous indecisiveness and leniency.
Even more moderate officials such as Huang Liji, Li Guopu, Guo Yunhou no longer pleaded for the officials involved in the palace coup.
The reason for this is because Wang Cheng'en and other reformist officials such as Huang Liji and Guo Yunhou are really afraid!
It's just one step away, rebels like Zhu Yousong were only one step away from capturing the Forbidden City. If Zhu Youjian and his army arrived a day later, Zhu Yousong would have become the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
Once Zhu Yousong becomes the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty, it is certain that figures like Huang Liji and Guo Yunhou, who supported the imperial party, will not have a good outcome. They will definitely be severely punished by those ministers involved in the palace coup, in order to clear the way for themselves to take power.
Wang Chengen, Cao Huachun, Xu Yingyuan, Wang Dehua, and others who were slaves of the emperor, were even feared to be killed by Zhu Youzhen as rebels, and their lives were at stake.
Fortunately, Chongzhen led the army back to Beijing in time to turn the tide and prevent these terrible things from happening.
But just because it didn't happen doesn't mean it's over. This is a political struggle that affects countless lives, a life-or-death battle. Any mercy shown to the enemy is cruelty to ourselves!
After receiving the decree, Wang Cheng'en slowly turned around, and a trace of unprecedented cold killing intent burst out in his eyes. Then, Wang Cheng'en coldly said, "Someone, capture all the officials involved in the court intrigue, don't let anyone escape!"
As Wang Cheng'en finished speaking, over two hundred Jinwu guards wearing armor rushed into the hall, two by two, and began apprehending the officials involved.
It was evident that these over two hundred Jinwu guards had been waiting outside the hall, so when Wang Cheng'en gave the command, they immediately stormed into the hall and arrested the implicated officials.
"Your Majesty, please spare our lives!"
"Your Majesty, spare our lives..."
The officials involved were truly terrified when they saw Emperor Chongzhen, and their pleas for mercy grew even more desperate.
However, Emperor Chongzhen remained expressionless and coldly stated, "Throw all the guilty officials into the Imperial Prison. Without my order, no one is allowed to visit them. Anyone who violates this will be punished as well!"
“Understood!”
As soon as Zhu Youjian's words fell, the Jinwu Guards dragged out hundreds of officials like dead dogs, one by one.
Although it was anticipated that Zhu Youjian would not spare those officials who had plotted against him, the sight of hundreds of officials being dragged out of the court and thrown into prison still shocked the entire court of civil and military officials, leaving a silent atmosphere in the court.
However, the Great Purge has not stopped yet. After Zhu Youjian nodded in agreement, Wang Cheng'en stood up again and read the imperial edict to the courtiers.
"By the grace of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Fu, Zhu Yousong, has conspired with others to rebel, committing unforgivable crimes and heinous acts. Therefore, the royal lineage of Prince Fu shall be abolished, and all members of his family shall be demoted to commoners and executed!"
The entire family of the Duke of England participated in the Prince Fu's treason, committing unforgivable crimes and deserving the utmost punishment. The title of Duke of England should be revoked, and the whole family should be exterminated!
The Duke of Ding's family participated in the Prince Fu's treason, committing unforgivable crimes and deserving the utmost punishment. The title of Duke of Ding should be revoked, and the whole family should be exterminated!
"Commander of the Sixth Army of the Northern Wei... exterminate nine clans! Take note!"
What?
"The Duke of England, the Duke of Dingguo, massacre the whole family."
"The Prince Fu, Empress Zheng, are they also to be executed?"
After Wang Cheng'en's voice fell, the civil and military officials in the court were stunned for a while, and then there was a commotion.
You must know that these are the Duke of Fu, Duke of Ying, and Duke of Ding in China.
These three are the pinnacle figures among various kings and nobles, but now they have all been eliminated by Zhu Youjian at once. It's no wonder people are exclaiming in disbelief!