Chapter 281: Holding Court at the Gate

Outside the Meridian Gate of the Imperial City south of the Forbidden City, the stars and moon still hung in the night sky, but a crowd was already stirring.

Apart from the common folk preparing breakfast, the officials of the Ming Dynasty were probably the earliest risers, having to wait at the Meridian Gate before dawn. The Capital was nothing like a small place such as Tongcheng; if one lived in the outer city, getting in and out was very inconvenient and the distance too great, so many court officials rented houses on East and West Chang'an Street to make attending Morning Court easier.

Outside the Meridian Gate, lanterns of every kind bobbed and swayed, and squeaking sedan chairs streamed in an endless line, each official stepping down to greet and salute the others they encountered.

A government sedan chair had just stopped. Before the bearer could lift the curtain, a hand reached out from inside the cabin and pushed it aside. A middle-aged civil official in a mandarin square robe embroidered with cloud geese stepped straight down, took his Ivory Tablet from an attendant's hands, and when the servant still tried to straighten the front and back of his robes, the official waved him off and hurried toward the Meridian Gate, tablet in hand.

By now, many officials were already waiting outside the Meridian Gate. Some who had no time to eat were still gnawing on steamed buns as they stepped down; some who feared the cold were putting on ear warmers; others were quietly scolding their household servants. Even more were conversing in low voices within their own circles. The time before and after Morning Court was a prime opportunity for official socializing. Formal visits between officials involved many protocols, especially across departments, but during Morning Court, such formalities were unnecessary, so many officials took this chance to interact.

"The Junior Minister is here. That matter of Dr. Tang we spoke of yesterday…"

"Sir Xue, might you have time today to discuss the matter of the Interpreters' College?"

People greeted him continuously along the way. The middle-aged official nodded politely to all, exchanged a few hurried words, and continued toward the Meridian Gate. He walked all the way to the Right Watchtower Gate outside the Meridian Gate before stopping briefly to adjust his robes and cap, then arrived in front of a room in the North Wing.

Several men dressed as household servants stood before the door. One of them recognized the middle-aged official and, without many words, ushered him inside.

The vast Direct Office of the North Wing had a charcoal brazier burning, making it much warmer than outside. The middle-aged official swept his gaze around. There were only three people in the room; two were attendants, and Wen Tiren sat in the first seat on the left, resting with his eyes closed.

The Direct Offices in the Left and Right Watchtower Gates of the Meridian Gate were for officials to use while waiting for court. The lower three rooms were for Hanlin academicians. This first room in the North Wing could only be used by Grand Secretaries. Recently, Wu Zongda, Wen Zhenmeng, and Wang Yingxiong had left office, so now there were only three Grand Secretaries in total. Even so, other Hanlin academicians could not come to this room to wait for court.

At that moment, the other two Grand Secretaries had not yet arrived. The middle-aged civil official quickly stepped up to Wen Tiren. "Elder Sir…"

Wen Tiren opened his eyes, glanced at the middle-aged civil official, and said, "Jiaxiang, your Ivory Tablet is upside down."

The middle-aged civil official looked down, hastily flipped the tablet right-side up, and bowed his head to Wen Tiren. "I was in a rush. I've made a fool of myself before you, Elder Sir."

Wen Tiren said in a mild tone, "Sit down and we'll talk."

This middle-aged civil official addressed as Jiaxiang was Xue Guoguan, who held the post of Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Because his stance during the Tianqi years had favored Wei Zhongxian, he was an opponent of the Donglin faction and had nearly been listed in the Reverse Case in the early Chongzhen years. He left officialdom for three years, narrowly avoiding the storm before re-entering court as an official. Due to his poor relations with the Donglin, he could only rely on Wen Tiren as his political support and was Wen Tiren's capable lieutenant. However, his seniority was currently insufficient; he had just been promoted to Junior Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices the previous year. For Xue Guoguan, this post was merely a transitional rank of the fourth grade. With Wen Tiren's political backing, he had a bright future ahead.

Xue Guoguan carefully sat down in the lower seat. "Reporting for Elder Sir's knowledge, word has come from the Directorate of Ceremonial that the Emperor issued an Imperial Decree appointing Chen Qixin as Supervising Secretary of the Personnel Section. This humble official feels the Emperor has an ulterior motive."

Wen Tiren's eyes narrowed slightly. Upon hearing this, he nodded to a household servant, who immediately left and shut the door properly. Only when the two of them remained in the vast North Wing did he ask, "What does Jiaxiang think the motive refers to?"

"The Emperor uses the Lone Minister to check the Donglin, and the Donglin use the Supervising Secretaries and Censors to check the Lone Minister. This has been the overall dynamic of court affairs for several years. But ever since the Emperor appointed Xie Sheng as Minister of Personnel, the intent has been to clamp down on the number of Donglin members holding key posts. This time, Chen Qixin entering the Personnel Section—because of his Military Examination Candidate background and his advocacy for abolishing the civil examinations—can only be used by the Emperor. He is a nail the Emperor is driving into the Supervising Secretaries and Censors. The Emperor no longer wants the Donglin to control even the Supervising Secretaries and Censors."

"Is that all?"

Xue Guoguan glanced back at the door and said, "The Emperor has long been dissatisfied with appointing officials through the civil examinations and instead looks favorably upon military men. Apart from this Chen Qixin, in the seventh year, the Military Examination Candidate from Huangmei, Cao Fei, knocked at the palace gates to submit a memorial and was immediately employed as an Administrator in the Ministry of War. From a single leaf, one knows autumn has come. But those were always used for military affairs. This time, appointing a Military Examination Candidate to the Supervising Secretaries and Censors is something unprecedented in all history. From this, one can tell the Emperor's anger toward the civil officials is beyond restraint."

"Jiaxiang's opinion is that it would be best to channel the Emperor's anger where it ought to go."

"What the Emperor is most dissatisfied with, first and foremost, is factionalism and empty talk harming the nation. On both counts, the Donglin are second to none."

Wen Tiren closed his eyes again. "Factionalism and empty talk harming the nation—the Donglin have been like this not just today. The Emperor has succeeded to the Great Lineage for nearly a decade. Ever since the Tartars first raided the Divine Capital, he has no longer trusted the Donglin. But the Donglin are deeply entrenched and have sprawling branches in both the court and the provinces. Even if he doesn't want to use them, he has no choice. Whether the Emperor's heart is merely to prevent the Donglin from dominating alone, or whether he wants the Donglin to disintegrate, is extremely difficult to guess."

"This humble official previously thought the same. However, once the Imperial Decree for Chen Qixin was issued, this humble official believes the Emperor might not be displeased to see the Donglin disintegrate. Furthermore, Elder Sir, a prime minister's belly is broad enough to pole a boat. Even if you do not quibble with the Donglin, the Donglin have never let us off, and they show not the slightest regard for court affairs. As long as Elder Sir remains in the post of Chief Grand Secretary, not only will your governance be constrained by them at every turn, but last year the Donglin impeached you several times. Elder Sir is magnanimous, but the Donglin are not."

Silence reigned in the room for a moment. The charcoal in the brazier gave off faint crackling and popping sounds. From the plaza outside, the voices of the Court of State Ceremonial officials marshaling the court-bound officials into formation could be faintly heard.

"Then where does Jiaxiang think we should begin?"

"The Restoration Society."

Wen Tiren opened his eyes slightly and nodded for Xue Guoguan to continue.

"The Donglin and the Restoration Society appear to collude with each other, but in truth, each has its own designs. The Restoration Society's Zhang Pu is quite ambitious. Using the revival of ancient learning as a gimmick, he swaggers about and beguiles young scholars, then uses the benefits of the civil examinations to win people's hearts. The court's civil examinations thus become his private tool. And the Donglin have long regarded the civil examinations as their forbidden preserve. Zhang Pu's conduct not only undermines the court but also undermines the Donglin. Therefore, the Donglin outwardly praise the Restoration Society, but inwardly they are wary. Back when Zhang Pu goaded Wu Weiye into submitting a memorial, the Donglin gave no support afterward, forcing him to flee the Capital under the pretext of mourning leave. That alone shows the situation."

Wen Tiren let out a soft breath and said, "The Emperor has read Zhou Zhikui's 'Restoration Society or Questions,' but how to deal with it in the end has been left hanging and unresolved. If we go after Zhang Pu, the Donglin would be happy to see it succeed. Starting with the Restoration Society should meet the least resistance and be extremely advantageous for us to build momentum. But afterward, how to lure the Donglin into the trap—does Jiaxiang have a plan?"

"This humble official believes that the Restoration Society controls the civil examinations in Jiangnan, soliciting favors everywhere even for the Licentiate Exam and the Provincial Examination. Starting with the civil examinations should allow us to implicate the Donglin."

Wen Tiren smiled approvingly. "The crux of Zhou Zhikui's 'Restoration Society or Questions' lies in two places. Jiaxiang has touched on one. But there is still another, and that is what the Emperor cares about most."

"Please, Elder Sir, enlighten me."

"Zhou Zhikui originally served as Judicial Commissioner of Suzhou Prefecture. After falling out with the Two Zhangs, he was besieged by Restoration Society scholars and reassigned as County Magistrate of Wujiang. Even after that, the Restoration Society crowd pursued him to Wujiang and besieged him there, using public opinion to force Zhou Zhikui's dismissal. Where is the court's authority? Where is the court's dignity?"

Xue Guoguan's eyes flickered. "Scholars showing no respect for law and discipline, the Two Zhangs using public opinion to remotely control local officials, the Donglin using the gentry to manipulate the court's authority—that is exactly the connecting thread, and exactly the Emperor's reverse scale."

"Ever since the Donglin Academy, the Donglin faction has drawn a circle as their prison and touted one another. Now they are indeed deeply entrenched, not only controlling the Supervising Secretaries and Censors but also spread throughout key provincial posts of Grand Coordinator and Patrol Inspector. No matter the issue, they never ask right or wrong, always siding with their faction and attacking outsiders. If this goes on, will the court belong to the Donglin, or to the Emperor?"

From the Five Phoenix Tower atop the Meridian Gate outside came the sound of the Court Drum. This was the third drum roll. The Left and Right Side Gates of the Meridian Gate rumbled open, and the sound of orderly footsteps arose.

The two men remained seated. Those now entering the Meridian Gate were the officers and guards of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Only after these officers and guards had arranged the Imperial Guards of Honor at the Gate of Imperial Supremacy would the Court Bell ring, signaling the hundred officials to enter court.

"Elder Sir's meaning is that right now, all sides want to deal with the Restoration Society. We will ostensibly deal with the Restoration Society, but in truth, we are dealing with the Donglin. But… the Donglin are numerous. Who should be the target?"

"To catch bandits, first catch the ringleader. The literary head of the Donglin."

Xue Guoguan pondered for a moment, then bowed and said, "This humble official is filled with admiration. So Elder Sir had a plan long ago. The literary head of the Donglin no longer participates in the civil examinations. Only this wielding of authority can implicate him. Following Elder Sir's earlier guidance, I already have two men in hand. Once the investigation into the Restoration Society reaches a critical juncture, these two will submit memorials to accuse the literary head of the Donglin. Once that literary head is arrested and brought to the Capital, the Donglin can only scatter like birds and beasts."

Wen Tiren's gaze sharpened, and he spat out three words through gritted teeth: "Qian Qianyi!"

Xue Guoguan added in a low voice, "And Qu Shisi."

At that moment, the door sounded. Grand Secretary Zhang Zhifa appeared in the doorway. Upon entering and seeing Xue Guoguan, he hesitated, then turned and told his household servant to wait outside. He nodded to the two men and walked to the other side. Immediately after, Qian Shisheng also walked in.

Xue Guoguan hurriedly stood to salute. Both Zhang Zhifa and Qian Shisheng knew Xue Guoguan was Wen Tiren's trusted confidant and were very polite to him. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two sat down at a distance.

Once the two Grand Secretaries were seated, Xue Guoguan carefully sat down again. He leaned toward Wen Tiren and said in a low voice, "Now that there are no Donglin Grand Secretaries in the Cabinet, it is the opportune moment."

Wen Tiren was like an old monk in deep meditation, his eyes closed, not uttering a word. Xue Guoguan waited patiently beside him. He knew that Wen Tiren was not entirely confident either. Ever since defeating Zhou Yanru in the sixth year of Chongzhen, the greatest struggle at court had been between Wen Tiren and the Donglin. A decisive battle between them and the Donglin was inevitable sooner or later.

Since last year, the two sides had already clashed several times on the periphery, including two attacks on Yingtian Grand Coordinator Zhang Guowei. One of those was the Tongcheng Civil Unrest. Although they ultimately failed to bring down Zhang Guowei, the warning shots had been very effective.

This year, what made Wen Tiren hesitate was that Wu Zongda and Wang Yingxiong had left office one after another. Among the remaining Grand Secretaries in the Cabinet, although Qian Shisheng sided with him, he was not a trusted confidant. And Zhang Zhifa was of the Qi faction; although his relations with the Donglin were also poor, whether he could be relied upon at the critical moment of a struggle was hard to determine.

Wen Tiren's greatest advantage, however, lay in the fact that Grand Secretaries Wen Zhenmeng and He Wuzou had also been brought down simultaneously the previous year. Wen Zhenmeng had even served only two months in office. The Emperor had removed two from each side. Although this carried the intent of checks and balances, the Donglin now had not a single Grand Secretary left, while Wen Tiren still held an overall advantage in the Cabinet.

In the Direct Office of the North Wing, three of the most powerful officials of the Ming Dynasty were all present. The four men did not speak a word, and a strange silence fell over the room.

Clang—a resounding bell tone rang out. The eunuch of the Bell and Drum Company struck the Court Bell at the Five Phoenix Tower. The four men rose simultaneously. Wen Tiren led the way out of the North Wing. In the plaza, civil officials and military officers each waited at the Left and Right Side Gates. The Imperial Way between them was like the Chu River and Han border, marking the clear boundary between civil and military.

After Zhang Zhifa and Qian Shisheng had walked some distance away, Wen Tiren stopped and looked at Xue Guoguan. "Have that Lu Shengwen submit a memorial impeaching Zhang Pu. Probe the Emperor's intent."

Xue Guoguan knew that Wen Tiren had made up his mind. Once they had probed the Emperor's will, they would engage the Donglin in a decisive battle.

Wen Tiren's eyes shifted. "Once we move, we do not move lightly. When we strike, it must be with overwhelming thunder. The Restoration Society brats do not affect the greater situation, but we must capture those Donglin Old Bandits in one fell swoop."

The bell atop the Five Phoenix Tower rang again. The Left Side Gate before them creaked open once more. A vast plaza appeared within the palace gate, the Jade Belt River flowing through it, five Golden Water Bridges spanning across. Further north in the distance was the Hall of Imperial Supremacy. Upon a three-tiered white marble platform, the Gate of Imperial Supremacy, nine bays wide with three doors, stood towering and majestic. Beneath its eaves, the golden dais and imperial throne were faintly visible—the very place where the Emperor held court at the gate.

An official of the Court of State Ceremonial cracked the whip. Wen Tiren's gaze was resolute. Holding his Ivory Tablet with a solemn expression, he led the way toward the Imperial City.