Chapter 259: with translation of chapter title

~21 min read 4,071 words

The side hall at the Right Shunmen Gate of the Hall of Supreme Harmony,

But we need to keep the comma? The original line includes a comma after the phrase. We'll keep it.

Thus: 【1】 Taihe Hall Right Shun Gate Side Hall,

This court assembly is not the former inner council where the Cabinet and the Five Military Governor's Office, summoned by Emperor Jing Sheng in the Qianqing Palace, met to discuss affairs and administer governance.

It is neither the grand audience nor the first-and-fifteenth audience that requires all capital officials to attend; instead, it is a regular audience attended by senior officials of the Da Han Empire.

Translate: "Nor is it the Grand Audience and First-and-Fifteenth Audience that require all capital officials to attend; rather, it is a regular audience attended by senior officials of the Da Han Empire." We'll produce: 【3】 Nor is it the Grand Audience and First-and-Fifteenth Audience requiring all capital officials to attend; rather, it is a regular audience attended by senior officials of the Da Han Empire.

Under the Da Han system, court assemblies are primarily divided into grand audiences, first-and-fifteenth audiences, and regular audiences.

Translate: "According to the Da Han Empire's system, court assemblies are mainly divided into Grand Audience, First-and-Fifteenth Audience, and Regular Audience." We'll output: 【4】 According to the Da Han Empire's system, court assemblies are mainly divided into Grand Audience, First-and-Fifteenth Audience, and Regular Audience.

The grand audience is the highest-level ceremonial assembly; it does not deal with specific governmental matters and is mainly used to showcase national prestige and reinforce imperial authority.

Translate: "Among them, the Grand Audience is the highest‑ranking ceremonial assembly, not handling concrete affairs, mainly used to display national prestige and strengthen imperial authority." We'll output: 【5】 Among them, the Grand Audience is the highest‑ranking ceremonial assembly, not handling concrete affairs, mainly used to display national prestige and strengthen imperial authority.

The main proceedings consist of civil and military officials and tributary envoys presenting congratulatory memorials, and performing solemn ceremonies such as the 'three kneelings and nine kowtows'.

Translate: "The main content consists of civil and military officials and tributary state envoys presenting congratulatory memorials, and performing solemn rites such as the 'three kneelings and nine kowtows'." We'll output: 【6】 The main content consists of civil and military officials and tributary state envoys presenting congratulatory memorials, and performing solemn rites such as the 'three kneelings and nine kowtows'.

The grand audience takes place only three times each year—on New Year's Day, the Winter Solstice, and the Longevity Holy Festival, which is the emperor's birthday.

Translate: "The Grand Audience is held only three times a year, at New Year's Day, the Winter Solstice, and the Longevity Holy Festival—which is the emperor's birthday." We'll output: 【7】 The Grand Audience is held only three times a year, at New Year's Day, the Winter Solstice, and the Longevity Holy Festival—which is the emperor's birthday.

At the grand audience, all capital officials are required to attend, and the gathering can number in the thousands.

Translate: "At the Grand Audience, all capital officials must attend; the scene is grand, reaching several thousand people." We'll output: 【8】 At the Grand Audience, all capital officials must attend; the scene is grand, reaching several thousand people.

The first-and-fifteenth audience, by contrast, is held on the first and fifteenth of each month; it is a ceremonial assembly with a simpler format.

Translate: "The First-and-Fifteenth Audience, however, is held on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month; it is a ceremonial assembly with a simpler format." We'll output: 【9】 The First-and-Fifteenth Audience, however, is held on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month; it is a ceremonial assembly with a simpler format.

Still, officials must dress in formal attire and perform the rites, but no governmental matters are discussed.

Translate: "Nevertheless, officials must wear formal uniforms and perform the rites, but no state affairs are discussed." We'll output: 【10】 Nevertheless, officials must wear formal uniforms and perform the rites, but no state affairs are discussed.

The first-and-fifteenth audience occurs twice each month, on the new moon and full moon days.

Translate: "The First-and-Fifteenth Audience is held twice each month, fixed on the first and fifteenth days." We'll output: 【11】 The First-and-Fifteenth Audience is held twice each month, fixed on the first and fifteenth days.

Capital officials usually attend, though it is less important than the grand audience.

Translate: "Capital officials generally attend, but its importance is lower than that of the Grand Audience." We'll output: 【12】 Capital officials generally attend, but its importance is lower than that of the Grand Audience.

The regular audience is the emperor's primary means of handling daily governmental affairs; it has decision-making authority and is used for receiving petitions, discussing major military and state affairs, and evaluating officials.

Translate: "The Regular Audience is the core format for the emperor to handle daily state affairs, possessing decision‑making functions; it is used for presenting petitions, discussing major military and state matters, and evaluating officials." We'll output: 【13】 The Regular Audience is the core format for the emperor to handle daily state affairs, possessing decision‑making functions; it is used for presenting petitions, discussing major military and state matters, and evaluating officials.

The primary participants are senior officials of rank five and above from the Six Ministries and the Censorate.

Translate: "The main participants are core officials of rank five and above from the Six Ministries and the Censorate." We'll output: 【14】 The main participants are core officials of rank five and above from the Six Ministries and the Censorate.

Officials remain standing while presenting their petitions; the procedure is tedious and discipline is strict, and tardiness or breach of protocol may be punished with a court staff beating.

Translate: "Throughout, officials stand to respond; the process is tedious and discipline strict, and lateness or breach of protocol may result in a court beating." We'll output: 【15】 Throughout, officials stand to respond; the process is tedious and discipline strict, and lateness or breach of protocol may result in a court beating.

The regular audience is, in principle, held once a day.

Translate: "In principle, the Regular Audience is held once a day." We'll output: 【16】 In principle, the Regular Audience is held once a day.

In the early Han period, there was even the custom of 'viewing three audiences a day'—holding morning, midday, and evening regular audiences daily.

Translate: "In the early Han, there was even the rule of 'viewing three audiences a day,' meaning three Regular Audiences held each day—morning, noon, and evening." We'll output: 【17】 In the early Han, there was even the rule of 'viewing three audiences a day,' meaning three Regular Audiences held each day—morning, noon, and evening.

However, after Emperor Gaozu of Han the evening audience was abolished; after Emperor Chengzu of Han the midday audience was gradually simplified, and in practice what continued to be held regularly was the morning audience.

Translate: "However, after Han Taizu the evening audience was abolished, and after Han Chengzu the noon audience was gradually simplified, so that in practice only the morning audience was long maintained." We'll output: 【18】 However, after Han Taizu the evening audience was abolished, and after Han Chengzu the noon audience was gradually simplified, so that in practice only the morning audience was long maintained.

However, during the period when the retired emperor held power, because he had long ceased holding audiences, the morning audience existed only in name.

Translate: "But during the period when the Retired Emperor held power, because he had long ceased holding audiences, even the morning audience existed in name only." We'll output: 【19】 But during the period when the Retired Emperor held power, because he had long ceased holding audiences, even the morning audience existed in name only.

Later, when Emperor Jing Sheng took the throne, although he was diligent in governance, he felt that the morning audience's rituals were overly elaborate, formalism was rampant, it consumed much time but yielded little efficiency.

Translate: "Later, Emperor Jing Sheng Di ascended the throne; although he was diligent in governance, he felt that the morning audience's rites were overly elaborate, formalism severe, time‑consuming yet inefficient." We'll output: 【20】 Later, Emperor Jing Sheng Di ascended the throne; although he was diligent in governance, he felt that the morning audience's rites were overly elaborate, formalism severe, time‑consuming yet inefficient.

Therefore, Emperor Jing Sheng did not hold a regular audience daily.

Translate: "Therefore, Emperor Jing Sheng Di does not hold a Regular Audience every day." We'll output: 【21】 Therefore, Emperor Jing Sheng Di does not hold a Regular Audience every day.

Instead, he turned to conducting internal governance with senior trusted officials of the Cabinet and the Five Military Governor's Office, namely through the Cabinet's deliberations in the Qianqing Palace.

Translate: "Instead, he turned to conducting governance in the inner court with the Cabinet, the Five Military Governor's Office, and other important trusted officials, namely through the Cabinet‑drafted deliberations in the Qian Qing Gong." We'll output: 【22】 Instead, he turned to conducting governance in the inner court with the Cabinet, the Five Military Governor's Office, and other important trusted officials, namely through the Cabinet‑drafted deliberations in the Qian Qing Gong.

As for the regular audience, it is held about once every five days, and Emperor Jing Sheng limited each session to no more than eight petitions, seeking to simplify the proceedings and focus on practical governance.

Translate: "As for the Regular Audience, it is held about once every five days, and Emperor Jing Sheng Di stipulated that no more than eight petitions be heard each session, striving to simplify the audience procedure and focus on practical court affairs." We'll output: 【23】 As for the Regular Audience, it is held about once every five days, and Emperor Jing Sheng Di stipulated that no more than eight petitions be heard each session, striving to simplify the audience procedure and focus on practical court affairs.

The audience being held today is exactly this regular audience that takes place once every five days.

Translate: "Today's audience is precisely such a five‑day‑interval Regular Audience." We'll output: 【24】 Today's audience is precisely such a five‑day‑interval Regular Audience.

The officials waited outside the side hall of the Right Shunmen Gate for Emperor Jing Sheng's arrival.

Translate: "The officials waited outside the Right Shun Gate Side Hall for the arrival of Emperor Jing Sheng Di." We'll output: 【25】 The officials waited outside the Right Shun Gate Side Hall for the arrival of Emperor Jing Sheng Di.

Zhu Que was also present, chatting with Prince Bei Jing Shui Rong and the various military officials; he had returned to the capital several days earlier.

Translate: "Zhu Que was also among them, chatting with Prince Bei Jing Shui Rong and the gathered military officials; he had returned to the capital several days earlier." We'll output: 【26】 Zhu Que was also among them, chatting with Prince Bei Jing Shui Rong and the gathered military officials; he had returned to the capital several days earlier.

Accompanied by three blasts of the pure whistle, the high-pitched, drawn-out voice of the inner eunuch sounded:

Translate: "Accompanied by three blasts of the pure whistle, the thin, prolonged voice of a eunuch rang out:" We'll output: 【27】 Accompanied by three blasts of the pure whistle, the thin, prolonged voice of a eunuch rang out:

Your Majesty has arrived! Summon all civil and military officials to enter the hall for an audience!

Translate: "\"His Majesty approaches! Order civil and military officials to enter the hall for an audience! \"" We'll output: 【28】 "His Majesty approaches! Order civil and military officials to enter the hall for an audience!"

The officials outside the hall immediately straightened their court robes, took up their tablets, and entered the side hall of the Right Shunmen Gate in orderly fashion.

Translate: "The officials outside the hall immediately straightened their court robes, held their tablets, and entered the Right Shun Gate Side Hall in orderly steps." We'll output: 【29】 The officials outside the hall immediately straightened their court robes, held their tablets, and entered the Right Shun Gate Side Hall in orderly steps.

At this moment, Emperor Jing Sheng was already seated behind the imperial desk in the hall, wearing his dragon robe today.

Translate: "At this moment, Emperor Jing Sheng Di was already seated behind the imperial desk in the hall, wearing his dragon robe today." We'll output: 【30】 At this moment, Emperor Jing Sheng Di was already seated behind the imperial desk in the hall, wearing his dragon robe today.

The twelve symbols on his robe flickered in the candlelight, the twelve-stranded tassels of his crown hung down, shielding half his face, and his gaze swept over the officials who had entered the hall.

Translate: "The twelve symbols shimmered in the candlelight, the twelve‑tasselled crown hung down, covering half his face, and his gaze swept over the officials entering the hall." We'll output: 【31】 The twelve symbols shimmered in the candlelight, the twelve‑tasselled crown hung down, covering half his face, and his gaze swept over the officials entering the hall.

"We, your subjects, pay homage to Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!"

Translate: "\"We, your subjects, pay homage to Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand times ten thousand! \"" We'll output: 【32】 "We, your subjects, pay homage to Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand times ten thousand!"

The officials bowed reverently, the shouts of "long live" echoed throughout the hall, and the sound of their robes touching the ground was like a gust of wind sweeping across a wheat field.

Translate: "The officials bowed reverently; the shouts of 'long live' echoed through the great hall, and the sound of their robes brushing the ground resembled a wind sweeping over a wheat field." We'll output: 【33】 The officials bowed reverently; the shouts of 'long live' echoed through the great hall, and the sound of their robes brushing the ground resembled a wind sweeping over a wheat field.

"All of you, rise!"

Translate: "\"All officials, rise! \"" We'll output: 【34】 "All officials, rise!"

Emperor Jing Sheng fell silent for a moment, then spoke up.

Translate: "Emperor Jing Sheng Di fell silent for a moment, then spoke up." We'll output: 【35】 Emperor Jing Sheng Di fell silent for a moment, then spoke up.

The middle-aged emperor's complexion looked somewhat more wan than a few days ago, evidently he has been troubled by many worries lately.

Translate: "This middle‑aged emperor's complexion was a little worse than a few days ago, evidently because he had many worries lately." We'll output: 【36】 This middle‑aged emperor's complexion was a little worse than a few days ago, evidently because he had many worries lately.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Translate: "\"Thank you, Your Majesty! \"" We'll output: 【37】 "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The officials slowly rose to their feet.

Translate: "The officials slowly rose." We'll output: 【38】 The officials slowly rose.

The hall fell silent for a moment; sunlight streamed through the red lattice windows onto the floor, and all that could be heard was the gentle clinking of the jade beads on the crown's tassels.

Translate: "The hall fell silent for a moment; sunlight streamed through the red latticed window onto the floor, and all that could be heard was the gentle clinking of the jade beads on the crown's tassels." We'll output: 【39】 The hall fell silent for a moment; sunlight streamed through the red latticed window onto the floor, and all that could be heard was the gentle clinking of the jade beads on the crown's tassels.

Emperor Jing Sheng's expression grew solemn, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials, and he spoke directly:

Translate: "Emperor Jing Sheng Di's face grew solemn, his gaze sweeping over the officials in the hall, and he spoke directly:" We'll output: 【40】 Emperor Jing Sheng Di's face grew solemn, his gaze sweeping over the officials in the hall, and he spoke directly:

"Officials, if you have any matters, report them promptly!"

Translate: "\"Officials, if you have matters, report them promptly! \"" We'll output: 【41】 "Officials, if you have matters, report them promptly!"

As soon as his words fell, Grand Secretary Chen Tingjing, holding a jade tablet, stepped forward from the ranks and said:

Translate: "No sooner had his words fallen than the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, Chen Tingjing, stepped forward holding a jade tablet and said:" We'll output: 【42】 No sooner had his words fallen than the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, Chen Tingjing, stepped forward holding a jade tablet and said:

"Your Majesty! The drought in Shandong, Henan, and surrounding areas shows no sign of abating. Since the start of summer, not a single drop of rain has fallen. Crops have withered, and the people are displaced."

Translate: "\"Your Majesty! The drought in Shandong, Henan and elsewhere shows no sign of abating. Since the start of summer, not a drop of rain has fallen; crops have withered and the people are displaced. \"" We'll output: 【43】 "Your Majesty! The drought in Shandong, Henan and elsewhere shows no sign of abating. Since the start of summer, not a drop of rain has fallen; crops have withered and the people are displaced."

"I implore Your Majesty to remit taxes for the disaster-stricken provinces and allocate grain and funds for relief."

Translate: "\"I beg Your Majesty to remit taxes in the disaster‑stricken provinces and to allocate grain and funds for relief. \"" We'll output: 【44】 "I beg Your Majesty to remit taxes in the disaster‑stricken provinces and to allocate grain and funds for relief."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing Sheng's expression darkened slightly; he did not answer immediately, but after a moment's thought, he asked in a solemn tone:

Translate: "Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing Sheng Di's expression darkened slightly; he did not answer immediately, but after a moment of thought he asked in a solemn voice:" We'll output: 【45】 Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing Sheng Di's expression darkened slightly; he did not answer immediately, but after a moment of thought he asked in a solemn voice:

"Grand Secretary, how much grain tax has been collected from Jiangnan so far? And how much of the deficit has been cleared?"

Translate: "\"Chief Minister, how much grain tax has been collected in Jiangnan, and how much of the arrears have been made up? \"" We'll output: 【46】 "Chief Minister, how much grain tax has been collected in Jiangnan, and how much of the arrears have been made up?"

Chen Tingjing lowered his head, a hint of worry on his face, and replied:

Translate: "Chen Tingjing lowered his head, a hint of worry on his face, and replied:" We'll output: 【47】 Chen Tingjing lowered his head, a hint of worry on his face, and replied:

"Your Majesty! So far this year, half of the expected grain tax has been gathered from Jiangnan, amounting to roughly three million taels of silver!"

Translate: "\"Your Majesty! This year's grain tax in Jiangnan has already been collected at half, amounting to roughly three million taels of silver! \"" We'll output: 【48】 "Your Majesty! This year's grain tax in Jiangnan has already been collected at half, amounting to roughly three million taels of silver!"

"As for the arrears, after several months of pursuit by Grand Secretary Gong in Jiangnan, about one million taels have been recovered."

Translate: "\"As for the arrears, after several months of pursuit by Grand Secretary Gong in Jiangnan, about one million taels have been recovered. \"" We'll output: 【49】 "As for the arrears, after several months of pursuit by Grand Secretary Gong in Jiangnan, about one million taels have been recovered."

"However, the officials and gentry of Jiangnan have voiced strong complaints about the collection of the arrears."

Translate: "\"However, the officials and gentry of Jiangnan loudly complain about being pressed to pay the arrears. \"" We'll output: 【50】 "However, the officials and gentry of Jiangnan loudly complain about being pressed to pay the arrears."

"Many have memorialized the throne accusing Grand Secretary Gong of extorting excessive taxes in Jiangnan, abusing his power, disregarding the people's livelihood, causing great resentment among the populace; if this continues, it could easily provoke unrest."

Translate: "\"Many have memorialized impeaching Grand Secretary Gong for oppressive taxation and arbitrary excesses in Jiangnan, disregarding the people's livelihood; public resentment runs high, and if this continues it will easily provoke unrest. \"" We'll output: 【51】 "Many have memorialized impeaching Grand Secretary Gong for oppressive taxation and arbitrary excesses in Jiangnan, disregarding the people's livelihood; public resentment runs high, and if this continues it will easily provoke unrest."

Before Chen Tingjing could finish, Emperor Jing Sheng let out a cold snort, struck the imperial desk hard with his finger, and interrupted:

Translate: "Before Chen Tingjing could finish, Emperor Jing Sheng Di snorted coldly, struck the imperial desk heavily with his finger, and interrupted:" We'll output: 【52】 Before Chen Tingjing could finish, Emperor Jing Sheng Di snorted coldly, struck the imperial desk heavily with his finger, and interrupted:

Alright! Gong Qing has already submitted a secret memorial to me about Jiangnan affairs; I know all the ins and outs!

Those who dare to serve the court will inevitably face impeachment! Those Jiangnan gentry and wealthy households are each as rich as a nation, living in extravagant enjoyment.

Yet they owe the court millions in deficit; now I have sent an imperial commissioner to investigate, yet they dare to slander Gong Qing as the cause of disaster? Simply absurd!

I will issue an edict, granting Gong Qing the title of First-Rank Grand Master of Rites, allowing him to act freely, increase efforts to recover arrears and promote the New Policies, and clean up Jiangnan's officialdom!

With Me and the court backing him, there's no need to worry about others' criticism! I have seen all his achievements!

As for Shandong, Henan, etc., we will appropriately reduce or exempt about half of this year's taxes, and additionally allocate one million taels of silver from the Ministry of Revenue for disaster relief!

Listening to Jing Sheng Di's resolute edict regarding Jiangnan, Chen Tingjing wanted to speak but held back; he was somewhat worried that unrest might arise in the Jiangnan region, and wanted to advise Jing Sheng Di to proceed cautiously.

But considering Jing Sheng Di's growing prestige and his emphasis on the New Policies, he finally responded in a low voice:

"I obey the edict!"

After Chen Tingjing returned to his post, Grand Secretary Li Guangdi closely followed, holding a jade tablet and stepped forward.

Here, one must say,

In the Da Han dynasty's regular court audiences, there is an unwritten rule: officials present their memorials in order of rank from high to low, and it is rare for a lower‑ranking official to speak before a higher‑ranking one.

Li Guangdi bowed toward Emperor Jing Sheng on the high platform and said:

"Your Majesty, the case of Ji An Marquis Lu Heng has been verified as true by the Three Judicial Departments' joint review."

"As a martial marquis of the court, Lu Heng has received great favor from the state and bears the duty of defending the territory, yet he abandoned the city and fled, causing countless soldiers of Yu Lin Cheng to die unjustly and nearly losing the strategic border stronghold."

"We believe that, according to law, he should be executed; please grant your imperial approval, Your Majesty."

Li Guangdi is the Grand Scholar of the Martial Glory Hall and concurrently the Minister of Justice; generally, major court cases are presided over by him in the Three Judicial Departments' joint review.

This is why, after Zhu Que brought Ji An Marquis back to Shenjing this time, he will preside over the conviction and follow the procedure.

Including the earlier case of the son of the Cheng Guo Gong, the reason Li Guangdi presides is also because of this.

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Ch. 259 / 49952%