Chapter 7

In the area near the front gate of Beijing, the flow of people was sparse, and the once bustling market was now desolate. The ongoing epidemic was just one of the reasons; another reason dates back to the Jisi Incident in the second year of Chongzhen.

The Jurchens had traveled thousands of miles, entered the passes, and plundered extensively, affecting areas around the capital and even Shandong's Jining and Linqing, all of which suffered severe military damage.

Speaking specifically about the great plunder in the 15th year of Chongzhen, which was last year, Dorgon led his troops on a killing spree to Jining, massacring 68 cities and abducting 600,000 civilians, with countless others killed. Many places were burned to the ground, and it would take no less than two or three decades to recover.

Furthermore, the canal town of Linqing, with a population of over a million, was completely devastated, almost cutting off the canal. As an important hub for north-south cargo transport, the town's decline naturally meant the end of commerce. By the 16th year of Chongzhen, not long after the spring, a plague broke out, and now it has developed to the point where hundreds of bodies are cremated daily, causing widespread panic and making people hesitant to go out.

Li Banghua, riding in a small sedan chair, stopped on the empty street. He got out of the chair, squinted his eyes, and quickly shaded them with his hand, finally standing steady with the help of his attendants.

The old man sighed, "I am indeed getting old."

He was a Jinshi (imperial scholar) from the 32nd year of Wanli and is now 69 years old. His life has been full of ups and downs, and he has long seen through the world's affairs. He only hopes to retire next year and enjoy family life. However, his loyalty and dedication compel him to work hard to mend the crumbling empire.

"Master, we have arrived," one of his attendants said.

Li Banghua looked up at the sign of the tavern, which read "Haozailai" (Come Again). This tavern was a favorite among young scholars and travelers to the capital, but censors who had entered officialdom rarely came here. With the current poor market, the entire tavern was cold and empty, with no one drinking or eating.

The waiter at the door hesitated for a long time, unsure whether these people were just passing by or intended to dine. Only when he saw Li Banghua slowly approaching did he boldly come forward, "Sir, would you like a private room?"

"The Lotus Pavilion, we have a reservation," the attendant replied.

The waiter smiled broadly, "Sir, you have come at the right time. The owner just went up. Please follow me, sir."

The attendant gave a tip, dismissing the waiter, and helped the master up the stairs to the private room on the second floor.

Inside the private room, a man with a long beard and graying hair was already seated. He stood at the door as soon as he heard Li Banghua's footsteps, bowed deeply, and said, "Your Excellency, this student greets you."

"Xu, there's no need for such formality," Li Banghua nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

They took their seats, with Li Banghua sitting at the head. He cleared his throat and asked, "Xu, why have you summoned me here today?"

Xu is Li Mingrui's courtesy name. Li Mingrui and this censor are both from Jiangxi, and they share a hometown connection. Li Mingrui was recommended by Li Banghua and selected as an official of the Eastern Palace, serving as the Left Zhongyun. In the intricate web of officialdom, they are considered close allies.

"Your Excellency's efforts in consoling Zuo Liangyu in March were truly commendable," Li Mingrui felt a pang of sympathy seeing his benefactor's white temples.

"As a minister, it is my duty," Li Banghua, being old, was already feeling tired. He mustered his strength and said, "I am getting old and lack energy. Xu, please come to the point."

Li Mingrui bowed his head slightly, about to speak, when he suddenly heard footsteps outside. Soon, he heard the sound of chairs being moved and loud voices, indicating that a group of guests had arrived in the next room. He had chosen this place to meet the censor to avoid being seen, but someone had unexpectedly intruded, causing him to smile bitterly.

Li Banghua nodded to his attendant, who understood and stood guard at the door.

Li Mingrui then lowered his voice, "Your Excellency, there is a rumor in the court about moving the capital south..."

Li Banghua raised his eyes, which were already clouded. He stared at Li Mingrui and said bluntly, "Do you intend to submit a memorial for the southern move?"

Li Mingrui smiled bitterly, "Your Excellency is truly insightful."

Li Banghua sighed and said softly, "It will be difficult."

"How can we, as ministers, shrink back from difficulties?" Li Mingrui's face was stern. "The capital has been plagued by corruption for a long time. The emperor's efforts are in vain. It would be better to move out. Once we reach Nanjing, hundreds of thousands of loyal troops will naturally follow. How can we fear the rebels then?"

"Hundreds of thousands of loyal troops?" Li Banghua sighed. "Xu, have you forgotten why I went to console Zuo Liangyu in March? The current rebels are not the same as the loyal troops during the Jisi Incident?" Without pay and provisions, loyal soldiers and rebels are not much different! He kept this thought to himself to avoid discouraging Li Mingrui.

Li Banghua went to Zuo Liangyu's camp in March because Zuo's troops were owed pay, and a thousand warships were sailing down the river, claiming they were going to Nanjing for provisions. Many of the current rebels, such as Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong, and Laohuihui, were also loyal troops during the Jisi Incident, who, without pay, had turned to banditry and rebellion.

Li Mingrui, having his intentions exposed by Li Banghua, felt embarrassed and frustrated. He was also angry at the generals who were unwilling to fight. He said, "Zuo Liangyu still has the nerve to ask for provisions! Now he is stationed in Huai, and the court cannot move him or scold him. Is this his private army or the court's public force?"

"Enough," Li Banghua sighed helplessly. "It's good enough that he can hold Huai. He has only caused trouble once in two years without pay. Don't push him to become another mountain bandit."

"Have you not heard what the people say? The rebels comb through like a comb, and the soldiers comb through like a fine-toothed comb! Zuo Liangyu's troops are even worse than the rebels!" Li Mingrui said angrily.

Li Banghua shook his head. "What's the point of saying this now? You came to me today to ask me to submit a memorial for the southern move. But I can tell you openly, don't even mention it."

"But Your Excellency..."

"However, there is a second option," Li Banghua interrupted Li Mingrui and said slowly, "Submit a memorial for the emperor to lead the army in person, or for the crown prince to go to Nanjing to oversee the state."

"Lead the army in person..." Li Mingrui pondered the implications of these words and finally shook his head. Since the Yongle Emperor's rash decision to lead the army, which resulted in his capture by the Tatars and the death of over 60 high-ranking officials, including the Minister of War and the Minister of Revenue, this has become a nightmare for the Ming Dynasty. Subsequent emperors were wary and fearful of the Tumu Fort Incident.

"Given the Tumu Fort Incident, who would dare to advise the emperor to lead the army? And it's also inappropriate for the crown prince to oversee Nanjing. The crown prince is young and inexperienced. If he follows orders, he lacks authority; if he acts independently, he lacks respect. It's better for the emperor to lead in person," Li Mingrui said.

"Are you, as an official of the Eastern Palace, unaware that the crown prince is about to leave the palace to oversee the army?" Li Banghua said softly.

"What! The crown prince is to leave the palace to oversee the army!" Li Mingrui exclaimed. "Isn't this absurd! The crown prince is indeed a prodigy, with a remarkable memory and the ability to infer much from little, and he writes well, but he is still a child. How can he handle state affairs?"

Li Banghua remained silent, and the room fell into a heavy silence.

Li Mingrui realized he had spoken out of turn and immediately shut his mouth, but the silence around him felt strange, and no sound came from the neighboring private room.

After a moment, a dispute was heard outside the door. Before the voices could be heard clearly, Li Banghua's attendant was pushed into the room, and a tall, muscular man blocked the door tightly.

"Was it you who were discussing the crown prince?" the man growled.