Chapter 19: The Crown Prince’s Inspection Tour

Wan Shou Palace.

Seated upon the throne, the Jiajing Emperor suppressed the anger welling in his heart and fixed his gaze on Lü Ben.

“What matter did Weng Wanda report?”

Lü Ben, alert and cautious, carefully observed the emperor’s expression. After a moment, he spoke slowly, “Your Majesty, I report that since last year, the Oirat Mongols have violated Xuanfu, advancing to threaten Juyong Pass. The surrounding capital region was shaken. Weng Wanda, the governor-general of the three border defenses, accordingly deployed troops to guard the key points around Xuanfu, frequently reporting on the border military preparations.”

Before Lü Ben could finish, Jiajing interrupted sharply, “I am aware! Since last year, the three border defenses of Xuanda have repeatedly reported on the military preparations, requesting troop withdrawals, selecting officers, funds, and supplies. I have not denied or delayed any of it. What more do you have to say now?”

Lü Ben swallowed nervously and lowered his voice, “Some days ago, Vice Minister of War Fan Long petitioned regarding the management of Hechuan and Juyong Pass. He requested the construction of new forts outside Juyong Pass and other key positions to strengthen the border. He asked for silver from the imperial treasury and the equine fund to select elite soldiers and augment the new troops west of Gubeikou and Juyong Pass, totaling seven thousand five hundred and forty-five men, with an additional thirty-three thousand three hundred twenty taels of grain and pay. Furthermore, the forces inside the pass have a shortage of five thousand seven hundred seventy soldiers, and over half the warhorses are missing; funds and supplies should also be allocated for their replenishment.”

Zhu Zaiyu, observing the court for the first time, felt his head spin. The matter was unfolding layer upon layer, leaving one bewildered. Yet he noticed the emperor’s face darkening further.

Lü Ben’s voice grew even softer: “This time, Governor-General Weng Wanda of the three borders endorsed the Ministry of War’s proposals and additionally requested the transfer of soldiers from the garrisons of Yansui, Ningxia, and Guyuan, as well as Han and Mongol troops from Liaodong and Baoding. He also requested silver from the treasury, grain from the Ministry of Revenue, and funds from the equine fund to cover the needs of the reassigned troops.”

Zhang Zhi, standing nearby, suddenly furrowed his brow and asked sideways, “Vice Minister Fan Long already proposed adding new troops outside Juyong Pass. Why then does Governor-General Weng Wanda still request transferring soldiers from Yansui, Ningxia, Guyuan, Liaodong, and Baoding? Isn’t this redundant?”

Lü Ben turned to look at Zhang Zhi, then bowed his head before the emperor. “Your Majesty, I report that Governor-General Weng Wanda also petitioned to say…”

At the throne, Jiajing’s expression had turned cold. Hearing Lü Ben mention Weng Wanda’s additional petition, he spoke calmly, “Present it.”

Lü Ben took a deep breath and cautiously relayed, “Weng Wanda stated that the border garrisons are the capital’s shield. Since the founding of the dynasty, careful consideration has been given to the terrain and strategies, establishing obstacles and forts beyond the passes to guard the key points.”

“He also said that during the Han and Tang dynasties, emphasis was placed on the northwest, while our dynasty focuses on the northeast because of the capital’s location. The Han and Tang had their capital in Guanzhong, favoring the northwest, thus battles often occurred in Hexi and Longyou regions.”

“Our dynasty’s capital is Youji, located in the northeast. Behind Juyong Pass lie the imperial mausoleums, nestled within the embrace of the Yanshan Mountains. The capital, Shenjing, sits in Youyan. To the northeast are critical locations such as Shanhaiguan and Gubeikou; to the northwest, Juyong Pass and other formidable passes.”

“Beyond these defenses lie the various border troops, forts, and strongholds of Xuanfu. Should the border defenses, soldiers, and farmlands at Xuanfu not be reinforced, and should the bandits resume last year’s incursions, invading Xuanfu and crossing the Yanshan Mountains’ rugged roads, the capital region would inevitably be alarmed and shaken. How could one not feel a chill at this prospect?”

In an instant, Zhu Zaiyu understood the intent behind the current Governor-General of Xuanda’s report and the Minister of War’s concurrent office-holder, Weng Wanda.

This was a clear attempt to leverage the strategic importance of the Xuanda border garrison to pressure the imperial center!

Although they spoke of the capital’s importance and the significance of Xuanfu’s border, the underlying message was unmistakable:

If the court refuses the border officials’ requests, the Mongol Oirat troops would inevitably, as they warned, march upon Beijing itself.

How could this not be seen as wielding the invader’s threat as leverage?

Jiajing, suppressing his anger, fixed his gaze on Lü Ben. “Weng Wanda’s report: what other matters has he brought before the central administration?”

Lü Ben bowed his head, replying, “Weng Wanda submitted five proposals. First, that the five routes of military laborers and the Henan garrison under Xuanfu number only forty thousand; he requests an additional fifteen thousand from Shanxi and Baoding, with sufficient military provisions, to be dispatched immediately to Xuanfu.”

“Second, the eastern border wall of Xuanfu, the northern internal and external border walls, along with all towers, barracks, and water gates, require seventy thousand laborers, to be completed within one hundred fifty-two days, with estimated costs of four hundred thirty-six thousand six hundred taels of silver, requesting the court’s allocation.”

“Third, the second route of Xuanfu need not increase troops but should relocate the vice commander to Yongning City; the Yongning deputy general should be transferred to Sihai. The eastern and northern routes of Xuanfu have insufficient forces; six thousand soldiers from the capital garrison should be dispatched to assist Yonglong’s defense. If the capital garrison cannot be spared, officials from Shuozhou Military Defense should recruit three thousand men as reinforcements.”

“Yonglong, Huailai, and Baoding are flat terrains suitable for chariot warfare. Baoding’s governor Liu Yu has innovated thousands of war chariots currently unused in the interior; two-thirds of these should be transferred to Xuanfu for defense.”

After finishing, Lü Ben lowered his head deeply.

Hearing this, Zhu Zaiyu inwardly exclaimed — this Weng Wanda truly has the audacity of a lion’s demand!

He calls for an additional fifteen thousand soldiers for Xuanfu, seventy thousand laborers, and six thousand capital garrison troops stationed at Yonglong.

Moreover, just for building the border walls, he demands over four hundred thousand taels of silver from the court!

What if the court refuses?

Zhu Zaiyu could not help but imagine that if denied, there would undoubtedly be further memorials warning that without these measures, Xuanfu could not hold the border, and the Mongol Oirats might again invade and disturb the capital!

After all, Weng Wanda’s report had emphasized the link between Xuanfu and the capital.

Zhu Zaiyu glanced sideways at Jiajing, watching for any change in expression.

Were it not for the fact that border affairs were currently the nation’s utmost priority, hearing these officials repeatedly demand tens of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of thousands of taels of silver would have made Jiajing slam the table in fury.

Yet now he could only endure, turning his gaze to the Grand Secretary Yan Song, speaking gravely, “Regarding the Xuanda border affairs, I think the Cabinet, Ministry of War, and relevant departments should deliberate further. But this request from Weng Wanda to dispatch six thousand capital troops to Yonglong — can the capital troops be mobilized immediately?”

Yan Song slowly lifted his head to meet the emperor’s eyes, quietly weighing the meaning behind the emperor’s words.

Since the emperor suggested further discussion, it meant he did not intend to approve Weng Wanda’s requests outright.

After all, mobilizing tens of thousands of troops and spending hundreds of thousands of taels of silver was no small matter.

As for the capital troops…

After thorough consideration, Yan Song replied, “Your Majesty, some days ago, Military Inspector Yang Yunsheng impeached Minister of War Zhao Tingrui for serious illness and erratic conduct, leading to improper appointments. Within the capital garrison, the Western Office Commander Li Fengming, the Liwei Camp Commander Zhang Kun, and the Shenji Camp’s Paymaster Xu Pu were all recently dismissed. The selection of officers in the capital garrison is now complicated, making it difficult to promptly dispatch troops to Yonglong in Xuanfu.”

“Hmph!” Jiajing snorted coldly, displeased. “Zhao Tingrui was impeached long ago. I showed leniency then. Now that border matters are urgent, yet he shirks responsibility? Let him retire. The Ministry of Personnel shall select someone capable to oversee the Ministry of War!”

Lü Ben immediately said, “Your Majesty, if Minister Zhao Tingrui retires, Vice Minister Fan Long is qualified to take the position.”

Jiajing glanced at Lü Ben, pondering briefly before saying, “Order the Ministry of Personnel to investigate Fan Long’s past. If no faults are found and he is capable, issue an edict to appoint him.”

With the emperor’s approval, Lü Ben bowed deeply and accepted the order.

Jiajing then continued, “The governorships of Fujian and Zhejiang are important posts. The Supervising Censor Zhu Wan’s matter has not yet been reported back by the central envoy, so we will not discuss the retention of the provincial posts for now.”

Lü Ben wished to speak further, but considering the emperor had just agreed to have the Ministry of Personnel investigate Fan Long’s promotion, he held back.

Seeing no opposition, Jiajing went on, “The recent mismanagement in the capital garrison was Zhao Tingrui’s fault. Yet, the defense of the capital and its passes relies entirely on the capital troops. In recent years, soldiers have been conscripted for private labor by officers, losing their elite status and morale. Now the border officials request troops but cannot obtain them. Former Grand Secretary Yu once advised me to inspect the capital troops personally to boost morale, and I deeply agree.”

As he spoke, the emperor’s eyes swept over the assembled officials before settling on his son.

“However, I think the royal presence should not be moved lightly, to avoid unnecessary expenses and labor. I order the Crown Prince Zaiyu to leave the palace on leave, tour the Five Military Command Headquarters and the various capital garrisons, and discuss with me the matter of my inspection. First, he must ascertain the actual troop shortages and remaining funds in each unit.”

“When all matters are settled, I shall personally review the troops.”

Having spoken, Jiajing’s gaze returned to Yan Song and Lü Ben.

The proposal to inspect the capital troops came from Grand Secretary Yan Song.

The petition to dispatch six thousand capital troops to Xuanfu was from Minister Lü Ben.

The emperor merely echoed their words but understood that the sovereign must not act rashly and thus sent the Crown Prince out to assess.

Yet Yan Song’s heart tightened at the emperor’s intention.

Sure enough, the emperor still wished to personally inspect the capital troops.

Lü Ben also frowned slightly.

Since the Renyin Palace Coup in the twenty-first year of Jiajing’s reign, the emperor had relocated to the Western Gardens and had not left the palace, let alone the city, to inspect military camps.

This was an ominous sign.

But suddenly, Zhang Zhi exclaimed loudly.

Amid the surprised glances of Yan Song and Lü Ben, he bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty is sagacious. The capital garrison defends the capital’s passes; if elite, they may also be sent to the borders. The court must consider this carefully.”

“The Crown Prince is intelligent and capable, reminiscent of Your Majesty in youth. He has been studying diligently outside the palace and now begins official court attendance. Sending him out to inspect the camps is both a prelude to Your Majesty’s inspection and a test of his abilities — most fitting.”

Zhang Zhi was somewhat naive or perhaps purely motivated.

The Crown Prince, now diligent in his studies and gaining a good reputation in court, had just begun official attendance. If he could gain experience outside the palace, it would greatly benefit his future.

Having resolved to educate the Crown Prince well, how could he not support this?

Yan Song and Lü Ben, having been preempted by Zhang Zhi, could only accept the matter.

“Your Majesty is wise; the Crown Prince is intelligent. We concur.”

Finally, a smile appeared on Jiajing’s face, waving his hand, “If there is no other business today, all of you may return to your duties and begin the necessary arrangements.”

“We take our leave,” said Yan Song and two others, bowing as they withdrew.

Once they departed, only Jiajing and his son Zhu Zaiyu remained in the great hall, attended by a eunuch in yellow robes.

Zhu Zaiyu quietly pondered the day’s events.

Seeing the emperor rise from the throne and approach, he quickly stepped aside as the eunuch supported the emperor, following behind towards the inner chamber.

Halfway there, Jiajing suddenly asked, “Do you understand better now the matters concerning the southeast and Xuanfu we discussed today?”