Chapter Thirty-Three: Merit and Guilt Intertwined

They quickly grasped the gravity of the situation, and one after another, the ministers stepped forward, unanimously declaring that Wang Huazhen’s contributions were on the verge of bearing fruit, while Xiong Tingbi’s turtle tactics had tarnished the nation’s dignity and, moreover, had accomplished nothing so far. They demanded that Xiong Tingbi be replaced and Wang Huazhen be put in charge of the affairs in Liaodong. As for what to do if Wang Huazhen were to lose, not a single person mentioned it; their tone made it clear that they believed defeat was impossible, and since there could be no failure, why bother discussing such a superfluous contingency?

Of course, amidst this chorus supporting Wang and decrying Xiong, a few discordant notes sounded. Xu Guangqi stepped forward and said, “In my opinion, the cities east of Guangning should adopt a scorched-earth policy, fortifying their defenses and preparing all manner of firearms. When the enemy attacks, we can rely on our strongholds to strike back. If each city stands firm, the foe will not dare to press forward recklessly; with several cities holding out, the enemy will naturally be forced to retreat. Therefore, I support the cautious, defensive approach of Commissioner Xiong.”

At this moment, Censor Xu Yangxian of Jiangxi stepped forth and suggested, “I propose swapping the regional governors of Deng-Lai and Liaodong, giving sole responsibility for Liaodong to Xiong Tingbi.” The Grand Master Wu Liangsi concurred.

Including Fang Congzhe, who had spoken first, only four among all the ministers advocated for retaining Xiong Tingbi and replacing Wang Huazhen. The rest called for Wang Huazhen to take charge of Liaodong and for Xiong Tingbi to be dismissed, yet not one was willing to shoulder responsibility if Wang Huazhen failed.

Zhu Youjiao found it amusing: these fellows seemed to ignore the advice of the Prime Minister, eager only to recommend but never to take responsibility. Should anything go wrong, they would surely shirk blame at the first opportunity—truly the making of seasoned officials.

The current situation was clear: the Donglin faction had prevailed, and the consensus was that Wang Huazhen was superior to Xiong Tingbi, so naturally Xiong ought to be replaced—something Zhu Youjiao was unwilling to do. Yet, having let the debate run its course, he now found himself secretly cursing Ye Xianggao and Zhang Heming, who, despite knowing full well that Liaodong should be defended, were promoting Wang Huazhen for personal reasons.

At that moment, an urgent report arrived from the palace gate: dire military news from Liaodong. The Jianzhou army was building ships and stationing troops along the banks of the Liao River, clearly preparing for a major offensive. Zhu Youjiao inwardly rejoiced, then issued his decree: “To change commanders in the face of the enemy would jeopardize our cause. Let the regional commissioner and governor of Liaodong work together in unison, sharing both merit and blame.”

With the imperial edict thus delivered, none of the ministers objected. If Xiong Tingbi were dismissed now and disaster struck, all responsibility would fall upon Wang Huazhen alone; but now, with the emperor decreeing that merit and blame be shared, Xiong Tingbi might be spared some of the consequences, or even share in Wang Huazhen’s misfortunes. Both emperor and ministers agreed this was a wise solution.

Though Zhu Youjiao had not removed Wang Huazhen, the close call with the ministers nearly ousting Xiong Tingbi persuaded him that preserving the current balance was perhaps for the best.

Returning to his private chambers, Zhu Youjiao was met with a new predicament. Before any intimate encounter with his three consorts, he would always ascertain the timing of their monthly cycles to avoid the periods when conception was most likely. The women themselves were unaware of his reasoning, but one day, during idle conversation, Consort Chun, Duan Ying, complained to Lady Ke that she had not conceived despite so much time having passed, and sought her advice. Lady Ke told her that the best time to become pregnant was midway between two cycles.

Unintentionally, this remark planted suspicion in Duan Ying’s mind, for she realized the emperor always visited her just after her period or right before it began. She quietly inquired of Consort Liang, Wang Wan, and discovered it was the same for her. The empress showed no signs of pregnancy either; though they dared not ask her directly, they mentioned Lady Ke’s advice while chatting. Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan immediately understood that the emperor deliberately chose the times when conception was least likely. Fearing her consorts might misunderstand, she confessed the truth: during her most fertile periods, the emperor never came near her, and she too was a victim of his avoidance.

Zhu Youjiao always considered it a divine blessing to have the company of three beauties, and treated them with great care and affection, never uttering a harsh word. As a result, not only Zhang Yan, but also Duan Ying and Wang Wan, were not afraid of him. After conferring among themselves, the three decided to confront the emperor and demand an explanation.

That afternoon, Zhu Youjiao was in his study, poring over the mint’s charter and the proposed plans for the bank sent by Li Zhizao. Although the minting machines had not yet arrived, the regulations needed to be drafted in advance. Just then, Lady Ke reported that the empress and the two consorts had come.

As soon as Zhu Youjiao emerged from his study, all three women knelt before him, startling him greatly. He hurried to help the empress up, but Zhang Yan refused, declaring, “Since Your Majesty does not care for us, please strip us of our titles and choose new favorites.”

He was utterly bewildered—what was this all about? Lady Ke was equally perplexed; after all, the emperor seemed to get along well with his consorts—what was the meaning of this drama? Little did she know her own careless words had sparked the trouble. Zhu Youjiao said, “What nonsense is this, Empress? How could I not care for you?”

“Your Majesty purposely visits us only on days when we are least likely to conceive. Does this not show your lack of affection?” Zhang Yan replied.

So that was the issue. Zhu Youjiao asked them to rise, but they refused. Consort Chun and Consort Liang seized the opportunity to plead for their titles to be revoked, or even to be put to death, so as to make way for future favorites. Their aggrieved expressions left Zhu Youjiao at a loss.

“The truth is, Empress and beloved consorts, you are still very young. If you were to conceive now, it would be harmful to your health.”

“Your Majesty, the three of us are all of age—we have come of age and are adults. How could pregnancy harm us? There is no need to comfort us with excuses. Since we now understand Your Majesty’s intentions, we shall bind our hair and await your decision,” Zhang Yan said. She stood, gathered the two consorts, and made to leave.

Zhu Youjiao quickly rushed ahead to block her path, saying, “Empress, don’t be hasty. Please sit down and let me explain, will you?” Zhang Yan was still unwilling, but at that moment Lady Ke, realizing this was all her fault, quickly took the empress’s hand and pleaded, “Your Majesty, the emperor must have his reasons. Why not hear him out before making your decision?” Zhang Yan, seeing an easy way out, feigned reluctance, then followed Lady Ke to sit down. Consort Duan and Consort Liang, however, refused to be seated and stood behind the empress like two bodyguards.

Zhu Youjiao shot Lady Ke a grateful look, and she lowered her head guiltily. He said, “You have all heard of Minister Xu Guangqi, have you not? He has had dealings with Western missionaries and has studied many Western books. According to him, a woman’s body does not fully mature until the age of eighteen, and childbirth is best undertaken at that age. If a girl is too young, it can lead to difficult labor and is bad for her health, and the child’s health may also suffer. It was on Minister Xu’s advice that I have been reluctant to let the empress and consorts conceive too early.”

At this, the three women silently cursed Xu Guangqi. They thought: as a minister, why not mind your own state affairs? Why must you fill the emperor’s head with such notions? At that very moment in the Ministry of Rites, Xu Guangqi sneezed several times in succession.