Chapter Twelve: The Platform Summons the Battle of Inquiry and Defense (Part One)

Beijing City, inside the Imperial Palace.

Lu Xiangsheng, Governor-General of Xuan, Da, and Shanxi Provinces, concurrently Minister of War and Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, bearing the honorary title of Commander-in-Chief of the Royalist Forces and bestowed with the Imperial Sword, walked from the west side of the Huangji Hall through the Right Shun Gate directly to the platform. There, Emperor Chongzhen was already seated upon the coiled dragon throne, awaiting him.

The platform was situated in the middle rear of the Jianji Hall within the palace, elevated three tiers above white jade railings, facing the Qianqing Gate. Opposite it stood the Yuntai Gate, flanked by the Rear Left Gate to the east and Rear Right Gate to the west—collectively known as the “Platform Gates.” When summoning ministers for audience, it was customary to convene either on the platform or at the Rear Left Gate.

Behind the imperial throne stood palace maids holding parasols and fans, while numerous eunuchs stood at attention on both sides. Two ancient bronze incense burners, each nearly a man’s height, emitted thin wisps of fragrant smoke, filling the hall with a subtle, exotic aroma. Outside, two rows of embroidered guards stood solemnly, their ceremonial axes and halberds gleaming brilliantly in the morning sun.

After Lu Xiangsheng knelt and performed the customary court prostration on the vermillion dais, he presented his ivory tablet with both hands, bowing his head low as he remained kneeling on the polished white marble floor, awaiting the emperor’s questions.

The protocol dictated that court officials stand at attention while the emperor sat. When a question arose, the emperor would call an official’s name; the official would then approach, kneel, and respond. If granted imperial favor, the official might stand to speak. This was the platform audience.

Not long after, a eunuch emerged from the hall, announcing the emperor’s summons for him to enter and answer questions.

Lu Xiangsheng promptly rose, bent at the waist, ascended the platform’s left steps, and entered the hall. He knelt anew and performed the triple kneel and nine kowtows to pay homage. Having completed the ritual, he dared not raise his head, remaining cautious and respectful.

Though as early as the eighth year of the Chongzhen reign Lu had been promoted to Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, overseeing military affairs in five provinces—Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Huguang, and Sichuan—and concurrently serving as Governor of Huguang, soon followed by appointment as Deputy Minister of War and military supervisor of Shanxi and Shaanxi, receiving the honor of the Imperial Sword, and having rendered great service to Emperor Chongzhen, this was his first private audience with the sovereign.

Lu Xiangsheng knelt thus for a moment, yet the emperor remained silent, studying him intently, eyes moving up and down.

Originally a civil scholar, yet skilled in martial arts and strategic planning, Lu Xiangsheng impressed the emperor greatly this day.

At thirty-nine, his complexion was pale but bore the weariness of toil and travel. His slightly pointed chin and lean frame, framed by sparse beard, gave him the scholarly appearance of a bookish man—far removed from the image of a fierce general skilled in horsemanship and archery who bravely led charges on the battlefield.

Yet his sword-like eyebrows, prominent cheekbones, and broad forehead conveyed steadiness and resoluteness. After carefully examining the bowed figure kneeling before him, Emperor Chongzhen finally spoke:

"Now that the northern barbarians have invaded, the capital is under martial law. Your Excellency, despite fatigue, has traveled a thousand miles to rally loyal forces, commanding the royalist troops to resist the eastern invaders and protect the capital. Your loyalty and diligence are truly commendable. This brings great comfort to my heart."

These words of encouragement deeply moved Lu Xiangsheng. Tears involuntarily welled in his eyes, and he felt that even if he were torn to pieces, it would not suffice to repay the emperor’s recognition and favor.

Still kneeling, Lu Xiangsheng replied earnestly in a soft voice, “This humble subject is no great commander. I have only sought to serve Your Majesty loyally, undeterred by danger. However, since my father's passing, I have been overwhelmed with sorrow and distraction, far from the man I once was. Moreover, in my present state of misfortune, should I command the armies, not only would I fail to inspire confidence among the loyal soldiers, I fear even the beating of the central drums would lose its power. I constantly worry about disappointing Your Majesty, thus adding to my guilt.”

The court was aware that Lu’s father had died in May of this year. Lu had petitioned the court more than ten times, requesting leave to mourn at home for three years, but Emperor Chongzhen unequivocally refused, commanding him to remain at his post and mourn in office.

Upon hearing this, the emperor gently reassured him, “To serve the state with utmost loyalty is to fulfill filial duty. Ministers sacrificing personal grief for national affairs is a tradition throughout the ages. Given the current crisis, you must focus on your duties and not succumb to sorrow, lest you disappoint my trust.”

With that, the emperor summoned a eunuch bearing a tray laden with silver coins and embroidered silk brocade, bestowing them upon Lu Xiangsheng in recognition of his merit.

Lu Xiangsheng, resigned, kowtowed again in gratitude.

Only then did Emperor Chongzhen broach the main subject. He asked, “The eastern barbarians are at the height of their strength. The court officials are divided in opinion with no consensus. What is your counsel on how to respond?”

Still kneeling with lowered head, Lu Xiangsheng, hearing the emperor’s direct question, momentarily forgot his fear and the strict court protocol. He raised his head, locking eyes with the emperor seated upon the throne, and spoke boldly in a voice resonant as a bell:

“Your Majesty commands me to oversee all royalist reinforcements. I firmly advocate engaging the enemy directly to blunt their momentum. Only by defeating them in battle can we drive them from our capital’s vicinity and prevent further incursions!”

At once, the eunuchs and palace maids present exchanged surprised glances, covertly watching the emperor’s expression, fearing his wrath. All felt anxious on Lu Xiangsheng’s behalf.

Realizing his impetuousness, Lu Xiangsheng quickly lowered his head again.

Yet the usually irritable Emperor Chongzhen did not take offense. He slightly reclined against the throne’s armrest, gazing at the kneeling general.

After a pause, the emperor spoke: “This matter is of great consequence. When you depart, confer closely with Yang Sichang and Gao Qiqian. Given your opinion, is it better to fight or to defend?”

“Since ancient times, warfare has been waged through combat, never mere defense. One must be capable of fighting to speak of defense. If one only speaks of defense without fighting, one will inevitably be constrained and overwhelmed,” Lu Xiangsheng answered, bowing his head.

The emperor pondered briefly before replying, “We must balance both offense and defense.”

Still kneeling, Lu Xiangsheng responded, “To fight is to defend. Today’s situation requires prioritizing battle with defense supporting. Only by first winning battles can we control the enemy rather than be controlled by them.”

The emperor’s face paled slightly as he continued, “According to you, battle is the preferred strategy. Yet our loyalist forces are not fully gathered. How then shall we conduct warfare?”

Lu Xiangsheng responded fervently, “I humbly submit that the problem lies not in the scarcity of our troops, but in the court’s indecision between attack and defense. Reinforcements from Guan-Ning, Xuan, Da, and Shanxi provinces already number over fifty thousand. The three major garrisons within the capital, beyond city defense, also muster tens of thousands arrayed outside Dongzhimen and Chaoyangmen gates. If the court’s resolve is firm and the will united, rallying the soldiers with encouragement, even without the three main garrisons, fifty thousand loyal troops suffice for battle.”

Pausing briefly, Lu Xiangsheng pressed his lips together before continuing, “Moreover, the eastern barbarians have advanced as light cavalry deep into our capital’s environs, forced to forage locally. I earnestly petition Your Majesty to issue a clear edict: order all prefectures and counties in the capital region to implement scorched earth policies, denying the enemy any supply. Command all local commanders to stand or fall with their cities; those who abandon their posts shall face execution without mercy. The Shaanxi troops under Hong Chengchou and Sun Chuanting are formidable and can be promptly dispatched to reinforce the capital. Furthermore, the people of the capital region, having suffered repeated barbarian ravages, harbor fierce resentment and a burning hatred for the invaders. With the court’s encouragement, assembling an additional hundred thousand men is not difficult. Though untrained in military drills, they can still serve as auxiliary loyalist forces!”