Ming Dynasty: I risked my life to teach the prince, the emperor begged me not to die

Chapter 482: Fierce Debate in the Hall

The next morning, Emperor Hongzhi held a small court meeting in the Wuying Hall.

When all the people from the six ministries of the cabinet arrived, they found that Chen Ce was already standing in the Wuying Hall.

Qin Hong and Xu Guan failed to find Chen Ce yesterday. Now in the hall, they couldn't say anything and could only take things one step at a time.

Soon, Emperor Hongzhi arrived at Wuying Hall accompanied by eunuchs. After he sat down, he said, "I summoned you today to discuss the national policy of sailing to the West."

Liu Jian and the other two in the cabinet looked at each other in confusion. They had just decided to put aside the Western policy the day before yesterday, so why was the emperor restarting the discussion now?
Liu Jian bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am stupid. The navigation chart has been burned by Liu Daxia. We have already discussed it the other day. It is not suitable to sail again. I dare to ask why Your Majesty is talking about Western affairs again."

Emperor Hongzhi glanced at Chen Ce, and Chen Ce then said to Liu Jian: "In reply to what Lord Liu said, I have redrawn the nautical chart based on historical data, which is sufficient to ensure the successful voyage of the Ming fleet to the Western Ocean."

When these words were spoken, all the senior officials from the six ministries of the cabinet were shocked.

You... re-drew the nautical chart based on historical data? What a joke!

In those days, the eunuch Sanbao made seven voyages to the West and drew precious nautical charts based on his experience. They were the life's work of our ancestors.

How dare you say that you drew a nautical chart based on just a few words in historical materials?
Liu Jian said calmly, "Marquis Tai'an, stop joking."

"Do you know how many escorts and guards are needed for a voyage?"

"At least 10,000 people, with a fleet of at least 30 ships following behind!"

"With so many people, you said you drew a nautical chart based on historical data. If there is a problem with the route, if they get lost at sea, who can be held responsible for these people?"

"If any accident happens, it will be fatal to the prestige of the Ming Dynasty. How will the foreigners view the Ming Dynasty?"

"This is a serious matter, don't talk nonsense!"

Chen Ce shook his head and said, "I'm not talking nonsense. There is nothing wrong with the nautical chart."

"I also understand Elder Liu's concerns. We can first try nearby to see if the route is accurate."

Liu Jian laughed angrily. He questioned Chen Ce, "Use your lives to test whether your route is correct? Give it a try? If something goes wrong, who will be responsible for their lives?"

Chen Ce sighed a little.

How can this country and this nation make progress if they blindly stick to the old ways and lack the courage to explore and forge ahead?
He glanced at Liu Jian and said, "The Emperor of Qin sent troops to conquer Nanyue. Do you know the danger of Nanyue?"

"Before Huo Qubing of the Han Dynasty led 800 imperial guards to conquer Langjuxu, did they ever think about their own death?"

"Before the battle to defend the capital, didn't Yu Qian think about the danger of the country's destruction?"

"Modern people take life-threatening risks time and again, just to create a better legacy for future generations."

"Why has our generation become weak and afraid of trouble?"

"If the Japanese island had not been attacked, would it have become a provincial government of the Ming Dynasty?"

"Nothing can be accomplished without bloodshed. If the men of our nation have lost the courage to forge ahead and forge ahead, and do not even have the courage to give anything a try, then the country will only remain where it is."

"If the various sea nations are making continuous progress while we are stagnant, even though the Ming Dynasty is huge now, it will be surpassed by others sooner or later."

"By that time, will we still have to isolate ourselves from the outside world and not even have the courage to give it a try?!"

Chen Ce took a deep breath, coughed slightly, and his face flushed, but he still said righteously: "Our nation should not be like this. We should never be so weak. Progress requires bloodshed and sacrifice. Before Zheng He sailed to the West, didn't he also study the sailing route before sailing?"

"Why did the Yongle Emperor have such courage, but not in our generation?" "Is this what our ancestors wanted to see in our descendants? Is this what you modern civil servants and ministers want to see?"

Every word of the impassioned words made Liu Jian stunned on the spot, his face flushed with embarrassment.

All the senior officials from the six ministries were stunned and speechless after hearing what Chen Ce said.

These civil servants all boasted that they were good at speaking and arguing, but in front of Chen Ce, they tacitly kept their mouths shut.

It has risen to such a height that even if they wanted to argue, they are powerless.

Chen Ce cupped his hands and said, "You are the Prime Minister of the Cabinet. You are unwilling to take on this responsibility. You are afraid of being blamed and accused. Okay!"

"I will take the lead in this matter and do it in my name. If anything goes wrong, anyone who gets scolded or punished will be solely responsible for it, Chen Ce!"

"I wonder if the Lord has anything else to say?"

Liu Jian pondered for a moment, then suddenly sneered and said, "Since Tai'an Hou is so determined, what else can I say?"

"Your Majesty, please think twice. This is a serious matter. If something goes wrong, I'm afraid your reputation will be completely lost."

Emperor Hongzhi was in a dilemma.

He did not have the courage that Emperor Yongle had. If Chen Ce had not said this, he would not even have considered it.

He is a king who sticks to the status quo. Due to his personality, he will never do anything out of line. Such an emperor will not make big mistakes and is destined to have no achievements.

If Chen Ce had not forced him step by step to attack the Japanese islands, he, the emperor, would not have been able to achieve such a great achievement.

At first, he excitedly claimed that he was the greatest emperor of all time, and at least he could stand shoulder to shoulder with them, but now when he thinks about it, it seems a bit ridiculous.

He never had the courage to do that.

Emperor Hongzhi took a deep breath. He felt that as an emperor, he really had to do something. Even though he would fail and carry a bad reputation, he would not regret it.

So Emperor Hongzhi looked at Chen Ce and asked, "Chun Jian, how do you want to try?"

When these words were spoken, the expressions of the six ministries in the cabinet suddenly changed.

This shows that Emperor Hongzhi has agreed with Chen Ce from the bottom of his heart and rejected the cabinet's advice!

"emperor!"

Liu Jian thought he had a grasp on Emperor Hongzhi's lifeblood. After saying this, Emperor Hongzhi would probably never continue to talk about going to the West.

But he never expected that Emperor Hongzhi was actually bewitched by Chen Ce's words.

"Think twice, Your Majesty! This is a serious matter. How can you risk the lives of your soldiers and ministers just based on the words of Marquis Tai'an and the historical data he thinks he has drawn?"

Emperor Hongzhi waved his hand and said, "Since you do not agree with Chun Jian's words, please do not say anything more. This matter has nothing to do with you. Whether it succeeds or fails, I will bear the responsibility!"

This……

Liu Jian fell into complete silence. He looked at Chen Ce deeply, sighed, and looked disappointed!
"Since the emperor does not trust me, I will take my leave!"

(End of this chapter)