Without a dispatch order from the Ministry of War, Prince Ding, Zhu Cijiong, was unable to mobilize any troops. Without the official seal from the Ministry of Rites, he was unable to handle military affairs. Although the court officials had previously promised to grant Zhu Cijiong military authority, they reneged once the time came.
In the eyes of the ministers, there was no difference between Zhu Cijiong holding military power and Emperor Chongzhen holding it. Furthermore, if Zhu Cijiong were eventually to inherit the throne, the Emperor of the Great Ming would regain control over the military for the first time since the reign of Emperor Wuzong. This was something the civil official clique could not tolerate. Thus, they backtracked.
Emperor Chongzhen asked Xie Sanbin, "On what grounds are the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites refusing to sign the dispatch orders and withholding the casting of the official seal?"
Chapter 1277