A college student and Ming enthusiast transmigrates to the Ming dynasty and becomes its last emperor, Chongzhen...
With the ailing Tianqi Emperor’s court in turmoil, Zhu Youjian safely ascends the throne thanks to his strategists’ plans, ushering in a Chongzhen era unlike the one recorded in history.
At court, the Huang faction, the eunuch faction, the purists, and the royalist faction stand in a tense balance, each scheming against the others. With the support of royalists like Sun Chuanting, Zhu Youjian first eliminates Shi Fenglai, Wang Tigan, and others. Then, when the Jian invaders attack the capital, he wipes out the military forces controlled by the eunuch faction and brings its members down on charges of treason. Yet just as everyone expects the ruthless, somewhat devious emperor to deal with the Huang faction as well, the three factions at court settle into a new balance. Backed by the emperor, the royalists take up key positions and drive reforms, economic growth, and social and military development. The Ming dynasty’s power grows rapidly, until it is strong enough to face the Japanese pirates and Jian invaders head-on. The purists continue to serve as moral watchdogs and engines of public opinion with their endless talk, but are kept out of the decision-making process so that empty rhetoric does not ruin the nation. The Huang faction, meanwhile, becomes the emperor’s enforcers and attack dogs, dealing crushing blows to anyone who dares criticize the government, with the emperor’s “trust” and tacit approval.
“From this day forward, I will lead you in restoring the glory of China, destroying the Jian invaders, striking fear into Korea, sweeping across Japan, and unifying Lingnan.”
“From this day forward, every memorial you submit must begin with ‘Great Emperor Chongzhen.’ Those who disobey, heh heh, I’m sure my esteemed ministers understand!”
“From this day forward, I grant the power to govern to the Council of State. In this glorious empire, I need only rule by doing nothing.”
