A Late Ming Contest for Supremacy: Even a Scholar Can Become Emperor

In the waning years of the Ming Dynasty, the court is corrupt and royal power is in decline. The Zhu family has lost its hold on the realm, and heroes everywhere are vying to claim it!

If Liu Bang, once a village head, could become emperor, if Zhu Yuanzhang, once a monk, could become emperor, and if the barbarian Jurchens could do it, then why can't a half-trained scholar and bandit like me become emperor too?!

Can't collect taxes from the gentry of Jiangnan? Try a big knife and a system of shared responsibility!

Can't beat the Manchu cavalry? Try a fully paid Han army and improved flintlock rifles!!

(Ruthless and decisive + laying the groundwork in the early stages + vying for supremacy over the realm in the later stages.)