At the end of the Ming Dynasty, the Jurchens outside Shanhaiguan rose up, and the fire of civil unrest within the Shanhaiguan ignited throughout the hinterland of the Central Plains. Emperor Chongzhen, the last king of the Ming Dynasty, led his ministers to fight the fire everywhere like a fire captain. However, contrary to expectations, Emperor Chongzhen's hard work and vigilance failed to usher in the dawn of resurgence for the crumbling empire. Instead, the fire of national subjugation became more and more fierce, and the Ming Dynasty ended with the emperor's death.
Emperor Chongzhen was diligent and self-denial throughout his life, and even until his death he felt that he should not be the "king of the country's subjugation". However, the people under his rule shouted "Chongzhen, Chongzhen, recruit every year" while devoting all their enthusiasm to the "rebellious ministers and traitors" who did not rush for food. The Chongzhen Dynasty had no shortage of loyal and patriotic ministers who "went to the end of the civil war to advise and the military to fight", but in the eyes of Emperor Chongzhen, all officials were "killable both civil and military". Which one is the truth? The fog of history is blocking our eyes, just waiting for you to reach out and push it away.
