I Save the Ming Dynasty at the End of Its Days

When I opened my eyes, I was Chongzhen, hanging from the crooked old tree on Coal Hill.

Beneath me, Wang Cheng'en clung to my legs and wailed, “Your Majesty! The rebels have breached the city!”

Watching smoke billow over Beijing in the distance, I kicked away the white noose. “What are you crying for? Get me down!”

Three months later, Li Zicheng raged in the Hall of Martial Valor. “Where’s the Imperial Seal? Where’s Chongzhen?”

Outside Shanhai Pass, Dorgon sneered. “The Ming emperor is dead. The Eight Banners will enter the pass!”

Meanwhile, I stood atop Nanjing’s city walls, raising the Imperial Seal toward the Yangtze.

“I am the rightful heir of the Great Ming! Send this proclamation throughout the land:...”

“Come to the emperor’s aid!”