I became Chongzhen.
The moment I opened my eyes, I realized history had changed. My elder brother hadn’t summoned me to the palace, and Wei Zhongxian had made his move early.
I was surrounded by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with a blade at my throat.
They thought I’d be afraid.
But I knew Wei Zhongxian would die within a year. Tian Ergeng would die. Cui Chengxiu would die.
I knew how everyone’s story ended.
But I didn’t know which of them would kill me tonight.
On the day I ascended the throne, I had two pieces of wheat bread hidden in my sleeve.
I didn’t dare eat the imperial dishes.
Everyone in this Forbidden City wanted me dead.
But I refused to die.
Not only would I live, I would turn this rotten empire around, one piece at a time.
Factional strife? I’ll take you on.
Corruption? I’ll investigate it with you.
Liaodong? I’ll wear you down.
Twenty years later, Hong Taiji was dead, Dorgon was dead, and Qing troops never crossed the border again.
I had grown old, too.
Before I died, the court historian asked, “Your Majesty, would you call yourself a sage king like Yao or Shun?”
I didn’t answer.
I only thought of the two pieces of wheat bread hidden in my sleeve on the night I ascended the throne.
