The Great Ming's Biggest Spendthrift, Who Faints the Chongzhen Emperor from the Start

Reborn as Zhu Cilang, eldest son of the Chongzhen Emperor of the Great Ming, the veteran transmigrator Zhu Cilang was overjoyed. After transmigrating ten times, all he had to do was endure one more “fall of the country, destruction of his family, and a gruesome death in service of his nation” in this life to return to the modern world and gain eternal life. The Great Ming was beset by internal and external troubles. Li Zicheng was ravaging the Central Plains, and the Manchus were massing at the passes. To complete his “death mission” as quickly as possible, Zhu Cilang decided to squander the country's wealth and throw the court into chaos. His first plan was to stop the famed general Sun Chuanting from being released from prison to lead the troops. Chongzhen: “Crown Prince, the Great Ming faces troubles within and without. We must rule with benevolence and virtue, lighten taxes and labor, and bring peace to the people.” Zhu Cilang: “Father, you're mistaken! The Wealth of Nations says that man is, and always will be, a selfish animal by nature! We should lift the ban on maritime trade, compete with the people for profit, and establish government monopolies in commerce!” Lu Xiangsheng: “The Manchu barbarians and rebel bandits won't get a single step past the Great Wall!” Zhu Cilang: “Our Chairman taught us that only by annihilating the enemy's fighting forces can we break out of encirclement and establish a base area! Who cares about the cities? Abandon them all, let the Manchus through the pass, then shut the gate and beat the dogs!” After a series of “bring down the country” schemes, a few years later... the Great Ming hadn't fallen. Instead, its treasury was full, ironclad warships ruled the seas, and its musket lines swept across Europe. Zhu Cilang broke down. “Surely now you can let me die?” Chongzhen and Sun Chuanting led the assembled court officials to their knees and shouted in unison: “May the Great Ming endure for ten thousand years! The sun and moon shine anew, all thanks to the Crown Prince! We beg Your Highness to ascend the throne at once!”