Court intrigue + power plays + contests of wits
The Chongzhen Emperor has just hanged himself. Li Zicheng is brimming with ambition, the Manchus are sharpening their blades, and Nanjing is in chaos.
Zhu Jingcheng transmigrates as Zhu Yousong, watching the officials in court squabble over the tiniest scraps of profit.
Only Zhu Jingcheng, a man from the future, knows what Southern Ming will face a year from now.
Though he is emperor, he has not the slightest real power.
In an era of loyal ministers, treacherous ministers, loyal men who seem treacherous, traitors who turn against their own, and rebels who are more loyal than anyone, Zhu Jingcheng seeks a way to protect himself from disaster, and to save the Great Ming from disaster as well.
He must tread carefully, yet also pursue bold reforms, acting in the emperor's name while committing an act of rebellion.
