Li Yun, a modern graduate student in military history, opens his eyes to find himself in the body of Li Dingguo of the Southern Ming.
It is the first year of the Yongli reign. Zhang Xianzhong has just been killed, and fifty to sixty thousand remnants of the Great Western Army are trapped in Zunyi. Ming forces block their path ahead while the Qing army pursues them from behind. They have enough provisions for only half a month, morale is collapsing, and everyone fears for their life.
Sun Kewang wants to flee south by sea. Li Dingguo tells him that would be a dead end.
In history, Li Dingguo defeated two famous princes, shaking the realm, but eventually died of illness in Mengla, leaving behind the words, “I would rather die in the wilderness than surrender.” This time, armed with more than three centuries of military knowledge and fifteen years of foreknowledge, he intends to turn this lost cause around.
Improve gunpowder, train a new army, deploy flintlock troops in formation, and coordinate infantry and cavalry. Force Kong Youde to his death beneath the walls of Guilin, kill Nikkan on the battlefield at Hengyang, and annihilate Wu Sangui's forces in a trap at Mount Mopan.
Execute Sun Kewang, win over Zheng Chenggong, welcome the Yongli Emperor to Yunnan, and launch a three-pronged northern campaign to retake the Central Plains.
Wherever Prince Jin's blade points, the Han realm will shine again.
