Atop Jingshan Hill, beneath a crabapple tree, Zhu Youjian hanged himself in grief and indignation.
His head felt heavy and his limbs weak, his throat rasping. Zhu Youjian felt no fear of the death awaiting him. His mind was filled only with a shattered realm and bones exposed in the wilderness.
His consciousness grew hazy, his breathing stopped, and scalding tears of blood fell to the ground, staining it a brilliant crimson:
I have failed in my duty.
If I am granted another life, I will protect my people!
After finally getting the chance to start over, the Chongzhen Emperor was more determined than ever: if he wanted a good life, he had to wipe out every treacherous minister and rebel!
For the sake of all the people under Heaven, no one was beyond sacrifice.
From then on, civil officials, military generals, and eunuchs alike lived in dire straits.
Many years later, the Zhu dynasty was no more.
Only then did the ministers belatedly realize:
So His Majesty was the greatest traitor of them all!
With a beauty in his arms, Zhu Youjian smiled with relief:
If I can hold on to this peaceful and prosperous present, and build a future for the common people, what does it matter if the Zhu dynasty falls!
Beneath the throne, Lu Xiangsheng offered him a kiss:
No matter what happens, I will always be by your side, my emperor.
