The Extremely Rebellious Wanli Emperor

Civil officials were never a monolithic entity, and there were no single officials in the Ming Dynasty who wielded absolute power. The court was not a one-man show. Your conspiracy theory is naive and laughable; it's like blaming the employees for the boss's incompetence. Did the Ming Dynasty lack loyal ministers and capable generals? While there were many greedy, incompetent, and selfish civil officials, there were also many loyal, wise, courageous, responsible, and innovative individuals.

Even a fool like Emperor Chongzhen, who lacked both military and financial resources, could treat the Grand Secretary like a pig to be slaughtered. You, the young Emperor Wanli, who had plenty of money and military power, were you afraid of the Grand Secretary? Wouldn't you help her drown even if the Empress Dowager caused trouble? It's just a matter of a few more golden pills; you're as cowardly as Ninth Sister.

This is ridiculous! The protagonist hasn't even sorted out the affairs of the harem yet. His own quarters are in danger, so how can he possibly fight against the court officials? Is that so difficult? He should just eliminate all of Empress Dowager Li's confidants and trap her to death in the Cining Palace. Violence is the ultimate crusher of all conspiracies and schemes.

If I were in that situation, with the imperial treasury flush with cash, the national coffers overflowing, and military power firmly in my grasp, I'd just head south and wipe out the land, slaughtering all the garrison officers, maritime merchants, and landlords—not a single one would be innocent.

The power struggle is written like a fight between shrewish women; the emperor and his ministers can't even utter the most dignified and respectable words.

Since it's about seizing power, what's the most direct and simplest way? If you don't know how, I suggest you take a cue from Li Shimin: just throw your brother's head in front of the old man, and if he doesn't grant you power, he'll chop you down too! That's the quickest and simplest solution!

It's a pity this novel oscillates between childish and mature writing! More importantly, it's incredibly padded! Also, it's so bad it's hard to tell whose monologue the narration is.

Idiot. Where did the Ming Dynasty get an "Emperor of Ten Thousand Years"? That was a title for an eunuch. What an idiot!

I'm so tired of seeing this. Zhang Siwei is always jumping around. You're giving him too much credit!

The author himself is rebellious enough; he doesn't listen to readers' opinions and even argues back.