Late Ming Turmoil: 1627

“First, I must make it clear: I am no rebel. I...” Fifty-year-old Ma Chun was writing his memoirs. He had just put pen to paper when a palace attendant bowed and entered. “Your Highness, His Majesty has sent an urgent message asking whether this spring is bright enough for him to leave the palace and enjoy an outing.” Ma Chun frowned. “Tell him the spring air is cold and the dew is heavy. Go early and come back early!” The attendant bowed and withdrew. Ma Chun had lost the mood to write. What was the Chongzhen Emperor playing at? Did he think Ma Chun was Cao Cao, and need to keep him in check? Ma Chun was utterly loyal. He had saved the Ming dynasty and ushered in a glorious age of prosperity! Now that he'd returned to his fief in Australia, was the emperor looking to stir up trouble?