After transmigrating into the newly enthroned Chongzhen Emperor, Zhao Jiu, who spent more than twenty years climbing the ladder in the modern workplace, has just one thought: anyone who stands in his way is helping push him toward that crooked-neck tree!
Invite them to dinner, behead them, then take them on as dogs!
Wei Zhongxian, exiled to Fengyang? I still need a dog that can bite, so you can't die just yet. But I'll gladly take your fortune.
Cao Huachun, who opened Beijing's gates to the Manchus? You're still loyal enough for now. I can use you to rebuild the Western Depot.
Yuan Chonghuan, arrogant and blind to everyone but himself? No problem. I'll keep Sun Chengzong there to hold you in check.
Put Lu Xiangsheng in charge and establish the Brave Guard Battalion. Make sure Mao Wenlong gets every penny of his military pay. The White Pole soldiers are invincible. If the Ming troops aren't fully paid, they won't fight; if they are, no one can beat them.
As for you Donglin Party members who think the Ming is beyond saving, you'd better find a good plot of land and make your funeral arrangements early.
May the sun, moon, rivers, and mountains endure. May the Ming Empire endure!
Sources consulted for this book: History of Ming, Guoque, Rare and Little-Known Ming Historical Texts, Wanli Fiscal Records, History of the Three Feudatories, Comprehensive Mirror of the Ming, Essentials of Ming History, Collected Statutes of the Great Ming, and Annals of the Late Ming.
