Cao Rui opened his eyes and discovered that he had become the Chongzhen Emperor of the Ming dynasty.
In the seventh year of the Tianqi reign, Wei Zhongxian held unchecked power at court, the Donglin faction was sharpening its knives, and the Manchu forces in Liaodong were watching hungrily.
The entire court was waiting for him to order the execution of the eunuch faction.
But he didn't.
Because he knew this kind of situation all too well.
Back then, Sima Yi had also bided his time, lying low until Cao Rui's death, then turning the world upside down.
So Cao Rui made a decision no one could have expected:
He would not kill Wei Zhongxian.
Not only would he spare him, he would let him remain Director of the Eastern Depot, the sharpest blade in his hand.
The Donglin faction's empty talk was harming the country? Let the eunuch chief bite them.
Civil officials were forming cliques for personal gain? Let the eunuch chief investigate.
Military funds for the border defenses were being embezzled? Let the eunuch chief raid their homes.
The ministers were shocked. "His Majesty has gone mad!"
Cao Rui sneered. "You don't understand. The best way to deal with a dog that bites isn't to kill it. It's to keep a tight grip on its leash."
In this life, he would not make the same mistake again.
He hadn't managed to keep Sima Yi in check.
But Wei Zhongxian... he could keep in check.
