Travel back in time and become Chongzhen, watch me turn the tide

"I am just a small official. It is not my place to comment on the affairs of state and government." Yan Yingyuan waved his hands repeatedly, his face full of fear and humility, and took a small step back, as if he wanted to hide himself.

"How can a man with extraordinary talents to govern the country and benefit the people waste his time in obscurity among the mountains, forests and streams? The world is in chaos now, the mountains and rivers are broken and in ruins. I hope you will think of the people of the world, open my dull mind and give me teachings." Chongzhen's eyes were sincere and warm, his words were earnest, and the desire in his eyes was like a burning flame as he stared at Yan Yingyuan.

Yan Yingyuan hadn't wanted to say much, but seeing Chongzhen's sincerity, and considering his deep desire to protect the Ming Dynasty from suffering, he pondered for a long time before speaking slowly, "I've carefully observed the current situation. While Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong may seem powerful and surging like a tide, their influence is unsustainable. Right now, the real threat to the Ming Dynasty is the Qing."

"Today's Chuang... Li Zicheng is much more powerful than the Qing army. Why do you think they are inferior to the Qing army?" Li Laiheng asked anxiously with a frown, eyes wide open, a face full of confusion and unwillingness to accept.

"The fact that the rebels have grown to such a force isn't due to their own strength or wisdom." Yan Yingyuan raised his head slightly, a look of pity and a sigh in his eyes, and continued, "It's simply because of the constant natural and man-made disasters over the years. Disasters have struck frequently across the country. The people are in dire straits, unable to even guarantee basic food and clothing, with no way to survive. Rebellion means death, while rebellion might offer a chance for survival, which is why they were coerced into joining the rebellion. Furthermore, these rebels have no idea how to engage in production or maintain people's livelihoods. All their supplies, food, and everything else they need are obtained by forcing the people into submission and burning, killing, and looting. Even if they appear to be powerful and have a large military force, this model of development is bound to be unsustainable."

Yan Yingyuan paused briefly, sighed softly, and continued, "They lack a stable foundation, nor have they established a reasonable economic system or governance model. Their army is like a pile of loose sand. Although they are numerous, they lack effective organization and training. Their rise is built on the suffering and chaos of the people, and they do not have the sincere support and support of the general public. Once they encounter difficulties, such as food shortages or military defeats, they will quickly disintegrate and fall apart. In the long run, they are unable to shoulder the responsibility of governing the country and restoring people's livelihoods. They are just a mob gathered for survival and profit. They have been fighting and looting everywhere, destroying large amounts of farmland and towns, making the already broken Ming Dynasty even more dilapidated and the people's lives increasingly difficult."

"The same was true of Zhang Xianzhong's side. His army was also a roving bandit, moving from place to place, without a fixed base to develop production and accumulate strength. Their actions were more destructive than constructive. Wherever they went, although they could temporarily intimidate the locals with force, they were unable to truly win the hearts and minds of the people and establish an effective ruling order. Moreover, their internal conflicts were numerous, with generals vying for power and profit, and would go to war for the slightest gain. This chaotic situation doomed them to failure in achieving great things. They could only stir up temporary waves, but could never become a dominant force."

"On the other hand, the Qing army not only attaches great importance to military development, is well-trained, has strict military discipline, and fights bravely, but also attaches more importance to the appointment of talents. Now they have even surrendered Wu Sangui and successfully entered the capital, and their strength has greatly increased. In the future... I'm afraid no one will be able to easily check and balance them..." Yan Yingyuan sighed, his expression solemn, as if he saw a dark cloud rolling towards the Ming Dynasty.

"Li Heng is absolutely right." Chongzhen's eyes lit up upon hearing this. He knew Yan Yingyuan was a formidable military officer, but he hadn't expected him to grasp the general trend of the world so accurately. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Ever since the fall of the capital, I've often been unable to sleep. Now it seems that the Dashun Army was never going to amount to anything!"

"......The Dashun Army mainly relies on confiscating the property of government officials and wealthy households to obtain funds, and lacks a stable source of tax revenue and economic foundation. This method can solve the army's supply problem in the short term, but it is difficult to maintain long-term military operations and the operation of the regime. The war caused great damage to economic production, and the Dashun Army failed to restore and develop the economy in the occupied areas in a timely manner, resulting in soaring prices, the decline of people's livelihood, and the loss of people's support and support." Chongzhen nodded slightly, analyzing the disadvantages of the Dashun Army.

After overthrowing the Ming Dynasty, Li Zicheng underestimated the situation and failed to fully appreciate the threat posed by the Qing army. During the Battle of Shanhaiguan, Li Zicheng misjudged Wu Sangui's strength and potential volatility, leading to inadequate military deployments and ultimately a crushing defeat at the hands of the Qing and Wu Sangui coalition forces. While the Dashun Army was numerous, a large portion consisted of newly recruited soldiers lacking training and combat experience. Furthermore, the army was a complex force comprised of both peasant rebels and incorporated Ming troops, resulting in varying degrees of interoperability and combat effectiveness.

In contrast, the Manchu Qing army, through the efforts of two generations of Nurhaci and his son, Huang Taiji, achieved significant military development. They established the Eight Banners system, which ensured a well-organized and highly effective army. Furthermore, the Qing army continuously improved and enhanced its weaponry, equipment, and military strategy. The Manchu rulers valued the employment of Han talent and adopted a policy of bribery, attracting many Han officials and generals to their ranks, such as Hong Chengchou and Zu Dashou, who played a significant role in the Qing army's entry into the Central Plains. Furthermore, Huang Taiji proclaimed himself emperor and changed the country's name to the Great Qing, clearly defining the political goal of conquering the Central Plains and formulating a corresponding strategic plan.

The two of them got along better and better as they talked, and before they knew it, it was dark, so Yan Yingyuan hurriedly asked someone to arrange dinner.

Yan Yingyuan is now staying in Haihui Temple. In addition to his family, he has dozens of servants under him. His life is not very affluent, so dinner is also very simple.

After the meal, Chongzhen said solemnly, "I know that Yan Dianshi is having a hard time making a decision, but time is of the essence. The Ming Dynasty needs a man of insight to take charge. I've come here to ask you to step forward and save the world from collapse. I hope you'll agree!"

"Your Majesty... could you allow me to discuss this with my family before giving you an answer?" After a long talk with Chongzhen, Yan Yingyuan was already tempted to help Chongzhen. He thought for a while and said.

"Well, how about we stay here tonight and give me an answer tomorrow?"