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

"Just now, Lord Shi has explained the whole matter to you in detail. Now, Qu Shangzhong's messenger is rushing to Nanjing City without stopping. It is estimated that it will not be long before Zhu Yousong will know the news that I am in Yangzhou. Let's discuss together what to do next..." Chongzhen raised his head slightly, coughed lightly, and said in a low but majestic voice.

His gaze slowly swept over the crowd, a mixture of worry and expectation in it. It felt like a heavy burden, weighing on everyone's heart. He was now like a lone boat in a turbulent sea, and these ministers before him were the oars that powered his progress. Every decision he made depended on his own future, on the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty.

"I know, so what?" Huang Degong took a sudden step forward, eyes wide open, and roared. He was a hot-tempered general, and he never hid his thoughts. "We now have a powerful army. In my opinion, the best strategy is to immediately surround Nanjing with a tight siege. If the Hongguang Emperor is sensible and obedient, that's fine. If he refuses to change, I will lead my army into the city and pull him off the throne like a chicken. Let's see how he dares to act so arrogantly!"

Huang Degong's voice was as loud as a bell, making everyone's eardrums buzz.

"I second what General Huang said." Li Chengdong then clasped his fists, his eyes determined, and stepped forward slightly. After years of military service, Li Chengdong knew that in this chaotic world, choosing the right leader was crucial. Although Emperor Chongzhen was temporarily living in Yangzhou, he was still known as the legitimate ruler. If he could make a contribution now, he would surely rise to prominence in the future.

"Your Majesty, our army is now strong and powerful, so you should not be afraid. I am willing to be the vanguard, cutting through the thorns and clearing out all enemies that hinder the revival of the Ming Dynasty."

"The navy I lead is fully prepared and ready to blockade the Yangtze River at any time." Huang Fei's expression was even more excited, his eyes gleaming as he shouted, "Your Majesty, the navy officers and soldiers have been training hard day and night, eager to perform for Your Majesty. Once Your Majesty gives the order, the Yangtze River will be as strong as a copper wall and iron, and no one will dare to cross it."

"In Nanjing, I had originally intended to send people to contact various parties," Shi Kefa said slowly, stroking his beard as usual, frowning slightly. "Originally, I wanted to wait for the right time to seize Nanjing with internal and external support. However, now that Your Majesty's whereabouts have been exposed, this plan may be difficult to implement. Now, we should announce to the world that Emperor Hongguang's throne is not legitimate, and force him to abdicate..."

Li Ruolian, who had remained silent until then, slowly stepped forward, a hint of hesitation on his face. He bowed to Chongzhen and said, "Your Majesty, I think this move is a bit hasty. Nanjing is the secondary capital, and there are many civilians in the city. If war breaks out, it will be devastating. Zhu Yousong also has supporters in Nanjing. If we push him too hard, it may lead to internal unrest, giving foreign enemies an opportunity to exploit."

"General Li, what do you mean? Are you going to sit there and wait for death, allowing Zhu Yousong to harm His Majesty?" Huang Degong's eyes turned red with anxiety when he heard this. He shouted at Li Ruolian, "We have elite soldiers and generals. What is there to fear?"

Huang Degong's eyes were as big as copper bells, as if they were about to spit out fire. He was extremely dissatisfied with Li Ruolian's suggestion.

"General Huang, don't worry. General Li is also thinking about the greater good," Shi Kefa raised his hand to signal Huang Degong to calm down, and said slowly, "But General Li, you must also understand that if we don't take the initiative, Zhu Yousong will not give up once he learns that Your Majesty is in Yangzhou. Now, it is best for us to take the initiative and gain the upper hand."

"Tingzhen, how is Gao Jie's troops integrated now?" Chongzhen turned slightly and looked at Li Chengdong with an eager look in his eyes.

For Chongzhen, Nanjing was a must-attack, but how to take it was the most important thing. In his opinion, it was better not to fight if possible, because it was his property after all, and he would be heartbroken if it was really destroyed. However, if he wanted to win without fighting, his own strength was the most fundamental guarantee.

"Your Majesty, everything has been reorganized," Li Chengdong responded respectfully. "Gao Jie's former generals and ministers have persuaded them to serve Your Majesty. Please rest assured, this garrison is absolutely loyal to you and will live up to your trust."

Now that Gao Jie's life was safe, though he could no longer command the army, he could still be a wealthy man. Chongzhen, though he hated Gao Jie, had previously promised Li Chengdong and would not break his word. Gao Jie, his wife Xing, and their son were now under house arrest in Yizheng.

Chongzhen's pardon of Gao Jie reduced many obstacles for Li Chengdong in his efforts to control his former troops. With the exception of Gao Jie's nephew, Li Benshen, who followed him, all the other generals were willing to obey Li Chengdong's orders. Furthermore, as they had been members of Gao Jie's army, they naturally had their own trusted men, and Li Chengdong held considerable prestige within the army. By this point, he had complete control over this garrison.

"How's the situation over there with Liu Liangzuo?"

"Liu Liangzuo has been very cooperative. He has ordered his elite troops to assemble in Yangzhou, and they should arrive within three days," Shi Kefa reported in detail, looking at Chongzhen with a hint of relief in his eyes. "Although he has sworn allegiance to Your Majesty, he can no longer command this garrison. We must find another capable general to lead it."

"Xianzhi is absolutely right." Chongzhen nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Li Ruolian and said, "Chengfu, I want to add some responsibilities to you. What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, I am afraid that I am not talented enough and have little knowledge..." As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Li Ruolian is experienced in intelligence gathering, but he is not good at leading troops in battle. He is deeply afraid that he will miss the important matter of Your Majesty due to lack of experience.

"Laiheng, go and assist Lord Li," Chongzhen said to Li Laiheng.

In fact, Chongzhen's favorite was Li Laiheng, but Li Laiheng was a surrendered general and had little experience, so someone had to take charge of him. That's why he proposed that Li Ruolian be the commander-in-chief and Li Laiheng be his deputy.

"promise!"

"You select a thousand elite soldiers from the Zhongwei Camp, and this time you must assist Lord Li in controlling Liu Liangzuo's troops," Chongzhen said in a solemn and unquestionable majesty, "Chengfu, kindness does not allow you to command an army. If anyone disobeys orders, you must show no mercy!" Chongzhen's voice was cold and firm, as if he was issuing a life or death order.

"Yes!" Li Ruo Lian and Li Lai Heng responded in unison.

"Xianzhi, you will draft this edict. We now possess considerable strength, but lack a legitimate position and righteousness. Issuing this edict now will announce it to the world and establish our legitimacy. This will make future matters easier to implement." Chongzhen frowned slightly and spoke after a moment's thought. He knew full well that this edict, like a manifesto against Zhu Yousong, would declare to the world that he was the legitimate ruler of the Ming Dynasty. Only then could he truly rally the forces of this half of the country and achieve the ultimate goal of turning the tide.

"I intend to do this tomorrow. You must immediately summon all the officials in Yangzhou City. We will officially announce it to the world!" Chongzhen's eyes revealed firmness and determination, as if he had seen the dawn of the future.

Although he had not yet regained control of the imperial court, Chongzhen had finally taken a crucial step toward turning the tide since the fall of the city. Although the road ahead was thorny and foggy, at least some foundation had been established.

"I obey!" Everyone accepted the order and went back to prepare. However, Chongzhen left Shi Kefa and Yan Yingyuan behind...

"promise!"