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

The title of Earl of Xincheng inherited by Zhao Zhilong can be traced back to his seventh-generation ancestor Zhao Yi.

Zhao Yi, a native of Hong County, Fengyang Prefecture, joined Zhu Yuanzhang's army in his early years, fighting alongside him throughout the lands, facing danger and utter defeat. His distinguished military achievements led him to the rank of Assistant Commander of the Yongping Guard. When the Jingnan Campaign broke out, Zhao Yi, assessing the situation, resolutely surrendered his army to Zhu Di. Thereafter, he distinguished himself in numerous battles, earning numerous military exploits and rising through the ranks to the rank of Commander-in-Chief. After Zhu Di ascended the throne, Emperor Chengzu recognized his contributions to the Jingnan Campaign by bestowing upon Zhao Yi the prestigious titles of Fengtian Yiwei Xuanli Wuchen, Special Advance Ronglu Dafu, Zhuguo, and Xincheng Earl. In the first year of the Taichang reign, Zhao Zhilong inherited this title, becoming the tenth Earl of Xincheng.

Zhao Zhilong was appointed to Nanjing as the Grand Commander of Nanjing Military Affairs, a position entrusted with the management of Nanjing's garrison and the administration of the Nanjing Governor's Office. This appointment was personally granted by Emperor Chongzhen. This crucial position, encompassing both Nanjing's military defense and its administration, was entrusted to him out of the emperor's immense trust.

Therefore, Zhao Zhilong actually hoped that Chongzhen would enter Nanjing. During this period, he also actively promoted the joint forces of Ma Shiying and Liu Zeqing.

That day, Zhao Zhilong, as usual, finished his many official duties and returned home, somewhat exhausted. Butler Zhao Xi hurried in to report that an old friend had come to visit, bearing a letter. Zhao Zhilong, though slightly curious, dismissed the letter as a casual greeting or business exchange. However, when he opened the letter and scanned just a few lines, his expression suddenly changed, becoming intense and serious. He hurriedly called out, "Who is this person?"

Zhao Xi quickly replied, "They haven't been willing to reveal their identities. I can only arrange for them to wait at the gatehouse for the time being!"

"Please come in quickly!" Zhao Zhilong was anxious. He slapped his thigh and said hurriedly.

Since following Chongzhen, Zhu Ge's temperament has undergone earth-shaking changes.

Zhu Ge, now a man of youthful youth, had grown considerably taller, becoming slender and possessing a gentle demeanor. This time, on his lobbying trip to Nanjing, he had adopted the attire of a scholar. Beneath his hair, a jade crown, his face was as white as jade, radiating a gentle glow. Beneath his thick, slightly raised eyebrows, he held a pair of clear, luminous eyes. His gaze seemed to penetrate your thoughts, yet he wore a warm smile that captivated you. His high nose bridge added depth and virility to his features. His slightly upturned lips, always adorned with a subtle smile, gave off a refreshing, spring-like vibe. Truly a graceful and elegant young man!

"Who is this young man?" Zhao Zhilong already knew that it was someone sent by Emperor Chongzhen, so how could he dare to be negligent? He went to the door to greet him in person.

"Zhu Ge, I have come here by order to ask the Earl of Xincheng a question," Zhu Ge said calmly. He gestured slightly to Zhao Zhilong to dismiss his attendants, and said softly with a smile on his face.

"Please advise me, angel." Zhao Zhilong had already decided to join Chongzhen, so he was naturally respectful to Zhu Ge, not daring to slack off in the slightest. Hearing that it was Chongzhen who was asking the question, he quickly stood up, performed a solemn ceremony, and spoke.

"Your Majesty asked me to ask the Earl of Xincheng, do you still remember what I said to you when I left Beijing to take up my post that day?" Zhu Ge stared at Zhao Zhilong with a firm and sharp gaze and asked slowly.

"I dare not forget your Majesty's words that day. I have remembered every word in my heart." Zhao Zhilong knelt on his knees without hesitation, his expression solemn and loud, "Your Majesty said to me that day: 'Now that I have you, my third son, I have nothing to worry about. However, you can help me by helping me clean up my humble home. If you are more concerned about the well-being of the country than the other two ministers, I know you will do your utmost to fulfill my trust.' Since I took office, I have always thought of your Majesty's words with gratitude, and I dare not slack off in my work."

"Excellent!" Zhu Ge exclaimed in admiration upon hearing this. "The Earl of Xincheng is loyal to his country and remembers your Majesty's instructions. It seems your Majesty made the right choice!"

"I was selected by Your Majesty back then, and I will die for you!" Zhao Zhilong said passionately.

Judging solely by Zhao Zhilong's impassioned demeanor, one would undoubtedly consider him a loyal and devoted minister. However, Chongzhen's previous evaluation of Zhao Zhilong was not so convincing, and he seemed quite critical of him. However, now was not the time to examine his character; the key to the next plan lay in his full cooperation.

"Since the Earl of Xincheng is so loyal, I will speak frankly." Zhu Ge nodded slightly, with a relieved smile on his face, and said.

"Master Zhu, please give your orders!" Zhao Zhilong responded hurriedly with an extremely respectful attitude.

"Do you know that Ma Shiying and Liu Zeqing are going to join forces?" Zhu Ge looked directly at Zhao Zhilong and asked straight to the point.

"Because I am in charge of city defense, I am also involved in this matter." Zhao Zhilong did not dare to hide it and hurriedly told the truth.

"Okay then." Zhu Ge nodded slightly, extended his hand to Zhao Zhilong, and said, "Lord Xincheng, come closer and listen!"

Seeing Zhu Ge waving at him mysteriously, Chen Zhilong was a little nervous, but he still put his ear close to it.

Zhu Ge lowered his voice and whispered softly in his ear for a long while. Finally, Zhu Ge gently patted Zhao Zhilong's shoulder, and with a questioning look in his eyes, he said, "Is this feasible?"

"Your Majesty, this is..." Zhao Zhilong's face flashed with hesitation, but he regained his composure in an instant, nodded slightly and said, "This is feasible!"

"Do not have any other ideas, Earl of Xincheng." Zhu Ge said with a smile, but with a hint of warning in his tone, "Your Majesty only trusts Earl of Xincheng. Congratulations to you!"

-

In stark contrast to the tall, magnificent and imposing mansion of Xincheng Bo, the residence of Han Zanzhou, the eunuch guarding Nanjing, was just an ordinary courtyard.

Han Zanzhou, the eunuch who served as the garrison commander in Nanjing, played a crucial role in the Hongguang Emperor's ascension to the throne. However, upon ascending the throne, the Hongguang Emperor completely disregarded state affairs, indulging himself in wine and women. Han Zanzhou, a man of integrity and prudence, could not tolerate the Hongguang Emperor's behavior and repeatedly offered frank advice. However, the Hongguang Emperor refused to listen and instead found an excuse to dismiss Han Zanzhou and replace him with Lu Jiude.

Having lost the emperor's trust and protection, Han Zanzhou's circumstances plummeted. Not only was he forced to live in this small, ordinary courtyard, but his once bustling officialdom was no longer a thing. Now, no one interacted with him, leaving him feeling completely ignored and lonely.

When Chongzhen's handwritten letter was delivered to Han Zanzhou, he was so moved that he burst into tears. Tears fell like beads from a broken string, and he choked up and said, "Your Majesty actually still remembers me. I am so ashamed of you!"

"Otomo, this is not your fault." Seeing this, Zhu Ge hurried forward with a smile to comfort him, "Your Majesty told me that Han Otomo is loyal, diligent and prudent, and should be a role model for all ministers!"

"I am unworthy of this honor!" Han Zanzhou said modestly, but he felt warm and comforted in his heart because of Chongzhen's praise.

"I wonder what you think about this fight for the throne?" After a few pleasantries and comforting words, Zhu Ge straightened his expression and asked seriously.

"I was chosen by the Emperor, so naturally I am loyal to him." Han Zanzhou said solemnly without hesitation, "What's more, Hongguang indulges in wine and women all day long and pays no attention to state affairs. If the Ming Dynasty is handed over to him, it will be destroyed sooner or later! However..."

"Just what?" Zhuge asked, his eyes full of concern and confusion.

"It's just that I hope His Majesty can stop the killing." Han Zanzhou hesitated for a moment and said slowly, "My Ming Dynasty only has half of its territory left now. It really can't withstand the turmoil..."

"Otomo, His Majesty has already considered this by now, otherwise he wouldn't have sent me here," Zhuge said with a smile, a soothing tone in his voice.

"Your Majesty has already thought of this?" Han Zanzhou said in surprise, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Then, Master Zhu, will there be any use for me this time?"

"That's right!" said Zhuge.

"Tell me quickly!" Han Zanzhou said eagerly and excitedly.

"Han Daban, you just need to do this..."

-

At this time, the city of Nanjing seemed calm, but undercurrents were actually surging. Qian Qianyi held the letter in his hand, brow furrowed, and looked at the students in front of him, his heart filled with entanglement and sorrow.

The visitor was naturally Hou Fangyu, and the letter was written by Shi Kefa himself. The content of the letter was clear and concise, asking him to quickly return to the throne and actively contact the civil and military officials in the city to welcome the return of Emperor Chongzhen.

According to Hou Fangyu, this was a rare opportunity Chongzhen had specifically secured for him. If he could successfully liaise with the officials and create a strong momentum, even if he couldn't personally open the city gates to welcome Chongzhen in, as long as he could create momentum when Chongzhen entered, he would still have achieved a great success. This would create a favorable opportunity for the Donglin Party to make a comeback.

Qian Qianyi, however, hesitated, filled with fear and worry, and dared not act rashly. Firstly, he had obtained his position as Minister of Rites by writing a letter praising Ma Shiying's merits, an act that was a violation of his integrity and had already cost him much support within the Donglin Party. Secondly, he knew that secretly contacting officials was an extremely dangerous act; if discovered by the Hongguang Emperor, he would surely be killed.

This was Qian Qianyi's true nature. Despite his high literary standing, he would hardly have become the leader of the Donglin Party. However, in his personal life, he was a man of low character and unprincipled integrity. His unbridled praise of Ma Shiying was already a violation of his integrity, and his subsequent surrender to the Qing dynasty became a lifelong stain that would remain indelible in the course of history.

"Teacher, what have you thought about what the commander-in-chief said?" Hou Fangyu saw that Qian Qianyi fell into deep thought for a long time after reading the letter, with a dazed expression, and couldn't help asking.

"Let me think about it for a while, okay?" Qian Qianyi frowned even more, looking troubled. "Chao Zong, you must be very tired after traveling all the way. Go and have a rest first..."

After much deliberation, Qian Qianyi ultimately decided to play the game of hiding behind his back and wait for a clear outcome before making any further plans. After all, Donglin Party members like Jiang Yueguang, Gao Hongtu, Liu Zongzhou, and Zhang Shenyan were either idle, exiled, or retired, and they were also critical of him. He was completely at a loss as to what to do.

"Teacher, I came back this time hoping to meet up with my good friends, so I won't bother you today." Seeing Qian Qianyi like this, Hou Fangyu was extremely disappointed. He could only sigh inwardly and said helplessly.

"Ruan Dacheng holds a grudge against you, so you'd better be careful here..." Qian Qianyi reminded him.