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

Let’s turn our attention back to Huai’an City.

The city of Huai'an was in chaos. Ever since Liu Kongzhao, the Earl of Chengyi, told him about Ma Shiying's plan, Liu Zeqing began to prepare to set off, and today he was leaving for Nanjing.

The reason why it was delayed for so long was because Liu Zeqing was a suspicious and indecisive person by nature. He had to repeatedly consider the pros and cons of this matter for him.

Liu Zeqing was very familiar with Emperor Chongzhen's character. He wondered if the emperor would approve of their surrender. This doubt hung over his mind like a dark cloud, lingering.

Furthermore, he was well aware that Chongzhen had long harbored deep resentment and prejudice against him. Back then, when Chongzhen summoned him to the capital to defend the emperor, he had refused, claiming to have fallen off his horse. Given Chongzhen's stubborn, strict, and decisive character, how could he easily forgive or forget such behavior? This deep chasm lay between him and Chongzhen, leaving him feeling uneasy and unable to cross it.

Therefore, even though he was now ready to send troops, he was still hesitant and was reluctant to give the order to set off. The inner entanglement and struggle were like surging waves, constantly impacting his reason and determination.

"Marshal, the time has come. Should we set off?"

The person who asked was Zheng Longfang, Liu Zeqing's trusted lieutenant general. He was considered his most trusted aide, having followed him for many years with unwavering loyalty. Seeing that the scheduled departure time had already passed, and Liu Zeqing was still hesitating, Zheng Longfang couldn't help but ask.

"Longfang, do you think our military deployment this time is right or wrong? I'm a little unsure." Liu Zeqing felt a sense of trepidation, like a new bride about to meet her parents-in-law, a complex mix of desire and fear. Hearing Zheng Longfang's question, he couldn't help but ask.

Zheng Longfang was puzzled, wondering why Liu Zeqing had such doubts. He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I don't think there's any problem. Although there are still tens of thousands of soldiers in Nanjing, they are all old, weak, sick, and disabled, with no fighting power at all."

As Liu Zeqing's confidant, Zheng Longfang naturally knew the real purpose of this military expedition.

Although the troops were dispatched under the pretext of supporting the emperor, their real purpose was to seize control of Nanjing. With their superior military strength and the support of their inner circle, securing the throne would be a piece of cake. Therefore, he was eagerly anticipating this expedition.

"What you said is quite reasonable," Liu Zeqing pondered carefully. Zheng Longfang's words were indeed not without reason. Perhaps he had really been overthinking things. Moreover, he now controlled a large number of troops. If Emperor Chongzhen attempted to act like a cunning rabbit, then the running dog would be cooked, he would have to be cautious and not act rashly.

Thinking of this, Liu Zeqing seemed to be injected with a powerful force, and his spirit was lifted. He immediately ordered: "Long Fang, give the order, the army will move out!"

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At the same time, in Nanjing city.

Qinhuai River, the most prosperous place in Nanjing City, is like a colorful yet sad painting that makes people intoxicated.

Along the banks of the Qinhuai River, pavilions adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, vermilion doors and windows half-closed, bustled with a constant stream of pedestrians. Young men clutched folding fans, elegant and refined; wealthy daughters strolled gracefully, adorned with silks and jewels. Furthermore, shops lined the streets: silk shops exuding vibrant brocades, tea shops brimming with the aroma of tea, and antique shops boasting mysterious treasures.

Beautifully decorated pleasure boats ply the Qinhuai River. Their interiors are adorned with simple elegance, and singing girls sing on board. Visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery while sipping wine. At night, lanterns light up, and the river shimmers, creating a dreamlike experience.

The brothels along the Qinhuai River were a hallmark of Nanjing. The courtesans were not only beautiful but also skilled in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, attracting numerous scholars and wealthy businessmen seeking pleasure. Among them, the renowned "Eight Beauties of Qinhuai"—Liu Rushi, Chen Yuanyuan, Dong Xiaowan, Li Xiangjun, Ma Xianglan, Kou Baimen, Bian Yujing, and Gu Hengbo—were renowned for their talent and beauty.

Many men of letters and poets gathered here to communicate, compose poems and paint, leaving behind many excellent literary and artistic works, adding a rich cultural heritage to the Qinhuai River.

Opera art also flourishes here, with various troupes and drama groups performing here. Various opera forms such as Kunqu Opera, Yiyang Opera, Haiyan Opera, and Yuyao Opera are blended and developed here. There are also other local operas or folk tunes sung here. The theater is often full, and the audience is immersed in the wonderful opera performances and feels the charm of opera art.

Since Emperor Chongzhen issued the anti-rebellion manifesto, control measures in Nanjing City began to be strengthened, and the number of soldiers patrolling the city increased significantly.

Today, Nanjing is officially known as Yingtianfu, a city closely connected to Beijing. The imperial city within Yingtianfu was naturally heavily guarded, as impenetrable as a fortress. Outside, a large number of soldiers were stationed at the gates of the capital, rigorously checking pedestrians and vehicles.

There are many city gates in Yingtian Prefecture. Except for Chaoyang Gate in the east and Zhongfu Gate in the north, all other city gates have been tightly closed and pedestrians are prohibited from passing.

This caused panic in Nanjing, and the once bustling Qinhuai River became deserted. The once bustling streets were now deserted, their former hustle and bustle gone. And the brothels were no longer filled with guests and lively conversation; instead, a desolate and lonely atmosphere filled them.

At this time, a pleasure boat was moving slowly on the Qinhuai River, and melodious and pleasant piano music came from the boat, like the gurgling water, flowing gently in the air, which was refreshing.

The woman playing the piano was petite and delicate, like an exquisite porcelain doll. Her skin was as white as fine mutton-fat jade, so smooth and delicate that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it. Her small face was exquisitely crafted, her features exquisitely refined. Her curved eyebrows resembled a rising crescent moon, fresh and elegant. Her clear, lively eyes were like a pool of autumn water, deep and bright. Her gaze was filled with a thousand emotions, flowing through them, captivating the heart. Her straight nose added a touch of heroism and stubbornness. Her cherry lips, naturally painted red, revealed a playful and lovely smile when raised slightly, like a flower in full bloom in spring, charming and captivating.

This woman possesses the uniquely graceful and gentle beauty of Jiangnan women, as gentle and delicate as a spring breeze, yet also possesses a resoluteness and strength hidden deep within her, like the unyielding plum blossom that stands proudly in the snow. Her every gesture reveals an elegant demeanor, like a fairy from a painting, otherworldly and captivating.

"Xiangjun, the sound of your piano today is less melancholy and more cheerful. Is it because of Young Master Hou?" The woman who spoke was wearing a brightly colored silk dress and had a slightly plump figure. She was at the most charming age for a mature woman.

Her round face, though not as delicate and petite as a girl's, possesses a majestic and dignified beauty. Her eyes flicker with a smile, full of charm, and her every gesture exudes a unique aura of seasoned elegance, like a peony in full bloom, graceful and elegant.

The woman playing the zither was none other than Li Xiang, one of the Eight Beauties of Qinhuai, while the speaker was her adoptive mother, Li Zhenli. Li Zhenli was nine years Xiangjun's senior, and for many years, she had treated Xiangjun like her own daughter, caring deeply for her. Li Zhenli possessed a chivalrous spirit, a generous and righteous character, and enjoyed the company of contemporary heroes, making her a well-known figure along the Qinhuai River.

Li Xiang, whose courtesy name was Xiangjun, was affectionately called the "fragrant fan pendant" because of her petite figure, which looked like a pendant under a fan.

"Mom, you're making fun of me." Li Xiangjun sighed softly, a look of resentment and melancholy in her eyes. She said, "These men gathered together as soon as they got on the boat. I don't know what they were talking about."

"As a man, you naturally want to do big things." Li Zhenli looked at a quiet room behind her and said slowly.

At this time, in the quiet room, Hou Fangyu was having a pleasant conversation with two people. These two people were Chen Zhenhui and Fang Yizhi, who were as famous as Hou Fangyu. Together with Mao Xiang, these four people were collectively known as the "Four Gentlemen" and were quite influential in the literary and social circles at that time.

"Mizhi, I didn't expect to see you here." Hou Fangyu's face was filled with joy. He looked at Fang Yizhi happily and said, "I heard that you were tortured by the pseudo-Shun army in the capital until your knees were broken. Are you okay now?"

"I didn't find it scary to be tortured by the pseudo-Shun army. It was just a death." Fang Yizhi raised his head slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of sadness and helplessness. He sighed softly and said, "But coming to this city of Nanjing, I feel like I'm living a life worse than death..."

"Why is this?" Chen Zhenhui asked curiously.

"I originally thought that when the Hongguang Emperor ascended the throne, he would reorganize the army and restore order," Fang Yizhi smiled bitterly and shook his head, his face full of disappointment and frustration. "I never imagined that the Hongguang Dynasty is now dominated by treacherous ministers and wolves. Ruan Dacheng is even more determined to put me to death. Sigh..."

"Alas, who says it isn't true?" Chen Zhenhui, standing nearby, shared the same sentiment. With a helpless sigh, she said, "I was framed and imprisoned by Ruan Dacheng. Thanks to the righteous help of the Left Vice Minister of War, Lian Guoshi, I was able to escape... I can't stay in Nanjing any longer."

All three were members of the Fushe Society. When Wu Yingji wrote "A Public Proclamation to Prevent Riots in the Capital," they all signed it, denouncing and criticizing treacherous officials like Ruan Dacheng. Now that Ruan Dayue was in power, he unleashed a frenzied campaign of retaliation against the Fushe members, affecting all three and deeply harming them. Meanwhile, Mao Pijiang, one of the Four Young Masters, remains imprisoned and in dire straits.

"Dingsheng, don't worry." Hou Fangyu smiled faintly, trying to comfort everyone, saying, "Hold on for a few more days. The situation in Nanjing will soon change, and Ruan Dacheng won't be able to stay alive for many more days."

"Oh? Is what Brother Hou said true?" Fang Yizhi's eyes flashed with surprise and anticipation, and he said, "Could it be that Emperor Chongzhen is going to take back the throne?"

Chongzhen's anti-rebellion manifesto had already spread widely, sweeping across Nanjing like a gust of wind. Although the city had forbidden discussing the matter, everyone was secretly following the developments.

"Yes, Brother Hou is in the Governor's Mansion. He is a close minister to the emperor. But I don't know what Brother Hou is doing now?" Chen Zhenhui asked with a hint of curiosity and confusion in her eyes.

"Your Majesty has newly established the Propaganda and Cleansing Bureau, and I am in charge of it," Hou Fangyu said slowly with a calm expression.

"Propaganda and Cleaning Office? I've never heard of it. What exactly does it do?" Fang Yizhi and Chen Zhenhui looked at each other, seeing confusion and doubt in each other's eyes, and asked in unison.

"Your Majesty intends to divide the court's gazette into two parts. One part will be the 'Ming Pao,' which will publish non-confidential palace reports (i.e., palace news, including important appointments), the emperor's edicts, announcements, and ministers' memorials. It will also publish important social news such as disasters and rumors. This has already begun printing under my supervision. Next, I will organize an 'Evening Newspaper.' The content of this gazette will not be limited to what I just mentioned. It will include articles, poems, songs, as well as knowledge in astronomy, geography, science, and other fields. Even the opinions and current affairs of our Fushe Society will be published..."

"Is this... possible?" Fang Yizhi and Chen Zhenhui looked at each other with expressions of disbelief on their faces and asked in surprise.