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

At this time, the vast majority of officials in the Grand Council were pro-war, and they were determined to march north to recover lost territory. Coupled with the unwavering resolve and strong push of Emperor Chongzhen himself, the military negotiations for the march north to Shandong proceeded smoothly, without any hindrance, and were quickly approved.

The final decision was to appoint Shi Kefa to the important position of supervising the army heading north, and he was given the imperial sword, which symbolized supreme authority, so that he could take charge of all military and political affairs in the process of recovering the occupied territories. With power in his hands and heavy responsibilities, he was like a commander-in-chief entrusted with an important task, about to embark on a journey to fight for the revival of the Ming Dynasty.

Yan Yingyuan was appointed Commander-in-Chief, and 5,000 elite soldiers were carefully selected from the Loyal Guard Battalion to form the Restoration Battalion. The Restoration Battalion was initially planned to have a strength of 12,000 men. Shortages would be filled by recruiting and training suitable personnel from the recovered territories. The goal was to create a sizable and powerful army, a solid military presence for the Ming Dynasty in Shandong.

"Xianzhi, this trip north is certainly aimed at recovering lost territory, but the more crucial and important thing is actually the hearts and minds of the people..." Chongzhen's face was solemn, and he gave a heartfelt instruction: "On this trip north, we must let the people of the Ming Dynasty know deeply that our Ming Dynasty still exists and has not disappeared. Our Ming court will never abandon its people. No matter where they are, they are under the court's care and protection. More importantly, we must let the people truly see our sincerity and feel the court's warmth and determination. Only in this way can we win their hearts and consolidate our foundation."

"Yes!" Shi Kefa nodded solemnly and responded with a solemn expression.

"Liheng, when you first head north, you don't expect to encounter too much resistance and obstruction. However, as you continue to recover lost territory, the Qing court will certainly not sit idly by and will definitely take action. Compared with the Qing army, our Ming Dynasty does lack elite soldiers and generals at present, and may be slightly inferior in combat effectiveness. However, what our Ming Dynasty has and the Qing army lacks is a large number of manpower. Although the Qing army is strong in combat effectiveness, its manpower is limited after all. How many can it have? This time, you must seize every minute and every second while the Qing army has not yet reacted, and do your best to recruit troops and expand your strength. This is the best strategy." Chongzhen then turned to look at Yan Yingyuan, his eyes full of expectations and instructions.

"I will do my best to build up the team and will never let your majesty down!" Yan Yingyuan said firmly with his head held high and chest puffed out.

"Although the Restoration Battalion has a set personnel quota, I grant you permission to expand it as much as you wish. You don't have to stick to the rules. But remember one thing: quality is more important than quantity. What I desire is a division that is capable of fighting, a division that is brave and fearless, willing to charge into battle, not a ragtag group of men with only the appearance of strength but no substance."

"Your Majesty, don't worry. I dare not boast about anything else, but when it comes to the way of training troops, I am confident that I am not afraid of anyone!" Yan Yingyuan stood up suddenly, his expression excited and high-spirited, with great ambitions.

"Good! I've been waiting for you to say that." Chongzhen nodded happily, his face full of praise as he said, "However, this time you are about to engage in battle with the Qing army, and you have no previous experience in fighting them. Therefore, before you go out, you should seek advice from Hushan and learn from his experience. You must not underestimate the enemy, lest you fall into their trap and put the battle at a disadvantage."

"promise!"

"Xianzhi, with your illustrious reputation, it's only to be expected that the local officials and gentry will surrender upon seeing you in person during your visit to Shandong. However, I also know that you, Xianzhi, are upright and honest, and I'm afraid you won't be able to handle these cunning and sly officials and gentry. They are cunning and two-faced, and are very likely to be fickle and go back on their words." After a moment's reflection, Chongzhen felt it necessary to instruct Shi Kefa: "You must pay more attention to the demands and concerns of the ordinary people, especially regarding tax exemptions. You must explain this clearly to them and do your utmost to win their support and endorsement. This is the key to our army's long-term success in Shandong, and it must not be neglected."

"Your Majesty, what use are these common people to?" Shi Kefa frowned slightly, a puzzled look on his face as he said, "If we want to gain a foothold in Shandong and stabilize the situation, we ultimately need the full support of the officials and gentry. The common people are just grass and ants, how much help can they play?"

"Haha." Chongzhen couldn't help but laugh and shook his head upon hearing this, and patiently explained, "No matter what, paying more attention to the people's livelihood will only benefit our Ming Dynasty. You will understand the profound meaning of this in the future."

"The minister obeys the order!"

As people from later generations, any student who has received nine years of compulsory education understands these principles. However, in this era, even knowledgeable people like Shi Kefa could not see the role of the grassroots people, which gave Chongzhen a headache.

After the military meeting, the sky gradually darkened, approaching dusk. The setting sun cast a golden glow on the glazed tiles of the palace, but it could not conceal the desolate and lonely atmosphere within the palace.

After the ministers had dispersed and returned to their respective residences or offices, Wang Cheng'en slowly walked in, carrying a plate of mooncakes. Behind him, Wang Wan'er, dressed in a moon-white robe, followed quietly, her figure graceful and her steps light as lotus.

After becoming acquainted with Chongzhen, Wang Wan'er became a frequent visitor to his palace. During her free time in Yangzhou, she would visit Chongzhen's study, either to accompany him in reading or to help him organize documents.

As a bachelor in later times, Chongzhen, in this unfamiliar ancient world, naturally relished the constant companionship of such a beautiful woman. Furthermore, Wang Wan'er, well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood and exceptionally intelligent, would occasionally entrust her with simple paperwork, which she handled with remarkable efficiency. Seeing this, Chongzhen simply employed her as his secretary, a task to which Wang Wan'er readily complied, diligently assisting Chongzhen in handling various matters.

After moving to Nanjing, Wang Wan'er still reported to the Yangxin Palace on time every day, rain or shine. The friendship between the two grew deeper as they spent time together day after day.

As a bystander, Wang Cheng'en clearly saw the affection that quietly grew between the man and the woman. He not only didn't try to stop Wang Wan'er's frequent comings and goings, but he also issued early instructions that no one should interfere, facilitating Wang Wan'er's comings and goings, seemingly intentionally fostering their relationship.

"Why are you here at this time?" Chongzhen couldn't help but joked with a smile when he saw Wang Wan'er's sneaky look.

"Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival," Wang Wan'er said softly with a sweet smile. "I see you've been busy all day without a moment's rest. I really can't bear it. The weather is perfect today, and the moonlight tonight will surely be beautiful. Let's go out and enjoy the moon. It will also help to relax your body and mind."

"Oh! Today is actually the Mid-Autumn Festival!" Chongzhen heard this and patted his head lightly. Suddenly, he realized, "I have been busy with military and political affairs all day and never noticed it."

"Your Majesty, we have carefully prepared everything needed for moon-viewing..." Wang Chengen said from the side.

"My dear companion, the palace is deserted now, with few people around. What's the point of admiring the moon?" Chongzhen thought for a moment and then said, "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Is there anything fun and exciting to do in the city?"

In the palace now, apart from Zhu Tie and Zhu Ge who followed him, and Wang Chengen who served him, even if Wang Wan'er was included, there were only a handful of people. Under such circumstances, appreciating the moon there seemed too deserted and lonely, and boring.

"Your Majesty, I know, I know," Wang Wan'er's eyes lit up when she heard Chongzhen's words, and she said happily, "Today, the Qinhuai River is not only decorated with colorful lanterns, but also has grand and dazzling fireworks. It's very lively and fun!"

"Miss Wan'er, Your Majesty is the supreme ruler. How can you leave the palace for fun in the middle of the night?" Wang Cheng'en was shocked when he heard this and hurriedly tried to dissuade her.

"Oh..." Wang Wan'er pursed her lips and looked disappointed when she heard what Wang Chengen said. She turned to look at Chongzhen, her eyes full of expectation and reluctance. She couldn't help but feel a little pity for the emperor who was trapped in the palace and couldn't even enjoy the freedom to go out and enjoy the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

"My dear, why not?" Chongzhen said with a smile, "I just want to see with my own eyes how prosperous the Qinhuai River is. Let's set off now!"

"Your Majesty, Nanjing City has just been pacified and the situation has not yet completely stabilized. There are bound to be hidden dangers in this city. We should..." Wang Chengen tried to persuade him, his face full of worry.

He thought to himself that if the ministers in the court knew that the emperor went out of the palace for a stroll in the middle of the night, he would definitely be severely reprimanded by ministers such as Shi Kefa, and might even be punished. Therefore, he had to persuade Chongzhen to give up this idea no matter what.

"Tiezhu, Gou'er, tell me, is there any safety problem if I go out to play?" Chongzhen did not directly respond to Wang Chengen's dissuasion, but turned to ask Zhu Tie and Zhu Ge with a smile.

"With me, Tiezhu, here, who can hurt Your Majesty?" When Tiezhu heard what Chongzhen said, he patted his thick chest and said confidently.

"Tiezhu, please stop bragging," Wang Chengen said, curling his lips at Tiezhu's words. "If the thunder bomb hadn't exploded during the last assassination attempt, would you have been able to protect His Majesty?"

"Uh..." Zhu Tie was choked by Wang Chengen's words. He immediately scratched his hair, looking embarrassed and not daring to speak any more.

"Wang Daban, Your Majesty is just going out for a walk. Leave the protection to me," Zhu Ge, who was watching from the side, said hurriedly, "I will guarantee your Majesty's safety with my own life!"

"You..." Wang Chengen looked at Zhu Ge, then at Chongzhen's determined expression, and sighed helplessly, knowing that it was difficult to change Chongzhen's mind.

"Alright, dear friend, why are you sighing on a holiday like this?" Chongzhen smiled and walked forward, gently patting Wang Chengen on the shoulder, and said soothingly, "How could so many people dare to assassinate me? Besides, I'm out shopping now, so few people will recognize me. I'll be fine, so don't worry."

"Okay!" Wang Chengen saw that Chongzhen had made up his mind and had no choice but to agree.

"Mid-Autumn Festival is a day for family reunions," Chongzhen sighed softly, thinking of his own relatives in the future. His eyes reddened slightly as he said sadly, "What a pity! I am truly alone now! All my former relatives are no longer around. Living in this strange era, who can understand the loneliness in my heart?"

"Your Majesty, why are you so alone?" Seeing Chongzhen's slightly red eyes, Wang Wan'er hurried forward and whispered, "You still have us. Daban, Zhu Tie, Zhu Ge, and I will always be by your side. Moreover, the people of this world are all your subjects, and naturally your family. You are not alone."

"Hahaha, Wan'er said it well," Chongzhen said happily, his sadness suddenly turning into joy. "Now I have Wan'er, Daban, Tiezhu, and Gou'er by my side. You are all my relatives, and the people of this world are also my family. So let's leave this palace today and be with my people, celebrating with the heavens and sharing the joy of the Mid-Autumn Festival!"

After saying this, Chongzhen took the lead and walked out of the palace. Seeing this, everyone followed him and stepped into the prosperous city of Nanjing on this Mid-Autumn Night.