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

Qian Qianyi is a controversial and highly-watched complex figure in history.

In the boundless universe of literature and culture, his remarkable achievements are undeniably glittering, like a dazzling star. He was revered by Southern literati as a "literary master of his generation," a pillar and leader of the "Yushan School of Poetry" and a pivotal figure within the Donglin Party. His profound literary attainments, exquisite poetry and prose, and boundless talent made him a unique figure in the literary world of his time, commanding immense prestige and renown. Numerous scholars and scholars held him in high esteem, honoring the opportunity to exchange and exchange ideas with him.

He was also a renowned historian. Huang Daozhou once sincerely exclaimed, "As long as Qian Qianyi lives, national history will never die." This statement profoundly reflects his remarkable contributions and irreplaceable position in the field of historiography. His profound and insightful research on history, coupled with his meticulous and rigorous historical writings, is like a rich historical treasure trove, providing valuable materials and profound insights for future generations to understand the past.

Sadly, however, Qian Qianyi's moral character and ethics contrasted starkly with his remarkable achievements in scholarship and culture. This man, revered as a "great scholar of his generation," ultimately failed to uphold his moral compass. Amidst the vicissitudes of history, his behavior was erratic, like a rootless duckweed, swaying in the wind. Initially, as a Ming official, he enjoyed Ming dynasty salaries and favors, basking in the glory of the great dynasty. But with the shifting dynasties and the sudden turn of events, he failed to maintain his loyalty and defected to the Qing dynasty, becoming a Qing official. This shift shocked and scandalized countless people. In his later years, perhaps driven by guilt and regret for his past, he threw himself into the anti-Qing and restoration movement. His wavering and inconsistent behavior has made him a deeply controversial figure in history. So much so that during the reign of Emperor Qianlong more than a hundred years later, he was deeply disgusted and dissatisfied with his behavior, and resolutely gave him the shameful title of "traitor", nailing him to the pillar of shame in history forever and making him an object of warning and criticism for future generations.

Of course, during the period when the Southern Ming still existed, these events that would later cause such a stir had not yet occurred. However, his mere act of lavishly praising Ma Shiying in an attempt to gain power himself had already created a huge rift between him and the Donglin Party. The comradeship they once had was now gone, and they were like strangers.

Chongzhen was well aware of Qian Qianyi's character. Although he felt deeply ashamed of his actions and despised his ugly face of fawning on the powerful and changing his stance according to the situation, he had to admit that he did have extraordinary talent and outstanding ability in literature, which Chongzhen also admired and affirmed. When he summoned Qian Qianyi this time, Chongzhen already had a very suitable official position in mind, wanting to bring him under his command and contribute unique strength to the revival of the Ming Dynasty.

"My dear minister, please stand up." Chongzhen sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes calmly and deeply gazing at Qian Qianyi, who was kneeling trembling at his feet. A faint smile appeared on his face, and he said softly, "My dear companion, please take a seat."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Qian Qianyi felt as if he had been pardoned. He quickly climbed up using his hands and feet, carefully sitting only half of his butt on the brocade cushion, leaning forward, respectful, not daring to be lazy or disrespectful in the slightest. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, but he didn't dare raise his hand to wipe them.

"Sir Qian, are you aware that some censors have impeached you for praising Ma Shiying in exchange for high positions and generous salaries?" Chongzhen looked calm and spoke in a lukewarm tone, making it difficult to guess his true thoughts and ideas.

"Your Majesty, I am innocent!" Qian Qianyi's face instantly turned pale, like a sheet of paper. Like a frightened bird, he fell to his knees with a thud, tears streaming down his face. "I only spoke a few words on behalf of Ma Shiying. I have absolutely no intention of using this to gain an official position..."

"Master Qian, don't panic." Chongzhen still had a smile on his face, and his tone was full of comfort. He said, "I have kept all these memorials in my possession, but people's words are scary. My dear, you should no longer serve as the Minister of Rites."

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty obeys." Although Qian Qianyi felt a little lost and frustrated, he thought that he had only lost his job and had not suffered more severe punishment. This was already a result that he could barely accept. He felt relieved immediately. The heavy stone in his heart finally fell to the ground. He breathed a long sigh, and his slightly trembling body gradually calmed down.

"But..." Chongzhen raised his head slightly, looked at Qian Qianyi with sharp eyes, his brows tightly furrowed, and his eyes revealed a hint of thought and hesitation, as if he was weighing the pros and cons and choosing his words.

Qian Qianyi looked up and secretly glanced at Chongzhen's expression. The heart that had just been put at ease rose to his throat again. He felt uneasy and his hands clenched unconsciously, his knuckles turning white.

"However... I can make great use of your literary talent. I wonder if you are willing to help me?" Chongzhen was silent for a moment, looked at Qian Qianyi with a firm and sincere gaze, and asked slowly.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to accept any arrangement!" When Qian Qianyi heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he saw a ray of light in the darkness. The fire of hope was rekindled in his heart. He spoke loudly, with a hint of excitement and excitement in his voice that was difficult to conceal.

"Good!" Chongzhen nodded with satisfaction. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "I am planning to establish a royal university and would like to appoint Shouzhi as its president. Is that possible?"

"Your Majesty, what is this Royal University?" Qian Qianyi asked with a confused and doubtful look on his face.

"University is the Imperial College." Chongzhen explained patiently with a smile.

"I know it, but why should it be changed to a university?" Qian Qianyi was still puzzled, his brows twisted into a knot, and he continued to ask.

"Although the university is smaller than the Imperial Academy, it offers significantly more," Chongzhen said with a smile, his eyes revealing a longing and expectation for the future. "In addition to the traditional courses on the Four Books, Five Classics, Rites, Law, Calligraphy, Music, Archery, and Mathematics, the university will add more practical courses to cultivate professional talent for the country. For example, if I want to build ships, I'll need to cultivate talents in shipbuilding. If I want to increase agricultural production, I'll cultivate talents in agronomy, and so on."

"This..." Qian Qianyi's brain was a little confused for a moment, his face full of astonishment and confusion, as if he had heard a fairy tale.

In his traditional mindset, shipbuilding was a menial labor for craftsmen. How could anyone possibly study shipbuilding specifically? Imperial College, a sacred cradle for cultivating officials at all levels since ancient times, was he supposed to become a craftsman after graduation? This was unheard of, and it completely overturned his understanding.

Seeing Qian Qianyi's bewildered expression, Emperor Chongzhen sighed inwardly. He knew that the concept of a modern university was too advanced for the times and would be difficult for everyone to accept. However, he was currently facing a talent shortage and simply didn't have any more suitable candidates to choose from.

The reason for choosing Qian Qianyi was not only because of his profound knowledge and outstanding reputation, making him suitable for the important task, but also because he was weak and easy to control. In fact, Chongzhen preferred the thoughtful and ambitious Huang Zongxi and Gu Yanwu, but they were not yet famous and influential enough to serve as university presidents.

"I've written down the details here." Chongzhen knew it would be difficult to explain clearly in a moment, so he pulled out a thick stack of manuscripts and said, "This is the university's educational philosophy, the disciplines it offers, and so on. I've written it down quite clearly here. Take it back and take a look."

"I obey your order." Qian Qianyi took the manuscript handed over by Chongzhen with some surprise. The thick stack made him more curious and awed about the Imperial University. His hands trembled slightly, as if he had taken on a heavy burden.

"Go back and take a look first." Chongzhen thought for a moment and said, "The Imperial University will be affiliated with the Imperial College. The current Imperial College is too low in rank. Later, I will raise the Imperial College to the same level as the six ministries. As the dean, you will be on the same level as him..."

"Thank... Thank you, Your Majesty!" Qian Qianyi could hardly believe his ears. He was extremely excited and quickly knelt down to express his gratitude. His voice became a little choked with excitement, his eyes were red, and tears were welling up in his eyes.

During the Ming Dynasty, academies were numerous, scattered across the country like stars in the sky. The academy's principal, the Shanzhang, was the core figure of the academy, primarily responsible for lecturing and managing the academy's affairs. His position was crucial, equivalent to a later president's. Shanzhang was typically held by individuals of high moral character and profound scholarship. With their prestige and knowledge, they became respected role models within the academy, their influence far-reaching enough to guide the academy's development and academic atmosphere. Shanzhang, however, was not a formal official position; it was generally elected through a "public election" process by local officials and gentry.

Qian Qianyi originally thought that being appointed as a mountain chief would mean losing his official position, but he never expected that this mountain chief would be on the same level as a minister of a department. This sudden and huge surprise made him extremely excited.

"University is a place to recruit talents for the country. It is related to the long-term development of our Ming Dynasty. Lord Qian must do a good job." Chongzhen stood up with a solemn expression, walked to Qian Qianyi, stretched out his hand to pull him up, and gave him earnest instructions, his eyes full of expectations and trust.

"I will devote my life to the cause until my death!" Qian Qianyi was passionate and spoke impassionedly, as if he was instantly injected with infinite power and sense of mission, his eyes firm and fiery.

"Okay, then you go back and prepare." Chongzhen nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand gently.

"As you wish..." Qian Qianyi bowed respectfully and slowly retreated, his heart full of longing and expectation for the future. His steps became particularly light, as if there was wind under his feet, and he walked out of the palace lightly.