o prepare five million spirit stones and five hundred beautiful women. And the quality must be guaranteed, otherwise... you know my methods."This middle-aged man is none other than the leader of the...The dethronement of the Qin King is big news. The Qin King became, after King Li, the second member of the Zhu family to be deposed by an emperor for oppressing the people in the three hundred years since the Ming Dynasty began.

This was a huge shock and wake-up call for the vassal kings scattered across the land.

Especially King Qing and King Su, who were both confined in Shaanxi. Like King Qin, they were dissatisfied with General Sun Chuntang's policy of clearing military settlements in Shaanxi, secretly obstructing it. They also, like King Qin, had once occupied water resources. As soon as news broke that King Qin was being stripped of his title, the two families immediately became compliant – anyone could see that while King Qin's stripping of his title was mainly due to his treasonous activities, his tyranny over the people and his bad reputation in Shaanxi, making him hated by the populace, also played a role.

King Qing and King Su did not want to repeat the mistakes of King Qin, especially in the current climate.

After losing the support of their local gentry and powerful figures, things became much easier for Sun Chuan-ting. He was able to quickly dismantle military villages, gather refugees, and raise funds. Even though Zhu Youlang hadn't received news yet, he believed that with Sun Chuan-ting's capabilities and determination, the situation in Shaanxi would be much better than it was during the 16th year of Chongzhen.

When the Qin king was deposed, the vassal kings were shaken. Not only the princes of Shaanxi like the Duke of Sù and the Duke of Qìng, but also those enfeoffed in various parts of Jiangnan heard the news and would be more cautious. They tried to restrain their usual arrogant and self-serving behavior that exploited the common people. This was a great boon for both the Ming court and the common people of the Ming Dynasty.

With hooves pounding, the Prince's cavalry marched along the straight central avenue toward the palace. Yet Zhu Cilang's thoughts in the midst of the armored guards never ceased their restless wanderings.

Besides the Qin King of Shaanxi, he also thought of King Fu and the situation in Henan. King Fu had already died, and his line was extinct. Last winter, the imperial court issued an edict to reclaim all the land originally belonging to the King Fu's mansion and, according to Gao Mingheng's request, the governor of Henan, use it all for resettling refugees. According to Gao Mingheng's request, each young and able-bodied refugee could be allotted two mu of land, tax-free for three years, and owned by themselves after six years.

While the court allowed for high grain prices in Henan, after the Jinghui Trading Company received its first payment for selling grain at a high price from the Henan Governor's Office in November last year, merchants from all over the country were encouraged to transport grain to Henan. Henan was engaged in various relief projects, including the construction of city walls, water conservancy projects, and roads, which continued intermittently. Despite these efforts, and although Gao Mingheng's hair had turned white with worry, a million disaster victims in Henan successfully made it through the winter without any outbreaks of peasant uprisings.

The situation in Henan is gradually stabilizing.

Li Zicheng, who was hiding in Mount Shangluo and planning to make a comeback, will have no such opportunity.

Of course, we also need to rely on the heavens' cooperation. If Henan and Shaanxi provinces experience another once-in-a-century drought or locust plague, and the imperial court is unable to provide relief, Li Zicheng will definitely emerge again.

Therefore, extinguishing Li Zicheng as soon as possible remains the top priority of the imperial court and the primary mission of the three-sided governor Sun Chuan.

As for Sun Chuan's military leadership, Zhu Cilang had no doubts. As long as provisions were secured and Sun Chuan was given ample time to train his troops, wiping out Li Zicheng would simply be a matter of time. Thinking back to his travels through time, he had already met many renowned officials, but this one, whom he had most revered and lamented in his past life after reading history, remained elusive.

Zhu Cilang walked and thought, a glance from the corner of his eye revealed that today's streets in Beijing were much more lively than usual, with dense crowds of people, especially many scholars in Confucian robes. He suddenly remembered that the Grand Chun Examination, held every three years, was taking place these days.

The Chunwei examination, also known as the Huìshi, was the highest stage of China's ancient imperial examinations. Candidates were juren from various provinces, and it was held every three years. The top scorer, of course, was the Zhuangyuan (the number one scholar). During the Chongzhen reign, there were six Chunwei examinations in total. However, from the perspective of later generations, the examination in Chongzhen's sixteenth year, which was also the last one, produced the fewest talented individuals and is the least known.

Besides Zhang Jiayuyu, Zhu Cilang couldn't think of any other Jinshi who left a certain mark in history.

As for the top three, the number one scholar (狀元), second-placed scholar (榜眼), and third-placed scholar (探花), besides the fact that the number one scholar remained hidden in the countryside, never entering official service, both the second-placed and third-placed scholars ultimately succumbed to the current, becoming officials of the Qing court. As a time traveler, Zhu Cilang held no blame towards them. He merely felt that in the waning years of the dynasty, during this final imperial examination, there was such a heavy sense of decline hidden within.

Of course, the common people and scholars of this era would not know that a catastrophe that would bring about the ruin of the country and the world was originally supposed to arrive in a year. What everyone is most concerned about and discussing the most now, besides Prince's purge in Tianjin and Cangzhou, is the upcoming examination for civil service hopefuls.

Amidst the throng of people, Zhu Ci'lang felt a sense of superiority at this moment.

……

Upon entering the palace, I met with Emperor Chongzhen.

As expected, after the reprimand, Emperor Chongzhen wore a stern expression and lectured Zhu Cilang once again. Zhu Cilang listened attentively with his ears perked up, bowing low with an expression of remorse. Seeing that the prince had "repented," Emperor Chongzhen's anger gradually subsided, and he shifted the topic to military affairs in Tianjin and the ships at Dagukou.

Zhu Youlang detailed to his father emperor the situation of Tianjin and the three-masted warships.

Emperor Chongzhen listened very carefully and occasionally interrupted Zhu Cilang's words, asking for some details that Zhu Cilang had not mentioned. Zhu Cilang sighed inwardly, Emperor Chongzhen's intelligence and diligence were definitely among the best among all emperors throughout history. He also had a good understanding of specific matters. However, his impetuous temper, love for face, fear of taking responsibility, coupled with continuous natural disasters, meant that from chief assistant to ministers of the six ministries, besides Wen Tiren and Yang Sichang, no one could stay in their position for long. After Chongzhen fourteen years, cabinet members and ministers of the six ministries were replaced like a revolving door, constantly changing policies until finally leading to the collapse of the empire.

"Hearing you say that, Tianjin's Cao Youyi is a capable general. The newly appointed deputy commander of the Water Army, Chen Zhaolan, is experienced and steady. The Red-haired devils do indeed have strong ships and powerful cannons. The future of the Tianjin Water Army looks promising, wouldn't you say" Finally, Emperor Chongzhen asked.

"Yes." Zhu Ci-lang answered affirmatively, knowing that his father most liked to hear affirmative answers. He also believed Chen Zhaolan would not disappoint him, and that when the Tianjin water fleet was formed in the future, it would definitely have considerable combat power.

Emperor Chongzhen nodded, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes: “That’s good…” Thinking of the red-haired barbarian warships from leasing to the recruitment of sailors, military supplies and provisions, it would require twenty to thirty million taels of silver each year. Emperor Chongzhen felt a twinge of pain in his heart. If it weren't for the idea of "crossing the sea to attack Liaodong, using their own methods to deal with them, and ensuring peace in the capital," he would absolutely not agree to spend this money on the navy.

But then, Emperor Chongzhen's eyes flashed with anger again, not at his son, but at Yuan Yuzong, the governor of Tianjin. In the beginning, all the officials recommended Yuan Yuzong, saying that he had served as the military commissioner in Tianjin for three and a half years and was familiar with the military affairs there. Appointing him as governor of Tianjin would allow him to take over immediately and be most suitable. I agreed then, but I never expected that Yuan Yuzong would be so unbearable behind closed doors... These people have deceived me so much!

Think about it, I looked at my son: "In your petition, you said Tianjin needs a loyal and capable military governor. From the way you speak, does that mean someone has already been chosen"

Zhu Cilang's heart skipped a beat, and countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

Although they were father and son, and Zhu Cilang had a good understanding of Emperor Chongzhen after traveling through time, his mind was that of a disabled teacher in his thirties who had seen the ruthlessness of human nature and the worst scenes imaginable. He was also well-versed in history. Compared to Emperor Chongzhen who grew up in the palace, Zhu Cilang was better at reading people's minds. Therefore, some of his policies and political opinions could subtly influence Emperor Chongzhen and successfully appease the troops in Beijing.

But this does not mean that Zhu Cilang can freely implement his desired policies and choose whomever he wants.

He and Chongzhen Emperor, both father and son, emperor and subject, even though the Ming Dynasty had always been lenient towards the Crown Prince, there were some things that absolutely could not be crossed. And Chongzhen Emperor, to his son, the Crown Prince, besides familial affection, might also have a sliver of suspicion and displeasure.

Wu Shen is a clear example.

In history, Wu Sheng entered the cabinet in the fifteenth year of Chongzhen and soon engaged in a power struggle with Zhou Yanru, the chief minister, forming the Northern Party and the Southern Party.

But in this life, Wu Shen was unable to enter the cabinet.

Even with the achievements of a decisive victory at Kaifeng and repelling the Jin soldiers from entering the pass, it would not be enough.

The only reason is that Wu Shen and I are too close.

Zhu Cilang could feel that his father was deliberately suppressing Wu Shen's status to ensure that there would be no "Prince Party" in the court. This was also the reason why Zhu Cilang had to personally propose any policy ideas instead of asking ministers to represent him. Once a minister spoke on his behalf, it would easily give rise to suspicion of a Prince Party.

In that case, if he proposes Lu Zhenfei, would it have the opposite effect

But Emperor Chongzhen's question came first, leaving him little time to think. In a flash, he had to make a decision.

“There was one person…” Zhu Ci-lang decided to take a gamble. After all, the position of Tianjin governor was extremely important, and he didn't want an incompetent person to hold it. Besides, as far as he knew, if Chief Minister Zhou Yanru didn't fall from power, it would be very difficult for Lu Zhenfei to gain favor. In other words, wanting to recommend Lu Zhenfei through normal channels was almost impossible. Therefore, the only way was to directly recommend him in front of Emperor Chongzhen.

Who is it

Lù Zhènfēi, Shaoshēng of Guānglù.

Emperor Chongzhen frowned and said, "Lu Zhendong"

"Yes, Lu Zhenfei, during his tenure as magistrate, repeatedly repelled bandits. While serving as inspector in Fujian, he assisted Governor Zou Weilian in crushing the sea pirates and ensuring the peace of the maritime borders. He has a good understanding of the navy. As an official, he is honest and upright with no excess wealth. He possesses a forthright nature, patriotism, broad-mindedness. I believe that appointing him as the governor of Tianjin would be suitable."

Emperor Chongzhen stared at his son for about thirty seconds without speaking, then nodded slightly: "I understand. Go see your mother."

Zhu Cilang was a little nervous, wondering if his recommendation would be successful. If it wasn't, he could only think of other ways. He bowed and withdrew, going to Kunning Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.

Kunning Palace.

When the Prince, who had run out aimlessly for seven or eight days, returned, Zhou Hou was both distressed and reproached. Kunxing regained his carefree joy and laughter of old. He held onto Zhu Cilang's sleeve and whispered something into his ear. Only Ding Wang hadn't returned to his former self; he became more taciturn and unwilling to communicate with others.

Zhu Cilang felt guilty and invited his younger brother to play chess.

For playing chess, King readily agrees.

The two brothers squared off, a battle unfolding on the chessboard.

For a few months, there hasn't been any chess match. I feel that King Ding's chess skills have greatly improved. He came up and defeated Zhu Cilang in a surprise attack, almost making him unable to resist. Fortunately, Zhu Cilang's chess style is steady and reliable. He doesn't focus on winning first but considers the possibility of defeat beforehand, and his defenses are well-prepared. Otherwise, he would have really lost.

After one round, Zhu Ci'lang barely won. Thinking that Ding Wang wouldn't give up, he expected another game. However, when Ding Wang dropped his piece, his face darkened and he said, "I won't play anymore..."

Seeing he was unhappy, Kunxing hurriedly persuaded: "Let's play another round! I'll cheer for you, you're sure to win against Prince Brother!"

King Ding shook his head, said nothing, and got up and left.

Kunxing turned back to look at Zhu Ciliang, his small face full of dejection.

After leaving the palace, Zhu Cilan returned to the Jingying camp. He was away from Beijing for seven or eight days, and a lot of Jingying affairs had piled up. In addition, he had fallen behind on his lessons as crown prince, and his teachers were all sharpening their knives, ready to give him a good scolding.

"Your Highness, there's been a bit of trouble at the capital camp..." That evening, after a long day's work, Zhu Cilang was just about to rest when Xiao Hanjun, dressed in gray robes, suddenly arrived. His steps were hurried, and his expression grave. Zhu Cilang knew it was important news, and upon hearing it, his face also changed slightly.

It turns out that a spy from the Jianli has infiltrated the capital!

……

The nine cities and seven gates within and outside the capital of Beijing during the Ming Dynasty had fixed times for opening and closing. Since Emperor Zhu Di, founder of the Ming dynasty, moved the capital to Beijing, these times have remained unchanged. At three o'clock in the afternoon (wu shi five ke), when the dusk drum sounded, the city gates would be closed, forbidding travel; at 5:00 a.m. (yin shi five ke), when the morning bell rang, the city gates would be opened and traffic would resume.little wooden boats shimmered and floated up on their own, and then slowly merged into one.Fang Chen was startled: "What's going on"Before he could react, the two small wooden boats had already merged...