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In October 1671, Su Ning stepped into the devastated Forbidden City, where the air was filled with the mixed smells of gunpowder and dust.

The once magnificent palaces and pavilions are now mostly ruins, with charred wooden beams and shattered glazed tiles telling the story of the cruelty of that war.

Su Ning walked among the rubble, followed by a group of solemn-looking generals.

"General Su," Chief of Staff 002 (AI)'s voice rang out calmly beside him, a stark contrast to the surrounding desolation, "Preliminary statistics show that the resistance forces within Yanjing City have been largely eliminated. However, how to deal with the large number of former officials in the city, especially those literati who voluntarily surrendered to the Manchus and served them, urgently needs a decision. Some generals have requested... that they be severely punished."

Su Ning stopped in front of a toppled dragon pillar, his gaze sweeping over the remaining exquisite carvings on the pillar, his eyes cold.

An uncontrollable killing intent surged within him.

He recalled the Yangzhou Massacre, the Jiading Massacre, the literary inquisition, and the countless patriots who were brutally murdered for refusing to shave their heads and change their clothes. He also remembered how these scholar-officials groveled under foreign rule, singing praises and maintaining this oppressive machine.

"Kill them all!" He practically spat out the words through clenched teeth, his hand clenched into a fist. "These spineless parasites are nothing but a menace if left alive!"

However, he took a deep breath of the burnt air and forcibly suppressed the anger.

Su Ning knew that while killing was pleasurable, it was not the way to govern a country.

These scholar-official classes were deeply entrenched, possessing knowledge, local influence, and even a certain amount of administrative experience.

Indiscriminate slaughter would not only cause immense panic and unrest, but could also create a vacuum in the governance system of the north and the entire newly occupied territory, thus hindering his progress in unifying the country.

“But…it’s not realistic.” Su Ning slowly loosened his fist, his tone tinged with a hint of resentment and weariness. “The liquidation requires evidence, procedures, and, most importantly, time. What we lack most right now is time.”

Then Su Ning turned around and looked at Afu, who had been silently following behind him. Afu was wearing an ordinary gray long shirt, had an unremarkable face, but had deep and unfathomable eyes.

This is one of the highest-level AI humanoid robots he brought out from the space world, integrating a massive knowledge base that is ahead of its time in areas such as administrative management, engineering planning, and social analysis.

“Afu,” Su Ning said in a deep voice.

“Master, Afu is here.” Afu stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke in a calm and even voice.

"Yanjing, and the entire Zhili region, are now in your hands." Su Ning pointed to the surrounding ruins, his tone solemn. "Three days of artillery fire destroyed the stubborn fortresses of the old era and almost buried the sins of the past. Now, this is a blank slate, and I need you to restore order and vitality to it in the shortest possible time, making it our solid foundation."

"Yes! Master."

"Quickly organize manpower to clear the ruins, bury the corpses, and prevent the spread of the plague. Set up temporary shelters to accommodate displaced people, distribute necessary food rations, and stabilize public morale."

“A temporary security management team was formed, a concise proclamation was issued to reassure the people, the Red Flag Army’s program of “expelling the Tartars, rebuilding China, and equalizing land distribution and tax exemption” was reiterated, and those who took advantage of the chaos were severely punished.”

"A preliminary screening will be conducted on those former officials and gentry. Those who have committed heinous crimes and aroused great public indignation will be publicly tried and punished in accordance with the law; those who are capable, willing to cooperate, and have no major misconduct may be temporarily retained to observe their future performance and then incorporated into the new administrative management system for evaluation."

"Prioritize the repair of roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure such as wells and ditches. Plan a new urban layout, with unified planning for modern five-story residential communities and shops. Avoid wasting too many resources on restoring palaces that symbolize imperial power. Build a modern central government office area on the original site of the Forbidden City, and select a site near the Western Garden to build a modern residential community."

“You must remember,” Su Ning stared at Afu’s expressionless face, “efficiency first, stability paramount. Let the results speak for themselves, I don’t care about the process. If you encounter any obstacles, you have the right to mobilize the necessary troops to cooperate, act first and report later.”

"Understood, Master." Afu calmly accepted the order, his eyes flashing almost imperceptibly with data flow, and he had already begun to call upon the massive database to generate a preliminary reconstruction plan.

"Afu will use the most efficient methods to revitalize this land and provide solid support for the owner's next strategic move."

"Alright! This instance world is ours now."

With the mess in Yanjing handed over to Afu, Su Ning felt somewhat relieved.

He believed that this AI, ahead of its time, was capable of handling all of this, and was at least better at this complex administrative and reconstruction work than anyone under his command.

Then Su Ning's gaze fell on the huge map hanging on the wall of the command post.

Although Yanjing has fallen, the world is still not at peace.

"North China must be completely controlled as soon as possible." Su Ning's finger swept across Zhili, Shanxi, Shandong, Henan and other places. "These places have just been opened up. We need to station troops, establish effective administration, implement our policies, digest the results, and truly transform them into our strength."

As for the area outside the pass... his finger paused for a moment outside Shanhaiguan, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.

"The area outside the Great Wall is not the most urgent matter," he said to the generals around him. "Let that old mudfish Hong Antong from Shenlong Island, along with those Rakshasa devils and the Manchu Iron-Cap Princes who fled back, fight to the death in the Black Mountains and White Waters for now. Their mutual attrition is just what I want. Once we have stabilized the area inside the Great Wall and consolidated our forces, it will be a natural process for us to go out and clean up the mess."

Upon hearing this, the generals all nodded in agreement.

The most important thing right now is to consolidate our foundation and digest the fruits of victory, rather than blindly expanding.

Thus, while Afu silently began to draw up a new blueprint on the ruins of Yanjing, the main force of the Red Flag Army under Su Ning, like an efficient gear, began to spread to various parts of North China, using both suppression and appeasement to establish regimes and implement new policies.

A new order, centered on Yanjing and with steel, concrete, and faith as its framework, is quietly being built at an unprecedented speed on the ruins of the old era.

……

The flags were changed in Yanjing, and the red flag flew high.

From the Qing army's iron hooves stepping into Shanhaiguan in 1644 to the Red Flag Army's artillery fire leveling the Forbidden City in 1671, and the Manchus taking control of the Central Plains, only twenty-seven years had passed.

These twenty-seven years are but a fleeting moment in the long river of history.

Despite the Qing government's implementation of oppressive policies such as the shaving of heads and changing of clothing, and literary inquisitions, which attempted to erase the national memory and integrity of the Han people, the roots of culture and the sparks of resistance were never truly severed.

Countless people of noble character and lofty ideals either hid in the mountains and forests, plotted in secret underground, or wept blood in their poems and writings, waiting for the opportunity for revival.

Now, this opportunity has arrived in the most intense and swift way!

With overwhelming force, the Red Flag Army swept across the Central Plains in just a few years, striking directly at the heart of the Qing Dynasty and completely destroying the seemingly invincible regime.

This feat was like throwing a spark into a still pan of oil, instantly igniting long-suppressed national sentiment and fervent resistance!

"The day the royal army pacifies the Central Plains!"

The words that countless survivors had silently recited for twenty-seven years have finally become a reality.

The news spread throughout the country, especially among the lower classes and passionate young people who had suffered greatly from the Qing government's exploitation and still held onto the distinction between Chinese and barbarians, triggering a tremendous response.

From the Hebei Plain to the Qilu region, from the Central Plains to the Jianghuai water towns, countless young men bid farewell to their families and, with the simple belief of "expelling the Tartars and rebuilding China," headed towards Yanjing and the major towns controlled by the Red Flag Army.

Among them were peasants who had suffered oppression in the Guanzhong Plain, members of secret societies, young students who had read a few books and harbored ideals, and even many former low-ranking soldiers of the Green Camp who saw the times clearly and took the initiative to join them.

"Father, Mother! Marshal Su has captured Beijing! The Tartar emperor has fled! I'm going to join the Red Flag Army and fight for the honor of us Han people!" In a village in Hebei, a young man threw down his hoe and shouted excitedly to his parents.

"Let's go! Let's go! I've heard that the Red Flag Army is distributing land and fighting against local tyrants. They're the army of us poor people!" His companions responded enthusiastically.

A large crowd surged in front of the recruitment site, their spirits high.

The officer in charge of registration was extremely busy, but his face was beaming with excitement.

This surge of spontaneous enlistment far surpasses any previous one in scale and enthusiasm.

Faced with this surge of popular support and manpower, Suning naturally accepted all comers.

Because Suning understands that to conquer the world, one needs a million-strong army.

The Red Flag Army expanded rapidly, like a snowball rolling downhill.

However, the quality of the soldiers varies greatly, and they urgently need to be integrated and trained.

At this moment, the AI ​​robot instructors from the outer space world once again played a crucial role.

New recruit camps were rapidly established around Yanjing and in various other places.

With their unique precision, ruthlessness, and efficiency, AI instructors throw these enthusiastic but military-inept recruits into hellish intensive training.

Queue formation, physical training, combat, shooting, tactical coordination... everything is proceeding in an orderly manner.

The AI ​​instructors are tireless, extremely demanding, yet absolutely fair, and can break down complex tactical maneuvers to the extreme, allowing new recruits to master them as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, AI-powered political workers went deep into the camps to continuously strengthen the belief education of "fighting for China and our families".

Under the systematic training and ideological indoctrination of AI, these new recruits are transforming at an astonishing speed from a disorganized mob into disciplined and steadfast Red Flag Army soldiers.

With such a sharp edge, the enemy must naturally be targeted.

"In Zhili, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu and other places, there are still a large number of remnants of the Manchu Qing forces, as well as some local warlords and Mongol tribes who are attached to the Qing court." Su Ning pointed out at the military conference, "We must take advantage of their shock and inability to effectively unite, and advance westward with overwhelming force to sweep away the remaining enemies and connect the entire north into one!"

"The westward advance corps, formed by expanding the First, Second, and Fourth Regiments into the First Field Army, is responsible for the main attack on Shanxi, striking Tongguan, and threatening Guanzhong!"

"On the northern route, based on the Third, Fifth, and Sixth Regiments, a Second Field Army will be formed to advance towards Xuanhua and Datong, clear out the enemy along the Great Wall, and monitor movements outside the pass!"

"The Third Field Army will be formed based on the Seventh Regiment as a strategic reserve and will be responsible for suppressing and maintaining stability in Hebei, Shandong and other places."

The massive war machine is set in motion once again.

After a brief rest and replenishment, the Red Iron Stream, carrying some weapons and ammunition provided by the Armory Workshop restored by the Afu Organization, as well as those stored in space, marched in a mighty force, splitting into multiple routes, toward the vast west.

Their goal was to quickly eliminate the last organized resistance forces of the Manchus in the interior, laying a solid foundation for the next step of the southern expedition or the resolution of the problems outside the Great Wall.

As for those Han officials who served in the Qing court, even those holding high positions, Su Ning's attitude was quite pragmatic and even somewhat ruthless.

"The ringleaders must be punished, as for those coerced... we'll see what they're good for." He instructed Afu, who was in charge of the new regime's administration, and determined the temporary treatment of those Qing officials. "Although I wish I could wipe out all these ungrateful traitors, stability is paramount right now. Your 'Temporary Coordination Committee' needs manpower to operate. Those who are capable, cooperative, and not deeply resented by the people can be given a chance to 'atone for their crimes' and placed under your close supervision. If they misbehave or are of no use, we can deal with them later."

He paused, looked at Afu, and said with absolute trust, "The daily operation of the court, the initial compilation of laws, the assessment and appointment of local officials, the allocation of funds and grain... I entrust all these tedious administrative affairs to you. I trust you to handle things."

"Yes, Master! Afu will set up the government affairs center as soon as possible."

Compared to those former officials who were unpredictable and might harbor ulterior motives, Su Ning undoubtedly trusted the AI ​​humanoid robot he created himself—an absolutely loyal robot with exceptional abilities.

Afu, along with other AIs soon to be assigned to key positions, will become the core framework for him to build the new dynasty's bureaucratic system, ensuring that his will can be implemented efficiently and accurately.

The old dynasty has fallen, and the new dynasty has just been established.

Under the governance of the AI ​​system led by Afu, order began to be restored in the core area; and the territory continued to expand as the iron torrent of conquest swept westward.

A new regime, with steel, data, and absolute loyalty at its core, and incorporating some talents from the old era but with a completely different core, is rapidly taking shape on the land of China in an unprecedented manner.

……

Under Afu's efficient, almost ruthless, coordination, the reconstruction of Yanjing is proceeding in an orderly manner.

The ruins were cleared, the displaced people were initially resettled, and the new order, like the frozen soil in early spring, was still stiff but had begun to loosen.

On this day, Su Ning was in the Wuying Hall of the former Forbidden City, reviewing military reports and government briefings from various regions compiled and summarized by an AI robot.

The interior furnishings are simple, and the former royal grandeur has been replaced by a pragmatic and efficient atmosphere.

Steady footsteps sounded outside the palace gates, and Afu's unique, emotionless voice rang out: "Master, Afu requests an audience."

"Come in."

Afu pushed open the door and entered, followed by two expressionless Red Flag Army guards and a slender figure with his hands tied behind his back.

The figure was dressed in a cheongsam made of fine but dirty and worn-out fabric. Her hair was somewhat disheveled, and her head was lowered, obscuring her face. However, her slightly trembling shoulders revealed her inner fear and unease.

"Master, we discovered this woman while clearing a hidden cellar in the West Garden. Preliminary verification indicates that she is the sister of the Qing Dynasty's puppet emperor, Kangxi, and her title is Jianning. Please advise on how to proceed."

Upon hearing this, Su Ning looked up from the official document and casually glanced over it.

He had no interest in any former dynasty princess; whether to kill or spare her was entirely up to him.

However, just as the woman seemed to sense his scrutinizing gaze, and with great fear and a trace of remaining stubbornness, she slightly raised her head, Su Ning's pupils contracted imperceptibly.

The light inside the hall wasn't bright, but it was enough to outline that tear-streaked face.

Her skin was as white as snow, but now it appeared even paler due to fear; her almond-shaped eyes were very large, with reddened rims and glistening with tears, her gaze a mixture of panic, helplessness, and a trace of pride belonging to a princess who was deeply hidden.

Especially her small nose and slightly upturned lips, which bear an astonishing 70-80% resemblance to Chingmy Yau, a Hong Kong star known for her charming and lively personality, in Suning's memory!

The woman before him, however, possessed an even greater air of sorrow and fragility born of hardship, like a frightened bird, which only intensified the possessiveness ingrained in a man's bones.

Then, thinking that Princess Mu Jianping looked just like Wu Qian, Su Ning realized that this was a world of fusion.

Su Ning was not a lustful person, but living in this era and holding supreme power, facing such a stunning beauty, who was also the princess of an enemy country, a subtle feeling of conquest and appreciation naturally arose in him.

Afu waited quietly, without urging him on.

The hall was silent except for the woman's suppressed, soft sobs.

After a long silence, Su Ning broke the silence, his tone calm, "Untie me."

"Yes!"

The guards immediately stepped forward and deftly untied the ropes.

Suddenly free, Princess Jianning subconsciously rubbed her wrist, which had been marked with red welts from being bound. Her body remained tense as she looked at the young man on the throne with a mixture of wariness and bewilderment…

It was he who destroyed her homeland and now holds her life and death in his hands.

"Raise your head." Su Ning's voice rang out again, slightly gentler than before.

Jianning did as she was told, slightly raising her chin and looking at Su Ning with teary eyes, her expression complex and unreadable.

Su Ning examined the face carefully for a moment, and the face that so closely resembled the one in his memory was indeed quite pleasing to the eye.

A former princess, without troops or power, keeping her around can satisfy a bit of his personal desires, and perhaps at certain times, it can also serve a symbolic purpose.

"Take her away," Suning instructed Afu. "Settle her in... Jingyang Palace! Find some reliable nannies and maids to serve her, help her wash and change, and take good care of her. Don't mistreat her."

Afu bowed: "Yes, Master."

Then Afu gestured "please" to Jianning, the prisoner in front of him, a gesture that was standard but devoid of warmth.

After all, no matter how beautiful she was, she was still a princess of a fallen kingdom, and her former power and arrogance no longer existed.

Jianning seemed to understand her fate. She looked deeply at Su Ning, her eyes filled with humiliation, resignation, and perhaps a hint of relief at surviving a calamity.

There was no crying or resistance.

He simply turned around silently and followed Afu and the guards out of the Wuying Hall.

Watching that slender figure disappear outside the palace gate, Su Ning withdrew his gaze and turned back to the official documents on the table.

For him, this was just a trivial incident.

Taking in a princess from a previous dynasty is like collecting a fine trophy, which seems insignificant at this moment when the north has just been pacified.

...(End of chapter)