My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Upon hearing this, Li Zicheng showed no emotion on his face, but the peasant soldiers around him became excited.

Although they thought Li Dingguo had come to persuade them to surrender when they saw him appear, they still couldn't suppress their excitement when they actually heard those words!
Because this means they can finally survive!
As night fell and all was silent, only the mountain wind, carrying a chill, whistled through the forest, as if lamenting what was about to happen.

Moonlight filtered through the sparse clouds, dappling the desolate mountain landscape and adding a touch of cold silver to the tense and oppressive atmosphere.

Bathed in moonlight and firelight, everyone's face was etched with complex emotions.

Expectation, fear, resentment, and a hint of barely perceptible despair.

Before long, everyone's eyes were focused on Li Zicheng, after all, Li Zicheng was still the King of Rebels and the key figure who would ultimately decide the fate of everyone.

However, Li Zicheng still kept his head down, seemingly lost in thought.

And everyone was waiting, waiting for Li Zicheng to make his final decision!

"King Chuang, why don't we surrender? If we don't, we're doomed!"

Someone in the crowd spoke first, and though the voice was soft, it resonated like thunder in everyone's hearts.

The sound instantly resonated with everyone.

Some even secretly plotted to tie up or kill Li Zicheng if he refused to surrender, using it as a pledge of allegiance to the court in exchange for a chance to survive.

In the face of life and death, the selfishness and cruelty of human nature are laid bare.

At this moment, Zhang Xianzhong, who had been silent all along, finally couldn't hold back any longer.

He stepped forward, his voice tinged with urgency and pleading as he looked at Li Zicheng and said:
"King Li Zicheng, things have come to this point, the tide has turned, why not surrender?"

"The victor is king, the loser is villain; this has always been the case throughout history. It doesn't matter much; at least we can keep our lives after surrendering, right?"

When Zhang Xianzhong said this, his eyes were filled with nothing but a desire to survive!
Zhang Xianzhong was never valued in Li Zicheng's army, and he had even foreseen the defeat and prepared for his inevitable death.

However, with Li Dingguo's return, Zhang Xianzhong once again saw hope for survival.

If he could survive, he would absolutely not want to die here!
Zhang Xianzhong's words instantly caused a huge stir. The expressions of those around him became even more anxious, and they all turned their expectant gazes to Li Zicheng, hoping that he could make the decision that everyone wanted to see as soon as possible.

At this moment, Li Zicheng finally slowly raised his head.

His gaze lingered on Zhang Xianzhong for a moment before slowly sweeping over everyone present.

The moonlight and firelight mingled and illuminated everyone's faces. Li Zicheng could clearly see a strange expression on everyone's face—an eagerness, urgency, and even a hint of threat.

It was as if if he refused, this group of people would immediately rush up and tear him to pieces!

Faced with this immense pressure, Li Zicheng suddenly smiled. His smile contained a hint of bitterness, a touch of helplessness, and, more importantly, a sense of resignation to his fate.

"It seems that you think so too."

Li Zhicheng spoke slowly, his voice soft, yet loud enough for everyone present to hear clearly.

"Since that's the case, then let's lower the price!"

These words instantly melted away the tension and fear in everyone's hearts, like a spring breeze sweeping across a frozen lake.

They breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had been pulled back from the brink of hell. Many of them dropped their weapons on the ground with a crisp sound due to their relaxed state.

Li Dingguo, who was standing not far away, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Because he had always worried that Li Zicheng would be stubborn and refuse to surrender, ultimately leading everyone to destruction.

However, it now seems that he was overthinking things; Li Zicheng ultimately chose to surrender and choose to live.

'Zheng! '

However, just as everyone was immersed in the joy of being able to continue living, a sudden sound of swords being drawn shattered this fragile peace.

Everyone turned around in surprise, only to see that Li Zicheng had drawn his sword at his waist. The sword gleamed coldly in the moonlight, as if telling the story of its master's determination.

Upon seeing this, those around felt a chill and various speculations arose.

Some people thought that Li Zicheng still had no intention of surrendering and that he had been testing them before. Now that he saw that they all wanted to surrender, he wanted to go back on his word and kill them!
Some believe that Li Zicheng was unwilling to accept humiliation and wanted to make a final struggle.

But regardless of the speculation, it all reveals a sense of unease and fear.

After all, the tide had turned against them, and no matter how brave Li Zicheng was, he could not change this cruel reality.

If that's the case, what's the point of him doing this?

Several generals who had always been loyal to Li Zicheng quickly tried to dissuade him:

"Chuang Wang, please calm down! The situation is hopeless. Our only chance of survival is to surrender. Please don't act rashly!"

Their voices carried a hint of pleading and helplessness, hoping that Li Zicheng would no longer be so stubborn!
Upon hearing this, Li Zicheng's lips curled into a bitter smile. He slowly spoke, his voice tinged with desolation:
"I, Li Zicheng, was originally a minor official in the Ming Dynasty, but I have gradually risen to where I am today."

"I have nothing to say about losing to the Ming Dynasty, but it is absolutely impossible for me, Li Zicheng, to kneel before Emperor Chongzhen like a prisoner and live a life of humiliation!"

"I, Li Zicheng, would rather die than suffer this humiliation!"

"As for you, just live well!"

"Also tell Chongzhen that if he doesn't treat the people of this land well, I, Li Zicheng, will haunt him even as a ghost!"

After saying this, Li Zicheng suddenly put the knife to his own neck.

The speed and decisiveness of the action shocked everyone present.

Because they never expected Li Zicheng to choose such an extreme method to defend his last shred of dignity.

In fact, just as Li Dingguo was proposing to persuade him to surrender again, Li Zicheng had already foreseen the fate that awaited him.

He knew that if he chose to surrender, he might survive, but that kind of life would be no different from being a walking corpse.

He had no son, and even his only nephew was dead. Now there was nothing left in the world for him to cherish.

Therefore, he absolutely refused to be imprisoned and forced to live like a prisoner!

As the leader of the rebels, he had his own dignity and his own pride!
Therefore, he would rather die than suffer humiliation!

Just like Zhang Xianzhong said before, it's all about the winner taking all, it's no big deal!
He lost, and he admits it!

It's that simple!
In an instant, everyone around reacted. Some shouted "No!" and rushed forward to try to save Li Zicheng, but Li Zicheng didn't give them a chance at all.

He suddenly exerted force, and the blade in his hand sliced ​​through his neck. In an instant, blood splattered everywhere, like blooming red flowers, particularly dazzling in the moonlight.

Then Li Zicheng's body went limp and he fell directly to the ground.

In the instant he fell, Li Zicheng seemed to see his own fleeting life unfold before him:
He was originally an ordinary farmer, working from sunrise to sunset. Although his life was hard, it was peaceful and serene.

Later, he became a minor official at the post station through his own abilities. Although his position was not high, he was able to make a living.

Later, the imperial court abolished the post stations, and he became a farmer again. Faced with years of drought and crop failure, he had no other choice but to revolt.

Although the road to rebellion was full of hardships and setbacks, he always managed to turn danger into safety with his indomitable will and extraordinary wisdom.

He gradually grew stronger and eventually became the "Chuang King," a figure who made the Ming Dynasty tremble.

For a time, he believed he could definitely defeat the Ming Dynasty and replace it, just like Zhu Yuanzhang had done, to establish a new empire.

He dreamed that one day he would conquer the capital of the Ming Dynasty, and then sit on that magnificent dragon throne, receiving the worship of all people!

However, imagination is always beautiful, while reality is always cruel.

He ultimately lost, and lost completely!
He could never become Zhu Yuanzhang; he was just himself.

A peasant uprising leader with dreams and aspirations, but ultimately failed!

This world
Bye now.
With his body crashing heavily to the ground, Li Zicheng's consciousness finally dissipated completely, marking the end of an era for this legendary rebel leader.

Upon witnessing this scene, all the peasant soldiers around them knelt down in unison and wept bitterly over Li Zicheng's corpse, filled with endless sorrow and reluctance.

Even though they had just considered that if Li Zicheng did not surrender, they would take action against him, or even kill him.

But now that they have actually seen Li Zicheng dead, they still feel a strange sadness.

After all, most of the people here were Li Zicheng's most loyal subordinates.

When they were on the verge of starvation, it was Li Zicheng who gave them a bite to eat, allowing them to survive.

They had always been grateful to Li Zicheng, and now that their benefactor was dead, their grief was genuine.

Not far away, Li Dingguo looked at Li Zicheng lying on the ground, and his feelings were extremely complicated.

There was both sorrow for Li Zicheng's death and a touch of relief.

It is tragic that Li Zicheng was once a peasant army leader, and could even be considered a figure akin to an emperor. It is truly a hasty death for such a person to die here.

Fortunately, it was impossible for someone like Li Zicheng to surrender without suffering humiliation.

And now, he has defended his last shred of dignity with his life, preventing anyone from mocking him!
Furthermore, with Li Zicheng's death, it also meant the complete failure of this peasant uprising, and the Ming Dynasty would finally stabilize, and no more people would die as a result!
"Hey!"

Just then, Zhang Xianzhong sighed softly, then slowly walked to Li Zicheng's corpse, looked at him, and said:
"Li Zicheng, I am still no match for you. You are remarkable, you are arrogant!"

"And I am just a coward!"

As he said this, Zhang Xianzhong laughed self-deprecatingly.

Just then, Li Dingguo suddenly spoke up:

"Gentlemen, things have come to this, so there's no need for further words. Please come down the mountain with me!"

"Also, remember to bring the body of the rebel king. I will plead with His Highness the Crown Prince to spare the body."

Normally, when someone like Li Zicheng died, his head should have been cut off and displayed to the army to demonstrate the final victory.

However, because Li Zicheng committed suicide and because of his special status, Li Dingguo still wanted to leave him with a complete body.

However, Li Zicheng also knew that this was not a decision he could make alone; he needed to consult Zhu Cilang first.

If Zhu Cilang disagrees, there's nothing he can do!
Upon hearing this, everyone simply nodded. Then, without saying a word, a few people tore off their clothes and used some simple wooden sticks to make a makeshift stretcher. They then carefully lifted Li Zicheng's body onto it.

After everything was ready, the group carried Li Zicheng's body down the mountain with Li Dingguo.

As night deepened, the mountain winds continued to howl, but on this desolate mountain land, a history that will never be forgotten was left behind.

To prevent a sudden attack by the Ming army on and below the mountain, Li Dingguo led the way while instructing the peasant army behind him to shout loudly. The message was very simple, consisting of only ten words!
"Li Zicheng is dead, the peasant army has surrendered!"

Upon hearing this, the peasant soldiers knew that Li Dingguo was doing this for their own good, so they did not hesitate and began to shout loudly as they walked.

"Li Zicheng is dead, the peasant army has surrendered!"

"Li Zicheng is dead, the peasant army has surrendered!"

More than two thousand people shouted this sentence in unison, and the sound shook the entire mountain forest slightly.

Not long after, Zuo Liangyu, who was at the foot of the mountain, faintly heard the sound.

The sound came in waves, like a surging tide.

At first, Zuo Liangyu thought he had misheard. He frowned, a hint of doubt in his eyes, then turned to his personal guard and asked:

"Did you hear anything?"

Upon hearing this, the guard looked somewhat embarrassed, but still said:
"General, I heard that Li Zicheng is dead and the peasant army has surrendered."

I'll do it!

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liangyu's eyes widened instantly, and he almost exploded. It turned out he hadn't misheard!
But how is this possible?
Why did Li Zicheng suddenly die?

He originally thought that Li Zicheng would definitely fight to the bitter end, relying on the remaining strength of the peasant army to fight the Ming army to the death, but he never expected that Li Zicheng would die like this, and that the remaining peasant army would surrender!

This sudden news exploded in his mind like a bombshell, leaving him in a state of utter confusion!

He kept thinking about what had just happened.
Li Dingguo was clearly there to persuade Li Zicheng to surrender, so how did he end up killing Li Zicheng instead?

Could it be that Li Dingguo actually intended to assassinate Li Zicheng, and even succeeded?

But this shouldn’t be the case!
If Li Dingguo were to actually do that, he would be incredibly foolish!

Moreover, at this point, he would definitely be chopped into mincemeat by the angry peasant army, so how could the peasant army possibly surrender?

In an instant, a variety of thoughts swirled in his mind, making him even more frustrated!

Because he knew that no matter the reason, the title he wanted was completely gone! (End of Chapter)