Strategy for the Revitalization of the Late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 285: Literati
On the eighth day after the recapture of Cangzhou City, Zhang Huangyan led an army of 30,000 to advance northward. He was unstoppable along the way. Volunteer armies from all over the country responded one after another, and all parts of northern Zhili quickly surrendered to the Ming army.

When Zhu Cilang's cavalry arrived outside Beijing, the rebel army had already taken the lead in conquering the capital that had once been occupied by the Qing Dynasty.

However, after two rounds of looting by the Qing Dynasty and the rebel army, the city of Beijing had become devastated.

The workshops, ancestral temples and royal sacrificial sites in the south of the city were all looted. The former prosperity was no longer there, replaced by ruins and desolation.

After Zhang Huangyan entered Beijing, he quickly recruited laborers in accordance with Zhu Cilang's instructions and began to repair the destroyed sacrificial sites and restore these important spiritual symbols.

In addition, he also mobilized troops to guard them strictly to ensure that these key locations would not be damaged again.

However, while the repair work was still in progress, Zhang Huangyan did not stop. He was well aware of the urgency of the war situation, so he led his army to continue eastward, heading straight for Shanhaiguan.

The area north of Northern Zhili was devastated by the Qing army, and the march was extremely difficult.

He could only send a small group of cavalry to explore the way ahead, and rely on sea transportation for food and grass to sustain the needs of the subsequent attack on Shanhaiguan and important strongholds outside the pass.

When Zhang Huangyan's vanguard cavalry arrived at Shanhaiguan, although the Qing flag was still flying on the city wall, there was no trace of the defenders in the city.

Even the Liaoxi Corridor outside Shanhaiguan had become a deserted city. The Qing Dynasty's defeat was like a flood bursting through a dam, and it had no power to fight back.

Zhang Huangyan successfully captured this important pass without bloodshed and led his troops straight to the outside of the pass.

However, due to the brutal destruction of the Qing Dynasty, almost all the fortresses and castles outside Shanhaiguan were destroyed, and there were no defensive fortifications left.

Zhang Huangyan kept Zhu Cilang's order in mind and stopped outside the pass while he was ahead, without advancing too far.

At this time, it is necessary to firmly occupy the territory instead of expanding blindly. His tactical restraint and foresight are precisely the reasons why he is trusted by Zhu Cilang.

After consolidating the defense line of Shanhaiguan, Zhang Huangyan immediately returned to Beijing. He did not come just for military operations, but also took on the responsibility of the two provinces of Northern Zhili and Shanxi.

He reorganized the rebel armies and the Green Camp troops in these areas and incorporated them into the regular structure of the Ming army.

At the same time, he sent envoys to issue notices to the Mongolian tribes north of the Great Wall and Korea to the east, announcing the demise of the Qing Dynasty and the revival of the Ming Dynasty.

At the same time, Zhu Cilang also sent people to Nanjing to issue a proclamation to the world, solemnly declaring:
"The capital city lost for six years has finally been recovered!"

His words were not only a comfort to the Ming Dynasty and the people of the world, but also a declaration of his own responsibility.

This was not only the recovery of the capital, but also an opportunity for Chinese civilization to rise again from the oppression of the Qing Dynasty.

This three hundred years of darkness will eventually come to an end, and an era full of new hope is slowly beginning.

Zhu Cilang secretly made a vow in his heart:

The revival of China is not just about restoring its past glory, but about building a brand new future, completely getting rid of a century of humiliation, and welcoming a more glorious era.

In Zhu Cilang's view, this was not only a symbol of victory, but also the foundation for the revival of the Ming Dynasty, laying a solid foundation for subsequent larger strategic actions.
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"Ernong, are you really going to stand on His Majesty's side and cheer for him?" Qian Qianyi stood in front of the window, looking at the city of Jinling in the distance, feeling a little uneasy.

It has been several months since he came to Nanjing. Although he is quite satisfied with the environment of Jinling Academy, Wang Fuzhi, who is talking with him today, is obviously not a simple person.

"Mr. Qian, when did I ever say that?"

Wang Fuzhi smiled slightly, picked up the teacup on the table, blew on the tea leaves gently, took a sip slowly, and said calmly:

"Now, the Tartars have been driven back to their lair, and Your Majesty's army is about to march to Liaodong, and the recovery of lost territory is just around the corner.

The national humiliation has been avenged, so why should we scholars rush to take sides?

Instead of fighting for power and gain, why not concentrate on studying? Why get involved in the disputes in the court?"

Qian Qianyi sneered in his heart, but remained calm on the surface.

He did not believe Wang Fuzhi's words of "high moral character and integrity".

In his opinion, Wang Fuzhi was unwilling to publicly admit his position just to cover up the decision he had already made in his heart - to surrender to the emperor.

Although Zhu Cilang had become the well-deserved emperor of the Ming Dynasty, like the previous Ming emperors, once the world was at peace, his road ahead would be bumpy.

Moreover, he also faced thorny issues such as how to deal with peripheral foreign states and the civil service groups within the dynasty.

Wang Fuzhi was probably so cautious because he didn't want to be involved in these dirty things.

"And Nong, although your knowledge is excellent, what you are discussing is the major affairs of state. The slightest mistake could lead to your death."

Qian Qianyi shook his head, sneered a few times, and there was a hint of warning in his eyes:
"What's more, although you are the dean of Jinling Academy, the real control of this academy is not in your hands.

If His Majesty is in a bad mood one day, I'm afraid you will also be responsible."

His words were tinged with sarcasm and warning.

Qian Qianyi and the Donglin Party members and big landlords had already heard the news that Zhu Cilang would implement new policies after unifying the country to weaken their power and might even take action against them.

In response to this, the Donglin Party members were feeling uneasy and were secretly gathering to plan how to respond or even resist.

Little did they know that all this was carefully planned by Zhu Cilang.

He deliberately leaked the news of his administration in order to make these landlords and gentry restless and expose their conspiracy in advance.

Zhu Cilang only needs to wait for them to fall into his trap and then eliminate the opposition forces in one fell swoop.

Wang Fuzhi obviously saw Qian Qianyi's worry, but he remained calm. He slowly put down his teacup and said with a smile:

"Mr. Qian, there is no need to worry so much. Your Majesty's original intention in implementing the new policy is precisely to ensure the long-term stability of the country.

I believe that Your Majesty is well aware of the importance of talented individuals and will highly respect those of us who value learning."

When Qian Qianyi heard this, he couldn't help laughing. He really couldn't believe that Wang Fuzhi in front of him could say such naive and childish words.

Looking at the other person's calm appearance, Qian Qianyi secretly laughed in his heart, how could there be such a naive scholar in this world?

"Hahaha!" He couldn't stop laughing, as if he had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world:
“And Nong, at your age, you still trust those in power so much?

Your Majesty's "New Deal" is nothing more than weakening the gentry in the name of reform.

Do you really think he will tolerate us ordinary people having any power?
Once the court struggle begins, do you think he will let you go just because you are so knowledgeable?"

Wang Fuzhi remained calm, as if Qian Qianyi's words had no effect on him. He smiled and shook his head:

"Mr. Qian is overthinking. Your Majesty's ambition is to rule the world, not just a temporary political scheme. Furthermore, it is only natural for gentry to serve the country.

As long as we remain loyal, how could His Majesty easily punish us?"

"Loyalty?" Qian Qianyi snorted coldly, his eyes becoming increasingly fierce. "You know, loyalty is sometimes the most useless thing. All those in power always put the country first.

No matter how loyal you are, once their interests are affected, there is no turning back!"

Wang Fuzhi sighed slightly, his expression a little complicated, but after a moment, his eyes regained their determination.

He looked up at Qian Qianyi and said in a calm but firm tone:

"Mr. Qian, although the situation is complicated, it is precisely because of this complexity that we scholars should stick to our original intentions.

If everyone chooses to flee for self-preservation, what will become of the country's future?"

Seeing Wang Fuzhi so persistent, Qian Qianyi couldn't help but feel suspicious.

He couldn't understand why a smart man like Wang Fuzhi, knowing that the road ahead was dangerous, would be so willing to get involved.

Did Wang Fuzhi really think that he could control this catastrophe by himself?
Qian Qianyi frowned, feeling mixed emotions.

His deep distrust of the court and the emperor made it impossible for him to understand Wang Fuzhi's choice. In his view, Wang Fuzhi was just another scholar who was deluded by ideals and could not escape the cruel reality of history.

Outside the window, sunlight shines on the tiles of Jinling City, reflecting golden light.

In this turbulent era, there is destined to be no eternal peace.

"You're also someone who's read history books, so how could you be so confused? Have you been so busy lately that your mind has been clouded?

How can we believe the words of a hero who is willing to be without a king or a father?

Not to mention that he has not yet become emperor, even if he ascends the throne in the future, what good will his words be?
If he really wanted to get rid of you, why would he do it himself?"

Wang Fuzhi remained silent about this. In fact, he and Qian Qianyi were both well versed in history, and they were naturally well aware of the lessons learned over thousands of years.

However, after a year of contact with Zhu Cilang, Wang Fuzhi gradually became more resolute in his judgment of the new master. He was confident that Zhu Cilang was by no means the sinister and cunning person described by Qian Qianyi.

This does not mean that Zhu Cilang would not have the intention to kill, but that he was willing to listen to opinions and would not silence anyone.

Wang Fuzhi could feel that everything Zhu Cilang promoted, whether it was the reform of the imperial examination system, the establishment of the Jinling Academy, or even the purchase of books from foreigners, the ultimate goal was to improve the lives of the people.

This obsession confused Wang Fuzhi, but it was precisely because of this that he was unwilling to easily doubt the young emperor.

Qian Qianyi smiled lightly, then changed the subject, his expression becoming serious:

"And Nong, have you ever heard of the saying 'luring the snake out of its hole'?"

He looked directly into Wang Fuzhi's eyes with sharp eyes:

"I'm worried that you'll eventually become the bait. On the surface, he's open to all opinions and allows a hundred schools of thought to contend.

But when the time comes, when the reckoning comes, what will the outcome be? You and I both know it."

Wang Fuzhi did not respond immediately, but his expression became serious, and he began to ponder Qian Qianyi's concerns.

He was thinking about this possibility - would Zhu Cilang use the name of "opening up the channels for speech" to actually suppress opposition voices?
Qian Qianyi saw him move slightly and continued:

“The state of mind of those who sit in that position is very different from those who don’t sit in that position.”

As a Ming Dynasty veteran, Qian Qianyi grew up under the influence of the Ming Dynasty. He learned lessons from the story of Emperor Taizu and did not have much expectations for Zhu Cilang, a power-seeker.

Even though Zhu Cilang appeared benevolent and tolerant today, he still doubted whether the young emperor would become cruel and ruthless as his power grew.

"If one day he asks you to say something against your will, how will you respond?" Qian Qianyi asked with a hint of cold questioning in his tone.

Wang Fuzhi frowned, but replied without showing any weakness:
"But if we rely on others, will we get a better result? Are people like Li Guo and Gao Yigong disloyal to Your Majesty? What makes them different?
No matter how Your Majesty acts, these people are inferior to Your Majesty in terms of character and political achievements.

Besides, they were originally rebels, so how can they be compared with the current generation?"

Wang Fuzhi’s words hit the heart of Qian Qianyi’s words.

Qian Qianyi stroked his long beard, his tone becoming more calculating:
"Er Nong, you do have a point. But precisely because of this, our young Majesty cannot act recklessly.

If there were no other forces to check and balance him, he could do whatever he wanted. Opening up the channels for public opinion would probably just become a joke! "

He paused and continued:

"It is precisely because of these different forces checking and balancing each other that the situation is not biased. If Your Majesty is allowed to dominate alone and the land in Jiangnan is distributed to the people, how will the gentry in Jiangnan cope?

By then, I'm afraid even you and I won't have a place to stand."

Qian Qianyi's words seemed to be honest advice, but in fact they contained selfish motives.

It was not that he was unwilling to allow people to speak freely, nor was he completely opposed to Zhu Cilang's reforms. It was just that as a member of the gentry in Jiangnan, he was more concerned about his own interests and the interests of the entire gentry class.

If Zhu Cilang really implemented reforms, what kind of impact would the interests of the Jiangnan gentry suffer? This was a situation Qian Qianyi absolutely did not want to see.

Although Wang Fuzhi did not say it explicitly, he had vaguely sensed Qian Qianyi's true intentions.

His eyes grew slightly stern, and he understood in his heart that this old minister, who seemed to be concerned about the country and the people, was actually planning for his own interests.

However, reality remains cruel and ruthless.

Whether you choose Zhu Cilang or those civil service forces, the final result is full of variables.

The Ming Dynasty today is like a precarious building, its future uncertain.

"You have a point, but the current situation is such that no matter what choice we make, we are all trying to survive in danger." Wang Fuzhi sighed, his words revealing helplessness and heaviness.

He was not naive and understood that no choice was completely safe.

Qian Qianyi was silent for a moment, then shook his head and whispered:

"There is no truly good chess game in this world. Only risky moves can give you a glimmer of hope."

The two looked at each other for a moment, each with his own thoughts.

"Okay, since you have made up your mind, I will not say any more." Qian Qianyi finally sighed and waved his hand:

"I hope you won't regret your choice today."

Wang Fuzhi stood up and bowed:
"Thank you, Mr. Qian, for your advice. But no matter what the future holds, I have no regrets."

(End of this chapter)