I, Emperor Chongzhen, have extended the life of the Ming Dynasty by five hundred years.

Li Yan listened quietly and remained silent for a long time.

He once seriously considered a question: What constitutes a well-governed world?

Legend has it that during the time of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors in ancient times, people did not lock their doors at night and did not pick up lost items on the road. This period was regarded by scholars as a time of great peace and prosperity.

In his heart, he had no regrets in life for assisting Li Zicheng in establishing the Great Shun Dynasty, implementing benevolent governance, and ensuring that the people of the world would no longer suffer from hunger and cold.

However, as the rebel army continued to grow stronger, he watched as those generals transformed from exploited, impoverished people into powerful figures who would exploit the people.

He repeatedly advised Li Zicheng to allow the people to recuperate and stabilize their morale.

These words, on the contrary, made him a thorn in the side of others, and everyone wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.

True acts of benevolent governance are right before our eyes, yet we remain blind to them.

"My wife, I was wrong!"

"What's wrong with it?"

"I……"

Li Yan was speechless for a moment, and after a long while, he said, "I thought Chongzhen had bewitched you."

Hong Niangzi chuckled lightly, "Do you think I sided with Chongzhen for wealth and power?"

"I know my wife isn't that kind of person. However, back then, when Liu Fangliang and Ma Chongxi plotted against me, I thought my wife had sided with Chongzhen only for revenge. Only today have I realized that I was wrong all along, and you were right."

"Do you still want to die now?"

Li Yan hesitated for a moment, then said, "My lady has rendered great service to the Ming Dynasty, while I am a rebel who has been persecuted by my own people. I have never done anything for Chongzhen, so how can I have the face to pledge allegiance to him..."

"Do you remember that Emperor Chongzhen once wrote you a letter urging you to surrender? As far as I know, that letter was very sincere."

"Times have changed. If I were still the commander-in-chief of Zhending, holding military power, surrendering to Chongzhen could be considered as redeeming myself through meritorious service. But now I am just a discarded pawn, utterly worthless..."

"My lord, you're wrong again!"

Hong Niangzi shook her head and continued, "If Chongzhen valued the troops under our command, he wouldn't have captured us three times without killing us. He genuinely hoped that you and I would serve the Ming Dynasty. He even told me personally that among the rebel army, you were the one he admired the most."

"Admire me? What's there to admire about me..."

"It was you who often advised Li Zicheng to implement benevolent policies and allow the people to recuperate."

Li Yan lowered his head, and after a long while, he said, "I'll go back with you."

"Do you still want to die?"

"I'm not begging anymore, this time I'm just trying to survive."

Hong Niangzi didn't say anything more, mounted her horse, pulled Li Yan up, and hurried back to Zhengding.

At this moment, the soldiers were still waiting anxiously at the prefectural government office in Zhending City.

Everyone looked at each other, bewildered. No one knew what had happened or how long they would have to wait.

Gao Jie looked around and came to Li Ruolian's side, asking, "Commander Li, what is His Majesty busy with? He summoned us here, and it's almost dark..."

Li Ruolian glanced at him and said calmly, "His Majesty has his own plans for doing things. We'll just have to wait and see."

"Yes, yes..."

Gao Jie, realizing he had made a fool of himself, could only give an awkward smile and continue waiting.

Just then, a commotion arose at the door.

Gao Jie turned his head and saw that it was Li Yan and his wife, Hong Niangzi.

According to intelligence, Hong Niangzi has surrendered to the Ming Dynasty, but Li Yan...

Li Yan had changed his clothes, so the wounds on his body were no longer visible. However, his face was pale, and his steps were unsteady, as if he was enduring great pain with every step.

If Hong Niangzi has already surrendered, Li Yan must have surrendered as well.

Thinking of this, he quickly put on a smiling face and went to greet them.

"Brother Li Yan, it's been a long time. So you've also abandoned the darkness and embraced the light?"

Li Yan looked at Gao Jie but didn't react much, simply replying, "General Gao, it's been a long time."

"We're brothers, why are you calling me 'General'? That's too formal!"

"General Gao, you're too kind!"

Li Yan did not like Gao Jie because the man was greedy and lecherous, and had even cuckolded Li Zicheng. He could no longer survive in the Ming Dynasty, so he surrendered to the Ming.

Gao Jie looked at Hong Niangzi and said, "Sister-in-law..."

Before he could finish speaking, another series of footsteps approached.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

With a loud voice, Zhu Youjian, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, slowly stepped in.

Gao Jie quickly wiped the smile off his face and joined the others in bowing and paying their respects.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"All of you, rise!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhu Youjian sat at the head of the table, looking at everyone.

"This great victory at Zhending Prefecture, annihilating the southern route army of the rebels and killing their leader Liu Fangliang, is a testament to the invaluable contributions of all of you!"

"Since you have rendered meritorious service, I will not hesitate to reward you. I have previously stated that whoever is the first to breach the city will be ennobled as a marquis..."

Zhu Youjian glanced around, then looked at Hong Niangzi and said, "Hong Niangzi, the General of Zhen Ding, was the first to breach the North Gate; she is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Pingxi!"

These words caused an uproar at the scene.

It's true that Hong Niangzi was the first to break through the north gate, but she was a woman!

Even granting Li Yan a marquisate would be reasonable.

Zhu Youjian asked, "Do any of you ministers have any objections?"

The crowd looked at each other, none of them daring to speak.

Zhu Youjian then said, "On this joyous occasion, everyone may speak freely. It is alright if you say something wrong; I will not blame you."

Seeing this, Hong Niangzi stepped forward and said first, "I implore Your Majesty to rescind your decree!"

Zhu Youjian smiled enigmatically and asked, "Why?"

Hong Niangzi said, "Today's great victory is entirely due to Your Majesty's strategic planning; I... dare not claim credit for it!"

Zhu Youjian shook his head and said, "I was only responsible for commanding from the center. This battle relied entirely on the bravery of the three armies. You deserve the greatest credit, and I keep my word. This merit is well-deserved!"

"Then... I don't want it either!"

Give me a reason.

"I once opposed Your Majesty, yet Your Majesty spared my life three times and even helped me avenge my family. This is how I repay Your Majesty's kindness!"

"Using my reward to repay a favor, you certainly know how to scheme."

"That's not what I meant! I, I... Ugh, I'm bad with words, I don't know how to talk! Anyway, I don't want to!"

Zhu Youjian smiled faintly and said, "If we don't accept the credit for first place, what about the others?"

"This, this..."

Hong Niangzi was at a loss and subconsciously looked at Li Yan.

Li Yan could only whisper, "Give them your thanks!"

Lady Hong bowed deeply: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. I will certainly perform new merits!"

"Rise!"

After Zhu Youjian finished speaking, he looked at the others and continued, "All of you have come from afar to assist me in suppressing the rebellion, and you will all be rewarded!"

"Liu Zeqing!"

"Your subject is here!"

Liu Zeqing quickly bowed down.

Zhu Youjian said, "Your Excellency will be granted the title of Vice Minister of War and will continue to guard Shandong. However, I have a special task for you."

"Please give your orders, Your Majesty!"

"After Mao Wenlong's death, Pi Island fell, and the Manchus no longer had any worries about their rear. I request that you send troops as soon as possible to recapture Pi Island and establish a base in the rear of the Manchus, mainly for harassment. In short, we cannot let these Jurchen barbarians live in peace."

This was the first time Liu Zeqing had heard the term "base area," but upon reflection, it seemed quite fitting.

"I obey your decree!"

Zhu Youjian nodded and continued, "Liu Liangzuo!"

"Your subject is here!"

"Your Excellency will be granted the title of Vice Minister of War in Nanjing, and will lead troops out of Tongguan, into Shaanxi, to recover the lost territory!"

"I obey your decree!"

"Gao Jie!"

"Your subject is here."

"You've fought many battles, large and small, over the years, but as far as I know, you've never dared to engage Li Zicheng's main force, have you?"

Gao Jie immediately panicked and hurriedly said, "I am not afraid of Li Zicheng, but... I didn't adjust my strategy well and suffered losses twice..."

"Since that's the case, I'll give you a chance!"

Zhu Youjian paused for a moment, then said, "I will bestow upon you the title of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War in Nanjing, and send you to lead troops out of Zijing Pass to suppress Li Zicheng's main force!"

Gao Jie gritted his teeth: "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Although I don't want to face Li Zicheng, what's coming will come sooner or later.

Since we can't avoid it, we might as well fight it!

If a woman like Hong Niangzi could be granted a title, then if she could defeat Li Zicheng, she would certainly receive a great reward.

Zhu Youjian continued, "The Changshan Guard is established in Zhengding Prefecture, and Miao Gang is appointed as its commander. Your duty is to assist Baoding Prefecture in implementing the new policies. Anyone who dares to undermine the new policies is opposing me. Do you know what to do?"

Miao Gang was overjoyed and hurriedly said, "To oppose His Majesty deserves death!"

Zhu Youjian nodded slowly, and finally looked at Li Yan.

"Li Yan was appointed Prefect of Zhen Ding."

Li Yan hurriedly kowtowed and said, "This sinful person is filled with fear..."

"I'm telling you what to do, so do it. What's there to be afraid of? Zhending has just experienced war, and the people need to recuperate. Your task is to extend the new policies of Baoding to Zhending. I'm waiting to see your achievements."

"Your subject receives the imperial decree!"