Chapter 003: Wishes

At this moment, Zhang Mingwei had already called up the historical documentary and projected it onto the white cloth, commencing an unprecedented film within the Ming Palace during the fifteenth year of the Chongzhen era, a film that was unheard of and unseen before

He was momentarily at a loss, and the eunuch also appeared to be taken aback for a moment. However, once he regained his composure, he did not inquire further as to why. Since it was a directive from the Emperor, it was simply a matter of carrying it out.

Zhu Cilang and Zhu Meisheng are both thirteen years old, with a nominal age of fourteen. In ancient times, individuals were considered more mature at this age, thus they both appear to be around fifteen or sixteen years old

This eunuch felt somewhat perplexed. He looked down at himself and found nothing amiss. He then pondered whether there was something he had yet to complete that required his attention. It seemed there was nothing left, was there?

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen regained his composure and quickly nodded, saying: "Alright, go quickly!"

However, Emperor Chongzhen turned his head to glance at him, using his gaze to halt his actions

As for Emperor Chongzhen himself, his eyes brightened as he began to scrutinize Zhang Mingwei from head to toe, as if he were seeing Zhang Mingwei for the first time

He now feels a sense of hope for the revival of the Ming Dynasty, and his entire demeanor is filled with vitality

Emperor Chongzhen furrowed his brow, making an effort to listen to what he was saying. At first, there was no particular expression on his face. However, when he heard Zhang Mingwei mention "Reviving the Ming Dynasty," he suddenly jolted, as if someone had injected him with boundless vitality, and he came to life in an instant

Recalling his own loyalty, he felt that this outcome was to be expected. However, it was only after the facts were laid bare before him that he truly felt at ease. For some reason, when he suddenly looked at Zhang Mingwei's back, he found it very pleasing to the eye

The Emperor Chongzhen beside him, understanding what Zhang Mingwei was worried about, revealed a hint of a reassuring smile and introduced, "He is Wang Cheng'en!"

In summary, a series of questions immediately arose in their minds

Zhang Mingwei ceased to speak upon seeing them enter. With a hint of curiosity, he observed Zhu Cilang and Zhu Meishan, silently praising them in his heart, as expected of those born into royalty, they both looked quite impressive

With this thought in mind, he excitedly assured, "Rest assured, sir, I am the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and what I have said is absolutely..."

So it was him! Upon hearing this, Zhang Mingwei smiled, nodded at the eunuch, who was Wang Cheng'en, and then turned to operate his mobile phone

This is no mere talk; for Emperor Chongzhen, his greatest difficulty was the inability to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, not knowing who could get things done. However, if there were people from future generations to assist him, this problem could be resolved. In this way, wouldn't the revival of the Ming Dynasty have hope?

Zhang Mingwei listened and was about to unlock his phone when he suddenly remembered and turned to look at the eunuch present, ceasing all actions.

In his early twenties, he has a good height and appearance, though his hair is a bit short. He might be a monk who has recently returned to secular life. Having just come from the afterlife, he is certainly single

For someone who knows they are about to lose their entire kingdom, it is understandable if they are willing to give up half of it in order to ultimately preserve the rest. Regardless of what happens in the future, this is precisely how Emperor Chongzhen thought at this moment.

This is indeed half of the great Ming dynasty! Yet, without a second thought, he rejected it. This person truly possesses the legendary qualities of a sage!

He strode forward, quickly crossing a few steps to stand in front of Zhang Mingwei, his face filled with surprise as he excitedly asked: "You... sir... are you saying that Daming still has hope? Is that right, Daming still has hope?"

On the contrary, Zhu Cilang and Zhu Meishan looked completely bewildered: What is this situation, what is going on?

The eunuch received the imperial decree, feeling delighted in his heart. He quickly responded and hurriedly walked out of the palace.

Zhang Mingwei had everything set up and was about to start playing when he suddenly thought of something. He turned to Emperor Chongzhen, who was standing behind him, and said: "Your Majesty, my phone has limited battery..."

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Zhang Mingwei. With a slight smile, he pointed to the pile of memorials on the table and said: "I do not possess Your Majesty's perseverance in managing state affairs, nor do I wish to live such a life. What I desire is, after the revival of the Ming Dynasty, to impart all that I have learned throughout my life to my fellow countrymen, and then to travel through mountains and rivers, savor the delicacies of the world, and explore the entire globe"

However, who would have thought that upon hearing these words, Zhang Mingwei immediately shook his head and said earnestly: "Your Majesty, I hope you understand one thing, I will do my utmost to help you restore the Ming Dynasty, not for the sake of wealth and honor. I have no interest in power or territory. What I desire most in my life is to change the regrets of history, so that our Huaxia people may not suffer misfortunes and continue to stand tall at the pinnacle of the world"

"Good, good, good!" Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen directly overlooked the implication that effort may not necessarily lead to success. He excitedly rubbed his hands together and said happily, "As long as you can help me restore the Ming Dynasty, I am willing to share the empire equally with you"

Even Emperor Chongzhen was greatly shocked upon hearing this. Although he did not understand concepts like the pinnacle of the world, he could feel that the person before him possessed a genuine heart dedicated to the country and its people

Your Majesty promised to share the kingdom, yet this person rejected it without a second thought. From his words and actions, it appears that he is not someone who is worldly wise; his outright refusal seems to be his true intention

The eunuch beside him had previously observed Zhang Weiming's ease and composure in front of the emperor, showing no signs of reverence or fear towards the Ming emperor, which had initially caused some dissatisfaction. However, upon hearing this, he was immediately taken aback in shock

Emperor Chongzhen was momentarily taken aback, and as he imagined what Zhang Mingwei had described, he suddenly felt that such days might not be so bad after all

During the waiting period, Zhang Mingwei briefly recounted the subsequent history to Emperor Chongzhen. Throughout this process, the expression of Emperor Chongzhen grew heavy once again. He remained silent, simply listening intently.

Emperor Chongzhen nodded and said with a sense of respect: "Good!"

When Zhang Mingwei spoke of the great powers dividing China, stating that Chinese and dogs were not allowed to enter, Wang Cheng'en arrived with Prince Zhu Cilang and Princess Zhu Meisheng.

Zhang Mingwei was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this. He considered that the Crown Prince was very important during the late Ming period, and therefore deemed it necessary for him to come and take a look as well

At this moment, Emperor Chongzhen resembled an elderly man on the verge of death, exuding an aura devoid of any vitality. Perhaps the impact of the truth was too great for him, leading to his profound despondency

Thus, he immediately responded with an acknowledgment and then departed

The position of the white cloth was indicated by Zhang Mingwei, and the only suitable place to place the phone was on the table inside the main hall. He walked over to take a look at the mountain of memorials and then proceeded to use the memorials to secure the phone.

With this thought, a sudden idea flashed through his mind, and he instructed the eunuch again, saying: "Summon Princess Kunxing to come over!"

At this moment, Emperor Chongzhen, apart from Zhang Mingwei, had little else to concern himself with. The eunuch waited for a while but heard no sound; when he looked up, he saw that the emperor was merely gazing at that person

They all knew that the state affairs were difficult and that their father, the emperor, was in a bad mood. Upon hearing that the emperor had summoned them, they felt a bit uneasy, not knowing what the matter was. Upon entering the great hall, they were surprised to find a young stranger with short hair, dressed in peculiar clothing, speaking eloquently to their father, the emperor, who was listening intently with a serious expression.

At this point, seeing the puzzled expressions on Emperor Chongzhen and the eunuch, I added an explanation: "What I mean is, this thing of mine can only be viewed once, and then it cannot be seen again. This information is extremely precious. I suggest that Your Majesty might as well summon the Crown Prince as well, to open his eyes and see what the future world will be like. In this way, it will undoubtedly be of great assistance in the revival of the Ming Dynasty"

However, this thought was fleeting

At this moment, Emperor Chongzhen had such a thought

Young people always possess a surge of passion, and Zhang Mingwei is no exception. His words reflect his true thoughts, rather than being mere excuses

Once everyone had gathered, Zhang Mingwei immediately said to Emperor Chongzhen: "Your Majesty, shall we begin now?"

Wang Cheng'en, upon witnessing this scene and hearing the conversation, suddenly realized: so it turns out that he is not the eunuch who opened the door to welcome the thief, but very likely the eunuch who would sacrifice himself for the Ming Dynasty

What is going on? Who is this person

The person beside was very pleased with this response, believing it to be the best. Therefore, seeing that neither the Emperor nor this person spoke, he quickly interjected to ask Emperor Chongzhen: "Your Majesty, should this servant go to summon the Crown Prince?"

Seeing Emperor Chongzhen so agitated, Zhang Mingwei was also somewhat excited. After taking a deep breath, he earnestly said to him: "Since heaven has allowed me to traverse to Your Majesty's presence, it must be to assist Your Majesty in revitalizing the Ming Dynasty. Whether I can succeed, I do not know. However, if I do not make an effort, there will certainly be no hope. Therefore, I can assure Your Majesty that I will do my utmost to help Your Majesty in revitalizing the Ming Dynasty! At the very least, I know who in history was loyal to Your Majesty and to the Ming Dynasty!"

Seeing his actions, the eunuch wanted to step forward to stop him. It must be understood that this was the imperial desk, which was not something that others could casually touch

His situation is akin to that of a person sentenced to death who suddenly learns that the verdict was a mistake and that he is innocent. This overwhelming excitement of grasping at a lifeline caused him to immediately change the way he addressed others

But what does it mean that Emperor Chongzhen still wants to call the princess over? Is it possible that there will be another backup? However, the Ming Dynasty has never had a female emperor