Chapter 0001: The First Year of Chongzhen

Wei Zhongxian nodded slightly, secretly acknowledging that Wang Cheng'en indeed possessed some capability. Faced with such a tremendous temptation, being able to remain composed indicates potential for succession. However, it is not that simple. I have held the reins of the court for nearly a decade. The tree is tall and its roots are deep, intertwined and complex; it is not something you can easily influence.

"Lord Wei, you have arrived," Wang Cheng'en said, cupping his hands in salute

Wang Cheng'en was once again taken aback. He had already become somewhat numb from the excessive shocks he had received today. However, Wei Zhongxian's move at this moment might carry even greater weight than all the dreadful news he had just received combined. "Master Wei, the Emperor is ill. I just heard about the bad news from the northwestern border, which is why he fell ill. It seems rather inappropriate for you to say such things at this time, doesn't it?"

Why did Zhu Youjian suddenly recover his health so quickly? The explanation is not lengthy.

In his sixties, Wei Zhongxian, despite his advanced age, still presented a dignified appearance, which greatly differed from the portrayals in modern films and television dramas. With a smile, Wei Zhongxian clasped his hands in salute and said, "Your Excellency, this old servant has come to request a resignation from His Majesty. I am of advanced age, and I hold responsibilities in both the Eastern Depot and the Court of Rites, which I find increasingly difficult to manage. I wish to ask the Emperor to relieve me of one of my duties."

Because he did not walk the path of the underworld, he did not drink the Meng Po soup, and thus he carries the memories of his past life. In this life, he has experienced the scarred land of China, how to expel the Tartars and restore the homeland. He personally witnessed several wars and saw how China rose repeatedly from adversity, how it resisted the barbaric invasions of imperialism time and again. Amidst the ruins, he witnessed a powerful Chinese nation standing tall in the world, becoming a respected elder brother to many third-world countries.

Wang Cheng'en wiped away his tears and hurriedly went out to greet him. Although Wei Zhongxian had begun to lose power, his influence in the court remained significant, and the emperor had not yet taken any final action against him. The emperor's attitude was unclear, and Wang Cheng'en certainly did not dare to easily offend this former superior.

Due to the many beautiful women he failed to win in his past life, Zhu Youjian never married throughout his life. Although he remained unmarried, he adopted over thirty orphans and more than ten elderly individuals living alone. He never possessed a ten-yuan bill, his outer garments were faded from washing, and patches were sewn onto patches. By the time he retired, he had already stepped down from his position as village head, yet he continued to wear the old liberation shoes from his military service. The honors he received throughout his life were countless, yet he never once used public funds for personal enjoyment, nor did he ever take a single needle or thread from the common people. He continued to wear the old liberation shoes from his military service, and the honors he received throughout his life were countless, yet he never once used public funds for personal enjoyment, nor did he ever take a single needle or thread from the common people.

In this lifetime, Zhu Youjian has no regrets. He did not seek a woman because he found no woman worthy of his attention, nor did he have the opportunity to interact with those he might find appealing. Even when he stepped down, he was merely a village chief; how could he possibly engage with the upper echelons of society? Thus, he chose not to marry. This is the essence of Zhu Youjian's pride. Men born in the Year of the Rooster are inherently sharp and proud.

The Ming Dynasty had several capable generals in his time, yet how many did he not reuse? Is this not a sign of discernment in recognizing talent? Promoting the core members of the eunuch faction, is this not a display of broad-mindedness? He wished to communicate with the later generations of half-informed individuals, yet he had no opportunity. The true cause of Yuan Chonghuan's death was factional strife, not other trivial matters. Political struggles are brutal, and the intricacies of politics are beyond the comprehension of the common people. He wished to communicate with the later generations of half-informed individuals, yet he had no opportunity. The true cause of Yuan Chonghuan's death was factional strife, not other trivial matters. Political struggles are brutal, and the intricacies of politics are beyond the comprehension of the common people

Wei Zhongxian, with a sincere attitude, said, "Your Excellency Wang, we have known each other for so many years. With your talents, you can naturally take over any position held by this old servant. If we work together for His Majesty, it would also allow this old servant to catch his breath, wouldn't it"

However, later historical accounts claim that he lacked talent, discernment in recognizing people, and broad-mindedness. He was quite indignant! The execution of Yuan Chonghuan sparked significant controversy! He was also indignant about this! You have not experienced what I have gone through with books! How can you make baseless comments?

Because when Zhu Youjian hanged himself, he wore a shoe on one foot and not on the other, and the shoe was a red one. According to the laws of hell, such a death is one that the soul-reaping spirits dare not guide. Therefore, he did not enter hell and did not take the traditional path to the Yellow Springs, but was instead guided by a transcendent being, directly reincarnating in the year 1944, three hundred years later.

He enlisted at the age of 18 and joined the Communist Party of China in 1966. After being demobilized in 1969, he initially worked as a laborer and was later promoted to a national cadre. "Loyal bones are buried in every green mountain, unafraid to serve the people as a loyal servant!" This serves as his motto. Comrade Zhu Youjian is an outstanding Communist Party member, a model cadre in the spirit of Jiao Yulu, and a pioneer of the times! He dedicated his entire life to the rise of China, without any regrets!

In accordance with Comrade Zhu Youjian's own wishes, his ashes were scattered over the land where he worked and fought. Millions of Chinese sons and daughters, with tears in their eyes, faced the lush green mountains, the villages, and the bustling scenes, and called out: "Uncle Zhu!"

Wang Cheng'en certainly understands the significance of these two positions held by Wei Zhongxian! The Chief Eunuch of the Grand Council serves as a vital link between the Emperor and the ministers. When the Emperor has matters to convey to his subjects, it must go through the Chief Eunuch. Likewise, when ministers wish to report to the Emperor, they must also communicate through the Chief Eunuch. This position is akin to being half an Emperor! Otherwise, why would people refer to Wei Zhongxian as 'Nine Thousand Years'? As for the Director of the Eastern Depot, his power is even more overwhelming! He can deploy eunuchs throughout the national military and civil administration, controlling officials, commoners, and the army alike. These two positions essentially grant him the authority of half an Emperor! Otherwise, why would people refer to Wei Zhongxian as 'Nine Thousand Years'? The Director of the Eastern Depot wields immense power! He can utilize eunuchs spread across the national military and civil administration to exert control over all officials, commoners, and the military. These two positions are what any eunuch would dream of! "As for me, I lack the talents of Lord Wei, and I do not dare to comment on such significant matters. Once the Emperor's health improves, I will promptly report on Lord Wei's affairs to His Majesty."

Let the Empress Dowager come to see me! A spirited emperor appeared at the entrance of the Changqian Palace, it was none other than Zhu Youjian, the sovereign of the Ming Dynasty

When Zhu Youjian concluded his life in the modern era, his soul ascended into the air. The little ghosts were finally able to guide him to be reincarnated, only to discover that his life and death register still required him to return to the Ming Dynasty. The little ghost was rather careless; he was supposed to send Zhu Youjian back to the moment he hanged himself. However, due to a twist of fate, he misthrew and sent Zhu Youjian's soul to the first year of the Chongzhen era.

In the year 2044, when this centenarian passed away, he left behind neither remarkable achievements nor revered works for future generations. Zhu Youjian understood that he was not a person of extraordinary talent; he merely composed a humble and unadorned ode through his own hard work. However, he was unaware that after his death, over one million people would bid him farewell, and the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council would posthumously confer upon him the honor of being one of the 'Top 100 Influential Figures in China'.

Zhu Youjian suddenly emerged from the Chengqian Palace, startling both Wei Zhongxian and Wang Cheng'en. Wei Zhongxian was shocked because just moments ago, Wang Cheng'en had mentioned that the Emperor was ill. With such a demeanor, how could one claim he was unwell? Wang Cheng'en was taken aback as he had just seen the Emperor spitting blood in distress. How could it be that in such a short time, he appeared in this state? Moreover, the signs of fatigue had completely vanished! This vibrant and spirited appearance was something Wang Cheng'en had never witnessed before!

He has always served as a village chief, which was not his original intention. He initially had the opportunity to be promoted to a deputy county-level position, but he adheres to a principle: better to be the head of a dragon than the tail of a phoenix. Throughout his decades-long career in modern governance, he has been diligent in learning and thoughtful in reflection. He is acutely aware of his shortcomings in both political vision and political acumen.

As the two prominent eunuchs, one from the previous dynasty and the other from the current one, were conversing, a deep rumble of thunder echoed through the sky! It truly resembled the roar of a dragon! After more than half a year without rain, the northern sky suddenly erupted with wind and thunder, and torrential rain poured down! No one noticed that a beam of purple light shot into the Chengqian Palace within the Forbidden City