Chapter 8, The Crooked Neck Tree

After my soul replaced Chongzhen, I was unable to inherit the original fortune. Within three months of sitting on the Dragon Throne, there were either earthquakes or civil unrest. Well-known historical figures were also eliminated, and it was evident that we were heading towards a desperate situation. The final destination was likely to be that crooked-neck tree on Jingshan.

But what time is it now! Outside, there are corpses everywhere, and the stench of death is suffocating. If Chongzhen were to be harmed, who would be responsible? Who would be accountable for the Ming Empire! Therefore, including Wang Jiazhen, everyone opposed Chongzhen leaving the city

Although the historical context has undergone significant changes, I still maintain an absolute advantage. To use gaming terminology, in this real game, I am the final boss

I did not procrastinate either, and immediately appointed Sun Chengzong as the governor of Shaanxi. The previously appointed Yang He accompanied him and was to follow Sun Chengzong's orders.

Your Majesty, the preliminary statistics have been released. This earthquake has resulted in nearly 200,000 deaths, with the number of collapsed buildings being incalculable, and the affected population reaching as high as 700,000

At this moment, Wang Jiazhen's complexion was waxy yellow. He was currently in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, and the heavy workload over the past few days had left him extremely listless and fatigued. To exaggerate, he could even fall asleep while standing.

Sun Chengzong volunteered to go to Shaanxi, which surprised me somewhat, but I am also very pleased. If Sun Chengzong is stationed in Shaanxi, I believe the civil unrest will soon be quelled

Indeed, since fate has played tricks on me, what is there left to negotiate? I shall rise up and resist, achieving something to show fate, to let it see a different side of me, and to make it understand that I am not one to be trifled with

I, a humble minister, am willing to personally travel to Shaanxi to alleviate the Emperor's concerns

To speak frankly, the approach taken by Shaanxi is already the best solution. The policy is primarily focused on eradication, with Governor Sun Chengzong overseeing military and political affairs, and Yang He providing assistance. Tax reductions and measures to care for the people are being implemented, along with the reorganization of the local government in Shaanxi. If any further mistakes occur, it would undoubtedly be a conspiracy of fate

Liu Hongxun and others heard that Emperor Chongzhen intended to visit the disaster-stricken areas, and they were extremely frightened, urging him to reconsider. They understood that as the Son of Heaven, Emperor Chongzhen should indeed visit the affected people, as it could play a role in stabilizing public sentiment

Sun Chengzong's greatest regret in life was his inability to enter the decision-making circle; commanding troops outside, he was always constrained by the powerful ministers. A single remark from Emperor Chongzhen could have alleviated his regret, yet he felt little joy. In light of the current situation, how could he possibly feel happy

I possess inherent advantages; regardless of how the environment changes, the identity of Emperor Chongzhen, the legitimate Son of Heaven, and the nominal ruler of all the people under heaven, these are unparalleled advantages. As long as they are utilized well, any difficulties can be overcome

No! Since I have arrived in this era, I cannot remain passive.

Your Majesty, while Yang He is indeed an honest official, the situation in Shaanxi is such that relying solely on a single honest official may not suffice. Your Majesty is focused on suppression, yet many civil officials lack military knowledge. Any slight misstep could lead to unimaginable consequences. Sun Chengzong has no personal objections to Yang He, but he is quite skeptical about Yang He's capability as the governor of military and political affairs in Shaanxi. Can Yang He truly engage in warfare? He harbors doubts.

I pondered for a moment and felt that Sun Chengzong's words were not without merit. Since history has played such a great joke on me, following the course of history may very well be digging my own grave. "Minister Sun, what is your opinion on this"

The work of providing relief to the disaster victims in the capital region will be personally undertaken by Wang Aiqing, and there must be no slightest oversight. I will now go to the disaster area to take a look. It is called a disaster area, and to speak without exaggeration, as soon as one leaves the city of Beijing, it is a disaster area.

The Ministry of Revenue still has some silver for the time being! Immediately send someone to the south to purchase grain, as much as possible. Not only grain, but anything that is edible and easy to store should be bought.

"Minister Sun, from now on you shall enter the cabinet! I need someone knowledgeable in military affairs, and it is not feasible to be without you. Just now, I discussed with Minister Liu and others the approach to handling matters in Shaanxi... What do you think, Minister Sun?"

Regardless of the opposition from Liu Hongxun and others, I insist on going out to see for myself. This is also a result of the subtle influences from later generations. As the head of a country, when such a major disaster occurs, how can I understand the real situation by sitting in the "office" and listening to reports without going to the people?

At the beginning of the true Chongzhen's reign, the situation was relatively favorable. If he had not executed Yuan Chonghuan and destroyed the Great Wall, there would still have been great potential for success

Having been here for such a long time, I have yet to interact with ordinary citizens, and I have no understanding of the real issues affecting people's livelihoods. Without this understanding, I cannot make accurate decisions. For the sake of my own future, I must be well-informed

Having watched the documentary on the earthquake, I had made some speculations about the situation. However, after listening to Wang Jiazhen's report, I still find it hard to imagine the severity of the situation: 200,000 people dead, 700,000 affected. It is as if a heavy blow has been dealt to the very heart of the Ming Empire

"After a great disaster, one must guard against a great epidemic." This phrase suddenly came to my mind, reminding me that it was during a later period when certain leaders first advised their subordinates in the face of natural disasters. It seems I have been subtly influenced. "Immediately gather all the physicians in the Beijing area and have them prepare for preventive measures to avoid the outbreak of an epidemic."

Wang Jiazhen nodded in agreement. Although grain had already been purchased earlier, it is not detrimental to store more grain at this time; it is very necessary to prepare a little extra.

Your Excellency, despite being in your sixties, you still toil for the country, which causes me great unease and deep concern. However, Shaanxi is of national importance; should the bandits roam and wreak havoc in the region, it would undoubtedly be difficult to manage. I entrust Shaanxi to you.

In this situation, it is truly unacceptable for him not to step forward; serving the ruler and being loyal to the state is precisely what this principle entails

Secondly, it is not his arrogance; among the current court, there are very few civil and military officials capable of warfare. The foremost is Yuan Chonghuan, who is stationed in the northern frontier, and the troops in the northern frontier cannot be mobilized in the slightest, otherwise it would be difficult to contain the Later Jin.

Having dealt with the matters in Shaanxi, I must now address the pressing issue at hand. The destruction caused by the earthquake in Beijing cannot be overlooked, so I will promptly seek out Wang Jiazhen to inquire about this matter

The reasons why Sun Chengzong requested to handle the affairs in Shaanxi are twofold. First, he is well aware of the reasons behind the civil unrest in Shaanxi and has predicted the potential consequences if the situation is not managed properly

Wang Jiazhen was taken aback, not expecting that Emperor Chongzhen would think of this first. He quickly nodded and said, "Your Majesty is wise; I will immediately take action on this matter." He truly had not considered this, and the epidemic prevention work was indeed of utmost importance. With the heat of summer, if a large-scale epidemic were to occur, the number of deaths would be incalculable.

Otherwise, if one gives orders recklessly, one will only end up directing oneself to the side of the crooked neck tree. Damn it, why am I thinking about that crooked neck tree again? Tomorrow, let's have someone find it and chop it down!

Liu Hongxun, Sun Chengzong, and others suddenly noticed that the despondent and helpless appearance of Emperor Chongzhen transformed into one of vitality; the gloomy expression on his face was replaced by a look of determination and composure.