I, Emperor Chongzhen, will never be a ruler who brings about the downfall of a nation.

In the winter of the eleventh year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign, the Jurchen Jurchens, having entered the pass, were wreaking havoc in northern Zhili, causing turmoil and widespread panic in the Ming capital. Coupled with the ongoing banditry in the Central Plains, the aging and unstable Ming Dynasty seemed destined for collapse. With only five days remaining until Lu Xiangshan's death at Julu, a stern imperial edict urging war was issued from the capital. The Chongzhen Emperor, who sought to "pacify the internal before resisting external aggression," once again resorted to a disgraceful and disastrous decision. However, after a sudden fainting spell, Emperor Chongzhen changed, and the end of the Ming Dynasty seemed to be forcibly altered... "Military officers must contribute to protecting the country. Don't want to go to the battlefield with me? No problem. Bring good horses, armor, silver, and provisions in exchange for survival. The more you give, the more loyal you will be, and the longer you can stay in the capital." "With the country in turmoil, scholars must also contribute. Let those complaining Donglin scholars go to the city walls. If Beijing is no longer the enemy, there is still Kaifeng, Linqing, and Jinan. Wherever there are Jurchens, let them take up arms and resist. Let them be great loyal ministers of the Ming Dynasty!" "I..." "What's the point of keeping these horses and silver? Distribute them all to my new army! Not only silver, but also fertile land from the imperial estates. My personal guards will enjoy wealth and honor, receiving double pay from today onwards, and double again during wartime!" "Huang Degong! Take this flag and, together with Zhou Yuji, break through the Jurchen's lines! No matter the cost, you must rescue Lu Xiangshan! Tell him he cannot die; I will not allow him to die!" "Gentlemen, advance with my yellow dragon banner! If we are destined to fight the Jurchens to the bitter end here today, then let us die like men!"