Chapter Twelve: Hidden Motives

“Th-this…” Upon hearing the eunuch’s words, Zhu Chuncheng couldn’t help but steal a glance at Gu Zhenhua.

“Duke, the Emperor is summoning you. What are you hesitating for? I shall accompany you,” Gu Zhenhua said as he dismounted from his warhorse and trailed closely behind Zhu Chuncheng. The old man was still visibly shaken, but Gu Zhenhua, unfazed by whatever tricks he might pull, led him to stand before Emperor Chongzhen’s horse.

“I, Minister Zhu Chuncheng, pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live forever!” Gu Zhenhua also bowed along with Zhu Chuncheng in salute to Chongzhen.

“Duke Cheng, please rise,” came a hoarse voice. The two men stood up abruptly. Gu Zhenhua looked up sharply and saw a middle-aged man seated astride a yellow horse. The man was thin, slightly hunched, with gaunt cheeks, yellowish skin tinged with a sallow pallor, bloodshot eyes, and an overall appearance as weary and fragile as a sprout. Gu Zhenhua’s hope dimmed; this emperor was nothing remarkable.

“My loyal ministers, the Ming dynasty’s realm is lost. I am a ruler of a fallen kingdom!” Chongzhen’s voice was filled with sorrow and despair.

“Your Majesty, perhaps there will still be loyalist forces. There’s no need to despair,” Zhu Chuncheng replied, though lacking any real conviction—he was essentially a captive. Yet Chongzhen seemed oblivious to this and instead turned, ordering a eunuch to bring forth a boy of about fifteen or sixteen.

“My loyal minister, among the nobles of the capital, you are the most senior and loyal to the Ming. I entrust the Crown Prince to your care. The last hope of the Ming dynasty now rests upon your shoulders. I beseech you not to refuse,” said Chongzhen.

“Ah!” Zhu Chuncheng was startled. In such times, the Crown Prince was a hot potato—if Li Zicheng’s forces breached the city, the prince would likely perish, and those protecting him would share the same fate. It was a perilous responsibility best avoided.

But as Zhu Chuncheng hesitated, Gu Zhenhua whispered behind him, “Duke, will you not accept the Emperor’s charge?”

“I accept! I accept!” Zhu Chuncheng was thoroughly frightened and hastily nodded. The old eunuch brought the Crown Prince Zhu Cilang to stand beside him.

Gu Zhenhua kept a close eye on the prince. After Li Zicheng’s forces entered Beijing, they had treated Chongzhen’s children relatively well, not causing them undue harm. As fellow Han Chinese rulers, Li Zicheng’s generosity extended even to the children. But Gu Zhenhua knew that once the Manchus invaded, the Ming Crown Prince would become invaluable. The Manchus had often rallied uprisings under the banner of the third son of Zhu.

At this moment, Gu Zhenhua was still weak and outnumbered; he must learn to leverage circumstances. If he could secure the Crown Prince, it would be a trump card for winning hearts and minds, worth any risk. It was with this in mind that Gu Zhenhua had Zhu Chuncheng agree to accept the prince.

“My loyal minister, here is my seal and my last… my final will. From now on, you shall command the armies and assist the Crown Prince!” Chongzhen said, handing a yellow cloth bundle to Zhu Chuncheng through Wang Cheng’en.

Zhu Chuncheng accepted it, and a glimmer of hope flashed in Gu Zhenhua’s eyes.

Protector of the orphaned heir!

With this title, they could rally those still loyal to Ming among the military, civilians, and officials, firmly anchoring their cause in righteousness. The prince, the seal, the edict—none could be forsaken. Gu Zhenhua silently resolved this.

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At that moment, a fresh volley of cannon fire erupted. The forces of the Great Shun advanced with even greater ferocity.

“Your Majesty, it would be wise to take refuge for now. Leave this place to Duke Cheng,” the old eunuch Wang Cheng’en urged. Chongzhen reluctantly nodded.

“Minister Zhu, I entrust everything to you,” said Chongzhen before hastily retreating toward the Forbidden City, leaving Zhu Chuncheng standing dumbfounded. Gu Zhenhua smiled as he approached.

“Congratulations, Duke. You are now the trusted minister entrusted with the orphaned heir—a truly joyous occasion.”

“Mr. Gu, my life is no longer my own. What is there to celebrate?” Zhu Chuncheng’s expression was forlorn. “I only hope you will keep your promise. Once the person reaches Chaoyang Gate, you must grant me my freedom.”

“Rest assured, Duke, I am a man of my word.”

They mounted their horses and swiftly rode toward Xizhimen. The sky had darkened, but the west side of the city was ablaze with cannon fire, painting half the sky red.

Gu Zhenhua silently calculated: it was the night of March 18th. In just one day, the rebel king would storm Beijing, and Chongzhen would hang himself on Coal Hill. Time was of the essence.

“Duke, you are now the minister entrusted with the orphaned heir. You can command several hundred men without issue. Issue orders quickly—have my elder brother and the others await the right moment at Chaoyang Gate. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Zhu Chuncheng forced a bitter smile. “Mr. Gu, you’re right, but don’t forget, there are still Ming troops at Chaoyang Gate. Would it really be easy for a few hundred men to leave the city?”

Gu Zhenhua frowned and asked coldly, “What’s your plan?”

“Simple. First, go to Xizhimen, then under the pretext of heightened war tension, transfer troops from Chaoyang Gate. Next, have Lu Yong take over the city’s defenses. That way, you can leave without any obstacles.”

Gu Zhenhua nodded slightly—indeed, it was a good plan. Yet inwardly, he wondered when Zhu Chuncheng had become so considerate, even thinking of the kidnappers.

As they neared Xizhimen, the road was lined with wounded soldiers groaning in agony. Cannonballs struck the city walls like thunderclaps, shaking hearts with terror.

Suddenly, a hastily approaching deputy general arrived, breathless. Upon seeing Zhu Chuncheng, he said urgently, “Duke, the rebel forces are pressing hard; our brothers cannot hold much longer. We desperately need reinforcements!”

Zhu Chuncheng nodded weakly. “Very well. Go and relay my order—have the garrison at Chaoyang Gate come to support us.”

“Duke, this may be unwise. If Chaoyang Gate falls, then…” the deputy general hesitated.

“Do not worry. Chaoyang Gate is not the main target of the rebels. I have already sent my retainers there to ensure everything is secure.”

The deputy general, unaware of the true situation, assumed Zhu Chuncheng had a well-thought-out plan. He hurried off to deliver the order.

Zhu Chuncheng watched the man’s departing back and then looked at Gu Zhenhua with a smile. “Mr. Gu, I have fulfilled my promise. Now it’s up to you!”

“Haha, no need to rush. Wait until the men are out of the city. Then escort me safely to Chaoyang Gate, and I will release you.”

“Hmph!” Zhu Chuncheng snorted, knowing Gu Zhenhua was not to be easily dealt with, but kept silent.

After a moment, Zhu Chuncheng suddenly said, “Mr. Gu, there is something I wish to discuss with you. Would you be willing to listen?”

“Of course, Duke. Whatever you advise, I shall heed.”

The two entered an empty shop by the street. The owner had long fled. Xue Biao and his men guarded the doors and windows while Gu Zhenhua and Zhu Chuncheng sat facing each other.

“Mr. Gu, you are a wise man. Frankly, the Ming dynasty is doomed. Li Zicheng’s rise is inevitable. One must follow the tide of fate, not fight against it.”

Gu Zhenhua smiled faintly. “Duke, you have just been entrusted by the Emperor, and yet you say such things? Is that fitting?”

“Sigh, a wise man knows when to yield. I have no other choice. Mr. Gu, I have a proposal. The Crown Prince and the seal are in my hands. If we surrender these to Li Zicheng, we will be richly rewarded and live in luxury. I will not claim all the credit. If you agree, we will present them together and open Xizhimen. A change of dynasty—both of us shall be ministers enjoying wealth and power. Isn’t that desirable? I see no need for you to insist on leaving the city. With your courage and spirit, Li Zicheng will surely value you. Perhaps in a few years, you will surpass me, and then I shall rely on your favor.”

Gu Zhenhua let out a cold sneer. “Duke, from your words, I can only say two words to you: scoundrel! Your family has enjoyed the Ming’s grace for over two centuries, holding the highest offices. Do you have no gratitude at all?”

Insulted as a scoundrel, Zhu Chuncheng’s anger surged, but he restrained himself, thinking that once they surrendered to Li Zicheng, as a dignified duke, his position would not be insignificant. Then dealing with Gu Zhenhua, a mere insect, would be effortless. The old man stifled his fury, smiling faintly.

“Mr. Gu, you are still young. If I live, perhaps I can still support the Ming imperial clan. But if I die, nothing can be done.”

Gu Zhenhua nodded slightly, then looked at Zhu Chuncheng with amusement. Suddenly, he smiled, “Duke, your insight is remarkable. I shall go out and discuss with the brothers.”