My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Inside the waterside pavilion, a long silence fell once again.

The smile, displeasure, reserve, theatrics... all the expressions on Chongzhen's face had vanished without a trace. He simply looked at the "king" who was prostrate on the ground in such a humble manner, at his simple blue Taoist robe that was completely incongruous with his royal status, at his gray hair and slightly trembling shoulders.

This time, Chongzhen did not immediately help him up, nor did he speak immediately.

He remained silent, his gaze deep and penetrating, as if he could see through Li Zong's body and perceive something more. He saw the cold, cruel reality in Li Zong's words—the people's hearts had been lost, and returning to the country would inevitably lead to chaos. He saw the profound fear and despair behind the phrase "rather than wait until then," a clear-headed understanding of his own and his family's fate.

We also see behind that "be more proactive, be more dignified" attitude that a last monarch, in dire straits, is fighting for the last pitiful, and perhaps only, bit of "dignity" and chance of survival for himself and his family.

What Li Zong said was true in every word and reasonable in every sentence.

They even saw things more clearly and thought things through more "thoroughly" than the emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

After experiencing a series of blows—the fall of his kingdom, exile, dependence on others, and the shattering of his illusions—this former king finally came to his senses and gave up completely.

He wasn't acting, he wasn't testing anyone; he had truly accepted his fate and was genuinely making arrangements for his "afterlife."

A complex emotion welled up in Chongzhen's heart once again.

There was relief at having completely solved the problem, satisfaction at Li Zong's "pragmatism," and pride at "subduing the enemy without fighting," but more than anything, there was an indescribable... pity, and even a trace of respect.

In such circumstances, to make such a clear-headed, resolute, and "overall-oriented" choice, Li Zong may have been a failure in governing the country and defending against enemies, but in seeking a way out for his family, he demonstrated the final wisdom and responsibility of a king who had lost his country.

"Ugh……"

After a long while, Emperor Chongzhen finally let out a long, slow sigh.

In that sigh, there was emotion, relief, and a sense of weightlessness. He no longer hesitated, nor did he need to pretend anymore.

He stood up, walked around the small table, went to Li Zong, bent down, and stretched out his hands. This time, he truly grasped Li Zong's cold and trembling arms and forcefully helped him up from the ground.

"Get up, get up quickly."

Emperor Chongzhen's voice became gentler than ever before, even carrying a hint of undeniable strength.

"Since you have such a heart, such a profound understanding of righteousness, such insight into the times, and such a focus on the country, the people, and the nation, and are willing to give up the throne to promote the unification of the world... how could I be such a cold-hearted and ungrateful ruler who does not care for his subjects?"

He helped Li Zong stand up, looking at the other's pale, haggard face, his eyes glistening with tears, and spoke solemnly:

"Indeed, I will not hide it from you today. Since you see it so clearly, I will be frank with you."

The Ming Dynasty has clearly made long-term considerations regarding the situation in Korea. You guessed correctly, Japan harbors wolfish ambitions, repeatedly encroaching on our maritime borders and eyeing our Celestial Empire; it is a thorn in the side of our Great Ming. To permanently secure our maritime borders, military action against Japan is inevitable. Korea, possessing the key to Tsushima and controlling the throat of the Gulf Sea, is the perfect springboard for our Celestial Empire's navy to venture forth and manage the Eastern Ocean—a place we must occupy!
This is a national policy, concerning the long-term stability of the nation, not merely my personal desire. Even if we return Korea to you today, in the future, due to the need to deal with Japan, the Ming Dynasty will inevitably station troops, establish ports, and control key points in Korea. At that time… discord between us, as ruler and subject, will inevitably recur, even leading to armed conflict. That would be true bloodshed and devastation, something neither of us desires.”

He patted Li Zong's hand to comfort him.
"Fortunately, you know how to assess the situation and are willing to follow the will of Heaven and the people, and have taken the initiative to submit. This is a great achievement, and it is also the best strategy to preserve our relationship as ruler and subject, and to protect the well-being of the Korean people!"

Rest assured, I will never betray your loyalty and dedication!

Emperor Chongzhen pulled Li Zong to sit down again, while he himself returned to his throne, leaning slightly forward with a piercing gaze, and began to make promises—promises made by an emperor, promises that were as firm as gold and jade.
"Once the dust settles on the matter in Korea, the prefectures and counties are established, and everything is back on track, I will give you the choice of where to go. If you wish to remain in your homeland of Korea, I will build you a manor and gardens in the place you choose, allocate farms and servants, so that you can still see the Han River and Mount Kumgang. Your title will be 'King of Korea,' a hereditary title with a high status, second only to my princes!"

"If you feel saddened by your old home and wish to stay in Liaodong, whether it be Shenyang, Liaoyang, or any other city, you may choose. I will build a mansion for you and ensure you a life of wealth and leisure."

"If you yearn for the prosperity of the Central Plains and wish to go to the capital, I will choose a good place near the imperial city to build a royal palace for you, so that you can always enjoy the emperor's favor and be close to the emperor."

"Even if you wish to go to Nanjing, I can arrange it. Nanjing has the palaces of my Great Ming's secondary capital, with beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate, making it a good place to spend your old age."

Chongzhen's voice was filled with undeniable power, each word seemingly carrying the weight of a thousand pounds:

"No matter where you go in the Great Ming Dynasty, I guarantee that you and your descendants will forever be princes of the Great Ming, with generous annual stipends, official staff, and endless wealth and honor for all eternity! As long as the Great Ming Dynasty exists, your Li family line will live and die with the nation, without any worries! This is my greatest reward and guarantee for your merit in offering up the land!"

Hearing this series of specific and generous promises, from the title of "Prince of Guiyi" to the freedom to choose any of the four places, and the guarantee of "sharing the fate of the nation," a faint light finally rekindled in Li Zong's lifeless eyes. It was the relief of surviving a disaster, the excitement of seeing a way out in despair, and the complex comfort of having his last shred of dignity preserved.

His throat tightened, and he tried to kneel again, but Chongzhen held him back tightly.

"Your Majesty, I... Your Majesty, I kowtow in gratitude for Your Majesty's boundless grace! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"

Li Zong's voice choked with emotion, his words incoherent, except for the heartfelt cry of "Long live the Emperor!" This time, it was a cry of true submission.

Emperor Chongzhen then released his grip with satisfaction, and a smile returned to his face. This time, it was a genuinely relaxed, carefree, and even somewhat smug smile.

He personally helped Li Zong up, and the two stood facing each other. Chongzhen even patted Li Zong on the shoulder. Li Zong managed a forced, relieved, yet bitter smile.

The atmosphere inside the waterside pavilion suddenly changed.

The previous solemnity, probing, and sorrow were swept away, replaced by a subtle harmony of "mutual understanding between ruler and subject" and "universal happiness."

The heaviest burden on everyone's hearts was lifted in such an unexpected yet most satisfactory way.

"but."

Emperor Chongzhen sat back on his throne, his smile fading slightly, and his tone becoming more pragmatic.

"This matter is of great importance. Although you and I, as ruler and subject, have reached a consensus, we still need to follow the proper procedures and maintain appearances. Otherwise, it will be difficult to make it known to the world and appease the hearts of both the old and new subjects of Joseon."

Li Zong immediately understood and respectfully replied:
"Your Majesty is absolutely right, I understand. Everything is up to Your Majesty's arrangements."

"Hmm." Chongzhen nodded.

"Therefore, according to the rites, you will still need to return to Seoul as the King of Joseon. I will arrange for an imperial envoy and a grand procession to send you back. Then, in Seoul, at Gyeongbokgung Palace, in front of Joseon civil and military officials, elders, gentry, and even representatives of the people, you will personally read the formal document of surrendering the territory, and my imperial envoy will read the edict of acceptance on the spot, thus completing this ceremony of 'abdication and surrender'."

In this way, the matter will be legitimate, the procedure complete, and it will be recorded in history, ensuring that there will be no more gossip or idle chatter in Korea.

Li Zong had no objection to this, as it was his duty and a crucial step in ensuring that his contribution of "offering land" would not be erased and that Chongzhen's promise would be fulfilled.

He immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will obey your decree and cooperate with you to complete the ceremony."

However, Li Zong harbored a deeper worry.

The ceremony was a ceremony, and the promise was a promise, but the one who ultimately carried it all out was His Highness the Crown Prince Zhu Cilang, who was currently in Korea, commanding 200,000 troops and effectively in control of everything.

While Emperor Chongzhen's promise was undoubtedly a golden word, what were the Crown Prince's true thoughts? Did he agree with his father's relatively "mild" approach?

What if the young, impetuous, and decisive crown prince felt that keeping him, a "remnant of the previous dynasty," was a hidden danger, or wanted to use more "thorough" means to intimidate Korea, and after the ceremony, or even on the way back to Korea, he found some excuse to "dispose of" him? Wouldn't all of Emperor Chongzhen's promises become empty words?

If he dies without knowing why, who will really hold the crown prince accountable for the sake of a worthless, fallen monarch?
Once this thought arose, it gnawed at Li Zong's heart, which had just begun to calm down, like a venomous snake.

He had to find a way to more closely "bind" himself to Emperor Chongzhen and increase his own safety.

In a flash, Li Zong had an idea. He bowed deeply to Chongzhen again, his tone sincere yet carrying a subtle hint of probing and pleading:
"Your Majesty, I have another request, which I hope Your Majesty will grant."

"Oh? Please speak freely."

Emperor Chongzhen was in a good mood and generously said...

"This homecoming ceremony is of great importance, a momentous event that will mark a new era for Korea. I believe..."

Li Zong raised his head, his eyes filled with hope and a longing for "favor".

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you personally travel to Korea to preside over this grand ceremony. If Your Majesty could personally accept my submission in Seoul and proclaim Your Majesty's grace, the ceremony would not only be more solemn and magnificent, demonstrating Your Majesty's high regard for Korea and your compassion for your subjects, but it would also greatly deter villains, stabilize the people's hearts, and ensure that everyone in Korea feels grateful for Your Majesty's grace and is sincerely convinced of your submission. This is my personal wish, and it is also for the long-term stability of Korea. I humbly request Your Majesty to consider this matter."

His words were beautifully crafted, elevating Emperor Chongzhen to an extremely high status, as if Chongzhen's personal visit was a great honor for Korea and a stabilizing force for the country.

In reality, his true subtext was: only if you, Emperor Chongzhen, go in person and stay under your nose, will the Crown Prince have some reservations, even if he has other ideas.

Moreover, having the emperor personally conduct the surrender ceremony ensures the emperor's safety and the likelihood of receiving the promised benefits afterward.

As expected, upon hearing this, Chongzhen was first taken aback, and then his eyes suddenly flashed with an astonishing light!

The Emperor himself visited North Korea?

On the newly incorporated Xinjiang territory, did they accept the former king's offer of land and submit to him to assert their sovereignty?

This thought, like a spark falling into boiling oil, instantly ignited a raging fire in Chongzhen's heart!
Glory! Unparalleled glory! Achievement! Achievement that will be remembered throughout history!
Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty by Emperor Taizu and the northern expeditions by Emperor Chengzu, although there have been emperors personally leading the expeditions, when has the emperor ever personally visited a newly conquered overseas vassal state to accept the voluntary submission of its monarch and complete the final step of "royal rule"?
This is an unprecedented event since the founding of the nation!

It is an ultimate achievement of an emperor that can be compared with any expansion of territory, and even adds more glory!

The thought of standing atop the palace in Seoul, amidst the thunderous shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" from his thousands of subjects, receiving the map of the land presented by Yi Jong, and declaring that the land would forever belong to the Ming Dynasty... the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment of ruling the world and commanding respect from all sides made Chongzhen tremble with excitement!
The unease that had arisen from the "scam" had long since vanished under the overwhelming allure of this immense glory.

The son conquers the land, and the father goes to receive the fruits of victory, enjoy the worship of the people, and have this achievement of territorial expansion engraved in history in his own name! Is there anything more perfect or desirable than this?

Without the slightest hesitation, Chongzhen slammed his hand on the armrest and burst into loud laughter:

"Excellent! Excellent! Your Majesty's proposal is exactly what I desire! Since my ascension to the throne, I have experienced many hardships, but with the blessings of Heaven, the legacy of my ancestors, and the assistance of the Crown Prince, I have been able to reclaim our lost territories and open up new lands. How could I be absent from such a grand ceremony? I will personally travel to Korea to accompany you to Seoul to preside over this ceremony of submission, so that the people of Korea may witness the Emperor's countenance and forever be bathed in his royal rule!"

He was very enthusiastic and immediately began planning:
"Although the journey to Korea is not far, my ceremonial guard and escort troops must be well-prepared. The roads between Korea and Liaodong have been in disrepair for many years, and the mountains and rivers are an obstacle. We need to send people to survey and repair them first. Hmm... I think we should set off in half a month. That should be plenty of time. I will issue an edict now, ordering the relevant officials to make preparations immediately!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Li Zong felt much more at ease and quickly bowed in agreement. With Chongzhen willing to go, his safety would greatly increase.

"besides."

Chongzhen added.

"Immediately send an urgent message to Korea, informing the Crown Prince and the civil and military officials stationed there that I will be personally visiting Korea. They must make all necessary preparations to welcome me! The palace in Seoul must be repaired and renovated as soon as possible. The roads, post stations, and supplies along the way must all be properly arranged to ensure the safety of the imperial procession and a grand ceremony!"

"As for the slow pace of the journey..."

Emperor Chongzhen waved his hand dismissively, a smug smile on his face.

"Now that Liaodong is pacified, the four borders are at peace, and Korea is also pacified, I have plenty of time. It doesn't matter if I take my time; I can inspect the newly recovered territories and observe the people's conditions. This is the duty of the emperor, and also a joyful thing."

One order after another came from Chongzhen's mouth, carrying an unquestionable determination.

Li Zong listened respectfully with his hands at his sides. The biggest weight in his heart seemed to have been lifted by Chongzhen's decision to personally lead the expedition.

At least, before Chongzhen arrived in Korea and completed the ceremony, his life should have been safe.

As for the future... let's take it one step at a time. Every extra day we live is a day well spent. (End of Chapter)