A resurgence of the late Ming Dynasty, starting with a trillion-dollar clone.

In the winter of the fifteenth year of Chongzhen (1642), the snow in Qishui was exceptionally heavy.

The twelfth lunar month has just arrived, and the world is already covered in silver.

On the walls of Majiazhai, the white breath exhaled by the sentries condensed instantly in the cold wind, leaving their eyebrows and beards frosty.

The charcoal fire was burning brightly in the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, but the atmosphere was heavy.

Ma Changsheng stood in front of a huge map—the "Topographical Map of Jiangbei and Dabie Mountains" drawn by Xu Guangqi over three months, detailed down to every mountain valley and stream.

"Please look, everyone." Ma Changsheng pointed to the map with a bamboo pole. "We are here now, Majiazhai in Qishui, located on the edge of the Jiangbei Plain. To the east is Zhang Xianzhong, to the west is Zuo Liangyu, and to the north... the Qing army could march south at any time."

He moved the bamboo pole, pointing to the continuous mountain range in the center of the map: "And here, the Dabie Mountains, span three provinces, with high mountains and dense forests, covering hundreds of miles. Since ancient times, it has been a place of refuge and also a place of war."

Instructor Sun's eyes lit up: "The chieftain means... to go into the mountains?"

"It's not about going all in, but about establishing a rear base," Ma Changsheng said. "Using Majiazhai as the outpost and the Dabie Mountains as the rear, we can create a strategic depth. If a strong enemy attacks and the outpost can't hold out, we can retreat into the mountains and rely on the terrain to maneuver."

Huang Zongxi pondered, "This plan is brilliant. However, the mountains are sparsely populated, and supplies are scarce. How can we sustain ourselves?"

"So we need to make preparations," Ma Changsheng said. "Starting now, secretly move supplies into the mountains: food, weapons, tools, books, and... personnel. At the same time, establish a base in the mountains: cultivate terraced fields, build houses, and stockpile supplies. Within a year, build a rear base that can accommodate 5,000 people for long-term survival."

"Five thousand men?" Tie Zhu gasped. "That would require a tremendous amount of grain!"

"The grain was transported from the plains, and this year's harvest was good, so we have reserves," Ma Changsheng said. "More importantly, we can cultivate land in the mountains. Mr. Xu has already surveyed the area and found that there are many suitable valleys for farming in the Dabie Mountains, with abundant water resources."

Xu Guangqi nodded: "Indeed. I have accompanied the caravan into the mountains three times and discovered many habitable places. In particular, there is a place called 'Tianzhu Valley', which is surrounded by mountains on all sides and can only be entered by a narrow path. There is a stream inside, and the land is fertile, with thousands of acres of farmland that can be cultivated."

"Alright, let's use Tianzhu Valley as our base." Ma Changsheng made the decision. "Starting today, let's launch the 'Dabie Mountain Project'."

First, Xu Guangqi led a team of fifty local militiamen familiar with the mountains and forests to go deep into the Dabie Mountains, draw detailed maps, and select three to five suitable locations to establish a stronghold.

"Remember, don't disturb the original villagers in the mountains," Ma Changsheng instructed. "We're going to build new homes, not to seize territory. Treat the villagers with courtesy, and if necessary, trade with them to gain their support."

"Then, starting in the twelfth lunar month, supplies will be transported into the mountains in batches under the guise of a caravan. Each batch will not exceed twenty carts and will be disguised as ordinary goods. The routes must be secretive, avoiding official roads and major checkpoints."

"Grain, salt, ironware, medicine, and books should be prioritized," Ma Changsheng said. "Weapons should be transported sparingly for now to avoid detection."

"Finally, after the spring, a number of people were relocated into the mountains in batches: first craftsmen, doctors, and farmers, then their families, and finally the capable local militia. Each batch consisted of no more than two hundred people, under the guise of land reclamation."

"Relocation must be voluntary," Ma Changsheng emphasized. "It must not be forced. But we must do a good job of publicizing the message so that everyone understands: the mountains are a way out, a place of hope."

The plan was announced, and everyone accepted the order.

The entire Majiazhai village, like a sophisticated machine, began to operate for the Dabie Mountain plan.

On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Xu Guangqi led his team to set off.

The fifty men were all carefully selected: hunters, herb gatherers, stonemasons, and carpenters. They brought plenty of dry rations, tools, and even a "compass" specially made by Ma Changsheng.

Before his departure, Ma Changsheng personally saw him off: "Mr. Xu, this journey will be arduous, take care. Remember, safety first. I'll be here waiting for you to return in three months."

Xu Guangqi solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Rest assured, Chief, I will not fail you."

The group disappeared into the vast snow-covered forest.

Ma Changsheng stood on the village wall, watching them leave into the distance, praying in his heart: May they return safely.

The wait is long.

During this period, Ma Changsheng continued to handle village affairs: organizing winter training, preparing for spring plowing, contacting allied villages, and dealing with Bai Wenxuan's "inspection".

Bai Wenxuan indeed came twice more, each time with a different pretext: once to "inspect defenses" and once to "comfort the people." In reality, both were tests to see if there was any unusual activity in Majiazhai.

Ma Changsheng handled the situation cautiously, appearing respectful on the surface while secretly accelerating the progress of the Dabie Mountain project.

In February, the ice and snow begin to melt.

Xu Guangqi's troops have finally returned.

Fifty men went, and forty-eight returned—two died in the mountains, but they brought back valuable maps and intelligence.

In the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, Xu Guangqi unfolded a newly drawn map, which detailed the mountains, rivers, roads, villages, and five locations marked with red circles.

"Chief, please take a look," Xu Guangqi said in a hoarse but excited voice, "These five places are all suitable for establishing strongholds. Tianzhu Valley, in particular, is easy to defend and difficult to attack, has a water source, and can cultivate more than 3,000 mu of land. More importantly..."

He lowered his voice: "There were originally several dozen mountain families in the valley, most of whom migrated there to escape the war. My subordinates contacted them and learned that they had no goodwill towards Zhang Xianzhong and Zuo Liangyu, and only sought peace. When they heard that we came to build a stronghold for self-protection, they expressed their willingness to accept us."

"That's great!" Ma Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief. "With the support of the locals, we can achieve twice the result with half the effort."

He carefully studied the map and finally selected three locations: Tianzhu Valley as the main base and the other two as auxiliary strongholds, forming a triangular defense.

"Start construction as soon as spring arrives," he ordered.

In March of the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen reign (1643), spring plowing began.

Majiazhai has more farmland than in previous years—five hundred mu of wasteland have been newly reclaimed and planted with drought-resistant crops.

Meanwhile, the first relocation team set off: one hundred craftsmen, carrying tools and materials, headed to Tianzhu Valley. Their tasks were to build houses, cultivate terraced fields, and construct infrastructure.

The team was led by Song Dynasty craftsmen.

The old craftsman was thrilled to hear that he was going to build a new home in the mountains: "In my whole life, I've built cities and fortresses, but I've never built a paradise in the mountains before!"

When Ma Changsheng saw him off, he instructed him: "Master Song, conditions in the mountains are harsh, so don't overwork yourself. Safety comes first, progress second."

"Don't worry, Chief!" Craftsman Song patted his chest. "In three months, I guarantee you'll see a proper village!"

The second wave of migration occurred in April: fifty families, totaling about two hundred people, mostly relatives of craftsmen and local militia. They set off for the mountains with their meager belongings.

The relocation was carried out in secret, but it couldn't be hidden from everyone.

Discussions began to circulate within the village: some worried that the village would have to abandon the plains, some were reluctant to leave their homeland, and others longed for the peace and tranquility of the mountains.

Ma Changsheng instructed Huang Zongxi to organize a public awareness campaign, explaining the necessity of the Dabie Mountain plan: "It's not about abandoning Majiazhai, but about establishing a retreat route. We must defend the plains and build in the mountains. Only by preparing for both can we be absolutely certain of success."

At the same time, he intensified the construction efforts on the plains: reinforcing the stockade walls, expanding warehouses, and increasing the training of local militia.

This gives hope to those who remain and makes the outside world feel that Majiazhai is still operating normally.

In May, Bai Wenxuan came again.

This time he asked directly, "Chief Ma, I heard you're moving people into the mountains?"

The news still leaked out.

Ma Changsheng was wary inwardly, but outwardly composed: "General, you are wise. Last year's great plague increased the population of the village, and there was a shortage of farmland. I sent people into the mountains to reclaim wasteland to alleviate the food shortage. All of this is to better serve the Great Western Kingdom."

"Reclaiming wasteland?" Bai Wenxuan asked with a half-smile. "Is it necessary to relocate so many people? I heard that even the craftsmen and their families have been moved away."

"Building a stockade in the mountains naturally requires craftsmen," Ma Changsheng said. "It's also common for families to accompany them. If the general doesn't believe me, he can send someone into the mountains to investigate."

This is a strategic retreat.

Bai Wenxuan stared at him for a long time, then suddenly smiled: "No need. I trust Chief Ma with his work. Just a reminder: though the mountains are nice, don't forget your roots. Your Ma Family Village is your foundation."

"I understand," Ma Changsheng said, bowing. "Ma Family Village will forever serve as a bulwark for the Great Western Regions."

Bai Wenxuan left, but left behind ten "supervisors"—ostensibly to assist in defense, but in reality to monitor.

Ma Changsheng knew that Bai Wenxuan had become suspicious.

The Dabie Mountain Project must be accelerated, but it must also be made more covert.

He instructed Tie Zhu to secretly monitor these military supervisors, restricting their activities, while simultaneously accelerating construction in the mountains.

In June, Ma Changsheng decided to go into the mountains himself.

Under the pretext of "inspecting the reclamation," he led fifty guards to Tianzhu Valley.

This was Ma Changsheng's first time venturing deep into the Dabie Mountains.

The mountain road is rugged and the trees block out the sun. Sometimes you can see waterfalls and springs, and sometimes you can hear the cries of monkeys and birds.

The scenery was beautiful, but the journey was difficult.

After three days of walking, we finally arrived at Tianzhu Valley.

The entrance is a narrow crevice in the mountain, only wide enough for two people to walk side by side; it is truly a place where one man can hold off ten thousand.

Passing through the mountain crevice, a breathtaking view suddenly appeared: a huge valley with steep cliffs on all sides and a flat valley floor in the middle.

A stream meanders through the area, and dozens of wooden houses have been built along its banks. The rice seedlings in the fields are lush and green.

The craftsman, Song, led his men out to greet them: "Chief! You've arrived!"

Looking at the scene before him, Ma Changsheng was both surprised and delighted: "Master Song, it's only been three months..."

"Everyone's working with great enthusiasm!" Craftsman Song grinned. "Look, that's the residential area, that's the warehouse area, and that's the workshop area. A thousand acres of terraced fields have been opened and planted. The irrigation canals have also been dug, bringing in enough water from the mountain."

Ma Changsheng walked around and looked around, becoming more and more satisfied with what he saw.

The houses were simple but neatly arranged; the fields were few but the crops were growing well; and in the workshops, blacksmiths and carpenters were already at work.

What pleased him even more was that the original mountain people in the valley had also integrated into the community.

An old mountain villager led several young men over to greet them: "Chief Ma, my surname is Zhao, and I'm an old man here. Thank you for bringing people here, Chief Ma. This valley hasn't been this lively in a long time."

Ma Changsheng returned the greeting: "Uncle Zhao, we should thank you for accepting us. From now on, we are family, and we will work together to build a better home."

He stayed for three days, learned about the situation in Tianzhu Valley in detail, and put forward suggestions for improvement: build a stone wall and a suspension bridge at the entrance of the valley; carve out a cave in the cliff to hide soldiers and store supplies; establish a more complete water supply system; and plan the location of the school and clinic.

"This place must not only be a place for survival, but also a place for development," Ma Changsheng said. "In the future, this will be our foundation."

Before leaving, he left orders: expedite the construction of the second batch of strongholds; stockpile enough food to feed at least five thousand people for a year; and train the local militia to become familiar with mountain warfare.

Back in Majiazhai, bad news followed one after another.

First, scouts reported that Zhang Xianzhong had suffered setbacks in Jiangnan, losing many soldiers and generals, and was retreating back to Jiangbei. This meant that Jiangbei would once again become a battlefield.

Next, Bai Wenxuan issued an order: all towns north of the Yangtze River must double their grain contributions to support the army.

"Double it?" Ma Sanbao exclaimed anxiously, "We don't even have enough to eat for ourselves right now!"

"Here you go," Ma Changsheng gritted his teeth, "but not all of it. Mix in half coarse grains and stale grains. Also, send Bai Wenxuan a generous gift and ask for his 'understanding'."

However, this time, Bai Wenxuan did not make an exception.

The messenger he sent was adamant: "The general said that the quantity and quality must be in full. Any shortage will be dealt with according to military law."

Clearly, Zhang Xianzhong's defeat put Bai Wenxuan under immense pressure. He needed grain to appease his troops and also needed to find a scapegoat—if Majiazhai failed to deliver grain, it would be a perfect opportunity to punish them.

Ma Changsheng is caught in a dilemma: if he gives in, Majiazhai might collapse; if he doesn't, Bai Wenxuan might take action.

"Chief, how about... we head into the mountains ahead of time?" Tie Zhu suggested.

"No," Ma Changsheng shook his head. "The mountains aren't ready yet. If we go in now, five thousand people crammed into a valley won't last three months on food."

After pondering for a long time, he came up with an idea: "We'll provide the grain, but in batches. We'll give a portion first, saying that the rest is being raised and will take time. At the same time, we'll send people to the other allied villages to see what their situation is like."

The investigation revealed a worrying situation: all the villages had received orders to double their grain taxes, and were suffering greatly. Several smaller villages were unable to pay and were looted by Bai Wen's troops.

"Bai Wenxuan is forcing a rebellion in Jiangbei," Huang Zongxi analyzed. "Zhang Xianzhong has been defeated, and he needs to stabilize his territory. But such ruthless methods will only backfire."

Ma Changsheng's eyes lit up: "Force them to rebel... Yes, we can take this opportunity to unite the various villages and resist orders together."

"Disobey orders? That's treason!"

"It's not a rebellion, it's self-defense," Ma Changsheng said. "We'll jointly submit a petition, explaining our difficulties and requesting leniency. If Bai Wenxuan refuses, we'll... stall. His forces are limited; he can't attack all the villages at once."

This is a very risky strategy, but it's the only option.

In July, Ma Changsheng secretly convened a meeting in Qishui with representatives from various villages of the Jiangbei Alliance. Eighteen representatives from more than twenty villages attended—some of which were already under Bai Wenxuan's control.

The atmosphere in the assembly hall was oppressive. Representatives from various villages poured out their grievances:

"Our village is too small; we simply can't afford to pay double the grain!"

"Bai Wen's troops have already raided the village once; if they raid it again, the village will be finished!"

"Chief Ma, you make the decision, we'll all listen to you!"

Ma Changsheng stood up and looked around at everyone: "Gentlemen, Bai Wen's selection of topics is too demanding, we can no longer tolerate it. But we can't win by fighting head-on. I propose that we jointly submit a petition, explain the difficulties, and request the restoration of the original quota. At the same time, each village should strengthen its defenses and prepare for the worst."

"Would submitting a petition be of any use? Would Bai Wenxuan even listen?"

"Whether he listens or not, we must submit a petition. This is a matter of diplomacy before resorting to force," Ma Changsheng said. "If he listens, that's best; if he doesn't, we'll have a reason to defend ourselves."

He paused, then continued, "More importantly, we need to truly unite. Not in a loose alliance, but in a close one: unified command, mutual support, and resource sharing. If Bai Wenxuan is going to fight, he has to fight the entire Jiangbei Alliance."

This is a very bold proposal.

The delegates discussed the matter extensively, with some in favor and others hesitant.

Ultimately, with the support of several major villages, a resolution was passed: to establish the "Jiangbei Self-Defense Alliance" and elect Ma Changsheng as its leader; each village to contribute troops and supplies according to its capabilities to form a joint army; and to establish a unified command system and intelligence network.

The first thing the alliance did upon its formation was to jointly submit a petition.

The document was drafted by Huang Zongxi. It was earnest in wording but firm in attitude: it stated that the people of Jiangbei had suffered from years of war, plague and drought, and the people were destitute. It earnestly requested that the grain tax be reduced or exempted, otherwise "the people could not bear the suffering and there would be unforeseen changes."

The document was sent to Bai Wenxuan's camp, with a copy sent to Zhang Xianzhong—this was Ma Changsheng's plan to prevent Bai Wenxuan from acting on his own.

Ten days later, Bai Wenxuan responded: it wasn't a clerk, but two thousand soldiers who marched straight towards Majiazhai.

The messenger delivered Bai Wenxuan's message: "Ma Changsheng, how dare you! Gathering a crowd to defy orders is tantamount to rebellion! You have three days to disband the alliance and hand over the mastermind, or our army will press on and leave no one alive!"

War was inevitable.

Ma Changsheng immediately summoned all the villages in the alliance: as agreed, each village would contribute one hundred soldiers to form a two-thousand-strong allied army, which would assemble at Majiazhai. At the same time, the transfer of supplies and personnel to the Dabie Mountains would be accelerated.

"This battle isn't about winning, it's about inflicting a painful blow on Bai Wenxuan, letting him know that Jiangbei is not to be trifled with," Ma Changsheng said at the pre-battle meeting. "Then, we'll retreat into the Dabie Mountains, relying on the terrain to maneuver against him."

"What about the villages on the plains?" someone asked.

"If we can defend, we will; if we can't, we'll retreat into the mountains," Ma Changsheng said. "As long as we have the green hills, we'll never run out of firewood."

In August of the sixteenth year of the Chongzhen reign (1644), the war between the Jiangbei Alliance and Bai Wenxuan officially broke out.

This time, Ma Changsheng no longer played defensively.

He took the initiative, using his familiarity with the terrain and guerrilla tactics to harass Bai Wenxuan's logistics and ambush small groups of troops.

Although Bai Wenxuan had a large number of troops, they were unable to utilize their advantages in the complex terrain north of the Yangtze River. The battle became a stalemate.

Ma Changsheng used this time to accelerate the implementation of the Dabie Mountain Project.

By September, Tianzhu Valley was able to accommodate 3,000 people and had stored enough food for a year. The second batch of outposts was also basically completed.

In October, Ma Changsheng began implementing the "Great Transfer": secretly moving most of the people and supplies of Majiazhai into the mountains. Only five hundred elite soldiers were left on the plains to continue dealing with Bai Wenxuan's scheme.

In November, Bai Wenxuan finally realized something was wrong: the resistance at Majiazhai was weakening, and the village seemed to be empty. He stormed into the village and found it to be an empty village—the food, weapons, and people were all gone.

"Chase them! Chase them into the mountains!" Bai Wenxuan roared.

But the Dabie Mountains are vast and boundless; where can one pursue them? The mountains are high and the forests are dense, and traps could be found everywhere.

Bai Wenxuan sent troops into the mountains to search, but they suffered heavy losses and found nothing.

In the end, they could only retreat in disappointment.

Other villages in the Jiangbei Alliance also retreated into the mountains one after another.

By December, all Bai Wenxuan had controlled were empty villages and barren lands.

In the twelfth month of the sixteenth year of Chongzhen (1643), Ma Changsheng spent his first New Year in the mountains in Tianzhu Valley.

The valley was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations; though simple, it was festive.

More than 3,000 people gathered in the valley's open space for a reunion dinner. Although it consisted of only coarse grains and wild vegetables, everyone's face was filled with hope.

Standing on the makeshift platform, Ma Changsheng looked at the people who had followed him into the deep mountains and felt a surge of emotion.

From passing the imperial examination at the age of eleven to now being fifteen, in four years, he has led these people from a small village to the Jiangbei Alliance, and now to the Dabie Mountain base area.

This path was difficult, but worthwhile.

"Brothers and sisters," he raised his voice, "this year, we're spending the New Year in the mountains. Conditions are tough, but at least we're alive and together."

"I know some people miss home, miss the plains and fields, miss their ancestors' graves. I miss them too. But in chaotic times, being alive is a blessing. Being able to protect your family is a skill."

"We're not fleeing into the mountains; it's a strategic retreat. We'll return once the world is at peace. But right now, what we need to do is build this place up, make it a real home."

"I, Ma Changsheng, hereby swear: As long as I live, I will never abandon anyone. We will share joys and sorrows, and build our home together!"

"Sharing joys and sorrows! Building our home together!" The shouts from the audience were deafening.

At that moment, Ma Changsheng felt something loosening deep within his consciousness.

Consciousness Awareness Level: 48%

Strong emotional resonance was detected, accelerating the integration process.

Expected time to full awakening: 2-3 years

It will be soon. He felt both anticipation and unease.

After awakening, is he still Ma Changsheng? Or is he still the Ma Yongsheng who returned from the black hole?

he does not know.

But he knew that no matter who he was, he had to protect these people, the home he had built over four years.

After the banquet, Ma Changsheng climbed the lookout tower at the mouth of the valley alone.

In the distance, the mountains are like dark eyebrows, while nearby, lights twinkle.

The new year, the seventeenth year of the Chongzhen reign (1644), is approaching.

In this year, historically, Li Zicheng will capture the capital, Emperor Chongzhen will hang himself, and the Ming Dynasty will perish.

That year, at the age of fifteen, he established his own base in the Dabie Mountains.

What will the future hold?

he does not know.

But he was already prepared.

No matter how the chaos of the world unfolds, he will lead these people to survive.

Moreover, we should strive to live better.

In the wind and snow, Ma Changsheng clenched his fists.