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

In March of the seventeenth year of the Chongzhen reign (1644), the peach blossoms in Tianzhu Valley bloomed.

Pink petals peek through the morning mist, a babbling brook flows gently, and wheat seedlings in the terraced fields have turned green again.

If it weren't for the occasional sounds of drills, this place would almost seem like a paradise.

Ma Changsheng stood on the newly completed "Star Observation Platform"—a project that Xu Guangqi insisted on building, saying that "by observing the heavens and surveying the earth, one can understand the times." The platform was built on the highest cliff in the valley, a simple wooden structure, but offering a wide view.

At this moment, what he held in his hand was not a star map, but a secret letter sent from outside the mountains.

The letter was written by Huang Zongxi, and using their agreed-upon code, it translated into only one sentence:

On March 19th, Li Zicheng captured Beijing, and Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself on Coal Hill.

The Ming Dynasty has fallen.

Ma Changsheng held the letter, his hand trembling slightly.

Although I had expected it, when the day finally came, I was still filled with mixed emotions.

He was not a person of this era and had little affection for the Ming Dynasty.

But over the past four years, he has witnessed the suffering of this era and seen countless people shed blood and sacrifice for this dynasty.

Now, it has finally collapsed.

"Chief, is there any news?" Xu Guangqi walked up and, seeing Ma Changsheng's expression, had already guessed seven or eight parts of the story.

Ma Changsheng handed him the letter.

After reading it, Xu Guangqi remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "Two hundred and seventy-six years... and it's all over just like that."

"Mr. Xu, what do you think will happen next?"

"Li Zicheng is in Shangjing, Zhang Xianzhong is in Sichuan, Zuo Liangyu is in Wuchang, and the Qing army is outside the Great Wall... The four sides are fighting each other, and the people are suffering." Xu Guangqi shook his head, "Fortunately, we have entered the mountains and are safe for the time being."

It's safe for now.

Ma Changsheng knew that the mountains were not a permanent refuge.

Sooner or later, the flames of war will reach the Dabie Mountains.

"We need to be prepared," he said. "Li Zicheng has just captured Beijing and will definitely need to win over the people, so he won't be heading south for the time being. Zhang Xianzhong has declared himself emperor in Sichuan, with the reign title of Da Xi. Zuo Liangyu is observing the situation in Wuchang. The Qing army... the Qing army might enter the pass."

Historically, the Qing army did indeed enter the pass in April of the seventeenth year of the Chongzhen reign (1644), defeat Li Zicheng, and occupy Shangjing.

Then it moved south and swept across the whole country.

Time is running out for Majiazhai.

From March to June, Ma Changsheng devoted almost all his energy to the construction of the base area in the mountains.

The first issue is population resettlement.

Tianzhu Valley now has more than 5,000 people, and with the addition of two other strongholds, the total number is nearly 8,000.

With so many people crammed into the mountains, food and lodging are both problems.

Ma Changsheng formulated a detailed plan:

Regarding housing, the "stilt house" style of construction is being promoted—a wooden structure with living quarters on the upper floor and storage or livestock on the lower floor.

This type of building is adapted to mountainous terrain and is also moisture-proof and insect-proof.

By June, more than 800 rooms had been built, basically solving the accommodation problem.

In terms of food, 3,000 mu of terraced fields have been reclaimed to plant drought-resistant and high-yield crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, and potatoes.

At the same time, hunting and gathering teams were organized to supplement the diet with meat and wild vegetables.

They also established chicken farms and pig farms, which, although small in scale, were better than nothing.

Regarding water sources, a complete water supply system has been established, drawing water from mountain springs: reservoirs, filtration ponds, and distribution pipes. This ensures that everyone has enough drinking water every day.

Secondly, there is military defense.

Tianzhu Valley has only one entrance, where Ma Changsheng built three lines of defense: a stone wall at the valley entrance, two zhang high and one zhang thick, with a suspension bridge; hidden troop caves and firing ports on the cliff, providing a commanding view; and the inner wall of the core area inside the valley, serving as the last line of defense.

In addition, 800 mountain soldiers were trained, specifically to adapt to mountain warfare.

Training was overseen by Instructor Sun, with a focus on climbing, stealth, ambushes, and guerrilla warfare.

"Fighting in the mountains is different from fighting on the plains," Instructor Sun said. "We must make use of every tree and every stone."

"When the enemy enters the mountains, they enter our territory."

The next step is production and construction.

A complete industrial chain has been established:

Iron ore → Blacksmith shop → Weapons and farm tools;

Timber → Carpentry workshop → Houses, furniture, vehicles;

Herbs → Medical Camp → Medicine;

There was even a small "research institute" headed by Xu Guangqi, which studied agricultural technology, water conservancy projects, and even simple machinery.

By the end of June, the Dabie Mountain base area had taken initial shape: it was self-sufficient, capable of defending against foreign enemies, and able to sustain development.

Ma Changsheng extended this model to two other strongholds, forming a "one main and two auxiliary" structure, with each supporting the other.

Although he went into the mountains, Ma Changsheng did not isolate himself from the world.

He established three intelligence lines: one through Qishui Plain, managed by Tie Zhu, to learn about Bai Wenxuan's movements; one through Wuchang, managed by Huang Zongxi, to learn about Zuo Liangyu and the dynamics of Jiangnan; and one through the north, managed by a newly joined merchant named Wang Pu, who was originally from the Shanxi merchant group, familiar with the north, and able to obtain information from beyond the Great Wall.

In June, important intelligence came from all three lines.

Tie Zhu reports: Bai Wenxuan has returned to Xiangyang. Zhang Xianzhong has declared himself emperor in Sichuan and summoned him back. Jiangbei is now leaderless, and various strongholds are returning to their former allies.

Huang Zongxi wrote: Zuo Liangyu has died! His son, Zuo Menggeng, succeeded him, but lacked prestige, and his subordinates were divided. Wuchang was in chaos.

The most shocking news Wang Pu brought back from the north was that the Qing army had entered the pass, defeated Li Zicheng, and occupied Shangjing (Beijing). Dorgon was acting as regent and was recruiting defectors. Meanwhile, Li Zicheng had retreated to Shaanxi, Zhang Xianzhong was in Sichuan, and the Southern Ming had established a new emperor, Hongguang, in Nanjing…

"The world is divided into five parts." Ma Changsheng analyzed in front of the map, "The Qing Dynasty occupies the north, Li Zicheng occupies the northwest, Zhang Xianzhong occupies the southwest, the Southern Ming Dynasty occupies the southeast, and there are small forces like ours in the cracks."

"Which one can succeed?" Xu Guangqi asked.

"Qing." Ma Changsheng said without hesitation, "The Eight Banners troops are elite, internally united, and have surrendered generals like Wu Sangui to help them. Li Zicheng's army is undisciplined, Zhang Xianzhong is cruel and inhumane, and the Southern Ming... is infighting and factional struggles, so it has no chance."

"Then let's..."

"We'll continue developing in the mountains," Ma Changsheng said. "We'll talk about it again when they're tired of fighting and have achieved their goal."

He knew history: the Qing army would successively eliminate Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong, and the Southern Ming in the coming years, unifying the country. This process would take approximately twenty years.

Twenty years is enough time for him to establish a solid base in the Dabie Mountains.

The establishment of the base area in the mountains attracted more talent.

In July, a young man named Fang Yizhi came to apply.

This man was in his twenties and was originally a member of the Fushe Society. After the fall of Nanjing, he fled south and heard that there was a "Shangri-La" in the Dabie Mountains, so he came to check it out.

"This junior, Fang Yizhi, greets Chief Ma." He was refined and courteous, but his eyes were bright and alert. "I have heard that you have established this stronghold here for self-protection and to spread your knowledge, so I have come to seek your guidance."

Ma Changsheng had heard of Fang Yizhi—a great scholar from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, who was proficient in astronomy, geography, medicine, and phonetics.

I didn't expect him to be so young.

"I have long admired Mr. Fang's name," Ma Changsheng said politely. "The mountain dwelling is simple and humble; I apologize for the inconvenience."

"No," Fang Yizhi said. "With war raging outside, it's a blessing to have such a peaceful place."

Ma Changsheng arranged for Fang Yizhi to work at the "Research Institute" and work with Xu Guangqi.

The two hit it off immediately and spent their days discussing academic topics, from "Tiangong Kaiwu" to Western mathematics, from "Bencao Gangmu" to Western medicine.

With Fang Yizhi's addition, the research institute's strength has greatly increased.

They began to systematically organize their knowledge: compiling the "Complete Treatise on Agriculture," which included farming techniques suitable for mountainous areas; writing the "Handbook of Medicine," which collected prescriptions for medicinal herbs from the mountains; and even starting to study "weather forecasting," predicting the weather based on cloud formations and wind direction.

In August, another special person arrived: the Western missionary Johann Adam Schall von Bell.

This German missionary was in his sixties and had previously worked at the Imperial Observatory in Beijing. He fled south after the Qing army entered the pass.

Johann Adam Schall von Bell was not only proficient in astronomy and calendrical science, but also understood artillery manufacturing and mechanical principles.

He brought several telescopes, several Latin books, and a world map.

"Chief Ma, these might be useful to you." Johann Adam Schall von Bell spoke fluent Mandarin. "China is in chaos now, but here you still see signs of civilization."

Ma Changsheng was overjoyed.

He had Johann Adam Schall von Bell teach "Western courses" at the research institute, including mathematics, geometry, astronomy, and geography. He also had Schall von Bell participate in the improvement of firearms—Schall von Bell had assisted the Ming Dynasty in manufacturing cannons when he was in Beijing, and had extensive experience in this area.

"Chief Ma, the atmosphere here reminds me of the European Renaissance," Tang Ruowang remarked. "The collision of ideas and the exchange of knowledge are rare in China today."

Ma Changsheng's heart stirred.

Renaissance? Perhaps he could start a small-scale "Eastern Renaissance" in the Dabie Mountains: integrating Chinese and Western cultures, embracing diversity, and preserving and promoting civilization in a chaotic world.

With a large pool of talented people, Ma Changsheng began to vigorously promote education.

He established the "Mountain Academy" in the center of Tianzhu Valley, with Huang Zongxi as the headmaster and Xu Guangqi, Fang Yizhi, and Tang Ruowang among the teachers. The academy was divided into three levels:

Elementary education: teaching literacy, arithmetic, and basic common sense; all children must attend.

Classical Studies: Teaching the Four Books and Five Classics, history and geography, offered for those interested in further study;

Practical learning: teaching agriculture, medicine, craftsmanship, and Western mathematics, with a focus on practical application.

"In times of chaos, we study not for the imperial examinations, but to understand principles, survive, and build a career," Ma Changsheng said at the opening ceremony. "Our academy does not teach the rigid eight-legged essay, but only practical knowledge."

The academy accepts not only children but also adults.

They held "night schools" in the evenings to teach literacy and practical skills. Ma Changsheng even stipulated that all local militia members must know 500 characters, otherwise they could not be promoted.

The effects of the education were quickly apparent. Within a few months, the literacy rate in the village had increased from less than 10% to 30%. Children could do arithmetic, identify medicinal herbs, and read maps; adults could read notices, keep accounts, and learn new technologies.

What's even more commendable is that the academy advocates "learning for practical application".

Students study in the morning and practice in the afternoon: working in the fields, learning skills in workshops, and helping out at the medical camp. By combining theory with practice, they learn thoroughly.

"This is true education," Huang Zongxi exclaimed. "It's far better than those pedantic scholars who only know how to memorize classics."

With the increase in population, Ma Changsheng's personal prestige alone is no longer enough.

A system must be established.

In August, Ma Changsheng convened representatives from various villages for a three-day "Village Conference".

They passed all the rules of the mountain bandits.

The inscription was carved on a stone tablet and erected in front of the academy.

Ma Changsheng led everyone in taking an oath to abide by the oath.

"From today onwards, our Dabie Mountain base area will be a place with rules and rewards and punishments," he said. "In chaotic times, rules are order, and rewards and punishments are protection."

However, the peaceful days did not last long.

In September, the crisis arrived.

It's not an external enemy, it's internal strife.

The problem lies in the distribution of food.

Although 3,000 mu of terraced fields have been cultivated, this is the first year, and the harvest is limited.

By September, grain reserves were starting to run low.

According to previous regulations, grain should be distributed according to labor, with more labor resulting in more pay.

However, some families have limited labor and don't receive enough grain to eat.

Some families have more laborers, so they get a larger share and can't finish the food, so they secretly hide it away.

The conflict gradually escalated.

Some people stole grain, some people robbed grain, and even armed clashes broke out.

Ma Changsheng realized the seriousness of the problem. He immediately convened a meeting of elders.

"Chief, this can't go on," an elder said. "Those orphans and widows are indeed pitiful. But according to the rules, they deserve less. If we change the rules, it won't be fair to those who do more work."

"Could we...establish a 'poor relief grain'?" another elder suggested, "take a portion of the public grain to specifically help the elderly and weak."

"Where does the grain supply come from? Doesn't it come from the rent and taxes paid by everyone? It's like the workers supporting the idle ones."

The debate continues.

After pondering for a long time, Ma Changsheng proposed a new plan:

Each person is guaranteed half a pound of "basic rations" per day to ensure they don't starve. In addition, a new rule has been added: one point is awarded for each day's work, with extra points awarded for special contributions.

Work points can be exchanged for extra food, cloth, and even privileges.

"In this way, basic survival is guaranteed while encouraging more work for more pay," Ma Changsheng explained. "Although the elderly and infirm cannot do heavy work, they can do light work: taking care of children, sewing clothes, twisting hemp rope... and they can still earn work points."

The proposal was fair and reasonable, and the elders approved it.

After implementation, the conflict was alleviated.

With increased enthusiasm, production efficiency improved.

The crisis was resolved, but Ma Changsheng knew that the food problem was fundamentally a productivity problem.

Production must be increased.

He instructed Xu Guangqi and Fang Yizhi to focus on agricultural technology research: cultivating high-yield seeds, improving farming methods, and manufacturing efficient agricultural tools.

At the same time, caravans were sent out of the mountains to exchange mountain goods for grain.

Although the risks are high, it must be done.

In October, Wang Pu brought back bad news from the north: the Qing army had dispatched two armies, led by Dodo and Ajige, to march south, with their sights set on the Ming Dynasty.

One of the routes may have passed through Huguang (Hubei and Hunan provinces).

"What should we do if the Qing army comes?" Instructor Sun asked.

"Avoid it if you can," Ma Changsheng said. "The Qing army's target is Nanjing, and they won't waste time in the mountains. As long as we don't provoke them, we should be safe."

"What if the Qing army searches the mountains?"

"Then let's fight," Ma Changsheng said decisively, "but only attack small groups, not the main force. Hit and run, so the Qing army will feel it's not worth the loss."

He immediately strengthened defenses: he added traps and lookout posts on the main mountain roads; stockpiled more food and weapons; and trained local militia in mountain guerrilla tactics.

At the same time, he sent envoys to contact other mountain strongholds in the surrounding area and proposed the establishment of the "Dabie Mountain Guard".

These mountain strongholds were mostly established by people fleeing war. They usually acted independently, but now that they faced a common threat, they quickly reached an agreement.

By November, the Dabie Mountain Guard was established, comprising twelve mountain strongholds with a total population of approximately 30,000 and a military strength of 5,000. Ma Changsheng was elected as the commander-in-chief.

With the guards, the defensive capabilities were greatly enhanced.

Ma Changsheng formulated detailed regulations for the guards: intelligence sharing, mutual support, and unified command.

"If the Qing army comes, we'll let them know: the Dabie Mountains are not easy to enter," he said at a guard meeting.

In the twelfth month of the seventeenth year of Chongzhen (1644), the first snow fell in the Dabie Mountains.

Tianzhu Valley is covered in silver, with wisps of smoke rising from chimneys.

Although food is still scarce, at least no one will starve to death this winter.

In the academy, children are reciting the Three Character Classic; in the workshop, craftsmen are forging farm tools; in the clinic, Granny Chen is teaching her apprentices to identify medicinal herbs; in the research institute, Xu Guangqi, Fang Yizhi, and Johann Adam Schall von Bell are discussing a mathematical problem…

Everything is in order.

Standing on the star-gazing platform, Ma Changsheng looked at the scene in the valley and was filled with emotion.

Over four years, from Majia Village to Majiazhai, and then to the Dabie Mountains, he protected thousands of people and built a small, isolated island of civilization.

The consciousness database shows:

Age: 15 years old

Physical development: Approaching adult height, approximately 5 feet 3 inches (about 1.65 meters).

Academic level: Basic knowledge of a scholar who has passed the imperial examinations; proficient in practical learning; knowledgeable in both Chinese and Western learning.

Military capabilities: Expert in mountain guerrilla warfare, commanded a guard force of 10,000 men.

Organizational capabilities: Establishing the rudiments of an autonomous government

Consciousness Awareness Level: 52%

Expected time to full awakening: 1-2 years

almost.

He could sense that the consciousness from the future was rapidly merging with Ma Changsheng of this era.

What will happen after the fusion? He didn't know.

But he knew that no matter what, he had to protect this land.

"Chief, it's snowing, let's go back inside." Tie Zhu came over and draped a cloak over his shoulders.

Ma Changsheng turned around and looked at his childhood friend.

Tie Zhu was already nineteen years old and had become the military commander of the guard, showing much maturity.

"Brother Tiezhu, do you think we can stay peaceful like this forever?"

Tie Zhu was silent for a moment: "I don't know. But I know that as long as you're here, the brothers have a pillar of support. Wherever you go, we'll follow."

Simple words, yet the deepest trust.

Ma Changsheng patted him on the shoulder: "Let's go back. We have a spring plowing preparation meeting tomorrow."

The two walked down from the observatory.

The snow fell heavier and heavier, covering the mountain road and obscuring footprints.

But the lights in the valley remained bright.

This tiny utopia in a chaotic world is still stubbornly burning.

Ma Changsheng, this fifteen-year-old boy, is already the leader of eight thousand people and a guardian of civilization.