Li Zicheng, Volume 2

Author: Yao Xuelin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: In the summer of the 12th year of the Chongzhen era, an epidemic broke out in the Shangluo Mountains, and Li Zicheng and over 60% of the rebel army's soldiers fell ill. The Ming army seized the opportunity to launch multi-pronged attacks while inciting internal rebellion within the rebel forces, creating a perilous situation. Li Zicheng, Liu Zongmin, and Lady Gao, among others, demonstrated immense courage in battle and outstanding military talent, suppressing internal rebellions and defeating the Ming army, thereby thwarting the enemy's "purge" plan. In the early summer of the following year, Li Zicheng led the remaining elite forces to break out of Wuguan and hid in the mountains of Yunyang. In winter, Li Zicheng seized the opportunity and swiftly entered Henan, where starving civilians flocked to join him. Subsequently, he captured Luoyang, executed the Prince of Fu, and advanced the late Ming peasant uprising to a new stage. Centered around the main storyline above, the book also depicts Yang Sichang's departure from the capital to oversee military operations and the complex struggles between the Chongzhen Emperor, the imperial relatives, and the court officials under the heavy blows of the peasant uprising. This volume, titled "A Chill in the Bones," chronicles Zhang Xianzhong's military activities, the arrival of Niu Jinxing and Song Xiance in Li Changwang's army, and Hong Niangzi's capture of Qi County, rescue of Li Xin, and her role in promoting Li Xin's uprising, which led him to join Li Changwang.