Li Zicheng (Volume 4.)

Author: Yao Xueyin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-10-01
Features: This book reflects the earth-shaking events that occurred in China within a mere from mid-December of the 16th year of the Chongzhen era to early April of the 17th year. After Li Zicheng returned to Chang'an from Mizhi, he immediately prepared for an eastward campaign. On the third day of the first lunar month, he personally led his army across the Yellow River, entered Shanxi, broke through Taiyuan, crossed Datong, and advanced victoriously, arriving smoothly below the walls of Beijing. At the beginning of the rebel army's advance, Chongzhen once considered fleeing south, but was dissuaded by some ministers and thus did not follow through. During the siege of Weichang, he still harbored various unrealistic fantasies, but they were quickly shattered, forcing him to take his own life on Coal Hill. Li Zicheng entered the old capital of Beijing with great confidence. In this volume, the main forces and their representatives that would determine the fate of China in the mid-17th century begin to appear. Chongzhen's tragic character is ultimately shaped.