A Family Affair (my first tl)

#109 The Rise Of Li Zicheng

Li Zicheng was born in Mizhi District during the decline of the Ming Dynasty. Initially a shepherd, he started to learn archery and horseriding from age 20. He had also spent time working in a wine shop and as an apprentice to an ironmonger.

During the campiagn to pacify the Mongols, the Ming army had gone through many villages, taking all the food they could as well as many able bodied men to fight in their war. This left the majority of the rural population without any food and famine became rife throughout the land.

When the Ming decided to fight the Jurchens, the army once again went from village to village, taking all the supplies they could, as well conscripting 150000 peasants. By this point, many had already died from starvation and corruption had become rampant. Mizhi District was no exception.

Folklore says that Li was a mild mannered man who was happy as long as he had enough food to feed himself and a roof to sleep under. That was until he saw children being taken away from his village to become slaves to a usurious magistrate. Outraged he banded together with other disenchanted men and armed with nothing but woddens ticks they ambushed the magistrats men and rescued the children.

Upon his return to his village Li became a hero and word of his exploit spread so fast, that many other disenchanted peaseants from Mizhi came to join him. Within 30 days, he had the support of 1000 men. All had the dream of destroying the Ming and restoring dignity to the peasantry.

The rebellion of Li Zicheng was aided by the lack of any army with authority. All those capable of prodicing an army capable of beating him was too corrupt to care. They simply saw it as a problem that didn’t concern them.

***

By 1625, the Japanese had marched into Hanseong and bought the Korean King Gwanghaegun back to his throne in safety. General Wu Xiang and his army of conscripts followed in shame.

[FONT=&quot]At this point Li Zicheng had raised an army of 10000. Since the day he rescued those children he spent the rest of his time lynching those who the people saw as corrupt. The magistrate who trid to ensalve the children from his village was one of the first to lose his head. For the next year he and his army would continue lynching th corrupt as each one lost their head, more came to join his army. [/FONT]
 
#110 Surprises

From the diary of Azai Manjumaru:

Yesterday we marched into Hanseong and I must admit I was surprised by the warm welcome we received from everyone. It seems that news of our victory at Cheongdu has spread fast indeed.

As long as I am here, I would like to see more of this city. I remember father spoke so fondly of this place and the people too. I wish his insanity would disappear so I can tell him of what I have seen. Even so, I am determined to enjoy my time here. However, in this dark time of death, it is important to do that which makes one happy so not to fall into the darkness. As long as I hate this war, my sanity will remain.

When we first marched in, the people here took me aback. Even though, the Jurchen had been looting for some time, the people still looked their best. They all wore what seemed to be their best kimono’s or hanbok as they say here. The men all looked to be of major importance even though I suspect everyone here are mere commoners. I cannot imagine the nobility of this land stuck around. The women too all looked so beautiful and happy. I think father must have faced a lot of temptation when he came here as I remember him telling me how he was offered several courtesans.

The site that amazed me most was a temple dedicated to father’s religious and philosophical beliefs. Inside it was beautifully decorated with the bright colour smothering the walls and a statue of father at the back. I was impressed at the likeness it had, even though the man who made it had only met him once. Father said idolatry could only lead to bad things, but deep down I think he would be honoured to know how he is adored by a small group of people in this city.

***

After two days in this city, I am sad to leave. Now King Gwanghaegun is back, brother wants to continue the march north. He says the Jurchens will come back for revenge and he is determined to meet them head on. I’m not sure exactly what he hopes to achieve from this, but I know the independence of the Korean people is not in the front of his mind.

The army is in the highest spirits after the victory. This has me worried as brother isn’t doing anything to quash the overconfidence we now have. He is very smart however and I know he doesn’t expect a repeat of Cheongdu. I am skeptical that the next army we face will be such a pushover
 
Things have been silent here as of late due to a bit of writers block. But I'm determined to carry this on. So here is a short update. I'm working on some longer ones as we speak.

If anyone does have anything to say, whether it be feedback, thought or anything else. Feel free to do so.



#111 Sweet Revenge

The second sugar war, revelaed the weaknesses of the Dutch. Despite their victories against a bankrupt Portugual, they had become arrogant and overextended themselves as they found themselves having to deal with rebellions in their newly fained territories.

The newly united Iberia was keen to put an end to Dutch dominance in the Americas. In Asia, the Dutch and Spanish had more of an equal footing, but in the Americas, the Dutch now controlled the lucrative sugar trade and Spain saw an opportunity to create new wealth for itself.

Within one year, Spain had captured Dutch held territories in Brazil and the Caribbean. The Dutch eager for peace signed a truce allowing them to keep their African possessions in exchange for not interfereing with Spanish affairs in Asia and the Americas.

 
Due to a bit of writers block, a few parts which weren't researched as properly as they should have, bits I feel I could've mentioned more and some parts which were just very badly written.
I have officially decided to restart this. I feel that now I have hindsight I can make it better and paint a better picture of how this world would look for us all.
I will start my first entry seeing as its my day off and a good way to make use of it too.:D
 

FDW

Banned
Due to a bit of writers block, a few parts which weren't researched as properly as they should have, bits I feel I could've mentioned more and some parts which were just very badly written.
I have officially decided to restart this. I feel that now I have hindsight I can make it better and paint a better picture of how this world would look for us all.
I will start my first entry seeing as its my day off and a good way to make use of it too.:D

Ok, good luck with that.
 
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