"It was not until I transmigrated that I learned there was no Wang Cheng'en in the Prince Xin Residence."

Zhu Youjian — eighty-eight years old this year — hesitated a moment, then blotted that line out. After some thought, he tried a different opening for his memoirs: "When We ascended the throne at seventeen, We already knew that this resplendent Great Ming's allotted span was nearing its end..."

Before he could write any further, an attendant announced from beyond the door: "Your Retired Majesty — an urgent telegram from the Yinzhou Governor-General's Office."

"Bring it in." Zhu Youjian answered hurriedly and closed the memoir. On its cover, four large characters blazed: — My Struggle!

Also known as: 'The Veritable Records of the Sagely Ancestor and Divine Emperor of the Great Ming', 'This Ming Is a Bit Hard to Save, but the Problem Isn't Big', and 'The Restoration of the First Ming Empire'.