This article tells the tragic end of the Ming Dynasty. The Qing rose in the northeast, while Li Zicheng’s rebel army marched on Beijing. Chongzhen Emperor hanged himself at Meishan. Li briefly ruled Beijing but lost support. Wu Sangui allied with the Qing, who defeated Li and seized the capital, founding the Qing Dynasty.
This article narrates the tragic fate of Ming general Yuan Chonghuan. Trusted by Chongzhen Emperor, he defended Liaodong against Later Jin. He executed unruly general Mao Wenlong. Hong Taiji used a false conspiracy to frame him. Paranoid emperor sentenced Yuan to cruel death, ruining Ming’s last hope.