June 6, the twenty-fifth year of the Chongzhen reign, in the Capital.
Outside the Desheng Gate, two couriers on horseback galloped into the city, one following the other. The commoners, as was their custom, scrambled to clear the path, terrified of obstructing the couriers. Once inside the city, the two men split up, heading toward different destinations. One made for the Ministry of War, while the other rode straight to the palace to seek an audience with Emperor Chongzhen.
Guided by a eunuch, the second courier arrived outside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, clutching the official military report. He held it up with both hands and shouted, "Your Majesty! A great victory in Liaodong! A great victory in Liaodong!"
Wang Chengen was as happy as a child. He eagerly snatched the report from the courier, unfolded it, and read aloud: "On the second day of the sixth month of the twenty-fifth year of our dynasty, the pacification army besieged the city of Hetu Ala..."
Chapter 1182