Wonderful Machines of the Far West, Vol. 1

Wang Zheng

His courtesy name was Liangfu, and he called himself "Kuaixin" (Sunflower Heart). He was a native of Jingyang. In the Renxu year of the Tianqi reign 1622, he became a Jinshi a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations. He was first appointed as the Magistrate of Guangping, where he was diligent in promoting the virtuous and removing the corrupt, gaining a reputation for fairness. He extinguished the White Lotus rebellion, protected the common people, and opened the Qinghe Sluice, which benefited the people for generations. He was later appointed as the Magistrate of Yangzhou, where he guided the carriage of the Three Princes and protected them from harassment. He released those who had been falsely accused. When he refused to bow at the shrine of the eunuch Wei Zhongxian a notoriously corrupt power-broker, his integrity was stern and unyielding. Due to his talent in border defense, he was recommended and promoted to the position of Assistant Surveillance Commissioner for the Deng-Lai military circuit. Before a month had passed, rebellious troops began an uproar, and he returned to his home region. When the roaming bandits referring to the rebel armies of Li Zicheng launched their uprising, he advocated for the establishment of a loyal command to block the thieves and protect the people, keeping the Jing-Yuan area secure. When the authorities recommended him for his talent as a statesman, he was unable to fully exercise his abilities. When the rebel leader captured Qin Shaanxi, Wang Zheng sought refuge in his village. The rebels repeatedly pressured him, but he took his sword and swore he would not submit. When he heard that the capital had fallen, he set up