Establishment of the Southern Ming Hongguang Regime

Timeline

1. 1644Huai'an · North of the YangtzeAfter Li Zicheng captured Beijing, Prince Fu Zhu Yousong traveled north from Huai'an with the support of Shi Kefa, Ma Shiying, and others; southeastern gentry debated fiercely over the succession plan, finally settling on Prince Fu as heir.
2. 1644Nanjing · JiangnanZhu Yousong ascended the throne at Nanjing, adopted the era name Hongguang, and established the Southern Ming's first central government. The court took Nanjing as its capital, sought to integrate Jiangnan's tax and military resources, and publicly claimed to continue the Ming dynasty's legitimate line.
3. 1644Nanjing · JiangnanThe Hongguang court appointed Shi Kefa to supervise the northern Yangtze front, garrisoning Yangzhou and other places, attempting to use the Yangtze as a barrier against Qing southward advances while managing complex diplomatic and military dealings with Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong, and the Qing forces beyond the passes.